bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can family affectedness inform infant sibling outcomes of autism spectrum disorders?
Authors: Schwichtenberg A.J. , Young G.S. , Sigman M. , Hutman T. , Ozonoff S.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Difficulties in communication and reciprocal social behavior are core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and are often present, to varying degrees, in other family members. This prospective longitudinal infant sibling study examines whether social‐communicative features of family members may inform which infants are at increased risk for ASD and other developmental concerns.

Method:  Two hundred and seventeen families participated in this study. Infant siblings were recruited from families with at least one older child diagnosed with an ASD (n = 135) or at least one typically developing older child (n = 82). Families completed the Social Responsiveness Scale to assess social and communication features of the broader autism phenotype (BAP), sometimes called quantitative autistic traits (QAT). Family affectedness was assessed in two ways: categorically, based on number of affected older siblings (i.e., typical, simplex, multiplex risk groups) and dimensionally, by assessing varying degrees of QAT in all family members. Infant siblings were assessed at 36 months of age and completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.

Results:  In structural equation models, comparisons between multiplex, simplex and typical groups revealed the highest rates of QAT in the multiplex group followed by the simplex and typical groups. Infant sibling outcomes were predicted by gender, family risk group, proband QAT, and additional sibling QAT.

Conclusions:  Replicating previous cross‐sectional and family history findings, the present study found elevated social and communication features of the BAP in siblings and fathers of ASD families, but not in mothers. While social and communication features of the BAP in mothers, fathers, and undiagnosed siblings did not predict infant sibling outcomes, having more than one affected older sibling did. Infant siblings from multiplex families were at significantly higher risk for ASD than infant siblings from simplex families in this sample.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals bind to a novel receptor, microtubule‐associated protein 2, and positively and negatively regulate dendritic outgrowth in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Matsunaga Hayato , Mizota Kaori , Uchida Hitoshi , Uchida Takafumi , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1333–1343.

The present study demonstrates a novel high‐affinity neuronal target for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which potentially cause psychological disorders. EDCs competitively inhibited the binding of bovine serum albumin‐conjugated progesterone to recombinant human microtubule‐associated protein 2C (rhMAP2C) with an inhibition constant at picomolar levels. In the rhMAP2C‐stimulated tubulin assembly assay, agonistic enhancement was observed with dibutyl phthalate and pentachlorphenol and pregnenolone, while an inverse agonistic effect was observed with 4‐nonylphenol. In contrast, progesterone and many of the EDCs, including bisphenol A, antagonized the pregnenolone‐induced enhancement of rhMAP2C‐stimulated tubulin assembly. These agonistic and inverse agonistic actions were not observed in tubulin assembly stimulated with Δ1–71 rhMAP2C, which lacks the steroid‐binding site. Using a dark‐field microscopy, pregnenolone and pentachlorphenol were observed to generate characteristic filamentous microtubules in a progesterone‐ or bisphenol A‐reversible manner. In cultured hippocampal neurons, similar agonist‐antagonist relationships were reproduced in terms of dendritic outgrowth. Fluorescent recovery after photobleaching of hippocampal neurons showed that pregnenolone and agonistic EDCs enhanced, but that 4‐nonylphenol inhibited the MAP2‐mediated neurite outgrowth in a progesterone‐ or antagonistic EDC‐reversible manner. Furthermore, none of the examined effects were affected by mifepristone or ICI‐182,786 i.e. the classical progesterone and estrogen receptor antagonists. Taken together, these results suggest that EDCs cause a wide variety of significant disturbances to dendritic outgrowth in hippocampal neurons, which may lead to psychological disorders following chronic exposure during early neuronal development.
Normovolemia defined according to cardiac stroke volume in healthy supine humans
Authors: Bundgaard‐Nielsen Morten , Jørgensen Christoffer C. , Kehlet Henrik , Secher Niels H.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Both hypovolemia and a fluid overload are detrimental for outcome in surgical patients but the effort to establish normovolemia is hampered by the lack of an operational clinical definition. Manipulating the central blood volume on a tilt table demonstrates that the flat part of the Frank‐Starling curve is reached when subjects are supine and that finding may be applicable for a clinical definition of normovolemia. However, it is unknown whether stroke volume (SV) responds to an increase in preload induced by fluid administration.

Methods:  In 20 healthy subjects (23 ± 2 years, mean ± SD), SV was measured by esophageal Doppler before and after fluid administration to evaluate whether SV increases in healthy, non‐fasting, supine subjects. Two hundred millilitres of a synthetic colloid (hydroxyethyl starch, HES 130/0·4) was provided and repeated if a ≥10% increment in SV was obtained.

Results:  None of the subjects increased SV ≥10% following fluid administration but there was a minor increase in mean arterial pressure (92 ± 15 to 93 ± 12 mmHg, P = 0·01), while heart rate (HR) (66 ± 12 beats min−1; P = 0·32), cardiac output (4·8 ± 1·1 l min−1; P = 0·25) and the length of the systole corrected to a HR of 60 beats/min (corrected flow time; 344 ± 24 ms; P = 0·31) did not change.

Conclusion:  Supporting the proposed definition of normovolemia, non‐fasting, supine, healthy subjects are provided with a preload to the heart that does not limit SV suggesting that the upper flat part of the Frank‐Starling relationship is reached.
Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Measurement of Deformation Behavior for NiTi Plate With Stress Concentration Part Under Uniaxial Tensile Loading
Authors: Murasawa G. , Yoneyama S. , Miyata K. , Nishioka A. , Koda T.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of ordinary phenomenological constitutive relation of NiTi shape memory alloy under mechanical loading at a constant temperature, sufficiently. First, finite element analysis is performed by using ordinary phenomenological constitutive relation for rectangular plate with double notch under tensile loading at a constant temperature. Next, uniaxial tensile loading is carried out for 50.5Ni49.5Ti rectangular plate with double notch. At the same time, macroscopic stress–strain curve and local strain distribution are measured by using in‐house measurement system on the basis of digital image correlation. As a result, it is found that the stress–strain curve obtained from finite element analysis is much different from those obtained experimental measurement, especially during stress‐induced martensite transformation. The result can be derived from the phenomena of local strain band behavior arising in NiTi under mechanical loading. The phenomenological constitutive model used in present finite element analysis is constructed under assumptions that the material has isotropic characteristics and shows homogeneous deformation. However, this experimental result suggests that the material itself has anisotropy microscopically. Furthermore, material shows unique inhomogeneous deformation. Also, there is possibility that these anisotropic characteristic and inhomogeneous deformation behaviour may derive from its microstructure. In future, to sufficiently describe the macroscopic stress–strain curve of NiTi we should take into consideration the material microstructure.
Comparison of the Stability of Different Arthroscopic Tendon Fixation Techniques in Dynamic Tests
Authors: Anderl W. , Reihsner R. , Heuberer P. R. , Kriegleder B. , Eberhardsteiner J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  In studies concerning the stability of surgical tendon fixation techniques, a large variety of test configurations is found resulting in a broad scatter of results. The goal of this study was to establish a reliable test protocol for the investigation of the stability of repair techniques. At 88 fresh bovine shoulders, four different suture configurations were tested: simple stitches, mattress sutures, modified Mason‐Allen configuration and double‐row configuration. The difference in response to load cycles with native samples and that after repair was recorded. Bioresorbable anchors were used for tendon fixation, in a second run tendons were affixed to metal plates, and with a third run fixation stability was monitored with a video camera. The double‐row technique was the most stable one with the lowest values of compliance at all selected levels of gap formation followed by the mattress suture configuration. The simple stitch configuration and the modified Mason‐Allen techniques were the most compliant techniques. By establishing this test protocol, we achieved a very accurate method of measurement (accuracy of 2 μm) with as few external influences as possible. The great advantage is that the proposed protocol allows the measurement of the mechanical quality of the suture fixation without an external device such as calipers.
A Modified Tensile Test to Study the Behaviour of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Mallat A. , Alliche A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  We investigate the tensile behaviour of two fibre reinforced repair mortars by two direct tensile testing configurations. In the first configuration, a ball‐joint loading fixture is developed such that an ideal hinge boundary condition is guaranteed. This technique allows to access to mechanical properties of the material such as the modulus of elasticity and the failure stress. However, it does not allow studying the post‐peak behaviour of the materials. A new post‐peak tension test is adopted using a metallic bar within the fibre reinforced repair mortar hollow sample. Bar constitute a crack stabiliser by providing extra stiffness. It can minimise or eliminate the strain energy release from the testing machine, so that a stable post‐peak response can be obtained. The test method uses a digitally controlled closed‐loop testing electromechanical machine and three control channels: crosshead displacement and two extensometers mounted on the test sample. A complete stress–strain curve is obtained by this method if adaptive control and test setup are chosen appropriately.
Current continental palaeoclimatic research in the Nordic region (100 years since Gunnar Andersson 1909) – Introduction
Authors: SEPPÄ HEIKKI , BIRKS H. JOHN B. , BJUNE ANNE E. , NESJE ATLE
Published: June 2010

Seppä, H., Birks, H. J. B., Bjune, A. E. & Nesje, A. 2010: Current continental palaeoclimatic research in the Nordic region (100 years since Gunnar Andersson 1909) – Introduction. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 649‐654. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00170.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.
Outcomes With Ventricular Assist Device Versus Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Pediatric Heart Transplantation
Authors: Jeewa Aamir , Manlhiot Cedric , McCrindle Brian W. , Van Arsdell Glen , Humpl Tilman , Dipchand Anne I.
Published: June 2010

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has long been the sole means of mechanical support for pediatric patients with end‐stage cardiac failure, but has a high waitlist mortality and a reported survival to hospital discharge of less than 50%. The purpose of this study was to compare waitlist mortality and survival for ECMO versus ventricular assist device (VAD) support. A review was conducted of all patients listed for heart transplantation (HTx) since 2002 and requiring mechanical support. VAD support has been available from 2004 (Berlin Heart Excor Pediatrics). Competing risks analysis was used to model survival to one of four outcomes (HTx, death on waitlist, delisting, improvement). Thirty‐six patients were on mechanical support while awaiting HTx (21 ECMO, 12 VAD, three both). Median age at listing was 1.2 years (birth–16.6 years) for ECMO and 11.3 years (0.3–14.6 years) for VAD. Diagnosis was cardiomyopathy in 33% for ECMO and 93% for VAD. Median time to HTx was 37 days (1–930) overall, 20 days (1–85) for ECMO, and 39 days (5–108) for VAD. Mechanical support was associated with increased odds of HTx (hazard ratio [HR] 2.4 [1.7–3.3], P < 0.0001) but also delisting or death waiting (HR 3.0 [1.1–7.8], P = 0.03). Waitlist mortality of 38% on ECMO was reduced to 13% with VAD use. Survival post‐HTx to hospital discharge was better in the group on VAD support (92 vs. 80%). Pediatric patients requiring mechanical support as a bridge to HTx have short wait times but high waitlist mortality. Those patients who survived to be put on the Berlin Heart Excor Pediatric device based on individualized clinical decision making then had a lower waitlist mortality, a longer duration of support, and a higher survival to transplantation and hospital discharge.
Restoring Native Plants to Crested Wheatgrass Stands
Authors: Fansler Valerie A. , Mangold Jane M.
Published: June 2010

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) is a nonindigenous grass introduced to North America for improving degraded rangelands. It is often criticized for forming nearly monotypic stands. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of restoring native plant species to crested wheatgrass‐dominated rangeland. We investigated methods for suppressing crested wheatgrass followed by revegetation with a mix of native species. We tested five suppression treatments: undisturbed, low rate of glyphosate (0.25× recommended rate), high rate of glyphosate (recommended rate), 1‐pass mechanical (disked once), and 2‐pass mechanical (disked twice). Procedures were repeated in two trials in separate years. We sampled density and canopy cover of crested wheatgrass and density of seeded species for three (trial 1) and two (trial 2) years. Mechanical treatments increased crested wheatgrass density by 30–50%, whereas most other treatments were similar to the undisturbed (6.8 plants/m2). Crested wheatgrass cover decreased in mechanical and full herbicide treatments in trial 1 and was variable across treatments in trial 2. Seeded species density in all treatments (29 plants/m2) was greater than in the undisturbed treatment (18 plants/m2) 1 year after seeding in trial 1 and was similar across treatments (26 plants/m2) in trial 2. By the end of the study, though, all treatments resulted in similar seeded species density (<5 plants/m2). Results suggest suppression treatments were not effective and therefore did not improve restoration of native species in crested wheatgrass stands. Native species establishment may require subsequent management to favor persistence of native species and retard crested wheatgrass.
Who donates blood at five ethnically and geographically diverse blood centers in China in 2008
Authors: Wang Jingxing , Guo Nan , Guo Xiaoming , Li Julin , Wen Guo‐Xing , Yang Tonghan , Yun Zhongqiao , Huang Yi , Schreiber George B. , Kavounis Katherine , Ness Paul , Shan Hua
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: In China recruitment and retention of sufficient numbers of safe blood donors continues to be a challenge. Understanding who donates blood, particularly those who donate larger (>200 mL) whole blood (WB) units, will help blood centers to target more effective recruitment and retention strategies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Demographic characteristics of 226,489 allogeneic WB donors from January to December 2008 at five geographically and ethnically diverse, urban blood centers were analyzed.

RESULTS: The typical Chinese WB donor can be characterized as first‐time volunteer (67.9%), male (56.9%), less than 45 years old (93.8%), and Han ethnicity (86.1%). Most donors had some college or below educational level (77.5%), donated at a mobile collection site (97.6%), and donated 300‐ or 400‐mL units (76.0%). Differences in WB volume donations and donor demographics exist among the five centers.

CONCLUSION: In China compared to the United States, donations are made by younger donors and donors give infrequently and make smaller WB donations. To help ensure supply adequacy, continued efforts are needed to have donors give larger volumes of WB in China.
Is Eradication of the Pinewood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) Likely? An Evaluation of Current Contingency Plans
Authors: Økland Bjørn , Skarpaas Olav , Schroeder Martin , Magnusson Christer , Lindelöw Åke , Thunes Karl
Published: June 2010

The pinewood nematode (PWN) is one of the worst tree‐killing exotic pests in East‐Asian countries. The first European record of establishment in Portugal in 1999 triggered extensive surveys and contingency plans for eradication in European countries, including immediate removal of large areas of conifer host trees. Using Norway as an example, we applied a simulation model to evaluate the chance of successful eradication of a hypothetical introduction by the current contingency plan in a northern area where wilting symptoms are not expected to occur. Despite a highly variable spread of nematode infestations in space and time, the probability of successful eradication in 20 years was consistently low (mean 0.035, SE 0.02). The low success did not change significantly by varying the biological parameters in sensitivity analyses (SA), probably due to the late detection of infestations by the survey (mean 14.3 years). SA revealed a strong influence of management parameters. However, a high probability of eradication required unrealistic measures: achieving an eradication probability of 0.99 in 20 years required 10,000 survey samples per year and a host tree removal radius of 8,000 m around each detection point.
ICD Lead Implantation Following Sharp Cannulation of a Blocked Superior Vena Cava
Authors: SADARMIN PRAVEEN P. , UBEROI RAMAN , TOMLINSON DAVID R. , BETTS TIMOTHY R.
Published: June 2010

Blocked superior vena cava (SVC) presents a well‐recognized problem for the implantation of device leads. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads pose a greater challenge than the pacing leads by requiring an adequate shock vector for successful defibrillation. We present here a novel technique of opening the blocked SVC to facilitate ICD lead implantation through the upper venous system. (PACE 2011; 34:e82–e84)
Cor Triatriatum Sinister in an Adult: Management Guided by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography and Stress Echocardiography
Authors: Willens Howard J. , Ferrer Peter L. , Tamer Dolores F. , Labrador Eugenio , Agatston Arthur S. , Keith Karen , Torres Silvia
Published: June 2010

A 39‐year‐old female had cor triatriatum (CT) detected as an incidental finding on transthoracic echocardiography performed to evaluate chest pain. By conventional two‐ and real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, the CT membrane had a communicating orifice connecting the accessory and main left atrial chambers that measured 1.3 × 0.8 cm. The resting mean transmembrane gradient was 2 mm Hg. The postexercise mean transmembrane gradient and pulmonary artery pressure were 6 and 40 mm Hg. Extrapolating from cutoff values for postexercise gradients and pulmonary pressures in patients with mitral stenosis, we advised deferring surgery and close clinical and echocardiographic follow up. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E132‐E136)
Indexed Left Atrial Volume is a More Sensitive Indicator of Filling Pressures and Left Heart Function Than Is Anteroposterior Left Atrial Diameter
Authors: Moya‐Mur José‐Luis , García‐Martín Ana , García‐Lledó Alberto , Ruiz‐Leria Soledad , Jiménez‐Nacher José J , Megias‐Sanz Alicia , Taboada Dolores , Muriel Alfonso
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Left atrial (LA) size is an indicator of the pressure to which it is chronically subjected. Although guidelines recommend measuring it using volume indexed to body surface, the anteroposterior diameter is still normally used. Aim: To evaluate which of these measurements correlates better with atrial pressure‐related echocardiographic parameters. Methods: Atrial diameter and volume, together with parameters of systolic function, diastolic function, pressure, and degree of mitral regurgitation, were measured in 121 consecutive outpatients. Results: Atrial diameter correlated with its indexed volume (r: 0.69) with a low degree of agreement for detecting dilation (Kappa: 0.51). Atrial diameter was related to the parameters associated with atrial pressure: E/E′ (r: 0.44), pulmonary vein systolic/diastolic rates quotient (r: 0.25) and degree of mitral regurgitation (r: 0.19). The correlations improved when volume indexed to body surface was measured (r: 0.52; 0.38 and 0.44, respectively). In a multiple regression analysis that included E/E′, pulmonary vein flow and degree of mitral regurgitation, LA diameter depended entirely on E/E′ (r: 0.44; B: 0.04; P: 0.000). The relationship improved when the diameter was corrected for body surface or the volume was measured (r: 0.54 and 0.54, respectively), and in particular when volume indexed to body surface was measured (r: 0.66). In this case, pulmonary vein flow (B: 6.8; P: 0.03), degree of mitral regurgitation (B: 5.2; P: 0.000) and E/E′ ratio (B: 0.8; P : 0.000) were included in the equation. Conclusions: Indexed atrial volume correlates better with LA pressure surrogates than the anteroposterior diameter, even when this is corrected for body surface. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1049‐1055)
Bivalirudin for Mechanical Rotational Atherectomy: The Quest for Better Outcomes
Authors: SHENOY CHETAN , HARJAI KISHORE J.
Published: June 2010

(J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:230–232)
Cosmopolitan Hagglers or Haggling Locals?
Authors: HAWKINS SIMON
Published: June 2010

There has been much debate about the definition of cosmopolitan, but little attention has been paid to the underlying opposition of cosmopolitans to locals. Based on ethnographic work in the medina of Tunis, this article suggests that categories of local and cosmopolitan are discursively created and that the categorization of specific groups shifts depending on the context. I focus on a group of salesmen in the medina's tourist trade. These salesmen categorize themselves as sophisticated individuals who know about, and adapt to, the cultural practices of different tourist groups. They describe tourists as ignorant and inflexible. By contrast the tourists describe themselves in cosmopolitan terms and the salesmen as culturally determined locals. I suggest that while the categorization of cosmopolitanism depends on the opposition of cosmopolitan to local, the two are not commensurate terms. While cosmopolitanism refers to a cluster of attributes that individuals or groups ascribe to themselves, status as a local derives from being viewed by those who consider themselves to be cosmopolitans. The relation of cosmopolitanism to localness echoes earlier structured oppositions such as modernity to tradition, particularly with its implications of progress and homogeneity for the first category in contrast to the backwardness and heterogeneity of the second. By implication, cosmopolitans are sometimes seen as free from cultural constraints. I argue that cosmopolitanism is an ideological construction that always draws on specific contexts. Any group, given the appropriate circumstances, can be held as the local object of a cosmopolitan gaze.
Making Territorial Claims: Brazilian Hip Hop and the Socio‐Geographical Dynamics ofPeriferia
Authors: PARDUE DEREK
Published: June 2010

In this essay I posit that the stylistic divergences in Brazilian hip hop reveal a set of social and geographical dynamics related to São Paulo, the country's largest city and supposed beacon of modernity. The case of São Paulo hip hop speaks beyond Brazil and potentially contributes to larger discussions of the contemporary city complex including the role of the working‐class periphery sprawls on urbanism. This text focuses on the primacy ofperiferia(periphery) as an ideological and spatial concept rooted in the artistic expressions of the “marginal.” In their activities, hip hoppers articulate “periphery” as not only a place but also as an epistemology, which in turn works to change the meaning of the city for the historically disenfranchised. Not without its limitations and internal critics, marginality secretes a “magic” or at least retains a pull as hip hoppers and urban, working‐class Brazilians, in general, look to convince others of their value in exchange for respect.
Novel Preparation and Characterization of Barium Strontium Titanate Microcubes
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Yang Huaming , He Xi , Liu Hao
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we report the successful preparation of barium strontium titanate (BST) microcubes with an average size of 1 μm via the composite‐hydroxides‐mediated approach. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy, and transmission electronic microscopy technologies are used to characterize the structure and morphology of the samples. Energy‐dispersive spectrometer is used to evaluate the composition and phase segregation of the samples. The ultraviolet to visible absorption spectrometer is applied to evaluate the optical properties of the BST powders. The results indicated that the difference in the ion radii of Sr4+ and Ba4+ leads to the moderate phase segregation in the BST powders. Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns obtained clearly shows the coexistence of distinctive phases and the volume fractions of Sr‐rich phases increase by increasing the content of strontium. The powders are found to show cubic‐shaped microparticles with the exposed {100} facets. Optical absorption edge (Eg) of the BST samples indicates an obvious relationship with the barium contents, which is attributed to the structural segregation in the samples.
Ab Initio Study Of Double Oxides ZnX2O4(X=Al, Ga, In) Having Spinel Structure
Authors: Karazhanov Smagul Zh. , Ravindran Ponniah
Published: June 2010

Electronic structure and optical spectra of ZnX2O4(X=Al, Ga, and In) have been studied by density functional calculations. It is shown that ZnX2O4posses a large fundamental band gap and a second gap defined as the energy difference between the two lowest conduction band (CB) energies. The second gap is found to be ∼2 eV for ZnAl2O4and >2.8 for ZnGa2O4and ZnIn2O4. The bottommost CB for ZnX2O4is well dispersive, which means that these materials possess the feature to conduct electrical current by CB electrons. Effective masses of electrons and holes are of the same order as those of the well‐known ZnO and In2O3. Optimized equilibrium structural parameters and bulk modulus for ZnAl2O4and ZnGa2O4are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental values and these values for ZnIn2O4are predicted. Chemical bonding is found to be mixed ionic–covalent with predominant ionic character.
The diapause response of Rhagoletis pomonella to varying environmental conditions and its significance for geographic and host plant‐related adaptation
Authors: Feder Jeffrey L. , Powell Thomas H.Q. , Filchak Ken , Leung Brian
Published: June 2010

The recent shift of Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh (Diptera: Tephritidae) from its ancestral host hawthorn to apple is a model for incipient sympatric speciation in action. Previous studies have shown that changes in the over‐wintering pupal diapause are critical for differentially adapting R. pomonella flies to a difference in the fruiting times of apples vs. hawthorns, generating ecologically based reproductive isolation. Here, we exposed pupae of the hawthorn race to various combinations of pre‐ and over‐wintering rearing conditions and analyzed their effects on eclosion time and genetics. We report certain unexpected results in regards to a combination of brief pre‐winter and over‐wintering periods indicative of gene*environment interactions requiring a reassessment of our current understanding of R. pomonella diapause. We present a hypothesis that involves physiological factors related to stored energy reserves in pupae that influences the depth and duration of Rhagoletis diapause. This ‘pupal energy reserve’ hypothesis can account for our findings and help clarify the role host plant‐related life history adaptation plays in phytophage biodiversity.
Choosing natural enemies for conservation biological control: use of the prey detectability half‐life to rank key predators of Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Greenstone Matthew H. , Szendrei Zsofia , Payton Mark E. , Rowley Daniel L. , Coudron Thomas C. , Weber Donald C.
Published: June 2010

Determining relative strengths of trophic links is critical for ranking predators for conservation biological control. Molecular gut‐content analysis enables ranking by incidence of prey remains in the gut, but differential digestive rates bias such rankings toward predators with slower rates. This bias can be reduced by indexing each predator’s half‐life to that of the middle‐most half‐life in a predator complex. We demonstrate this with data from key species in the predator complex of Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), comprising adults and immatures of four taxonomically diverse species. These animals display order‐of‐magnitude variation in detectability half‐life for the cytochrome oxidase I DNA sequence of a single CPB egg: from 7.0 h in larvalColeomegilla maculata(DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to 84.4 h in nymphalPerillus bioculatus(Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The raw species‐specific incidence ofL. decemlineataDNA in the guts of 351 field‐collected predators ranged from 11 to 95%, ranking them as follows:C. maculataadults < Lebia grandisHentz (Coleoptera: Carabidae) adults < Podisus maculiventris(Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults < P.maculiventrisnymphs < P. bioculatusadults < P. bioculatusnymphs. Half‐life adjustment reorders the rankings:C. maculataadults < P. bioculatusadults < P. bioculatusnymphs < P. maculiventrisnymphs < L. grandisadults < P. maculiventrisadults. These changes in status demonstrate the value of half‐life‐adjusted molecular gut‐content data for ranking predators. This is the first study to measure prey detectability half‐lives for the key arthropod predators of a major insect pest, and to use them to evaluate the relative impact of all adults and immatures in this predator complex.
Baff serum level predicts time to first treatment in early chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Molica Stefano , Digiesi Giovanna , Battaglia Caterina , Cutrona Giovanna , Antenucci Anna , Molica Matteo , Giannarelli Diana , Sperduti Isabella , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato , Ferrarini Manlio
Published: June 2010

We analyzed the correlation between well‐established biological parameters of prognostic relevance in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [i.e. mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgVH), ZAP‐70 and CD38 expression] and serum levels of B cell–activating factor (BAFF of the TNF family) by evaluating the impact of these variables on the time to first treatment (TFT) in a series of 169 previously untreated CLL patients in Binet stage A. Higher levels of BAFF were more frequently associated with female gender (P = 0.02), younger age (P = 0.01), Rai stage 0 (P = 0.002), higher platelet count (P = 0.005), mutated IgVH disease (P = 0.002), higher occurrence of normal cytogenetic profile or presence of 13q deletion (P = 0.02), low ZAP‐70‐ (P = 0.003), and CD38‐expression (P = 0.02). Maximally selected log‐rank statistic plot identified a serum BAFF concentration of 0.313 ng/mL as the best cut‐off (P < 0.0001). This threshold recognized two subsets of patients with different TFT (P < 0.0001). Because in multivariate analysis soluble BAFF [Hazard ratio (HR), 8.23; confidence Interval (CI) 95%,3.0–22.6, P < 0.0001] and mutational status of IgVH (HR = 2.60; CI 95% 1.10–6.14, P = 0.03) maintained the discriminating power their combined effect on clinical outcome was assessed. When three groups were considered: (1) low‐risk (n = 93), patients with concordant IgVHmut and higher soluble BAFF; (2) intermediate‐risk (n = 50), patients with IgVHmut and low BAFF levels or IgVHunmut and soluble higher BAFF;(3) high‐risk (n = 26), patients with concordant IgVH unmut and low soluble BAFF, the 2‐yr TFTs were, respectively, 95%, 85%, and 41% (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results indicate that in early B‐cell CLL, the biological profile including among other parameters soluble BAFF may provide a useful insight into the complex interrelationship of prognostic variables.
Communal spawning of brook and river lampreys (Lampetra planeri and L. fluviatilis) is common in the Oir River (France)
Authors: Lasne E. , Sabatié M.‐R. , Evanno G.
Published: June 2010

Lasne E, Sabatié M‐R, Evanno G. Communal spawning of brook and river lampreys (Lampetra planeri and L. fluviatilis) is common in the Oir River (France). Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 323–325. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  The taxonomic status of river Lampreys (Lampetra fluviatilis) and brook lampreys (L. planeri) has been repeatedly questioned due to the high morphological similarity of these species. Here, we report a high frequency (54%) of communal spawning involving both species in the Lampetra redds of a French coastal river. These observations suggest that reproductive isolation between the two species may not be as strong as previously supposed.
Glycan profiling of urine, amniotic fluid and ascitic fluid from galactosialidosis patients reveals novel oligosaccharides with reducing end hexose and aldohexonic acid residues
Authors: Bruggink Cees , Poorthuis Ben J. H. M. , Piraud Monique , Froissart Roseline , Deelder André M. , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: June 2010

Urine, amniotic fluid and ascitic fluid samples of galactosialidosis patients were analyzed and structurally characterized for free oligosaccharides using capillary high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and online mass spectrometry. In addition to the expected endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase‐cleaved products of complex‐type sialylated N‐glycans, O‐sulfated oligosaccharide moieties were detected. Moreover, novel carbohydrate moieties with reducing‐end hexose residues were detected. On the basis of structural features such as a hexose–N‐acetylhexosamine–hexose–hexose consensus sequence and di‐sialic acid units, these oligosaccharides are thought to represent, at least in part, glycan moieties of glycosphingolipids. In addition, C1‐oxidized, aldohexonic acid‐containing versions of most of these oligosaccharides were observed. These observations suggest an alternative catabolism of glycosphingolipids in galactosialidosis patients: oligosaccharide moieties from glycosphingolipids would be released by a hitherto unknown ceramide glycanase activity. The results show the potential and versatility of the analytical approach for structural characterization of oligosaccharides in various body fluids.
The intergalactic magnetic field constrained by Fermi/Large Area Telescope observations of the TeV blazar 1ES 0229+200
Authors: Tavecchio F. , Ghisellini G. , Foschini L. , Bonnoli G. , Ghirlanda G. , Coppi P.
Published: June 2010

TeV photons from blazars at relatively large distances, interacting with the optical–infrared cosmic background, are efficiently converted into electron–positron pairs. The produced pairs are extremely relativistic (Lorentz factors of the order of 106– 107) and promptly lose their energy through inverse Compton scatterings with the photons of the microwave cosmic background, producing emission in the GeV band. The spectrum and the flux level of this reprocessed emission are critically dependent on the intensity of the intergalactic magnetic field, B, that can deflect the pairs diluting the intrinsic emission over a large solid angle. We derive a simple relation for the reprocessed spectrum expected from a steady source. We apply this treatment to the blazar 1ES0229+200, whose intrinsic, very hard TeV spectrum is expected to be approximately steady. Comparing the predicted reprocessed emission with the upper limits measured by the Fermi/Large Area Telescope, we constrain the value of the intergalactic magnetic field to be larger than B≃ 5 × 10−15 G, depending on the model of extragalactic background light.
Food for Thought: EU Climate Change Policy Presents New Challenges for Agriculture  Éléments de réflexion : La politique européenne en matière de changement climatique offre de nouveaux défis à l’agriculture  Denkanstoß: Die EU‐Politik zum Klimawandel stellt die Landwirtschaft vor neue Herausforderungen
Authors: Breen James P. , Donnellan Trevor , Westhoff Pat
Published: June 2010

summary

Food for Thought: EU Climate Change Policy Presents New Challenges for Agriculture

In an effort to curb mankind’s impact on the global climate, the EU has proposed a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions of 20 per cent by 2020 relative to the 1990 levels. The required reduction in GHG emissions in the non‐Emissions Trading Sector, which includes agriculture, varies by Member States (MS) with Ireland, Denmark and Luxembourg given the largest reduction target of 20 per cent relative to their 2005 levels. For some EU MS, such as Ireland, agriculture represents a significant source of national GHG emissions and achieving the reduction targets could potentially have a significant impact on the agriculture sector in these MS. Various policy‐based abatement strategies can be applied to reduce the cost of GHG emissions abatement. This article discusses some of the main merits and demerits of these strategies. Tradable Emissions Permits, which are currently being used to reduce the emissions from the EU energy and heavy industry sectors, are one such strategy and are examined in more detail in the context of reducing GHG emissions from agriculture. A number of potential obstacles to the successful implementation of a scheme of tradable emissions permits for Irish or EU agriculture are discussed in greater detail.
The Paradox of Partnership: Assessing New Forms of NGO Advocacy on Labor Rights
Authors: Hertel Shareen
Published: June 2010

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are an emergent phenomenon in global rule-making on labor rights, yet academic literature on the topic is marked by a lack of clarity on their scope and distinctions. Drawing not only on scholarly sources but also on a wide range of field-level examples, this article explores the origin of PPPs and analyzes the contemporary normative and institutional contexts that have influenced their evolution. It then develops a three-fold typology for mapping the domains in which PPPs exist and for distinguishing among their varied functions. The article also analyzes related challenges of governance and effectiveness.
Deterrence, Democracy, and the Pursuit of International Justice
Authors: Vinjamuri Leslie
Published: June 2010

In recent years the efforts to hold the perpetrators of mass atrocities accountable have become increasingly normalized, and building capacity in this area has become central to the strategies of numerous advocacy groups, international organizations, and governments engaged in rebuilding and reconstructing states. The indictment of sitting heads of state and rebel leaders engaged in ongoing conflicts, however, has been more exceptional than normal, but is nonetheless radically altering how we think about, debate, and practice justice. While a principled commitment continues to underpin advocacy for justice, several court documents and high-profile reports by leading advocacy organizations stress the capacity of international justice to deliver peace, the rule of law, and stability to transitional states. Such an approach presents a stark contrast to rationales for prosecution that claim that there is a moral obligation or a legal duty to prosecute the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Instead, recent arguments have emphasized the instrumental purposes of justice, essentially recasting justice as a tool of peacebuilding and encouraging proponents and critics alike to evaluate justice on the basis of its effects. Rationales that stress the results that international justice can help deliver have raised the expectations of proponents and skeptics alike and also encouraged further empirical study of the effects of justice. While these studies may not produce a consensus, they offer the prospect that justice strategies can be adapted based on careful research to be more effective. A focus on pragmatism does not mean abandoning the principled commitment to international justice, but it may mean deferring justice until conflict is resolved.
The Impact of Remittances on Nutritional Status of Children in Ecuador
Authors: Antén José-Ignacio
Published: June 2010

This work analyzes the impact of remittances on nutritional status of children aged <5 years old in Ecuador in 2006. Using a set of anthropometric indicators constructed according to the new World Health Organization standards, the last household survey available for this country, and an instrumental variables strategy controlling for endogeneity of remittances, this study finds a positive and significant effect of remittance income on short-term and middle-term child nutritional status; nevertheless, no significant impact on long-run anthropometric indicators.
Reversal of Fortunes or Continued Success? Cohort Differences in Education and Earnings of Childhood Immigrants
Authors: Bonikowska Aneta , Hou Feng
Published: June 2010

Using several years of Canadian census data, this study examines cohort differences in educational attainment and earnings among childhood immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1960 and 1989. Successive cohorts of childhood immigrants had increasingly higher university completion rates than their Canadian-born peers by age 25–34. We find that this lead was tempered by declining earnings of immigrant parents relative to Canadian-born parents, particularly among the 1980s cohort. Despite rising university completion rates, wages of male (but not female) childhood immigrants lagged behind those of their Canadian-born peers. This gap can be accounted for largely by the rising share of members of racial minority groups and the decreasing incidence of full-time employment.
Male Migration, Women Left Behind, and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Armenia
Authors: Sevoyan Arusyak , Agadjanian Victor
Published: June 2010

The effect of male circular labor migration on risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women left behind has not been well studied. Our study examines this effect using data from a survey of 1,240 married women in rural Armenia, where international male labor migration has traditionally been very common. A multivariate comparison of women married to migrants and women married to non-migrants finds that the former, ceteris paribus, reported more STD symptoms, on average, and were more likely to report diagnosed STDs than the latter. However, in the case of STD symptoms, this effect is moderated by household income, as the predicted number of STD symptoms reported by migrants’ wives increases as income rises. The findings illustrate the complex tradeoffs that migration entails for left-behind women and are interpreted in the context of the literature on gender, migration, and STDs.
The Employment Experience of Refugees in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vroome Thomas , van Tubergen Frank
Published: June 2010

This study focuses on the economically disadvantaged position of refugees. We use survey data of refugees from Somalia, Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the former Yugoslavia in the Netherlands, to analyze refugees’ odds of employment and their occupational status. In line with human capital and social capital theory, we find that host country specific education, work experience, language proficiency, and contacts with natives are positively related to the chances of employment and occupational status. The study shows that health problems, integration courses, and the time spent in refugee reception centers form important additional explanations of the economic integration of refugees.
Pick-Your-Own Labor: Migrant Workers and Flexibility in Canadian Agriculture
Authors: Preibisch Kerry
Published: June 2010

This paper explores the structures and practices of temporary migrant worker programs (TMWP) as they operate in Canadian agriculture. Acting within highly competitive, globalized markets, agri-food employers rely on the availability of migrant workers to achieve greater flexibility in their labor arrangements, drawing on employment practices beyond those possible with a domestic workforce. Most recently, changes to Canada's two TMWP schemes have provided employers with greater scope to shape the social composition of their workforce. The paper analyzes these changes while exploring their implications for workplace regimes in agriculture.
How Many Highly Skilled Foreign-Born are Waiting in Line for U.S. Legal Permanent Residence?
Authors: Jasso Guillermina , Wadhwa Vivek , Gereffi Gary , Rissing Ben , Freeman Richard
Published: June 2010

While the United States welcomes foreign-born students and trainees and, less warmly, temporary workers such as H-1B visa holders, it places an array of requirements, obstacles, and delays upon persons who would like to make the U.S. their permanent home. The number of people in the queue for legal permanent residence (LPR) is, however, difficult to ascertain. This paper estimates the number of highly skilled foreign-born persons waiting for LPR via the three main employment-based categories, separately by whether they are living in the United States or abroad, as well as the number of family members. We find that as of the end of FY 2006 there were about half a million employment-based principals awaiting LPR in the United States, together with over half a million family members, plus over 125 thousand principals and family members waiting abroad. These numbers dwarf the visas available annually – 120,120 plus any not used in the family preferences – suggesting that the long delays in gaining legal permanent residence are a visa number problem, not an administrative processing problem, as many believe. The backlog thus cannot be eliminated without a large change in public policy. The delay in gaining legal permanent residence could contribute to the decision of many highly skilled foreign-born to leave the United States.
Sensorial Evaluation of Nutritional Supplements (PROGRESA) Enriched with 3 Different Forms of Iron in a Rural Mexican Community
Authors: Morales J. , Vargas F. , Cassís L. , Sánchez E. , Villalpando S.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT:  As part of the efforts to reduce iron deficiency anemia (IDA), the Mexican Federal program PROGRESA distributes complementary foods to toddlers and pregnant women living in extreme poverty. Complementary foods were originally fortified with hydrogen‐reduced iron, which proved a limited efficacy. The supplement was reformulated to provide higher iron bioavailability. This investigation aims to assess the sensory changes and the acceptance of new versions of the complementary foods fortified with either reduced iron, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous sulfate, stored at room temperature for 2, 4, and 6 mo. Complementary foods were presented without flavor (plain) or flavored with either chocolate or vanilla. The complementary foods were evaluated in toddlers and their mothers using a hedonic scale. The percentage of overall acceptance for the baby foods was higher in toddlers (80% to 88%) than in their mothers (63% to 68%). The complementary foods with a better acceptance were those fortified with reduced iron (63% to 68%) and ferrous fumarate (61% to 80%) independently of the flavoring added. The acceptance of the beverage intended for women was better for those fortified with reduced iron (52% to 63%) or ferrous fumarate (44% to 63%) in their vanilla‐flavored version. For women, the most accepted sources of iron were reduced iron (50% to 60%) and ferrous fumarate (50% to 58%).