bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of two phosphodiesterases reveals cyclic diguanylate regulation of virulence factors in Dickeya dadantii
Authors: Yi Xuan , Yamazaki Akihiro , Biddle Eulandria , Zeng Quan , Yang Ching‐Hong
Published: June 2010

Cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP) is a second messenger implicated in the regulation of various cellular properties in several bacterial species. However, its function in phytopathogenic bacteria is not yet understood. In this study we investigated a panel of GGDEF/EAL domain proteins which have the potential to regulate c‐di‐GMP levels in the phytopathogen Dickeya dadantii 3937. Two proteins, EcpB (contains GGDEF and EAL domains) and EcpC (contains an EAL domain) were shown to regulate multiple cellular behaviours and virulence gene expression. Deletion of ecpB and/or ecpC enhanced biofilm formation but repressed swimming/swarming motility. In addition, the ecpB and ecpC mutants displayed a significant reduction in pectate lyase production, a virulence factor of this bacterium. Gene expression analysis showed that deletion of ecpB and ecpC significantly reduced expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS) and its virulence effector proteins. Expression of the T3SS genes is regulated by HrpL and possibly RpoN, two alternative sigma factors. In vitro biochemical assays showed that EcpC has phosphodiesterase activity to hydrolyse c‐di‐GMP into linear pGpG. Most of the enterobacterial pathogens encode at least one T3SS, a major virulence factor which functions to subvert host defences. The current study broadens our understanding of the interplay between c‐di‐GMP, RpoN and T3SS and the potential role of c‐di‐GMP in T3SS regulation among a wide range of bacterial pathogens.
Male and Female Meadow Voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, Differ in Their Responses to Heterospecific/Conspecific Over‐Marks
Authors: Vlautin Christian T. , Hobbs Nicholas J. , Ferkin Michael H.
Published: June 2010

Voles use runways, paths, and trails that may also be used by rabbits and mink. These shared areas could contain the scent marks of conspecifics and heterospecifics. Thus, it is likely that the scent marks of heterospecifics may overlap or be overlapped by those of voles, forming over‐marks. Much is known about how voles respond to over‐marks of two different conspecifics. However, we do not know how they would respond to an opposite‐sex conspecific whose scent marks are in an over‐mark with the scent marks of predator or the scent marks of a non‐predator heterospecifics. We tested the hypothesis that meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, differ in their response to the scent mark of the opposite‐sex conspecific if the scent mark was overlapped by that of a mink, a vole predator, or rabbit, a vole non‐predator. We found that female but not male voles showed a preference for the scent marks of the opposite‐sex conspecifics that were part of the mink‐vole over‐mark when compared to those of opposite‐sex conspecifics that were not part of the over‐mark. This preference by female voles was independent of whether the male vole was the top‐scent donor or bottom‐scent donor of the over‐mark. Male and female voles showed no preference between the scent marks of the opposite‐sex conspecifics whose marks were part of or not part of the rabbit‐vole over‐mark. Sex differences in the manner that meadow voles respond to rabbit‐vole and mink‐vole over‐marks are discussed.
Influence of temporal fluctuations in seed abundance on the foraging behaviour of harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.) in the central Monte desert, Argentina
Authors: POL RODRIGO G. , LOPEZ DE CASENAVE JAVIER , PIRK GABRIELA I.
Published: June 2010

The simultaneous study of the temporal dynamics of foraging behaviour, diet and seed abundance is essential to assess the way in which resources affect the behaviour and ecology of harvester ants. Here, we evaluate how fluctuations in grass seed abundance during three consecutive growing seasons influenced the foraging behaviour and diet of the harvester ants Pogonomyrmex rastratus, P. mendozanus and P. inermis in the central Monte desert, Argentina. Seed abundance of the most consumed grasses varied greatly through ant activity season, and ants altered their foraging behaviour in response to those changes. Foragers spent more time travelling and searching for food, and their foraging trips took longer during the low seed availability season. Foraging distance was very similar among species and, contrary to our expectations, did not vary between seasons. Foraging success of P. rastratus and P. inermis increased during the high availability season. This matched the seasonal pattern of foraging activity, suggesting that colonies may detect seed abundance and regulate their foraging effort with the rate of forager success. Although grass seeds were the main item in the diet of the three species, P. mendozanus, and to a lesser extent P. rastratus, turned more generalist when grass seeds were scarce. In contrast, P. inermis showed a very narrow diet breadth, only harvesting grass seeds in both seasons. Our results indicate the relevance of seed availability on foraging behaviour of harvester ants, which should be taken into account when predicting and evaluating the effect of ants on seed resources as well as numerical responses of harvester ant populations to the temporal and spatial variations in grass seed abundance.
Nutritional implications for sexual cannibalism in a sexually dimorphic orb web spider
Authors: BLAMIRES SEAN J.
Published: June 2010

Models predicting mechanisms driving sexual cannibalism in spiders with sexual size dimorphism (SSD) often assume that spiders use post‐copulatory food to channel nutrients into eggs and fecundity is altered through changes in clutch size or egg mass. I tested these assumptions using an orb web spider with extreme SSD,Argiope keyserlingi. I fed mated female spiders prey of either high protein‐low energy or low protein‐high energy composition. I measured egg energy density; a measure of the relative volumes of yolk and albumen. I predicted that ifA. keyserlingiincrease their egg energy density upon feeding on prey of a specific nutrient composition, they could enhance their fecundity by investing in more energy dense eggs. However, if the egg energy densities are dissimilar to their post‐copulatory prey they must be drawing energy from their somatic reserves to invest in eggs. In a further experiment I allowed female spiders to mate with and cannibalize males to determine if cannibalism induces similar effects on egg energy density. Male spider protein energy ratio was measured and found to resemble the high protein‐low energy prey. I found disagreement between the composition of post‐copulatory food and eggs in both experiments. Additionally, spiders fed high protein‐low energy prey lost weight indicating that they draw on their energy reserves to invest in eggs. I thus concluded that spiders that feed on high protein‐low energy prey or on males increase their egg energy density and, possibly, fecundity. However, the nutrient content of the prey or males cannot provide for investment in eggs. The energy invested in eggs is drawn from somatic reserves, probably induced by an as yet undescribed physiological trigger.
Case of prenatally diagnosed non‐mosaic trisomy 20 with minor abnormalities
Authors: Mavromatidis Georgios , Dinas Konstantinos , Delkos Dimitrios , Vosnakis Christos , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Rousso David
Published: June 2010

Non‐mosaic trisomy 20 is a rare trisomy and almost all affected fetuses do not survive past the first trimester of the pregnancy. Severe abnormalities are frequently present in these embryos. We report the case of prenatally diagnosed non‐mosaic trisomy 20 with only minor anomalies in the fetus. At external examination of the fetus we detected only low‐set ears and no other abnormalities. Internally, all organs appeared normal macroscopically.
IDEAS AT WORK: SPARKLING INNOVATION
Authors: BIRKINSHAW JULIAN , ROBBINS PETER
Published: June 2010

GlaxoSmithKline faced a situation common to large global organisations: how to allocate marketing resources to smaller, regional brands. Julian Birkinshaw and Peter Robbins report on the company's inventive approach to worldwide marketing that led to the development of a unique and productive network.
WHERE NEXT?
Authors: CRAINER STUART
Published: June 2010

The emergence of large, vibrant and seemingly unstoppable new markets has been the good news story of the past decade. Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) are among those who have emerged blinking into the economic light. Amid the turbulence and rapid growth, of one thing we can be sure: new and very different markets will continue to emerge. For investors and business leaders, the critical question they must contemplate is powerfully simple: where next?
Wikinomics: The Sequel
Authors: PETERS GEORGINA
Published: June 2010

Ever‐optimistic Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams, co‐authors of Wikinomics (Atlantic Books, 2008) and, individually, of a number of other books that study the Internet and its relation to society, are now working on a new book, one for which they're using the Internet to determine its title.
VOICE: REBUILDING TRUST
Authors: DE CREMER DAVID
Published: June 2010

David De Cremer charts the financial world's attempts to rebuild trust and provides three steps to jump‐start the process.
VOICES: MORE IMPORTANT THAN RESULTS
Authors: DE REYCK BERT , DEGRAEVE ZEGER
Published: June 2010

Managing only for results leads to crises, say Bert De Reyck and Zeger Degraeve. Reward people for the decisions they make, not just for the results they create.
‘A Very Sensible Man’: Imagining Fatherhood in England c.1750–1830
Authors: BAILEY JOANNE
Published: June 2010

Fathers are at once everywhere and nowhere in the historiography of eighteenth‐century England. They interact with children in family history, bear authority in histories of women, gender and marriage, use the role to demonstrate virility, and the capacity for household mastery and citizenship in the history of masculinity, and are metaphors in political culture. Yet there is little sustained work on what constituted the key attributes of fatherhood before 1830. This article shows that the ideal father in the period c.1750 to 1830 was tenderly affectionate, sensitized and moved by babies; he provided hugs, material support and a protective guiding hand. Engrossed in his offspring to the exclusion of much else apart from his wife and national duties, he offered his children a moral example and instruction and possessed a deep understanding of his children's personalities. The genesis of this imagined fatherhood lay in fundamental eighteenth‐century concerns about social, class, gender and familial relationships, and national strength. His form and the language used to describe him owed much to the combined forces of the culture of sensibility and of general Christian ideals antedating Evangelical revival.
Reversible autism among congenitally blind children? A controlled follow‐up study
Authors: Peter Hobson R. , Lee Anthony
Published: June 2010

Background:  Atypical forms of autism may yield insights into the development and nature of the syndrome.

Methods:  We conducted a follow‐up study of nine congenitally blind and seven sighted children who, eight years earlier, had satisfied formal diagnostic criteria for autism and had been included in groups matched for chronological age and verbal ability. In keeping with the original study, we met with teachers to discuss a DSM‐based checklist of clinical features of autism, and conducted direct observations of the children to complete assessments on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS; Schopler, Reichler, and Renner, 1986) and the Behavior Checklist for Disordered Preschoolers (BCDP; Sherman, Shapiro, & Glassman, 1983).

Results:  As predicted, a substantially higher proportion of blind (eight out of nine) than sighted (none out of seven) children now failed to meet formal DSM criteria for autism, and in keeping with BCDP ratings, they had significantly lower CARS scores.

Conclusions:  Follow‐up of nine congenitally blind children with autism revealed that, in adolescence, only one still satisfied diagnostic criteria for the syndrome. We consider the implications for theoretical perspectives on the development of autism.
Trajectories of antisocial behaviour towards siblings predict antisocial behaviour towards peers
Authors: Ensor Rosie , Marks Alex , Jacobs Lorna , Hughes Claire
Published: June 2010

Background:  Young siblings’ antisocial behaviour is common yet its impact has received relatively little research attention.

Methods:  We examined trajectories of antisocial behaviour for a socially diverse sample (n = 99, 58 boys and 41 girls) who were filmed with their older siblings (52 boys and 47 girls) at ages 3 and 6 and with unfamiliar peers at age 6. Latent growth models were used to analyse three indicators of antisocial behaviour (refusal to share/interact, bullying and harming).

Results:  The average trajectory of antisocial behaviour towards siblings was stable and particularly high for boys with brothers and for children of mothers with no educational qualifications. Sustained and escalating antisocial behaviours towards siblings predicted bullying and refusals to share/interact with unfamiliar peers, independent of associations with concurrent antisocial behaviour towards sibling.

Conclusions:  These findings highlight the importance of a developmental perspective when examining antisocial behaviour between young siblings.
Recurrence risk of stillbirth in a second pregnancy
Authors: Bhattacharya S , Prescott GJ , Black M , Shetty A
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Bhattacharya S, Prescott G, Black M, Shetty A. Recurrence risk of stillbirth in a second pregnancy. BJOG 2010;117:1243–1247.

Objective  To examine the risk of recurrence of stillbirth in a second pregnancy.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Scotland, UK.

Population  All women who delivered their first and second pregnancies in Scotland between 1981 and 2005.

Methods  All women delivering for the first time between 1981 and 2000 were linked to records of their second pregnancy using routinely collected data from the Scottish Morbidity Returns. Women who had an intrauterine death in their first pregnancy formed the exposed cohort, whereas those who had a live birth formed the unexposed cohort.

Main outcome measure  Stillbirth in a second pregnancy.

Results  After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of recurrence of stillbirth in a second pregnancy were found to be 1.94 (99% CI 1.29–2.92) compared with women who had had a live birth in their first pregnancy. Other factors associated with recurrence of stillbirth in a second pregnancy included placental abruption (adjusted OR 1.96; 99% CI 1.60–2.41), preterm delivery (adjusted OR 7.45; 99% CI 5.91–9.39) and low birthweight (adjusted OR 6.69; 99% CI 5.31–8.42). A Bayesian analysis using minimally informative normal priors found the risk of recurrence of stillbirth in a second pregnancy to be 1.59 (99% CI 1.10–2.33).

Conclusions  Women who have stillbirth in their first pregnancy have a higher risk of recurrence in their next pregnancy.
Activation of GABA‐B receptors induced by systemic amphetamine abolishes dopamine release in the rat lateral septum
Authors: Sotomayor‐Zárate Ramón , Araya Katherine Angélica , Pereira Paulo , Blanco Elías , Quiroz Gabriel , Pozo Sergio , Carreño Paz , Andrés María Estela , Forray María Inés , Gysling Katia
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1678–1686.

The lateral septum is a brain nucleus involved in various mental disorders such as anxiety and drug addiction. In the present study, we investigated whether systemic amphetamine, known to release dopamine (DA) in nucleus accumbens, will also release DA in lateral septum. Our results show that systemic amphetamine administration (2 mg/kg i.p.) induced a significant increase in DA extracellular levels in nucleus accumbens but not in lateral septum. Interestingly, intralateral septum perfusion of amphetamine through the microdialysis probe induced a significant increase in DA extracellular levels. To test if GABAergic neurotransmission in lateral septum was responsible for inhibiting the release of DA when amphetamine was administered systemically, we perfused a GABA‐B selective antagonist (CGP‐52432) intra lateral septum. Systemic amphetamine administration induced a significant increase in lateral septum DA release when CGP‐52432 was concomitantly superfused. Our results indicate that the systemic administration of amphetamine induces an increase in lateral septum GABA release and the consequent activation of GABA‐B receptors counteracting the direct effect of amphetamine on lateral septum DA release.
Ulcerative colitis exacerbates lipopolysaccharide‐induced damage to the nigral dopaminergic system: potential risk factor in Parkinson`s disease
Authors: Villarán Ruth F. , Espinosa‐Oliva Ana M. , Sarmiento Manuel , De Pablos Rocío M. , Argüelles Sandro , Delgado‐Cortés María J. , Sobrino Verónica , Van Rooijen Nico , Venero José L. , Herrera Antonio J. , Cano Josefina , Machado Alberto
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1687–1700.

Peripheral inflammation could play a role in the origin and development of certain neurodegenerative disorders. To ascertain this possibility, a model of dopaminergic neurodegeneration based on the injection of the inflammatory agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) within the substantia nigra was assayed in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by the ingestion of dextran sulphate sodium. We found an increase in the levels of inflammatory markers from serum (tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and the acute phase protein C‐reactive protein) and substantia nigra (tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, microglial and astroglial populations) of rats with UC, as well as an alteration of the blood–brain barrier permeability and the loss of dopaminergic neurons. UC reinforced the inflammatory and deleterious effects of LPS. On the contrary, clodronate encapsulated in liposomes (ClodLip), which depletes peripheral macrophages, ameliorated the effect of LPS and UC. Peripheral inflammation might represent a risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Strain‐dependent serotonin neuron feedback control: role of serotonin2Creceptors
Authors: Calcagno Eleonora , Invernizzi Roberto W.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1701–1710.

We investigated the role of serotonin2Creceptor‐mediated feedback mechanisms in the response to citalopram in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice, which are respectively responders and non‐responders to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the forced swimming test. The microdialysis technique was used to assess changes in extracellular serotonin and GABA in the mouse dorsal raphé (DR). Citalopram (1.25–20 mg/kg) raised extracellular serotonin and GABA in the DR of both mouse strains. These effects were abolished by depleting brain serotonin with p‐chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg × 3). Systemic and/or intra‐DR infusion of the serotonin2Creceptor antagonist 6‐chloro‐5‐methyl‐1‐[[2‐[(2‐methyl‐3‐pyridyl)oxy]‐5‐pyridyl]carbamoyl]‐indoline (1 mg/kg and 0.1 μM, respectively) enhanced citalopram’s effect on extracellular serotonin in the DR and medial prefrontal cortex and abolished the rise of GABA in the DR of DBA/2 mice but had no effect in C57BL/6 mice. The serotonin2Creceptor agonist Ro60‐0175 (0.03–3.0 mg/kg) reduced extracellular serotonin and raised GABA in the DR of DBA/2 mice but had much less effect in C57BL/6 mice. These findings show that the sensitivity of serotonin2Creceptors determines the efficacy of augmentation strategies aimed at enhancing the effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors on extracellular serotonin through the suppression of serotonin2Creceptor‐mediated feedback control of serotonin neurons.
Male–female differences in forearm skin tissue dielectric constant
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Carson Sophia , Luis Michelle
Published: June 2010

Tissue dielectric constant (TDC) measurements at 300 MHz via the coaxial line reflection method are useful to evaluate local skin tissue water and its change, but virtually all available data relate to measurements on women. Because TDC values in part depend on skin thickness, we hypothesized that differences in male–female skin may be associated with male–female differences in TDC. To test this hypothesis, we compared TDC values in volar forearm skin of 60 young adult volunteers (30 men, 25·0 ± 2·5 years, 30 women, 27·4 ± 6·6 years) in the seated position using a probe with an effective measurement depth of 1·5 mm. Results showed that TDC values (mean ± SD) for men were significantly greater than for women (33·2 ± 4·0 versus 29·4 ± 2·7, P<0·001) constituting an overall difference of about 13%. This finding suggests that when TDC measurements are used in research or clinical studies in which both men and women are included in a common study population, it would be prudent to consider this difference in both experimental design and data interpretation. This is especially true if absolute TDC values are of interest in contrast to changes in TDC values on the same subject subsequent to time passage or secondary to an intervention. Despite greater TDC values measured in men, calculations of the impact of a greater male skin thickness indicate that the greater TDC values of men may or may not reflect a greater relative local skin tissue water in men compared to women.
The Effects of Household Income Volatility on Divorce
Authors: Nunley John M. , Seals Alan
Published: June 2010

Abstract

We extend the literature on the effects of earnings shocks on divorce by identifying separately the effects of transitory and permanent household income shocks and by allowing the shocks to have asymmetric effects across education and racial groups. The econometric evidence suggests negative (positive) transitory household income shocks increase (decrease) the probability of divorce, while there is only weak evidence that positive (negative) permanent household income shocks raise (lower) the probability of divorce. Some differences in the effects of household income shocks on divorce propensities arise for subsamples selected by education and race.
Guanxi Management in Lean Production System—An Empirical Study of Taiwan‐Japanese Firms
Authors: Wong Meiling
Published: June 2010

Abstract

While the emphasis in the West is on “what you know” refers to technological expertise, including the price and quality of tendered product or service, the emphasis in Confucian societies is on “who you know,” which refers to personal connections with the appropriate authorities or individuals. These connections are known in Chinese as guanxi, on which as the basis Chinese exchange a lifetime of favors, resources, and business leverage. This study seeks to study guanxi mechanism, the unique Chinese social‐cultural element and its impact on the managerial effectiveness of Taiwanese firms with lean implementation in practice, and an empirical study is constructed to verify our proposal. Results suggest that guanxi and its networks function as the lubrication that eases interpersonal conflicts and as the buffer in solving problems, which in turn upgrades the cooperative efficiency both inter‐ and intragroups. This article provides an inner view of cultural value, which offers insights that should prove helpful to academics in management and related disciplines as well as to practitioners engaged in Chinese production management.
Propertyless in Peru, Even with a Government Land Title
Authors: Kerekes Carrie B. , Williamson Claudia R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract

This article investigates the ability and process of government land titling as a method to achieve secure property rights institutions. Specifically, we analyze the impact of government land titling in rural Peru. Our findings suggest that land titling does not achieve the positive benefits associated with secure property, such as access to credit. We also find that individuals prefer private enforcement methods of securing property to public means. This suggests that government land titling is not always a channel through which countries can achieve secure property rights institutions.
Noninvasive Assessment of Left Ventricular Stroke Work Index in Patients with Severe Mitral Regurgitation: Correlation with Invasive Measurement and Exercise Capacity
Authors: Choi Jin‐Oh , Lee Sang‐Chol , Choi Soo Hee , Kim Sang Min , Choi Joon Hyouk , Park Jeong Rang , Song Bong Gun , Chang Sung‐A , Park Sung‐Ji , Park Seung Woo , Park Pyo Won
Published: June 2010

Background: Noninvasively measured left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) may be an ideal indicator that can provide more relevant information about cardiac performance in severe mitral regurgitation (MR). We sought to correlate the noninvasive LVSWI with invasive measure of LVSWI and validate its clinical usefulness by comparing the noninvasive LVSWI with exercise capacity. Methods: Twenty‐nine patients with severe MR who underwent cardiac catheterization and 61 patients with severe MR who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test were evaluated for comparison of noninvasive LVSWI with invasive LVSWI via cardiac catheterization and peak exercise capacity, respectively. Results: Mean noninvasive LVSWI was 33.1 ± 9.7 g·m/m2, which was in a good agreement with invasive LVSWI (34.9 ± 15.1 g·m/m2, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.72, P < 0.001). Noninvasive LVSWI (β= 0.35, P = 0.001) was independently related with peak exercise capacity. Indexed left atrial volume (β=–0.27, P = 0.042), mean blood pressure (β=–0.21, P = 0.030), age (β=–0.47, P < 0.001) estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (β=–0.21, P = 0.030) and male gender (β= 0.36, P = 0.001) were also independently associated with exercise capacity. Conclusions: Noninvasive LVSWI has a good correlation with invasively measured LVSWI and is a clinically useful parameter for evaluating true cardiac performance in patients with severe MR. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1161‐1169)
Routine Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm during Clinical Transthoracic Echocardiography in a Korean Population
Authors: Oh Se Hoon , Chang Sung‐A , Jang Shin Yi , Park Sung‐Ji , Choi Jin‐Oh , Lee Sang‐Chol , Park Seung Woo , Oh Jae K. , Kim Duk‐Kyung
Published: June 2010

Background: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is potentially fatal when ruptured. Whereas the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) protocol does not routinely include examination of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, the protocol is performed quickly and easily for AAA screening. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the protocol for AAA screening during TTE in a Korean population referred for clinical TTE. Methods: All of the patients who were scheduled for TTE were enrolled in the study. At the end of TTE protocol, the abdominal aorta was evaluated at the level below the renal artery origin. Results: A total of 6,267 patients were screened, and the abdominal aortas were visualized in 79% (4,939 patients) of patients screened. AAA was diagnosed in 27 patients, 23 of whom were male. The mean age of AAA patients was 66.5 years old, and 81% of AAA patients were over 60 years old. The presence of AAA was associated with male gender and older age, as well as with hypertension and smoking. Of the 27 patients, 11 patients (0.2% of the study population) did not have a history of AAA screening and were newly diagnosed by TTE. Conclusions: Screening of AAA during TTE is easy and feasible. Even though the prevalence of AAA in patients is very low, detection of asymptomatic AAA may save lives. Therefore, opportunistic examination of the abdominal aorta during routine TTE, which involves little time and cost, would appear to be effective, at least in patients over 60 years of age, especially in men. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1182‐1187)
Role of Contrast‐Enhanced Transesophageal Echocardiography for Detection of and Scoring Intrapulmonary Vascular Dilatation
Authors: Fischer Claudio Henrique , Campos Orlando , Fernandes Walnei Barbosa , Kondo Mario , Souza Francival Leite , De Andrade Jose Lazaro , Carvalho Antonio C. Camargo
Published: June 2010

Background: Intrapulmonary vascular dilatations (IVD) are microvascular pulmonary changes mediated by nitric oxide that cause right‐to‐left shunt and hypoxemia. Contrast‐enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) is the gold standard diagnostic test for IVD. Objective: To evaluate contrast‐enhanced transesophageal echocardiography (cTEE) in the diagnosis and grading of IVD. Methods: A study group (SG) of 63 cirrhotic patients were compared to 20 shunt‐free control subjects (CG). Both groups underwent cTEE and cTTE using intravenous injections of agitated saline solution for contrast tests. Patients with patent foramen ovale, when detected, were excluded. Late appearance of microbubbles in the left atrium was diagnostic of pulmonary shunt (positive contrast test) and was graded as trivial, mild, moderate or severe by cTEE. Contrast tests were negative in 7 patients (35%) and trivial in the remaining 13 (65%) in CG, so only contrast grades ≥ mild were considered to be positive IVD tests in the SG. Gasometric change was expressed as the alveolar‐arterial oxygen tension difference (A‐aO2D) and was considered abnormally high at values >20 mmHg. Results: SG: positive IVD tests were present in 23 patients (36%) by cTTE and 47 (75%) by cTEE (P < 0.001). These patients showed A‐aO2D values significantly higher than those with negative IVD tests (P < 0.02) and were directly proportional to the contrast grade. cTEE allowed the diagnosis of IVD in three additional patients with high A‐aO2D that were not detected by cTTE. Conclusion: cTEE enabled diagnosis of IVD in a greater number of patients with gasometric changes compared to cTTE. The contrast effect grade by cTEE seems to be proportional to IVD magnitude. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1233‐1237)
Cystic Mass in Interventricular Septum; A Rare Presentation of Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm
Authors: Gupta Mohit D. , Mp Girish , Mittal Amit , Tyagi Sanjay
Published: June 2010

A young male presented with progressively increasing breathlessness for one year. Echocardiography showed a cystic echolucent cavity in interventricular septum communicating with sinus of Valsalva. A diagnosis of unruptured aneurysm of Valsalva dissecting into the interventricular septum was made. This complication is extremely rare and early recognition may prevent a potential catastrophe. (Echocardiography 2010;27:E117‐E118)
Myocardial Strain Characterization in Different Left Ventricular Adaptative Responses to High Blood Pressure: A Study Based on 3D‐Wall Motion Tracking Analysis
Authors: Saltijeral Adriana , Perez de Isla Leopoldo , Veras Kenia , Fernandez Maria de Jesus , Gorissen Willem , Rementeria Juan , Almeria Carlos , Rodrigo Jose Luis , Fernandez‐Golfin Covadonga , Marcos‐Alberca Pedro , Macaya Carlos , Zamorano Jose
Published: June 2010

Background: High blood pressure increases left ventricular (LV) after‐load. Furthermore, LV response to that high blood pressure varies among different subjects. Nevertheless, myocardial deformation behavior in these different adaptative responses has not been analyzed until now. Methods: Prospective study in which 66 consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in between May and August 2009. Every patient underwent a standard echocardiographic study and a three‐dimensional‐wall motion tracking (3D‐WMT) study. The patients were classified according to parameters derived from echocardiography in four different groups: normal geometry, concentric remodelling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy. Results: Mean age was 68 years (57–74.25; 51.5% male). Comparing the four groups, significant differences were found for the five 3D‐WMT‐derived parameters. When patients were compared with hypertensive patients with normal geometry, our finding show that: (a) LV average torsion is the only impaired parameter that is found in the LV concentric remodelling group (P < 0.05 vs. group 1); (b) there is a trend for an increase (P = 0.055) in LV average radial strain in the group with concentric hypertrophy and this increase is accompanied by a significant decrease in the remaining studied parameters (P < 0.05); and (c) in the LV eccentric hypertrophy group, there is a significant impairment in all the studied parameters (P < 0.05). Conclusions: LV adaptative response to hypertension is accompanied by a modification or even impairment, in LV myocardial deformation evaluated by 3D‐WMT. This assessment might be useful to detect early and subtle deformation impairments in hypertensive patients and it could help optimize their clinical management. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1238‐1246)
Assessment of Left Ventricular Volumes and Function by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in a Pediatric Population: A TomTec versus QLAB Comparison
Authors: Hascoët Sébastien , Brierre Gilles , Caudron Guillaume , Cardin Christelle , Bongard Vanina , Acar Philippe
Published: June 2010

Background: Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) allows accurate calculation of ventricular volumes despite a remaining geometric assumption on the ventricular shape. Few studies involving full volume reconstruction software have been performed on children. Our aim was to compare the left ventricular (LV) volume measurements obtained with the most used 3D analysis software in a pediatric population. Methods: Fifty patients (median age: 9.5 years) without cardiac disease were included in the study. 3DE was performed with the X4–2 or X7–2 matrix probe (ie33, Philips). The LV volume analysis was performed with QLAB 6.0 (semiautomated border detection) and TomTec 4D LV (primary manual tracking with semiautomated border detection). Results: TomTec analysis feasibility amounted to 94% whereas QLAB analysis feasibility only reached 80% (P = 0.037). The analysis time was shorter with QLAB than TomTec (5 ± 2 versus 6 ± 3 minutes, P < 0.05). The stroke volume, end diastolic and end systolic LV volume measurements performed on the 40 patients were strongly correlated (r > 0.97; P < 0.0001) with minimal bias. The LV ejection fraction was well correlated (r = 0.79; P < 0.0001). Conclusion: 3D LV volume quantification is feasible either by using manual or automated reconstruction software in a normal pediatric population. LV Measurements are well correlated. Differences in volume reconstruction algorithms provide specific software performance characteristics. TomTec is a more feasible method but requires a longer analysis time. Further studies are needed to validate the accuracy of the method to calculate enlarged LV volumes in patients with congenital heart diseases. (Echocardiography 2010;27:1263‐1273)
An Exploratory Study on International R&D Strategies of Chinese Companies in Europe
Authors: Di Minin Alberto , Zhang Jieyin
Published: June 2010

We here present a study that arms the reader with various discussion points on the research and development (R&D) foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies of Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) in Europe. Through archival research and interviews, we adopted a multi‐case study approach to investigate how significant are these investments and how relevant do they become for the local innovation systems. Our analysis shows that the establishment of R&D centers, and more importantly the evolution of these centers, does not coincide with what international business theories would have predicted. The Chinese MNCs considered entered Europe in a variety of forms, guided by various learning goals. However, we found evidence of the growing tendency of these companies to insulate themselves from local partners and to engage in less explorative and more exploitative R&D activity, adapting technologies developed elsewhere for the European market, gaining access to good indigenous labor and technologies rather than to local partnerships.
International Cooperation to Manage High‐Skill Migration: The Case of India–U.S. Relations
Authors: Davis Ted , Hart David M.
Published: June 2010

Highly skilled people are among the most valuable factors of production in the contemporary world economy. Some have characterized the competition among nations for these people as a “brain drain” or “war for talent,” which imposes significant costs on the countries of emigration. However, the distribution of costs and benefits that results from high‐skill migration is not necessarily zero‐sum or fixed. It may be altered through international cooperation, producing a self‐reinforcing “win–win” scenario for sending and receiving countries. Bilateral cooperation, focused on specific sectors affected by migration, is the most promising approach for realizing such a scenario. This paper explores the prospects and potential for such cooperation between India and the United States, which comprise what is probably the world's largest high‐skill mobility relationship. After sketching the broad contours of the relationship, we explore the prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in three specific fields of high‐skill migration: information technology services, medicine and nursing, and graduate education.
A Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Closing Apparatus in Tintinnid Ciliates (Ciliophora, Spirotricha, Tintinnina): A Forgotten Synapomorphy
Authors: AGATHA SABINE
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT. A membranous closing apparatus shuts the lorica opening in disturbed tintinnids of six genera belonging to four families. The homology of the apparatuses is investigated, using data from the literature and Mediterranean tintinnids studied in vivo and by scanning electron microscopy. Morphological and functional similarities indicate that the foldable closing apparatus is not only a synapomorphy of the genera Codonella (Codonellidae) and Dictyocysta (Dictyocystidae), as suggested 80 years ago, but also of Codonaria (Codonellidae) and Codonellopsis (Codonellopsidae). In Codonaria, Codonella, and Dictyocysta, the apparatuses merge posteriorly into membranous lorica sacs, which probably represent homologous structures. The diagnoses of these genera are improved according to the new findings. The close relationship of Codonella, Codonellopsis, and Dictyocysta is also inferred from small subunit rRNA phylogenies and the ultrastructure of the capsules. It contradicts the current lorica‐based classification of the tintinnids. The assumption that the diaphragm‐like apparatus in the genera Salpingacantha and Salpingella is not homologous to the foldable ones in the genera mentioned above is supported by molecular and cytological features.
Nitrogen fertilization effects on Myzus persicae aphid dynamics on peach: vegetative growth allocation or chemical defence?
Authors: Sauge Marie‐Hélène , Grechi Isabelle , Poëssel Jean‐Luc
Published: June 2010

Plant nitrogen (N) fertilization is a common cropping practice that is expected to serve as a pest management tool. Its effects on the dynamics of the aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were examined on young peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (Rosaceae)] trees grown under five N treatments, ranging from N shortage to supra‐optimal supply for growth. Aphid population increased over time at the three intermediate N levels. It remained stable at the lowest N level and decreased at the highest N level. Four weeks after the start of infestation, the number of aphids displayed a parabolic response to N level. The relationships between N status and parameters of plant vegetative growth (stem diameter) or biomass allocation (lateral‐total leaf area and root‐shoot ratio) were consistent with responses proposed by models of adaptive plasticity in resource allocation patterns. However, the variation in plant growth predicted aphid population dynamics only partially. Whereas aphid number was positively correlated with plant N status and vegetative growth up to the intermediate N level, it was negatively correlated with plant N status above this level, but not with vegetative growth. The concentrations of primary and secondary (plant defence‐related) metabolites in the plant shoots were modified by N treatments: amino acids (main nutritional resource of aphids) and prunasin increased, whereas chlorogenic acid decreased with increasing N availability. Constitutive changes in plant chemistry in response to N fertilization could not directly explain the reduced aphid performance for the highest N level. Nevertheless, the indirect effect of N on the induction of plant defence compounds by aphid feeding warrants further investigation. The study focuses on the feasibility of handling N fertilization to control M. persicae in orchards, but findings may also be relevant for our understanding of the physiological relationships between the host’s nutritional status and the requirements of the insect.
Severe Peters Plus syndrome‐like phenotype with anterior eye staphyloma and hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Proposal of a new syndrome
Authors: Shimizu Reiko , Saito Ryota , Hoshino Kenji , Ogawa Kiyoshi , Negishi Takashi , Nishimura Jiro , Mitsui Norimasa , Osawa Makiko , Ohashi Hirofumi
Published: June 2010

Peters Plus syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by ocular defects (typically Peters anomaly) and other systemic major/minor anomalies. Mutations in the B3GALTL gene encoding β 1,3‐glucosyltransferase have been found in virtually all patients with typical Peters Plus syndrome. We report on a female patient with unusually severe manifestations of Peters Plus syndrome, including anterior eye staphyloma, cleft lip and palate, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Analysis of the B3GALTL gene revealed no mutation in the patient. To our knowledge, HLHS has not previously been reported in Peters Plus syndrome so far, and anterior staphyloma, a most severe defect of the anterior eye chamber, is also apparently rare in the syndrome. Our patient might represent a new syndrome of severe Peters Plus syndrome‐like phenotype with anterior eye staphyloma and HLHS.
Living with prostate cancer: a critical review of relatives' experiences
Authors: Bruun Poul , Pedersen Birthe D. , Osther Palle J. , Wagner Lis
Published: June 2010

The aim was to review the existing qualitative research literature on the perspectives of the spouse, sons and daughters on life in a family where the male partner/father has prostate cancer. PubMed and CINAHL were searched using the MESH words: prostatic neoplasm, spouse, family, adult children, son, daughter and qualitative research. The search was limited from December 1960 to January 2008. The search returned 560 papers; only six qualitative research papers were relevant and included in the study. The main results of the perspectives of spouses, daughters and sons are presented in relation to the following four stages: diagnosis, pretreatment decision‐making, awaiting treatment and treatment/post‐treatment. The studies reviewed indicate that the spouse, sons and daughters were all markedly affected by the man's serious diagnosis. Some studies highlights the methodological problem of non‐independent informants: in a couple or focus group interview, the different individuals interviewed will always be influenced by the statements or presence of others, or the couple will act as a system and their individual views cannot be identified. This paper concludes that there is a lack of European research through all stages of the illness. In order to learn about the individual, perspective studies should only include either the spouse or the son or daughter as informants. Further research on all stages of the illness is needed. The studies should have a longitudinal design.
Prostate cancer: friend or enemy. Part one, the son
Authors: Bruun Poul , Pedersen Birthe D. , Osther Palle J. , Wagner Lis
Published: June 2010

The aim of the study was to investigate the daily life experiences of sons and daughters following the father's prostate cancer diagnosis. This paper is part one describing the sons experience of life. Research in this field to date has predominantly focused on the father's experiences in coping with the disease, and there is a lack of research on the adult children's experiences following the father's cancer diagnosis. The study assumes a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach, using Ricoeur's theories of narratives and text interpretation. The informants were six sons of men diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. All participants were interviewed 3 and 10 months after the father was informed of the cancer diagnosis. Data analysis was done in three stages according to Ricoeur: naïve reading, followed by a structured analysis, and concluded with critical interpretation and discussion. Results showed in the experience of worry and dilemma after the father's diagnosis, the son gradually adapted to the new life situation. The adaptation was conscious/unconscious and could be characterized as a personal transition. It is concluded that nurses need to include the son more in the care for the parents.
Lessons from the first year of the WAIVE study investigating the protective effect of influenza vaccine against laboratory‐confirmed influenza in hospitalised children aged 6–59 months
Authors: Dixon Gabriela A , Moore Hannah C , Kelly Heath , Jacoby Peter , Carcione Dale , Williams Simon , Smith David , Keil Anthony D , Van Buynder Paul , Richmond Peter C ,   the WAIVE study team
Published: June 2010

Please cite this paper as: Dixon et al. (2010) Lessons from the first year of the WAIVE study investigating the protective effect of influenza vaccine against laboratory‐confirmed influenza in hospitalised children aged 6–59 months. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(4), 231–234.

Background  Influenza is major cause of paediatric hospitalisation. Influenza vaccine was offered to all children aged 6–59 months resident in Western Australia in 2008, and we wished to evaluate the effectiveness of this immunisation programme.

Objectives  To assess the practicalities of a nested matched case–control design to estimate the protective effect of inactivated influenza vaccination in hospitalised children aged 6–59 months.

Methods  Cases were hospitalised children with laboratory‐confirmed influenza, while matched controls were recruited from children admitted for an acute non‐respiratory illness. We estimated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against influenza as 1 – the adjusted odds ratio from multivariate logistic regression.

Results  The 2008 influenza season was characterised by a late peak and a predominance of influenza virus B. We recruited 26 hospitalised patients with laboratory‐confirmed influenza and 50 matched controls. The proportion of cases who were fully vaccinated was 7% versus 30% of controls giving an adjusted VE of 83% (95% CI −54 to 98).

Conclusions  Recruiting sufficient controls was problematic and in the future, we will select controls hospitalised for an influenza‐like‐illness but influenza negative by laboratory PCR testing. The VE estimate was high but non‐significant, reflecting the low number of cases.