bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity through life history of Dioon edule Lindley (Zamiaceae, Cycadales)
Authors: Octavio‐Aguilar P. , González‐Astorga J. , Vovides A. P.
Published: January 2009

The distribution of genetic diversity and structure for three populations of Dioon edule Lindley (Zamiaceae) at Monte Oscuro (MO), El Farallón (EF) and Rancho del Niño (RN) in Veracruz, Mexico was studied using 20 allozyme loci, considering four life history classes: seeds, seedlings, juveniles and adults. The MO population is genetically less diverse than the EF and RN populations. Total and local inbreeding differ significantly between life history classes. An increment of inbreeding among all classes was observed, and genetic differentiation among populations was higher in seeds and seedlings than in juveniles and adults. In terms of percentage of polymorphic loci, the MO seeds showed least (80%), followed by RN (95%) and EF had the highest values (100%), probably because of a reduction in effective population size and habitat fragmentation processes. In this context, the mean effective population size was 23.2 ± 11.3 for all populations. We conclude that seed cohorts in EF and RN represent a reservoir of genetic diversity within these two populations. Also, preservation of adult plants is an essential aspect to consider in management and conservation efforts for populations of Dioon edule in natural conditions.
Identification of the spontaneous 7BS/7RL intergenomic translocation in one F1 multigeneric hybrid from the Triticeae tribe
Authors: Carvalho A. , Martín A. , Heslop‐Harrison J. S. , Guedes‐Pinto H. , Lima‐Brito J.
Published: January 2009

The F1 AABBRHch hybrids studied here were produced by crosses between the Portuguese triticale cultivar ‘Douro’ (AABBRR) and the tritordeum line HT9 (AABBHchHch). Fluorescent in situ hybridization performed with genomic DNA probes genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) from rye and Hordeum chilense allowed the unequivocal parental genomes discrimination in all hybrids. Among 55 plants, one presented a spontaneous wheat–rye translocation which was successfully detected after GISH. Recombinant chromosomes identification was made after reprobe with pTa71 and pSc119.2. Nine rDNA loci were detected by pTa71 and pSc119.2 identified the chromosome arms involved in the translocation, after comparing the observed hybridization patterns with those described by several authors. We identified the spontaneous wheat–rye translocation as being the 7BS/7RL. Many wheat–rye translocations have been found (e.g. 1BL.1RS and 1AL.1RS), but as far as we know, this is the first time that this translocation is reported. We considered it helpful for wheat breeding programmes as it could provide the transference of interesting agronomic characteristics from rye (e.g. leaf rust resistance) to wheat.
Identification and isolation of a new x‐type HMW glutenin subunit 1Dx1.6t gene from Aegilops tauschii
Authors: An X. L. , Li X. H. , Xiong X. J. , Yan Y. M. , Zhang Y. Z. , Gao L. Y. , Wang A. L. , Wang K. , Zeller F. J. , Hsam S. L. K.
Published: January 2009

A new x‐type HMW glutenin subunit, designated as 1Dx1.6t from Aegilops tauschii was identified and characterized by SDS‐PAGE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. This subunit is located between 1Dx2 and 1Dx1.5t and possesses a molecular mass (Mr) of 88565.8 Da. Its complete coding sequence was amplified via allele‐specific PCR (AS‐PCR), and the amplified product was cloned and sequenced. The authenticity of the cloned 1Dx1.6t gene was confirmed by successful expression of its open reading frame in Escherichia coli. The molecular characterization of 1Dx1.6t gene showed that its coding region consisted of 2541 bp encoding a polypeptide of 845 amino acid residues. Sequence comparison to previously characterized 1Dx1.5t subunit which is related to good dough quality of bread wheat indicated that the 1Dx1.6t subunit displayed high homology, but possesses 14 residue substitutions and a nonapeptide insertion. A total of 12 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (1 per 212 bp) was identified in the 1Dx1.6t allele (11 in repetitive domain and 1 in the C‐terminal domain), which could facilitate the design of AS‐PCR markers.
Non‐contact paediatric knee injuries, including patellar sleeve fractures
Authors: Strahan R
Published: January 2009

Different patterns of injury of the knee are seen in children and adults, particularly in non‐contact injuries. Examples of these are given, including the important patella sleeve fracture.
Liver metastasis of a mucinous colonic carcinoma mimicking a haemangioma in T2‐weighted sequences
Authors: Lacout A , El Hajjam M , Julie C , Lacombe P , Pelage JP
Published: January 2009

We report the case of a patient with a single liver metastasis of a mucinous colonic carcinoma that mimics a haemangioma in T2‐weighted sequences. Although a very high T2 signal in non‐cystic lesions is highly specific for the diagnostic of haemangioma, the use of gadolinium‐enhancement MRI is recommended. In patients with a history of neoplasia, the diagnosis of benign liver nodules should be made with caution.
Brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix: An Australian and New Zealand survey of current treatment techniques
Authors: Van Dyk S , Byram D , Bernshaw D
Published: January 2009

Establishing guidelines for the practice of brachytherapy throughout Australia and New Zealand is one of the goals of the Australasian Brachytherapy Group. To better appreciate Australasian resources and conditions, the group conducted a survey in early 2005. The aims were to survey current practices, to emphasize variations in practice and to determine the availability of advanced imaging and treatment methods to assess resources. A survey was sent to all Australian and New Zealand radiotherapy departments. The survey requested details of treatment with respect to external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, optimization methods, reporting methods, scheduling brachytherapy and access to imaging and methods of work‐up. Thirty‐four departments were contacted with 27 (79%) responses returned. Twenty‐one departments use brachytherapy. Doses and fractionation schedules varied and use of sectional imaging was minimal. Individualized dosimetry is practised in a limited fashion by 60% of the surveyed departments. There is high compliance with International Commission on Radiation Units 38 dose reporting recommendations. All brachytherapy units identified have access to CT and 85% to MRI within the hospital settings. Brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix is, currently, largely based on the Manchester system. The survey did emphasize considerable variation in dose and fractionation schemes between departments. The Australasian Brachytherapy Group subgroup intends to proceed with the process of formulating recommendations for cervix brachytherapy. It is intended that these will cover the use of image‐based planning and treatment, target definition(s), verification of brachytherapy treatments and a uniform dose‐reporting mechanism.
Accrediting radiation technique in a multicentre trial of chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Spry N , Bydder S , Harvey J , Borg M , Ngan S , Millar J , Graham P , Zissiadis Y , Kneebone A , Ebert M
Published: January 2009

Before a multicentre trial of 3‐D conformal radiotherapy to treat cancer of the pancreas, participating clinicians were asked to complete an accreditation exercise. This involved planning two test cases according to the study protocol, then returning hard copies of the plans and dosimetric data for review. Any radiation technique that achieved the specified constraints was allowed. Eighteen treatment plans were assessed. Seven plans were prescribed incorrect doses and two of the planning target volumes did not comply with protocol guidelines. All plans met predefined normal tissue dose constraints. The identified errors were attributable to unforeseen ambiguities in protocol documentation. They were addressed by feedback and corresponding amendments to protocol documentation. Summary radiobiological measures including total weighted normal tissue equivalent uniform dose varied significantly between centres. This accreditation exercise successfully identified significant potential sources of protocol violations, which were then easily corrected. We believe that this process should be applied to all clinical trials involving radiotherapy. Due to the limitations of data analysis with hard‐copy information only, it is recommended that complete planning datasets from treatment‐planning systems be collected through a digital submission process.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease in patients with lung cancer
Authors: MIZUNO Satoko , TAKIGUCHI Yuichi , FUJIKAWA Ayako , MOTOORI Ken , TADA Yuji , KUROSU Katsushi , SEKINE Yasuo , YANAGAWA Noriyuki , HIROSHIMA Kenzo , MURAOKA Katsumi , MITSUSHIMA Toru , NIKI Noboru , TANABE Nobuhiro , TATSUMI Koichiro , KURIYAMA Takayuki
Published: January 2009

Background and objective:  Although lung cancer is frequently accompanied by COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD), the precise coincidence of these diseases with lung cancer is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of abnormal CT and spirometric findings suggestive of COPD or ILD in a population of patients with untreated lung cancer, and to estimate the lung cancer risk in this population.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 256 patients with untreated lung cancer and 947 subjects participating in a CT screening programme for lung cancer. Semi‐quantitative analysis of low attenuation area (LAA), fibrosis and ground glass attenuation (GGA) on CT was performed by scoring. Gender‐ and age‐matched subpopulations, with stratification by smoking status, were compared using the Mantel–Haenszel projection method.

Results:  Inter‐observer consistency was excellent for LAA, but not as good for fibrosis or GGA scores. Pooled odds ratios for lung cancer risk using LAA, fibrosis, GGA scores and reduced FEV1/FVC and %VC were 3.63, 5.10, 2.71, 7.17 and 4.73, respectively (P < 0.0001 for all parameters). Multivariate regression analyses confirmed these results.

Conclusion:  Abnormal CT and spirometric parameters suggestive of COPD and ILD were strong risk factors for lung cancer, even after adjusting for gender, age and smoking status.
Demonstration of long‐range GABAergic connections distributed throughout the mouse neocortex
Authors: Tomioka Ryohei , Okamoto Keiko , Furuta Takahiro , Fujiyama Fumino , Iwasato Takuji , Yanagawa Yuchio , Obata Kunihiko , Kaneko Takeshi , Tamamaki Nobuaki
Published: January 2009

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons in the neocortex have been mainly regarded as interneurons and thought to provide local interactions. Recently, however, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) immunocytochemistry combined with retrograde labeling experiments revealed the existence of GABAergic projection neurons in the neocortex. We further studied the network of GABAergic projection neurons in the neocortex by using GAD67‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) knock‐in mice for retrograde labeling and a novel neocortical GABAergic neuron labeling method for axon tracing. Many GFP‐positive neurons were retrogradely labeled after Fast Blue injection into the primary somatosensory, motor and visual cortices. These neurons were labeled not only around the injection site, but also at a long distance from the injection site. Of the retrogradely labeled GABAergic neurons remote from the injection sites, the vast majority (91%) exhibited somatostatin immunoreactivity, and were preferentially distributed in layer II, layer VI and in the white matter. In addition, most of GABAergic projection neurons were positive for neuropeptide Y (82%) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (71%). We confirmed the long‐range projections by tracing GFP‐labeled GABAergic neurons with axon branches traveled rostro‐caudally and medio‐laterally. Axon branches could be traced up to 2 mm. Some (n = 2 of 4) were shown to cross the areal boundaries. The GABAergic projection neurons preferentially received neocortical inputs. From these results, we conclude that GABAergic projection neurons are distributed throughout the neocortex and are part of a corticocortical network.
Contextual cues associated with nicotine administration increase arc mRNA expression in corticolimbic areas of the rat brain
Authors: Schiltz Craig A. , Kelley Ann E. , Landry Charles F.
Published: January 2009

Conditioned responses to cues associated with the administration of drugs of misuse are an impediment to continued abstinence for drug‐free addicted individuals. In order to study the neuroanatomical and cellular response of the brain to cues associated with nicotine administration, we conditioned Sprague–Dawley rats to receive an ascending dose regimen of nicotine over 14 days in two distinct non‐home cage environments and assessed expression of the early response gene arc in corticolimbic areas in response to the nicotine‐associated context. All of the rats received the same dose regimen of nicotine. Three days after the last training day, the rats were exposed to the test environment. The rats that had previously received nicotine exhibited increased motor activity compared with the rats that had received saline in the test environment. After 45 min in the test environment, brains were taken for Northern blotting and in situ hybridization analysis, which revealed an increase in levels of activity‐regulated, dendritically localized mRNA for arc in a variety of brain regions (medial and lateral prefrontal cortices, cingulate cortex, primary sensory cortex, sensorimotor cortex, ventral striatum and amygdala). Plasma corticosterone levels were not different between the groups, suggesting that exposure to nicotine cues is insufficient to activate the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Given that Arc plays a direct role in neuronal plasticity and memory consolidation, its induction by nicotine‐associated cues in brain regions critical for cognitive and emotional processing suggests that rats may be learning that these cues are no longer necessarily predictive of nicotine administration. Further work will be needed in order to assess the role of arc expression in the extinction of conditioned responses to drug‐paired cues.
Long‐term potentiation of human visual evoked responses
Authors: Teyler Timothy J. , Hamm Jeff P. , Clapp Wesley C. , Johnson Blake W. , Corballis Michael C. , Kirk Ian J.
Published: January 2009

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) is a candidate synaptic mechanism underlying learning and memory that has been studied extensively at the cellular and molecular level in laboratory animals. To date, LTP has only been directly demonstrated in humans in isolated cortical tissue obtained from patients undergoing surgery, where it displays properties identical to those seen in non‐human preparations. Inquiry into the functional significance of LTP has been hindered by the absence of a human model. Here we give the first demonstration that the rapid repetitive presentation of a visual checkerboard (a photic ‘tetanus’) leads to a persistent enhancement of one of the early components of the visual evoked potential in normal humans. The potentiated response is largest in the hemisphere contralateral to the tetanized visual hemifield and is limited to one component of the visual evoked response (the N1b). The selective potentiation of only the N1b component makes overall brain excitability changes unlikely and suggests that the effect is due instead to an LTP process. While LTP is known to exist in the human brain, the ability to elicit LTP from non‐surgical patients will provide a human model system allowing the detailed examination of synaptic plasticity in normal subjects and may have future clinical applications in the assessment of cognitive disorders.
Binding of motion and colour is early and automatic
Authors: Blaser Erik , Papathomas Thomas , Vidnyánszky Zoltán
Published: January 2009

At what stages of the human visual hierarchy different features are bound together, and whether this binding requires attention, is still highly debated. We used a colour‐contingent motion after‐effect (CCMAE) to study the binding of colour and motion signals. The logic of our approach was as follows: if CCMAEs can be evoked by targeted adaptation of early motion processing stages, without allowing for feedback from higher motion integration stages, then this would support our hypothesis that colour and motion are bound automatically on the basis of spatiotemporally local information. Our results show for the first time that CCMAE's can be evoked by adaptation to a locally paired opposite‐motion dot display, a stimulus that, importantly, is known to trigger direction‐specific responses in the primary visual cortex yet results in strong inhibition of the directional responses in area MT of macaques as well as in area MT+ in humans and, indeed, is perceived only as motionless flicker. The magnitude of the CCMAE in the locally paired condition was not significantly different from control conditions where the different directions were spatiotemporally separated (i.e. not locally paired) and therefore perceived as two moving fields. These findings provide evidence that adaptation at an early, local motion stage, and only adaptation at this stage, underlies this CCMAE, which in turn implies that spatiotemporally coincident colour and motion signals are bound automatically, most probably as early as cortical area V1, even when the association between colour and motion is perceptually inaccessible.
m‐Chlorophenylpiperazine exacerbates perception of salicylate‐induced tinnitus in rats
Authors: Guitton Matthieu J. , Pujol Rémy , Puel Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2009

The serotonin receptor 5‐HT2C agonist m‐chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) has been widely used to induce anxiety‐like states in animals and anxiety in humans. We here addressed the effect of an intraperitoneal injection of mCPP on the perception of tinnitus in a behavioural protocol based on an active avoidance paradigm. In control saline‐treated animals, mCPP did not change compound action potential audiograms or measurable tinnitus. In contrast, mCPP to animals demonstrating salicylate‐induced tinnitus exacerbated tinnitus perception by nearly twofold. We went on to test whether manipulation of the peripheral generator of tinnitus (i.e. the cochlea) could extinguish this exacerbated perception by applying the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonist 7‐chlorokynurenate (7‐CK) into cochlear fluids using a 7‐CK‐soaked Gelfoam ball placed on the round window of each of the animals' two ears. In addition to blocking the tinnitus induced by salicylate alone, 50 µm of 7‐CK clearly abolished tinnitus in animals receiving salicylate and an injection of mCPP. The demonstration that cochlear NMDA receptor blockade abolishes the exacerbated perception of tinnitus is highly relevant in terms of treatment. In addition to psychotherapeutic treatment that may help to attenuate an individual's perception of tinnitus, targeting cochlear NMDA receptors represents a promising therapeutic strategy, even in depressed or chronically anxious patients.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus controls the daily variation of plasma glucose via the autonomic output to the liver: are the clock genes involved?
Authors: Cailotto Cathy , La Fleur Susanne E. , Van Heijningen Caroline , Wortel Joke , Kalsbeek Andries , Feenstra Matthijs , Pévet Paul , Buijs Ruud M.
Published: January 2009

In order to drive tissue‐specific rhythmic outputs, the master clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is thought to reset peripheral oscillators via either chemical and hormonal cues or neural connections. Recently, the daily rhythm of plasma glucose (characterized by a peak before the onset of the activity period) has been shown to be directly driven by the SCN, independently of the SCN control of rhythmic feeding behaviour. Indeed, the daily variation in glucose was not impaired unless the scheduled feeding regimen (six‐meal schedule) was associated with an SCN lesion. Here we show that the rhythmicity of both clock‐gene mRNA expression in the liver and plasma glucose is not abolished under such a regular feeding schedule. Because the onset of the activity period and hyperglycemia are correlated with an increased sympathetic tonus, we investigated whether this autonomic branch is involved in the SCN control of plasma glucose rhythm and liver rhythmicity. Interestingly, hepatic sympathectomy combined with a six‐meal feeding schedule resulted in a disruption of the plasma glucose rhythmicity without affecting the daily variation in clock‐gene mRNA expression in the liver. Taking all these data together, we conclude that (i) the SCN needs the sympathetic pathway to the liver to generate the 24‐h rhythm in plasma glucose concentrations, (ii) rhythmic clock‐gene expression in the liver is not dependent on the sympathetic liver innervation and (iii) clock‐gene rhythmicity in liver cells is not sufficient for sustaining a circadian rhythm in plasma glucose concentrations.
Projections from the hippocampal region to the mammillary bodies in macaque monkeys
Authors: Aggleton John P. , Vann Seralynne D. , Saunders Richard C.
Published: January 2009

A combination of anterograde and retrograde tracers mapped the direct hippocampal and parahippocampal inputs to the mammillary bodies in two species of macaque monkey. Dense projections arose from pyramidal cells in layer III of the subiculum and prosubiculum, and terminated in the medial mammillary nucleus. While there was no evidence of an input from the dentate gyrus or fields CA1–3, a small contribution arose from the presubiculum and entorhinal cortices. All of the hippocampal and parahippocampal projections to the mammillary bodies appeared to use the fornix as a route. The caudal portions of the subiculum and prosubiculum contained the greatest numbers of cells projecting to the mammillary bodies. A light contralateral projection to the medial mammillary nucleus was also observed, although this appeared to arise primarily from the more rostral portions of the subiculum and prosubiculum. There was a crude topography within the medial mammillary nucleus, with the caudal subicular projections terminating in the mid and dorsal portions of the nucleus while the rostral subicular and entorhinal projections terminated in the ventral and lateral portions of the medial nucleus. Light ipsilateral projections throughout the lateral mammillary nucleus were sometimes observed. Comparisons with related studies of the macaque brain showed that the dense hippocampal projections to the mammillary bodies arise from a population of subicular cells separate from those that project to the anterior thalamic nuclei, even though the major output from the mammillary bodies is to the anterior thalamic nuclei. Other comparisons revealed underlying similarities with the corresponding projections in the rat brain.
Consequences of partial and severe dopaminergic lesion on basal ganglia oscillatory activity and akinesia
Authors: Tseng Kuei Y. , Kargieman Lucila , Gacio Sebastian , Riquelme Luis A. , Murer M. Gustavo
Published: January 2009

Severe chronic dopamine (DA) depletion increases the proportion of neurons in the basal ganglia that fire rhythmic bursts of action potential (LFO units) synchronously with the cortical oscillations. Here we report on how different levels of mesencephalic DA denervation affect substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) neuronal activity in the rat and its relationship to akinesia (stepping test). Chronic nigrostriatal lesion induced with 0 (control group), 4, 6 or 8 µg of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) into the medial forebrain bundle resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) neurons in the SN and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Although 4 µg of 6‐OHDA reduced the number of TH+ neurons in the SN by ∼60%, both stepping test performance and SNpr neuronal activity remained indistinguishable from control animals. By contrast, animals that received 6 µg of 6‐OHDA showed a marked reduction of TH+ cells in the SN (∼75%) and VTA (∼55%), a significant stepping test deficit and an increased proportion of LFO units. These changes were not dramatically enhanced with 8 µg 6‐OHDA, a dose that induced an extensive DA lesion (> 95%) in the SN and ∼70% reduction of DA neurons in the VTA. These results suggest a threshold level of DA denervation for both the appearance of motor deficits and LFO units. Thus, the presence of LFO activity in the SNpr is not related to a complete nigrostriatal DA neuron depletion (ultimate stage parkinsonism); instead, it may reflect a functional disruption of cortico‐basal ganglia dynamics associated with clinically relevant stages of the disease.
A weight‐based formula for tracheal tube size in children
Authors: EIPE NAVEEN , BARROWMAN NICHOLAS , WRITER HILARY , DOHERTY DERMOT
Published: January 2009

Objective:  Age (in years) of the child has conventionally been used in formulae to estimate the tracheal tube (TT) size. The objective of this retrospective study was to test a weight‐based formula (WBF) for uncuffed oral TT in children and compare it with the conventional age‐based formula (ABF).

Methods:  The patient’s age, weight, and size of TT internal diameter (ID) were recorded. For comparative analysis, the actual TT size used was compared with predicted TT size, calculated using both the standard ABF [ID = age (years)/4 + 4 mm] and the WBF [ID = weight (kg)/10 + 3.5 mm].

Results:  The Pearson’s correlation coefficient for age and actual TT size used was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.74–0.80) and between weight and actual TT used was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.66–0.74). The ABF correctly predicted 51.3% of TT sizes while the WBF correctly predicted 44.8% of TT sizes (P = 0.01). The measures of agreement between the actual and predicted TT size were 0.35 and 0.27 for the ABF and WBF respectively. The difference between the percentages of paired predictions for the ABF and WBF was statistically significant (P < 0.001) suggesting that, when correctly predicting the actual tube size used, the WBF functions for a different subset of the patient cohort than the ABF.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that in this patient cohort, the WBF is statistically inferior to the conventional ABF. However, our findings also suggest that the WBF may correctly predict TT sizes in a subset of patients in whom the ABF is inaccurate.
Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is beneficial for hemodynamic stabilization during left ventricular assist device implantation in children
Authors: SCOHY THIERRY V. , GOMMERS DIEDERIK , MAAT ALEXANDER P.W.M. , DEJONG PETER L. , BOGERS AD J.J.C. , HOFLAND JAN
Published: January 2009

Background:  Mechanical circulatory support, with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is used in an increasing number of children for treatment of advanced heart failure as bridge‐to‐transplant. To date no data are available and no studies have defined the role of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for hemodynamic stabilization during Centrimag Levitronix centrifugal pump implantation in children.

Methods:  Children with therapy resistant heart failure, undergoing LVAD implantation using Berlin Heart Excor pediatric cannula connected to a Levitronix Centrifumag pump, are intraoperatively monitored using an Oldelft micromultiplane TEE. Intraoperative TEE is specially used to monitor right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function, correct position of the cannulas and response to pharmacological treatment.

Results:  In five consecutive patients RV function was assessed by TEE after starting LVAD Levitronix centrifugal pump. Initial RV failure presents with RV dilation and LV collapse. After titration of vasopressor and inotropic agents, RV contractility improved and thereby the filling of the LV. In one child, despite those measures the RV showed no improvement by TEE and a Levitronix right ventricular assist device to support the RV function was implanted as well. All patients could hemodynamically be stabilized before transport to the intensive care unit.

Conclusion:  The complex interaction of the RV and LV function and correct positioning of the cannula, during LVAD implantation in children with end‐stage cardiac failure is improved by simultaneous visualization of cardiac performance of both ventricles and cannula positioning by means of intraoperative multiplane TEE.
Healthcare provider–child–parent communication in the preoperative surgical setting
Authors: KAIN ZEEV N. , MACLAREN JILL E. , HAMMELL CARRIE , NOVOA CRISTINA , FORTIER MICHELLE A. , HUSZTI HEATHER , MAYES LINDA
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Although preoperative preparation programs were once common, most children currently undergoing outpatient surgery are first exposed to the hospital on the day of the procedure. It is advocated that these outpatient children undergo the preparation just prior to surgery.

Aim:  To assess the amount of time that healthcare providers spend with children and families on the day of surgery in the preoperative area.

Materials and Methods:  The study used video infrastructure in the preoperative holding area of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital to record all interactions between children, families, and healthcare providers. Videotapes were coded to characterize and quantify behaviors of healthcare professionals.

Results:  On the day of surgery, healthcare providers spent medians of 2.75–4.81 min interacting with children and parents in the preoperative area. Families spent a median of 46.5 min in the preoperative area. Healthcare professionals spent the most time in medical talk (averages of 42.5–48.2% of time spent with family) and little time was spent in nonmedical talk (range of 6.2–6.9% of time spent with family). Anesthesiologists and surgeons spent 28% and 18% of the interview in talk to children; admitting nurses spent more of the interview talking to children (43%).

Conclusions:  Families interact with healthcare providers for only a small proportion of the time they spent in the preoperative area. This is likely to be a result of increased production pressure in the perioperative settings and has implications for providing preparation for surgery on the morning of the procedure.
Objective amount of limb fat in HIV‐infected subjects with subjective diagnosis of lipoatrophy
Authors: Martínez E , Larrousse M , Podzamczer D , Gatell JM
Published: January 2009

Background

The relationship between the subjective diagnosis of lipoatrophy and the objective amount of limb fat loss in HIV‐infected adults is unclear.

Methods

Using Medline, we identified published articles reporting the amount of arm, leg or limb fat measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry in HIV‐infected patients with moderate‐severe lipoatrophy and in healthy non‐HIV‐infected adults. We calculated the relative content of fat in the limbs, arms and legs of lipoatrophic patients with regard to the weighted arithmetic means of those fat values in healthy controls.

Results

We found 799 patients from 10 articles, and 73 healthy controls from two articles. Limb fat ranged from 2.6 to 4.4 kg in patients, and from 7.1 to 7.2 kg in controls. Both patients and controls were almost exclusively men, of white race, and in their forties. Weighted arithmetic means of arm, leg and limb fat in HIV‐infected patients with clinically evident lipoatrophy were 1.0, 2.1 and 3.1 kg, respectively (48, 41 and 43% relative to healthy non‐HIV‐infected males, respectively).

Conclusions

The diagnosis of lipoatrophy was highly correlated with the amount of limb fat, irrespective of the investigators. HIV‐infected men with clinically evident lipoatrophy had a limb fat loss of >50% compared with non‐HIV‐infected healthy males.
Valacyclovir neurotoxicity: clinical experience and review of the literature
Authors: Asahi T. , Tsutsui M. , Wakasugi M. , Tange D. , Takahashi C. , Tokui K. , Okazawa S. , Okudera H.
Published: January 2009

Valacyclovir (VACV) is used increasingly to treat herpes zoster, although neuropsychiatric symptoms [VACV neurotoxicity (VAN) or acyclovir neurotoxicity], may accompany use of this drug. To promote awareness of this rare condition, we describe here two clinical cases of VAN we previously reported and review 20 cases from the literature. In all cases, chronic or acute renal failure preceded VAN. The symptoms of VAN varied, but disturbances of consciousness and hallucination occurred most commonly. When acute renal failure was due to the drug, recovery from both the disturbance of consciousness and renal failure followed within several days after discontinuation of VACV. Early recognition and diagnosis will ensure effective treatment of VAN.
JUMPING THE CURSE: EARLY CONTRACTING WITH PRIVATE INFORMATION IN UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS*
Authors: Lee Sam‐Ho
Published: January 2009

This article introduces a new model of early contracting. Employers who have private information about the applicant's ability worry that applicants who accept their offer are precisely those who were not offered other jobs. To avoid this winner's curse, employers anticipate the time of contracting. The model is developed in the context of university admissions, and is shown to be consistent with several stylized facts in that “market.” We show that, in contrast to received wisdom, allocative efficiency may be improved by the presence of early contracting.
WHY DO EUROPEANS WORK SO LITTLE?*
Authors: Olovsson Conny
Published: January 2009

Market work per person is roughly 10% higher in the United States than in Sweden. However, if we include the work carried out in home production, the total amount of work only differs by 1%. I set up a model and show that differences in policy—mainly taxes—can account for the discrepancy in both labor supply and home production between Sweden and the United States. These results are independent of the elasticity of labor supply.
SHOULD YOU ALLOW YOUR EMPLOYEE TO BECOME YOUR COMPETITOR? ON NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS IN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS*
Authors: Kräkel Matthias , Sliwka Dirk
Published: January 2009

We discuss a principal–agent model in which the principal has the opportunity to include a noncompete agreement in the employment contract. We show that not imposing such an agreement can be beneficial for the principal, as the possibility to leave the firm generates implicit incentives for the agent. The principal prefers to impose such a clause if and only if the value created is sufficiently small relative to the agent's outside option. If the principal can use an option contract for retaining the agent, she will never prefer a strict noncompete agreement.
FIRM HETEROGENEITY AND THE LABOR MARKET EFFECTS OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION*
Authors: Egger Hartmut , Kreickemeier Udo
Published: January 2009

This article develops a model that incorporates workers' fair wage preferences into a general equilibrium framework with heterogeneous firms. In a setting where the wage considered to be fair by workers depends on the productivity of the firm they are working in, we study the determinants of profits, involuntary unemployment and within‐group wage inequality. We use this model to investigate the effects of globalization, thereby pointing to distributional conflicts that have so far not been accounted for: a simultaneous increase of average profits and involuntary unemployment as well as a surge in within‐group wage inequality.
THE EFFECTS OF FISCAL SHOCKS ON EMPLOYMENT AND THE REAL WAGE*
Authors: Pappa Evi
Published: January 2009

We study the transmission of fiscal shocks in the labor market. We employ a structural VAR and base identification on the restrictions that shocks to government consumption, investment, and employment must raise output and deficits. These restrictions hold in both prototype Real Business Cycle (RBC) and New Keynesian models. Shocks to government consumption and investment increase real wages and employment contemporaneously, both at state level and in the aggregate. The dynamics in response to employment shocks are mixed: Increases in government employment raise the real wage and total employment in the aggregate. However, in one third of the states they reduce total employment.
NEGATIVE INTRA‐GROUP EXTERNALITIES IN TWO‐SIDED MARKETS*
Authors: Belleflamme Paul , Toulemonde Eric
Published: January 2009

Two types of agents interact on a pre‐existing free platform. Agents value positively the presence of agents of the other type but may value negatively the presence of agents of their own type. We ask whether a new platform can find fees and subsidies so as to divert agents from the existing platform and make a profit. We show that this might be impossible if intra‐group negative externalities are sufficiently (but not too) strong with respect to positive inter‐group externalities.
THE SAVING RATE IN JAPAN: WHY IT HAS FALLEN AND WHY IT WILL REMAIN LOW*
Authors: Braun R. Anton , Ikeda Daisuke , Joines Douglas H.
Published: January 2009

Japan is in the midst of a demographic transition that is larger and more rapid than other OECD countries. We are interested in understanding the role of lower fertility rates and aging for the evolution of Japan's national saving rate. We use a computable general equilibrium model to analyze the response of the saving rate to changes in demographics and total factor productivity. In our model demographic factors account for 2–3 percentage points of the 9% decline in the saving rate between 1990 and 2000 and persistently depress the saving rate in future years.
Reflections on women and the law in the USA
Authors: Fuchs Epstein Cynthia
Published: January 2009

The USA has undergone extraordinary changes over the past 35 years with respect to women's access to equality in education, employment and participation in political life. This has come about because of the introduction of anti‐discrimination legislation and because of the activities of professional organisations in activating the implementation of these laws and pressing for a wide interpretation of their meaning. The work of social scientists in documenting disparities in women's access to education and employment and the use of such research in developing agendas for social change were central to this process. This article reflects on the early days of the second wave of the women's movement in the USA in the late 1960s, of which I was a part, with a focus on its use of research and the subsequent research that informed political agendas. I explore the context in which the woman's movement was developed and the establishment of rights in the USA, concentrating on women's access to employment, particularly, but not entirely, in the professions.
Women's economic empowerment: realities and challenges for the future
Authors: Taborga Carolina
Published: January 2009

Despite an international consensus on the importance of women's economic empowerment, expressed through such agreements as the Beijing Platform for Action, a recent study by the World Economic Forum noted that no country has yet managed to eliminate the gap between the economic participation of women and men. Even countries with high empowerment scores generally perform better in the health and well‐being, educational attainment and political empowerment of women than in their economic participation and opportunities. The research and training activities of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women described in this article focus on remittances by migrant workers, which is one important way in which gendered economic relationships are changing, and gender and security, in which the participation of women in policy‐making is sought.
Critical encounters in international relations
Authors: Der Derian James
Published: January 2009

This article aims to map the most significant influences of Foucault on the study of international relations. This is done through an analysis of Foucault's diverse intellectual toolbox, including the notions of discourse, heterotopias and genealogy. It considers whether Foucault helps us understand the most pressing issues in world politics and offers a critique of the historical and cultural limitations of Foucault's ideas, and questions the relevance of Foucault for an increasingly globalised, virtualised politics.
A Foucauldian, non‐intentionalist analysis of modern Javanese ethics
Authors: Bertrand Romain
Published: January 2009

This article analyses some major works of poetry produced by and for the Javanese nobility, the priyayi. It attempts to show that an interpretation of ways of life is conditional upon first successfully circumscribing a specific scope of subjectivation, while at the same time avoiding two pitfalls: utilitarianism and culturalism. The hypothesis is that the codification by the priyayi of what they thought to be the “right Javanese way” of doing things was simultaneously the product and the language of conflicts of power and prestige, which opposed them to other social groups (notably princes and merchants). In other words, in response to Foucault's constant preoccupation with “eventalising” the story of the way in which discourses on moral rules were constituted, the priyayi's view of the self is related to a historically determined situation of social struggle. Finally, the conclusion reflects upon the possibility of escaping from an instrumentalist conception of power in the scope of the historical sociology of politics.
From the defence of the nation to the consolidation of modernity: a genealogy of corruption in Bolivia (1982–1999)
Authors: Urioste Guglielmone Sebastián
Published: January 2009

The instruments and approach taken from the toolbox proposed by Michel Foucault are used in this first political and historical study of the constitution of knowledge relating to corruption in Bolivia between 1982 and 1999. By reflecting on the links between the discontinuity of knowledge in this phenomenon and the various strategies deployed to fight against it, a genealogy of corruption unveils the profound transformations in politics and policies that Bolivia experienced over two decades.
Who cares about neighbourhoods?
Authors: Forrest Ray
Published: January 2009

In this article I reflect on the current revival of interest in community and the neighbourhood in much western academic and policy literature and explores the different ways in which the idea of the neighbourhood continues to have resonance in the contemporary world. In doing so, I examines different conceptions and dimensions of neighbourhood, as community, as context, as commodity and as a consumption niche. I also explore the future of neighbourhood in the information age and argue that aspects of technological and demographic changes may be reinforcing as well as reshaping its role in our everyday lives.
Earnings Management and the Long‐Run Underperformance of Firms Following Convertible Bond Offers
Authors: Chou De‐Wai , Wang C. Edward , Chen Sheng‐Syan , Tsai Sandra
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This paper examines whether the long‐run underperformance of convertible bond issuers can be explained by earnings management, as reflected in discretionary current accruals around the time of the offer. Consistent with the earnings management hypothesis, we find that convertible issuers who adjust their discretionary current accruals to report higher net income in the issue year will generally experience inferior operating and stock return performance over the five‐year post‐issue period. Our findings indicate that there is some temporary overvaluation of convertible issuers by the stock market, but that the resultant disappointed investors will subsequently correct their valuation errors. The similarity of our results to those reported within the prior literature on initial public offers (IPOs) and seasoned equity offers (SEOs) suggests that the earnings management hypothesis is not unique to stock offers, but that it actually extends to convertible bond offers.
Predicting the distribution of a suitable habitat for the white stork in Southern Sweden: identifying priority areas for reintroduction and habitat restoration
Authors: Olsson O. , Rogers D. J.
Published: January 2009

The loss of wetlands and semi‐natural grasslands throughout much of Europe has led to a historic decline of species associated with these habitats. The reinstatement of these habitats, however, requires spatially explicit predictions of the most suitable sites for restoration, to maximize the ecological benefit per unit effort. One species that demonstrates such declines is the white storkCiconia ciconia, and the restoration of habitat for this flagship species is likely to benefit a suite of other wetland and grassland biota. Storks are also being reintroduced into southern Sweden and elsewhere, and thea prioriidentification of suitable sites for reintroduction will greatly improve the success of such programmes. Here a simple predictive habitat‐use model was developed, where only a small but reliable presence‐only dataset was available. The model is based on the extent and relative soil moisture of semi‐natural pastures, the extent of wetlands and the extent of hayfields in southern Sweden. Here the model was used to predict the current extent of stork habitat that is suitable for successful breeding, and the extent of habitat that would become suitable with moderate habitat restoration. The habitat model identifies all 10 occupied nesting sites where breeding is currently successful. It also identifies ∼300 km2of habitat that is predicted to be suitable stork habitat, but that is presently unused; these sites were identified as potential areas for stork reintroduction. The model also identifies over 100 areas where moderate habitat restoration is predicted to have a disproportionate effect (relative to the restoration effort) on the area of suitable habitat for storks; these sites were identified as priorities for habitat restoration. By identifying areas for reintroduction and restoration, such habitat suitability models have the potential to maximize the effectiveness of such conservation programmes.
The role of infectious diseases in biological conservation
Authors: Smith K. F. , Acevedo‐Whitehouse K. , Pedersen A. B.
Published: January 2009

Recent increases in the magnitude and rate of environmental change, including habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation, have been directly linked to the global loss of biodiversity. Wildlife extinction rates are estimated to be 100–1000 times greater than the historical norm, and up to 50% of higher taxonomic groups are critically endangered. While many types of environmental changes threaten the survival of species all over the planet, infectious disease has rarely been cited as the primary cause of global species extinctions. There is substantial evidence, however, that diseases can greatly impact local species populations by causing temporary or permanent declines in abundance. More importantly, pathogens can interact with other driving factors, such as habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, invasive species and environmental pollution to contribute to local and global extinctions. Regrettably, our current lack of knowledge about the diversity and abundance of pathogens in natural systems has made it difficult to establish the relative importance of disease as a significant driver of species extinction, and the context when this is most likely to occur. Here, we review the role of infectious diseases in biological conservation. We summarize existing knowledge of disease‐induced extinction at global and local scales and review the ecological and evolutionary forces that may facilitate disease‐mediated extinction risk. We suggest that while disease alone may currently threaten few species, pathogens may be a significant threat to already‐endangered species, especially when disease interacts with other drivers. We identify control strategies that may help reduce the negative effects of disease on wildlife and discuss the most critical challenges and future directions for the study of infectious diseases in the conservation sciences.