bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey of assessments used by paediatric occupational therapists
Authors: Rodger Sylvia
Published: September 2010

A descriptive survey of 60 Queensland paediatric occupational therapists was conducted to ascertain: (i) which standardized assessments are used by paediatric occupational therapists; (ii) the frequency of use of these assessments; and (iii) those assessments which new graduate therapists should be proficient in administering. Thirteen assessments were identified as being most frequently available in paediatric occupational therapy departments. Seven of those most available in paediatric practice were used frequently by 43% or more of respondents. These findings are similar to those of Canadian and American studies, in terms of assessments frequently used in paediatrics. These are the Motor Free Perception Test, the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, the Visual Motor Integration Test, Ayres' Clinical Observations, the Non‐Motor Test of Visual Perception, and the Revised Gesell Developmental Schedules. Ten assessments were identified as ones that new graduates should be proficient in administering. This survey highlights some of the assessments students should be taught prior to entering paediatric practice in Queensland.
Collaborative research between clinicians and academics: Necessary conditions, advantages and potential difficulties
Authors: Brown G. Ted
Published: September 2010

Occupational therapy is in a state of transition. Research is one key ingredient to facilitate change and is essential for the professional survival of occupational therapy. Research is expected of university faculty members, but therapists working in clinical settings often have meaningful research questions that require investigation. Collaborative research between academics and clinicians is one way of increasing research productivity in occupational therapy. The necessary conditions, advantages and potential difficulties of collaborative research are reviewed.
A community living skills education programme within spinal cord injury rehabilitation
Authors: Price Glenda , Lightbody Sue
Published: September 2010

Occupational therapists introduced a community living skills programme to provide clients with spinal cord injury the skills to accomplish independent living at home and in community settings. The 10 week programme with theoretical and practical components is co‐ordinated by the occupational therapy department, and involves peer facilitators and community representatives, who assist with the provision of information. The results of a questionnaire indicated that the programme was a useful format for developing assertive behaviour and increasing the utilization of community resources. Specific recommendations relating to the improvement and evaluation of the programme have been identified.
Physical and emotional abuse and neglect of preschool children: A literature review
Authors: Wright Shelley A.
Published: September 2010

Early studies of the consequences of maltreatment for preschool children were plagued by numerous methodological difficulties, including a lack of theoretical frameworks. More recent studies have investigated the complex interaction of factors, such as the environment and pre‐existing child characteristics. This review examines the effects of maltreatment on preschool children in four areas: (i) developmental delay; (ii) cognitive competence; (iii) emotional development (attachment relationships and empathy); and (iv) social development. The developmental domains requiring further investigation are highlighted: motor, self‐care and play skills of abused preschoolers. Recommendations are made regarding the contribution of occupational therapy to these areas.
Predictors of anxiety in family caregivers*
Authors: Schultz Cynthia L. , Smyrnios Kosmas X. , Carrafa Gino P. , Schultz Noel C.
Published: September 2010

The present study builds on the foundation laid in caring for family caregivers of dependent elderly persons through psycho‐educational support. After briefly tracing the development of the programme and its associated evaluation research, an investigation of sociodemographic variables as predictors of caregivers' anxiety is described. In line with previous literature on caregiver stress, it was found that 461 caregivers' pretreatment negative emotional responses were closely related to high levels of anxiety in their particular situations. Less expected were the findings that length of caregiving, relationship to caregiver of care‐recipient, residential arrangements, age of caregiver and disability of care‐recipient did not contribute significantly to the regression analysis. Even more remarkable was the finding that the strongest predictors of anxiety were the combined factors of masculine gender, unemployment and involvement in fewer than the median number of caregiving responsibilities. Implications and recommendations for research and practice are drawn.
Occupational therapy practice with children with perceptual motor dysfunction: Findings of a literature review and survey
Authors: Wallen Margaret , Walker Rosemary
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the current assessment and management practices of occupational therapists working with children with perceptual motor dysfunction. Current practices were identified through a review of literature and a survey of occupational therapists in Sydney, New South Wales, and the surrounding area. It was found that standardized and non‐standardized assessments are used by the respondents, and intervention is planned according to children's individual needs. Also, a variety of management practices are used with sensory integration being the predominant approach. Traditional research methods cannot be easily applied to these individualized occupational therapy programmes; either alternative methodologies need to be developed or homogeneous subgroups of children identified for investigation.
Chessington Occupational Therapy Neurological Assessment Battery: Comparison of performance of people aged 50–65 years with people aged 66 years and over
Authors: Stanley Mandy , Buttfield Joanna , Bowden Simon , Williams Caroline
Published: September 2010

Australia's elderly population is rapidly increasing in size and the incidence of stroke increases with age. Cognitive and perceptual deficits are common following stroke. The Chessington Occupational Therapy Neurological Assessment Battery (COTNAB) used by occupational therapists to assess these deficits until quite recently only provided normative data for people aged 16–65 years. This study aimed to determine if there were significant differences in COTNAB scores and times between unimpaired people aged 50–65 years and unimpaired people aged 66 years and over. A convenience method of sampling was used to recruited 23 subjects in the 50–65 year age group and 17 subjects in the 66 years and over age group. A two‐group comparison of scores and times on the COTNAB was conducted. Results of the study supported the hypothesis that unimpaired individuals aged 66 years and over would exhibit poorer performance achieving lower mean scores and longer mean times on the COTNAB. Gender differences in performance revealed that males were favoured in several sub‐tests. It is suggested that this study should be replicated using a larger sample.
Employment trends for occupational therapists: An analysis of employment advertisements in the Sydney Morning Herald 1984–90
Authors: Franklin John A. , Gibson Diane , Merkel‐Stoll Jan , Neufelt Marcelene , Vergara‐Yiu Helen , Eu Kit
Published: September 2010

Despite rapid growth in the number of occupational therapy graduates in Australia, almost no data are available concerning the demand and the expectations of employers. This study surveyed 6298 advertised positions available to occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and counsellors in the state of New South Wales during the years 1984–90. Over this period the demand for occupational therapists grew by 53%, which exceeded the growth in demand for social workers and psychologists, but was less than that for community and mental health workers and counsellors. The employment base was found to be reasonably broad and 8% of jobs were in the private sector. The number of duties required of occupational therapists increased over time, and there was an increase in the demand for programme promotion, administration and supervision skills. The results are discussed in terms of the employment base and defining strengths of the profession, recommendations for strengthening the profession, and implications for the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Living with halo traction: A ‘survival’ guide for clients in halo traction
Authors: Dyson Maree
Published: September 2010

The author is an occupational therapist who, as a result of a motor car accident, spent 11 weeks in halo traction. During this period a guide to living in halo traction was written. The guide addressed strategies for managing neck and shoulder pain, sleeping, hair cleanliness, pain in the pin sites, pin site dressings, cleaning under the jacket and general pain. Positive feedback on the brochure has demonstrated its value to other patients. It is presented here for occupational therapists so that they may copy and distribute it to orthopaedic clients who are in halo traction.
Development of a self‐report play questionnaire for children aged 5 to 7 years: A preliminary report
Authors: Sturgess Jennifer , Ziviani Jenny
Published: September 2010

A literature review of play assessments for children in preschool and early primary school was found to be limited and inadequate for contemporary standards because the child's view of their play ability had not been evaluated. Therapists could find that the child's view of their play complements other assessments in helping to gauge motivation to therapy and in evaluating change. This paper details the rationale for the development of a self‐report questionnaire of play competencies (the Play form), in game form, for 5 to 7 year old children. Play form development procedures included an extensive review of literature, review by expert clinicians, review of children's comment on play topics following trial administrations, and a pilot study to trial the format and content of the questionnaire. Results of the pilot study indicate that further research on the validity and reliability of the Play form is warranted.
Hospice and palliative care: A Delphi survey of occupational therapists' roles and training needs
Authors: Dawson Sky , Barker Joanna
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the use of the Delphi survey method to identify the roles and training needs of occupational therapists working in the field of hospice and palliative care in Australia. The study was conducted in 1993 using a purposive sample of 47 occupational therapists. The survey consisted of three consecutive questionnaires and five in‐depth interviews. The results indicated that there is a role for occupational therapy in this new and expanding field, and that occupational therapists need to promote a higher profile for their profession and their skills through research, education and presentations to maximize this role. The study also highlighted the importance of continuing education for occupational therapists working in this field.
Occupational therapy practice with clients from non‐English speaking backgrounds: A survey of clinicians in south‐west Sydney
Authors: Phipps Deborah Jayne
Published: September 2010

Australia is a multicultural society and this has important implications for the health care worker. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of occupational therapists who work with clients from non‐English speaking backgrounds (NESB). The ‘cross‐cultural therapy questionnaire’ was developed by the author and distributed to 65 occupational therapists employed in either the South‐Western Sydney Area Health Service or Western Sydney Area Health Service. Issues explored in this questionnaire included barriers to cross‐cultural care, strategies employed to overcome these barriers and theoretical models used to guide practice with ethnic clients. It was found that the majority of respondents experienced a number of obstacles to cross‐cultural care within occupational therapy practice. An extensive list of strategies for overcoming cross‐cultural barriers was compiled. The implications of these results for the profession of occupational therapy are discussed and future research directions are suggested.
The effects of a ‘pets as therapy’ dog on persons with dementia in a psychiatric ward
Authors: Walsh Paul G. , Mertin Peter G. , Verlander Don F. , Pollard Cris F.
Published: September 2010

A pets as therapy (PAT) programme was initiated in a closed ward of a major psychiatric hospital. The effect of regular contact with a dog on a selected group of chronic ward‐bound patients suffering from dementia was assessed over a 12 week period using a number of measures. These included global measures of daily functioning, physiological measures (blood pressure and heart rate) and a measure of general ward noise levels. A matched group from a similar closed ward was used as a control. Results indicated significant experimental group changes in heart rate and a substantial drop in noise levels in the experimental ward during the presence of the dog.
Development and preliminary evaluation of an early childhood community occupational therapy programme
Authors: Walker Rosemary , Cusick Anne
Published: September 2010

Community‐based occupational therapy must be efficient, effective and of high quality. An innovative community health strategy was developed and implemented to meet the needs of early childhood agencies in the Macarthur community for a more accessible occupational therapy service for preschool children. This paper first describes the needs assessment that underpinned programme development. It then describes the planning and implementation phases of the programme. Finally, the paper outlines the preliminary phase of programme evaluation. This involved a survey of stakeholders to determine their views of the programme and the aspects of the programme that they felt should be included in a later evaluation phase. Stakeholders recommended evaluation of quality and design issues, strengths and weaknesses of programme components, stated aims, use of the programme, and client satisfaction. This programme development and evaluation experience supports the need for systematic, multi‐method planning and evaluation strategies in community occupational therapy programmes to ensure effective high quality services.
Falling in older people at home: Transfer limitations and environmental risk factors
Authors: McLean Dorothy , Lord Stephen
Published: September 2010

A case control study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of transfer limitations and home risk factors for falls in 50 men and women aged 60 years and over who had been admitted to an acute hospital due to a fall in the previous year, and 45 age and sex matched non‐fallers who were recruited from community organizations. The assessments were carried out in the homes of each subject using standardized protocols. Subjects who had fallen in the home reported significantly more difficulties with transfers than subjects who had fallen outside or non‐fallers (Chi‐squared = 33.9, d.f=2, P<0.001). In contrast, no significant differences were found in total home hazard scores among the home fallers (mean=2.8 hazards, s.d.=1.3), outside fallers (mean=3.4, s.d.=1.70), and non‐fallers (mean=3.2, s.d.=1.70), and only one hazard (lack of a bedside light) was significantly more prevalent among the home fallers compared with the non‐fallers. The findings suggest that a non‐specific approach to environmental risk factors in the homes of older people may be an ineffective public health measure. Alternative strategies that include the targeting of home hazard identification and home modification for older people with physiological impairments and transfer limitations may be more effective for preventing falls. Such approaches may complement other interventions aimed at maximizing balance and mobility.
Writing for publication: Solutions to common problems
Authors: Hayes Robyn L.
Published: September 2010

Occupational therapists and journal editors and reviewers are most likely to read and value the content of well‐written scientific papers. In this paper, the six problem areas most commonly found in manuscripts submitted to this journal are discussed: (i) following publication guidelines; (ii) using appropriate terminology; (ii) informing the reader of the source of the information; (iv) providing sufficient background literature; (v) analysing and synthesizing the literature adequately; and (vi) providing continuity of content. The solutions to these problems are also described.
Occupational therapists as healthcare team members: A review of the literature
Authors: Griffin Susan
Published: September 2010

The use of healthcare teams as a method of service delivery is widespread. Most occupational therapists work as part of a healthcare team. There has been a paucity of documented research that has investigated Australian occupational therapists' practice within the context of a healthcare team. The aim of this literature review is to develop a picture of occupational therapists' practice within healthcare teams by considering what is known about healthcare teams and occupational therapists. This picture has been used to suggest the professional and personal characteristics of occupational therapists that influence their comfort within a healthcare team. Recommendations for future research are made.
Claiming the illness experience: Using narrative to enhance theoretical understanding
Authors: Mostert Elphine , Zacharkiewicz Alicja , Fossey Ellie
Published: September 2010

The narrative of a young woman's experience of cancer is used to illustrate how strategies employed by health practitioners can affect clients' perceptions of the causes of illness and also the outcome of both present and future illness experiences. Clinical reasoning strategies of occupational therapists are introduced and links are made to the possible reasoning strategies employed by the clinicians in the narrative. The discussion centres around a client's health beliefs, her feelings of decreased control, her perceptions of the illness experience, and the way narrative reasoning could have improved her experience.
Client‐centred aspects of clinical reasoning during an initial assessment using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
Authors: Mew Melissa M. , Fossey Ellie
Published: September 2010

The client‐centred approach used in occupational therapy is basic to the profession's philosophy and the way in which therapists think about their clients. Documentation of client‐centred clinical reasoning is needed to validate this approach and to identify its place in occupational therapy practice. This qualitative single case study explores the client‐centred aspects of one therapist's clinical reasoning while using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, a client‐centred assessment. Recordings of an assessment interview and the therapist's subsequent reflections on her clinical reasoning during the interview were analysed using ethnographic content analysis. Three aspects of client‐centred reasoning are discussed: collaboration to define problems and negotiate therapy goals; the therapist's acknowledgement of the client's feelings; and the therapist's understanding of the client. This study proposes several areas for research, particularly the need to define client‐centred practice in occupational therapy and to examine the extent and consistency of therapists' collaborations with their clients for meaningful and effective therapy.
Costing and purchasing clinical education: The New Zealand experience
Authors: Whiteford Gail , Clair Valerie Wright‐St
Published: September 2010

This article discusses the influence of health sector reforms in New Zealand on the management of occupational therapy clinical education. The impact of the theoretical underpinnings of the health sector reforms are considered and linked to the process that was enacted in costing and purchasing clinical education. Reports and press releases from a number of relevant agencies involved in the changes substantiate the discussion. Finally, the experiences related to the implementation of the model are presented, concluding with an interpretation of how all of these changes have impacted on the organization of occupational therapy clinical education in New Zealand.
Exploration of occupational therapists' comfort with client sexuality issues
Authors: Yallop Sarah , Fitzgerald Maureen H.
Published: September 2010

Sexuality is manifest in nearly every aspect of our daily behaviour and is crucial to self‐image. It follows, then, that issues of sexuality are important to consider when providing health care. When an individual experiences ill health, every aspect of that individual needs to be recognized and included in the overall intervention; this includes the client's sexuality. Literature indicates that clients' need for recognition of their sexuality within health care is not often met. Some writers suggest that this need is not being met partly because health professionals, including occupational therapists, are not comfortable with situations involving sexuality, due to a lack of knowledge, experience and positive attitudes. The purpose of this research was to explore these and other factors that might contribute to the comfort level of occupational therapists when they deal with situations involving sexuality. To explore this area, six clinical scenarios involving issues of sexuality were developed from the literature and the authors' experience. Occupational therapists and final year occupational therapy students were asked to review and comment on these situations. Analyses of this data together with data from a focus group, the authors' clinical education placements and informal interviews suggests that, in addition to knowledge, experience and attitudes, there are other factors worthy of further consideration. These factors include: the therapist's perception of his or her role and issues of power and control. This study highlights the need for further innovative inquiry into this interesting and important area.
Life is for living: A pre‐vocational programme for young people with psychosis
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Bassett Jo
Published: September 2010

Young persons with psychosis require programmes that specifically address their needs for meaningful activity. The 'Life is for Living' programme was developed by occupational therapists to provide a comprehensive pre‐vocational programme for young persons under 25 with psychosis. The focus of this programme was on developing links with community supports and agencies, self development and work experience.
Determining gender‐neutral toys for assessment of preschool children's imaginative play
Authors: Stagnitti Karen , Rodger Sylvia , Clarke John
Published: September 2010

A review of the gender literature found that by preschool age (4–5 years), children were aware of gender roles and chose to play with same‐gender peers and gender‐typed toys. This knowledge has implications for play assessments in occupational therapy, as poor performance on a play assessment may be due to the preschool child's perception that the toys presented were not gender appropriate. The current study chose imaginative or symbolic play to examine the toy choices made by 36 normal preschool children in order to establish a set of toys that were acceptable to girls and boys. Children were presented with ‘boys’ toys, ‘girls’ toys and gender‐neutral toys. Girls were found to be less gender typed, as defined by adults, in toy choice than boys. A farm set comprising a tractor, trailer, farm animals, fences and a wrench was found to be a gender‐neutral set of toys suitable for children's imaginative play. A small male figure and a small female figure were also included because both boys and girls related to a character such as a teddy or a doll. Selected ‘junk’ play materials were confirmed to be gender‐neutral.
Patient readiness for return to home: Discord between expectations and reality
Authors: Clark Michele , Steinberg Margaret , Bischoff Noelene
Published: September 2010

This study examined the interface between acute hospital care and return to home in relation to elderly patients' perceived ability and preparedness to cope at home. Seventy‐six (n = 76) elderly patients aged 60 years and over were randomly recruited from a large Queensland hospital and interviewed prior to discharge about their perceived health, functional status and their ‘readiness’ to cope at home. They were followed up at home 7–10 days post‐discharge. Comparisons were made between a number of measures at discharge and post‐discharge. Although the majority of patients indicated that they would cope very well upon discharge, a large number of patients reported experiencing considerable difficulty with activities of daily living, particularly instrumental activities of daily living prior to and especially after discharge. The self‐reported health status of patients similarly deteriorated between discharge and follow‐up. Despite a large number of patients experiencing functional limitations, few were referred to hospital or community‐based therapy services. Some policy implications are explored.
Using Canada's 1997 guidelines for enabling occupation
Authors: Townsendg Elizabeth
Published: September 2010

As a Visiting Professor in April 1997, I facilitated a workshop on enabling occupation organized by the University of South Australia. Following that contact, I was invited to comment on Canada's newest guidelines for client‐centred practice. In this comment I will first set the stage, then summarize Enabling Occupation: An Occupational Therapy Perspective and finally reflect on possibilities for enabling occupation in Australia.
Reliability of occupational therapist and teacher evaluations of the handwriting quality of grade 5 and 6 primary school children*
Authors: Daniel Michaela E. , Froude Elspeth H.
Published: September 2010

Both occupational therapists and primary school teachers play an important role in identifying children with handwriting dysfunction. The present study investigated the inter‐ and intrarater reliability of evaluations of handwriting quality by occupational therapists and school teachers. Samples of handwriting were collected from 61 grade 5 and 6 school children. Two paediatric occupational therapists, two primary school teachers and the children's class teachers were asked to rate the quality of handwriting on a five point Likert scale. Written data were also collected to determine the variables that participants recognized as critical to handwriting quality. Intraclass correlational analyses and percentage agreements revealed a lack of reliability in the evaluation of handwriting quality, both between and within the separate professions. These results question the reliability of current methods of handwriting evaluation.
Writing speed and legibility of 7–14‐year‐old school students using modern cursive script
Authors: Ziviani Jenny , Watson‐Will Amanda
Published: September 2010

Modern cursive script, along with its precursor the beginner's alphabet, is now well established in the curricula of most Australian schools. However, debate continues regarding the advantages of this script over the previous print and cursive style. Beyond this debate, occupational therapists continue to assess and treat children with handwriting difficulties. Therefore, how children are writing using modern cursive now warrants attention, as this is the mode of choice in most Australian schools. Three hundred and seventy‐two children aged between 7 and 14 years who attended Queensland government primary schools were asked to complete the speed subtest of the Handwriting Performance Test. The same writing sample was used to rate legibility on a scale from 1 (poor legibility) to 7 (good legibility). Handwriting speed (in letters per minute) did not differ significantly between boys and girls (mean (±SD) = 69.9±33.8 and 68.9±25.9 letters/min, respectively). In contrast, legibility was significantly better (t(370) = 3.79, P < 0.0001) for girls than boys (4.2±1.2 and 3.5±1.0, respectively). There was a low correlation between speed and legibility (r = 0.23, P > 0.05). The results are discussed in light of the shift to this new writing style and current occupational therapy practice.
Ejector chairs: Do they work and are they safe?*
Authors: Bashford Guy M. , Steele Julie R. , Munro Bridget J. , Westcott Grant , Jones Maren E.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of the present study was to gain a better understanding of the influence of an ejector chair in assisting patients to rise and stand from a seated position. Patients in the Illawarra area who had been prescribed ejector chairs for use in their homes were surveyed and two‐dimensional kinematic analyses of nine patients rising from their chairs, with and without the ejector mechanism working, were conducted. Results showed that, when rising with the ejector mechanism operating, subjects tended to require less time to rise and less trunk flexion compared with rising without the ejector mechanism operating. However, the kinematic analyses did not provide evidence of the ejector mechanism destabilizing subjects on rising to stand. It was concluded that appropriate prescription, adequate training in chair usage and follow up of chair settings are required to ensure patients optimize benefits and minimize the risk of falls associated with ejector chair use.
Images of reasoning: A literature review
Authors: Crabtree Merrill
Published: September 2010

Clinical reasoning in occupational therapy has been described using a variety of images. The present paper aims to give an overview of three major images that have been proposed in the occupational therapy literature since 1982. These are reasoning as information processing, thinking in stories or narrative reasoning, and reasoning as an interpersonal process. These three images are compared with the concept of conditional reasoning.
Use of contract occupational therapy services to facilitate early discharge from hospital
Authors: Brandis Susan
Published: September 2010

Early discharge is one of the new frontiers for occupational therapists. Casemix funding, with its emphasis on creating efficiencies in the hospital system and reducing length of stay, has challenged occupational therapists to explore new ways of providing traditional services. An early discharge scheme administered by the Gold Coast Hospital occupational therapy department used contract occupational therapists to provide home visiting services to patients discharged early from hospital. The first year of the programme demonstrated a cost‐efficient and quality service provided to 124 patients in the categories of stroke, social admissions and falls. The present paper documents the administration of the programme plus the cost benefits and outcomes of the first year of the scheme.
Dialogue and direction: A new focus for occupational therapy academic programmes in Australia
Authors: Whiteford Gail , Cusick Anne , Strong Jenny
Published: September 2010

The present article profiles the development of a key professional group in Australia and New Zealand occupational therapy, the Australian New Zealand Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ANZCOTE). It identifies key issues of importance to this organization that can impact on the profession at large.
Whole‐seed development in Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae, Sicyeae) and a comparison with the development of water‐impermeable seeds in five other families
Authors: QU XIAOXIA , BASKIN JERRY M. , BASKIN CAROL C.
Published: September 2010

Sicyos is the only member of the Cucurbitaceae known to have water‐impermeable seeds, that is, physical dormancy (PY), and development of seeds with PY has not been studied in detail in this family. Our primary aim was to describe seed development in Sicyos angulatus from pollination to seed maturity and to compare it with the development of water‐impermeable seeds in other families reported in the literature. Full seed stage (highest moisture content [MC]) occurred 4–6 days after pollination (DAP) and physiological maturity occurred 20 DAP. Seeds became water impermeable 32 DAP, with 14.6% MC. The hilum was the site of water loss during the final stage of maturation drying. Excised embryos could germinate from 20 DAP to 36 DAP, whereas no intact seeds germinated during any stage of seed development. Mechanical scarification did not promote germination of seeds after the seed coat became water impermeable at 32–36 DAP. Based on a previous study of seed dormancy and germination in S. angulatus, we suggest that germination in these scarified seeds may have been prevented by resistance of inner membrane and fruit‐seed coat to embryo expansion. The MC when seeds became impermeable (14.6%) is in the range of that reported for seeds of species in five other families with PY. Information on seed development in S. angulatus will be useful in planning the timing of management strategies for this pernicious annual weed.
Fluctuating asymmetry of floral organ traits in natural populations ofIris pumilafrom contrasting light habitats
Authors: TUCIĆ BRANKA , MILJKOVIĆ DANIJELA
Published: September 2010

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), the subtle, random difference between the left and right side of bilateral structures, has often been used as a tool for evaluating developmental instability (DI) in natural populations subjected to environmental stresses. A general assumption underlying these studies is that the level of DI should increase with stress intensity. We examined the level of floral FA in six natural populations ofIris pumilaexperiencing sun‐exposed (more stressful) and shaded (less stressful) environmental conditions. We used two single‐trait indices (size‐dependent FA1 and size‐scaled FA8a) and one multi‐trait index (FA17) to assess the FA levels in three floral traits: fall width, standard width and style branch width. Although floral FA was present in all FAs and appeared to be greater in plants from full sunlight than in those beneath vegetation canopy, only the FA17 index detected a significant FA–stress association. Although the FA1 index had no statistical power to reveal differences in the floral FA at any of the hierarchical levels studied, between alternative light habitats, among populations from comparable environmental conditions, among individual clones within each population or between different floral organs of a single flower, the FA8a index detected significant between‐trait variation in the degree of floral FA within the sameIrisindividuals.
Odor‐guided bee pollinators of two endangered winter/early spring blooming orchids, Cymbidium kanran and Cymbidium goeringii, in Japan
Authors: TSUJI KAORU , KATO MAKOTO
Published: September 2010

We detected the pollinators of two endangered orchid species, Cymbidium kanran and Cymbidium goeringii, in their natural habitats. Cymbidium kanran blooms in early winter and the fragrant nectarless flowers were exclusively visited and pollinated by workers of the Japanese honeybee (Apis cerana japonica). The pollination system seems deceptive and contrasts with the honeybee drone pollination system observed in Cymbidium floribundum. Cymbidium goeringii blooms in early spring, and the faintly fragrant, nectarless flowers were visited and pollinated by males of Anthophora plumipes villosula, suggesting that the labellar papillae of the orchid flowers may be a reward for the bees.
Natural course of idiopathic oligozoospermia: Comparison of mild, moderate and severe forms
Authors: Bak Chong Won , Song Seung‐Hun , Yoon Tae Ki , Lim Jung Jin , Shin Tai Eun , Sung Suye
Published: September 2010

Objectives:  To investigate the natural courses of mild, moderate and severe idiopathic oligozoospermia, and which factors or semen variables were of utmost importance in predicting the courses.

Methods:  A total of 208 men (age 29–47 years) who were diagnosed with mild, moderate and severe idiopathic oligozoospermia in a 9‐year‐period between January 2000 and December 2008 were followed up for more than 6 months.

Results:  Overall, 16 (24.6%) of 65 patients with severe oligozoospermia developed azoospermia, whereas two (3.1%) patients with moderate oligozoospermia developed azoospermia and none of the patients with mild oligozoospermia developed azoospermia. Initial follicle stimulating hormone level and testicular volume between the subgroups were significantly different (P = 0.0071 and 0.0039, respectively). The subgroup of patients who became azoospermic (n = 18) showed statistically significant differences in terms of body mass index and the level of prolactin (PRL) from the subgroup that maintained the initial lingering sperm count (n = 190; P = 0.0086 and 0.0154, respectively). As the vitality of semen variables increased 1%, the risk of progression to azoospermia diminished by 0.892‐fold, according to Cox's proportional hazards model analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.755 and the sperm concentration value with the highest sensitivity and specificity was the reference value of 3–5 million/mL, with a sensitivity of 0.746 and specificity of 0.711 (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:  Patients with severe oligozoospermia should be warned of the possibility of becoming azoospermic and hence sperm freezing should be encouraged as early as possible.
Maternal urinoma during pregnancy
Authors: Ushioda Norichika , Matsuo Koji , Nagamatsu Masaaki , Kimura Tadashi , Shimoya Koichiro
Published: September 2010

Urinoma is peripelvic extravasation of urine seen as the squeal of urinary trauma or stones. Little is known about maternal urinoma during pregnancy. A 27‐year‐old primigravida presented with gradual worsening right flank pain at 215/7 weeks of gestation. She denied any past medicosurgical history. Initial work‐up revealed cost‐vertebral angle tenderness and mild hydronephrosis by ultrasonography. Her symptom worsened and follow‐up ultrasonography was performed 48 h later, which showed worsened hydronephrosis with large perinephric fluid collection. A Double‐J stent was placed under cystoscopy. After the placement, the patient's symptoms improved quickly. The stent was removed three weeks later. The patient delivered vaginally at 39 weeks of gestation without complication. Maternal urinoma during pregnancy developed in the right side of the kidney in five of six reported cases (83.3%), and all were seen in the second half of pregnancy. All showed flank pain as the initial presentation. Ultrasonography for diagnosis was used in half of the patients. Fifty percent underwent Double‐J stent before delivery and 16.7% after delivery. All cases delivered at term and 33.3% underwent cesarean delivery. Maternal urinoma is an important differential diagnosis for flank pain during pregnancy. Double‐J stent placement was the main management. Close monitoring of the symptom with serial ultrasonography may be the key for diagnosis.
Management of sea cucumber stocks: patterns of vulnerability and recovery of sea cucumber stocks impacted by fishing
Authors: Friedman Kim , Eriksson Hampus , Tardy Emmanuel , Pakoa Kalo
Published: September 2010

Identifying rates of change in the abundance of sea cucumbers under differing management regimes is fundamental to estimating commercial yields, identifying ecological interactions and facilitating management. Here, we review the status of sea cucumber stocks from a range of Pacific Island countries (Samoa, Tonga, Palau, Fiji and Papua New Guinea), some of which have had a moratorium on exports for up to a decade. We use a time‐series approach to look at variation in sea cucumber presence, coverage and density from survey and re‐survey data. Results give an appreciation of variation between ‘high’ status (less impacted) and depleted stocks. Survey data show marked declines in coverage and abundance as a result of artisanal fishing activity, and although species groups were not lost at a country level, local extirpation and range restriction was noted. Resilience and ‘recovery’ following cessation of fishing varied greatly, both among locations and among the species targeted. Worryingly, even after extended periods of moratorium, the density of some species was markedly low. In many cases, the densities were too low for commercial fishing, and may be at a level where the effective population size is constrained due to ‘Allee’ affects. From these results, we suggest that management regimes presently employed are generally not well aligned with the level of response to fishing mortality that can be expected from sea cucumber stocks. New adaptive, precautionary approaches to management are suggested, which would allow more timely interventions to be made, while refined information on stock dynamics is sought.
MODELLING EPIDEMIC DISEASES
Authors: Gani J.
Published: September 2010

This paper traces the development of mathematical models for epidemics from the 18th century to the present day. The models are shown to be of use in predicting and controlling the spread of infection.
A NOTE ON PRODUCT DIFFERENTIATION IN A LINEAR CITY AND WAGE BARGAINING
Authors: Grandner Thomas
Published: September 2010

Economides (Economics Letters, 1986, 21, pp. 67–71) has shown that within a linear city an equilibrium exists in a two‐stage location–price game when the curvature of the transportation cost function is sufficiently high. One important point is that not all of these equilibria are at maximal differentiation. In this paper, we include an additional stage with decentralized wage bargaining. This intensifies price competition resulting in locations that are nearer to the extremes of the city. The magnitude of this effect depends on the bargaining power of the unions. Contrary to the model with exogenously given costs, if unions are sufficient strong all price equilibria in pure strategies are at maximal differentiation. With a low parameter for the curvature of the transportation cost function unions can improve the location decision from a social viewpoint.
Outlier detection in ARMA models
Authors: Louni Hamid
Published: September 2010

Abstract. We consider an autoregressive moving‐average (ARMA) time series where the observations are perturbed by two kinds of outliers: an additive outlier (AO) or an innovation outlier (IO). Abraham and Yatawara [Journal of Time Series Analysis(1988) Vol. 9, pp. 109–19] investigate a sequential test which successively detects and identifies the outlier type. In this article, we propose an extension of this test, called ‘modified sequential test’, which performs the two procedures simultaneously and coherently. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is calculated under the null hypothesis that no outlier is present. Comparison of the two test procedures using simulation experiments shows that the proposed test gives a better power especially in the case of an IO.
DISCLOSING VERSUS WITHHOLDING TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE IN A DUOPOLY*
Authors: BACCHIEGA EMANUELE , GARELLA PAOLO G.
Published: September 2010

We study firms’ incentives to transfer knowledge about production technology to a rival in a Cournot duopoly. In a setting where two technologies are available, a technology is characterized by its associated cost function and no single technology is strictly superior to the other. A firm has superior information if it knows both techniques and the other only one. Cost efficiency may be ‘reversed’ after the voluntary disclosure, so that the rival's costs are improved at the equilibrium level of output. Adding R&D investments to the picture, we find that a firm can decide to invest just for the purpose of acquiring knowledge that will be transferred and not used. Furthermore, for the same point in the parameter space, the acquisition of full knowledge may occur or not as a function of the initial distribution of information.
The Eternal ‘Spirit of the Son’: Barth, Florovsky and Torrance on the Filioque
Authors: BAKER MATTHEW
Published: September 2010

This article offers an Orthodox response to Barth's defense of the filioque. Florovsky's theology exemplifies how Orthodoxy addresses the concerns underlying Barth's filioque without resort to the filioque. Entailed in the elaboration of Florovsky's Christocentric pneumatology is a critique of other currents in modern Orthodox theology (Florensky, Lossky). Common emphases are noted between Florovsky and T.F. Torrance regarding the consubstantiality and propriety of the Spirit to the Son and the significance of this doctrine for ecclesial life, suggesting a basis for further ecumenical reintegration.
Increased monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 concentration and monocyte count independently associate with a poor prognosis in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Perry J. A. , Thamm D. H. , Eickhoff J. , Avery A. C. , Dow S. W.
Published: September 2010

Overexpression of the chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) has been associated with a poor prognosis in many human cancers. Increased MCP‐1 concentrations may promote tumour progression by increasing mobilization of myeloid derived suppressor cells such as immature monocytes and neutrophils. We hypothesized that increased numbers of peripheral neutrophils or monocytes and increased MCP‐1 concentrations would predict a worse outcome in dogs with multicentric lymphoma. In this retrospective study involving 26 client‐owned dogs diagnosed with lymphoma, we show that peripheral neutrophil and monocyte counts as well as serum MCP‐1 concentrations were significantly elevated relative to healthy control animals, and that such increases were associated with a decreased disease‐free interval in dogs treated with chemotherapy based on cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisone (CHOP). To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that pretreatment evaluation of monocyte and neutrophil counts can provide important prognostic information in dogs with lymphoma. The mechanisms underlying these observations remain to be determined.
Transvaginal grey scale histogram of the cervix at 20–25 weeks of pregnancy
Authors: FURTADO Marcio R. , PIRES Claudio R. , ARAUJO JÚNIOR Edward , De SOUZA Eduardo , NARDOZZA Luciano M.M. , MORON Antonio F.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  To assess the echogenicity of the cervical stroma and area surrounding the cervical canal (cervical gland area – CGA) using grey scale histogram (GSH) in pregnancies between 20 and 25 weeks.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional study involving 149 pregnancies in the second trimester. Transvaginal sonography was performed to measure cervical length (biometric evaluation), assess the CGA and detect cervical funnelling (morphologic evaluation). The GSH was used for the objective assessment of the cervical stroma and CGA in the mid portion of the cervix. Mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviation measurements were obtained on the GSH and the CGA/stroma ratio was calculated. Intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:  Mean cervical length was 42.37 ± 7.05 mm (range 12–54 mm). Funnelling was detected in four women (2.7%) and one of these also had absent CGA. The mean GSH stroma value was 103 ± 25 (53–160) and the mean CGA value was 64.5 ± 23 (13–167). The mean CGA/stroma ratio was 0.62 ± 0.14 (0.24–1.29). Intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility was excellent with ICC of 0.975 and 0.922 respectively.

Conclusion:  There are large differences in the texture of the cervical stroma and CGA on GSH allowing the objective differentiation of the two areas. The CGA/stroma ratio allows the objective assessment of the absence or presence of the CGA.