bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance findings in women at high risk for developing breast cancer: An Australian feasibility study
Authors: Peters G , Anderson J , Longman G , Thomson J , Taylor D , Bennett M , Wylie E , Goldblatt J , Chan A , Saunders C
Published: February 2008

In younger women at high risk for developing breast cancer the value of mammography is limited by a higher prevalence of breast tissue density, low rate of DCIS in gene carriers, faster growing tumours and concerns over radiation exposure. We report on our experience of MR screening in high risk patients over a three year period. Women at high risk of developing breast cancer were offered an MRI scan and an Ultrasound in addition to their annual mammogram for two years. The following MR‐protocol was used: pre‐contrast T2 STIR sequence and pre contrast 3D FLASH sequence, post contrast axial dynamic 3D FLASH sequence. Seventy two women consented to participate in this study. One hundred thirty nine breast MRI examinations were performed. Two pre‐cancerous lesions and an axillary lymph node metastasis were found, but the majority of the lesions were benign. Difficulties in screening young women at high risk are discussed in this paper. In our study three lesions of significance were detected. Two lesions were precancerous thus curable. The recall rates show the difficult nature of screening younger breasts. MRI generated more findings judged as uncertain, so short term‐term follow up studies or MR‐guided biopsy techniques are required.
Evaluation of chest wall invasion by lung cancer using respiratory dynamic MRI
Authors: Akata S , Kajiwara N , Park J , Yoshimura M , Kakizaki D , Abe K , Hirano T , Ohira T , Tsuboi M , Kato H
Published: February 2008

Conventional CT or MRI has low accuracy in assessing chest wall invasion in patients with peripheral lung cancer. For preoperative evaluation of chest wall invasion by peripheral lung cancer, respiratory dynamic (RD) MRI was carried out in 98 patients in whom conventional CT scan showed that the tumour was abutting the pleural surface, but there was no evidence of definite tumour invasion. We used 1.5‐T MR equipment. RD MR images were acquired by snapshot fast field echo sequence (repetition time = 8, echo time = 3, flip angle = 100) and 25 consecutive images were taken while the patient took deep breaths. These images were evaluated in cine mode to assess tumour movement along the chest wall. Sixty‐one patients underwent surgical resection of the tumour and RD MR findings were compared with those in pathological specimens. RD MR showed free tumour movement along the chest wall in 34 patients. At pathological examination, the RD MR findings were proved correct in all patients. Pathologically, 20 patients had chest wall invasion and their RD MR was positive (sensitivity 100%). There were seven false‐positive results among the 41 patients without chest wall invasion (specificity 82.9%). RD MR may improve the accuracy of conventional CT scan or MRI in the prediction of chest wall invasion of lung cancer, especially in patients in whom the results of conventional CT scan or MRI appear equivocal in the presence of a peripheral mass abutting the chest wall surface without obvious chest wall invasion.
Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst: a complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunts in adults
Authors: Aparici‐Robles F , Molina‐Fabrega R
Published: February 2008

Abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst is an uncommon complication of using ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Although many cases have been reported in children, abdominal pseudocysts are rare in adult patients. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the findings for this condition on commonly used abdominal diagnostic imaging modalities. This is a retrospective review of the six adult patients diagnosed with abdominal pseudocyst as a consequence of VPS at our centre from 1995 to 2006. We reviewed patients’ prior history, cerebral and abdominal clinical manifestations, imaging findings, treatment and evolution. All patients presented with pain and abdominal distension associated with the presence of a palpable mass. Plain‐film radiography was carried out in one patient, ultrasound in three and CT in all six. A fluid collection close to or associated to the VPS catheter was observed in all cases. Visualization of the distal tip of the VPS within a homogeneous intraperitoneal collection is the principal diagnostic sign of an abdominal cerebrospinal fluid pseudocyst at ultrasound and CT.
Magnetic resonance imaging of lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour/well‐differentiated liposarcoma: observer performance using T1‐weighted and fluid‐sensitive MRI
Authors: Doyle AJ , Pang AK , Miller MV , French JG
Published: February 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate observer performance using T1‐weighted spin‐echo and fluid‐sensitive MRI sequences in distinguishing between lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumour/well‐differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL). Magnetic resonance images of 51 patients with benign lipoma and ALT/WDL of the musculoskeletal system were reviewed. There were 33 benign lipomas and 18 ALT/WDL. The character of septa and nodularity of the fatty tumours on T1‐weighted spin‐echo sequences and the presence of high signal on fluid‐sensitive sequences were assessed. Two independent observers took part. Observer agreement was measured. The two observers achieved sensitivities of 100 and 94% for T1‐weighted images and 100% each for fluid‐sensitive sequences. Specificities were 76 and 64% for T1‐weighted and 70 and 73% for fluid‐sensitive images. Observer agreement was very good (kappa 0.87 for T1‐weighted and 0.88 for fluid‐sensitive images). In distinguishing lipoma from ALT/WDL, observer performance was comparable using T1‐weighted and fluid‐sensitive MR sequences. High sensitivity and moderately high specificity were attained.
Preoperative diagnosis of carcinoma within fibroadenoma on screening mammograms
Authors: Borecky N , Rickard M
Published: February 2008

Three cases of fibroadenoma associated with carcinoma are reported. These cases were diagnosed within a screening programme as a result of suspicious mammographic findings, and the diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed preoperatively by core biopsy in all cases. The mammographic findings suggestive of carcinoma within fibroadenoma were irregularity of margins in one case and associated new suspicious pleomorphic and linear calcifications in the two other cases. The preoperative diagnosis of carcinoma within fibroadenoma was provided by ultrasound‐guided core biopsy in two cases and core biopsy under stereotactic guidance in one case. Whereas asymptomatic fibroadenoma with benign imaging appearances usually does not require further investigation, fibroadenoma with atypical imaging features requires a triple test investigation.
Saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheters: Technique, indications and safety issues
Authors: Du L , Redmond K , Johnstone S , De Leacy M , Harper J
Published: February 2008

This article describes the technique of saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheter placement, which is used as an alternative site for venous access in our institution, and examines saphenous vein peripherally inserted central catheter safety issues and indications. Three end‐stage renal failure patients, two patients diagnosed with malignancy and one renal transplant patient had a saphenous peripherally inserted central catheter (inserted between March 2004 and March 2006 for antibiotics or chemotherapy. The average duration of placement was 16.2 days (range 3–42 days). All insertions were carried out successfully, with an average screening time of 81.2 s. None of the patients experienced any major complications. Two patients developed localized cellulitis at the insertion site.
Medulloblastomas – Primitive neuroectodermal tumours in the adult population
Authors: Smee RI , Williams JR
Published: February 2008

Medulloblastomas – primitive neuroectodermal tumours are rare in adults. This review will evaluate a single centre’s experience with this malignancy. The medulloblastoma – primitive neuroectodermal tumour database was evaluated for all patients aged more than 18 years who were referred for management. Relevant information from the database was abstracted to provide a descriptive record of this malignancy. Between 1977–2004 there were 11 patients referred, 1 with persistent disease and 10 were eligible, presenting with initial diagnosis. There was increased intracranial pressure in 50% of patients. Most patients had symptoms >3 months, with three having symptoms 1–3 months before diagnosis and one patient having thoracic dural metastases at presentation. Complete resection was recorded in four patients and six had 50–90% resection. All patients completed craniospinal radiotherapy (35–36 Gy at 1.8–2.0 Gy fractions) barring one patient, who died of surgical complications during his radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was given in five of the nine patients postradiotherapy. There were two posterior fossa recurrences, with associated supratentorial and extra central nervous system disease. Of the 10 primary patients 7 are alive with no evidence of disease, 2 died because of disease, with 1 intercurrent death. One patient developed a second malignancy. The outcome for adults matches that of the more common paediatric patients. Radiotherapy could control local disease even where complete resection was not achieved.
Bulky scalp metastasis and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis from a cervical adenocarcinoma: An unusual case
Authors: Abhishek A , Ouseph MM , Sharma P , Kamal V , Sharma M
Published: February 2008

Distant cutaneous metastases from cervical malignancies are uncommon, with scalp metastases being exceptional events. We present the case of a 53‐year‐old postmenopausal lady with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix that metastasized to the scalp with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis 8 months after diagnosis. In contrast to the seven prior cases of scalp metastases of cervical squamous cell carcinoma reported in published reports, ours is the first documentation of such an occurrence in cervical adenocarcinoma. Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis has not been reported with this tumour in the past.
Unusual behaviour of low‐grade chondrosarcoma of bone
Authors: Jones K , Pacella J , Kirby AD , Pervez N
Published: February 2008

Low‐grade chondrosarcomas are the least aggressive and may recur locally with rare metastatic potential. We report a case of low‐grade chondrosarcoma of bone, which metastasized to the lungs.
Prospective study of endoscopic ultrasound performance in suspected choledocholithiasis
Authors: Aljebreen Abdulrahman , Azzam Nahla , Eloubeidi Mohamad A
Published: February 2008

Background:  The close proximity of the echoendoscope to the extrahepatic bile ductal system and its safety make endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) an excellent method for examining the common bile duct (CBD). The aim of the present study was to compare EUS diagnostic performance for CBD stones with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC).

Methods:  A prospective series of our first 60 patients (65% women, average age 43 years) who were referred for ERC for suspicion of choledocholithiasis based on clinical, biochemical and cross‐sectional imaging (ultrasonography [US] or computed tomography [CT]) data underwent radial EUS. EUS results were recorded as positive or negative for CBD stones before starting the ERC. All patients underwent ERC with a balloon sweep of the bile duct as the standard of reference for CBD stone. All procedures were performed during the same endoscopy session by a single endoscopist who was blinded to the clinical, biochemical and imaging data.

Results:  Sixty‐five percent of our patients had low to moderate risk for CBD stones. EUS diagnoses were confirmed by ERC as follows: 23 true positive, 33 true negative, three false negative and one false positive (sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value of 96%, and negative predictive value of 92%; overall accuracy of 93%). Compared to the EUS diagnostic accuracy (90%) during the first 30 cases, EUS had a very high diagnostic accuracy (97%) for CBD stones during the last 30 cases (P = 0.31).

Conclusion:  EUS is highly accurate for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The EUS learning curve is relatively short for CBD stones.
Changes in the Th1/Th2 ratio during a 24‐week course of an interferon alpha‐2b plus ribavirin combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Fujimoto Tomoko , Tomimatsu Masahiko , Iga Daijiro , Endo Hitoshi , Otsuka Kuniaki
Published: February 2008

Background and Aim:  It has been reported that immunological factors, such as the T‐helper cell (Th)1/Th2 ratio, play a part in the mechanisms for the antihepatitis C virus (HCV) effect of the interferon (IFN) alpha‐2b plus ribavirin combination therapy. By using flow cytometry, we examined this ratio during a 24‐week course of combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods:  We recruited 21 patients with chronic hepatitis C (16 males, five females, genotype 1b, 17 patients; genotype 2a or 2b, four patients) who had been treated by combination therapy. Flow cytometry was used to examine the Th1/Th2 ratio before and at the 4th and 24th week of therapy. Patients who were HCV‐RNA negative 24 weeks after the treatment was completed were defined to show sustained virological response (SVR).

Results:  Among the 21 patients, 10 showed SVR, the overall SVR rate being 47.6%. Patients were classified into an ‘increase group’ (Th1/Th2 ratio at 4 or 24 weeks of therapy being higher than those before therapy) and a ‘decrease group’ (the ratio being lower than before therapy). After 24 weeks of therapy, the SVR rate was 66.7% for the Th2 ‘increase group’ and 14.3% for the Th2 ‘decrease group’. The former showed a significantly higher SVR rate (P = 0.0361).

Conclusions:  The significant changes in the Th2 level correlated with the therapeutic effect during the IFN alpha‐2b plus ribavirin combination therapy. The increase of the Th2 level during therapy could be a predictor for achieving SVR.
The trick of probabilities: Pregnant women's interpretations of maternal serum screening results in Japan
Authors: Yoshino Mikiko Aoki , Takahashi Miyako , Kai Ichiro
Published: February 2008

Abstract  This study aimed to explore how pregnant Japanese women interpret maternal serum screening test results presented as probabilities and to consider the possible methods to improve women's understanding of the results. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 women. Data collection and analysis were performed concurrently, based on the grounded theory approach. We showed that the participants interpreted the test results using various criteria, including information from obstetricians, previously experienced risk probabilities, subjective interpretations, and comparisons with other women. The explanations given by health‐care professionals affected the participants' interpretation of the probability of risk and their recognition of false‐negative results. Therefore, health‐care professionals should explain the meaning of the probability test results and confirm how women interpret them.
Ageism revisited: A study measuring ageism in East Tennessee, USA
Authors: McGuire Sandra L. , Klein Diane A. , Chen Shu‐Li
Published: February 2008

Abstract Research literature over the past 50 years has addressed ageism, but few studies have examined the measurement of ageism or how to combat it. This study utilized Palmore's Ageism Survey to measure the frequency of occurrence of ageism and to examine the types of ageism reported by older adults in the East Tennessee region of the USA. A convenience sample of 247 community‐dwelling older adults was recruited from eight senior centers and nutrition sites. The participants ranged in age from 60–92 years. Eighty‐four percent of the participants indicated an experience with at least one type of ageism. The forms of ageism frequently reported were jokes and birthday cards that poked fun at older people. Events showing disrespect also were reported. Differences in urban/suburban and rural reporting were noted. The findings from this and similar studies might provide guidance for the measurement of ageism and how to combat it.
Improvement of nursing students' critical thinking skills through problem‐based learning in the People's Republic of China: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Yuan Haobin , Kunaviktikul Wipada , Klunklin Areewan , Williams Beverly A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract A quasi‐experimental, two‐group pretest–post‐test design was conducted to examine the effect of problem‐based learning on the critical thinking skills of 46 Year 2 undergraduate nursing students in the People's Republic of China. The California Critical Thinking Skills Test Form A, Chinese‐Taiwanese version was used as both a pretest and as a post‐test for a semester‐long nursing course. There was no significant difference in critical thinking skills at pretest, whereas, significant differences in critical thinking skills existed between the problem‐based learning and lecture groups at post‐test. The problem‐based learning students had a significantly greater improvement on the overall California Critical Thinking Skills Test, analysis, and induction subscale scores compared with the lecture students. Problem‐based learning fostered nursing students' critical thinking skills.
Review of the anatomic concepts in relation to the retrorectal space and endopelvic fascia: Waldeyer’s fascia and the rectosacral fascia
Authors: García‐Armengol J. , García‐Botello S. , Martinez‐Soriano F. , Roig J. V. , Lledó S.
Published: February 2008

Objective  A precise anatomical study of the fascias within the retrorectal space is reported, analyzing and clarifying the anatomical concepts previously employed to describe Waldeyer’s and the rectosacral fascia.

Method  The pelvis was dissected in 15 cadavers (10 males and five females). All specimens were divided in the median sagittal plane including the middle axis of the anal canal, to allow a correct visualization of and access to the retrorectal space.

Results  The retrorectal space was limited anteriorly by the rectum and posterior mesorectum covered by a fine visceral fascia, and posteriorly by the sacrum covered by the parietal presacral fascia. The rectosacral fascia divided the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions in 80% of the male and 100% of the female specimens. It originated from the presacral parietal fascia at the level of S2 in 15%, S3 in 38% and S4 in 46% of specimens. In all cases it passed caudally to join the rectal visceral fascia 3–5 cm above the anorectal junction. As described by Waldeyer, the floor of the retrorectal space is formed by the fusion of the presacral parietal fascia and the rectal visceral fascia and lies above the levator ani muscle at the level of the anorectal junction.

Conclusion  The rectosacral fascia divides the retrorectal space into inferior and superior portions. This must be differentiated from Waldeyer’s description of the fascia lying in the inferior limit of the retrorectal space, formed by the fusion of the rectal visceral and parietal fascias.
Activity of different phospholipids in attenuating hyperactivity in bladder irritation
Authors: Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael , Yoshimura Naoki , Huang Leaf
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of liposomes prepared from various natural and synthetic lipids in a rat bladder injury model in the absence or the presence of cholesterol and to elucidate the key structural elements necessary for the efficacy of liposomes required for alleviating bladder hyperactivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The intravesical pressure was recorded using a transurethral catheter in adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats anaesthetized with urethane (1.0 g/kg subcutaneously). Continuous cystometrograms (CMGs) were obtained by slowly filling the bladder with solutions of varying compositions after obtaining a baseline CMG with saline. Rat urothelium was injured with protamine sulphate (PS) and irritated by subsequent infusion of KCl (500 mm) for 1 h. Thereafter, liposomes prepared in KCl using several natural and synthetic phospholipids were infused for 2 h. The percentage reduction in bladder contraction frequency (BCF) was used as a comparative variable for judging the activity of different phospholipids.

RESULTS

Exposure of rat bladder to sequential infusion of PS and KCl increased its BCF and empty liposomes of uncharged zwitterionic phospholipids markedly attenuated the PS‐induced irritation and decreased the raised BCF. But empty liposomes prepared with either cationic or anionic charged lipids were not able to achieve the same effect. Addition of cholesterol did not significantly increase their efficacy. Optimal efficacy of liposomes was achieved with phosphatidylcholines with longer acyl chains and saturation in only one of the two acyl chains.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vivo studies show that phospholipids attenuate the bladder irritation from KCl after PS‐induced bladder injury.
Secular trends in prostate cancer mortality, incidence and treatment: England and Wales, 1975–2004
Authors: Hussain Sabina , Gunnell David , Donovan Jenny , McPhail Sean , Hamdy Freddie , Neal David , Albertsen Peter , Verne Julia , Stephens Peter , Trotter Caroline , Martin Richard M.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To aid the interpretation of the trends in prostate cancer mortality, which declined in the UK in the early 1990s for unknown reasons, by investigating prostate cancer death rates, incidence and treatments in England and Wales in 1975–2004.

METHODS

Join‐point regression was used to assess secular trends in mortality and incidence (source: Office of National Statistics), radical prostatectomy and orchidectomy (source: Hospital Episode Statistics database) and androgen‐suppression drugs (source: Intercontinental Medical Statistics).

RESULTS

Prostate cancer mortality declined from 1992 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1990–94). The relative decline in mortality to 2004 was greater and more sustained amongst men aged 55–74 years (annual percentage mortality reduction 2.75%; 95% CI 2.33–3.18%) than amongst those aged ≥75 years (0.71%, 0.26–1.15%). The use of radical prostatectomy increased between 1991 (89 operations) and 2004 (2788) amongst men aged 55–74 years. The prescribing of androgen suppression increased between 1987 (33 000 prescriptions) and 2004 (470 000).

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in prostate cancer mortality was greater amongst men aged 55–74 years than in those aged ≥75 years, but pre‐dated the substantial use of prostate‐specific antigen screening and radical prostatectomy in the UK. An increase in radical therapy amongst younger groups with localized cancers and screen‐detected low‐volume locally advanced disease as a result of stage migration, as well as prolonged survival from increased medical androgen suppression therapy, might partly explain recent trends.
Synergistic effects in neuromuscular activation and calcium‐sensitization in the bladder trigone
Authors: Roosen Alexander , Wu Changhao , Sui Gui‐Ping , Fry Christopher H.
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate possible synergistic effects between adrenergic, muscarinic, and purinergic neuromuscular activation in the bladder trigone, and to examine the relevance of the Rho‐kinase (ROCK)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway as a possible underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Muscle strips were dissected from the superficial trigone of male guinea‐pigs. Contractions were elicited by electrical‐field stimulation (EFS: 0.1 ms pulses, 1–64 Hz for 3 s) or exposure to exogenous agonists.

RESULTS

There was evidence for functional adrenergic, purinergic, and muscarinic neurotransmission. Selective inhibition of individual components suggested synergistic interactions. The mean (sd) EFS contractions were enhanced by carbachol (0.3 µm) and phenylephrine (10 µm) to 2.4 (0.4) and 6.4 (1.5)‐fold of control (32 Hz), respectively. Phenylephrine (10 µm) also augmented contractions induced by carbachol (1 µm) to 3.9 (1.2)‐fold of control, α,β‐methylene ATP (1 µm) to 4.3 (0.4) and 20 mm superfusate K+ to 5.0 (2.0). The PKC inhibitors GF 109203X (5 µm) and H‐7 (100 µm), as well as the ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632 (5 µm) reduced the phenylephrine contracture to 37.3 (7.4), 38.5 (11.2) and 54.9 (7.8)% of control, respectively. With the exception of H‐7 they had no significant effect on the carbachol response.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a synergistic effect between adrenergic, muscarinic, and purinergic receptor activation on the muscle of the superficial trigone. The study suggests that Ca2+‐sensitization of contractile proteins plays a key role in this synergism, particularly for adrenergic activation.
Visual Distinctiveness and the Development of Children’s False Memories
Authors: Howe Mark L.
Published: February 2008

Distinctiveness effects in children’s (5‐, 7‐, and 11‐year‐olds) false memory illusions were examined using visual materials. In Experiment 1, developmental trends (increasing false memories with age) were obtained using Deese–Roediger–McDermott lists presented as words and color photographs but not line drawings. In Experiment 2, when items were photographed with heterogeneous colored backgrounds, developmental trends were eliminated relative to words and homogeneous backgrounds. Experiments 3 and 4 examined whether the conceptual nature of the background mattered and presented items in neutral (color only), theme‐congruent, or theme‐incongruent contexts. The results showed that the nature of the context did not matter, only whether the backgrounds were homogeneous or heterogeneous. Apparently, children use distinctive perceptual, but not conceptual, features to attenuate false memory illusions.
Neighborhood Disadvantage: Pathways of Effects for Young Children
Authors: Kohen Dafna E. , Leventhal Tama , Dahinten V. Susan , McIntosh Cameron N.
Published: February 2008

The present study used Canadian National Longitudinal data to examine a model of the mechanisms through which the effects of neighborhood socioeconomic conditions impact young children’s verbal and behavioral outcomes (N= 3,528; M age = 5.05 years, SD= 0.86). Integrating elements of social disorganization theory and family stress models, and results from structural equation models suggest that both neighborhood and family mechanisms played an important role in the transmission of neighborhood socioeconomic effects. Neighborhood disadvantage manifested its effect via lower neighborhood cohesion, which was associated with maternal depression and family dysfunction. These processes were, in turn, related to less consistent, less stimulating, and more punitive parenting behaviors, and ultimately, poorer child outcomes.
Affect‐Congruent Social‐Cognitive Evaluations and Behaviors
Authors: Peets Kätlin , Hodges Ernest V. E. , Salmivalli Christina
Published: February 2008

This study examined whether the affect children feel toward peers would influence children’s social‐cognitive evaluations and behaviors. The sample consisted of 209 fifth‐grade children (11‐ to 12‐year‐olds; 119 boys and 90 girls). For each child, 3 target peers (liked, disliked, and neutral) were identified via a sociometric nomination procedure. The names of the targets were then inserted into hypothetical vignettes in which the target peer’s behavior had a negative consequence for the child. After each vignette, questions about intent, outcome expectations, and self‐efficacy beliefs were asked. In addition, self‐reports regarding relationship‐specific proactive and reactive aggression and regarding victimization were collected. The results demonstrate that children social‐cognitively differentiate between the relationship types and that relationship‐specific evaluations are associated with relationship‐specific behaviors.
Infant Temperament Moderates Relations Between Maternal Parenting in Early Childhood and Children’s Adjustment in First Grade
Authors: Stright Anne Dopkins , Gallagher Kathleen Cranley , Kelley Ken
Published: February 2008

A differential susceptibility hypothesis proposes that children may differ in the degree to which parenting qualities affect aspects of child development. Infants with difficult temperaments may be more susceptible to the effects of parenting than infants with less difficult temperaments. Using latent change curve analyses to analyze data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care, the current study found that temperament moderated associations between maternal parenting styles during early childhood and children’s first‐grade academic competence, social skills, and relationships with teachers and peers. Relations between parenting and first‐grade outcomes were stronger for difficult than for less difficult infants. Infants with difficult temperaments had better adjustment than less difficult infants when parenting quality was high and poorer adjustment when parenting quality was lower.
Correlates of Parental Differential Treatment: Parental and Contextual Factors During Middle Childhood
Authors: Atzaba‐Poria Naama , Pike Alison
Published: February 2008

The current study examined whether parental and contextual risk factors contribute to mothers’ and fathers’ differential treatment (MDT/FDT) when accounting for sibling dyad characteristics. Also explored was whether family type (single mothers vs. 2 parents) moderated the links between the parental and contextual correlates and MDT. One hundred and seventy‐two families with older (M= 7.4 years) and younger (M= 5.2 years) siblings were studied. Parents and children reported about the parent–child relationship, and parents reported about the children’s characteristics, their own psychological resources, and contextual factors. Controlling for sibling dyad characteristics, FDT was predicted most consistently by household chaos. Furthermore, single mothers were not at risk per se for using more MDT but only when coupled with high maternal anger.
Multilevel Selection Theory and Major Evolutionary Transitions
Authors: Wilson David Sloan , Van Vugt Mark , O'Gorman Rick
Published: February 2008

The concept of a group as comparable to a single organism has had a long and turbulent history. Currently, methodological individualism dominates in many areas of psychology and evolution, but natural selection is now known to operate at multiple levels of the biological hierarchy. When between-group selection dominates within-group selection, a major evolutionary transition occurs and the group becomes a new, higher-level organism. It is likely that human evolution represents a major transition, and this has wide-ranging implications for the psychological study of group behavior, cognition, and culture.
Rejection of False Events in Childhood
Authors: Ghetti Simona
Published: February 2008

Knowing how to identify events that we never experienced is an important skill: This ability enables us to reject such events as part of our past and thus reduces the risk of creating false memories. Recent research highlights the involvement of metamemory processes in this domain. I review empirical evidence pertaining to the functioning and development of the memorability-based strategy, a specific mechanism rooted in metamemory. The substantial development of this mechanism during childhood can provide an account for children's vulnerability to false-memory formation.
Sex Differences in Episodic Memory
Authors: Herlitz Agneta , Rehnman Jenny
Published: February 2008

Research shows sex differences in episodic memory. These differences vary in magnitude as a function of the type of material to be remembered. Throughout the life span, verbal episodic-memory tasks yield differences favoring women. In contrast, episodic-memory tasks requiring visuospatial processing result in differences favoring men. There are also sex differences favoring women on episodic-memory tasks requiring both verbal and visuospatial processing and on face-recognition tasks. Thus, there may be a small, general episodic-memory advantage for women—an advantage that can increase by the advantage women have over men in verbal production and can be reversed by the male advantage in visuospatial tasks. In addition, environmental factors affect the magnitude of the sex differences in episodic memory.
The Contextual Specificity of Masculinity and Femininity in Early Adolescence
Authors: Leszczynski Jennifer Pickard , Strough JoNell
Published: February 2008

Using a social constructionist perspective, we investigated the flexibility of early adolescents' (N = 80, 40 boys, 40 girls; M age = 13.14; SD = .65) masculinity and femininity as a function of the interpersonal context (same‐ or other‐sex partner) and situational demands (co‐operation or competition). Participants played a block‐building game with a girl and a boy peer and were instructed either to play the game co‐operatively or competitively. Boys' and girls' femininity scores were greater when working with a girl peer rather than a boy peer. Stereotypical gender differences in masculinity were most apparent when instructions emphasized co‐operation. These findings provide empirical support for a social constructionist theory of gender development by demonstrating how the proximal situation changes adolescents' views of gendered aspects of their identity. A conceptualization of masculinity and femininity as flexible states is discussed as supplementing the idea that masculinity and femininity are enduring personality traits. Implications of the study for understanding how social situations maximize or minimize gender differences and similarities are discussed.
WHITE FARMERS’ DEALINGS WITH LAND REFORM IN SOUTH AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM NORTHERN LIMPOPO PROVINCE
Authors: FRASER ALISTAIR
Published: February 2008

Completing restitution, a key element of South Africa's land reform programme, entails government acquisition of white‐owned farms. Some white farmers are willing to sell and consequently the government has paid them full market‐related compensation. Others, however, refuse to sell, a right they have under the terms of the willing‐seller, willing‐buyer principle to which the government has committed itself. Why white farmers refuse to sell, even when compensation is on offer, is poorly understood. This paper therefore draws on qualitative research concerning white farmers in the Levubu area of northern Limpopo province to fill this gap in knowledge. The paper asks why white farmers are refusing to sell land to make way for restitution. It interrogates the material and symbolic factors affecting farmers’ action and demonstrates that the respondents’ justified their stance in relation to shifts in power in the agricultural sector, developments in land reform practice, and the respondents’ strong emotional bond to the land. In so doing, the paper calls into question the underlying (materialist) logic of the government's mode of land acquisition.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF FIRM FORMATION IN NEW ZEALAND
Authors: TAMÁSY CHRISTINE , HERON RICHARD LE
Published: February 2008

New Zealand's regions exhibit marked spatial variations in firm formation, with the urban areas being less entrepreneurial than the rest of the country, when the analysis controls for the varying sizes of regions. This empirical finding reflects differences in industry structures, with a greater presence of firm births in manufacturing industries and business services in more peripheral and less urbanised areas, especially on the South Island of New Zealand. Using the business demographic statistics (BDS) database by Statistics New Zealand we develop a regression model to explain spatial variations in firm formations over the period 2000–2005. The following explanatory factors are found to be of central importance for firm formations in the New Zealand context: concentration, firm size, population, population growth, income growth and specialisation. Implications of the findings for policy makers and politicians in New Zealand are discussed.
VULNERABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS OF OLDER ADULTS IN DEPRIVED NEIGHBOURHOODS IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: VAN DER MEER MARIEKE , FORTUIJN JOOS DROOGLEEVER , THISSEN FRANS
Published: February 2008

Recent policy rests on the assumption that it is better for older people to live independently within the community for as long as possible. A related assumption is that the local community forms a supportive context for vulnerable older people; the environment can compensate the limitations resulting from growing old. However, Lawton's ‘environmental docility hypothesis’, in which the interaction between characteristics of the environment and a person's competence is described, forms a reason to be more careful with this assumption. In a survey of 1,939 Dutch older adults carried out in 2002–2003 this hypothesis is explored for older people living in deprived and non‐deprived neighbourhoods. The results of the analysis seem to be in line with Lawton's hypothesis. In non‐deprived neighbourhoods, no differences in environmental stress are found between vulnerable and non‐vulnerable older adults, while in deprived neighbourhoods vulnerable older adults experience significantly higher levels of environmental stress than non‐vulnerable older adults.
RESTRUCTURING OF LARGE INDUSTRIAL SOEs IN TRANSITIONAL CHINA: A CASE STUDY IN LANZHOU
Authors: CHANG GENYING
Published: February 2008

The restructuring of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) is a central aspect of their reform in transitional China. This study traces the processes by which large industrial SOEs in Lanzhou are reorganised externally and expanded internally, and analyses their effects on regional industrial development. The study is qualitative, based on enterprise surveys and their historical documents. The paper demonstrates that the reorganisation process was government‐pushed, and that the government also played some role in the diversification and performance of large SOEs. In addition, the diversification of large SOEs in Lanzhou was subject to market conditions and SOE‐specific factors, and the influence of the national reorganisation policy on industrial development in Lanzhou was linked to the product and scale structure of local enterprises. As such, the study calls for a context approach that analyses the reorganisation and diversification of large enterprises in transitional China.
Foreign Investors in the EU—Which ‘Best Treatment’? Interactions Between Bilateral Investment Treaties and EU Law
Authors: Radu Anca
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  This article discusses the main interactions between bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and EU law. The European Commission identified a number of incompatibilities in BITs signed by eight recent Member States with the USA, proposing solutions for their adjustment in conformity with EU law, but was this step sufficient? The risk of disputes remains, as long as the proposed adjustments do not achieve legal force and as long as other BITs still need to be harmonised with EU law. Moreover, provisions in BITs that are not in conflict with EU law could still be challenged if the application of certain EU requirements by Member States interferes with foreign investors' rights. To avoid such risks, coherence between different commitments and practices of the Member States is needed and coordination at the EU level is highly desirable.
Does partnership at work increase trust? An analysis based on the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey
Authors: Guest David , Brown William , Peccei Riccardo , Huxley Katy
Published: February 2008

In the late 1990s, partnership at work was embraced with some enthusiasm by a number of stakeholders in employment relations and incorporated in the 1999 Employment Relations Act. The implementation of the Information and Consultation Regulations has also been extensively signalled. We might therefore expect to see some evidence of partnership‐related practices in Britain. The 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS 2004) provides an opportunity to explore the extent of partnership practice, and also, for the first time, to explore its link to trust relations. This article reports evidence from WERS 2004 suggesting that partnership practice remains relatively undeveloped and that it is only weakly related to trust between management and employee representatives and to employees’ trust in management. Direct forms of participation generally have a more positive association with trust than representative forms. There is also modest evidence that trust may be associated with certain workplace outcomes. The case for partnership and more particularly representative partnership as a basis for mutuality and trust is not supported by this evidence.
Estimation of the bottleneck size in Florida panthers
Authors: Culver M. , Hedrick P. W. , Murphy K. , O'Brien S. , Hornocker M. G.
Published: February 2008

We have estimated the extent of genetic variation in museum (1890s) and contemporary (1980s) samples of Florida panthers Puma concolor coryi for both nuclear loci and mtDNA. The microsatellite heterozygosity in the contemporary sample was only 0.325 that in the museum samples although our sample size and number of loci are limited. Support for this estimate is provided by a sample of 84 microsatellite loci in contemporary Florida panthers and Idaho pumas Puma concolor hippolestes in which the contemporary Florida panther sample had only 0.442 the heterozygosity of Idaho pumas. The estimated diversities in mtDNA in the museum and contemporary samples were 0.600 and 0.000, respectively. Using a population genetics approach, we have estimated that to reduce either the microsatellite heterozygosity or the mtDNA diversity this much (in a period of c. 80 years during the 20th century when the numbers were thought to be low) that a very small bottleneck size of c. 2 for several generations and a small effective population size in other generations is necessary. Using demographic data from Yellowstone pumas, we estimated the ratio of effective to census population size to be 0.315. Using this ratio, the census population size in the Florida panthers necessary to explain the loss of microsatellite variation was c. 41 for the non‐bottleneck generations and 6.2 for the two bottleneck generations. These low bottleneck population sizes and the concomitant reduced effectiveness of selection are probably responsible for the high frequency of several detrimental traits in Florida panthers, namely undescended testicles and poor sperm quality. The recent intensive monitoring both before and after the introduction of Texas pumas in 1995 will make the recovery and genetic restoration of Florida panthers a classic study of an endangered species. Our estimates of the bottleneck size responsible for the loss of genetic variation in the Florida panther completes an unknown aspect of this account.
Estimating the population size of an endangered shorebird, the Madagascar plover, using a habitat suitability model
Authors: Long P. R. , Zefania S. , Ffrench‐Constant R. H. , Székely T.
Published: February 2008

The Madagascar ploverCharadrius thoracicusis a shorebird endemic to western Madagascar, currently classified as globally vulnerable. It is restricted to specialized wetland habitats that are increasingly threatened by humans. To inform future conservation measures for this poorly known species, we develop a predictive habitat suitability map and use this map to estimate the size of the Madagascar plover population. We integrate spatially referenced presence‐only observations of Madagascar plovers with Landsat data, elevation data and measures of distance to settlements and the coast to produce a habitat suitability model using ecological niche factor analysis. Validation of this model using a receiver operating characteristic plot suggests that it is at least 84% accurate in predicting suitable sites. We then use our estimate of total area of suitable habitat above a critical suitability threshold and data on Madagascar plover density in suitable sites to estimate the total population size to derive a total population estimate of 3100±396 standard error individuals. Finally, we explore the conservation applications of our model.
EEG correlates of emotions in dream narratives from typical young adults and individuals with autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Daoust Anne‐Marie , Lusignan Félix‐Antoine , Braun Claude M. J. , Mottron Laurent , Godbout Roger
Published: February 2008

The relationship between emotional dream content and Alpha and Beta REM sleep EEG activity was investigated in typical individuals and in Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Dream narratives of persons with ASD contained fewer emotional elements. In both groups, emotions correlated positively with slow Alpha (8.0–10.0 Hz) spectral power over parieto‐occipital and left central regions, as well as with a right occipital EEG asymmetry. Slow Alpha activity in ASD individuals was lower over midline and parasagittal areas and higher over lateral areas compared to controls. Both groups displayed a right‐biased slow Alpha activity for midparietal and occipital (significantly higher in control) sites. Results indicate that Alpha EEG activity may represent a neurophysiological substrate associated with emotional dream content. Distinctive Alpha EEG patterns and asymmetries suggest that dream generation implies different brain connectivity in ASD.
Relative left frontal activation to appetitive stimuli: Considering the role of individual differences
Authors: Gable Philip , Harmon‐Jones Eddie
Published: February 2008

Experiments examining asymmetrical frontal activity in response to affective pictures have produced inconsistent results. These inconsistencies may have occurred because the pictorial stimuli may not have evoked strong emotional or motivational tendencies for all individuals. In the current study, participants were asked to indicate their liking for dessert and the time since they had last eaten to assess individual differences in emotion and motivation. Then, they were shown dessert pictures or neutral pictures while EEG activity was recorded. Results indicated that the individual differences predicted greater left than right frontal activity (inverse of the alpha power) within the first second as well as all 12 s of viewing of the dessert pictures.
A salivary collection method for young children
Authors: Zimmermann Laura K.
Published: February 2008

Salivary assays are a major physiological measure in studies of child development. Traditional collection techniques have generally involved children chewing on sterile dental cotton rolls. However, research suggests that, for an accurate assay, potential contaminants need to be minimized, both from oral stimulants and the collection device. Moreover, the use of cotton requires that additional saliva be collected to compensate for the amount absorbed by the cotton itself. For these reasons I adapted the passive drooling collection protocol for use with young children. To this end, a game was created which involves frog puppets constructed so that a funnel, which serves as the frog's mouth, connects to a cryogenic vial housed in the frog's body. Details on the specifics of this methodology as well as the effectiveness of this approach are discussed.