bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Ownership Structure and Firm Performance: evidence from Greek firms
Authors: Kapopoulos Panayotis , Lazaretou Sophia
Published: March 2007

The Berle‐Means thesis (1932 The Modern Corporation and Private Property. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World) implies that diffuse ownership adversely affects firm performance. This paper tries to investigate whether there is strong evidence to support the notion that variations across firms in observed ownership structures result in systematic variations in observed firm performance. We test this hypothesis by assessing the impact of the structure of ownership on corporate performance, measured by profitability, using data for 175 Greek listed firms. Following Demsetz and Villalonga (2001 Ownership Structure and Corporate Performance, Journal of Corporate Finance, 7, 209–233), we model ownership structure, first, as an endogenous variable and, second, we consider two different measures of ownership structure reflecting different groups of shareholders with conflicting interests. Empirical findings suggest that a more concentrated ownership structure positively relates to higher firm profitability. We also find that higher firm profitability requires a less diffused ownership.
Corporate Governance in Nigeria: the status quo
Authors: Okike Elewechi N. M.
Published: March 2007

It is generally believed that poor corporate governance has been the Achilles’ heel of many corporations in both rich and poor nations. This is particularly true of Nigeria, where corruption is endemic. However, following the change of government in 1999, the Federal Government is keen to attract foreign investments into the country. Given the high correlation between corporate governance and investor decisions, the government is keen to position the country to take advantage of the opportunities in the global market by adhering to principles of good governance. Yet not much is known about the state of, or the current framework for, corporate governance in Nigeria. By providing a comprehensive review of the state of corporate governance in Africa’s most populous country, this paper makes a contribution to the literature on the state of corporate governance in developing countries. The paper examines the mechanism for corporate governance, including the requirements of the recently established Code of Best Practices for Public Companies in Nigeria. In particular, it examines the roles of the government, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the representatives of the shareholders of the companies, directors, auditors and the Audit Committee in the governance process. The paper addresses the issue of whether the governance mechanisms in Nigeria are adequate in the face of the changes and challenges in the global corporate scene. It argues that whilst there is a case for adherence to global corporate governance standards, any Code of Best Practices adopted in Nigeria must reflect its peculiar socio‐political and economic environment, whilst at the same time providing the right assurance to prospective and existing shareholders.
Corporate Governance and Board Composition: diversity and independence of Australian boards
Authors: Kang Helen , Cheng Mandy , Gray Sidney J.
Published: March 2007

The board of directors is one of a number of internal governance mechanisms that are intended to ensure that the interests of shareholders and managers are closely aligned, and to discipline or remove ineffective management teams. Among the most significant governance issues currently faced by the modern corporation are those relating to diversity, such as gender and age, and independence of directors.

While board diversity and independence has been a growing area of research in recent years, most empirical research on this topic has been restricted to US data. The generalisability of such findings may not extend across national boundaries due to different regulatory and economic environments, cultural differences, the size of capital markets and the effectiveness of governance mechanisms. Consequently, the importance and value of various governance structures, including board diversity and independence, should be separately examined in each country, and the influential factors investigated.

This study reports on the diversity and independence of the board membership of 100 top Australian companies in 2003. Australia has one of the most developed stock markets in the Asia‐Pacific region. With the collapse of several well‐known public companies such as Ansett, OneTel and HIH, there is an increasing demand to evaluate the corporate governance practices of Australian companies, including the composition of boards. Accordingly, this research provides a timely review of the state of corporate governance in Australia so far as board composition is concerned.
Ownership, Governance and Firm Performance in Malaysia
Authors: Tam On Kit , Tan Monica Guo‐Sze
Published: March 2007

Corporate governance is often regarded as a weak link in Asia’s company performance. Most studies have focused on the relationship between ownership and firm value, but the instruments that mediate that relationship have often been overlooked. This paper attempts to address this issue by examining the relationship between ownership types and firm performance by analysing variations in governance practices and their impact on firm performance. This paper shows that different types of majority owners exhibit distinct traits of behaviour and preferences for corporate governance practices in an environment of pervasive concentration of shareholding. Such governance practices and various firm characteristics are found to have an impact on firm performance.
Private vs State Ownership and Earnings Management: evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Ding Yuan , Zhang Hua , Zhang Junxi
Published: March 2007

In this study, we investigate the role played by a firm’s ownership structure in earnings management, with reference to the Chinese capital market. We measure the impacts of both ownership concentration and different ownership types, specifically the difference between the state as blockholder and private blockholders.

Analysing 273 privately‐owned and state‐owned Chinese companies listed in 2002, we establish a link between ownership structure and firms’ earnings management practices. Our results show that the relationship between earnings management measures and ownership concentration exhibits a statistically significant non‐linear, inverted U‐shape pattern known as the “entrenchment versus alignment” effect. It is clear that privately‐owned listed companies tend to maximise their accounting earnings more. However, the entrenchment effect of ownership concentration on earnings management is weaker in privately‐owned listed firms than in state‐owned listed firms. Our study also confirms that when a firm manages its earnings, it tends to do so through both operating‐related accrual mechanisms and non‐operating transactions with related parties.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: the effects of regulation and competitiveness
Authors: Udayasankar Krishna , Das Shobha S.
Published: March 2007

We propose that the extent to which regulation and competitiveness play a role in the country environment has a complex, interactive effect on the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance. Using an analytical method, we develop an algorithm to express these effects, and offer proofs to show that our algorithm meets central conditions that are identified based on extant research findings in this domain. An illustration traces the performance of firms with different corporate governance standards across various environmental conditions.
Ethical and Compliance‐Competence Evaluation: a key element of sound corporate governance
Authors: Edwards Jonathan , Wolfe Simon
Published: March 2007

Motivated by the ongoing post‐Enron refocusing on corporate governance and the shift by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK to promoting compliance‐competence within the financial services sector, this paper demonstrates how template analysis can be used as a tool for evaluating compliance‐competence. Focusing on the ethical dimension of compliance‐competence, we illustrate how this can be subjectively appraised. We propose that this evaluation technique could be utilised as a starting point in informing senior management of corporate governance issues and be used to monitor and demonstrate key compliance and ethical aspects of an institution to external stakeholders and regulators.
Communitarian Perspectives on Social Enterprise*
Authors: Ridley‐Duff Rory
Published: March 2007

Concepts of social enterprise have been debated repeatedly, and continue to cause confusion. In this paper, a meta‐theoretical framework is developed through discussion of individualist and communitarian philosophy. Philosophers from both traditions build social theories that emphasise either consensus (a unitarist outlook) or diversity (a pluralist outlook). The various discourses in corporate governance reflect these assumptions and create four distinct approaches that impact on the relationship between capital and labour. In rejecting the traditional discourse of private enterprise, social enterprises have adopted other approaches to tackle social exclusion, each derived from different underlying beliefs about the purpose of enterprise and the nature of governance. The theoretical framework offers a way to understand the diversity found within the sector, including the newly constituted Community Interest Company (CIC).
Does female board representation influence firm performance? The Danish evidence
Authors: Rose Caspar
Published: March 2007

Board diversity has become a major issue within corporate governance where a number of studies seek to explore the impact of diversity on firm performance. The debate focuses on questions such as whether a corporation’s board should reflect the firm’s stakeholders or be more in line with society in general. This article uses a sample of listed Danish firms during the period of 1998–2001 in a cross sectional analysis. Despite that fact that Denmark has gone very far in the liberalisation of women, Danish board rooms are still to a large extent dominated by men. Contrary to a number of other studies, this article does not find any significant link between firm performance as measured by Tobin’s Q and female board representation. This is also the case for board members’ educational background as well as the proportion of foreigners. It is argued that board members with an unconventional background are socialised unconsciously adopting the ideas of the majority of conventional board members, which entails that a potential performance effect does not materialise.
Mobile Phone Headache: A Double Blind, Sham-Controlled Provocation Study
Authors: Oftedal G , Straume A , Johnsson A , Stovner LJ
Published: March 2007

The objective was to test whether exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields from mobile phones may cause head pain or discomfort and whether it may influence physiological variables in individuals attributing symptoms to mobile phones, but not to electromagnetic fields in general. Seventeen eligible individuals, who experienced these symptoms in an open provocation test, took part in a double-blind, randomized provocation study with cross-over design. Sixty-five pairs of sham and mobile phone RF exposures were conducted. The increase in pain or discomfort (visual analogue scales) in RF sessions was 10.1 and in sham sessions 12.6 ( P = 0.30). Changes in heart rate or blood pressure were not related to the type of exposure ( P: 0.30-0.88). The study gave no evidence that RF fields from mobile phones may cause head pain or discomfort or influence physiological variables. The most likely reason for the symptoms is a nocebo effect.
Cervical screening for women with learning disability: current practice and attitudes within primary care in Edinburgh
Authors: Wood Rachael , Douglas Margaret
Published: March 2007

Accessible summary

It is important that all women have a regular smear test. A smear test is a check up to make sure your cervix is healthy. Your cervix is inside your vagina. A smear test helps to find changes in your cervix that might become cancer if they are not treated. Your smear test is usually done by the doctor or nurse at your doctor's surgery.

Women with learning disability do not go for their smear tests as often as other women. We asked doctors and nurses how they give smear tests to women with learning disability. We also asked them what they think about this.

We found that:

Often they do not know which of their patients have learning disability.

They do invite women with learning disability to have their smear tests.

Women with learning disability may not come for their smear tests for different reasons.

Doctors and nurses need help to encourage women with learning disability to come for their smear tests.

This study aimed to evaluate current practice in, and to explore primary care professionals’ views about, providing cervical screening to women with learning disability, in two areas of Edinburgh. A postal questionnaire was sent to all 24 GP practices in the project area: 20 responded. Seven respondents were invited to participate in follow up interviews: six agreed. Results show that many practices lack robust mechanisms to identify their patients with learning disability; the low uptake of cervical screening by women with learning disability is not primarily because they are excluded from invitation for screening; practices vary in how they adapt the process of cervical screening to meet the needs of women with learning disability; and professionals make pragmatic decisions when considering screening for women unable to give informed consent. Primary care professionals need guidance and support to offer and provide screening appropriately to women with learning disability.
A systematic review of the use of buccal midazolam in the emergency treatment of prolonged seizures in adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Marshall Thomas
Published: March 2007

Accessible summary

People with a learning disability can have epilepsy and can have long seizures.

The treatment for long seizures is rectal diazepam given up the back passage.

Some carers and people with epilepsy do not like this.

Buccal midazolam is a treatment for long seizures that is given by mouth.

Buccal midazolam seems to work as well as rectal diazepam in children with epilepsy.

New guidance to doctors says they can use buccal midazolam in adults for long seizures.

People with learning disabilities and carers can ask their doctor to prescribe buccal midazolam instead of rectal diazepam to treat long seizures.

Background  Buccal midazolam is widely used in children for the emergency treatment of epilepsy, and these children are graduating into adult learning disability services.

Aims  The aim of this paper was to appraise the evidence for buccal midazolam as a treatment for prolonged seizures in adults with learning disabilities.

Method  A literature search was performed and the identified papers appraised.

Results  The literature search identified only one randomized trial for buccal midazolam as emergency treatment of seizures, and this was in children and adolescents. It showed that buccal midazolam was as effective as rectal diazepam.

Conclusions  There is evidence that buccal midazolam is effective, but it is unlicensed for this purpose. Rectal diazepam should remain the first choice, but buccal midazolam should be discussed with patients and carers as an alternative.

Declaration of interest  nil.
A family facing end of life issues of a person with learning disabilities – a personal reflection
Authors: Harwood Ian
Published: March 2007

Accessible summary

A medical student works with a patient with a profound learning disability, gets to know the family and considers the overall effect of the condition on them.

The family's denial of the illness can block understanding and creates problems for them all.

Practical ways of helping the family to come to terms with their grief, now and in the future are considered.

Working with people with learning disabilities is a positive experience and more medical students should be encouraged to do it.

In 2005, the Royal College of Psychiatry Faculty of Learning Disability's three judges unanimously awarded the inaugural Medical Student Essay Prize to Ian Harwood, a mature medical student at Barts & The London School of Medicine.

This reflective piece records an undergraduate's contact with an adolescent suffering from advanced Sanfillipo Syndrome and her family. The initial impetus for the essay was the challenge of carrying out a history‐taking communication skills project when the patient has profound learning difficulties and cannot verbally communicate.

Research into pathological grief in the general population is a relatively recent area of focus and it has been established that little work has been performed to examine the effects of bereavement and loss on people with learning disabilities (Dodd, Dowling & Hollins, 2005). The untimely death of a child, described in 1995 by Judd as ‘a death out of season’, is one of the most shocking and profoundly disturbing events that can occur. The role, nature and consequences of denial in such a family with a member with profound learning difficulties are explored. Existing research is used to justify concern for the family's future capacity to cope and relevant management strategies are proposed.

It concludes that exposing medical students to people with learning disabilities and their families can provide valuable opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Regularized Least Squares Classifiers may Predict Crohn's Disease from Profiles of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: D'Addabbo A. , Latiano A. , Palmieri O. , Maglietta R. , Annese V. , Ancona N.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we focus on the prediction of Crohn's disease (CD) susceptibility by analyzing SNP profiles for a number of defined or suggested gene polymorphisms. We assess the correlation between genetic markers and the phenotype by using well‐founded methods and procedures developed in the field of statistical learning theory. To this end, we use a sample generated by a case‐control study composed of 178 CD patients and 127 healthy controls. The genetic profile of each subject is composed of 16 genetic variants distributed over 11 genes. We find that regularized least squares (RLS) classifiers predict Crohn's disease with a statistically significant accuracy of 62%(p= 0.018), significantly increasing the diagnostic accuracy by at least 10% compared to that obtained with the more largely confirmed gene involved in CD predisposition, namelyCARD15. This also demonstrates that our sample size is adequate for accurate and significant prediction estimates. The strength of this methodology, in contrast to classical statistical methods, is that it accounts simultaneously for the effect of several genetics markers and their possible interactions. The findings of this study show that RLS methodology is able to increase the diagnostic accuracy of CD prediction by contemporary evaluation of a large number of gene polymorphisms. This approach may be particularly useful in large‐scale population screening programs, and when evaluating large datasets of gene polymorphisms (i.e. chips, microarrays). Moreover, it could shed more light on possible candidate genes with a weak genetic contribution, and for evaluating gene‐gene and gene‐phenotype interactions by analyzing populations with a reasonably small sample size.
Association Between Human Polymorphic DNA Markers and Hypoxia Adaptation in Sherpa Detected by a Preliminary Genome Scan
Authors: Malacrida S. , Katsuyama Y. , Droma Y. , Basnyat B. , Angelini C. , Ota M. , Danieli G. A.
Published: March 2007

Genetic determinants of resistance to hypobaric hypoxia in the Sherpa are still unknown. Since adaptive gene variants must still be subjected to positive selection, linkage disequilibrium between such variants and specific alleles of flanking DNA markers is expected. Following this line of reasoning, we performed a human genome scan using 998 polymorphic DNA markers in 7 unrelated Sherpa porters living in the Solu‐Khumbu area. This minimalist approach succeeded in detecting 8 DNA markers showing homozygosity for the same shared allele. Analysis of additional DNA samples from 2 more Sherpa porters focused our attention on three polymorphic DNA markers (D6S1697, D14S274, D17S1795) showing homozygosity for the same shared allele in 8 out 9 tested individuals. Analysis of DNA samples from Sherpa and non‐Sherpa populations of Nepal proved HW equilibrium in both populations for markers D14S274 and D17S1795, while an excess of heterozygotes was observed in the Sherpa population for marker D6S1697. A significant difference in allele frequencies for D14S274 and D17S1795 between the two populations was observed. These findings exclude the possibility that homozygosity for 3 specific loci in 8 unrelated individuals might be ascribed to inbreeding or recent genetic drift. We therefore conclude that the chromosomal segments detected by such DNA markers may include genes involved in adaptation to hypobaric hypoxia.
Microfibrils, elastin fibres and collagen fibres in the human intervertebral disc and bovine tail disc
Authors: Yu Jing , Tirlapur Uday , Fairbank Jeremy , Handford Penny , Roberts Sally , Winlove C. Peter , Cui Zhanfeng , Urban Jill
Published: March 2007

The distribution of microfibrils was studied immunohistochemically in intervertebral discs taken from young normal human surgical cases and from the bovine tail. Co‐localization of microfibrils and elastin fibres was examined by dual immunostaining of fibrillin‐1 and elastin. Collagen fibre network orientation was studied by using polarized filters. A similar microfibrillar network was seen in both bovine and human discs with network organization being completely different from region to region. In the outer annulus fibrosus (OAF), abundant microfibrils organized in bundles were mainly distributed in the interterritorial matrix. In addition, the microfibril bundles were orientated parallel to each other and co‐localized highly with elastin fibres. Within each lamella, co‐localized microfibrils and elastin fibres were aligned in the same direction as the collagen fibres. In the interlamellar space, a dense co‐localized network, staining for both microfibrils and elastin fibres, was apparent; immunostaining for both molecules was noticeably stronger than within lamellae. In the inner annulus fibrosus, the microfibrils were predominantly visible as a filamentous mesh network, both in the interterritorial matrix and also around the cells. The microfibrils in this region co‐localized with elastin fibres far less than in the OAF. In nucleus pulposus, filamentous microfibrils were organized mainly around the cells where elastin fibres were hardly detected. By contrast, sparse elastin fibres, with a few of microfibrils, were visible in the interterritorial matrix. The results of this study suggest the microfibrillar network of the annulus may play a mechanical role while that around the cells of the nucleus may be more involved in regulating cell function.
Microsatellite markers for Sachalin fir (Abies sachalinensis Masters)
Authors: LIAN CHUNLAN , GOTO SUSUMU , HOGETSU TAIZO
Published: March 2007

We developed eight polymorphic microsatellite markers from the Sachalin fir (Abies sachalinensis Masters). The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 31, with an average of 21.4. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.656 to 0.937 and from 0.710 to 0.945, respectively. These markers will be available for population genetic studies and parentage analysis.
TRAMPR: AN R package for analysis and matching of terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) profiles
Authors: FITZJOHN RICHARD G. , DICKIE IAN A.
Published: March 2007

trampr (TRFLP analysis and matching package for r) is a package for matching multiple terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) profiles between unknown samples and a database of known TRFLP profiles in order to infer the presence of species in environmental samples. It permits simultaneous analysis of multiple samples and facilitates direct workflow from electrophoresis output through to community analyses. trampr also resolves the issues of multiple TRFLP profiles within a species and (conversely) shared TRFLP profiles across species.
Development and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers for the Alpine plant species Campanula thyrsoides
Authors: ÆGISDÓTTIR H. H. , KOLLER B. , KUSS P. , STÖCKLIN J.
Published: March 2007

We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Alpine plant species Campanula thyrsoides (Campanulaceae). Number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 12 and the observed heterozygosity was between 0.529 and 0.900. Observed vs. expected heterozygote deficits were significantly different in one out of eight loci following Bonferroni's correction for multiple tests. We did not find evidence for linkage disequilibrium between locus pairs. The microsatellite markers are being used for the study of genetic variation and gene flow within and among populations of C. thyrsoides in the Swiss Alps.
Could hyperoxic ventilation impair oxygen delivery in septic patients?
Authors: Rossi Pascal , Tauzin Laurent , Weiss Michel , Rostain Jean‐Claude , Sainty Jean‐Marie , Boussuges Alain
Published: March 2007

Objective:  In critically ill patients, a decrease in whole body oxygen consumption under hyperoxia has been reported and this could be related to hyperoxia‐induced arterial changes. We investigated changes in brachial artery circulation and tone during short‐term hyperoxic ventilation in septic patients.

Design and setting:  Prospective clinical study in the intensive care unit of a university hospital.

Patients:  Fourteen patients (severe sepsis n = 3 and septic shock n = 11) requiring mechanically controlled ventilation due to sepsis syndrome were investigated under stable clinical conditions.

Interventions:  After a 20‐min period of hyperoxic ventilation (inspired oxygen fraction = 100%), two‐dimensional images of brachial artery cross‐sectional area and brachial blood flow velocities were recorded using conventional ultrasonography and pulsed Doppler simultaneously with invasive arterial pressure measurements.

Measurements and main results:  Hyperoxia did not affect heart rate, but increased mean arterial pressure and decreased cross‐sectional areas both at the end of diastole and at the end of systole. Haemodynamic study showed an increase in resistance index, and a decrease in distensibility and compliance coefficients. Furthermore, a decrease in brachial artery blood flow and arterial oxygen delivery was observed during hyperoxic exposure.

Conclusions:  Hyperoxia was paradoxically demonstrated to decrease oxygen delivery in upper limbs during septic shock.
Pulse wave velocity reference values in healthy adults aged 26–75 years
Authors: Koivistoinen T. , Kööbi T. , Jula A. , Hutri‐Kähönen N. , Raitakari O. T. , Majahalme S. , Kukkonen‐Harjula K. , Lehtimäki T. , Reunanen A. , Viikari J. , Turjanmaa V. , Nieminen T. , Kähönen M.
Published: March 2007

The stiffening of arteries is associated with various cardiovascular diseases. Arterial stiffening can be studied utilizing arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), but the absence of reliable reference values for PWV has limited its use in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to establish a range of reference values for PWV. PWV was examined by measuring the time difference of systolic pulse waves in arteries from the aortic arch to the popliteal artery using whole‐body impedance cardiography (ICG). The study population consisted of 799 individuals (age range 25–76 years), 283 of whom had no evidence of cardiovascular disease, and a low burden of risk factors was selected to represent an apparently healthy population. In healthy study population, PWV was higher in males (8·9 ± 1·8 m s−1) than females (8·1 ± 2·0 m s−1, P<0·001). Young males had lower PWV values than old males. Correspondingly, young females also had lower PWV values than old females. PWV was clearly associated with age, and PWV was higher in young and middle‐aged males than in females. There was no statistically significant difference between old males and females in PWV. In conclusion, whole‐body ICG provides a practical method for PWV measurement. Reference values can be useful in the clinical management of patients, especially in detecting early vascular disease or an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
THE TYPE SERIES OF ‘SINEMYS’WUERHOENSIS, A PROBLEMATIC TURTLE FROM THE LOWER CRETACEOUS OF CHINA, INCLUDES AT LEAST THREE TAXA
Authors: DANILOV IGOR G. , PARHAM JAMES F.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  We re‐examine the type series of ‘Sinemys’wuerhoensis Yeh (at least 20 specimens, including several shells and skulls on three slabs of matrix and one isolated skull) from the Early Cretaceous Tugulu Group of China. Our study shows that the type series of ‘S.’wuerhoensis is actually a chimera made up of at least three distinct taxa. The holotype of this taxon should be assigned to the basal eucryptodire genus Xinjiangchelys Yeh. As there are no characters that distinguish ‘S.’wuerhoensis from Xinjiangchelys species, we consider it to be a nomen dubium. This new assignment of ‘S.’wuerhoensis expands the temporal range of Xinjiangchelys from the Late Jurassic into the Early Cretaceous in Asia. The majority of the paratypes of ‘S.’wuerhoensis (several shells in dorsal and ventral aspect and skulls) are referred to the basal eucryptodire genus Ordosemys Brinkman and Peng. We establish a new name for these specimens, Ordosemys brinkmania sp. nov. One additional specimen in the type series of ‘S.’wuerhoensis, a skull, is referred to cf. Pantrionychia Joyce, Parham and Gauthier indet.
THE BRAINCASE and JAWS OF CLADODUS FROM THE LOWER CARBONIFEROUS OF SCOTLAND
Authors: GINTER MICHAL , MAISEY JOHN G.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  The jaws and an allegedly associated orbitotemporal region of a shark braincase are described from the Lower Carboniferous (Upper Viséan, Brigantian Stage, Clackmannan Group, Lower Limestone Formation) of Lugton, Ayrshire, Scotland. The braincase specimen is important because it is associated with a tooth of Cladodus elegans Newberry and Worthen, 1870, a form considered to be close to the type species Cladodus mirabilis Agassiz, 1843. An occipital fragment, a basicranium and a fragment of palatoquadrate from the same locality are also described. All the material probably represents the same species, and it is even possible that some of the material came from a single individual. The braincase resembles those of Cladodoides and Tamiobatis, especially in the proportions of its otic region, the presence of an extensive dorsum sellae, and the arrangement of canals for major nerves and blood vessels. The internal structure of the occipital region is remarkably like that found in Tamiobatis braincases in having a prominent subnotochordal septum and paired subnotochordal and paroccipital chambers. Cladodus is no longer regarded as a nomen dubium, since only a few species founded on isolated teeth are now retained in the re‐diagnosed genus, and one of these (C. elegans) is now associated with skeletal remains. The best systematic placement for Cladodus sensu stricto is among the Ctenacanthiformes or even the Ctenacanthidae. Cladodus may be a synonym of Ctenacanthus, but this cannot be confirmed with the available material.
THE DEMOSPONGE GENUS LEPTOMITUS and A NEW SPECIES FROM THE MIDDLE CAMBRIAN OF SPAIN
Authors: GARCÍA‐BELLIDO DIEGO C. , GOZALO RODOLFO , CHIRIVELLA MARTORELL JUAN B. , LIÑÁN ELADIO
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Forty‐five specimens of Leptomitus conicus sp. nov. have been collected from the base of the Murero Formation (Caesaraugustan, Middle Cambrian) in the Murero area of Zaragoza, north‐east Spain. The new species is a small obconical sponge, which has coarse oxeas forming parallel rods that run the whole length of the specimens in the manner typical of the genus. The biostratigraphy and facies of the levels with Leptomitus conicus have been analysed. Palaeoecological information derived from associated trilobites, brachiopods and ichnofossils shows that L. conicus lived in a soft substrate of a sublittoral environment of low to low/moderate energy. According to established Cambrian palaeogeographical reconstructions, a tropical distribution is inferred for the genus Leptomitus. Based on body shape, wall structure and stratigraphical distribution, a phylogenetic tree of the various Leptomitus species is proposed, with a central stock of simple cylindrical sponges branching out to other morphs.
A NEW KIND OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN ORDOVICIAN OSTRACODES
Authors: SCHALLREUTER ROGER , HINZ‐SCHALLREUTER INGELORE
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  In Ordovician ostracodes (genus Incisua) a new kind of sexual dimorphism is described, which is the first example among this group with males being the heteromorphs. The valves of males are larger and less frequent than the females, and are characterized by having a furrow in the ventral part. The furrow may have functioned as a device to enable the two sexes to cling together during mating.
THE GENUSGIGANTASPISHEINTZ, 1962 (VERTEBRATA, HETEROSTRACI) FROM THE LOWER DEVONIAN OF SPITSBERGEN
Authors: PERNEGRE VINCENT , GOUJET DANIEL
Published: March 2007

Abstract: Material collected in 1969 by the CNRS‐MNHN expedition to Spitsbergen includes a new species ofGigantaspis,G. minima, which is the smallest known species of this genus. The revision ofGigantaspisleads to the inclusion ofZascinaspis laticephalaBlieck and Goujet in this genus. The phylogenetic analysis presented herein suggests thatGigantaspisis close toZascinaspis, as suggested by Blieck. Moreover, it is also close to generalized representatives of the Protaspididae. Their shared character states allow the definition of a possible ancestral morphotype for the Protaspididae.
A NEW RAUISUCHIAN (ARCHOSAURIA, SUCHIA) FROM THE UPPER TRIASSIC OF THE ARGANA BASIN, MOROCCO
Authors: JALIL NOUR‐EDDINE , PEYER KARIN
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  In the 1970s the Upper Triassic strata of the Argana Basin yielded archosaurian remains that were tentatively attributed to the rauisuchian Ticinosuchus. Restudy of this material together with new remains reveal new anatomical data and show that it in fact belongs to a new taxon, Arganasuchus dutuiti gen. et sp. nov. The systematics of the Rauisuchia are still unresolved; nevertheless, a monophyletic suprageneric group can be defined within the probable non‐monophyletic rauisuchians. Arganasuchus dutuiti differs from all adequately known rauisuchians in three autapomorphies: acetabular rim on pubis runs anteroventrally parallel to pubic shift rather than being terminal and perpendicular to it; large contribution of pubis to acetabular depression; palatal process of maxillary low and confluent with interdental crest, rather than separated from it by a large area. The maxilla of Arganasuchus resembles those of Batrachotomus and Fasolasuchus in having a Y‐shaped rather than a U‐shaped form. As in rauisuchids, Arganasuchus dutuiti has short cervical vertebrae and a dorsal border of the proximal extremity of the pubis that is convex in lateral view. It shares one derived character state with Batrachotomus and Postosuchus (a tear‐shaped and anteriorly orientated rugosity on the lateral side of the pubis, lying on a deep, longitudinal depression) and one more derived character state with Batrachotomus (narrow ante‐acetabular part of the pubis; hence, the anterior border of the proximal extremity of the pubis is almost contiguous with the actabular rim).
Drug‐induced liver injury at an Asian center: a prospective study
Authors: Wai Chun‐Tao , Tan Bee‐Him , Chan Cheng‐Leng , Sutedja Dede S. , Lee Yin‐Mei , Khor Christopher , Lim Seng‐Gee
Published: March 2007

Background/Aims: The aetiology of drug‐induced liver injuries (DILI) in Asia is different from that in the West, as anecdotal studies have shown that traditional complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) accounted for a major proportion of offending drugs in DILI in Asia. We aimed to study DILI in Asia prospectively, and to test whether DILI caused by traditional CAM was related to adulterants.

Methods: A collaborative group consisting of a tertiary‐hospital hepatology department, a pharmaceutical laboratory, and a pharmacovigilance unit was formed to study patients with DILI at a tertiary hospital over a 26‐month period prospectively. Traditional medicines that were implicated were tested for the presence of adulterants.

Results: Thirty‐one patients with DILI were enrolled: age 51±3 (18–79) years, 17 (55%) male. Twenty‐three (74%) had hepatocellular, six (19%) had cholestatic, and two (7%) had a mixed pattern of injury. Chinese traditional CAM was the most common medication type implicated, accounting for 17 (55%) patients, followed by Malay CAM in five (16%). Thirty‐one traditional medicines from 17 patients were available for chemical analysis. Adulterants were found in nine (29%) of them.

Conclusions: DILI in Asia has a different aetiology as compared with the West, and could be related to presence of adulterants in traditional CAM.
Long‐term production of major coagulation factors and inhibitors by primary human hepatocytes in vitro: perspectives for clinical application
Authors: Boost Kim A. , Auth Marcus K. H. , Woitaschek Dirk , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Hilgard Philip , Nadalin Silvio , Blaheta Roman A.
Published: March 2007

Background/Aims: Patients with coagulation factor disorders require lifelong symptomatic treatment. This is associated with limited efficacy and transmission risks. From a clinical point of view, hepatocyte transplantation offers a rational alternative but is currently being hampered by lack of functional stability of engrafted cells. It was the aim of our study to devise culture conditions providing stable cell polarity, attachment and growth factor stimulation to improve longevity and coagulation factor production.

Methods: Human hepatocytes (HC) were plated on different extracellular matrices, inside collagen gel or Matrigel. HC were grown inside growth factor‐enriched serum‐free medium (SFM) or exposed to media switching from differentiation (DM) to dedifferentiation (DeDM).

Results: Over more than 30 days in vitro human HC synthesized coagulation factors (factors VII, VIII, IX, fibrinogen) and coagulation inhibitors (antithrombin III, protein C). Protein synthesis was augmented when HC were grown inside a 3D collagen type I matrix, while Matrigel showed no additional benefit. Soluble growth factors improved coagulation factor production when applied in SFM or in sequential DM/DeDM. Coagulation factor levels ranged from 3% to 12% in the first week to 2.5–5% after 4 weeks, reaching biologically relevant levels.

Conclusion:
Preserved synthesis and secretion of coagulation factors in balanced proportion by human HC in this model may offer new perspectives for HC transplantation in coagulation defects of patients.
The Effects of a Strategic Writing Program for Students with and without Learning Disabilities in Inclusive Fifth–Grade Classes
Authors: Bui Yvonne N. , Schumaker Jean B. , Deshler Donald D.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a comprehensive writing program for students with and without learning disabilities (LD) in inclusive general education classrooms. The program incorporated research–based components including instruction in a prewriting planning strategy, narrative text structure, writing strategies, and the process approach to writing. The study was conducted in five fifth–grade inclusive classrooms with 113 students (including 14 students with LD). A quasi–experimental comparison–group design was utilized, whereby three intact experimental classes received the writing intervention, and two intact comparison classes received traditional writing instruction. Measures included several writing indicators as well as state writing competency test scores. Results indicated that the students with and without LD in the experimental group made significant gains from pretest to posttest on several writing measures. Although students in the comparison group made some gains, the gains were related to fewer measures than the measures associated with experimental–group gains, and the effect sizes were smaller.
Improving Reading Skills in Predominantly Hispanic Title 1 First–Grade Classrooms: The Promise of Peer–Assisted Learning Strategies
Authors: Calhoon Mary Beth , Al Otaiba Stephanie , Greenberg Daphne , King Amber , Avalos Annalise
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a supplemental peer–tutoring reading program on phonological and reading fluency skills of first graders ( N= 78) who were in predominantly Hispanic Title 1 classrooms. Sixty–eight percent of the students were Hispanic, all were English speaking. Six classrooms were randomly assigned to either the peer–assisted learning strategies (PALS) program or a control condition. PALS students participated in a peer–mediated early literacy intervention three times a week for 20 weeks for a total of 30 hours. Reading fluency measures taken at fall, winter, and spring showed statistically significant differences favoring PALS on phoneme segmentation and nonsense word fluency. Additionally, results analyzed by ethnic subgroups (Hispanic and non–Hispanic) revealed a differential pattern of response to PALS intervention. Social validity questionnaires reported that teachers and students viewed PALS in a positive light.
The Impact of the IDEA 2004 on Transition to College for Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Madaus Joseph W. , Shaw Stan F.
Published: March 2007

The newly reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 contains several significant changes that will directly impact students with learning disabilities (LD) who are preparing for transition to postsecondary education. These modifications include transition planning, reevaluations, new criteria for the diagnosis of LD, and the summary of performance requirement. This article presents an overview of pertinent changes in each of these key areas, as well as discussion of how these modifications will impact students in transition. Recommendations are offered for secondary and postsecondary personnel regarding these changes.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Non‐Tritrichomonas foetusTrichomonad Protozoa from the Bovine Preputial Cavity
Authors: DUFERNEZ FABIENNE , WALKER RICHARD L. , NOËL CHRISTOPHE , CABY STEPHANIE , MANTINI CLEA , DELGADO‐VISCOGLIOSI PILAR , OHKUMA MORIYA , KUDO TOSHIAKI , CAPRON MONIQUE , PIERCE RAYMOND J. , VILLANUEVA MICHELLE R. , VISCOGLIOSI ERIC
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT.Tritrichomonas foetusis the causative agent of bovine trichomonosis. This protozoan is found in the preputial cavity of bulls and is transmitted to cows during coitus. Currently, the diagnosis of this parasite is based on microscopic examination of preputial washings or scrapings, but it was recently recognized that other trichomonads similar in size, shape, and motility toT. foetuscan be present in preputial samples. Despite the serious consequences of an incorrect diagnosis for bovine trichomonosis, the precise speciation of these other trichomonads has remained uncertain. Here, a total of 12 non‐T. foetusisolates were microscopically examined. On the basis of morphological criteria, seven of these isolates were identified asTetratrichomonassp., whereas four other isolates coincided with the description ofPentatrichomonas hominis. In the last isolate, a third non‐T. foetusspecies was identified as belonging to the generaPseudotrichomonasorMonocercomonas: the first time that species of either of these genera have been reported in preputial samples. To confirm these data, small subunit rRNA gene sequences were obtained by PCR from the 12 trichomonad isolates. These new sequences were analysed in a broad phylogeny including 72 other parabasalid sequences. From our phylogenetic trees, we confirmed the taxonomic status of non‐T. foetusorganisms isolated from preputial samples (Tetratrichomonas,Pentatrichomonas, andPseudotrichomonas) and suggested the existence of twoTetratrichomonasspecies, despite their morphological similarity. The route of transmission of the non‐T. foetusorganisms identified in the bovine preputial cavity is discussed and we confirm that the PCR assay using the previously describedT. foetus‐specific primers TFR3 and TFR4 could be a useful alternative method for the diagnosis of bovine trichomonosis.
Ultrastructure and Ribosomal RNA Phylogeny of the Free‐Living Heterotrophic Flagellate Dysnectes brevis n. gen., n. sp., a New Member of the Fornicata
Authors: YUBUKI NAOJI , INAGAKI YUJI , NAKAYAMA TAKESHI , INOUYE ISAO
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT. Dysnectes brevis n. gen., n. sp., a free‐living heterotrophic flagellate that grows under microaerophilic conditions possesses two flagella. The posterior one lies in a ventral feeding groove, suggesting that this flagellate is an excavate. Our detailed electron microscopic observations revealed that D. brevis possesses all the key ultrastructural characters considered typical of Excavata. Among the 10 excavate groups previously recognized, D. brevis displays an evolutionary affinity to members of the Fornicata (i.e. Carpediemonas, retortamonads, and diplomonads). Firstly, a strong D. brevis−Fornicata affinity was recovered in the phylogenetic analyses of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) sequences, albeit the internal branching pattern of the D. brevis+Fornicata clade was not resolved with confidence. Corresponding to the SSU rRNA phylogeny, D. brevis and the Fornicata shared the following components of the flagellar apparatus: the arched B fiber bridging the right root; a posterior basal body; and a left root. Combining both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, D. brevis is classified as a new free‐living excavate in the Fornicata incertae sedis.
Local and systemic responses induced by aphids in Solanum tuberosum plants
Authors: Dugravot Sébastien , Brunissen Laurence , Létocart Emilie , Tjallingii W. Freddy , Vincent Charles , Giordanengo Philippe , Cherqui Anas
Published: March 2007

The aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) are serious pests of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae), notably in transmitting several plant viruses. Heterospecific interactions may occur between these two species as they are often seen at the same time on the same potato plant in the field. As aphid infestation is known to induce both local and systemic changes, we conducted experiments to determine the effect of previous infestation on probing behaviour and feeding‐related parameters. We used the DC electrical penetration graph technique to characterize the influence of previous infestation by conspecific M. persicae or by heterospecific Ma. euphorbiae on M. persicae feeding behaviour at both local and systemic levels, i.e., on previously infested leaves and on non‐previously infested leaves of infested plants, respectively. Conspecific and heterospecific infestation led to similar modification of M. persicae feeding activities. However, the effects of previous infestation occurring at the local level were opposite to those observed at the systemic level. Myzus persicae food acceptance was slightly enhanced on previously infested leaves, whereas it was inhibited on non‐infested leaves of infested plants, which indicated an induced resistance mechanism. Our results advance the understanding of the mechanisms involved in aphid–host plant acceptance and colonization processes on potato plants in conspecific and heterospecific situations.