bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOW FIRM CHARACTERISTICS AFFECT CAPITAL STRUCTURE: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON
Authors: Wald John K.
Published: August 2014

In this empirical study I examine the factors correlated with capital structure in France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Although mean leverage and many firm factors appear to be similar across countries, some significant differences remain. Specifically, differences appear in the correlation between long‐term debt/asset ratios and the firms' riskiness, profitability, size, and growth. These correlations may be explained by differences in tax policies and agency problems, including differences in bankruptcy costs, information asymmetries, and shareholder/creditor conflicts. The findings of this study suggest links between varying choices in capital structure across countries and legal and institutional differences.
LIQUIDITY AND TICK SIZE: DOES DECIMALIZATION MATTER?
Authors: MacKinnon Greg , Nemiroff Howard
Published: August 2014

The effect of the move to decimalization by the Toronto Stock Exchange, where the minimum tick size was decreased to $0.05 from $0.125, is examined. Liquidity is measured by the price impact of unexpected volume. Results show an unambiguous gain to investors. Effective spreads decrease significantly, but the price impact is unaffected. In addition, evidence indicates an increase in trading activity in absolute terms as well in relation to U.S. exchanges for cross‐listed stocks. This is consistent with the observed decrease in transaction costs.
SEGMENTATION OF THE A‐ AND B‐SHARE CHINESE EQUITY MARKETS
Authors: Fung Hung‐Gay , Lee Wai , Leung Wai Kin
Published: August 2014

In this study we use the latent variable asset pricing model to examine the pricing of A and B shares in the Chinese stock markets. The hypothesis tested is whether markets for the A and the B shares of the same companies are segmented. We document only one latent variable in both A‐ and B‐share markets. However, the latent risk premiums for the A and B shares are only weakly correlated, indicating the two‐tier markets are loosely related. The weak correlation implies the two markets reflect different fundamental forces. Additional analysis demonstrates that the Shanghai market responds to the Shenzhen market rather than the other way around.
INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE ON WEEKEND ANOMALIES
Authors: Tong Wilson
Published: August 2014

Recent studies on the U.S. market find that the Monday effect is observed mainly when the return on the previous Friday is negative or when the Monday falls within the last two weeks of the month. I look for international evidence and examine whether such properties of the Monday effect are related to another anomalous phenomenon—high weekend correlation. By examining twenty‐three equity market indexes, I find that the negative Friday is, in general, important to the Monday effect. Furthermore, Monday returns tend to be lowest on the fourth week of the month. Although high weekend correlation is also common to these markets, it seems not related to the bad‐Friday factor and shows no seasonality across weeks of the month.

JEL classification: G15, G10.
THE EFFECT OF U.S. TRADE DEFICIT ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE STOCK PRICES OF U.S. AND JAPANESE AUTOMAKERS
Authors: Sun Qian , Tong Wilson H.S.
Published: August 2014

The existing literature on the trade news effect on asset prices generally looks at exchange rates and stock market indexes. We focus on individual stocks: the U.S. and Japanese “Big Three” automobile stocks. We examine Japanese automobile American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), not the stocks per se, to avoid the time lag problem. First, we find deficit news shocks, especially the positive shocks, have a negative effect on the Japanese automobile ADRs. Second, we find only weak evidence that the news effect is different under different economic conditions. Third, trade news is found to be a competitive shock to the automakers in the sense of Karolyi and Stulz (1996). Last, statistically generated U.S.–Japan bilateral trade deficit news and bilateral auto trade deficit news have no effect on the automobile stock in general.
DIVERGENT EXPECTATIONS AND THE ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS OF 1997
Authors: Pan Ming‐Shiun , Chan Kam C. , Wright David J.
Published: August 2014

An important question concerning integration of global financial markets is whether local investors in an equity market react differently from international investors, particularly during periods of financial crisis. Considering local investors are closer to information, they might turn pessimistic before foreign investors before a crisis. We examine whether local investors in each of the six Asian stock markets—Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand—reacted differently from international investors during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Our empirical results indicate that, in general, closed‐end country fund share prices (mainly driven by foreign investors) Granger‐cause the respective net asset values (NAVs, mainly driven by local investors). Moreover, this one‐way Granger‐causality effect from share prices to NAVs becomes much stronger during the crisis period after controlling for U.S. stock returns. Our results suggest international investors turned pessimistic before local investors.

JEL classification: G15
INDIVIDUAL, INSTITUTIONAL, AND SPECIALIST TRADE PATTERNS BEFORE AND AFTER DISCLOSURE
Authors: Welker Michael , Sparks H. Charles
Published: August 2014

We examine the trade response of individuals, institutional traders, and specialists to disclosures. We investigate reactions to good versus bad news and mandatory versus discretionary announcements. We find that individuals and institutions both have heightened trade activity before disclosures. Institutional trade runs counter to the price reaction to upcoming discretionary disclosures. Institutions' post‐announcement trade is consistent with the direction of the price reaction to the announcement, whereas individuals' post‐announcement trade runs counter to the price reaction. Although specialists face increased trade pressure both before and after announcements, strong directional imbalances in specialist trade are not observed.

JEL classification: G14
IS NOISE TRADER RISK PRICED?
Authors: Sias Richard W. , Starks Laura T. , Tiniç Seha M.
Published: August 2014

We examine the hypothesis that closed‐end fund shareholders garner greater returns than holders of the underlying assets as compensation for bearing “noise trader risk.” We demonstrate that the returns on fund shares are more volatile and exhibit greater mean reversion than the returns on the underlying assets, consistent with the hypothesis that noise traders play a more active role in closed‐end fund shares than do the underlying assets. Inconsistent with the De Long et al. (1990) noise trader model, however, we find that after accounting for fund expenses, fund shareholders do not earn returns greater than holders of the underlying assets.

JEL classification: G12
THE ROBUSTNESS OF ABNORMAL RETURNS FROM THE EARNINGS YIELD CONTRARIAN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Authors: Badrinath S. G. , Kini Omesh
Published: August 2014

We examine the sensitivity of the abnormal profitability of the earnings' yield (E/P)‐based contrarian investment strategy to the following two risk measurement issues: (a) return‐measurement interval over which systematic risk is estimated and (b) time variation in systematic risk. We conduct our analysis using the capital asset pricing model to parameterize risk. We find that the estimates of systematic risk of E/P‐ranked portfolios are not sensitive to the return‐measurement interval. Consequently the abnormal profits to the E/P‐based contrarian investment strategy observed in prior studies are not artifacts of the return‐measurement interval. Furthermore, although both the raw and abnormal returns to E/P‐ranked portfolios exhibit mean reversion, time variation in systematic risk ensuing from this mean‐reverting behavior does not substantially affect abnormal profits to E/P‐ranked portfolios.

JEL classification: G11, G12, G14
Palaeotropical origins, boreotropical distribution and increased rates of diversification in a clade of edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms (Amanita section Caesareae)
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramírez Santiago , Tulloss Rodham E. , Amalfi Mario , Moncalvo Jean‐Marc
Published: August 2014

Aim

The geographical distributions of most fungal species are still poorly known; consequently, their origins and historical distributions remain largely understudied. High levels of cryptic diversity, scarce fossil records and poorly sampled regions can explain some of these shortcomings. We extensively sampled an iconic group of edible ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, Amanita caesarea and its allies, in order to infer evolutionary patterns on a global scale.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

DNA sequences from three nuclear genes were derived for 120 collections. Divergence times were estimated using fossil calibrations within the Agaricomycetes, followed by more inclusive (A. sect. Caesareae + outgroup) root‐recalibrated estimations. Ultrametric trees from beast were used in ancestral‐area reconstructions and to infer geodispersal models. They were further used in diversification‐rate analyses using maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian methods.

Results

Molecular dating and ancestral‐area reconstruction indicated a Palaeotropical origin of A. sect. Caesareae between the Palaeocene and Eocene. Dispersal events to temperate regions in Mediterranean Europe, eastern Australia and North and Central America, occurred mostly during the late Miocene and Pliocene. A boreotropical model was supported as the most likely mode of geodispersal. Diversification rates were significantly higher in the New World than in the Old World.

Main conclusions

We present evidence that this group of edible EM mushrooms was ancestrally Palaeotropical from around the Eocene to the late Miocene, reaching temperate insular and continental areas during the late Miocene and Pliocene. The mode of dispersal is largely consistent with Wolfe's boreotropical hypothesis. We also found that the overall diversification rate has been rather constant, but has increased relatively recently in the New World, possibly as a result of the well‐documented Plio‐Pleistocene climatic fluctuations.
Ethnicity and self‐reported experiences of stigma in adults with intellectual disability in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Ali A. , Kock E. , Molteno C. , Mfiki N. , King M. , Strydom A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are aware of stigma and are able to describe experiences of being treated negatively. However, there have been no cross‐cultural studies examining whether self‐reported experiences of stigma vary between ethnic groups.

Method

Participants with mild and moderate ID were recruited from a number of different settings in Cape Town, South Africa. Self‐reported experiences of stigma in three ethnic groups were measured using the South African version of the Perceived Stigma of Intellectual Disability tool, developed by the authors. One‐way anova was used to test whether there were differences in the total stigma score between the ethnic groups. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with stigma.

Results

A total of 191 participants agreed to take part; 53 were Black, 70 were of mixed ethnicity and 68 were Caucasian. There were no differences in the levels of stigma reported by the three groups but the Black African ethnic group were more likely to report being physically attacked and being stared at, but were also more likely to report that they thought they were ‘the same as other people’. There was an interaction effect between ethnicity and level of ID, with participants with mild ID from the Black African group reporting higher levels of stigma compared with those with moderate ID. Younger age was the only factor that was associated with stigma but there was a trend towards ethnicity, additional disability and socio‐economic status being related to stigma.

Conclusion

Interventions should target the Black African community in South Africa and should include the reduction of both public stigma and self‐reported stigma.
Use of independent component analysis to improve signal‐to‐noise ratio in multi‐probe fluorescence microscopy
Authors: DAO L. , LUCOTTE B. , GLANCY B. , CHANG L.‐C. , HSU L.‐Y. , BALABAN R.S.
Published: August 2014

In conventional multi‐probe fluorescence microscopy, narrow bandwidth filters on detectors are used to avoid bleed‐through artefacts between probes. The limited bandwidth reduces the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the detection, often severely compromising one or more channels. Herein, we describe a process of using independent component analysis to discriminate the position of different probes using only a dichroic mirror to differentiate the signals directed to the detectors. Independent component analysis was particularly effective in samples where the spatial overlap between the probes is minimal, a very common case in cellular microscopy. This imaging scheme collects nearly all of the emitted light, significantly improving the image signal‐to‐noise ratio. In this study, we focused on the detection of two fluorescence probes used in vivo, NAD(P)H and ANEPPS. The optimal dichroic mirror cutoff frequency was determined with simulations using the probes spectral emissions. A quality factor, defined as the cross‐channel contrast‐to‐noise ratio, was optimized to maximize signals while maintaining spatial discrimination between the probes after independent component analysis post‐processing. Simulations indicate that a ∼3 fold increase in signal‐to‐noise ratio using the independent component analysis approach can be achieved over the conventional narrow‐band filtering approach without loss of spatial discrimination. We confirmed this predicted performance from experimental imaging of NAD(P)H and ANEPPS in mouse skeletal muscle, in vivo. For many multi‐probe studies, the increased sensitivity of this ‘full bandwidth’ approach will lead to improved image quality and/or reduced excitation power requirements.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission a Global Leader in Consumer Product Safety
Authors: TENENBAUM INEZ M.
Published: August 2014

In her 2014 Colston Warne Lecture, Inez M. Tenenbaum, former Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (2009–2013), reflects on the organization's accomplishments under her leadership and discusses work that remains to be done by the Commission.
Fetal cardiac function measured by myocardial performance index of small‐for‐gestational age fetuses
Authors: Chawengsettakul Suphang , Russameecharoen Kusol , Wanitpongpan Prapat
Published: August 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the changes of right and left myocardial performance indices (MPI) in small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) fetuses during 28–40 weeks of gestation.

Material and Methods

Singleton pregnant women during 28–40 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Estimated fetal weight was used to classify the subjects into appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) and SGA groups. The Doppler indices of umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, including amniotic fluid index, were used to distinguish constitutional SGA (both normal Doppler indices and amniotic fluid index) from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses (abnormal Doppler indices and/or oligohydramnios). MPI was obtained and compared between the groups. Inter‐ and intra‐observer variations were also assessed.

Results

Fifty women had AGA fetuses whereas another 50 cases had SGA fetuses (41 constitutional SGA and nine IUGR). Right MPI in AGA fetuses was constant whereas left MPI was slightly increased. The MPI of SGA fetuses were significantly greater than those of AGA fetuses starting from 30 weeks gestation until delivery (P < 0.01 and <0.05 in right and left side, respectively). Subgroup analysis demonstrated right and left MPI of IUGR fetuses increased with advancing gestation and were significantly greater than those of constitutional SGA and AGA fetuses, which appeared to be similar. The reproducibility of the test was high.

Conclusions

In SGA fetuses, the MPI of right and left ventricles was significantly increased with advancing gestation compared to AGA cases.
Identification of a Novel 1033‐Nucleotide Deletion Polymorphism in the Prophage Region of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’: Potential Applications for Bacterial Epidemiology
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Su Huanan , Huang Li , Deng Xiaoling , Chen Jianchi , Zhou Changyong , Li Zhongan
Published: August 2014

The prophage/phage region in the genome of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, an alpha‐proteobacterium associated with citrus Huanglongbing, included many valuable loci for genetic diversity studies. Previously, a mosaic genomic region (CLIBASIA_05640 to CLIBASIA_05650) was characterized, and this revealed inter‐ and intracontinental variations of ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’. In this study, 267 ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ isolates collected from eight provinces in China were analysed with a primer set flanking the same mosaic region plus downstream sequence. While most amplicon sizes ranged from 1400 to 2000 bp, an amplicon of 550 bp (S550) was found in 14 samples collected from south‐western China. Sequence analyses showed that S550 was the result of a 1033 bp deletion which included the previously known mosaic region. The genetic nature of the deletion event remains unknown. The regional restriction of S550 suggests that the ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ population from south‐western China is different from those in eastern China. The small and easy‐to‐detect S550 amplicon could serve as a molecular marker for ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ epidemiology.
Analysis of Special Education Policy in Turkey and United States: Improving Turkey's Policy for Students with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Meral Bekir Fatih , Turnbull H. Rutherford
Published: August 2014

The authors compare the special education law of Turkey with comparable law of the United States. The basis of the comparison is the legal framework represented by the six principles of the special education law of the United States, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Within each principle, the special implications for students with intellectual disability are noted. Suggestions for improving Turkey's special education law are made. These relate principally to the principles of zero reject and issues related to discipline; appropriate education, and issues concerning related services and supplementary aids and services; least restrictive environment as related specifically to students with intellectual disability; procedural due process and issues related to notice from schools to parents and dispute resolution; and parent participation. By contrast, there seems to be no reason for Turkey to modify its law with respect to the principles related to nondiscriminatory evaluation. The analysis suggests that Turkey's special education law, being largely comparable with the United States' but still appropriate for Turkey as a homogeneous, single‐language, Muslim country, may be appealing to countries that are similar to it and that, like Turkey, aspire for modernism in education.
Applicability and accuracy improvement of transient elastography using the M and XL probes by experienced operators
Authors: Carrión J. A. , Puigvehí M. , Coll S. , Garcia‐Retortillo M. , Cañete N. , Fernández R. , Márquez C. , Giménez M. D. , Garcia M. , Bory F. , Solà R.
Published: August 2014

Transient elastography (TE) is the reference method to obtain liver stiffness measurements (LSM), but no results are obtained in 3.1% and unreliable in 15.8%. We assessed the applicability and diagnostic accuracy of TE re‐evaluation using M and XL probes. From March 2011 to April 2012 868 LSM were performed with the M probe by trained operators (50–500 studies) (LSM1). Measurements were categorized as inadequate (no values or ratio <60% and/or IQR/LSM >30%) or adequate. Inadequate LSM1 were re‐evaluated by experienced operators (>500 explorations) (LSM2) and inadequate LSM2 using XL probe (LSMXL). Inadequate LSM1 were obtained in 187 (21.5%) patients, IQR/LSM >30% in 97 (51%), ratio <60% in 24 (13%) and TE failed to obtain a measurement in 67 (36%). LSM2 achieved adequate registers in 123 (70%) of 175 registers previously considered as inadequate. Independent variables (OR, 95%CI) related to inadequate LSM1 were body mass index (1.11, 1.04–1.18), abdominal circumference (1.03, 1.01–1.06) and age (1.03, 1.01–1.04) and to inadequate LSM2 were skin‐capsule distance (1.21, 1.09–1.34) and abdominal circumference (1.05, 1.01–1.10). The diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) to identify significant fibrosis improved from 0.89 (LSM1) to 0.91 (LSM2) (P = 0.046) in 334 patients with liver biopsy or clinically significant portal hypertension. A third evaluation (LSMXL) obtained adequate registers in 41 (93%) of 44 patients with inadequate LSM2. Operator experience increases the applicability and diagnostic accuracy of TE. The XL probe may be recommended for patients with inadequate values obtained by experienced operators using the M probe. http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01900808).
Aceruloplasminemia
Authors: Miyajima Hiroaki
Published: August 2014

Aceruloplasminemia is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation due to the complete lack of ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity caused by mutations in the ceruloplasmin gene. Redox‐active iron accumulation was found to be more prominent in the astrocytes than in the neurons. The most characteristic findings were abnormal or deformed astrocytes and globular structures of astrocytes. The lack of ceruloplasmin may primarily damage astrocytes in the aceruloplasminemic brains as a result of lipid peroxidation due to massive iron deposition. In the normal brain, iron may be continuously recycled between astrocytes and neurons, with transferrin acting as a shuttle. The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐linked ceruloplasmin on astrocytes functions as a ferroxidase, mediating the oxidation of ferrous iron transported from the cytosol by ferroportin and its subsequent transfer to transferrin. In cases with aceruloplasminemia, neurons take up the iron from alternative sources of non‐transferrin‐bound iron, because astrocytes without GPI‐linked ceruloplasmin cannot transport iron to transferrin. The excess iron in astrocytes could result in oxidative damage to these cells, and the neuronal cell protection offered by astrocytes would thus be disrupted. Neuronal cell loss may result from iron starvation in the early stage and from iron‐mediated oxidation in the late stage. Ceruloplasmin may therefore play an essential role in neuronal survival in the central nervous system.
Detection of human papillomavirus in the oral cavities of persons with Fanconi anemia
Authors: Winer RL , Huang CE , Cherne S , Stern JE , Butsch Kovacic MS , Mehta PA , Sauter SL , Galloway DA , Katzenellenbogen RA
Published: August 2014

Objective

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to describe the prevalence and correlates of type‐specific human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the oral cavities of persons with Fanconi anemia.

Materials and Methods

Oral swabs were collected from 67 participants with Fanconi anemia and tested for 27 HPV genotypes using polymerase chain reaction‐based methods.

Results

Participants were a mean of 18.6 (standard deviation, 10.0) years of age (range 4–47 years). The prevalence of oral HPV infection was 7.5%, and the prevalence of high‐risk HPV infection was 6.0%. HPV type 16 was not detected in any samples. Prevalence was higher in adults than in children (13.3% vs 2.7% in those ≥18 vs <18 years of age). Among adults, prevalence was higher in males than in females (25.0% vs 9.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

Prevalence of oral HPV infection in persons with Fanconi anemia was comparable to estimates from other studies in the general population. However, in contrast to previous studies, we did not identify HPV type 16 (the type found in most HPV‐related head and neck cancers) in any participants.
Application of clinical techniques relevant for glaucoma assessment by optometrists: concordance with guidelines
Authors: Jamous Khalid F. , Kalloniatis Michael , Hayen Andrew , Mitchell Paul , Stapleton Fiona J. , Zangerl Barbara
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Guidelines for the screening, prognosis, diagnosis, management and prevention of glaucoma were released by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council in 2010. Comparable guidance has been made available by respective bodies in the USA and UK at a similar time. Key to successful translation of guidelines into clinical practice includes clinicians having the necessary skills to perform required tests. Optometrists in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in an online survey exploring these aspects. The results provide insights for improving glaucoma diagnosis and management by optometric primary eye care practitioners.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed to investigate glaucoma assessment of optometrists as a function of demographic details, educational background and experience. Key points to ascertain compliance with current guidelines were the availability of equipment, procedural confidence in techniques, and preferences in visual field tests. Chi square statistics was employed to support similarity to national averages and highlight differences between the two countries. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified variables significantly associated with individual tests being available to optometrists and their confidence in applying them.

Results

Thirteen per cent of all Australian and 36% of the New Zealand optometrists responded to the survey in 2013, which reflected the demographics/geography of the practising populations. Techniques considered essential or preferred for glaucoma assessment were widely available in both countries with the exception of gonioscopy and pachymetry. After correcting for availability, regression models highlighted therapeutic endorsement and knowledge of glaucoma guidelines as the main variables to maintain high diagnostic confidence. Correlations to number of years in optometric practice mirrored a changed emphasis in teaching and technology over the past 10–15 years.

Conclusions

Australian and New Zealand optometrists were well equipped to perform glaucoma assessments with the possible exception of gonioscopy. Advanced imaging modalities were not yet fully integrated into optometric practice, although optical coherence tomography has shown use by 23–32% of optometrists. A marked increase in use, availability and procedural confidence of gonioscopy and other techniques with therapeutically endorsed optometrists demonstrates the advantage and importance of additional training.
Cognitive speed of processing training in older adults with visual impairments
Authors: Elliott Amanda F. , O'Connor Melissa L. , Edwards Jerri D.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To examine whether older adults with vision impairment differentially benefit from cognitive speed of processing training (SPT) relative to healthy older adults.

Methods

Secondary data analyses were conducted from a randomised trial on the effects of SPT among older adults. The effects of vision impairment as indicated by (1) near visual acuity, (2) contrast sensitivity, (3) self‐reported cataracts and (4) self‐reported other eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, optic neuritis, and retinopathy) among participants randomised to either SPT or a social‐ and computer‐contact control group was assessed. The primary outcome was Useful Field of View Test (UFOV) performance.

Results

Mixed repeated‐measures ancovas demonstrated that those randomized to SPT experienced greater baseline to post‐test improvements in UFOV performance relative to controls (p's < 0.001), regardless of impairments in near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity or presence of cataracts. Those with other eye conditions significantly benefitted from training (p = 0.044), but to a lesser degree than those without such conditions. Covariates included age and baseline measures of balance and depressive symptoms, which were significantly correlated with baseline UFOV performance.

Conclusions

Among a community‐based sample of older adults with and without visual impairment and eye disease, the SPT intervention was effective in enhancing participants' UFOV performance. The analyses presented here indicate the potential for SPT to enhance UFOV performance among a community‐based sample of older adults with visual impairment and potentially for some with self‐reported eye disease; further research to explore this area is warranted, particularly to determine the effects of eye diseases on SPT benefits.
A survey of current and anticipated use of standard and specialist equipment by UK optometrists
Authors: Dabasia Priya L. , Edgar David F. , Garway‐Heath David F. , Lawrenson John G.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To investigate current and anticipated use of equipment and information technology (IT) in community optometric practice in the UK, and to elicit optometrists' views on adoption of specialist equipment and IT.

Methods

An anonymous online questionnaire was developed, covering use of standard and specialist diagnostic equipment, and IT. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 1300 UK College of Optometrists members.

Results

Four hundred and thirty‐two responses were received (response rate = 35%). Enhanced (locally commissioned) or additional/separately contracted services were provided by 73% of respondents. Services included glaucoma repeat measures (30% of respondents), glaucoma referral refinement (22%), fast‐track referral for wet age‐related macular degeneration (48%), and direct cataract referral (40%). Most respondents (88%) reported using non‐contact/pneumo tonometry for intra‐ocular pressure measurement, with 81% using Goldmann or Perkins tonometry. The most widely used item of specialist equipment was the fundus camera (74% of respondents). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used by 15% of respondents, up from 2% in 2007. Notably, 43% of those anticipating purchasing specialist equipment in the next 12 months planned to buy an OCT. ‘Paperless’ records were used by 39% of respondents, and almost 80% of practices used an electronic patient record/practice management system. Variations in responses between parts of the UK reflect differences in the provision of the General Ophthalmic Services contract or community enhanced services. There was general agreement that specialised equipment enhances clinical care, permits increased involvement in enhanced services, promotes the practice and can be used as a defence in clinico‐legal cases, but initial costs and ongoing maintenance can be a financial burden. Respondents generally agreed that IT facilitates administrative flow and secure exchange of health information, and promotes a state‐of‐the‐art practice image. However, use of IT may not save examination time; its dynamic nature necessitates frequent updates and technical support; the need for adequate training is an issue; and security of data is also a concern.

Conclusion

UK optometrists increasingly employ modern equipment and IT services to enhance patient care and for practice management. While the clinical benefits of specialist equipment and IT are appreciated, questions remain as to whether the investment is cost‐effective, and how specialist equipment and IT may be used to best advantage in community optometric practice.
Local Sales Tax Revenue Redistribution and Sports: The Case of Major League Soccer in Bridgeview
Authors: Propheter Geoffrey
Published: August 2014

This study examines the extent to which Toyota Park, a Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium in the Village of Bridgeview, redistributes municipal sales tax revenue by taking advantage of Illinois's highly devolved local government structure. The analysis reveals that Toyota Park and its associated events are not statistically related to the village's sales tax revenue. However, the stadium affects surrounding municipalities' revenue; though, the odds a municipality will be a net winner or loser is nearly even.
Superimposed behaviour of gm under ABA‐induced stomata closing and low CO2
Authors: TAZOE YOUSHI , SANTRUCEK JIRI
Published: August 2014

This article comments on: Mesophyll conductance decreases in the wild type but not in an ABA‐deficient mutant (aba1) of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia under drought conditions
On the salty side of life: molecular, physiological and anatomical adaptation and acclimation of trees to extreme habitats
Authors: POLLE ANDREA , CHEN SHAOLIANG
Published: August 2014

Saline and sodic soils that cannot be used for agriculture occur worldwide. Cultivating stress‐tolerant trees to obtain biomass from salinized areas has been suggested. Various tree species of economic importance for fruit, fibre and timber production exhibit high salinity tolerance. Little is known about the mechanisms enabling tree crops to cope with high salinity for extended periods. Here, the molecular, physiological and anatomical adjustments underlying salt tolerance in glycophytic and halophytic model tree species, such as Populus euphratica in terrestrial habitats, and mangrove species along coastlines are reviewed. Key mechanisms that have been identified as mediating salt tolerance are discussed at scales from the genetic to the morphological level, including leaf succulence and structural adjustments of wood anatomy. The genetic and transcriptomic bases for physiological salt acclimation are salt sensing and signalling networks that activate target genes; the target genes keep reactive oxygen species under control, maintain the ion balance and restore water status. Evolutionary adaptation includes gene duplication in these pathways. Strategies for and limitations to tree improvement, particularly transgenic approaches for increasing salt tolerance by transforming trees with single and multiple candidate genes, are discussed.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Glyphosate in Water by N‐Doped SnO2/TiO2 Thin‐Film‐Coated Glass Fibers
Authors: Kongsong Peerawas , Sikong Lek , Niyomwas Sutham , Rachpech Vishnu
Published: August 2014

Photocatalytic degradation of glyphosate contaminated in water was investigated. The N‐doped SnO2/TiO2 films were prepared via sol–gel method, and coated on glass fibers by dipping method. The effects of nitrogen doping on coating morphology, physical properties and glyphosate degradation rates were experimentally determined. Main variable was the concentration of nitrogen doping in range 0–40 mol%. Nitrogen doping results in shifting the absorption wavelengths and narrowing the band gap energy those lead to enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The near optimal 20N/SnO2/TiO2 composite thin film exhibited about two‐ and four‐folds of glyphosate degradation rates compared to the undoped SnO2/TiO2 and TiO2 films when photocatalytic treatment were performed under UV and solar irradiations, respectively, due to its narrowest band gap energy (optical absorption wavelength shifting to visible light region) and smallest crystallite size influenced by N‐doping.
Morphometric variation of Seminavis pusilla (Bacillariophyceae) and its relationship to salinity in inter‐dune lakes of the Badain Jaran Desert, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Rioual Patrick , Lu Yanbin , Chu Guoqiang , Zhu Bingqi , Yang Xiaoping
Published: August 2014

We used light and scanning electron microscope analyses to quantify morphometric features (valve length, width, stria density, lineola density and valve curvature) from the observation of valves representing Seminavis pusilla. Cluster analysis based on Gaussian mixture models and the expectation‐maximization algorithm was used for delineating two species, Seminavis pusilla sensu stricto and Seminavis lata (Krammer) Rioual comb. et stat. nov. By comparison with S. pusilla, S. lata is characterized by wider valves and lower stria density. The two species have also markedly different ecology. S. pusilla is most abundant in the most saline lakes of the dataset, while S. lata is most abundant in the less saline lakes. Our results indicate that combining the two species into S. pusilla sensu lato would lead to a loss of ecological information and a decrease of the performance of transfer functions developed for quantitative reconstruction of past salinity from fossil diatom assemblages in sediment cores.
Development of a spatially universal framework for classifying stream assemblages with application to conservation planning for Great Lakes lotic fish communities
Authors: McKenna James E. , Schaeffer Jeffrey S. , Stewart Jana S. , Slattery Michael T.
Published: August 2014

Classifications are typically specific to particular issues or areas, leading to patchworks of subjectively defined spatial units. Stream conservation is hindered by the lack of a universal habitat classification system and would benefit from an independent hydrology‐guided spatial framework of units encompassing all aquatic habitats at multiple spatial scales within large regions. We present a system that explicitly separates the spatial framework from any particular classification developed from the framework. The framework was constructed from landscape variables that are hydrologically and biologically relevant, covered all space within the study area, and was nested hierarchically and spatially related at scales ranging from the stream reach to the entire region; classifications may be developed from any subset of the 9 basins, 107 watersheds, 459 subwatersheds, or 10,000s of valley segments or stream reaches. To illustrate the advantages of this approach, we developed a fish‐guided classification generated from a framework for the Great Lakes region that produced a mosaic of habitat units which, when aggregated, formed larger patches of more general conditions at progressively broader spatial scales. We identified greater than 1,200 distinct fish habitat types at the valley segment scale, most of which were rare. Comparisons of biodiversity and species assemblages are easily examined at any scale. This system can identify and quantify habitat types, evaluate habitat quality for conservation and/or restoration, and assist managers and policymakers with prioritization of protection and restoration efforts. Similar spatial frameworks and habitat classifications can be developed for any organism in any riverine ecosystem.
Material Culture and the Study of Hinduism and Buddhism
Authors: Mann Richard D.
Published: August 2014

This essay surveys the history of material culture in relation to the study of Buddhism and Hinduism. The essay opens by exploring the factors in Reformation and Enlightenment Europe that led to the marginalization of material culture in relation to religion, and how these attitudes towards the use of material objects in religion entered the academic study of religion as the discipline developed. Colonial attitudes towards Buddhist and Hindu material culture are also addressed as an example of how the western move towards a privileging of texts and doctrines over matter impacted the early study of Indian religions by western academics. The more recent shift towards including data from material sources is also demonstrated with a focus on two fields within religious studies: the history of religions and lived religions. In relation to the history of religions, the essay demonstrates that incorporating material sources both questions accepted scholarship based solely on texts and allows for a more complete historical context through which scholars can explore both texts and objects together. The discussion of lived religions and material culture emphasizes the movement towards understanding religion as embodied and that a study of how objects are produced, exchanged and understood gives us insight into everyday religious practice and the social relationships that are constructed through the use of ‘stuff’.
Changes in serum free testosterone, sleep patterns, and 5‐alpha‐reductase type I activity influence changes in sebum excretion in female subjects
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Risch J. E. , McElwee K. J. , Marchessault P. , Bolduc C. , Nigen S. , Maari C.
Published: August 2014

Background/Purpose

Sebum is thought to play an important role in acne vulgaris and sebum excretion rate (SER) is often used as a marker of efficacy in acne studies. This study explored factors that could induce intra‐subject variability in SER.

Methods

SER was measured twice, 7 days apart, on the forehead of 40 healthy subjects. At each visit, the following parameters were also evaluated: serum androgen levels, 5‐alpha‐reductase type I gene expression, forehead temperature, sleep habits, diet, facial washing routine, and UV exposure.

Results

There was a positive correlation between the time subjects fell asleep on Day 0 and the change in SER for the left (P = 0.010; R = 0.402) and right sides (P = 0.002; R = 0.467) of the forehead. There was a significant inverse correlation between SER and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 expression and between free testosterone levels and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 expression. In sub‐analyses performed on men and women, these correlations were only significant for women.

Conclusion

Variations in sleep patterns, free testosterone, and 5‐alpha‐reductase type 1 activity are associated with changes in sebum excretion in women. This could explain some of the inter‐subject variability in SER measured between visits in clinical studies.
Phylogeny and biogeography of Neotropical spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae: Ischnorhininae): revised tribal classification based on morphological data
Authors: PALADINI ANDRESSA , TAKIYA DANIELA M. , CAVICHIOLI RODNEY R. , CARVALHO GERVÁSIO S.
Published: August 2014

The spittlebug family Cercopidae is currently divided into two subfamilies: the paraphyletic Old World Cercopinae and the monophyletic New World Ischnorhininae. The most recent classification scheme proposed by Fennah in 1968 divided the New World Cercopidae into four tribes: Tomaspidini, Ischnorhinini, Hyboscartini and Neaenini. Herein we present a phylogenetic analysis of Ischnorhininae using 108 morphological characters and including 53 of the 59 recognized genera, to evaluate the tribal‐level classification and understand the processes underlying the current distributional patterns of these genera. We found significant support for the monophyly of many Neotropical genera, but Fennah's tribal classification is revised because tribes Neaenini, Ischnorhinini and Tomaspidini were recovered as polyphyletic. Hyboscartini was synonymized with Tomaspidini. A taxonomic key to tribes and genera of Neotropical spittlebugs is provided based mostly on recovered apomorphies. The biogeographical analysis suggests a Neotropical origin of ischnorhinines, more specifically in northwestern South America. This was possibly coincident spatially and temporally with the origin of grasses, with ancestral range expansions southward to the Amazonian and Paraná regions, and posterior vicariant events, possibly related to the expansion of forests in the Chacoan region, the South America diagonal of open formations. Dispersals to the Chacoan region and to the Nearctic region are hypothesized to have occurred only within genera. In the Chacoan region it is associated with more recent events, such as the diversification of C4 grasses and establishment of the savannas and seasonally dry forests.
Revision and phylogeny of Syrphetodes (Coleoptera: Ulodidae): implications for biogeography, alpinization and conservation
Authors: LESCHEN RICHARD A. B. , BUCKLEY THOMAS R.
Published: August 2014

The genus Syrphetodes Broun is revised to include a total of 13 species. Most of the species are restricted in their distributions, are rarely collected and have been attributed conservation status in New Zealand. Eleven species are described as new: three from Northland (S. relictus sp.n., Te Paki; S. insularis sp.n., Three Kings Islands; S. magnus sp.n., Hokianga), one from the central North Island (S. obtusus sp.n.), one from Central Otago (S. nunni sp.n., Waikaia Bush), and seven from the southern Alps (S. cirrhopogon sp.n., Aspiring National Park; S. occiduus sp.n., Westland; S. melanopogon sp.n., Mt Dewar, Paparoa Range; S. defectus sp.n., northern Paparoa Range; S. marrisi sp.n., Mt Domett, Northwest Nelson; S. carinatus sp.n., Victoria Range). Eleven synonymies are proposed: S. crenatus Broun (= S. dorsalis Broun, syn.n.), S. marginatus Pascoe (= S. bullatus Sharp, syn.n.; S. sylvius Broun, syn.n.; S. cordipennis Broun, syn.n.; S. punctatus Broun, syn.n.; S. simplex Broun, syn.n.; S. nodosalis Broun, syn.n.; S. truncatus Broun, syn.n.; S. variegatus Broun, syn.n.; S. pensus Broun, syn.n.; S. thoracicus Broun, syn.n.). The phylogenetic relationships among the species were reconstructed using morphological (25 adult characters) and DNA sequence (nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) data. A morphological analysis rooted with Trachyderastes resulted in a split between lowland and high‐altitude species and a well‐supported group from Northland. Molecular trees rooted with representatives of Trachyderastes Kaszab (New Caledonia), Meryx Latrielle (Australia), Ulodes Erichson (Australia) and three New Zealand genera (Arthopus Sharp, Brouniphylax Strand, Exohadrus Broun) resulted in the following tree: ((Ulodes, Brouniphylax) (Exohadrus, Arthopus)) (Syrphetodes (Meryx, Trachyderastes)). Species relationships within Syrphetodes included a strongly supported northern North Island clade and an alpine clade either as sister taxon to S. crenatus and S. marginatus or sister remaining lowland lineages. Combined phylogenetic analyses also showed paritial congruence with separate partitions. The distributions of the lowland species, in particular those from the North Island, correspond to islands that existed in the Pliocene. The alpine, black‐coloured lineage, found above the treeline, is monophyletic based on several characters (e.g. lack of abdominal flanges and reduced scalation) and, in some reconstructions, the tan‐coloured S. cirrhopogon is sister taxon to the remaining black‐coloured species.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:697E68E8‐EE90‐46C1‐A009‐78A794E0EF4F.
Phylogeny and generic limits in New World Exosternini (Coleoptera: Histeridae: Histerinae)
Authors: CATERINO MICHAEL S. , TISHECHKIN ALEXEY K.
Published: August 2014

Exosternini are a very species‐rich group of Histeridae, occurring nearly worldwide, with particular concentrations in the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions. In the New World, the group comprises over 400 described species, in 12 genera, with approximately 250 additional species awaiting description. Generic limits in this group are poorly defined. A phylogenetic analysis of all known New World species, described and undescribed, with over 50 outgroup taxa from other genera and tribes of Histerinae was undertaken, based on 259 morphological characters, adding 18S, 28S and cytochrome oxidase I sequences for a subset of 150 taxa. The genera Hypobletus Schmidt, Yarmister Wenzel, Kaszabister Mazur, Mecistostethus Marseul and Megalocraerus Lewis were each supported as monophyletic. Baconia Lewis was rendered paraphyletic by the inclusion of Strigister Caterino et al. The bulk of Operclipygus Marseul was monophyletic, although the O. plicicollis group was not always included. The genus Phelister Marseul was paraphyletic many times over, with members of Operclipygus, Mecistostethus, Kaszabister, Pseudister Bickhardt, Conchita Mazur and Nunbergia Mazur nested within, indicating that Phelister is in need of significant revision.