bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved pain management in pediatric postoperative liver transplant patients using parental education and non‐pharmacologic interventions
Authors: Sharek Paul J. , Wayman Karen , Lin Eugenia , Strichartz Debra , Sentivany‐Collins Sandy , Good Julie , Esquivel Carlos , Brown Michelle , Cox Kenneth
Published: March 2006

Abstract: A pain management intervention, consisting of pretransplant parental education and support, pre‐ and postoperative behavioral pediatrics consultation, postoperative physical and occupational therapy consultation, and implementation of non‐pharmacologic pain management strategies, was introduced to all pediatrics patients receiving liver transplants at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital beginning August 2001. Children receiving transplants pre‐intervention (May, 2000 to February, 2001) and post‐intervention (August, 2001 to March, 2002) were compared using pain scores, parent perception of pain ratings, length of stay, ventilator days, total cost, and opioid use. A total of 27 children were evaluated (13 historical control, 14 intervention). The two populations did not differ on age at transplant (mean age 53.8 vs. 63.6 months), sex (46.1% vs. 50% male), ethnicity (53.8% vs. 57.1% white, non‐Hispanic) weight at transplant (17.5 vs. 24.7 kg), percent with biliary atresia as the primary reason for transplant (42.9% vs. 69.2%), percent with status 1 transplant listing score (38.5% vs. 50.0%), or public insurance status (30.8 vs. 57.2% with Medicaid). No differences were found in mean pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) postoperative length of stay (6.7 vs. 5.3 days), total postoperative length of stay (17.5 vs. 17.5 days), total inpatient length of stay (27.0 vs. 24.4 days), time to extubation (30 vs. 24.3 h), total cost ($147 983 vs. $157 882) or opioid use through postoperative day (POD) 6 (0.24 vs. 0.25 mg/kg/day morphine equivalent). A decrease in mean pain score between POD 0 and 6 (2.82 vs. 2.12; p = 0.047), a decrease in mean parental pain perception score (3.1 vs. 2.1; p = 0.001), and an increase in number of pain assessments per 12 h shift (3.43 vs. 6.79; p < 0.005) were seen. A comprehensive non‐pharmacologic postoperative pain management program in children receiving a liver transplant was associated with decreased pain scores, improved parent perception of pain, and an increased number of pain assessments per 12 h shift. No increases in lengths of stay (PICU, postoperative, total), time to extubation, or total cost were found.
Fulminant liver failure secondary to mushroom poisoning in children: Importance of early referral to a liver transplantation unit
Authors: Özçay Figen , Baskin Esra , Özdemir Nurhan , Karakayali Hamdi , Emiroglu Remzi , Haberal Mehmet
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Patients poisoned with toxic mushrooms have a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to fulminant liver failure, and outcomes range from complete recovery to the need for liver transplantation. We reviewed the clinical presentation, course, outcome and management of four children poisoned with mushrooms who developed fulminant liver failure. Although one patient survived, two children died and one underwent living related liver transplantation. Early referral to specialized centers for treatment and for liver transplantation is emphasized.
Reinnervation after heart transplantation in children: Results of short‐time heart rate variability testing
Authors: Pozza Robert Dalla , Kleinmann Arne , Bechtold Susanne , Fuchs Alexandra , Netz Heinrich
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Aims:  To detect impairment in short‐term heart rate variability (HRV) in children after heart and heart–lung transplantation (TX) as reported in adults. To assess vagal and sympathetic influence on the donor heart rate using frequency domain analysis of HRV.

Methods and Results:  Measurement of short‐term HRV was performed in 17 patients (age 16.9±3.6, 6.1±3.7 yr after TX) and 12 healthy controls (age 14.8±3.0 yr). Testing consisted of a resting phase of 15 minutes followed by a tilt phase of 45 min. All HRV parameters were significantly impaired in transplanted patients: RR interval (RRI) 717.2±122.5 m/s (controls 827±139.7, p<0.05), standard deviation of RR interval (RRI‐SD) 20.1±15.5 (89.9±38.4, p<0.001), RRI at tilt 607.9±79.7 (654.0±104.7, NS), RRI‐SD at tilt 21.1±20.0 (60.4±31.4, p<0.001). Low‐frequency (LF)/High‐frequency (HF) ratio of HRV showed prominent sympathetic influence in TX‐patients (3.38±5.60 vs. 1.18±0.86, NS) increasing during tilting (5.91±8.36 vs. 4.74±5.27, NS). In subgroup analysis, 4 yr after TX an increasing sympathetic control of heart rate was observed.

Conclusion:  Short‐term HRV is severely impaired in children after TX. If changes are observed, they are time‐related and show increasing sympathetic influence starting from 4 yr after TX.
Unrelated donor cord blood transplantation for childhood severe aplastic anemia after a modified conditioning
Authors: Ohga Shouichi , Ichino Kiyomi , Goto Kazuna , Hattori Sagano , Nomura Akihiko , Takada Hidetoshi , Nakamura Katsumasa , Hara Toshiro
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Treatment of severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched donors and failed immunosuppressive therapy (IST) is challenging. Recently, umbilical cord blood transplantation (CBT) after non‐myeloablative therapy has been reported in adult but not in childhood SAA. However, most cases resulted in mixed donor chimerism and incomplete hematological recovery. We reported an 11‐yr‐old girl with recurred SAA 5 yr after IST who underwent unrelated donor CBT after a modified regimen. This patient had renal and cardiac dysfunction, and lacked suitable bone marrow donors. The 3.9 × 107/kg CB cells from an HLA one‐locus mismatched unrelated donor were infused after conditioning with total body irradiation (5 Gy), melphalan (120 mg/m2), and fludarabin (120 mg/m2). Hematological recovery was favorable in complete chimerism. A major complication was only skin graft‐versus‐host disease (grade I). CB could be an alternate stem cell source for childhood SAA after modified preparative regimen.
Propylthiouracil‐associated liver failure presenting as probable autoimmune hepatitis in a child with Graves' disease
Authors: Sipe Walter E. B. , Su Maureen , Posselt Andrew , Kim Grace E. , Quiros Jose Antonio , Rosenthal Philip
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  This case describes a young girl with Graves' disease, who presented with fulminant hepatic failure 9 months into propylthiouracil (PTU) therapy. Her clinical presentation was consistent with ‘probable autoimmune hepatitis,’ as defined by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group scoring system. Despite discontinuation of PTU and high‐dose steroid therapy, she required liver transplantation. Subsequent pathology could not definitively rule out autoimmune hepatitis. PTU is an important cause of drug‐related liver failure in children, and clinicians should be mindful that it is frequently used in patients who already have an underlying risk of autoimmune liver disease.
Pediatric renal transplantation in a South African teaching hospital: A 20‐year perspective
Authors: Pitcher G. J. , Beale P. G. , Bowley D. M. , Hahn D. , Thomson P. D.
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Introduction:  Renal transplantation is established as the standard of care for end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) in the developed world. In emerging nations, the appropriateness of such costly interventions has been questioned. We undertook an analysis of all renal transplants undertaken under the care of the pediatric nephrology service at the Johannesburg Hospital, South Africa, in order to establish the outcomes of a transplantation service in a resource‐constrained environment in a developing country.

Methods:  This was a retrospective review of renal transplantation undertaken at a single teaching hospital in Johannesburg, part of the University of the Witwatersrand. Two hundred and eighty‐two transplants were performed between 1984 and 2003. Demographic characteristics of the transplanted population, diagnosis, morbidity, graft survival, and mortality were recorded.

Results:  Overall 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐yr graft survival was 82, 44, and 23%. Overall 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐yr patient survival was 97, 84, and 68%. The median graft survival for all transplantation episodes was 4.38 yr; 70% of patients survive 10 yr and 54% survive 20 yr or more. Although early graft survival was good, there was a more rapid rate of graft loss than when compared to results from developed centers with much poorer results at 5 and 10 yr. Causes of ESRF show marked variation between the races, and black patients have significantly worse outcomes than others. Compared with white patients, black recipients received fewer living donor kidneys (26 vs. 10%, p = 0.0019), a greater proportion of totally mismatched organs (56 vs. 36%, p = 0.015), less pre‐emptive transplantation (7 vs. 35%, p = 0.0001) and experienced a higher rate of primary non‐function (13 vs. 3%, p = 0.004). Surgical complications of transplantation occurred in 9% of recipients, but rarely led to graft loss.

Conclusion:  Pediatric renal transplantation in Johannesburg can be accomplished with low complication rates, but medium and long‐term graft survival is poor when compared with contemporary results achieved in developed countries. The difficulties of undertaking such complex, multidisciplinary interventions in a developing nation are daunting, but we believe that renal transplantation should still be the treatment of choice for all children with ESRF. The poorer outcomes in black recipients can be addressed by increasing education in our communities and expanding the pool of appropriate donors. Better institutional support would allow for improved long‐term patient care.
Successful unrelated mismatched cord blood transplantation in an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency and Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guèrin disease
Authors: Jaing Tang‐Her , Lee Wen‐I , Lin Tzou‐Yien , Huang Jing‐Long , Chen Shih‐Hsiang , Chow Robert
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  The case reported here of an infant who presented with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, CD4+ lymphopenia, and hypogammaglobulinemia attributable to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This report discussed treatment of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guèrin disease with unrelated cord blood transplantation in addition to antituberculous therapy, by adoptively transferring donor immunity with induction of mixed chimerism. Because of the unique nature of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic cells, engraftment without conditioning may be possible in SCID patients without fully matched donors.
Hormonal Correlates of Social Rank in an Asocial Species, the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Wehi Priscilla M. , Barrell Graham K. , Hickling Graham J.
Published: March 2006

Dominance hierarchies play an important role in access to mates or resources in many species. Rank is sometimes correlated with circulating testosterone levels or morphological traits such as body weight. The relationship of glucocorticoid secretion and rank, however, is less clear. In this study, we investigated the relationship of male rank to body weight, circulating testosterone and cortisol concentrations in captive possum triads (Trichosurus vulpecula). We carried out two experiments to examine hierarchy formation and the effects of castration of the dominant male during the non‐breeding season. A third experiment measured the effects of removal of the dominant male from a stable hierarchy during the breeding season. We found that dominant male rank was significantly correlated with higher circulating testosterone levels during periods of hierarchy formation and during the breeding season but not during periods of hierarchy stability in the non‐breeding season. Lack of correlation between plasma testosterone concentration and rank after male castration suggests that stable social rank is not dependent on hormone level and may be more dependent on behavioural traits. Any biocontrol measures that rely on manipulation of hormone levels may be unreliable when applied to unstable hierarchical situations, including the establishment of territories by subadult males, and the pre‐breeding season when circulating testosterone concentrations peak in males and a period of hierarchy establishment may occur.
Preferences for Call Spectral Properties in Hyla intermedia
Authors: Rosso Alessandra , Castellano Sergio , Giacoma Cristina
Published: March 2006

We studied the pattern of variation in the spectral properties of male advertisement calls and female preference functions for these same properties in the Italian treefrog (Hyla intermedia). The call spectral properties (fundamental and dominant frequencies) were highly negatively correlated with body size, they showed low within‐individual variation, and, at the population level, they were found to be under weak stabilizing selection. In two‐choice discrimination tests, females did not show preferences between calls with fundamental and dominant frequencies within two standard deviations from the population mean, whereas females significantly discriminated against calls when their frequencies were three (or more) standard deviations above or below the population mean. Consistent with the observed permissiveness in female preference over the call spectral structure, in the natural population, we found no evidence either of directional selection on male body size or of a size‐assortative mating pattern. The pattern of preferences observed at the population level did not mirror the preferences of individual females. In fact, in a multi‐trial discrimination experiment, females showed significant differences in their choice between the average frequency call and a two standard deviation lower than average frequency alternative, for which no significant preferences were observed at the population level. Variations in preference were not found to correlate with female body size.
Predation Cost of Conspicuous Male Coloration in Collared Lizards (Crotaphytus collaris): An Experimental Test Using Clay‐Covered Model Lizards
Authors: Husak Jerry F. , Macedonia Joseph M. , Fox Stanley F. , Sauceda Richard C.
Published: March 2006

Animal color patterns are a compromise between sexual selection pressures that increase advantages accrued from conspicuousness, and natural selection pressures that decrease those advantages through reduced survivorship. Predation pressure, as a mode of natural selection, often is invoked as a counter‐selective force to sexual selection, yet few studies have demonstrated empirically that more conspicuous individuals experience higher rates of predation. We quantified predator attacks on models of collared lizards, Crotaphytus collaris, in three well‐studied populations (Oklahoma, USA). These populations differ in coloration and in visual backgrounds against which the lizards are viewed by conspecifics and predators. Attack frequencies varied considerably among study sites but at all sites the models exhibiting the strongest color contrast with local rocks were detected and attacked most often. By comparison, inconspicuous models of females were never attacked at any of the sites. These results suggest a survival cost of conspicuous coloration in collared lizards, and reiterate the importance of considering the visual environment as well as differences among populations when examining the influence of predation on the evolution of animal color patterns.
Sexual Harassment Influences Group Choice in Female Mosquitofish
Authors: Agrillo Christian , Dadda Marco , Bisazza Angelo
Published: March 2006

Male sexual harassment has been demonstrated to result in high costs for females. Male mosquitofish are amongst the most ardent in the animal kingdom and sexual harassment can halve female foraging efficiency. Female mosquitofish have been found to vary their shoaling behaviour when harassed by a male, approaching other males to promote male–male interactions or reducing the distance to another female to dilute male disturbance. The present study tested two predictions about female counterstrategies. As the dilution effect increases with group size, a harassed female was expected to prefer joining a larger group. She should also benefit from joining larger females since males are known to prefer larger mates. When given a choice between a group of two and a group of four females, females harassed by a male spent significantly more time near the larger group. Harassed females also preferred a shoal consisting of larger females over one consisting of smaller females, but no such preferences were observed in the absence of a male. In addition to influencing the individual decision whether to shoal or not, the presence of a harassing male appears to affect group choice. In these fish, sexual harassment might be a powerful factor in shaping both the structure and the composition of shoals.
The influence of porosity on the fatigue strength of high‐pressure die cast aluminium
Authors: LINDER J. , ARVIDSSON A. , KRON J.
Published: March 2006

Aluminium is a lightweight material with high strength and good corrosion resistance among other beneficial properties. Thanks to these properties, aluminium is more extensively used in the vehicle industry. High‐pressure die casting of aluminium is a manufacturing process that makes it possible to attain complex, multi‐functional components with near‐net shape. However, there is one disadvantage of such castings, that is, the presence of various defects such as porosity and its effect on mechanical properties.

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of porosity on the fatigue strength of high‐pressure die cast aluminium. The objective was to derive the influence of defect size with respect to the fatigue load, and to generate a model for fatigue life in terms of a Kitagawa diagram. The aluminium alloy used in this study is comparable to AlSi9Cu3. Specimens were examined in X‐ray prior to fatigue loading and classified with respect to porosity level and eventually fatigue tested in bending at the load ratio, R, equal to −1. Two different specimen types with a stress concentration factor of 1.05 and 2.25 have been tested.

It has been shown that the fatigue strength decreases by up to 25% as the amount of porosity of the specimen is increased. The results further showed that the influence of defects was less for the specimen type with the higher stress concentration. This is believed to be an effect of a smaller volume being exposed to the maximum stress for this specimen type. A Kitagawa diagram was constructed on the basis of the test results and fracture mechanics calculations. A value of 1.4 Mpa m1/2 was used for the so‐called stress intensity threshold range. This analysis predicts that defects larger than 0.06 mm2 will reduce the fatigue strength at 5 × 106 cycles for the aluminium AlSi9Cu3 material tested.
Relationship between changes in thyroid hormone level and severity of the postoperative course in neonates undergoing open‐heart surgery
Authors: DAGAN OVADIA , VIDNE BERNARDO , JOSEFSBERG ZEEV , PHILLIP MOSHE , STRICH DAVID , EREZ ELDAD
Published: March 2006

Background:  Our aim was to determine whether the changes in thyroid function after open‐heart surgery in neonates depend on the postoperative course.

Methods:  Twenty neonates undergoing open‐heart surgery for congenital heart disease were prospectively studied in the cardiac intensive care unit of a university‐affiliated children's hospital. The patients were divided into two groups by level of inotropic support (high or mild).

Results:  The groups were similar in age, bypass time and ultrafiltration volume. In both groups, there was a significant reduction in levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone and FT4 at 24 h postoperatively. However, in the high inotropic support group, FT4 was lower for a longer time. This group also had a significantly higher score on The Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM; P < 0.042) and a longer duration of ventilation (P < 0.014).

Conclusions:  Neonates after open‐heart surgery undergo changes in thyroid function characteristic of euthyroid sick syndrome. The degree of hypothyroxinemia may be related to the severity of illness and the postoperative course.
Ketoprofen and tramadol for analgesia during early recovery after tonsillectomy in children
Authors: ANTILA HEIKKI , MANNER TUULA , KUURILA KAIJA , SALANTERÄ SANNA , KUJALA RISTO , AANTAA RIKU
Published: March 2006

Background:  Pain following tonsillectomy is often intense. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and opioids are effective, but both can cause adverse effects. Tramadol may be a viable alternative for post‐tonsillectomy pain. This study was designed to compare the analgesic effects of ketoprofen and tramadol during the early recovery period after tonsillectomy.

Methods:  Forty‐five ASA class I children (9–15 years) were randomized to receive either saline, ketoprofen (2 mg·kg−1) or tramadol (1 mg·kg−1) after induction of anesthesia. Upon completion of surgery, the study treatment was continued as a 6 h intravenous (i.v.) infusion of another dose of saline, ketoprofen (2 mg·kg−1) or tramadol (1 mg·kg−1). Postoperatively, each patient received rescue analgesia with patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) device programmed to deliver 0.5 μg·kg−1 bolus doses of fentanyl. Postoperative pain was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during swallowing. Intraoperative blood loss was measured.

Results:  The total number of requests of PCA‐fentanyl was significantly less in ketoprofen group compared with tramadol and placebo groups (P = 0.035 and P = 0.049, respectively, in pairwise comparisons) and the VAS scores for pain were significantly lower in ketoprofen group compared with tramadol (P = 0.044) or placebo groups (P = 0.018) during the first six postoperative hours. Measured intraoperative blood loss was greater in ketoprofen‐treated patients than in those receiving placebo (P = 0.029).

Conclusion:  A dose of 4  mg·kg−1 of i.v. ketoprofen provided good pain relief with moderate supplemental PCA‐fentanyl requirements during the first six postoperative hours after tonsillectomy in children whereas the effects of 2 mg·kg−1 of i.v. tramadol did not differ from those of placebo.
Convection heating in pediatric general surgery – a comparison of warming alternatives in a mannequin study
Authors: NIGHTINGALE SCOTT , WYNNE LISA , CASSEY JOHN
Published: March 2006

Background:  Numerous methods of patient warming are used to prevent intraoperative hypothermia in children. Commercially available forced air warming blankets are effective, but are single‐use items. We tested a custom‐designed heat dissipation unit (HDU) against one such commercially available blanket.

Methods:  Air temperatures at various points around a mannequin under simulated operating conditions were recorded using thermistors and thermal imaging. The only variable changed was the heating method: a forced air blanket or a customized HDU with two draping techniques – cotton drapes with and without a plastic ‘undersheet’.

Results:  The three methods produced similar temperature increases and plateaux across the 11 thermistor points measured. There were no significant differences between temperatures at 1 h. A plastic sheet did not appear to enhance the effectiveness of the HDU in this study. Thermal imaging photography suggested more uniform heating of the mannequin with the HDU arrangements.

Conclusions:  The custom‐built HDU compares favorably in our mannequin study with a Bair Hugger forced air warming blanket. As it is reusable, it offers considerable potential savings.
The safety and effectiveness of a modified convection heating system for children during anesthesia
Authors: CASSEY JOHN G. , ARMSTRONG PETER J. , SMITH GIL E. , FARRELL PATRICK T.
Published: March 2006

Background:  Convection heating shows most promise in maintaining children's core temperatures under anesthesia. We have previously shown that a modified convection heating technique worked in a mannequin model and sought to establish its safety and effectiveness in a clinical study.

Methods:  Children were recruited who were having elective surgery under general anesthesia lasting >90 min. The children were anesthetized and maintained in a room temperature of 21°C. Warming was performed by a ‘Bair Hugger’ attached to a heat dissipation box, producing turbulent air from multiple outlet holes on its face. A plastic sheet covered the child, was attached to the top of the box, tucked into the sides of the bed and left open at the head end. Temperatures at various sites (air, skin, and core) were continuously monitored using thermistors connected to a datalogger and laptop. Analysis was performed using Excel.

Results:  The study comprised 40 children ranging in age from 2 days to 12.5 years and weigh 2.5–73 kg. Operations were ‘peripheral’ (e.g. urethroplasty) lasting 90 min to major laparotomy lasting 590 min. Body surface area uncovered was 5–25%. Skin temperatures rose to a maximum of c. 40°C. Core temperatures rose after a 12‐min lag by 0.01–0.04°C·min−1. In children who became hyperthermic, cooling was readily achieved by turning the heating off and leaving the fan running.

Conclusions:  The technique is safe and effective for children throughout the pediatric range. The practice of increasing room temperature above 21°C for elective cases should be abandoned. Continuous monitoring of core temperature is necessary to prevent hyperthermia.
Rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1 (ED95) induces a normal peak effect but an altered time course of neuromuscular block in patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy
Authors: MUENSTER TINO , SCHMIDT JOACHIM , WICK STEFANIE , FORST JUERGEN , SCHMITT HUBERT J.
Published: March 2006

Background:  In patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) recovery from neuromuscular block is delayed. It has been assumed that this is because of a higher potency of muscle relaxants in this patient cohort. We determined the peak effect, and the time course of action of rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1 (ED95) in DMD patients.

Methods:  Twenty‐four patients (12 with DMD and 12 controls; aged 10–18 years) were studied. All patients were anesthetized with propofol and fentanyl/remifentanil. Neuromuscular transmission was monitored by acceleromyography. After induction all patients received a single dose of rocuronium 0.3 mg·kg−1. The complete time course of action as onset, peak effect and spontaneous recovery was recorded.

Results:  The onset time (s) to maximum block was significantly (P < 0.01) prolonged in DMD patients (median: 315; range: 120–465) compared with controls (195, 75–270). The peak effect (% twitch depression relative to baseline) was not different between the groups (DMD: 59–100; controls: 28–100). In the DMD group, recovery was significantly (P < 0.01) delayed compared with controls at all recorded time points. The clinical duration (min) was 40.3 (22–89) in the DMD group vs 9.8 (6–17) in the control group (P <  0.01).

Conclusions:  The similar peak effect in both groups does not confirm the thesis of rocuronium having a higher potency in DMD patients. The documented very long recovery after the ED95 of rocuronium emphasizes the need for careful assessment of neuromuscular function in DMD patients.
STUDENT OUTCOMES AT UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA: A QUANTILE REGRESSION APPROACH*
Authors: BIRCH ELISA ROSE , MILLER PAUL W.
Published: March 2006

Students’ success during their first year at university is largely influenced by their university entrance score. Personal characteristics and secondary school characteristics also impact on success. This paper uses quantile regression to investigate how the effects of these factors vary along the grade distribution. It finds that the factors which influence grades have a more pronounced impact on the success of low‐achieving students than on that of high‐achieving students. These results have implications for student selection and also for the way scholarships may be used to attract talented high school students.
ACCOUNTING FOR POPULATION AGEING IN TAX MICROSIMULATION MODELLING BY SURVEY REWEIGHTING*
Authors: CAI LIXIN , CREEDY JOHN , KALB GUYONNE
Published: March 2006

This paper investigates the use of sample reweighting, in a behavioural tax microsimulation model, to examine the implications for government taxes and expenditure of population ageing in Australia. First, a calibration approach to sample reweighting is described, producing new weights that achieve specified population totals for selected variables. Second, the performance of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) weights provided with the 2000–2001 Survey of Income and Housing Cost (SIHC) was examined and it was found that reweighting does not improve the simulation outcomes for the 2001 situation, so the original ABS weights were retained for 2001. Third, the implications of changes in the age distribution of the population were examined, based on population projections to 2050. A ‘pure’ change in the age distribution was examined by keeping the aggregate population size fixed and changing only the relative frequencies in different age‐gender groups. Finally, the effects of a policy change to benefit taper rates in Australia were compared for 2001 and 2050 population weights. It is suggested that this type of exercise provides an insight into the implications for government income tax revenue and social security expenditure of changes in the population, indicating likely pressures for policy changes.
LABOUR MOBILITY AND TRANS‐TASMAN CURRENCY UNION*
Authors: CREIGHTON ADAM
Published: March 2006

The prospect of a common currency for Australia and New Zealand has been canvassed by senior poli‐ticians and bureaucrats, and has been the subject of academic debate. According to Mundell (1961), a high degree of internal labour mobility is a desirable feature of currency unions. This study looks at the extent to which long‐term migration between Australia and New Zealand responds to output shocks. Estimated VAR models and panel Granger‐causality tests demonstrate that shocks to relative per capita output have a significant and symmetrical impact on migration flows between Australia and New Zealand, and most of the impact is felt after about one year. Separating the shocks to Australia and New Zealand shows that ‘pull’ effects are more important than ‘push’ effects. Additionally, the trajectory of the Australian economy proves particularly influential for the choice of New Zealand emigrants. Although permanent migration responds intuitively to the state of the economy in Australia and New Zealand, the level of these migration flows is low in comparison to Australian inter‐state migration; yet it is high in relation to any third country.
PETROLEUM REFINING INDUSTRY: AN ASSESSMENT OF ITS PRODUCTION STRUCTURE*
Authors: MOHAMMED OTHMAN E. , BURNEY NADEEM A.
Published: March 2006

Cost structure of petroleum refining industry in Kuwait has been examined, with specific focus on factor substitution, and economies of scale and utilisation. This has been done by estimating translog cost functions, both long‐run and short‐run, using annual time‐series data covering the period from 1976 to 1998. The results indicate that the implied production structure is non‐homothetic, and the pattern of scale effect is labour and capital saving but material using. The evidence also supports presence of induced exogenous technical change, which is non‐neutral (labour and capital using, and material saving). The elasticity of substitution between capital and labour is negative, implying that the two inputs are complements. The results also indicate absence of economies and diseconomies of scale in the petroleum refining industry.
Global Market Integration and National Sovereignty
Authors: Brown Andrew G. , Stern Robert M.
Published: March 2006

In this paper, we first trace the evolution of the global trading system from the nineteenth century to the present‐day GATT/WTO arrangements, calling attention to the key roles of reciprocity and non‐discrimination, and we note how the system is now challenged by the new paradigm of global market integration. We then consider the recent plethora of free trade agreements (FTAs), including those between industrial and developing countries, and their uneasy relationship with a multilateral system based on non‐discrimination. Thereafter, we seek to identify the boundaries of the WTO and examine how the potential expansion of these boundaries may result in the over‐extension and weakening of the effectiveness and influence of the WTO.
Transpacific Trade Imbalances: Causes and Cures
Authors: Lee Jong‐Wha , McKibbin Warwick J. , Park Yung Chul
Published: March 2006

This paper explores the causes of the transpacific trade imbalances using an empirical global model. It also evaluates the impact of various policies to reduce these imbalances. We find the fundamental cause of trade imbalance since 1997 is changes in saving‐investment gaps, attributed to the surge of the US fiscal deficits and the decline of East Asia's private investment after the 1997 financial crisis. Our simulation results show that a revaluation of East Asia's exchange rates by 10 per cent (effectively a shift in monetary policy) cannot resolve the imbalances. We find East Asia's concerted efforts to stimulate aggregate demand can have significant impacts on trade balances globally, but the impact on the US trade balance is not large. US fiscal contraction is estimated to have large impacts on the US trade position overall and on the bilateral trade balances with East Asian economies. These results suggest that in order to improve the transpacific imbalance, macroeconomic adjustment will need to be made on both sides of the Pacific.
Reforming the IMF's Weighted Voting System
Authors: Rapkin David P. , Strand Jonathan R.
Published: March 2006

This paper surveys various proposals to reform the IMF's quota determination process and voting regime. We first provide some necessary context by describing IMF decision rules, including the methods by which the Fund determines quotas according to countries’ relative positions in the world economy. This section also addresses the arbitrariness of the IMF quota determination process and how IMF decision rules hamper developing country influence within the Fund. Following this, we review several proposals designed to provide developing countries greater voice in IMF decision‐making. We conclude that the problems of developing country representation are not likely to be fixed by either reallocating quotas on the margins of the existing IMF system or by tinkering with the quota‐determination formulas. Rather, more fundamental institutional adjustments will be required.
Combining genetic and geospatial analyses to infer population extinction in mygalomorph spiders endemic to the Los Angeles region
Authors: Bond J. E. , Beamer D. A. , Lamb T. , Hedin M.
Published: March 2006

Although hyperdiverse groups like terrestrial arthropods are almost certainly severely impacted by habitat fragmentation and destruction, few studies have formally documented such effects. In this paper, we summarize the results of a multifaceted research approach to assess the magnitude and importance of anthropogenic population extinction on the narrowly endemic trapdoor spider genus Apomastus. We used geographical information systems modeling to reconstruct the likely historical distribution of Apomastus, and used molecular phylogeographic data to discern population genetic structure and detect genetic signatures of population extinction. In combination, these complementary lines of inference support direct observations of population extinction, and lead us to conclude that population extinction via urbanization has played an important role in defining the modern‐day distribution of Apomastus species. This population loss implies coincident loss of genetic and adaptive diversity within this genus, and more generally, suggests a loss of ground‐dwelling arthropod population diversity throughout the Los Angeles Basin. Strategies for minimizing this loss are proposed.
Human–wildlife conflicts in a fragmented Amazonian forest landscape: determinants of large felid depredation on livestock
Authors: Michalski F. , Boulhosa R. L. P. , Faria A. , Peres C. A.
Published: March 2006

Most large carnivore species are in global decline. Conflicts with people, particularly over depredation on small and large livestock, is one of the major causes of this decline. Along tropical deforestation frontiers, large felids often shift from natural to livestock prey because of their increased proximity to human agriculture, thus increasing the likelihood of conflicts with humans. On the basis of data from 236 cattle ranches, we describe levels of depredation by jaguarsPanthera oncaand pumasPuma concoloron bovine herd stocks and examine the effects of both landscape structure and cattle management on the spatial patterns and levels of predation in a highly fragmented forest landscape of southern Brazilian Amazonia. Generalized linear models showed that landscape variables, including proportion of forest area remaining and distance to the nearest riparian forest corridor, were key positive and negative determinants of predation events, respectively. We detected clear peaks of depredation during the peak calving period at the end of the dry season. Bovine herd size and proportion of forest area had positive effects on predation rates in 60 cattle ranches investigated in more detail. On the other hand, distance from the nearest riparian forest corridor was negatively correlated with the number of cattle predated. The mean proportion of cattle lost to large felids in 24 months for the region varied according to the herd class size (<500: 0.82%; 500–1500: 1.24%; >1500: 0.26%) but was never greater than 1.24%. The highest annual monetary costs were detected in large cattle ranches (>1500 head of cattle), reaching US$ 885.40. Patterns of depredation can be explained by a combination of landscape and livestock management variables such as proportion of forest area, distance to the nearest riparian corridor, annual calving peak and bovine herd size.
Modelling Germline Mosaicism and Different New Mutation Rates Simultaneously for Appropriate Risk Calculations in Families with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Fischer C. , Gross W. , Krüger J. , Cremer M. , Vogel F. , Grimm T.
Published: March 2006

For several genetic diseases two biological phenomena have been recognised as important: germline mosaicism; and different new mutation rates in males and females depending on mutation type. Both principles have been investigated separately and their influence on risk estimation in families has been exemplified in the literature.

The aim of this paper is to present a general model that includes mosaicism and different new mutation rates. Mosaicism is introduced by defining additional alleles at the disease locus in combination with adapted segregation rules. Taking Duchenne muscular dystrophy as an example, we derive the conditions which have to be fulfilled for a population in mutation selection equilibrium.

Our approach describes the model at the population level and not in individual subjects. This has the advantage of being able to use well known algorithms for the calculation of likelihoods in pedigrees, and to include additional diagnostic information such as marker genotypes and carrier deletion test results. We demonstrate the impact of the new model on a typical pedigree. In families where the patient is not available, the distinction between point mutations and deletions is important, since often molecular diagnostic tests for females can only screen for deletions. Negative deletion test results can now be included in the risk calculations.
Prevalence of SLI in Language Resource Units
Authors: Archibald Lisa M. D. , Gathercole Susan E.
Published: March 2006

Many children with communication impairments whose educational needs cannot be met in mainstream classrooms receive additional resource support in classroom units that specialise in the coordination and provision of academic teaching and speech language therapy in the UK. This study estimated the prevalence of Specific Language Impairment (SLI) among the children attending these classroom units. In nine classroom units with a total of 147 pupils, the prevalence of SLI was estimated to be 13%. The receptive‐expressive SLI group comprised 10% of the sample, and the expressive‐only group comprised 3%. An additional borderline language‐impaired group was identified by only one of the four language measures used, that is, sentence repetition. It is argued that the abilities of specialised classroom units to meet the educational needs of children with SLI and other communication impairments may be challenged by an increasingly diverse intake.
Time for review: supporting the work of an advisory group
Authors: Porter Jill , Parsons Sarah , Robertson Christopher
Published: March 2006

This paper raises methodological issues about the challenges and dilemmas of inclusive research practices reflecting on the work of an advisory group carrying out research on using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance community participation. The interests of three parties can be identified – the commissioning agent, the researchers and the researched – and these interplayed throughout the course of the research determining the outcomes. Given the relationship between inclusive research and advocacy, there were particular gains in enabling the voice of the advisory group to shape the way in which the research was conducted and to disseminate the findings both within the organisation and beyond. However, the fragility of these new structures required organisational changes for the research to be truly empowering. The experience of the group suggests the need for their involvement atallstages of the research process.
Auto‐Graph: considering the utility of student behaviour self‐monitoring for inclusive schools
Authors: Jull Stephen K.
Published: March 2006

This paper reports the outcomes of a small‐scale exploratory study that examined the utility of a novel computer‐supported student behaviour self‐monitoring procedure called Auto‐Graph. The Auto‐Graph procedure is a universal classroom behaviour management strategy for responding to disruptive antisocial behaviours. It was designed to provide up‐to‐date information on student behaviours over time that might alert students and school staff to emerging problematic behavioural patterns. This strategy is consistent with an interest in school‐based early intervention. Furthermore, the Auto‐Graph design assumes generalised benefits of a continuous cycle of monitoring and feedback/reflection that might inform understandings regarding goodness‐of‐fit between student needs and educational provision. The present study explored basic questions pertaining to the utility of Auto‐Graph as a universal procedure in two ‘inclusive’ mainstream primary school classrooms. Results suggest a potential utility of the procedure in terms of supporting teachers and students in efforts directed at reducing disruptive antisocial behaviours, and by effect mediating the inclusion of potentially disruptive students in mainstream schools particularly when considering those identified with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).
Elective home education and special educational needs
Authors: Arora Tiny (C. M. J.)
Published: March 2006

This paper reviews the literature on home education with reference to special educational needs (SEN). A rapid expansion in home educating families is noted. Parents present a variety of reasons for this, including those with concerns about the provision for their child's SEN.

In one Local Education Authority (LEA), data were obtained through questionnaires from 65 families when they first registered their children for home education. In addition, 12 families, who had been home educating their children for more than 2 years, were interviewed about their experiences. Many of the children involved had SEN, but most of the parents and children expressed satisfaction with their present arrangements. However, there was often a feeling expressed that they would have preferred their children to have attended school, if their special needs could have been met. Implications for education services policy and schools’ practice are discussed.
Circulating level of large splice variants of tenascin‐C is a marker of piecemeal necrosis activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tanaka Hideaki , El‐Karef Amro , Kaito Masahiko , Kinoshita Noriaki , Fujita Naoki , Horiike Shinichiro , Watanabe Shozo , Yoshida Toshimichi , Adachi Yukihiko
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Backgrounds: It has been reported that histological activity index and piecemeal necrosis are good factors to evaluate the prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Thus, there is a need for simple and noninvasive means to assess disease activity and piecemeal necrosis in patients with CHC. In this study, we measured the serum concentrations of large splice variants of tenascin‐C (cTN‐C) in patients with CHC, and examined their correlation with the degree of inflammatory activity and fibrosis as evaluated in liver biopsy specimens.

Methods: The serum levels of cTN‐C in 150 patients with CHC and 50 healthy volunteers were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent. The histology of liver biopsy specimens was also evaluated following the Desmet's grading/staging system and the Ishak's classification. Liver specimens obtained by biopsy were also immunohistochemically evaluated with anti‐human tenascin‐C antibodies.

Results: Serum cTN‐C concentrations were significantly higher in CHC patients than in healthy volunteers (P<0.0001). The levels of cTN‐C showed no significant difference among the fibrosis stages as assessed by the Desmet's grading/staging system and Ishak's classification scores. However, the concentration of cTN‐C was significantly correlated with the grade of activity. According to the Ishak's classification, the concentration of cTN‐C was increased in proportion to the degree of piecemeal necrosis. Specific immunostaining of cTN‐C was observed in limited areas of piecemeal necrosis but not in fibrotic areas.

Conclusion: The measurement of serum levels of cTN‐C is a useful marker of the activity of CHC, in particular of the degree of piecemeal necrosis.
Multidrug resistance associated protein 2 mediates transport of prostaglandin E2
Authors: De Waart Dirk R. , Paulusma Coen C. , Kunne Cindy , Oude Elferink Ronald P. J.
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Background/Aim: Inactivation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the liver is a rapid process and occurs mainly through β‐oxidation in the peroxisome of the hepatocyte. Biliary excretion of PGE2 is also a means of elimination from the liver. We investigated the role of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2) in the transport of PGE2.

Methods: Biliary PGE2 elimination was measured in liver perfusions in Wistar and MRP2‐deficient TR− rats. Furthermore, transport experiments were performed in membrane vesicles from human MRP2‐infected Spodoptera frugiperda 21 (Sf21) insect cells.

Results: The liver perfusions showed a 3.5 times higher percentage of undegraded [3H]PGE2 in bile of Wistar rats in comparison with MRP2 deficient (TR−) rats (3.6% vs. 1.1%, respectively; P<0.05). MRP2‐mediated transport of the model substrate [3H]DNP‐SG was inhibited by PGE2. Half maximal inhibition was achieved at a concentration of approximately 15 μM PGE2. In addition, [3H]PGE2 uptake in these vesicles was detected, and determined to be ATP dependent.

Conclusion: MRP2 mediates the transport of PGE2 and its breakdown products. The biliary excretion of PGE2 via MRP2 may contribute to rapid elimination of the prostaglandin but might also serve to relay prostaglandin signalling to the biliary tree.