bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVIDENCE ON THE IMPACT OF TARIFF REDUCTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Cirera Xavier , Willenbockel Dirk , Lakshman Rajith W.D.
Published: April 2013

This paper analyses the evidence on the impact of tariff reductions on employment in developing countries. We carry out a systematic review of the existing empirical literature, and include both, ex post econometric evidence and ex ante Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) simulation studies. The synthesis of results suggests that the effects of tariff reductions on employment are country and trade policy specific. When looking across higher quality econometric studies that control for the endogeneity of tariffs, only a couple of studies have statistically significant results, and these suggest that employment is likely to decrease slightly in the short run following trade liberalization. This is consistent with the notion that there are winners and losers from trade policy reform. These results are in contrast with the CGE findings, which by design incorporate projections of the medium‐run economy‐wide knock‐on effects suggested by economic theory. The synthesis of CGE studies suggests non‐negative effects of trade liberalization on aggregate employment and moderate inter‐sectoral labour reallocation effects.
Debt Specialization
Authors: COLLA PAOLO , IPPOLITO FILIPPO , LI KAI
Published: April 2013

This paper examines debt structure using a new and comprehensive database on types of debt employed by public U.S. firms. We find that 85% of the sample firms borrow predominantly with one type of debt, and the degree of debt specialization varies widely across different subsamples—large rated firms tend to diversify across multiple debt types, while small unrated firms specialize in fewer types. We suggest several explanations for why debt specialization takes place, and show that firms employing few types of debt have higher bankruptcy costs, are more opaque, and lack access to some segments of the debt markets.
In Pursuit of Greatness: CEO Narcissism, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Firm Performance Variance
Authors: Wales William J. , Patel Pankaj C. , Lumpkin G. T.
Published: April 2013

Building upon the perspective that narcissism is a leadership trait with both ‘bright’ and ‘dark’ sides, the present study examines the question of whether companies led by narcissistic CEOs exhibit higher levels of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Moreover, this research examines whether EO partially explains why narcissistic CEO‐led firms experience greater variability in firm performance. Using survey data collected from 173 CEOs, and an archival measure of firm performance variance, we find support for our model. These findings offer an improved understanding of how CEO narcissism influences performance variance, and why the firms they lead may even, at times, be viewed as on a path to success. Study implications are discussed.
Mining the Discourse: Strategizing During BHP Billiton's Attempted Acquisition of Rio Tinto
Authors: Floris Maurizio , Grant David , Cutcher Leanne
Published: April 2013

Using a discourse‐analytic approach, we examine the strategizing that occurred during an attempted acquisition in 2007/08 of Rio Tinto by BHP Billiton. In doing so, we contribute to discursive studies of mergers and acquisitions in two significant respects. First, we show the importance of studying how actors external to, as well as those internal to BHP, exerted influence over the acquisition process and outcome. Their influence can be attributed, in part, to their use of rhetorical strategies during the negotiation of the meanings of three constructs that were central to the acquisition discourse. Second, our study shows how these rhetorical strategies were put into effect using not only linguistic, but also non‐linguistic modes of discourse such as imagery, indicators, and location. We conclude that obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the role of discourse in relation to a strategic activity – in this case an attempted acquisition – requires consideration of the multi‐modal rhetorical strategies brought to bear by both external and internal actors.
Patterns of health behaviours predict obesity in Australian children
Authors: Magee Christopher A , Caputi Peter , Iverson Don C
Published: April 2013

Aims

The study aims to examine whether patterns of health behaviours (based on sleep duration, physical activity, screen time and diet) were associated with obesity in Australian children.

Methods

This paper included 1833 children aged 6–7 years (51.6% male) recruited in 2006 as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Latent class analysis was performed to identify the presence of distinct behavioural profiles on the basis of sleep duration, physical activity, screen time and eating habits. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between the behavioural profiles and obesity assessed at baseline and 2‐year follow‐up.

Results

Three behavioural profiles, healthy (27.7%), sedentary (24.8%) and short sleepers/unhealthy eaters (47.5%), were identified. Compared with the healthy profile, the sedentary profile (odds ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (1.06–2.38)) and short sleepers/unhealthy eaters (odds ratio = 1.47 (1.03–2.13)) had elevated odds of obesity at 2‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

The present study identified distinct profiles of health behaviours in this sample of Australian children. These findings add to existing findings that many health behaviours co‐occur and that obesity interventions should target patterns of behaviours in children.
Eye movements during Chinese reading
Authors: Liversedge Simon P. , Hyönä Jukka , Rayner Keith
Published: April 2013

Chinese written language is different from alphabetic written languages in many respects, and for this reason, interest in the nature of the cognitive processes underlying Chinese reading has flourished over recent years. A number of researchers have used eye movement methodology as a measure of on‐line processing to understand more about cognitive processing during Chinese text comprehension. This Special Issue focuses on current eye movement research investigating Chinese reading and this paper provides a brief background to this research area and a concise overview of the papers that appear in the Special Issue.
Species delimitation in the fern genus Lemmaphyllum (Polypodiaceae) based on multivariate analysis of morphological variation
Authors: WEI Xue‐Ping , ZHANG Xian‐Chun
Published: April 2013

The species delimitation of Lemmaphyllum, including the former segregated Lepidogrammitis in China, was considered as unresolved. Previous treatments accepted between one and 20 species. In the present study, multivariate analysis and maximum parsimony analyses were carried out on data from herbarium specimens of this genus by evaluating 24 quantitative characters and 13 qualitative characters. In total, 558 specimens representing 11 previously accepted species and one variety in China were studied. As a result, three species and two varieties were recognized, Lemmaphyllum pyriforme, L. rostratum, L. carnosum, L. carnosum var. microphyllum, and L. carnosum var. drymoglossoides. Two new combinations and seven new synonyms were introduced. An identification key and distribution maps were provided. This study also elucidated the diagnostic value of two previously ignored characters, scales at the base of stipe and laminae hydathodes.
Hypersexual Behavior in an Online Sample of Males: Associations with Personal Distress and Functional Impairment
Authors: Spenhoff Miriam , Kruger Tillmann H.C. , Hartmann Uwe , Kobs Julia
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The population of individuals reporting hypersexual behavior is heterogeneous. Prior research has implicated the importance of personal distress and functional impairment, as both may serve as indicators of problem severity and relevance. Still, little is known about associations with distress and impairment following hypersexuality.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate personal distress and functional impairment in a community sample of male self-identified “sex addicts” and to explore the associations with related variables.

Methods

Three hundred forty-nine men completed an online survey that included questions about personal distress, functional impairment, motivation for behavior change, type of hypersexual behaviors, time spent on sexual behavior, and progression of sexual urges. The survey included the Sexual Addiction Screening Test—Revised (SAST-R) core.

Main Outcome Measure

Specific survey questions about personal distress and functional impairment in six life areas were used to assess these variables. Chi-square and P-values were calculated to explore the interrelations among them.

Results

There were 75.3% (N = 253) who reported feeling distressed due to hypersexual behavior. Functional impairment in at least one life area was specified by 77.4% (N = 270), and most participants (56.2%) reported impairment regarding partner relationships. Personal distress and functional impairment in three areas were associated with a strong motivation for behavior change. Distress was associated with online pornography use, masturbation, and/or sexual contact with changing partners. The progression of sexual urges was related to distress, while time spent on sexual behavior was not. There were 92.9% of the distressed participants who scored above the SAST-R core scale cut-off, but also 59.0% of the participants with little or no distress scored in this range.

Conclusions

Results underline the particular role of problems in social or intimate relationships in association with hypersexuality. Clustering individuals with regard to their specific sexual behavior and impairment pattern seems to be promising for further research.
A Periclitoral Mass as a Cause of Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder
Authors: Bedell Sarah , Goldstein Andrew Todd , Burrows Lara
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) is an intrusive and unremitting disorder for which several possible etiologies and treatments have been suggested.

Aim

To describe a woman who developed PGAD in association with a periclitoral mass, a potential physical cause of the disorder that has not been previously described in the medical literature.

Methods

A postmenopausal woman presented with 6 months of persistent, unrelenting genital arousal and clitoral pain that was unrelated to sexual stimuli. Careful examination revealed a tender, firm, mobile, left-sided mass that appeared to compress the dorsal nerve of the clitoris.

Results

Complete excision of the mass resulted in full resolution of her symptoms over several weeks.

Conclusion

Localized causes of persistent genital arousal, though rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis PGAD as detection and treatment can lead to a complete recovery.
Alexander Böhm (1971–2012)
Authors: Boos Winfried , Parkinson John S. , Jenal Urs , Vogel Jörg , Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte
Published: April 2013

On November 28, 2012 Alexander (Alex) Böhm, a bacterial geneticist, died at age 41, only a few months after taking up a position as an assistant professor at the LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology in Marburg, Germany. Earlier in 2012 Alex had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of thyroid cancer that left him little time to live his scientific and personal dreams.
A Tale of Two “Alliances”: Internal Threats and Networked Civil Society in Japan–US and South Korea–US Base Politics
Authors: Hook Glenn D. , Son Key‐young
Published: April 2013

This article examines what we call internal threats and civil alliances in connection with the two formal security alliances the United States has forged with Japan and South Korea. It investigates the causal link between the rise of internal threats to human and environmental security and the formation of civic alliances. In this process, we demonstrate the salience of networked human and environmental security actors and their articulation of anti‐alliance and anti‐base discourses. As case studies, the article focuses on the base relocation projects in Japan and South Korea at the heart of the formation of these civil alliances.
Personality And Leadership Composition in Top Management Teams: Implications For Organizational Effectiveness
Authors: Colbert Amy E. , Barrick Murray R. , Bradley Bret H.
Published: April 2013

This study examines whether top management team (TMT) personality and leadership are associated with organizational effectiveness beyond the effects of CEO personality and leadership, as suggested by upper echelons theory. Using direct measures of personality and leadership, rather than proxy variables from archival sources or demographic data, we found that mean levels of conscientiousness among TMT members were related to lagged indicators of organizational performance, as were CEO conscientiousness and transformational leadership. Follower commitment to the organization was found to be associated with higher levels of transformational leadership from both the CEO and TMT. The results are consistent with the upper echelons perspective that organizational effectiveness is influenced not only by the CEO but also by a dominant coalition of leaders. Yet, the results also show that the CEO plays a distinct role in influencing organizational financial performance and collective organizational commitment. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Why do Managers Engage in Trustworthy Behavior? A Multilevel Cross‐Cultural Study in 18 Countries
Authors: Reiche B. Sebastian , Cardona Pablo , Lee Yih‐Teen , Canela Miguel Ángel , Akinnukawe Esther , Briscoe Jon P. , Bullara César , Caparas Maria Victoria , Caprar Dan V. , Charlemagne Dallied , Grenness Tor , He Wei , Jamro Konrad , Kainzbauer Astrid , Koester Kathrin , Lazo Alma , Moreno Alejandro , Morley Michael J. , Myloni Vivian , Nadeem Sadia , Aguirre Nieto Marisa , Svishchev Alexey , Taylor Scott N. , Wilkinson Helen
Published: April 2013

Drawing on theories of generalized exchange and the norm of indirect reciprocity, we conceptualize subordinates’ organizational citizenship behavior directed toward the organization (OCBO) and directed toward peers (OCBI) as antecedents of managerial trustworthy behavior and examine how managers’ affective trust in subordinates mediates this relationship. We also investigate the extent to which this mediation is moderated by the level of collectivism in a society. Data were collected from 741 managers and 2,111 subordinates in 18 countries representing all major cultural regions of the world. We find support for our hypothesized moderated mediation in that managers’ affective trust in subordinates mediates the relationships between both subordinates’ OCBO and managerial trustworthy behavior, and subordinates’ OCBI and managerial trustworthy behavior across the different countries studied. Further, managers’ affective trust in subordinates only mediates the relationships between both types of citizenship behavior and managerial trustworthy behavior when collectivism is low to medium but not when it is high. Implications for research on cross‐cultural psychology, trust, and organizational citizenship behavior are discussed.
Gone Today but here Tomorrow: Extending the Unfolding Model of Turnover to Consider Boomerang Employees
Authors: Shipp Abbie J. , Furst‐Holloway Stacie , Harris T. Brad , Rosen Benson
Published: April 2013

Turnover research typically views voluntary turnover as an end state that severs the employment relationship permanently. However, this perspective overlooks the possibility that an employee who quits may return in the future. Anecdotal and empirical evidence suggest that these “Boomerangs” can be a valuable staffing resource for their organizations. Yet, research regarding this type of employee is largely absent. Thus, we know little about whether the experiences of these temporary leavers differ from those who leave an organization permanently. In this paper, we examined differences between Boomerangs (employees who quit but are later rehired) and “Alumni” (employees who quit but will not return) using both qualitative and quantitative data. In a large sample of professional service employees, we found that Boomerangs and Alumni reported different reasons for having quit, which meant they were more likely to be classified on different paths in the unfolding model of turnover. In addition, survival analyses on the time to turnover suggest that Boomerangs quit earlier than Alumni in their original tenure, paradoxically suggesting that employees who quit earlier may be the very employees who will return in the future. Together, our findings suggest an extension to the unfolding model that considers how the timing of and reasons for turnover impact post‐turnover (return) decisions.
Regenerative periodontal therapy: 30 years of lessons learned and unlearned
Authors: Susin Cristiano , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: April 2013

In this review, we reflect upon advances and hindrances encountered over the last three decades in the development of strategies for periodontal regeneration. In this soul‐searching pursuit we focus on revisiting lessons learned that should guide us in the quest for the reconstruction of the lost periodontium. We also examine beliefs and traditions that should be unlearned so that we can continue to advance the field. This learned/unlearned body of knowledge is consolidated into core principles to help us to develop new therapeutic approaches to benefit our patients and ultimately our society.
Radiographic evaluation of modern oral implants with emphasis on crestal bone level and relevance to peri‐implant health
Authors: De Bruyn Hugo , Vandeweghe Stefan , Ruyffelaert Christian , Cosyn Jan , Sennerby Lars
Published: April 2013

Implant stability and maintenance of stable crestal bone level are prerequisites for the successful long‐term function of oral implants, and continuous crestal bone loss constitutes a threat to the longevity of implant–supported prosthetic constructions. The prevalence/incidence and reasons for crestal bone loss are under debate. Some authors regard infection (i.e. peri‐implantitis) as the cause for virtually all bone loss, while others see crestal bone loss as an unavoidable phenomenon following surgery and implant loading. Irrespective of the cause of continuous crestal bone loss, correct usage and scientifically sound interpretation of radiographs are of utmost importance for evaluation of oral implants. The periapical radiographic technique is currently the preferred method for evaluating implant health based on bone loss, and digital radiographs allow easy standardization of the image contrast. It is suggested that baseline radiographs should be taken at the time the transmucosal part pierces the mucosal tissues and annually thereafter. The number of unreadable radiographs should be presented in scientific publications to give insights into the quality of the radiographic examination. It is suggested that not only mean values, but also the range of bone levels, should be presented to describe the proportion of implants that show continuous crestal bone loss. In the absence of other clinical symptoms, bleeding on probing around implants seems to be a weak indicator of ongoing or future loss of crestal bone. According to recent longitudinal studies on modern implant surfaces peri‐implantitis defined as ‘infection with suppuration associated with clinically significant progressing crestal bone loss’ occurs with a prevalence of less than 5 % in implants with 10 years in function.
Periodontal disease immunology: ‘double indemnity’ in protecting the host
Authors: Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Dawson Dolphus R. , Morford Lorri A. , Peyyala Rebecca , Miller Craig S. , Gonzaléz Octavio A.
Published: April 2013

During the last two to three decades our understanding of the immunobiology of periodontal disease has increased exponentially, both with respect to the microbial agents triggering the disease process and the molecular mechanisms of the host engagement maintaining homeostasis or leading to collateral tissue damage. These foundational scientific findings have laid the groundwork for translating cell phenotype, receptor engagement, intracellular signaling pathways and effector functions into a ‘picture’ of the periodontium as the host responds to the ‘danger signals’ of the microbial ecology to maintain homeostasis or succumb to a disease process. These findings implicate the chronicity of the local response in attempting to manage the microbial challenge, creating a ‘Double Indemnity’ in some patients that does not ‘insure’ health for the periodontium. As importantly, in reflecting the title of this volume of Periodontology 2000, this review attempts to inform the community of how the science of periodontal immunology gestated, how continual probing of the biology of the disease has led to an evolution in our knowledge base and how more recent studies in the postgenomic era are revolutionizing our understanding of disease initiation, progression and resolution. Thus, there has been substantial progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of host–bacteria interactions that result in the clinical presentation and outcomes of destructive periodontitis. The science has embarked from observations of variations in responses related to disease expression with a focus for utilization of the responses in diagnosis and therapeutic outcomes, to current investigations using cutting‐edge fundamental biological processes to attempt to model the initiation and progression of soft‐ and hard‐tissue destruction of the periodontium. As importantly, the next era in the immunobiology of periodontal disease will need to engage more sophisticated experimental designs for clinical studies to enable robust translation of basic biologic processes that are in action early in the transition from health to disease, those which stimulate microenvironmental changes that select for a more pathogenic microbial ecology and those that represent a rebalancing of the complex host responses and a resolution of inflammatory tissue destruction.
Employee Empowerment, Employee Attitudes, and Performance: Testing a Causal Model
Authors: Fernandez Sergio , Moldogaziev Tima
Published: April 2013

The last three decades have witnessed the spread of employee empowerment practices throughout the public and private sectors. A growing body of evidence suggests that employee empowerment can be used to improve job satisfaction, organizational commitment, innovativeness, and performance. Nearly all previous empirical studies have analyzed the direct effects of employee empowerment on these outcome variables without taking into account the mediating role of employee attitudes. This article contributes to the growing literature on employee empowerment by proposing and testing a causal model that estimates the direct effect of employee empowerment on performance as well as its indirect effects as mediated by job satisfaction and innovativeness. The empirical analysis relies on three years of data from the Federal Human Capital Survey/Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey and a structural equation modeling approach, including the use of lagged variables. The results support the hypothesized causal structure. Employee empowerment seems to have a direct effect on performance and indirect effects through its influence on job satisfaction and innovativeness, two key causal pathways by which empowerment practices influence behavioral outcomes.
Ecosystem Changes Following Restoration of a Buckthorn‐Invaded Woodland
Authors: Larkin Daniel J. , Steffen James F. , Gentile Rachel M. , Zirbel Chad R.
Published: April 2013

Shifts in plant‐community composition following habitat degradation and species invasions can alter ecosystem structure and performance of ecosystem services. In temperate North American woodlands, invasion by aggressive Eurasian shrubs has produced dense thickets with depauperate understory vegetation and increased rates of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling, attributes that could impair storage of carbon as soil organic matter (SOM). It is important to know if such impairment has occurred and, if so, the extent to which restoration can return this service. We used an oak‐woodland restoration chronosequence in northeastern Illinois to contrast structural and functional attributes of unrestored areas dominated byRhamnus cathartica(common buckthorn) with areas that had undergone buckthorn removal and ongoing, active management for less than 1 to 14 years. With increasing age, restored areas had higher understory plant diversity and cover (p < 0.0001 and 0.005, respectively) and higher litter mass (p= 0.018). These structural differences were associated with some evidence of reduced soil erosion (p= 0.027–0.135) but greater soilCO2efflux (p= 0.020–0.033). Total particulate organic matter (POM) in the soil increased with restoration age, which was driven by increases in the slow‐turnover, mineral‐associatedSOMfraction. However, variance was high and relationships were only weakly significant (p= 0.082 and 0.083 for totalPOMand mineral‐associatedSOM, respectively). Our results suggest that, in addition to better documented biodiversity benefits, beneficial changes to ecosystem properties and processes may also occur with active, long‐term restoration of degraded woodlands.
Communication in Nuclear Emergency Preparedness: A Closer Look at Information Reception
Authors: Perko Tanja , van Gorp Baldwin , Turcanu Catrinel , Thijssen Peter , Carle Benny
Published: April 2013

Preparedness of the general population plays a key role in the effective implementation of protective actions in case of a nuclear emergency (e.g., evacuation or intake of iodine tablets). In this context, a good communication of emergency management actors with the public along the entire cycle of preparedness–response–recovery is of paramount importance. This article aims at providing a better understanding of the way people process communicated messages and the factors that may influence how they do this. In particular, it investigates information reception as part of the information processing in precrisis communication. As a case study, the precrisis communication context was chosen, as it has been tackled to a lesser extent in the literature. The empirical data used for this study originated from a large‐scale opinion survey in Belgium. One topic in this survey addressed the information campaign for the distribution of iodine tablets, in the context of preparedness for nuclear emergencies. The findings of this study demonstrate that systematic predictors have a stronger influence on information reception, as compared to heuristic predictors. The latter are only to a minor extent involved in the reception of emergency preparedness information. The hypothesized pattern—that more specific knowledge about the field relates to a higher reception of information—was confirmed for precrisis communication. Contrary to expectations, results showed that people with a high perception of radiation risks were less attentive to information about protective actions. People with little confidence in authorities were also more likely to have a low reception of information.
Bent Twigs and Olive Branches: Exploring the Narratives of Dissident Israeli Jews
Authors: Attwell Katie
Published: April 2013

This article explores symbolic boundaries and identity‐formation of the ‘ethnonationalUs’, using narrative analysis of elevenIsraeli‐Jewish dissidents. The hegemonic nationalist discourse inIsrael –Zionism – constructs the dissidents' identities as the ‘VirtuousUs’, yet these individuals genuinely try to connect with the ‘DemonizedPalestinianOther’. I suggest that the dissidents attempt to use alternative national identity discourses to overcome symbolic boundaries. I highlight inconsistencies within individual dissidents' narratives and attribute them to the employment of multiple discourses, suggesting that some discourses fail to coherently reconcile ‘national’ history with the well‐being of the Other, whilst others repel dissidents by appearing to negate or destroy their identities. The dissidents, therefore, cannot use the available discourses to fully overcome symbolic boundaries. Only the hegemonic nationalist discourse can offer a self‐evident and compelling enunciation of the dissidents' political reality, leading one insightful dissident to conclude that there is ‘no way out’ of his dilemma.
Queering the Politics of Global Sexual Rights?
Authors: Sabsay Leticia
Published: April 2013

To be ‘politically queer’ at the beginning of the 1990s indicated opposition to the policing of identity and heteronormativity, and adherence to a politics that transcended liberal‐legal claims. More recently, queer activism and scholarship have largely focused on contesting the emergence of homonormative forms of nationalism and institutionalized rights‐based LGBT politics. However, to define a political intervention as queer on the condition that it explicitly adheres to one or other specific political project is possibly to overstate the case. The ‘queer signifier’ has travelled far beyond its local origins and, as a consequence, has shifted meanings in significant ways. In this essay, I consider current tensions concerning what it means to be politically queer, focusing on queer responses to the formation of sexual rights‐bearing subjects, and critically analyse the notion of sexual rights on which contemporary international mainstream sexual politics is based. Through this analysis I aim to draw attention to the entanglement of the normalization of sexual identities at a national level with current sexual neocolonial projects. Since the signifier ‘queer’ has spread in many different directions, I argue that it is precisely cultural translation that makes key alliances against both universalist and nationalist queer positions possible.
Unified approach for lesion border detection based on mixture modeling and local entropy thresholding
Authors: Abbas Qaisar , Garcia Irene Fondón , Emre Celebi M. , Ahmad Waqar , Mushtaq Qaisar
Published: April 2013

Background/Purpose

Computer‐aided design (CAD) methods are highly valuable for the analysis of skin lesions using digital dermoscopy due to low rate of diagnostic accuracy of expert dermatologist. In computerized diagnostic methods, automatic border detection is the first and crucial step.

Method

In this study, a novel unified approach is proposed for automatic border detection (ABD). A preprocessing step is performed by normalized smoothing filter (NSF) to reduce background noise. Mixture models technique is then utilized to initially segment the lesion area roughly. Afterward, local entropy thresholding is performed to extract the lesion candidate pixels and the lesion border is smoothed using morphological reconstruction.

Results

The overallABDsystem is tested on a set of 100 dermoscopy images with ground truth. A comparative study was conducted with the other three state‐of‐the‐art methods using statistical metrics. ThisABDtechnique has the minimal average error probability rate of 5%, true detection of 92.10% and false positive rate of 6.41%.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate that the proposed method segments the lesion area accurately. Sample dataset and execute software are available online and can be downloaded from:http://cs.ntu.edu.pk/research.
Serum amyloid A and haptoglobin concentrations in serum and peritoneal fluid of healthy horses and horses with acute abdominal pain
Authors: Pihl Tina Holberg , Andersen Pia Haubro , Kjelgaard‐Hansen Mads , Mørck Nina Brinch , Jacobsen Stine
Published: April 2013

Background

Peritoneal fluid (PF) analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool in equine medicine. Markers such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) could facilitate the diagnosis of inflammatory abdominal conditions.

Objectives

The objectives were to (1) establish reference intervals (RI) forSAAand Hp in serum andPFin healthy horses, (2) compareSAAand Hp concentrations between healthy horses and horses with colic, and (3) to assess the correlation between serum andPFconcentrations.

Methods

Serum amyloid A and Hp concentrations were determined by automated assays in prospectively enrolled healthy reference horses and horses with colic.RIs were calculated, group concentrations were compared by Student'st‐test, and Pearson′s correlation for serum andPFconcentrations were determined.

Results

In healthy horses (n = 62) the measurements forSAAwere below the detection limit (0.5 mg/L) in 94% of serum samples and 98% ofPFsamples. Horses with colic (n = 61) had statistically significantly increasedSAAconcentrations in serum (P < .0001) andPF(P = .0013). WhilePFHp concentrations were increased in horses with colic the serum concentrations of Hp were decreased (P < .0001). There was a strong correlation between paired serum andPF SAAconcentrations (n = 94,R = .72,P < .0001), whereas the correlation between paired serum andPFHp was weak (n = 94,R = .22,P = .0382). Finally, horses with colic tended to have serumSAAandPFHp concentrations above theRIs.

Conclusions

With the apparent difference between healthy horses and horses with colic and the presently establishedRIs, serumSAAandPFHp concentrations represent potential valuable diagnostic markers for inflammatory abdominal conditions in that species.
Comparison of sternal, iliac, and humeral bone marrow aspiration in Beagle dogs
Authors: Defarges Alice , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony , Foster Robert A. , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: April 2013

Background

Sternal bone marrow aspiration in dogs is not commonly performed as it is considered technically challenging in smaller dogs. However, the sternum is readily accessible and associated with less pain from aspiration compared with other sites.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate feasibility, ease, number of attempts, safety, and sample quality of sternal bone marrow aspirates in small dogs.

Methods

Bone marrow aspirates were obtained in a randomized order from 3 sites in 26 clinically healthy Beagles under general anesthesia. Samples were obtained from the sternum using one‐inch 20‐ or 22‐gauge hypodermic needles, from the right greater tubercle of the humerus, and the right iliac crest using 18‐gauge Illinois needles. The difficulty of each procedure was scored. Two types of bone marrow smears were prepared and reviewed by a pathologist unaware of site of aspiration or dog. The number of particles per slide and overall slide quality were scored. The site of aspiration and the cranial thoracic wall were evaluated at autopsy for evidence of trauma or pneumothorax.

Results

The number of attempts and time for bone marrow aspiration were greater for ilium than for sternum or humerus, but the sternum was the easiest to aspirate. Smear quality and particle number were similar for all sites. Neither trauma at the site of aspiration nor pneumothorax were identified.

Conclusions

Aspiration of sternal bone marrow with hypodermic needles is feasible and safe in Beagle dogs. Samples equivalent in quality to those from the humerus or ilium can be obtained from clinically normal dogs.
The integration of management systems in a council's waste management service
Authors: Walker Tim , McAleer Maria
Published: April 2013

This article details how a council service established an integrated management system (IMS) within a wider corporate framework. In this context, an IMS was used as a tool to improve (i) Performance, (ii) Quality, (iii) Environment, and (iv) Health and Safety Management. A key factor was that the IMS had to be appropriate for accreditation and integratible with an emerging corporate management framework. In this case study, the authors provided a literature review before considering the issues facing the management team in implementing the IMS. Next, the discussion reflected on how the IMS has delivered improvements before concluding with recommendations on how to implement an IMS within similar services. These points of learning may be relevant beyond local government. This article therefore provides a summary of action research and the steps taken to deliver an IMS within a broader context.
Spatio-temporal structure of natural forest: A structural index approach
Authors: Balanda M.
Published: April 2013

The submitted paper deals with the analysis of stand structure of mixed species natural forest located in the Carpathians, Middle Europe. In order to evaluation of structural diversity we chose the combination of distance independent and nearest-neighbor indices. Following structural indices were calculated: Shanon-Weaver index (S-W), diameter differentiation index (Td), Gigi coefficient (G), mingling index (DMi) and Clark Evans index (CEd). The permanent research plot with area of 2.5ha was established in National Naure Reserve Hrončecký grúň and subdivided into 25×25m subplots. The combination of mentioned indices was calculated for each subplot separately. Regarding the diameter heterogeneity, the most part of analyzed structures showed the moderate level of tree size differentiation (S-Wvalue 0.393±0.074). The presence of high number of juvenile individuals which already reached the diameter category “above 2cm” did not significantly affect the diameter variation of investigated stand. On the other hand, a massive establishment of subsequent generation led to creation of spatial structure characteristic by high level of vertical differentiation (Gini coefficient 0.47 in the structure characterized as the breakdown with successive generation). High climax species richness was confirmed by calculated values ofDMiindex (maximum relative presence in the category from 0.3 to 0.4). Each tree was surrounded by two and more different species individuals. Analysis discovers the negative developmental shift in theDMivalues towards to less differentiated structures. Regarding the horizontal distribution the analysis ofCEdvalues indicated that investigated natural forest can reveal a random distribution of individuals regardless of developmental stage.
Right-Sizing Stem-Rust Research
Authors: Pardey P. G. , Beddow J. M. , Kriticos D. J. , Hurley T. M. , Park R. F. , Duveiller E. , Sutherst R. W. , Burdon J. J. , Hodson D.
Published: April 2013

Is increased support needed for wheat disease research to avert crop losses from current and future strains?
A Histone Acetylation Switch Regulates H2A.Z Deposition by the SWR-C Remodeling Enzyme
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Radman-Livaja Marta , Rando Oliver J. , Peterson Craig L.
Published: April 2013

Variants and Regulation

Genomic DNA is packaged into nucleosomes by spooling around histone proteins. Histone variants and the composition of nucleosomes can influence gene expression, as well as other chromatin-mediated processes. For example, the H2A.Z histone variant flanks RNA polII promoters, and such nucleosomes show rapid turnover, as well as enrichment for histone H3 acetylated at lysine 56 (H3-K56Ac).

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et al.

(p.
195
) show that H3-K56Ac alters the substrate specificity of the chromatin remodeling enzyme SWR-C, which normally evicts nucleosomal H2A.Z such that it now rapidly exchanges both canonical H2A and the variant H2A.Z, modulating nucleosome turnover and therefore influencing gene regulation. Pathways are dramatically simplified, promoting proper folding.
Latin America's Nitrogen Challenge
Authors: Austin A. T. , Bustamante M. M. C. , Nardoto G. B. , Mitre S. K. , Pérez T. , Ometto J. P. H. B. , Ascarrunz N. L. , Forti M. C. , Longo K. , Gavito M. E. , Enrich-Prast A. , Martinelli L. A.
Published: April 2013

Human impacts on the N cycle require sustainable ecological solutions to preserve ecosystem and human health.
Deep Homology of Arthropod Central Complex and Vertebrate Basal Ganglia
Authors: Strausfeld Nicholas J. , Hirth Frank
Published: April 2013

Of Flies and Men

Similarities of brain structure, function, and behavior are usually ascribed to convergent evolution. In their review,
Strausfeld and Hirth
(p.
157
) identify multiple commonalities shared by vertebrate basal ganglia and a system of forebrain centers in arthropods called the central complex. The authors conclude that circuits essential to behavioral choice originated very early across phyla.
The Vertebral Column of
Australopithecus sediba
Authors: Williams Scott A. , Ostrofsky Kelly R. , Frater Nakita , Churchill Steven E. , Schmid Peter , Berger Lee R.
Published: April 2013

Two partial vertebral columns of
Australopithecus sediba
grant insight into aspects of early hominin spinal mobility, lumbar curvature, vertebral formula, and transitional vertebra position.
Au. sediba
likely possessed five non–rib-bearing lumbar vertebrae and five sacral elements, the same configuration that occurs modally in modern humans. This finding contrasts with other interpretations of early hominin regional vertebral numbers. Importantly, the transitional vertebra is distinct from and above the last rib-bearing vertebra in
Au. sediba
, resulting in a functionally longer lower back. This configuration, along with a strongly wedged last lumbar vertebra and other indicators of lordotic posture, would have contributed to a highly flexible spine that is derived compared with earlier members of the genus
Australopithecus
and similar to that of the Nariokotome
Homo erectus
skeleton.
Response to Comments on “Apatite
4
He/
3
He and (U-Th)/He Evidence for an Ancient Grand Canyon”
Authors: Flowers R. M. , Farley K. A.
Published: April 2013

We reiterate that geological observations do not require Grand Canyon carving coeval with Colorado River integration. (U-Th)/He data from the western canyon, totaling 29 reproducible analyses from six samples and two labs, compellingly support an ancient canyon. Three dispersed analyses from one anomalous sample do not refute this conclusion, nor do the claimed shortcomings of our modeling have validity.
Lifting the Veil on an Old Mystery
Authors: Vereecken Luc
Published: April 2013

An elusive reaction intermediate of central importance to the atmosphere yields details on its nature, lifetime, and reactivity.

[Also see Reports by

Su
et al.

and

Taatjes
et al.

]
The Complete Quantum Hall Trio
Authors: Oh Seongshik
Published: April 2013

Observation of a quantized resistance state in the absence of an external magnetic field completes a trio of quantum Hall related effects.

[Also see Report by

Chang
et al.

]
Snapshots From the Meeting
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: April 2013

The Curiosity rover has come across hints of chemical reactions on Mars that could have produced the organic "building blocks of life," but without any life. And big impacts on the moon and Mars have blasted off bits of rock that have been picked up on Earth, so could it be possible that a researcher has found a meteorite from Mercury?
Case-Control Study of the Effectiveness of the 2010-2011 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for Prevention of Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza Virus Infection in the Korean Adult Population
Authors: Choi Won Suk , Noh Ji Yun , Seo Yu bin , Baek Ji Hyeon , Lee Jacob , Song Joon Young , Park Dae Won , Lee Jin Soo , Cheong Hee Jin , Kim Woo Joo
Published: April 2013

We evaluated the effectiveness of the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza in a South Korean population. A retrospective case-control study was conducted among patients who visited selected hospitals from September 2010 to May 2011. A total of 483 laboratory-confirmed influenza patients were included in the analysis as case subjects. For each case patient, two types of control patients were chosen at a ratio of 1:1:1, and 966 control subjects were selected. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was defined as 100 × (1 − odds ratio for influenza in vaccinated versus nonvaccinated persons). The VE of the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine was 49.5% to 45.8% for both influenza A and B viruses and 50.8% to 47.2% for influenza A virus, according to the control type. The age-specific adjusted VE was 50.8% to 46.5% among subjects aged 19 to 49 years and 58.7% to 63.3% among those aged 50 to 64 years, according to the control type. Statistically significant VE was not found among those aged ≥65 years or against influenza B virus. The 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine was effective for preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza, especially for influenza A virus, in a South Korean population. Evidence of the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in older adults or against influenza B virus was not found.
B Cell Response and Hemagglutinin Stalk-Reactive Antibody Production in Different Age Cohorts following 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Vaccination
Authors: Sangster Mark Y. , Baer Jane , Santiago Felix W. , Fitzgerald Theresa , Ilyushina Natalia A. , Sundararajan Aarthi , Henn Alicia D. , Krammer Florian , Yang Hongmei , Luke Catherine J. , Zand Martin S. , Wright Peter F. , Treanor John J. , Topham David J. , Subbarao Kanta
Published: April 2013

The 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza virus carried a swine-origin hemagglutinin (HA) that was closely related to the HAs of pre-1947 H1N1 viruses but highly divergent from the HAs of recently circulating H1N1 strains. Consequently, prior exposure to pH1N1-like viruses was mostly limited to individuals over the age of about 60 years. We related age and associated differences in immune history to the B cell response to an inactivated monovalent pH1N1 vaccine given intramuscularly to subjects in three age cohorts: 18 to 32 years, 60 to 69 years, and ≥70 years. The day 0 pH1N1-specific hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and microneutralization (MN) titers were generally higher in the older cohorts, consistent with greater prevaccination exposure to pH1N1-like viruses. Most subjects in each cohort responded well to vaccination, with early formation of circulating virus-specific antibody (Ab)-secreting cells and ≥4-fold increases in HAI and MN titers. However, the response was strongest in the 18- to 32-year cohort. Circulating levels of HA stalk-reactive Abs were increased after vaccination, especially in the 18- to 32-year cohort, raising the possibility of elevated levels of cross-reactive neutralizing Abs. In the young cohort, an increase in MN activity against the seasonal influenza virus A/Brisbane/59/07 after vaccination was generally associated with an increase in the anti-Brisbane/59/07 HAI titer, suggesting an effect mediated primarily by HA head-reactive rather than stalk-reactive Abs. Our findings support recent proposals that immunization with a relatively novel HA favors the induction of Abs against conserved epitopes. They also emphasize the need to clarify how the level of circulating stalk-reactive Abs relates to resistance to influenza.
Nonsurgical Management of Mitral Valve Endocarditis Due to Cardiobacterium valvarum in a Patient with a Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Choudhury Saugata , Isais Florante Santos , Lee Cheng Chuan
Published: April 2013

Cardiobacterium valvarum
is a relatively novel agent of infective endocarditis. We describe the first case of infective endocarditis due to this pathogen in the Asian Pacific. This case is unique in its involvement of the mitral valve as well as its clinical resolution exclusively resulting from treatment with antibiotics without resorting to valve replacement/explantation.