bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and Characterization of Phytoplasmas Infecting Ornamental and Weed Plants in Iran
Authors: Babaie G. , Khatabi B. , Bayat H. , Rastgou M. , Hosseini A. , Salekdeh G. H.
Published: May 2007

During field surveys in 2004, ornamental and weed plants showing symptoms resembling those caused by phytoplasmas were observed in Mahallat (central Iran). These plants were examined for phytoplasma infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using universal phytoplasma primers directed to ribosomal DNA (rDNA). All affected plants gave positive results. The detected phytoplasmas were characterized and differentiated through restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis of PCR‐amplified rDNA. The phytoplasmas detected in diseased Asclepias curassavica and Celosia argentea were identified as members of clover proliferation phytoplasma group (16SrVI group) whereas those from the remaining plants examined proved to be members of aster yellow phytoplasma group (16SrI group) (‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’). In particular, following digestion with AluI, HaeIII and HhaI endonucleases, the phytoplasma detected in Limonium sinuatum showed restriction profiles identical to subgroup 16SrI‐C; phytoplasmas from Gomphocarpus physocarpus, Tanatacetum partenium, Lactuca serriola, Tagetes patula and Coreopsis lanceolata had the same restriction profiles as subgroup 16SrI‐B whereas Catharanthus roseus‐ and Rudbeckia hirta‐infecting phytoplasmas showed restriction patterns of subgroup 16SrI‐A. This is the first report on the occurrence of phytoplasma diseases of ornamental plants in Iran.
Automation of DNA marker analysis for molecular breeding in crops: practical experience of a plant breeding company
Authors: Dayteg C. , Tuvesson S. , Merker A. , Jahoor A. , Kolodinska‐Brantestam A.
Published: May 2007

In modern plant breeding, DNA marker analyses are of increasing importance and, as the methods become more widely adopted, the capacity for high‐throughput analyses at low cost is crucial for its practical use. Automation of the analysis processes is a way to meet these requirements. In order to achieve this, while keeping adequate flexibility in the analysis processes, Svalöf Weibull AB (SW) has developed a fully automated polymerase chain reaction system. It has been evaluated on barley and canola lines and is capable of analysing up to 2200 samples per day at a cost of 0,24 € per analysis for marker‐assisted selection and quality control of genetically modified organisms. A detailed description of this system is given, and improvements to the throughput and applications are discussed.
Quality assessment of rapeseed accessions by means of near‐infrared spectroscopy on combine harvesters
Authors: Montes J. M. , Paul C. , Melchinger A. E.
Published: May 2007

Optimization of data collection processes in plant breeding programmes is of the highest importance for plant breeders. In rapeseed‐breeding, data collection and selection must be carried out in a very restricted period of time because of the short time span between harvesting and sowing. Near‐infrared spectroscopy on combine harvesters (NOCH) improves the data collection processes in breeding programmes of grain crops such as maize, and it may also improve the data collection processes in breeding programmes of rapeseed. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of NOCH for the determination of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), oil and glucosinolate (GSL) contents in rapeseed. A plot combine harvester equipped with a near‐infrared diode‐array spectrometer was used. Reference values for DM content were determined by the oven method. Reference values for the quality traits were established by laboratory near‐infrared spectroscopy. NOCH showed a high potential for the determination of DM, CP, oil, and GSL contents. Use of NOCH in breeding may increase the efficiency of data collection processes and might dramatically accelerate the development of rapeseed cultivars.
Sources of seedling and adult plant resistance to Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici in European wheats
Authors: Hovmøller M. S.
Published: May 2007

One‐hundred‐and‐forty‐one wheat cultivars were tested at the seedling stage using up to 16 yellow rust isolates of diverse origin. Sixty‐five resistance spectra were observed, including 20 spectra defined by differential cultivars with specific genes for resistance to Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici. Yr1, Yr2, Yr3, Yr4, Yr6, Yr9, Yr15, Yr17, Yr25, Yr32, and several additional sources of resistance were recognized. The resistance spectra were often conferred by Yr‐genes and resistance factors with an unresolved genetic basis. All cultivars carried resistance and 27 had resistance for which no fully compatible isolate was detected. Yr15 was detected in four cultivars, a resistance from wild Emmer not previously reported in commercial wheat. There was no indication of Yr5, Yr7, Yr8, Yr10 and Yr24 in any cultivar. Most cultivars were also investigated in field nurseries using up to nine isolates of Danish origin. Fifty‐six cultivars displayed high or very high levels of resistance to any isolate in the field, and 18 of these showed full compatibility at the seedling stage to at least one isolate, i.e. revealing components of adult plant resistance.
Development of co‐dominant amplified polymorphic sequence markers for resistance of sunflower to downy mildew race 730
Authors: Panković D. , Radovanović N. , Jocić S. , Satovic Z. , ŠKorić D.
Published: May 2007

The inheritance of the reaction of sunflower to downy mildew was investigated using resistant and susceptible near isogenic lines (NILs) and their F3 families. Resistance to race 730 was evaluated using the whole seedling inoculation technique. Seventy‐three F3 families were inoculated, among which 54 families were resistant and 19 susceptible, fitting a 3 : 1 segregation ratio. F3 families were also studied using several PCR markers. Ten markers at the Pl6 locus, specific for the resistant line, also segregated in F3 families with a 3 : 1 ratio. The same segregation ratio occurred for microsatellite haplotypes that resembled the resistant parent, and were amplified with ORS 166 and ORS 1043. The only common fragment that was observed between resistant and susceptible parental lines was one of the TIR‐NBS‐LRR resistance gene analogue markers, having a restriction site. Two co‐dominant cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were obtained. The mapping data indicate that several dominant markers and two CAPS markers, developed here, completely co‐segregate with the Pl6 gene conferring resistance to race 730. CAPS markers will facilitate efficient marker‐assisted selection for sunflower resistance to downy mildew race 730.
Surgical outcomes of partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: A joint study by the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer
Authors: Senga Yutaka , Ozono Seiichiro , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Nagamori Satoshi , Marumo Ken , Horie Shigeo , Onishi Tetsuro , Miyao Noriomi , Nakao Masahiro , Igarashi Tatsuo , Tsushima Tomoyasu , Hasegawa Michihiko , Murai Masaru ,   the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer (JSRC)
Published: May 2007

Objective:  A joint study was undertaken by the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer to investigate the present status of partial nephrectomy in Japan and to speculate about what may be the indications for partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Methods:  Data were tabulated for 469 patients from participating medical institutions and various clinical factors were investigated with regard to disease progression (local recurrence and distant metastasis).

Results:  Disease progression was observed in 21 patients (4.5%). No significant relation to disease progression was observed for sex, laterality, tumor histology, grade and tumor size. Although patients with solitary tumors displayed excellent prognosis irrespective of tumor diameter, patients with multiple tumors displayed a high likelihood of disease progression. Patients older than 77 years old and patients with imperative indication were found to have a poorer prognosis.

Conclusion:  In patients with solitary tumors, partial nephrectomy can be actively performed, even if the patient displays elective indications and the tumor is >4 cm in diameter. In patients displaying multiple tumors with imperative indications, the decision whether to perform partial nephrectomy should be made by the patients and their physicians after considering the impact on curability and the quality of life.
Low‐cycle fatigue properties of eutectic solders at high temperatures
Authors: KARIYA YOSHIHARU , SUGA TADATOMO
Published: May 2007

This paper details the deformation mechanism and low‐cycle fatigue life of eutectic solder alloys at high temperature (around 0.8Tm). Grain boundary sliding generally nucleates a wedge‐type cavity that reduces the low‐cycle fatigue life of metals. In this study, grain boundary sliding has promoted intergranular failure contributing to the reduction in fatigue life of Sn–Ag–Cu alloy. However, grain boundary sliding has exerted no deleterious effects on fatigue resistance of eutectic Pb–Sn and Bi–Sn alloys. The phase boundary sliding with very fine microstructure induces exceptional ductility in these alloys leading to superior low‐cycle fatigue endurance for theses eutectic Pb–Sn and Bi–Sn alloys.
Archaeoglobus fulgidus couples CO oxidation to sulfate reduction and acetogenesis with transient formate accumulation
Authors: Henstra Anne M. , Dijkema Cor , Stams Alfons J. M.
Published: May 2007

The genome sequence of Archaeoglobus fulgidus VC16 encodes three CO dehydrogenase genes. Here we explore the capacity of A. fulgidus to use CO as growth substrate. Archaeoglobus fulgidus VC16 was successfully adapted to growth medium that contained sulfate and CO. In the presence of CO and sulfate the culture OD660 increased to 0.41 and sulfide, carbon dioxide, acetate and formate were formed. Accumulation of formate was transient. Similar results, except that no sulfide was formed, were obtained when sulfate was omitted. Hydrogen was never detected. Under the conditions tested, the observed concentrations of acetate (18 mM) and formate (8.2 mM) were highest in cultures without sulfate. Proton NMR spectroscopy indicated that CO2, and not CO, is the precursor of formate and the methyl group of acetate. Methylviologen‐dependent formate dehydrogenase activity (1.4 μmol formate oxidized min−1 mg−1) was detected in cell‐free extracts and expected to have a role in formate reuptake. It is speculated that formate formation proceeds through hydrolysis of formyl‐methanofuran or formyl‐tetrahydromethanopterin. This study demonstrates that A. fulgidus can grow chemolithoautotrophically with CO as acetogen, and is not strictly dependent on the presence of sulfate, thiosulfate or other sulfur compounds as electron acceptor.
Populations related to Alkanindiges, a novel genus containing obligate alkane degraders, are implicated in biological foaming in activated sludge systems
Authors: Klein Adam N. , Frigon Dominic , Raskin Lutgarde
Published: May 2007

Activated sludge mixed liquor and biological foam samples were collected from five full‐scale municipal wastewater treatment plants in Illinois, all of which were exhibiting biological foaming at the time of sampling. Oligonucleotide probe hybridization consistently measured higher levels of Gammaproteobacteria rRNA in the foam as compared with the mixed liquor for all treatment plants analysed. Cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons led to the identification of populations which were abundant in each of the treatment plants. These populations were related to the Alkanindiges/Acinetobacter cluster within the Gammaproteobacteria. Further analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences indicated that they clustered in three phylogenetic groups outside the main Alkanindiges/Acinetobacter cluster, suggesting that these groups may represent new taxa. Terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis showed that these populations were enriched in the foam compared with the underlying mixed liquor similar to the enrichment of the Gammaproteobacteria measured by oligonucleotide probe membrane hybridization. The observed enrichment in foam samples is suggestive of a role for these populations in foam formation or stabilization, and their presence in all treatment plants analysed in this study may be indicative of their widespread abundance in foaming plants.
The effects of orlistat and fenofibrate, alone or in combination, on high‐density lipoprotein subfractions and pre‐beta1‐HDL levels in obese patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Filippatos T. D. , Liberopoulos E. N. , Kostapanos M. , Gazi I. F. , Papavasiliou E. C. , Kiortsis D. N. , Tselepis A. D. , Elisaf M. S.
Published: May 2007

Objective:  We assessed the effect of orlistat and fenofibrate, alone or in combination, on plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and plasma pre‐beta1‐HDL levels in overweight and obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods:  Patients (n = 89) were prescribed a low‐fat low‐calorie diet and were randomly allocated to receive orlistat 120 mg three times daily (O group), micronized fenofibrate 200 mg/day (F group) or both (OF group) for 6 months. HDL subfractions were determined using a polyacrylamide gel tube electrophoresis method and pre‐beta1‐HDL levels using enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay.

Results:  We observed a significant change of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels only in the F group (+3%, p < 0.05). Large HDL‐C levels were significantly increased and small HDL‐C levels were significantly reduced with O administration. In F group we observed a significant increase of small HDL‐C levels. No significant change of large or small HDL‐C levels was observed with combination treatment. We observed a significant increase of pre‐beta1‐HDL levels in all groups, which was significantly greater in OF group compared with O or F monotherapy.

Conclusion:  OF combination increased the antiatherogenic pre‐beta1‐HDL levels in overweight and obese patients with MetS. Furthermore, OF combination counterbalanced the reduction of small HDL‐C levels observed with orlistat monotherapy.
Molecular insights into the phylogenetic structure of the spider genus Theridion (Araneae, Theridiidae) and the origin of the Hawaiian Theridion‐like fauna
Authors: Arnedo Mquel A. , Agnarsson Ingi , Gillespie Rosemary G.
Published: May 2007

The Hawaiian happy face spider (Theridion grallator Simon, 1900), named for a remarkable abdominal colour pattern resembling a smiling face, has served as a model organism for understanding the generation of genetic diversity. Theridion grallator is one of 11 endemic Hawaiian species of the genus reported to date. Asserting the origin of island endemics informs on the evolutionary context of diversification, and how diversity has arisen on the islands. Studies on the genus Theridion in Hawaii, as elsewhere, have long been hampered by its large size (> 600 species) and poor definition. Here we report results of phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of five genes conducted on five diverse species of Hawaiian Theridion, along with the most intensive sampling of Theridiinae analysed to date. Results indicate that the Hawaiian Islands were colonised by two independent Theridiinae lineages, one of which originated in the Americas. Both lineages have undergone local diversification in the archipelago and have convergently evolved similar bizarre morphs. Our findings confirm para‐ or polyphyletic status of the largest Theridiinae genera: Theridion, Achaearanea and Chrysso. Convergent simplification of the palpal organ has occurred in the Hawaiian Islands and in two continental lineages. The results confirm the convergent evolution of social behaviour and web structure, both already documented within the Theridiidae. Greater understanding of phylogenetic relationships within the Theridiinae is key to understanding of behavioural and morphological evolution in this highly diverse group.
A method for assessing quality of control from glucose profiles
Authors: Hill N. R. , Hindmarsh P. C. , Stevens R. J. , Stratton I. M. , Levy J. C. , Matthews D. R.
Published: May 2007

Aim  As the practice of multiple assessments of glucose concentration throughout the day increases for people with diabetes, there is a need for an assessment of glycaemic control weighted for the clinical risks of both hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia.

Methods  We have developed a methodology to report the degree of risk which a glycaemic profile represents. Fifty diabetes professionals assigned risk values to a range of 40 blood glucose concentrations. Their responses were summarised and a generic function of glycaemic risk was derived. This function was applied to patient glucose profiles to generate an integrated risk score termed the Glycaemic Risk Assessment Diabetes Equation (GRADE). The GRADE score was then reported by use of the mean value and the relative percent contribution to the weighted risk score from the hypoglycaemic, euglycaemic, hyperglycaemic range, respectively, e.g. GRADE (hypoglycaemia%, euglycaemia%, hyperglycaemia%).

Results  The GRADE scores of indicative glucose profiles were as follows: continuous glucose monitoring profile non‐diabetic subjects GRADE = 1.1, Type 1 diabetes continuous glucose monitoring GRADE = 8.09 (20%, 8%, 72%), Type 2 diabetes home blood glucose monitoring GRADE = 9.97 (2%, 7%, 91%).

Conclusions  The GRADE score of a glucose profile summarises the degree of risk associated with a glucose profile. Values < 5 correspond to euglycaemia. The GRADE score is simple to generate from any blood glucose profile and can be used as an adjunct to HbA1c to report the degree of risk associated with glycaemic variability.
The influence of health threat communication and personality traits on personal models of diabetes in newly diagnosed diabetic patients
Authors: Lawson V. L. , Bundy C. , Harvey J. N.
Published: May 2007

Background  Personal models of diabetes, i.e. patients’ beliefs about symptoms, treatment effectiveness, consequences (impact on life, seriousness) and emotional response to possible short‐ and long‐term complications, have been associated with diabetes self‐care behaviours. Little work has examined potential determinants of personal models.

Aims  To examine the influence of health threat communication and personality traits on personal models in newly diagnosed patients.

Methods  Newly diagnosed patients (n = 158; 32 Type 1 and 126 Type 2) completed the Big Five Personality Inventory, Diabetes Health Threat Communication Questionnaire (DHTCQ), Personal Models of Diabetes Interview‐Adapted (PMDI) and Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised (IPQ‐R).

Results  Emotional responses to diabetes (PMDI) were associated with perceptions of a more threatening health message (22% explained variance), less emotional stability (5%) and the presence of dependent children (3%). Emotional representations (IPQ‐R) were associated with a threatening health message (6%) and less emotional stability (15%). An adverse view of consequences (PMDI) was predicted by a more threatening/less reassuring health message (15%), less emotional stability (6%) and Type 1 diabetes (4%). Consequences (IPQ‐R) were predicted by perceptions of a more threatening health message (20%), being less agreeable/cooperative (7%) and having dependent children (4%). Treatment effectiveness beliefs (PMDI) were associated with perceptions of a more reassuring health message (31%), younger age (3%) and more openness/intellect (2%).

Conclusions  Personal models of diabetes are influenced by health threat communication, demographic and personality factors. These findings support the concept of tailoring health messages to the needs of individual patients and provide information on factors to be taken into account in the education process.
Association of erythrocyte indices with glycated haemoglobin in pre‐menopausal women
Authors: Koga M. , Morita S. , Saito H. , Mukai M. , Kasayama S.
Published: May 2007

Aims  Although HbA1c is known to be affected by the lifespan of erythrocytes, any association of erythrocyte indices with HbA1c in subjects without anaemia is poorly understood. Pre‐menopausal women may be relatively iron deficient because of menstruation. In this study, we examined the relationship between HbA1c and erythrocyte indices in pre‐ and post‐menopausal women.

Methods  We determined HbA1c, red blood cell (RBC) count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in 423 women with normal glucose tolerance who had undergone health checks. In addition, age at menopause was recorded in post‐menopausal subjects.

Results  RBC counts of the 180 pre‐menopausal women were positively associated with HbA1c, whereas haemoglobin, MCV and MCH showed a negative association. In contrast, no significant association of any indices with HbA1c was detected in the 243 post‐menopausal women. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis in the pre‐menopausal women identified fasting plasma glucose and age as positively associated and MCH as negatively associated with HbA1c, regardless of whether or not these pre‐menopausal women were anaemic.

Conclusions  Erythrocyte indices are associated with HbA1c, independently of plasma glucose levels, in pre‐menopausal women even when they are not anaemic. This should be appreciated when interpreting HbA1c in pre‐menopausal patients with diabetes.
Sporting Achievement: What Is the Contribution of Digit Ratio?
Authors: Keith‐Barnett Nicholas , Campbell Anne
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Second‐to‐fourth digit ratio, a marker for prenatal testosterone levels, has been shown to be associated with sporting achievement in men. It is unclear, however, whether digit ratio makes a contribution over and above salient personality variables. The present study, which included female participants, measured four personality traits and one cognitive ability (mental rotation) that have been linked to both sports achievement and sex. The significant relationship between digit ratio and sporting achievement was nearly identical in women and men. A multiple regression showed that when significant correlates of sporting ability (weight, height, years playing, hours per week training, social potency, and mental rotation) were entered first, the contribution of digit ratio remained highly significant. We suggest that physiological as well as psychological factors may be an important avenue for future study.
Trait Self‐Control Predicts Performance on Behavioral Tests of Self‐Control
Authors: Schmeichel Brandon J. , Zell Anne
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Two studies tested the extent to which trait self‐control predicts performance on objective laboratory tests of behavioral self‐control. In Study 1, participants attempted to refrain from blinking for a period of 2 minutes. Participants who reported higher trait self‐control blinked less often than participants who reported lower trait self‐control. In Study 2, participants attempted to tolerate a painful stimulus, and those higher in trait self‐control tolerated pain longer than participants lower in trait self‐control. These findings indicate that self‐reported self‐control corresponds moderately well with performance on objective behavioral tests of self‐control. The discussion focuses on implications for self‐control theory.
Behavioral Incentives, Equilibrium Endemic Disease, and Health Management Policy for Farmed Animals
Authors: Hennessy David A.
Published: May 2007

The article develops a dynamic capital valuation model in which farms can act with farm‐varying cost to increase the probability of avoiding an infectious endemic animal disease. Multiple endemic disease equilibria can exist, and the one with the largest set of action takers is socially optimal. Costly capital markets are shown to be a factor in determining the extent of disease. Frictions, such as dealing with a veterinary public health bureaucracy, can enhance social welfare by encouraging precautionary biosecurity actions. Technical innovations can reduce social welfare, and a disease indemnification scheme is also studied. Suggestions for empirical implementation are provided.
Measuring the Impact of Meat Packing and Processing Facilities in Nonmetropolitan Counties: A Difference‐in‐Differences Approach
Authors: Artz Georgeanne M. , Orazem Peter F. , Otto Daniel M.
Published: May 2007

Considerable controversy exists regarding the costs and benefits of growth in the meat packing and processing industry for rural counties. This study investigates the effects of this industry on social and economic outcomes in nonmetropolitan counties of 23 Midwestern and Southern states from 1990 to 2000. Results suggest that as the meat packing industry's share of a county's total employment and wage bill rises, total employment growth increases. However, employment growth in other sectors slows, as does local wage growth. Industry growth has little impact on local crime rates or on growth of government spending on education, health, or police protection.
Estimation of Area Elasticities from a Standard Profit Function
Authors: Arnade Carlos , Kelch David
Published: May 2007

This article demonstrates that both crop area and output elasticities can be calculated from a profit function. A Chambers/Just profit function (which includes land allocations as quasi‐fixed factors) is used to derive shadow price equations for each crop area allocation. Jointly solving these shadow price equations for crop area makes it possible to calculate individual crop area elasticities. A profit function is specified to represent agricultural producers in the state of Iowa. Shadow price equations are jointly estimated with output supply and input demand equations. From these estimated equations, we derive the individual crop area response and output response to a change in prices.
An Integrated Epidemiological‐Economic Analysis of Foot and Mouth Disease: Applications to the Southern Cone of South America
Authors: Rich Karl M. , Winter-Nelson Alex
Published: May 2007

Animal disease outbreaks impose significant economic costs that evolve over space and time, but few studies have explicitly modeled their temporal and spatial impacts. Using an integrated epidemiological‐economic model, this article demonstrates a methodology that captures the dynamic and spatial effects of animal disease. The model is applied to foot‐and‐mouth disease in the Southern Cone of South America. The results demonstrate the benefits of spatially sensitive policies in which certain regions within the Southern Cone employ different, coordinated interventions. Further, they highlight policy relevant differences between the dominant short‐run and long‐run control options.
Information Technology and the World Growth Resurgence
Authors: Jorgenson Dale W. , Vu Khuong
Published: May 2007

This paper analyzes the impact of investment in information technology (IT) on the recent resurgence of world economic growth. We describe the growth of the world economy, seven regions, and 14 major economies during the period 1989-2004. We allocate the growth of world output between input growth and productivity and find, surprisingly, that input growth greatly predominates! Moreover, differences in per capita output levels are explained by differences in per capita input, rather than variations in productivity. The contributions of IT investment have increased in all regions, but especially in industrialized economies and Developing Asia.
Information and Communications Technology as a General-Purpose Technology: Evidence from US Industry Data
Authors: Basu Susanto , Fernald John
Published: May 2007

Many people point to information and communications technology (ICT) as the key for understanding the acceleration in productivity in the United States since the mid-1990s. Stories of ICT as a ‘general-purpose technology’ suggest that measured total factor productivity (TFP) should rise in ICT-using sectors (reflecting either unobserved accumulation of intangible organizational capital; spillovers; or both), but with a long lag. Contemporaneously, however, investments in ICT may be associated with lower TFP as resources are diverted to reorganization and learning. We find that US industry results are consistent with general-purpose technology (GPT) stories: the acceleration after the mid-1990s was broad-based - located primarily in ICT-using industries rather than ICT-producing industries. Furthermore, industry TFP accelerations in the 2000s are positively correlated with (appropriately weighted) industry ICT capital growth in the 1990s. Indeed, as GPT stories would suggest, after controlling for past ICT investment, industry TFP accelerations are negatively correlated with increases in ICT usage in the 2000s.
Of Yeast and Mushrooms: Patterns of Industry-Level Productivity Growth
Authors: Inklaar Robert
Published: May 2007

In this paper we analyse labour productivity growth in the United States, four European countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands and United Kingdom), Australia and Canada between 1987 and 2003 from an industry perspective. Rather than analysing broad industry groups, we compare the pattern of growth in all industries through Harberger diagrams. We introduce new summary measures, which indicate the pervasiveness of growth patterns. These indicators show that investment in both information and communication technology (ICT) and non-ICT capital is fairly balanced or ‘yeasty’, driven by overall macro-economic conditions. However, growth of total factor productivity (TFP) is much more localized or ‘mushroom-like’. In particular we find a clear distinction between countries in continental Europe, in which TFP is decelerating after 1995 and becoming more localized, and Anglo-Saxon countries in which TFP growth is accelerating and becoming more broad-based, especially after 2000. The increased breadth of Anglo-Saxon TFP growth is consistent with delayed effects of intangible investments that are complementary to ICT investments.
Sectoral Productivity in the United States: Recent Developments and the Role of IT
Authors: Corrado Carol , Lengermann Paul , Beaulieu J. Joseph , Bartelsman Eric J.
Published: May 2007

This paper introduces new estimates of recent productivity developments in the United States, using an appropriate theoretical framework for aggregating industry multi-factor productivity (MFP) to sectors and the total economy. Our work sheds light on the sources of the continued strong performance of US productivity since 2000.We find that the major sectoral players in the late 1990s pickup were not contributors to the more recent surge in productivity. Rather, striking gains in MFP in the finance and business service sector, a resurgence in MFP growth in the industrial sector, and an end to drops elsewhere more than account for the aggregate acceleration in productivity in recent years. Further, some evidence is found for a link between IT intensity and the recent productivity acceleration.
Sources of the German Productivity Demise: Tracing the Effects of Industry-Level Information and Communication Technology Investment
Authors: Eicher Theo S. , Roehn Oliver
Published: May 2007

While the United States experienced two successive labor productivity surges in 1995 and 2000, Germany’s productivity declined dramatically during the same period. We examine the sources of Germany’s productivity demise using the ifo industry growth accounting database that provides detailed industry-level investment information. While much attention has focused on the reduction in German labor hours, our data show that information and communication technology (ICT) investment in Germany was deeply lacking in the mid-1990s as compared with the United States. The transition to the new economy mitigated the German productivity slowdown, but did not reverse it. After 2000, we find that a recovery in Non-ICT investment was offset by a widespread collapse in German total factor productivity. Over half of the German industries (accounting for almost 50 per cent of German output) experienced negative total factor productivity growth. This second major difference between the United States and German industry performance explains Germany’s secular departure from the technological frontier.
Information Technology and Productivity Growth in the 2000s
Authors: Stiroh Kevin , Botsch Matthew
Published: May 2007

US productivity growth experienced continued productivity growth after 2000 even as investment, particularly in information technology (IT), slowed. This paper uses industry-level data to examine the link between average labor productivity (ALP) growth and IT in the post-2000 period. We use difference-indifference and cross-sectional regressions to show that the link between ALP growth and IT-intensity is weaker after 2000 than before. These results are robust to alternative measures of IT-intensity such as the IT share of capital services, the level of IT capital depth, and the share of IT capital services in total output. We conclude that the post-2000 productivity gains in the United States do not appear to have been driven directly by IT.
Migraine Symptoms Related to the Percutaneous Closure of An Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: Report of Four Paediatric Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fernández-Mayoralas DM , Fernández-Jaén A , Muñoz-Jareño N , Gutiérrez-Larraya F , Calleja-Pérez B , Arce V San Antonio
Published: May 2007

Several publications have recently suggested that atrial septal defect may be associated with the physiopathology of headache with migraine-type characteristics. We describe four previously asymptomatic paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who underwent percutaneous Amplatzer septal occluder device implantation and who subsequently developed symptoms compatible with migraine headache. The cases had normal echocardiograms after the intervention and a benign course with headache improvement after several weeks or months. There are paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who may dramatically develop migraine symptoms with or without aura following percutaneous correction of their defect. Large paediatric studies are needed to offer accurate prognoses for children and their families. The possibility of using clopidogrel to treat this type of headache is subject to debate.
Morphological and physiological interactions of NG2‐glia with astrocytes and neurons
Authors: Wigley Rebekah , Hamilton Niki , Nishiyama Akiko , Kirchhoff Frank , Butt Arthur M.
Published: May 2007

Models of central nervous system (CNS) function have historically been based on neurons and their synaptic contacts – the neuronal doctrine. This doctrine envisages glia as passive supportive cells. However, electrophysiological and imaging studies in brain slices show us that astrocytes, the most numerous cells in the brain, express a wide range of neurotransmitter receptors that are activated in response to synaptic activity. Furthermore, astrocytes communicate via calcium signals that are propagated over long distances by the release of ‘gliotransmitters’, the most abundant being adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This has led to the concept of the neuron–astroglial functional unit as the substrate of integration in the CNS. Recently, a novel glial cell type has been characterized by expression of the proteoglycan NG2. These NG2‐glia receive presynaptic input from neurons and responds to neurotransmitters released at synapses. Now, studies on transgenic mice in which fluorescent proteins are specifically expressed by subclasses of glia are helping to address the question of where NG2‐glia fit in the neuron–astroglial model of integrated brain function. NG2‐glia, as well as astrocytes, have been shown to respond to neuronal and astroglial signals by raised intracellular calcium, which is a potential communications mechanism by which NG2‐glia may be active partners in neuron–glial circuits. Moreover, a current concept of NG2‐glia considers them to be ‘neural stem cells’ and an exciting prospect is that neuron–glial signalling may regulate the differentiation capacity of NG2‐glia and their response to injury.
The effects of muscular dystrophy on the craniofacial shape ofMus musculus
Authors: Jones Donna Carlson , Zelditch Miriam L. , Peake Paula Lightfoot , German Rebecca Z.
Published: May 2007

Skeletal anomalies are common in patients with muscular dystrophy, despite an absence of mutations to genes that specifically direct skeletogenesis. In order to understand these anomalies further, we examined two strains of muscular dystrophy (laminin‐ and merosin‐deficient) relative to controls, to determine how the weakened muscle forces affected skull shape in a mouse model. Shape was characterized with geometric morphometric techniques, improving upon the limited analytical power of the standard linear measurements. Through these techniques, we document the specific types of cranial skeletal deformation produced by the two strains, each with individual shape abnormalities. The mice with merosin deficiency (with an earlier age of onset) developed skulls with more deformation, probably related to the earlier ontogenetic timing of disease onset. Future examinations of these mouse models may provide insight regarding the impact of muscular forces and the production and maintenance of craniofacial integration and modularity.
Change and transformation: the impact of an action‐research evaluation on the development of a new service
Authors: Reid Gaynor , Kneafsey Rosie , Long Andrew , Hulme Claire , Wright Hazel
Published: May 2007

Evaluation is an essential part of service development and quality management and this is especially pertinent when introducing new initiatives. In 2001 a new countywide assessment and rehabilitation Intermediate Care service, consisting of three care management Rehabilitation Link Teams (RLT), was implemented for older people. To monitor the implementation and impact of the service an evaluation study was conducted. The study centred on evaluating team development, interagency working, outcomes from multiple perspectives (client, carer, clinical and service) and the cost effectiveness of the service. Of particular importance to the study, however, was the action‐research approach that provided the underpinning philosophy to the study. This paper provides insight into the ways that the action‐research approach was used to facilitate learning and change within the organization. To enable this to happen, it was important for the health and social care staff to understand that the researchers’ role was not to judge their role proficiency, but to gather information to facilitate learning and understanding within the organization. It was also vital that the teams being evaluated were provided with regular insight into the emerging study findings and opportunity to address these. Three examples are provided to illustrate how regular information feedback sessions influenced the implementation of the service. Insight is also provided into the participant's views of being evaluated. Although at times, the RLT members found the evaluation burdensome, almost all stated that the action‐research approach allowed opportunity for reflection, catharsis and personal action planning. Overall, the action‐research approach to evaluation fitted well with the organization's need to learn and change simultaneously, allowing emergent data collection to inform decision making and service and team development.
The influence of an undergraduate curriculum on development of students’ academic belief systems
Authors: Kell Clare M.
Published: May 2007

In a world of innovation and change, healthcare graduates are expected to be capable of independent decision making, take responsibility, assume leadership and demonstrate confidence and commitment to lifelong learning in their respective professions. The academic belief systems (ABS) of 52 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy students were measured during the course of their 3 years of undergraduate education. The patterns of ABS profile change in relation to the curriculum the students were experiencing revealed that these undergraduates’ ABS are susceptible to change over time with contact time (the academic terms) having a negative impact on all ABS variables associated with positive aspects of learning and personal development. Non‐contact time (vacations) saw a ‘recovery’ in most variable mean scores. All ABS variable mean scores were lower on graduation than on admission. How the study results informed curriculum review is described and the specific changes implemented to help facilitate students’ perspectives as lifelong learners outlined.
Logging the clinical learning experience: creating a dynamic teaching and learning environment through log‐based supervision and student self‐assessment
Authors: Tornøe Kirsten Anne
Published: May 2007

This study describes the implementation of a supervision and assessment system based on a clinical log writing strategy, involving second year student nurses in two surgical units.

 The aim of the clinical log was to promote student nurses’ personal growth and to provide a database for competency assessment.

 The log system was designed as a collaborative and dialogical strategy, committing all parties involved to document the teaching and learning process. Faculty and nurse supervisors monitored and verified the students’ progress by documenting supervision and formative assessment in the students’ logs, and students submitted evidence about their learning process and self‐evaluation. Summative assessment was conducted through tripartite conferences at the end of the clinical placements. Together, faculty, clinical staff and student considered the evidence presented in the log in order to establish the student's level of clinical competency.

 Using clinical logs to promote personal growth as well as to assess student performance in clinical placements is a controversial issue in the literature as critics argue that these aims are incompatible.

 The log system was pilot tested with 14 students expanding into an action research project including 28 other students during the second year of the trial period. The log project was evaluated at end of the second year based on a semi‐structured questionnaire designed by faculty and additional evaluative material such as journals, field notes and minutes from meetings with clinical staff. The general consensus among faculty and nursing staff was that the log‐based supervision and assessment strategy had improved the quality of supervision and created a more dynamic teaching and learning environment, enhancing the students’ possibility to develop personally as well as professionally.
Development of competencies aimed at client‐centred care: an evaluation study
Authors: Schoot Tineke , Hirsch Math , De Witte Luc
Published: May 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate a learning programme for Dutch community nurses and auxiliary nurses aimed at the development of competencies with respect to client‐centred care for chronically ill clients. The study was guided by the Kessels's Eight‐fields model. Several stakeholders, including clients, participated in the development, execution and evaluation of the programme. The concept of client‐centred care, client goals and competencies for nurses were identified systematically. Competencies identified were a care‐process in dialogue, enabling client participation and dealing with tensions. Principles of development of competencies were applied in the design of learning activities. The programme was evaluated at three levels: learning processes; performance of competencies in practice; and perceived client‐centredness by clients. Three home‐care organizations were involved in the evaluation study. In total, 175 employees participated in the basic module and 34 nurses and auxiliary nurses participated in the advanced module. In total, 107 chronically ill clients were involved in the study, of which 50 in the evaluation group and 57 in a group checking for selection bias. Findings indicate a positive impact on two of the evaluation levels: learning processes and the performance of nurse's competencies in practice. No statistical impact was found on clients 2 months after the end of the programme. The process evaluation provided knowledge concerning pre‐conditions for learning processes and performance of competencies in practice. The study concludes that it seems that a change towards client‐centred care has been initiated. Client‐centred care encompasses more, however, than competence development in individual nurses. A corporate approach is recommended, encompassing the support of the primary process of client‐centred care by the entire care organization. Further research aimed at the implementation of client‐centred care is recommended.
Changes in the structural complexity of the aged brain
Authors: Dickstein Dara L. , Kabaso Doron , Rocher Anne B. , Luebke Jennifer I. , Wearne Susan L. , Hof Patrick R.
Published: May 2007

Structural changes of neurons in the brain during aging are complex and not well understood. Neurons have significant homeostatic control of essential brain functions, including synaptic excitability, gene expression, and metabolic regulation. Any deviations from the norm can have severe consequences as seen in aging and injury. In this review, we present some of the structural adaptations that neurons undergo throughout normal and pathological aging and discuss their effects on electrophysiological properties and cognition. During aging, it is evident that neurons undergo morphological changes such as a reduction in the complexity of dendrite arborization and dendritic length. Spine numbers are also decreased, and because spines are the major sites for excitatory synapses, changes in their numbers could reflect a change in synaptic densities. This idea has been supported by studies that demonstrate a decrease in the overall frequency of spontaneous glutamate receptor‐mediated excitatory responses, as well as a decrease in the levels of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionic acid and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor expression. Other properties such as γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor‐mediated inhibitory responses and action potential firing rates are both significantly increased with age. These findings suggest that age‐related neuronal dysfunction, which must underlie observed decline in cognitive function, probably involves a host of other subtle changes within the cortex that could include alterations in receptors, loss of dendrites, and spines and myelin dystrophy, as well as the alterations in synaptic transmission. Together these multiple alterations in the brain may constitute the substrate for age‐related loss of cognitive function.