bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated trans‐Atlantic dispersal catalysed a global songbird radiation
Authors: Voelker Gary , Rohwer Sievert , Outlaw Diana C. , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: October 2008

Aim Turdusthrushes are one of the most speciose and widespread songbird genera, comprising nearly 70 species that combined have a near‐global distribution. Herein, we use molecular phylogenetic, molecular clock and behavioural evidence to examine the historical biogeography of the genus. Ancestral area reconstructions in conjunction with divergence estimates and palaeoclimatogical data are used to test whether the long‐standing paradigm of Beringian colonization or trans‐Atlantic dispersal best explains modern distributions in the New and Old Worlds.

Location Worldwide, with emphasis on New World–Old World biotic interchange.

Methods Using a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis ofTurdusthrushes, we reconstructed ancestral area relationships utilizing the five major continental or regional areas occupied by species in the genus. We also examined the evolution of behaviours on the phylogeny, and estimated the timing of major lineage divergences via a molecular clock.

Results Turdusoriginated in Eurasia, and following the colonization of Africa underwent a series of five trans‐Atlantic sweepstake dispersals. The data reject the alternative hypothesis that connections between Old and New WorldTurdusspecies can be attributed to movement through Beringia with subsequent extinction. Divergence estimates indicate that these dispersals all occurred near the Miocene–Pliocene boundary, 5 Ma. A significant phylogenetic correlation between migratory and flocking behaviour is evident in the genus.

Main conclusions The initial divergence ofTurdusin the Old World was followed by a series of trans‐Atlantic sweepstake dispersal events. These dispersals are temporally correlated with a specific palaeoclimatic system, which would have facilitated transport ofTurdusfrom the Caribbean to the Old World across the Atlantic. Uplift of the Central American Seaway 4.7 Ma effectively shut down the palaeoclimatic system, and no additional trans‐Atlantic dispersals are evident inTurdusafter this time. Migratory movements by ancestral lineages in flocks, rather than as single individuals, suggest an increased likelihood of successfully colonizing new areas, post‐dispersal.
Trophic role of Atlantic cod in the ecosystem
Authors: Link Jason S. , Bogstad Bjarte , Sparholt Henrik , Lilly George R.
Published: October 2008

As the world’s oceans continue to undergo drastic changes, understanding the role of key species therein will become increasingly important. To explore the role of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Gadidae) in the ecosystem, we reviewed biological interactions between cod and its prey, predators and competitors within six ecosystems taken from a broad geographic range: three are cod‐capelin (Mallotus villosus Osmeridae) systems towards cod’s northern Atlantic limit (Barents Sea, Iceland and Newfoundland–Labrador), two are more diverse systems towards the southern end of the range (North Sea and Georges Bank–Gulf of Maine), and one is a species‐poor system with an unusual physical and biotic environment (Baltic Sea). We attempt a synthesis of the role of cod in these six ecosystems and speculate on how it might change in response to a variety of influences, particularly climate change, in a fashion that may apply to a wide range of species. We find cod prey, predators and competitors functionally similar in all six ecosystems. Conversely, we estimate different magnitudes for the role of cod in an ecosystem, with consequently different effects on cod, their prey and predator populations. Fishing has generally diminished the ecological role of cod. What remains unclear is how additional climate variability will alter cod stocks, and thus its role in the ecosystem.
Where Does Personality Have Its Influence? A Supermatrix of Consistency Concepts
Authors: Fleeson William , Noftle Erik E.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
An understanding of the nature of personality depends on clear conceptions of consistency. Researchers have applied the term consistency in ambiguous and inconsistent ways over the last half century, which has led to a great deal of confusion and debate over the existence of personality. This article seeks to reframe and extend conceptions of consistency and thus proposes three important ways consistency concepts differ from each other. The first way consistency concepts differ from each other is in the competing determinant of behavior that the consistency is across: time, situation content, or behavior content. The second way consistency concepts differ from each other is in the definition of behavior enactment: single enactment, aggregate enactment, contingent enactment, or patterned enactment. When these two dimensions are crossed with a third dimension—definition of similarity (absolute, relative‐position, or ipsative)—they create a supermatrix of 36 consistency concepts. Empirical support for each of these 36 consistency concepts, or its failure, has uniquely different implications for the fundamental nature of personality. This supermatrix can serve as a guide for future research aimed at discovering the nature of personality.
Integrating Experimental and Observational Personality Research—The Contributions of Hans Eysenck
Authors: Revelle William , Oehlberg Katherine
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
A fundamental aspect of Hans Eysenck's research was his emphasis upon using all the tools available to the researcher to study personality. This included correlational, experimental, physiological, and genetic approaches. Fifty years after Cronbach's call for the reunification of the two disciplines of psychology (Cronbach, 1957) and 40 years after Eysenck's plea for experimental approaches to personality research (H. J. Eysenck, 1966), what is the status of the unification? Should personality researchers use experimental techniques? Do experimental techniques allow us to tease out causality, and are we communicating the advantages of combining experimental with multivariate correlational techniques? We review the progress made since Cronbach's and Eysenck's original papers and suggest that although it is still uncommon to find experimental studies of personality, psychology would benefit from the joint use of correlational and experimental approaches.
A Genome‐Wide Scan for Eysenckian Personality Dimensions in Adolescent Twin Sibships: Psychoticism, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Lie
Authors: Gillespie Nathan A. , Zhu Gu , Evans David M. , Medland Sarah E. , Wright Margie J. , Martin Nick G.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT
We report the first genome‐wide scan of adolescent personality. We conducted a genome‐wide scan to detect linkage for measures of adolescent Psychoticism, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Lie from the Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Data are based on 1,280 genotyped Australian adolescent twins and their siblings. The highest linkage peaks were found on chromosomes 16 and 19 for Neuroticism, on chromosomes 1, 7, 10, 13 m, and 18 for Psychoticism, and on chromosomes 2 and 3 for Extraversion.
Molecular engineering of resveratrol in plants
Authors: Delaunois Bertrand , Cordelier Sylvain , Conreux Alexandra , Clément Christophe , Jeandet Philippe
Published: October 2008

The grapevine phytoalexin resveratrol, the synthesis of which is achieved by stilbene synthase (STS), displays a wide range of biological effects. Most interest has centred, in recent years, on STS gene transfer experiments from grapevine to the genome of numerous plants. This work presents a comprehensive review on plant molecular engineering with the STS gene. Gene and promoter options are discussed, namely the different promoters used to drive the transgene, as well as the enhancer elements and/or heterologous promoters used to improve transcriptional activity in the transformed lines. Factors modifying transgene expression and epigenetic modifications, for instance transgene copy number, are also presented. Resveratrol synthesis in plants, together with that of its glucoside as a result of STS expression, is described, as is the incidence of these compounds on plant metabolism and development. The ectopic production of resveratrol can lead to broad‐spectrum resistance against fungi in transgenic lines, and to the enhancement of the antioxidant activities of several fruits, highlighting the potential role of this compound in health promotion and plant disease control.
Patriotic Virtue
Authors: Maibom Heidi L. , Bennett Fred
Published: October 2008

Some philosophers argue that the state and its citizens stand in a morally privileged position vis-à-vis one another, but not towards other states or citizens. However, many of those people, particularly philosophical liberals, also hold that morally insignificant differences, such as place of birth, sex or ethnicity, should not affect rights, liberties and life prospects. On the face of it, these two sets of ideas appear incompatible and point to a conflict in some liberal thought. Liberal philosophers, like John Rawls, have attempted to reconcile these conflicting ideas. His attempt has attracted a great deal of criticism, especially from those liberals attracted to a more cosmopolitan point of view. In this article, we use Aristotelian virtue ethics as the basis upon which to reconcile liberalism and patriotism. We argue that the state should be understood as an agent that stands in a special relationship to its citizens (of philia). The state's virtue depends, in part, on it giving those citizens preferential treatment with regard to justice compared to citizens of other countries. Similarly, if citizens are to be just in their relations with their own state, they must behave in special ways towards that state as compared to other states. Certain forms of justice only arise in relationships of particular kinds.
Design Experiments: Engaging Policy Makers in the Search for Evidence about What Works
Authors: Stoker Gerry , John Peter
Published: October 2008

This article presents an argument for the greater use of design experiments, which can assist policy making because they provide both robust and timely evidence. We discuss their origins in education research, set out the methodology and propose some adaptations to the techniques used in these education studies to foster their application to a range of policy fields and problem areas. Design experiments need to meet two challenges. Can they provide valid evidence? Can they provide evidence that will be used by policy makers? Our argument shows how design experiments are robust when set against the classical canons of scientific study. We further claim that the design experiment approach offers a more viable means to developing evidence-based policy making than other forms of evaluation because of the timeliness of the insights that it provides.
Diaconiae, xenodochia, hospitalia and monasteries: ‘social security’ and the meaning of monasticism in early medieval Rome
Authors: Dey Hendrik W.
Published: October 2008

The first section of this article examines the various types of charitable institutions operative in Rome between the seventh and the ninth centuries, in the light of what available textual and comparative evidence reveals about their respective functions. It is then suggested that these centres of assistance were staffed by resident monastic communities, an arrangement which accounts well for their many apparent similarities; which may help to explain the disappearance of the most commonly attested types (xenodochia and diaconiae) over the course of the ninth century; and which opens a window onto an alternative conception of monastic practice hitherto under‐represented in the scholarly tradition.
The Ethics of Relational Leading: Gender Matters
Authors: Binns Jennifer
Published: October 2008

This article is concerned with the ethical implications of conceptualizing and enacting leadership as a relational practice, rather than as a heroic‐individualistic performance. Using a small empirical study, it explores the possibilities and challenges of becoming an ethical subject against the pressures on leaders to instrumentalize and masculinize their relational work. Ethics is understood as a critical reflexive practice through which leaders come to understand the effects of their conduct and are able to transform or restyle themselves. This fashioning of an ethical subject is discussed in relation to the construction of masculinized certainty and feminized self‐doubt. The article concludes with some tentative thoughts about the capacity of embodied subjects to transgress dominant modes of being and acting.
Work–family Management among Low‐wage Service Workers and Assistant Professors in the USA: A Comparative Intersectional Analysis
Authors: Weigt Jill M. , Solomon Catherine Richards
Published: October 2008

Noting an inattention to the specific ways in which class, race, and gender combine to affect work–family management, we conducted a qualitative exploration of the processes of intersectionality. Our analysis relies on two points on a continuum of class experiences provided by two groups of predominately white female workers: low‐wage service workers and assistant professors. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with each group, we examine the similarities and differences in their experiences of negotiating their work worlds as they tried to meet family demands. We focus on the ways in which class and gender interacted to shape these women's everyday lives in different ways. While we found that women privileged by class were privileged in their abilities to manage work and family demands, we also found that class shaped the gendered experiences of these women differently. Our data suggest that, in the realm of work–family management, class mutes gendered experiences for assistant professors while it exacerbates gendered experiences for women working in the low‐wage service sector. Our analysis not only highlights the importance of considering intersecting hierarchies when examining women's lived experiences in families and workplaces, but provides an empirical example of the workings of intersectionality.
Women's Accounts of Organizational Politics as a Gendering Process
Authors: Davey Kate Mackenzie
Published: October 2008

Organizational politics is implicated in all levels of organizational functioning, from power structures and informal interaction to individual identity. This study argues that organizational politics provides an approach to examining professional women's experiences of organizations as gendered. Women graduates in male‐dominated organizations claimed not to be limited by explicit discrimination, but they construct organizational politics as being masculine in character and as a barrier to their careers. These women represent organizational politics as irrational, aggressive, competitive and instrumental, leading to individual, not organizational, success. Their accounts undermine the stereotypical dichotomy of masculine rationality and feminine emotion by claiming that women behave reasonably and by focusing on emotion in men's political game playing. However, claiming to be rational and rejecting politics, while acknowledging its role in career success, is uncomfortable for ambitious women. They risk sabotaging their own position by appearing too sensitive to engage in the less savoury aspects of organizational life. Organizational political processes are seen as fundamental to gender in organizations, first, because political activity is seen as gendered and masculine and contrary to female identity; secondly, because politics is part of the informal system which constructs organization from which outsiders are excluded; and finally, because political activity is linked to the performance, achievement and maintenance of power.
Hypothyroidism in pregnancy: pre‐pregnancy thyroid status influences gestational thyroxine requirements
Authors: Kothari A , Girling J
Published: October 2008

There is considerable uncertainty about the management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Our aim was to establish the pattern of thyroxine dose adjustment needed and to determine the clinical reasons for these changes and the contributory factors. Of 89 pregnancies, thyroxine dose was unchanged in 50, increased (by a mean of 38 micrograms) in 34, and decreased in 5. Twenty‐three percent of women who were tested in the first trimester needed an immediate increase in thyroxine. One‐quarter (26%) of the women who needed a gestational increase in thyroxine dose had had a recent pre‐pregnancy increase in thyroxine requirement (compared with 0% in women on static dose in pregnancy, P < 0.001). Furthermore, they did not require a decrease in thyroxine dose postpartum, suggesting a long‐term need for more thyroxine rather than a transient gestational effect. None of the women who had stable doses of thyroxine during pregnancy had required recent pre‐pregnancy changes in dose or needed postnatal changes. Inadequate pre‐pregnancy control of thyroid function is associated with a need to increase thyroxine dosage during pregnancy.
Psychometric properties of the pelvic organ prolapse symptom score
Authors: Hagen S , Glazener C , Sinclair L , Stark D , Bugge C
Published: October 2008

Objective  To assess the internal consistency, construct validity and sensitivity to change of a pelvic organ prolapse symptom score (POP‐SS).

Design  Analysis of data from three prolapse studies, including symptomatic and asymptomatic women who completed the POP‐SS.

Setting  (1) A community setting in New Zealand, (2) two gynaecology outpatient departments in Scotland and (3) a gynaecological surgery department in Scotland.

Population or sample  (1) Participants from a survey of postnatal women at 12‐year follow up, invited to complete a prolapse questionnaire and have prolapse assessment, (2) new gynaecology outpatients presenting with prolapse symptoms, randomised to pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) or control and (3) women having anterior and/or posterior prolapse surgery, randomised to mesh insert or no mesh.

Method  Data were analysed to assess internal consistency, construct validity and sensitivity to change of the POP‐SS.

Main outcome measures  Cronbach’s alpha, significance of differences in POP‐SS scores between studies and significance of difference in POP‐SS scores pre‐ to post‐intervention.

Results  For internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.723 to 0.828. Women having surgery had higher POP‐SS scores than those having conservative management (mean difference 5.0, 95% CI 3.1–6.9), who in turn had higher scores than the asymptomatic women (mean difference 5.9, 95% CI 4.4–7.4). Significant differences in POP‐SS score were detected after surgery and PFMT. The improvement due to surgery was significantly greater than that associated with PFMT (z =−3.006, P = 0.003).

Conclusion  The POP‐SS has good internal consistency and construct validity and is sensitive to change.
NEAP causes down‐regulation of EGFR, subsequently induces the suppression of NGF‐induced differentiation in PC12 cells
Authors: Wang Jiz‐Yuh , Yang Chi‐Hwa , Yeh Chi‐Ling , Lin Chia‐Hua , Chen Yi‐Rong
Published: October 2008

Neuroendocrine‐associated phosphatase (NEAP), an atypical dual specificity phosphatase is preferentially expressed in neuroendocrine cells. In this study we found that NEAP, but not NEAP‐(C152S) mutant, evidently reduced epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) downstream signaling, and impaired cell growth in response to EGF stimulation in PC12 cells. These phenomena were associated with NEAP‐mediated down‐regulation of EGFR mRNA and protein. NEAP had no significant effect on ErbB2/3 expression and phosphorylation levels in response to heregulin, indicating that the negative effect of NEAP on EGFR was selective. We showed that NEAP suppressed EGFR expression via decreasing the EGFR promoter activity and this was mediated through down‐regulations of the Akt pathway and Wilms’ tumor gene product (WT1). Consistent with these results, expression of WT1 reversed the suppressive effect of NEAP on EGFR promoter activity. Additionally, NEAP knockdown by RNA interference enhanced EGFR protein expression and nerve growth factor‐induced differentiation, and an EGFR‐specific inhibitor could reverse the later event. Taken together, our study indicated that NEAP modulates PC12 differentiation via suppression of EGFR expression and signaling.
Notch: from neural development to neurological disorders
Authors: Lathia Justin D. , Mattson Mark P. , Cheng Aiwu
Published: October 2008

Notch is an integral membrane protein that functions as receptor for ligands such as jagged and delta that are associated with the surface of neighboring cells. Upon ligand binding, notch is proteolytically cleaved within its transmembrane domain by presenilin‐1 (the enzymatic component of the γ‐secretase complex) resulting in the release of a notch intracellular domain which translocates to the nucleus where it regulates gene expression. Notch signaling plays multiple roles in the development of the CNS including regulating neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation, survival, self‐renewal and differentiation. Notch is also present in post‐mitotic neurons in the adult CNS wherein its activation influences structural and functional plasticity including processes involved in learning and memory. Recent findings suggest that notch signaling in neurons, glia, and NSCs may be involved in pathological changes that occur in disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and CNS tumors. Studies of animal models suggest the potential of agents that target notch signaling as therapeutic interventions for several different CNS disorders.
Phosphorylation of tau at Ser214 mediates its interaction with 14‐3‐3 protein: implications for the mechanism of tau aggregation
Authors: Sadik Golam , Tanaka Toshihisa , Kato Kiyoko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Nessa Begum Nurun , Morihara Takashi , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: October 2008

The microtubule associated protein tau is a major component of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer disease brain, however the neuropathological processes behind the formation of neurofibrillary tangles are still unclear. Previously, 14‐3‐3 proteins were reported to bind with tau. 14‐3‐3 Proteins usually bind their targets through specific serine/threonine –phosphorylated motifs. Therefore, the interaction of tau with 14‐3‐3 mediated by phosphorylation was investigated. In this study, we show that the phosphorylation of tau by either protein kinase A (PKA) or protein kinase B (PKB) enhances the binding of tau with 14‐3‐3in vitro. The affinity between tau and 14‐3‐3 is increased 12‐ to 14‐fold by phosphorylation as determined by real time surface plasmon resonance studies. Mutational analyses revealed that Ser214 is critical for the phosphorylation‐mediated interaction of tau with 14‐3‐3. Finally,in vitroaggregation assays demonstrated that phosphorylation by PKA/PKB inhibits the formation of aggregates/filaments of tau induced by 14‐3‐3. As the phosphorylation at Ser214 is up‐regulated in fetal brain, tau’s interaction with 14‐3‐3 may have a significant role in the organization of the microtubule cytoskeleton in development. Also as the phosphorylation at Ser214 is up‐regulated in Alzheimer’s disease brain, tau’s interaction with 14‐3‐3 might be involved in the pathology of this disease.
Activity‐dependent expression of ELAV/Hu RBPs and neuronal mRNAs in seizure and cocaine brain
Authors: Tiruchinapalli Dhanrajan M. , Caron Marc G. , Keene Jack D.
Published: October 2008

Growing evidence indicates that both seizure (glutamate) and cocaine (dopamine) treatment modulate synaptic plasticity within the mesolimbic region of the CNS. Activation of glutamatergic neurons depends on the localized translation of neuronal mRNA products involved in modulating synaptic plasticity. In this study, we demonstrate the dendritic localization of HuR and HuD RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and their association with neuronal mRNAs following these two paradigms of seizure and cocaine treatment. Both the ubiquitously expressed HuR and neuronal HuD RBPs were detected in different regions as well as within dendrites of the brain and in dissociated neurons. Quantitative analysis revealed an increase in HuR, HuD and p‐glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) protein levels as well as neuronal mRNAs encoding Homer, CaMKIIα, vascular early response gene, GAP‐43, neuritin, and neuroligin protein products following either seizure or cocaine treatment. Inhibition of the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway by acute or chronic LiCl treatment revealed changes in HuR, HuD, pGSK3β, p‐Akt, and β‐catenin protein levels. In addition, a genetically engineered hyperdopaminergic mouse model (dopamine transporter knockout) revealed decreased expression of HuR protein levels, but no significant change was observed in HuD or fragile‐X mental retardation protein RBPs. Finally, our data suggest that HuR and HuD RBPs potentially interact directly with neuronal mRNAs important for differentiation and synaptic plasticity.
Can Audit Partners Predict Subordinates' Ability to Detect Errors?
Authors: MESSIER, JR. WILLIAM F. , OWHOSO VINCENT , RAKOVSKI CARTER
Published: October 2008

This study examines audit partners' predictions of the ability of managers and seniors to detect financial statement errors. If partners are unable to predict the ability of their subordinates to detect errors, audit effectiveness may be affected. Audit partners are asked to predict which members of the audit team (managers or seniors) are able to detect specific types of errors. These predictions are then compared to errors detected by managers and seniors that are seeded in working papers. The results show that partners (1) exhibit significant overconfidence in the ability of subordinates to detect errors, (2) are more accurate in predicting managers' performance than seniors, (3) are more accurate at predicting subordinates' ability to detect mechanical (simple) errors than conceptual (complex) errors, and (4) are not better at predicting subordinates' ability to detect more frequent and more important errors than less frequent and less important errors.
Disclosure Quality and Management Trading Incentives
Authors: ROGERS JONATHAN L.
Published: October 2008

This study examines whether managers strategically alter disclosure “quality” in response to personal incentives, specifically those derived from trading on their own account. Using changes in market liquidity to proxy for disclosure quality, I find that trading incentives are associated with disclosure quality choices. Tests are performed across three disclosure samples: management forecasts, conference calls, and press releases. Consistent with a desire to reduce the probability of litigation, I find evidence that managers provide higher quality disclosures before selling shares than they provide in the absence of trading. Consistent with a desire to maintain their information advantage, I find some, albeit weaker, evidence that managers provide lower quality disclosures prior to purchasing shares than they provide in the absence of trading.
Hemicrania Continua Responsive to Intravenous Methyl Prednisolone
Authors: Prakash Sanjay , Brahmbhatt Krutik J. , Chawda Niraj T. , Tandon Nidhhi
Published: October 2008

Hemicrania continua (HC) is a strictly unilateral, continuous primary headache disorder with periodic exacerbations, usually accompanied by cranial autonomic disturbances. Exquisite and persistent effect of indomethacin is a fundamental property of HC. We report 2 patients of HC in which attacks were successfully eliminated by repeated infusion of methyl prednisolone.
The 6‐ and 12‐Month Outcomes of Older Medical Inpatients Who Recover from Subsyndromal Delirium
Authors: Cole Martin G. , McCusker Jane , Ciampi Antonio , Belzile Eric
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 6‐ and 12‐month outcomes of patients who recovered from subsyndromal delirium (SSD) by 8 weeks with the outcomes of patients who did not recover or did not have an index episode.

DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data collected for a cohort study of the prognosis of delirium.

SETTING: University‐affiliated primary acute care hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Older medical inpatients with prevalent, incident, or no SSD were classified into three mutually exclusive groups at 8 weeks (SSD‐recovered, SSD‐not recovered, no SSD) and followed up at 6 and 12 months.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary hierarchical composite outcome was death, institutionalization, or cognitive or functional decline at 6 and 12 months. In secondary analyses, components of the primary outcome were examined separately.

RESULTS: Of the 129 patients assessed at 8 weeks, 51, 47, and 31 met criteria for SSD‐recovered, SSD‐not recovered and no SSD, respectively. At 6 and 12 months, the primary and secondary outcomes of the SSD‐recovered group were better than the outcomes of the SSD‐not recovered group and, for the most part, intermediate between the outcomes of the SSD‐not recovered and no SSD groups.

CONCLUSION: Recovery from SSD appears to predict better longer‐term outcomes than no recovery. Efforts to identify and treat SSD in older medical inpatients may improve outcomes.
A Geriatric Emergency Service for Acutely Ill Elderly Patients: Pattern of Use and Comparison with a Conventional Emergency Department in Italy
Authors: Salvi Fabio , Morichi Valeria , Grilli Annalisa , Giorgi Raffaella , Spazzafumo Liana , Polonara Stefano , De Tommaso Giuseppe , Rappelli Alessandro , Dessì‐Fulgheri Paolo
Published: October 2008

The current disease‐oriented, episodic model of emergency care does not adequately address the complex needs of older adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Dedicated ED facilities with a specific organization (e.g., geriatric EDs (GEDs)) have been advocated. One of the few GED experiences in the world is described and its outcomes compared with those of a conventional ED (CED). In a secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort of 200 acutely ill elderly patients presenting to two urban EDs in Ancona, Italy, identifiers and triage, clinical, and social data were collected and the following outcomes considered: early (30‐day) and late (6‐month) ED revisit, frequent ED return, hospital admission, and functional decline. Death, functional decline, any ED revisit and any hospital admission were also considered as a composite outcome. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Overall, GED patients were older and frailer than CED patients. The two EDs did not differ in terms of early, late, or frequent ED return or in 6‐month hospital admission or functional decline. The mortality rate was slightly but significantly lower in the GED patients (hazard ratio=0.47, 95% CI=0.22–0.99, P=.047). The data suggest noninferiority and, indirectly, a slight superiority for the GED system in the acute care of elderly people, supporting the hypothesis that ED facilities specially designed for older adults may provide better care.
The Role of Tissue Doppler Imaging in the Noninvasive Detection of Chronic Rejection after Heterotopic Cardiac Transplantation in Rats
Authors: Jassal Davinder S. , Othman Rgia A. , Ahmadie Roien , Fang Tielan , Zieroth Shelley , Fischer Gabor , Moghadasian Mohammed H.
Published: October 2008

Background: Chronic rejection is a risk factor for the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in heart transplant recipients. A useful animal model to study the role of immunosuppressive strategies in the prevention of chronic rejection involves heterotopic abdominal cardiac transplantation in rats. The detection of rejection and concurrent CAV traditionally involves subjective serial palpation of the graft from a scale of 0 to 4, with 4 indicating vigorous beats. Recent advances in murine echocardiography, in particular Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), may allow for objective in vivo monitoring of chronic rejection in this transplant model. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of murine echocardiography as compared to the abdominal palpation heart score for the noninvasive detection of chronic cardiac graft rejection. Methods: In an animal model of heterotopic cardiac transplantation, 18 male Fischer and Lewis rats were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Abdominal palpation and murine transthoracic echocardiography were performed to assess in vivo function of the transplanted heart. Left ventricular (LV) structure and function and TDI indices, including endocardial velocity (Vendo) and strain rate (SR), were evaluated in the ectopic heart. Graft tissues were processed for histological examination and graded for chronic rejection. Results: Abdominal palpation scores were obtained in all 18 rats; score 1 (n = 5); score 2 (n = 4); score 3 (n = 6); and score 4 (n = 3). The mean LV ejection fraction was significantly (P <0.01) lower in score 3 and 4 grafts as compared to score 1 grafts. There was no correlation between the abdominal palpation score and LV systolic function. There was a significant relationship between decreasing Vendo or SR values and increasing grades of rejection (r = 0.65, P <0.05 and r = 0.75, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: TDI of the transplanted heart in rats is feasible, reproducible, and more sensitive than palpation for the detection of chronic rejection.
Rapid Occurrence of Giant Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm after Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Rekik Sofiene , Trabelsi Imen , Charfeddine Hanene , Krichene Salma , Hentati Mourad , Kammoun Samir
Published: October 2008

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysms are an uncommon and frightening complication after mitral valve replacement. We report the case of a 54‐year old woman, having undergone a mitral valve replacement with uneventful postoperative course and normal echocardiographic predischarge control, who was readmitted to hospital, only 16 days later, for rapidly progressing dyspnea, and finally echocardiographically diagnosed to have a massive 8‐cm long pseudoaneurysm communicating with the left ventricle through a narrow communication. The patient was proposed for emergency surgery but unfortunately died preoperatively.
Primary Cardiac Lymphoma: Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Antoniades Loizos , Eftychiou Christos , Petrou Petros M. , Bagatzounis Athanasios , Minas Michalis
Published: October 2008

Primary cardiac lymphoma is defined as a non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma mainly located in the heart and/or the pericardium. It is rare and affects elderly men. Common manifestations are pericardial effusion and heart failure. Diagnosis is usually late and prognosis is poor. We report a case of a patient with a large primary cardiac lymphoma who presented with chest pain and negative T‐waves in electrocardiogram. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large mass in the right atrium and right ventricle while transesophageal echocardiogram also revealed the presence of large mobile masses in the right atrium, which were considered to be thrombi. Tissue biopsy showed a high‐grade B‐cell diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiation with complete remission and prolonged survival.
Unusual Cause of Heart Failure in a 65‐Year‐Old Woman
Authors: Tomescu Mirela , Rusinaru Dan , Mut‐Vitcu Bogdan , Cocora Mioara , Mavrea Adelina , Citu Ioana , Dragulescu Stefan Iosif
Published: October 2008

Left ventricular (LV) free wall rupture is a potentially lethal mechanical complication after myocardial infarction (MI). Pericardial adhesions or slow extracardiac leak and pericardial inflammation may result in a contained cardiac rupture. LV pseudoaneurysm is a relatively uncommon clinical entity. It may occur after MI, but also as a complication of infective endocarditis, cardiac surgery, or trauma. Patients developing LV pseudoaneurysm after MI may present angina pectoris or signs of congestive heart failure (HF) but often are asymptomatic. Surgery is the treatment of choice for LV pseudoaneurysms diagnosed in the first months after MI. The management of chronic LV pseudoaneurysms is still subject of debate. This report highlights a 65‐year‐old patient newly hospitalized for acute decompensated HF who was diagnosed with a large chronic LV pseudoaneurysm and severe mitral regurgitation. The patient underwent successful resection of the pseudoaneurysm and patch repair of the ruptured ventricular wall.
Microbial Deterioration of Clay Roofing Tiles as a Function of the Firing Temperature
Authors: Ranogajec Jonjaua , Markov Sinisa , Kiurski Jelena , Radeka Miroslava , Ducman Vilma
Published: October 2008

This study illustrates the genesis and growth of the biofilm, known as patina, on the surface of clay roofing tiles after the action of a single fungus species, Aspergillus niger, (90 days) as the main cause of their aging processes. The nanocrystalline products, formed due to the fungus hyphen penetration into the ceramic support, contributed to the formation of an abundant reactive surface area of the existing and newly formed pores, intensifying the aging processes of the clay roofing tiles. The destruction of the ceramic supports, laboratory samples (920°, 995°, and 1055°C), and industrially obtained one (1100°C) was studied as a direct function of their microstructural and pore characteristics. A relationship among the textural characteristics of the studied ceramic segments of the defined microstructure, the tile surface roughness values, and the formation of the biofilm, which was developed after the action of the fungus, was set up.
Low‐Temperature Aging Behavior of Alumina‐Toughened Zirconia
Authors: Schneider Jens , Begand Sabine , Kriegel Ralf , Kaps Christian , Glien Wilfried , Oberbach Thomas
Published: October 2008

The corrosion of alumina‐toughened zirconia (ATZ) as a consequence of hydrothermal treatment was investigated, especially the transformation kinetics from tetragonal zirconia to the monoclinic phase. For this purpose, polished ATZ specimens (Ra<5 nm) were aged in water vapor at different temperatures ranging from 70° to 134°C. The fraction of the monoclinic phase was determined using X‐ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The isothermal transformation curves obtained were fitted to the Mehl–Johnson–Avrami equation by least squares. An Arrhenius plot of the fitted transformation rates was used to determine the activation energy and the pre‐exponential factor. Following this procedure, the kinetic parameters of the phase transformation were extrapolated down to body temperature and the formation of the monoclinic phase was simulated. In addition, optical interferometry on well‐polished specimens (Ra<2 nm) was alternatively used to calculate the monoclinic fraction from the histogram dataset. The results agree very well with those of the X‐ray measurements. Additionally, the development of surface roughness with increasing aging time is discussed.
Synthesis of Nano‐sized BaTiO3 Powders by the Rotary‐Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Kubo Takashi , Hogiri Masayuki , Kagata Hiroshi , Nakahira Atsushi
Published: October 2008

Nano‐sized BaTiO3 powders with narrow size distribution and high tetragonality were attempted to be synthesized by the rotary‐hydrothermal process in a water system as a novel technique, using a mixture of anatase‐type TiO2 and Ba(OH)2 as starting material. The rotary‐hydrothermal syntheses were performed under conditions with a rotary‐speed of 20 revolutions per minute at 423–523 K for 3–96 h. Highly‐ and mono‐dispersed BaTiO3 powders mainly composed of coarse‐faceted particles with the tetragonal phase were successfully synthesized by controlling the conditions for rotary‐hydrothermal treatments. TEM and TG results revealed that these coarse‐faceted BaTiO3 particles contained very few structural defects such as hydroxyl content. Thus, the rotary‐hydrothermal process was a useful method to synthesize very high‐quality BaTiO3 particles, and the further control of various conditions of the rotary‐hydrothermal treatment is expected to control the crystalline phase and microstructures of final BaTiO3 powders.
Synthesis of BaAl2S4:Eu2+ Electroluminescent Material by the Polymerizable Complex Method Combined with CS2 Sulfurization
Authors: Petrykin Valery , Kakihana Masato
Published: October 2008

Eu‐activated BaAl2S4 (BaAl2S4:Eu) blue light emission phosphor has attracted considerable attention recently as a prospective material for full color electroluminescent display applications. Although BaAl2S4:Eu was discovered over 30 years ago, the solid‐state reaction between metal sulfides in sealed quartz ampoules remains the main method for the synthesis of this material. In this work, a homogeneous single‐phase Ba0.95Eu0.05Al2S4 (BaAl2S4:Eu) phosphor was obtained by the sulfurization–reduction of the multicomponent oxide precursor in a CS2 atmosphere at 1050°C. The oxide precursor containing barium, aluminum, and europium for this process was prepared by the polymerizable complex method, which ensures a high degree of homogeneity in the final product. The BaAl2S4:Eu material thus obtained exhibited a single emission line at 475 nm and a fluorescence intensity of 35% compared with one of the best commercially available (Ba,Eu)MgAl10O17 phosphors.
Serum concentrations of DKK‐1 decrease in patients with multiple myeloma responding to anti‐myeloma treatment
Authors: Heider Ulrike , Kaiser Martin , Mieth Maren , Lamottke Britta , Rademacher Jessica , Jakob Christian , Braendle Edgar , Stover David , Sezer Orhan
Published: October 2008

Lytic bone destruction is a hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) and is because of an uncoupling of bone remodeling. Secretion of Dickkopf (DKK)‐1 by myeloma cells is a major factor which causes inhibition of osteoblast precursors. In this study, the effect of different treatment regimens for MM on serum DKK‐1 was evaluated and correlated with the response to treatment in 101 myeloma patients receiving bortezomib, thalidomide, lenalidomide, adriamycin and dexamethasone (AD) or high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). At baseline, myeloma patients had increased serum DKK‐1 as compared with patients with MGUS (mean 3786 pg/mL vs. 1993 pg/mL). There was no difference between previously untreated MM patients and patients at relapse. A significant decrease of DKK‐1 after therapy was seen in the following groups: Bortezomib (4059 pg/mL vs. 1862 pg/mL, P = 0.016), lenalidomide (11837 pg/mL vs. 4374 pg/mL, P = 0.039), AD (1668 pg/mL vs. 1241 pg/mL, P = 0.016), and AD + HDCT + ASCT (2446 pg/mL vs. 1082 pg/mL, P = 0.001). Thalidomide led to a non‐significant decrease in DKK‐1 (1705 pg/mL vs. 1269 pg/mL, P = 0.081). Within all groups, a significant decrease of DKK‐1 was only seen in responders (i.e. patients achieving complete remission or partial remission), but not in non‐responders. We show for the first time that serum DKK‐1 levels decrease in myeloma patients responding to treatment, irrespective of the regimen chosen. These data suggest that myeloma cells are the main source of circulating DKK‐1 protein and provide a framework for clinical trials on anti‐DKK‐1 treatment in MM.
Risk factors for infection in haematology patients treated with rituximab
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Nomura Kenichi , Fujimoto Yoshiko , Yamashita Mihoko , Ohshiro Muneo , Okamoto Kousuke , Matsumoto Yosuke , Horiike Shigeo , Takagi Tatsuya , Ishida Yoji , Taniwaki Masafumi ,   Japan Haematology/Oncology Study (J‐HOST) Group (Morioka, Japan)
Published: October 2008

Objectives:  Although rituximab therapy is not considered to be closely associated with infection, there have been reports of serious infections in patients treated with rituximab. We performed a statistical retrospective analysis to clarify the risk factors for infection in patients receiving rituximab therapy.

Methods:  A retrospective study of data from clinical records was performed that targeted haematology patients treated at our university hospital between April 2003 and October 2006. We selected 63 patients with CD20‐positive lymphoma whose peripheral blood immunoglobulin levels had been measured within 6 months before and after rituximab therapy. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for serious infection in these patients.

Results:  The three risk factors identified were: 1) reduction in IgM after administration of rituximab [odds ratio (OR) = 1.032, confidence interval (CI) = 1.007–1.057; P = 0.009], 2) duration of rituximab therapy [OR = 0.962, CI = 0.932–0.994; P = 0.021] and 3) G‐CSF administration [OR = 4.825, CI = 1.411–16.495; P = 0.012].

Conclusions:  Rituximab therapy may be associated with infection, indicating the need for sequential monitoring of IgM levels and identification of the optimal interval between rituximab cycles.
B‐cell precursor t(8;14)(q11;q32)‐positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children is strongly associated with Down syndrome or with a concomitant Philadelphia chromosome
Authors: Lundin Catarina , Heldrup Jesper , Ahlgren Tomas , Olofsson Tor , Johansson Bertil
Published: October 2008

We review the clinical and cytogenetic features of 44 acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs) with t(8;14)(q11;q32), including three from our department and 41 ascertained in the literature, focusing on age and gender distribution, peripheral blood values, immunophenotypic data, survival and additional chromosomal changes. Most patients are children or young adults, with a median age of 10 yr for children and 28 for adults. There is a male preponderance, particularly in patients with Down syndrome (DS) or in children with concomitant t(9;22)(q34;q11). The median blood values are hemoglobin 72 g/L, platelets 17 × 109/L and white blood cell count 9 × 109/L, with hyperleukocytosis >50 × 109/L having been reported in only ∼10%. All reported cases have had a B‐cell precursor immunophenotype, typically characterized by CD10+, CD19+, CD20+/−, CD22+, CD24+, CD34+, CD45dim/−, CD66c+/− and CD123+. At the time of reporting, 75% of the patients have been alive. The t(8;14) is the sole acquired change in 30%. The most common additional aberrations are t(9;22)(q34;q11), der(14)t(8;14), +21, +X and +14, the presence of which does not seem to confer a prognostic impact. A substantial proportion of the patients have DS (27%) or t(9;22) (16%). All patients with both t(8;14) and t(9;22) have been children without DS; the frequency of t(9;22) in that cohort is 30%. As t(9;22), or its molecular genetic correlate, may escape detection by conventional banding analysis we would strongly suggest that this aberration is actively looked for in pediatric ALL with t(8;14).