bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Measurement of Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Ginsburg Liane , Gilin Debra , Tregunno Deborah , Norton Peter G. , Flemons Ward , Fleming Mark
Published: September 2008

Objective. To examine the psychometric and unit of analysis/strength of culture issues in patient safety culture (PSC) measurement.

Data Source. Two cross‐sectional surveys of health care staff in 10 Canadian health care organizations totaling 11,586 respondents.

Study Design. A cross‐validation study of a measure of PSC using survey data gathered using the Modified Stanford PSC survey (MSI‐2005 and MSI‐2006); a within‐group agreement analysis of MSI‐2006 data.

Extraction Methods. Exploratory factor analyses (EFA) of the MSI‐05 survey data and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the MSI‐06 survey data; Rwg coefficients of homogeneity were calculated for 37 units and six organizations in the MSI‐06 data set to examine within‐group agreement.

Principal Findings. The CFA did not yield acceptable levels of fit. EFA and reliability analysis of MSI‐06 data suggest two reliable dimensions of PSC: Organization leadership for safety (α=0.88) and Unit leadership for safety (α=0.81). Within‐group agreement analysis shows stronger within‐unit agreement than within‐organization agreement on assessed PSC dimensions.

Conclusions. The field of PSC measurement has not been able to meet strict requirements for sound measurement using conventional approaches of CFA. Additional work is needed to identify and soundly measure key dimensions of PSC. The field would also benefit from further attention to strength of culture/unit of analysis issues.
How Much New Information Is There in Earnings?
Authors: BALL RAY , SHIVAKUMAR LAKSHMANAN
Published: September 2008

We quantify the relative importance of earnings announcements in providing new information to the share market, using the R2 in a regression of securities' calendar‐year returns on their four quarterly earnings‐announcement “window” returns. The R2, which averages approximately 5% to 9%, measures the proportion of total information incorporated in share prices annually that is associated with earnings announcements. We conclude that the average quarterly announcement is associated with approximately 1% to 2% of total annual information, thus providing a modest but not overwhelming amount of incremental information to the market. The results are consistent with the view that the primary economic role of reported earnings is not to provide timely new information to the share market. By inference, that role lies elsewhere, for example, in settling debt and compensation contracts and in disciplining prior information, including more timely managerial disclosures of information originating in the firm's accounting system. The relative informativeness of earnings announcements is a concave function of size. Increased information during earnings‐announcement windows in recent years is due only in part to increased concurrent releases of management forecasts. There is no evidence of abnormal information arrival in the weeks surrounding earnings announcements. Substantial information is released in management forecasts and in analyst forecast revisions prior (but not subsequent) to earnings announcements.
Altering Investment Decisions to Manage Financial Reporting Outcomes: Asset‐Backed Commercial Paper Conduits and FIN 46
Authors: BENS DANIEL A. , MONAHAN STEVEN J.
Published: September 2008

We evaluate the manner in which sponsors of highly leveraged asset‐backed commercial paper (ABCP) conduits responded to Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities an Interpretation of ARB No. 51, and its Canadian counterpart Accounting Standards Board of Accounting Guideline 15 (AcG‐15), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. By matching commercial paper investors with corporations seeking liquidity, ABCP sponsors facilitate a significant amount of short‐term, securitized financing in the United States. FIN 46 and AcG‐15 require sponsors to consolidate their ABCP conduits with their financial statements. We demonstrate that the volume of ABCP began to decline when FIN 46 was first proposed, and that this decline is primarily attributable to a reduction in North American banks' sponsorship of ABCP. We also demonstrate that North American banks entered into costly restructuring arrangements to avoid having to consolidate their conduits per the new accounting standards. Our results suggest that, in certain settings, accounting standards appear to have real effects on investment activity and product‐market competition.
Client Characteristics and the Negotiation Tactics of Auditors: Implications for Financial Reporting
Authors: HATFIELD RICHARD C. , AGOGLIA CHRISTOPHER P. , SANCHEZ MARIA H.
Published: September 2008

Although the financial statements of an organization are considered a product of management, prior research suggests that a company's financial statements may be affected by the negotiation strategy employed by the auditor when resolving audit differences with management. However, little subsequent research discusses the potential strategies that auditors may employ during the negotiation process. Our study extends the literature by investigating, in a post–Sarbanes‐Oxley environment, whether auditors will employ a reciprocity‐based strategy for the resolution of audit differences and what client characteristics (client management's negotiating style and client retention risk) increase the extent to which it is utilized. Further, we explore the potential effect of a reciprocity‐based strategy on the quality of the financial statements. Such a strategy involves bringing inconsequential items to management and subsequently waiving these items in an effort to encourage management to be more cooperative in the posting of significant income‐decreasing adjustments. The results of experiment 1 indicate that client management's negotiating style and retention risk have an interactive effect on auditors' use of a reciprocity‐based strategy. Specifically, auditors are more likely to utilize a reciprocity‐based strategy when management's negotiating style is competitive and client retention risk is high. Experiment 2 findings suggest that the auditor's use of reciprocity during negotiation can actually result in more conservative financial statements by helping the auditor manage perceived client pressures to waive or reduce proposed adjustments.
On the Optimal Relation between the Properties of Managerial and Financial Reporting Systems
Authors: HEMMER THOMAS , LABRO EVA
Published: September 2008

We develop a theoretical model of the firm that links properties (stewardship vs. valuation focus) of financial reporting regimes with the informational properties of optimal managerial accounting systems. We show that, contrary to the standard textbook proposition, properties of management and financial accounting systems are not independent. Significantly, we provide an explicit connection between exogenous and observable properties of a firm's financial reporting system and the quality of the managerial accounting system on which manager(s) base real economic decisions. As the quality of those economic decisions can also be inferred from publicly available data, our theory generates new opportunities for empirical managerial accounting research on large nonproprietary samples. Further, by being able to identify enhanced performance due to improved managerial accounting information, our theory provides opportunities to gain a better understanding of the link between particular managerial accounting practices and the quality of the information produced.
Life table and heat tolerance of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in subtropical Taiwan
Authors: LU Wei‐Nung , KUO Mei‐Hwa
Published: September 2008

The effect of temperature on the life table of Acyrthosiphon pisum reared on Pisum sativum was evaluated under laboratory conditions using temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C. The development time of juvenile A. pisum decreased with increasing temperature (from 21.3 days at 10°C to 4.7 days at 35°C). Adult longevity also decreased with increasing temperature (from 53.2 days at 10°C to 2.3 days at 35°C). Interestingly, 70% and 25% of A. pisum nymphs reared at 30°C and 35°C, respectively, successfully developed into adults. These temperatures have previously been considered unsuitable for A. pisum development. However, adult aphids reared at 30°C and 35°C failed to reproduce. Linear regression analysis revealed that the lower development threshold of A. pisum was 153.1 degree‐days above 1.9°C. Maximal average reproductive capability was observed at 10°C for A. pisum adults, with each adult producing more than 120 nymphs. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of A. pisum increased from 0.124/day at 10°C to 0.337/day at 25°C, whereas opposite trends were observed for the net reproductive rate (R0) and the mean generation time (GT). At 20°C and 25°C, the intrinsic rate of increase of A. pisum was significantly higher than at 10°C and 15°C (P < 0.0001), indicating that 20°C and 25°C are within the optimal range for the growth of A. pisum, and that 30°C is beyond the upper threshold limit for reproduction, which involves a temperature range that is narrower than that of the survival range (upper limit is unknown, but above 35°C).
Discrimination of two Japanese water pennies, Eubrianax granicollis Lewis and E. ramicornis Kiesenwetter (Coleoptera: Psephenidae), based on laboratory rearing and molecular taxonomy
Authors: HAYASHI Masakazu , SOTA Teiji
Published: September 2008

Two psephenid beetles, Eubrianax granicollis Lewis and E. ramicornis Kiesenwetter, are common species on the main islands of Japan (i.e. Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu), but diagnostic characters for larval identification are unknown. Two types of field‐collected Eubrianax larvae from Honshu and Kyushu were discriminated based on the distributions of granules on the dorsal surface. These larvae were assigned to E. granicollis and E. ramicornis by comparing them with larvae of the two species obtained via laboratory rearing. The two species were also identified unambiguously on the basis of their mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences. Larval and pupal morphology are described based on laboratory‐reared specimens.
A review of the Torodora recurvata species group in the Philippines, with descriptions of ten new species (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae)
Authors: PARK Kyu‐Tek
Published: September 2008

As part of studies of the genus Torodora Meyrick (Gelechioidea, Lecithoceridae, Torodorinae) in the Philippines, the Torodora recurvata species group is newly proposed, with 14 identified species, ten of which are new species described herein: T. candida sp. nov., T. argenteola sp. nov., T. parvifoliae sp. nov., T. pediformis sp. nov., T. chatolensis sp. nov., T. lechridia sp. nov., T. cavecostalis sp. nov., T. meyi sp. nov., T. pinigisanica sp. nov. and T. castanea sp. nov. A full bibliography and diagnosis for all known species and descriptions of the new species are provided, together with illustrations of the male or female genitalia. A key to the species of the group based on the external characteristics is also provided. Seven species originally assigned to the genus Lecithocera Herrich‐Schäffer are transferred to the genus Torodora Meyrick: T. activata (Diakonoff), comb. nov., T. ochrocapna (Meyrick), comb. nov., T. recurvata (Meyrick), comb. nov., T. niphotricha (Diakonoff), comb. nov., T. argocrossa (Meyrick) comb. nov., T. claustrata (Meyrick), comb. nov., T. orbata (Meyrick), comb. nov. Lecithocera phanerostoma Diakonoff is synonymized with T. recurvata (Meyrick), syn. nov. One previously reported species, T. ochrocapna (Meyrick) was not found in this study.
Community structure of Ephemeroptera in Siberian streams
Authors: BEKETOV Mikhail A.
Published: September 2008

In recent decades, the relationships between environmental conditions and community structures of stream macroinvertebrates have been investigated in many parts of the world. However, knowledge about assemblages of mayflies and other stream macroinvertebrates in Siberia (northern Asia) and Asia is limited. In fact, the patterns in mayfly species richness and assemblage structure in relation to environmental parameters have not been previously examined in western Siberia. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between Ephemeroptera community structure and physical parameters along a river altitude/longitude gradient in Siberia. The results showed that maximum species richness was at relatively low altitudes, high water temperatures, slow current velocities, medium stream widths, medium‐small substrate particle size, and the presence of macrophytes. The mayfly assemblage was separated using TWINSPAN classification into eight distinct groups, which differed significantly with respect to at least one measured environmental factor. Multivariate ordination (detrended correspondence analysis) revealed that mayfly assemblages are structured by a single dominant gradient of altitude‐related environmental variables; altitude and water temperature were the best predictors. Ordination further revealed that mayfly assemblages are structured by altitude‐related environmental factors at high elevations, whereas in the lowlands these factors are less important.
Lepidoptera captured on the East China Sea in 2005 and predicted migration sources
Authors: KAWAZU Kei , OTUKA Akira , ADATI Tarô , TONOGOUCHI Hisako , YASE Junya
Published: September 2008

This paper provides a list of moths captured in a region at latitudes 29–32°N and longitudes 127–130°E on the East China Sea on 14–28 June and 1–7 July 2005. Sixteen species of moths from the families Plutellidae, Crambidae, Sphingidae and Noctuidae were identified. Among these, three species were recorded on the East China Sea for the first time. The migration paths of the captured moths were analyzed using a three‐dimensional backward trajectory analysis method. Predicted migration sources for these moths are Taiwan and Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces in China.
Frugivorous birds dispersing braconid parasitoids via endozoochory
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ Ángel , FALCÓ José Vicente
Published: September 2008

Adult braconid wasps (Bracon sp.) emerged from the droppings of frugivorous birds (Turdus blackbirds and thrushes) collected in a rural environment in southern Europe. It was thus demonstrated for the first time that an insect parasitoid of a fruit‐infesting insect (lepidopteran tortricid) can survive bird ingestion and gut passage inside a seed (privet Ligustrum vulgare), constituting a case of an evolutionary tetrad.
An Intervention of Acupressure and Interactive Multimedia to Improve Visual Health Among Taiwanese Schoolchildren
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Ling , Chen Ching‐Hsiu , Chen Hsing‐Hsia , Lin Kuan‐Chia
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: Myopia is a significant health issue but it can be alleviated and prevented by several interventions. This study aimed to construct an intervention of acupressure and interactive multimedia for visual health and to evaluate the effect of its application on schoolchildren.

Design: A pre‐posttest experimental research design with a control group was used. The experimental group received a 15‐week visual health intervention, whereas the control group received none.

Sample:
70 children with visual impairment were recruited from 1 elementary school in Taipei, Taiwan.

Measurements: The data of demographic factors, visual health knowledge, visual acuity, and refractive error were collected before and after the intervention.

Results: After the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated improvements in visual health knowledge, visual acuity, and refractive error.

Conclusions: The outcomes of using the intervention seemed to be promising, but broader studies exploring its effects on children in different school years as well as its longitudinal effects are required.
Mortality Burden From Motor Vehicle Accidents in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Ching‐Huei , Doong Ji‐Liang , Huang Wei‐Shin , Chang Kai‐Kuo , Jeng Ming‐Chang
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine the risk factors contributing to the mortality burden due to road traffic accidents (RTA) in Taiwan.

Design: We compared RTA years of life lost (YLL) rates of Taiwan with those of the surrounding region. We also investigated the risk factors described by the police in a Linked Database combined from police‐reported accident data and vital registration data.

Sample: RTA deaths (3,234 males/1,160 females) in vital registration data and the deaths (2,918 males/1,063 females) in the Linked Database were used.

Measurement: YLL and YLL rate.

Results: (1) YLL rates for 15–29 year olds were the highest for Taiwan and the surrounding region. (2) The YLL rate was remarkably high in the first 2 years of the legal motorcycle licensing age for males riding motorcycles. (3) The YLL rates were usually higher during the day, but were higher for young males at night. (4) Overall, the YLL rates were higher when multiple vehicles were involved and for motorcycles with large engines; however, the rate was higher for motorcycles with small engines for the older female group.

Conclusions: The burden due to premature mortality in RTA showed gender disparities and varied by age among personal, environment, and structure factors.
The Hmong Youth Task Force: Evaluation of a Coalition to Address the Sexual Exploitation of Young Runaways
Authors: Saewyc Elizabeth M. , Solsvig Windy , Edinburgh Laurel
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
The Minnesota Wheel of Public Health Nursing Interventions identifies coalition building and community organizing as effective strategies for addressing population health issues. One program that exemplifies these strategies is the Hmong Youth Task Force, a coalition formed to address a growing issue of young Hmong girls in a Midwest state running away from home, being truant from school, and experiencing subsequent sexual exploitation. This is an evaluation of the Task Force. It draws on existing records and semi‐structured interviews with Task Force members from various sectors of government, health services, and community organizations, including public health nurses. The results, evaluated in the context of best practices identified by the Wheel of Interventions, document the Task Force's development, accomplishments, challenges faced, and community changes that have resulted from the coalition's efforts to date.
Experience of Home Health Nursing Personnel in Actual and Simulated Case Finding of Wife Abuse in Korea
Authors: Han Young Ran
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of home health nursing personnel (HHNP) in identifying wife abuse and intervening with victims during home health visits, and to analyze responses to a what‐if scenario involving visiting a woman who implies her husband is abusive.

Design:A cross‐sectional, descriptive design with a questionnaire survey was used and included the public health nurse's practice response to women who are abused (PHNR).

Sample:From 243 public health centers nationwide, 373 HHNPs participated.

Results:Over the past year, 31.6% had identified abused women (average of 2.2 victims per HHNP) and 12.3% had intervened. The mean score for the PHNR was 55.76 (out of a possible 80), indicating higher value on thoughts, feelings, and actions to support abused women. Significant differences were found in the mean scores for age and position (nurse or nurse aide). The mean percentage of correct PHNR responses was 70.4%. The results showed a low level of competency and difficulty in initiating the topic of abuse, and a higher level of understanding methods to approach abused women. Time limit was not a hindrance to intervention.

Conclusions:The findings indicate the need for education programs to increase self‐efficacy and promote effective recognition and interventions for these women.
Optimal clinical management of children receiving the ketogenic diet: Recommendations of the International Ketogenic Diet Study Group
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Zupec‐Kania Beth A. , Amark Per E. , Ballaban‐Gil Karen R. , Christina Bergqvist A. G. , Blackford Robyn , Buchhalter Jeffrey R. , Caraballo Roberto H. , Helen Cross J. , Dahlin Maria G. , Donner Elizabeth J. , Klepper Joerg , Jehle Rana S. , Kim Heung Dong , Christiana Liu Y. M. , Nation Judy , Nordli Jr Douglas R. , Pfeifer Heidi H. , Rho Jong M. , Stafstrom Carl E. , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Turner Zahava , Wirrell Elaine C. , Wheless James W. , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Vining Eileen P. G. ,   The Charlie Foundation, and the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society
Published: September 2008

The ketogenic diet (KD) is an established, effective nonpharmacologic treatment for intractable childhood epilepsy. The KD is provided differently throughout the world, with occasionally significant variations in its administration. There exists a need for more standardized protocols and management recommendations for clinical and research use. In December 2006, The Charlie Foundation commissioned a panel comprised of 26 pediatric epileptologists and dietitians from nine countries with particular expertise using the KD. This group was created in order to create a consensus statement regarding the clinical management of the KD. Subsequently endorsed by the Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society, this resultant manuscript addresses issues such as patient selection, pre‐KD counseling and evaluation, specific dietary therapy selection, implementation, supplementation, follow‐up management, adverse event monitoring, and eventual KD discontinuation. This paper highlights recommendations based on best evidence, including areas of agreement and controversy, unanswered questions, and future research.
Impact of Obesity on the Risk of Heart Failure and Its Prognosis
Authors: Artham Surya M. , Lavie Carl J. , Patel Hamang M. , Ventura Hector O.
Published: September 2008

Obesity is becoming a global epidemic in both children and adults, and it is associated with numerous comorbidities such as coronary heart disease, stroke/cerebrovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and sleep‐disordered breathing. Over the past 2 decades, the incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular diseases has been continuously declining. In contrast, the incidence of and mortality from heart failure (HF) have been increasing, with HF diagnosed in approximately 5 million Americans and 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year and a death rate looming at 300,000 per year. Over the years, conventional risk factors including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia have been implicated for these unsavory statistics, and recently many studies have highlighted the important role of obesity as an independent risk factor for HF. Here, the authors review the available literature on the effects of overweight and obesity on a variety of cardiac structural adaptations and alterations, the effects on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and their role in the development and prognosis of HF. Numerous studies have demonstrated an “obesity paradox” regarding prognosis, however, in that obese patients with established HF tend to have a more favorable prognosis than do lean patients. Finally, the authors discuss the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the risk stratification of obese patients with advanced HF.
Impact of Obesity on the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Todd Miller M. , Lavie Carl J. , White Christopher J.
Published: September 2008

Obesity has a significant adverse effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome/diabetes. Obesity is an independent risk factor for CHD events; however, obese patients with CHD generally have a more favorable prognosis, with the worst prognosis associated with either underweight or morbidly obese patients. In this manuscript, the authors review the impact of obesity on overall CHD risk as well as the prognosis of obese patients with established CHD.
Challenges to the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Treatment, and Management of Clustered Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Wilson Peter W.F. , Black Henry R. , Fabricatore Anthony N. , Goldberg Ira J.
Published: September 2008

A panel was convened on February 18, 2008, to discuss the challenges to the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and management of clustered cardiometabolic risk factors. Peter W.F. Wilson, MD of Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, moderated the panel. Henry R. Black, MD, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, Anthony N. Fabricatore, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, and Ira J. Goldberg, MD, Columbia University, New York, NY, participated in the discussion. This expert panel discussion was supported by and each author received an honorarium from Pfizer Inc for time and effort spent participating in the discussion and reviewing the transcript for important intellectual content before publication. The authors maintained full control of the discussion and the resulting content of this article.
Insulin Resistance and Endothelin: Another Pathway for Renal Injury in Patients With the Cardiometabolic Syndrome?
Authors: Sarafidis Pantelis A. , Lasaridis Anastasios N.
Published: September 2008

Recent population studies suggest that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, as well as the presence of the cardiometabolic syndrome, are associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease. A considerable number of background studies support this association, proposing several mechanisms through which insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia can harm the normal kidney. Current knowledge suggests that activation of the endothelin system can be an important factor contributing to the development of renal injury. Moreover, data from in vitro and in vivo studies have clearly shown that hyperinsulinemia stimulates the production and action of endothelin‐1, an effect that is sustained in insulin‐resistant states. Thus, insulin‐mediated activation of the endothelin system can be another important pathway linking insulin resistance with kidney injury. This article discusses the existing data on the interactions between insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and endothelin and how these can lead to renal damage in patients with the cardiometabolic syndrome.
Chronic Low‐Dose Lipid Infusion in Healthy Patients Induces Markers of Endothelial Activation Independent of Its Metabolic Effects
Authors: Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Belfort Renata , Cersosimo Eugenio , Lee Shuko , Cusi Kenneth
Published: September 2008

Elevated plasma triglyceride/free fatty acid (FFA) levels and insulin resistance may promote atherosclerosis through endothelial activation (ie, increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM‐1]/vascular adhesion molecule 1 [VCAM‐1], and endothelin‐1 [ET‐1]) in patients with the metabolic syndrome, but this has never been directly tested. The authors measured endothelial activation and insulin sensitivity (euglycemic insulin clamp with [3‐

3

H]‐glucose) after a 4‐day low‐dose lipid infusion that elevated plasma FFA to levels observed in the metabolic syndrome in 20 lean, non‐diabetic insulin‐resistant subjects with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (FH

+

) and 10 insulin‐sensitive volunteers without a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (FH

−

). Low‐dose lipid infusion reduced insulin sensitivity by approximately 25% in insulin‐sensitive FH

−

controls but did not worsen preexisting insulin resistance in FH

+

. Low‐dose lipid infusion elevated plasma ICAM and VCAM levels similarly in both groups (approximately 12%–18%; P<.01 vs baseline), while plasma ET‐1 levels increased more in FH+vs FH−(46% vs 10%; P=.005). Increased plasma FFA levels closely correlated with elevated ICAM (r=0.60; P<.01), VCAM, and ET‐1 levels (r=0.39 and r=0.42, respectively; P<.05). Low‐dose lipid infusion induces endothelial activation in both lean insulin‐resistant (FH+) and insulin‐sensitive (FH−) healthy patients, regardless of changes in insulin sensitivity. These results prove that even a modest lipid oversupply may be sufficient to trigger a deleterious endothelial response.
Cómo se mejora el trabajo de baja retribución en los Estados Unidos
Authors: OSTERMAN Paul
Published: September 2008

Pese aqueel mercado laboral de los Estados Unidos demuestra tenermu‐cho dinamismo, alrededor de una quintaparte de la población activa del sector pri‐vado desempeña empleos de mala calidad, cobra salarios de pobreza —o aún peores—y no tiene apenas ningunaperspectiva deprogreso. Con este telón defondo, el autor estudia qué politicas en el ámbito de la demanda defuerza de trabajo sirven para alentar a las empresas a mejorar la calidad de los empleos. Expone y valora di‐versos programas en marcha que persiguen este propósito, y aboga por que las ac‐tuaciones sean más coherentes y equilibradas. Defiende un planteamiento que conjugue dos facetas: los programas de formatión profesional y desarrollo econó‐mico impulsados en colaboración con las empresas, y el fomento de la afiliación sindical y de la mejora de los salarios y las condiciones de trabajo.
La calidad del trabajo según los indicadores europeos y otros más
Authors: DAVOINE Lucie , ERHEL Christine , GUERGOAT‐LARIVIÈRE Mathilde
Published: September 2008

La Unión Europea confeccionó una serie de indicadores —llamados indicadores de Laeken— destinada a valorar la calidad del trabajo en el marco de la Estrategia Europea de Empleo. En el presente artículo se exponen, analizan y apli‐can estos indicadores. Las autoras demuestran, en el piano teórico, que el concepto se compone de varias dimensiones que suelen depender de las instituciones naciona‐les, principalmente los sistemas de relaciones laborales y de protectión social. Des‐pués efectúan un análisis comparado en los veintisiete poíses de la UE y confirman que hay varios modelos de calidad del trabajo en la zona. Por último, abogan por una ampliatión de los indicadores citados.
Cómo hacer realidad la ley. Métodos y logros de la inspección del trabajo brasileña
Authors: PIRES Roberto
Published: September 2008

¿ Es posible conciliar los derechos de los trabajadores y la protectión social con la competitividad y la productividad de las empresas? Apartándose de la lí‐neapolitica en boga, quepreconiza la desreglamentación y la «flexibilización» de las salvaguardias en favor de los trabajadores, el autor se adentra en el debate acerca de los estilos de ordenación y afirma que los métodos de los inspectores del trabajo in‐fluyen en el grado de cumplimiento de las normas. Indaga en la labor que efectúan a pie de calle los inspectores brasileños, y descubre que han logrado promover soluciones duraderas que apuntalan el cumplimiento de la ley; por ejemplo, para que sean contratados oficialmente los trabajadores rurales temporeros o para fomentar unas condiciones de trabajo mas seguras sin poner en peligro la productividad de la em‐presa. Es decir, conjugan las medidas punitivas con otras de car áeter pedagógico.
Maize plants sprayed with either jasmonic acid or its precursor, methyl linolenate, attract armyworm parasitoids, but the composition of attractants differs
Authors: Ozawa Rika , Shiojiri Kaori , Sabelis Maurice W. , Takabayashi Junji
Published: September 2008

Treatment of both uninfested and armyworm‐infested maize plants with jasmonic acid (JA) is known to attract the parasitic wasp, Cotesia kariyai Watanabe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Here, we show that treatment with a methyl ester of a JA precursor, methyl linolenate (MeLin), also causes maize plants to attract this wasp, yet does not cause elevated levels of endogenous JA. The volatile chemicals emitted from either infested or uninfested maize plants treated with MeLin were qualitatively and quantitatively different from those emitted from JA‐treated plants. Among compounds emitted from MeLin‐treated plants, α‐pinene and menthol attracted wasps in pure form in a two‐choice test using a choice chamber. A mixture of methyl salicylate, α‐copaene, and β‐myrcene also attracted wasps. In contrast, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate was among the main attractants for C. kariyai in JA‐treated plants. These data show that in addition to JA, MeLin also has the potential to increase the host‐finding ability of C. kariyai, but that the composition of attractants they induce differs.
Feeding on yeast hydrolysate enhances attraction to cue‐lure in Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni
Authors: Weldon Christopher W. , Perez‐Staples Diana , Taylor Phillip W.
Published: September 2008

Feeding on yeast hydrolysate (a source of nitrogen) has a strong influence on the physiology and behaviour of the Queensland fruit fly (Q‐fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), affecting longevity, sexual maturation, oogenesis, and mating performance. In this study, we demonstrate that access to yeast hydrolysate also influences the development of attraction to cue‐lure in Q‐flies. We provided virgin Q‐flies various periods of access to yeast hydrolysate (continuous, 48 h, 24 h, or deprived). Attraction of males to cue‐lure was increased and occurred at an earlier age when they were fed yeast hydrolysate. Males given continuous access were strongly attracted to cue‐lure at a younger age (8 days after emergence), but by 12 days after emergence attraction of males given access to yeast hydrolysate for 48 h did not differ from males given continuous access. Attraction by males deprived or given just 24 h access to yeast hydrolysate was always significantly lower than those of males with continuous access. Male attraction to cue‐lure was highest in the early morning. While cue‐lure is most often thought of as a male attractant, virgin female Q‐flies were caught in cue‐lure traps at dusk at ages when they are known to be sexually mature. We suggest that cue‐lure or similar natural chemicals play a role in the Q‐fly mating system. γ‐Irradiation used to induce sterility had no significant effect on attraction to cue‐lure by Q‐flies.
Genetic differentiation among European samples of the arctic‐alpine leaf beetle, Chrysomela lapponica
Authors: Machkour‐M’Rabet Salima , Mardulyn Patrick , Pasteels Jacques M.
Published: September 2008

Genetic differentiation within and among isolated populations of the arctic‐alpine leaf beetle, Chrysomela lapponica L. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), specialized on either Salix L. (Salicaceae) or Betula L. (Betulaceae) species, was assessed by F‐statistics analysis at seven allozyme loci. Beetles were collected on Salix spp. in lowland Finland (four samples), at mid elevation in the Black Forest in Germany (450 m) and the Massif Central in France (two samples, 930–1 300 m), and at high elevation in the French Alps (2 300 m). Beetles sampled in the Czech Republic (650 m) fed on Betula pubescens Ehrh. Larvae feeding on Salix spp. secreted host‐derived salicylaldehyde as major toxin; those feeding on B. pubescens secreted isobutyrates and 2‐methylbutyrates of mixed plant–insect origin. In all samples, a heterozygote deficit was observed (0.120<FIS<0.568), in particular in populations collected at mid or high elevation (FIS>0.4). The estimated mean level of genetic differentiation among all populations was high (FST = 0.276). Differentiation was highly variable between pairs of populations (FST = 0.093–0.455, all significant) without any correlation with geographic distance. The sample collected in the Czech Republic, from the only population on B. pubescens, was not the most divergent.
Mannose‐binding lectin gene polymorphisms in relation to periodontitis
Authors: Louropoulou Anna , Van Der Velden Ubele , Schoenmaker Ton , Catsburg Arnold , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: September 2008

Aim: To investigate the correlation of six functional polymorphisms in the MBL gene with MBL plasma levels in relation to periodontitis.

Material and Methods: A total of 92 periodontitis patients and 70 controls, all of Caucasian origin, were included. Patients and controls were genotyped for the L/H, X/Y, P/Q, A/D, A/B and A/C polymorphisms. Distributions of genotypes, rate of allele carriage and allele frequencies were compared between patients and controls. Patients and controls were subdivided in groups of genotypes. Plasma MBL levels were compared between different genotype groups.

Results: On the basis of genotyping, three phenotypes with regard to mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) production were distinguished: high‐producers, low‐producers and deficient subjects. No differences in the genotype frequencies were observed between patients and controls. Within patients and controls, subjects with the high‐producing genotypes had significantly higher MBL plasma levels than low‐producers and deficient subjects (p<0.001). Plasma MBL was higher in low‐producer patients compared with low‐producer controls (padjusted=0.021).

Conclusion: No association could be observed between MBL gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to periodontitis in Caucasians. However, now that genotyping could distinguish the low producing and deficient subjects from the high‐producers, it was observed, for the first time, that MBL acts as a weak acute‐phase protein in periodontitis.
Adolescents' sense of coherence and smoking as longitudinal predictors of self‐reported gingivitis
Authors: Ayo‐Yusuf Olalekan A. , Reddy Priscilla S. , Van Den Borne Bart W.
Published: September 2008

Objective: This study sought to determine the influence of sense of coherence (SOC), a personal stress‐coping resource, and smoking on the self‐reported gingival health of a cohort of rural black South African adolescents.

Methods: This 18‐month study involved a three‐wave survey of a representative sample of eighth graders from 11 randomly selected high schools in the Limpopo province, South Africa (n=970). Using a generalized estimating equation model, we examined the correlates of recent gingivitis, defined as self‐reporting frequent gingival bleeding (GB). Explanatory variables included baseline socio‐economic status, age, gender, plaque levels, toothbrushing frequency, tobacco use status and SOC levels.

Results: Among our sample, 74.6% reported experiencing gingivitis at some point during follow‐up, while 41.9% reported frequent GB at the last survey. Factors that were positively associated with recent gingivitis include living in poor households [odds ratio (OR)=1.49; p<0.01], having higher plaque levels (OR=1.18; p=0.04) and smoking regularly (OR=1.57; p=0.04). Self‐reporting gingivitis was negatively associated with being female (OR=0.76; p=0.02) and having a higher SOC (OR=0.96; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Adolescent smoking and SOC levels are independent predictors of self‐reported gingivitis. Therefore, in addition to plaque control, smoking prevention and the teaching of stress‐coping skills may be important interventions for promoting adolescents' gingival health.
Identifying across‐system sources of variation in a generalist freshwater fish: correlates of total and size‐specific abundance of yellow perch
Authors: Carey M. P. , Mather M. E.
Published: September 2008

Abstract –  Variation in fish abundance across systems presents a challenge to our understanding of fish populations because it limits our ability to predict and transfer basic ecological principles to applied problems. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is an ideal species for exploring environmental and biotic correlates across system because it is widely distributed and physiologically tolerant. In 16 small, adjacent systems that span a wide range of environmental and biotic conditions, yellow perch were sampled with a standard suite of gear. Water quality, morphometry, vegetation, invertebrates and fish communities were concurrently measured. Multimodel inference was used to prioritise regressors for the entire yellow perch sample and three size groups (35–80, 81–180, ≥181 mm TL). Across systems, pH and fish richness were identified as the key drivers of yellow perch abundance. At very low pH (<4.0), few fish species and few yellow perch individuals were found. At ponds with moderately low pH (4.0–4.8), numbers of yellow perch increased. Ponds with high pH (>4.8) had many other species and few yellow perch. Similar patterns for pH and fish community were observed for the two largest‐size classes. Negative interactions were observed between the medium‐ and large‐sized yellow perch and between the largest and smallest yellow perch, although interspecific interactions were weaker than expected. This examination of variability for an indicator species and its component‐size classes provides ecological understanding that can help frame the larger‐scale sampling programs needed for the conservation of freshwater fish.
Germline expression of H‐RasG12V causes neurological deficits associated to Costello syndrome
Authors: Viosca J. , Schuhmacher A. J. , Guerra C. , Barco A.
Published: September 2008

Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital disorder caused by germline activation of H‐Ras oncogenes. A mouse model of CS generated by introduction of an oncogenic Gly12Val mutation in the mouse H‐Ras locus using homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells has been recently described. These mice phenocopied some of the abnormalities observed in patients with CS, including facial dysmorphia and cardiomyopathies. We investigated here their neurological and behavioral phenotype. The analysis of H‐RasG12V mice revealed phenotypes that resembled the hyperemotivity, hypersensibility and cognitive impairments observed in children with CS. Stronger neurological deficits were found in the analysis of mice homozygous for this mutation than in the analysis of heterozygous mice, suggesting the existence of a gene dose effect. These mice represent the first mouse model for CS, offering an experimental tool to study the molecular and physiological alterations underlying the neurological manifestations of CS and to test new therapies aimed at preventing or ameliorating the cognitive and emotional impairments associated to this condition.
International Strategic Human Resource Management: A Comparative Case Analysis of Spanish Firms in China
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dolan Simon , Lingham Tony , Altman Yochanan
Published: September 2008

This study examines the role of human resources in strategy formulation processes in China's emerging market. Employing a qualitative data driven thematic analysis, we present evidence collected from six comparative case sites of Spanish firms in China. Our findings suggest that high performing firms use a dynamic adaptive logic while lower performing firms use a static structural logic. A dynamic adaptive model of strategic human resource management is identified, emphasizing a fluid and informal process between strategy, human resources and international management.
Characterization of l‐aspartate oxidase and quinolinate synthase from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Marinoni Ilaria , Nonnis Simona , Monteferrante Carmine , Heathcote Peter , Härtig Elisabeth , Böttger Lars H. , Trautwein Alfred X. , Negri Armando , Albertini Alessandra M. , Tedeschi Gabriella
Published: September 2008

NAD is an important cofactor and essential molecule in all living organisms. In many eubacteria, including several pathogens, the first two steps in the de novo synthesis of NAD are catalyzed by l‐aspartate oxidase (NadB) and quinolinate synthase (NadA). Despite the important role played by these two enzymes in NAD metabolism, many of their biochemical and structural properties are still largely unknown. In the present study, we cloned, overexpressed and characterized NadA and NadB from Bacillus subtilis, one of the best studied bacteria and a model organism for low‐GC Gram‐positive bacteria. Our data demonstrated that NadA from B. subtilis possesses a [4Fe–4S]2+ cluster, and we also identified the cysteine residues involved in the cluster binding. The [4Fe–4S]2+ cluster is coordinated by three cysteine residues (Cys110, Cys230, and Cys320) that are conserved in all the NadA sequences reported so far, suggesting a new noncanonical binding motif that, on the basis of sequence alignment studies, may be common to other quinolinate synthases from different organisms. Moreover, for the first time, it was shown that the interaction between NadA and NadB is not species‐specific between B. subtilis and Escherichia coli.
Hexameric ring structure of a thermophilic archaeon NADH oxidase that produces predominantly H2O
Authors: Jia Baolei , Park Seong‐Cheol , Lee Sangmin , Pham Bang P. , Yu Rui , Le Thuy L. , Han Sang Woo , Yang Jae‐Kyung , Choi Myung‐Suk , Baumeister Wolfgang , Cheong Gang‐Won
Published: September 2008

An NADH oxidase (NOX) was cloned from the genome of Thermococcus profundus (NOXtp) by genome walking, and the encoded protein was purified to homogeneity after expression in Escherichia coli. Subsequent analyses showed that it is an FAD‐containing protein with a subunit molecular mass of 49 kDa that exists as a hexamer with a native molecular mass of 300 kDa. A ring‐shaped hexameric form was revealed by electron microscopic and image processing analyses. NOXtp catalyzed the oxidization of NADH and NADPH and predominantly converted O2 to H2O, but not to H2O2, as in the case of most other NOX enzymess. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a NOX that can produce H2O predominantly in a thermophilic organism. As an enzyme with two cysteine residues, NOXtp contains a cysteinyl redox center at Cys45 in addition to FAD. Mutant analysis suggests that Cys45 in NOXtp plays a key role in the four‐electron reduction of O2 to H2O, but not in the two‐electron reduction of O2 to H2O2.
Influential factor contributing to the isoform‐specific inhibition by ATP of human mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent malic enzyme
Authors: Hsieh Ju‐Yi , Liu Guang‐Yaw , Hung Hui‐Chih
Published: September 2008

Human mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent malic enzyme (m‐NAD‐ME) is a malic enzyme isoform with dual cofactor specificity, ATP inhibition and substrate cooperativity. The determinant of ATP inhibition in malic enzyme isoforms has not yet been identified. Sequence alignment of nucleotide‐binding sites of ME isoforms revealed that Lys346 is conserved uniquely in m‐NAD‐ME. In other ME isoforms, this residue is serine. As the inhibitory effect of ATP is more pronounced on m‐NAD‐ME than on other ME isoforms, we have examined the possible role of Lys346 by replacing it to alanine, serine or arginine. Our kinetic data indicate that the K346S mutant enzyme displays a shift in its cofactor preference from NAD+ to NADP+ upon increasing kcat,NADP and decreasing Km,NADP. Furthermore, the cooperative binding of malate becomes less significant in human m‐NAD‐ME after mutation of Lys346. The h value for the wild‐type is close to 2, but those of the K346 mutants are approximately 1.5. The K346 mutants can also be activated by fumarate and the cooperative effect can be abolished by fumarate, suggesting that the allosteric property is retained in these mutants. Our data strongly suggest that Lys346 in human m‐NAD‐ME is required for ATP inhibition. Mutation of Lys346 to Ser or Ala causes the enzyme to be much less sensitive to ATP, similar to cytosolic NADP‐dependent malic enzyme. Substitution of Lys to Arg did not change the isoform‐specific inhibition of the enzyme by ATP. The inhibition constants of ATP are increased for K346S and K346A, but are similar to those of the wild‐type for K346R, suggesting that the positive charge rather than group specificity is required for binding affinity of ATP. Thus, ATP inhibition is proposed to be determined by the electrostatic potential involving the positive charge on the side chain of Lys346.