bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation in very small infants
Authors: Mekeel Kristin L. , Langham Max R. , Gonzalez‐Peralta Regino P. , Hemming Alan W.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Background: This study examines the results of liver transplantation (LT) in children 5 kg or less. Reports suggest an increased morbidity and mortality in children weighing 5 kg or less as compared to larger children. However, over half of all children needing LT are <1 year old. Improving outcomes in very small children is a major goal of liver transplantation. Methods: All children under 21 years of age transplanted from January 1990 to June 2005 were included in this study. One hundred sixty‐eight primary liver transplants were done: 61 in children less than one year of age and 20 in infants weighing 5 kg or less at LT (2 to 5 kg). These 20 infants underwent 23 transplants. Whole organs were used in 39% of transplants, and reduced or split grafts were used in 61%. Arterial reconstruction using aortic conduits was done in 22%. Analysis included Fischer's exact or Chi square test for non‐parametric analysis while patient survival was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method test with differences in survival assessed using the log rank test. Results: Five‐year survival for infants 5 kg or less was 74%, and graft survival was 60%, which was not different from patients transplanted that were >5 kg. There were three perioperative deaths, one from primary graft non‐function, and two from portal vein thrombosis. There were no bile leaks or hepatic artery thromboses. Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections made up the vast majority of the postoperative complications (65%), with viral infections resulting in two graft losses requiring re‐transplantation. Rejection occurred in 25% of patients, of which one required OKT3. Five of the 23 liver transplants in infants less than 5 kg were done prior to 1996, with a five‐year graft survival of only 20%. Improvements in technique and postoperative care after 1996 led to improved graft and patient survival of 77% and 86% respectively. Conclusions: Liver transplantation for infants weighing less than 5 kilograms can be technically challenging but can have equivalent graft and patient survival when compared to larger children requiring liver transplantation. Infants should not be denied liver transplantation based on weight alone.
Morbidity and mortality of children with chronic liver diseases who were listed for liver transplantation in Iran
Authors: Dehghani S. M. , Gholami S. , Bahador A. , Nikeghbalian S. , Salahi H. , Imanieh M. H. , Haghighat M. , Davari H. R. , Mehrabani D. , Malek‐Hosseini S. A.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for end‐stage liver disease in children, but donor shortage is still a main problem in this age group. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the complications and mortality of liver disease in children waiting for transplantation. We analyzed medical records of 83 children aged <18 yr, who were listed for liver transplantation but the organ was not available for them between 1999 and 2006. The outcome was assessed from their records or follow‐up data. Among the children (mean age, 8 ± 5 yr; 50.5% boys) listed for liver transplantation, but the organ was not available for them, the common causes of cirrhosis were biliary atresia (27.7%) and cryptogenic (24.1%). The mean follow‐up duration was 14 ± 13.4 months (range 0.5–54 months). Sixty‐seven (80.7%) patients developed one or more complications while awaiting transplantation. The most common complications were gastrointestinal bleeding (44.6%), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (36.1%), infectious complications (28.9%), encephalopathy (24.1%), renal (18.1%), and pulmonary problems (10.8%). Fifty‐one (61.4%) patients needed hospital admission because of complications and 26 (31.3%) patients died while awaiting transplantation. About two‐thirds of children listed for liver transplantation needed hospital admission because of complications and one‐third of them died without any liver transplantation. It seems that more split liver transplantation as well as the introduction of a live‐related program in our center will provide many benefits to our children.
Molecular and family analyses revealed two novel RHD alleles in a survey of a Chinese RhD‐negative population
Authors: Ye L.‐Y. , Guo Z.‐H. , Li Q. , Zhu Z.‐Y.
Published: January 2007

Background and Objectives  RHD alleles are considered variable in the Chinese RhD‐negative persons. The purpose of the present work was to elucidate the molecular bases of two novel RHD alleles identified in a survey of a Chinese RhD‐negative population.

Materials and Methods  A total of 163 RhD‐negative blood samples were investigated. The sequences of RHD exons were examined by RHD exon specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). Characterizations of RHD intron 2 and Rhesus box were performed by PCR‐PstI digestion. The DNA and cDNA sequences of the novel alleles were determined by PCR and reverse transcriptase‐PCR (RT‐PCR) sequencing analysis. A family study was performed to investigate the segregation of a novel RHD allele.

Results  One hundred and twenty‐nine samples (79·1%) had no RHD gene. Twenty‐seven samples (16·6%) carried RHD‐CE‐D hybrid alleles. The remainder seven samples (4·3%) appeared to have an intact RHD gene. Three of them were sequenced for RHD gene and two novel alleles, RHD 325del and RHD intron 2 1A, were identified. The deletion of a nucleotide A at position 325 in the allele RHD 325del resulted in a stop codon at amino acid position 118. The RHD intron 2 1A allele was generated from a splice mutation and its transcript sequence had no exon 2. Family study indicated that the RHD 325del allele was inherited with a Ce haplotype.

Conclusion  This study provides the molecular bases of RHD alleles RHD 325del and RHD intron 2 1A. The existences of RHD 711del, RH (D1 CE2‐9 D10), and RH (D1 CE2‐9 D10) alleles in the Chinese population were confirmed. A PCR‐SSP‐based assay for rapid detection of RHD 325del and RHD intron 2 1A alleles was established and it could be used to predict the RHD genotype in the Chinese RhD‐negative subjects.
White‐blood‐cell‐containing allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative infection or mortality: an updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Vamvakas E. C.
Published: January 2007

Background  Additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing recipients of non‐white‐blood‐cell‐(WBC)‐reduced and WBC‐reduced allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) have been reported since the undertaking of previous meta‐analyses of the association of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) with postoperative infection and/or mortality. Because no further RCTs are underway, a final meta‐analysis of all available RCTs was conducted.

Methods  RCTs reporting on the association of ABT with postoperative infection and/or short‐term (up to 3‐month post‐transfusion), all‐cause mortality were retrieved. Twelve RCTs reporting on infection and 11 RCTs reporting on mortality were eligible for meta‐analysis. Summary odds ratios (ORs) of infection or mortality in recipients of WBC‐containing ABT vs. WBC‐reduced ABT were calculated across the studies.

Results  An association of ABT with postoperative infection was demonstrated across RCTs transfusing RBCs WBC‐reduced after storage [summary OR = 2·25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·12–4·25] but not before storage (summary OR = 1·06; 95% CI, 0·91–1·24). An association of ABT with mortality was demonstrated across RCTs conducted in cardiac surgery (summary OR = 1·72, 95% CI, 1·05–2·81) and across RCTs transfusing buffy‐coat‐reduced RBCs vs. RBCs WBC‐reduced before storage (summary OR = 1·60; 95% CI, 1·14–2·24), but not across RCTs transfusing non‐buffy‐coat‐reduced RBCs vs. RBCs WBC‐reduced before storage (summary OR = 1·01; 95% CI, 0·73–1·40).

Conclusions  An association between ABT and postoperative infection or short‐term mortality is not detected across all clinical settings and transfused RBC products. An association between ABT and mortality is detected in cardiac surgery, but the other associations found in subgroup analyses contradict current theories about mechanism(s) of the ABT effect.
Food intake and ingredient profile affect viscosity of ileal digesta of dogs
Authors: Dikeman C. L. , Murphy M. R. , Fahey G. C.
Published: January 2007

Two experiments were conducted to determine dietary factors affecting digesta viscosity. In experiment 1, six ileal‐cannulated dogs were either full (607.1 kJ/BW0.67) or restricted (303.5 kJ/BW0.67) fed. In experiment 2, four dog foods were surveyed for effects on digesta viscosity based on protein source [animal protein (AP) or plant protein (PP)] or dietary fibre source [soluble dietary fibre (SDF) or insoluble dietary fibre (IDF)]. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher (p < 0.05) when dogs were full (11.4 g/kg) compared with restricted fed (5.98 g/kg). Ileal digesta viscosity tended to be higher (p = 0.07) for full fed [10 251 centipoise (cP)] compared with restricted‐fed dogs (6677 cP). Ileal digesta viscosities were 6561, 11 074, 13 830 and 15 967 cP for dogs consuming IDF, SDF, AP and PP treatments respectively. Ileal DM concentrations were 11.4%, 13.6%, 14.8% and 14.8% for SDF, IDF, AP and PP treatments respectively. DM digestibility coefficients were lowest (71.2%) for the PP treatment and highest (88.7%) for the IDF treatment. Organic matter digestibilities followed a similar pattern. Ileal digesta viscosity of dogs appears to increase with increased diet intake, and increased ileal DM concentration. More digestible diets result in less ileal DM and lower viscosity constants.
Effect of linseed cake supplementation on digestibility and faecal and haematological parameters in dogs
Authors: Kempe R. , Saastamoinen M.
Published: January 2007

The experiment was conducted with a 6 × 4 cyclic changeover design. Six adult Alaskan huskies were assigned to diets containing 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% linseed cake. A linear decrease in the apparent digestibilities of organic matter (OM) (p < 0.020), ether extract (EE) (p < 0.003), neutral detergent fibre (p < 0.015), nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) (p < 0.001) and crude carbohydrates (p < 0.001) was noted. Digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were unaffected by the treatment. Wet weight of faeces increased (p < 0.001) and DM of faeces decreased (p < 0.001) linearly as the percentage of dietary linseed cake increased. Serum cholesterol concentration tended to decrease (p = 0.094) as the proportion of linseed cake increased. Apparent OM, EE, CP and NFE digestibility coefficients for linseed cake were 52%, 77%, 54% and 37%, respectively, and the digestible energy (DE) value was 13.22 MJ/kg DM. Our results showed that working and racing dogs fed the extruded and kibbled diet can utilize up to 4.2% linseed cake of diet DM as a fibre source without severe reductions in nutrient digestibility or feed consumption. Even higher levels of linseed cake, up to 8.5% of diet DM, can be used for normal or obese dogs, but more faeces will be excreted.
Effect of exogenous growth‐hormone‐releasing factor on blood metabolites and minerals in late maturing buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Haldar A. , Prakash B. S.
Published: January 2007

Previous studies have suggested that growth‐hormone‐releasing factor (GRF) enhanced growth and advanced puberty onset along with hormonal changes in buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis). However, it is not known to what extent exogenous GRF could influence blood metabolites and minerals to bring about puberty in buffalo heifers. Therefore, we planned to investigate the effect of exogenous bovine GRF (bGRF) on blood metabolites and minerals in buffalo heifers during a 3‐month pre‐treatment period, 9‐month treatment period and 1‐month post‐treatment period. Six buffalo heifers were treated intravenously with bGRF (10 μg per 100 kg body weight) at 15‐day interval for 9 months. Another six buffalo heifers of weight‐ and age‐matched received requisite amount of vehicle (0.9% NaCl solution) during the same period. Exogenous bGRF enhanced (p < 0.01) plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations in treatment group when compared with control group during the treatment and post‐treatment period, while plasma alpha‐amino nitrogen (AAN) concentrations showed a decreasing trend (p < 0.05) in the treatment group when compared with the control group during the treatment and post‐treatment periods. The plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi) was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group animals in comparison with the levels recorded in the control group animals during the treatment as well as post‐treatment periods. However, there was no change (p > 0.05) in plasma glucose and calcium concentrations between the two groups. Plasma NEFA was found to be positively correlated with plasma growth hormone (GH); however, it was only significant for the treatment group (r = + 0.76; p < 0.05). Plasma AAN in the treatment group exhibited negative correlation with plasma GH (r = 0.72; p < 0.05), while plasma AAN and GH were recorded to be positively correlated in the control group (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). The present findings suggest that exogenous bGRF induces GH release that increases plasma NEFA and Pi and decreases AAN concentrations, which probably help to reach a certain physiological state that initiates events necessary for bringing about puberty in buffalo heifers.
Rate of metabolic decarboxylation of leucine as assessed by a l[1‐13C1]leucine breath test combined with indirect calorimetry of broiler chickens fed isocaloric diets with different protein:fat ratio
Authors: Swennen Q. , Laroye C. , Janssens G. , Verbeke K. , Decuypere E. , Buyse J.
Published: January 2007

Research has shown that broiler chickens reared on a low‐protein diet have a more efficient protein digestion. However, information on the fate of absorbed amino acids in relation to the dietary crude protein level in poultry is sparse. Therefore, this study aimed at developing a methodology for a 1‐13C1‐leucine breath test combined with indirect calorimetry, and to apply this technique using broiler diets known to induce differences in protein retention. From 14 days of age onwards, broiler chickens were reared on one of two isocaloric diets with substitutions between fat and protein [low‐protein (LP) vs. high‐protein (HP) diet: 130.4 vs. 269 g protein/kg; and 101.8 vs. 27.9 g fat/kg]. Every 4 or 5 days, three chickens per diet were placed in the respiratory cells for 48 h. The broilers were intubated with 40 mg 1‐13C1‐leucine/kg body weight, followed by breath sampling for 4 h at 15‐min intervals and mass spectrometric analysis of the 13C:12C ratio in the samples. The CO2 level in the respiratory cell air was monitored and excreta samples were collected. The methodology to study l[1‐13C1]leucine decarboxyation in chickens using a breath test combined with indirect calorimetry was accomplished. Results of the nitrogen balance test indicated that the LP broilers had an improved dietary protein retention compared with the HP animals. Moreover, LP chickens decarboxylated a significantly lower percentage of l[1‐13C1]leucine, demonstrating several ‘protein‐ or amino acid‐sparing’ mechanisms in animals reared on a diet with lower protein level, both at the digestive and at the postabsorptive level.
Colonization of Female Watermelon Blossoms by Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli and the Relationship between Blossom Inoculum Dosage and Seed Infestation
Authors: Lessl J. T. , Fessehaie A. , Walcott R. R.
Published: January 2007

The aim of this work was to investigate the ability of Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli, the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch of cucurbits (BFB), to colonize female watermelon blossoms, and to explore the relationship between blossom inoculum dosage and seed infestation. Under greenhouse conditions A. avenae ssp. citrulli colonized stigmas and styles of female watermelon blossoms reaching populations of ≈107 to 108 colony‐forming units (CFU) per blossom for 96 h after inoculation. Acidovorax avenae ssp. citrulli growth on stigmas was slower than that of Pseudomonas syringae Cit7, a non‐pathogenic, foliar epiphyte of tomato. While pollination reduced growth of A. avenae ssp. citrulli, but P. syringae Cit7 was unaffected. Both bacteria colonized style tissues but bacterial growth in the style was significantly less than the stigma. Blossom inoculation with ≈1 × 103A. avenae ssp. citrulli CFU/blossom led to 36–55% infested seedlots within symptomless fruits. On average 14% of the seedlings produced from these seedlots displayed BFB symptoms. There was a strong positive correlation between A. avenae ssp. citrulli inoculum concentration applied to blossoms and the percentage of infested seedlots, as determined by the seedling grow‐out assay (R2 = 0.94). However, this relationship was weaker when seedlot infestation was determined by a polymerase chain reaction‐based assay (R2 = 0.34). There was also a strong positive linear relationship between A. avenae ssp. citrulli blossom inoculum dose and the mean percentage of BFB‐infected seedlings (R2 = 0.99) produced in seedling grow‐out assays. These data support the hypothesis that blossom colonization might be involved in seed infestation under field conditions.
Clinical usage of the squamous cell carcinoma antigen in patients with penile cancer
Authors: Touloupidis Stavros , Zisimopoulos Athanasios , Giannakopoulos Stylianos , Papatsoris Athanasios G , Kalaitzis Christos , Thanos Anastasios
Published: January 2007

Background:  We present our initial experience with the use of the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen (SCCAg) in 16 men with penile SCC (SCC group), in four men with condyloma acuminatum (benign group), and in 32 blood donors (control group).

Methods:  The SCCAg levels were measured at presentation and every 6 months (upper limit was 2 ng/mL). The mean follow‐up time was 4 years.

Results:  All non‐SCC patients had normal SSCAg serum levels in contrast with the SCC patients. The presence of nodal and/or distant metastases resulted in statistically significant higher SCCAg levels, both at presentation and during the follow‐up. In patients undergoing lymph node dissection with elevated SCCAg levels prior to the procedure, there was a statistically significant decrease of the SCCAg levels after the operation.

Conclusion:  The SCCAg level could be a serum marker that holds promise for clinical use in penile SCC. Sequential monitoring of SCCAg level might indicate developing of nodal and/or distant metastases and could be useful in following the response to treatment.
Intravesical instillation therapy with bacillus Calmette‐Guérin for superficial bladder cancer: Study of the mechanism of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin immunotherapy
Authors: Shintani Yasuyo , Sawada Yoshihisa , Inagaki Takeshi , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Uekado Yasunari , Shinka Toshiaki
Published: January 2007

Aim:  In order to clarify the initial step of the mechanism by which bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) exhibits antitumor activity via the immune response induced in the bladder submucosa after intravesical BCG therapy for human bladder cancer, various cytokines secreted in the urine after BCG instillation were measured.

Methods:  After transurethral resection of bladder cancer, a 6‐week course of BCG instillation was performed. At the first and sixth weeks' dosings, spontaneously excreted urine was collected before and 4, 8, and 24 h after BCG instillation. The urinary cytokines were determined by Sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibodies against granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and IL‐12.

Results:  After the BCG therapy, various cytokines, such as GM‐CSF, TNF‐α, G‐CSF, IL‐1β, IL‐8, IFN‐γ, and IL‐12 were secreted, comprising the immune response cascade. The mean urinary excretions of GM‐CSF and TNF‐α 4 h after the sixth week's instillation were significantly higher than the pre‐instillation levels. There were no significant increases in the urinary IFN‐γ or IL‐12 levels between 4 and 24 h after the sixth week's instillation. The TNF‐α level 4 h after the sixth week's instillation had a strong tendency towards the absence of recurrence, with a mean follow‐up of 54.1 months. The Kaplan‐Meier curve showed the 2, 5, and 10‐year recurrence‐free survival rates were 72.4%, 65.8%, and 56.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:  We suggested that the urinary levels of TNF‐α might be essential in antitumor activity after BCG therapy and might play an important role in the prevention of bladder tumor recurrence.
Assessment of small‐dose fentanyl and sufentanil blunting the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in children
Authors: SHAN XUE FU , PENG LIU KUN , LIU YI , CHAO XU YA , LIAO XU , ZHANG GUO‐HUA , LI CHENG‐WEN , YONG YANG QUAN , SUN HAI‐TAO
Published: January 2007

Background:  The authors found no study assessing the efficacy of small‐dose narcotics on the cardiovascular response from intubation in children, so they observed the effects of fentanyl 2 μg·kg−1 and sufentanil 0.2 μg·kg−1 on the cardiovascular changes during laryngoscopy and intubation in children.

Methods:  Ninety‐three children aged 3–9 years were randomized to one of three groups to receive the following treatments in a double‐blind manner: normal saline (group C), fentanyl 2 μg·kg−1 (group F) and sufentanil 0.2 μg·kg−1 (group S) 2 min before induction. Noninvasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before anesthesia induction (baseline value), immediately before intubation (postinduction values), at intubation and 5 min after intubation at 1‐min interval.

Results:  Tracheal intubation caused significant increases in BP and HR in the three groups compared with baseline values. BP and HR at intubation and after intubation and their maximum values during observation were significantly lower in groups F and S than in group C (P < 0.05). The mean percent increases of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HR at intubation were significantly lower in group S, 7% and 10%, than in group F, 17% and 25% (P < 0.05). The increases in SBP and HR of more than 30% of baseline values during the observation period were significantly higher in group F, 27% and 43%, than in group S, 0% and 3% (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  When used as part of anesthesia induction with propofol in children, sufentanil 0.2 μg·kg−1 2 min before induction is more effective in attenuating the cardiovascular intubation response than fentanyl 2 μg·kg−1.
Silibinin inhibits renal cell carcinoma via mechanisms that are independent of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3
Authors: Cheung Catherine W. , Vesey David A. , Nicol David L. , Johnson David W.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether silibinin, a flavonoid antioxidant with anticancer properties that inhibits cellular growth via the up‐regulation of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3), inhibits renal cell carcinoma (RCC) growth via the IGFBP‐3 pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell morphology, DNA synthesis by thymidine incorporation, viability assessed by 3,4,5 dimethylthiazol‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, trypan blue exclusion, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, apoptosis and IGFBP‐3 protein (Western blotting) were evaluated in silibinin‐treated SN12K1 cells (a cell line derived from metastatic RCC) in the presence or absence of IGFBP‐3 immunoneutralization.

RESULTS

Silibinin suppressed SN12K1 DNA synthesis at 24 and 48 h incubation by a mean (sd) of at least 68 (10)% of the control values at ≥2 µmol/L (P < 0.05). At high concentrations (>80 µmol/L) cell viability was compromised, as shown by decreased MTT uptake of 62 (10)% of control values (P < 0.001), reduced cell counts of ≥77 (9)% of control values (P < 0.05), elevated LDH release of 212 (49)% of control (P < 0.001), and the presence of necrotic and apoptotic cells on immunofluorescence staining. Removing endogenous IGFBP‐3 by neutralizing with anti‐IGFBP‐3 antibody increased DNA synthesis by 240 (35)% of control for 24 h, (P < 0.001). However, on Western blot analysis of IGFBP‐3 levels in conditioned media incubated in the presence of silibinin there was down‐regulation of protein expression.

CONCLUSION

Silibinin suppresses SN12K1 cell growth and, at high doses, increases cell death. These effects are independent of IGFBP‐3.
Using gene chips to identify organ‐specific, smooth muscle responses to experimental diabetes: potential applications to urological diseases
Authors: Hipp Jason D. , Davies Kelvin P. , Tar Moses , Valcic Mira , Knoll Abraham , Melman Arnold , Christ George J.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE

To identify early diabetes‐related alterations in gene expression in bladder and erectile tissue that would provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic treatment targets to prevent, delay or ameliorate the ensuing bladder and erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The RG‐U34A rat GeneChip® (Affymetrix Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) oligonucleotide microarray (containing ≈8799 genes) was used to evaluate gene expression in corporal and male bladder tissue excised from rats 1 week after confirmation of a diabetic state, but before demonstrable changes in organ function in vivo. A conservative analytical approach was used to detect alterations in gene expression, and gene ontology (GO) classifications were used to identify biological themes/pathways involved in the aetiology of the organ dysfunction.

RESULTS

In all, 320 and 313 genes were differentially expressed in bladder and corporal tissue, respectively. GO analysis in bladder tissue showed prominent increases in biological pathways involved in cell proliferation, metabolism, actin cytoskeleton and myosin, as well as decreases in cell motility, and regulation of muscle contraction. GO analysis in corpora showed increases in pathways related to ion channel transport and ion channel activity, while there were decreases in collagen I and actin genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in gene expression in these initial experiments are consistent with the pathophysiological characteristics of the bladder and erectile dysfunction seen later in the diabetic disease process. Thus, the observed changes in gene expression might be harbingers or biomarkers of impending organ dysfunction, and could provide useful diagnostic and therapeutic targets for a variety of progressive urological diseases/conditions (i.e. lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, etc.).
Path Dependence in Settlement Processes: Explaining Settlement in Northern Ireland
Authors: Ruane Joseph , Todd Jennifer
Published: January 2007

The recent literature on path dependence provides a model that can be used in explanation of ethnic conflict and settlement processes. Using Northern Ireland as a case study, this article identifies path dependent patterns of conflict embedded in long-term processes of political development whose change may interrupt these patterns. It highlights the importance of long-term state trajectories in constituting and reproducing these patterns, the generation of ‘endogenous’ processes of change and the impact of wider geopolitical processes in strengthening these. It shows how and why factors such as power, perception, networks and institutions vary in their impact on conflict and explains when they work together to produce settlement.
The association between gender, coping style and whiplash related symptoms in sufferers of whiplash associated disorder
Authors: JONES ALLAN , ELKLIT ASK
Published: January 2007

The aim of the present study was to examine specifically whether the relationship between coping style and symptoms of whiplash injury change as a function of gender. A total of 1709 sufferers of whiplash associated disorder (1349 women, 360 men) belonging to the Danish Society for Polio, Traffic and Accident Victims completed questionnaires measuring demographic and psychological factors (including coping style), and symptoms of whiplash trauma (including pain). Men and women were not found to differ significantly in their use of coping strategies, however emotion focused coping strategies were related significantly more strongly to whiplash related symptoms in men compared to women. Women were found to display more symptoms related to whiplash injury compared to men. Possible reasons for the present findings are discussed in light of related research indicating mood as a potential moderating variable in the relationship between maladaptive coping style and degree of symptoms related to injury in men.
Emotional, external, restrained eating and overweight in Dutch adolescents
Authors: SNOEK HARRIËTTE M. , VAN STRIEN TATJANA , JANSSENS JAN M. A. M. , ENGELS RUTGER C. M. E.
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine how emotional, external and restrained eating behavior and other health‐related lifestyle factors were associated with being overweight in adolescents. Moreover, demographic and ethnic differences in eating behavior have been examined. The respondents were 10,087 Dutch adolescents aged 11–16 years (M= 13.0, SD= 0.8). Self‐reported eating behavior was measured with the DEBQ. Health‐related lifestyle was determined by physical activity, breakfasting, fruit consumption and snacking. High restrained, and low external eating were positively associated with being overweight, whereas no significant association between emotional eating and being overweight was found for girls, and a negative association for boys. Adolescents who ate breakfast on a daily basis were less likely to be overweight than those who ate breakfast irregularly or never. Being overweight was positively associated with fruit consumption for girls and negatively with physical activity for boys.
Own‐other differences in the realism of some metacognitive judgments
Authors: JOHANSSON MARCUS , ALLWOOD CARL MARTIN
Published: January 2007

The present study investigated differences in judgments of one's own and others’ knowledge (the own‐other difference). Consistent with the below‐average effect (e.g., Kruger, 1999), our main results showed that the participants gave lower knowledge ratings of their own extent of knowledge than of another person's extent of knowledge (Experiment 1). Furthermore, lower and more realistic judgments were found when the participants judged their own as compared with when judging another person's overall accuracy (frequency judgments) of answering knowledge questions correctly (Experiment 1 and 2). On the basis of these results it is argued that judgmental anchoring may be important also in the context of indirect comparisons, and that previous conclusions of cross‐cultural psychology regarding the above‐average effect may be oversimplified.
Trade Liberalisation and Export Variety: A Comparison of Mexico and China
Authors: Feenstra Robert C. , Kee Hiau Looi
Published: January 2007

This paper studies how industry export variety can be constructed and empirically relates trade liberalisation to the expansion of export variety. We document the expansion in export varieties from Mexico due to NAFTA. We also investigate the growth in export variety from China over 1990–2001, and compare those findings to Mexico. Among other findings, we show that the expansion of China's export variety due to the fall of US tariffs has caused an adverse market competition effect on the export variety from Mexico.
A Firm‐level Examination of the Exports Puzzle: Why East Asian Exports Didn't Increase After the 1997–1998 Financial Crisis
Authors: Blalock Garrick , Roy Sonali
Published: January 2007

We analyse a detailed panel dataset on Indonesian manufacturing firms to characterise the exports puzzle: the surprising absence of export‐led growth after the massive currency devaluation during the 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis. Our results show that, consistent with trade theory predictions following better terms of trade, entry into export markets increased dramatically. In conflict with the same predictions, however, many pre‐crisis exporters quit exporting. Thus stagnant export growth cannot be attributable to a lack of entrepreneurial ambition or activity amongst would‐be exporters. Rather, it apparently resulted from constraints prohibiting continued exporting by pre‐crisis exporters. Managerial reports of perceived constraints reveal little about why so many firms ceased exporting. However, ‘better’ firms, as proxied by foreign ownership, involvement in research and development, or investment in training, were more likely to continue exporting post‐crisis.
Exports and Productivity: A Survey of the Evidence from Firm‐level Data
Authors: Wagner Joachim
Published: January 2007

While the role of exports in promoting growth in general, and productivity in particular, has been investigated empirically using aggregate data for countries and industries for a long time, only recently have comprehensive longitudinal data at the firm level been used to look at the extent and causes of productivity differentials between exporters and their counterparts which sell on the domestic market only. This paper surveys the empirical strategies applied, and the results produced, in 54 microeconometric studies with data from 34 countries that were published between 1995 and 2006. Details aside, exporters are found to be more productive than non‐exporters, and the more productive firms self‐select into export markets, while exporting does not necessarily improve productivity.
Industrial Linkages and Export Spillovers from FDI
Authors: Kneller Richard , Pisu Mauro
Published: January 2007

In this paper we investigated the hypothesis of export spillovers from foreign multinationals to domestic firms using a data set of UK manufacturing firms from 1992 to 1999. Unlike previous studies we allow not only for the possibility of horizontal (i.e. intra‐industry) and regional externalities, but also for vertical ones (i.e. inter‐industry: forward and backward). Deploying the Heckman selection process we modelled the two decisions of whether to export or not, and how much to export, separately. The results indicate that the decision to start exporting is positively associated with the presence of foreign firms in the same industry and region; furthermore, export‐oriented foreign affiliates seem to be the source of stronger export spillovers. The decision concerning how much to export is affected positively by foreign firms in downstream industries and by those in the same industry and region that do not export.
Governments, Exports and Growth: Responding to the Challenges and Opportunities of Globalisation
Authors: Alexander Chris , Warwick Ken
Published: January 2007

We live in an increasingly globalised world. Trade has consistently grown faster than GDP and has been an important driver of world growth. What role should government play in this process? This paper considers the rationale for government action and the merits of various policies focusing on the UKs experience: the benefits of openness to trade and overseas investment and the merits of tackling barriers that discourage greater participation by firms in international markets. It also considers whether this approach needs to be adapted given current trends in globalisation, concluding that a continued emphasis on openness and addressing market failures will be welfare enhancing.
WHY SHOULD THEOLOGY BE UNNATURAL?
Authors: GRANT COLIN
Published: January 2007

The recovery of theological integrity effected by Karl Barth has very much to do with his polemic against natural theology. Theology has regained credibility, however, at the price of being made unnatural, severed from the world in its own ecclesiastical sphere. This actually represents an indirect endorsement of natural theology inasmuch as the naturalistic understanding of the world is taken for granted as the way the world is. One result of this is the virtual abandonment of nature for theology, reflected in an alienation from science and a disinterest in ecology. The more specific object of Barth's critique of natural theology, Nazism, may also exert a reverse influence on Barth's theology, helping to account for its Christological exclusivism. The implication of this is that the critique of natural theology requires a renewed appreciation of the naturalness of theology.
A reflection on PostModernism and the transformation of failure in learning disability services within the independent public sector at the beginning of the 21st Century
Authors: Day Steve
Published: January 2007

Accessible summary

Steve Day worked on a project with North Somerset People First for his Masters degree. It was called Cutting Up Sharks. The title comes from the PostModernist artist, Damien Hurst, who once gave an exhibition where he preserved cows which had been cut in half. Mr Hurst did a similar thing with sharks, except they were kept in one piece. As sharks are far more dangerous than cows, we decided to cut up the sharks instead. We live in an unsafe world; nevertheless people with learning disabilities seek inclusion. The Cutting Up Sharks project used people's own individual stories as research. We looked at what people mean by the words success and failure. In today's world, success can begin to look like failure, yet sometimes failures often seem successful. In this sense, the right to take risks can empower individuals, as well as groups of people, to transform their own circumstances. Yet being equal and being included in a dangerous world means that if we are truly citizens we are also truly targets.

If ever there was a right time to write about Learning Disability Services in the context of a transformation, this is it. I am not writing about the subject as a single entity, divorced from the bigger picture of what is happening to society and the world about us. Whatever ‘transforming’ is going on for people with learning disability, it is doing so in the context of a global market place. The concept of ‘Cutting Up Sharks’ identifies danger as a by‐product of inclusion. On the world's stage the news headlines have the same implications for us all. The change in the construction and administration of both the National Health Service and Social Services has, and is, having a profound effect on the lives of people with learning disabilities. Those changes have come about, in part, due to a recognition of past failures. I have worked in Learning Disability Services for 19 years, I have seen in that time British society slowly, often painfully slowly, begin to recognize people with learning disabilities amongst its population. In a PostModernist world recognition is about visibility, which in turn makes people potential targets. The ‘Inclusion’ championed in ‘Valuing People’ brings with it a right to be recognized and in so doing people with learning disabilities are included in a ‘general loss of confidence within Western democratic culture’. (Butler 2002, p. 110) Inclusion becomes not merely a question of service provision, it is also about bombs on buses, famine and bird flu, global warming and fragile democracies. There is a creaking door opening for people with learning disabilities, providing them recognition within the PostModern construct of fragmented societies. I would contend that against such a backdrop there is a real chance of the failure to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities becoming transformed.
Progress in Microelectromechanical Systems
Authors: (Rich) Pryputniewicz R. J.
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Recent advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have led to the development of a multitude of new devices heretofore impossible. However, applications of these devices are still hampered by challenges posed by their integration and packaging. The current trend in micro/nanosystems is to produce ever smaller, lighter and more capable devices at a lower cost than ever before. In addition, the finished products have to operate at very low power and in very adverse conditions while ensuring durable and reliable performance. Some of the new devices have been developed to function at high operational speeds, and others to make accurate measurements of operating conditions of specific processes. Regardless of their applications, the devices have to be packaged to facilitate their use. MEMS packaging, however, is application‐specific and, usually, has to be developed on a case‐by‐case basis. To facilitate advances of MEMS, educational programmes have been introduced addressing all aspects in their development. This paper addresses progress in MEMS by presenting pertinent aspects in a development of MEMS including, but not limited to, design, analysis, fabrication, characterisation, packaging, and testing. This presentation is illustrated with selected examples.
Burst Pressures for Torispheres and Shallow Spherical Caps
Authors: Błachut J. , Vu V. T.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Burst pressures are computed for shallow spherical caps and torispheres loaded by uniform static pressure. They are defined as maximum pressures at which proposed plastic strain criteria are met. The criteria are taken from true stress–true strain curves of uniaxial tensile tests. Experimental tests, carried out on pressure vessel components made from aluminium alloy 6061 and mild steel, provide experimental results against which the proposed criteria for burst pressures are benchmarked.
Application of Response Surface Methodology in Describing the Residual Stress Distribution in CO2 Laser Welding of AISI304
Authors: Olabi A. G. , Benyounis K. Y. , Hashmi M. S. J.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Laser welding is a low‐distortion welding process. Despite this advantage some detrimental residual stresses are still introduced during the process, which reduce the service life of the welded component. Therefore, it is important to estimate the magnitude and distribution of the residual stress. This study aims to create mathematical models to determine the relationship between laser welding parameters and the magnitude of the residual stress at different locations by using response surface methodology. In this study, the process input parameters are laser power, travel speed and focal point position. Laser butt‐welding of AISI304 plates joints were investigated using a 1.5 kW continuous wave CO2 Rofin laser as a welding source. Incremental hole‐drilling method was employed to measure the magnitude and the distribution of the maximum residual stress. The experiment was developed using a three‐factor, five‐level central composite design with full replication. Analysis of variance and other adequacy measures were employed to check the adequacy of the developed models using the statistical package Design‐Expert. Twenty‐one models were developed to demonstrate the magnitude and distribution of the residual stress. The main effect of each factor and the interaction effect with other factors were determined quantitatively and presented graphically.
Quality of Life for People with Autism: Raising the Standard for Evaluating Successful Outcomes
Authors: Burgess Audrey F. , Gutstein Steven E.
Published: January 2007

Quality of Life (QoL) is a critical measure of treatment outcome for people with mental and physical health concerns. However, little research has been conducted toward evaluating outcomes in autism by utilizing real‐world measures, such as employability, self‐sufficiency, and social support to gauge treatment success, despite longitudinal research that indicates poor outcomes for people with autism. Utilizing QoL indicators as the standard for developing treatments and evaluating outcomes in autism is advantageous. After a brief description of the domains and indicators comprising QoL, this paper reviews the literature describing the course of autism, followed by an examination of indicators which contribute to QoL for people with autism in particular. In conclusion, a model for utilizing QoL indicators to measure and evaluate outcome for people with autism will be proposed.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ishikawa Shin‐ichi , Okajima Isa , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Sakano Yuji
Published: January 2007

We conducted a meta‐analysis using 20 randomised controlled studies of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. The mean pre‐post effect size was d = 0.94, which was maintained at follow‐up. The mean effect size when comparing the CBT and control group was d = 0.61. Within the CBT group, the mean effect size of university clinics (d = 0.77) was larger than that of other clinics (d = 0.37). The difference in effect sizes was hardly noticeable when comparing CBT with family or parents and CBT with child only (d = 0.03). Further studies are required to examine the effectiveness of family CBT versus child CBT.
Drug Treatment in Juvenile Depression – Is St. John's Wort a Safe and Effective Alternative?
Authors: Seelinger Günter , Mannel Marcus
Published: January 2007

Analyses of juvenile depression studies with long established anti‐depressants (tricyclic anti‐depressants) have revealed discouragingly little benefit, while side effects have been profound. Modern anti‐depressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors seemed to solve part of this problem until they were found to be associated with an increased risk of suicidal attempts and ideation, hostile behaviour and self‐harm, while meta‐analyses have revealed only marginal therapeutic effects for the majority. Actually, no drug is unequivocally accepted as the gold‐standard for young depressive patients. St. John's Wort (SJW) has been traditionally used in Europe to treat symptoms associated with juvenile depression. Close to 50 clinical studies performed over the last two decades have been presented as evidence that standardized SJW preparations are equally effective as synthetic anti‐depressants in the treatment of mild to moderate depression in adults. Tolerability is excellent, but some relevant drug interactions have to be considered. Today, SJW is by far the most frequently prescribed medication for child and adolescent depression in Germany. Some pilot and observational studies from Germany, Canada and the US have delivered promising results. However, randomised controlled trials amongst this age group have yet to be carried out and are long overdue.
Time–space geometries of activism and the case of mis/placing gender in Australian agriculture
Authors: Panelli Ruth
Published: January 2007

Geographies of activism draw on many traditions but few have charted social movements over time. This paper suggests that the consideration of action over time not only enhances our understanding of the degree of social change that occurs, but also the way activists’ interests are acknowledged, or contained, by those they seek to influence. The paper reviews existing literature and proposes the adoption of a particular conceptualization of time–space geometries. The case is made for attending to kairological and topological notions of time–space while recognizing these involve complex geometries of power relations, meanings, resources and social actions. The variability of these patterns in different time–spaces can stimulate multi‐dimensional studies and the example of women's agricultural activism in Australia is employed to explore the usefulness of these ideas for geographies of social movements.
A Case Study of Mortgage Refinancing Discrimination: African American Intergenerational Wealth*
Authors: Hodge Michael E. , Dawkins Mark C. , Reeves Jaxk H.
Published: January 2007

A case study approach is taken to examine differences between African Americans and white Americans in their respective approval/denial rates for home mortgage refinancing. Data from a regional banking institution is used for the case analysis. These data indicate that African Americans are significantly more likely to be turned down for mortgage refinancing than their white American counterparts. We suggest that refinance discri‐mination is one contributing factor to the continuing wealth or net worth gaps between blacks and whites. The inability to access the potential capital resident in one's home impedes the ability of African Americans to transmit advantage from one generation to the next.