bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failing at retailing: the decline of the Larkin Company, 1918‐1942
Authors: Stanger Howard
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and identify the causes of the failure of the Larkin Company (Buffalo, NY), once one of the nation's largest mail‐order houses in the decades surrounding 1900.

Design/methodology/approach

Borrowing conceptual frameworks from both recent management and historical scholarship on organizational failure that integrates exogenous and endogenous factors, this study employs traditional historical methods to explain the causes of Larkin's failure. The main primary sources include the Larkin Company records, government documents, personal papers, trade journals, and other primary sources.

Findings

Begun as a modest soap manufacturer by John D. Larkin, in Buffalo, in 1875, the Larkin Company grew to become one of the largest mail‐order houses in the USA in the decades surrounding 1900 owing to its innovative direct marketing practices, called the “factory‐to‐family” plan, that relied on unpaid women to distribute its products. In 1918, anticipating the chain store boom, Larkin established two grocery store chains (other retail ventures followed). The company regularly lost money in these ventures and, combined with a shrinking mail‐order economy, struggled during the 1920s and 1930s, and eventually liquidated in 1941‐1942. A number of exogenous and endogenous factors, acting alone and in various combinations, proved too challenging to second‐ and third‐generation family members who ran the company after 1926.

Originality/value

This research paper tries to understand the decline of an important progressive firm during the interwar period. Whereas Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward were able to make the transition from mail order to stores, Larkin Company failed to navigate this transition successfully. It also adds to the small but important literature in management and business history on organizational failure and may serve as a cautionary tale for family businesses.
“You are a part of all of us”: black department store employees in Jim Crow Richmond
Authors: Kreydatus Beth
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of a significant group of retail employees, specifically the African‐American operations and service workers that worked behind the scenes in department stores during the Jim Crow era, defined here as 1890‐1965.

Design/methodology/approach

Department stores have rightly occupied a prominent place in business historiography. This wealth of scholarship can be explained partly by substantial archival resources, but especially by department stores' significance to US business, cultural, and social history. Yet, despite this rich historiography, a significant number of department store employees have been overlooked, and this omission has distorted the picture of the work culture and marketing strategies of these massive and influential retail institutions. Department stores employ a large number of operations and service staff, such as delivery people, housekeeping and maintenance workers, elevator operators, stock workers, packers, and warehouse workers. These positions make up roughly one‐fifth of all department store work. This paper presents a close study of the two most prominent department stores of early and mid‐twentieth century Richmond, Virginia – Thalhimers and Miller & Rhoads – to offer insight into the work culture and workplace experiences of these employees.

Findings

Ultimately, this paper shows that African‐American employees played an important role in the maintenance and image of Richmond department stores. Store managers place high demands for “loyalty” and “faithfulness” on their black staff to demonstrate their lavish services to the buying public. For black employees, this means that the work environment can be highly stressful, as they seek to meet competing demands from customers and co‐workers. However, department store work offers opportunities, in particular, steady employment among a close network of African‐American coworkers. Finally, the presence of segregated black employees undermines managements' attempts to convey their workforce as one “happy family.”

Research limitations/implications

The research is entirely based on two high‐end department stores, Miller & Rhoads and Thalhimers, both based in Richmond, Virginia. Two store archives – available at the Valentine Richmond History Center and the Virginia Historical Society – are the primary resources for this project. Because, the papers in these archives are donated by store managers, a limitation to this study is the dearth of unmediated voices of the employees themselves.

Originality/value

This research adds to the historiography of department stores by shedding light on employees who are expected by employers to remain nearly invisible in their jobs, and unfortunately, have been fairly invisible in the historical record as well.
The food business environment and the role of China and Brazil building a “food bridge”
Authors: Fava Neves Marcos
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the economic crisis of 2008/2009 and the major impacts on developing nations and food‐producing countries. Within this macro‐environment of food chains, there is concern that food inflation might come back sooner than expected. The role of China as one of the major food consumers in the future, and Brazil, as the major food producer, is described as the food bridge, and an agenda of common development of these countries suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews literature on causes of food inflation, production shortages, and investigation of programs to solve the problem in the future, it is also based on author's personal insights and experience of working on this field in the last 15 years, and recent discussions in forums and interviews.

Findings

The major factors that jointly caused food prices increase in 2007/2008 were population growth, income distribution, urbanization, dollar devaluations, commodity funds, social programs, production shortages, and biofuels. A list of ten policies is suggested: horizontal expansion of food production, vertical expansion, reduction in transaction costs, in protectionism and other taxes, investment in logistics, technology and better coordination, contracts, new generation of fertilizers and to use the best sources of biofuels.

Originality/value

Two major outputs from this paper are the “food demand model” that inserts in one model the trends and causes of food inflation and the solutions; and the “food bridge concept” that also aligns in one box the imminent major food chain cooperation between China and Brazil.
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN GREAT BRITAIN
Authors: Pettman Barrie
Published: January 2010

The period since the Second World War has been one in which almost all Western countries have accepted the maintenance of a high level of employment as one of the first principles of economic policy. However, this has generally meant, inter alia, shortages of skilled manpower. Of course, Britain is not the only country to have suffered from such shortages nor the only one to be concerned at the apparent inability of the existing voluntary training arrangements to solve the problem. Severe criticisms of the traditional pattern of industry‐based apprenticeship training as the main method of preparing young people for skilled work have been made in Britain on the grounds that such on‐the‐job training was comparatively inefficient, that there was little form of quality control to ensure a reasonable standard of training, and that it fostered restrictive practices by increasing the barriers between one skilled trade and another. Criticisms were also voiced that too many employers were merely content to ‘poach’ skilled labour rather than carry out the necessary training themselves and that formal apprenticeship agreements were mainly limited to males in certain craft trades which tended to deprive females and males entering other occupations of systematic training.
Are You a World‐Class E‐Business Competitor?
Authors: Serif Cary
Published: January 2010

Five points separate the best from the rest.
A Five Point Strategy for Cybermarket Success
Authors: Fouts Richard
Published: January 2010

Here is a strategy framework that will broaden your vision, retain your customers, and ultimately improve the return on your e‐commerce investments.
Successful E‐Commerce: Achieving Synergy
Authors: Berger Karen A. , Meyer Jeanine
Published: January 2010

There's more to running a Web page than creating its design and choosing its color. You must address consumer and business behavior issues as well.
Competing on Knowledge
Authors: Zack Michael H.
Published: January 2010

If knowledge management programs are to build lasting value, they must directly support the competitive strategy of the organization.
Knowledge: The True Return on Information Technology
Authors: Mohasseb Saeed
Published: January 2010

Knowledge is the single most important competitive advantage an organization can have. But it's often not clear how to effectively obtain and share it.
Building a High‐Performance Product Development Machine
Authors: Connors Roger , Smith Tom
Published: January 2010

Speed‐to‐market is not just a buzzword. It is a belief and a behavior. Here's how to get your people to act in ways that achieve high speed‐to‐market.
How Organizational Culture Affects Strategic Tools
Authors: Claver Enrique , Llopis Juan , Gascó José L.
Published: January 2010

Culture has a great influence on a firm's—or product's—life cycle and experience curve. Here's how.
Mergers and Acquisitions: The Human Factor
Authors: McArthur Jerie
Published: January 2010

It's not always easy to predict how people will react to a merger, but it's harder to salvage a merger when you're unprepared for those reactions.
Successful Post‐Merger Integration: Realizing the Synergies
Authors: Bohlin Nils , Daley Eliot , Thomson Sue
Published: January 2010

No matter how deeply you cut costs after a merger, if you don't assess and plan for the cultural changes, your merger is likely to fail.
M&A
Authors: Garai Gabor
Published: January 2010

In today's overheated M&A market, yesterday's rules are out the window. Here are some new rules to help you stand out in a crowd.
Creating and Communicating a Vision
Authors: Volpano Louis J.
Published: January 2010

Minimize the resistance to your vision by using the right tools to influence behavior within the organization.
MANAGEMENT
Authors: Donaldson Robert , Folb Barbara
Published: January 2010

Using tools such as mentoring or coaching, a company can help rescue falling stars from problems that can jeopardize their—and in turn the company's—success.
The Role of Interdependence in Strategic Collaboration
Authors: Preston David R.
Published: January 2010

As Ben Franklin sald, We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.
Portfolio Management in Practice
Authors: Bridges Dianne N.
Published: January 2010

Here's how top firms are using portfolio management processes to maximize their projects‘ fit, utility, and balance.
How to Hold Effective Brainstorming Sessions
Authors: Buggie Frederick D.
Published: January 2010

Brainstorming shouldn't be a free‐for‐all—there are some rules to follow to ensure effective results.
Taking a Quantum Leap: Revitalizing Leadership with Modern Physics
Authors: Saarel Douglas A.
Published: January 2010

Successful leaders can recognize and handle the reality of random and chaotic influences that send others headlong into disaster.
The Truth About Stock Option Repricings
Authors: Daily Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R.
Published: January 2010

Are they an effective executive retention strategy? Studies say no.
Team Building On Task
Authors: McArthur Jerie
Published: January 2010

You can keep coaching during the game.
How the Resilient Corporation Competes
Authors: Mahajan Rajeev
Published: January 2010

The Resilient Corporation survives adversity by refusing to follow the pack.
Targeting Performance
Authors: Knight James A.
Published: January 2010

You may think you're doing well by hitting your performance targets, but if the underlying target‐setting process is flawed, you could be seriously underperforming.
Take Management Cues from Supply Chain Metrics
Authors: Roussel Joseph , Jenkins Amanda , Ibarra Paul
Published: January 2010

While most companies have scorecards for customer service, purchasing, and manufacturing, few track cross‐functional supply chain metrics to support ongoing supply chain management.
Increase Your Company's ROI from Database Marketing
Authors: Larson Mary , Eckler Todd
Published: January 2010

Enhance your database marketing by incorporating insight into why customers behave as they do and how you can influence that behavior.
The ROI of CRM: Marketing as an Investment
Authors: Hochhauser Richard
Published: January 2010

CRM offers a different strategy for measuring business success, one focused squarely on customers.
Out of the Boardroom and Into Practice: From Mission to CRM
Authors: Carlaw Peggy , Friedmann Kurt
Published: January 2010

Develop an “experience” brand that takes missions out of boardrooms and puts them into the hands of front‐line employees.
Association between vitamin D and calcium intake and breast cancer risk according to menopausal status and receptor status in Japan
Authors: Kawase Takakazu , Matsuo Keitaro , Suzuki Takeshi , Hirose Kaoru , Hosono Satoyo , Watanabe Miki , Inagaki Masaki , Iwata Hiroji , Tanaka Hideo , Tajima Kazuo
Published: January 2010

Although several studies have investigated the possible association between elevated vitamin D and calcium intake and low breast cancer risk, findings have been inconsistent. We conducted a case‐control study to clarify the association between vitamin D and calcium intake and breast cancer risk among pre‐ and post‐ menopausal women in Japan. We also investigated whether these effects were modified by tumor receptor status, specifically estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) status. We examined 1803 breast cancer patients and 3606 age‐ and menopausal status‐matched noncancer controls. Among cases, 713 were assessed for ER, PR, and HER2 status. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional or unconditional logistic models adjusted for potential confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between vitamin D and calcium intake and breast cancer risk among all subjects, with top quartile ORs of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.63–0.90; trend P = 0.001) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69–0.99; trend P = 0.038), respectively. In analyses stratified by menopausal status, a significant association between risk and vitamin D was observed only among premenopausal women (trend P < 0.001), whereas that between risk and calcium intake was seen only among postmenopausal women (trend P = 0.022). Heterogeneity by menopausal status for these associations was statistically significant. This association was modified by tumor receptor status. These findings suggest that the protective effects of vitamin D and calcium intake against breast cancer risk may differ by menopausal status and receptor status.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1234–1240)
Impact of early feeding on childhood eczema: development after nutritional intervention compared with the natural course – the GINIplus study up to the age of 6 years
Authors: Berg A. v. , Krämer U. , Link E. , Bollrath C. , Heinrich J. , Brockow I. , Koletzko S. , Grübl A. , Filipiak‐Pittroff B. , Wichmann H.‐E. , Bauer C.‐P. , Reinhardt D. , Berdel D. ,   the GINIplus study group
Published: January 2010

Background
Nutritional intervention with hydrolysed infant formulas has been shown efficacious in preventing eczema in children predisposed to allergy. However, this preventive effect has never been related to the natural course of eczema in children with or without a family history of allergy. The aim of this study therefore was to compare the course of eczema in predisposed children after nutritional intervention to the natural course of eczema.

Method
The prospective German birth cohort study GINIplus includes a total of 5991 children, subdivided into interventional and non‐interventional groups. Children with a familial predisposition for allergy whose parents agreed to participate in the prospective, double‐blind intervention trial (N=2252) were randomly assigned at birth to one of four formulas: partially or extensively hydrolysed whey, extensively hydrolysed casein (eHF‐C) or standard cow's milk formula. Children with or without familial predisposition represented the non‐interventional group (N=3739). Follow‐up data were taken from yearly self‐administered questionnaires from 1 up to 6 years. The outcome was physician‐diagnosed eczema and its symptoms. The cumulative incidence of eczema in predisposed children with or without nutritional intervention was compared with that of non‐predisposed children who did not receive intervention. Cox regression was used to adjust for confounding.

Results
Predisposed children without nutritional intervention had a 2.1 times higher risk for eczema [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–2.7] than children without a familial predisposition. The risk was smaller with nutritional intervention even levelling out to 1.3 (95% CI 0.9–1.9) in children fed eHF‐C formula.

Conclusion
Although direct comparability is somewhat restricted, the data demonstrate that early intervention with hydrolysed infant formulas can substantially compensate up until the age of 6 years for an enhanced risk of childhood eczema due to familial predisposition to allergy.

Cite this as: A. v. Berg, U. Krämer, E. Link, C. Bollrath, J. Heinrich, I. Brockow, S. Koletzko, A. Grübl, B. Filipiak‐Pittroff, H.‐E. Wichmann, C.‐P. Bauer, D. Reinhardt, D. Berdel and the GINIplus study group, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 627–636.
Effect of in vitro aspirin stimulation on basophils in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Sanz M. L. , Gamboa P. M.
Published: January 2010

Cite this as: M. L. Sanz and P. M. Gamboa, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 520–521.
Immunological and clinical profile of adult patients with selective immunoglobulin subclass deficiency: response to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy
Authors: Abrahamian F , Agrawal S , Gupta S
Published: January 2010

Selective immunoglobulin (Ig)G3 subclass deficiency in adults, especially its immunological profile, has not been described previously in detail. Therefore, a retrospective chart review was conducted to characterize the immune profile and clinical manifestations in adult patients with selective IgG3 deficiency. We reviewed the charts of 17 adult patients attending our subspeciality immunology clinic with a diagnosis of selective IgG3 deficiency. The following immunological test results were recorded: lymphocyte subsets, proliferative response to mitogens (phytohaemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen) and soluble antigens (mumps, Candida albicans, tetanus toxoid), specific antibody response to tetanus toxoid and pneumococcal antigens, neutrophil oxidative burst and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In addition, we recorded information about the types of infections and other associated diseases, and response to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG). In the majority of patients, lymphocyte subsets were normal. Proliferative responses to mitogens and antigens were decreased in 33% and 40% of patients, respectively. Specific antibody responses to tetanus were normal; however, responses to various pneumococcal serotypes were impaired in a subset of patients. Patients suffered from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, which usually decreased in frequency and severity following treatment with IVIG. The majority of these patients also had concurrent atopic diseases in the form of allergic rhinitis or asthma. Selective IgG3 subclass deficiency should be considered in adults with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections with or without allergic rhinitis or asthma, who may have normal levels of total IgG. IVIG appears to be an effective therapy.
Low numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes in hereditary haemochromatosis are explained by a decrease of the most mature CD8+ effector memory T cells
Authors: Macedo M F , Porto G , Costa M , Vieira C P , Rocha B , Cruz E
Published: January 2010

Low CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers have long been described in hereditary haemochromatosis (HH). Recently, two conserved haplotypes localized near the microsatellite D6S105 at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region were described predicting the clinical expression of HH and the CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers. The A-A-T haplotype was associated with a severe clinical expression of HH and low CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers, while the G-G-G haplotype was associated with a milder clinical expression of HH and high CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers. As CD8+ T lymphocytes are a very heterogeneous population, in this study we analysed the CD8+ subpopulations of naive, central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM), and further subsets of CD8+ TEM cells in 47 HH patients and 68 controls. In addition, association studies were conducted between the conserved haplotypes and the CD8+ T cell subpopulations in HH. Variations of the numbers of naive and central memory cells with age were similar between HH patients and controls. For TEM cells and the TEM CD27-CD28- subset no effect of age was observed in HH [R2 = 0.001, not significant (n.s.) and R2 = 0.01, n.s., respectively] contrasting with the increasing of these subpopulations with age in controls (R2 = 0.09, P = 0.017 and R2 = 0.22, P = 0.0005, respectively). Interestingly, patients homozygous for the A-A-T haplotype have lower numbers of CD8+ TEM cells due especially to lower numbers of TEM CD27-CD28- (0.206 ± 0.119 and 0.066 ± 0.067 × 106 cells/ml, respectively) than patients carrying the G-G-G haplotype (0.358 ± 0.195 and 0.246 ± 0.202 × 106 cells/ml, respectively). This may suggest an inability of HH patients to differentiate the CD8+ T cells into the most mature phenotype.
Multiple stressors and regime shifts in shallow aquatic ecosystems in antipodean landscapes
Authors: DAVIS JENNY , SIM LIEN , CHAMBERS JANE
Published: January 2010

1. Changes in land management (land use and land cover) and water management (including extraction of ground water and diversion of surface waters for irrigation) driven by increases in agricultural production and urban expansion (and fundamentally by population growth) have created multiple stressors on global freshwater ecosystems that we can no longer ignore.

2. The development and testing of conceptual ecological models that examine the impact of stressors on aquatic ecosystems, and recognise that responses may be nonlinear, is now essential for identifying critical processes and predicting changes, particularly the possibility of catastrophic regime shifts or ‘ecological surprises’.

3. Models depicting gradual ecological change and three types of regime shift (simple thresholds, hysteresis and irreversible changes) were examined in the context of shallow inland aquatic ecosystems (wetlands, shallow lakes and temporary river pools) in southwestern Australia subject to multiple anthropogenic impacts (hydrological change, eutrophication, salinisation and acidification).

4. Changes in hydrological processes, particularly the balance between groundwater‐dominated versus surface water‐dominated inputs and a change from seasonal to permanent water regimes appeared to be the major drivers influencing ecological regime change and the impacts of eutrophication and acidification (in urban systems) and salinisation and acidification (in agricultural systems).

5. In the absence of hydrological change, urban wetlands undergoing eutrophication and agricultural wetlands experiencing salinisation appeared to fit threshold models. Models encompassing alternative regimes and hysteresis appeared to be applicable where a change from a seasonal to permanent hydrological regime had occurred.

6. Irreversible ecological change has potentially occurred in agricultural landscapes because the external economic driver, agricultural productivity, persists independently of the impact on aquatic ecosystems.

7. Thematic implications: multiple stressors can create multiple thresholds that may act in a hierarchical fashion in shallow, lentic systems. The resulting regime shifts may follow different models and trajectories of recovery. Challenges for ecosystem managers and researchers include determining how close a system may be to critical thresholds and which processes are essential to maintaining or restoring the system. This requires an understanding of both external drivers and internal ecosystem dynamics, and the interactions between them, at appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
The distribution of microsatellites in theNasoniaparasitoid wasp genome
Authors: Pannebakker B. A. , Niehuis O. , Hedley A. , Gadau J. , Shuker D. M.
Published: January 2010

Microsatellites are important molecular markers used in numerous genetic contexts. Despite this widespread use, the evolutionary processes governing microsatellite distribution and diversity remain controversial. Here, we present results on the distribution of microsatellites of three species in the parasitic wasp genusNasoniagenerated by anin silicodata‐mining approach. Our results show that the overall microsatellite density inNasoniais comparable to that of the honey bee, but much higher than in eight non‐Hymenopteran arthropods. Across theNasonia vitripennisgenome, microsatellite density varied both within and amongst chromosomes. In contrast to other taxa, dinucleotides are the most abundant repeat type in all four species of Hymenoptera studied. Whether the differences between the Hymenoptera and other taxa are of functional significance remains to be determined.
Comparative analysis of nuclear tRNA genes of Nasonia vitripennis and other arthropods, and relationships to codon usage bias
Authors: Behura S. K. , Stanke M. , Desjardins C. A. , Werren J. H. , Severson D. W.
Published: January 2010

Using bioinformatics methods, we identified a total of 221 and 199 tRNA genes in the nuclear genomes of Nasonia vitripennis and honey bee (Apis mellifera), respectively. We performed comparative analyses of Nasonia tRNA genes with honey bee and other selected insects to understand genomic distribution, sequence evolution and relationship of tRNA copy number with codon usage patterns. Many tRNA genes are located physically close to each other in the form of small clusters in the Nasonia genome. However, the number of clusters and the tRNA genes that form such clusters vary from species to species. In particular, the Ala‐, Pro‐, Tyr‐ and His‐tRNA genes tend to accumulate in clusters in Nasonia but not in honey bee, whereas the bee contains a long cluster of 15 tRNA genes (of which 13 are Gln‐tRNAs) that is absent in Nasonia. Though tRNA genes are highly conserved, contrasting patterns of nucleotide diversity are observed among the arm and loop regions of tRNAs between Nasonia and honey bee. Also, the sequence convergence between the reconstructed ancestral tRNAs and the present day tRNAs suggests a common ancestral origin of Nasonia and honey bee tRNAs. Furthermore, we also present evidence that the copy number of isoacceptor tRNAs (those having a different anticodon but charge the same amino acid) is correlated with codon usage patterns of highly expressed genes in Nasonia.
Characteristics of the genome of Arsenophonus nasoniae, son‐killer bacterium of the wasp Nasonia
Authors: Darby A. C. , Choi J.‐H. , Wilkes T. , Hughes M. A. , Werren J. H. , Hurst G. D. D. , Colbourne J. K.
Published: January 2010

We report the properties of a draft genome sequence of the bacterium Arsenophonus nasoniae, son‐killer bacterium of Nasonia vitripennis. The genome sequence data from this study are the first for a male‐killing bacterium, and represent a microorganism that is unusual compared with other sequenced symbionts, in having routine vertical and horizontal transmission, two alternating hosts, and being culturable on cell‐free media. The resulting sequence totals c. 3.5 Mbp and is annotated to contain 3332 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Therefore, Arsenophonus represents a relatively large genome for an insect symbiont. The annotated ORF set suggests that the microbe is capable of a broad array of metabolic functions, well beyond those found for reproductive parasite genomes sequenced to date and more akin to horizontally transmitted and secondary symbionts. We also find evidence of genetic transfer from Wolbachia symbionts, and phage exchange with other gammaproteobacterial symbionts. These findings reflect the complex biology of a bacterium that is able to live, invade and survive multiple host environments while resisting immune responses.
The SciZ protein anchors the enteroaggregative Escherichia coli Type VI secretion system to the cell wall
Authors: Aschtgen Marie‐Stéphanie , Gavioli Marthe , Dessen Andrea , Lloubès Roland , Cascales Eric
Published: January 2010

Type VI secretion systems (T6SS) are multi‐component machines encoded within the genomes of most Gram‐negative bacteria that associate with plant, animal and/or human cells, and therefore are considered as potential virulence factors. We recently launched a study on the Sci‐1 T6SS of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). The Sci‐1 T6SS is composed of all or a subset of the 21 gene products encoded within the cluster, 13 of which are shared by all T6SS identified so far. In the present work, we focussed our attention on the SciZ protein. We first showed that SciZ is required for the release of the Hcp protein in the culture supernatant and for efficient biofilm formation, demonstrating that SciZ is necessary for EAEC T6SS function. Indeed, SciZ forms a complex with SciP, SciS and SciN, three core components of the transport apparatus. Fractionation and topology studies showed that SciZ is a polytopic inner membrane protein with three trans‐membrane segments. Computer analyses identified a motif shared by peptidoglycan binding proteins of the OmpA family in the SciZ periplasmic domain. Using in vivo and in vitro binding assays, we showed that this motif anchors the SciZ protein to the cell wall and is required for T6SS function.
Peptidoglycan metabolism is controlled by the WalRK (YycFG) and PhoPR two‐component systems in phosphate‐limited Bacillus subtilis cells
Authors: Bisicchia Paola , Lioliou Efthimia , Noone David , Salzberg Letal I. , Botella Eric , Hübner Sebastian , Devine Kevin M.
Published: January 2010

In Bacillus subtilis, the WalRK (YycFG) two‐component system controls peptidoglycan metabolism in exponentially growing cells while PhoPR controls the response to phosphate limitation. Here we examine the roles of WalRK and PhoPR in peptidoglycan metabolism in phosphate‐limited cells. We show that B. subtilis cells remain viable in a phosphate‐limited state for an extended period and resume growth rapidly upon phosphate addition, even in the absence of a PhoPR‐mediated response. Peptidoglycan synthesis occurs in phosphate‐limited wild‐type cells at ∼27% the rate of exponentially growing cells, and at ∼18% the rate of exponentially growing cells in the absence of PhoPR. In phosphate‐limited cells, the WalRK regulon genes yocH, cwlO(yvcE), lytE and ydjM are expressed in a manner that is dependent on the WalR recognition sequence and deleting these genes individually reduces the rate of peptidoglycan synthesis. We show that ydjM expression can be activated by PhoP∼P in vitro and that PhoP occupies its promoter in phosphate‐limited cells. However, iseA(yoeB) expression cannot be repressed by PhoP∼P in vitro, but can be repressed by non‐phosphorylated WalR in vitro. Therefore, we conclude that peptidoglycan metabolism is controlled by both WalRK and PhoPR in phosphate‐limited B. subtilis cells.
Thermal acclimation of photosynthesis: a comparison of boreal and temperate tree species along a latitudinal transect
Authors: DILLAWAY DYLAN N. , KRUGER ERIC L.
Published: January 2010

Common gardens were established along a ∼900 km latitudinal transect to examine factors limiting geographical distributions of boreal and temperate tree species in eastern North America. Boreal representatives were trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), while temperate species were eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr ex. Marsh var. deltoides) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.). The species were compared with respect to adjustments of leaf photosynthetic metabolism along the transect, with emphasis on temperature sensitivities of the maximum rate of ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation (EV) and regeneration (EJ). During leaf development, the average air temperature (Tgrowth) differed between the coolest and warmest gardens by 12 °C. Evidence of photosynthetic thermal acclimation (metabolic shifts compensating for differences in Tgrowth) was generally lacking in all species. Namely, neither EV nor EJ was positively related to Tgrowth. Correspondingly, the optimum temperature (Topt) of ambient photosynthesis (Asat) did not vary significantly with Tgrowth. Modest variation in Topt was explained by the combination of EV plus the slope and curvature of the parabolic temperature response of mesophyll conductance (gm). All in all, species differed little in photosynthetic responses to climate. Furthermore, the adaptive importance of photosynthetic thermal acclimation was overshadowed by gm's influence on Asat's temperature response.
On the 13C/12C isotopic signal of day and night respiration at the mesocosm level
Authors: TCHERKEZ GUILLAUME , SCHÄUFELE RUDI , NOGUÉS SALVADOR , PIEL CLÉMENT , BOOM ARNOUD , LANIGAN GARY , BARBAROUX CÉCILE , MATA CATARINA , ELHANI SLIMAN , HEMMING DEBBIE , MAGUAS CHRISTINA , YAKIR DAN , BADECK FRANZ W. , GRIFFITHS HOWARD , SCHNYDER HANS , GHASHGHAIE JALEH
Published: January 2010

While there is currently intense effort to examine the 13C signal of CO2 evolved in the dark, less is known on the isotope composition of day‐respired CO2. This lack of knowledge stems from technical difficulties to measure the pure respiratory isotopic signal: day respiration is mixed up with photorespiration, and there is no obvious way to separate photosynthetic fractionation (pure ci/ca effect) from respiratory effect (production of CO2 with a different δ13C value from that of net‐fixed CO2) at the ecosystem level. Here, we took advantage of new simple equations, and applied them to sunflower canopies grown under low and high [CO2]. We show that whole mesocosm‐respired CO2 is slightly 13C depleted in the light at the mesocosm level (by 0.2–0.8‰), while it is slightly 13C enriched in darkness (by 1.5–3.2‰). The turnover of the respiratory carbon pool after labelling appears similar in the light and in the dark, and accordingly, a hierarchical clustering analysis shows a close correlation between the 13C abundance in day‐ and night‐evolved CO2. We conclude that the carbon source for respiration is similar in the dark and in the light, but the metabolic pathways associated with CO2 production may change, thereby explaining the different 12C/13C respiratory fractionations in the light and in the dark.
H2O2 and cytosolic Ca2+ signals triggered by the PM H+‐coupled transport system mediate K+/Na+ homeostasis in NaCl‐stressed Populus euphratica cells
Authors: SUN JIAN , WANG MEI‐JUAN , DING MING‐QUAN , DENG SHU‐RONG , LIU MEI‐QIN , LU CUN‐FU , ZHOU XIAO‐YANG , SHEN XIN , ZHENG XIAO‐JIANG , ZHANG ZENG‐KAI , SONG JIN , HU ZAN‐MIN , XU YUE , CHEN SHAO‐LIANG
Published: January 2010

Using confocal microscopy, X‐ray microanalysis and the scanning ion‐selective electrode technique, we investigated the signalling of H2O2, cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) and the PM H+‐coupled transport system in K+/Na+ homeostasis control in NaCl‐stressed calluses of Populus euphratica. An obvious Na+/H+ antiport was seen in salinized cells; however, NaCl stress caused a net K+ efflux, because of the salt‐induced membrane depolarization. H2O2 levels, regulated upwards by salinity, contributed to ionic homeostasis, because H2O2 restrictions by DPI or DMTU caused enhanced K+ efflux and decreased Na+/H+ antiport activity. NaCl induced a net Ca2+ influx and a subsequent rise of [Ca2+]cyt, which is involved in H2O2‐mediated K+/Na+ homeostasis in salinized P. euphratica cells. When callus cells were pretreated with inhibitors of the Na+/H+ antiport system, the NaCl‐induced elevation of H2O2 and [Ca2+]cyt was correspondingly restricted, leading to a greater K+ efflux and a more pronounced reduction in Na+/H+ antiport activity. Results suggest that the PM H+‐coupled transport system mediates H+ translocation and triggers the stress signalling of H2O2 and Ca2+, which results in a K+/Na+ homeostasis via mediations of K+ channels and the Na+/H+ antiport system in the PM of NaCl‐stressed cells. Accordingly, a salt stress signalling pathway of P. euphratica cells is proposed.
Investigations of prostate epithelial stem cells and prostate cancer stem cells
Authors: Miki Jun
Published: January 2010

Although both prostate epithelial stem cells and prostate cancer stem cells are implicated in the differentiation of the normal prostate gland and carcinogenesis of prostate cancer, there has, until recently, been little information regarding their biology. This review summarizes the recent advancements in cell biological research including various in vitro culture systems that have offered the characterization and isolation of prostate epithelial stem cells and prostate cancer stem cells. In addition, the stromal niche or microenvironment of stem cells plays an essential role in proliferation and differentiation of normal stem cells. Stroma surrounding cancer cells, which also provide another unique niche, may involve the initiation and development of cancer stem cells. Investigation of stem cells and their microenvironments in the prostate should lead to the elucidation of biological features and the development of novel treatments for prostate cancer.
NON‐SYMMETRICAL CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS WITH CONCATENATION AND LINEAR CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Beh Eric J. , D'Ambra Luigi
Published: January 2010

Correspondence analysis is a popular statistical technique used to identify graphically the presence, and structure, of association between two or more cross‐classified categorical variables. Such a procedure is very useful when it is known that there is a symmetric (two‐way) relationship between the variables. When such a relationship is known not to exist, non‐symmetrical correspondence analysis is more appropriate as a method of establishing the source of association. This paper highlights some tools that can be used to explore the behaviour of asymmetric categorical variables. These tools consist of confidence regions, the link between non‐symmetrical correspondence analysis and the analysis of variance of categorical variables, and the effect of imposing linear constraints. We also explore the application of non‐symmetrical correspondence analysis to three‐way contingency tables.
“Whom should We Help First?” Transnational Helping Practices in Ecuadorian Migration
Authors: Boccagni Paolo
Published: January 2010

Collective remittances, in the framework of migrant transnationalism, have been recently dealt with in some empirical research, especially on the Mexican‐US migration system. Far less studied is their significance in different migration flows, including their real contribution – as desirable as this may be – to local development. The article is concerned with a bottom up analysis of a migration flow where collective remittances – as the only way for emigrants to keep helping their local communities, well beyond their own families – are still in their infancy. It explores, through a translocal ethnography of Ecuadorian migration to Italy, the underlying attitudes, personal meanings and expectations – as well as the structural opportunities and constraints – accounting for helping practices at a distance. Charitable transfers to communities of origin are reconstructed as to their motivations, their main aims and beneficiaries, their embeddedness in mutual networks among immigrant co‐nationals. How is it that some of them decide to help “people in need” in their own communities overseas, or in their home towns, or in both? Is this an expression of communal belonging, or a matter of social status maintenance, or something else?

Further reflections on the dilemmas inherent in transnational helping practices are then developed. Concluding remarks emphasize the relatively poor scope for such initiatives, in a recent and first‐generation flow over a long distance. While co‐ethnic solidarity overseas is a precondition for transnational helping practices, the latter are also affected by the developments of public policies in the countries of origin and of destination. Overall, an effective integration overseas is necessary for collective remittances to have some currency and impact.
Using Group‐Based Parent Training Interventions with Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Description of Process, Content and Outcomes in Clinical Practice
Authors: Todd Samantha , Bromley Jo , Ioannou Korina , Harrison James , Mellor Christine , Taylor Eric , Crabtree Elizabeth
Published: January 2010

Background:  There is a need for further development and evaluation of group‐based parent‐ training interventions for parents of children with disabilities. This paper describes interventions delivered in two areas of Greater Manchester.

Method:  The process and content of an approach designed for parents of children with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders is described.

Results:  Clinical outcome data for 22 parents/carers are presented. Client feedback about the course is also reported.

Conclusions:  The data suggest that this intervention is effective in reducing the frequency and impact of children’s challenging behaviours, and improving parental psychological well‐being. More rigorous and extensive evaluation is required.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT‐ A): Extending the Reach from Academic to Community Settings1
Authors: Mufson Laura
Published: January 2010

Depression is a persistent and impairing illness for adolescents. Many adolescents have limited access to care and/or do not receive adequate treatment for their depression. Researchers have developed a number of empirically supported interventions for adolescent depression; the challenge is to bring these treatments into community settings and assess their effectiveness under real world conditions. This paper provides a critical examination of research conducted on the use of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (IPT‐A). The paper presents evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of IPT‐A. Implementation and dissemination efforts are discussed in regard to lessons learned and directions for future research.
UPWARD STRUCTURAL MOBILITY, EXCHANGE MOBILITY, AND SUBGROUP CONSISTENT MOBILITY MEASUREMENT: U.S.–GERMAN MOBILITY RANKINGS REVISITED
Authors: Schluter Christian , Van de gaer Dirk
Published: January 2010

We formalize the concept of upward structural mobility and use the framework of subgroup consistent mobility measurement to derive a relative and an absolute measure of mobility that is increasing in upward structural mobility and compatible with the notion of exchange mobility. In our empirical illustration, we contribute substantively to the ongoing debate about mobility rankings between the U.S. and Germany by demonstrating that the U.S. typically does exhibit more upward structural mobility than Germany.
Effects of spironolactone on atrial structural remodelling in a canine model of atrial fibrillation produced by prolonged atrial pacing
Authors: Zhao J , Li J , Li W , Li Y , Shan H , Gong Y , Yang B
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  Suppression of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system can prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) by attenuating atrial structural remodelling but the role of aldosterone in AF prevention has not been investigated thoroughly. We explored whether the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone, could improve atrial structural remodelling in long‐term rapid pacing‐induced AF.

Experimental approach:  Three groups of dogs were used, sham‐operated, control and spironolactone‐treated groups. Dogs in the control and spironolactone groups had right atrial pacing for 6 weeks. The spironolactone group was given spironolactone 1 week before and during the atrial pacing. After 6 weeks of pacing, atrial structural and functional changes were assessed by echocardiography, haemodynamic parameters by cardiac catheterization, histopathological changes by light and electron microscopy and cardiomyocyte apoptosis by TUNEL. Caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, bax, calpain I, calpastatin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 were analysed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The inducibility and duration of AF were measured by atrial burst pacing.

Key results:  After atrial pacing, the proportion of TUNEL positive cells, myolysis, atrial fibrosis and dilatation were all significantly increased and these changes were inhibited by spironolactone. Spironolactone treatment reversed the increased expression of caspase‐3, bax, calpain I and MMP‐9 and the decreased level of Bcl‐2, calpastatin and TIMP‐1, induced by chronic atrial pacing. Also spironolactone prevented the increased inducibility and duration of AF, induced by tachypacing.

Conclusions and implications:  Treatment with spironolactone prevented myocardial apoptosis, myolysis, atrial fibrosis and dilatation, suggesting a possible beneficial effect of aldosterone antagonism on atrial structural remodelling in AF.

This article is commented on by Lendeckel et al., pp. 1581–1583 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00675.x
Altered arachidonic acid metabolism via COX‐1 and COX‐2 contributes to the endothelial dysfunction of penile arteries from obese Zucker rats
Authors: Sánchez A , Contreras C , Villalba N , Martínez P , Martínez AC , Bríones A , Salaíces M , García‐Sacristán A , Hernández M , Prieto D
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism via cyclooxygenase (COX) in the endothelial dysfunction of penile arteries from pre‐diabetic, obese Zucker rats (OZR).

Experimental approach: Penile arteries from OZR and from lean Zucker rats (LZR) were mounted in microvascular myographs to assess vascular function and COX expression was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Key results: Acetylcholine (ACh) and AA elicited relaxations that were impaired in arteries from OZR. Inhibition of both COX‐1 and COX‐2 reduced the relaxant effects of ACh and AA in LZR but not in OZR. Inhibitors of COX‐1 and of the TXA2/PGH2(TP) receptor enhanced the relaxations induced by AA in both LZR and OZR, whereas COX‐2 inhibition enhanced these responses only in OZR. TP receptor blockade did not restore ACh relaxant responses in arteries from OZR. Inhibition of COX‐1 increased basal tension in OZR and this contraction was blunted by TP receptor blockade. The vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline were augmented by indomethacin and by COX‐2 inhibition in LZR but not in OZR. Immunohistochemical staining showed that both COX‐1 and COX‐2 are expressed in the endothelium of penile arteries from both LZR and OZR.

Conclusions and implications: Vasoactive prostanoids were formed via constitutively active COX‐1 and COX‐2 pathways in normal rat penile arteries. Under conditions of insulin resistance, the release and/or effects of vasodilator prostanoids were impaired, contributing to the blunted endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and to the enhanced vasoconstriction.