bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De facto refugia, ecological traps and the biogeography of anthropogenic cougar mortality in Utah
Authors: Stoner David C. , Wolfe Michael L. , Rieth Wendy R. , Bunnell Kevin D. , Durham Susan L. , Stoner Lisa L.
Published: January 2013

Aim

Modern extirpations within the Carnivora have generally followed the human footprint. The contagion hypothesis predicts that range contractions should occur along gradients in human activity, leaving relict populations in remote areas at range edges. We evaluated this hypothesis for cougars (Puma concolor), a widely distributed and heavily exploited North American carnivore.

Location

Colorado Plateau and Great Basin ecoregions within Utah, USA.

Methods

We examined the spatial distribution of anthropogenic cougar mortality (n = 4217) using indices of remoteness and habitat quality within a GIS/multiple‐regression analytical framework. To identify areas of disproportionately high or low exploitation rates, we used break‐points from the literature and local field studies. We defined de facto refugia as watersheds with mean annual harvest rates ≤ 24% of the predicted population, whereas ecological traps were those watersheds that exceeded this value.

Results

Cougar harvest rates were greater in the core and lower along the periphery of their statewide geographic range. The largest refugia were overrepresented in arid ecoregions with low human population densities, whereas ecological traps were concentrated in areas of low remoteness. Ecological traps were within mean cougar dispersal distances from refugia, highlighting the potential for source‐sink dynamics. Patterns of anthropogenic cougar mortality generally followed the predictions of the contagion hypothesis, being spatially correlated with human access in high‐quality habitats.

Main conclusions

Low‐quality habitats on the range margins are likely to harbour carnivore populations in the event of widespread human‐caused declines, and therefore may have greater conservation value than has previously been assumed. Resource managers may consider using the distribution of de facto refugia and ecological traps within a source‐sink context to develop conservation strategies for cougars and other wide‐ranging, low‐density carnivores with high dispersal tendencies.
Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using a single‐balloon enteroscope in patients with Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis
Authors: Obana Takashi , Fujita Naotaka , Ito Kei , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Horaguchi Jun , Koshita Shinsuke , Kanno Yoshihide , Ogawa Takahisa , Hashimoto Shinichi , Masu Kaori
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a single‐balloon enteroscope (SBE) including a newly developed short SBE (SIF‐Y0004) for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with Roux‐en‐Y (R‐Y) anastomosis.

Patients and Methods

Therapeutic ERC using a SBE was attempted in 19 cases (41 procedures) with R‐Y anastomosis after gastrectomy. A standard SBE (working length of 200 cm, working channel of 2.8 mm) was used in 11 cases (Group L), and a short SBE (working length of 152 cm, working channel of 3.2 mm) was used in eight cases (Group S).

Results

Insertion of the scope up to the major papilla was achieved in 79% (15/19) of cases. Average insertion time was 37.0 ± 13.8 min (range, 19–62 min). Bile duct cannulation rate was 79% (11/14) after exclusion of the initial case in which scope exchange was unsuccessful. Average procedure time was78.8 ± 26.9 min (18–119 min). The scheduled therapeutic procedure was completed in 67% (10/15) of the cases (53% [10/19] on an intention‐to‐treat basis). Cardiorespiratory suppression due to sedative agents resulting in scope withdrawal developed in one procedure (2.4%; 1/41). Although there was no significant difference in therapeutic results between the two groups, the number of procedures was smaller (1.8 ± 1.3 vs 3.6 ± 3.1; P = 0.286) in Group S than in Group L.

Conclusions

Therapeutic ERC using a SBE for patients with R‐Y anastomosis is considered to be safe and effective. A short SBE appears to be promising for further improvement in therapeutic results.
Diagnosis of laterally spreading tumors (LST) in the rectum and selection of treatment: Characteristics of each of the subclassifications of LST in the rectum
Authors: Horiuchi Yusuke , Chino Akiko , Matsuo Yasumasa , Kishihara Teruhito , Uragami Naoyuki , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Ueno Masashi , Tamegai Yoshiro , Hoshino Etsuo , Igarashi Masahiro
Published: January 2013

Background

In recent years, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has often been used for the treatment of laterally spreading tumors (LST) of the rectum. The present study was carried out with the aim of clarifying the characteristics of each of the subtypes of LST in the rectum that are often treated by ESD.

Patients and Methods

This study involved 141 rectal LST that were initially treated at our hospital between March 2005 and December 2010 and whose endoscopic images and histopathological specimens could be re‐examined. The LST were divided into LST‐G‐H (homogeneous type), LST‐G‐MIX (nodular mixed type), LST‐NG‐F (flat type) and LST‐NG‐PD (pseudo‐depressed type) type lesions, and tumor diameter and depth of invasion of each of these tumor types were investigated.

Results

Regarding the depth of invasion, the proportion of submucosa‐massive (SM‐m) lesions was high in the LST‐NG‐PDtumors, even among tumors measuring <20 mm in diameter; both the rate of cancer and proportion of SM‐m lesions were significantly higher in the LST‐NG‐PD tumors than in the LST‐NG‐F tumors (P < 0.05). In both LST‐NG‐MIX and LST‐NG‐PD tumors, the proportion of SM‐m lesions was significantly higher in the lower rectum than in the upper rectum (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For LST of the rectum (particularly of the lower rectum), it is necessary to carefully select the treatment considering LST subclass and tumor diameter from the standpoint of the presence of malignancy, quality of life, and prognosis of patients.
Coincidence of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage to the Superior Vena Cava, Common Atrium, and Single Ventricle: A Very Rare Condition
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Bagheri Babak , Habibi Valiolla
Published: January 2013

Single ventricle defects, including inflow emptying into 1 ventricle, occur at an incidence of 0.05–0.1 per 10,000 live births. The association of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) with single ventricle defects is a risk factor for poor outcome. Conversely, common atrium, a rare congenital anomaly, is an endocardial cushion defect. We present a rare case of an unoperated patient with coincidence of a single ventricle defect, TAPVD with direct drainage from the pulmonary veins into the superior vena cava, and common atrium. To the best of our knowledge, such a case has not been previously reported in the literature.
Motor cortex electrical stimulation promotes axon outgrowth to brain stem and spinal targets that control the forelimb impaired by unilateral corticospinal injury
Authors: Carmel Jason B. , Kimura Hiroki , Berrol Lauren J. , Martin John H.
Published: January 2013

We previously showed that electrical stimulation of motor cortex (M1) after unilateral pyramidotomy in the rat increased corticospinal tract (CST) axon length, strengthened spinal connections, and restored forelimb function. Here, we tested: (i) if M1 stimulation only increases spinal axon length or if it also promotes connections to brain stem forelimb control centers, especially magnocellular red nucleus; and (ii) if stimulation‐induced increase in axon length depends on whether pyramidotomy denervated the structure. After unilateral pyramidotomy, we electrically stimulated the forelimb area of intact M1, to activate the intact CST and other corticofugal pathways, for 10 days. We anterogradely labeled stimulated M1 and measured axon length using stereology. Stimulation increased axon length in both the spinal cord and magnocellular red nucleus, even though the spinal cord is denervated by pyramidotomy and the red nucleus is not. Stimulation also promoted outgrowth in the cuneate and parvocellular red nuclei. In the spinal cord, electrical stimulation caused increased axon length ipsilateral, but not contralateral, to stimulation. Thus, stimulation promoted outgrowth preferentially to the sparsely corticospinal‐innervated and impaired side. Outgrowth resulted in greater axon density in the ipsilateral dorsal horn and intermediate zone, resembling the contralateral termination pattern. Importantly, as in spinal cord, increase in axon length in brain stem also was preferentially directed towards areas less densely innervated by the stimulated system. Thus, M1 electrical stimulation promotes increases in corticofugal axon length to multiple M1 targets. We propose the axon length change was driven by competition into an adaptive pattern resembling lost connections.
Global shifts towards positive species interactions with increasing environmental stress
Authors: He Qiang , Bertness Mark D. , Altieri Andrew H.
Published: January 2013

The study of positive species interactions is a rapidly evolving field in ecology. Despite decades of research, controversy has emerged as to whether positive and negative interactions predictably shift with increasing environmental stress as hypothesised by the stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH). Here, we provide a synthesis of 727 tests of the SGH in plant communities across the globe to examine its generality across a variety of ecological factors. Our results show that plant interactions change with stress through an outright shift to facilitation (survival) or a reduction in competition (growth and reproduction). In a limited number of cases, plant interactions do not respond to stress, but they never shift towards competition with stress. These findings are consistent across stress types, plant growth forms, life histories, origins (invasive vs. native), climates, ecosystems and methodologies, though the magnitude of the shifts towards facilitation with stress is dependent on these factors. We suggest that future studies should employ standardised definitions and protocols to test the SGH, take a multi‐factorial approach that considers variables such as plant traits in addition to stress, and apply the SGH to better understand how species and communities will respond to environmental change.
Identifying the cortical substrates of interictal epileptiform activity in patients with extratemporal epilepsy: An EEG‐fMRI sequential analysis and FDG‐PET study
Authors: Donaire Antonio , Capdevila Antoni , Carreño Mar , Setoain Xavier , Rumià Jordi , Aparicio Javier , Campistol Jaume , Padilla Nelly , Sanmartí Francesc , Vernet Oriol , Pintor Luis , Boget Teresa , Ortells Joan , Bargalló Nuria
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to apply sequential analysis of electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) data to study the cortical substrates related to the generation of the interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) in patients with pharmacoresistant extratemporal epilepsy.

Methods

We analyzed fMRI data from 21 children, adolescents, and young adults patients who showed frequent bursts or runs of spikes on EEG, by using the sequential analysis method. We contrasted consecutive fixed‐width blocks of 10 s to obtain the relative variations in cerebral activity along the entire fMRI runs. Significant responses (p < 0.05, family‐wise error (FWE) corrected), time‐related to the IEA recorded on scalp EEG, were considered potential IEA cortical sources. These results were compared with those from the fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), intracranial EEG (two patients), and surgery outcome (eight patients).

Key Findings

The typical IEA was recorded in all patients. After the sequential analysis, at least one significant blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) response spatially consistent with the presumed epileptogenic zone was found. These IEA‐related activation areas coincided when superimposed with the hypometabolism depicted by the FDG‐PET. These data were also consistent with the invasive EEG findings. Epileptic seizures were recorded in eight patients. A subset of IEA‐associated fMRI activations was consistent the activations at seizure‐onset determined by sequential analysis. The inclusion of the IEA‐related areas in the resection rendered the patients seizure‐free (five of eight operated patients).

Significance

The EEG‐fMRI data sequential analysis could noninvasively identify cortical areas involved in the IEA generation. The spatial relationship of these areas with the cortical metabolic abnormalities depicted by the FDG‐PET and their intrinsic relationship regarding the ictal‐onset zone could be useful in epilepsy surgery planning.
Topical apigenin improves epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis in normal murine skin by divergent mechanisms
Authors: Hou Maihua , Sun Richard , Hupe Melanie , Kim Peggy L. , Park Kyungho , Crumrine Debra , Lin Tzu‐Kai , Santiago Juan Luis , Mauro Theodora M. , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang
Published: January 2013

The beneficial effects of certain herbal medicines on cutaneous function have been appreciated for centuries. Among these agents, chrysanthemum extract, apigenin, has been used for skin care, particularly in China, for millennia. However, the underlying mechanisms by which apigenin benefits the skin are not known. In this study, we first determined whether topical apigenin positively influences permeability barrier homoeostasis, and then the basis thereof. Hairless mice were treated topically with either 0.1% apigenin or vehicle alone twice daily for 9 days. At the end of the treatments, permeability barrier function was assessed with either an electrolytic water analyzer or a Tewameter. Our results show that topical apigenin significantly enhanced permeability barrier homoeostasis after tape stripping, although basal permeability barrier function remained unchanged. Improved barrier function correlated with enhanced filaggrin expression and lamellar body production, which was paralleled by elevated mRNA levels for the epidermal ABCA12. The mRNA levels for key lipid synthetic enzymes also were upregulated by apigenin. Finally, both cathelicidin‐related peptide and mouse beta‐defensin 3 immunostaining were increased by apigenin. We conclude that topical apigenin improves epidermal permeability barrier function by stimulating epidermal differentiation, lipid synthesis and secretion, as well as cutaneous antimicrobial peptide production. Apigenin could be useful for the prevention and treatment of skin disorders characterized by permeability barrier dysfunction, associated with reduced filaggrin levels and impaired antimicrobial defenses, such as atopic dermatitis.
Is realised connectivity among populations of aquatic fauna predictable from potential connectivity?
Authors: HUGHES JANE M. , HUEY JOEL A. , SCHMIDT DANIEL J.
Published: January 2013

1. Effective management of aquatic fauna requires knowledge of the ways in which populations in different catchments and sub‐catchments are connected. A powerful way to estimate this is using genetic markers, which provide information on the average amount of genetic connectivity among populations over generations. Although many studies of genetic connectivity have appeared in the literature, there are innumerable species that have not been studied.

2. This study explores whether it is possible to make broad generalisations about population connectivity, based on readily available information in the form of species life history and architecture of the aquatic habitat.

3. A number of models have been proposed to explain the pattern of connectivity shown by aquatic species with different life‐history characteristics, for example, the stream hierarchy model, Isolation by Distance, the Death Valley Model, the headwater model and panmixia.

4. In this study, we propose a dichotomous key to assign species to different models of potential connectivity. The key is based on a few very simple questions about the life history of the species and the geographical arrangement of study sites. We then assessed the performance of the key with 109 data sets of Australian fish and macroinvertebrates, using genetic data to provide an estimate of realised connectivity.

5. The realised connectivity fitted the proposed potential connectivity model in over 70% of cases, and we suggest this might be a useful initial approach for managers where empirical data are lacking.
Climate change and broadacre livestock production across southern Australia. 1. Impacts of climate change on pasture and livestock productivity, and on sustainable levels of profitability
Authors: Moore Andrew D. , Ghahramani Afshin
Published: January 2013

Broadacre livestock production is a major but highly diverse component of agriculture in Australia that will be significantly exposed to predicted changes in climate over coming decades. We used the GRAZPLAN simulation models to assess the impacts of climate change under the SRES A2 scenario across southern Australia. Climate change impacts were examined across space (25 representative locations) and time (1970–99, 2030, 2050 and 2070 climate) for each of five livestock enterprises. Climate projection uncertainty was considered by analysing projections from four global circulation models (GCMs). Livestock production scenarios were compared at their profit‐maximizing stocking rate, constrained to ensure that risks of soil erosion were acceptable. Impacts on net primary productivity (ANPP) varied widely between GCM projections; the average declines from historical climate were 9% in 2030, 7% in 2050 and 14% in 2070. Declines in ANPP were larger at lower‐rainfall locations. Sensitivity of ANPP to changes in rainfall ranged from 0.4 to 1.7, to temperature increase from −0.15 to +0.07 °C−1 and to CO2 increase from 0.11 to 0.32. At most locations the dry summer period lengthened, exacerbating the greater erosion risk due to lower ANPP. Transpiration efficiency of pastures increased by 6–25%, but the proportion of ANPP that could safely be consumed by livestock fell sharply so that operating profit (at constant prices) fell by an average of 27% in 2030, 32% in 2050 and 48% in 2070. This amplification of ANPP reductions into larger profitability declines is likely to generalize to other extensive livestock systems. Profit declines were most marked at drier locations, with operating losses expected at 9 of the 25 locations by 2070. Differences between livestock enterprises were smaller than differences between locations and dates. Future research into climate change impacts on Australian livestock production needs to emphasise the dry margin of the cereal‐livestock zone.
Evaluation of Brix and sugar content in stem juice from sorghum varieties
Authors: Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Kasuga Shigemitsu , Okuizumi Hisahito , Hiradate Syuntaro , Yonemaru Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2013

Sorghum accumulates sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) in the stem after anthesis. Brix is commonly used to indicate total sugar content; however, the relationship between Brix and specific sugar components has not been sufficiently investigated in sorghum juice in Japan. In this study, we measured the sugar components of sorghum juices from 109 varieties using capillary electrophoresis, which can quantify each sugar component in crude juice without further purification. The results indicated that the Brix of sorghum juice was proportional to the total sugar and sucrose concentrations (r = 0.900 and r = 0.894, P < 0.01, respectively). Glucose concentration had a significant positive correlation with fructose concentration (r = 0.964, P < 0.01), but no correlation was detected between Brix and the two hexose sugars, glucose and fructose. Our results showed that sucrose comprised approximately 75% of the total sugar in varieties with Brix values greater than 15. These findings may be applied in sorghum breeding efforts to develop varieties that accumulate high levels of sugars in the juicy stems of sorghum plants.
Stratum corneum fatty acids: their critical role in preserving barrier integrity during cleansing
Authors: Ananthapadmanabhan K.P. , Mukherjee S. , Chandar P.
Published: January 2013

Synopsis

Stratum corneum (SC) bilayer lipids, specifically fatty acids, ceramides and cholesterol, contribute to the permeability barrier function of the skin. Normal skin cleansing is associated with damage to the SC lipids because cleanser surfactants, in addition to providing the desired effect of solubilizing and facilitating the removal of sebum and skin soils, have a propensity to disrupt bilayer lipids by extracting endogenous skin lipids or intercalating into the bilayer. Disrupted SC lipids are associated with a variety of pathological skin conditions, as well as with dry skin induced by harsh cleansing. In an attempt to preserve the barrier and mitigate the damage caused by frequent normal cleansing, the incorporation of physiologically relevant lipids into skin cleansers has become common in leading cleansing products. It has been noted that fatty acids are more susceptible to surfactant‐induced removal than other lipids (eg, ceramides), an observation that may form the basis for a critically important strategy for replenishing SC lipids. This review will focus on the role of fatty acids in the structure and function of the SC, and the rationale for incorporation of stearic acid into moisturizing body cleansers to minimize their extraction by surfactants and replenish lost fatty acids to promote skin barrier preservation.
Expression and functional role of β3‐adrenoceptors in the human ureter
Authors: Matsumoto Rikiya , Otsuka Atsushi , Suzuki Takahisa , Shinbo Hitoshi , Mizuno Takuji , Kurita Yutaka , Mugiya Soichi , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To investigate the presence of β‐adrenoceptor subtypes in the human ureter, and to examine whether β3‐adrenoceptors modulate relaxation of the human ureter.

Methods

Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid of β‐adrenoceptors in the human ureter was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and distribution of β‐adrenoceptors was examined by immunohistochemistry. In functional studies, the relaxant effects of isoproterenol, procaterol, TRK‐380, salbutamol and BRL 37344 on KCl‐induced contraction of the human ureter were evaluated, and the inhibitory effects of isoproterenol, procaterol and TRK‐380 on electrical field stimulation‐induced contractions were determined.

Results

Expression of β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor messenger ribonucleic acid in the human ureter was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive staining for β1‐, β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor was identified not only in smooth muscle, but also in the urothelium of the human ureter. All β‐adrenoceptor agonists decreased the tone of KCl‐induced contractions of the human ureter with a rank order of relaxant effects of isoproterenol > procaterol > TRK‐380 > salbutamol > BRL 37344. Furthermore, isoproterenol, procaterol and TRK‐380 significantly decreased the amplitude of electrical field stimulation‐induced contractions with a rank order of inhibitory effects of isoproterenol > procaterol > TRK‐380.

Conclusions

Human ureteral relaxation is mediated by both β2‐ and β3‐adrenoceptor stimulation. β3‐Adrenoceptor agonists have the potential to relax the human ureter, and their clinical application in the treatment of ureteral stones is expected.
Essential elements of discourse for advancing the modelling of species' current and potential distributions
Authors: Kriticos Darren J. , Le Maitre David C. , Webber Bruce L.
Published: January 2013

A recent review by Dormann et al. (2012, Journal of Biogeography, 39, 2119–2131) has proposed that methods for the modelling of species distributions be considered as a continuum. We disagree with this thesis, and contend that attempting to present the diverse range of methods as a continuum is unhelpful and ultimately not convincing. It adds to the confusion about the strengths and weaknesses of the diversity of available modelling methods, what exactly it is that they model, and the most appropriate applications. We highlight variation within and between modelling methods that is obscured by the continuum framework and propose that context of application and clarity of method are critical elements for future discourse on the topic.
Gondwanan Gymnochilini (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae): generic concepts, review of New Zealand species and long‐range Pacific dispersal
Authors: LESCHEN RICHARD A.B. , LACKNER TOMÁŠ
Published: January 2013

Members of Leperina Erichson (Trogossitidae: Gymnochilini) from New Zealand, New Caledonia and Lord Howe Island are morphologically similar to members of the endemic Juan Fernandez Island genus Phanodesta Reitter, sharing at least one obvious character, elytral carinae that are beaded and contain well‐defined punctures. To test the monophyly of Leperina and Phanodesta, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationships of the genera of the tribe Gymnochilini by a cladistic analysis of 22 terminals and 47 adult characters rooted with one genus of trogossitine. Leperina is rendered paraphyletic by the placements of Seidlitzella Jakobson and Phanodesta. Kolibacian.gen. (type species Leperina tibialis Reitter) is described for east Palaearctic species included formerly in Leperina (two new combinations); New Zealand Leperina and other species from New Caledonia and Lord Howe Island (Ostoma pudicum Olliff) are transferred to Phanodesta (six new combinations); and the remaining species are retained in Leperina. The following species are described as new: Phanodesta carinatan.sp.,P. manawatawhin.sp.,P. oculatan.sp. and P. tepakin.sp.Leperina ambiguum Broun is transferred to Grynoma Sharp resulting in a new combination and three new synonymies for New Zealand trogossitines: Leperina interrupta Brookes n.syn. and Leperina sobrina (White) n.syn. [= Phanodesta farinosa (Sharp)], and Trogosita affinis White n.syn. (= Tenebroides mauritanicus Linnaeus). A key to the New Zealand species and a checklist for the species of the Kolibacia, Leperina and Phanodesta are provided. The derived placement of Juan Fernandez Phanodesta in the phylogeny is evidence for long‐distance dispersal from Australasia. A tally of all Juan Fernandez Islands Coleoptera shows derivation mostly from Chile and South America, with few from the southern Pacific region, rarely from Australasia.
Resignation of a First Sea Lord: Mountbatten and the 1956 Suez Crisis
Authors: Smith Adrian
Published: January 2013

During the Suez crisis the head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord Mountbatten, twice appeared to offer his resignation, fearing Sir Anthony Eden favoured a military resolution of Britain's dispute with President Nasser over Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal. Mountbatten believed that an Anglo‐French seizure of the Canal Zone would destabilize the Middle East, undermine the authority of the UN, divide the Commonwealth and diminish Britain's global standing. Within the Chiefs of Staff Committee, and in advice to cabinet, the First Sea Lord voiced his fears, querying what the exit strategy was. The parallels with the Iraq war are striking, except that in 1956 the White House opposed military intervention, compounding Mountbatten's unease by deploying the US Navy to delay its erstwhile allies' taskforce en route to Port Said. Mountbatten believed his unique status as royal confidant and imperial consul, and presumed close friend of the prime minister, allowed him to buck constitutional convention and complement military advice with keenly felt political opinion. Yet at the same time he prepared the Royal Navy for war with characteristic professionalism and thoroughness, finding himself party to the collusion with Israel which he later condemned. How did Mountbatten reconcile genuine dissent with a state servant's obvious sense of duty, and was this achieved through constructing an alternative version of events that ran counter to actuality? From a contemporary perspective what insight does this episode offer into the historic relationship between executive and chiefs of staff within the British model of civil–military relations?
Effects of sociocultural factors on social trends in society
Authors: Goktas Olgun , Tekin Oguz , Canbal Metin , Sencan Irfan , Kunt Seyda , Sahin Ayfer , Cavus Umut
Published: January 2013

We aimed to determine the effect of gender, age, marital status, number of the people in the household, number of children, and regular reading habits on social trends by using the social trends scale for adults. Economically independent 290 adults were selected on a volunteer basis by family practitioners. Our findings indicate that violence avoidance and economic status were correlated to book reading and having children; and gender, regular reading, and having children have impact on economic status. We conclude that promoting regular reading in society, efforts on protecting the institution of marriage, and counseling services that assist toward normalization of the number of children and promoting knowledge and awareness of parenthood would be beneficial to the social trends in society.
Perceptions of success and life satisfaction: a gender examination in Taiwan
Authors: Lee I‐Ching
Published: January 2013

Gender socialization creates an expectation that men should achieve success (regardless of how it is defined), so men are under greater pressure than women when encountering successful persons and, accordingly, experience lower life satisfaction. Two experiments were conducted in Taiwan to test the proposed effects on life satisfaction. Study 1 showed that 149 students were more likely to infer successful targets as male than female. A path model demonstrated that feeling less powerful against ideal same‐sex persons predicted men's (but not women's) lower life satisfaction after they read about successful targets. Study 2 (106 students) showed that reading about successful targets had differential effects for men and women. Implications regarding culture, gender, and life satisfaction were discussed.
When your face doesn't fit: employment discrimination against people with facial disfigurements
Authors: Stone Anna , Wright Toby
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to investigate the recruitment prospects of people with facial disfigurement and a contrasting group of wheelchair users, representing a functional impairment with little aesthetic impact. Three applications were made to each of 144 vacancies using three CVs and cover letters rotated around conditions in which one applicant was described as a wheelchair user, another had a noncontagious facial disfigurement, and the third (control condition) had neither. There was evidence of discrimination against people with facial disfigurement in jobs requiring high (but not low) levels of customer contact, and against wheelchair users for jobs entailing high or low‐customer contact. Aesthetic considerations, social norms, and the possibility of stigma by association are discussed as potential underlying factors.
Pricing Policy in a Supply Chain: Negotiation or Posted Pricing
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Wei , Ahn Hyun‐Soo , Aydin Goker
Published: January 2013

This article examines the choice of pricing policy (posted pricing or negotiation) toward end customers in a supply chain. Many retailers actively decide whether or not to encourage negotiation on the shop floor. Of course, the retailer's pricing policy influences not only the retailer's profit, but also the profits of the manufacturers who sell through the retailer. However, little is known about the forces that shape the pricing policy when two self‐interested parties interact in a supply chain. We consider two alternative models depending on who has the power to decide the pricing policy: the manufacturer or the retailer. We find that an increase in the wholesale price weakens the retailer's ability to price discriminate through negotiation. Therefore, the retailer prefers negotiation at lower wholesale prices and posted pricing at higher wholesale prices. We also find that whenever the retailer prefers negotiation, the manufacturer does too. Therefore, the retailer's discretion over the pricing policy causes friction only when the retailer wants to use posted pricing, while the manufacturer wishes the retailer to use negotiation. We show that such friction arises only when product availability or the cost of negotiation is moderate. In this case, we show that the manufacturer may offer a substantial discount to persuade the retailer to negotiate. Surprisingly, in this region of friction, a decrease in the supply chain's capacity or an increase in negotiation costs (both of which are typically considered as worsening the retailer's business environment) translates into higher profit for the retailer.
Competing on Time: An Integrated Framework to Optimize Dynamic Time‐to‐Market and Production Decisions
Authors: Özer Özalp , Uncu Onur
Published: January 2013

This study develops a comprehensive framework to optimize new product introduction timing and subsequent production decisions faced by a component supplier. Prior to market entry, the supplier performs process design activities, which improve manufacturing yield and the chances of getting qualified for the customer's product. However, a long delay in market entry allows competitors to enter the market and pass the customer's qualification process before the supplier, reducing the supplier's share of the customer's business. After entering the market and if qualified, the supplier also needs to decide how much to produce for a finite planning horizon by considering several factors such as manufacturing yield and stochastic demand, both of which depend on the earlier time‐to‐market decision. To capture this dependency, we develop a sequential, nested, two‐stage decision framework to optimize the time‐to‐market and production decisions in relation to each other. We show that the supplier's optimal market entry and qualification timing decision need to be revised in real time based on the number of qualified competitors at the time of market‐entry decision. We establish the optimality of a threshold policy. Following this policy, at the beginning of each decision epoch, the supplier should optimally stop preparing for qualification and decide whether to enter the market if her order among qualified competitors exceeds a predetermined threshold. We also prove that the supplier's optimal production policy is a state‐dependent, base‐stock policy, which depends on the time‐to‐market and qualification decisions. The proposed framework also enables a firm to quantify how market conditions (such as price and competitor entry behavior) and operating conditions (such as the rate of learning and inventory/production‐related costs) affect time‐to‐market strategy and post‐entry production decisions.
Study Abroad, Foreign Language Use, and the Communities Standard
Authors: Allen Heather Willis , Dupuy Beatrice
Published: January 2013

Although participation in multilingual communities around the world has been understood to be the raison d'être for foreign language study, the Communities standard has been portrayed as an extracurricular experience and more difficult to weave into instruction than the other standards. This article addresses two questions: (1) Does a study abroad experience facilitate meeting the Communities standard? and (2) How can collegiate foreign language curricula enhance the study abroad experience and fulfillment of the Communities standard? Current trends in study abroad participation by U.S. undergraduates and key research findings on study abroad related to the Communities standard are reviewed. Numerous recommendations for programmatic courses of action at home and abroad targeting a fuller consideration of the Communities standard in collegiate foreign language study are offered.
Nonnative Speaker Teachers of Spanish: Insights From Novice Teachers
Authors: Thompson Amy S. , Fioramonte Amy
Published: January 2013

A sizable body of literature has been established surrounding native speaker teachers versus nonnative speaker teachers of English. Presently, a paucity of research exists related to teachers working with languages other than English. In an attempt to fill this research gap, this qualitative research study presents the experiences of novice nonnative speaker teachers of Spanish. Interviews were conducted to explore the teachers' perceptions regarding their own status as nonnative speakers. The interviews revealed several themes, some of which parallel previous findings on nonnative speaker teachers of English and others that diverge; this article reports on three of these themes. A discussion about what the language education field can do to afford nonnative speaker teachers the same status as native speaker teachers concludes the article.
Bedrock/Core, Base, Plus, and Threshold Strategies in the JFL Context
Authors: Grainger P. R.
Published: January 2013

Although research into language learning strategies over the past 30 years has provided many insights into how good language learners facilitate the language learning process, few studies have targeted learners of Japanese in a foreign language learning environment. This study sought to (1) identify the spoken communication strategies used by learners of Japanese in foreign language learning environments, and (2) explore Core strategies, Base strategies, and Plus strategies in the Japanese as a foreign language (JFL) context. Information about the language learning strategies used by learners of Japanese was gathered, initially using interviews. These interview data were recorded, analyzed, and compiled into a strategy inventory. The inventory was made available online to students learning Japanese in various institutions in Queensland, Australia. The results of the study show that learners of Japanese in foreign language learning environments frequently use a range of strategies to maintain communication in spoken interactive contexts. There is evidence of the existence of Core, Base, and Plus strategies in Japanese and a subset of these strategies identified as Threshold strategies.
How Swedish breeders can substantially increase the genetic gain for the English Setter's hunting traits
Authors: Arvelius P. , Klemetsdal G.
Published: January 2013

In both Sweden (Swe) and Norway (Nor), the English Setter is used for hunting. Similar field trials are arranged to give breeders information on the dogs' hunting abilities. Our main objective was to study if a joint Swe–Nor genetic evaluation can improve accuracy compared with estimation of breeding values on a national level only. Genetic parameters for six hunting traits were estimated in univariate (within country) and bivariate (across country, of equivalent traits between countries and joint pedigree) analyses utilizing 3620 Swe records from 685 dogs and 94 414 Nor records from 7175 dogs. A mixed linear animal model was used, including fixed effects of sex, type of trial, year, month and interaction between age and class of trial, and random effects of animal, permanent environment, judge and residual. Heritabilities ranged from 0.07 to 0.13 for Swe and from 0.08 to 0.18 for Nor. The accuracies were higher in the bivariate analyses, especially for dogs with Swe trial results with an average increase of 19%. If comparing selection based on a joint genetic evaluation over phenotypic results alone (which is today's method), the potential genetic gain in Swe was almost doubled. Our results suggest that a joint genetic evaluation is especially advantageous for a population with limited information, such as the English Setter population in Swe. However, it should also be beneficial for Norwegian breeders because it makes it easier for them to select Swedish dogs, potentially resulting in faster genetic gain and lowered inbreeding rate.
State‐Level Business Cycles and Local Return Predictability
Authors: KORNIOTIS GEORGE M. , KUMAR ALOK
Published: January 2013

This study examines whether local stock returns vary with local business cycles in a predictable manner. We find that U.S. state portfolios earn higher future returns when state‐level unemployment rates are higher and housing collateral ratios are lower. During the 1978 to 2009 period, geography‐based trading strategies earn annualized risk‐adjusted returns of 5%. This abnormal performance reflects time‐varying systematic risks and local‐trading induced mispricing. Consistent with the mispricing explanation, the evidence of predictability is stronger among firms with low visibility and high local ownership. Nonlocal domestic and foreign investors arbitrage away the predictable patterns in local returns in 1 year.
Do Hostile Takeovers Stifle Innovation? Evidence from Antitakeover Legislation and Corporate Patenting
Authors: ATANASSOV JULIAN
Published: January 2013

I examine how strong corporate governance proxied by the threat of hostile takeovers affects innovation and firm value. I find a significant decline in the number of patents and citations per patent for firms incorporated in states that pass antitakeover laws relative to firms incorporated in states that do not. Most of the impact of antitakeover laws on innovation occurs 2 or more years after they are passed, indicating a causal effect. The negative effect of antitakeover laws is mitigated by the presence of alternative governance mechanisms such as large shareholders, pension fund ownership, leverage, and product market competition.
Value and Momentum Everywhere
Authors: ASNESS CLIFFORD S. , MOSKOWITZ TOBIAS J. , PEDERSEN LASSE HEJE
Published: January 2013

We find consistent value and momentum return premia across eight diverse markets and asset classes, and a strong common factor structure among their returns. Value and momentum returns correlate more strongly across asset classes than passive exposures to the asset classes, but value and momentum are negatively correlated with each other, both within and across asset classes. Our results indicate the presence of common global risks that we characterize with a three‐factor model. Global funding liquidity risk is a partial source of these patterns, which are identifiable only when examining value and momentum jointly across markets. Our findings present a challenge to existing behavioral, institutional, and rational asset pricing theories that largely focus on U.S. equities.
The Evolution of a Financial Crisis: Collapse of the Asset‐Backed Commercial Paper Market
Authors: COVITZ DANIEL , LIANG NELLIE , SUAREZ GUSTAVO A.
Published: January 2013

This paper documents “runs” on asset‐backed commercial paper (ABCP) programs in 2007. We find that one‐third of programs experienced a run within weeks of the onset of the ABCP crisis and that runs, as well as yields and maturities for new issues, were related to program‐level and macro‐financial risks. These findings are consistent with the asymmetric information framework used to explain banking panics, have implications for commercial paper investors’ degree of risk intolerance, and inform empirical predictions of recent papers on dynamic coordination failures.
Decentralized Investment Management: Evidence from the Pension Fund Industry
Authors: BLAKE DAVID , ROSSI ALBERTO G. , TIMMERMANN ALLAN , TONKS IAN , WERMERS RUSS
Published: January 2013

Using a unique data set, we document two secular trends in the shift from centralized to decentralized pension fund management over the past few decades. First, across asset classes, sponsors replace generalist balanced managers with better‐performing specialists. Second, within asset classes, funds replace single managers with multiple competing managers following diverse strategies to reduce scale diseconomies as funds grow larger relative to capital markets. Consistent with a model of decentralized management, sponsors implement risk controls that trade off higher anticipated alphas of multiple specialists against the increased difficulty in coordinating their risk‐taking and the greater uncertainty concerning their true skills.
Financial Regulation, Financial Globalization, and the Synchronization of Economic Activity
Authors: KALEMLI‐OZCAN SEBNEM , PAPAIOANNOU ELIAS , PEYDRÓ JOSÉ‐LUIS
Published: January 2013

We analyze the impact of financial globalization on business cycle synchronization using a proprietary database on banks’ international exposure for industrialized countries during 1978 to 2006. Theory makes ambiguous predictions and identification has been elusive due to lack of bilateral time‐varying financial linkages data. In contrast to conventional wisdom and previous empirical studies, we identify a strong negative effect of banking integration on output synchronization, conditional on global shocks and country‐pair heterogeneity. Similarly, we show divergent economic activity due to higher integration using an exogenous de‐jure measure of integration based on financial regulations that harmonized EU markets.
Need for intensive care for neonates born between 29 and 34 weeks inclusive gestation
Authors: Lutz Tracey , Buckmaster Adam , Bowen Jennifer , Kluckow Martin , Wright Ian
Published: January 2013

Aims

To identify the proportion of preterm infants needing neonatal intensive care (NIC) between 29 and 34 weeks gestation. To identify any associated risk factors.

Methods

This population‐based study identified all babies, born without congenital abnormalities, between 29 and 34 weeks gestation inclusive. A 21‐month period ending September 2009 was used. The need for NIC was defined using specific cardiorespiratory and nutritional criteria. The use of continuous positive airway pressure alone was not included as a need for NIC. Data were extracted from a neonatal clinical database and individual medical records.

Results

Complete data were available from 707 out of 709 eligible infants born in the study period. The percentage of infants requiring cardiorespiratory support varied from 39 to 2.7% at 29 and 34 weeks, respectively. If nutritional criteria were included, this increased to 77% at 29 weeks and 7.2% at 34 weeks. Multivariate analysis determined that gestational age and delivery by Caesarean section increased the need for intensive care (P‐value <0.01). Antenatal steroids, gender, underlying maternal medical conditions, being small for gestational age or twin pregnancy had no statistically significant impact.

Conclusions

This study supports the National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines of in‐utero transfer at <33 weeks gestation. Gestational age and delivery by Caesarean section remain major indicators for the need for NIC. In special care nurseries that have the capability and expertise to use nasal continuous positive airway pressure, the main indication for NIC is for nutritional support.