bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenatal Use of Ambroxol for the Prevention of Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Laoag‐Fernandez Jovelle B. , Fernandez Alex M. , Maruo Takeshi
Published: May 2010

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ambroxol for the prenatal prophylaxis of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS).

Study Design: This was a prospective study with 2 groups of pregnant patients with premature labor or with premature rupture of membranes at an estimated gestation between 27 to 34 completed weeks. Ambroxol treatment group consisted of 39 subjects in whom 1,000 mg of ambroxol diluted in 500 ml of 5% glucose solution was given intravenously for 4 hours once a day for 3 days, while the control group consisted of 41 subjects in whom ambroxol was not administered. Main measures included Apgar scores, clinical signs of one or more of the following: respiratory rate of > 60/min, intercostal retraction, alar flaring, expiratory grunting, cyanosis on room air and radiological evidence of IRDS. Chi‐square test was used to determine the statistical significance of the results.

Results: Tolerable maternal side effects were noted. Profile of newborns delivered were similar in both groups. Incidence of IRDS was significantly less in the treatment group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Antenatal administration of ambroxol resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of IRDS as well as perinatal morbidity and mortality. Due to the efficacy and safety of this drug, it might be useful for the prevention of IRDS.
Epidemic of Cesarean Section at the General, Private and University Hospitals in Thailand
Authors: Chanrachakul Boonsri , Herabutya Yongyoth , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn
Published: May 2010

Objective: To undertake a survey of cesarean section in the general, private and university hospitals in Thailand.

Methods: Postal questionnaires were sent to all the general, private and university hospitals with 200 beds or more. The questionnaires were prepared to find out the percentage, the indications and the trend of cesarean delivery, the measures taken to decrease cesarean section rate, and the practice of external cephalic version (ECV) and vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) in the hospitals.

Results: The overall response rate was 88%. Mean cesarean section rates were 24, 48, and 22% in the general, private and university hospitals, respectively. Cesarean section rates in most of the hospitals were increased in the past 5 years namely 78% in the general hospitals, 50% in the private hospitals, 66% in the university hospitals. However, only 38% of the hospitals had measures to regulate this operation. Repeated cesarean section was the most common indication in the private (63%) and the university hospitals (88%) while failure to progress was the most common indication in the general hospitals (55%). ECV and VBAC were performed in 26 and 12% of the hospitals. They were, however, not the standard practices.

Conclusion: Rising of cesarean section rate without any measure to regulate it is the problem in the developing countries. Standardised labor management and reduction of unnecessary primary cesarean section will automatically reduce repeated operation and overall cesarean section.
Reference Intervals for First Trimester Embryonic/Fetal Heart Rate in a Thai Population
Authors: Tannirandorn Yuen , Manotaya Saknan , Uerpairojkit Boonchai , Tanawattanacharoen Somchai , Wacharaprechanont Teera , Charoenvidhya Dhiraphongs
Published: May 2010

Objective: To establish reference intervals for first trimester embryonic/fetal heart rate in a Thai population.

Methods: A prospective descriptive cross‐sectional study was performed on normal pregnant women registered at the antenatal clinic in their first trimester. All had a good menstrual history and the calculated gestational age using crown‐rump length (CRL) in the first trimester ultrasound was in agreement. Crown‐rump length and embryonic/fetal heart rate measurements were obtained by a 5 MHz vaginal probe combined with a duplex color Doppler machine. All of the newborns were proved to be normal at birth. We constructed and compared embryonic/fetal heart rate expressed as beats/min relating to gestational age (GA) (days) and CRL. The data was analyzed and the best fit mathematical model was derived using the SPSS computer program.

Results: 547 cases were enrolled into the study. The median embryonic/fetal heart rate increased from 124 beats/min at GA of 40–44 days to 177 beats/min at GA 60–64 days, thereafter, embryonic/fetal heart rate gradually decreased to 159 beats/min at GA 95–99 days. The best fit regression equation was: embryonic/fetal heart rate (beats/min) = ‐ 21.666 + 5.4796 GA (day) ‐ 0.0383 GA (day)2, R = 0.5, p < 0.0001). In addition, embryonic/fetal heart rate also correlated with CRL. The median embryonic/fetal heart rate increased from 131 beats/min at CRL of 5–9 mm to 177 beats/min at CRL 20–34 mm, thereafter, embryonic/fetal heart rate gradually decreased to 155 beats/min at CRL 75–79 mm. The best fit regression equation was: embryonic/fetal heart rate (beats/min) = 127.361 + 3.4939 CRL (mm) ‐ 0.0749 CRL (mm)2 + 0.0004 CRL (mm)3, R = 0.58, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Reference intervals for first trimester embryonic/fetal heart rate in a Thai population were established. Our reference intervals may be useful for further studies, such as the prediction of spontaneous abortion or chromosomal disorders after ultrasound‐proven viability in the first trimester.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometriosis: A Long Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Tokushige Makoto , Suginami Hiroshi , Taniguchi Fumiaki , Kitaoka Yuki
Published: May 2010

Objective: To investigate if complete resolution of endometriosis by laparoscopic surgery is beneficial to postoperative fecundity, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia.

Design: An observational comparative study on the outcome of laparoscopic surgery.

Patients: Laparoscopically‐treated symptomatic women with endometriosis (total n = 236); complete (n = 185) and incomplete (n = 51) surgery groups.

Measurements: Postoperative fecundity and symptom reduction.

Results: With whole populations, no surgical completeness‐related difference was observed in cumulative pregnancy rates during the postoperative days 0–400 (cycle fecundity rate = 0.0319). Further accumulation of pregnant cases was followed in the complete surgery group (final cumulative pregnancy rate = 80%), but not in the counterpart group (p = 0.003). The similar result was obtained when only r‐AFS classification stages III and IV were compared (p = 0.007). No r‐AFS stage‐related difference was observed in cumulative pregnancy rates when only patients of complete surgery were selected for comparison. The surgery reduced dysmenorrhea (84.7%) and dyspareunia (80.0%).

Conclusions: Laparoscopic conservative surgery for endometriosis, especially when it is complete, increases fecundity and reduces disease‐related symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia.
Neurogenic Cyst of Ovary: An Unusual Massive Monodermal Teratoma
Authors: Sah S. Prasad , Verma Kavita , Rani Sudha
Published: May 2010

An unusual massive benign cystic monodermal teratoma of the ovary in a 14‐year‐old girl is reported. The multilocular cyst measured 80 times 70 times 80 cm and contained 23 / of fluid. The cyst wall composed of purely mature central nervous system tissue with a prominent microvasculature resting on a thin rim of ovarian cortical tissue. Immunohistochemical stains supported the diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge only one such case has been described in the literature.
Recent Advancements in the Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer*
Authors: DiSaia Philip J. , Tewari Krishnansu S.
Published: May 2010

Important advances in the management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer have been made in recent years, with much of the knowledge emanating from clinical trials conducted by the Gynecological Oncology Group (GOG). This monograph reviews the trials that have defined current clinical practice and summarizes some innovative techniques and promising new drugs for the future
Umbilical Vein Thrombosis as a Possible Cause of Perinatal Morbidity or Mortality: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Minakami Hisanori , Akahori Akiko , Sakurai Shinji , Yamauchi Ariko , Sato Ikuo
Published: May 2010

Significant occlusion of the lumen of the umbilical vein by thrombus was observed in 2 patients with unexplained intrauterine fetal death (IUFD)/fetal distress. Although a normal non‐stress testing result was obtained 7 days prior to IUFD in one patient, IUFD was noted during regular antenatal care at 39 weeks of gestation; intrapartum abrupt onset of deceleration in fetal heart rate pattern was observed at 40 weeks of gestation, lasting 14 min until vacuum extractor‐assisted delivery in the other patient. Umbilical vein thrombosis was considered contributory to IUFD and the abrupt deterioration in fetal heart rate pattern in these 2 patients. Histological examination of the umbilical cord is thus important in unexplained fetal death/fetal distress.
Glassy Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: Combination Chemotherapy with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in Recurrent Tumor
Authors: Matsuura Yusuke , Murakami Nobuko , Nagashio Eiji , Toki Naoyuki , Kashimura Masamichi
Published: May 2010

Combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin every 4 weeks for 3 cycles was administered for recurrent glassy cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix in a 67‐year‐old Japanese female. The response rate was 56% under computed tomography (partial response). However, the effect was transient even with follow‐up radiotherapy, and further cases need to be accumulated to determine a successful treatment modality.
Maternal Mortality in Rural India: A Hospital Based, 10 Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Verma Kavita , Thomas Abraham , Sharma Arun , Dhar Aruna , Bhambri Vishal
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Ludhiana, a city of Northern India in order to determine the causes associated with MMR and to suggest ways to reduce it.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the mortality records of obstetrics cases in Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India.

Results: The mean MMR for the 10 year period was 785 per 100,000 live births. Of the total 116 reported maternal deaths, 44 (41.9%) were due to induced septic abortion. The reasons were unwanted pregnancy in 22 (50%) and 11 (25%) were female feticide.

Conclusions: In our hospital based analysis, MMR was very high. Most maternal deaths are preventable by intervention at the appropriate time and it is important for health professionals, policy makers and politicians to implement the introduction of programs for reducing maternal mortality. Special emphasis should be placed on antenatal care, the establishment of a registration system and measures to abolish illegal abortion.
Angiosarcoma of Vagina Successfully Treated with Interleukin‐2 Therapy and Chemotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Morimura Yutaka , Hashimoto Toshihiro , Soeda Shu , Fujimori Keiya , Yamada Hidekazu , Yanagida Kaoru , Sato Akira
Published: May 2010

We report a case of angiosarcoma of the vagina in a 61‐year‐old woman who had undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic irradiation for uterine cervical adenocarcinoma 14 years previously. Combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dacarbazine) and interleukin‐2 induced complete remission of the tumor. The patient remained free from disease for 15 months.
Transfer of Two Embryos Instead of Three Will not Compromise Pregnancy Rate but Will Reduce Multiple Pregnancy Rate in an Assisted Reproduction Unit
Authors: Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Lau Estella Yee Lan , Yeung William Shu Biu , Ho Pak Chung
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To compare the pregnancy rates and multiple pregnancy rates of cycles initiated in 1998 and in 1999, during which 3 and 2 embryos were advised to be replaced, respectively.

Study design: A retrospective study

Results: There were no differences between 1998 and 1999 in the pregnancy rate per cycle started or per transfer, implantation rate and the multiple pregnancy rates, despite a significantly lower number of embryos replaced in 1999. A significantly higher implantation rate was found in cycles with frozen embryos than those without. Using logistic regression analysis, the chance of pregnancy was significantly improved only by the presence of frozen embryos in the fresh cycles with an odds ratio of 2.0 (95% confidence interval: 1.3‐3.0) whereas the chance of multiple pregnancy was significantly increased by replacing 3 embryos instead of 2 (odds ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–4.2).

Conclusion: Patients should be advised to have 2 embryos replaced without jeopardizing the pregnancy rates in the fresh cycles. The risk of multiple pregnancy is significantly increased when 3 embryos are transferred instead of 2.
The Relation between Plasma Homocysteine Concentration and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism in Pregnant Women
Authors: Murakami Soh , Matsubara Naoko , Saitoh Masahiro , Miyakawa Sohei , Shoji Makoto , Kubo Takeshi
Published: May 2010

Objectives: Our purpose was to clarify the influence of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations during early pregnancy.

Methods: Between 1996 and 1998, Hcy concentration and MTHFR gene polymorphism were studied in 840 pregnant women between 6 to 12 weeks' gestation. Hcy concentration was measured by amino acid autoanalyzer (DLC‐300, Nihon Denshi), and MTHFR genotypes were determined by the PCR/RFLP methods. Pregnancy outcomes were compared in association with Hcy concentration and MTHFR genotypes.

Results: A total of 816 of the 840 women were enrolled into the study because MTHFR genotypes were not available in 24 women. Genotypes of C677T in the MTHFR gene were CC: CT: TT (%) = 280 (34.3): 400 (49.0): 136 (16.7). Plasma Hcy concentration was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in women with TT genotype than other genotypes [CC: CT: TT = 5.67 (2.8–10.6): 5.80 (2.5–20.1): 6.91 (3.5–20.9) nmol/ml, median (range)]. Women with hyperhomo‐cysteinemia had severe preeclampsia (2 of 35 vs 5 of 714, p < 0.01) and stillbirth (2 of 35 vs 10 of 714, p < 0.05) more frequently than normohomocysteinemia.

Conclusions: Plasma Hcy concentration during early pregnancy was higher in women with homozygote for the T677 allele in the MTHFR gene than other genotypes.
Selective changes in inhibition as determinants for limited hyperexcitability in the insular cortex of epileptic rats
Authors: Bortel Aleksandra , Longo Daniela , De Guzman Philip , Dubeau François , Biagini Giuseppe , Avoli Massimo
Published: May 2010

The insular cortex (IC) is involved in the generalization of epileptic discharges in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), whereas seizures originating in the IC can mimic the epileptic phenotype seen in some patients with TLE. However, few studies have addressed the changes occurring in the IC in TLE animal models. Here, we analyzed the immunohistochemical and electrophysiological properties of IC networks in non‐epileptic control and pilocarpine‐treated epileptic rats. Neurons identified with a neuron‐specific nuclear protein antibody showed similar counts in the two types of tissue but parvalbumin‐ and neuropeptide Y‐positive interneurons were significantly decreased (parvalbumin, approximately −35%; neuropeptide Y, approximately −38%; P < 0.01) in the epileptic IC. Non‐adapting neurons were seen more frequently in the epileptic IC during intracellular injection of depolarizing current pulses. In addition, single‐shock electrical stimuli elicited network‐driven epileptiform responses in 87% of epileptic and 22% of non‐epileptic control neurons (P < 0.01) but spontaneous postsynaptic potentials had similar amplitude, duration and intervals of occurrence in the two groups. Finally, pharmacologically isolated, GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic potentials had more negative reversal potential (P < 0.01) and higher peak conductance (P < 0.05) in epileptic tissue. These data reveal moderate increased network excitability in the IC of pilocarpine‐treated epileptic rats. We propose that this limited degree of hyperexcitability originates from the loss of parvalbumin‐ and neuropeptide Y‐positive interneurons that is compensated by an increased drive for GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibition.
THE DETERMINANTS OF INTERNATIONAL PATENTING FOR NINE AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FIRMS*
Authors: CHAN H. PHOEBE
Published: May 2010

This paper examines international patent application decisions of nine agricultural biotechnology firms from 1990–2000 in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Patent Office, Japan and South Africa. The data reveal a low frequency of international applications despite an initial United States' application, indicating very low values for patents abroad. The results indicate that invention quality plays an important role in firms' decisions to patent abroad and that a single international application is a good predictor of multiple international applications. Further, significant country fixed effects suggest wide differences in business climates and patent enforcement among countries.
Unilateral liberalisation and WTO GATS commitments: the telecommunications sector in selected countries
Authors: Alam Quamrul , Yusuf Mohammad Abu , Coghill Ken
Published: May 2010

This paper examines how unilateral liberalisation of the telecommunications sector affected WTO Member countries' commitments in the GATS of the WTO. It is argued from observations and interviews that unilateral liberalisation provides a basis for making WTO commitments. The differing objectives of WTO Members, their attitudes towards reform (strong reformer or lukewarm supporter of reforms), and country‐specific sensitivities appear to be factors responsible for the observed differences between unilateral reforms and GATS commitments in the telecommunications sector.
The Great Strike of 1917 — Was Defeat Inevitable?
Authors: Bollard Robert
Published: May 2010

The Great Strike of 1917 was, arguably, the greatest class confrontation in Australian history. For five weeks, the eastern states of Australia were paralysed by a mass strike, driven from below by a rank and file paying little heed to their reluctant leaders. Strike action involved nearly 100,000 workers and was only defeated by mass scabbing masterminded by conservative state and federal governments. Historians have tended to dismiss the Great Strike as mindless militancy. Central to this negative assessment has been the belief that the strikers could not win because “there was too much coal at grass”. But this may be a wrong assumption to make. A careful investigation of the actual situation with coal stocks in 1917 demonstrates that the strikers came much closer to winning than generally has been accepted.
Dissenting Heads and Hearts: Joseph Priestley, Anna Barbauld, and Conflicting Attitudes towards Devotion within Rational Dissent
Authors: READY KATHRYN J.
Published: May 2010

Anna Barbauld's and Joseph Priestley's disagreement on the subject of devotion was famously characterised by James Martineau as “passion for the sublime and the beautiful” confronting “passion for the truth.” Such a characterisation, however, is potentially misleading because it suggests that Barbauld lacked “passion for the truth.” At least partly, the disagreement between Barbauld and Priestley stems from a fundamentally different assessment of the limits of human knowledge (an assessment that in both cases is closely connected to a commitment to the search for truth and the associated principle of “free inquiry”). Inadvertently, Martineau not only distorts Barbauld's position within Rational Dissenting thought but also obscures a crucial split among Rational Dissenters in their approach to the search for truth.
Human Capital in Remote and Rural Australia: The Role of Graduate Migration
Authors: CORCORAN JONATHAN , FAGGIAN ALESSANDRA , MCCANN PHILIP
Published: May 2010

In this paper we examine the spatial employment patterns of Australia's university graduates in nonurban locations. Using a 2006 data set recording the employment status of 65,661 university graduates 6 months after their graduation we examine how the personal and human capital characteristics of the individual university graduate affect the type of rural location into which he or she enters for employment purposes. The importance of identifying which types of graduates work where is essential for our understanding of the forces that are currently shaping the spatial distribution of human capital across Australia's regions. In order to do this we allocate postcode‐based data of graduate employment to one of five remoteness classes, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, that allow us to distinguish between different degrees of rurality. The postcode data are used to associate the ways in which the human capital characteristics of the graduate in terms of the types of university degrees awarded and the universities attended, as well as the personal characteristics of the graduate, are related to the degrees of rurality in his or her employment outcomes.
Rural Crime and Social Capital
Authors: DELLER STEVEN C. , DELLER MELISSA A.
Published: May 2010

This study explores rural U.S. crime patterns with a focus on social capital. We use a triangulation of three core theories of crime including social disorganization, anomie/strain, and rational choice theories to develop a formal theory and an empirical framework. The role of four unique measures of social capital is explored in understanding patterns of rural crime using nonmetropolitan U.S. county data. The empirical results generally support the theoretical predictions and conclude that rural communities that pursue economic growth and development must be prepared to address the resulting upward pressures on crime. The results on social capital and crime provide numerous policy insights for rural communities.
U.S. Commuting Networks and Economic Growth: Measurement and Implications for Spatial Policy
Authors: GOETZ STEPHAN J. , HAN YICHEOL , FINDEIS JILL L. , BRASIER KATHRYN J.
Published: May 2010

Labor market areas (LMAs) have long been a staple of regional and urban analysis. As commuting patterns have expanded over time, these areas have become larger and more complex, and the dichotomous designation of a county either belonging to an LMA or not may no longer be adequate. We apply recent advances in network science to conduct a more refined analysis of U.S. commuting patterns, and examine their effects on local economic growth. Results show that network degree and entropy measures explain variations in county per capita income growth patterns. Higher in‐ and out‐commuting entropies are associated with lower per capita income growth, but their interaction enhances economic growth in places simultaneously open to both in‐ and out‐commuters. Using these results, common ground may be found for creating new forms of regional governance that better reflect local realities of cross‐county border flows of workers and economic activity.
Muscle tissue oxygenation and VEGF in VO2‐matched vibration and squatting exercise
Authors: Rittweger Jörn , Moss Andrew D. , Colier Willy , Stewart Claire , Degens Hans
Published: May 2010

Exposure to vibration has traditionally been associated with compromised perfusion. This study investigated whether blood supply during whole body vibration (WBV), as an exercise modality, is in proportion to the metabolic demand by the contracting musculature. As a secondary aim, serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed. Ten young healthy males performed WBV and dynamic shallow squatting (Squat) exercise at comparable levels of oxygen uptake for 3 min. Changes in oxygenated, deoxygenated and total haemoglobin (O2Hb, HHb and tHb, respectively) along with tissue oxygenation index (TOI) were measured continuously before, during and after the exercise by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS, Portamon, Artinis Medical Systems, Zetten, The Netherlands). Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A blood levels before and after exercise were assessed by ELISA. Oxygen uptake was comparable in Squat and WBV (11·4 and 10·7 ml kg−1 min−1), respectively, P = 0·49), as were all other cardiopulmonary variables. Near‐infrared spectroscopy data were found to be non‐stationary during and shortly after WBV, but stationary in Squat. There was an increase in O2Hb and TOI, and a decrease in HHb during the first 30 s of WBV, but no significant change was observed during Squat. No group difference was found in VEGF serum levels. These results suggest that oxygen supply during WBV is sufficient, and oxygenation is even enhanced during the first approximately 30 s. Most likely, the transient response is because of local vascular regulatory mechanisms and due to muscle contraction mechanics. This might become clinically relevant under pathological conditions, e.g. in vascular disorders.
Overvaluation in Australian Housing and Equity Markets: Wealth Effects or Monetary Policy?*
Authors: FRY RENÉE A. , MARTIN VANCE L. , VOUKELATOS NICHOLAS
Published: May 2010

A structural vector autoregression model is used to identify overvaluation in house prices in Australia from 2002 to 2008. An important feature is the development of a housing sector where long‐run restrictions are derived from theory to identify housing demand and supply shocks. The results show strong evidence of overvaluation in real house prices, reaching a peak of just over 15 per cent by the end of 2003. Factors driving overvaluation are housing demand shocks before 2006 and post‐2006 macroeconomic shocks. Wealth effects from equity markets are also important. The results suggest that monetary policy is not an important contributor to overvaluation of house prices.
Warren Pat Hogan, 1929–2009*
Authors: ASPROMOURGOS TONY
Published: May 2010

With the passing of University of Sydney Emeritus Professor Warren Hogan, Australian economics has lost one of its most prominent and distinguished contributors of the last half century. His life and activities are striking for combining a highly distinguished academic career with extensive contributions to business, government and a wide range of service organizations.
Fast Track Land Reform Programme, tenure security and investments in soil conservation: Micro‐evidence from Mazowe District in Zimbabwe
Authors: Zikhali Precious
Published: May 2010

The government of Zimbabwe launched the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in 2000 as part of its ongoing land reform and resettlement programme which aims to address a racially skewed land distribution. Its goal has been to accelerate both land acquisition and redistribution, targeting at least five million hectares of land for resettlement. This paper investigates the impact of the FTLRP on its beneficiaries' perceptions of land tenure security, and how these subsequently impacted soil conservation investments. Evidence suggests that the programme created some tenure insecurity, which adversely affected soil conservation investments among its beneficiaries. We find support for the contention that households make land‐related investments to enhance security of tenure. The results underscore the need for the government of Zimbabwe to clarify and formalize land tenure arrangements within the programme.
Cross‐sectoral and participatory approaches to combating desertification: The Iranian experience
Authors: Amiraslani Farshad , Dragovich Deirdre
Published: May 2010

Anti‐desertification planning in Iran operates at the national level through the Five Year Development Plans, the National Plan to Combat Desertification — a long‐running scheme for which the Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organisation (FRWO) is responsible — and the recently developed National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (the NAP). The Iranian NAP was formulated following the country's ratification of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and drew heavily on the experience, expertise and collaboration of personnel in FRWO. Development and implementation of the NAP has had major policy impacts in Iran in the two main areas of generating cross‐sectoral cooperation between government instruments at the national planning level and by community participation in local projects to combat desertification. Documenting the evolution of cross‐sectoral and participatory approaches to desertification in Iran shows that the NAP provided impetus towards a transformation of previous procedures, a policy impact that is continuing to generate change.
Calculated phase equilibria for a morb composition in a P–T range, 450–650 °C and 18–28 kbar: the stability of eclogite
Authors: REBAY G. , POWELL R. , DIENER J. F. A.
Published: May 2010

Lower temperature eclogite (with T =  600 °C) represents a significant part of the occurrences of eclogite in orogenic belts. ‘True’ eclogite, with, for example, garnet + omphacite >70%, is well represented in such an occurrence. Calculated phase equilibria in Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O (NCKFMASHTO), for just one rock composition – that of a representative mid‐ocean ridge basalt, morb– are used to see under what circumstances ‘true’ eclogite is predicted to occur. The variables considered are not only pressure (P) and temperature (T) but also water content and oxidation state. The latter two variables are known to exert a significant control on mineral assemblage but are difficult to establish retrospectively from the observed rocks themselves. It is found that whereas oxidation state does have a strong effect on mineral assemblage, the key control on developing ‘true’ eclogite is shown to be temperature and water content. If temperature is established to be <600 °C, water content has to be low (less or much less than that for H2O saturation) in order for ‘true’ eclogite to form. Moreover, unless pressure is at the high end in the range considered, lawsonite eclogite and ‘true’ eclogite will tend to be mutually exclusive, with the former requiring high water content at the lower temperature where it occurs, but the latter requiring low water content.
Supply Chain Sourcing in Remanufacturing Operations: An Empirical Investigation of Remake Versus Buy
Authors: Martin Pinar , Guide, Jr. V. Daniel R. , Craighead Christopher W.
Published: May 2010

Despite recent attention to closed‐loop supply chains and remanufacturing, there is scant information about what drives the re‐make versus buy decision for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) engaging in remanufacturing. Based on the extant remanufacturing literature and transaction cost economics, we formulated hypotheses related to the drivers of in‐house versus contracted remanufacturing operations. The hypotheses were investigated via quantitative and qualitative data, thus offering a rich test of the formulated relationships. Consistent with the theory, the quantitative results showed that intellectual property, operational assets, and remanufacturing frequency are significant drivers of the re‐make versus buy decision. However, counter to the theory, the quantitative results did not support the significance of brand reputation, technological uncertainty, condition uncertainty, product complexity, and volume uncertainty. The qualitative results were used to enrich these findings by providing theoretical extensions and pragmatic insights of the remake versus buy decision in remanufacturing.
Continuing Medical Education Program in Echocardiography
Authors: Fan Pohoey , Hakim Fayaz A. , Kendall Christopher B. , Alharthi Mohsen , Mancina Joel C. , Tajik Jamil A. , Mookadam Farouk
Published: May 2010

Article Title: Parachute Mitral Valve in Adults – A Systematic Overview (Echocardiography 2010;27:580)
Imagining Navajo in the Boarding School: Laura Tohe'sNo Parole Todayand the Intimacy of Language Ideologies
Authors: Webster Anthony K.
Published: May 2010

In this article I investigate Navajo poet Laura Tohe's uses of metapragmatic terms in three literary works found in her bookNo Parole Today. Tohe's book focuses on the boarding school experience and is especially concerned with issues of language use. I argue that Tohe uses metadiscourses that both dramatize language use but also create affectively potent relations between speakers and the languages they use. These metadiscourses are implicit metadiscourses. Rather than explicitly stating that Navajo should be the language of social intimacy for Navajos, Tohe dramatizes such relationships. Such implicit metadiscourses gain added import when understood within the larger social fields of the Navajo Nation and current ideologies about the Navajo language. [Navajo, poetry, metapragmatics, affectivity, metadiscourses, language ideologies]
Confrontation in and through the Nation in Kazakh Aitys Poetry
Authors: Dubuisson Eva‐Marie
Published: May 2010

Despite a climate of authoritarianism and heavy censorship of independent media and political opposition in post‐Soviet Kazakhstan, Kazakh aitys akhyndar (improvisational poets) have emerged as a voice of sociopolitical critique. In excerpts analyzed here, poets speaking as and for the xalykh (Kazakh people) berated contemporary Kazakhstani leaders as greedy, impotent, and russified. This article examines how poets' successful critique was made possible and protected by the conflictive and collaborative nature of poets' dialogues, by the legitimacy of aitys as “authentic Kazakh culture” as a result of folklorization processes, and by the collusion of the tradition's sponsors, members of the country's political elite. (Kazakh aitys, poetic dialogism, accountability in performance, post‐Soviet nationalisms, cultural sponsorship, folklorization, Central Asian media, post‐Soviet political critique).
“Whatever (Neck Roll, Eye Roll, Teeth Suck)”: The Situated Coproduction of Social Categories and Identities through Stancetaking and Transmodal Stylization
Authors: Goodwin Marjorie Harness , Alim H. Samy
Published: May 2010

This article examines the argumentative talk of a preadolescent girls' peer group demonstrating both the co‐construction of microinteractional identities as well as the coproduction of macro‐social identity categories, such as race, class, and gender. Activities of social aggression are performed through embodied styling and stancetaking in the midst of oppositional moves towards a “tagalong” girl. Through transmodal stylization girls openly mock an African American working‐class girl using talk associated with wealthy white “Valley Girls,” while simultaneously producing gestures associated with working‐class black “Ghetto Girls.” Through the use of different communicative modalities girls simultaneously index multiple culturally salient representations. [stance, style, peer group, conflict talk, identity]
Of Marbles and (Little) Men: Bad Luck and Masculine Identification in Aymara Boyhood
Authors: Smith Benjamin
Published: May 2010

This article takes up the way that Aymara boyhood marbles play counts as a spectacle of masculinity. Specifically, I examine the way that a boy's relationship to bad luck qhincha (bad luck) in marbles has consequences for his gender and sexual affiliations. To do so, I analyze the way in which qhincha instantiates as a participant status in marbles and the way in which heterosexual “toughness” and homosexual “weakness” and “transgression” are thereby—that is, in relation to qhincha—made salient. Theoretically, I show that Aymara masculinity requires a semiotically nuanced concept of “identification” in order to capture its processual, task‐like character. [identification, metapragmatic discourse, masculinity, the Andes, bad luck]
Changes in water‐holding capacity and textural properties of chicken gizzard stored at 4°C
Authors: TOMISAKA Yoshito , AHHMED Abdulatef M. , TABATA Shoji , KAWAHARA Satoshi , MUGURUMA Michio
Published: May 2010

The water‐holding capacity (WHC), and toughness (shear force) of chicken gizzard were evaluated during postmortem storage for 4.5, 7, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h at 4°C. Degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins desmin, talin and vinculin were monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting during the same designated storage period. The WHC of the gizzards decreased significantly from 12 h to 72 h of storage, but by 96 h the WHC was restored to the level measured after storage for 12 h. The shear force value of the gizzards increased rapidly until 12 h and then decreased until 24 h, with a further slight decrease by 48 h. Degradation products of desmin, talin and vinculin appeared at 96 h, 12 h and 48 h postmortem, respectively. The intensity of immunolabeling for desmin, talin and vinculin after storage for 96 h decreased to 51%, 25% and 52% of the initial value. The appearance of desmin degradation products was accompanied by an increase in WHC. This suggests that the postmortem degradation of desmin is involved in the increase of WHC in chicken gizzard during storage at 4°C, and talin and vinculin may be involved.
DEWEY, SITUATIONISM, AND MORAL EDUCATION
Authors: Pamental Matthew P.
Published: May 2010

According to a number of authors, character is dead. On their view, the evidence is in, and all of our attempts to inculcate character in our students have not only failed, but are in fact destined to fail for various reasons. They base their conclusions in part on a number of experimental results that have been obtained since the 1920s, collectively known as situationism. If these authors are right, then the current emphasis on character education in the United States (and elsewhere) is woefully misplaced. On the contrary, however, Matthew Pamental argues in this essay that situationism's evidence is being misinterpreted. A Deweyan sociocultural approach to the nature and ideals of character both explains the evidence and reveals how character can be reconstructed and revived.
MAKING HOLLOW MEN
Authors: Harvey Charles W.
Published: May 2010

In this essay Charles Harvey offers a worried reflection on the range, extent, depth, affects, and effects of the perpetual assessment of the person in (post)industrial nations in the contemporary world. Harvey begins his analysis by appealing to the work of Martin Heidegger, Michel Foucault, and Jean Baudrillard to provide an interpretive framework of our situation. He then focuses and concretizes these ideas through examples from his own life and, by extension, the readers. Finally, in light of Pierre Bourdieu's concept of the habitus, Harvey speculates on the implications for selfhood in the contemporary world. Throughout the essay, Harvey uses assessment procedures in higher and public education as exemplary instances of his thesis.
Effective Isolation of Retrotransposons and Repetitive DNA Families from the Wheat Genome
Authors: Tomita Motonori , Asao Munenori , Kuraki Aya
Published: May 2010

New classes of repetitive DNA elements were effectively identified by isolating small fragments of the elements from the wheat genome. A wheat A genome library was constructed from Triticum monococcum by degenerate cleavage with EcoO109I, the recognition sites of which consisted of 5′‐PuGGNCCPy‐3′ multi‐sequences. Three novel repetitive sequences pTm6, pTm69 and pTm58 derived from the A genome were screened and tested for high copy number using a blotting approach. pTm6 showed identity with integrase domains of the barley Ty1‐Copia‐retrotransposon BARE‐1 and pTm58 showed similarity to the barley Ty3‐gypsy‐like retrotransposon Romani. pTm69, however, constituted a tandem array with useful genomic specificities, but did not share any identity with known repetitive elements. This study also sought to isolate wheat D‐genome‐specific repetitive elements regardless of the level of methylation, by genomic subtraction. Total genomic DNA of Aegilops tauschii was cleaved into short fragments with a methylation‐insensitive 4 bp cutter, MboI, and then common DNA sequences between Ae. tauschii and Triticum turgidum were subtracted by annealing with excess T. turgidum genomic DNA. The D genome repetitive sequence pAt1 was isolated and used to identify an additional novel repetitive sequence family from wheat bacterial artificial chromosomes with a size range of 1 395–1 850 bp. The methods successfully led pathfinding of two unique repetitive families.
Overexpression of AHL20 Negatively Regulates Defenses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Haibin , Zou Yan , Feng Na
Published: May 2010

Plants are equipped to recognize invading pathogenic microbes and activate innate immune responses by sensing pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PAMP‐triggered immunity (PTI) is critical for plant resistance to potential pathogens. Although the mechanism by which PTI is activated has been intensively studied, exactly how plants prevent unregulated immune responses is less well understood. Here we provide evidence that AHL20, an AT‐hook containing DNA‐binding protein, negatively regulates PTI. Overexpression of AHL20 as a stable transgene suppressed PAMP‐induced NHO1 and FRK1 expression in Arabidopsis plants. Similarly, transient expression of the closely related family members AHL19, AHL15, and AHL27 in protoplasts also blocked PAMP‐induced gene expression. The AHL20 overexpression plants displayed greater susceptibility to virulent Pseudomonas syringae bacteria. These results indicate that AHL proteins play an important role in plant immunity.
Impact of Plasma Exchange on Pharmacokinetic Disposition of Micafungin
Authors: Konishi Hiroki , Fukushima Keizo , Saotome Takao , Hamamoto Tetsu , Eguchi Yutaka , Sudo Masatomo , Sumi Masaki , Minouchi Tokuzo , Iga Ikumi , Yamaji Akira
Published: May 2010

Change in the pharmacokinetic disposition of an antifungal agent micafungin (MCFG) by 8‐hour plasma exchange (PE) with 3200 mL replacement was examined in a stem cell transplant recipient. On pharmacokinetic analysis of the time course of the serum concentrations of MCFG, it was determined that PE shortened the elimination half‐life of MCFG from 16.5 hours to 6.3 hours. Total clearance (CLtot) was increased from 0.366 L/h to 0.932 L/h by PE. PE‐dependent clearance (CLpe) accounted for approximately two‐thirds of CLtot, and PE was found to contribute to the removal of nearly 40% of the total body store of MCFG. It was confirmed that a significant amount of MCFG was excluded into apheresed plasma waste. In addition, adsorption of MCFG onto plasma‐separating membrane was strongly suggested, because the CLpe exceeded the rate of plasma apheresis and MCFG concentrations in apheresed plasma were lower than those in circulating blood collected at the same time. The marked elimination of MCFG during PE can be explained by its low volume of distribution and high affinity for serum proteins. Judging from these findings as well as those of other reports, MCFG can be considered one of the drugs most susceptible to removal by PE. Our findings suggest that an increment in the regular dose of MCFG would be required at the next administration after PE.
Professional supervision in dietetics: A focus group study investigating New Zealand dietitians' understanding and experience of professional supervision and their perception of its value in dietetic practice
Authors: PAULIN Vicki
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To investigate the understanding and experience of senior dietitians in regard to professional supervision, and determine their perception of its value in dietetic practice settings.

Methods:  Twenty senior dietitians working in a range of settings and areas of New Zealand participated in one of four focus group interviews, which were audio‐taped and later transcribed. Data were manually grouped into common themes and a descriptive summary of the responses written with non‐attributable quotes to capture the essence of discussions.

Results:  Participants indicated professional supervision was occurring but some definitional issues still existed. Workplace training, positive experiences and the introduction of reflective practice into dietetic training have increased understanding and acceptance of professional supervision. Participants believed professional supervision's main purpose was to maintain safe and competent practice. They also linked professional supervision strongly to its supportive role and to the promotion of professional development. Participants believed professional supervision discussions should be in‐depth and facilitate reflection on practice. Any topic relating to the supervisee's professional role would be appropriate. Overall, the participants saw professional supervision as valuable and necessary for all dietitians.

Conclusion:  Dietitians in New Zealand believe supervision has a place in the domain of best dietetic practice. Many of the concepts found in the helping profession literature are potentially workable in dietetics. Further investigation and discussion needs to occur within the profession to clarify professional supervision's meaning and relevance as a component of dietetic practice.
Advancements in nutrition and dietetics teaching and learning: Evaluation of the student portfolio
Authors: VOLDERS Evelyn , TWEEDIE Judy , ANDERSON Amanda
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To describe the use and evaluation of a clinical teaching and learning portfolio in undergraduate nutrition and dietetics education.

Method:  The results of a quantitative and qualitative questionnaire evaluation of the portfolio by students and supervisors conducted during 2008 are described.

Results:  A portfolio is a valuable tool for use in clinical teaching and learning as our results show it assists in goal setting for the students, clearly identifies course requirements, facilitates regular opportunities for effective feedback and provides structured self‐directed learning activities to help students improve their knowledge of dietetic processes in the workplace setting.

Conclusion:  Nutrition and dietetics educators should consider the use of a portfolio as a tool for assessing critical thinking, communication and problem‐solving skills.
Using 20‐gauge percutaneous peripheral catheters to reliably collect serial 4‐mL blood samples from conscious dogs
Authors: Elliott KF , Fleeman LM , Rand JS
Published: May 2010

Objective To determine the reliability of collecting serial 4‐mL blood samples over 13 h using a 20‐gauge, cephalic catheter in conscious dogs.

Design Prospective, observational study.

Animals Twelve (6 males, 6 females) healthy, neutered, lean dogs.

Procedure Percutaneous placement of a 20‐gauge, 1.1 × 30 mm intravenous over‐the‐needle catheter into the cephalic vein was performed in each dog on three occasions. Catheter patency was maintained by intermittent flushing with 0.9% saline and 1 IU/mL heparinised saline solutions. Blood samples (4 mL) were obtained at 10 time‐points over 13 h, with close monitoring of the dogs and the indwelling catheters. Blood volume, resistance on aspirating blood sample (minimal or marked resistance) and the methods used to improve blood flow were recorded.

Results A high proportion (93%) of blood sample collections achieved the required 4‐mL volume, and the remaining samples were greater than 1.5 mL. Of the 358 collections via the cephalic catheter, 311 (87%) were obtained with ‘minimal resistance’. The remaining collections had ‘marked resistance’ (n=47) and were associated with a loose catheter in 11% (5/47) and of unknown cause in 89% (42/47). After ‘marked resistance’ had been encountered and the catheter was flushed with saline and heparin solutions, subsequent sampling with ‘minimal resistance’ was frequently possible from the same catheter.

Conclusion Use of a percutaneous, 20‐gauge intravenous cephalic catheter allowed reliable serial collection of 4‐mL blood samples over 13 h in conscious dogs.