bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dividend preference of tradable‐share and non‐tradable‐share holders in Mainland China
Authors: Cheng Louis T. W. , Fung Hung‐Gay , Leung Tak Yan
Published: May 2009

Comprehensive data on corporate announcements of Chinese firms allows us to examine the preference for, and determinants of, cash and stock dividends. The results indicate that Chinese public investors prefer stock dividends over cash dividends, which are preferred by large state and legal person shareholders generally. Stock dividends, which do not require an explicit cash outflow from a firm, are found to be positively related to higher earnings, supporting the signalling hypothesis of dividend policy. In an imperfect market, these results have some implications for government regulation of financial markets.
The Impact of Institutional and Human Resource Distance on International Entry Strategies
Authors: Estrin Saul , Baghdasaryan Delia , Meyer Klaus E.
Published: May 2009

abstract

‘Distance’ between organizational contexts has been a prime concern of scholarly research into international business strategies. We extend this research by exploring the complementary roles of institutional and human resource distances on foreign investors' entry strategies. Combining institutional and resource‐based theories suggests that: (1) human resource differences complement institutional differences; (2) the effects of some aspects of distance are curvilinear; and (3) the impact of distance differs between first and subsequent entries. We find empirical support for these arguments on a unique dataset of foreign direct investment in six emerging economies that incorporates multiple host as well as multiple home countries.
Metatraits of the Big Five Differentially Predict Engagement and Restraint of Behavior
Authors: Hirsh Jacob B. , DeYoung Colin G. , Peterson Jordan B.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough initially believed to contain orthogonal dimensions, the Big Five personality taxonomy appears to have a replicable higher‐order structure, with the metatrait of Plasticity reflecting the shared variance between Extraversion and Openness/Intellect, and the metatrait of Stability reflecting the shared variance among Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. These higher order traits have been theorized to relate to individual differences in the functioning of the dopamine and serotonin systems, respectively. As dopamine is associated with exploration and incentive‐related action, and serotonin with satiety and constraint, this neuropharmacological trait theory has behavioral implications, which we tested in 307 adults by examining the association of a large number of behavioral acts with multi‐informant reports of the metatraits. The frequencies of acts were consistently positively correlated with Plasticity and negatively correlated with Stability. At the broadest level of description, variation in human personality appears to reflect engagement and restraint of behavior.
Reciprocal Relations Among Self‐Efficacy Beliefs and Prosociality Across Time
Authors: Alessandri Guido , Caprara Gian Vittorio , Eisenberg Nancy , Steca Patrizia
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
The present study examined the longitudinal relations between individuals' prosociality and their self‐efficacy beliefs in regard to emotional regulation and responding empathically to others' needs. The participants were 244 females and 222 males with a mean age of 17 years (SD=1.5) at T1, 19 years (SD=1.4) at T2, and 21 years (SD=1.6) at T3. The findings corroborated the posited paths of relations assigning empathic self‐efficacy a major role in predicting the level of individuals' prosociality. Empathic self‐efficacy beliefs mediated the relations of regulative emotional self‐efficacy beliefs to prosocial tendencies such as caring, sharing, helping, and empathic concern toward others. The posited conceptual model accounted for a significant portion of variance in prosociality and has implications for interventions designed to promote and sustain prosociality.
Trust and creativity: understanding the role of trust in creativity‐oriented joint developments
Authors: Bidault Francis , Castello Alessio
Published: May 2009

In this article we report on the design, prototyping and results of a research effort aimed at identifying whether and how trust affects the innovativeness of a partnership between two players. The methodology combined an experiment and two questionnaires. The research aimed to increase our understanding of trust and its impact on the innovative outcome of cooperation and to derive some guidance for economic actors, namely R&D managers and executives who intend to build innovation‐oriented relationships with their business partners. Specifically, we investigated the effect of trust on partners' creativity and willingness to invest financially in a joint development. Our results show that more trustful partners invest higher amounts in the alliance, while there seems to be an optimum amount of mutual trust between partners who maximize their joint creativity and innovativeness; if the level of mutual trust is below or above this threshold, their joint creativity seems to increase less or even to decrease. Our findings suggest that joint development projects should always include explicit trust development activities at the beginning of the project, and that the amount of trust in the joint team should be monitored to avoid the negative consequences of excessive trust.
User innovation and everyday practices: micro‐innovation in sports industry development
Authors: Hyysalo Sampsa
Published: May 2009

This paper focuses on an underemphasized issue in research on user innovation, namely users' adaptations and micro‐innovations and their impact on industry development in user‐innovation‐intensive industries. It complements previous analyses of rodeo and freestyle‐kayaking that explore the role of user innovators in industry development, by focusing on different aspects of micro‐innovation: (1) changes in the composition of user base and preferred equipment (2) evolution of everyday practice (3) changes in the settings of these practices and (4) the range of modes of user involvement. Through micro‐innovation, users, on the whole, are likely to have more impact on industry development than predicted, and yet the position of lead‐users and user–manufacturers may be less powerful relative to outside manufacturers.
BACKWARD LINKAGES OF CROSS‐BORDER PRODUCTION NETWORKS OF TAIWANESE PC INVESTMENT IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA, CHINA
Authors: YANG CHUN , LIAO HAIFENG
Published: May 2009

In the new era of globalisation, participation in the global production network (GPN) initiated by transnational corporations (TNC) has created upgrading possibilities for local firms in developing countries, through the backward linkages of TNCs. Drawing upon the GPN approach with emphasis on its conceptualisation of embeddedness, this study demonstrates that cross‐border production networks of Taiwanese PC investment in Dongguan could be regarded as an exclusive network, which is characterised by closed backward linkages with pre‐established Taiwanese electronics suppliers while relatively weak ties with local suppliers in Dongguan. One of the results is that cross‐border production of Taiwanese PC investment has not substantially brought about industrial upgrading of Dongguan over the past two decades, which is different from previous empirical experiences of TNC‐driven clusters in other countries and regions in East Asia.
GOVERNING ‘SPACES OF INTERACTION’ FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
Authors: BUSH SIMON R.
Published: May 2009

This paper introduces the concept of ‘spaces of interaction’ to determine how existing market‐based governance tools improve participation and deliberation between actors along fish value chains. Exploring these linkages through the sociology of environmental flows and interactive governance theory the paper discusses: (1) how market‐based governance tools facilitate interaction within national and international value chains; (2) which links they target; and (3) what key actors they involve. Three market‐based governance tools are compared −Das Fisch‐o‐Meter, the Scottish Sustainable Haddock Project and the Marine Stewardship Council − to illustrate the structure and function of different market‐based spaces of interaction. The paper concludes that by understanding the kinds of interactions that are facilitated by market‐based governance arrangements we can determine their potential for fostering changes in consumption and production practices which ultimately lead to sustainable fisheries.
Dihydrotestosterone modulates spatial working‐memory performance in male mice
Authors: Benice Ted S. , Raber Jacob
Published: May 2009

Androgens affect cognitive processes in both humans and animals. The effects of androgens may be limited to certain cognitive domains, specifically spatial memory, but this hypothesis remains elusive. Here, we tested castrated and sham‐operated mice in various behavioral tasks to ask whether androgens affect multiple or specific cognitive domains in male mice. Castration impaired spatial working memory performance in the delayed matching to place water maze task following a 1‐h, but not a 1‐min, retention interval, as has been reported for rats. In contrast, castration had no effect on novel object recognition memory, spatial reference memory in the water maze, motor coordination, or passive avoidance memory. Castration increased anxiety‐like behavior in the open field test, but not the elevated zero maze. Finally, we assessed the effects of androgen replacement with non‐aromatizable dihydrotestosterone on spatial working memory following various retention intervals. Dihydrotestosterone recovered spatial memory performance following a 24‐h, but not a 1‐h retention interval, and had no effect at other retention intervals. These data support that in male mice androgens specifically affect spatial working memory performance, and that the neurobiological processes underlying spatial memory formation may be differentially affected by androgens.
Muscleblind‐like 2: circadian expression in the mammalian pineal gland is controlled by an adrenergic‐cAMP mechanism
Authors: Kim Jong‐So , Coon Steven L. , Weller Joan L. , Blackshaw Seth , Rath Martin F. , Møller Morten , Klein David C.
Published: May 2009

Muscleblind‐like 2 (Mbnl2) is a zinc finger protein first identified in Drosophila. It appears to be essential for photoreceptor development and to be involved in RNA splicing. Here we report that Mbnl2 is strongly expressed in the rat pineal gland. The abundance of pineal Mbnl2 transcripts follows a marked circadian rhythm with peak levels approximately sevenfold higher at night than day levels. Mbnl2 protein exhibits a similar rhythm. In vitro studies indicate that the abundance of Mbnl2 transcripts and protein are controlled by an adrenergic/cAMP mechanism.
A hypersaline microbial mat from the Pacific Atoll Kiritimati: insights into composition and carbon fixation using biomarker analyses and a 13C‐labeling approach
Authors: BÜHRING S. I. , SMITTENBERG R. H. , SACHSE D. , LIPP J. S. , GOLUBIC S. , SACHS J. P. , HINRICHS K.‐U. , SUMMONS R. E.
Published: May 2009

Modern microbial mats are widely recognized as useful analogs for the study of biogeochemical processes relevant to paleoenvironmental reconstruction in the Precambrian. We combined microscopic observations and investigations of biomarker composition to investigate community structure and function in the upper layers of a thick phototrophic microbial mat system from a hypersaline lake on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Northern Line Islands, Republic of Kiribati. In particular, an exploratory incubation experiment with 13C‐labeled bicarbonate was conducted to pinpoint biomarkers from organisms actively fixing carbon. A high relative abundance of the cyanobacterial taxa Aphanocapsa and Aphanothece was revealed by microscopic observation, and cyanobacterial fatty acids and hydrocarbons showed 13C‐uptake in the labeling experiment. Microscopic observations also revealed purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) in the deeper layers. A cyclic C19:0 fatty acid and farnesol were attributed to this group that was also actively fixing carbon. Background isotopic values indicate Calvin–Benson cycle‐based autotrophy for cycC19:0 and farnesol‐producing PSBs. Biomarkers from sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) in the top layer of the mat and their 13C‐uptake patterns indicated a close coupling between SRBs and cyanobacteria. Archaeol, possibly from methanogens, was detected in all layers and was especially abundant near the surface where it contained substantial amounts of 13C‐label. Intact glycosidic tetraether lipids detected in the deepest layer indicated other archaea. Large amounts of ornithine and betaine bearing intact polar lipids could be an indicator of a phosphate‐limited ecosystem, where organisms that are able to substitute these for phospholipids may have a competitive advantage.
Biogeochemical changes induced in uranium mining waste pile samples by uranyl nitrate treatments under anaerobic conditions
Authors: GEISSLER A. , MERROUN M. , GEIPEL G. , REUTHER H. , SELENSKA‐POBELL S.
Published: May 2009

Response of the subsurface soil bacterial community of a uranium mining waste pile to treatments with uranyl nitrate over different periods of time was studied under anaerobic conditions. The fate of the added U(VI) without supplementation with electron donors was investigated as well. By using 16S rRNA gene retrieval, we demonstrated that incubation with uranyl nitrate for 4 weeks resulted in a strong reduction in and even disappearance of some of the most predominant bacterial groups of the original sample. Instead, a strong proliferation of denitrifying and uranium‐resistant populations of Rahnella spp. from Gammaproteobacteria and of Firmicutes occurred. After longer incubations for 14 weeks with uranyl nitrate, bacterial diversity increased and populations intrinsic to the untreated samples such as Bacteroidetes and Deltaproteobacteria propagated and replaced the above‐mentioned uranium‐resistant groups. This indicated that U(VI) was immobilized. Mössbauer spectroscopic analysis revealed an increased Fe(III) reduction by increasing the incubation time from four to 14 weeks. This result signified that Fe(III) was used as an electron acceptor by the bacterial community established at the later stages of the treatment. X‐ray absorption spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that no detectable amounts of U(VI) were reduced to U(IV) in the time frames of the performed experiments. The reason for this observation is possibly due to the low level of electron donors in the studied oligotrophic environment. Time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that most of the added U(VI) was bound by organic or inorganic phosphate phases both of biotic origin.
Cysteine‐independent inhibition of the CFTR chloride channel by the cysteine‐reactive reagent sodium (2‐sulphonatoethyl) methanethiosulphonate
Authors: Li M‐S , Demsey AFA , Qi J , Linsdell P
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Methanethiosulphonate (MTS) reagents are used extensively to modify covalently cysteine side chains in ion channel structure‐function studies. We have investigated the interaction between a widely used negatively charged MTS reagent, (2‐sulphonatoethyl) methanethiosulphonate (MTSES), and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl‐ channel.

Experimental approach:  Patch clamp recordings were used to study a ‘cys‐less’ variant of human CFTR, in which all 18 endogenous cysteine residues have been removed by mutagenesis, expressed in mammalian cell lines. Use of excised inside–out membrane patches allowed MTS reagents to be applied to the cytoplasmic face of active channels.

Key results:  Intracellular application of MTSES, but not the positively charged MTSET, inhibited the function of cys‐less CFTR. Inhibition was voltage dependent, with a Kd of 1.97 mmol·L−1 at −80 mV increasing to 36 mmol·L−1 at +80 mV. Inhibition was completely reversed on washout of MTSES, inconsistent with covalent modification of the channel protein. At the single channel level, MTSES caused a concentration‐dependent reduction in unitary current amplitude. This inhibition was strengthened when extracellular Cl‐ concentration was decreased.

Conclusions and implications:  Our results indicate that MTSES inhibits the function of CFTR in a manner that is independent of its ability to modify cysteine residues covalently. Instead, we suggest that MTSES functions as an open channel blocker that enters the CFTR channel pore from its cytoplasmic end to physically occlude Cl‐ permeation. Given the very widespread use of MTS reagents in functional studies, our findings offer a broadly applicable caveat to the interpretation of results obtained from such studies.
A GIS‐Based Comparison of the Mexican National and IUCN Methods for Determining Extinction Risk
Authors: ARROYO TERESA P. FERIA , OLSON MARK E. , GARCÍA‐MENDOZA ABISAÍ , SOLANO ELOY
Published: May 2009

Abstract: The national systems used in the evaluation of extinction risk are often touted as more readily applied and somehow more regionally appropriate than the system of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We compared risk assessments of the Mexican national system (method for evaluation of risk of extinction of wild species [MER]) with the IUCN system for the 16Polianthestaxa (Agavaceae), a genus of plants with marked variation in distribution sizes. We used a novel combination of herbarium data, geographic information systems (GIS), and species distribution models to provide rapid, repeatable estimates of extinction risk. Our GIS method showed that the MER and the IUCN system use similar data. Our comparison illustrates how the IUCN method can be applied even when all desirable data are not available, and that the MER offers no special regional advantage with respect to the IUCN regional system. Instead, our results coincided, with both systems identifying 14 taxa of conservation concern and the remaining two taxa of low risk, largely because both systems use similar information. An obstacle for the application of the MER is that there are no standards for quantifying the criteria of habitat condition and intrinsic biological vulnerability. If these impossible‐to‐quantify criteria are left out, what are left are geographical distribution and the impact of human activity, essentially the considerations we were able to assess for the IUCN method. Our method has the advantage of making the IUCN criteria easy to apply, and because each step can be standardized between studies, it ensures greater comparability of extinction risk estimates among taxa.
Cadmium Flows Caused by the Worldwide Production of Primary Zinc Metal
Authors: Achternbosch Matthias , Kupsch Christel , Sardemann Gerhard , Bräutigam Klaus‐Rainer
Published: May 2009

Material flows of the economic cycle can contain toxic substances, which enter the economy as impurities in raw materials or are intentionally added as minor or even main constituents during the manufacture of industrial or consumer goods. Cadmium, predominantly associated with zinc minerals, is a by‐product of the primary zinc production. Cadmium is generated when zinc is extracted from zinc ores and concentrates, an intermediate product resulting from flotation processing after the zinc ore has been mined and milled. Information on the amount of cadmium generated from zinc extraction is rarely published. In this article, we assess generation and fate of cadmium accumulating worldwide in the production of primary zinc from ores and concentrates. Model calculations for the beginning of the 21st century show that annually about 30,000 tonnes of cadmium were generated, but only approximately 16,000 tonnes were converted to primary cadmium metal, key material for the production of other cadmium compounds (e.g., cadmium oxide), and cadmium‐containing goods (e.g., nickel−cadmium batteries). Hence, about 14,000 tonnes of cadmium must have been transferred somewhere else. The fate of about 5,500 tonnes can be plausibly explained, but it is difficult to determine what happens to the rest.
Construction of Social Reality During Early Adolescence: Can Expecting Storm and Stress Increase Real or Perceived Storm and Stress?
Authors: Buchanan Christy M. , Hughes Johna L.
Published: May 2009

This study examines whether mothers' or adolescents' expectations concerning “storm and stress” behaviors at adolescence predict subsequent real or perceived adolescent behavior and attributes during the early years of adolescence. The study used a short‐term longitudinal design. Participants were 6th‐ and 7th‐grade adolescents and their mothers (N=270 families). Data were collected via telephone interviews and questionnaires at 2 time points approximately 1 year apart. Results indicated that adolescents' expectations for risk‐taking/rebelliousness and for alienation and mothers' expectations for risk‐taking/rebelliousness predicted increases in corresponding adolescent‐reported outcomes over the 1‐year period. Results are most consistent with the possibility of perceptual biases with respect to storm and stress behaviors, but could indicate the existence of self‐fulfilling prophecies, particularly for risk‐taking/rebelliousness.
Posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy: sensitivity of proposed new diagnostic criteria
Authors: Kennedy Glen A. , Bleakley Shane , Butler Jason , Mudie Kari , Kearey Natasha , Durrant Simon
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Objective diagnosis of transplantation‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) has traditionally been difficult due to the multiple potential etiologies of thrombocytopenia and red blood cell fragmentation occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). To attempt to address this issue of diagnostic uncertainty, two new diagnostic criteria for TA‐TMA have recently been proposed: the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT‐CTN) and the International Working Group (IWG) criteria. However, both newly proposed criteria are yet to be clinically validated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All 15 cases of TA‐TMA previously diagnosed at the authors' institution between December 2001 and March 2008 were retrospectively reclassified under the newly proposed BMT‐CTN and IWG criteria.

RESULTS: Potential diagnostic pitfalls were identified in both the BMT‐CTN and the IWG TA‐TMA criteria. The main limitation of the BMT‐CTN criteria appeared to be need for concurrent renal and/or neurologic dysfunction to be manifest at TA‐TMA diagnosis, which was present in only 73% of our patient cohort. For the IWG criteria, the main limitation to TA‐TMA diagnosis appeared to be the requirement for schistocytosis of more than 4%, which was present in only 27% of these patients.

CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that potentially significant diagnostic pitfalls remain with both recently proposed TA‐TMA diagnostic criteria, pitfalls that are likely to limit the diagnostic sensitivity of both. It is recommended that further clinical correlation of both the BMT‐CTN and the IWG criteria be undertaken before either is routinely adapted into SCT practice.
Virus inactivation during the freeze‐drying processes as used for the manufacture of plasma‐derived medicinal products
Authors: Unger Ulrike , Poelsler Gerhard , Modrof Jens , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Freeze‐drying is a technology widely used during the production of plasma‐derived medicinal products. Several studies have shown that freeze‐drying can also result in virus inactivation and particularly of hepatitis A virus (HAV). To date, however, the variables critical for virus inactivation during freeze‐drying have not been investigated systematically.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Five different lyophilization processes covering the range used for different plasma‐derived medicinal products (Factor [F]VII, FVIII, F IX, FVIII inhibitor bypassing activity, and fibrin sealer protein [FSP]) were investigated for their potential to inactivate HAV as well as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV).

RESULTS: Our investigation demonstrates that freeze‐drying results in significant inactivation of HAV, with reduction factors between 2.5 and 5.9 log [TCID50]. Also, BVDV and PRV were inactivated, although to a lesser extent. While the specific details of the freeze‐drying processes investigated only had a minor influence on virus inactivation, the different compositions of product intermediates had a rather pronounced impact.

CONCLUSION: Lyophilization contributes to the safety of plasma derivatives, in particular with the inactivation of HAV. The extent of HAV inactivation is strongly influenced by the respective product matrix rather than the design of the lyophilization cycle, which will require a case‐to‐case assessment for each product intermediate.
RhCE protein variants in Southwestern Germany detected by serologic routine testing
Authors: Bugert Peter , Scharberg Erwin A. , Geisen Christof , Zabern Inge von , Flegel Willy A.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Variant RHCE alleles with diminished expression of C, c, E, and e antigens have been described and indicate the genetic diversity of this gene locus in several populations. In this study the molecular background of variant RhCE antigens identified by standard serologic routine testing in German blood donors and patients was determined.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from blood donors and patients were routinely analyzed for RhCE phenotype using the PK7200 analyzer with two sets of monoclonal anti‐C, ‐c, ‐E, and ‐e reagents. Samples with confirmed variant RhCE antigens were analyzed by nucleotide sequencing of the 10 RHCE exons. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific priming (PCR‐SSP) method was established for rapid typing of the rare RHCE alleles.

RESULTS: We identified 43 samples with serologic RhCE variants. Molecular analysis revealed variant RHCE alleles in 34 samples. Altogether 22 RHCE alleles were detected; 10 have not been published before. Twenty alleles harbored distinct single‐nucleotide substitutions, 18 of which encoded amino acid changes and 2 of which occurred in noncoding regions. Two samples represented RHCE‐D‐CE hybrid alleles involving different segments of the RHCE Exon 5. A multiplex PCR‐SSP screening for 17 RHCE alleles was negative in 1344 samples of the DNA bank GerBS. The cumulative phenotype frequency was estimated between 1 in 488 (0.20%) and 1 in 8449 (0.012%).

CONCLUSION: Single‐amino‐acid substitutions were the molecular basis for variant RhCE antigen expression in most samples. Nucleotide substitutions in RHCE exons were excluded as possible mechanism of diminished RhCE antigen expression in one‐fifth of the serologically identified samples.
“Queremos Aprender”: Latino Immigrants' Call to Integrate Cultural Adaptation with Best Practice Knowledge in a Parenting Intervention
Authors: PARRA CARDONA JOSÉ , HOLTROP KENDAL , CÓRDOVA, JR. DAVID , ESCOBAR‐CHEW ANA ROCIO , HORSFORD SHEENA , TAMS LISA , VILLARRUEL FRANCISCO A. , VILLALOBOS GRACIELA , DATES BRIAN , ANTHONY JAMES C. , FITZGERALD HIRAM E.
Published: May 2009

Despite the unique and challenging circumstances confronting Latino immigrant families, debate still exists as to the need to culturally adapt evidence‐based interventions for dissemination with this population. Following the grounded theory approach, the current qualitative investigation utilized focus group interviews with 83 Latino immigrant parents to explore the relevance of culturally adapting an evidence‐based parenting intervention to be disseminated within this population. Findings from this study indicate that Latino immigrant parents want to participate in a culturally adapted parenting intervention as long as it is culturally relevant, respectful, and responsive to their life experiences. Research results also suggest that the parenting skills participants seek to enhance are among those commonly targeted by evidence‐based parenting interventions. This study contributes to the cultural adaptation/fidelity balance debate by highlighting the necessity of exploring ways to develop culturally adapted interventions characterized by high cultural relevance, as well as high fidelity to the core components that have established efficacy for evidence‐based parenting interventions.
Commentary: On the Wisdom and Challenges of Culturally Attuned Treatments for Latinos
Authors: FALICOV CELIA JAES
Published: May 2009

In this commentary, I outline the common and distinctive components in the cultural adaptation studies in this special issue and compare cultural adaptations with universalistic and culture‐specific perspectives. The term cultural attunement may be more reflective than cultural adaptation insofar as the cultural additions in these studies make the treatments more accessible by adding language translation, cultural values, and contextual stressors. These additions most likely enhance the level of engagement and retention in therapy for Latino families. The work ahead requires a deeper examination of the cultural theories of psychological distress and the cultural theories of change in therapy. A final proposal is made in this commentary for considering the bicultural aspects of the cultural adaptation or attunement enterprise, insofar as the clinical research encounters with immigrants are bicultural encounters. These encounters can reach beyond the notion of cultural “adaptation” of mainstream evidence‐based treatments to ethnic minorities and present a unique opportunity for mutually enriching bicultural integration of theory, research, and practice.
Differential Effects of EGFR Ligands on Endocytic Sorting of the Receptor
Authors: Roepstorff Kirstine , Grandal Michael Vibo , Henriksen Lasse , Knudsen Stine Louise Jeppe , Lerdrup Mads , Grøvdal Lene , Willumsen Berthe Marie , Van Deurs Bo
Published: May 2009

Endocytic downregulation is a pivotal mechanism turning off signalling from the EGF receptor (EGFR). It is well established that whereas EGF binding leads to lysosomal degradation of EGFR, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐α causes receptor recycling. TGF‐α therefore leads to continuous signalling and is a more potent mitogen than EGF. In addition to EGF and TGF‐α, five EGFR ligands have been identified. Although many of these ligands are upregulated in cancers, very little is known about their effect on EGFR trafficking.

We have compared the effect of six different ligands on endocytic trafficking of EGFR. We find that, whereas they all stimulate receptor internalization, they have very diverse effects on endocytic sorting. Heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor and Betacellulin target all EGFRs for lysosomal degradation. In contrast, TGF‐α and epiregulin lead to complete receptor recycling. EGF leads to lysosomal degradation of the majority but not all EGFRs. Amphiregulin does not target EGFR for lysosomal degradation but causes fast as well as slow EGFR recycling. The Cbl ubiquitin ligases, especially c‐Cbl, are responsible for EGFR ubiquitination after stimulation with all ligands, and persistent EGFR phosphorylation and ubiquitination largely correlate with receptor degradation.
Rapid Recovery of Biomass, Species Richness, and Species Composition in a Forest Chronosequence in Northeastern Costa Rica
Authors: Letcher Susan G. , Chazdon Robin L.
Published: May 2009

Secondary forests are a vital part of the tropical landscape, and their worldwide extent and importance continues to increase. Here, we present the largest chronosequence data set on forest succession in the wet tropics that includes both secondary and old‐growth sites. We performed 0.1 ha vegetation inventories in 30 sites in northeastern Costa Rica, including seven old‐growth forests and 23 secondary forests on former pastures, ranging from 10 to 42 yr. The secondary forest sites were formerly pasture for intervals of <1–25 yr. Aboveground biomass in secondary forests recovered rapidly, with sites already exhibiting values comparable to old growth after 21–30 yr, and biomass accumulation was not impacted by the length of time that a site was in pasture. Species richness reached old‐growth levels in as little as 30 yr, although sites that were in pasture for > 10 yr had significantly lower species richness. Forest cover near the sites at the time of forest establishment did not significantly impact biomass or species richness, and the species composition of older secondary forest sites (>30 yr) converged with that of old growth. These results emphasize the resilience of tropical ecosystems in this region and the high conservation value of secondary forests.
Impact of Flooding on the Species Richness, Density and Composition of Amazonian Litter‐Nesting Ants
Authors: Mertl Amy L. , Ryder Wilkie Kari T. , Traniello James F. A.
Published: May 2009

Litter‐nesting ants are diverse and abundant in tropical forests, but the factors structuring their communities are poorly known. Here we present results of the first study to examine the impact of natural variation in flooding on a highly diverse (21 genera, 77 species) litter‐nesting ant community in a primary Amazonian forest. Fifty‐six 3 × 3 m plots experiencing strong variation in flooding and twenty‐eight 3 × 3 m terra firme plots were exhaustively searched for litter‐nesting ants to determine patterns of density, species richness and species composition. In each plot, flooding, litter depth, twig availability, canopy cover, plant density, percent soil nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus were measured. Degree of flooding, measured as flood frequency and flood interval, had the strongest impact on ant density in flooded forest. Flooding caused a linear decrease in ant abundance, potentially due to a reduction of suitable nesting sites. However, its influence on species richness varied: low‐disturbance habitat had species richness equal to terra firme forest after adjusting for differences in density. The composition of ant genera and species varied among flood categories; some groups known to contain specialist predators were particularly intolerant to flooding. Hypoponera STD10 appeared to be well‐adapted to highly flooded habitat. Although flooding did not appear to increase species richness or abundance at the habitat scale, low‐flooding habitat contained a mixture of species found in the significantly distinct ant communities of terra firme and highly flooded habitat.
The Effect of Rain Forest Canopy Architecture on the Distribution of Epiphytic Ferns (Asplenium spp.) in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Fayle Tom M. , Chung Arthur Y. C. , Dumbrell Alex J. , Eggleton Paul , Foster William A.
Published: May 2009

Epiphytic plants are a dominant component of the rain forest canopy biota. They represent a significant proportion of canopy plant biomass and diversity, play a key role in nutrient cycling, and support highly abundant and diverse animal communities. Understanding the factors affecting their distribution in this three‐dimensional habitat is consequently of great importance, not least because they may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and habitat conversion. Here we investigate how canopy architecture affects the distribution of two species of bird's nest fern (Asplenium spp.) in pristine rain forest. Both species were found at high abundances (Asplenium phyllitidis: 136/ha, SE ± 31.6, Asplenium nidus: 44/ha, SE ± 9.2) and their distributions were differentially affected by canopy architecture. Asplenium phyllitidis was found only at heights < 30 m in areas with a thicker lower canopy layer. Asplenium nidus was found at all heights in the canopy and was associated with emergent trees and areas with an open understory. Larger A. phyllitidis were found higher in the canopy while larger A. nidus were found on trunks and branches with a wider diameter. Asplenium nidus seems adapted to withstand the hot dry conditions in the upper canopy and in gaps, and its size is consequently limited only by the size of its support. Asplenium phyllitidis is dominant in areas that are cooler and damper, and so the growth rate of individuals may be limited by light levels. We discuss possible implications of this partitioning for epiphyte communities in the face of climate change and habitat conversion.
Reproductive potential of field‐collected overwintering boll weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) fed on pollen in the laboratory
Authors: Greenberg S. M. , Jones G. D. , Adamczyk, Jr. J. J. , Eischen F. , Armstrong J. S. , Coleman R. J. , Sétamou M. , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: May 2009

Abstract  The reproductive potential of overwintering boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Boheman), females collected from pheromone traps in September, November and January, fed for 1, 3, and 5 weeks on plant pollens, and then provided cotton squares, was determined in the laboratory at 27 ± 1°C, 65% RH, and a photoperiod 13 : 11 (L : D) h. Duration of pollen feeding by overwintering boll weevils did not significantly influence egg and feeding punctures, or puncture ratios (egg to total punctures) for any of the three months of parent weevil collections when provided cotton squares on a daily basis. However, punctures and puncture ratios are significantly different when comparing mean data between months of boll weevil collections. When boll weevils were provided with cotton squares daily, the pre‐ovipositional periods of female parents captured in September, November and January were 5, 9 and 14 days, respectively. The rate of eggs by females was significantly lower during November and January than September. Female parents collected in September produced a significantly higher percentage of eggs yielding adult progeny than those collected in November and January. Life table parameters indicated that net reproductive rate (Ro) of boll weevil females collected in September was 1.2‐fold higher than those collected in November and 10.7‐fold higher than those collected in January. Except for testes size, no differences in male reproductive parameters were observed during the cotton‐free period compared with males captured during mid‐cotton (June). The number of oocytes in the ovarioles and the number of oocytes containing yolk were significantly lower during September, November and January compared with June. The reproductive potential of overwintering boll weevil females collected in different months is an important consideration in determining the success of any control strategy.
DISCRIMINATION OF SOME TUNISIAN OLIVE OIL VARIETIES ACCORDING TO THEIR OXIDATIVE STABILITY, VOLATILES COMPOUNDS AND CHEMOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: ISSAOUI MANEL , HASSINE KAOUTHER BEN , FLAMINI GUIDO , BRAHMI FATEN , CHEHAB HECHMI , AOUNI YOUSSEF , MECHRI BELIGH , ZARROUK MOKHTAR , HAMMAMI MOHAMED
Published: May 2009

Oxidation stability is a key property of olive oil quality and is affected by different antioxidant compounds whose levels may be influenced by several factors such as cultivar and place of production. Polyphenols, carotenoids, chlorophylls, fatty acids levels and some volatiles were correlated to oxidative stability in olive oils in five samples studied. Total polyphenols and saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids (and/or oleic to linoleic acid ratio) ratio were shown to be the major parameters in oil antioxidant stability, according to analysis of variance and principal component analysis. The hexanal/E‐2‐hexenal ratio is a very important indicator of the freshness of the oils and can estimate their oxidation degree.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The present study gives information about the importance and the variability of some Tunisian olive oil varieties in both their quality (high oxidative stability) and good organoleptic properties which could be appreciated by consumers.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY PLANT CEREBROSIDE ON GENE EXPRESSION IN THE LARGE INTESTINE OF 1,2‐DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE (DMH)‐TREATED MICE DETERMINED BY DNA MICROARRAY ANALYSIS
Authors: KINOSHITA MIKIO , AIDA KAZUHIKO , TOKUJI YOSHIHIKO , SUGAWARA TATSUYA , OHNISHI MASAO
Published: May 2009

The effects of dietary plant cerebroside on colon gene expression by DNA microarray analysis in 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐treated mice were investigated. After 9 weeks of feeding with DMH, decreases and increases in the levels of expression of 110 and 145 genes were detected, respectively. Especially, the expression of Soggy‐1, which suppresses the Wnt signaling pathway, was increased, while that of Ras‐associated protein, which induces the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP)‐kinase pathway and is responsible for the development of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), was decreased. The results of the present study indicated that dietary cerebroside in DMH‐treated mice regulates the Wnt signaling and MAP‐kinase pathways, and prevents the development of ACF in the large intestine.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Dietary plant cerebroside increased expression of Soggy‐1 mRNA, which suppresses the Wnt signaling pathway, and decreased expression ofRas‐associated protein, which induces the MAP‐kinase pathway in 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH)‐treated mice. The results of the present study indicated that dietary cerebroside in DMH‐treated mice regulates the Wnt signaling and MAP‐kinase pathways, and prevents the development of aberrant crypt foci in the large intestine, thus being of potential use for nutraceutical applications.
Real‐time, once‐daily monitoring of symptoms and FEV1 in cystic fibrosis patients – A feasibility study using a novel device
Authors: Sarfaraz Sunny , Sund Zoe , Jarad Nabil
Published: May 2009

Background and Aims:  We investigated feasibility and value of a real‐time electronic monitoring system adapted for early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (P Exs).

Methods:  This was a 6‐month prospective study. Patients recorded once daily their symptom score and spirometry using an electronic diary. The data were sent daily to the research team in real time. P Ex was considered to be present when change in symptoms and lung function values met a preset criteria. Number of P Exs during the study was compared with a parallel period of the previous and of the following years.

Results:  Only 19 patients (37.2%) completed recording that could be evaluated. A total of 53 P Exs were identified, 26 (49.0%) of which needed intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The number of total P Exs in the study year did not differ from the previous or the following year, but the number of courses of oral antibiotics was greater than those given during the previous year.

Conclusion:  Remote daily monitoring of symptoms and spirometry had a poor uptake among CF patients. For those who completed the study, this method early detected P Exs that were treated with oral antibiotics that might otherwise required IV antibiotics.

Please cite this paper as: Sarfaraz S, Sund Z and Jarad N. Real‐time, once‐daily monitoring of symptoms and FEV1 in cystic fibrosis patients – A feasibility study using a novel device. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 74–82.
Isolation and characterization of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci for a West Indian iguana (Cyclura pinguis) from the British Virgin Islands
Authors: LAU JENNIE , ALBERTS ALLISON C. , CHEMNICK LEONA G. , GERBER GLENN P. , JONES KENNETH C. , MITCHELL ADELE A. , RYDER OLIVER A.
Published: May 2009

Twenty‐three polymorphic microsatellite markers were identified and characterized for Cyclura pinguis, a critically endangered species of lizard (Sauria: Iguanidae) native to Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands. We examined variation at these loci for 39 C. pinguis, finding up to five alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.55. Allele frequency estimates for these microsatellite loci will be used to characterize genetic diversity of captive and wild C. pinguis populations and to estimate relatedness among adult iguanas at the San Diego Zoo that form the nucleus of a captive breeding programme for this critically endangered species.
p53 gene mutation and COX‐2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Moon‐Il , Choi Song‐Yi , Na Sun‐Young , Kang Dae Young
Published: May 2009

Backgroud and aim: We investigated the incidence of codon 249 mutation of p53 in hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) and the relation between cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in HCC and survival of the patients. Methods: Forty‐one cases of HCC from 1988 to 2007 were retrieved from the files of department of pathology, Chungnam National University Hospital. We performed single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct DNA sequencing for detection of p53 mutation and immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody to COX‐2. Results: SSCP and direct DNA sequencing revealed a p53 mutation at exon 7 in one of 41 cases (2.4%). The mutation was observed at codon 249 and consisted of a G–T transversion in the third position of this codon, resulting in an amino acid change from arginine to serine (missense mutation). Positive COX‐2 staining (score ≥ 100) was observed in thirty‐three of 41 cases (80.5%) and high score (score ≥ 200) in 15 of 41 (36.6%). The high‐score group showed a worse survival than the low‐score group (score < 200) in Fisher's exact test with confidence level at 90%. Conclusion: This is the first report on the existence of p53 codon 249 mutation of HCC in Korea.
Clinicopathological significance of cyclin A, p27 and Skp2 in ovarian epithelial tumors
Authors: Heo Jin Hyung , Kim Kwang Il , Lee Sun Young , Kim Tae Heon , Kang Haeyoun , An Hee Jung
Published: May 2009

Background and aims: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the difference of immunophenotypes of cyclin A, skp2 and p27 in ovarian epithelial tumors and to determine the potential role of these molecules in ovarian cancer development and progression. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for cyclin A, skp2 and p27 was performed using tissue microarray blocks that contained 211 ovarian epithelial tumors including 78 carcinomas (43 serous, 10 mucinous, 17 endometrioid, 8 clear cell), 73 borderline tumors (26 serous, 47 mucinous) and 60 benign tumors. Results: Cyclin A and skp2 overexpression were more frequently detected in malignant tumors of all histological subtype than in borderline and benign tumors except clear cell type (cyclin A: serous 77%; P < 0.0001, mucinous 40%; P < 0.0001, and endometrioid 59%; P < 0.0001, Skp2: serous 42%; P= 0.0004, mucinous 50%; P= 0.003, and endometrioid 59%; P= 0.0003). In addition, cyclin A expression was significantly associated with higher tumor grade (P= 0.034) and advanced clinical stages (P= 0.011). Loss of p27 expression was observed more frequently in the benign and borderline mucinous tuomors, but there is no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Cyclin A and skp2 expression is related to the development of ovarian carcinomas. However, we could not find a significant alteration of p27 expression in ovarian adenocarcinomas.
Contractual and Accounting Controls in Outsourcing Agreements: Evidence from the Australian Home Loan Industry
Authors: Rooney Jim , Cuganesan Suresh
Published: May 2009

The objective of the article is to examine the contract–accounting control relationship in an outsourcing context and, specifically, issues such as the extent to which contracts and accounting are jointly implemented and integrated in managing supplier relationships. Through an exploratory analysis of outsourcing arrangements in the Australian home loan industry, the study finds that the contracts examined provided a broad relationship frame rather than controls that could be utilised to manage the relationship. Also, accounting controls were only implemented once the outsourcing relationship was underway. Finally, accounting controls operated independently of the contract in two of the three cases examined.