bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Capabilities: An Exploration of How Firms Renew their Resource Base
Authors: Ambrosini Véronique , Bowman Cliff , Collier Nardine
Published: February 2009

The aim of this paper is to extend the concept of dynamic capabilities. Building on prior research, we suggest that there are three levels of dynamic capabilities which are related to managers' perceptions of environmental dynamism. At the first level we find incremental dynamic capabilities: those capabilities concerned with the continuous improvement of the firm's resource base. At the second level are renewing dynamic capabilities, those that refresh, adapt and augment the resource base. These two levels are usually conceived as one and represent what the literature refers to as dynamic capabilities. At the third level are regenerative dynamic capabilities, which impact, not on the firm's resource base, but on its current set of dynamic capabilities, i.e. these change the way the firm changes its resource base. We explore the three levels using illustrative examples and conclude that regenerative dynamic capabilities may either come from inside the firm or enter the firm from outside, via changes in leadership or the intervention of external change agents.
The Evolving Firm: How Dynamic and Operating Capabilities Interact to Enable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Newey Lance R. , Zahra Shaker A.
Published: February 2009

In this study, we expand our understanding of firm evolution by focusing on how operating and dynamic capabilities interact through endogenously led changes. The focus on endogenous change complements the current emphasis in the literature on how dynamic capabilities help firms cope with the risk of core rigidities following an exogenous shock. Our comparison of two collaborating firms shows that, at the operating capability level, firms build absorptive capacity in value networks during their product development experiences and this learning needs to be captured at the product portfolio planning level. When this learning is captured and transformed, product portfolio planning acts as a dynamic capability reconfiguring operating capabilities based on beliefs about follow‐on entrepreneurial opportunities. Under conditions of endogenous change, dynamic capabilities are guided by a proactive entrepreneurial logic, complementing the need for reactive adaptive responses in circumstances of exogenous change. A key implication is that dynamic capabilities have a more expansive and critical role in the adaptation of firms than previously considered. Our theorizing shows how interactions between dynamic and operating capabilities build the adaptive capacity of the organization.
Location, Location, Location: Does Place of Work Really Matter?
Authors: Redman Tom , Snape Ed , Ashurst Colin
Published: February 2009

This paper examines the work attitudes of home‐ and office‐based workers. A review of the existing literature finds both pessimistic and optimistic accounts of the impact of homeworking on employee attitudes and behaviours. Drawing on a survey of 749 managerial and professional employees in knowledge‐intensive industries, the study finds more support for the optimistic perspective. The findings suggest that homeworking is positively associated with employee well‐being and a more balanced work–home relationship. There is no evidence that organizational citizenship behaviours are reduced by homeworking but there is some support for homeworking undermining employees' perception of the organization as supporting their careers and personal development.
Concurrent Verbalizations, Pedagogical Conditions, and Reactivity: Two CALL Studies
Authors: Sanz Cristina , Lin Hui‐Ju , Lado Beatriz , Bowden Harriet Wood , Stafford Catherine A.
Published: February 2009

The article summarizes results from two experimental studies on reactivity. In the first experiment, 24 college‐age participants received a computerized treatment that delivered a grammar lesson, practice, and feedback on assignment of semantic functions in Latin. Verbalizations did not induce reactivity on accuracy, but they slowed down posttest performance. The second experiment (N= 24), which did not include a grammar lesson, showed that thinking aloud had a facilitating effect. Our results suggest that reactivity depends not only on the task and on the nature of the assessment tool but also on the nature of the dependent variables (i.e., latency vs. accuracy). In contrast to previous SLA studies (with the exception of Sachs and Polio, 2007), our study advises researchers to exercise caution when implementing verbal protocols in their designs.
Learners' Implicit Assumptions About Syntactic Frames in New L3 Words: The Role of Cognates, Typological Proximity, and L2 Status
Authors: Hall Christopher J. , Newbrand Denise , Ecke Peter , Sperr Ulrike , Marchand Vanessa , Hayes Lisa
Published: February 2009

Learners of third language (L3) German and L3 French studied unfamiliar verbs that were cognate with first language (L1) Spanish equivalents, second language (L2) English equivalents, or neither. We examined whether learners would assume that the verbs shared syntactic frames with cognate forms in the typologically closer language. In immediate tests, verbs were preferentially judged grammatical in cognate frames, with verbs in typologically closer French yielding a stronger effect for Spanish frames than German verbs did for English frames. After a week, the effect had disappeared for German but was maintained for French. Noncognates were judged more grammatical in the L2 frame in both experiments. The results suggest that form similarity, typological proximity, and L2 status can jointly affect preliminary assumptions about new words' grammatical properties.
The Micro‐politics of Gendering in Networking
Authors: Benschop Yvonne
Published: February 2009

Networking processes contribute to the perpetuation of gender inequalities in everyday practices in organizations. This article examines the implications of the conceptualization of gender as practice for social network theory. The three central elements of this critical feminist approach to networking are the study of agency, identity construction and the micro‐political processes of networking and gendering. To illustrate that networking practices are gendering practices, that there are various manifestations of those practices, and the way in which networking and gendering are intertwined, the networking practices of four white, Dutch female and male account managers are discussed. This micro‐political analysis suggests that networking does not necessarily reinforce gender inequality, which opens up the possibility of examining which combinations of networking and gendering contribute to changing the gender order.
The relationship of presence or absence of palmaris longus and fifth flexor digitorum superficialis with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Saied A. , Karamoozian S.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  This study was designed to find a possible correlation between the presence of the palmaris longus (PL) tendon and function of the fifth flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods:  The CTS and normal groups consisted of 60 and 180 hands, respectively. The diagnosis of CTS was confirmed by detailed history taking, physical examination and electrodiagnostic testing. The presence of the PL tendon and function of the fifth FDS were determined by physical examination.

Results:  In the CTS group, 16/60 hands (26.7%) did not have a PL tendon and 18/60 hands (30%) were lacking fifth FDS function. In the normal group, 27/180 hands (15%) lacked the PL and 25/180 (13.9%) lacked a functional fifth FDS (P = 0.041 and 0.005 for PL and FDS, respectively). Pain distribution and severity of the disease were not related to absence of either of these tendons (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  Our findings showed that the absence of the PL tendon and fifth FDS function, independently and in combination, is more frequent in patients with CTS. Also we found that the severity of CTS or pain distribution in these patients was not related to the presence or absence of these tendons.
Prevalence of subependymal giant cell tumors in patients with tuberous sclerosis and a review of the literature
Authors: Adriaensen M. E. A. P. M. , Schaefer‐Prokop C. M. , Stijnen T. , Duyndam D. A. C. , Zonnenberg B. A. , Prokop M.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  To investigate the prevalence of subependymal giant cell ependymomas (SEGA) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods:  We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study in a cohort of 285 patients with known TSC. Institutional review board approval was obtained. We included all 214 TSC‐patients who had received a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain. The most recent scan was evaluated for SEGA and presence of hydrocephalus. Additionally, a literature search was performed, and pooled estimates of SEGA prevalence in TSC were calculated. We used descriptive statistics, two sample t‐test, chi‐squared‐test, and meta‐analysis as appropriate.

Results:  Computed tomography showed radiological evidence of SEGA in 43 of the 214 TSC‐patients (20%); 23 of 105 men (22%) and 20 of 109 women (18%; P = .52). Average maximum tumor size was 11.4 mm (range, 4–29 mm). Patients with SEGA (mean, 31 years; range, 16–58 years) were on average younger than patients without SEGA (mean, 37 years; range, 10–72 years; P = 0.007). No association between tumor size and patient age was detected. Nine patients had bilateral SEGA. Hydrocephalus was present in six of the 43 patients (14%). Meta‐analysis of reported prevalence and our current study showed that studies using radiological evidence to diagnose SEGA gave a higher pooled estimate of the prevalence of SEGA in TSC (0.16; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.21) than studies using mainly histopathological evidence of SEGA (0.09; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.12).

Conclusions:  In our cohort, CT demonstrated evidence of SEGA in 20% of TSC‐patients. Prevalence of SEGA in TSC is higher in studies using radiological evidence to diagnose SEGA than in studies using histopathological evidence.
Subcutaneous versus intravenous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy: a randomized, single‐blinded cross‐over trial
Authors: Harbo T. , Andersen H. , Hess A. , Hansen K. , Sindrup S. H. , Jakobsen J.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  For treatment of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), we hypothesized that (i) infusion of equivalent dosages of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is as effective as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and that (ii) subcutaneous infusion at home is associated with a better quality of life.

Methods:  In a randomized single‐blinded cross‐over study, nine IVIG responsive patients were allocated to receive either SCIG or IVIG for a period equivalent to three IVIG treatment intervals and, subsequently, crossed over to the other treatment. Primary end‐points were (i) dynamometric strength of affected muscles and (ii) the SF‐36 quality of life questionnaire.

Results:  The two treatments were equally effective, the mean change in muscle strength after SCIG being 3.6% (95% CI −3.6% to 10.9%) vs. 4.3% (−1.3% to 10.0%) after IVIG (P = 0.86). One patient had sustained erythema and oedema at the injection sites for a few weeks. All other adverse effects during SCIG were mild and transient. No differences between treatments of health‐related quality of life occurred.

Conclusion:  In MMN, short‐term subcutaneous infusion of immunoglobulin is feasible, safe and as effective as intravenous infusion. Subcutaneous administration is an alternative option that adds flexibility to the treatment schedule.
Genetic screening of two Tunisian families with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus
Authors: Fendri‐Kriaa N. , Kammoun F. , Rebai A. , Kolsi D. , Hadj Salem I. , Fakhfakh F. , Triki C.
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Febrile Seizure can be associated with heterogeneous epilepsy phenotypes regrouped in a syndrome called generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). The aim of this report is to search for the gene responsible for GEFS+ in two affected Tunisian families.

Methods:  Microsatellite marker analysis was performed on the known FS and GEFS+ loci. According to the results obtained by statistical analyses, GABRG2 on GEFS+3 locus and SCN1A on GEFS+2 locus were considered as two of the potential candidate genes and were tested for mutations by direct sequencing.

Results and conclusions:  The mutation analysis and statistical test of the GABRG2 gene revealed a disease association with rs211014 in intron 8 (χ2 = 5.25, P = 0.021). A sequencing analysis of the SCN1A gene was performed for the two tested families and showed a known mutation (c.1811G>A) and a putative disease‐associated haplotype in only one family. Our results support that SCN1A is the responsible gene for GEFS+ in one of the two studied Tunisian families and suggest a positive association of an intronic SNP in the GABRG2 gene in both families.
Plasma Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Diagnosing and Predicting Paediatric Migraine
Authors: Fan P-C , Kuo P-H , Chang S-H , Lee W-T , Wu R-M , Chiou L-C
Published: February 2009

To investigate the role of plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in paediatric migraine, we prospectively collected 134 blood samples during or between attacks from 66 migraine, 33 non-migraine headache (non-migraine) and 22 non-headache patients, aged 4–18 years. Plasma CGRP concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and disability by Pediatric MIgraine Disability ASsessment (PedMIDAS) questionnaire. Migraineurs had higher plasma CGRP levels than non-migraine patients ( P = 0.007). The attack level was higher than the non-attack level in migraine ( P = 0.036), but not in non-migraine, patients. This was also revealed in paired comparison ( n = 9, P = 0.015 vs. n = 4, P = 0.47). Using a threshold of 55.1 pg/ml, the sensitivity of the attack level in predicting migraine was 0.81, and specificity 0.75. The PedMIDAS score tended to be higher in the high CGRP (> 200 pg/ml, n = 7) group than in the low (< 200 pg/ml, n = 33) group (26.07 vs. 19.32, P = 0.16) using Mann–Whitney test. Plasma CGRP is useful for diagnosis in paediatric migraine.
Emergency Management in the Swedish Electricity Grid from a Household Perspective
Authors: Palm Jenny
Published: February 2009

This article focuses on households' action space and perceived responsibilities during power outages, and on how municipalities and grid companies understand their own and the households' responsibilities and action space. Results from a case study in the county of Östergötland showed that household responsibilities in terms of preparedness for outages were unclear to the actors. Both municipalities and grid companies expected households to be somewhat prepared. Households, however, believed that they were not responsible for being prepared for power outages, even though they need to be prepared to survive. Often the preparedness concerns material factors, such as investment in auxiliary generating capacity for use in case of outages. How the households perceive outages is important for their capacity to handle and feel comfortable in such situations.
Testing the ‘rare pit’ hypothesis for xylem cavitation resistance in three species of Acer
Authors: Christman Mairgareth A. , Sperry John S. , Adler Frederick R.
Published: February 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02847.xCommentary p 557
Psychometric properties of the Pediatric Motor Activity Log used for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: WALLEN MARGARET , BUNDY ANITA , PONT KARINA , ZIVIANI JENNY
Published: February 2009

The Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL) is a parent‐report measure of the use, by children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP), of their affected upper limb in everyday activities. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of both scales of the PMAL (‘How Often’ and ‘How Well’ scales) using Rasch measurement modelling. Sixty‐one parents of children with hemiplegic CP completed the PMAL and 31 completed it again 3 weeks later. The mean age of children was 4 years 6 months (SD 1y 9mo); 35 males, 26 females. Children were at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I (83%) and II (17%), and Manual Ability Classification System levels I (35%), II (52%), and III (14%). The original scales were found to have disordered rating scale structure. Further Rasch modelling with collapsed rating scale structures resulted in both scales conforming to the expectations of the Rasch model, yielding strong evidence for construct validity and reliability. One item from the How Often scale failed to conform to Rasch expectations and was deleted in subsequent analyses. Test–retest reliability of both scales was high (the intraclass correlation coefficient for the How Often scale was 0.94, and for the How Well scale 0.93). The revised scales possess good psychometric properties, specifically a logical item hierarchy, evidence of unidimensionality, adequate rating scale structure, and good test–retest reliability. We conclude that the revised PMAL has the capacity to yield valid and reliable scores except for children at the extremes of upper limb ability.
Influence of arterial wave reflection on carotid blood pressure and intima‐media thickness in older endurance trained men and women with pre‐hypertension
Authors: Heffernan Kevin S. , Jae Sae Young , Tomayko Emily , Ishaque Muhammad R. , Fernhall Bo , Wilund Kenneth R.
Published: February 2009

Increased carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) with aging is a significant predictor of mortality. Older endurance trained (ET) individuals have lower carotid artery stiffness but similar carotid IMT when compared to sedentary (SED) age‐matched peers. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of arterial wave reflections to carotid hemodynamics and IMT in older ET and SED with pre‐hypertension. Subjects consisted of endurance‐trained master athletes and age‐matched sedentary controls (mean age 67 years). Carotid artery Beta‐stiffness index and IMT was assessed with ultrasonography. Carotid pressure and augmented pressure from wave reflections (obtained from pulse contour analysis) was measured with applanation tonometry. Carotid systolic blood pressure (SBP) and IMT were not different between groups (P>0·05). Carotid stiffness was significantly lower in ET versus SED (7·3 ± 0·8 versus 9·9 ± 0·6, P<0·05). Augmented pressure was significantly greater in ET versus SED (17·7 ± 1·6 versus 13·3 ± 1·5 mmHg, P<0·05). When adjusting for differences in resting heart rate, there were no group differences in augmented pressure. In conclusion, older ET persons with pre‐hypertension have reduced carotid artery stiffness, but similar carotid SBP and carotid IMT when compared to SED. The lack of change in carotid SBP and IMT in older ET may be related to the inability of chronic exercise training to reduce bradycardia‐related augmented pressure from wave reflections with aging.
Intensity of Aggression in Childhood as a Predictor of Different Forms of Adult Aggression: A Two‐Country (Finland and the United States) Analysis
Authors: Kokko Katja , Pulkkinen Lea , Huesmann L. Rowell , Dubow Eric F. , Boxer Paul
Published: February 2009

This study examined the prediction of different forms of adult aggression in 2 countries from child and adolescent aggression. It was based on 2 longitudinal projects: the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS; N=196 boys and 173 girls) conducted in Finland and the Columbia County Longitudinal Study (CCLS; N=436 boys and 420 girls) conducted in the United States. The same peer‐nominated items for aggression were used in both studies at age 8; comparable measures of aggression were also available in adolescence (age 14 in the JYLS/19 in the CCLS) and adulthood (ages 36/30 and 42/48). Results showed that in both countries and in both genders, aggression in school age was linked significantly to physical aggression and lack of self‐control of anger in adulthood but not to verbal aggression. This differential predictability of aggression over 40 years suggests that individual differences in physical aggression are more determined by lasting individual differences (including emotional reactivity) than are individual differences in verbal aggression.
Adolescent Deliberate Self‐Harm: Linkages to Emotion Regulation and Family Emotional Climate
Authors: Sim Leslie , Adrian Molly , Zeman Janice , Cassano Michael , Friedrich William N.
Published: February 2009

Parents' responses to their children's emotional expressivity have been shown to significantly influence children's subsequent psychosocial functioning. This study hypothesized that adolescents' deliberate self‐harm (DSH) may be an outcome associated with poor emotion regulation as well as an invalidating family environment. The mediational role of specific emotion processes (i.e., poor awareness of emotion, difficulties expressing emotions) between family emotional environment and the frequency of DSH was examined with 131 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents (M age=14.84 years, SD=1.75 years). Results indicated that adolescents who self‐injured reported that this behavior reduced their negative emotional states. Structural equation modeling provided support for the proposed model that family climate influences frequency of DSH through emotion regulation skills but the model held for girls only. A direct model effect was not supported. Emotion regulation partially mediated the relationship between family climate and DSH, and direct effects were also observed.
Implications of Ethnic Identity Exploration and Ethnic Identity Affirmation and Belonging for Intergroup Attitudes Among Adolescents
Authors: Whitehead Kevin A. , Ainsworth Andrew T. , Wittig Michele A. , Gadino Brandy
Published: February 2009

The present paper develops and tests two temporal models of the relationships among adolescents' ethnic identity exploration, ethnic identity affirmation and belonging, and attitudes toward their racial/ethnic ingroup and outgroups. Structural equation models for Euro‐Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos revealed that all hypothesized relationships were positive and significant. The model in which ethnic identity exploration (at Time 1) predicts ethnic identity affirmation and belonging (at Time 2) was superior to the alternative model in which the relationship between them was reversed (i.e., affirmation and belonging at Time 1 predicts exploration at Time 2). Results (1) support the importance of exploration as a basis for establishing a secure attachment to one's ethnic identity, which, in turn, has positive implications for attitudes toward one's own group and other groups and (2) suggest that maintenance of ethnic identity is compatible with positive attitudes toward ethnic outgroups.
The Simultaneous Effect of Social Distance and Physical Distance on the Formation of Neighborhood Ties
Authors: Hipp John R. , Perrin Andrew J.
Published: February 2009

Prior studies have separately suggested the importance of physical distance or social distance effects for the creation of neighborhood ties. This project adopts a case study approach and simultaneously tests for propinquity and homophily effects on neighborhood ties by employing a full–network sample from a recently developed New Urbanist neighborhood within a mid–sized southern city. the authors find that physical distance reduces the likelihood of weak or strong ties forming, suggesting the importance of accounting for propinquity when estimating social tie formation. the authors simultaneously find that social distance along wealth reduces the likelihood of weak ties forming. Social distance on life course markers—age, marital status, and the presence of children—reduces the formation of weak ties. Consistent with the systemic model, each additional month of shared residence in the neighborhood increases both weak and strong ties. An important innovation is this study's ability to directly compare the effects of physical distance and social distance, placing them into equivalent units: a 10 percent increase in home value difference is equivalent to a 5.6 percent increase in physical distance.
Estimating the House Foreclosure Discount Corrected for Spatial Price Interdependence and Endogeneity of Marketing Time
Authors: Clauretie Terrence M. , Daneshvary Nasser
Published: February 2009

Most previous empirical research estimates a greater than 20% discount associated with the sale of foreclosed properties. Under the assumption that the real estate market is somewhat efficient, such a large discount would be counterintuitive. We argue, and empirically show, that the estimated foreclosure coefficients in most of the previous research are upward biased because they do not control for variables such as the physical condition of the property and the relationship between marketing time and price. Accounting for these factors and correcting for two types of spatial price interdependence, our results show that estimates of foreclosure discount reported by previous studies are about one‐third higher than the true discount caused by foreclosure per se.
Real Estate for the Long Term: The Effect of Return Predictability on Long‐Horizon Allocations
Authors: MacKinnon Gregory H. , Al Zaman Ashraf
Published: February 2009

We examine how the predictability of real estate returns affects the risk of, and optimal allocations to, real estate for investors of differing investment horizons. Returns to direct real estate are mean reverting, and risk decreases with horizon. This is driven by a tendency for property transaction prices to overshoot inflation. Mean reversion in real estate returns is weaker than that of equities, resulting in real estate having similar risk to equities for long‐term investors. However, optimal portfolios have large allocations to direct real estate at all horizons, and the allocation increases with horizon. Finally, we find that real estate investment trusts are a redundant asset class for investors with access to direct real estate as an asset class, but they do have a role in optimal allocations when direct property investment is not feasible.
The Health Economy and Health Insurance Research in the JRI
Authors: Santerre Rexford E. , Hilliard James I.
Published: February 2009

Abstract

College professors typically expend a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort on academic research. But only one study to date has demonstrated the societal benefit of such research by showing that the content of academic research responds to real‐world problems. This article adds to this scant literature by investigating empirically if the prevalence of health insurance articles in the Journal of Risk and Insurance (JRI) can be explained by the state of the health economy. According to the findings, both the uninsured rate and health care spending share are directly related to the percentage of health insurance articles published in the JRI. Thus, the empirical results suggest that the research decisions of insurance economists are influenced at the margin by real‐world problems.
The Perfect Storm: Hurricanes, Insurance, and Regulation
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Klein Robert W.
Published: February 2009

Abstract

The intense hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005 caused considerable instability in property insurance markets in coastal states with the greatest problems occurring in Florida and the Southeast. Insurers have substantially raised rates and decreased their exposures. While no severe hurricanes struck the United States in 2006 and 2007, market pressures remain strong given the high risk still facing coastal states. These developments generate considerable concern and controversy among various stakeholder groups. Government responses have varied. In Florida, political pressures prompted a wave of legislation and regulations to expand government underwriting and subsidization of hurricane risk and constrain insurers' rates and market adjustments. Other states' actions seem more moderate. In this context, it is important to understand how property insurance markets have been changing and governments have been responding to increased catastrophe risk. This article examines important market developments and evaluates associated government policies. We comment on how regulation is affecting the equilibration of insurance markets and offer opinions on policies that are helpful and harmful.
Thermal ecophysiology of seven carrion‐feeding blowflies in Southern Africa
Authors: Richards C. S. , Price B. W. , Villet M. H.
Published: February 2009

A variety of temperature thresholds for larvae, pupae, and adults of seven African species of carrion‐feeding blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was measured and compared to understand their basic thermal biology and the influence of temperature on their behaviour. Calliphora croceipalpis (Jaennicke) had consistently lower temperature thresholds than all other species tested for all larval (42.9 °C), pupal (16.6 °C), and adult (45.6 °C) stages. Larvae (50.1 °C) and adults (53.4 °C) of Chrysomya marginalis (Robineau‐Desvoidy) had higher upper lethal temperature thresholds than all other species and weighed more than all other species. Pupae and adults of both Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) had similar temperature thresholds, whereas Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann), and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) had inconsistent rank temperature thresholds between the larval, pupal, and adult stages. With a few minor exceptions, the nervous activity, muscle activity, and death thresholds in female adult flies responded at higher temperatures than conspecific male flies for all species tested. Similarly, female adult flies weighed consistently more than conspecific male flies for all species tested, except Ca. croceipalpis. These data suggest that there is a phylogenetic component to the thermal biology of blowflies, because Ca. croceipalpis belongs to a primarily Holarctic genus and shows adaptation to that climate even though it inhabits Africa. Comparisons between these temperature thresholds and the distributions of blowfly species present on three rhinoceros carcasses suggest that blowfly larvae with high upper lethal temperature thresholds (particularly C. marginalis) dominate in interspecific competition on the carcass by raising the temperature of the amassed maggots above the thresholds of other carrion‐feeding blowflies, through metabolically generated heat.
Dynamics of imidacloprid resistance and cross‐resistance in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Wang Yan Hua , Wu Sheng Gan , Zhu Yu Cheng , Chen Jin , Liu Feng Yi , Zhao Xue Ping , Wang Qiang , Li Zhen , Bo Xian Ping , Shen Jin Liang
Published: February 2009

Extensive use of imidacloprid for suppressing the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), has placed heavy selection pressure on the target insect. A systematic study was carried out to determine imidacloprid resistance dynamics and cross‐resistance. Data collected from a 3‐year study (2005–2007) showed that in 2005, the resistance levels in Nanning (Guangxi), Haiyan (Zhejiang), and Nanjing and Tongzhou (Jiangsu) populations ranged from 200‐ to 799‐fold compared with the susceptible strain. However, the resistance levels decreased to 135‐ to 233‐fold in 2007, after reduced application of the chemical. A laboratory population was challenged with imidacloprid in successive generations. After 23 generations, the resistance ratio had increased from 200‐ to 1 298‐fold. Continuous selection with imidacloprid could increase the resistance level even more than has already been developed in the population. Stopping selection with imidacloprid led to a rapid decrease of resistance from 759‐ to 114‐fold after 17 generations. Resistance levels then became stable without decreasing any further. A similar result was also obtained from a study involving a field population (resistance ratio = 625‐fold) collected from Tongzhou. At first, the population showed a rapid decrease in resistance right after imidacloprid selection was stopped, and then the resistance stabilized at a level of 105–129‐fold. More interestingly, resistance increased again when selection was resumed. In addition, the resistant strain selected with imidacloprid showed substantial cross‐resistance to imidaclothiz, thiacloprid, and acetamiprid, and slight levels of cross‐resistance to dinotefuran and thiamethoxam, but no obvious cross‐resistance to nitenpyram, buprofezin, and fipronil. The information from this study is valuable for formulating resistance‐management strategies against N. lugens.
How psychiatrists inform themselves and their patients about risks and benefits of antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Mendel R. , Hamann J. , Traut‐Mattausch E. , Jonas E. , Heres S. , Frey D. , Kissling W.
Published: February 2009

Objective:  In order to choose the best treatment option, physicians have to inform themselves and their patients about both the benefits and risks of available treatment options equally. Our study aims to investigate whether psychiatrists actually do conduct such a balanced information search and presentation.

Method:  Psychiatrists’ information search and information presentation to a patient with schizophrenia were studied using two separate experiments. In both, participants were presented with hypothetical case vignettes and descriptions of fictitious antipsychotics.

Results:  When searching for information, psychiatrists looked more for risks than benefits of antipsychotic treatment options (t = −3.4, df = 74, P = 0.001). However, when informing a patient, they named more benefits than risks (t = 17.1, df = 224, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The risk‐biased information search presumably follows the principle of ‘primum non nocere’. The benefit‐biased information presentation might be motivated by the wish to persuade patients to accept the proposed therapy.
CREB regulation of BK channel gene expression underlies rapid drug tolerance
Authors: Wang Y. , Ghezzi A. , Yin J. C. P. , Atkinson N. S.
Published: February 2009

Pharmacodynamic tolerance is believed to involve homeostatic mechanisms initiated to restore normal neural function.Drosophilaexposed to a sedating dose of an organic solvent, such as benzyl alcohol or ethanol, acquire tolerance to subsequent sedation by that solvent. Theslogene encodes BK‐type Ca2+‐activated K+channels and has been linked to alcohol‐ and organic solvent‐induced behavioral tolerance in mice,Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)andDrosophila. The cyclic AMP response element‐binding (CREB) proteins are transcription factors that have been mechanistically linked to some behavioral changes associated with drug addiction. Here, we show that benzyl alcohol sedation alters expression of bothdCREB‐AanddCREB2‐bgenes to increase production of positively acting CREB isoforms and to reduce expression of negatively acting CREB variants. Using a CREB‐responsive reporter gene, we show that benzyl alcohol sedation increases CREB‐mediated transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that the binding of dCREB2, with a phosphorylated kinase‐inducible domain, increases immediately after benzyl alcohol sedation within theslopromoter region. Most importantly, we show that a loss‐of‐function allele ofdCREB2eliminates drug‐induced upregulation ofsloexpression and the production of benzyl alcohol tolerance. This unambiguously linksdCREB2transcription factors to these two benzyl alcohol‐induced phenotypes. These findings suggest that CREB positively regulates the expression ofslo‐encoded BK‐type Ca2+‐activated K+channels and that this gives rise to behavioral tolerance to benzyl alcohol sedation.
Strain differences in delay discounting using inbred rats
Authors: Wilhelm C. J. , Mitchell S. H.
Published: February 2009

A heightened aversion to delayed rewards is associated with substance abuse and numerous other neuropsychiatric disorders. Many of these disorders are heritable, raising the possibility that delay aversion may also have a significant genetic or heritable component. To examine this possibility, we compared delay discounting in six inbred strains of rats (Brown Norway, Copenhagen, Lewis, Fischer, Noble and Wistar Furth) using the adjusting amount procedure, which provides a measure of the subjective value of delayed rewards. The subjective value of rewards decreased as the delay to receipt increased for all strains. However, a main effect of strain and a strain × delay interaction indicated that some strains were more sensitive to the imposition of delays than others. Fitting a hyperbolic discount equation showed significant strain differences in sensitivity to delay (k). These data indicate that there are significant strain differences in delay discounting. All strains strongly preferred the 10% sucrose solution (the reinforcer in the delay discounting task) over water and the amount of sucrose consumed was correlated with sensitivity to delay. Locomotor activity was not correlated with delay discounting behavior. Additional research will be required to disentangle genetic influences from maternal effects and to determine how these factors influence the underlying association between heightened delay discounting and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Par j 1 and Par j 2, the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica, bind preferentially to monoacylated negative lipids
Authors: González‐Rioja Roberto , Asturias Juan A. , Martínez Alberto , Goñi Félix M. , Viguera Ana Rosa
Published: February 2009

Par j 1 and Par j 2 proteins are the two major allergens in Parietaria judaica pollen, one of the main causes of allergic diseases in the Mediterranean area. Each of them contains eight cysteine residues organized in a pattern identical to that found in plant nonspecific lipid transfer proteins. The 139‐ and 102‐residue recombinant allergens, corresponding respectively to Par j 1 and Par j 2, refold properly to fully functional forms, whose immunological properties resemble those of the molecules purified from the natural source. Molecular modeling shows that, despite the lack of extensive primary structure homology with nonspecific lipid transfer proteins, both allergens contain a hydrophobic cavity suited to accommodate a lipid ligand. In the present study, we present novel evidence for the formation of complexes of these natural and recombinant proteins from Parietaria pollen with lipidic molecules. The dissociation constant of oleyl‐lyso‐phosphatidylcholine is 9.1 ± 1.2 μm for recombinant Par j 1, whereas pyrenedodecanoic acid shows a much higher affinity, with a dissociation constant of approximately 1 μm for both recombinant proteins, as well as for the natural mixture. Lipid binding does not alter the secondary structure content of the protein but is very efficient in protecting disulfide bonds from reduction by dithiothreitol. We show that Par j 1 and Par j 2 not only bind lipids from micellar dispersions, but also are able to extract and transfer negative phospholipids from bilayers.
Evidence that the assembly of the yeast cytochrome bc1 complex involves the formation of a large core structure in the inner mitochondrial membrane
Authors: Zara Vincenzo , Conte Laura , Trumpower Bernard L.
Published: February 2009

The assembly status of the cytochrome bc1 complex has been analyzed in distinct yeast deletion strains in which genes for one or more of the bc1 subunits were deleted. In all the yeast strains tested, a bc1 sub‐complex of approximately 500 kDa was found when the mitochondrial membranes were analyzed by blue native electrophoresis. The subsequent molecular characterization of this sub‐complex, carried out in the second dimension by SDS/PAGE and immunodecoration, revealed the presence of the two catalytic subunits, cytochrome b and cytochrome c1, associated with the noncatalytic subunits core protein 1, core protein 2, Qcr7p and Qcr8p. Together, these bc1 subunits build up the core structure of the cytochrome bc1 complex, which is then able to sequentially bind the remaining subunits, such as Qcr6p, Qcr9p, the Rieske iron‐sulfur protein and Qcr10p. This bc1 core structure may represent a true assembly intermediate during the maturation of the bc1 complex; first, because of its wide distribution in distinct yeast deletion strains and, second, for its characteristics of stability, which resemble those of the intact homodimeric bc1 complex. By contrast, the bc1 core structure is unable to interact with the cytochrome c oxidase complex to form respiratory supercomplexes. The characterization of this novel core structure of the bc1 complex provides a number of new elements clarifying the molecular events leading to the maturation of the yeast cytochrome bc1 complex in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
A multidisciplinary audit of clinical coding accuracy in otolaryngology: financial, managerial and clinical governance considerations under payment‐by‐results
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , O’Hanlon S. , Butler C.R. , Hadovsky A. , Donald E. , Benjamin E. , Sandhu G.S.
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To audit the accuracy of otolaryngology clinical coding and identify ways of improving it.

Design:  Prospective multidisciplinary audit, using the ‘national standard clinical coding audit’ methodology supplemented by ‘double‐reading and arbitration’.

Settings:  Teaching‐hospital otolaryngology and clinical coding departments.

Participants:  Otolaryngology inpatient and day‐surgery cases.

Main outcome measures:  Concordance between initial coding performed by a coder (first cycle) and final coding by a clinician‐coder multidisciplinary team (MDT; second cycle) for primary and secondary diagnoses and procedures, and Health Resource Groupings (HRG) assignment.

Results:  1250 randomly‐selected cases were studied. Coding errors occurred in 24.1% of cases (301/1250). The clinician‐coder MDT reassigned 48 primary diagnoses and 186 primary procedures and identified a further 209 initially‐missed secondary diagnoses and procedures. In 203 cases, patient’s initial HRG changed. Incorrect coding caused an average revenue loss of £174.90 per patient (14.7%) of which 60% of the total income variance was due to miscoding of a eight highly‐complex head and neck cancer cases. The ‘HRG drift’ created the appearance of disproportionate resource utilisation when treating ‘simple’ cases. At our institution the total cost of maintaining a clinician‐coder MDT was 4.8 times lower than the income regained through the double‐reading process.

Conclusions:  This large audit of otolaryngology practice identifies a large degree of error in coding on discharge. This leads to significant loss of departmental revenue, and given that the same data is used for benchmarking and for making decisions about resource allocation, it distorts the picture of clinical practice. These can be rectified through implementing a cost‐effective clinician‐coder double‐reading multidisciplinary team as part of a data‐assurance clinical governance framework which we recommend should be established in hospitals.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Skyros wall lizard Podarcis gaigeae (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Authors: WELLENREUTHER M. , RUNEMARK A. , SVENSSON E. I. , HANSSON B.
Published: February 2009

Fifteen polymorphic markers were developed from a microsatellite‐enriched library for the lizard Podarcis gaigeae. The loci were checked for variability in 68 individuals from a population on the island of Skyros, Greece. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 23 per locus and expected heterozygosity from 0.29 and 0.94. Most markers were also polymorphic in three closely related Podarcis species, namely P. erhardi, P. taurica and P. milensis. The markers will be used to examine gene flow and differentiation of island and mainland populations of P. gaigeae.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the critically endangered Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus
Authors: GONZALEZ E. G. , GENOVART M. , ORO D. , ZARDOYA R. , JUSTE J.
Published: February 2009

Ten novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), a critically endangered seabird. The developed loci revealed a relatively low number of alleles per locus, as well as low levels of polymorphism (HO = 0.377 ± 0.241). One of the loci appeared to be W‐linked. All polymorphic loci were successfully amplified in its closely related species, the Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan). These microsatellite markers would be useful for assessing population structure in the Balearic shearwater and the possible hybridization process between both shearwaters species.
Isolation and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered shrub Disanthus cercidifolius var. longipes (Hamamelidaceae)
Authors: GAO PUXIN , YANG AIHONG , YAO XIAOHONG , HUANG HONGWEN
Published: February 2009

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from an AC‐enriched genomic library of Disanthus cercidifolius var. longipes. Microsatellite polymorphism was investigated using 24 individuals from one natural population. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 0.92 and from 0.16 to 0.72, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite loci provide useful tools for the ongoing population genetic studies of D. cercidifolius var. longipes.
Diagenesis and Evolution of the Holocene Coquinite from the Haishan Island, Eastern Guangdong, China
Authors: SUN Jinlong , XU Huilong , QIU Xuelin , ZHAN Wenhuan , LI Yamin
Published: February 2009

The coastal hard rock with a thickness of over 5 m and a distribution area of nearly 200 ha in the Haishan Island, south China, has long drawn researchers’attention. However, there were controversies over its formation and classification, and these controversies in turn lead to the dispute of sea level changes and coastal uplift‐subsidence of this area. To investigate its diagenesis and evolution, petrographic analysis, elemental geochemistry, isotopic analysis, and radiocarbon dating were used in the present study. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the deposition of the Haishan Coquinite commenced in the mid Holocene and lasted to ∼600 a B.P. Petrographic analysis shows that the Haishan Coquinite is cemented by low‐Mg calcite, indicating that the cementation occurred in a meteoric environment. The elemental geochemistry and isotopic values demonstrate that the coquinite suffered strong leaching, which was thought to be responsible for the meteoric cementation of the coquinite. According to these results, the diagenesis of the coquinite is revealed: deposition of the Haishan Coquinite commenced in the mid Holocene in a shoal environment, initial cementation occurred and cement may be high‐Mg calcite or aragonite; latterly the coquinite exposed to meteoric environment as a result of lowering of relative sea level, and the cement altered to low‐Mg, which took the morphologies of bladed calcite rim and equant spar. A four‐stage evolution model is proposed: (1) deposition stage, (2) initial cementation, (3) exposure to and cementation in meteoric environment, and (4) erosion stage. The published reports indicate that the hard rock should be designated as coquinite. Based on these studies, mid‐Holocene sea level in this area was discussed, and the Haishan Island was proposed to uplift with a rate of ∼5 mm/a in the last ∼600 a.