Mergers, Restructuring and the Boundaries of the Firm

Mergers and acquisitions are a fast way for a firm to acquire assets. Using plant-level data, we examine how firms redraw their boundaries after acquisitions. We find that there is a surprisingly substantial amount of restructuring in a short period after mergers are consummated. Acquirers sell 27 % and close 19 % of acquired plants within three years after completing an acquisition. Plants that belong to the target’s peripheral divisions, especially in industries in which asset values are increasing and in industries in which the acquirer does not have a comparative advantage, are more likely to be sold by the purchasing firm. Acquirers who exhibit skill in running their peripheral businesses tend to retain acquired plants. Plants retained by acquirers increase in productivity whereas sold plants do not. The extent of post-merger restructuring activities and their cross-sectional variation do not support an empire building explanation for mergers. Acquirers readjust their firm boundaries in ways that are consistent with the exploitation of their comparative advantage across industries

On the Dynamics and Information Content of Implied Volatility: A Bivariate Time Series Perspective

A new research design is introduced for the empirical analysis of the relationship between implied volatility and ex-post realized volatility. The dynamics of volatility are emphasized, and the analysis is cast in terms of non-overlapping data, so that exactly one implied and one realized volatility estimate pertain to each period under consideration. The conclusions from the empirical analysis when using our design are significantly different from those previously reached. Recent literature indicates that implied volatility contains little information about future volatility, beyond that contained in the history of realized volatility. We show that on the contrary, implied volatility efficiently predicts future realized volatility and in particular subsumes the information content of past realized volatility

On the Dynamics and Information Content of Implied Volatility: A Bivariate Time Series Perspective

A new research design is introduced for the empirical analysis of the relationship between implied volatility and ex-post realized volatility. The dynamics of volatility are emphasized, and the analysis is cast in terms of non-overlapping data, so that exactly one implied and one realized volatility estimate pertain to each period under consideration. The conclusions from the empirical analysis when using our design are significantly different from those previously reached. Recent literature indicates that implied volatility contains little information about future volatility, beyond that contained in the history of realized volatility. We show that on the contrary, implied volatility efficiently predicts future realized volatility and in particular subsumes the information content of past realized volatility

Use of Fermented Red Clover Isoflavones in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing an overactive bladder (OAB). Conventional vaginal estrogen has shown promise for symptom relief. Isoflavones have proven effective as an alternative to estrogen treatment against menopause-related symptoms. However, its effect on OAB symptoms has not been studied. This study investigates if fermented red clover isoflavones reduce OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, women were administered red clover extract (RCE) or a placebo twice daily for three months. Women filled out the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), together with a fluid intake and voiding diary. A total of 33 women (16 in the RCE group and 17 in the placebo group) were included in the analysis. Baseline demographics and OAB characteristics were comparable across groups. Intake of RCE did not lead to significant relief in most urinary bladder symptom measures, although a significant reduction in the bother of urinary urgency (p = 0.033) and a tendency towards a decreased ICIQ-OAB score were observed (p = 0.056). In contrast, the placebo exhibited a significant decrease in the ICIQ-OAB score (p = 0.021) and in some diary outcomes. We found that an intake of isoflavones did not relieve OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women.</p

Examining the Impact of STR Weekly RevPAR Announcements on Lodging Stock Returns

This study investigated whether or not there were abnormal stock market returns on the announcement date of weekly RevPAR (revenue per available room) data by the lodging industry research firm STR. Using event study methodology, the study found that there were not statistically significant abnormal returns on the weekly RevPAR announcement date for the period from 2004 to 2009. The implications of this study are important to the hotel investment community including lodging stock owners and investors, stock analysts, investment bankers, and consultants as it indicates that there is not advance trading in lodging stocks based on the STR weekly RevPAR announcements

miR-23b/SP1/c-myc forms a feed-forward loop supporting multiple myeloma cell growth

Deregulated microRNA (miR)/transcription factor (TF)-based networks represent a hallmark of cancer. We report here a novel c-Myc/miR-23b/Sp1 feed-forward loop with a critical role in multiple myeloma (MM) and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) cell growth and survival. We have found miR-23b to be downregulated in MM and WM cells especially in the presence of components of the tumor bone marrow milieu. Promoter methylation is one mechanism of miR-23b suppression in myeloma. In gain-of-function studies using miR-23b mimics-transfected or in miR-23b-stably expressing MM and WM cell lines, we observed a significant decrease in cell proliferation and survival, along with induction of caspase-3/7 activity over time, thus supporting a tumor suppressor role for miR-23b. At the molecular level, miR-23b targeted Sp1 3'UTR and significantly reduced Sp1-driven nuclear factor-kappa B activity. Finally, c-Myc, an important oncogenic transcription factor known to stimulate MM cell proliferation, transcriptionally repressed miR-23b. Thus MYC-dependent miR-23b repression in myeloma cells may promote activation of oncogenic Sp1-mediated signaling, representing the first feed-forward loop with critical growth and survival role in myeloma

Histone deacetylase inhibitors: potential targets responsible for their anti-cancer effect

The histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have demonstrated anticancer efficacy across a range of malignancies, most impressively in the hematological cancers. It is uncertain whether this clinical efficacy is attributable predominantly to their ability to induce apoptosis and differentiation in the cancer cell, or to their ability to prime the cell to other pro-death stimuli such as those from the immune system. HDACi-induced apoptosis occurs through altered expression of genes encoding proteins in both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways; through effects on the proteasome/aggresome systems; through the production of reactive oxygen species, possibly by directly inducing DNA damage; and through alterations in the tumor microenvironment. In addition HDACi increase the immunogenicity of tumor cells and modulate cytokine signaling and potentially T-cell polarization in ways that may contribute the anti-cancer effect in vivo. Here, we provide an overview of current thinking on the mechanisms of HDACi activity, with attention given to the hematological malignancies as well as scientific observations arising from the clinical trials. We also focus on the immune effects of these agents