bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex, Rank and Age Differences in the Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui) Participation in Inter‐Group Encounters
Authors: Majolo Bonaventura , Ventura Raffaella , Koyama Nicola F.
Published: April 2005

In many species interactions among group are often characterized by agonistic behaviour. Although animals may participate in inter‐group encounters in different ways, depending on their energetic requirements, reproductive tactics, and/or developmental stage, the proximate causes affecting an animal's participation in inter‐group encounters are still poorly understood. Indeed, many studies have analysed the behaviour of males and females during inter‐group encounters without considering the importance of additional factors (e.g. rank). This study focuses on wild non‐provisioned Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) living on Yakushima Island, Japan. It aims to determine how monkeys of different sex, age, and rank behave during inter‐group encounters and it discusses the implications and consequences of their behaviour on group composition and male dispersal. Males participated significantly more than females in inter‐group encounters, by displaying more aggressive or affiliative behaviour. High‐ranking and/or adult males were more aggressive than low‐ranking and/or subadult males during encounters occurring in the mating season and they also showed more herding behaviour. This trend was not found in inter‐group encounters occurring during the non‐mating season. Finally, males which then emigrated to new groups were low‐ranking and/or subadult individuals. Those males displayed more affiliative behaviour towards foreign males than males which did emigrate. These data indicate that in non‐territorial species with male dominance over female and high competition for mating partners males play an active, and often aggressive, role during inter‐group encounter while female participation is scarce. Factors such as age, rank and period of the year (in seasonally breeding species) have to be taken into considerations when analysing interactions between groups and their effects on group composition and social behaviour.
Double‐chambered right ventricle: Magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Indira N , Sreedhar M , Barooah B
Published: April 2005

Primary double‐chambered right ventricle is an uncommon congenital anomaly that presents with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in childhood or adolescence. A search of the literature revealed only a few documented case reports with MRI findings. We present a case with mixed lesions, and with anomalous muscle bundles located both in the middle portion of the right ventricular sinus and at the subinfundibular level.
Successful medical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a patient with Behçet's disease: Imaging findings
Authors: Yekeler E , Tunaci A , Tunaci M , Kamali S , Gul A , Acunas B
Published: April 2005

Arterial manifestations of Behçet's disease consist of aneurysm formation, stenosis and occlusion. Aneurysms in Behçet's disease most commonly involve the pulmonary arteries and have been shown to resolve with medical treatment. However, this regression pattern with medical therapy has not been reported for aortic aneurysms to date. We present a 43‐year‐old man with bilateral abdominal aortic aneurysms resulting from Behçet's disease resolving with medical therapy.
Castleman's disease with isolated extensive cervical involvement
Authors: Yildirim H , Cihangiroglu M , Ozdemir H , Kabaalioglu A , Yekeler H , Kalender O
Published: April 2005

Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder of uncertain cause characterized by a distinctive pattern of hypervascular lymphoid hyperplasia. Computed tomography and MRI can be used to define the extent of disease. The latter may be used to detect curvilinear hypointensities within the abnormal node. Symmetrical involvement of nasopharyngeal and parapharyngeal regions in our case without disease elsewhere is considered to be an unusual presentation.
Evaluation of the use of computed tomography versus conventional orthogonal X‐ray simulation in the treatment of rectal cancer
Authors: Chao M , Gibbs P , Tjandra J , Darben P , Lim‐Joon D , Jones IT
Published: April 2005

The aim of this study is to compare and contrast the treatment fields designed using CT versus conventional orthogonal X‐ray simulation in the treatment of patients with rectal cancer given preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Nine patients participated in this study. The coverage of treatment fields, the volume of treatment fields, and the position of the anorectal junction in relation to the inferior border of the obturator foramen as the delineator of the pelvic floor were evaluated in each patient using CT and conventional orthogonal X‐ray simulation. The results demonstrated undercoverage of the anterior border of the lateral fields of up to 2.5 cm in seven of nine patients when conventional orthogonal X‐ray simulation was compared to CT simulation. In addition, the inferior border of the obturator foramen proved to be a poor delineator of the pelvic floor with the anorectal junction situated up to 2 cm superiorly in seven of nine patients. In conclusion, CT simulation is superior to conventional orthogonal X‐ray simulation when designing treatment fields for patients with rectal cancer.
How far does a doctor's ‘duty of care’ go?
Authors: Torda A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract

It is a long‐standing tradition in medicine that doctors have an ethical duty to care for all patients who fall within the scope of their skill base. This duty reflects the value system of many doctors and the type of typical dedication to their craft that has long been expected and given. The modern doctor, however, may have other additional roles – such as those of parent, researcher, businessperson and many others. What about the duties that accompany these other activities and what if these duties come into conflict with the duty to care for patients? How does a doctor decide how far the duty to care for patients extends? This article explores this question of duty and discusses how the notion of the traditional doctor's duty to care may need to be amended in light of the kinds of lives that doctors now lead. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 295–296)
Intra‐arterial thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Jones M. M. , Nogajski J. H. , Faulder K. , Harrington T. , Ng P. , Storey C. E.
Published: April 2005

Abstract

Several thrombolytic agents for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke have been examined; however, to date, only the i.v. administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is licensed in Australia. Although no trials directly comparing intra‐arterial and i.v. delivery of thrombolytics exist, intra‐arterial thrombolysis has several potential advantages, including angiographic assessment of the thrombus and the site of occlusion and collateral circulation, improved recanalization, and delivery of higher local concentrations of thrombolytic agents and extending the therapeutic time window for treatment. We conducted a retrospective audit of our experience with the use of intra‐arterial urokinase to treat acute ischaemic stroke at an Australian tertiary‐care hospital between June 1993 and June 2003. We examined time from stroke onset to assessment, computerized tomography scan, cerebral angiography and thrombolysis, anatomical classification of intra‐arterial thrombus, rates of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage, and clinical outcome at 3 months. We believe that in carefully selected individuals in appropriate centres of expertise, intra‐arterial thrombolytic therapy holds great promise. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 300–302)
Services Trade Liberalisation Strategies for APEC Member Economies
Authors: McGuire Greg , Findlay Christopher
Published: April 2005

A tribute to a member of our team

The work on measuring restrictions on trade in services would not have been possible without Kaleeswaran Kalirajan. KK, as he was known, was an extremely talented and energetic econometrician who worked tirelessly to develop new methodologies to measure the price and cost effects of restrictions on trade in services. KK died unexpectedly in 2003. He, and his pioneering contribution to this work, will not be forgotten.

APEC member economies are moving forward with liberalising their services markets. They have agreed to free and open trade and investment by 2020. In achieving this goal, APEC member economies can benefit greatly from understanding the effects of removing certain types of restrictions. This article brings together, for the first time, comprehensive measures of restrictions on trade in services and their liberalisation effects. APEC member economies can use these measures and analysis to devise strategies to pursue further services trade liberalisation.
Literacy difficulties and psychiatric disorders: evidence for comorbidity
Authors: Carroll Julia M. , Maughan Barbara , Goodman Robert , Meltzer Howard
Published: April 2005

Background:  Literacy difficulties show high levels of comorbidity with both disruptive and emotional disorders, but questions remain over the nature and specificity of these links.

Method:  Relationships between specific literacy difficulties and psychiatric disorder were investigated in a large‐scale national sample of children aged 9 to 15 years.

Results:  Specific literacy difficulties were more common in children from lower socio‐economic backgrounds, and were significantly associated with increased risks of Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (especially inattentive symptomatology), Conduct Disorder and anxiety disorders in both girls and boys, and with self‐reports of depressed mood in boys. Associations between literacy difficulties and diagnoses of both Attention‐Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) were mediated by inattentiveness, as were links with low mood. Links between specific literacy difficulties and anxiety were of a different nature, suggestive of a direct impact of literacy problems on risk for anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:  Literacy difficulties are significantly associated with externalising disorders via inattention, but may constitute a more immediate risk factor for naturally anxious children to develop clinically significant levels of anxiety.
Participation in power sports and antisocial involvement in preadolescent and adolescent boys
Authors: Endresen Inger M. , Olweus Dan
Published: April 2005

Background:  A limited number of mostly cross‐sectional studies have examined the possible effects of power sports on aggressive and antisocial involvement in children and youth. The majority of these studies have serious methodological limitations, and results are partly contradictory. Longitudinal studies with representative, reasonably large samples and adequate dependent variables are lacking.

Methods:  The relationship between participation in power or fight and strength sports (boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, and oriental martial arts) and violent and antisocial behaviour was examined in a sample of 477 boys, aged 11 to 13 years at Time 1, over a two‐year period. Making use of information about different participation patterns over time, the longitudinal design provided an opportunity to examine specified hypotheses about possible causal effects of power sports.

Results:  The total pattern of results strongly suggests that participation in power sports actually leads to an increase or enhancement of antisocial involvement in the form of elevated levels of violent as well as non‐violent antisocial behaviour outside sports. In addition, there were no indications of selection effects; the presence of such effects would imply that boys who started with power sports were characterised by already elevated levels of antisocial involvement.

Conclusions:  The results provide strong support for the ‘enhancement hypothesis’. The negative effects in boys seemed to stem from both the practice of power sports itself and from repeated contact with ‘macho’ attitudes, norms, and ideals. The negative effects of participation in power sports represent a societal problem of considerable dimensions which has been largely neglected up to now.
How Do Any Species Persist? Lessons for Conservation Biology
Authors: GOODMAN DANIEL
Published: April 2005

Abstract: Recent reformulation of the birth‐and‐death process model to include the effects of environmental variation on stochastic demography presents a pessimistic view of the prospects for persistence of small populations. The models indicate that modest increases in population size, or in the mean (positive) growth rate of the population, do not dramatically increase the mean persistence time. The key to long‐term persistence seems to lie in reducing the variance in the population growth rate.

Natural populations, of those species that are not numerous, achieve their persistence through a variety of variance‐reduction mechanisms. These notably include: I) risk‐averaging by wide geographic distribution over areas that experience mutually independent environmental variation, and 2) reliance on restricted “hot spots” of especially favorable habitat where the local population growth rate is almost invariably strongly positive when the population is not crowded.

These natural mechanisms depend on a spatial scale, and on species‐specific richness of habitat, which is not readily attained for many species on biological reserves with a “hamis‐off” management policy. However, these mechanisms can be mimicked by management intervention strategies‐particularly by reintroduction programs in an “archipelago” of geographically dispersed reserves that are otherwise mutually isolated and by resource augmentation, predator and disease control, and other survival‐and‐reproduction enhancement programs implemented specifcally at times when the population is at a low ebb.
Area Requirements for the Conservation of Rain Forest Raptors and Game Birds in French Guiana
Authors: THIOLLAY J.M.
Published: April 2005

Abstrack:

The distribution and density of diurnal raptors and large game birds were studied in the vast unbroken rain forest of French Guiana to bring some concrete data to the design of a national park Mainly by mapping the movements of raptors displaying over the canopy and estimating densities on understory strip transects, I tried to assess the species composition of I 1 2,500–ha plots of primary forest then to determine the actual population of a 10,000–ha area including all the major forest habitats Among 27 primary forest raptors 7 were recorded in all plots and 4 in only I or 2 plots. There was a near doubling of species with a tenfold increase in area but no 10,000–ha area and few 100,000–ha quadrats would include the full regional set of forest raptors A 10,000–ha plot included less than 100 pairs of diurnal raptors and only 23 species, 21 of which were represented by a mere I to 8 pairs. The three rarest species (harpy eagle, black caracara and orange‐breasted falcon) have extremely low densities and patchy distributions (on average 1 pair for 10,000 to 300,000‐ha), but narrow habitat selection or specialized diet are not the sole correlates of rarity. The dispute o w the best conservation strategy cannot be settled without a knowledge of the species' ecology that is currently lacking. Local patchiness and low dispersal ability usually argue for single large reserves, whereas some widely scattered species may be better protected in a network of smaller reserves According to the results and the (still unsupported) minimum size estimates of a viable population, the smallest Guianan rain forest reserve including a complete bird community should be somewhere between I and 10 million hectares Moreover, the large game birds were found to be high sensitive to hunting pressure even when it occurs around the protected area. Their seasonal movements make them especially vulnerable.
Genetically Effective Population Size of Large Mammals: An Assessment of Estimators
Authors: HARRIS RICHARD B. , ALLENDORF FRED W.
Published: April 2005

We calculated genetically effective population sizes (Ne) for simulated grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) populations by tracing the loss of heterozygosity through time and compared them with estimates of N, produced by applying published formulas to demographic results from the simulation. Estimates of Ne using different formulas on identical data varied wadely. Equations published by Hill (1972), and modifications of those used by Ryman et al. (1981) and Reed et al. (1986), provided the most accurate estimates Minor population fluctuations had little effect on Ne but variation in lifetime reproductive success among mules (Vkm) greatly reduced N, from its expectation under random mating success All methods to estimate Ne for populations with complex demographics require extensive data, but estimates for Vkm in polygynous species are especially difficult to obtain. We suggest that simulation modeling may provide alternative methods to estimate Vkm and Ne
Automated preparation of platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats: in vitro studies and experiences with the OrbiSac system
Authors: Larsson S. , Sandgren P. , Sjödin A. , Vesterinen M. , Gulliksson H.
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared by the automated OrbiSac system, from pooled buffy coats (BCs) stored in a platelet (PLT) additive solution.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Experiment 1 was a paired in vitro study of PCs (from six BCs), prepared by automated and manual procedures. Experiments 2 and 3 evaluated PCs from OrbiSac (from six BCs); Experiment 3 included selection of BCs based on donor data. Experiment 4 was a paired in vitro study of PCs (from six BCs) with an integrated white blood cell (WBC) filter and two different storage containers. Experiment 5 evaluated PCs (from six BCs) from the OrbiSac with an integrated WBC filter. Experiment 6 was similar to Experiment 5 with computer‐selected pools of 5 BCs. The in vitro studies evaluated the effects of 7‐day storage of PLTs regarding PLT metabolism and disintegration.

RESULTS: Experiments 1 and 4 had similar in vitro results. In Experiment 2, PLT content was 370 × 109 ± 70 × 109 per PC and recovery from BCs was 76 ± 6 percent. In Experiment 3, the PLT content was 380 × 109 ± 50 × 109 per PC and variation was reduced compared with randomly pooled BCs. In Experiment 5, increased PLT content was found (420 × 109 ± 70 × 109 per PC and recovery from BCs of 80 ± 5%). In Experiment 6, five rather than six BCs gave 340 × 109 ± 60 × 109 PLTs per PC and recovery was 79 ± 5 percent.

CONCLUSION: These in vitro studies suggest that the OrbiSac technique is equivalent to the standard manual method regarding the PLT in vitro characteristics during storage for 7 days. The results of standardizing the PLT count in PCs by selecting the BCs pools on the basis of the blood donor PLT concentration were encouraging.
Molecular basis for para‐Bombay phenotypes in Chinese persons, including a novel nonfunctional FUT1 allele
Authors: Yan Lixing , Zhu Faming , Xu Xianguo , Hong Xiaozhen , Lv Qinfeng
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: The para‐Bombay phenotype is characterized by H‐deficient or H‐partially deficient red blood cells (RBCs) in persons who secrete ABH antigens in their saliva. The studies that determined the genotypes for two Chinese individuals with the para‐Bombay phenotype are described.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC phenotypes were characterized by conventional serologic methods. Exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were amplified, as well as the entire coding region for FUT1 and FUT2, with four independence polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) from genomic DNA. PCR products were excised, purified from agarose gels, and sequenced directly. Mutations of FUT1 were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing.

RESULTS: For both individuals, RBC ABO genotypes correlated with ABH substances in their saliva. One individual (a patient) had two heterozygous mutations of FUT1 by direct DNA sequencing, namely, a C→T heterozygous mutation at position 293(C293T) and AG heterozygous deletion (CAGAGAG→CAGAG) at position 547 to 552. These two mutations were confirmed to be compound heterozygotes; that is, each mutation was determined to be on a separate homologous chromosome by TOPO cloning sequencing. The FUT2 genotype was Se357Se357. The other individual (a blood donor) had an AG deletion at position 547 to 552 homozygous allele in FUT1. The FUT2 genotype was Se357Se357,385. C293T mutation can cause Thr/Met at amino acid position 98. AG deletion at position 547 to 552 caused a reading frameshift and a premature stop codon.

CONCLUSION: A novel nonfunctional FUT1 allele C293T was identified in a person with the para‐Bombay phenotype. This rare H‐deficient phenotype may result from different nonfunctional alleles.
Microarray‐based genotyping for blood groups: comparison of gene array and 5′‐nuclease assay techniques with human platelet antigen as a model
Authors: Bugert Peter , McBride Simon , Smith Graham , Dugrillon Alex , Klüter Harald , Ouwehand Willem H. , Metcalfe Paul
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Most blood group alloantigens specific for red cells and platelets (PLTs) are based on single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding relevant membrane proteins.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: By use of five human PLT antigen (HPA) systems as a model, the suitability of a fourth‐generation microarray technique for SNP typing was investigated. The results of the former were compared with those of a parallel developed third‐generation technique (TaqMan assay, Applied Biosystems). Both techniques were validated by use of a unique panel of 71 blinded DNA samples containing at least 15 aa, bb, and ab genotypes for the HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐5, and‐15 systems.

RESULTS: Unambiguous and concordant results were obtained with both techniques for all samples.

CONCLUSION: The data presented here validate the use of microarray for large‐scale SNP typing for clinically relevant blood group alloantigens.
Rapid genotyping of blood group antigens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarray hybridization
Authors: Beiboer Sigrid H.W. , Wieringa‐Jelsma Tinka , Maaskant‐Van Wijk Petra A. , Van Der Schoot C. Ellen , Van Zwieten Rob , Roos Dirk , Den Dunnen Johan T. , De Haas Masja
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: In the Netherlands, 500,000 blood donors are active. Blood of all donors is currently typed serologically for ABO, the Rh phenotype, and K. Only a subset of donors is typed twice for a larger set of red cell (RBC) and/or platelet (PLT) antigens. To increase the direct availability of typed RBCs and PLTs, a high‐throughput technique is being developed to genotype the whole donor cohort for all clinically relevant RBC and PLT antigens.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction was developed to both amplify and fluorescently label 19 gene fragments of RBC and PLT antigens in one reaction. To test the setup of the genotyping method by microarray, a pilot study with human PLT antigen (HPA)‐typed donor samples was performed. On each slide, 12 arrays are present containing 20 probes per PLT antigen system (28 for HPA‐3). The allele‐specific oligohybridization method was used to discriminate between two different alleles.

RESULTS: Two blinded panels encompassing 94 donors were genotyped for HPA‐1 through ‐5 and ‐15; no discrepancies were found compared to their serologic typing (HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4, and ‐5) and genotyping (HPA‐15; TaqMan, Applied Biosystems).

CONCLUSION: This study shows that the HPA microarray provides a reliable and fast genotyping procedure. With further development an automated throughput for complete typing of large donor cohorts can be obtained.
Monoclonal antibody B2, a marker of neuroendocrine sympathoadrenal precursors, recognizes the Luke (LKE) antigen
Authors: Cooling Laura , Hwang Debbie
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Blood group antigens are physiologically important differentiation markers in embryogenesis and development. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) B2 recognizes a transient antigen expressed on late sympathoadrenal neuroendocrine precursors and early sympathetic neuroblasts. It has been suggested that MoAb B2 may recognize a globo‐series glycosphingolipid (GSL) related to the P blood group family.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: MoAb B2 and two anti‐LKE MoAbs, MC813‐70 and RM1, were screened against a panel of GSL standards and isolated red blood cell (RBC) GSLs by high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) immunostaining. The ability of all three MoAbs to bind intact RBCs and two LKE+ renal cell carcinoma cell lines (A498, ACHN) were examined by flow cytometry and hemagglutination.

RESULTS: MoAbs B2, MC813‐70, and RM1 all specifically recognized monosialogalactosylgloboside (MSGG) on HPTLC immunostaining. Only MoAb MC813‐70 bound intact RBC by flow cytometry and hemagglutination. Differential staining was observed between the three antibodies and two renal cell carcinoma cell lines.

CONCLUSION: MoAb B2 recognizes MSGG or LKE antigen, suggesting that LKE may play a role in neuroendocrine differentiation from neural crest cells. Although MoAb B2 is not suitable for RBC phenotyping, it may be a useful immunologic reagent for the identification of human embryonic stem cells and renal cell and embryonic carcinoma.
Fatal Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 4 serovar O:3 sepsis after red blood cell transfusion
Authors: Leclercq Alexandre , Martin Liliane , Vergnes Maya Laporte , Ounnoughene Nadra , Laran Jean‐François , Giraud Patrick , Carniel Elisabeth
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Although posttransfusion bacterial sepsis is rare, this complication is associated with a high mortality rate.

CASE REPORT: A fatal case of septic shock was observed in a 71‐year‐old patient following transfusion of contaminated red blood cells (RBCs) for refractory anemia. Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from the patient's blood sample and the transfused RBCs. Both strains were of bioserotype 4/O:3 and had the same NotI pulsotype. High titers of antibodies against Y. enterocolitica were detected in the donor's plasma sample 1 month after blood donation. The donor reported abdominal discomfort 3.5 months before blood collection but had no clinical signs of intestinal infection at the time of donation.

CONCLUSION: Y. enterocolitica has been identified with increased frequency as a causative agent of posttransfusion septic shock. This nationwide investigation of these cases led to an estimated incidence of one case per 6.5 million RBC units distributed in France. Although rare, this often fatal complication remains nonpreventable worldwide owing to the lack of practical means for screening RBCs before transfusion.
Transfusion‐related exposure to the plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate in patients receiving plateletpheresis concentrates
Authors: Buchta Christoph , Bittner Claudia , Heinzl Harald , Höcker Paul , Macher Maria , Mayerhofer Matthias , Schmid Rainer , Seger Christoph , Dettke Markus
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: Di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer that can leach from medical devices including storage bags for plateletpheresis concentrates (PCs). In this study, the DEHP exposure to patients receiving PCs was determined and several variables were evaluated to reduce DEHP load to PC recipients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In 12 patients, serum DEHP was assessed before and after PC transfusion. For in vitro investigations, PCs were produced either with donor plasma or with 65 percent additive solution (AS; T‐Sol) and stored for 5 days. Washing of PCs was performed according to AABB standards. DEHP levels were determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: Transfusion of PCs led to a significant increase in serum DEHP. DEHP levels in the PCs continuously increased during storage, although the accumulation of DEHP was less in PCs stored in the AS, T‐Sol, than when stored in plasma. Storage‐related accumulation of DEHP contributed to a major part of the total DEHP load in PCs stored for 5 days. Washing of PCs led to a reduction of DEHP load.

CONCLUSION: Recipients of PCs are exposed to DEHP, although the total amount represents only a small percentage of the defined tolerable intake. Reduction of storage time, the storage of PC in T‐Sol, or the exchange of the storage medium before transfusion are practicable means to reduce the DEHP load in PC.
Director Quality and Firm Performance
Authors: Fairchild Lisa , Li Joanne
Published: April 2005

Many financial economists argue that the board of directors' efficacy in the monitoring of managerial behavior depends upon the quality of the directors. Assuming that there is a link between the stock performance of target firms and the quality of their directors, we empirically categorize directors receiving additional directorships following a takeover as “above average” and “below average.” We then follow the stock performance of firms hiring new directors for three years after their hiring. We match the two categories of directors with the performance of hiring firms after a director's appointment. Accounting for other contemporaneous effects, we regress the hiring firms' post‐performance on director quality and other attributes. The results indicate that directors of “above average” quality are related to hiring firms with “above average” post‐performance.
Risk Management and Insurance‐Related Journals: A Survey of Risk and Insurance Academics
Authors: Ferguson Tamela D. , Dorfman Mark S. , Ferguson William L.
Published: April 2005

Abstract

This research provides an assessment of the utility and quality of risk management and insurance (RMI)‐related journals using professorial expert opinion. Although Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)‐produced citation counts and article impact factors are widely available and commonly used methods of journal comparison, they are limited to very few generally premier journals in any field, including RMI, leaving stakeholders with substantial gaps when benchmarking journal factors. We bridge this gap by comparing RMI faculty opinion of quality to SSCI assessments for 13 journals with results indicating general consistency across these measures. The expert opinion approach is extended to assess quality across a sample of 30 RMI‐related publications, along with assigning journal categories delineated based on reported academic utility, contributing to RMI boundary definitions. Posthoc analysis indicates only modest influences for some individual, institutional, and journal‐related factors on professorial perceptions, evidence that expert opinions are reliable measures of RMI journal utility and quality. Additionally, only modest differences are found in journal quality assessments by academics relative to the teaching versus research institutional mission of their employers, as well as across perceived individual teaching versus research role expectations. Thus, the expert opinion approach to evaluating utility and quality, coupled with regression and subsample analysis, aids RMI academics and other stakeholders in journal assessment and boundary definition issues. These contributions to the advancement of journal assessment methodologies in general may also prove useful across academic disciplines.
Weather Derivatives and Weather Risk Management
Authors: Brockett Patrick L. , Wang Mulong , Yang Chuanhou
Published: April 2005

Weather derivatives are a relatively recent kind of financial product developed to manage weather risks, and currently the weather derivatives market is the fastest‐growing derivative market. The development of weather derivatives represents one of the recent trends toward the convergence of insurance and finance. This article presents an overview of weather risks, weather derivatives, and the weather derivatives market, and examines the valuation of weather derivatives in an incomplete market, the hedging effectiveness of standardized weather derivatives, as well as optimal weather hedging with the consideration of basis risk and credit risk.
State Tax Credits and “Making Work Pay” in Post‐Welfare Reform Era
Authors: Beamer Glenn
Published: April 2005

This article outlines the work incentives and income support provided by the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and illustrates how state earned income and dependent care credits assist working poor families. State earned income and dependent care tax credits serve as critical complements to the EITC, the federal government's largest antipoverty program. By attending to specific components of each tax credit, state policymakers can maximize state funds that qualify for federal maintenance of effort requirements under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PROWRA), and they can reinforce positive effects and offset work disincentives stemming from current federal tax parameters.
Application of methyl jasmonate reduces growth but increases chemical defence and resistance against Hylobius abietis in Scots pine seedlings
Authors: Heijari Juha , Nerg Anne‐Marja , Kainulainen Pirjo , Viiri Heli , Vuorinen Martti , Holopainen Jarmo K.
Published: April 2005

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L., Pinaceae) produces a terpenoid resin which consists of monoterpenes and resin acids that offer protection against herbivores and pathogen attacks. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) is a potential plant elicitor which induces a wide range of chemical and anatomical defence reactions in conifers and might be used to increase resistance against biotic damage. Different amounts of MJ (control, 10 mm, and 100 mm) were applied to Scots pine to examine the vigour, physiology, herbivory performance, and induction of secondary compound production in needles, bark, and xylem of 2‐year‐old Scots pine seedlings. Growth decreased significantly in both MJ treated plants, and photosynthesis decreased in the 100 mm MJ treated plants, when compared to 10 mm MJ or control plants. The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) gnawed a significantly smaller area of stem bark in the 100 mm treated plants than in the control or 10 mm treated plants. The 100 mm MJ treatment increased the resin acid concentration in the needles and xylem but not in the bark. Furthermore, both MJ treatments increased the number of resin ducts in newly developing xylem. The changes in plant growth and chemical parameters after the MJ treatments indicate shifts in carbon allocation, but MJ also affects plant physiology and xylem development. Terpenoid resin production was tissue‐specific, but generally increased after MJ treatments, which means that this compound may offer potential protection of conifers against herbivores.
Response of garden chafer, Phyllopertha horticola, to plant volatiles: from screening to application
Authors: Ruther Joachim , Mayer Christoph J.
Published: April 2005

Field tests were performed on a golf course and in an apple orchard to screen synthetic plant volatiles with respect to their attractiveness for the garden chafer, Phyllopertha horticola L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and to investigate the possible application of plant volatiles for garden chafer control. The chemicals tested were green leaf volatiles (GLV), terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Funnel traps baited with the GLV (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, 1‐hexanol (Z)‐3‐hexenal, and hexanal captured more P. horticola than unbaited controls. Furthermore, traps baited with all tested floral terpenoids (i.e., geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellol, linalool, and nerol) and phenylpropanoids (i.e., eugenol, anethol, isoeugenol, eugenyl acetate, and isoeugenyl acetate) captured more garden chafers than controls. Different dispenser types loaded once with a mixture of (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol (50%), geraniol (11.5%), eugenol (27%), and 2‐phenylethyl propionate (11.5%) attracted P. horticola over a whole flight season. A commercially available membrane dispenser had the best properties, combining the highest number of captured beetles with a low release rate. A simple modification of the trap design, i.e., a reduction of the funnel outlet diameter, significantly reduced the capture of beneficial non‐target insects (Apoidea), without influencing the number of captured garden chafers. A mass trapping experiment in the apple orchard revealed that the use of attractant traps significantly reduced the percentage of apples disfigured by feeding holes of adult garden chafers (control area: 18.9%, test area: 11.6%). The possible application of synthetic plant volatiles in mass trapping and monitoring approaches for garden chafer control is discussed.
The jasmonate pathway alters herbivore feeding behaviour: consequences for plant defences
Authors: Rodriguez‐Saona Cesar , Thaler Jennifer S.
Published: April 2005

The jasmonate pathway is a highly conserved defensive cascade in plants that regulates the induction of resistance against herbivores; however, its role in herbivore feeding behaviour remains unknown. We used a mutant tomato plant (def‐1) deficient in the production of jasmonate‐related defensive proteins to test the hypothesis that genotypes with a reduced ability to induce resistance have a higher and more concentrated pattern of herbivore damage. Wild‐type and def‐1 plants received either damage by Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) caterpillars or no damage. After treatment, we tested for systemic responses by allowing a free roaming S. exigua caterpillar to feed on the undamaged portions of plants. Weight‐gain and leaf consumption of S. exigua were highest on def‐1 plants, regardless of prior herbivore damage. Def‐1 plants also had fewer numbers of leaves and leaflets eaten, and fewer feeding holes, which was indicative of a more concentrated distribution of damage on mutant compared to wild‐type plants. Following these results, we mimicked the amount and distribution of feeding damage that wild‐type or jasmonate‐deficient plants would receive on wild‐type plants to test whether changes in feeding behaviour may feedback to influence the expression of induced resistance. We mimicked the distribution of damage in wild‐type and jasmonate‐deficient plants by allowing caterpillars to feed on either one (leaf 1 or 2) or two leaves (leaf 1 and 2). Increased herbivore damage resulted in higher proteinase inhibitor (PI) activity, a jasmonate‐regulated defensive protein, and lower S. exigua performance on wild‐type but not jasmonate‐deficient plants. Compared to undamaged plants, a concentrated pattern of herbivore damage increased systemic resistance; these induced responses were greater on leaflets with stronger vascular connections to the damaged leaf. A more dispersed pattern of caterpillar damage altered the expression of induced responses, but the outcome depended on the specific pattern of damage. When leaf 1 was damaged and then leaf 2, the undamaged (third) leaf (which is more strongly connected to leaf 1 than 2) expressed reduced the PI activity compared to plants receiving concentrated damage to leaf 1; whereas in plants where leaf 2 was first damaged and then leaf 1, there were no differences in PI activity in leaf 3 compared to plants receiving concentrated damage to leaf 2. Thus, induction of the jasmonate pathway may not only determine the amount and distribution of feeding damage by herbivores, but this may feedback to affect the subsequent expression of plant defence.
Phenotypic plasticity of the reproductive system of female Leptinotarsa undecimlineata
Authors: López‐Carretero Antonio , Cruz Magdalena , Eben Astrid
Published: April 2005

The effect of a non‐host plant, Solanum myriacanthum, on ovarian dynamics and longevity of Leptinotarsa undecimlineata (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was studied under laboratory conditions. Females reared on the natural host, S. lanceolatum, served as controls. Female beetles did not accumulate eggs on the non‐host. After continuous exposure to S. myriacanthum, the production of basal oocytes was diminished and oocytes were reabsorbed. Oocyte size, however, was not affected when compared to females fed with S. lanceolatum. In control females, the first mature eggs appeared at 34 days old. No eggs matured in females fed with the non‐host in the 54‐day duration of our experiment. Continuous exposure to the non‐host resulted in significantly less resorption of reproductive resources than a stress period of 20 days on the non‐host. Egg resorption was completely reversible after the preferred host was re‐offered for another 20 days. Further studies under field conditions will be necessary to understand why this Leptinotarsa species uses only one of two sympatric Solanum species.
Temporal and host‐related variation in frequencies of genes that enable Phyllotreta nemorum to utilize a novel host plant, Barbarea vulgaris
Authors: Nielsen Jens K. , De Jong Peter W.
Published: April 2005

The flea beetle, Phyllotreta nemorum L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an intermediate specialist feeding on a small number of plants within the family Brassicaceae. The most commonly used host plant is Sinapis arvensis L., whereas the species is found more rarely on Cardaria draba (L.) Desv., Barbarea vulgaris R.Br., and cultivated radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The interaction between flea beetles and Barbarea vulgaris ssp. arcuata (Opiz.) Simkovics seems to offer a good opportunity for experimental studies of coevolution. The plant is polymorphic, as it contains one type (the P‐type) that is susceptible to all flea beetle genotypes, and another type (the G‐type) that is resistant to some genotypes. At the same time, the flea beetle is also polymorphic, as some genotypes can utilize the G‐type whereas others cannot. The ability to utilize the G‐type of B. vulgaris ssp. arcuata is controlled by major dominant genes (R‐genes). The present investigation measured the frequencies of flea beetles with R‐genes in populations living on different host plants in 2 years (1999 and 2003). Frequencies of beetles with R‐genes were high in populations living on the G‐type of B. vulgaris ssp. arcuata in both years. Frequencies of beetles with R‐genes were lower in populations living on other host plants, and declining frequencies were observed in five out of six populations living on S. arvensis. Selection in favour of R‐genes in populations living on B. vulgaris is the most likely mechanism to account for the observed differences in the relative abundance of R‐genes in flea beetle populations utilizing different host plants. A geographic mosaic with differential levels of interactions between flea beetles and their host plants was demonstrated.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Brain: Background and Review of Clinical Applications
Authors: Sundgren P. C.
Published: April 2005

This article reviews the basic theoretical background to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and some of the common clinical applications of DTI as of today such as cerebral ischaemia, brain maturation, ageing and cognitive impairment. The value of DTI in the work‐up of brain tumours, as a tool in the differentiation of radiation injury versus recurrent tumour, and in brain injury is reviewed. The potential use of this technique in diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and metabolic disorders is also briefly reviewed.
The Role of Fiber-Matrix Interactions in a Nonlinear Fiber-Reinforced Strain Energy Model of Tendon
Authors: Guerin Heather Anne L. , Elliott Dawn M.
Published: April 2005

The objective of this study was to develop a nonlinear and anisotropic three-dimensional mathematical model of tendon behavior in which the structural components of fibers, matrix, and fiber-matrix interactions are explicitly incorporated and to use this model to infer the contributions of these structures to tendon mechanical behavior. We hypothesized that this model would show that: (i) tendon mechanical behavior is not solely governed by the isotropic matrix and fiber stretch, but is also influenced by fiber-matrix interactions; and (ii) shear fiber-matrix interaction terms will better describe tendon mechanical behavior than bulk fiber-matrix interaction terms. Model versions that did and did not include fiber-matrix interaction terms were applied to experimental tendon stress-strain data in longitudinal and transverse orientations, and the R2 goodness-of-fit was evaluated. This study showed that models that included fiber-matrix interaction terms improved the fit to longitudinal data (RToe2=0.88,RLin2=0.94) over models that only included isotropic matrix and fiber stretch terms (RToe2=0.36,RLin2=0.84). Shear fiber-matrix interaction terms proved to be responsible for the best fit to data and to contribute to stress-strain nonlinearity. The mathematical model of tendon behavior developed in this study showed that fiber-matrix interactions are an important contributor to tendon behavior. The more complete characterization of mechanical behavior afforded by this mathematical model can lead to an improved understanding of structure-function relationships in soft tissues and, ultimately, to the development of tissue-engineered therapies for injury or degeneration.
Shape Memory Alloy Clip for Compression Colonic Anastomosis
Authors: Song Chengli , Frank Tim , Cuschieri Alfred
Published: April 2005

This study was setup to investigate the design and performance of a shape memory alloy clip for colonic anastomosis. The thermomechanical properties of the shape memory alloy material were studied and the data were used to derive a nonlinear material model. This enabled the development of computer computer aided design models and finite element analysis of the clip and tissue compression. The maximum strain of the anastomosis clip was within the recoverable range, and it exerted parallel compression of the colonic walls with a uniform pressure distribution. The design of the anastomosis clip was optimized for safe, simple, and effective use in colon surgery.
H
2
S Induces a Suspended Animation-Like State in Mice
Authors: Blackstone Eric , Morrison Mike , Roth Mark B.
Published: April 2005

Mammals normally maintain their core body temperature (CBT) despite changes in environmental temperature. Exceptions to this norm include suspended animation–like states such as hibernation, torpor, and estivation. These states are all characterized by marked decreases in metabolic rate, followed by a loss of homeothermic control in which the animal's CBT approaches that of the environment. We report that hydrogen sulfide can induce a suspended animation-like state in a nonhibernating species, the house mouse (
Mus musculus
). This state is readily reversible and does not appear to harm the animal. This suggests the possibility of inducing suspended animation-like states for medical applications.
Sub-Diffraction-Limited Optical Imaging with a Silver Superlens
Authors: Fang Nicholas , Lee Hyesog , Sun Cheng , Zhang Xiang
Published: April 2005

Recent theory has predicted a superlens that is capable of producing sub–diffraction-limited images. This superlens would allow the recovery of evanescent waves in an image via the excitation of surface plasmons. Using silver as a natural optical superlens, we demonstrated sub–diffraction-limited imaging with 60-nanometer half-pitch resolution, or one-sixth of the illumination wavelength. By proper design of the working wavelength and the thickness of silver that allows access to a broad spectrum of subwavelength features, we also showed that arbitrary nanostructures can be imaged with good fidelity. The optical superlens promises exciting avenues to nanoscale optical imaging and ultrasmall optoelectronic devices.
Fleeting Infant Types to Enduring Traits
Authors: Costa Paul T.
Published: April 2005

The Long Shadow of Temperament
.
By Jerome Kagan and Nancy Snidman
. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2004. 302 pp. $27.95, £18.95, €25.80. ISBN 0-674-01551-7.

The authors use developmental psychology data from their long-term studies to argue that temperament is largely inherited or shaped in early childhood, with the origin of temperamental biases lying in the differential excitability of the amygdala.