bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin after single intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous injections in lactating cows
Authors: KAARTINEN L. , SALONEN M. , ÄLLI L. , PYÖRÄLÄ S.
Published: April 2008

Five Ayrshire cows were given enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg body weight) intravenously (i.v.), intramuscularly (i.m.) and subcutaneously (s.c). The antimicrobial activity was measured in milk and serum samples using the agar‐diffusion technique. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was used to study the extent of metabolism of enrofloxacin to dprofloxacin. Analysis of the serum concentration‐time data was based on statistical moment theory. Mean t1/2β of antimicrobial activity in serum was 1.7, 5.9 and 5.6 h after i.v., i.m. and s.c. administration, respectively. Both i.m. and s.c. routes were associated with a marked flip‐flop phenomenon. Based on HPLC analysis of serum samples, the half‐lives of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were approximately the same. A marked proportion of enrofloxacin was metabolized to ciprofloxacin. The enrofloxacin fraction bound in vitro to serum proteins was 36–45%. About 0.2% of the total enrofloxacin dose was found in milk during the first 24h and the amount transferred did not depend on the route of administration. Based on the HPLC data, enrofloxacin concentration in milk was parallel to that in serum, while ciprofloxacin was concentrated in milk. After i.v. injection, the peak concentration of enrofloxacin in milk was reached between 0.7 and 1.3 h but occurred much later for ciprofloxacin (tmax 5–8 h). After i.m. and s.c. administration the concentration‐time curves for both enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in milk were shallow and there were no obvious peaks.
Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and local tolerance of three injectable oxytetracycline formulations in pigs
Authors: BANTING A. de L. , BAGGOT J. D.
Published: April 2008

The pharmacokinetic properties and local tolerance of three oxytetracycline formulations, one conventional (Engemycine, 10%) and two long‐acting (Oxyter LA, 20% and Terramycin LA, 20%) were compared in clinically healthy cross‐bred pigs following intramuscular injection of single doses (20 mg/kg body weight) in the neck region. Non‐compartmental methods were used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters. Assessment of local tolerance was based on serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration and a combination of echographical, macroscopic and histological examinations of the intramuscular injection site. Statistically significant differences (one‐way analysis of variance, F‐test) were obtained between the three formulations in peak plasma concentration, peak time and mean residence time. Area under the curve did not differ significantly between the formulations. Using the Students t‐test for paired data, the two long‐acting formulations differed significantly in peak plasma concentration and peak time. Both of the long‐acting formulations differed significantly from the conventional formulation in the peak time and mean residence time. All three formulations produced an increase in serum CPK concentrations. The increase in CPK concentration was present from 6 to 24 h post treatment for Terramycin LA, from 6 to 72 h for Oxyter LA and from 6 to 96 h for Engemycine (the conventional formulation). Echographical examination of the injection site showed lesions of an inflammatory type up to 96 h after IM injection of the drug products, whereas from 7 days the lesions represented primarily scar formation. Histological examination of tissue from the injection site did not correlate with echographical scores. The results obtained in this study show that the long‐acting formulations provide significantly longer mean residence times of oxytetracycline than the conventional formulation, and that local tolerance at the IM injection site was similar for all three formulations under the experimental conditions used in this study. It can be concluded that the longacting formulations provide the advantage of a longer dosage interval when administered to pigs by intramuscular injection in the neck region at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight.
The pharmacokinetics of salicylate in dairy cattle are not altered by simultaneous intravenous ceftiofur sodium and DL‐lysine‐acetyl salicylate (Aspirin)
Authors: WHITTEM T. , FREEMAN D. A. , PARTON K. , HANLON D. W.
Published: April 2008

This study evaluated potential alterations to the pharmacokinetics of salicylate by concurrently administered ceftiofur sodium. The trial design was a crossover using 10 non‐lactating, non‐pregnant dairy cows. In the first period each cow received intravenously (IV) 26 mg/kg of DL‐lysine acetyl salicylate (aspirin) followed immediately by 2 mg/kg ceftiofur sodium. In the second period each cow received 26 mg/kg of aspirin IV. Plasma samples were harvested for determination of salicylate concentration by HPLC. The data best fitted a single compartment open model, using weighted non‐linear regression. No alterations to the pharmacokinetic parameters of salicylate in cattle by concurrently administered ceftiofur sodium were detected (P<0.05). Using 90% confidence intervals, and testing for changes of > 20%. control values, elimination half‐life (t1/2), apparent volume of distribution (Vd), area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) were not altered. For control animals the elimination rate constant (kel) and total body clearance (Cl) were 1.35/pm0.43 h−1 and 20.2/pm6.1 ml/h.kg respectively (mean/pmSD). Since ceftiofur sodium did not affect the pharmacokinetics of salicylate, dose regimens for aspirin in cattle need not be altered when ceftiofur sodium is administered concurrently.
Bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution of 14C homidium after parenteral administration to Boran cattle
Authors: MURILLA G. A. , MDACHI R. E. , ISMAIL A. A. , KARANJA W. M.
Published: April 2008

The absorption, distribution and elimination characteristics of 14C homidium have been described in non‐infected and Trypanosoma congolense‐infected cattle treated with 14C homidium chloride by either intramuscular (i.m.) or intravenous (i.v.) injection at a dose level of 1 mg/kg body weight. Results show that the mean (± SD) elimination of the drug from plasma followed a biexponential process, with half‐lives of 0.084 ± 0.006 h and 97.66 ± 16.28 h for the distribution and elimination phases after intravenous injection, respectively. Bioavailability of the intramuscular dose was 62.5% and 57.8% in non‐infected and trypanosome‐infected cattle, respectively. Absorption was rapid, with a tmax of 15 min and a mean Cmax (± SD) of 268.4 ± 4.09 ng/mL following the intramuscular dose in non‐infected cattle. The major route of excretion was via faeces. Approximately 90% of the total dose given to non‐infected i.m.‐treated cattle was excreted within 14 days. Following intramuscular administration of the drug, residues remained high in the major excretory organs, with the liver having concentrations of 1411 and 1199 ng/g after 14 and 28 days, respectively. Over the same period, the values in the kidneys were 649 and 448 ng/g. Concentrations in the liver 14 and 21 days following i.v. treatment were 2195 and 2454 ng/g, respectively. These results show that there was no significant difference in liver drug residues between 14 and 21 days, or 28 days depending on the treatment given, suggesting that once the drug is in this organ, it is released back into the circulation at an extremely slow rate.
Comparison in prescribing patterns of antibacterial drugs in salmonid farming in Norway during the periods 1980‐1988 and 1989‐1994
Authors: GRAVE K. , MARKESTAD A. , BANGEN M.
Published: April 2008

The choice of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of bacterial diseases in farmed salmonids changed dramatically during the period 1980‐1994. In terms of treatment doses, oxytetracycline chloride was the most frequently prescribed antibacterial drug during the periods 1980‐1983 and 1985‐1986. In 1984, prescriptions changed in favour of furazolidone and trimethoprim/ sulphadiazine (1:5). Oxolinic acid was introduced for use in farmed fish in Norway in 1987, and immediately became the drug of choice, comprising 36% and 50% of the prescribed treatment doses in 1987 and 1988, respectively. In 1989, flumequine was temporarily approved for use in farmed salmonids, and during the period 1989‐1994 antibacterial drug therapy in farmed salmonids acquired the character of a‘mono‐therapy’with the quinolones flumequine and oxolinic acid. This rapid change‐over in the choice of drug may partly be explained by the development of bacterial drug resistance in farmed salmonids, both to oxytetracycline and trimethoprim/sulphadiazine. The prescribing of furazolidone declined to zero during the study period. The morbidity caused by bacterial infections was defined as the number of treatment doses of antibacterial drugs per kg biomass of farmed salmonids per year. It was estimated that during the period 1988‐1995, an average of 39% (mean value) of farmed salmon received, in theory, an antibacterial cure once each year. In comparison, the corresponding figure for the period 1981‐1988 was 60%. However, in 1993 this figure fell to 13%, and declined even further in 1994 to 2.3%. The practice of on‐farm mixing of medicated feed, using prescribed raw materials (pure drug substances) or premix formulations, declined significantly during the period 1992‐1994. This was due to the introduction, in 1992, of new regulations on the prescribing of drugs to farmed fish.
The bioavailability of febantel in dehydrated camels
Authors: BEN‐ZVI Z. , GUSSARSKY E. , van CREVELD C. , YAGIL R.
Published: April 2008

In the present study the bioavailability of febantel paste and febantel suspension was investigated in the fully hydrated and the dehydrated camel. The serum concentrations of febantel and its metabolites, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and fenbendazole sulfone were determined by high performance liquid chromatography following extraction with ether. The exposure to febantel and its metabolites in fully hydrated camels was significantly higher in camels dosed with febantel paste compared to febantel suspension, as measured by AUC and Cmax· The AUC and Cmax of fenbendazole and oxfendazole were significantly lower in dehydrated camels as compared to control camels dosed with febantel paste. The systemic availability of febantel suspension in control and dehydrated camels was very low and differences between dehydration and control phases were insignificant. The low systemic availability of febantel in camels dosed with febantel suspension may cause nematodes to become resistant to this anthelmintic. It is, thus, suggested to increase the dose of febantel paste in dehydrated camels in order to increase the exposure to febantel and its metabolites. The binding of febantel, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and fenbendazole sulfone to camels’serum proteins was over 85%. Oxfendazole was only about 70% bound. Dehydration of 10 days did not affect the binding of these benzimidazole derivatives to serum proteins.
Prolonged‐release hydroxypropyl methylcellulose matrix tablets of furosemide for administration to dogs
Authors: SMAL J. , MARVOLA M. , LILJEQUIST C. , HAPPONEN I.
Published: April 2008

Furosemide is a problematic drug in a prolonged‐release product because its absorption is site specific, taking place mainly in the upper parts of the alimentary tract. The aim of the study reported here was to develop prolonged‐release furosemide formulations for dogs. The type of preparation selected was a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablet. Evaluation was based on dissolution studies, on in vivo disintegration studies in the canine stomach and on bioavailability studies in Beagle dogs. The variables tested were the viscosity grade of the polymer, the amount of polymer and presence or absence of an alkaline compound (potassium carbonate) in the formulation. When potassium carbonate was included, furosemide was absorbed so slowly that drug administration once daily would give plateau drug plasma concentrations, even though the elimination half‐life of furosemide is only about one hour.
Biopsychosocial determinants of pregnancy length and fetal growth
Authors: St‐Laurent Jennifer , De Wals Philippe , Moutquin Jean‐Marie , Niyonsenga Theophile , Noiseux Manon , Czernis Loretta
Published: April 2008

The causes and mechanisms related to preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction are poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the direct and indirect effects of psychosocial and biomedical factors on the duration of pregnancy and fetal growth. A self‐administered questionnaire was distributed to pregnant women attending prenatal ultrasound clinics in nine hospitals in the Montérégie region in the province of Quebec, Canada, from November 1997 to May 1998. Prenatal questionnaires were linked with birth certificates. Theoretical models explaining pregnancy length and fetal growth were developed and tested, using path analysis. In order to reduce the number of variables from the questionnaire, a principal component analysis was performed, and the three most important new dimensions were retained as explanatory variables in the final models. Data were available for 1602 singleton pregnancies.

The biophysical score, covering both maternal age and the pre‐pregnancy body mass index, was the only variable statistically associated with pregnancy length. Smoking, obstetric history, maternal health and biophysical indices were direct predictors of fetal growth. Perceived stress, social support and self‐esteem were not directly related to pregnancy outcomes, but were determinants of smoking and the above‐mentioned biomedical variables. More studies are needed to identify the mechanisms by which adverse psychosocial factors are translated into adverse biological effects.
Pre‐conception counselling in primary care: prevalence of risk factors among couples contemplating pregnancy
Authors: Van Der Pal‐de Bruin Karin M. , Le Cessie Saskia , Elsinga Joyce , De Jong‐Potjer Lieke C. , Van Haeringen Arie , Knuistingh Neven Arie , Verloove‐Vanhorick S. Pauline , Assendelft Pim
Published: April 2008

The outcome of pregnancy can be influenced by several risk factors. Women who are informed about these risks during pre‐conception counselling (PCC) have an opportunity to take preventive measures in time. Several studies have shown that high‐risk populations have a high prevalence of such risk factors. However, prevalence in the general population, which is assumed to be low risk, is largely unknown. We therefore provided a systematic programme of PCC for the general population and studied the prevalence of risk factors using the risk‐assessment questionnaire which was part of the PCC.

None of the couples reported no risk factors at all and only 2% of the couples reported risk factors for which written information was considered to be sufficient. Therefore, 98% of all couples reported one or more risk factors for which at least personal counselling by a general practitioner (GP) was indicated. Many of these factors were related to an unhealthy lifestyle. Women with a low level of education reported more risk factors than women with a high level of education. There is a great need for PCC as shown by the fact that almost all couples reported risk factors for which personal counselling was indicated. Pre‐conception counselling may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome by enabling couples to avoid these risks. PCC can be provided by GPs, who have the necessary medical knowledge and background information to counsel couples who wish to have a baby.
The eer5 mutation, which affects a novel proteasome‐related subunit, indicates a prominent role for the COP9 signalosome in resetting the ethylene‐signaling pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Christians Matthew J. , Robles Linda M. , Zeller Samantha M. , Larsen Paul B.
Published: April 2008

An Arabidopsis mutant, eer5‐1, which has an enhanced ethylene response in etiolated seedlings, including hypersensitivity and extreme exaggeration of response to ethylene, was isolated and characterized. As with other identified eer mutants, the enhanced response phenotype of eer5‐1 was correlated with failure to induce appropriately a subset of ethylene‐regulated genes, suggesting that proper ethylene‐responsive gene expression is necessary for resetting the ethylene response pathway. eer5‐1 represents a mutation that causes an amino acid substitution in a previously uncharacterized gene, which encodes a protein with a PAM [proteasome COP9 initiation factor (PCI/PINT)‐associated module] domain similar to those found in components of the COP9 signalosome (CSN). Genetic analysis shows that manifestation of the eer5 mutant phenotype is solely dependent on ethylene signaling, as the ein2‐5 eer5‐1 double mutant was indistinguishable from ein2‐5 in the presence of saturating ethylene concentrations. In contrast, the ein3‐1 eer5‐1 double mutant displayed characteristics of an enhanced ethylene response, and this suggests that EER5 regulates ethylene signaling independently of EIN3. Analysis of the EER5 protein indicates that it interacts with the C‐terminus of EIN2 and with the CSN, suggesting that EER5 serves as a bridge between EIN2 and the modification or degradation of target proteins, including a proposed group of transcriptional repressors, as part of a resetting mechanism during or following ethylene signaling.
Photosynthetic redox regulation of the plastocyanin promoter in tobacco
Authors: Schütze Katia , Steiner Sebastian , Pfannschmidt Thomas
Published: April 2008

Persistent light quality gradients in dense plant populations induce imbalances in the distribution of excitation energy between the photosystems. Plants counteract such conditions by re‐adjusting the stoichiometry of photosystems, which involves control of photosynthesis gene expression both in chloroplasts and in the nucleus. Decisive control parameters are redox signals from the photosynthetic electron transport chain, one prominent is the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. In a recent study, a plastocyanin (PC)‐promoter::β‐glucuronidase reporter gene construct in tobacco demonstrated reversible redox regulation in response to varying light qualities. Here, northern and Western analyses demonstrate that this promoter regulation also accounts for the accumulation of the endogenous tobacco PetE gene transcripts and the protein amounts of the encoded PC. Hence, the reporter gene construct reflects the natural regulation of this nuclear gene in tobacco. In kinetic experiments, the response of the construct to either oxidation or reduction of the PQ pool was tested by defined light quality shifts. The construct displayed upregulation in response to a reduction signal and downregulation in response to an oxidation signal, both with a half‐time of about 24 h. The response was finished after 48 h. DCMU application abolished the upregulation in response to the reduction signal, indicating the dependence on thylakoid membrane electron transport. To study the redox‐responsive promoter region in more detail, several promoter deletion constructs were tested for their responsiveness. All constructs displayed a reversible response to light‐induced oxidation and reduction signals; however, a minimal promoter region localised between −168 to −79 bp upstream of the transcription start site was sufficient to confer this redox regulation. This indicates that photosynthetic redox signals act on distinct regions in the PC promoter in a manner independent from photoreceptors and upstream cis elements conferring high basic expression in the light.
Phytochrome‐driven changes in respiratory electron transport partitioning in soybean (Glycine max. L.) cotyledons
Authors: Ribas‐Carbo M. , Giles L. , Flexas J. , Briggs W. , Berry J. A.
Published: April 2008

After it was observed that light induces changes in electron partitioning between the cytochrome and the alternative pathway, the focus interest was directed to assessing what type of photoreceptors are involved and the extent of such modifications. Studies on 5‐day‐old soybean (Glycine max L.) cotyledons using an oxygen isotope fractionation technique showed that phytochrome is involved in changes in electron partitioning between the cytochrome and the alternative respiratory pathway. A follow‐up of a previous study, showing that 5 min of white light caused changes in mitochondrial electron partitioning, demonstrated that while blue light was not involved in any such changes, red light caused a significant shift of electrons toward the alternative pathway. The major shift, observed after 24 h of light, is mainly due to both a decrease in the activity of the cytochrome pathway and an increase in the activity of the alternative pathway. The involvement of a phytochrome receptor was confirmed by demonstration of reversibility by far‐red light. The implications of the possible involvement of phytochrome in the regulation of mitochondrial electron transport are discussed.
Tinea capitis among primary school children in Anambra state of Nigeria
Authors: Emele F. E. , Oyeka C. A.
Published: April 2008

Tinea capitis continues to be a common problem of infancy and childhood, particularly among those living in unhygienic crowded conditions. The prevalence and aetiology of tinea capitis have not been well defined in Anambra state of Nigeria – hence the need to undertake this study. A total of 47 723 primary school children residing in different regions of the State was screened for tinea capitis between 2002 and 2005. Of this number, 4498 (9.4%) had tinea capitis. The highest prevalence of the disease occurred in the Southern region of the state (12.6%). Schools in urban areas recorded lower prevalence of the disease. Male : female prevalence ratio of 1.6 : 1 was recorded. Tinea capitis occurred significantly more in children below 10 years of age than in those above this age (χ2 = 3.178; P < 0.10). Of 502 isolates recovered in culture, Microsporum audouinii was the most prevalent (42%), followed by M. ferrugineum (17%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%). Four of the samples revealed spore head of Aspergillus spp. in direct sample microscopy. A total of 29 (6%) isolates was atypical forms. The majority (91%) of children with the lesion came from families of three or more children, living in crowded apartments. Results showed that tinea capitis remains an important public health problem in Anambra state of Nigeria.
Melanocytic medulloblastoma with ganglioneurocytomatous differentiation: A case report
Authors: Kubota Kanako C. , Itoh Tomoo , Yamada Yosuke , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Ishida Yuji , Nakasu Yoko , Watanabe Reiko , Ito Ichiro , Sawamura Yutaka , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Nagashima Kazuo
Published: April 2008

Melanotic or melanocytic medulloblastoma is a rare variant of medulloblastoma, especially when the tumor shows advanced neuronal differentiation. We report a case of this tumor, which developed in the cerebellar vermis in an 8‐year‐old girl. Initial biopsy specimens were identified as classical medulloblastoma with a high MIB1 index. Surgical removal of the tumor was performed after chemo‐radiotherapy, and black pigments were noticed on the tumor surface. Histologically, the tumor was composed of classical medulloblastoma with the presence of pigmented epithelial cells forming tubules and clusters. Immunohistochemically, the pigmented tumor cells were positive for S100 protein, HMB45, and MART1, indicating that the pigments were derived from melanosomes, and these features were compatible with melanocytic medulloblastoma. Interestingly, some of the non‐pigmented or amelanotic tumor cells were also positive for HMB45 and S100 protein. Although the tumor showed an unusual cell combination, it was distinguished from atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) by nuclear expression of INI1/BAF45 protein. The tumor also possessed ganglion‐like cells within the neuropil matrix, which resembled small mature ganglion cells, and was consequently designated as ganglioneurocytoma. The melanotic medulloblastoma and part of the ganglioneurocytomatous area were fused with each other. Hence, the present case provides new information indicating that melanocytic medulloblastoma differs from AT/RT, and that it can exhibit advanced neuronal differentiation. In addition, reduction of the tumor MIB1 index was observed after chemo‐radiotherapy.
Diagnostic lumbar puncture: minimizing complications
Authors: Williams J. , Lye D. C. B. , Umapathi T.
Published: April 2008

Diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) is essential to the diagnosis of central nervous system infections and subarachnoid haemorrhage. Life or limb‐threatening adverse events due to the procedure are rare, but less severe complications may be common. Clinical practice in diagnostic LP is often not evidenced based. The aim of the study was to use best available published evidence to address questions on minimizing complications associated with diagnostic LP. We searched PubMed for studies in the English language using key words relevant to the complications of diagnostic LP. We emphasized randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews enrolling adult patients undergoing diagnostic LP. Uncontrolled studies and studies involving children or spinal anaesthesia were considered when no other evidence was available. There were nine prospective studies and three systematic reviews on reducing complications from LP. Recommendations on interventions to minimize complications of LP are graded based on the quality and strength of evidence.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is associated with a high relapse rate after plasma exchange: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Frawley N. , Ng A. P. , Nicholls K. , Cohney S. , Hogan C. , Grigg A.
Published: April 2008

Background:  Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare condition characterized by microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, renal and/or neurological dysfunction secondary to microvascular or macrovascular thrombosis. Despite advances in treatment, TTP remains a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods:  We undertook an audit of patients with TTP over 14 years to assess remission, relapse, survival and factors predictive of outcome using current therapy based on plasma exchange with fresh‐frozen plasma.

Results:  Forty patients were identified between January 1992 and December 2005. Thirty‐one (82%) achieved complete response (CR) to therapy using plasma exchange with fresh‐frozen plasma (median 11 exchanges) and steroids. Twelve (37%) relapsed a median of 14 days following cessation of therapy, with multiple relapses occurring in two patients. TTP‐related death occurred in four patients during their initial presentation and in two during subsequent relapse. Four patients were only partially responsive to first‐line therapy. The absence of neurological features at presentation was the only factor predicting a sustained CR to first‐line therapy (P = 0.027, log–rank analysis). The mean duration of inpatient treatment was 18 days (range 4–38 days) with 30% of patients requiring intensive care admission. Thirty‐four per cent of patients acquired central venous line infection, with a median of two episodes of line sepsis per patient.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate the need for better treatments to reduce the high early relapse rate and significant mortality associated with current therapy.
Predicting natural mortality rates of plants and animals
Authors: McCoy Michael W. , Gillooly James F.
Published: April 2008

Understanding the factors that control the mortality rates of species in their natural environments is important for understanding the structure and dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems. Here, we test a model of natural mortality that yields explicit, quantitative predictions based on the constraints of body size and temperature on individual metabolism. Extensive field data from plants, invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals indicate that much of the heterogeneity in rates of natural mortality can be predicted, despite the many extrinsic sources of mortality in natural systems. These results suggest that common ‘rule(s)’ govern mortality rates in ecological communities for organisms as diverse as plants and animals.
‘My Mom Makes Me So Angry!’ Adolescent Perceptions of Mother–Child Interactions as Correlates of Adolescent Emotions
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of the current study was to examine adolescents’ perceptions of mother–child interactions as correlates of adolescents’ positive, negative, and guilt emotions. Two hundred thirty‐four adolescents (M age = 16.39, SD = 1.17) completed measures assessing parenting practices in response to typical mother–child interactions in both positive and negative contexts. Adolescents also reported on the appropriateness of parenting practices, their parents’ intentions, and their own emotional responses. Multiple regression analyses suggested that in positive contexts, parenting practices, appropriateness, and parental intent were related to adolescent emotions; but in negative contexts, only parental appropriateness was related to adolescent emotions. Discussion focuses on the importance of considering aspects of socialization other than parental discipline when studying adolescent emotions, and it highlights the importance of positive socialization contexts.
Early Adolescent School Adjustment: Associations with Friendship and Peer Victimization
Authors: Erath Stephen A. , Flanagan Kelly S. , Bierman Karen L.
Published: April 2008

This study investigates shared and unique associations of early adolescent friendship and peer victimization with self reports of school liking and teacher reports of academic competence. Participants were 398 sixth and seventh grade students and their teachers and peers. Measures of friendship included self reports of friendship support and mutual friendship nominations, and measures of peer victimization also included self and peer reports. Regression analyses revealed that friendship support and mutual friendships were uniquely associated with higher school liking and academic competence, and peer‐reported victimization was uniquely associated with lower academic competence. Moderation analyses revealed that self‐reported victimization was associated with lower school liking among students who reported higher friendship support but not among students who reported lower friendship support. The developmental context of findings and potential mechanisms are discussed.
Welfare attitudes and social class: the case of Hong Kong in comparative perspective
Authors: Wong Timothy Ka‐ying , Wan Shirley Po‐san , Law Kenneth Wing‐kin
Published: April 2008

Based on a survey of Hong Kong residents, this article explores the attitudes towards the welfare state and whether or not there are significant differences between different social classes with regard to their approval of the welfare state. The findings were then compared with those for Sweden and the USA. The study shows that Hong Kong residents strongly approve of the welfare state. The strength of their support is similar to that in Sweden and is far stronger than in the USA. In Hong Kong, the influence of social class on attitudes towards the welfare state is negligible. In some cases, the privileged classes expressed greater approval for the welfare state than the underprivileged classes. This is in striking contrast to the experiences in Sweden and the USA where the underprivileged classes are more supportive of the welfare state than are the privileged classes.
The Role of Soil Seed Banks in Natural Restoration of the Degraded Hunshandak Sandlands, Northern China
Authors: Liu Meizhen , Jiang Gaoming , Yu Shunli , Li Yonggeng , Li Gang
Published: April 2008

The density of seeds in soil seed banks and the species composition of both seed banks and aboveground vegetation were examined in naturally restored sites (NRS) and aerially seeded sites (ASS) in the Hunshandak sandlands of northern China. Five sites were naturally restored 1, 2, 4, 8, and 15 years ago and four sites were aerially seeded 1, 2, 5, and 7 years ago. In total, 36 species were recorded in the seed bank and 41 species in the aboveground vegetation for all NRS, whereas the numbers were 17 and 19, respectively, for ASS, indicating that the NRS can support higher diversity of species than the ASS. During the initial 2 years of restoration, introduced alien shrubs by aerial seeding dominated the vegetation of ASS, although there were indigenous pioneer species in the seed bank which failed to establish in the community. In contrast, indigenous species were dominant components in both the seed bank and the vegetation at the NRS. These findings suggest that the establishment of introduced species might have restricted the germination of certain indigenous pioneer species. Seed bank density of NRS significantly increased with time from 459 ± 76 seeds m−2 at NRS2 to 3,351 ± 694 seeds m−2 at NRS15, showing that the seed bank in degraded grassland is large enough to allow natural restoration. It is not always necessary to actively introduce seeds to enhance vegetation diversity.
Responses of Shrub Midstory and Herbaceous Layers to Managed Grazing and Fire in a North American Savanna (Oak Woodland) and Prairie Landscape
Authors: Harrington John A. , Kathol Emily
Published: April 2008

Worldwide, savanna remnants are losing acreage due to species replacement with shade‐tolerant midstory forest species as a response to decades of fire suppression. Because canopy closes grasses and other easily ignitable fuels decline, therefore, fire, when reintroduced after years of absence, is not always effective at restoring the open structure original to these communities. Our study sought to determine if managed grazing is an alternative tool for reducing shrub densities and restoring savanna structure without the impacts on soils and native vegetation observed with unmanaged grazing. We compared effects of fire and managed grazing on shrub and herb composition within degraded oak savanna and tallgrass prairie of the U.S. Upper Midwest using a randomized complete block design. The vegetation response to treatments differed by species and by vegetation type. Total shrub stem densities declined 44% in grazed and 68% in burned paddocks within savanna and by 33% for both treatments within prairie. Within savanna, cattle reduced stem densities of Rubus spp. 97%, whereas fire reduced Ribes missouriense stems 96%. Both fire and grazing were effective at reducing stem numbers for several other shrub species but not to the same degree. Native forbs were suppressed in grazed savanna paddocks, as were native grasses in grazed prairie paddocks along with a minor increase of exotic forbs. We did not observe changes in soil bulk density. We conclude that managed grazing can serve as a valuable supplement but not as a replacement to fire for controlling shrubs in these systems.
Survival and Expansion of Mechanically Transplanted Seagrass Sods
Authors: Uhrin Amy V. , Hall Margaret O. , Merello Manuel F. , Fonseca Mark S.
Published: April 2008

Although planting seagrass is not technically complex, the ability to plant large areas is limited by the time‐consuming nature of manual methods. Additionally, manual methods use small, spatially isolated planting units (PUs; shoot bundles or plugs/cores) that are often highly susceptible to disturbance. The likelihood for harvesting intact apical meristems may be higher with large sods compared to smaller units, thus increasing survival and expansion rates. Here, we examined the survival and expansion of large units (1.5 × 1.2 m) of seagrass transplanted using a mechanized planting boat (Giga Unit Transplant System; GUTS). Twenty‐seven units of seagrass (18 Halodule wrightii and 9 Thalassia testudinum) were transplanted and monitored for survival, shoot density, and expansion. After 3 years, 74.1% of the units had survived (66.7% H. wrightii and 88.9% T. testudinum) with 12 H. wrightii units having expanded substantially beyond the bounds of the original PU, merging with adjacent units to form spatially continuous patches of seagrass. High survival rates for T. testudinum should be interpreted in light of concomitant declines in density and lack of significant expansion after 3 years. In its tested configuration, the GUTS was a viable method for transplanting H. wrightii where donor and receiver sites were in close proximity (<2 km; a current limitation of the GUTS design used here). However, based on the reduced density and lack of significant expansion of T. testudinum that has persisted 3 years post‐transplant, the GUTS cannot yet be fully recommended for transplanting this species.
Assessing the Representativeness of the Oldest Permanent Inventory Plots in Northern Arizona Ponderosa Pine Forests
Authors: Bell David M. , Parysow Pablo F. , Moore Margaret M.
Published: April 2008

A network of permanent plots established between 1909 and 1913 (the Woolsey plots) contains the oldest measured data in northern Arizona ponderosa pine forests. These forest inventory data offer a unique opportunity to reconstruct pre‐settlement reference conditions, as well as detect and quantify changes in southwestern forest structure and composition. However, the selection of plot locations in the early 1900s followed a subjective nonrandom approach. To assess the applicability, or inference space, of results obtained from these historical plots, we compared their environmental characteristics (terrestrial ecosystem unit [TEU, based on a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) ecological classification system], site index, elevation, insolation index, and soil parent material) as well as contemporary forest structure (trees per hectare, basal area, and quadratic mean diameter) with two large inventory samples: USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis (FSFIA) and Arizona State Land Department Continuous Forest Inventory (AZCFI). Analytical methods included multivariate permutation tests, ratios of variance, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov two‐sample tests. Results indicated that the Woolsey plots (1) were neither historically nor contemporarily representative of the entire study area because of environmental and current forest structural differences with respect to the FSFIA and AZCFI and (2) may be considered historically representative of their corresponding TEUs. Our study supports the use of TEUs for defining the applicability of information obtained from the Woolsey plots.
What's Wrong with Risk Matrices?
Authors: Anthony (Tony)Cox Louis
Published: April 2008

Risk matrices—tables mapping “frequency” and “severity” ratings to corresponding risk priority levels—are popular in applications as diverse as terrorism risk analysis, highway construction project management, office building risk analysis, climate change risk management, and enterprise risk management (ERM). National and international standards (e.g., Military Standard 882C and AS/NZS 4360:1999) have stimulated adoption of risk matrices by many organizations and risk consultants. However, little research rigorously validates their performance in actually improving risk management decisions. This article examines some mathematical properties of risk matrices and shows that they have the following limitations. (a) Poor Resolution. Typical risk matrices can correctly and unambiguously compare only a small fraction (e.g., less than 10%) of randomly selected pairs of hazards. They can assign identical ratings to quantitatively very different risks (“range compression”). (b) Errors. Risk matrices can mistakenly assign higher qualitative ratings to quantitatively smaller risks. For risks with negatively correlated frequencies and severities, they can be “worse than useless,” leading to worse‐than‐random decisions. (c) Suboptimal Resource Allocation. Effective allocation of resources to risk‐reducing countermeasures cannot be based on the categories provided by risk matrices. (d) Ambiguous Inputs and Outputs. Categorizations of severity cannot be made objectively for uncertain consequences. Inputs to risk matrices (e.g., frequency and severity categorizations) and resulting outputs (i.e., risk ratings) require subjective interpretation, and different users may obtain opposite ratings of the same quantitative risks. These limitations suggest that risk matrices should be used with caution, and only with careful explanations of embedded judgments.
Risk‐Based Analysis of the Danish Pork Salmonella Program: Past and Future
Authors: Hurd H. Scott , Enøe Claes , Sørensen Lene , Wachman Henrik , Corns Steven M. , Bryden Kenneth M. , Grenier Matthias
Published: April 2008

The Danish pork Salmonella control program was initiated in 1993 in response to a prominent pork‐related outbreak in Copenhagen. It involved improved efforts at slaughter hygiene (postharvest) and on‐farm (preharvest) surveillance and control. After 10 years, 95 million Euros, significant reductions in seropositive herds, Salmonella positive carcasses, and pork‐attributable human cases (PAHC), questions have arisen about how best to continue this program. The objective of this study was to provide some analysis and information to address these questions. The methods used include a computer simulation model constructed of a series of Excel workbooks, one for each simulated year and scenario (http://www.ifss.iastate/DanSalmRisk). Each workbook has three modules representing the key processes affecting risk: seropositive pigs leaving the farm (Production), carcass contamination after slaughter (Slaughter), and PAHC of Salmonella (Attribution). Parameter estimates are derived from an extensive farm‐to‐fork database collected by industry and government and managed by the Danish Zoonosis Centre (http://www.food.dtu.dk). Retrospective (1994–2003) and prospective (2004–2013) simulations were evaluated. The retrospective simulations showed that, except for the first few years (1994–1998), the on‐farm program had minimal impact in reducing the number of positive carcasses and PAHC. Most of the reductions in PAHC up to 2003 were, according to this analysis, due to various improvements in abattoir processes. Prospective simulations showed that minimal reductions in human health risk (PAHC) could be achieved with on‐farm programs alone. Carcass decontamination was shown as the most effective means of reducing human risk, reducing PAHC to about 10% of the simulated 2004 level.
Implied Preference for Seismic Design Level and Earthquake Insurance
Authors: Goda K. , Hong H. P.
Published: April 2008

Seismic risk can be reduced by implementing newly developed seismic provisions in design codes. Furthermore, financial protection or enhanced utility and happiness for stakeholders could be gained through the purchase of earthquake insurance. If this is not so, there would be no market for such insurance. However, perceived benefit associated with insurance is not universally shared by stakeholders partly due to their diverse risk attitudes. This study investigates the implied seismic design preference with insurance options for decisionmakers of bounded rationality whose preferences could be adequately represented by the cumulative prospect theory (CPT). The investigation is focused on assessing the sensitivity of the implied seismic design preference with insurance options to model parameters of the CPT and to fair and unfair insurance arrangements. Numerical results suggest that human cognitive limitation and risk perception can affect the implied seismic design preference by the CPT significantly. The mandatory purchase of fair insurance will lead the implied seismic design preference to the optimum design level that is dictated by the minimum expected lifecycle cost rule. Unfair insurance decreases the expected gain as well as its associated variability, which is preferred by risk‐averse decisionmakers. The obtained results of the implied preference for the combination of the seismic design level and insurance option suggest that property owners, financial institutions, and municipalities can take advantage of affordable insurance to establish successful seismic risk management strategies.
Venture Capitalists’ Evaluations of Start–Up Teams: Trade–Offs, Knock–Out Criteria, and the Impact of VC Experience
Authors: Franke Nikolaus , Gruber Marc , Harhoff Dietmar , Henkel Joachim
Published: April 2008

The start–up team plays a key role in venture capitalists’ evaluations of venture proposals. Our findings go beyond existing research, first by providing a detailed exploration of VCs’ team evaluation criteria, and second by investigating the moderator variable of VC experience. Our results reveal utility trade–offs between team characteristics and thus provide answers to questions such as “What strength does it take to compensate for a weakness in characteristic A?” Moreover, our analysis reveals that novice VCs tend to focus on the qualifications of individual team members, while experienced VCs focus more on team cohesion. Data were obtained in a conjoint experiment with 51 professionals in VC firms and analyzed using discrete choice econometric models.
The Role of Human Capital in Loan Officers’ Decision Policies
Authors: Bruns Volker , Holland Daniel V. , Shepherd Dean A. , Wiklund Johan
Published: April 2008

Using a human–capital perspective and the similarity–attraction paradigm, we examine the role of general and specific human capital in the decision policies of 114 Swedish loan officers in their assessments of small–business loan requests. We found that human capital characteristics had marginal impact on decision policy contingencies and that specific human capital had no significant influence on the probability of loan approval. However, we did find that the similarity between the loan officers’ human capital and the applicants’ human capital was a significant indicator of loan approval. The findings offer interesting insight into the heterogeneity of loan decision processes and outcomes and future research opportunities are suggested.
Internal Resources, External Network, and Competitiveness during the Growth Stage: A Study of Taiwanese High–Tech Ventures
Authors: Wu Lei–Yu , Wang Chun–Ju , Chen Cheng–Ping , Pan Lee–Yun
Published: April 2008

This study explores the performance implications of internal resources and external networks for entrepreneurial firms. A relationship of trust among network members is essential because of the high risk during the initial start–up stage. However, once high–tech firms initiate mass production and enter the growth stage, whether trust influences competitiveness more than resources becomes uncertain. This study examines Taiwanese firms to elucidate the main influences on firm competitiveness. In conclusion, the result indicates the competitiveness of high–tech firms during the growth stage is determined by firm resources and the willingness of support firms to cooperate—where willingness is determined by the trust of the support firms in the high–tech firm but is unrelated to firm resources.
Adult Cardiac Cystic Lymphangiectasia of the Right Atrium
Authors: Matarieh Azmey , Harinstein Matthew E. , Salanitri John , Maganti Kameswari
Published: April 2008

Cardiac lympangiectasia is a rare pathological dilation of the lymphatic channels of the heart. Diagnosis is made by pathology; however, there remains no definitive diagnostic study. There are reports of cardiac cystic lymphangiectasias in children. A case of right atrial lymphangiectasia, initially identified by echocardiography, is presented here. This is the first report of such a mass.