bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sprouting and shoot development of Sonchus arvensis in relation to initial root size
Authors: ANBARI S , LUNDKVIST A , VERWIJST T
Published: December 2010

Anbari S, Lundkvist A & Verwijst T (2011). Sprouting and shoot development of Sonchus arvensis in relation to initial root size. Weed Research51, 142–150.

To assess the effects of initial root size of Sonchus arvensis on sprouting and shoot development, an outdoor box experiment was performed in Sweden in 2008. Shoot emergence time, shoot numbers, rosette size and flower production were quantified as functions of root length and weight. Emergence of the first shoot per root and of later cohorts was delayed with decreasing root length and weight. Number of shoots per root increased with root length and weight, but per unit root length and weight, short roots produced more shoots. The first emerging rosettes were, for rosettes of a given age, larger for longer roots. Total rosette area per root 5 weeks after planting increased with increasing root length and weight. The number of flowers and production of mature seeds were positively related to root length and weight, because of delayed sprouting of short and light roots. The proportion of flowers leading to mature seeds declined with shoot emergence time. By clarifying relationships between root size and growth parameters, this study showed that fragmenting of S. arvensis roots delays phenological development and hampers reproduction by seeds. The information may be used to refine mechanical weed control strategies for S. arvensis.
Acquiring genome‐wide gene expression profiles in Guthrie card blood spots using microarrays
Authors: Khoo Sok Kean , Dykema Karl , Vadlapatla Naga Manjari , LaHaie David , Valle Saul , Satterthwaite David , Ramirez Sara Angeline , Carruthers Janell Alee , Haak Peterson Todd , Resau James Howard
Published: December 2010

Standard Guthrie cards have been widely used to collect blood samples from essentially all USA and Japanese neonates for newborn screening programs. Thus, archival blood spot samples are a unique and comprehensive resource for molecular pathology studies. However, the challenge in using these samples is the presumed low quantity and degraded quality of nucleic acids that can be isolated from these samples, particularly the RNA. Here, we report a new assay using Agilent 4x44K microarrays for acquiring genome‐wide gene expression profiles from blood spots on Guthrie cards. Due to the small amount of RNA obtained from each sample, major modifications, such as concentrating and amplifying the RNA and using a different labeling procedure, were performed. Approximately 9000 expressed genes can be detected after normalization of data, an increment of 260% in detection power compared with previously reported cDNA microarrays made in‐house with standard procedures. The correlation coefficients in technical and biological replicates were 0.92 and 0.85, respectively, confirming the reproducibility of this study. This new and comprehensive assay will add value to the utility of archival Guthrie cards (e.g. neonatal blood spot cards) and open new opportunities to molecular epidemiology, pathology, genomic, and diagnostic studies of perinatal diseases.
Neonicotinoid resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover (Aphididae: Hemiptera) from Australian cotton
Authors: Herron Grant A , Wilson Lewis J
Published: December 2010

Cotton or melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is an important pest of cotton, and recently the neonicotinoid group of insecticides has provided a key option for control where they are used as seed treatments and foliar sprays. Here we document for the first time in Australian cotton, resistance to three neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam) in A. gossypii via diagnostic discriminating concentration assays that were also associated with field control failure. Subsequent full log dose probit analysis on strains with discriminating dose survivors confirmed acetamiprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam resistance at 6.4‐, 10‐ and 22‐fold, respectively. Further laboratory pressuring of strains caused acetamiprid resistance to significantly increase to 22‐fold but resistance factors to clothianidin and thiamethoxam were unchanged. Clearly there is a need to reduce overall neonicotinoid selection to prevent or slow any increase in neonicotinoid resistance. An effective method to contain resistance would be to move away from the more persistent neonicotinoid seed dressings to either organophosphate or carbamate‐based products and to limit the use of neonicotinoid foliar sprays.
Novel use of a micro‐computed tomography scanner to trace larvae of wood boring insects
Authors: Jennings John T , Austin Andrew D
Published: December 2010

Tracing the tunnels of wood boring larvae in wood or other plant material is generally a difficult and destructive process. Here we present a novel non‐destructive method using an in vivo micro‐CT scanner to obtain tomograms of small tunnels. The tunnels were formed by larval xiphydriid woodwasps in the branches of the Tasmanian tree Anodopetalum biglandulosum (Cunoniaceae) and show that, as the larvae develop, the tunnels become progressively larger until pupation occurs just below the surface of the bark. The adult then chews its way through the remaining wood and bark before emerging. This non‐destructive method is discussed more broadly in regard to its application for tracing the tunnels of wood boring insects, for detecting insects in grain and other plant material for quarantine purposes, and for tracking the tunnelling behaviour and development of live insects in wood.
Egg gigantism in some Australian earth‐borer beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Bolboceratinae) and its apparent association with reduction or elimination of larval feeding
Authors: Houston Terry F
Published: December 2010

Field and laboratory observations have revealed that four Western Australian bolboceratine beetle species (Blackburnium reichei (Guérin‐Méneville), Blackbolbus frontalis (Guérin‐Méneville), Bolborhachium inclinatum Howden and Bolborhachium trituberculatum (Bainbridge)) develop and lay one relatively gigantic egg at a time. Eggs of Bbu. reichei weighed up to 56% as much as the females that laid them. These observations accord with earlier reports of egg gigantism in two other Bolborhachium species. However, while those earlier reports noted that the eggs were deposited in large brood cells provisioned with a ‘humus‐like material’, no comparable provision was found in the present study (with the possible exception of Bbo. frontalis). Larvae of Bbu. reichei, Brh. trituberculatum and Blackbolbus hoplocephalus (Lea) and the pupa of the latter species are briefly described and illustrated for the first time. The final instar larva of Bbo. hoplocephalus was unusual in its globose body form, vestigial appendages and complete immobility. Evidence is presented which suggests that females of at least Bbu. reichei (and probably other species) deposit their eggs in comparatively small, bare, earthen cells and development to adulthood takes place in the absence of larval feeding. Comparisons are made with similar biology reported for some European cave beetles.
Geostatistical analysis of the attractive distance of two different sizes of yellow sticky traps for greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), in cherry tomato greenhouses
Authors: Park Jung‐Joon , Lee Joon‐Ho , Shin Key‐Il , Lee Sung Eun , Cho Kijong
Published: December 2010

Variogram analysis was used to estimate and compare the attractive distances of two different sizes of yellow sticky traps (small trap: 9.6 × 8.0 cm; large trap: 9.6 × 16 cm) for sampling greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), adults in four commercial cherry tomato greenhouses, during 2002–2003. The patch size of T. vaporariorum immatures between plants was also estimated using visual counts. Within each greenhouse, 64 permanent sampling stations were established on an 8 × 8 grid, with one yellow sticky trap or one tomato plant per location. Standardised exponential and Gaussian variogram models were fitted to the empirical variograms developed from the data collected by each sampling method. All the variograms reached the sill indicating the presence of spatial dependence among the spatial data obtained by the two sampling methods. For T. vaporariorum adults on sticky traps the range of variogram (a measure of attractive distance) was not considerably different between the two trap sizes: 15.40 and 15.95 m for the large and small traps, respectively. This result indicated that the attractive distances of the two different yellow sticky traps were very similar. The ranges of the variograms for the visual count of immatures on plants were always less (7.49–10.00 m) than those for adults, indicating that the attractive distance of the traps for T. vaporariorum adults extends beyond the patch size for immatures on cherry tomato plants. These data have implications for developing sampling plans for the management of T. vaporariorum in tomato greenhouses.
Comparison of yellow and white pan traps in surveys of bee fauna in New South Wales, Australia (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila)
Authors: Gollan John R , Ashcroft Michael B , Batley Michael
Published: December 2010

Pan trapping is a standardised and commonly used method for collecting bees, but characteristics of the trap may influence its effectiveness or bias results. The effect of trap colour on the species and numbers caught has been studied in the Northern Hemisphere, but not in the Australian region. Australia has a unique bee fauna and colour preferences, if any, may differ from those found in other continents. In four separate surveys across a wide area of New South Wales, it was tested whether there was a difference in the abundance or species richness captured by yellow‐ and white‐coloured pan traps. In total, 1267 bees were collected, comprising 66 species, 50 of which are in the family Halictidae. In all surveys, yellow pan traps collected a significantly larger number and greater diversity of bees. Eight of the thirteen most common species were observed significantly more frequently (P < 0.01) in yellow pan traps, while the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) was found in larger numbers in white traps. Our results demonstrate that differently coloured traps collect different components of the Australian bee fauna. Therefore, a variety of pan colours should be used when sampling overall bee biodiversity, but specific colours may be more effective when targeting certain groups or species.
Relative humidity controls pupation success and dropping behaviour of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Steiner Marilyn Y , Spohr Lorraine J , Goodwin Stephen
Published: December 2010

An investigation into relative humidity (RH) requirements for successful pupation of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, found that RH greater than 80% was necessary for late‐stage second instars to survive to pupation, with at least 90% RH being optimal. RH also impacted on dropping behaviour of late‐stage larvae to pupate below a leaf surface. The mean RH for the change point for larvae to drop rather than remain on the plant surface was 81.2% (95% confidence interval 77.0%, 86.9%), with lower RH inducing dropping. A change in water relationships within the larva is proposed as the most likely mechanism for determining whether it remains on the plant or drops to pupate. These findings have implications with respect to integrated pest management options, particularly the management of RH in greenhouse situations, whether to target the ground or crop canopy, or choice and placement of biocontrol agents.
Review of the biology and control of Creontiades dilutus (Stål) (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: McColl Stuart A , Khan Moazzem , Umina Paul A
Published: December 2010

Here we review the current knowledge of green mirids, Creontiades dilutus (Hemiptera: Miridae). Creontiades dilutus are highly polyphagous pests that are endemic to Australia. They are widely distributed across Australia and feed on a broad range of agricultural crops. Recently, C. dilutus has become an important focus of pest control in Australian cotton crops, most likely due to a decrease in insecticide use associated with the widespread uptake of transgenic cotton varieties. Prior to this, C. dilutus had been coincidentally controlled in cotton by applications of insecticides targeted at other pests such as Helicoverpa spp. Further, the pest status of C. dilutus in summer pulse crops has become more apparent due to the increased research dedicated to this area over the past decade. We review various aspects of the biology and ecology of C. dilutus, including their life cycle, feeding behaviour and host plants. We also examine current control methods and laboratory‐rearing techniques, which will be important for the development of novel control strategies in cotton and other cropping environments. Possible future research directions are highlighted, such as dispersal capabilities and extent of genetic structure within C. dilutus populations, as these will have important implications for effective and sustainable control in the future.
Age at diagnosis as a powerful predictor for disease recurrence after radical nephrectomy in Japanese patients with pT1 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Muramaki Mototsugu , Miyake Hideaki , Sakai Iori , Kondo Yutaka , Kusuda Yuji , Yamada Yuji , Fujisawa Masato
Published: December 2010

Objectives:  To review clinical outcomes and to identify clinicopathological variables as predictors of disease recurrence in a cohort of Japanese patients undergoing radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:  The present study included a total of 710 consecutive Japanese patients who underwent radical nephrectomy and were diagnosed as having localized pT1 RCC. The significance of several clinicopathological factors in predicting postoperative disease recurrence was assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results:  Median age was 66 years (range 32–90 years). Open and laparoscopic radical nephrectomies were carried out for 436 (61.4%) and 274 (38.6%) patients, respectively. Tumor size was 4 cm or less in 461 (64.9%) patients and greater than 4 cm and 249 (35.1%) patients. During the observation period (median 36 months; range 3–111 months), postoperative disease recurrence developed in 37 patients (5.2%), of whom 10 (1.4%) died of disease progression. The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates were 98.3%, 95.0% and 92.7%, respectively. Age at diagnosis and tumor size were found to be significantly associated with recurrence‐free survival at both univariable and multivariable analysis. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the recurrence‐free survival with respect to both independent predictors.

Conclusions:  Age at diagnosis in addition to tumor size appears to be independently related to disease recurrence in Japanese patients with pT1 RCC. Thus, an intensive follow up for older patients seems to be advisable.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF LOW‐DOSE ASPIRIN‐ASSOCIATED SMALL BOWEL INJURY USING A CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY SCORING INDEX
Authors: Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Higurashi Takuma , Sakai Eiji , Iida Hiroshi , Sakamoto Yasunari , Fujita Koji , Takahashi Hirokazu , Koide Tomoko , Yoneda Masato , Tokoro Chikako , Inamori Masahiko , Abe Yasunobu , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: December 2010

Aim:  The major limitation of capsule endoscopy (CE) has been the lack of a standardized and validated severity scale for mucosal injury. The aim of the present study was to verify the usefulness of quantifying small bowel mucosal changes associated with giving low‐dose aspirin (LDA) using a CE scoring index.

Methods:  The CE score for small bowel mucosal injury was investigated to evaluate the severity of mucosal injury. Healthy volunteers and patients suspected of having small bowel disease were recruited for this study. The short‐term LDA group (V + S‐LDA group) consisted of volunteers who took low‐dose aspirin for 14 days; this group was then compared with healthy volunteers who did not receive LDA treatment (V‐Control group). The long‐term LDA group (L‐LDA group) consisted of patients with at least a 3‐month history of daily LDA use; this group was compared with non‐users of LDA (P‐Control group).

Results:  The CE score was significantly higher in the V + S‐LDA group than in the V‐Control group. In the V‐Control group, almost all the subjects were categorized as exhibiting a ‘normal’ change. ‘Mild’ changes were observed significantly more frequently in the V + S‐LDA group than in the V‐Control group. The CE score was significantly higher in the L‐LDA group than in the P‐Control group. ‘Mild’ or ‘moderate or severe’ changes were observed significantly more frequently in the L‐LDA group than in the P‐Control group.

Conclusion:  The CE scoring system was useful for evaluating LDA‐associated small bowel mucosal disease activity and for objectively scoring the small bowel inflammatory disease state.
SINGLE‐SESSION ENDOSCOPIC BILATERAL Y‐CONFIGURED PLACEMENT OF METAL STENTS FOR HILAR MALIGNANT BILIARY OBSTRUCTION
Authors: Kanno Yoshihide , Ito Kei , Fujita Naotaka , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Obana Takashi , Horaguchi Jun , Takasawa Osamu , Kato Yuhei , Koshita Shinsuke , Yamashita Yasunobu , Ogawa Takahisa
Published: December 2010

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic bilateral biliary metal stent placement for hilar malignant obstruction.

Patients and Methods:  Twenty patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction who had undergone endoscopic bilateral Y‐configured biliary drainage with metal stents were enrolled as a study group (YMS group). Thirty‐seven patients who had undergone bilateral drainage with plastic stents were selected as a historical control (PS group). Two newly designed metal stents for bilateral Y‐configured placement were endoscopically deployed in a partial stent‐in‐stent manner in one session. Technical success, early complications, and stent patency were evaluated.

Results:  The technical success rate in the YMS group was 100%. Mild post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis occurred in one patient in the YMS group and in two in the PS group. The success rate of biliary decompression was 95% in the YMS group and 89% in the PS group (P = 0.65). During a median follow‐up period of 7.3 months, the incidence of stent occlusion in the YMS group was significantly lower than that in the PS group (30% vs 62%, P = 0.028). Mean stent patency in the YMS group was 250 days and that in the PS group was 115 days (P = 0.0061). Risk factors for stent occlusion were bile duct cancer (P = 0.035) and the PS group (P = 0.07) by multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:  Single‐session endoscopic bilateral biliary placement of newly designed metal stents for hilar malignant obstruction is safe and useful with a high technical success rate and a long patency period.
CARDIOVASCULAR TOLERANCE AND AUTONOMIC NERVOUS RESPONSES IN UNSEDATED UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL SMALL‐CALIBER ENDOSCOPY: A COMPARISON BETWEEN TRANSNASAL AND PERORAL PROCEDURES WITH NEWLY DEVELOPED MOUTHPIECE
Authors: Kataoka Hiromi , Hayano Junichiro , Mizushima Takashi , Tanaka Mamoru , Kubota Eiji , Shimura Takaya , Mizoshita Tsutomu , Tanida Satoshi , Kamiya Takeshi , Nojiri Shunsuke , Mukai Seiji , Mizuno Kiyoshi , Joh Takashi
Published: December 2010

Background:  Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with small‐caliber endoscopy appears to be less stressful to the cardiovascular system and has good patient tolerance. ENDO LEADER, a newly developed mouthpiece for peroral EGD with small‐caliber endoscopy, is expected to reduce patient stress. We compared the patient acceptance, cardiovascular tolerance and autonomic nervous responses between transnasal EGD and peroral EGD with ENDO LEADER.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 130 patients (transnasal group, 77; peroral group, 53) were enrolled. Pulse rate (P), blood pressure (BP), and peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored. Acceptance of EGD was also assessed. Autonomic nervous responses were evaluated through analysis of heart rate variability using amplitude of the high‐frequency component (HF) and low‐frequency‐to‐high‐frequency power ratio (LF/HF) as indices of cardiac vagal activity and sympathetic activity, respectively.

Results:  Analysis of patient acceptance showed no differences between the two groups, except with regard to nasal pain. Increases in BP and P between before and during EGD examination were significantly higher in the peroral group. Although throat pain and overall tolerance scores were significantly correlated with ΔBP and ΔP, no correlations with nasal pain score were noted. Heart rate variability analysis revealed that heart rate increased significantly in the peroral group, but there were no differences in ΔHF or ΔLF/HF between the two groups.

Conclusions:  Patient acceptance was not significantly different between the transnasal and peroral with ENDO LEADER groups; however, transnasal EGD appears to be less stressful to the sympathetic nervous system, leading to smaller elevations in BP, P and heart rate.
LOW‐FREQUENCY OF BACTEREMIA AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION OF THE STOMACH
Authors: Itaba Soichi , Iboshi Yoichiro , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ogino Haruei , Sumida Yorinobu , Aso Akira , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Akiho Hirotada , Igarashi Hisato , Kato Masaki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Ito Tetsuhide , Takayanagi Ryoichi
Published: December 2010

Background:  Mainstream therapy for early gastric cancer in Japan has now shifted from endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although bacteremia is reported as being infrequent and transient in gastric EMR, there are no reports of it being investigated in gastric ESD. This study aimed to determine the frequency of bacteremia in gastric ESD.

Patients and Methods:  A prospective study, in 46 consecutive patients who underwent gastric ESD, investigated the frequency of bacteremia before and after the procedure.

Results:  The median time for the total ESD procedure was 105 min (range 30–400). The median volume of the submucosal injection was 80 ml (range 20–260). The mean size of the resected specimen was 40 ± 9.7 mm. Blood cultures obtained before ESD were positive in 4.4% (2/45) of cases. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus spp. were the isolated microorganisms. Blood cultures obtained 10 min after ESD were positive in 4.3% (2/46) of cases; with the same microorganisms being isolated. Blood cultures obtained 3 h after ESD were all negative. No signs of sepsis were seen in the two patients with a positive blood culture 10 min after ESD.

Conclusions:  The frequency of bacteremia after gastric ESD was low and transient. ESD for gastric lesions is thought to have a low risk of infectious complications; therefore, prophylactic administration of antibiotics may not be warranted.
DIRECT TESTS OF INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES FOR EFFICIENCY AND EQUITY
Authors: COX JAMES C. , SADIRAJ VJOLLCA
Published: December 2010

Departures from “economic man” behavior in many games in which fairness is a salient characteristic are now well documented in the experimental economics literature. These data have inspired the development of models of social preferences that assume agents have preferences for equity and efficiency as well as their own material payoffs. Empirical failure of the economic man model comes from experiments that provide direct tests of its distinguishing characteristic: indifference to the payoffs of others. This paper reports an experiment that subjects popular social preferences models to the same type of empirical challenge. We report direct tests of the distinguishing characteristics of these models: preference for allocations that have higher efficiency and greater equity. (JEL A12, A13, B49, C70, C91, D63)
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRADE COSTS IN DEVIATIONS FROM THE LAW‐OF‐ONE‐PRICE: ESTIMATES BASED ON THE DIRECTION OF TRADE
Authors: INANC OZLEM , ZACHARIADIS MARIOS
Published: December 2010

The full impact of trade costs in segmenting product markets cannot be captured by considering aggregate prices or in the absence of information on the direction of trade. We address this problem by utilizing product‐specific prices, cross‐sectional productivity indices, and bilateral trade flows, allowing us to identify the probable source of any one product. We show that trade costs in the form of transportation and distribution costs are important in determining international price differences and segmenting international markets. Physical distance relative to the origin has a precisely estimated positive impact on international deviations from the Law‐of‐One‐Price that is larger than estimates that do not account for the origin of each product. Based on our benchmark estimates, the price elasticity of distance was around 10% in 1990. (JEL F4)
CORE EXECUTIVES AND COORDINATION OF EU LAW TRANSPOSITION: EVIDENCE FROM NEW MEMBER STATES
Authors: ZUBEK RADOSLAW
Published: December 2010

This article compares cabinet institutions for coordinating the transposition of EU legislation in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. It examines how national executives have adapted to European integration and what factors have shaped institutional variation across countries and over time. During pre‐accession, the Hungarian, Polish and (to a lesser extent) Czech cabinets established strong core executives for tracking EU‐related legislative commitments, monitoring progress and reviewing the quality of transposition. After accession, the cores in all three cabinets loosened the grip on transposition, although to different degrees. The analysis shows that, if sectoral factors are kept constant, variation in the patterns of national adaptation can be explained with reference to external incentives and constitutional rules. High benefits of transposition before accession encouraged centralization, particularly in prime‐ministerial cabinets. Fewer incentives under full membership contributed to a halt or reversal in core executive ascendancy, especially in ministerial‐type cabinets.
MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES IN PUBLIC SERVICE CONTRACTING: LESSONS IN GREEN‐SPACE MANAGEMENT
Authors: LINDHOLST ANDREJ CHRISTIAN , BOGETOFT PETER
Published: December 2010

In this article, we address a series of interrelated issues in the managerial challenge of public service contracting. This is done by prompting ten issues within four objectives and highlighting their relevance and potential interrelatedness in effective contract management. In contrast to prevalent piecemeal and theoretically one‐dimensional approaches, the objectives and issues constitute a holistic framework that advances a comprehensive and pragmatic understanding of contracting processes. We hope that the framework merits further in‐depth exploration that may generate new insights, themes and questions for research in public service contracting. We identify and exemplify the framework by combining insights from different theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence through an iterative process. The evidence is educed as a set of observed and self‐reported stories in a cross‐national sample of 15 cases of contracting‐out in urban green‐space management.
TOWARDS DEVELOPING NEW PARTNERSHIPS IN PUBLIC SERVICES: USERS AS CONSUMERS, CITIZENS AND/OR CO‐PRODUCERS IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IN ENGLAND AND SWEDEN
Authors: FOTAKI MARIANNA
Published: December 2010

The causes and effects of marketization of public services have been analysed extensively in the literature, but there is relatively little research on how those policies impact on the development of new forms of governance, and the role of users in these new arrangements. This study reviews examples of competition, freedom of choice and personalized care in health and social services in England and Sweden, in order to examine the type of relationships emerging between the user/consumervis‐à‐vismarket driven providers and various agencies of the state under the marketized welfare. The article focuses on the possible roles users might assume in new hybrid arrangements between markets, collaborations and steering. A user typology: namely, that of a consumer, citizen, co‐producer and responsibilized agent in various governance arrangements, is then suggested. The article concludes by arguing that pro‐market policies instead of meeting the alleged needs of post‐modern users for individualized public services are likely to promote a new type of highly volatile and fragile partnerships, and create a new subordinated user who has no choice but to ‘choose’ services they have little control over.
THE ROLE OF POLITICS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THE ITALIAN ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM TRAJECTORY
Authors: ONGARO EDOARDO
Published: December 2010

This article applies broad conceptual categories of comparative politics to the explanation of administrative reforms in Italy. It takes as its argument some lines of influence on public sector reform of the features of the party system in Italy, the executive‐legislative balance, the politician‐bureaucrat relationship, and the role of administrative law. In the search for explanations for the trajectory of administrative reform, pre‐existing political and institutional factors also have to be interpreted through the lens of negotiated change occurring via processes of conversion and layering involving new and old institutions that has taken place in Italy since the ‘political crisis' began in 1992.
Methamphetamine‐associated cleavage of the synaptic adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule‐5
Authors: Conant Katherine , Lonskaya Irina , Szklarczyk Arek , Krall Caroline , Steiner Joseph , Maguire‐Zeiss Kathleen , Lim Seung T.
Published: December 2010

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 521–532.

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that, used in excess, may be neurotoxic. Although the mechanisms that underlie its addictive potential are not completely understood, in animal models matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors can reduce behavioral correlates of addiction. In addition, evidence from genome‐wide association studies suggests that polymorphisms in synaptic cell‐adhesion molecules (CAMs), known MMP substrates, are linked to addictive potential in humans. In the present study, we examined the ability of MA to stimulate cleavage of intercellular adhesion molecule‐5 (ICAM‐5), a synaptic CAM expressed on dendritic spines in the telencephalon. Previous studies have shown that shedding of ICAM‐5 is associated with maturation of dendritic spines, and that MMP‐dependent shedding occurs with long term potentiation. Herein, we show that MA stimulates ectodomain cleavage of ICAM‐5 in vitro, and that this is abrogated by a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor. We also show that an acute dose of MA, administered in vivo, is associated with cleavage of ICAM‐5 in murine hippocampus and striatum. This occurs within 6 h and is accompanied by an increase in MMP‐9 protein. In related experiments, we examined the potential consequences of ICAM‐5 shedding. We demonstrate that the ICAM‐5 ectodomain can interact with β1 integrins, and that it can stimulate β1 integrin‐dependent phosphorylation of cofilin, an event that has previously been linked to MMP‐dependent spine maturation. Together these data support an emerging appreciation of MMPs as effectors of synaptic plasticity and suggest a mechanism by which MA may influence the same.
The effect of losartan and carvedilol on vasopressor responses to adrenergic agonists and angiotensin II in the systemic circulation of Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Sattar M. A. , Abdullah N. A. , Khan M. A. H. , Anand Swarup K. R. L. , Johns E. J.
Published: December 2010

1 Interaction between renin‐angiotensin (RAS) and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS) was investigated by examining the effect of cumulative blockade of angiotensin II (Ang II) and adrenergic receptors in normal Sprague Dawley rats.

2 Rats were treated with losartan (10 mg/kg), carvedilol (5 mg/kg), or losartan plus carvedilol (10 + 5 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. On day 8, the animals were anaesthetized with pentobarbitone and prepared for systemic haemodynamic study. Dose–response relationships for the elevation of mean arterial pressure or change in heart rate (HR) in response to intravenous injections of noradrenaline (NA), phenylephrine (PE), methoxamine (ME) and Ang II were determined.

3 Losartan or the combination of losartan with carvedilol blunted vasopressor responses to ME and Ang II. Dose–response relationships for agonist action on HR were significantly inhibited by all treatments except for the combination of losartan and carvedilol on the decrease in HR induced by PE. Carvedilol decreased vasopressor responses to NA, PE and Ang II, and HR responses to NA, ME and Ang II. Combination treatment produced similar effects to losartan on the vasopressor and HR responses but had a greater effect on vasopressor responses to ME and Ang II, and on HR responses to NA and Ang II than carvedilol alone.

4 It is concluded that peripheral vasoconstriction induced by Ang II is partly mediated by adrenergic action and that the vasopressor responses to adrenergic agonists depend on an intact RAS. These observations suggest an interactive relationship between RAS and SNS in determining systemic haemodynamic responses in ‘normal’ rats.
Renal Function Recovery in Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Chu Jay K. , Folkert Vaughn W.
Published: December 2010

Renal function recovery (RFR) from acute kidney injury requiring dialysis occurs at a high frequency. RFR from chronic dialysis, on the other hand, is an uncommon but well‐recognized phenomenon, occurring at a rate of 1.0–2.4% according to data from large observational studies. The underlying etiology of renal failure is the single most important predicting factor of RFR in chronic dialysis patients. The disease types with the highest RFR rates are atheroembolic renal disease, systemic autoimmune disease, renovascular diseases, and scleroderma. The disease types with the lowest RFR rates are diabetic nephropathy and cystic kidney disease. Initial dialysis modality does not appear to influence RFR. Careful observation and history taking are needed to recognize the often nonspecific clinical and laboratory signs of RFR. When RFR is suspected in a chronic dialysis patient, a 24‐hour urine urea and creatinine clearance should be measured. Based on the renal clearance, along with other clinical factors, the dialysis prescription may be gradually reduced until a complete discontinuation of dialysis. After RFR from maintenance dialysis, patients require close follow‐up in an office setting for chronic kidney disease management.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Cause and Treatment of Electrolyte Complications
Authors: Fall Pamela , Szerlip Harold M.
Published: December 2010

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has become the modality of choice for critically ill patients. Although often hemodynamically better tolerated than intermittent dialysis, the continuous nature of this therapy may cause significant electrolyte complications. These complications commonly result from removal of electrolytes from the body without adequate replacement or because of the use of trisodium citrate as the anticoagulant. Both hypophosphatemia and hypokalemia frequently complicate prolonged treatment. These complications can be avoided by adding these electrolytes to the dialysate or replacement fluid. The use of citrate, especially if this anticoagulant is not used routinely following established protocols, can also result in several electrolyte abnormalities. Because citrate works by chelating calcium, hypo‐ and hypercalcemia occur because of under‐ or overreplacement of calcium. Because citrate is a base equivalent, if the bicarbonate concentration of the dialysate or replacement fluid is not decreased, a metabolic alkalosis may develop. Less commonly, in patients with severe liver dysfunction who cannot metabolize citrate back to bicarbonate, a metabolic acidosis may develop. Although CRRT may cause electrolyte complication it also can be the treatment of choice for the correction of certain electrolyte complications. In patients with acute or chronic renal failure who present with significant dysnatremias, intermittent hemodialysis may cause overly rapid correction of the serum sodium with serious neurologic sequelae. The ability to manipulate the sodium concentration of the dialysate or replacement fluid and the more sustained nature of the treatment allows for a slower correction thus avoiding complications.
Infectious Spondylodiscitis in Hemodialysis
Authors: García‐García Patricia , Rivero Antonio , del Castillo Nieves , Jarque Ana , Getino María A. , García‐Pérez Javier , Navarro‐González Juan F.
Published: December 2010

Infectious spondylodiscitis is an infection seen with increasing frequency in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. Often accompanied by bacteremia, it is associated with the use of central venous catheters for hemodialysis access. Initial symptoms can be relatively insidious and nonspecific. Therefore, the clinician must have a low threshold for diagnostic testing that goes beyond blood cultures. This, in addition to early empiric antibiotic therapy, may improve the outcome of this potentially catastrophic infection.
Electrolyte Management in Frequent Home Hemodialysis
Authors: King Rhonda S. , Glickman Joel D.
Published: December 2010

Short daily hemodialysis (SDHD) and nocturnal home hemodialysis are modalities performed at home at shorter intervals than conventional hemodialysis. Because of their increased frequency, these alternative modalities create the potential for less inter‐dialytic fluid gains and therefore fewer episodes of intra‐dialytic hypotension. By more closely replicating normal renal physiology, they may also improve electrolyte management. In this article, we review published data on levels of calcium, phosphate, potassium, and bicarbonate levels using these home dialysis modalities. We also present our single‐center experience with electrolyte management in patients maintained on SDHD using low dialysate flow rate, a modality of growing prevalence.
Vascular Access for Dialysis in the United States: Progress, Hurdles, Controversies, and the Future
Authors: Wish Jay B.
Published: December 2010

In 2003, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made an increase in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) prevalence and a decrease in catheter prevalence a priority, initiating a project known since 2005 as the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI). From 2003 to June 2010, the prevalent AVF in use rate has increased from 32.2% to 55.8% according to CMS data, a remarkable achievement yet short of CMS’s 66% prevalent AVF goal. The prevalent catheter rate decreased from 26.9% to 23.8% during this same period. Although an effort to augment AVF placement has resulted in issues of nonmaturation, the primary contributor to the 23.8% prevalent catheter rate is the 82% incident catheter rate, which has not declined significantly. Future efforts to decrease the prevalent catheter rate and increase the prevalent AVF rate must be directed at patients with stages 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease and the healthcare providers and practitioners involved in their care, including hospital systems, surgeons, referring physicians, and nephrologists. The nephrologist plays a key role in providing guidance to those providers and holding them accountable for improved vascular access outcomes.
Mesurer les coǔts de licenciement: de l'intérět des méthodes directes
Authors: FREYENS Benoǐt Pierre
Published: December 2010

Les coǔts de licenciement, ainsi que l'appareil législatif et réglementaire régissant les relations professionnelles, sont souvent blǎmés pour les mauvaises performances du marché du travail. Toutefois, les études théoriques et économétriques sur l'impact économique de ces coǔts ne sont pas concluantes. Par le passé, on s'est surtout intéressé aux hypothèses fonctionnelles et à l'incidence des divers paramètres, mais on a très peu analysé la qualité et la précision des méthodes de mesure de ces coǔts, dont dépendent pourtant la plupart des résultats en cette matière. L'auteur examine les méthodes de mesure directes et indirectes couramment utilisées en ce domaine, et soutient qu'il est essentiel d'employer les méthodes quantitatives directes, rarement utilisées par les chercheurs, pour compléter les méthodes de mesure indirectes auxquelles on a généralement recours. Ce point est illustré par les résultats d'un sondage expérimental récemment mené en Australie.
Santé au travail en Thaïlande: le processus de transition
Authors: Kelly Matthew , Strazdins Lyndall , Dellora Tarie , Khamman Suwanee , Seubsman Sam‐ang , Sleigh Adrian C.
Published: December 2010

La Thaïlande a connu une transition économique rapide, de l'agriculture aux secteurs manufacturier et tertiaire, puis vers l'emploi plus formel. Toutefois, la réglementation du marché du travail et la représentation des salariés sont moins affirmées que dans les pays développés, où cette transition s'est effectuée graduellement et plus lentement, il y a plusieurs décennies. Les auteurs examinent le renforcement des politiques et de la législation thaïlandaise sur la sécurité et la santé au travail en réponse aux normes internationales du travail, à l'adoption d'une nouvelle constitution démocratique, à la crainte d'embargos commerciaux étrangers et aux accidents mortels du travail. Ils concluent en identifiant les principaux défis auxquels sont confrontés les décideurs politiques, y compris l'application de la législation et les méthodes pour mesurer les nouveaux risques professionnels sur la santé mentale et physique des travailleurs.
La legislación protectora del empleo y la estabilidad laboral. Análisis transnacional europeo
Authors: CAZES Sandrine , TONIN Mirco
Published: December 2010

Los autores estudian la antigüedad en la empresa en toda la Unión Europea con datos relativos al período 1999–2006. La antigüedad no descendió durante esos años en muchos países europeos, con una excepción: los trabajadores de 15 a 24 años de edad. Según el análisis de regresión que efectúan, ello guarda relación con el debilitamiento de las leyes de empleo y de los sindicatos. Dado que los trabajadores jóvenes tienen poca capacidad de negociar personalmente sus condiciones laborales, la individualización de la relación de trabajo puede perjudicarles más que al resto.
Costos del despido y ventajas de la medición con métodos directos
Authors: FREYENS Benoǐt Pierre
Published: December 2010

Es frecuente achacar los malos resultados del mercado laboral a los costos del despido y a las normas que rigen las relaciones de trabajo. Ahora bien, las investigaciones acerca de las consecuencias económicas de los despidos prestan muy poca atención a la calidad y la precisión de las mediciones, y no arrojan indicaciones concluyentes. Después de pasar revista a los métodos actuales de medición, el autor sostiene que es muy conveniente usar métodos cuantitativos directos a fin de complementar las mediciones indirectas habituales. Para ilustrar esta afirmación se vale de una encuesta efectuada recientemente en Australia.
La formación en el trabajo en Europa. Determinantes y rendimiento salarial
Authors: ALBERT Cecilia , GARCÍA‐SERRANO Carlos , HERNANZ Virginia
Published: December 2010

Los autores analizan los determinantes de la participación de los trabajadores en actividades formativas y los efectos de éstas sobre los salarios. A partir de datos de seis países del Panel de Hogares de la Unión Europea del período 19952001, construyen cuatro tipos de indicadores de formación. Sus estimaciones con mínimos cuadrados ordinarios indican que las actividades formativas generan unos rendimientos salariales notables en casi todos los países analizados. Sin embargo, los rendimientos no son estadísticamente distintos de cero cuando repiten las estimaciones con modelos de efectos fijos. Por tanto, las ganancias salariales debidas a la formación podrían estar siendo sobrestimadas al no tenerse en cuenta adecuadamente otros factores.
«Flexiseguridad» en Bélgica. Una propuesta de reforma basada en principios económicos
Authors: Cockx Bart , Vander Linden Bruno
Published: December 2010

El régimen de seguro de desempleo y la legislación protectora del empleo de Bélgica se establecieron con el telón de fondo de una relación clásica, de carácter estable y duradero, entre trabajadores y empresas. Sin embargo, la globalización de la economía y la rápida evolución de las tecnologías y los sistemas de organización exigen hoy en día más flexibilidad tanto a unos como a otras. De ahí que las instituciones del mercado laboral hayan de reformarse de manera urgente para conciliar esta mayor flexibilidad con una seguridad suficiente para los trabajadores. Aunque la idea de la «flexiseguridad» no es nueva, hay opiniones distintas sobre cuál es el modelo institucional que debe traer consigo. Los autores proponen una reforma guiada expresamente por los principios económicos.
Fifteen years of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin in central nervous system Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Gavhed Désirée , Laurencikas Evaldas , Åkefeldt Selma O , Henter Jan‐Inge
Published: December 2010

Aim:  There is currently no well‐accepted therapy for central nervous system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (CNS‐LCH), a neuroinflammatory disease clinically characterized by often progressive, neurological symptoms including ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, hypertonicity, intellectual impairment and behavioural abnormalities. We applied immunomodulative/anti‐inflammatory treatment on a patient with progressive CNS‐LCH disease.

Method:  Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered monthly for 15 years to a patient with severe, image‐verified neurodegenerative CNS‐LCH.

Results:  During the IVIG treatment, the neurological deterioration initially appeared to be haltered, but over time there was still some deterioration.

Conclusions:  IVIG may be beneficial in partly haltering CNS‐LCH neurodegeneration, but further studies are needed.
Coexisting micronutrient deficiencies among Sri Lankan pre‐school children: a community‐based study
Authors: Hettiarachchi Manjula , Liyanage Chandrani
Published: December 2010

Assessing micronutrient status in children may also have the benefit of addressing the problems of various micronutrient deficiencies with a unified programmatic approach on a public health scale. A cross‐sectional survey in the Galle district of the micronutrient and anthropometric status of 248 children of ages 3–5 years was performed to determine the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies [iron, zinc (Zn), folate, calcium, caeruloplasmin, iodine, vitamin A and vitamin D] and the extent to which multiple micronutrient deficiencies coexist. The prevalence of anaemia [haemogbolin (Hb) < 110.0 g L−1] was 34.0% in males and 33.0% in females (overall 33.5%, gender difference, P = 0.92). In anaemic children, 7.0% of males and 15.0% of females were iron deficient (serum ferritin < 15.0 µg L−1). Folate deficiency (<3.00 ng mL−1) was found in 41.0% and 33.0% of male and female, respectively, whereas Zn deficiency (<9.95 µmol L−1) occurred in 57.0% and 50.0% of male and female, respectively. Serum vitamin D deficiency (<35.0 nmol L−1) was found in 26% and 25% of male and female, respectively. Anaemic males had a 3.0‐fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–8.3) and 2.3‐fold (95% CI 0.8–6.6) greater risk of being underweight and thin, whereas the risk among anaemic females was 0.7‐fold (95% CI 0.3–1.8) and 0.9‐fold (95% CI 0.3–2.6) for being underweight and thin. Only 7.3% of the subjects did not have any micronutrient deficiency, 38.3% were deficient in two micronutrients, 17.7% had three micronutrient deficiencies and 6.0% had four or more micronutrient deficiencies. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in Sri Lankan pre‐school children and established baseline data for future studies.