bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unique role of dynein and nud family proteins in corticogenesis
Authors: Toba Shiori , Hirotsune Shinji
Published: March 2012

Heterozygous LIS1 mutations are the most common cause of human lissencephaly, a human neuronal migration defect, and DCX mutations are the most common cause of X‐linked lissencephaly. Lissencephaly is characterized by a smooth cerebral surface, thick cortex and dilated lateral ventricles associated with mental retardation and seizures due to defective neuronal migration. Lissencephaly due to the heterozygous loss of the gene LIS1 is a good example of a haploinsufficiency disorder. LIS1 was deleted or mutated in a large proportion of patients with lissencephaly in a heterozygous fashion. A series of studies discovered that LIS1 is an essential regulator of cytoplasmic dynein. Notably, the role of LIS1 in regulating dynein activity is highly conserved among eukaryotes. In particular, we reported that LIS1 and NDEL1 are essential for dynein transport to the plus‐end of microtubules by kinesin, which is essential to maintain the proper distribution of cytoplasmic dynein within the cell. In addition, we report that mNUDC (mammalian NUDC) interacts with kinesin‐1 and is required for the anterograde transport of a cytoplasmic dynein complex by kinesin‐1. A microtubule organization and motor proteins are further modulated by post‐translational modifications, including phosphorylation and palmitoylation. These modifications share a common pathway with mitotic cell division. For example, Aurora‐A is activated during neurite elongation, and phosphorylates NDEL1, which facilitates microtubule extension into neurite processes. Elucidations of molecular pathways involving neuronal migrations provide us a chance to design a novel strategy for neurological disorder due to defective neuronal migration. For example, inhibition of calpain protects LIS1 from proteolysis resulting in the augmentation of LIS1 levels, which leads to rescue of the phenotypes that are observed in Lis1+/− mice. Endeavoring to address the regulation of the microtubule network and motor proteins will help in understanding not only corticogenesis but neurodegenerative disorders.
Clinical presentation, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy indicate neurofibromatosis type 2‐associated gliomas to be spinal ependymomas
Authors: Hagel Christian , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat O. , Bornemann Antje , Schuhmann Martin , Nagel Christoph , Huson Susan , Evans D Gareth , Plotkin Scott , Matthies Cordula , Kluwe Lan , Mautner Victor‐Felix
Published: March 2012

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a hereditary tumor syndrome. The hallmark of NF2 is bilateral vestibular schwannoma. In addition, glioma is one of the diagnostic criteria of NF2. In this retrospective study the clinical presentation and histopathological features of 12 spinal gliomas from NF2 patients were assessed. Ten tumors were previously diagnosed as ependymomas and two as astrocytomas. However, upon re‐evaluation both astrocytomas expressed epithelial membrane antigen in a dot‐like fashion and in one case it was possible to perform electron microscopy revealing junctional complexes and cilia typical for ependymoma. The findings suggest that NF2‐associated spinal gliomas are ependymomas. Based on the fact that NF2‐associated gliomas are almost exclusively spinal and that no NF2 mutations have been found in sporadic cerebral gliomas, we suggest that “glioma” in the current diagnostic criteria for NF2 should be specified as “spinal ependymoma”.
Intravenous diuretic and vasodilator therapy reduce plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: ZHANG JUN , ZHAO GUANGDAN , YU XIAOLING , PAN XIAOMING
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:  Plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and high plasma BNP levels are associated with a poor prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a diuretic and a vasodilator on plasma BNP levels and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).

Methods:  Forty patients with an AECOPD and high plasma BNP levels, but without any clinical evidence of cor pulmonale, were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 patients. In addition to standard treatment for AECOPD, the patients in group I were treated with a mild diuretic, and those in group II were treated with the diuretic and a vasodilator. Twenty patients with stable COPD were selected as a control group. Plasma BNP concentrations were measured on admission and on the third and sixth days. The patients' HRQOL was evaluated using the short‐form 36‐item (SF‐36) questionnaire before and after treatment.

Results:  Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with AECOPD were significantly decreased after treatment, and this decrease was more striking in group II than in group I. There were no significant differences in SF‐36 domain scores between patients with stable COPD and those with acute exacerbations who were treated with a diuretic and a vasodilator.

Conclusions:  Plasma BNP levels decreased rapidly in patients with an AECOPD after therapy with a diuretic and a vasodilator, and the treatment did not impair their health status.
Comparison of refractive outcomes using five devices for the assessment of preoperative corneal power
Authors: Whang Woong‐Joo , Byun Yong‐Soo , Joo Choun‐Ki
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To compare keratometric values obtained with a manual keratometer (Topcon), an automated keratometer (Canon), an Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb), the IOLMaster keratometer (Carl‐Zeiss) and the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera (Oculus) in cataract surgery, and to characterize the refractive outcomes generated using each device.

Design:  Retrospective study conducted at a tertiary university hospital.

Participants:  Sixty‐nine eyes of 69 patients were analysed.

Methods:  The keratometric values obtained with different devices (manual keratometer, automated keratometer, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and Scheimpflug camera) were employed for intraocular lens power calculation. Multiple comparisons of averaged keratometric value were conducted, and the averaged keratometric value was used to calculate the predicted refraction. The absolute values of corneal astigmatism were calculated and also compared.

Main Outcome Measures:  Mean keratometric value, absolute value of astigmatism, mean error and mean absolute error from each device.

Results:  The mean keratometric values generated by manual keratometer, automated keratometry, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and the Pentacam Scheimpflug system were 43.95 ± 1.39, 43.91 ± 1.39, 44.67 ± 1.53, 44.03 ± 1.41 and 42.96 ± 1.39 diopter, respectively. The absolute value of astigmatism determined via manual keratometer, automated keratometer, corneal topography, IOLMaster keratometer and the Pentacam Scheimpflug system were 0.95 ± 0.60, 0.99 ± 0.69, 1.14 ± 0.74, 1.11 ± 0.65 and 1.03 ± 0.73 diopter, respectively. The corneal topography showed statistically significant differences with other devices and produced the greater value in mean absolute errors (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Keratometric values with standard devices are a good choice for cataract surgery, whereas the corneal topography is not an appropriate method for the assessment of preoperative keratometric values.
Impaired ocular blood flow regulation in patients with open‐angle glaucoma and diabetes
Authors: Shoshani Yochai , Harris Alon , Shoja Mohammadali M , Arieli Yoel , Ehrlich Rita , Primus Sally , Ciulla Thomas , Cantor Adam , Wirostko Barbara , Siesky Brent A
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To elucidate the potential impact of diabetes mellitus on primary open‐angle glaucoma pathology through vascular deficiency.

Design:  Cross‐section analysis from a longitudinal, prospective study.

Participants:  Eighty‐four open‐angle glaucoma patients (20 diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients and 64 non‐diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients)

Methods:  Patients were analyzed for ocular structure, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), retrobulbar blood flow and retinal capillary perfusion. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 18.0. Comparisons between groups were made as well as multivariate linear regression analysis.

Main Outcome Measure:  Retrobulbar blood flow and the retinal microcirculation.

Results:  Central retinal artery peak systolic velocity was 13.5% lower in diabetic patients (P = 0.007). In diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients, ocular perfusion pressure positively correlated with central retinal artery and temporal posterior ciliary artery peak systolic velocity (R = 0.476, P = 0.039 and R = 0.529, P = 0.02, respectively), and with central retinal artery and nasal posterior ciliary artery resistance index (R = 0.537, P = 0.018 and R = 0.566, P = 0.012 respectively). Average retinal nerve fibre layer positively correlated with central retinal artery peak systolic velocity and temporal posterior ciliary artery end diastolic velocity (R = 0.501, P = 0.029 and R = 0.553, P = 0.019, respectively), and negatively correlated with superior and inferior retinal avascular space in the diabetic group (R = −0.498, P = 0.030 and R = −0.700, P = 0.001, respectively); no correlations were found in the non‐diabetic group. Negative correlations between retrobulbar and retinal circulations were only found in the diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients, whereas positive correlations between retinal flow and non‐flow were only found in non‐diabetic open‐angle glaucoma patients.

Conclusion:  Diabetes may interfere with normal vascular regulation and contribute to glaucoma progression.
Predictive value of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 G‐1639A and C1173T single nucleotide polymorphisms in retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Ortak Huseyin , Söğüt Erkan , Demir Helin , Ardagil Aylin , Benli Ismail , Sahin Semsettin
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To determine if vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 gene polymorphisms have an effect on the risk of having a retinal vein occlusion.

Design:  Case‐control study.

Participants:  The study population consisted of 68 patients who were newly diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion and 66 sex‐matched controls.

Methods:  Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes from ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid‐anticoagulated blood. Genotyping of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 G‐1639A (rs 9923231) and C1173T (rs 9934438) single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and commercially available kits.

Main Outcome Measures:  A full ophthalmological evaluation was performed in each subject, and all subjects were screened for hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. The genotypes of the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined.

Results:  The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 GG and CC genotypes were more frequent (41% vs. 21%; P = 0.021), and the combined GA/AA and CT/CC genotypes were less frequent in patients with retinal vein occlusion than in control subjects. After adjusting for hypertension, age, plasma fibrinogen levels and prevalence of diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, the GG and CC genotypes were found to be an independent predictor of retinal vein occlusion (B = 2.28; odds ratio = 9.79; P = 0.003; 95% confidence interval: 2.22–43.24).

Conclusion:  It was found that subjects with the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 GG and CC genotypes had a higher risk of retinal vein occlusion.
Prevalence of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease in individuals treated and not treated with glaucoma medication
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , O'Hare Fleur , Lamoureux Ecosse , Vajpayee Rasik B , Crowston Jonathan G
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease in two hospital‐based cohorts; glaucoma patients and non‐glaucoma patients.

Design:  A cross‐sectional, comparative case series.

Participants:  Glaucoma patients (n = 300) prescribed topical glaucoma medications for ≥6 months were compared with control patients (n = 100) who were not applying prescribed topical medications.

Methods:  A validated self‐report questionnaire was used to elicit the extent of ocular symptoms. Signs of ocular surface and eyelid disease were assessed along with medication history.

Main Outcome Measures:  Signs and symptoms of ocular surface pathology were determined including the tear film break‐up time, fluorescein staining of the cornea and conjunctiva, meibomian gland dysfunction and Schirmer's test.

Results:  A significant increase in the prevalence of ocular surface disease signs was observed in the glaucoma population, 70.3%, compared with controls, 33% (P < 0.001). The overall prevalence of clinically significant ocular surface disease symptoms was not significantly different between cohorts, 30.7% versus 24.0%, respectively (P = 0.252). Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of anti‐glaucoma medications and duration of therapy were key predictors of significant ocular surface disease signs in the glaucoma group. There was no significant correlation between signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease in either group after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusions:  Signs and symptoms of ocular surface disease are relatively common in older patients, but signs of ocular surface disease are significantly higher in individuals who instil topical glaucoma therapy.
Case series of cat‐scratch‐inflicted full‐thickness corneal lacerations and a review of the literature
Authors: Chang John H , Mills Richard A , Pater John , Crompton John L
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To describe the clinical features and management of cat‐scratch‐inflicted corneal lacerations.

Design:  Retrospective, observational case series.

Participants:  Three patients (aged 3, 7 and 35 years) with cat‐scratch‐inflicted full‐thickness corneal lacerations.

Methods:  Retrospective medical chart review and review of the published literature.

Main Outcome Measures:  Details of clinical presentation, surgical management, antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes on longitudinal follow‐up.

Results:  Cat‐scratch‐inflicted corneal lacerations are rare. Only five other cases were found in the literature. Wide spectrum of clinical presentation and severity of injuries exists. Two of the cases here required emergency surgical repair of the laceration; however, one case had spontaneously healed and was only diagnosed 5 years after the initial injury. One case required secondary cataract extraction and subsequent excision of a vascularized posterior lens capsule. There were no cases of secondary microbial keratitis or endophthalmitis. All cases had a favourable ocular outcome after at least 6 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions:  Cat‐scratch‐inflicted corneal injuries are rare but do occur in Australia, in particular among younger children. If the principles of prompt surgical repair and antibiotic prophylaxis are adhered to, excellent visual outcomes are possible.
Causal implication by rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation of alpha frequency in feature‐based local vs. global attention
Authors: Romei Vincenzo , Thut Gregor , Mok Robert M. , Schyns Philippe G. , Driver Jon
Published: March 2012

Although oscillatory activity in the alpha band was traditionally associated with lack of alertness, more recent work has linked it to specific cognitive functions, including visual attention. The emerging method of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows causal interventional tests for the online impact on performance of TMS administered in short bursts at a particular frequency. TMS bursts at 10 Hz have recently been shown to have an impact on spatial visual attention, but any role in featural attention remains unclear. Here we used rhythmic TMS at 10 Hz to assess the impact on attending to global or local components of a hierarchical Navon‐like stimulus (D. Navon (1977) Forest before trees: The precedence of global features in visual perception. Cognit. Psychol., 9, 353), in a paradigm recently used with TMS at other frequencies (V. Romei, J. Driver, P.G. Schyns & G. Thut. (2011) Rhythmic TMS over parietal cortex links distinct brain frequencies to global versus local visual processing. Curr. Biol., 2, 334–337). In separate groups, left or right posterior parietal sites were stimulated at 10 Hz just before presentation of the hierarchical stimulus. Participants had to identify either the local or global component in separate blocks. Right parietal 10 Hz stimulation (vs. sham) significantly impaired global processing without affecting local processing, while left parietal 10 Hz stimulation vs. sham impaired local processing with a minor trend to enhance global processing. These 10 Hz outcomes differed significantly from stimulation at other frequencies (i.e. 5 or 20 Hz) over the same site in other recent work with the same paradigm. These dissociations confirm differential roles of the two hemispheres in local vs. global processing, and reveal a frequency‐specific role for stimulation in the alpha band for regulating feature‐based visual attention.
Lentiviral‐mediated gene delivery reveals distinct roles of nucleus accumbens dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in novelty‐ and light‐induced locomotor activity
Authors: Fernandes Alinda R. , Easton Alanna C. , De Souza Silva Maria A. , Schumann Gunter , Müller Christian P. , Desrivières Sylvane
Published: March 2012

The importance of the dopaminergic system for proper brain activity is demonstrated by findings that alterations in this system lead to severe disabilities, including motor impairment observed in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Although the roles of specific dopamine receptors in behaviour have been extensively investigated using pharmacological agents and knockout mice, non‐specificity of ligands and compensatory molecular adaptations in mutated animals restrict the interpretation of the results. To overcome these limitations and further explore the role of the dopamine D2 and D3 receptors (D2R and D3R) in rats, we used lentivirus‐mediated gene knockdown and overexpression to specifically manipulate expression levels of these genes in the rat nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a brain area important for spontaneous and induced locomotor responses. Lentiviruses, inducing expression of rat D2R or D3R, or efficient knockdown of either receptor by small hairpin (sh)RNAs, were stereotaxically injected into the NAcc. While knockdown of either receptor significantly reduced spontaneous locomotor activity in a novel but not in a habituated environment, D2R and D3R appeared to contribute in opposite ways to light‐induced locomotor activity. D2R knockdown increased while D3R knockdown decreased locomotor activity in this test. Altogether, our findings suggest that D2R and D3R, expressed in the NAcc, have both shared and non‐overlapping roles in transduction of alerting signals elicited by potentially important sensory and environmental cues.
Anesthesia for Treacher Collins syndrome: a review of airway management in 240 pediatric cases
Authors: Hosking Jane , Zoanetti David , Carlyle Alison , Anderson Peter , Costi David
Published: March 2012

Objectives:  To review airway management with anesthesia for children with Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) and determine whether intubation was more difficult with increasing age.

Background:  Treacher Collins syndrome is a rare disorder of craniofacial development characterized by maxillary, zygomatic, and mandibular dysplasia. TCS is associated with difficult intubation, but reports of airway management are limited to case reports and small cases series. Children with TCS may require multiple general anesthetics, and it has been suggested that intubation becomes more difficult with increasing age.

Methods:  A retrospective case note review of children with TCS from birth to 18 years undergoing anesthesia from 1971 to 2011 in a single center was performed. Demographic data, procedure type, anesthesia type, method of airway management, modified Cormack–Lehane (MCL) grade of laryngoscopic view, and any other descriptions of airway difficulty or complications were collated.

Results:  Of 59 patients with TCS, 35 children underwent a total of 240 anesthetics, most commonly for craniofacial surgery. Final airway management consisted of face mask 17%, laryngeal mask airway 16%, endotracheal intubation 49%, and 18% had a preexisting tracheostomy. The laryngeal mask airway provided an adequate airway in all cases when it was used. MCL grade was recorded in 97 cases involving 28 patients: 7% grade 1, 9% grade 2a, 31% grade 2b, 26% grade 3, and 27% grade 4. Fifteen (54%) patients were MCL grade 4 on at least one occasion. Failed intubation occurred in 6 (5%) of 123 cases of planned intubation. The procedure was canceled in two cases (0.8%) because of failure to intubate. Intubation techniques other than conventional direct laryngoscopy were used in 41% of cases. MCL grade increased with increasing age (P = 0.007).

Conclusions:  Most children with TCS have difficult laryngoscopic views with many requiring specialized intubation techniques. Direct laryngoscopy becomes more difficult with increasing age. The laryngeal mask airway is a good choice of airway when endotracheal intubation is not required.
Health‐related lifestyle, physical and mental health in children of alcoholic parents
Authors: SEREC MAŠA , ŠVAB IGOR , KOLŠEK MARKO , ŠVAB VESNA , MOESGEN DIANA , KLEIN MICHAEL
Published: March 2012

Aim. To identify potential differences between children of alcoholics (COAs) and controls in their health‐related lifestyle, mental and physical health.

Methods. The recruitment of COAs took place in inpatient and outpatient treatment and rehabilitation units. Controls were recruited in elementary and high schools. 57 COAs (72% response rate) and 84 controls (88% response rate) aged between 12 and 18 years completed a postal questionnaire about their health‐related lifestyle, and mental and physical health.

Results. Bivariate analysis showed that COAs' families have higher unemployment rates and lower economic status (P = 0.000). COAs reported poorer school performance (P = 0.000), spending more time in sedentary (television: P = 0.000, Internet: P = 0.014, music: P = 0.040) and less time in physical activities (P = 0.048), having poorer eating habits (fruits and vegetables: P = 0.001, sweets: P = 0.001, fast food: P = 0.000, soft drinks: P = 0.004), a higher substance use (cigarettes: P = 0.030; marijuana: P = 0.564, heavy drinking: P = 0.050) and more mental health difficulties (emotional symptoms: P = 0.015, conduct problems: P = 0.012, suicidal tendencies: P = 0.007, mental disorder: P = 0.040). Among COAs, girls reported more emotional and somatic symptoms compared to boys (P = 0.020 and P = 0.047, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that after controlling for socioeconomic status, significant mental health and health‐related lifestyle inequalities between COAs and controls persist.

Conclusion. Our findings suggest that COAs have a less healthy lifestyle and more mental health difficulties above and beyond the poorer economic environment they live in.[Serec M, Švab I, Kolšek M, Švab V, Moesgen D, Klein M. Health‐related lifestyle, physical and mental health in children of alcoholic parents. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:861–870]
Tissue‐type‐specific transcriptome analysis identifies developing xylem‐specific promoters in poplar
Authors: Ko Jae‐Heung , Kim Hyun‐Tae , Hwang Ildoo , Han Kyung‐Hwan
Published: March 2012

Plant biotechnology offers a means to create novel phenotypes. However, commercial application of biotechnology in crop improvement programmes is severely hindered by the lack of utility promoters (or freedom to operate the existing ones) that can drive gene expression in a tissue‐specific or temporally controlled manner. Woody biomass is gaining popularity as a source of fermentable sugars for liquid fuel production. To improve the quantity and quality of woody biomass, developing xylem (DX)‐specific modification of the feedstock is highly desirable. To develop utility promoters that can drive transgene expression in a DX‐specific manner, we used the Affymetrix Poplar Genome Arrays to obtain tissue‐type‐specific transcriptomes from poplar stems. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis identified 37 transcripts that are specifically or strongly expressed in DX cells of poplar. After further confirmation of their DX‐specific expression using semi‐quantitative PCR, we selected four genes (DX5, DX8, DX11 and DX15) for in vivo confirmation of their tissue‐specific expression in transgenic poplars. The promoter regions of the selected DX genes were isolated and fused to a β‐glucuronidase (GUS)‐reported gene in a binary vector. This construct was used to produce transgenic poplars via Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. The GUS expression patterns of the resulting transgenic plants showed that these promoters were active in the xylem cells at early seedling growth and had strongest expression in the developing xylem cells at later growth stages of poplar. We conclude that these DX promoters can be used as a utility promoter for DX‐specific biomass engineering.
Best friends: children use mutual gaze to identify friendships in others
Authors: Nurmsoo Erika , Einav Shiri , Hood Bruce M.
Published: March 2012

This study examined children’s ability to use mutual eye gaze as a cue to friendships in others. In Experiment 1, following a discussion about friendship, 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year‐olds were shown animations in which three cartoon children looked at one another, and were told that one target character had a best friend. Although all age groups accurately detected the mutual gaze between the target and another character, only 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds used this cue to infer friendship. Experiment 2 replicated the effect with 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds when the target character was not explicitly identified. Finally, in Experiment 3, where the attribution of friendship could only be based on synchronized mutual gaze, 6‐year‐olds made this attribution, while 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds did not. Children occasionally referred to mutual eye gaze when asked to justify their responses in Experiments 2 and 3, but it was only by the age of 6 that reference to these cues correlated with the use of mutual gaze in judgements of affiliation. Although younger children detected mutual gaze, it was not until 6 years of age that children reliably detected and justified mutual gaze as a cue to friendship.
Productivity Assessment of African Seaports
Authors: Pestana Barros Carlos
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This paper analyses the productivity of a representative sample of African seaports in Angola, Mozambique and Nigeria from 2004 to 2010, using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The paper finds that Nigerian seaports are the most efficient, followed by those in Mozambique and Angola. A discussion of the results is provided, in addition to the related policy implications.
A Review of Nigerian Agricultural Efficiency Literature, 1999–2011: What Does One Learn from Frontier Studies?
Authors: Ogundari K. , Amos T.T. , Okoruwa V.O.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: The objective of the study is to provide a critical overview of Nigerian agricultural efficiency literature covering 1999–2011. A total of 156 frontier studies which yields 210 observations were used for the review. The preliminary findings from both the Funnel Plot and Funnel Asymmetry Test revealed that publication bias is not a severe problem in the selected literature. Our findings via univariate scatter plot and Spearman correlation provided evidence that reported efficiency scores positively correlated with the year of survey in the primary study. However, this observation might be an indication that positive efficiency change in the total factor productivity (TFP) growth characterized the development of Nigerian agricultural sector over the years. The average efficiency estimate from all the reviewed studies is about 0.71, thus suggesting, there is considerable room for improvement in the sector. To further distil important policy findings from the primary literature, we observed that 48 percent of the observations identified education as a significant determinant of efficiency in the Nigerian agriculture over the years. Likewise, experience was shown to be an important variable by 33 percent, while 23 percent identified age as a key determinant. Also, 19 percent showed that extension and family size are important. The directions of future research are also outlined.
Gender and Competition between Economic or Non‐economic Labor and Schooling: Evidence from EPAM Mali
Authors: Koissy‐Kpein Sandrine
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  We use the Understanding Children's Work (UCW) definition of child labor and data from the Mali Permanent Household Survey to highlight the gender difference in the competition between economic or non‐economic labor and schooling. A quadri‐variate Probit estimation allows to account for the interdependency between school and various kinds of labor: household chores (HHC), market‐oriented (MO) activities and non‐market‐oriented (NMO) activities. Empirical results provide interesting findings, including differential gender socialization according to the gender of the offspring, gender bias in repartition of tasks and time, and competition between labor activities and schooling.
Firm Efficiency Differences and Distribution in the Kenyan Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Mukwate Ngui‐Muchai Dianah , Muchai Muniu Joseph
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This article provides empirical evidence on technical efficiency differences and efficiency distribution for three Kenyan manufacturing subsectors, namely food, metal and textile, using an unbalanced panel data covering two periods. Econometric production frontiers are estimated for each subsector in each period. The confidence predictions for these efficiencies were, however, found to be quite wide. The results indicate variation of technical efficiency estimates of the sampled firms in each period. The technical efficiency distribution for each subsector changed not only in relation to itself, but also in relation to the other subsectors across the two periods of analysis. The efficiency distribution of the firms for both food and textile (metal) subsectors improved (declined) during the study period but with the food subsector firms remaining relatively inefficient. The improvement of the technical efficiency distribution for both the textile and food subsectors is an indication of intra‐plant improvement during the period of analysis. The decline of the technical efficiency distribution for the metal subsector suggests that the market orientation during the structural reform period did not promote firm efficiencies or the firms were slow in responding to the reforms.
Mosuos’ awareness of taxonomic relations in word associations, lexicon decisions and semantic categorizations
Authors: ZHANG JIJIA , LIN NA , LI DEGAO
Published: March 2012

Zhang, J., Lin, N. & Li, D. (2012). Mosuos’ awareness of taxonomic relations in word associations, lexicon decisions and semantic categorizations. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 191–199.

The development of representations for taxonomic categories is influenced by many factors, such as age, life experiences, and education. It was hypothesized that Mosuos might be aware of taxonomic relations differently than Hans, as indicated by Sha (1996). Three experiments – word associations, lexicon decisions, and semantic categorizations – were conducted on young adults of Mosuos and Hans and consistent results were obtained: the Mosuos were found both similar to and different from the Hans in their experimental performance. They were apparently aware of taxonomic relations less than the Hans among categories of different levels and among categories of basic level, consistent with the conclusion that the uniqueness of a specific culture influences the people’s representations for the hierarchically structured taxonomic categories (López, Atran, Coley, Medin & Smith, 1997). The present forms of education did not seem to be as effective as educators expected to help promote Mosuo children’s development of knowledge of taxonomic categories. If school education would be available that is compatible with the cultural value of a relatively isolated, small population, such as Mosuos, and is of practical value for the young children to develop a better knowledge of the world, then a study would be of critical value into how educated individuals would be different from uneducated ones in their awareness of taxonomic relations.
Causality, Mediation and Time: A Dynamic Viewpoint
Authors: Aalen Odd O. , Røysland Kjetil , Gran Jon Michael , Ledergerber Bruno
Published: March 2012

Time dynamics are often ignored in causal modelling. Clearly, causality must operate in time and we show how this corresponds to a mechanistic, or system, understanding of causality. The established counterfactual definitions of direct and indirect effects depend on an ability to manipulate the mediator which may not hold in practice, and we argue that a mechanistic view may be better. Graphical representations based on local independence graphs and dynamic path analysis are used to facilitate communication as well as providing an overview of the dynamic relations ‘at a glance’. The relationship between causality as understood in a mechanistic and in an interventionist sense is discussed. An example using data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study is presented.
Portfolio Optimization Using a Block Structure for the Covariance Matrix
Authors: Disatnik David , Katz Saggi
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Implementing in practice the classical mean‐variance theory for portfolio selection often results in obtaining portfolios with large short sale positions. Also, recent papers show that, due to estimation errors, existing and rather advanced mean‐variance theory‐based portfolio strategies do not consistently outperform the naïve 1/N portfolio that invests equally across N risky assets. In this paper, we introduce a portfolio strategy that generates a portfolio, with no short sale positions, that can outperform the 1/N portfolio. The strategy is investing in a global minimum variance portfolio (GMVP) that is constructed using an easy to calculate block structure for the covariance matrix of asset returns. Using this new block structure, the weights of the stocks in the GMVP can be found analytically, and as long as simple and directly computable conditions are met, these weights are positive.
Attachment and callous‐unemotional traits in children with early‐onset conduct problems
Authors: Pasalich Dave S. , Dadds Mark R. , Hawes David J. , Brennan John
Published: March 2012

Background:  Antisocial children with callous‐unemotional (CU) traits appear to be disconnected from other people’s emotions; although little is known about their experience of the parent‐child emotional bond. This study examined parent‐child attachment relationships and levels of CU traits in conduct‐problem children.

Method:  Attachment classifications in boys (M = 6.31 years) with disruptive behaviour disorders were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task. Multiple informants rated children’s CU traits.

Results:  Independent of severity of conduct problems, high levels of CU traits were associated with more insecure attachment; specifically, disorganised attachment representations; however, CU traits were not associated with avoidant representations.

Conclusions:  Among conduct‐problem children, those higher on CU traits appear to be at increased risk of experiencing disruptions in parent‐child attachment relationships; attachment may be an important area for treatment and prevention efforts for CU traits in young children.
An investigation into the reporting and management of late terminations of pregnancy (between 22+0 and 26+6 weeks of gestation) within NHS Hospitals in England in 2006: the EPICure preterm cohort study
Authors: Draper ES , Alfirevic Z , Stacey F , Hennessy E , Costeloe K ,   for the EPICure Study Group
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Draper E, Alfirevic Z, Stacey F, Hennessy E, Costeloe K, for the EPICure Study Group. An investigation into the reporting and management of late terminations of pregnancy (between 22+0 and 26+6 weeks of gestation) within NHS Hospitals in England in 2006: the EPICure preterm cohort study. BJOG 2012;119:710–715.

Objective  To review all late terminations of pregnancy, between 22+0 and 26+6 weeks of gestation, collected as part of the EPICure2 study.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  All National Health Service (NHS) hospitals providing perinatal services for extremely preterm infants.

Population  All births between 22+0 and 26+6 weeks of gestation in England during 2006.

Methods  Data were collected for the defined cohort of births, including terminations of pregnancy, by designated unit staff using a standardised questionnaire. Rigorous validation processes were established to ensure comprehensive data collection. Gestational age was validated using a hierarchical classification of scan dates, certain date of last menstrual period and working gestation. Data for terminations of pregnancy (TOPs) were categorised into two groups, terminations for fetal abnormality and for maternal or fetal compromise, and were analysed in terms of their reporting, management and outcomes.

Main outcome measures  Classification, rate of feticide and outcome following TOP.

Results  Of 3782 births between 22+0 and 26+6 weeks of gestation, 647 (17.1%) were TOPs; of these 584 (90.3%) were for fetal abnormality and 63 (9.7%) for maternal or fetal compromise. Feticide was carried out in 489 of 584 (83.7%) TOPs for fetal abnormality, and in 38 of 63 (60.3%) of the TOPs for maternal or fetal compromise. Live births resulted following 2.2% TOPs for fetal abnormality and 4.8% TOPs for maternal or fetal compromise.

Conclusion  Terminations of pregnancy represent a relatively large proportion of very preterm births. Fetal abnormalities are the main cause for these terminations, and most include feticide. Better screening strategies are required to avoid the need for late terminations of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities.
The Displacement Effect of Public Pensions on the Accumulation of Financial Assets*
Authors: Hurd Michael , Michaud Pierre‐Carl , Rohwedder Susann
Published: March 2012

The generosity of public pensions may depress private savings and provide incentives to retire early. While there is plenty of evidence supporting the latter effect, there remains considerable controversy over whether public pensions crowd out private savings. This paper uses international micro‐data sets collected over recent years to investigate whether public pensions displace private savings. The identification strategy relies not only on cross‐country differences in generosity but also on differences in the progressivity or non‐linearity of pension formulas across countries. We estimate that an extra dollar of pension wealth depresses accumulated financial assets around the time of retirement by 22 cents. An extra 10,000 dollars in public pension wealth reduces the average retirement age by roughly one month, which implies an elasticity of years of retirement with respect to pension wealth of 0.15.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition as a fundamental mechanism underlying the cancer phenotype
Authors: Cervantes-Arias A. , Pang L. Y. , Argyle D. J.
Published: March 2012

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process involved in embryonic development, wound healing and carcinogenesis. During this process, epithelial cells lose their defining characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties: loss of cell–cell adhesion; increased motility and invasiveness; resistance to apoptosis and changes in cellular morphology. EMT has been implicated as a driver of metastasis and tumour invasion, as this process allows cells to detach from their niche and migrate through blood and lymphatic vessels to invade different organs. This transition involves a diverse range of transcription factors, including Twist, Snail and ZEB1, and downstream transcriptional targets, including E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, fibronectin and vimentin. Recent evidence indicates that cancer stem cells are required for metastatic tumours to become established at a distant site, and that cancer cells undergoing EMT may develop stem‐cell characteristics as well as increased invasive potential. The role of EMT in cancer biology is newly emerging in the human field, and to date very little has been done in veterinary medicine. EMT may therefore be an important molecular determinant of tumour metastasis, and further understanding of this process may lead to novel drug targets to be exploited in both veterinary and human medicine.
Elemental Release from CoCr and NiCr Alloys Containing Palladium
Authors: Beck Kelly A. , Sarantopoulos Demetrios M. , Kawashima Isao , Berzins David W.
Published: March 2012

Purpose: An entirely new subclass of casting alloy composition whereby palladium (∼approximately 25 wt%) is added to traditional base metal alloys such as CoCr and NiCr was recently introduced to the market. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the elemental release of new CoPdCr and NiPdCr alloys and compare them to traditional CoCr and NiCr alloys.

Materials and Methods: Five casting alloys were investigated: CoPdCr‐A (NobleCrown NF, The Argen Corporation), CoPdCr‐I (Callisto CP+, Ivoclar Vivadent), NiPdCr (NobleCrown, Argen), CoCr (Argeloy N.P. Special, Argen), and NiCr (Argeloy N.P. Star, Argen). Rectangular specimens (n = 6/alloy) were prepared and immersed in a lactic acid/NaCl solution at 37°C for 7 days according to ISO 10271. Solutions were analyzed with ICP‐AES to determine elemental release. The concentrations of major ions (cobalt, nickel, palladium, chromium, and molybdenum) were compared using a generalized linear model (p < 0.05). Representative specimens were examined with optical microscopy before and after immersion.

Results: The CoPdCr alloys released a significantly greater amount of respective ions (Co, Cr, Mo, and total ions) compared to the traditional CoCr alloy. No significant differences in elemental release were noted between NiPdCr and NiCr. Optical microscopic examination showed abundant areas of corrosion in the palladium‐containing CoCr alloys after immersion, whereas little difference was observed for the other alloys.

Conclusions: Corrosion resistance measured via elemental release was compromised when CoCr was alloyed with palladium, but this effect was not observed with NiCr.
Who is the Church?
Authors: Peterson Cheryl M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Although the question of survival is on the mind of most mainline congregations in the United States, the real crisis facing the churches is one of identity. After briefly reviewing three theological paradigms for the church (Word‐event, communion, and missio dei), I propose that the question of the church's identity is best answered by returning to the “story of the church,” which properly “starts with the Spirit,” and by reclaiming a concept of the church as a Spirit‐breathed people who are called and sent.
The Church in the World: Shifting Notions of Ecclesial Identity among North American Mennonites
Authors: Roberts Laura Schmidt
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  At mid‐century, Harold S. Bender's “The Anabaptist Vision” provided a definition of sixteenth‐century Anabaptist tradition that clarified the self‐understanding of its contemporary Mennonite heirs and by which their faithfulness to the tradition might be judged. Critics of the vision, such as J. Lawrence Burkholder, sought reformulations of the vision's central tension between separation from and integration into “the world,” calling for greater social responsibility and for a recognition that the ambiguities of human existence extend to the church, of necessity qualifying its lived expressions of radical discipleship.
Détachement de travailleurs, élargissements de l'Union européenne et mondialisation du commerce des services
Authors: LALANNE Stéphane
Published: March 2012

L'Europe occidentale est la région du monde développé la plus favorable aux détachements de travailleurs. Les élargissements de l'Union européenne à l'Est ont accentué les disparités salariales entre Etats membres et les risques de dumping social. La libéralisation des détachements a d'abord été poursuivie dans le cadre de la stratégie pour le Marché intérieur des services. Devant la forte contestation rencontrée dans certains pays membres, les autorités communautaires sont poussées à améliorer la protection des travailleurs détachés en Europe. Laboratoire de la mondialisation, le marché intérieur européen montre que des garde‐fous sont nécessaires en contrepartie d'une libéralisation des détachements.
Emploi et réussite scolaire dans les écoles primaires au Chili, en Colombie, en Equateur et au Pérou
Authors: POST David
Published: March 2012

En Amérique latine, beaucoup d'élèves travaillent parallèlement à la poursuite de leur scolarité, soit à la maison, soit à l'extérieur. Partant de données récemment publiées, l'auteur applique la méthode des moindres carrés ordinaires à plusieurs niveaux pour détecter les associations entre le travail – intensité et localisation – et les résultats en calcul et en lecture à la fin de l'école primaire dans quatre pays andins. Même après contrôle d'un effet de sélection – les enfants qui travaillent sont ceux qui fréquentent les moins bonnes écoles –, l'emploi apparaît comme nuisible aux résultats scolaires, surtout lorsque sa durée est supérieure ou égale à quatre heures par jour.
L'influence des syndicats dans les entreprises espagnoles
Authors: GARCÍA‐OLAVERRI Carmen , HUERTA Emilio
Published: March 2012

L'activité syndicale a‐t‐elle une influence sur les politiques des ressources humaines et la productivité dans les entreprises espagnoles? Pour répondre, les auteurs considèrent le concept d'influence syndicale et la façon dont celle‐ci affecte certains aspects du fonctionnement des entreprises. A partir de deux enquêtes réalisées en 1996 et 2007 dans les établissements de plus de cinquante salariés, ils cherchent à vérifier si l'influence syndicale se manifeste de façon conforme aux discours traditionnels des organisations syndicales ou si rhétorique et pratique diffèrent. Ils observent que l'influence syndicale reste surtout associée aux salaires et à l'absentéisme.
Facteurs de scolarisation des enfants travailleurs: étude de cas au Bengale‐Occidental
Authors: Pal Manoranjan , Pal Jadab K. , Tiwari Hare Ram , Bharati Premananda
Published: March 2012

A partir de données recueillies auprès de 327 ménages où vit au moins un enfant travailleur en 2008, les auteurs examinent à l'aide de variables socio‐économiques et démographiques la corrélation entre travail des enfants et scolarisation. Les résultats montrent que les variables sociodémographiques exprimant le «degré de sensibilisation» des parents (par exemple, l'instruction) n'ont pas beaucoup d'effets sur le taux de scolarisation, contrairement aux variables économiques représentant le niveau de vie des ménages, qui ont une forte influence sur la fréquentation de l'école.
Les réformes du marché du travail au Japon et en République de Corée: étude de cas comparée de l'élaboration des politiques dans les années 2000
Authors: Yun Ji‐Whan
Published: March 2012

Dès la fin des années 1990, le Japon et la Corée ont entrepris des réformes du marché du travail souvent présentées comme un simple processus d'assouplissement. Partant, toutefois, de la perspective du «double mouvement» de Polanyi, l'auteur étudie la façon dont ces pays ont intensifié leur recours au marché tout en recherchant la stabilité sociale. Passant en revue les mesures législatives liées à la libéralisation de l'emploi et à la garantie de revenus, il analyse les différentes méthodes adoptées par ces deux pays pour réformer leur marché du travail. En conclusion, il avance que leurs voies de réformes divergentes tiennent à la spécificité des mécanismes utilisés pour élaborer leurs politiques ainsi qu'au contexte propre à chacun d'entre eux.