bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing is everything? Phenological synchrony and population variability in leaf‐chewing herbivores of Quercus
Authors: FORKNER REBECCA E. , MARQUIS ROBERT J. , LILL JOHN T. , CORFF JOSIANE LE
Published: February 2008

Abstract 1. Specialization on ephemeral resources (e.g. new leaves) should produce large annual variation in herbivore population size when the timing of availability of those resources is unpredictable. Despite considerable evidence for impacts of synchrony with budburst on survival of larval Lepidoptera, previous studies of adult Geometridae and Noctuidae found no correlations between insect phenology and population variability.

2. We surveyed larval Lepidoptera feeding on Quercus alba and Q. velutina in Missouri from 1993 to 2003 and examined population variability, measured as the coefficient of variation of population density (CV), in a subset of abundant species. We compared CV values among species whose larvae feed only in spring, early summer, mid‐summer, late summer, or all season. We predicted that univoltine species whose larvae eclose and complete development in spring during leaf expansion would have higher variability than species feeding later in the season, having multiple generations, or having longer development times.

3. As predicted and consistent with hypotheses, spring‐feeding species had CV values 32% higher than species feeding in summer months. Coefficients of variation were also 34% higher in leaf‐rolling and mining guilds compared with free‐feeders, suggesting that mobile species may compensate for asynchrony with budburst by dispersing to higher quality plants or plant parts. Multivoltine species, however, did not differ from univoltine species in population variability.

4. Our results suggest that asynchrony with plant phenology and factors that might exacerbate it, such as climate change, will have the largest impacts on the dynamics of spring‐feeding Lepidoptera, particularly species with limited mobility.
Effect of habitat conditions on reproduction of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Strait of Sicily
Authors: BASILONE G. , GUISANDE C. , PATTI B. , MAZZOLA S. , CUTTITTA A. , BONANNO A. , VERGARA A.R. , MANEIRO I.
Published: February 2008

The aims of this study were to describe the reproductive cycle of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) off the south coast of Sicily and determine whether intra‐ and inter‐annual reproductive trait variations, if any, are adaptive responses which maximize reproductive success under environmental fluctuations. Biological data were collected from purse seine and mid‐water pelagic trawl commercial catches landed in Sciacca (Sicily) over 6 yr (1997–2002) at fortnightly intervals, analysing a total of 84 581 individuals. No inter‐annual changes in length at first reproduction were observed, with a mean pooled value of 11.26 cm for both sexes being found. Spawning intensity, indicated by gonadosomatic index, condition factor and length–weight relationships, seem to be governed by food availability prior to spawning. Anchovy reproductive investment was limited by the area's low primary production. There was a synchrony between reproductive cycle and temperature. Water warming marks the onset of a period of high water stability in the area, and its later cooling marks the onset of a period with low water stability. The relationship between reproductive cycle and temperature is therefore probably a reproductive strategy having evolved to ensure that spawning takes place during the period of the year when water column stability is higher, favouring food concentration and egg and larval retention in the spawning areas.
The importance of individual behaviour for successful settlement of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.): a modelling and field study in the eastern Irish Sea
Authors: FOX C. J. , MCCLOGHRIE P. , YOUNG E. F. , NASH R. D. M.
Published: February 2008

To study the transport of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa L.) eggs and larvae in the eastern Irish Sea, we constructed a 3D‐baroclinic physical model and coupled it to a particle‐tracking scheme that allowed aspects of larval behaviour to be simulated. Starting positions for eggs were based upon data from a series of ichthyoplankton surveys and final positions were compared with results of settled plaice distributions from two beam trawl surveys conducted on beaches around the eastern Irish Sea. If simulated larval behaviour was limited to passive drift or horizontal swimming, the particles diffused away from the spawning areas but failed to reach nursery grounds in significant numbers (85–90% remaining offshore). In contrast, switching on circatidal vertical swimming significantly increased the numbers of larvae reaching the coast (only 23–30% remained offshore). Particles tended to accumulate in bays and estuaries and this pattern compared well with the distribution of settled plaice from the field surveys. Studies in the southern North Sea (where spawning and nursery grounds are widely separated) have also demonstrated the importance of selective tidal stream transport for successful recruitment of settling plaice to nursery grounds. Although our understanding of the ontogeny of this behaviour is still poor, the model results presented suggest that this aspect of behaviour is a key factor influencing plaice settlement success.
Indirect effects of the algivorous fishPlecoglossus altivelis altivelison the growth of two insectivorous benthic fish
Authors: KATANO OSAMU , NAKAMURA TOMOYUKI , ABE SHIN‐ICHIRO
Published: February 2008

1. Animals exploiting different resources may nevertheless interact if one species indirectly alters the abundance and distribution of the food of the other. To analyse this indirect effect, we conducted experiments in artificial pools and in the field to investigate the influence of the algivorous fishPlecoglossus altivelis altivelis(known as the ayu) on two species of insectivorous benthic fish,Pseudogobio esocinus esocinusand the gobyGymnogobius petschiliensis.

2. In the pool experiments, algal biomass was not correlated with the number of ayu, but the percentage of blue‐green bacteria rose as the number increased. The number of aquatic macroinvertebrates on the upper surface of ceramic tiles placed in the pool bed decreased as the number of ayu increased.

3. Although ayu and the benthic species did not interact directly, the reduction in invertebrate abundance on the upper surface of tiles in the pool reduced the growth rate of the benthic insectivores.

4. In field experiments, the introduction of ayu into habitats withP. esocinus esocinusorG. petschiliensisreduced the growth rate of these benthic fish. In the field experiment that was carried out over 5 years in theG. petschiliensishabitat, the population density of the goby decreased when ayu were stocked.

5. The ayu is a strong interactor or bioengineer in streams, affecting not only benthic algae but also aquatic invertebrates and fishes. We conclude that to predict the outcome of interspecific interactions amongst fishes in streams with high algal production, possible indirect effects must be considered alongside better known direct effects.
Comparative expression of calretinin in selected odontogenic tumours: a possible relationship to histogenesis
Authors: Alaeddini M , Etemad‐Moghadam S , Baghaii F
Published: February 2008

Aims:  Calretinin, a calcium‐binding protein, is expressed primarily in certain subtypes of neurons. It has also been reported to be present in mesotheliomas and other tumours. The aim was to determine the expression of calretinin in selected odontogenic neoplasms.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry for calretinin was performed on 55 odontogenic tumours consisting of 20 solid ameloblastomas, five calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumours, 10 adenomatoid odontogenic tumours, 10 ameloblastic fibromas and 10 odontogenic myxomas. The distribution, intensity, pattern and localization of immunoreactive cells were determined by conventional light microscopy. χ2 test was used for statistical analysis and P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. All 20 ameloblastomas showed intense immunopositivity with a diffuse distribution pattern. None of the other neoplasms was reactive with calretinin. Differences in the proportion of calretinin expression between groups were statistically significant at P < 0.001.

Conclusions:  Considering that ameloblastomas, in contrast to the other studied tumours, were consistently reactive for calretinin, this protein may have a role in the pathogenesis of this aggressive neoplasm.
Nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma with prominent follicular colonization – difficulties in diagnosis: a study of 15 cases
Authors: Naresh K N
Published: February 2008

Aims:  While colonization of reactive follicles is well described in mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, this is not fully appreciated in nodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (NMZL). The aim was to address how to recognise this feature/entity and to discuss diagnostic difficulties faced by histopathologists in dealing with such lesions and their biological implications.

Methods and results:  Fifteen NMZLs with prominent follicular colonization are described, 14 of which were referrals from other hospitals. All cases had a follicular pattern and showed prominent ‘follicular colonization’. In many follicles the colonization was partial, and follicles also had a reactive germinal centre component. The phenomenon of follicular colonization was highlighted by immunohistochemistry. The benign follicle centre cells expressed CD20, CD10 and Bcl‐6 and were negative for Bcl‐2 and MUM1. In contrast, the colonizing marginal zone lymphoma cells expressed CD20, Bcl‐2 and often MUM1 and were negative for Bcl‐6 and CD10. Partially colonized follicles showed a ‘moth‐eaten’ appearance on CD10, Bcl‐2, Bcl‐6 and MUM1 immunohistochemistry. In none except one was the referring diagnosis NMZL.

Conclusion:  Recognizing and appreciating follicular colonization in a subset of NMZLs, appropriate use of immunohistochemistry and knowledge of immunohistological features can aid in making the correct diagnosis.
Expression of small breast epithelial mucin (SBEM) protein in tissue microarrays (TMAs) of primary invasive breast cancers
Authors: Skliris G P , Hubé F , Gheorghiu I , Mutawe M M , Penner C , Watson P H , Murphy L C , Leygue E , Myal Y
Published: February 2008

Aims:  Small breast epithelial mucin (SBEM) is a recently described gene product that shows promise as a new breast biomarker. The aim was to investigate for the first time SBEM protein expression in a large cohort (n = 300) of invasive breast cancers, its relationship to established clinical variables and its association with clinical outcome.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on tissue microarrays consisting of 149 oestrogen receptor (ER) α− and 151 ERα+ breast cancers. Overall, 18% of tumours were SBEM+ (n = 53/300). However, SBEM protein was more frequently observed in ER− (22%) than in ER+ cancers (13%; P = 0.049). A significant association with psoriasin/S100A7 expression (P ≤ 0.0001) was observed in the entire cohort. SBEM was also positively associated with HER‐2 (P = 0.046) in ER− cancers, and increased levels of SBEM were strongly associated with higher tumour grade (P = 0.0015). Furthermore, SBEM expression showed a trend towards an association with reduced overall survival and relapse‐free survival in the ER+ cohort (P = 0.063 and P = 0.072, respectively).

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that SBEM may identify a unique subset of breast cancers with poor prognosis and may have future implications for therapeutic management of this disease.
Different regulation of T helper 1‐ and T helper 2‐promoting cytokine signalling factors in human dendritic cells after exposure to protein versus contact allergens
Authors: Böttcher Ingo , Bellinghausen Iris , König Bettina , Knop Jürgen , Saloga Joachim
Published: February 2008

Cytokine‐dependent T helper 1 (Th1) differentiation versus T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation is controlled by distinct transcription factors. Previously, we have demonstrated that immature human dendritic cells (DC) from blood donors with allergies show rapid phosphorylation of the Th2‐associated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) upon contact with protein allergens. In the present study we investigated whether this process is regulated by the downstream molecules suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) and/or by the factors T‐bet and GATA3. Therefore, immature DC of grass or birch pollen‐allergic donors were treated with the respective Th2‐promoting protein allergens, and, for comparison, with the Th1‐promoting contact allergen 5‐chloro‐2‐methylisothiazolinone plus 2‐methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) or with the antigen tetanus toxoid. Changes in the mRNA levels of SOCS1, SOCS3, T‐bet and GATA3 were analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Exposure of DC to protein allergens led to the up‐regulation of the Th2‐associated genes SOCS3 and GATA3, whereas the contact allergen MCI/MI preferentially enhanced the expression of the Th1‐associated gene T‐bet. Treatment of immature DC with the antigen tetanus toxoid increased both Th1‐ and Th2‐associated genes. Our data indicate that polarization of type 1 versus type 2 immune responses takes place already at the level of antigen‐presenting cells, involving molecules similar to those used in T‐cell polarization.
Special regulatory T‐cell review: FOXP3 biochemistry in regulatory T cells – how diverse signals regulate suppression
Authors: Li Bin , Greene Mark I.
Published: February 2008

FOXP3 is an acetylated and phosphorylated protein active in human regulatory T cells and forms oligomers which then associate with an even larger molecular complex. FOXP3 actively regulates transcription by recruiting enzymatic co‐repressors and/or co‐activators. FOXP3 complex ensembles are dynamically regulated by physiological stimuli such as T‐cell receptor, IL‐2 and proinflammation cytokine signals. Understanding the post‐translational modifications of FOXP3 regulated by diverse signals and the biochemistry and structural chemistry of enzymatic proteins in the FOXP3 complex is critical for therapeutically modulating regulatory T cell function.
Special regulatory T cell review: How I became a T suppressor/ regulatory cell maven
Authors: Shevach Ethan M.
Published: February 2008

I have briefly reviewed the factors that motivated me to change my views about the existence and importance of suppressor/regulatory T cells and to devote the majority of my laboratory efforts to this newly revitalized area of immunologic research. I am optimistic that manipulation of regulatory T‐cell function will shortly be applicable to the clinic.
Aeolian sand sea development along the mid‐Cretaceous western Tethyan margin (Spain): erg sedimentology and palaeoclimate implications
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ‐LÓPEZ JUAN PEDRO , MELÉNDEZ NIEVES , DE BOER POPPE L. , SORIA ANA ROSA
Published: February 2008

The existence of a mid‐Cretaceous erg system along the western Tethyan margin (Iberian Basin, Spain) was recently demonstrated based on the occurrence of wind‐blown desert sands in coeval shallow marine deposits. Here, the first direct evidence of this mid‐Cretaceous erg in Europe is presented and the palaeoclimate and palaeoceanographic implications are discussed. The aeolian sand sea extended over an area of 4600 km2. Compound crescentic dunes, linear draa and complex aeolian dunes, sand sheets, wet, dry and evaporitic interdunes, sabkha deposits and coeval extradune lagoonal deposits form the main architectural elements of this desert system that was located in a sub‐tropical arid belt along the western Tethyan margin. Sub‐critically climbing translatent strata, grain flow and grain fall deposits, pin‐stripe lamination, lee side dune wind ripples, soft‐sediment deformations, vertebrate tracks, biogenic traces, tubes and wood fragments are some of the small‐scale structures and components observed in the aeolian dune sandstones. At the boundary between the aeolian sand sea and the marine realm, intertonguing of aeolian deposits and marine facies occurs. Massive sandstone units were laid down by mass flow events that reworked aeolian dune sands during flooding events. The cyclic occurrence of soft sediment deformation is ascribed to intermittent (marine) flooding of aeolian dunes and associated rise in the water table. The aeolian erg system developed in an active extensional tectonic setting that favoured its preservation. Because of the close proximity of the marine realm, the water table was high and contributed to the preservation of the aeolian facies.

A sand‐drift surface marks the onset of aeolian dune construction and accumulation, whereby aeolian deposits cover an earlier succession of coastal coal deposits formed in a more humid period. A prominent aeolian super‐surface forms an angular unconformity that divides the aeolian succession into two erg sequences. This super‐surface formed in response to a major tectonic reactivation in the basin, and also marks the change in style of aeolian sedimentation from compound climbing crescentic dunes to aeolian draas.

The location of the mid‐Cretaceous palaeoerg fits well to both the global distribution of other known Cretaceous erg systems and with current palaeoclimate data that suggest a global cooling period and a sea‐level lowstand during early mid‐Cretaceous times. The occurrence of a sub‐tropical coastal erg in the mid‐Cretaceous of Spain correlates with the exposure of carbonate platforms on the Arabian platform during much of the Late Aptian to Middle Albian, and is related to this eustatic sea‐level lowstand.
Yield and Osmotic Adjustment Capacity of Barley Under Terminal Water‐Stress Conditions
Authors: González A. , Martín I. , Ayerbe L.
Published: February 2008

This paper reports the influence of the osmotic adjustment capacity and turgor potential (TP) on tolerance to drought in 12 cultivated genotypes, six breeding lines and six cultivars of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under terminal water‐stress conditions. When the crops reached the flag leaf stage, half of the experimental plots in which they were grown were submitted to water stress treatment and the remainder maintained under optimal irrigation conditions. Differences were seen in the osmotic adjustment, relative water content (RWC) and water potential (WP) of the different genotypes. Two of the breeding lines showed the greatest osmotic adjustment capacities, maintaining their TPs better than the other genotypes studied. A positive, significant correlation was found between yield and osmotic adjustment capacity, RWC and WP under water‐stress conditions. Osmotic adjustment capacity and TP were linearly related, indicating that as water stress increases osmotic adjustment favours the maintenance of higher TPs. Significant correlations were found between osmotic adjustment capacity and grain filling rate and grain yield. Under conditions of terminal water stress, yield was negatively correlated with the number of days to ear emergence; no correlation was found between osmotic adjustment capacity and earliness. Early ear emergence, a good osmotic adjustment capacity and high RWC values all contributed to yield increases under terminal water‐stress conditions.
Estimation of Different Cellular Compounds from the Mycelium of Phomopsis theae, Causal Agent of Phomopsis Canker Disease of Tea
Authors: Ponmurugan P. , Baby U. I.
Published: February 2008

Variations between three isolates (MP, TP and WP) of Phomopsis theae were studied based on the growth pattern, cellular constituents in the mycelium and protein expression profile. The growth initially increased and later decreased. The growth of these isolates in terms of mycelial dry weight exhibited in the order of MP > TP > WP isolates. The quantitative estimation of cellular constituents such as total sugar, reducing sugar, non‐reducing sugar, nitrogen, protein, amino acids, polyphenol, catechin and lipid showed that there was no significant difference in these constituents between the isolates. The detection of amino acids in the mycelium of P. theae isolates showed 16 free forms and 11 bound forms. Amino acids in the bound form were elucidated to be higher in all the isolates than in the free form. All the isolates of P. theae exhibited prominent protein pattern with three common bands, which lies between the molecular weight of 116 and 66.2 kDa.
Erythromycin attenuates MUC5AC synthesis and secretion in cultured human tracheal cells infected with RV14
Authors: INOUE Daisuke , KUBO Hiroshi , SASAKI Takahiko , YASUDA Hiroyasu , NUMASAKI Muneo , SASAKI Hidetada , YAMAYA Mutsuo
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  The common cold is a major cause of asthma exacerbation and chronic obstructive lung disease. Rhinovirus is reported to be responsible for more than 50% of cases of the common cold. In a previous study, we reported that rhinovirus infection of cultured airway cells induced MUC5AC mucin overproduction and hypersecretion by activating the p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK) pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of erythromycin on RV14‐induced airway mucin overproduction and hypersecretion.

Methods:  RV14‐infected human tracheal epithelial cells were treated with erythromycin.

Results:  Erythromycin blocked RV14‐induced MUC5AC protein overproduction and hypersecretion, and also blocked RV14‐induced p44/42 MAPK activation in the cells.

Conclusions:  Erythromycin may attenuate RV14‐induced MUC5AC overproduction and hypersecretion by blocking the p44/42 MAPK pathway or its upstream regulators.
Effect of thixotropy conditioning of inspiratory muscles on the chest wall response to CPAP
Authors: IZUMIZAKI Masahiko , NAKAJIMA Takayuki , IWASE Michiko , OHSHIMA Yasuyoshi , HOMMA Ikuo
Published: February 2008

Background and objective:  Thixotropy conditioning of inspiratory muscles changes the end‐expiratory position of the respiratory system during resting breathing. We examined the immediate effects of thixotropy conditioning of inspiratory muscles on chest wall inflation induced by CPAP.

Methods:  A cross‐over design study was performed in 13 healthy men. Operating chest wall volume (Vcw) was measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography. Conditioning consisting of a 5 s inspiratory effort at a mask pressure of −20 cm H2O was performed under CPAP (10 cm H2O) at three Vcw values to change the muscle length at which conditioning occurred: (i) FRC at a CPAP of 10 cm H2O (FRC10); (ii) FRC at a CPAP of 0 cm H2O (FRC0); and (iii) RV at a CPAP of 10 cm H2O (RV10).

Results:  CPAP (10 cm H2O) increased FRC by 0.60–0.70 L. Decreases in operating Vcw were noted after conditioning at RV10, which decreased end‐expiratory Vcw by 0.16 ± 0.12 L and end‐inspiratory Vcw by 0.20 ± 0.14 L at 180 s (P < 0.01). Inspiratory capacity (1.59 ± 0.45 L) and inspiratory reserve volume (1.18 ± 0.40 L) were greater than preconditioning values (1.44 ± 0.49 L and 0.99 ± 0.41 L, respectively; P < 0.01). Conditioning at FRC0 also decreased operating Vcw significantly, but conditioning at FRC10 did not change operating Vcw.

Conclusions:  Thixotropy conditioning of inspiratory muscles performed below inflated FRC decreased the level of CPAP‐induced inflation.
Initial experience of functional imaging of upper urinary tract neoplasm by diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yoshida Soichiro , Masuda Hitoshi , Ishii Chikako , Saito Kazutaka , Kawakami Satoru , Kihara Kazunori
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  Diffusion‐weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides functional information widely used in the diagnosis of acute cerebral stroke. We reported our initial experience of this imaging technique of upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial carcinoma (UC).

Methods:  Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in 10 consecutive patients with suspected UUT UC. With conventional imaging, seven were diagnosed as having renal pelvic tumors and two were highly suspected of having UUT UC. These nine patients were diagnosed histopathologically as having renal pelvic UC by subsequent operation. The last patient was confirmed as experiencing benign stenosis. DW MRI was obtained with a 1.5‐T MR imager without a breath‐holding sequence. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of renal parenchyma, dilated collecting system, and tumor were calculated. The differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon t‐test.

Results:  On DW MRI, all nine tumors showed hyperintensity with negligible urinary intensity. Two cases of highly suspected UUT UC with unclear conventional MRI had high signal intensity and contrast. The case of benign stenosis had negative DW MRI. The median (range) ADC value of the tumor (0.803 [0.412–0.958] × 10−3 mm2/s) was significantly lower than those of the dilated collecting system (2.19 [1.42–2.40] × 10−3) and renal parenchyma (1.28 [0.922–1.45] × 10−3, respectively (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  This is the first report on the application of DW MRI for a series of UUT UC. With this technique, a clear demonstration of UUT UC could be obtained. Moreover, this imaging technique is potentially useful to identify small lesions if they have a low diffusion coefficient.
Ureteral nephrogenic adenoma in a renal allograft patient
Authors: Kim Myoung S , Kim Sang K , Kim Soon I , Kim Yu S , Jeong Hyeon J
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  A 56‐year‐old male who had renal transplants at the age of 34 and 49 years, presented with painless gross hematuria six years after the second renal transplantation. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed diffuse wall thickening of the distal ureter of the failed first allograft and a bulging lesion about 1.2 cm in size on the lower pole of the right native kidney. Both lesions were suspected for tumors, but they showed a ureteral nephrogenic adenoma and a renal hemorrhagic simple cyst.
Reproductive stem cell research and its application to urology
Authors: Ogawa Takehiko
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Germ cells are defined by their innate potential to transmit genetic information to the next generation through fertilization. Males produce numerous sperm for long periods to maximize chances of fertilization. Key to the continuous production of large numbers of sperm are germline stem cells and their immediate daughter cells, functioning as transit amplifying cells. Recently, it has become possible to expand germline stem cells of rodentsin vitro. In addition, multipotent stem cells, which are functionally the same as embryonic stem cells, have been established from neonatal mouse testes. These stem cells derived from the testis should contribute to biological research and technologies. On the other hand, the nature of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown due to the lack of an appropriate experimental system. However, the prevailing testicular sperm extraction procedure unraveled hitherto unknown facets of human spermatogenesis. The establishment of a culturing method for human spermatogonial stem cells in hopefully the near future would be a great benefit for achieving further insight into human spermatogenesis and should lead to more sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic clinical measures for male infertility.
ANALYSIS OF COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING SURGICAL TREATMENT OF BENIGN PAROTID DISEASE*
Authors: Nouraei S. A. Reza , Ismail Yasmin , Ferguson Mark S. , McLean Neil R. , Milner Richard H. , Thomson Peter J. , Welch Andrew R.
Published: February 2008

Background:  The objective of the study was to study the incidence of, and risk factors for developing complications following parotidectomy for benign disease, to improve preoperative patient counselling and better inform future surgical management.

Methods:  An 11‐year retrospective review of 162 parotidectomies for benign disease, collecting and analysing data about presentation, investigations, surgical treatment, postoperative facial nerve function, Frey’s syndrome and other surgical complications.

Results:  The mean age at presentation was 58 years. The commonest pathology was benign pleomorphic adenoma (43%), followed by Warthin’s tumour (30%) and chronic sialadenitis (22%). Sialadenitis was a significant risk factor for facial nerve palsy and increased the incidence of salivary fistulas. Parotid duct ligation increased the risk of nerve palsy in the distribution of zygomatic and buccal branches. Operations for Warthin’s tumour were associated with an increased risk of dysfunction of the cervical branch of the nerve. Half the patients had intraoperative facial nerve stimulation and this did not influence the likelihood of facial paresis. The recovery of facial nerve function showed a biphasic distribution, with 90% of patients having normal function within 12 months, followed by a slower recovery rate for up to 2 years.

Conclusion:  The incidence of postoperative complications was influenced by the pathology, with inflammatory lesions significantly increasing the risk of facial nerve dysfunction and other complications, but also by variations in surgical practice, such as parotid duct ligation. Overall, the incidence of permanent facial paralysis was less than 2%, but temporary nerve palsy was common at 40%, with most patients regaining normal function within 1 year of the operation.
FAILURE STRENGTHS OF CONCENTRIC AND ECCENTRIC IMPLANTS FOR HAMSTRING GRAFT FIXATION
Authors: Gwynne‐Jones David P. , Draffin Joanne , Vane Andrew G. S. , Craig Roy A. , McMahon Simon F.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study is to compare the initial failure strengths of various interference screw devices used for tibial fixation of hamstring grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and the effect of concentric or eccentric screw position. Quadrupled tendon grafts were harvested from freshly killed sheep. The grafts were then prepared and fixed in the distal femur using various devices (Intrafix (DePuy Mitek Raynham, MA, USA), RCI screw (Smith and Nephew Acufex, Mansfield, MA, USA), Wedge screw (Stryker Endoscopy, San Jose, CA, USA) in concentric position and Wedge screw in eccentric position with an interlock pin). The load required to cause mechanical failure of each construct was measured. The Intrafix device had a significantly greater mean strength to failure than all the other implants (mean 941 ± 280 N)(P = 0.015 to P < 0.0001). The wedge screw inserted concentrically (737 ± 134 N) had significantly greater initial failure strength than the wedge eccentric with interlock pin (458 ± 266 N)(P = 0.03) and the RCI screw (464 ± 107 N)(P = 0.00036). In this sheep model the Intrafix device with sheath inserted concentrically had significantly greater initial failure strength than the other interference screws. Concentric positioning of the wedge interference screw gave significantly greater initial failure strength of a quadruple tendon graft than eccentric positioning. The use of the Intrafix device or concentric positioning of an interference screw should result in increased initial fixation strength of hamstring grafts. This may allow more vigorous early rehabilitation and may result in less late graft laxity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Adoption Support and the Negotiation of Ambivalence in Family Policy and Children's Services
Authors: Luckock Barry
Published: February 2008

In this paper ambivalent commitments to parenting and family life by the New Labour government are explored by reference to the example of adoption support. Developments in adoption illuminate contrasting expectations in family policy and children's services more generally. Traditional normative concerns to support family status and parental autonomy are unsettled by contemporary anxieties about child outcomes and social mobility. Impatience with the attitudes and behaviour of parents has led to a ‘progressive universalism’ in which enhanced parenting services and expectations for all are combined with increasingly insistent and targeted interventions for the particularly needy, reluctant or recalcitrant few. At the same time demands for greater service modernization and professional effectiveness have led government to position parents as (potential) consumers too. The paper discusses these policy and practice tensions and concludes that new spaces are being opened up for the negotiation between parents and professionals about rights and responsibilities in family life and its support.
Child Maltreatment in Diverse Households: Challenges to Law, Theory, and Practice
Authors: Brophy Julia
Published: February 2008

In the United Kingdom relatively little attention has been paid to ‘race’ and racism and the role of cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity in care proceedings. This paper will look at the background, law, and guidance on diversity in this field and explore the impact of notions of diversity in evidence before the courts. It will look at their relevance in allegations of 'significant harm’ to children and failures of parenting, and the coverage of diverse backgrounds in expert reports and parents’ statements. It will argue that while there is no evidence that the threshold criteria for a care order require reassessing, there is room for considerable improvement in attention to issues of diversity in evidence and in the experiences of parents attending court. The paper will explore the implications of the studies for theorizing law and the duties of the state and look at notions such as cultural relativism and concepts imported from cultural anthropology for determining culturally acceptable parenting. It will highlight problems with these approaches and demonstrate why ‘paradigms of intersectionality’ is a more useful and robust approach.
Holding Parents to Account: Tough on Children, Tough on the Causes of Children?
Authors: Koffman Laurence
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the intellectual basis for New Labour's policy of holding parents to account for the misconduct of their children. It argues that the government has relied too heavily on an ill‐defined conception of responsibility, whilst failing to address the underlying causes of anti‐social behaviour. By way of illustration, the government's strategy is considered in the light of the author's empirical study of anti‐social behaviour measures and their impact on families in a disadvantaged area.
Governing Parenting: Is There a Case for a Policy Review and Statement of Parenting Rights and Responsibilities?
Authors: Henricson Clem
Published: February 2008

This paper addresses the governance of families in the context of a political philosophy that endorses a rights perspective in social policy and the need to promote transparent government. The status of parenting as a function of government has grown substantially under the present Labour administration and now commands cross‐party support as a priority issue. However, it would be wrong to claim that there is a national consensus regarding the role of the state in supporting and regulating families in their upbringing of children. This paper assesses current parental rights and responsibilities in relation to financial support, and the physical and emotional care and control of children. Emerging themes and ambiguities are drawn out, and consideration is given to the need for a strategic policy statement embracing the broad ambit of government legislation, discussion documents, and commentaries. In conclusion, the case is made for a regular policy review and for a national debate as to whether there should an official statement of parents’ rights and responsibilities.
Psychological consequences among adults following the 1999 earthquake in Athens, Greece
Authors: Varela Emily , Koustouki Vasiliki , Davos Constantinos H. , Eleni Kiriakidou
Published: February 2008

One year after the 7 September 1999 earthquake in Athens, Greece, we investigated the psychological consequences among 305 individuals (71 per cent female) residing in the settlements of Ano Liosia Municipality. Adaptability was difficult (63 per cent) due to limited space (50 per cent). Insecurity feelings were predictive of difficult adaptability (χ2= 29.8, p<0.0001) and were common (63 per cent) among married subjects, independent of age (χ2= 5.0, odds ratio (OR): 0.49, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI): 0.26–0.90). Eighty per cent expressed stress feelings, mainly nervousness/tension (60 per cent). Adaptability (χ2= 5.3, OR: 0.5, 95 per cent CI: 0.27–0.9), age (χ2= 6.5, OR: 1.03, 95 per cent CI: 1.01–1.06), and female gender (χ2= 4.7, OR: 0.48, 95 per cent CI: 0.25–0.90) were independent predictors of stress feelings. The majority (55 percent) developed sleep disorders, chiefly insomnia (60 percent). Adaptability problems were the only predictor of sleep disorders (χ2= 6.4, OR: 0.5, 95 per cent CI: 0.33–0.87). Psychiatric medication use increased after the earthquake.
Decision making as community adaptation: a case study of emergency managers in Oklahoma
Authors: Donner William R.
Published: February 2008

This paper explores how emergency managers make judgments regarding long‐term policy and offers a sociological account of organisational decision making within an ecological context. Discussions with emergency managers focusing on the relative merits of rainfall estimation and tornado detection served as data with which to address these issues. Among the 39 interviewees, a consensus emerged favouring tornado detection over rainfall estimation. From these findings, the paper attempts to understand why emergency managers prefer tornado detection to rainfall estimation and to develop theoretical generalisations explaining trends in these preferences. When developing long‐term policy, analysis of transcripts revealed emergency managers to be most concerned with the relative uncertainty of hazards, the capabilities of technology in hazard mitigation, and how the public perceives environmental threats. Given the environmental, technological, and social concerns reflected in this reasoning, there appears to be a strong ecological context driving the need for tornado detection among emergency managers. Implications and concerns are presented in the final section.
Returning home: resettlement of formerly abducted children in Northern Uganda
Authors: Corbin Joanne N.
Published: February 2008

This exploratory qualitative study considers the subjective resettlement experiences of children forced into armed conflict in Northern Uganda from the perspectives of 11 former child combatants and 11 adult community members. A thematic analysis was performed on the narrative data. The bioecological model was used to provide a conceptual framework for key themes. Major findings included the overarching impact of ongoing armed conflict on returnees' lives, the important role of the family in supporting children's resettlement, the harassment of former child soldiers by community members, and the community's inability to support systematically the returning children in tangible ways. This study recommends that humanitarian services at all levels strengthen the capacity of families to care for the material and psychoemotional needs of former child soldiers within their communities.
The Integration of Health and Social Care: The Lessons from Northern Ireland
Authors: Heenan Deirdre , Birrell Derek
Published: February 2008

Mechanisms for the integration of social services with health have come to dominate the debate on providing a more seamless provision of health and social care. Working together at the health and social care interface has been strongly promoted and endorsed in government documents since the late 1990s. Moves towards integration have been treated with suspicion and scepticism in the academic literature, with many authors highlighting the many barriers and challenges presented by this method of working. Yet these proposals do not represent a paradigm shift in culture in all parts of the United Kingdom, as Northern Ireland has had an integrated health and social care system for over thirty years. Based on an empirical study of senior health care professionals in Northern Ireland, this study identifies and discusses the key issues associated with integration. It concludes that the experiences in Northern Ireland have to date been overlooked or misrepresented and could prove extremely valuable in gaining an understanding of the challenges and benefits of integrated arrangements.
Social Policy in a Cold Climate: Health and Social Welfare in Russia
Authors: Titterton Mike
Published: February 2008

The Russian Federation faces multiple challenges for its health and welfare systems and for the development of social policy responses. This article provides a review of some of the key challenges for social policy in Russia and assesses the adequacy of the responses to date. The author surveys recent developments in health and social welfare and makes recommendations on priorities for Russia's policy‐makers and international funders. A range of public health challenges including drug and alcohol misuse, health in prisons and mental health is discussed; HIV/AIDS is singled out for particular attention. While Russia is increasingly attracting the attention of social scientists in the West, there is uncertainty about models and concepts suitable for the analysis of this complex society. Although empirical trends are largely discussed in this article, it is argued that theoretical development is required and some suggestions are made about concepts of the ‘middle range’ to assist in future analyses. Intermediate theories, such as those relating to the management of personal welfare, and development of resilience in a formerly collectivized context, are identified as having explanatory potential for this task.
The Social Organization of Desire: The Sexual Fields Approach
Authors: Green Adam Isaiah
Published: February 2008

Modern urban life is increasingly characterized by specialized erotic worlds designed for sexual partnership and sexual sociality. In this article, I build on sociological theory developed in areas other than the sociology of sexuality to formulate a frame-work uniquely suited to the analysis of such modern erotic worlds—the sexual fields framework. Coupling Goffman's social psychological focus on situational negotiation with a Bourdieusian model of routine practice, the sexual fields framework highlights the relationship of interactional work to fields of objective relations wherein historically specific erotic schemas acquire a structural manifestation that erotic players must navigate. In so doing, the sexual fields approach advances a set of sensitizing concepts for identifying the structures of collective sexual life, and raises a set of new lines of sociological inquiry, including the relationship of sexual fields to both psychoanalytic and macro-level structures and processes.
Culture, Power, and Institutions: A Multi-Institutional Politics Approach to Social Movements
Authors: Armstrong Elizabeth A. , Bernstein Mary
Published: February 2008

We argue that critiques of political process theory are beginning to coalesce into a new approach to social movements—a “multi-institutional politics” approach. While the political process model assumes that domination is organized by and around one source of power, the alternative perspective views domination as organized around multiple sources of power, each of which is simultaneously material and symbolic. We examine the conceptions of social movements, politics, actors, goals, and strategies supported by each model, demonstrating that the view of society and power underlying the political process model is too narrow to encompass the diversity of contemporary change efforts. Through empirical examples, we demonstrate that the alternative approach provides powerful analytical tools for the analysis of a wide variety of contemporary change efforts.
The role of feedback from phonology to orthography in orthographic learning: an extension of item‐based accounts
Authors: McKague Meredith , Davis Chris , Pratt Chris , Johnston Michael B.
Published: February 2008

Skilled readers were trained to recognise either the oral (n=44) or visual form (n=40) of a set of 32 novel words (oral and visual instantiation, respectively). Training involved learning the ‘meanings’ for the instantiated words and was followed by a visual lexical decision task in which the instantiated words were mixed with real English words and untrained pseudowords, and the instantiated words were to be considered as words. The phonology‐to‐orthography consistency (feedback consistency) of the instantiated words was manipulated to investigate the role of feedback from phonology in orthographic learning. Masked consonant and vowel‐preserving form primes were used in the lexical decision task as probes of orthographic learning. Feedback‐consistent instantiated words were recognised significantly faster in lexical decision than feedback‐inconsistent instantiated words, and facilitation was significantly greater from consonant‐preserving than vowel‐preserving primes for orally but not visually instantiated words. The results support the hypothesis that orthographic representations based on a consonant frame can be generated from the speech signal before encountering the printed forms, and that feedback from phonology is involved in the early stages of orthographic learning.
Sound–spelling consistency in adults' orthographic learning
Authors: Burt Jennifer S. , Blackwell Penelope
Published: February 2008

Forty‐eight adults were trained on monosyllabic pseudowords and their meanings and then tested in vocal spelling. The orthographic inconsistency of the rime (e.g. orn, awn for ‘glorn’) and the number of learning trials affected accuracy and response latency in the vocal spelling test. In addition, orthographic typicality as assessed by neighbour statistics predicted item spelling accuracy. Spelling accuracy on orthographically consistent items significantly increased with training, suggesting that unfamiliar monosyllables are not necessarily spelled by reliance on sound–spelling correspondences at the rime level. Analysis of spelling errors revealed that good spellers made more spelling errors containing alternative rime spellings and fewer errors that were phonologically inappropriate than poor spellers.
Investigating orthographic and semantic aspects of word learning in poor comprehenders
Authors: Ricketts Jessie , Bishop Dorothy V.M. , Nation Kate
Published: February 2008

This study compared orthographic and semantic aspects of word learning in children who differed in reading comprehension skill. Poor comprehenders and controls matched for age (9–10 years), nonverbal ability and decoding skill were trained to pronounce 20 visually presented nonwords, 10 in a consistent way and 10 in an inconsistent way. They then had an opportunity to infer the meanings of the new words from story context. Orthographic learning was measured in three ways: the number of trials taken to learn to pronounce nonwords correctly, orthographic choice and spelling. Across all measures, consistent items were easier than inconsistent items and poor comprehenders did not differ from control children. Semantic learning was assessed on three occasions, using a nonword–picture matching task. While poor comprehenders showed equivalent semantic learning to controls immediately after exposure to nonword meaning, this knowledge was not well retained over time. Results are discussed in terms of the language and reading skills of poor comprehenders and in relation to current models of reading development.
CORPORATE CONSUMPTION: A POSTSCRIPT*
Authors: SUMNER MICHAEL
Published: February 2008

Corporate retentions have a well‐determined effect on consumers’ expenditure, which cannot be explained by an impact of retentions on capital gains and thence on household wealth; on the contrary, increases in retentions are associated with subsequent capital losses. The timing of the relationship between retained profits and expenditure is consistent with direct corporate purchases of on‐the‐job consumption.