bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exophthalmometric values and their biometric correlates: The Kandy Eye Study
Authors: Chan WengOnn , Madge Simon N , Senaratne Tissa , Senanayake Saman , Edussuriya Kapila , Selva Dinesh , Casson Robert J
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background:  To determine normal exophthalmometric values for a Sri Lankan population and investigate their demographic, physical, refractive and ocular biometric correlates.

Methods:  The Kandy Eye study was a population‐based, cross‐sectional study. By randomized cluster sampling, 1721 eligible participants, who were 40 years old and over were identified; 1375 participated. Exophthalmometry was performed with Hertel's exophthalmometer. Participants' demographics including age, gender and ethnicity were recorded. Height, weight, body mass index, non‐cycloplegic refraction and ocular biometry were measured with standardized methods. Summary statistical analysis was performed for exophthalmometric values and relationships with other factors were tested using Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient analysis, standard single and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results:  A total of 1341 subjects were included in the analysis. Exophthalmometric values for the population had a mean of 15.82 mm, standard deviation of 2.73 mm and range of 10.46–21.28 mm. Exophthalmometric values for men were significantly higher than women. There were no significant differences between the racial groups' exophthalmometric values (Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors). Exophthalmometric values were significantly correlated with age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, base and axial length but not to refractive spherical equivalents. Only gender, weight, base and axial length were independent predictors for exophthalmometric values after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion:  In this Sri Lankan population, our study provided the first reported estimates of a normal exophthalmometric range and determined gender, weight, base and axial length as its correlates. Sri Lankans are the first population to demonstrate this relationship between weight and exophthalmometric values and also showed that refraction is not a cause for pseudo‐proptosis.
VS11P EARLY EXPERIENCE WITH A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE OF LAPAROSCOPIC INSERTION OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS CATHETER
Authors: Koh C. E. , Ward‐Harvey R. H. , Liu J. , Lusby R.
Published: May 2009

Introduction:   Peritoneal dialysis catheters are traditionally inserted via a mini‐laparotomy. However, in recent years, numerous minimally invasive techniques have been described, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Laparoscopy offers a minimally invasive technique that also provides good views of the peritoneal cavity and allows the catheter to be secured to the abdominal wall. However, laparoscopy can also be technically challenging. A simplified technique of laparoscopic insertion is hereby described. The authors’ early experience with this technique is summarised.

Methods:   All patients referred to the Vascular Surgery Unit for insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter without a prior history of major abdominal surgery were offered laparoscopic insertion. Only a brief description is offered here. Using a two port technique, the peritoneal dialysis catheter is inserted into the pelvis and secured onto the anterior abdominal wall. Data was prospectively collected. All patients were routinely followed up at 2 weeks following procedure.

Results:   There were 4 patients (3 females, 1 male) with an average age of 62. None have previously had major abdominal surgery. One patient has had open appendicectomy. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in all cases. The average time taken was 38 minutes (26–41 min). All patients were discharged the day after procedure. To date, no complications have been observed.

Conclusions:   This paper describes a new simplified technique of laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal dialysis catheter and summarizes the authors’ early experience with this technique. The results of this technique are promising and warrant further evaluation in a prospective study.
The intermediate disturbance hypothesis applies to tropical forests, but disturbance contributes little to tree diversity
Authors: Bongers Frans , Poorter Lourens , Hawthorne William D. , Sheil Douglas
Published: May 2009

The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts local species diversity to be maximal at an intermediate level of disturbance. Developed to explain species maintenance and diversity patterns in species‐rich ecosystems such as tropical forests, tests of IDH in tropical forest remain scarce, small‐scale and contentious. We use an unprecedented large‐scale dataset (2504 one‐hectare plots and 331 567 trees) to examine whether IDH explains tree diversity variation within wet, moist and dry tropical forests, and we analyse the underlying mechanism by determining responses within functional species groups. We find that disturbance explains more variation in diversity of dry than wet tropical forests. Pioneer species numbers increase with disturbance, shade‐tolerant species decrease and intermediate species are indifferent. While diversity indeed peaks at intermediate disturbance levels little variation is explained outside dry forests, and disturbance is less important for species richness patterns in wet tropical rain forests than previously thought.
A new specimen ofBaphetesfrom Nýřany, Czech Republic and the intrinsic relationships of the Baphetidae
Authors: Milner Angela C. , Milner Andrew R. , Walsh Stig A.
Published: May 2009

‘Loxomma’bohemicumfrom the Upper Carboniferous assemblage from Nýřany, Czech Republic, is a nomen dubium restricted to the type and only specimen. The new binomenBaphetes orientalisis created for a skull referred toBaphetes bohemicusby later authors. A previously undescribed baphetid specimen from Nýřany is referred toB. orientalisdespite differences in skull proportions. It comprises a skull in dorsal aspect, mandibles and some associated postcranial elements. The skull possesses sclerotic ring elements within the orbital region of the dorsal fenestration of the skull, confirming the eye location. The elongate gastralia are arranged perpendicular to the interclavicle edge in contrast to the condition in temnospondyls and colosteids. Cladistic analysis of 24 characters of 11 baphetoids was carried out usingAcanthostegaandCrassigyrinusas outgroups.Eucrittawas the most primitive baphetoid, withSpathicephalusbeing the sister‐taxon to the remaining taxa, justifying a monotypic Spathicephalidae as a sister‐taxon to the Baphetidae. The Baphetidae are divided into a subfamily Baphetinae nom.nov. containing twoBaphetesspecies; and a subfamily Loxommatinae withLoxommaas a paraphyletic grade leading to aMegalocephalus +Kyrinionclade. The Linton taxon ‘Baphetes’lintonensisis transferred to the genusLoxommato give the new combinationLoxomma lintonensis.
Bite marks as evidence of predation in early vertebrates
Authors: Lebedev Oleg A. , Mark‐Kurik Elga , Karatajūtė‐Talimaa Valentina N. , Lukševičs Ervins , Ivanov Alexander
Published: May 2009

Study of lifetime bite traces on agnathans and fish (or gnathostomes) from Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and north‐western and central European Russia reveals evidence of predator–prey relationships in communities of Devonian age. Numerous bite traces on skeletal parts of agnathan pteraspidiforms and psammosteiforms, placoderm arthrodires and antiarchs and sarcopterygian porolepiforms and osteolepiforms are described. Evidence of healing shows that prey organisms responded to predation by reconstruction of damaged skeletal elements. Ichthyofaunistic analysis is used to establish possible predators. The most probable predators in the Middle and Late Devonian communities are sarcopterygian porolepiforms and osteolepiforms. Predatory tetrapods become evident during the Famennian. Global analysis of aquatic predators during the Silurian–Devonian interval shows a gradual increase in species numbers with time. During the Late Silurian, only ischnacantid acanthodians, early osteichthyans and sarcopterygians are known to belong to this trophic group. By the end of the Devonian this list is complemented by chondrichthyans, arthrodires, porolepiform, osteolepiform, struniiform and rhizodontiform sarcopterygians and tetrapods. Only Devonian agnathans show no predatory groups. In sarcopterygians, predatory dentitions, which developed according to more or less the same pattern, show little change during the Devonian.
The apical ectodermal ridge in the pectoral fin of the Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri): keeping the fin to limb transition in the fold
Authors: Hodgkinson Verity S. , Ericsson Rolf , Johanson Zerina , Joss Jean M. P.
Published: May 2009

The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) in Neoceratodus develops after an initial period of mesenchymal proliferation and outgrowth of the fin bud and persists until chondrogenesis of the stylopod and zeugopod is initiated. At this time, the lateral margins of the AER convert to the fin fold leading to subsequent development of the dermal fin skeleton. Thorogood's (1991) fin fold model predicts that the AER should persist longer in Neoceratodus than it does in actinopterygians because of the comparatively extensive endochondral skeleton in lungfish. While the AER does persist into early chondrogenesis and is extended compared to actinopterygians (lost before fin radial chondrogenesis) it does not persist into further stages of chondrogenesis, providing partial support for Thorogood's model. Fgf8 appears in the lungfish fin epithelium during the initial period of fin outgrowth before a physical AER forms, when Fgf8 is restricted to the AER plus the preaxial and postaxial epithelium immediately adjacent to the AER. Fgf8 is no longer detected after the AER is replaced by a fin fold. Neoceratodus appears to provide a halfway point between ray fins and limbs during very early development as Thorogood proposed, but not precisely for the reasons his model suggests.
An enigmatic gnathostome vertebrate skull from the Middle Devonian of Bolivia
Authors: Pradel Alan , Maisey John G. , Tafforeau P. , Janvier Philippe
Published: May 2009

A new taxon,Ramirosuarezia bolivianan. gen., n. sp. is erected for a single, articulated jawed fish (gnathostome) skull from the Middle Devonian (Eifelian) Icla Formation of Bolivia. The specimen displays an elasmobranch‐like braincase, but lacks unambiguous elasmobranch and even chondrichthyan characters, although its peculiar tooth‐bearing ‘labial’ elements evoke certain stem‐holocephalans. Its endoskeletal elements seem lined with either perichondral bone or non‐prismatic calcified cartilage, but show no evidence of endochondral bone. Although devoid of large dermal bones and scales,R. bolivianashares with certain ‘ostracoderms’, placoderms and holocephalans the lack of an otico‐occipital fissure, but lacks a hypophysial fenestra. Certain features (elongated braincase, ‘labial elements’, sharp denticles and teeth) are also suggestive of the equally enigmatic coeval stensioellids, once regarded as either primitive placoderms or stem holocephalans. The jaws are armed with platelets that bear blunt to pointed and sharp teeth, in which synchrotron radiation microtomography yields evidence of a large pulp cavity, a possibly osteichthyan‐like character. No character clearly supports affinities ofR. bolivianato any of the currently known major gnathostome groups. Tenuous hints suggest a relationship to the enigmatic fossilZamponiopteron, from the Eifelian of Bolivia, known by peculiar calcified ‘fin plates’ and isolated shoulder girdles.
The international influence of the Stockholm School
Authors: Schultze Hans‐Peter
Published: May 2009

Erik Stensiö revolutionized vertebrate palaeontology by introducing new methods to study the anatomy of fossil agnathans and fish. As head of the department of palaeozoology at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet in Stockholm, he formed the so‐called ‘Stockholm School’ with his students and foreign researchers. Twice many foreign researchers worked together in the department; in the 1930s the group was composed of European nationals, whereas the group in the 1960s comprised researchers from China, Europe and North America. These people have carried on the ‘message’ in their countries. In contrast, palaeoichthyology faded out at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, because Stensiö and his followers persisted with the definitions attained without accepting new ideas from outside. The ‘Stockholm School’ therefore had its continuation outside Sweden, and it has only recently returned to Sweden, from England.
Late Devonian tetrapod remains from Red Hill, Pennsylvania, USA: how much diversity?
Authors: Daeschler Edward B. , Clack Jennifer A. , Shubin Neil H.
Published: May 2009

The remains of Late Devonian tetrapods from the Red Hill locality in Pennsylvania help to elucidate the early stages of tetrapod evolution. Red Hill is a particularly informative site that preserves a diverse fauna and flora within a depositional setting suggesting penecontemporaneous deposition of locally derived material. Here, for the first time, we report on the full suite of early tetrapod remains from Red Hill and consider the implications for tetrapod diversity within the Red Hill ecosystem. Previously described material is reviewed and considered in relation to newly reported specimens. New material described includes isolated skull elements (two jugals, a postorbital, a lacrimal and a coronoid) and postcranial elements (a femur and a gastral scale). The characteristics of many of the Red Hill tetrapod specimens conform to the morphological expectations of Late Devonian forms. Several elements, however, illustrate more derived characteristics and strongly suggest the presence of the oldest known whatcheeriid‐like tetrapod. This study demonstrates the difficulty in making taxonomic associations with isolated remains, even when found in close proximity to one another. Exploration of the characteristics of each element, however, demonstrates the presence of at least three early tetrapod taxa at the Red Hill site.
Phenotypic plasticity, polymorphism and phylogeny within placoderms
Authors: Trinajstic K. , Dennis‐Bryan K.
Published: May 2009

Intraspecies variation, polymorphism and asymmetric traits are observed within two families of Arthrodira, the Incisoscutidae and Camuropiscidae, from the Gogo Formation in northern Western Australia. Individual plates of the head and trunk shield show considerable variation between individuals. Plates that show the greatest degree polymorphic traits are the rostral (R), marginal (M), submarginal (SM), preorbital (PrO), anterior dorsolateral, anterior median ventral (AMV) and posterior ventrolateral (PVL) plates. The paths of the sensory line canals are the most variable feature and the dermal plates of the cheek show the greatest asymmetry. It is apparent that if anatomical data in arthrodires are to be interpreted with greater precision, detailed knowledge of intraspecies variation, polymorphic and asymmetric traits is essential. How these variables are treated in cladistic analysis is also critical. Here multistate characters were coded differently in five discrete analyses, each analysis yielding a different number of trees and relationships. It was concluded that including and coding for multistate characters gave the most robust tree. In addition, further morphological characters from a new specimen of Gogosteus sarahae Long (1994) indicates many of the characters used to separate this genus from Incisoscutum are inconsistent and so it is here considered that the genus Gogosteus is a junior synonym of Incisoscutum.
Two new iniopterygians (Chondrichthyes) from the Mississippian (Serpukhovian) Bear Gulch Limestone of Montana with evidence of a new form of chondrichthyan neurocranium
Authors: Grogan Eileen D. , Lund Richard
Published: May 2009

The Iniopterygia are Palaeozoic chondrichthyans whose morphology and relationships are poorly understood. The morphology of two new taxa of Iniopterygidae, Rainerichthys zangerli and Papilionichthys stahlae, from the Upper Mississippian of Montana is now described. They exhibit the iniopterygian synapomorphy of dorsolaterally placed pectoral fins. They also display a laterally compressed head and body, a homocercal tail, and a single aspinous dorsal fin originating at approximately mid‐body. These taxa differ in upper dental elements, bony cranial plates, body squamation, buccopharyngeal denticles, cranial linking cartilages, palatoquadrate shape, pterygoid articulation, pectoral axis and pectoral girdle shape, and in the robustness of branchial and suprascapular cartilages. The neurocranium is unique among known chondrichthyans in presenting anterior ethmosphenoid and posterior otico‐occipital units separated by an intracranial joint. A complete otico‐occipital fissure is found posteriorly. One to two pairs of upper parasymphysial whorls and one median lower premandibular symphysial whorl are present. Symphysial whorls were mobile and the cranial complex appears to have been kinetic. Cladistic assessment places these new taxa as basal chondrichthyans below the divergence of the Elasmobranchii and the Euchondrocephali. The range of morphology within known iniopterygians supports rapid diversification and niche specialization in this group of atypical chondrichthyans.
A new platysomid from the Upper Carboniferous of Kansas (USA) and remarks on the systematics of deep‐bodied lower actinopterygians
Authors: Mickle Kathryn E. , Bader Kenneth
Published: May 2009

Scales and presumptive tooth plates from deep‐bodied platysomid actinopterygians have previously been reported from the Lower Permian of Kansas (USA), but until now, an articulated specimen from this state has not been recovered. The first articulated deep‐bodied platysomid fish from the Upper Carboniferous of Kansas is described herein. This specimen is compared to other known species from the genus Platysomus, with special attention paid to the North American taxa. The cranial osteology of this new specimen is closest to Platysomus schultzei from the Upper Carboniferous of New Mexico. The newly described platysomid species highlights the need for a revision of the fish included within the genus Platysomus.
On the phylogenetic position of Gogonasus andrewsae Long 1985, within the Tetrapodomorpha
Authors: Holland Timothy , Long John A.
Published: May 2009

Within the Tetrapodomorpha, the Late Devonian Gogonasus andrewsae of the Gogo Formation, Gogo, Western Australia, has occupied an uncertain phylogenetic position. Following the description of several well‐preserved three‐dimensional skulls and pectoral girdles, the discovery of the first complete specimen (NMV P221807) made Gogonasus one of the best‐known tetrapodomorph fish. Recent studies of pectoral fin structure and the spiracular opening of Gogonasus have suggested an unexpected affinity with ‘elpistostegalid’ fish such as Tiktaalik. Subsequent work has refuted characters linking these taxa, with phylogenetic analysis of the Tetrapodomorpha placing Gogonasus basal to megalichthyids and tristichopterids. In this paper we reanalyse characters linking Gogonasus with ‘elpistostegalid’ fish and those supporting the placement of Gogonasus crownward of Eusthenopteron. New phylogenetic analyses of the Tetrapodomorpha show a revised phylogenetic position of Gogonasus as being deeply nested within the Tetrapodomorpha, crownward of Osteolepis and Megalichthys, but basal to Eusthenopteron+‘elpistostegalids’. Functional consideration of the spiracular structure suggests a position of Gogonasus closer to ‘elpistostegalids’, although data is lacking from other less‐well‐preserved taxa to fully test the hypothesis. The humerus of the Late Devonian lungfish Chirodipterus from Gogo, Western Australia is figured for comparative purposes.
Cell fate and timing in the evolution of neural crest and mesoderm development in the head region of amphibians and lungfishes
Authors: Ericsson Rolf , Ziermann Janine M. , Piekarski Nadine , Schubert Grit , Joss Jean , Olsson Lennart
Published: May 2009

Our research on the evolution of head development focuses on understanding the developmental origins of morphological innovations and involves asking questions like: How flexible (or conserved) are cell fates, patterns of cell migration or the timing of developmental events (heterochrony)? How do timing changes, or changes in life history affect head development and growth? Our ‘model system’ is a comparison between lungfishes and representatives from all three extant groups of amphibians. Within anuran amphibians, major changes in life history such as the repeated evolution of larval specializations (e.g. carnivory), or indeed the loss of a free‐swimming larva, allows us to test for developmental constraints. Cell migration and cell fate are conserved in cranial neural crest cells in all vertebrates studied so far. Patterning and developmental anatomy of cranial neural crest and head mesoderm cells are conserved within amphibians and even between birds, mammals and amphibians. However, the specific formation of hypobranchial muscles from ventral somitic processes shows variation within tetrapods. The evolution of carnivorous larvae in terminal taxa is correlated with changes in both pattern and timing of head skeletal and muscle development. Sequence‐heterochronic changes are correlated with feeding mode in terminal taxa and with phylogenetic relatedness in basal branches of the phylogeny. Eye muscles seem to form a developmental module that can evolve relatively independently from other head muscles, at least in terms of timing of muscle differentiation.
Agnathan brain anatomy and craniate phylogeny
Authors: Khonsari Roman Hossein , Li Blaise , Vernier Philippe , Northcutt R. Glenn , Janvier Philippe
Published: May 2009

The central nervous system of hagfishes displays unique characteristics that are distinct from any other craniate neuroanatomic features. Whether these hagfish characters are general for all craniates, autapomorphies of hagfishes, or merely a derived state of the general cyclostome condition is still a matter of debate that relates to the question of the monophyly or paraphyly of the cyclostomes. The present cladistic study includes 123 neuroanatomical characters of nine chordate species and supports cyclostome paraphyly, in contrast to most current molecular sequence‐based phylogenies, which support cyclostome monophyly. An understanding of the unique neural characters in hagfishes is critical to inspiring further comparative and developmental studies with regards to these two conflicting results and the very deep divergence between craniates and their presumed sister groups. The recent access to hagfish developmental data may provide exciting perspectives in the understanding and characterization of the basalmost craniate node and the interpretation of hagfish brain structure.
The humerus of Panderichthys in three dimensions and its significance in the context of the fish–tetrapod transition
Authors: Boisvert Catherine A.
Published: May 2009

The humerus of Panderichthys has been considered to represent a transitional form between that of tetrapodomorph fish such as Eusthenopteron and tetrapods such as Acanthostega. The previous description was based on flattened material and was analysed in the context of the few fossils known at the time. Since then, several new forms have been described such as Gogonasus, Tiktaalik and an isolated humerus from the Catskill Formation. The humeral morphology of Panderichthys rhombolepis and its interpretation in this new context are therefore reassessed with the help of a three‐dimensional model produced with the mimics software based on a computed tomography scan of an unflattened specimen as well as comparisons with the originally described material. The humerus of Panderichthys displays a combination of primitive, derived, intermediate and unique characteristics. It is very similar to the morphology of Tiktaalik but when it differs from it, it is most often more derived despite the more basal phylogenetic position that Panderichthys occupies. What emerges from this study is a much more gradual transformation of the humerus morphology from fish to tetrapods and the ability to distinguish autapomorphies more easily. The picture is more complex than previously believed, with many morphological specializations probably reflecting the breadth of ecological specializations already present at the time.
Things to Do Today . . . : A Daily Diary Study on Task Completion at Work
Authors: Claessens Brigitte J.C. , Van Eerde Wendelien , Rutte Christel G. , Roe Robert A.
Published: May 2009

Relatively little is known about how goals in complex jobs are translated into action and how they are completed in real life settings. This study addressed the question to what extent planned work may actually be completed on a daily basis. The completion of daily work goals was studied in a sample of 878 tasks identified by 29 R&D engineers with the help of a daily diary. Multilevel analysis was used to analyse the joint effect of task attributes, perceived job characteristics, and personality attributes on the completion of planned work goals. At the level of task attributes, we found that priority, urgency, and lower importance were related to task completion, and at the individual level, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and time management training. Task completion was not related to task attractiveness, workload, job autonomy, planning, or perceived control of time.

On connaît relativement peu de choses sur la manière dont les objectifs dans des tâches complexes sont traduites en action et sur la manière dont elles sont accomplies dans le cadre de la vie quotidienne. Cette étude a abordé la question de savoir dans quelle mesure les travaux prévus peuvent être effectivement achevés dans la vie quotidienne. Pour ce faire, un échantillon de 878 tâches a été identifié par 29 ingénieurs R&D à l’aide d’un journal quotidien. Une analyse multi niveau a été réalisée pour étudier l’effet conjoint des caractéristiques de la tâche et des caractéristiques de la personnalité sur l’accomplissement des objectifs d’un travail planifié. Au niveau des caractéristiques de la tâche, nous trouvons que l’accomplissement de la tâche est liéà la priorité, l’urgence et une importance basse et au niveau individuel à la conscience, la stabilitéémotionnelle et à la gestion du temps. L’accomplissement de la tâche n’est pas liéà son attrait, à la charge de travail, à l’autonomie au travail ou au contrôle du temps perçu.
Do uninformed crossed and internalized trades tap into unexpressed liquidity? The case of Nokia
Authors: Westerholm P. Joakim
Published: May 2009

Crossed and internalized upstairs trades are analysed in a dataset in which institutional investors can be identified. Earlier findings that upstairs trading is uninformed, taps into unexpressed liquidity, and does not affect market quality are revisited. The permanent price effect of crossings and internalized upstairs trades is significantly lower than that of limit order book trades due to the fact that the least informed institutional trades are routed upstairs. Crossed and internalized trades affect the depth and transaction costs in the limit order book and a greater reliance is placed on the upstairs market when liquidity is low and volatility is high.
Effect of ownership structure on underinvestment and overinvestment: empirical evidence from Spain
Authors: Pindado Julio , De La Torre Chabela
Published: May 2009

This paper investigates how ownership affects the investment‐cash flow sensitivity by taking into account the non‐linearities of ownership with respect to firm value, and using a free cash flow index and a criterion for financial constraints to disentangle underinvestment and overinvestment. Interesting results are provided by estimating using the Generalized Method of Moments to eliminate the endogeneity problem. The alignment of interests between owners and managers and the monitoring by concentrated ownership both alleviate the sensitivity of investment to cash flow both in underinvestor and overinvestor firms. However, in the presence of controlling owners, underinvestment and overinvestment are exacerbated.
Information and volatility links in the foreign exchange market
Authors: Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Gray Stephen
Published: May 2009

We apply the trading model of Fleming et al (1998). to a number of currency markets. The model posits that two markets can have common volatility structures as a result of receiving common information and from cross‐hedging activity where a position in one currency is used to hedge risk in a position taken in another. Our results imply that the model is effective in identifying common information flows and volatility spillovers in the currency markets and that some of these effects are lost when simply examining raw correlations. A series of specification tests of the 21 bivariate systems that are examined provides support for the trading model in the foreign exchange context.
Impact of earnings performance on price‐sensitive disclosures under the Australian continuous disclosure regime
Authors: Hsu Grace Chia‐Man
Published: May 2009

This study examines the relation between accounting earnings and the frequency of price‐sensitive corporate disclosure under Australia's statutory continuous disclosure requirements. Despite low litigation threats and excepting loss‐making firms, results show that firms with earnings declines (bad news) are more likely to make continuous disclosure than firms with earnings increases (good news). This suggests that market forces and regulators’ scrutiny are sufficient to induce a ‘bad news’ disclosure bias. This study also examines the ‘materiality’ requirement under the continuous disclosure requirements and finds a positive relation between disclosure frequency and the magnitude of earnings news. The earnings–return correlation is positively associated with disclosure frequency for the financial services industry.
Alternative event study methodology for detecting dividend signals in the context of joint dividend and earnings announcements
Authors: Anderson Warwick
Published: May 2009

Friction models are used to examine the market reaction to the simultaneous disclosure of earnings and dividends in a thin‐trading environment. Friction modelling, a procedure using maximum likelihood estimation, can be used to replace both the market model and restricted least‐squares regression in event studies where there are two quantifiable variables and a number of possible interaction effects associated with the news that constitutes the study's event. The results indicate that the dividend signal can be separated from the earnings signal.
Do Birds of a Feather Flock Higher? The Effects of Partner Similarity on Innovation in Strategic Alliances in Knowledge‐Intensive Industries
Authors: Luo Xiaowei , Deng Lina
Published: May 2009

abstract

In spite of the consensus on the benefits of strategic alliances for learning and innovation, our understanding of the effects of partner similarity remains conflicted. This paper develops an integrative theoretical framework in which we propose that similar partners in a focal firm's alliance portfolio contribute to the firm's innovation up to a threshold, beyond which additional similar partners can lead to a decrease in innovation because of the trade‐offs embedded in collaboration between similar partners. In this integrative framework, we also draw on organizational ecology and institutional perspectives to propose that the effect of partner similarity on innovation is positively moderated by organizational aging and the industry norm of collaboration at the firm's founding. Results from an analysis of 176 biotechnology firms between 1988 and 1999 support our arguments. This study contributes to research on strategic alliance and innovation by considering both the benefits and costs of partner similarity in the context of alliance portfolios and by exploring the multilevel contingencies for the effects of partner similarity.
Aggression Toward Gay Men as Gender Role Enforcement: Effects of Male Role Norms, Sexual Prejudice, and Masculine Gender Role Stress
Authors: Parrott Dominic J.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis study examined sexual prejudice and masculine gender role stress as mediators of the relations between male gender norms and anger and aggression toward gay men. Participants were 150 self‐identified heterosexual men who completed measures of adherence to male gender role norms, sexual prejudice, masculine gender role stress, and state anger. Participants then viewed a video depicting intimate relationship behavior between 2 gay men, reported state anger a second time, and competed in a laboratory aggression task against either a heterosexual or a gay male. Results indicated that adherence to the antifemininity norm exerted an indirect effect, primarily through sexual prejudice, on increases in anger. Adherence to the status and antifemininity norms exerted indirect effects, also through sexual prejudice, on physical aggression toward the gay, but not the heterosexual, male. Findings provide the first multivariate evidence for determinants of aggression toward gay men motivated by gender role enforcement.
What Constitutes a Good Life? Cultural Differences in the Role of Positive and Negative Affect in Subjective Well‐Being
Authors: Wirtz Derrick , Chiu Chi‐yue , Diener Ed , Oishi Shigehiro
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
East Asians and Asian Americans report lower levels of subjective well‐being than Europeans and European Americans. Three studies found support for the hypothesis that such differences may be due to the psychological meanings Eastern and Western cultures attach to positive and negative affect. Study 1 demonstrated that the desire to repeat a recent vacation was significantly predicted by recalled positive affect—but not recalled negative affect—for European Americans, whereas Asian Americans considered both positive and negative affect. Study 2 replicated this effect in judging satisfaction with a personal friendship. Study 3 linked changes in European Americans' life satisfaction to everyday positive events caused by the self (vs. others) and changes in Japanese life satisfaction to everyday negative events caused by others (vs. the self). Positive affect appears particularly meaningful for European Americans and negative affect for Asian Americans and Japanese when judging a satisfying vacation, friendship, or life.
Seeing My World in a Million Little Pieces: Narcissism, Self‐Construal, and Cognitive–Perceptual Style
Authors: Konrath Sara , Bushman Brad J. , Grove Tyler
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
In 4 studies we examine the association between narcissism, self‐construal, and cognitive–perceptual style, hypothesizing that high self‐focus in combination with low other‐focus (i.e., social atomization) is related to an analytic cognitive–perceptual style. Participants completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Self‐Construal Scale, and measures of cognitive–perceptual style such as the Analysis‐Holism Scale, the Embedded Figures Test, a visual illusion test, and a measure of the representativeness heuristic. We found evidence for a decontextualized cognitive–perceptual style in socially atomized participants, which included those high in narcissism and also those who had a combination of high independent and low interdependent self‐construal. A meta‐analytic integration of our findings found that narcissism was positively related to independent and negatively related to interdependent self‐construal, and mediation analyses found some evidence that the relationship between self‐construal and cognitive–perceptual style is partially mediated by narcissism.
R&D managers' adaptation of firms' HRM practices
Authors: Ángel Pedro Ortín , Sánchez Lluís Santamaria
Published: May 2009

The heads of R&D departments are those most responsible for the adaptation of firms' human resource management (HRM) practices to the idiosyncrasies of their departments. From their description, this paper analyzes the HRM practices in R&D departments and the adaptation achieved in four different firms. The data suggest that the main adaptations are produced primarily in recruiting and organizing the work of R&D personnel. In contrast to suggestions in the specialized literature, less adaptation is found in other HRM practices analyzed (managerial support and degree of delegation, compensation and career plans). Psychological theories of procedural justice and social comparison can improve our understanding of such results. The organizational structure affects the reference group for such comparisons and, consequently, the R&D managers' capacity to adapt such practices. Based on these arguments, the delegation of HRM practices to R&D departments will enhance the degree of adaptation of such policies.
Exploring the internal and external venturing of large R&D‐intensive firms
Authors: Williams Christopher , Lee Soo Hee
Published: May 2009

We explore the realized strategies of large R&D‐intensive firms through a venturing lens, focusing on two industries: pharmaceuticals and high‐technology equipment manufacturing. Specifically, we examine changes in strategy over time along two critical dimensions: (1) focus of venturing, i.e., internally vs externally oriented, and (2) learning orientation i.e., explorative vs exploitative. Our empirical analysis is based on news stories relating to six large, R&D‐intensive firms over a 6‐year period. The findings suggest the following: (1) exploration is more prevalent than exploitation in both pharmaceuticals and high‐technology equipment manufacturing, but pharmaceuticals have a greater preference for internal venturing than high‐technology equipment manufacturing; (2) three firm‐level venturing strategy types can be discerned, which are independent of the specific industry; and (3) change in realized strategy is a dynamic capability facilitated by firm‐level factors. These results, albeit explorative, emphasize venturing in R&D industries as a dynamic capability that is influenced by firm‐level characteristics rather than industry membership.
Bacterial formation of phosphatic laminites off Peru
Authors: ARNING E. T. , BIRGEL D , BRUNNER B , PECKMANN J
Published: May 2009

Authigenic phosphatic laminites enclosed in phosphorite crusts from the shelf off Peru (10°01′ S and 10°24′ S) consist of carbonate fluorapatite layers, which contain abundant sulfide minerals including pyrite (FeS2) and sphalerite (ZnS). Low δ34Spyrite values (average −28.8‰) agree with bacterial sulfate reduction and subsequent pyrite formation. Stable sulfur isotopic compositions of sulfate bound in carbonate fluorapatite are lower than that of sulfate from ambient sea water, suggesting bacterial reoxidation of sulfide by sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria. The release of phosphorus and subsequent formation of the autochthonous phosphatic laminites are apparently caused by the activity of sulfate‐reducing bacteria and associated sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria. Following an extraction–phosphorite dissolution–extraction procedure, molecular fossils of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (mono‐O‐alkyl glycerol ethers, di‐O‐alkyl glycerol ethers, as well as the short‐chain branched fatty acids i/ai‐C15:0, i/ai‐C17:0 and 10MeC16:0) are found to be among the most abundant compounds. The fact that these molecular fossils of sulfate‐reducing bacteria are distinctly more abundant after dissolution of the phosphatic laminite reveals that the lipids are tightly bound to the mineral lattice of carbonate fluorapatite. Moreover, compared with the autochthonous laminite, molecular fossils of sulfate‐reducing bacteria are: (1) significantly less abundant and (2) not as tightly bound to the mineral lattice in the other, allochthonous facies of the Peruvian crusts consisting of phosphatic coated grains. These observations confirm the importance of sulfate‐reducing bacteria in the formation of the phosphatic laminite. Model calculations highlight that organic matter degradation by sulfate‐reducing bacteria has the potential to liberate sufficient phosphorus for phosphogenesis.
CaCO3 nucleation by cyanobacteria: laboratory evidence for a passive, surface‐induced mechanism
Authors: OBST M. , WEHRLI B. , DITTRICH M.
Published: May 2009

Calcite nucleation on the surface of cyanobacteria of the Synechococcus leopoliensis strain PCC 7942 was investigated to assess the influence of photosynthetic uptake of inorganic carbon and active ion exchange processes across the cell membrane on the nucleation and precipitation mechanisms. We performed long‐term precipitation experiments at a constant CO2 level in ambient air by adding suspensions of previously washed cyanobacteria to solutions of NaHCO3/CaCl2 which were supersaturated with respect to calcite. Induction times between 4 and 110 h were measured over a range of saturation states, Ω, between 8 and 4. The kinetics of CaCO3 nucleation was compared between experiments: (i) with ongoing photosynthesis, (ii) with cells metabolizing but not undergoing photosynthetic uptake of inorganic carbon and (iii) in darkness without photosynthesis. No significant differences were observed between the three treatments. The results reveal that under low nutrient concentrations and permanent CO2 supply, photosynthetic uptake of inorganic carbon predominantly uses CO2 and consequently does not directly influence the nucleation process of CaCO3 at the surface of S. leopoliensis. Furthermore, ion exchange processes did not affect the kinetics, indicating a passive nucleation process wherein the cell surface or extracellular polymers provided preferential sites for mineral nucleation. The catalyzing effect of the cyanobacteria on calcite nucleation was equivalent to a ∼18% reduction in the specific interfacial free energy of the calcite nuclei. This result and the ubiquitous abundance of cyanobacteria suggest that this process may have an impact on local and global carbon cycling.
The value of commodity biographies: integrating tribal farmers in India into a global organic agro‐food network
Authors: Franz Martin , Hassler Markus
Published: May 2009

The production of organic food has been regarded for a long time as being synonymous with ecological regional production systems. However, the increased production of organic food products has led to an ongoing industrialisation and also to a global spread of network structures within this segment of agriculture. This paper provides a case study of the integration of organic pepper farmers from an indigenous tribe in Kerala, India, into global agro‐food networks, linking them to a German producer of organic meat products. The results of this study show that the importance of the territorial embeddedness and the abandonment of the exercise of power can be crucial for the success of global organic agro‐food networks.
Is the world's economic centre of gravity already in Asia?
Authors: Grether Jean‐Marie , Mathys Nicole A
Published: May 2009

This paper proposes a novel and simple measure of the world's economic centre of gravity. Over the recent decades, this centre has shifted towards Asia, but is still located in Europe.
Expression of distinct α1‐adrenoceptor phenotypes in the iris of pigmented and albino rabbits
Authors: Muramatsu I , Suzuki F , Nishimune A , Anisuzzaman ASM , Yoshiki H , Su T‐H , Chang C‐K , Morishima S
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose: The expression of multiple pharmacological phenotypes including α1L‐adrenoceptor has recently been reported for α1‐adrenoceptors. The purpose of the present study was to identify α1‐adrenoceptor phenotypes in the irises of pigmented and albino rabbits.

Experimental approach: Radioligand binding and functional bioassay experiments were performed in segments or strips of iris of pigmented and albino rabbits, and their pharmacological profiles were compared.

Key results: [3H]‐silodosin at subnanomolar concentrations bound to intact segments of iris of pigmented and albino rabbits at similar densities (approximately 240 fmol·mg−1protein). The binding sites in the iris of a pigmented rabbit were composed of a single component showing extremely low affinities for prazosin, hydrochloride [N‐[2‐(2‐cyclopropylmethoxyphenoxy)ethyl]‐5‐chloro‐α,α‐dimethyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐ethamine hydrochloride (RS‐17053)] and 5‐methylurapidil, while two components with high and low affinities for prazosin, RS‐17053 and 5‐methylurapidil were identified in irises from albino rabbits. In contrast, specific binding sites for [3H]‐prazosin were not clearly detected because a high proportion of non‐specific binding and/or low affinity for prazosin occurred. Contractile responses of iris dilator muscle to noradrenaline were antagonized by the above ligands, and their antagonist affinities were consistent with the binding estimates at low‐affinity sites identified in both strains of rabbits.

Conclusions and implications: A typical α1Lphenotype with extremely low affinity for prazosin is exclusively expressed in the iris of pigmented rabbits, while two distinct phenotypes (α1Aand α1L) with high and moderate affinities for prazosin are co‐expressed in the iris of albino rabbits. This suggests that a significant difference in the expression of phenotypes of the α1‐adrenoceptor occurs in the irises between the two strains of rabbits.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND GRAZING ON GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION OF FLOATING MACROCYSTIS SPP. (PHAEOPHYCEAE) ALONG A LATITUDINAL GRADIENT1
Authors: Rothäusler Eva , Gómez Iván , Hinojosa Iván A. , Karsten Ulf , Tala Fadia , Thiel Martin
Published: May 2009

Macroalgal rafts frequently occur floating in coastal waters of temperate regions of the world’s oceans. These rafts are considered important dispersal vehicles for associated organisms with direct development. However, environmental factors may limit the floating potential of kelp and thereby the dispersal of associated organisms. To examine the effect of water temperature and grazing on growth, reproductive output, and survival of floating Macrocystis spp., experiments were conducted in outdoor tanks during austral summer 2006/2007 at three sites along the Chilean Pacific coast (20° S, 30° S, 40° S). At each site, Macrocystis spp. was maintained individually at three different water temperatures (ambient, ambient − 4°C, ambient + 4°C) and in the presence or absence of the amphipod grazer Peramphithoe femorata for 14 d. High water temperatures (>20°C) provoked rapid degradation of Macrocystis spp. rafts. At moderate temperatures (15°C–20°C), algal survival depended on the presence of associated grazers. In the absence of grazers, algal rafts gained in biomass while grazing caused considerable losses of algal biomass. Algal survival was the highest under cooler conditions (<15°C), where raft degradation was slow and grazer‐induced biomass losses were compensated by continuing algal growth. Our results indicate that floating kelp rafts can survive for long time periods at the sea surface, but survival depends on the interaction between temperature and grazing. We suggest that these processes limiting the survival of kelp rafts in warmer temperatures may act as a dispersal barrier for kelp and its associated passengers.