bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal pigment epithelial damage, breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier, and retinal inflammation in dogs with primary glaucoma
Authors: Mangan Brendan G. , Al‐Yahya Khaleel , Chen Chu‐Te , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Powell Cynthia C. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Ehrhart Eugene J. , Madl James E.
Published: October 2007

Objective  This paper aims to determine if abnormalities of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal inflammation occur in primary glaucoma.

Procedure  Twenty‐three canine globes with primary glaucoma, goniodysgenesis, and elevated intraocular pressure were evaluated. Sections from 6 control and 23 glaucomatous canine globes were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4, or immunohistochemically stained for CD3 or albumin. The retinal sections were evaluated with light microscopy for morphological and immunohistochemical evidence of pigmentary changes and inflammation.

Results  Abnormal pigmented cells including displaced RPE cells and macrophages (identified by lectin binding) were found in the neuroretinas and vitreous bodies of glaucomatous eyes. Other abnormalities included hypertrophy of RPE cells and loss of RPE continuity. Regions of neuroretina with more displaced pigment had fewer remaining neurons. Signs of retinal inflammation found in glaucomatous eyes included infiltration with leukocytes, retinal swelling, and albumin leakage from vessels. Accumulation of perivascular CD3‐positive T lymphocytes also occurred in glaucomatous retinas. Chronic glaucomatous retinas had increased pigmentary changes, fewer neutrophils, and less swelling than acute glaucomatous retinas.

Conclusions  Disruption of the RPE, increased permeability of the vascular endothelium, accumulation of inflammatory cells, and retinal swelling or thinning occur in canine primary glaucoma. The displacement of pigment and accumulation of inflammatory cells in the neuroretina suggests that inflammation may be an important contributor to retinal damage.
Nutritional value of potatoes
Authors: HAMPSON C. P.
Published: October 2007

On average we eat 220 lb of potatoes per year. Potatoes hold a unique place in our diet. Nothing is regarded quite like them for providing a well‐balanced meal. Contrary to popular belief potatoes are a poor energy food but they are, however, by no means negligible as a source of protein and because of their low energy value, they are fattening only when eaten in great quantity. The biological value of potato protein is very high, higher than any other plant protein and nearly as high as egg protein. Potatoes are the most important source of vitamin C in the British diet and they provide a valuable contribution to our requirements for vitamin B complex, iron and other essential nutrients.
Folic Acid
Authors: BATES C.J. , PHILLIPS D. R.
Published: October 2007

Folic acid exists in many different chemical forms in living tissues, and it takes part in a wide variety of biochemical and physiological processes, many of which are, at present, incompletely understood. Recent observations suggest it may fulfil important functions in the brain, as well as in haemopoietic and gastrointestinal tissues, with pathological consequences for subjects who are folate deficient, either through dietary insufficiency, or through drug‐induced or genetically determined increases in requirements.

The currently available information about the folate content of foods is unsatisfactory, and the levels may, for technical reasons, have been considerably underestimated. Likewise, the available information about minimum human requirements is incomplete, and it is therefore impossible to accept current recommendations of advisable intakes without reservation. The potential importance of folate status, particularly with regard to early fetal development, renders this subject extremely important, and ripe for reappraisal and reinvestigation.
Nitrate, nitrite and N‐nitrosamines
Authors: WALTERS CLIFFORD L.
Published: October 2007

The major part of nitrate ingested by normal individuals from vegetables, water supplies, etc., is excreted unchanged. Where the stomach is colonised by bacteria however, as in achlorhydria, reduction to nitrite can occur with consequent methaemoglobinaemia. This problem is particularly marked in infants during the first few months of life if water supplies are rich in nitrate.

Of greater potential importance to the majority of adults, however, is the formation within the body of N‐nitroso compounds, the great majority of which are carcinogenic in experimental animals. A proportion of ingested nitrate is reduced microbiologically within the mouth to nitrite which then enters the acidic milieu of the normal stomach. Bacterial colonisation of the stomach occurs increasingly in old age, and is accompanied by the formation of increased levels of nitrite and N‐nitroso compounds. Ascorbic acid is also ingested from many vegetables and is an inhibitor of the nitrosation process. Nevertheless, it is suggested that individuals with hypochlorhydria who may be particularly at risk from the formation of N‐nitroso compounds in vivo should supplement their intake of this potentially protective agent.
Diet and hyperactivity
Authors: TRYPHONAS HELEN , TRITES RONALD
Published: October 2007

A variety of dietary constituents, both naturally occurring and added, may directly or indirectly affect the levels of hyperactivity in children. Studies designed to evaluate the magnitude of this effect on the behaviour of children have revealed the monumental difficulties encountered by the many investigators who have ventured into this area of research. Some of these difficulties have been recognised to be due to the poor and variable definitions of hyperactivity, and the consistently small size of sample investigated in each of the studies. Sample size is greatly influenced by the high drop‐out rates, often reducing the percentage of good responders to a treatment to insignificant numbers. Given these known factors that can influence the outcome of a study of this kind, one can design experiments to surmount these‐difficulties. For example, the high drop‐out rates observed in the majority of the studies dictate that one must start with a large enough number of well‐defined hyperactive children to compensate for the expected losses. The initial diagnosis of hyperactivity also should be the result of a careful diagnostic evaluation including psychiatric and psychological workups as well as birth records and a thorough paediatric allergy screening. The evaluation of behavioural changes following the ingestion of food constituents is equally important. This evaluation should include not only subjective ratings, i.e. the use of parents' and teachers' (Conners) scales, but quantitative measures such as laboratory tests designed to measure attention span, coordination, motor activity, and inability to concentrate, etc. Finally, in view of the fact that hyperactivity in children is an aetiologically complex syndrome, a multidisciplinary approach in the search for treatment and/or prevention of this syndrome is required.
Infant formulae
Authors: WHARTON B. A.
Published: October 2007

Guidelines and recommendations for the composition of infant formulae vary between countries, particularly with respect to the composition of the fat and the use of added lactose. The modifications made to cow's milk using skim milk, demineralised whey protein, non‐milk fats and non‐milk sugars, are described with special reference to formulae available in the UK. Special formulae for babies with problems are also described.
Trans fatty acids– Metabolic and nutritional significance
Authors: GURR M. I.
Published: October 2007

‘Trans’ fatty acids are unsaturated acids with special structural features that occur naturally in dietary fats from animal and plant sources and in fats processed by catalytic hydrogenation. They are readily metabolized by the human body. Thus, although when consumed in the diet they are incorporated into body fat (including depot and milk fats), they are subject to rapid ‘turnover’. In physical properties, trans monounsaturatedfatty acids are intermediate between cis‐monounsaturated and saturated acids, and they tend to be treated either as saturated or cis‐monounsaturated acids in metabolic pathways. The author argues in this article that any adverse effects on health or metabolism that may have been observed can be ascribed to an imbalance between the intake of trans and essential fatty acids. Such imbalances, could also occur with non‐essential fatty acids other than trans fats. Normally, the amounts eaten in average diets would not pose serious problems and only when products have excessively high trans contents and make a significant contribution to the diet need trans acids be highlighted on labels.
Surveillance of foodborne infections— the role of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre
Authors: GALBRAITH N. S. , BARRETT NICOLA , SOCKETT P. N.
Published: October 2007

The paper describes the work of the Public Health Laboratory Service, popularly referred to as “Colindale”, and reviews the types of infection which are commonly food or waterborne and their relative importance. Cholera, typhoid and paratyphoid are rare diseases usually acquired abroad. Bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and foodborne helmenthiasis have been almost eliminated as indigenous diseases. However, salmonellosis and Campylobacter enteritis are increasing. The increase has not been satisfactorily explained but is probably due to bovine and poultry infections. Although most notified food poisoning incidents are due to salmonella, a number of other organisms have been implicated, the cause being defective food hygiene. Viral foodborne diseases, including hepatitis A, have been associated mainly with shellfish. The incidence of new foodborne infections may be increasing.
Energy and protein requirements the 1985 report of the 1981 Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation
Authors: LIVESEY G.
Published: October 2007

The 1981 FAO/WHO/UNU report on protein and energy requirements makes significant advances in the application of science. Here it is summarized and reviewed with emphasis on areas of uncertainty and differences in approach since 1971. The convenient procedures for making estimates of energy requirements leave out some important minor factors, thus allowing debate and reconsideration of when and how they can be accounted for properly. Judgements are made when appropriate data is unavailable, for example protein requirements in the elderly. A controversial issue may be a health judgement, which could be interpreted to mean that increased physical activity rather than low‐calorie diets is the route to lowering the prevalence of obesity and improving long‐term health.
Energy from food — old values and new perspectives
Authors: LIVESEY G.
Published: October 2007

Current methods for assessment of food energy values are under pressure from a need for an internationally agreed method; remaining uncertainties in the composition, utilization and dietary effects of unavailable carbohydrate; the occurrence of new food ingredients; the application of new processing methods; the development of empirical approaches to food energy assessment and the potential for more functionally and biochemically based systems of assessment. Also, the experimental evaluation of alternative carbohydrates may be a tricky problem.
Sensory influences on food acceptance: — the neglected approach to nutrition promotion
Authors: BOOTH D. A. , SHEPHERD R.
Published: October 2007

There has been little systematic study by experimental psychologists of what determines an individual's food choices, and work in nutrition and the food sciences has not recognised adequately the importance of the behavioural processes surrounding food perception and motivation. The scientific measurement of the sensory influences on food acceptance and, particularly, the effects of attitude on the senses, is now developing. A collaboration between those who formulate food products, those who aim to improve eating habits and those who study food acceptance behaviour could yield benefits for all.

This paper outlines the principles of the methods of measuring acceptance, with examples from current work on sugar, salt and milk fat preferences, and discusses the potential for changes in choice.
The sugar‐fat seesaw
Authors: McCOLL KAREN A.
Published: October 2007

Examination of dietary survey data reveals an inverse relationship between fat and sugar in the diet. The data examined here indicate that high fat diets tend to be low sugar diets and low fat diets tend to be high in sugar.
Centenarians and the ultimate age attainable by man
Authors: CLARKE CYRIL A.
Published: October 2007

In the past forty years there has been a nine‐fold increase in the number of centenarians in England and Wales, which is not explicable by genetic factors nor by population increase. The rise is accounted for by a “knock‐on” effect, since in each decade of life more individuals are living longer. Among many environmental factors probably responsible, three are discussed ‐ the fall in atmospheric pollution, improved nutrition and “urge”, but these, even when allied to medical advances, seem inadequate to explain the magnitude of the rise in lifespan.

It is well known that the increase in longevity is particularly marked in females. The male lifestyle may be partly responsible, since in the Amish community and in kibbutzim, where males and females lead fairly similar lives, the differences are much less extreme. However, there must also be biological disadvantages in being male since, in the first year of life, many more males than females die. There is a paradox in the sex ratio for which no satisfactory explanation has been put forward. Since the male loss from abortions exceeds that of females and 105 males are born to 100females, the implication is that many more males are conceived than females.

In vitro cultures of fibroblasts hint that the maximum lifespan may be longer than 110 years, but there are many differences of opinion about the interpretation of results. Nevertheless the cell culture discipline is a most promising area of research.
Zinc—a precious metal
Authors: TURNBULL ALISTAIR J. , THOMPSON RICHARD P. H.
Published: October 2007

Zinc is an essential trace element and is required for such processes as growth, immunity and reproduction. Many people, even in this country, have a marginal intake of zinc and several common dietary constituents can impair its absorption. Despite homoeostatic regulation of zinc absorption, subclinical zinc deficiency may be common, although it is difficult to detect. Attention to the zinc nutrition of at‐risk groups such as the malnourished, children, pregnant women and the elderly is therefore required. Zinc is relatively non‐toxic and should be used in the prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency and possibly other disorders.
Nutrition and health in Europe: there is a future
Authors: HAUTVAST JOSEPH
Published: October 2007

Although there is a considerable consensus of opinion on the important role played by diet in achieving and maintaining good health, there are still many unresolved and controversial issues. Now is an opportune time to develop a European approach to nutrition research, training and publishing.
The economics of 1992: Food
Authors: SWINBANK ALAN
Published: October 2007

Completion of the Internal Market in 1992, or whenever, could have significant economic implications for food consumers and food businesses. Food companies will face greater competition and might be expected to operate on a pan‐European, rather than national, scale. Consumers, it is hoped, will be offered a wider choice of quality food products at lower prices.

However, the progression towards a single European economic space is not without its dangers: the principal fears being that consumers could be faced by a bewildering range of quite different, but apparently comparable, products; and that manufacturers could find that their ability to compete effectively against products imported from other member states is constrained by the retention of obsolete national legislative provisions.
Nutrition and Gout
Authors: SIMMONDS H ANNE
Published: October 2007

A combination of events is generally required to produce hyperuricaemia and the clinical syndrome of gout. The major risk factors are an excess dietary intake of readily absorbed purines, coupled with a defect in the renal handling of uric acid which cannot respond to a purine load without an abnormal rise in blood uric acid levels. Susceptible individuals with this genetic predisposition to
renal urate hypoexcretion
include middle‐aged Caucasian males (over 90% of the UK gouty population) and specific races, such as Polynesians; renal function in the majority is normal for age. Gout‐is rare in the young and extremely rare in women, factors which have thrown into focus an unusual subgroup with a dominant disorder affecting young women and men equally. Here renal urate hypoexcretion is even more extreme and gout
is
associated with rapidly progressive renal disease. Diet may also play a role in drawing attention to such kindreds: important since early treatment may ameliorate the progression of the renal lesion. Two rare X‐linked disorders presenting as gout in young males are known where endogenous purine overproduction is the basic abnormality.
Consumer perception of food‐related issues
Authors: ASHWELL MARGARET
Published: October 2007

The perception of risk in food‐related issues is strongly influenced by the outrage associated with the severity of the hazard in question, and the perception of benefit is strongly influenced by the euphoria associated with the gain. To understand the perception of risk and benefit, it is just as important to understand the components of outrage and euphoria, as it is to be able to assess the hazard and gain accurately.
Health benefits of cultured and culture‐containing milks
Authors: GURR MICHAEL I
Published: October 2007

Although cultured milk products have an image of ‘healthiness’, the scientific basis for many of the claims made is insubstantial. The published evidence that the lactose in yoghurt is tolerated better by lactase‐deficient people than an equivalent amount of lactose in milk is consistent, although the mechanism remains to be demonstrated. There is little convincing evidence that cultured milks have any different effect on plasma cholesterol than unfermented milk but current research on products cultured with specific cholesterol metabolizing strains of lactic acid bacteria may cause this conclusion to be revised. Despite long‐standing assertions that cultured products have therapeutic properties for diarrhoea and constipation, the data are not convincing. Stimulatory effects on the immune system and antitumour properties are current areas of active research which may yield interesting results. Notwithstanding these reservations, cultured milk products are nutritious foods adding interest, variety and palatability to the diet.
Chilled Foods
Authors: SPRIEGEL GEOFFREY
Published: October 2007

Chilling provides the Food Technologist with a valuable means of extending the shelf life of food products, and the chilled food market has seen exceptional growth as ownership of domestic refrigerators has grown. Recent media attention has highlighted that chilling cannot be effective as a food safety mechanism unless used in association with high standards of hygiene, or in combination with other traditional preservative techniques. Many microbiological and quality aspects of chilled foods are considered in the following report which help to put into context recent and future legislation requirements for chilled foods control.
Food — a fact of life
Authors: FINE GILL
Published: October 2007

For the past three years the British Nutrition Foundation has been developing a food and nutrition programme for use in schools. The aim is to provide a framework f o r teaching food and nutrition across the whole curriculum from age 5 to 16. The development of this programme to date has been made possible due to the financial support from The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), The All Saints Education Trust and some BNF member companies. During the Spring of 1991 the resource materials for Key stage 1 (age 5–7 years) were trialled successfully in twenty‐nine Local Education Authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. MAFF has provided further funding f o r the development and trial of Key stage 2 materials. The Foundation intends to develop and produce materials for Key stages 3 and 4 during the next three years and we believe that this programme will make a significant contribution to nutrition education in UK schools.
Nutritional problems in Czechoslovakia
Authors: OŠANCOVÁ KATEŘINA
Published: October 2007

Nutritional problems in contemporary Czechoslovakia resemble those in some other developed countries: an excessive energy and fat consumption, in particular saturated fatty acids, too much sugar, too little dietary fibre and ascorbic acid.

This dietary pattern is reflected in health problems‐a high rate of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
What price a healthy diet?
Authors: GROOM HILARY
Published: October 2007

The majority of attempts to determine the cost of a healthy diet have indicated that eating ‘healthily’ does not need to be more expensive. Adapting the UK diet to nutritional recommendations does however require significant changes to present consumption patterns and even greater changes are required if cost is an additional constraint. The poorest people in the population have the greatest difficulty in meeting dietary guidelines. Not only would they probably have to increase their proportional expenditure on food, but a lack of resources, limited access to value‐for‐money food and insufficient nutritional knowledge will compound their problems. This issue presents a real challenge to nutritionists and the food industry.
The Chinese food guide pagoda: how publication in English happened
Authors: Ge Professor Keyou , McNutt Kristen
Published: October 2007

The events that led to the publication in English of this important nutrition policy document provide an excellent example of how delightful things sometimes happen largely because of coincidence, and because strangers quickly become friends when they discover common interests.
Table talk: inviting students to share the feast
Authors: Farrington Carol , Lobatto Wendy , Duch Angels Ferrer , Rutter Ken , Jackson Val
Published: October 2007

This account describes part of the first morning of the AFT accredited South Yorkshire Foundation Course in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. The course committee members join together in a reflective conversation about the course. We share with the students our ‘kitchen table’ discussions, the history of our involvement, and how it has affected our lives. We aim to introduce social constructionist practice in which we present the context of the course and address the power relationships in the room by being transparent about our own experiences. We hope to create an atmosphere in which learning can flourish.
Practices of freedom: playing with the position of the Other
Authors: Partridge Karen , McCarry Nicola , Wilson Teresa
Published: October 2007

An exercise for introducing tutors to a group of trainee systemic therapists is described. This is based on a principle of subverting hierarchy between tutors and students in a playful way and invites transparency and self‐disclosure on the part of the tutors. It is an example of ongoing experimentation with positioning theory in systemic training as a way of exploring power differentials and attempting to give voice to subjugated discourses. Tutors and trainees reflect on the excitement and learning arising from the exercise.
Creating space for interdisciplinary and interagency learning: the Newham ‘responsiveness’ days
Authors: Aggett Percy , Brennan Joady , Lynch Monica , Tapsell Dave , Totsuka Yoko
Published: October 2007

Family therapists in Newham's specialist child and adolescent mental health services describe an interdisciplinary and interagency training day for Newham's children's workforce; the workshop aims to develop co‐learning about communication and collaboration in the context of a rapidly changing service environment, driven by current national and local policy initiatives. The training team attempts to generate a rich learning context using three themes: networking, responsiveness and complexity. The workshop demonstrates that it is perhaps possible to embed complex communication discourses in brief, pragmatic training, enhancing collaboration between professionals in local networks.
Identifying support systems: a mapping exercise
Authors: Dutta Sumita , Finlay‐Musonda Brenda
Published: October 2007

Within systemic training there is an increasing focus on integrating trainees' personal life experiences and beliefs with their practice. In this paper we present a mapping exercise that is used to help trainees explore their own support needs and the resources they draw upon in order to carry out their work. Although this exercise was developed from training carried out with professionals working with refugees it is our belief that it can be used by any professional groups who wish to explore their own support needs within a learning environment.
Using relational reflexivity as a resource in teaching family therapy
Authors: Neden Jeanette , Burnham John
Published: October 2007

In this paper we talk about creating coherence and transparency in the relationships between teacher, model of adult learning and subject taught. We describe how we have made connections between adult learning theory and family therapy to generate resources for action in teaching on the qualifying level course at Northumbria University. Using a recent teaching session and the voices of trainees, we illustrate these connections with an example of teaching about relational reflexivity, using methods which enabled us to generate reflexive ‘flow’ in the learning context.
Space for GRRAACCEESS: some reflections on training for cultural competence
Authors: Mills‐Powell Dana , Worthington Rory
Published: October 2007

This article is focused on a particular exercise that helped to reinforce the learning about social difference on the Relate Institute's Systemic Practice Year 1 course. This exercise helped move students into a reflexive position in their learning. Positive outcomes were shown from course feedback, and the subsequent application of learning into written assignments.
Learning to be mindful of difference: teaching systemic skills in cross‐cultural encounters
Authors: Karamat Ali Ramón
Published: October 2007

In this paper the author shares some of his experiences of teaching in areas of ‘race’ and culture to mainly white middle‐class family therapy and clinical psychology trainees. He presents a framework for a systemic teaching session on working interculturally. Specific exercises are described that trainers can use to design a new session or incorporate into existing ones. It is meant to increase the cultural awareness and sensitivity of trainees with limited experience of cross‐cultural therapeutic work.
Assessment and reflexivity in family therapy training
Authors: Neden Jeanette
Published: October 2007

Educational contexts can be both enriched and impoverished by our relationship with learning and our ‘identity stories’ as learners influence how we construct contexts for learning. Keenoy et al. (2007) describe identity as a ‘transient bridging concept’ between the individual and society which is constructed through ‘reflexive processes of naming, labelling, classifying and associating symbolic artefacts and social actors in a dialogical process of social definition and redefinition’. Can methods of assessment be constructed to afford reflexive, dialogical learning opportunities? This paper outlines the design and methodology of a reflexive framework for the summative assessment of abilities used on the Intermediate Level course at Northumbria University.
Keeping company with hope and despair: family therapists' reflections and experience of working with childhood depression
Authors: Pentecost David , McNab Sue
Published: October 2007

The BIOMED international outcome study on childhood depression offered a unique opportunity for the systematic treatment of children and families with major depression using systemic psychotherapy. This paper describes the experiences of clinicians working with the families referred and the theoretical and clinical models that evolved during the treatment process. The concept of ‘keeping company with hope and despair’ emerged as an overarching framework for thinking about the quality of the therapeutic relationship in this developing area of clinical practice. We illustrate our systemically informed interventions with case examples and discuss the role played by therapists' ‘use of self’ in engaging and fostering change in families gripped by depression.
Containment, curiosity and consultation: an exploration of theory and process in individual systemic psychotherapy with an adult survivor of trauma
Authors: Reynolds Dorothy
Published: October 2007

This paper describes an individual therapy from the author's private practice. On referral, the client came to therapy requesting help with her 8‐year‐old daughter. Within the assessment, a single episode of trauma was revealed. Further therapeutic conversations told of multiple memories of trauma. The main therapeutic work has now ended, the contract being left that the client can continue to request appointments if she wishes. I show how systemic therapy from Post Milan and Narrative models, including practices from other orientations, has been useful and name three key practices as being crucial to the work, containment, curiosity and consultation. I suggest parallel processes operating between myself and my client as well as between the therapy and consultation. Distinct phases in the therapy recovery are identified. The discussion will consider themes of containment, curiosity and consultation.
Income Evaluation and Happiness in the Case of an Income Decline
Authors: Antonides Gerrit
Published: October 2007

Income evaluation and happiness in a number of life domains of people who had experienced an income decline were studied. 800 Participants in a survey indicated whether they had sought information and had taken precautionary measures to mitigate the effects of the lower income. By using Categorical Principal Components Analysis on this data, two scales capturing their reported behavior were constructed. The scales significantly explained people's income evaluation and happiness, in addition to their household income, family composition, and reasons for the income drop. Conclusions for budget advice and education in household financial management were drawn.
Does Child Labor Reduce Youth Crime?
Authors: Horowitz Andrew W. , Trivitt Julie R.
Published: October 2007

This paper explores the nexus between youth‐employment, youth‐crime, and socialization in the context of the child labor debate in economics. The analysis draws upon both economics and sociology and suggests that neglect of the socializing benefits of youth (and perhaps child) employment in the economics literature is a potentially important lacuna. The sociology literature contains evidence that youth‐labor reduces criminal propensity. If this effect extends to the youth who are the subject of the economics child‐labor literature, potentially large private and external benefits of some‐types of child‐labor have been ignored. After presenting evidence of the linkage between youth‐socialization, youth‐employment, and youth‐crime we consider possible implications for child‐labor policies.
Corruption and Investment Choices: A Panel Data Study
Authors: Swaleheen Mushfiq us
Published: October 2007

There is evidence in the literature that corruption lowers the level of investment and the productivity of capital stock in an economy. This paper extends the literature by presenting evidence that investment allocation decisions are affected in a significant way by corruption. The most commonly used measure of the efficiency of overall investment in an economy is the incremental capital output ratio (ICOR), measured by the ratio of gross investment to the change in the gross domestic product. The inverse of the ICOR measures the productivity of investment in an economy. When the known explanatory factors for inter‐country variation in the ICOR are taken into account, the incidence of corruption has a statistically significant negative effect on the efficiency of investment for a panel of 90–140 countries during 1995–2004. The strength of this effect increases with the incidence of corruption. The econometric model used is robust to unobserved and time‐invariant country fixed effects, feedbacks from current stochastic shocks to subsequent values of the determinants of investment efficiency, and the persistence of efficiency.
Grandma was Right: Why Cohabitation Undermines Relational Satisfaction, But Is Increasing Anyway
Authors: Wydick Bruce
Published: October 2007

This paper uses a game theoretic model to explain empirical research which has revealed higher relational satisfaction among married couples than cohabiting couples, as well as among married couples who did not cohabit before marriage. Despite these findings, in recent decades cohabitation rates have dramatically increased in both Europe and the United States. Instrumental variables estimations on data from 28 industrialized countries and 50 U.S. states show cohabitation strongly correlated with increases in women's labor force participation, where a 10 percent increase in women's labor force participation results in a 6.4 to 14.6 percent increase in cohabitation.
Enhancement of alkaloid production in opium and California poppy by transactivation using heterologous regulatory factors
Authors: Apuya Nestor R. , Park Joon‐Hyun , Zhang Liping , Ahyow Maurice , Davidow Patricia , Van Fleet Jennifer , Rarang Joel C. , Hippley Matthew , Johnson Thomas W. , Yoo Hye‐Dong , Trieu Anthony , Krueger Shannon , Wu Chuan‐yin , Lu Yu‐ping , Flavell Richard B. , Bobzin Steven C.
Published: October 2007

Genes encoding regulatory factors isolated from Arabidopsis, soybean and corn have been screened to identify those that modulate the expression of genes encoding for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of morphinan alkaloids in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and benzophenanthridine alkaloids in California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). In opium poppy, the over‐expression of selected regulatory factors increased the levels of PsCOR (codeinone reductase), Ps4′OMT (S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine:3′‐hydroxy‐N‐methylcoclaurine 4′‐O‐methyltransferase) and Ps6OMT [(R,S)‐norcoclaurine 6‐O‐methyltransferase] transcripts by 10‐ to more than 100‐fold. These transcriptional activations translated into an enhancement of alkaloid production in opium poppy of up to at least 10‐fold. In California poppy, the transactivation effect of regulatory factor WRKY1 resulted in an increase of up to 60‐fold in the level of EcCYP80B1 [(S)‐N‐methylcoclaurine 3′‐hydroxylase] and EcBBE (berberine bridge enzyme) transcripts. As a result, the accumulations of selected alkaloid intermediates were enhanced up to 30‐fold. The transactivation effects of other regulatory factors led to the accumulation of the same intermediates. These regulatory factors also led to the production of new alkaloids in California poppy callus culture.
Young children use their hands to tell their mothers what to say
Authors: Goldin‐Meadow Susan , Goodrich Whitney , Sauer Eve , Iverson Jana
Published: October 2007

Children produce their first gestures before their first words, and their first gesture+word sentences before their first word+word sentences. These gestural accomplishments have been found not only to predate linguistic milestones, but also to predict them. Findings of this sort suggest that gesture itself might be playing a role in the language‐learning process. But what role does it play? Children's gestures could elicit from their mothers the kinds of words and sentences that the children need to hear in order to take their next linguistic step. We examined maternal responses to the gestures and speech that 10 children produced during the one‐word period. We found that all 10 mothers ‘translated’ their children's gestures into words, providing timely models for how one‐ and two‐word ideas can be expressed in English. Gesture thus offers a mechanism by which children can point out their thoughts to mothers, who then calibrate their speech to those thoughts, and potentially facilitate language‐learning.
Age‐related changes in deferred imitation from television by 6‐ to 18‐month‐olds
Authors: Barr Rachel , Muentener Paul , Garcia Amaya
Published: October 2007

During the second year of life, infants exhibit a
video deficit effect
. That is, they learn significantly less from a televised demonstration than they learn from a live demonstration. We predicted that repeated exposure to televised demonstrations would increase imitation from television, thereby reducing the video deficit effect. Independent groups of 6‐ to 18‐month‐olds were exposed to live or videotaped demonstrations of target actions. Imitation of the target actions was measured 24 hours later. The video segment duration was twice that of the live presentation. Doubling exposure ameliorated the video deficit effect for 12‐month‐olds but not for 15‐ and 18‐month‐olds. The 6‐month‐olds imitated from television but did not demonstrate a video deficit effect at all, learning equally well from a live and video demonstration. Findings are discussed in terms of the perceptual impoverishment theory and the dual representation theory.
Enhanced perceptual processing of speech in autism
Authors: Järvinen‐Pasley Anna , Wallace Gregory L. , Ramus Franck , Happé Francesca , Heaton Pamela
Published: October 2007

Theories of autism have proposed that a bias towards low‐level perceptual information, or a featural/surface‐biased information‐processing style, may compromise higher‐level language processing in such individuals. Two experiments, utilizing linguistic stimuli with competing low‐level/perceptual and high‐level/semantic information, tested processing biases in children with autism and matched controls. Whereas children with autism exhibited superior perceptual processing of speech relative to controls, and showed no evidence of either a perceptual or semantic processing bias, controls showed a tendency to process speech semantically. The data provide partial support to the perceptual theories of autism. It is additionally proposed that the pattern of results may reflect different patterns of attentional focusing towards single or multiple stimulus cues in speech between children with autism and controls.
Developmental change in fetal response to repeated low‐intensity sound
Authors: Morokuma Seiichi , Doria Valentina , Ierullo Antonio , Kinukawa Naoko , Fukushima Kotaro , Nakano Hitoo , Arulkumaran Sabaratnam , Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate developmental changes in heart rate response to repeated low‐intensity (85 dB) sound stimulation in fetuses between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation. We measured amplitude changes in heart rate as our index of fetal response. At 35 to 37 weeks of gestation, the majority of fetuses showed a deceleratory response at the first trial. Amplitude decreased with further trials using the same stimulus before recovering when exposed to another type of stimulation. In contrast, responses in fetuses at 32 to 34 weeks of gestation were variable across trials and there was no recovery with exposure to another type of stimulation. Our results suggest that fetal habituation of cardiac response changes with developmental age.
Preference for attractive faces in human infants extends beyond conspecifics
Authors: Quinn Paul C. , Kelly David J. , Lee Kang , Pascalis Olivier , Slater Alan M.
Published: October 2007

Human infants, just a few days of age, are known to prefer attractive human faces. We examined whether this preference is human‐specific. Three‐ to 4‐month‐olds preferred attractive over unattractive domestic and wild cat (tiger) faces (Experiments 1 and 3). The preference was not observed when the faces were inverted, suggesting that it did not arise from low‐level image differences (Experiments 2 and 3). In addition, the spontaneous preference for attractive tiger faces influenced performance in a recognition memory task involving attractive versus unattractive tiger face pairings (Experiment 4). The findings suggest that infant preference for attractive faces reflects the activity of general processing mechanisms rather than a specific adaptation to mate choice.
Heritability of antisocial behaviour at 9: do callous‐unemotional traits matter?
Authors: Viding Essi , Jones Alice P. , Paul J. Frick , Moffitt Terrie E. , Plomin Robert
Published: October 2007

A previous finding from our group indicated that teacher‐rated antisocial behaviour (AB) among 7‐year‐olds is particularly heritable in the presence of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits. Using a sample of 1865 same‐sex twin pairs, we employed DeFries‐Fulker extremes analysis to investigate whether teacher‐rated AB with/without CU traits also shows aetiological differences among 9‐year‐olds. Furthermore, we assessed whether the differences in the magnitude of heritability would be evident even when hyperactive symptoms were controlled for in the statistical analysis. AB among 9‐year‐olds was more heritable with than without concomitant CU. The heritability difference was even more pronounced in magnitude when hyperactive symptoms were controlled. CU traits thus appear to index one valid way of sub‐typing children with early‐onset AB.
Biased to learn language
Authors: Sebastián‐Gallés Núria
Published: October 2007

Some recent publications that explore the foundations of early language development are reviewed in this article. The review adopts the pivotal idea that infants’ advancements are helped by the existence of different types of biases. The infant's discovery of the phonological properties of the language of the environment, as well as their learning of words, is assisted by different types of processing biases, ranging from perceptual to social factors.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in young Greek men
Authors: Papadimitriou A. , Fytanidis G. , Papadimitriou D. T. , Priftis K. N. , Nicolaidou P. , Fretzayas A.
Published: October 2007

We determined the prevalence of overweight and obesity in young Greek men in 2006 and examined variations related to their place of residence and educational level. Body height and weight were measured in 2568 conscripts of the Greek army, aged 19–26 years. The calculated body mass index (BMI, kg m−2) was correlated to their socio‐demographic characteristics, i.e. level of education and place of residence (urban or rural). Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification. Mean BMI (standard deviation) of the conscripts was 24.7 (4.2). The prevalence of overweight (30 > BMI ≥ 25 kg m−2) was 28.5% and correlated positively with a higher educational level, whereas the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2) was 10.4% and correlated positively with a lower educational level. Our data were compared with those of similar studies performed in the years 1969: BMI 23.8 (1.4) (P < 0.0001) and 1990: BMI 23.8 (2.9) (P < 0.0001), showing a positive secular trend for BMI in Greek conscripts in the last 16 years. In conclusion, we documented an alarmingly high prevalence of overweight and obesity among young Greek men.
Stimulating Growth and Investment in Africa: From Macro to Micro Reforms
Authors: Gelb Alan , Ramachandran Vijaya , Turner Ginger
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  How do we stimulate investment and growth in Africa? This paper focuses on low‐income countries that are ‘good performers’ and not especially endowed with natural resources. Many of these countries have undertaken a set of economic reforms, and have recorded growth rates in per capita GDP of around 5 percent over the past 10 years. But some constraints to growth persist. We look at three things — how business environments create ‘external costs’ for firms and inhibit performance, how investors perceive the constraints to doing business, and the role of political economy factors especially in those countries with lagging indigenous business sectors. Our analysis of investment climate and other data leads us to several recommendations for governments, donors and the private sector itself, including the following: deepen macro reforms; build a strong, unified business forum; create incentives for more responsive governments; and improve risk mitigation and broaden this to domestic investors.
Relaxing Export Supply Capacity Constraints and Promoting Export Expansion and Diversification in Africa: The Role of Special Export Development Strategies
Authors: Oyejide T. Ademola
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  This paper examines the role of several export development strategies in relaxing export supply capacity constraints and promoting export expansion and diversification in Africa. It starts with a review of the analysis and recommendations in Can Africa Claim the 21st Century? (World Bank, 2000) and an identification of subsisting supply obstacles. This forms the background against which the paper discusses changes in the growth, structure and destination of African exports during 2000–2005; explores the use of export development strategies (such as supply chain management, networks and clusters, as well as branding); and discusses the enhancement of market access of African exports regionally and globally. The paper concludes with an analysis of the prospects for relaxing Africa's export supply response capacity constraints and the feasibility/viability of the suggested strategies for expanding and diversifying the region's exports.
Demand for Health Care Institutions' Services: Evidence from Malaria Fever Treatment in Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu John C.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  This paper presents the descriptive and empirical results of a study of the demand for the health care institutions' services for malaria fever treatment in Nigeria. The empirical analysis showed that: (a) Generally, money prices are negatively related to demand for health care during episodes of malaria fever; (b) As income rises, the demand for public health care services falls while the demand for private services (except pharmacies' services) increases; (c) Except for private hospitals and pharmacies' services, higher travel times have no significant effect on the other health care services; (d) Generally, the longer the service time the lower the demand for health care institutions' services (except for public hospitals); and (e) Waiting time has a significant effect on the demand for the services of private clinics (negative) and private hospitals (positive). The policy implications of these results were discussed.
The Determinants of Labour Supply and Demand in Irrigated Agriculture: A Case Study of the Gezira Scheme in Sudan*
Authors: Babikir Osman Mohammed , Babiker Babiker Idris
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to estimate the determinants of labour supply and demand in irrigated agriculture with reference to the Gezira scheme. Two samples, one comprising the farmers and the other the agricultural workers, were randomly selected through a field survey during the 2003/2004 season. A log‐linear model of multiple regressions was fitted to the data. The results indicated that labour demand and supply depend mostly on variables related to the household characteristics and economic and non‐economic conditions.