bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid status in captive and free‐ranging black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)*
Authors: Clauss M. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Bigley K. E. , Wang Y. , Ghebremeskel K. , Hatt J.‐M. , Flach E. J. , Behlert O. , Castell J. C. , Streich W. J. , Bauer J. E.
Published: May 2008

The fatty acid (FA) patterns of plasma/serum triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL) and cholesteryl esters (CE) of captive and free‐ranging black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) were investigated. Free‐ranging animals (n = 28) stemmed from four different regions. Captive animals sampled included specimens from North American (n = 11) and three different European facilities (n = 6). The European animals were tested on 1–4 different diets, resulting in a total of 15 blood samples. Regardless of differences between the free‐ranging animals from different regions, differences between captive and free‐ranging animals were relatively uniform: captive animals had higher overall proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), due to levels of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n6) that were drastically increased as compared to free‐ranging animals. In contrast, levels of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n3) were consistently lower on conventional zoo diets. n6/n3 ratios for TG, PL and CE were 1.6, 10 and 8 in samples from free‐ranging animals, respectively, as compared to 4.1–16.3, 16–148 and 40–277 in samples from captive animals. There was a distinct correlation between the proportion of grain‐based products (commercial concentrates, plain grains and bread) in the diets of the European animals and the measured levels of n6 PUFA. An animal from a facility with a very low proportion of grain products in the diet nevertheless had high LA readings, most probably due to the use of sunflower oil as 2% (dry matter basis) of its diet. One animal that received a high proportion of grass meal pellets due to an oral disease had increased ALA contents after the diet change. These results allow conclusions on the suitability of diets fed in captivity: the black rhinoceros is prone to several uncommon diseases that have been suspected to be linked to oxidative damage, possibly due to the disposition of this species to excessive iron storage. An unnatural dietary loading with PUFAs would exacerbate this problem. Additionally, n6 FAs are known as precursors of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and their overrepresentation could therefore exacerbate any inflammatory processes. Therefore, the current practice of using grain‐based feeds as major ingredients in captive rhinoceros diets is discouraged. Diet items containing ALA (a precursor of anti‐inflammatory mediators) such as, fresh grass, fresh browse, the respective silages should be included at higher levels in diets for captive black rhinoceroses. Grass meal pellets, although a good source of ALA and linked with high levels of ALA in an animal of this study, must be chosen with care for black rhinoceroses due to their particular proneness for high iron contents.
Influence of pasture on fatty acid profile of goat milk
Authors: D’Urso S. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Calabrò S. , Bovera F. , Tudisco R. , Piccolo V. , Infascelli F.
Published: May 2008

The effect of pasture on the fatty acid profile of milk was evaluated using 30 pluriparous goats, which were divided into two homogeneous groups (H and P) of 15 goats each after kidding. Group H (control) goats were housed in a stall and received alfalfa hay, while group P was led to pasture. The goats of both the groups received the same concentrate. Average milk yield did not differ statistically between the groups. The goats of the P group had significantly higher fat content in milk than those of group H (53.7 vs. 61.5 g/day, p < 0.01), while lactose content was significantly higher for group H (66.2 and 61.4 g/day, for groups H and P, respectively, p < 0.05). Among milk fatty acids, pasture significantly affected the percentages of C18:1 cis9, C18:1 trans11, octadecadienoic acid, mono‐unsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid. Pasture highly influenced the c9 t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (0.778 and 0.513 g/100 g of fat, for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01), t10 c12 CLA (0.046 vs. 0.029 g/100 g of fat: p < 0.01, for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01) and ΣCLA (0.84 vs. 0.56 g/100 g of fat for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01) concentrations of milk.
Increasing ambient operating theatre temperature and wrapping in polyethylene improves admission temperature in premature infants
Authors: Kent Alison L , Williams Jeni
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To improve admission temperatures of preterm infants ≤31 weeks gestation by increasing the ambient temperature in the operating theatre and wrapping in polyethylene wrap at caesarean section.

Methods:  A review of admission temperature of infants with gestational age ≤31 weeks from January 2000 to July 2002 was performed. Between October 2002 and 2003 the ambient operating theatre temperature was increased to 26–28°C for deliveries ≤27 weeks gestation and to 25°C for deliveries ≥28 weeks gestation. From September 2004 to December 2005 the ambient theatre temperature was increased along with wrapping infants in polyethylene. A clinical audit cycle review of admission temperatures and early morbidity and mortality was undertaken.

Results:  156 premature infants were included, 42 <28 weeks and 114 28–31 weeks gestation. The mean admission temperature in <28 weeks infants prior to intervention was 35.3°C, after increasing ambient theatre temperature 35.9°C, and after increasing ambient temperature and using polyethylene wrap 37.0°C (P < 0.0001). For infants 28–31 weeks the mean admission temperatures in the three epochs were 36.3°C, 36.5°C and 36.6°C, respectively (P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in: total days of ventilation or oxygen, definite necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3 or 4 or survival.

Conclusions:  Increasing the ambient temperature in the operating theatre and wrapping premature infants in polyethylene wrap improves admission temperature. Further studies are required to determine whether these interventions are associated with improved outcome in the premature neonate.
Outcomes of management decisions by parents for their infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome born with and without a prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Tibballs James , Cantwell‐Bartl Annie
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To study the influence of a prenatal diagnosis on parental choice of treatment for infants born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Methods:  Retrospective review of medical records of infants admitted to a paediatric tertiary hospital 1983–2004 with a diagnosis of HLHS.

Results:  A total of 201 infants had HLHS diagnosed by echocardiography after birth with 129 subsequently undergoing surgery and 72 non‐surgical management (compassionate/comfort care). When the diagnosis of HLHS was made prenatally, 68 of 71 (96%) infants underwent surgery whereas when the diagnosis was made post‐natally 61 of 130 (47%) infants underwent surgery. Prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with a parental choice of surgery (P < 0.001). Among 72 infants managed non‐surgically, compassionate care was chosen by parents for 49 (68%) despite being fit for surgery, 20 (28%) were deemed unfit for surgery and in three (4%) the reasons for non‐surgical management were unknown. Of the total 178 infants considered fit for surgery, 68 (38%) had had a prenatal diagnosis and 110 (62%) did not. Of 20 considered unfit for surgery, none had had a prenatal diagnosis. A prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with fitness for surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Approximately half of parents chose non‐surgical management (compassionate care) of their infant if the diagnosis was post‐natal. Although most parents of infants born with a prenatal diagnosis of HLHS chose surgical management of their infant, this is the likely influence of termination of pregnancy for this condition. Lack of prenatal diagnosis compromised fitness for surgery.
Estimating the number of New Zealand children with a physical disability
Authors: Clark Phillipa , Gerrard Danielle
Published: May 2008

Aims:  To estimate the number of New Zealand children who have a physical disability, and to describe this group in relation to sex, age, ethnic group and severity.

Methods:  We used data collected by Statistics New Zealand's Household Disability Survey 2001. Within the estimated 90 000 children aged 0–14 years with a disability as described in Disability Counts 2001, we identified a subgroup using information on the use of equipment suggestive of mobility disability, the numbers estimated to be in receipt of or in need of physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy, and the small number needing ramps or similar modifications.

Results:  An estimated 14 500 children had a physical disability. This equates to an estimated 1.7% of the New Zealand population of children aged 0–14 years. Fifty‐seven per cent were boys. An estimated 9600 were New Zealand‐European, 3800 Maori and 600 Samoan. Approximately half were of moderate severity as defined by Statistics New Zealand. An estimated 9500 had a multiple disability.

Conclusions:  The rate is somewhat higher than in studies from countries where only locomotor disability is described, but similar to rates where other types of disability such as dexterity disability are included. This may reflect the fact that within our group are children who in other countries would have been described as having a dexterity or a self‐help disability. It would be useful if future New Zealand data collection could attempt to separate these subgroups in order to allow better forward planning of health, education and family support services.
Reliability of pubertal self‐assessment in Hong Kong Chinese children
Authors: Chan Noel PT , Sung Rita YT , Kong Alice PS , Goggins William B , So Hung K , Nelson E Anthony S
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To validate a Tanner stages self‐assessment questionnaire using gender‐specific line drawings and brief explanatory text in Chinese.

Methods:  Design: A cross sectional study design. Setting: One primary and two secondary schools. Participants: 172 boys and 182 girls aged between 8 and 18 years. Main outcome measures: Students' self‐assessments of pubertal maturation were compared with assessments made by a same gender rater using visual depiction physical examination. Raters' physical examinations were performed after the children had answered the self‐assessment questionnaire individually and in private. Raters were blinded to the self‐assessment results. Accuracy rates and weighted kappa statistic were used to evaluate the degree of agreement between children and raters.

Results:  Substantial to almost perfect agreement was found between self‐ and rater's assessments of breast development and pubic hair growth in girls [weighted kappa 0.72 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.66, 0.79) and 0.83 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.78, 0.87) respectively]. Moderate to substantial agreement was found between self‐ and rater's assessments of male genital development and pubic hair growth [weighted kappa 0.58 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.48, 0.68) and 0.80 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.74, 0.86) respectively]. Most agreements between self‐ and rater's assessments differed by only one Tanner stage. Agreement was higher for girls than boys. Girls tended to overestimate their breast stages and boys tended to underestimate their genitalia development.

Conclusion:  This study confirms that a Tanner pubertal self‐assessment questionnaire with line drawings and explanatory Chinese text can reliably estimate sexual maturation status in Hong Kong Chinese children.
Hypertension and microalbuminuria in children with congenital solitary kidneys
Authors: Schreuder Michiel F , Langemeijer Millie E , Bökenkamp Arend , Delemarre‐Van de Waal Henriette A , Van Wijk Joanna AE
Published: May 2008

Aim:  According to the hyperfiltration hypothesis, a low nephron endowment will lead to hyperfiltration in the remaining glomeruli and is associated with systemic hypertension, proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Being born with one functioning kidney instead of two, for instance because of unilateral renal agenesis or multicystic dysplastic kidney, is a cause of congenital renal mass reduction.

Methods:  In order to study the effect of congenital renal mass reduction on renal function and blood pressure, a retrospective chart review of 66 patients at the Pediatric Renal Center of the VU University Medical Center was performed. As intrauterine growth restriction is associated with a low nephron endowment, the additional effect of birthweight was also studied.

Results:  A total of 50% of patients with congenital renal mass reduction is found to be hypertensive, using anti‐hypertensive drugs, and/or having microalbuminuria (>20 μg/min). Patients born small for gestational age have significantly smaller kidneys and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate than patients with a normal birthweight.

Conclusions:  We conclude that microalbuminuria and/or hypertension is present in 50% of patients with congenital solitary kidneys, which warrants a systematic follow‐up of blood pressure, proteinuria and renal function in all patients with congenital solitary functioning kidneys, especially in patients with a low birthweight.
Shift in power during an interview situation: methodological reflections inspired by Foucault and Bourdieu
Authors: Aléx Lena , Hammarström Anne
Published: May 2008

This paper presents methodological reflections on power sharing and shifts of power in various interview situations. Narratives are said to be shaped by our attempts to position ourselves within social and cultural circumstances. In an interview situation, power can be seen as something that is created and that shifts between the interviewer and the interviewed. Reflexivity is involved when we as interviewers attempt to look at a situation or a concept from various perspectives. A modified form of discourse analysis inspired by subject positioning was used to reflect on power relations in four different interview situations. The analyses indicate that reflection on the power relations can lead to other forms of understanding of the interviewee. The main conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that power relations are created within an interview situation and therefore it is important to be aware of dominant perspectives. Researchers and nurses face the challenge of constantly raising their level of consciousness about power relationships, and discursive reflexivity is one way of doing this. Thus, reflexivity is an important part of the qualitative research process.
‘Being appropriately unusual’: a challenge for nurses in health‐promoting conversations with families
Authors: Benzein Eva Gunilla , Hagberg Margaretha , Saveman Britt‐Inger
Published: May 2008

This study describes the theoretical assumptions and the application for health‐promoting conversations, as a communication tool for nurses when talking to patients and their families. The conversations can be used on a promotional, preventive and healing level when working with family‐focused nursing. They are based on a multiverse, salutogenetic, relational and reflecting approach, and acknowledge each person's experience as equally valid, and focus on families’ resources, and the relationship between the family and its environment. By posing reflective questions, reflection is made possible for both the family and the nurses. Family members are invited to tell their story, and they can listen to and learn from each other. Nurses are challenged to build a co‐creating partnership with families in order to acknowledge them as experts on how to lead their lives and to use their own expert knowledge in order to facilitate new meanings to surface. In this way, family health can be enhanced.
Is discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy possible for patients with late‐onset hypogonadism?
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Takada Shingo , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Hirai Toshiaki , Takao Tetsuya , Miyagawa Yasushi , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: May 2008

Objective:  The first‐line treatment for late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, whether lifetime HRT is necessary has not been settled. We evaluated LOH‐related symptoms and endocrinologic values after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH who had benefited from it.

Methods:  Twenty‐five men (mean age 54.2 years, range 40–73) in whom HRT had been effective and who were available for follow‐up 3 months after the discontinuation of HRT were studied. LOH‐related symptoms were judged according to the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale and other questionnaires. Laboratory and endocrinologic values and LOH‐related symptoms were assessed before HRT, at the end of HRT, and 3 months after its discontinuation.

Results:  Serum testosterone levels increased significantly with HRT. However, they returned to the pretreatment levels after discontinuation of HRT. The total AMS score decreased significantly after HRT, and a significant improvement was maintained 3 months after discontinuation. The somatovegetative and psychological subscores of the AMS also improved, although the sexual subscore did not change significantly. A slight improvement was also observed in the short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) score and the Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) score after HRT. However, changes in these scores did not reach statistical significance. No other changes in the endocrinologic profile and no severe adverse effects were seen.

Conclusions:  Improvement in symptoms may remain after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH even though their endocrinologic status declines. Our findings may encourage physicians to discontinue HRT if LOH‐related symptoms have improved after several months of HRT.
Reclassification of the current tumor, node, metastasis staging in pT3 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fujita Tetsuo , Iwamura Masatsugu , Yanagisawa Nobuyuki , Muramoto Masatoshi , Okayasu Isao , Baba Shiro
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  Although the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging classification of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was last modified in 2002, pT3 staging has continued to be debated. It has been suggested that direct adrenal gland involvement and pT3b with pT3a should be reclassified. This study accordingly explores reclassification of the current 2002 TNM staging in pT3 RCCs.

Methods:  A total of 111 patients with pT3 RCC who underwent radical nephrectomy at our institution between March 1972 and February 2006 were enrolled in this study. Histological samples were reviewed by a single pathologist. Disease‐specific survival was compared according to reclassification as pT3a with perirenal fat involvement only (pT3a‐fat), pT3a with adrenal gland involvement (pT3a‐ad), pT3b without pT3a factors (pT3b‐only), pT3b with pT3a factors (pT3b with pT3a), or pT3c.

Results:  Seven patients were identified as having pT3a‐ad and 20 patients as having pT3b with pT3a. The mean disease‐specific survival times in pT3a‐fat and pT3b‐only were significantly longer: 124.1 ± 13.2 (SE) months and 70.9 ± 9.1 (SE) months, respectively, compared with 24.7 ± 6.7 (SE) months in pT3a‐ad (P = 0.0004 and 0.0010, respectively), and 25.0 ± 4.4 (SE) months in pT3b with pT3a (P = 0.0009 and 0.0032, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the presence of direct ipsilateral adrenal gland involvement was recognized as a predictor of poor prognosis (P = 0.0331).

Conclusions:  Direct ipsilateral adrenal gland involvement for patients with pT3a, and perirenal fat or adrenal gland involvement for patients with pT3b should be reclassified nearly to pT4.
Diversity of ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria in a granular sludge anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) reactor
Authors: Quan Zhe‐Xue , Rhee Sung‐Keun , Zuo Jian‐E , Yang Yang , Bae Jin‐Woo , Park Ja Ryeong , Lee Sung‐Taik , Park Yong‐Ha
Published: May 2008

The ammonium‐oxidizing microbial community was investigated in a granular sludge anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) reactor that was operated for about 1 year with high anaerobic ammonium oxidation activity (up to 0.8 kg NH4+‐N m−3 day−1). A Planctomycetales‐specific 16S rRNA gene library was constructed to analyse the diversity of the anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB). Most of the specifically amplified sequences (15/16) were similar to each other (> 99%) but were distantly related to all of the previously recognized sequences (< 94%), with the exception of an unclassified anammox‐related clone, KSU‐1 (98%). An ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene library was also analysed to investigate the diversity of ‘aerobic’ ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AAOB) from the β‐Proteobacteria. Most of the amoA gene fragments (53/55) clustered in the Nitrosomonas europaea–Nitrosococcus mobilis group which has been reported to prevail under oxygen‐limiting conditions. The quantitative results from real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification showed that the dominant AnAOB comprised approximately 50% of the total bacterial 16S rRNA genes in the reactor, whereas the AAOB of β‐Proteobacteria represented only about 3%. A large fragment (4008 bp) of the rRNA gene cluster of the dominant AnAOB (AS‐1) in this reactor sludge was sequenced and compared with sequences of other Planctomycetales including four anammox‐related candidate genera. The partial sequence of hydrazine‐oxidizing enzyme (hzo) of dominant AnAOB was also identified using new designed primers. Based on this analysis, we propose to tentatively name this new AnAOB Candidatus‘Jettenia asiatica’.
Responses of Antarctic soil microbial communities and associated functions to temperature and freeze–thaw cycle frequency
Authors: Yergeau Etienne , Kowalchuk George A.
Published: May 2008

Climatic changes will not only result in higher overall temperature, but also in greater variability in weather conditions. Antarctic soils are subjected to extremely variable conditions in the form of frequent freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs), but the importance of alteration in FTC frequency, compared with increases in average temperature and indirect vegetation‐mediated effects on soil microorganisms, is still unknown. We therefore designed two complementary microcosm experiments using undisturbed soil cores from Signy Island (60°43′S, 45°38′W) in the maritime Antarctic. The experiments consisted of soil core incubations with or without the overlying vegetation at four different temperatures and six different FTC regimes. We assessed bacterial and fungal density and community structure, as well as the density of several key genes in microbial nutrient cycles using a combination of RNA‐ and DNA‐based molecular fingerprinting and quantitative PCR approaches in addition to enzymatic activity assays. Results showed that bacteria were more affected by warming than by changes in FTC frequency. In contrast, fungal community structure and abundance were mostly influenced by FTC frequency, as well as the presence of vegetation cover. The relative densities of several bacterial gene families involved in key steps of the N‐cycle were affected by FTCs, while warming had little or no effect. The FTCs and incubation temperature also strongly influenced laccase enzymatic activity in soil. In total, our results suggest that, in addition to climatic warming, increased climatic variability may also have a profound impact on Antarctic microbial communities. Although these effects are difficult to detect with assays of total bacterial community structure, they do become manifest in the analysis of key functional gene densities.
Viral communities associated with healthy and bleaching corals
Authors: Marhaver Kristen L. , Edwards Robert A. , Rohwer Forest
Published: May 2008

The coral holobiont is the integrated assemblage of the coral animal, its symbiotic algae, protists, fungi and a diverse consortium of Bacteria and Archaea. Corals are a model system for the study of symbiosis, the breakdown of which can result in disease and mortality. Little is known, however, about viruses that infect corals and their symbionts. Here we present metagenomic analyses of the viral communities associated with healthy and partially bleached specimens of the Caribbean reef‐building coral Diploria strigosa. Surprisingly, herpes‐like sequences accounted for 4–8% of the total sequences in each metagenome; this abundance of herpes‐like sequences is unprecedented in other marine viral metagenomes. Viruses similar to those that infect algae and plants were also present in the coral viral assemblage. Among the phage identified, cyanophages were abundant in both healthy and bleaching corals and vibriophages were also present. Therefore, coral‐associated viruses could potentially infect all components of the holobiont – coral, algal and microbial. Thus, we expect viruses to figure prominently in the preservation and breakdown of coral health.
Elective (planned) colectomy in patients with colorectal obstruction after placement of a self‐expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery: the results of a prospective study
Authors: Brehant O. , Fuks D. , Bartoli E. , Yzet T. , Verhaeghe P. , Regimbeau J. M.
Published: May 2008

Introduction  Acute malignant colorectal obstruction (CRO) can be satisfactorily dealt by the placement of a self‐expanding metallic stent (SEMS). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the rate of elective (planned) colectomy (EPC) in patients with CRO after SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery on an intention‐to‐treat (ITT) basis.

Method  From 2002 to 2007, 30 SEMS were placed as a bridge to surgery in 30 CRO patients (median age 73 ± 12 years). The obstructing lesions were located in the right (n = 1), transverse (n = 1) or left colon (n = 24) or the upper third of the rectum (n = 4).

Results  The SEMS was placed successfully in 25 (83%) patients. Five patients underwent Hartmann’s procedure (n = 2) or a diverting colostomy (n = 3). The SEMS was functionally operational in 23 (92%) of the 25 patients. A diverting colostomy was avoided in 23 (77%) of the 30 patients (placement failure n = 5, clinical failure n = 2). There were no complications in 17 (80%) patients. On an ITT basis, 70% of the patients (21 out of 30) underwent an EPC.

Conclusion  On an ITT basis, SEMS placement in CRO patients enabled EPC in 70% of patients.
Comparative performance of UK mutual building societies and stock retail banks: further evidence
Authors: Shiwakoti Radha K. , Keasey Kevin , Hudson Robert
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this paper is to extend the literature on the comparative performance of mutual and stock retail banks by examining a unique episode in the history of financial services; namely, when four of the largest UK building societies (accounting for approximately 60 per cent of the industry's assets) demutualized to public limited company status in 1997. The episode allows us to consider the relative performance of the same businesses under different organizational forms. The results contrast starkly with previous findings and cast doubt on the hypothesis that mutuals generally outperform stock retail banks and indeed the idea that mutuals can be regarded as a homogeneous group of institutions.
Shadow Writing and Participant Observation: A Study of Criminal Justice Social Work Around Sentencing
Authors: Halliday Simon , Burns Nicola , Hutton Neil , McNeill Fergus , Tata Cyrus
Published: May 2008

The study of decision‐making by public officials in administrative settings has been a mainstay of law and society scholarship for decades. The methodological challenges posed by this research agenda are well understood: how can socio‐legal researchers get inside the heads of legal decision‐makers in order to understand the uses of official discretion? This article describes an ethnographic technique the authors developed to help them penetrate the decision‐making practices of criminal justice social workers in writing pre‐sentence reports for the courts. This technique, called ‘shadow writing’, involved a particular form of participant observation whereby the researcher mimicked the process of report writing in parallel with the social workers. By comparing these ‘shadow reports’ with the real reports in a training‐like setting, the social workers revealed in detail the subtleties of their communicative strategies embedded in particular reports and their sensibilities about report writing more generally.
Second‐chance Punitivism and the Contractual Governance of Crime and Incivility: New Labour, Old Hobbes
Authors: Mackenzie Simon
Published: May 2008

The growing application of mechanisms of contractual governance to behaviour that breaches social norms, rather than the criminal law, appears to represent an ethopolitical concern with delinquent self‐reform through the activation of technologies of the self. In fact, there is little empirical evidence that the contractual governance of incivility leads to such self‐reform. Beneath the ideology of contractual agreement to observe social norms lies what this paper calls a ‘second‐chance punitivism’ which operates to crystallize behavioural elements of the Hobbesian social contract, after breach, into a more specific form. The responsibilizing and individualizing properties of this form of contractual governance set the moral‐ideological platform for a retributive punitivism, when the rational agents it creates fail to live up to their image, and are taken to have wasted their ‘second chance’.
Students as designers and creators of educational computer games: Who else?
Authors: Prensky Marc
Published: May 2008

In the companion article, Spirit of the Game: Empowering Students as Designers in Schools?, author Cher Ping Lim puts forth strong arguments supporting the creation and use of curricular, educational games in our schools and education. His essay ends with the question ‘Can students build such games?’ This paper responses to this question and provides examples of how students can design and build games within the school curriculum to enhance engagement in the classrooms. Two approaches are suggested: Mini‐game‐based curriculum and complex game for entire course.
The impact of mobile learning on students' learning behaviours and performance: Report from a large blended classroom
Authors: Wang Minjuan , Shen Ruimin , Novak Daniel , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: May 2008

Chinese classrooms, whether on school grounds or online, have long suffered from a lack of interactivity. Many online classes simply provide recorded instructor lectures, which only reinforces the negative effects of passive nonparticipatory learning. At Shanghai Jiaotong University, researchers and developers actively seek technologic interventions that can greatly increase interactivity in large blended classes. They developed a cutting‐edge mobile learning system that can deliver live broadcasts of real‐time classroom teaching to students with mobile devices. Their system allows students to customise means of content‐reception based on when and where they tune into the broadcast. The system also supports short text messaging and instant polls. Through these venues, students can ask questions and make suggestions in real time, and the instructor can address them immediately. This article describes this system in detail, and also reports results from a formal implementation of the system in a blended English classroom of 1000 students (with about 800 being online). As the data reveal, m‐learning activities can much better engage students in the learning process. Students in this class changed from passive learners to truly engaged learners who are behaviourally, intellectually and emotionally involved in their learning tasks.
Multimedia learning and individual differences: Mediating the effects of working memory capacity with segmentation
Authors: Lusk Danielle L. , Evans Amber D. , Jeffrey Thomas R. , Palmer Keith R. , Wikstrom Chris S. , Doolittle Peter E.
Published: May 2008

Research in multimedia learning lacks an emphasis on individual difference variables, such as working memory capacity (WMC). The effects of WMC and the segmentation of multimedia instruction were examined by assessing the recall and application of low (n=66) and high (n=67) working memory capacity students randomly assigned to either a segmented instruction (SI) or non‐segmented instruction (NSI) version of a multimedia tutorial on historical inquiry. WMC was found to have a significant, positive effect on participants' recall and application scores; however, the use of segmentation mediated the effects of WMC to allow learners with lower WMC to recall and apply equal to those with higher WMC.
Stop making sense: the trials and tribulations of qualitative data analysis
Authors: Schiellerup Pernille
Published: May 2008

An account is given of a research project with particular attention to the place of data analysis and interpretation. It shines some light into what often remains the black box of qualitative research practice, the mysterious process of generating a research narrative based on the data. The paper provides other apprentice researchers with an insight into what the data analytical experience can be like, warts and all. It raises issues to do with qualitative data analysis, the use of CAQDAS, grounded theory, the relationship between the narratives of the researcher and the researched, and about the training of qualitative researchers.
The Combined Effects of Remnant Vegetation and Tree Planting on Farmland Birds
Authors: CUNNINGHAM ROSS B. , LINDENMAYER DAVID B. , CRANE MASON , MICHAEL DAMIAN , MacGREGOR CHRISTOPHER , MONTAGUE‐DRAKE REBECCA , FISCHER JOERN
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Biodiversity conservation on agricultural land is a major issue worldwide. We estimated separate and joint effects of remnant native woodland vegetation and recent tree plantings on birds on farms (approximately 500–1000 ha) in the heavily cleared wheat and sheep belt of southern Australia. Much of the variation (>70%) in bird responses was explained by 3 factors: remnant native‐vegetation attributes (native grassland, scattered paddock trees, patches of remnant native woodland); presence or absence of planted native trees; and the size and shape of tree plantings. In terms of the number of species, remnant native vegetation was more important than tree planting, in a 3:1 ratio, approximately. Farms with high values for remnant native vegetation were those most likely to support declining or vulnerable species, although some individual species of conservation concern occurred on farms with large plantings. Farm management for improved bird conservation should account for the cumulative and complementary contributions of many components of remnant native‐vegetation cover (e.g., scattered paddock trees and fallen timber) as well as areas of restored native vegetation.
The Importance of Being Spatial (and Reserved): Assessing Northern Spotted Owl Habitat Relationships with Hierarchical Bayesian Models
Authors: CARROLL CARLOS , JOHNSON DEVIN S.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Regional conservation planning increasingly draws on habitat suitability models to support decisions regarding land allocation and management. Nevertheless, statistical techniques commonly used for developing such models may give misleading results because they fail to account for 3 factors common in data sets of species distribution: spatial autocorrelation, the large number of sites where the species is absent (zero inflation), and uneven survey effort. We used spatial autoregressive models fit with Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques to assess the relationship between older coniferous forest and the abundance of Northern Spotted Owl nest and activity sites throughout the species' range. The spatial random‐effect term incorporated in the autoregressive models successfully accounted for zero inflation and reduced the effect of survey bias on estimates of species–habitat associations. Our results support the hypothesis that the relationship between owl distribution and older forest varies with latitude. A quadratic relationship between owl abundance and older forest was evident in the southern portion of the range, and a pseudothreshold relationship was evident in the northern portion of the range. Our results suggest that proposed changes to the network of owl habitat reserves would reduce the proportion of the population protected by up to one‐third, and that proposed guidelines for forest management within reserves underestimate the proportion of older forest associated with maximum owl abundance and inappropriately generalize threshold relationships among subregions. Bayesian spatial models can greatly enhance the utility of habitat analysis for conservation planning because they add the statistical flexibility necessary for analyzing regional survey data while retaining the interpretability of simpler models.
The Sensitivity of Population Viability Analysis to Uncertainty about Habitat Requirements: Implications for the Management of the Endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot
Authors: SOUTHWELL DARREN M. , LECHNER ALEX M. , COATES TERRY , WINTLE BRENDAN A.
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Whenever population viability analysis (PVA) models are built to help guide decisions about the management of rare and threatened species, an important component of model building is the specification of a habitat model describing how a species is related to landscape or bioclimatic variables. Model‐selection uncertainty may arise because there is often a great deal of ambiguity about which habitat model structure best approximates the true underlying biological processes. The standard approach to incorporate habitat models into PVA is to assume the best habitat model is correct, ignoring habitat‐model uncertainty and alternative model structures that may lead to quantitatively different conclusions and management recommendations. Here we provide the first detailed examination of the influence of habitat‐model uncertainty on the ranking of management scenarios from a PVA model. We evaluated and ranked 6 management scenarios for the endangered southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) with PVA models, each derived from plausible competing habitat models developed with logistic regression. The ranking of management scenarios was sensitive to the choice of the habitat model used in PVA predictions. Our results demonstrate the need to incorporate methods into PVA that better account for model uncertainty and highlight the sensitivity of PVA to decisions made during model building. We recommend that researchers search for and consider a range of habitat models when undertaking model‐based decision making and suggest that routine sensitivity analyses should be expanded to include an analysis of the impact of habitat‐model uncertainty and assumptions.
The youngest blueschist belt in SW Japan: implication for the exhumation of the Cretaceous Sanbagawa high‐P/T metamorphic belt
Authors: AOKI K. , ITAYA T. , SHIBUYA T. , MASAGO H. , KON Y. , TERABAYASHI M. , KANEKO Y. , KAWAI T. , MARUYAMA S.
Published: May 2008

The tectonic evolution of the Northern Shimanto belt, central Shikoku, Japan, was examined based on petrological and geochronological studies in the Oboke area, where mafic schists of the Kawaguchi Formation contain sodic amphibole (magnesioriebeckite). The peak P–T conditions of metamorphism are estimated as 4–4.5 kbar (15–17 km depth), and 240–270 °C based on available phase equilibria and sodic amphibole compositions. These metamorphic conditions are transitional between blueschist, greenschist and pumpellyite–actinolite facies. Phengite K–Ar ages of 64.8 ± 1.4 and 64.4 ± 1.4 Ma were determined for the mafic schists, and 65.0 ± 1.4, 61.4 ± 1.3 and 63.6 ± 1.4 Ma for the pelitic schists. The metamorphic temperatures in the Oboke area are below the closure temperature of the K–Ar phengite system, so the K–Ar ages date the metamorphic peak in the Northern Shimanto belt. In the broad sense of the definition of blueschist facies, the highest‐grade part of the Northern Shimanto belt belongs to the blueschist facies. Our study and those of others identify the following constraints on the possible mechanism that led to the exhumation of the overlying Sanbagawa belt: (i) the Sanbagawa belt is a thin tectonic slice with a structural thickness of 3–4 km; (ii) within the belt, metamorphic conditions varied from 5 to 25 kbar, and 300 to 800 °C, with the grade of metamorphism decreasing symmetrically upward and downward from a structurally intermediate position; and (iii) the Sanbagawa metamorphic rocks were exhumed from ∼60 km depth and emplaced onto the Northern Shimanto metamorphic rocks at 15–17 km depth and 240–270 °C. Integration of these results with those of previous geological studies for the Sanbagawa belt suggests that the most probable exhumation mechanism is wedge extrusion.
The Cost of Screening Adolescents for Overweight and Hypertension Using a Community Partnership Model
Authors: Brosnan Christine A. , Swint J. Michael , Upchurch Sandra L. , Meininger Janet C. , Johnson Gwen , Lee Yu F. , Nguyen Thong Q. , Eissa Mona A.
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT Objectives:(1) Determine the prevalence of overweight and high blood pressure (BP) among middle and high school students over a 2‐year period and, (2) measure the cost and initial outcomes of screening.

Design:Cost and outcome description using a cross‐sectional design sample. The target population was 12‐ to 19‐year‐old healthy students attending grades 7 through 12 at 3 proximal schools located in a large urban school district in Texas.

Results:Of 2,338 students screened, 925 (39.6%) had a body mass index (BMI)≥85th percentile and 504 (21.6%) had BMIs≥95th percentile for age and gender. There were 346 students (14.8%) with BMIs≥85th percentile and systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥95th percentile for age, gender, and height. The cost of the 2‐year screening program was $66,442, and the cost per student was $28. The cost to identify a student with increased BMI or high SBP was $72 and $107, respectively.

Conclusions:This study offered an objective framework to examine the cost and outcomes of screening children for overweight and increased BP. The study has implications for discussion and informed decision making about school‐based screening for these conditions.
Differences in Psychosocial Factors Among Novice, Experienced, and Veteran Health Promotion Volunteers in Japan
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Taguchi Atsuko , Murashima Sachiyo
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine differences in psychosocial factors among health promotion volunteers (HPVs) according to years of experience.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey.

Sample: A total of 604 HPVs in Koka and Konan cities in Japan in 2005.

Measurements: Demographic data, extent of HPV activity (such as years of HPV experience), and psychosocial factors such as overall activity satisfaction, burden of HPV activities, and social support.

Results: Compared with HPVs with 1–3 years of experience, those with 4–8 years of experience indicated that the head of the neighborhood association failed to recognize their role and lacked knowledge of HPV activity content, but that they felt greater support from community members. Those with 9 or more years of experience had more managerial experience, were more highly motivated at the end of the HPV training course, and indicated greater support from community members than those with 1–3 years of experience.

Conclusions: When considering the constellation of HPV activities; the ways in which these activities are performed; and the strategies to recruit, train, support, and retain HPVs; it may be important to take into account the differences among HPVs by years of experience.
Attack Frequency and Disease Duration as Indicators for Brain Damage in Migraine
Authors: Schmitz Nicole , Admiraal‐Behloul Faiza , Arkink Enrico B. , Kruit Mark C. , Schoonman Guus G. , Ferrari Michel D. , Van Buchem Mark A.
Published: May 2008

Objective.— The aim of this study was to pinpoint predilection sites of brain damage in migraine by quantitatively identifying morphometric and diffusion differences in migraineurs, compared with control subjects, and to assess whether migraine attack frequency and attack history are indicators for brain abnormalities in migraineurs.

Background.— Previous clinical neuroimaging investigations introduced the concept of migraine as a progressive brain disease. They reported an increased risk of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) with increasing attack frequency in migraineurs.

Methods.— We investigated 28 patients with migraine, using high‐resolution T1‐ and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and optimized voxel‐based morphometry to localize gray and WM density, and fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient differences.

Results.— We identified predilection sites of brain abnormalities in migraineurs in the frontal lobes, brainstem, and the cerebellum, and we show that both attack frequency and disease duration are indicators for brain damage in migraine.

Conclusion.— Our findings report an unbiased quantitative whole brain assessment of morphological abnormalities in migraine. This might help to identify indicators for migraine as a possibly progressive brain disease. In order to reveal the causes and consequences of brain damage in migraine, further neuroimaging studies have to investigate quantitative brain changes in a longitudinal design.
Interictal high‐frequency oscillations (80–500 Hz) are an indicator of seizure onset areas independent of spikes in the human epileptic brain
Authors: Jacobs Julia , LeVan Pierre , Chander Rahul , Hall Jeffery , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean
Published: May 2008

Purpose:  High‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) known as ripples (80–250 Hz) and fast ripples (250–500 Hz) can be recorded from macroelectrodes inserted in patients with intractable focal epilepsy. They are most likely linked to epileptogenesis and have been found in the seizure onset zone (SOZ) of human ictal and interictal recordings. HFOs occur frequently at the time of interictal spikes, but were also found independently. This study analyses the relationship between spikes and HFOs and the occurrence of HFOs in nonspiking channels.

Methods:  Intracerebral EEGs of 10 patients with intractable focal epilepsy were studied using macroelectrodes. Rates of HFOs within and outside spikes, the overlap between events, event durations, and the percentage of spikes carrying HFOs were calculated and compared according to anatomical localization, spiking activity, and relationship to the SOZ.

Results:  HFOs were found in all patients, significantly more within mesial temporal lobe structures than in neocortex. HFOs could be seen in spiking as well as nonspiking channels in all structures. Rates and durations of HFOs were significantly higher in the SOZ than outside. It was possible to establish a rate of HFOs to identify the SOZ with better sensitivity and specificity than with the rate of spikes.

Discussion:  HFOs occurred to a large extent independently of spikes. They are most frequent in mesial temporal structures. They are prominent in the SOZ and provide additional information on epileptogenicity independently of spikes. It was possible to identify the SOZ with a high specificity by looking at only 10 min of HFO activity.
Trans‐facet Joint Approach to Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation of the L5 Dorsal Root Ganglion in a Patient with Degenerative Spondylosis and Scoliosis
Authors: Abejón David , Ortego Rocio , Solís Rocio , Alaoui Neri , Del Saz Javier , Del Pozo Cristina
Published: May 2008

▪ Abstract:  Mechanical low back pain secondary to degenerative facet joint changes is a common reason for referral to pain clinics. When these changes cause encroachment into the intervertebral foramen, radicular pain may result. While pulsed radiofrequency of the dorsal root ganglion can be used in this setting, the anatomic deformity may make the transforaminal approach difficult. We report a case where a trans‐facet approach was used successfully and describe the technique. ▪