bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential for unreliable interpretation of EEG recorded with microelectrodes
Authors: Stacey William C. , Kellis Spencer , Greger Bradley , Butson Christopher R. , Patel Paras R. , Assaf Trevor , Mihaylova Temenuzhka , Glynn Simon
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Recent studies in epilepsy, cognition, and brain machine interfaces have shown the utility of recording intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) with greater spatial resolution. Many of these studies utilize microelectrodes connected to specialized amplifiers that are optimized for such recordings. We recently measured the impedances of several commercial microelectrodes and demonstrated that they will distort iEEG signals if connected to clinical EEG amplifiers commonly used in most centers. In this study we demonstrate the clinical implications of this effect and identify some of the potential difficulties in using microelectrodes.

Methods

Human iEEG data were digitally filtered to simulate the signal recorded by a hybrid grid (two macroelectrodes and eight microelectrodes) connected to a standard EEG amplifier. The filtered iEEG data were read by three trained epileptologists, and high frequency oscillations (HFOs) were detected with a well‐known algorithm. The filtering method was verified experimentally by recording an injected EEG signal in a saline bath with the same physical acquisition system used to generate the model. Several electrodes underwent scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Key Findings

Macroelectrode recordings were unaltered compared to the source iEEG signal, but microelectrodes attenuated low frequencies. The attenuated signals were difficult to interpret: all three clinicians changed their clinical scoring of slowing and seizures when presented with the same data recorded on different sized electrodes. The HFO detection algorithm was oversensitive with microelectrodes, classifying many more HFOs than when the same data were recorded with macroelectrodes. In addition, during experimental recordings the microelectrodes produced much greater noise as well as large baseline fluctuations, creating sharply contoured transients, and superimposed “false” HFOs. SEM of these microelectrodes demonstrated marked variability in exposed electrode surface area, lead fractures, and sharp edges.

Significance

Microelectrodes should not be used with low impedance (<1 GΩ) amplifiers due to severe signal attenuation and variability that changes clinical interpretations. The current method of preparing microelectrodes can leave sharp edges and nonuniform amounts of exposed wire. Even when recorded with higher impedance amplifiers, microelectrode data are highly prone to artifacts that are difficult to interpret. Great care must be taken when analyzing iEEG from high impedance microelectrodes.
Ictal‐onset localization through connectivity analysis of intracranial EEG signals in patients with refractory epilepsy
Authors: van Mierlo Pieter , Carrette Evelien , Hallez Hans , Raedt Robrecht , Meurs Alfred , Vandenberghe Stefaan , Van Roost Dirk , Boon Paul , Staelens Steven , Vonck Kristl
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Fifteen percent to 25% of patients with refractory epilepsy require invasive video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring (IVEM) to precisely delineate the ictal‐onset zone. This delineation based on the recorded intracranial EEG (iEEG) signals occurs visually by the epileptologist and is therefore prone to human mistakes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether effective connectivity analysis of intracranially recorded EEG during seizures provides an objective method to localize the ictal‐onset zone.

Methods

In this study data were analyzed from eight patients who underwent IVEM at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. All patients had a focal ictal onset and were seizure‐free following resective surgery. The effective connectivity pattern was calculated during the first 20 s of ictal rhythmic iEEG activity. The out‐degree, which is reflective of the number of outgoing connections, was calculated for each electrode contact for every single seizure during these 20 s. The seizure specific out‐degrees were summed per patient to obtain the total out‐degree. The electrode contact with the highest total out‐degree was considered indicative of localization of the ictal‐onset zone. This result was compared to the conclusion of the visual analysis of the epileptologist and the resected brain region segmented from postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Key findings

In all eight patients the electrode contact with the highest total out‐degree was among the contacts identified by the epileptologist as the ictal onset. This contact, that we named “the driver,” always laid within the resected brain region. Furthermore, the patient‐specific connectivity patterns were consistent over the majority of seizures.

Significance

In this study we demonstrated the feasibility of correctly localizing the ictal‐onset zone from iEEG recordings by using effective connectivity analysis during the first 20 s of ictal rhythmic iEEG activity.
Feeding strategy of the non‐native rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, in low‐orderPatagonian streams
Authors: Di Prinzio C. Y. , Miserendino M. L. , Casaux R.
Published: May 2013

The dietary composition and feeding strategy of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss(Walbaum), in two low‐order Patagonian streams were studied. Benthic macroinvertebrate availability was estimated in both riffles and pools. Fish stomach contents were examined to determine prey richness and diversity, prey electivity, food‐niche width, and the feeding strategy employed by trout throughout the year. Availability of benthos varied seasonally with Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Plecoptera and Diptera species dominating. Rainbow trout diet was composed mainly of benthic macroinvertebrates, followed by terrestrial insects, fish, algae and plants. Different trout size classes segregated the use of food resources to reduce predation pressure. Elected prey included organisms displaying no to high mobility. A high feeding plasticity allows trout to buffer changes in food availability by switching from a specialised to a generalised feeding behaviour. Consequently, trout may exploit abundant but temporary food resources opportunistically, which would explain their marked expansion in Patagonian environments.
Effect of Water Content of Synthetic Hydrogel on Dehydration Performance of Nanoporous LTA Zeolite Membranes
Authors: Shirazian Saeed , Ghafarnejad Parto Soheila , Ashrafizadeh Seyed Nezameddin
Published: May 2013

Nanoporous LTA‐type zeolite membranes were synthesized on α‐Al2O3 disk as substrate using secondary growth method. A gel formula of 1 Al2O3: 2 SiO2: 3.4 Na2O: W H2O in molar basis was chosen while its water content (W) was varied. Four levels of water contents of 140, 155, 175, and 200 were selected for membrane synthesis. The results showed that the best membrane was synthesized with water content of 155. The most efficient zeolite membrane showed a permeation flux of 0.5 kg/m2/h and a separation factor of 3800 in dehydration of a 5/95 (wt%) water/isopropanol mixture at 298 K.
Description of the novel HLA‐DPB1*137:01 allele found in an Italian subject
Authors: Cosentini E. , Frison S. , Longhi E. , Luongo V. , Ciardiello G. , Bruno P. , Mantovani M.
Published: May 2013

In this report, we describe the identification and sequencing of a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele, found in an Italian haematological patient. This allele is identical to DPB1*17:01 except for a single nucleotide substitution (GAC→GAG) at position 57, which changes the encoded amino acid from Asp to Glu.
Details of a Prospective Protocol for a Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data from all Randomized Trials of Intravenous rt-PA vs. Control: Statistical Analysis Plan for the Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists' Collaborative Meta-Analysis
Authors:   The Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists' Collaborative Group
Published: May 2013

Rationale

Thrombolysis with intravenous alteplase is both effective and safe when administered to particular types of patient within 4·5 hours of having an ischemic stroke. However, the extent to which effects might vary in different types of patient is uncertain.

Aims and Design

We describe the protocol for an updated individual patient data meta-analysis of trials of intravenous alteplase, including results from the recently reported third International Stroke Trial, in which a wide range of patients enrolled up to six-hours after stroke onset were randomized to alteplase vs. control.

Study Outcomes

This protocol will specify the primary outcome for efficacy, specified prior to knowledge of the results from the third International Stroke Trial, as the proportion of patients having a ‘favorable’ stroke outcome, defined by modified Rankin Score 0–1 at final follow-up at three- to six-months. The primary analysis will be to estimate the extent to which the known benefit of alteplase on modified Rankin Score 0–1 diminishes with treatment delay, and the extent to which it is independently modified by age and stroke severity. Key secondary outcomes include effect of alteplase on death within 90 days; analyses of modified Rankin Score using ordinal, rather than dichotomous, methods; and effects of alteplase on symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, fatal intracranial hemorrhage, symptomatic ischemic brain edema and early edema, effacement and/or midline shift.

Discussion

This collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from all randomized trials of intravenous alteplase vs. control will demonstrate how the known benefits of alteplase on ischemic stroke outcome vary across different types of patient.
Towards Coherence of EU External Migration Policy? Implementing a Complex Policy
Authors: Wunderlich Daniel
Published: May 2013

The “Global Approach to Migration” represents the European Union's most advanced attempt to integrate non‐member states' interests into its policy agenda. Despite ambitions to achieve policy coherence, assessments of EU policy show that security measures, such as border control and readmission, dominate over “migration and development” and labour migration measures. The article addresses the questions why different components of migration policy differ in their implementation and how this impacts the effectiveness and coherence of the “Global Approach”. The main findings of EU interventions in Morocco and Ukraine show that implementation partners, logic of action and available resources shape policy components' implementation, with profound impact on coherence. Since preventive measures are more greatly affected by amibiguities than control measures, a more balanced EU policy requires EU practitioners to consider how feasible interventions are under each policy component and scale down migration control projects rather than undermine preventive measures and long‐term coherence.
Posture Development in Infants at Heightened versus Low Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Nickel Lindsay R. , Thatcher Alyssa R. , Keller Flavio , Wozniak Robert H. , Iverson Jana M.
Published: May 2013

Evidence suggests that children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit difficulties with postural control. Retrospective video studies of infants later diagnosed with ASD indicate that infants who eventually receive an ASD diagnosis exhibit delays in postural development. This study investigates early posture development prospectively and longitudinally in 22 infants at heightened biological risk for ASD (HR) and 18 infants with no such risk (Low Risk; LR). Four HR infants received an autism diagnosis (AD infants) at 36 months. Infants were videotaped at home at 6, 9, 12, and 14 months during everyday activities and play. All infant postures were coded and classified as to whether or not they were infant‐initiated. Relative to LR infants, HR infants were slower to develop skill in sitting and standing postures. AD infants exhibited substantial delays in the emergence of more advanced postures and initiated fewer posture changes. Because posture advances create opportunities for infants to interact with objects and people in new and progressively more sophisticated ways, postural delays may have cascading effects on opportunities for infant exploration and learning. These effects may be greater for infants with ASD, for whom posture delays are more significant.
Selecting from correlated climate variables: a major source of uncertainty for predicting species distributions under climate change
Authors: Braunisch Veronika , Coppes Joy , Arlettaz Raphaël , Suchant Rudi , Schmid Hans , Bollmann Kurt
Published: May 2013

Correlative species distribution models are frequently used to predict species’ range shifts under climate change. However, climate variables often show high collinearity and most statistical approaches require the selection of one among strongly correlated variables. When causal relationships between species presence and climate parameters are unknown, variable selection is often arbitrary, or based on predictive performance under current conditions. While this should only marginally affect current range predictions, future distributions may vary considerably when climate parameters do not change in concert. We investigated this source of uncertainty using four highly correlated climate variables together with a constant set of landscape variables in order to predict current (2010) and future (2050) distributions of four mountain bird species in central Europe. Simulating different parameterization decisions, we generated a) four models including each of the climate variables singly, b) a model taking advantage of all variables simultaneously and c) an un‐weighted average of the predictions of a). We compared model accuracy under current conditions, predicted distributions under four scenarios of climate change, and – for one species – evaluated back‐projections using historical occurrence data. Although current and future variable‐correlations remained constant, and the models’ accuracy under contemporary conditions did not differ, future range predictions varied considerably in all climate change scenarios. Averaged models and models containing all climate variables simultaneously produced intermediate predictions; the latter, however, performed best in back‐projections. This pattern, consistent across different modelling methods, indicates a benefit from including multiple climate predictors in ambiguous situations. Variable selection proved to be an important source of uncertainty for future range predictions, difficult to control using contemporary information. Small, but diverging changes of climate variables, masked by constant overall correlation patterns, can cause substantial differences between future range predictions which need to be accounted for, particularly when outcomes are intended for conservation decisions.
Response of ant functional composition to fire
Authors: Arnan Xavier , Cerdá Xim , Rodrigo Anselm , Retana Javier
Published: May 2013

Little is known about the impact of disturbances on functional diversity and the long‐term provisioning of ecosystem services, especially in animals. In this work we analyze the effect of wildfire on the functional composition of Mediterranean ant communities. In particular, we asked whether a) fire changes functional composition (mean and dissimilarity of trait values) at the community level; and b) such fire‐induced functional modification is driven by changes in the relative abundance‐dominance of species or by a replacement of species with different traits. We sampled ant communities in burned and unburned plots along 22 sites in a western Mediterranean region, and we computed two complementary functional trait composition indices (‘trait average’ and ‘trait dissimilarity’) for 12 functional traits (related to resource exploitation, social structure and reproduction) and with two different datasets varying in the way species abundance is considered (i.e. abundance and occurrence data). Our results suggest a set of functional responses that seem to be related to direct mortality by fire as well as to indirect fire‐induced modifications in environmental conditions relevant for ants. Trait average of colony size, worker size, worker polymorphism and the ratio between queen and worker size, as well as the trait dissimilarity of the proportion of behaviorally dominant species and of liquid food consumption, and overall functional diversity, were higher in burned than in unburned areas. Interestingly, different patterns arise when comparing results from abundance and occurrence data. While the response to fire in trait averages is quite similar, in the case of trait dissimilarity, the higher values in response to fire are much more marked when considering occurrence rather than abundance data. Our results suggest that changes in trait average are driven at the same time by replacement of species with different traits and by changes in the relative abundance‐dominance of species, while fire promotes a higher diversity of functions that is primarily driven by rare species that are functionally unique. Overall, we observed major fire‐induced changes in functional composition in Mediterranean ant communities that might have relevant consequences for ecosystem processes and services.
So Close Yet So Far: Integrating Global Strategy and Nonmarket Research
Authors: Doh Jonathan P. , Lucea Rafael
Published: May 2013

The reciprocal influence that market and nonmarket (governments and civil society organizations) actors exert on one another has grown more direct and forceful during the last decade. However, whether current global strategy research sufficiently accounts for nonmarket aspects of the global environment is still a contested issue. In this article, we provide some perspective to this debate through a three‐pronged approach. First, we evaluate the extent to which international strategy articles published in business and management journals from 2001 to 2011 integrate market and nonmarket aspects of the global environment. Our study reveals limited advancement in this direction, albeit with some encouraging signs. Second, we illustrate the potential benefits of more integrative research by showcasing the new insights provided by three articles of recent publication that explicitly chose to investigate the interaction of market and nonmarket actors in the global context. Finally, we suggest new directions for theoretical and empirical integrative research.
Unpacking Dimensions of Foreignness: Firm‐Specific Capabilities and International Dispersion in Regional, Cultural, and Institutional Space
Authors: Asmussen Christian Geisler , Goerzen Anthony
Published: May 2013

While recent research has pointed to the importance of regional strategy and the ‘interregional liability of foreignness,’ critics have pointed out that this argument obscures important differences within regions as well as the similarities across them. Bridging these diverging viewpoints, our research is designed to unpack this debate into cultural, institutional, and regional components. Using a large data set, we find that firms are significantly more dispersed across cultural and, in particular, institutional boundaries, than they are across geographically defined regional boundaries. Further, our results indicate that certain firm‐specific resources influence firms' global dispersion; in particular, we find that a nuanced interplay of proprietary capabilities such as technology, marketing, and partnering capabilities has an impact on the location of firm activities.
Effect of Exposure to Special Olympic Games on Attitudes of Volunteers towards Inclusion of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Li Chunxiao , Wang Chee Keng John
Published: May 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of volunteering for Special Olympics Games (SOG) on the attitudes of volunteers towards inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A repeated measures design with 3‐week follow‐up was used. There were 100 volunteers recruited for the study and 90 of them completed the study.

Results

It was revealed that a 1‐week exposure to the SOG improved volunteers’ attitudes towards inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities significantly (P = 0.016). Females had more positive attitudes than males at all three time points of measures. The interaction effect of gender was not significant.

Conclusions

A 1‐week exposure to the SOG can enhance volunteers’ positive attitudes towards inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and this effect can maintain for up to a month.
Predictors of condom use in South African university students: a prospective application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Protogerou Cleo , Flisher Alan J. , Wild Lauren G. , Aarø Leif E.
Published: May 2013

This study was carried out among university undergraduates in Cape Town, South Africa. Structural equation models were tested with Mplus to predict intentions to use condoms and actual (subsequent) condom use. Theory of planned behavior (TPB) predictors (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control) explained 43% of the variance of intention to use condoms among the sexually active sample, and 31% among the sexually inactive. In a separate analysis—which also included intentions and previous condom use as predictors—57% of subsequent condom use among the sexually active students was explained. Moreover, age, religiosity, and relationship status were associated with condom use. Our findings provide support for the applicability and suitability of the TPB in South African student populations.
Social context and depression severity and duration in Canadian men and women: exploring the influence of social support and sense of community belongingness
Authors: Fowler Ken , Wareham‐Fowler Stacey , Barnes Caroline
Published: May 2013

This study examined the effects of 4 types of social support and sense of community belongingness on depression severity and duration in Canadian men and women. Using the concept of social capital, it is argued that sense of community belongingness is a distal social variable, distinct from proximal social factors (e.g., types of social support). Data associated with 6,112 respondents were extracted from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS; Statistics Canada, 2002) and analyzed. Regardless of gender, higher levels of positive social interaction, and a stronger sense of community belongingness predicted less severity and shorter duration. However, very intriguing gender differences also emerged, which are discussed with reference to the reciprocity norm, conservation of resources theory, and social capital.
Adenosine Testing in Atrial Flutter Ablation: Unmasking of Dormant Conduction Across the Cavotricuspid Isthmus and Risk of Recurrence
Authors: MORALES GUSTAVO X. , MACLE LAURENT , KHAIRY PAUL , CHARNIGO RICHARD , DAVIDSON EVAN , THAL SERGIO , CHING CK , LELLOUCHE NICOLAS , WHITBECK MATTHEW , DELISLE BRIAN , THOMPSON JENKS , DI BIASE LUIGI , NATALE ANDREA , NATTEL STANLEY , ELAYI CLAUDE S.
Published: May 2013

Adenosine Unmasking Dormant Conduction Across the Cavotricuspid Isthmus

Background

Adenosine‐induced hyperpolarization may identify pulmonary veins at risk of reconnection following electrical isolation for atrial fibrillation. The potential role of adenosine testing in other arrhythmic substrates, such as cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent atrial flutter, remains unclear. We assessed whether dormant conduction across the CTI may be revealed by adenosine after ablation‐induced bidirectional block, and its association with recurrent flutter.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing catheter ablation for CTI‐dependent flutter were prospectively studied. After confirming bidirectional block across the CTI by standard pacing maneuvers, adenosine (≥12 mg IV) was administered to assess resumption of conduction, followed by isoproterenol (ISP) bolus. Further CTI ablation was performed for persistent (but not transient) resumption of conduction.

Bidirectional block across the CTI was achieved in all 81 patients (63 males), age 61.2 ± 11.0 years. The trans‐CTI time increased from 71.9 ± 18.1 milliseconds preablation to 166.2 ± 26.4 milliseconds postablation. Adenosine elicited resumption of conduction across the CTI in 7 patients (8.6%), 2 of whom had transient recovery. No additional patient with dormant conduction was identified by ISP. Over a follow‐up of 11.8 ± 8.0 months, atrial flutter recurred in 4 (4.9%) patients, 3/7(42.9%) with a positive adenosine challenge versus 1/74 (1.3%) with a negative response, P = 0.0016 (relative risk 31.7).

Conclusion

Adenosine challenge following atrial flutter ablation provoked transient or persistent resumption of conduction across the CTI in almost 9% of patients and identified a subgroup at higher risk of flutter recurrence. It remains to be determined whether additional ablation guided by adenosine testing during the index procedure may further improve procedural outcomes.
Quantifying the effects of migration and mutation on adaptation and demography in spatially heterogeneous environments
Authors: Débarre F. , Ronce O. , Gandon S.
Published: May 2013

How do mutation and gene flow influence population persistence, niche expansion and local adaptation in spatially heterogeneous environments? In this article, we analyse a demographic and evolutionary model of adaptation to an environment containing two habitats in equal frequencies, and we bridge the gap between different theoretical frameworks. Qualitatively, our model yields four qualitative types of outcomes: (i) global extinction of the population, (ii) adaptation to one habitat only, but also adaptation to both habitats with, (iii) specialized phenotypes or (iv) with generalized phenotypes, and we determine the conditions under which each equilibrium is reached. We derive new analytical approximations for the local densities and the distributions of traits in each habitat under a migration–selection–mutation balance, compute the equilibrium values of the means, variances and asymmetries of the local distributions of phenotypes, and contrast the effects of migration and mutation on the evolutionary outcome. We then check our analytical results by solving our model numerically, and also assess their robustness in the presence of demographic stochasticity. Although increased migration results in a decrease in local adaptation, mutation in our model does not influence the values of the local mean traits. Yet, both migration and mutation can have dramatic effects on population size and even lead to metapopulation extinction when selection is strong. Niche expansion, the ability for the population to adapt to both habitats, can also be prevented by small migration rates and a reduced evolutionary potential characterized by rare mutation events of small effects; however, niche expansion is otherwise the most likely outcome. Although our results are derived under the assumption of clonal reproduction, we finally show and discuss the links between our model and previous quantitative genetics models.
Spatial distribution of nests constrains the strength of sexual selection in a warbler
Authors: Taff C. C. , Freeman‐Gallant C. R. , Dunn P. O. , Whittingham L. A.
Published: May 2013

In socially monogamous species, extra‐pair paternity may increase the strength of intersexual selection by allowing males with preferred phenotypes to monopolize matings. Several studies have found relationships between male signals and extra‐pair mating, but many others fail to explain variation in extra‐pair mating success. A greater appreciation for the role that ecological contingencies play in structuring behavioural processes may help to reconcile contradictory results. We studied extra‐pair mating in a spatial context in the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), a territorial wood warbler. Over the course of 6 years, we observed 158 breeding attempts by 99 males, resulting in a total of 369 nests and 520 sampled nestlings. The spatial distribution of territories varied greatly, with males having between 0 and 10 close neighbours and between three and 39 neighbouring nestlings close enough to represent extra‐pair siring opportunities. Both within‐pair and extra‐pair reproductive success increased with breeding density, but the opportunity for sexual selection and strength of selection varied with density. Total variance in reproductive success was highest at low density and was mostly explained by variation in within‐pair success. In contrast, at high density, both within‐pair and extra‐pair successes contributed substantially to variance in reproductive success. The relationships between plumage and extra‐pair mating also varied by density; plumage was under strong sexual selection via extra‐pair mating success at high density, but no selection was detected at low density. Thus, ecological factors that structure social interactions can drive patterns of sexual selection by facilitating or constraining the expression of mating preferences.
Reach and catchment‐scale characteristics are relatively uninfluential in explaining the occurrence of stream fish species
Authors: Wuellner M. R. , Bramblett R. G. , Guy C. S. , Zale A. V. , Roberts D. R. , Johnson J.
Published: May 2013

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether the presence or absence of prairie fishes can be modelled using habitat and biotic characteristics measured at the reach and catchment scales and (2) to identify which scale (i.e. reach, catchment or a combination of variables measured at both scales) best explains the presence or absence of fishes. Reach and catchment information from 120 sites sampled from 1999 to 2004 were incorporated into tree classifiers for 20 prairie fish species, and multiple criteria were used to evaluate models. Fewer than six models were considered significant when modelling individual fish occurrences at the reach, catchment or combined scale, and only one species was successfully modelled at all three scales. The scarcity of significant models is probably related to the rigorous criteria by which these models were evaluated as well as the prevalence of tolerant, generalist fishes in these stochastic and intermittent streams. No significant differences in the amount of reduced deviance, mean misclassification error rates (MER), and mean improvement in MER metrics was detected among the three scales. Results from this study underscore the importance of continued habitat assessment at smaller scales to further understand prairie‐fish occurrences as well as further evaluations of modelling methods to examine habitat relationships for tolerant, ubiquitous species. Incorporation of such suggestions in the future may help provide more accurate models that will allow for better management and conservation of prairie‐fish species.
How Controlling Shareholders Impact Debt Maturity Structure in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yung‐Chuan , Chang Wei‐Hsien
Published: May 2013

Using data on listed companies in Taiwan from 1998 to 2009, our study investigates how controlling shareholder structure can affect debt maturity structure. The results indicate a significant negative relationship between ownership and debt maturity in the sample companies when control rights are lower than required control shareholdings. Conversely, the results also demonstrate that the separation of control from ownership displays a significant positive impact on debt maturity for controlling shareholder structure when control rights exceed cash‐flow rights. Overall, our results show that there is an inverted U‐shaped non‐linear relationship between control rights and the duration of liabilities in the control structure of ultimate controlling shareholders. Further, the consequence is that we find the required control shareholdings ratio serves as an important criterion in analyzing it, when dividing the control rights structure based on controlling shareholders into different combinations.
Implementation of IFRS for SMEs in Emerging Economies: Stakeholder Perceptions in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Turkey
Authors: Albu Cătălin Nicolae , Albu Nadia , Pali‐Pista Szilveszter Fekete , Gîrbină Maria Mădălina , Selimoglu Seval Kardes , Kovács Dániel Máté , Lukács János , Mohl Gergely , Müllerová Libuše , Paseková Marie , Arsoy Aylin Poroy , Sipahi Barıs , Strouhal Jiri
Published: May 2013

This research investigates the perceptions of stakeholders involved in financial reporting in four emerging economies (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey) regarding the possible implementation of IFRS for SMEs, in terms of costs, benefits, and strategy of adoption. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with representatives of main stakeholders (preparers, auditors, regulators, professional bodies, and users). We find more support for IFRS for SMEs implementation in these four countries than suggested by the results of the European Commission's consultation for the European Union. Interviews reveal differences between stakeholder groups and between countries regarding the preferred implementation approach (mandatory adoption, voluntary adoption or convergence of national regulations with IFRS for SMEs). Interviews indicate the most support for the convergence approach. However, users oppose convergence and prefer the adoption of IFRS for SMEs. The convergence approach moves regulators' attention from users' needs to preparers' preferences and preparedness. This finding is relevant in the decision‐making process of national regulators, who should balance the needs of various stakeholders, but also the country's political and economic objectives.
Prevention of Obesity and Diabetes in Childbearing Women
Authors: Trout Kimberly K. , Ellis Kathryn K. , Bratschie Alexandra
Published: May 2013

Obesity and diabetes have become pandemic in the United States, with more than one‐third of the US population obese and 8.3% of the population affected by diabetes. Efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes focus primarily on healthy eating and physical activity. In particular, women from at‐risk racial and ethnic groups and those who have experienced gestational diabetes are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Achieving a healthy weight prior to conception, staying within weight gain guidelines during pregnancy, and losing accumulated pregnancy weight postpartum are key prevention factors. Maintaining a healthy weight in the long‐term is a challenge. Behavioral psychology and coaching techniques are presented in this article that can be useful in sustaining behaviors that promote a healthy weight.
Progesterone Protective Effects in Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation
Authors: De Nicola A. F. , Gonzalez Deniselle M. C. , Garay L. , Meyer M. , Gargiulo‐Monachelli G. , Guennoun R. , Schumacher M. , Carreras M. C. , Poderoso J. J.
Published: May 2013

Progesterone is a neuroprotective, promyelinating and anti‐inflammatory factor for the nervous system. Here, we review the effects of progesterone in models of motoneurone degeneration and neuroinflammation. In neurodegeneration of the Wobbler mouse, a subset of spinal cord motoneurones showed increased activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), increased intramitochondrial NOS, decreased activity of respiratory chain complexes, and decreased activity and protein expression of Mn‐superoxide dismutase type 2 (MnSOD2). Clinically, Wobblers suffered several degrees of motor impairment. Progesterone treatment restored the expression of neuronal markers, decreased the activity of NOS and enhanced complex I respiratory activity and MnSOD2. Long‐term treatment with progesterone increased muscle strength, biceps weight and survival. Collectively, these data suggest that progesterone prevented neurodegeneration. To study the effects of progesterone in neuroinflammation, we employed mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE mice spinal cord showed increased mRNA levels of the inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and its receptor TNFR1, the microglial marker CD11b, inducible NOS and the toll‐like receptor 4. Progesterone pretreatment of EAE mice blocked the proinflammatory mediators, decreased Iba1+ microglial cells and attenuated clinical signs of EAE. Therefore, reactive glial cells became targets of progesterone anti‐inflammatory effects. These results represent a starting point for testing the usefulness of neuroactive steroids in neurological disorders.
EMBODIED CARBON IN TRADE: A SURVEY OF THE EMPIRICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Sato Misato
Published: May 2013

This paper critically reviews the literature on embodied carbon in trade and evaluates our present empirical understanding of these flows. A careful comparison of quantitative results from this literature exposes significant inconsistencies. For instance, estimates for emission embodied in world trade in 2004 range between 4.4 Gt and 6.2 Gt CO2, the difference corresponding to around half of Europe's annual emissions. A few consistent themes do nevertheless emerge from the literature. Most importantly, emissions in trade constitute a large and growing share of global emissions. Uncertainty about country‐level embodied emissions remains large, however, which presents severe limitations for the practical application of embodied carbon principles in climate policy.
Transforming New Ideas into Practice: An Activity Based Perspective on the Institutionalization of Practices
Authors: Reay Trish , Chreim Samia , Golden‐Biddle Karen , Goodrick Elizabeth , Williams B. E. (Bernie) , Casebeer Ann , Pablo Amy , Hinings C. R. (Bob)
Published: May 2013

We develop an activity‐focused process model of how new ideas can be transformed into front line practice by reviving attention to the importance of habitualization as a key component of institutionalization. In contrast to established models that explain how ideas diffuse or spread from one organization to another, we employ a micro‐level perspective to study the subsequent intra‐organizational processes through which these ideas are transformed into new workplace practices. We followed efforts to transform the organizationally accepted idea of ‘interdisciplinary teamwork’ into new everyday practices in four cases over a six year time period. We contribute to the literature by focusing on de‐habitualizing and re‐habitualizing behaviours that connect micro‐level actions with organizational level theorizing. Our model illuminates three phases that we propose are essential to creating and sustaining this connection: micro‐level theorizing, encouraging trying the new practices, and facilitating collective meaning‐making.
A Note on the Adverse Effect of Competition on Consumers
Authors: DINDA SOUMYANANDA , MUKHERJEE ARIJIT
Published: May 2013

It is usually believed that higher competition, implying more active firms, benefits consumers. We show that this may not be the case in an industry with asymmetric cost firms. A rise in the number of more cost‐inefficient firms makes the consumers worse off in the presence of a welfare‐maximizing tax/subsidy policy. A rise in the number of more cost‐inefficient firms also reduces social welfare.
First Report of Dieback of Mango Caused by Fusarium decemcellulare in China
Authors: Qi Yan‐Xiang , Pu Jin‐Ji , Zhang Xin , Zhang He , Lu Ying , Yu Qun‐Fang , Zhang Hui‐Qiang , Xie Yi‐Xian
Published: May 2013

During 2009–2011, a dieback disease of mango (Mangifera indica) has recently emerged on mango trees in Panzhihua City, Sichuan province of China. The disease is characterized by large irregular brown‐coloured speckles on the petioles and twigs, vascular necrosis and dry leaves and complete twig mortality. Fusarium species were isolated repeatedly from the infected petioles and twigs. The species was identified as Fusarium decemcellulare Brick based on morphology and sequence analysis of Translation Elongation Factor‐1alpha (TEF‐1α) gene. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests on potted mango seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first record of dieback on mango caused by F. decemcellulare in China.
From distress to illness: a critical analysis of medicalization and its effects in clinical practice
Authors: Jacob J. D. , Gagnon M. , McCabe J.
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary

Construct validity of ‘mental illness’ remains elusive and has been replaced by the more manageable problem of reliability. Health‐care professionals may reliably diagnose similar clusters of symptoms but, realistically speaking, these conditions may not be mental disorders.

Labelling individuals as mentally ill only accentuates the burden of disease by situating the problem within the person, rather than to engage in the difficult task of addressing the contextual elements that may be at the source of distress.

Drawing on research findings in the field of HIV/AIDS nursing, we can see the impact of psychiatric pathologization of women who experience treatment‐induced body changes and subsequently, must accept that their response to these changes become the target of psychiatric labelling and interventions.

We believe that health‐care providers first need to challenge the idea that distress associated with lipodystrophy should result in pathologization. We argue that nurses should be at the forefront of such an initiative because they have the professional responsibility to act as patient advocates.

This paper is precisely aimed at exposing the limits of psychiatry's scientific claim‐making and exploring how psychiatric diagnoses come to be utilized in practice and affect those who become pathologized. Drawing on research findings in the field of HIV/AIDS nursing, we portray the impact of psychiatric pathologization of women who see their bodies transformed by antiretroviral therapy and subsequently, must accept that their response to these changes become the target of psychiatric labelling and interventions. In this paper, we therefore engage with the reader in a critical analysis that exposes the tensions that exist between individual experiences of distress and psychiatric pathologization. The first section of the paper is dedicated to the presentation of a theoretical framework in which we explore the medicalization process and the ontological issues regarding psychiatric diagnoses. The second section seeks to present the results from a qualitative research study in the field of HIV/AIDS nursing and serves as a case example to foster discussions on the implications of psychiatric pathologization in clinical practice.
The relation of student and class‐level characteristics to primary school students' autonomous reading motivation: a multi‐level approach
Authors: De Naeghel Jessie , Van Keer Hilde
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present study is to examine by means of multi‐level modelling how student and class‐level characteristics relate to fifth‐grade students' recreational and academic autonomous reading motivation. On the student level, gender, native language and students' perception of home and peer involvements in reading activities are studied. On the class level, teachers' use of knowledge goals, the provision of real‐world interactions, students' opportunities to read self‐selected books and discuss reading materials with peers, teachers' reading aloud, the use of fiction and non‐fiction and support of a literacy coach are studied. Participants included 1,177 fifth‐graders and their 65 teachers. In line with the literature, girls report a higher autonomous reading motivation, and students' perception of home and peer involvements in reading activities is positively associated with their autonomous reading motivation. On the class level, only the additional support of a literacy coach significantly optimises students' autonomous reading motivation.

Practitioner Points

What is already known about this topic

Autonomous reading motivation is associated with higher reading frequency, more reading engagement and better reading performance.

There is a declining trend in intrinsic reading motivation throughout children's educational career, setting in at the end of primary school.

Several student‐level characteristics on the one hand and class‐level characteristics on the other hand are positively related to reading motivation.

What this paper adds

A more integrated empirical approach to reading promotion, addressing both student and class‐level correlates of autonomous reading motivation.

Adoption of multi‐level modelling in reading motivation research.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Creating reading cultures among peers and at home benefits students' autonomous reading motivation.

Importance of reflection on reading and reading promotion in the approach and policy of the school.
Inference for non‐stationary time‐series autoregression
Authors: Zhou Zhou
Published: May 2013

The article considers simultaneous inference for a class of non‐stationary autoregressive models where the model parameters are allowed to vary smoothly over time. Simultaneous confidence tubes with asymptotically correct coverage probabilities are constructed to assess the overall patterns and magnitudes of the parameter functions over time. Simulation studies are conducted, and a real time‐series dataset is analyzed to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed methodology.
What counts as reading? PIRLS, EastEnders and The Man on the Flying Trapeze
Authors: Maybin Janet
Published: May 2013

After briefly reviewing how reading is conceptualised in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the English National Curriculum, this article examines two unofficial reading activities in a class of 10–11‐year‐olds' to see how far these activities match up with the official definitions of reading, or whether they involve a different kind of interaction with text. Although the children's unofficial reading appears trivial, fleeting and fragmentary, analysis shows that they are applying, albeit in a rudimentary way, the comprehension skills of retrieval, inference, interpretation and evaluation promoted by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the National Curriculum. These skills, however, are driven by children's emotional, critical and creative responses to the texts. The children's reading is more imaginative and dialogic than is possible within official curriculum activities; they interweave emotional and moral response with argument and critique in one example and respond humorously to poetic rhyme, rhythm and tone in another. These spontaneous reading activities, where children are active, animated and engaged, provide evidence of important dimensions of literacy which are not adequately addressed in official surveys and curriculum assessment.
Unexpected Consequences ofRicardian Expectations
Authors: Schlicht Ekkehart
Published: May 2013

The Ricardian equivalence thesis maintains that, given the time‐path of government spending, a change in taxation does not alter the set of feasible lifetime consumption plans of the households and affects neither the demand for commodities and services nor the rate of interest, provided the households act rationally. This note establishes that the very expectations the thesis proposes (‘Ricardian expectations') are invalidated if households act rationally. The divergence from Ricardian equivalence is traced to the omission of interest payments on public debt as part of the households' disposable income. The non‐equivalence is valid in a wide class of models.