bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semen quality of Asian men
Authors: IWAMOTO TERUAKI , NOZAWA SHIARI , YOSHIIKE MIKI
Published: November 2007

After the controversial report by Carlsenet al. in 1992 showing a possible decline in human semen quality over the past 50 years, many laboratories investigated their own records of semen findings that had been kept for the past decades, and a significant decrease in sperm quality was reported from some laboratories, but not others. At the beginning of the 21st century, a definitive interpretation of this issue has not yet been offered; however, it seems plausible that there are large regional differences in semen quality. Decreases in semen quality have been reported from various regions around the world, and a concurrent rise in the incidence of other reproductive problems, such as testicular cancer and genital abnormalities, has been observed in many regions. However, most of the reports showing regional differences were from Western or Western‐derived countries, despite the fact that Asia is the region with the highest population on earth. Recently we undertook a cross‐sectional study on fertile men in Japan to describe the current status of semen quality of Japanese men. We took confounders into consideration to allow a comparison with a previous European study. Japanese fertile men proved to have a semen quality at the level of Danish men, who were reported to have the lowest level among the men examined in the European study. This low level of sperm concentration in fertile Japanese men may result from differences in lifestyle or other environmental factors, but we cannot rule out the possibility of ethnic differences caused by different genetic variation or combination. To address this issue we need more information on the reproductive function in Asian men, who have been reported to have certain differences in reproductive characteristics from Caucasian men. This article is an attempt to review our present knowledge concerning the current status of semen quality in healthy Asian men on the basis of the limited publications from Asia. (Reprod Med Biol 2007;6: 185–193)
Recombinant human albumin supports mouse blastocyst development, suppresses apoptosis in blastocysts and improves fetal development
Authors: TAKENAKA MANAMI , HORIUCHI TOSHITAKA
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Human serum albumin (HSA) is usually added to human in vitro fertilization culture medium to support embryo development, but carries some risk of contamination with various other compounds. Recombinant human albumin (rHA) has been shown to be a chemically defined protein. We evaluated the effect of rHA on mouse embryo development.

Methods:  B6D2F1 pronuclear oocytes were cultured in protein‐free potassium simplex optimized medium with non‐essential and essential amino acids supplemented with rHA, HSA (1 mg/mL) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 0.1 mg/mL) for 96 h. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of nitric oxide (NO) in blastocysts and fetal development after embryo transfer were examined.

Results:  Blastocyst development was equal in the three supplements. The incidence of apoptosis and the generation of NO in blastocysts developed in rHA was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in HSA or PVA. After transfer of blastocysts developed in rHA, the percentage of fetal development was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in HSA or PVA (75.8 ± 2.2%vs 46.8 ± 7.5% or 42.4 ± 3.9%, respectively).

Conclusions:  Supplementing culture medium with rHA resulted in decreased apoptosis and increased fetal development after embryo transfer. The results show that the presence of rHA in the culture medium is beneficial for producing high‐quality blastocysts. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 195–201)
Collection and culture of primordial germ cells from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: OKADA HIRONORI , HATORI MASANORI , SHIMOZAWA NOBUHIRO , TSUCHIYA HIDEAKI , KUWANA TAKASHI , SANKAI TADASHI
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To clarify the location of primordial germ cells (PGC) in an embryo of target‐age and to examine the culture environment of the PCG.

Methods:  The days of ovulation and fertilization were estimated by measuring the serum concentration of estrogen. Pregnancy was confirmed by measurement of the serum concentration of the beta subunit of macaque chorionic gonadotropin and by ultrasonography. We also examined the location of PGC in the embryo at the time of retrieval.

Results:  Results showed that PGC in an embryo were in the hindguts at day 30 postfertilization, arrived at the genital ridges via mesenteries at approximately day 33 postfertilization, and colonized the gonads by day 36 postfertilization.

Conclusions:  In conclusion, embryos collected on day 33 postfertilization are more suitable for obtaining PGC from cynomolgus monkeys. The PGC collected from cynomolgus monkey fetuses were cultured under conditions for the derivation and culture of human embryonic germ cells; enzymatically dispersed single cells were cultured on a SIM thioguanine‐resistant ouabain‐resistant cells (STO) feeder layer with recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor, recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor and forskolin. The cells from genital ridges and mesenteries at day 33 postfertilization had alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in vitro for a maximum of 13 days. In contrast, ALP activity had been held for 2 months under the same culture condition when the cells were derived from the gonads at day 66 postfertilization. Derivation of an embryonic germ cell from a cynomolgus monkey was not achieved from these cultures. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 203–210)
Beneficial effect of long zona dissection on frozen–thawed blastocysts at a young age
Authors: YAMAMOTO SETSUKO , UMEKI MICHIKO , KODOMA MIOKO , HAMANO TERUHIRO , MATSUSITA FUJIYO
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To assess the appropriateness of assisted hatching using long zona dissection of human frozen–thawed blastocysts at the time of warming, especially in women over 35 years of age or with repeated implantation failures.

Methods:  Of 177 frozen–thawed blastocyst transfer cycles, 89 control cycles had an intact zona and 88 cycles had assisted hatching using long zona dissection of human thawed blastocyst at the time of warming. These two groups were further subdivided by age to a total of four subgroups: ≤34 years (assisted hatching, n = 39; controls, n = 39) and ≥35 years (assisted hatching, n = 49; controls, n = 50). Twenty‐seven cycles in the control group and 28 cycles in the assisted‐hatching group had repeated implantation failures. The clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates and the implantation rate between the two groups were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:  The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates in women ≤34 years were significantly higher after the application of assisted hatching compared with the control group (87.2% and 71.2%vs 56.4% and 46.6%, P < 0.001). The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of women with repeated implantation failures were higher after the application of assisted hatching compared with the control group (64.3% and 46.3%vs 48.1% and 34.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:  Routine assisted hatching using long zona dissection at the time of warming on frozen–thawed blastocysts is a safe and easy method to perform and is extremely beneficial for increasing the pregnancy rate in young women ≤34 years of age, but not in women ≥35 years of age. Despite increased pregnancy and implantation rates in patients with repeated implantation failures, statistical significance was not achieved. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 211–218)
Obstetric outcomes of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization compared with those conceived spontaneously
Authors: SUZUKI SHUNJI , MIYAKE HIDEHIKO
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To examine the obstetric outcomes of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) compared with those conceived spontaneously.

Methods:  Data were collected from primiparous women aged 35 years and older with a singleton pregnancy conceived by IVF (n = 89) or spontaneously (n = 849). Data included antenatal data, gestational age at delivery, obstetric complications, such as pregnancy‐induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, placental previa and placental abruption, mode of delivery, birth weight, fetal demise and the Apgar score at 1 min.

Results:  The elective Cesarean rate in pregnancies following IVF was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.014). However, there were no significant differences in obstetric outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusions:  The current results did not support the IVF‐related risks of elderly primiparous singleton pregnancies. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 219–222)
Hormonal and histological study on irregular genital bleeding in patients with endometriosis during treatment with dienogest, a novel progestational therapeutic agent
Authors: IRAHARA MINORU , HARADA TASUKU , MOMOEDA MIKIO , TAMAKI YUJI
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Dienogest, a novel progestational 19‐norsteroid, has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on endometriosis with its major side‐effect being irregular genital bleeding. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism responsible for the bleeding seen during dienogest therapy.

Methods:  For this multicenter, single‐dose, open‐label study, dienogest at a daily oral dose of 2 mg was administered for 16 weeks to nine patients with endometriosis showing regular menstrual cycles. Weekly determinations of serum endocrine hormone levels during the course of the treatment period and histological endometrial biopsies at the onset of genital bleeding were undertaken.

Results:  All cases showed genital bleeding irregularly during the treatment period. Endometrial histological findings at the time of presentation of the bleeding revealed a secretory, inert or atrophic appearance of the epithelium, pseudo‐decidualization in the stroma, and local hemorrhage around the regions of desquamation of epithelium and lysis in the subepithelial stromal tissue, which are characteristics of breakthrough bleeding known to occur with progestational agents. In contrast, no association with the course of genital bleeding was found with respect to changes in serum estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, plasma dienogest concentration, endometrial thickness or follicular diameter.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that the genital bleeding seen in the period of medication with dienogest originated from breakthrough bleeding from the pseudodecidua, which reflects a direct progestational effect of dienogest on the endometrium. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 223–228)
Effect of fatty acids on boar sperm motility, viability and acrosome reaction
Authors: HOSSAIN MD SHAROARE , TAREQ K.M.A. , HAMMANO KO‐ICHI , TSUJII HIROTADA
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The present study was undertaken to determine which fatty acids improve motility, viability, and increase acrosome reaction (AR) in boar spermatozoa.

Methods:  Boar spermatozoa were washed, swum‐up and incubated at 37°C for 4 h in TALP medium supplemented with myristic, palmitic, stearic, lignoceric, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic and palmitoleic acid. Sperm motility, viability and AR were evaluated during 4 h of incubation.

Results:  Results show that oleic and linoleic acid significantly improved (P < 0.05) the motility and viability of boar spermatozoa. The AR was significantly improved (P < 0.05) by oleic and arachidonic acid in almost all incubation periods. When combinations of oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acid were studied for motility, viability and AR, it was found that oleic plus linoleic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) motility, whereas arachidonic plus oleic acid significantly increased (P < 0.05) AR.

Conclusion:  Unsaturated fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid, can improve boar sperm motility and AR. A combination of arachidonic and oleic acid is important for inducing boar sperm AR. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 235–239)
The effect of ant attendance on the success of rosy apple aphid populations, natural enemy abundance and apple damage in orchards
Authors: Stewart‐Jones A. , Pope T. W. , Fitzgerald J. D. , Poppy G. M.
Published: November 2007

1 The rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea, is the most serious pest of apple in Europe and, although conventionally controlled by insecticides, alternative management measures are being sought. Colonies of D. plantaginea are commonly attended by ants, yet the effects of this relationship have received little attention.

2 An ant exclusion study was conducted in two distant orchards within the U.K. At both sites, ants were excluded from a subset of D. plantaginea infested trees at the beginning of the season and populations were monitored. The number of natural enemies observed on trees was also recorded and, before harvest, the percentage of apples damaged by D. plantaginea calculated.

3 Overall, the exclusion of ants reduced the growth and eventual size of D. plantaginea populations. On trees accessed by ants, greater numbers of natural enemies were recorded, presumably because aphid populations were often greater on such trees. However, this increased natural enemy presence was diluted by the larger aphid populations such that individual aphids on ant‐attended trees were subjected to a lower natural enemy pressure compared with those on ant‐excluded trees.

4 At harvest, apple trees that had been accessed by ants bore a greater proportion of apples damaged by D. plantaginea. There were also differences in cultivar susceptibility to D. plantaginea damage.

5 The present study highlights the importance of the ant–D. plantaginea relationship and it ia suggested that ant manipulation, whether physically or by semiochemicals that disrupt the relationship, should be considered as a more prominent component in the development of future integrated pest management strategies.
Reproductive maturation in the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis: the relative importance of larval and adult diet
Authors: Thorpe Katherine , Day Keith
Published: November 2007

1 Larval and adult Hylobius abietis (L.) can feed and, in the case of the adults, cause commercially significant damage to many species of conifer. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of larval and adult feeding on different host plants on subsequent reproductive fitness.

2 Hylobius abietis larvae were reared on logs of four host species known to vary in suitability for development; Pinus nigra ssp. laricio, Picea sitchensis, Larix kaempferi and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Adult females were collected on emergence and allocated to complete maturation feeding on one of four seedling conifer species, P. nigra spp. laricio, P. sitchensis, P. menziesii and Larix ×marschlinsii. It was assumed that variation in both larval and adult host plant quality had the potential to influence subsequent reproductive behaviour.

3 The time taken for females to attain reproductive maturity was assessed, and reproductive output was measured over an average period of 17 days.

4 The best predictor of the time to attain reproductive maturity was found to be the initial adult body weight. This was strongly related to the larval host species, with the largest adults emerging from P. nigra ssp. laricio. The time taken to begin oviposition was in the range 10–49 days (mean 23 days). The subsequent mean rate of oviposition for individual females was in the range 0.1–3.7 eggs per day. Egg volumes varied between and within individual females, in the range 0.241–1.079 mm3.

5 The species of seedling provided for maturation feeding had no significant impact on reproductive behaviour over the course of the experiment. It is possible, however, that the quality of the adult diet might exert a greater influence on behaviour over a longer period because H. abietis is a relatively long‐lived species.
The Timing of International Expansion: Information, Rivalry and Imitation Among Japanese Firms, 1980–2002
Authors: Delios Andrew , Gaur Ajai S. , Makino Shige
Published: November 2007

abstract  Sociological‐based information theory and economics‐based competitive rivalry theory operate as the dominant theories of interorganizational mimetic behaviour. Recent work has sought to integrate the ideas in these theories, or determine which has greater explanatory power. In this study, we juxtapose the concepts in these two theories, to illustrate the complementary nature of information‐based and rivalry‐based theories of mimetic behaviour. Specifically, we consider how the predictions of information‐based theories are moderated by the home competitive context of the industry of a firm making an international expansion. Using a 1980 to 2002 sample of 4949 manufacturing plant entries made into 71 foreign countries by 783 publicly‐listed Japanese manufacturing firms, we find that the competitive context in the home industry influences the propensity of a focal firm to imitate the actions of rival firms. Our results support our contention that the two theoretical approaches are complementary, with the complementarities extending from the limitations of each approach.
Supplier‐Focused Knowledge Management in the Automobile Industry and Its Implications for Product Performance
Authors: Lakshman C. , Parente Ronaldo C.
Published: November 2007

abstract This study focuses on the impact of knowledge management in supplier relations (termed as supplier‐focused knowledge management, SFKM) within the automobile industry of an emerging economy (Brazil), on financial and product performance. A model of the relationship between supplier‐focused knowledge management, including its associated processes, and performance is described and the associated hypotheses are developed and then tested. Knowledge sharing through face‐to‐face communication is positively related to both product and financial performance, while technological knowledge sharing has a positive impact on product performance under conditions of high technological dynamism. Supplier involvement in the production process is related to product performance and use of knowledge management tools is related to financial performance. The results support the major hypotheses of our SFKM model. These results are discussed in the context of the knowledge management and supplier‐relations literatures in terms of the contributions, implications for research and practice, and directions for future research.
Disabling a family? Emotional dilemmas experienced in becoming a parent of a child with learning disabilities
Authors: Rogers Chrissie
Published: November 2007

Becoming the parent of a child diagnosed with learning disabilities can have a dramatic impact. Chrissie Rogers, the author of this article, is both a lecturer in education studies at Keele University and the mother of a daughter who has learning disabilities. She argues here that the pressures on mothers to produce ‘perfect’ babies and to meet all their needs are immense. These pressures arise from both internalised norms and societal expectations and, in the face of these pressures, parents may feel shock, loss and disappointment. These feelings may lead, in turn, to denial, anxiety and conflict affecting both the parents and the professionals involved with the family. Drawing on a series of in‐depth interviews and personal narratives, Chrissie Rogers makes a powerful case for the importance of support, whether that support is formal or informal. She suggests that, without the right levels of support and understanding, having a child with a diagnosis of learning disability can disable the whole family.
Experiences of a gifted and talented enrichment cluster for pupils aged five to seven
Authors: Morgan Anne
Published: November 2007

There has been an increased commitment to gifted and talented education in the UK in recent years, with a national strategy of grant‐funded programmes. However, research into the effective‐ness of gifted programmes is relatively limited. This paper, written by Anne Morgan of the Centre for Education and Inclusion Research at Sheffield Hallam University, investigates parents', teachers’ and children's experiences and views of the impact of an enrichment programme for gifted and talented pupils aged five to seven. Methods included a survey of mainstream teachers (n = 15), interviews with parents (n = 17) and activities with pupils (between 16 and 24 children). Results showed that children and parents rated the cluster highly, particularly the varied teaching styles and interaction with other gifted children. There were few concerns regarding withdrawal of children from school in order to attend. All parents felt that their children had benefited from attending and around half said there had been an impact on their social and academic development. Similarly, around half of mainstream teachers said that attending the cluster had benefited children socially and academically.
International mathematics tests and pupils with special educational needs
Authors: Clausen‐May Tandi
Published: November 2007

Tandi Clausen‐May is a principal research officer in the Department for Research in Assessment and Measurement at the National Foundation for Educational Research. In this article, she examines the accessibility for learners with special educational needs of some of the mathematics questions from tests used in the 2003 cycle of two international surveys. Aspects of the language and layout of the questions are considered in relation to the principles of universal design as these are being formulated in the context of test development. Some potential barriers to the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs are identified and possible alter‐native wording and presentation of the questions are suggested. Tandi Clausen‐May closes her article with a discussion of the way in which some of the principles of universal design might inform the development of more inclusive tests for the future.
The Literacy Early Action Project (LEAP): exploring factors underpinning progress with literacy for a child in his first year of school
Authors: Feiler Anthony , Logan Elaine
Published: November 2007

In this article, Anthony Feiler, senior lecturer in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Bristol, and Elaine Logan, lecturer in early years education at the City of Bristol College, present a case study of a child who made strong progress with literacy during his first year at school. The child and his family participated in the Literacy Early Action Project (LEAP), a home‐visiting scheme for children judged by school staff to be at risk of struggling with literacy. A teaching assistant made weekly home visits during the year and developed literacy support activities with the child's mother and grandparents. Five key factors underpinning the child's progress are identified here: the flexibility in the teaching assistant's approach that enabled extended family members to become engaged in literacy support; the teaching assistant's sensitivity to family culture; the playful approach to learning adopted by the teaching assistant; putting the child at the centre of the intervention; and the existence of a school culture that strongly promoted involvement for parents. Anthony Feiler and Elaine Logan conclude that teaching assistants in the UK might be given more scope to develop support strategies for early childhood education that involve collaborative work with parents.
Provision for youngsters with autistic spectrum disorders in mainstream schools: what parents say — and what parents want
Authors: Whitaker Philip
Published: November 2007

Relatively little research has focused on parental perceptions and experience of educational provision in mainstream settings for children and young people with autism. Much of that which has been undertaken (and certainly that which is most widely cited) has tended to rely on samples which may not be sufficiently representative. In the study reported here, Philip Whitaker, of the Children and Young People's Service in Northamptonshire sought the views of every parent or carer of a child with an autistic spectrum condition living within one English county. Almost half the parents of the 350 children attending mainstream schools responded to a questionnaire exploring their experiences, views, attitudes and levels of satisfaction. The analysis looks at the differences and similarities between the experiences and views of the ‘satisfied’ and ‘dissatisfied’ groups of parents.

Overall, 61% of respondents reported themselves satisfied with the provision being made for their children. The extent to which parents felt that school staff understood (and empathised) with their children's difficulties, and the perceived flexibility of the schools’ responses to the children's needs were the factors which most sharply differentiated the two groups of parents. The extent and quality of reciprocal communication between home and school also seemed strongly associated with levels of satisfaction. The two groups of parents shared many concerns, with the schools’ role in promoting social development and social relationships emerging as a high priority. Philip Whitaker discusses the implications of these findings for schools and for the development of local authority provision founded in mainstreaming.
Forgotten millions: a case of cultural and systemic bias
Authors: ALUR MITHU
Published: November 2007

In this article the author discusses concepts of exclusion and inclusion and how important it is to understand exclusionary practices in the context and culture specificity of each region to attempt to remove barriers to inclusive education. She specifically discusses the low status given to girls and women in the Indian culture and how this affects their education. Besides the socio‐cultural mores that she describes she argues that a major barrier can be institutionalized systems with entrenched laws that need changing. The author concludes with the argument that a right to education missing from any system is critical to address to avoid hidden issues that become entrenched and accepted as barriers to an inclusive system.
Learning about student voice
Authors: GUNTER HELEN , THOMSON PAT
Published: November 2007

We present a case study of working with a group of students as researchers and policy makers in their school. We argue that there is much to learn about the location of gender and class within processes of inclusion and exclusion, specifically how student voice can reveal their experiences in ways that adults may not be able to or wish to. We acknowledge that this type of work with students is not easy, but through our experience of working with students we report on how tackling inclusion for students needs to involve inclusion for teachers. Inclusion is a political process; it is activist and pedagogic.
Girls and special education in the Caribbean
Authors: LAVIA JENNIFER
Published: November 2007

This article focuses on special education as cultural representation and explores how it is fashioned by the realities of the Caribbean diaspora. These realities are framed within the context of the Caribbean's response to the global agenda of education for all and the development of learning support systems that are relevant to regional and national circumstances. Historical and contemporary accounts of policy development are discussed to exemplify the link between colonialism and the construction of difference. Particular consideration is given to how specific groups have been historically marginalized within an ideology of normalization. Identity accounts provide insights into how disabled girls and those labelled as having learning difficulties experience education and show how the expansion of special education through strategies for education for all provide social challenges and possibilities. Further, constraints on expansion of special education are considered in light of the socio‐economic developments of Caribbean countries.
Why Black girls don't matter: exploring how race and gender shape academic success in an inner city school
Authors: ROLLOCK NICOLA
Published: November 2007

The continued low academic attainment of Black pupils is now a well‐established, familiar feature of the annual statistics of educational attainment. Black pupils tend to consistently perform below their white counterparts and below the national average. Key debates, examining how to address the difference in attainment gap, have tended to focus almost exclusively on the achievements of Black male pupils with little explicit attention paid to the needs and experiences of their female counterparts. Based on ethnographic research that explores how staff and pupils at an inner city secondary school construct academic success, this paper reveals how and why Black female pupils have become silenced in these debates. Employing a Bourdieuian framework, it is argued that while prevalent discourses on femininity serve to increase Black girls’ legitimacy in the context of dominant school discourses on academic success, those on ethnicity serve simultaneously to downgrade their legitimacy, both minimizing their opportunities for high status academic success and rendering them invisible in the debates on Black attainment.
Metric Displacement Dissonance and Romantic Longing in the German Lied
Authors: Malin Yonatan
Published: November 2007

This article seeks to explore the hermeneutics of metric dissonance by examining the association between displacement or syncopation‐type conflicts and Romantic longing (Sehnsucht) in the German Lied. It includes close readings of music‐text relations in four specific songs: the ‘Wandrers Nachtlied II’ (Goethe/Schubert); ‘Intermezzo’ (Eichendorff/Schumann); ‘Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer’ (Lingg/Brahms); and ‘Unterm Schutz’ (George/Schoenberg). The primary methodology for the process of metric analysis derives from the work of Harald Krebs.

The article as a whole traces changes both in the use of displacement dissonance, and in the nature of Sehnsucht, as well as correlations between the two over the course of the ‘long nineteenth century’. The four analyses as a group outline an historical progression of ‘introduction’ (in Schubert), ‘intensification’ (in Schumann), ‘complication’ (in Brahms) and ‘refraction’ (in Schoenberg). The study thereby combines a history of metric dissonance – one of the recurring elements of nineteenth‐century style – with that of Sehnsucht – one of the most prominent features of Romantic consciousness.
The End of Die Feen and Wagner's Beginnings: Multiple Approaches to an Early Example of Double‐Tonic Complex, Associative Theme and Wagnerian Form
Authors: Bribitzer‐stull Matthew
Published: November 2007

Examples of directional tonality, associative tonality, associative theme and motivic parallelism all appear in the Act III Finale to Die Feen, Wagner's first complete opera. The inter‐relationships evident among these compositional principles foreshadow a level of sophistication usually attributed to the more mature music dramas, suggesting that the keys to unlocking das Geheimnis der Form can, in some senses, be found in an understanding of the earlier works. The present study adopts a range of theoretical paradigms in order to address the variety of Wagner's musical and dramatic techniques. Used in conjunction, Schenkerian generative views of tonality, Robert Bailey's dramatic‐tonal concepts, neo‐Riemannian transformations and an understanding of thematic association enable a series of analytical observations unattainable through any single interpretative approach.
Rioting with Stravinsky: a Particular Analysis of the Rite of Spring
Authors: Chua Daniel K. L
Published: November 2007

The riot that greeted the Rite of Spring only found its analytical counterpart some 70 years after its première, with factions headed by Pieter van den Toorn, Richard Taruskin and Allen Forte. But the analytical tussle was hardly a genuine riot in as much the differing camps subscribed to a premise of authenticity in order to stabilise the work under a universal concept: the result was a Rite unified by theory. The scholars may have battled with each other, but the music was not allowed to have its own riot. This article suggests a more contingent analysis of the Rite, focussing on the rebellion of the particular against the universal. The point is not to champion an anarchic or barbaric reading of the music, which is often attributed to the work because of the ballet's violent content, but to open the possibility of a new order that arises from the rioting particular.
Global meta‐analysis shows that relationships of leaf mass per area with species shade tolerance depend on leaf habit and ontogeny
Authors: Lusk Christopher H. , Warton David I.
Published: November 2007

It was predicted that relationships of leaf mass per area (LMA) with juvenile shade tolerance will depend on leaf habit, and on whether species are compared at a common age as young seedlings, or at a common size as saplings. A meta‐analysis of 47 comparative studies (372 species) was used to test predictions, and the effect of light environment on this relationship. The LMA of evergreens was positively correlated with shade tolerance, irrespective of ontogeny or light environment. The LMA of young seedlings (≤ 1 yr) of deciduous species in low light was also positively correlated with shade tolerance; more weakly so in high light. By contrast, size‐specific comparisons of deciduous saplings gave negative correlations of LMA with shade tolerance. Independent contrasts and cross‐species analyses yielded broadly similar results. We conclude that ontogeny strongly influences the relationship of LMA with shade tolerance of deciduous trees, but has little impact on that of evergreens. Size‐specific comparisons reveal opposing trends in deciduous and evergreen taxa: the negative relationship of LMA with shade tolerance of deciduous species is probably dominated by interspecific differences in palisade thickness, whereas patterns in evergreens are probably shaped more by the degree of structural reinforcement, linked to wide variation in leaf lifespan.
Ecological limits to plant phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Valladares Fernando , Gianoli Ernesto , Gómez José M.
Published: November 2007

ContentsSummary749I.Phenotypic plasticity: if so good, why so little?750II.Ecological constraints caused by abiotic factors751III.Ecological constraints caused by biotic factors753IV.Ecological costs: influence of plasticity on species interactions755V.Plasticity and global change757VI.Concluding remarks758Acknowledgements759References759
Systematic review: Accuracy of body mass index in predicting pre‐eclampsia: bivariate meta‐analysis
Authors: Cnossen JS , Leeflang MMG , De Haan EEM , Mol BWJ , Van Der Post JAM , Khan KS , Ter Riet G
Published: November 2007

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) (pre‐pregnancy or at booking) in predicting pre‐eclampsia and to explore its potential for clinical application.

Design Systematic review and bivariate meta‐analysis.

Setting Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDION, manual searching of reference lists of review articles and eligible primary articles, and contact with experts.

Population Pregnant women at any level of risk in any healthcare setting.

Methods Reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data on study characteristics, quality, and accuracy. No language restrictions.

Main outcome measures Pooled sensitivities and specificities (95% CI), a summary receiver operating characteristic curve, and corresponding likelihood ratios (LRs). The potential value of BMI was assessed by combining its predictive capacity for different prevalences of pre‐eclampsia and the therapeutic effectiveness (relative risk 0.90) of aspirin.

Results A total of 36 studies, testing 1 699 073 pregnant women (60 584 women with pre‐eclampsia), met the selection criteria. The median incidence of pre‐eclampsia was 3.9% (interquartile range 1.4–6.8). The area under the curve was 0.64 with 93% of heterogeneity explained by threshold differences. Pooled estimates (95% CI) for all studies with a BMI ≥ 25 were 47% (33–61) for sensitivity and 73% (64–83) for specificity; and 21% (12–31) and 92% (89–95) for a BMI ≥ 35. Corresponding LRs (95% CI) were 1.7 (0.3–11.9) for BMI ≥ 25 and 0.73 (0.22–2.45) for BMI < 25, and 2.7 (1.0–7.3) for BMI ≥ 35 and 0.86 (0.68–1.07) for BMI < 35. The number needed to treat with aspirin to prevent one case of pre‐eclampsia ranges from 714 (no testing, low‐risk women) to 37 (BMI ≥ 35, high‐risk women).

Conclusions BMI appears to be a fairly weak predictor for pre‐eclampsia. Although BMI is virtually free of cost, noninvasive, and ubiquitously available, its usefulness as a stand‐alone test for risk stratification must await formal cost‐utility analysis. The findings of this review may serve as input for such analyses.
Change in knowledge of midwives and obstetricians following obstetric emergency training: a randomised controlled trial of local hospital, simulation centre and teamwork training
Authors: Crofts JF , Ellis D , Draycott TJ , Winter C , Hunt LP , Akande VA
Published: November 2007

Objectives  To explore the effect of obstetric emergency training on knowledge. Furthermore, to assess if acquisition of knowledge is influenced by the training setting or teamwork training.

Design  A prospective randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Training was completed in six hospitals in the South West of England, UK and at the Bristol Medical Simulation Centre, UK.

Population  Midwives and obstetric doctors working for the participating hospitals were eligible for inclusion in the study. A total of 140 participants (22 junior and 23 senior doctors, 47 junior and 48 senior midwives) were studied.

Methods  Participants were randomised to one of four obstetric emergency training interventions: (1) 1‐day course at local hospital, (2) 1‐day course at simulation centre, (3) 2‐day course with teamwork training at local hospital and (4) 2‐day course with teamwork training at simulation centre.

Main outcome measures  Change in knowledge was assessed by a 185 question Multiple‐Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) completed up to 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after the training intervention.

Results  There was a significant increase in knowledge following training; mean MCQ score increased by 20.6 points (95% CI 18.1–23.1, P < 0.001). Overall, 123/133 (92.5%) participants increased their MCQ score. There was no significant effect on the MCQ score of either the location of training (two‐way analysis of variants P = 0.785) or the inclusion of teamwork training (P = 0.965).

Conclusions  Practical, multiprofessional, obstetric emergency training increased midwives’ and doctors’ knowledge of obstetric emergency management. Furthermore, neither the location of training, in a simulation centre or in local hospitals, nor the inclusion of teamwork training made any significant difference to the acquisition of knowledge in obstetric emergencies.
The effect of hyoscine butylbromide on the first stage of labour in term pregnancies
Authors: Samuels LA , Christie L , Roberts‐Gittens B , Fletcher H , Frederick J
Published: November 2007

Objective  To determine whether hyoscine butylbromide shortens the first stage of labour, without an increase in maternal or neonatal complications.

Design  Randomised, double‐blinded, controlled trial.

Setting  The Antenatal clinics and Labour and Delivery ward of the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.

Population  Women in spontaneous labour at term.

Methods  Either drug or placebo was given intravenously once the women entered active labour.

Main outcome measures  The duration of the first stage of labour. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of the duration of the second and third stages of labour, blood loss at delivery, rate of caesarean section, and APGAR scores in the neonates between the two groups.

Results  A total of 129 women yielded data for analysis. Of these, 69 women received the placebo and 60 received hyoscine butylbromide. The mean time for the first stage in the control group was 228 minutes, compared with 156 minutes in the drug group, representing a decrease of 31.7% (P = 0.001). There was no significant change in the duration of the second and third stages of labour, and no difference in blood loss or in APGAR scores. There was a slight (but statistically insignificant) increase in the caesarean section rate.

Conclusion  Hyoscine butylbromide is effective in significantly reducing the duration of the first stage of labour, and it is not associated with any obvious adverse outcomes in mother or neonate.
Annual surveillance by CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian cancer in both high‐risk and population risk women is ineffective
Authors: Woodward ER , Sleightholme HV , Considine AM , Williamson S , McHugo JM , Cruger DG
Published: November 2007

Objective  To assess the efficacy of annual CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) scan as surveillance for ovarian cancer.

Design  Retrospective audit.

Setting  NHS Trust.

Population  Three hundred and forty‐one asymptomatic women enrolled for ovarian cancer screening: 179 were in a high‐risk group (>10% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer), 77 in a moderate risk group (4–10% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer) and 71 in a near population risk group (<4% lifetime risk).

Methods  Retrospective audit of case records, laboratory CA125 results, radiology reports, histology records and local cancer registry data.

Main outcome measures  Ovarian cancers occurring in study population. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of TVU, and CA125 as a screening tool for ovarian cancer.

Results  Four ovarian cancers and one endometrial cancer occurred. One ovarian cancer was detected at surveillance, three occurred in women who presented symptomatically between screenings. Thirty women underwent exploratory surgery because of abnormal findings at surveillance. Two women had cancer (PPV = 6.7%); one had ovarian cancer and the other endometrial cancer. Twenty‐eight women (93.3%) had no malignancy. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for TVU in the whole cohort were 33.3, 85.8, 0.6 and 99.8%, respectively. For high‐risk individuals, the figures for TVU were 33.3, 84.5, 1.1 and 99.6, respectively. Combining both modalities for the whole cohort, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 66.7, 82.9, 1.5 and 99.8% and 50.0, 82.8, 1.3 and 99.7%, respectively, for the high‐risk group alone.

Conclusions  Ovarian screening by annual TVU and CA125 is inefficient at detecting early‐stage ovarian cancers.
Explaining differences in birthweight between ethnic populations. The Generation R Study
Authors: Troe EJWM , Raat H , Jaddoe VWV , Hofman A , Looman CWN , Moll HA , Steegers EAP , Verhulst FC , Witteman JCM , Mackenbach JP
Published: November 2007

Objective  To examine whether differences in birthweight of various ethnic groups residing in the Netherlands can be explained by determinants of birthweight.

Design  Population‐based birth cohort study.

Setting  Data of pregnant women and their partners in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Population  We examined data of 6044 pregnant women with a Dutch, Moroccan, Turkish, Capeverdean, Antillean, Surinamese‐Creole, Surinamese‐Hindustani and Surinamese‐other ethnic background.

Methods  Regression analyses were used to assess the impact of biomedical, socio‐demographic and lifestyle‐related determinants on birthweight differences.

Main outcome measure  Birthweight was established immediately after delivery in grams.

Results  Compared with mean birthweight of offspring of Dutch women (3485 g, SD 555), the mean birthweight was lower in all non‐Dutch populations, except in Moroccans. Differences ranged from an 88‐g lower birthweight in offspring of the Turkish women to a 424‐g lower birthweight in offspring of Surinamese‐Hindustani women. Differences in gestational age, maternal and paternal height largely explained the lower birthweight in the Turkish, Antillean, Surinamese‐Creole and Surinamese‐other populations. Differences in birthweight between the Dutch and the Capeverdean and Surinamese‐Hindustani populations could only partly be explained by the studied determinants.

Conclusions  These results confirm significant differences in birthweight between ethnic populations that can only partly be understood from established determinants of birthweight. The part that is understood points to the importance of determinants that cannot easily be modified, such as parental height. Further study is necessary to obtain a fuller understanding.
Systematic review: Cervical stitch (cerclage) for preventing pregnancy loss: individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Jorgensen AL , Alfirevic Z , Tudur Smith C , Williamson PR ,   cerclage IPD Meta‐analysis Group
Published: November 2007

Background  Several observational studies have claimed high success rates for cerclage in women with cervical insufficiency. A recent Cochrane review found no conclusive evidence of benefit, although significant heterogeneity was present for some of the important clinical outcomes.

Objectives  We undertook an individual patient data (IPD) meta‐analysis to examine effect of cerclage on neonatal and maternal outcomes. In an attempt to explain the heterogeneity, we investigated whether obstetric factors including multiple gestation are associated with effectiveness.

Search strategy  Search methods described in the original Cochrane review were adopted and updated to December 2005.

Selection criteria  This IPD systematic review and meta‐analysis was of randomised trials comparing cervical cerclage during pregnancy with expectant management or no cerclage in women with confirmed or suspected as having cervical insufficiency.

Analysis  Multilevel logistic regression models stratified by trial with random treatment effects were fitted to investigate the impact of obstetric factors and multiple gestation on treatment effect. Primary outcome measures were pregnancy loss or death before discharge from hospital and absence of neonatal morbidity.

Main results  The meta‐analysis included seven trials and 2091 randomised women. In singleton pregnancies, the reduction in pregnancy loss or death before discharge from hospital following cerclage failed to reach statistical significance (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.60–1.10). Cerclage was found to have a detrimental effect on the outcome of pregnancy loss or death before discharge from hospital in multiple gestations (OR 5.88; 95% CI 1.14–30.19), although only a small number of multiple pregnancies were included in the analysis. Neither indication for cerclage nor obstetric history was found to have a statistically significant impact on the effect of cerclage.

Conclusions  Cerclage may reduce the risk of pregnancy loss or neonatal death before discharge from hospital in singleton pregnancies thought to be at risk of preterm birth, but further large trials are needed to elucidate the risk‐benefit ratio precisely. Cerclage in multiple pregnancies should be avoided. The efficacy of cerclage was not influenced by either indication for cerclage or mother’s obstetric history.