bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geological relationship between Anyui Metamorphic Complex and Samarka terrane, Far East Russia
Authors: Kojima Satoru , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Otoh Shigeru , Yamakita Satoshi , Ehiro Masayuki , Dia Cheikhna , Kirillova Galina Leontievna , Dymovich Vladimir Akimovich , Eichwald Lyudmila Petrovna
Published: November 2008

The Anyui Metamorphic Complex (AMC) of Cretaceous age is composed of metachert, schist, gneiss, migmatite and ultramafic rocks, and forms a dome structure within the northernmost part of the Jurassic accretionary complex of the Samarka terrane. The two adjacent geological units are bounded by a fault, but the gradual changes of grain size and crystallinity index of quartz in chert and metachert of the Samarka terrane and the AMC, together with the gradual lithological change, indicate that at least parts of the AMC are metamorphic equivalents of the Samarka rocks. Radiolarian fossils from siliceous mudstone of the Samarka terrane indicates Tithonian age (uppermost Jurassic), and hence, form a slightly later accretion. This signifies that the accretionary complex in the study area is one of the youngest tectonostratigraphic units of the Samarka terrane. The relationship between the Samarka terrane and AMC, as well as their ages and lithologies, are similar to those of the Tamba–Mino–Ashio terrane and Ryoke Metamorphic Complex in southwest Japan. In both areas the lower (younger) part of the Jurassic accretionary complexes were intruded and metamorphosed by Late Cretaceous granitic magma. Crustal development of the Pacific‐type orogen has been achieved by the cycle of: (i) accretion of oceanic materials and turbidites derived from the continent; and (ii) granitic intrusion by the next subduction and accretion events, accompanied by formation of high T/P metamorphic complexes.
Effects of combination treatment with famotidine and methylmethionine sulfonium chloride on the mucus barrier of rat gastric mucosa
Authors: Ichikawa Takafumi , Ito Yuko , Saegusa Yoichi , Iwai Tomohisa , Goso Yukinobu , Ikezawa Tomoaki , Ishihara Kazuhiko
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  In Japan, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is treated clinically with a combination of a mucosal protectant and acid suppressants, but there is scant information regarding the effects of these drugs on normal gastric mucus cells. In the present study, the effects of co‐administration of methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) and famotidine on rat gastric mucus cells were investigated using both biochemical and histological methods.

Methods:  Rats were divided into four groups: controls were given carboxymethylcellulose orally once daily for 7 days and the second, third and fourth groups were treated similarly with famotidine (famotidine group), MMSC (MMSC group) or famotidine plus MMSC (combination group). After killing the rats on the 8th day, the stomachs were removed and the biosynthesis and amount of mucin in different areas of the gastric mucosa were compared among groups. Using anti‐mucin monoclonal antibodies, the mucin content and immunoreactivity were also compared.

Results:  Both the biosynthesis and accumulation of mucin were significantly decreased in the famotidine group, but increased in the MMSC and combination groups. The amount and immunoreactivity of surface mucus cell‐derived mucin were both reduced in the famotidine group, and increased in the MMSC and combination groups. There was no difference among the groups in the content and immunoreactivity of gland mucus cell‐derived mucin.

Conclusion:  Famotidine‐induced suppression of gastric surface mucus cell function is prevented by combined treatment with MMSC, raising the possibility of a more effective cure of PUD.
STAT3 expression in gastric cancer indicates a poor prognosis
Authors: Kim Dae‐Young , Cha Sung‐Tae , Ahn Dae‐Ho , Kang Hae‐Yoon , Kwon Chang‐Il , Ko Kwang‐Hyun , Hwang Seong‐Gyu , Park Pil‐Won , Rim Kyu‐Sung , Hong Sung‐Pyo
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) behave as signal transducers in the cytoplasm and as transcription factors in the nucleus. In the current study, we analyzed the immunohistochemical staining patterns of gastrectomy tissue specimens. We investigated the expression of STAT3 and STAT5 and estimated the relationship between STAT and cancer prognosis.

Methods:  One hundred patients who underwent gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma at Bundang CHA hospital between January 2000 and May 2005 were studied. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using antibodies against STAT3 and STAT5. The interpretation of the immunohistochemical staining was based on the proportion of stained cells in the field: positive, > 10% stained cells; and negative, < 10% stained cells.

Results:  The longest diameter of tumor was 4.67 cm in the positive group and 3.76 cm in the negative group, and these results were not statistically different (P‐value = 0.112). Higher T (primary tumor) value (P‐value = 0.05), more regional lymph node invasion (P‐value = 0.008) and higher TNM staging (P‐value = 0.069) were significantly related to STAT3 positivity, but Helicobacter pylori infection or atrophic gastritis were not related. A lower survival rate was observed in the STAT3‐positive group (P‐value = 0.001). The results of STAT5 were not statistically different with respect to TNM staging and survival (P‐value = 0.958). We thus report that the immunohistochemical results of STAT3 revealed a significant association with TNM staging and survival.

Conclusion:  We anticipate that STAT3 may be used as a molecular staging biomarker predicting poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
Palliative chemotherapy for patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Ok , Kim Dae‐Young , Lim Joo Han , Seo Myung‐Deok , Yi Hyeon Gyu , Oh Do‐Youn , Im Seock‐Ah , Kim Tae‐You , Bang Yung‐Jue
Published: November 2008

Background and Aim:  The majority of patients with post‐transplantation recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have extrahepatic metastases and multifocal lesions. Therefore, they have few treatment options and may not be amenable for local therapy. The safety and efficacy of palliative chemotherapy in this population has not been reported.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients who received palliative chemotherapy for recurrent HCC after liver transplantation between January 2000 and December 2006 at the Seoul National University Hospital.

Results:  The mean age of patients was 55 years (range 42–70 years). The most commonly used chemotherapeutic regimens were 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)/cisplatin (n = 9), which was followed by capecitabine/cisplatin (n = 4), 5‐FU/mitomycin (n = 3), 5‐FU/oxaliplatin (n = 1), S‐1 (n = 1), capecitabine (n = 1), gemcitabine/oxaliplatin (n = 1), gemcitabine/cisplatin (n = 1), 5‐FU/interferon (n = 1) and sorafenib (n = 2). The Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (29.1%), thrombocytopenia (20.9%) and anemia (20.9%). There were no cases of neutropenic fever or bleeding events. The Grade 3/4 non‐hematological toxicity included elevation of liver transaminase (8.4%) and jaundice (16.7%). No patient showed an objective response and four patients (16.7%) demonstrated stable disease. The median time to progression was 7.0 weeks (95% CI 5.8–8.2) and the median overall survival was 16.6 weeks (95% CI 10.1–23.1).

Conclusion:  Palliative chemotherapy can be delivered to patients with recurrent HCC after liver transplantation with tolerable toxicity. However, the efficacy to date is not satisfactory. Therefore, more effective systemic chemotherapy is needed for this group of patients.
Irish nursing students’ experiences of service learning
Authors: Casey Dympna , Murphy Kathy
Published: November 2008

Service learning is a teaching tool that facilitates students’ ability to link theory to practice while simultaneously providing a needed service to the community. This paper describes Irish nursing students’ experiences of a service learning placement undertaken in a developing country. The students complete 30 h of theoretical content, which includes lectures and workshops on such topics as personal safety, health, and human rights, as well as the preparation of students for the emotional impact of the experience. All the content is underpinned by a commitment to developing reciprocal relationships with the service learning communities. To explore these students’ experiences, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted. The data were collected using interviews and were analyzed by thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: developing cultural sensitivity, caring for people in different cultures, learning/knowing more, and the potential impact on nursing practice. The findings suggest that the students are more culturally aware and are becoming more responsible citizens.
What we have here is a failure to communicate! Improving communication between tertiary to primary care for chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Shakib S. , Philpott H. , Clark R.
Published: November 2008

Background:  The aims of this study were to determine the documentation of pharmacotherapy optimization goals in the discharge letters of patients with the principal diagnosis of chronic heart failure.

Methods:  A retrospective practice audit of 212 patients discharged to the care of their local general practitioner from general medical units of a large tertiary hospital. Details of recommendations regarding ongoing pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management were reviewed. The doses of medications on discharge were noted and whether they met current guidelines recommending titration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and beta‐blockers. Ongoing arrangements for specialist follow up were also reviewed.

Results:  The mean age of patients whose letters were reviewed was 78.4 years (standard deviation ± 8.6); 50% were men. Patients had an overall median of six comorbidities and eight regular medications on discharge. Mean length of stay for each admission was 6 days. Discharge letters were posted a median of 4 days after discharge, with 25% not posted at 10 days. No discharge letter was sent in 9.4% (20) of the cases. Only six (2.8%) letters had any recommendations regarding future titration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and 6.6% (14) for beta‐blockers. Recommendations for future non‐pharmacological management, for example, diuretic action plans, regular weight monitoring and exercise plans were not found in the letters in this audit.

Conclusion:  Hospital discharge is an opportunity to communicate management plans for treatment optimization effectively, and while this opportunity is spurned, implementation gaps in the management of cardiac failure will probably remain.
Patterns of glycaemic control in Australian primary care (NEFRON 8)
Authors: MacIsaac R. J. , Jerums G. , Weekes A. J. , Thomas M. C.
Published: November 2008

Background: Intensive glycaemic control delays the onset and progression of diabetes‐related complications, especially microvascular complications. However, only limited information is available regarding glucose‐lowering treatment practices in Australian primary care. The aim of the study was to describe patterns of glycaemic control in subjects participating in the National Evaluation of the Frequency of Renal Impairment co‐existing with Non‐Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus study.

Methods: Expressions of interest were invited from all registered general practitioners in Australia, from which 500 investigators were randomly selected and asked to provide data on 10–15 consecutive adults with type 2 diabetes presenting to their practice.

Results: Just less than half of the 3893 enrolled patients had a haemoglobin (Hb)A1c <7.0% (47.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 46.1–49.3%) and quarter had an HbA1c≥8.0% (24.3%, 95%CI 22.9–25.9%. For patients using lifestyle alone, one or two oral glucose‐lowering agents or insulin there was a progressive decline in the proportion achieving an HbA1c <7.0%, that is, 81, 55, 31 and 24%, respectively. There was a very good concordance between general practitioners' perception of optimal control (HbA1c <7.0%) and the actual glycaemic levels achieved in this study.

Conclusion: Current targets for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes have generally been followed in Australian general practice, but there is still a significant gap in the achievement of recommended glycaemic goals. A quarter of the patients clearly have poor glycaemic control. The immediate steps that can be taken to improve glycaemic control include the early use of combination oral glucose‐lowering therapies and the increased use of insulin.
Prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in an Australian scleroderma population: screening allows for earlier diagnosis
Authors: Phung S. , Strange G. , Chung L. P. , Leong J. , Dalton B. , Roddy J. , Deague J. , Playford D. , Musk M. , Gabbay E.
Published: November 2008

Background:  We sought to determine the prevalence of pulmonary complications and especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in an Australian scleroderma population.

Methods:  Between July 2005 and June 2007, physicians in Western Australia were asked to refer patients with scleroderma specifically for pulmonary hypertension screening. All patients were assessed for PAH and other respiratory conditions using echocardiography, lung function testing and clinical assessments. Right heart catheterization was carried out in patients with evidence of increased right ventricular systolic pressure.

Results:  Of the 184 patients analysed, 44 had possible PAH on echocardiography. Right heart catheterization confirmed the diagnosis in 24 (13%). Diffuse interstitial lung disease was found in 32 patients representing a point prevalence of 17.4%. The severity of PAH at diagnosis varied according to whether the patients were referred for screening (group A) or for diagnostic (group B) purposes. The 6‐min‐walk test distance and median pulmonary vascular resistance were significantly worse in group B versus group A (324 vs 402 m; P= 0.02 and 884 dynes/s per cm−5 vs 486 dynes/s per cm−5; P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:  Screening may result in earlier diagnosis of PAH with, in general more mild disease. This is important, given that early treatment for PAH while patients are less symptomatic is associated with improved exercise tolerance and pulmonary haemodynamics: indices indicative of disease progression and clinical worsening.
Understanding organ donation in the collaborative era: a qualitative study of staff and family experiences
Authors: Thomas S. L. , Milnes S. , Komesaroff P. A.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Despite the success of the Breakthrough Collaborative Methodology (BCM) in increasing organ donation rates there has been little published evidence on the effect of the BCM on the wider attitudes and experiences of those involved in organ donation. This study sought to identify whether the National Organ Donation Collaborative in Australia had any additional influence on improving the experiences of staff and family members in the organ donation process.

Methods:  In‐depth qualitative interviews with 17 family members from 13 families who had agreed to the organ donation of a deceased relative and 25 nurses and intensive care specialists at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria were carried out.

Results:  The key factor in family members' decision to donate was prior knowledge of the deceased's donation wish. Although most family members did not regret their decision to donate, many were deeply dissatistified and, at times, confused by the technical and administrative nature of the donation process. Most staff members commented that the key community message about donation should be to encourage people to discuss donation rather than urging people to sign donor registers.

Conclusion:  This study identified valuable insights into the processes by which family members and intensive care unit staff deal with the actual processes of donation. Findings suggest that the process for families is far more complex than a simple agreement or refusal to donate. This study suggests that we should not assume that ‘rates’ of donation in Australia would increase merely through administrative programmes or marketing campaigns.
Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome associated with anticancer drugs
Authors: Marinella M. A. , Markert R. J.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is an underappreciated clinical‐radiologic syndrome characterized by reversible cortical dysfunction preferentially involving the occipital lobes in conjunction with imaging findings of reversible subcortical oedema. As RPLS is being increasingly identified within the oncology population in association with cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted agents, a review of the published work in English was carried out.

Methods:  A MEDLINE search of the published work in English was conducted to identify cases of RPLS in patients more than 16 years of age who were treated with anticancer drugs for documented malignancy. Only cases with adequate documentation regarding demographic and treatment data, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging and outcome were selected.

Results:  We identified 24 patients with RPLS associated with a variety of anticancer drugs, most commonly complicating polychemotherapy and/or bevacizumab‐containing regimens. There was a female predominance: 18 females and 6 males (P= 0.023). Women were of premenopausal age and were younger than males: 49.3 ± 16.4 years versus 60.7 ± 6.4 years (P= 0.09). Most patients presented with acute headache (67%), seizures (63%), confusion (54%) or cortical blindness (46%) with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 168 ± 15 and 98 ± 15 mm Hg, respectively. Findings on magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense lesions on T2‐weighted images in all patients, which involved the occipital lobes in 75% of patients; all patients experienced clinical and radiologic resolution within days to weeks. No deaths were directly attributed to RPLS.

Conclusions:  Combination and single‐agent chemotherapy as well as novel anticancer drugs are associated with RPLS. We found RPLS to be overrepresented in premenopausal woman; the prevalence in this subgroup may be related to an anticancer drug–oestrogen interaction inducing altered cerebral vasoreactivity and endothelial dysfunction.
Color responses of the human lateral geniculate nucleus: selective amplification of S‐cone signals between the lateral geniculate nucleno and primary visual cortex measured with high‐field fMRI
Authors: Mullen Kathy T. , Dumoulin Serge O. , Hess Robert F.
Published: November 2008

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is the primary thalamic nucleus that relays visual information from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1) and has been extensively studied in non‐human primates. A key feature of the LGN is the segregation of retinal inputs into different cellular layers characterized by their differential responses to red‐green (RG) color (L/M opponent), blue‐yellow (BY) color (S‐cone opponent) and achromatic (Ach) contrast. In this study we use high‐field functional magnetic resonance imaging (4 tesla, 3.6 × 3.6 × 3 mm3) to record simultaneously the responses of the human LGN and V1 to chromatic and Ach contrast to investigate the LGN responses to color, and how these are modified as information transfers between LGN and cortex. We find that the LGN has a robust response to RG color contrast, equal to or greater than the Ach response, but a significantly poorer sensitivity to BY contrast. In V1 at low temporal rates (2 Hz), however, the sensitivity of the BY color pathway is selectively enhanced, rising in relation to the RG and Ach responses. We find that this effect generalizes across different stimulus contrasts and spatial stimuli (1‐d and 2‐d patterns), but is selective for temporal frequency, as it is not found for stimuli at 8 Hz. While the mechanism of this cortical enhancement of BY color vision and its dynamic component is unknown, its role may be to compensate for a weak BY signal originating from the sparse distribution of neurons in the retina and LGN.
Healthcare charges and utilization associated with diabetic neuropathy: impact of Type 1 diabetes and presence of other diabetes‐related complications and comorbidities
Authors: Zhao Y. , Ye W. , Boye K. S. , Holcombe J. H. , Swindle R.
Published: November 2008

Aims  The aim was to examine the impact of Type 1 diabetes and having any other diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity on healthcare charges and utilization in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN).

Methods  We selected individuals aged < 65 years who continuously enrolled in a large US commercial plan from July 2004 to June 2006 and who received at least one diagnosis of DN at any time from July 2004 to June 2005. We compared the prevalence of other diabetes‐related complications or comorbidities between patients with Type 1 and with Type 2 diabetes. In patients with DN with or without any other diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity, we used multivariate regression to assess the marginal contribution of Type 1 diabetes on healthcare charges and utilization from July 2005 until June 2006.

Results  The majority of DN patients had at least one other diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity. Most of the DN patients had Type 2 diabetes. DN patients with Type 1 diabetes had more comorbid medical conditions than those with Type 2 diabetes. Compared with Type 2, Type 1 patients had a higher prevalence of each individual non‐DN diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity, except heart disease. Controlling for comorbidities, Type 1 and Type 2 patients with DN but no other diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity had similar healthcare utilization. However, Type 1 patients had significantly higher charges than those with any other diabetes‐related complication or comorbidity.

Conclusions  Many patients with DN have Type 1 diabetes and other common diabetes‐related complications or comorbidities, which can have a significant impact on healthcare charges and utilization.
Severe insulin resistance due to anti‐insulin antibodies: response to plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Greenfield J. R. , Tuthill A. , Soos M. A. , Semple R. K. , Halsall D. J. , Chaudhry A. , O’Rahilly S.
Published: November 2008

Anti‐insulin antibodies have been described in two contexts: in insulin‐naive individuals (so‐called ‘insulin autoimmune syndrome’) and in patients with insulin‐treated diabetes, in whom antibodies are rarely of clinical significance. We report the case of an 68‐year‐old woman who exhibited a local allergic reaction to subcutaneous insulin followed by severe insulin resistance, evidenced by poor glycaemic control despite treatment with > 3.5 U/kg of insulin per day. She was found to have circulating polyclonal anti‐insulin antibodies of the IgG subtype and responded clinically to a course of plasma exchange and immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and, subsequently, intravenous immunoglobulin. Falling titres of antibodies on this regimen correlated with improved glycaemic control. This case suggests that clinicians should be alert to the possibility of insulin resistance due to anti‐insulin antibodies and that immunosuppression in this situation may be a valuable therapeutic option.
Strategic Choice and Performance in Late Movers: Influence of the Top Management Team's External Ties
Authors: Yoo Jae Wook , Reed Richard , Shin Shung Jae , Lemak David J.
Published: November 2008

abstract

This work examines how the strategic choice and performance of late movers are influenced by the top management team's external ties, inside and outside the firm's industry. Using a multiyear sample of firms from the computer industry, we found that intra‐industry trade‐association ties of top managers led to the adoption of a resource‐imitation strategy by late movers while extra‐industry importation and professional‐association ties led to the adoption of a resource‐substitution strategy. We also found that trade association ties had a negative effect on the performance of late movers using resource‐substitution, while top managers' service on other firms' boards had a positive influence on the performance of those firms. Our findings not only confirm the importance of the role of fit in strategy and performance, but they also highlight the importance of the management and control of boundary‐spanning activities.
Why the poor pay with their lives: oil pipeline vandalisation, fires and human security in Nigeria
Authors: Onuoha Freedom C.
Published: November 2008

Since its discovery in Nigeria in 1956 crude oil has been a source of mixed blessing to the country. It is believed to have generated enormous wealth, but it has also claimed a great many lives. Scholarly attention on the impact of oil on security in Nigeria has largely focused on internal conflicts rather than on how disasters associated with oil pipeline vandalisation have impacted on human security in terms of causing bodily injuries and death, destroying livelihoods and fracturing families. This paper examines how pipeline vandalisation affects human security in these ways. It identifies women and children as those who are hardest hit and questions why the poor are the most vulnerable in oil pipeline disasters in this country. It recommends the adoption of a comprehensive and integrated framework of disaster management that will ensure prompt response to key early warning signs, risk‐reduction and appropriate mitigation and management strategies.
The Tasman Spirit oil spill: implications for regulatory change in Pakistan
Authors: Mian Saima , Bennett Suzan
Published: November 2008

An oil spill in July 2003 from the tanker Tasman Spirit attracted considerable public and media attention in Pakistan. This paper focuses on the experience of a developing country such as Pakistan in dealing with a major oil spill and its impact on bringing about change in the national regulatory framework. A major outcome has been the ratification of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1992, which came into force in March 2006 in Pakistan. The convention provides a compensation mechanism for victims incurring oil pollution damages from maritime casualties involving oil laden ships. Several additional changes are still required to improve the country's ability to cope with marine oil spills. These include the development of a comprehensive domestic regulatory framework, implementation of an effective contingency plan, and capacity building of all relevant agencies.
Earthquake recovery of historic buildings: exploring cost and time needs
Authors: Al‐Nammari Fatima M. , Lindell Michael K.
Published: November 2008

Disaster recovery of historic buildings has rarely been investigated even though the available literature indicates that they face special challenges. This study examines buildings' recovery time and cost to determine whether their functions (that is, their use) and their status (historic or non‐historic) affect these outcomes. The study uses data from the city of San Francisco after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake to examine the recovery of historic buildings owned by public agencies and non‐governmental organisations. The results show that recovery cost is affected by damage level, construction type and historic status, whereas recovery time is affected by the same variables and also by building function. The study points to the importance of pre‐incident recovery planning, especially for building functions that have shown delayed recovery. Also, the study calls attention to the importance of further investigations into the challenges facing historic building recovery.
Viscous Flows in a Half Space Caused by Tangential Vibrations on Its Boundary
Authors: Vladimirov V. A.
Published: November 2008

The paper is devoted to the studies of viscous flows caused by a vibrating boundary. The fluid domain is a half‐space, its boundary is a nondeformable plane that exhibits purely tangential vibrations. Such a simple geometrical setting allows us to study general boundary velocity fields and to obtain general results. From a practical viewpoint, such boundary conditions may be seen as the tangential vibrations of the material points of a stretchable plane membrane. In contrast to the classical boundary layer theory, we aim to build a global solution. To achieve this goal we employ the Vishik–Lyusternik approach, combined with two‐timing and averaging methods. Our main result is: we obtain a uniformly valid in the whole fluid domain approximation to the global solutions. This solution corresponds to general boundary conditions and to three different settings of the main small parameter. Our solution always include the inner part and outer part that both contain oscillating and non‐oscillating components. It is shown that the nonoscillating outer part of the solution is governed either by the full Navier–Stokes equations or the Stokes equations (both with the unit viscosity) and can be interpreted as a steady or unsteady streaming. In contrast to the existing theories of a steady streaming, our solutions do not contain any secular (infinitely growing with the inner normal coordinate) terms. The examples of the spatially periodic vibrations of the boundary and the angular torsional vibrations of an infinite rigid disc are considered. These examples are still brief and illustrative, while the core of the paper is devoted to the adaptation of the Vishik–Lyusternik method to the development of the general theory of vibrational boundary layers.
Hermitian Spectral Theory and Blow‐Up Patterns for a Fourth‐Order Semilinear Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Galaktionov V. A.
Published: November 2008

Two families of asymptotic blow‐up patterns of nonsimilarity and similarity kinds are studied in the Cauchy problem for the fourth‐order semilinear wave, or Boussinesq‐type, equation
image

The first countable family is constructed by matching with linearized patterns obtained via eigenfunctions (generalized Hermite polynomials) of a related quadratic pencil of linear operators. The second family comprises nonlinear blow‐up patterns given by self‐similar solutions. The results have their counterparts in the classic second‐order semilinear wave equation

image
which was known to admit blow‐up solutions since Keller's work in 1957.
A Class of Two‐Group Polarization Measures
Authors: BOSSERT WALTER , SCHWORM WILLIAM
Published: November 2008

The phenomenon of income polarization is generally associated with a disappearing middle class but there does not seem to be a generally accepted definition of this notion. We characterize classes of polarization quasi‐orderings and polarization measures in a framework where there are two income groups separated by the median. The axioms we employ are variants of within‐group clustering and between‐group spread properties, and an independence property. Furthermore, we illustrate that attempts to extend the axioms to more general settings severely restrict their appeal and conclude that alternative approaches may be required to capture concepts involving polarization.
Pachedu‐Zenzele in the Diaspora: Promoting Sexual Health Amongst Zimbabweans in England
Authors: Chinouya Martha Judith , O’Keefe Eileen
Published: November 2008

Migrants have been found to be at enhanced risk for the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) in comparison with settled populations. As they migrate, they often bring with them their traditions and cultural values, which may influence the ways they access or make sense of health promotion interventions in the host country. In the diaspora, should they experience compromised citizenship, marked by an unresolved immigration status, some may need to remain invisible and this may include not accessing or presenting late for vital health care interventions. Addressing the needs of such invisible populations is key to health promotion work and paramount to public health interests. This paper describes how ever‐changing “traditions”, in particular the notions of Pachedu and Zenzele, were harnessed to develop ethically grounded sexual health care interventions amongst Zimbabweans in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. These interventions were delivered in mundane settings that formed some of the key everyday networks of this population. The reinvention of “tradition” for the purposes of delivering health and social care interventions has been one of the cornerstones of health promotion interventions in Africa, where the rates of HIV are some of the highest in the world. The concept of Pachedu harnessed confidentiality in the delivery of sexual health interventions with Zenzele calling for communal involvement in such initiatives. A key point that resulted in the success of this intervention was partnership work between statutory providers and the local Zimbabwean population throughout the project’s life span. Rather than being construed as passive recipients of health and social care interventions, local Zimbabweans and their statutory partners were engaged in mutual capacity building initiatives. Local Zimbabweans were also engaged and consulted throughout, from the conceptualization of the project, delivery, monitoring, and dissemination of the findings.
Diaspora and Health? Traditional Medicine and Culture in a Mexican Migrant Community
Authors: Waldstein Anna
Published: November 2008

As members of the Mexican diaspora acculturate/assimilate to life in the United States they gain skills that help them improve their socioeconomic status and overcome barriers to the mainstream American healthcare system. Thus, we might expect better health among more acculturated Mexicans. However, most of the research conducted during the past 20 years shows that the health of Mexicans living in the United States deteriorates as acculturation increases. This suggests that certain health promoting aspects of Mexican culture are lost as migrants adapt to and adopt American ways of life. This paper is the first step in testing the hypothesis that declining health among acculturated people of Mexican descent is related to a loss of traditional medical knowledge.

During an ethnographic study of women’s medical knowledge in an unacculturated Mexican migrant community in Athens, Georgia, I observed many ways low‐income, undocumented migrants maintain good health. Migrant women encourage health‐promoting behaviors and treat sick family members with a variety of home remedies that appear to be effective according to chemical and pharmacological analyses. Additionally, migrant women in Athens learn how to navigate the American medical and social service systems and overcome barriers to professional healthcare services using information provided through social networks. Nevertheless, migrant women often prefer to treat sick family at home and indicated a preference for Mexican folk medicines over professional medical care in most situations.

This case study suggests that migration and diaspora need not always lead to disease. The maintenance of a Mexican culture that is distinct from the rest of American society helps ensure that traditional medical knowledge is not lost, while the social networks that link Mexicans to each other and to their homeland help minimize threats to health, which are usually associated with migration. Thus, increased access to professional medical care may not improve the health of migrants if it comes with the loss of traditional medical knowledge.
Complaints, Sensitivities and Responsibility: An Ethnographic Investigation into the Debates Concerning the Care of Bangladeshi Mothers in the East End
Authors: Griffith Laura
Published: November 2008

The subject of this paper is a maternity services awareness day organised by a community centre in the East End of London. In what I interpret as the fractured political landscape of Tower Hamlets (in East London), this event formed a rare focus for the diverse groups of people I worked with in my fieldwork and provides a focal point through which to reflect upon issues of diaspora, culture and health care. This paper attempts to analyse the public voices of a diasporic community which were challenging mainstream health provision. In this paper, I suggest that the voicing of complaint both reified and contested the needs of Bangladeshi mothers specifically, yet did not alter the services provided. The ways in which “culture” is used or discarded as a critical platform on which to base claims about health care are discussed.
Assessment of game restocking contributions to anthropogenic hybridization: the case of the Iberian red‐legged partridge
Authors: Blanco‐Aguiar J. A. , González‐Jara P. , Ferrero M. E. , Sánchez‐Barbudo I. , Virgós E. , Villafuerte R. , Dávila J. A.
Published: November 2008

Anthropogenic hybridization in wildlife has been identified as one of the main causes of genetic homogenization, highlighting the need for identification and evaluation of populations at risk. Relocation of wildlife for game management purposes is a widespread practice that may promote the admixing of genetically different populations, subspecies or species. We undertook a large‐scale study on the Iberian Peninsula to assess the extent of hybridization in red‐legged partridge Alectoris rufa populations, which have been subject to extensive restocking of farm‐reared individuals. Using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism technique to assess the prevalence of individuals with mtDNA from other species, we examined samples of A. rufa from museum specimens (229), extant wild populations (955) and game farms (530). We found widespread occurrence of chukar partridge Alectoris chukar mtDNA lineages in samples obtained from game farm partridges (63% of game farms) and from wild partridges (45% of populations), but no allochthonous mtDNA lineages were found in museum partridges. We also found that the probability of occurrence and the number of partridges with allochthonous lineages was higher in localities where recent restocking had occurred. In addition, investigation of trends in bag records and the numbers of game farms over the past 30 years suggests that the general decline of wild populations has been accompanied by an increase in game farm facilities. These results suggest that supplemental stocking practices are threatening the integrity of the wild population gene pool. We recommend that rural development policies and associated wildlife management programs focused on maintaining high stock densities for hunting also need to consider the impact of game management on the genetic integrity of game populations.
The Human Ageing Genomic Resources: online databases and tools for biogerontologists
Authors: De Magalhães João Pedro , Budovsky Arie , Lehmann Gilad , Costa Joana , Li Yang , Fraifeld Vadim , Church George M.
Published: November 2008

Aging is a complex, challenging phenomenon that requires multiple, interdisciplinary approaches to unravel its puzzles. To assist basic research on aging, we developed the Human Ageing Genomic Resources (HAGR). This work provides an overview of the databases and tools in HAGR and describes how the gerontology research community can employ them. Several recent changes and improvements to HAGR are also presented. The two centrepieces in HAGR are GenAge and AnAge. GenAge is a gene database featuring genes associated with aging and longevity in model organisms, a curated database of genes potentially associated with human aging, and a list of genes tested for their association with human longevity. A myriad of biological data and information is included for hundreds of genes, making GenAge a reference for research that reflects our current understanding of the genetic basis of aging. GenAge can also serve as a platform for the systems biology of aging, and tools for the visualization of protein–protein interactions are also included. AnAge is a database of aging in animals, featuring over 4000 species, primarily assembled as a resource for comparative and evolutionary studies of aging. Longevity records, developmental and reproductive traits, taxonomic information, basic metabolic characteristics, and key observations related to aging are included in AnAge. Software is also available to aid researchers in the form of Perl modules to automate numerous tasks and as an SPSS script to analyse demographic mortality data. The HAGR are available online athttp://genomics.senescence.info.
Outcomes of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in a Clinical Setting: A 10‐Year Experience from a Specialist OCD Service for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Nakatani Eriko , Mataix‐Cols David , Micali Nadia , Turner Cynthia , Heyman Isobel
Published: November 2008

Controlled studies show that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an efficacious treatment for young people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). More evidence is needed for effectiveness in clinical settings. We conducted a case note review of 318 patients attending an OCD clinic. Outcomes for 75 patients who received treatment in the clinic were analysed. Following acute treatment, total CYBOCS (Children Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) score was significantly reduced (22.6 to 10.9, p = .0001). Gains were maintained at long‐term follow‐up. Our results suggest that CBT is an effective treatment for child and adolescent OCD delivered in a clinical setting.
A FORMAL APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL POLICY
Authors: Josling T.
Published: November 2008

Two of the major objectives of UK agricultural policy are the need to save imports and to effect a transfer of income to the farm sector. The paper presents a way of comparing the cost by alternative means of price support. The wheat market is used as an example. The deficiency payment policy is seen to be more efficient as a means of income transfer than a variable levy‐threshold price scheme or a minimum import price programme, though the main difference is in the incidence of the burden. The minimum import price is inefficient relative to the other two policies if the objective is to save foreign‐exchange. When the effects on markets using wheat us an input item are considered, the deficiency payment policy becomes far superior to the others in terms of cost. It is pointed out that a single policy cannot achieve both objectives satisfactorily, and a possible solution using a mixed policy is suggested.
GAME THEORY‐AN EXTENSION OF ITS APPLICATION TO FARM PLANNING UNDER UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Hazell P. B. R.
Published: November 2008

Current game theoretic models for farnt planning are limited in scope and restrictive in their assumptions. This paper reviews the current status of such models, compares them to the quadratic programming model, and then combines the desirable features of the game theoretic and quadratic Programming approaches by means of parametric linear programming
IMPLICATIONS OF AGGREGATION BIAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC LINEAR PROGRAMMING SUPPLY MODELS*
Authors: Buckwell Allan E. , Hazell Peter B. R.
Published: November 2008

Aggregation bias is acknowledged to be one of the more serious problems confronting the Linear Programming approach to supply analysis. Whilst the literature abounds with theoretical solutions to the problem there is a notable lack of ideas on how these solutions might be made operational. This conclusion holds a fortiori for the dynamic case. This paper discusses a practical methodology for the classification of farms in order to minimise aggregation bias, and also the implications of avoiding bias for the specification of dynamic linear models.
A MANAGEMENT ORIENTED APPROACH TO THE ESTIMATION OF FARM PRODUCTION COSTS AND RETURNS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Authors: Low A. R. C. , Kemp R. L.
Published: November 2008

The normal methods used to estimate farm production costs and returns in rural development project planning are based on the extrapolation of one or a few representative production unit models to the scale of the overall project. Although such models may be adequate for ex‐ante evaluation they are generally not sufficiently specific to provide relevant guidelines for project implementation or a meaningful framework for ex‐post evaluation at the farm production level. This paper describes an area specific, management oriented approach to crop production cost and return estimation which was adopted for the preparation of a rural development project in Swaziland and which, it is argued, has particular advantages for project implementation and ex‐post evaluation.

UNE MÉTHODE ORIENTÉE SUR LA GESTION POUR ESTIMER LES COÜTS ET RENDEMENTS DE LA PRODUCTION DES EXPLOITATIONS AGRICOLES DANS LES PROGRAMMES DE DÉVELOPPEMENT RURAL

Les méthodes normalement utilisées pour faire l'estimation des coûts et rendements de la production des exploitations agricoles dans la planification des programmes de développement rural sont basées sur l'extrapolation d'un ou quelques modèles d'unités de production représentatifs appliquée à l'échelle du projet global. Bien que ces modèles puissent remplir leur objectif lorsqu'il s'agit de faire une évaluation prospective, ils sont généralement insuffisamment spécifiques pour fournir une orientation correcte à la mise en oeuvre des projets ou un cadre de travail utile pour effectuer une évaluation rétroactive au niveau de la production des exploitations. Cet article décrit une méthode, spécifique à une certaine région et orientée sur la gestion, destinée à faire l'estimation des coûts et rendements de la production culturale, méthode qui fut adoptée pour préparer un projet de developpement rural au Souaziland et qui, selon les arguments développés, présente des avantages particuliers pour la mise en oeuvre des projets et l'évaluation prospective.

EIN MANAGEMENTORIENTIERTER NÄHERUNGSVERSUCH ZUR SCHÄTZUNG VON FARMPRODUKTIONSKOSTEN UND ERTRÄGEN IN LÄNDLICHEN ENTWICKLUNGSPROJEKTEN

Die normalen Methoden zur Schätzung von Farmproduktions‐kosten und Erträgen in der Planung ländlicher Entwicklungsprojekte basieren auf der Extrapolation von einem oder wenigen repräsentativen Modellen von Produktionseinheiten auf die Grössenordnung des gesamten Projektes. Solche Modelle mögen für die ex‐ante Evaluierung angemessen sein, aber für die Projektdurchführung oder für ein aussagekräftiges Rahmenwerk zur ex‐post Evaluierung auf Farmproduktionsniveau sind sie im allgemeinen nicht bestimmt genug. Dieser Artikel beschreibt einen gebietsspezifischen, manage‐mentorientierten Näherungsversuch zur Schätzung von Ernteproduktionskosten und Erträgen, der zur Vorbereitung eines ländlichen Entwicklungsprojektes in Swaziland benützt wurde und der, so wird argumentiert, besondere Vorteile für die Projektdurchführung und ex‐ante Evaluierung hat.
A FURTHER NOTE ON THE MEASUREMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMIES OF FARM SIZE
Authors: Pasour E. C.
Published: November 2008

Efficiency has a precise meaning in the case of the optimally conditions associated with the perfectly competitive norm. However, the efficiency concept loses a precise meaning and much of its usefulness under real world conditions of uncertainty and costly information since efficiency is inescapably evaluative and cannot be defined and measured independently of the goals and knowledge of the decision maker. Similarly, the concept ‘economies of size’ is shown to lose its normative significance when specialised resources and other unique aspects of the firm are taken into account. Although the economist has no objective procedure by which to measure the efficiency of entrepreneurial activity, it is argued that in the real world of uncertainty and disequilibrium, there is always scope for entrepreneurial activity in the sense of unexploited profit opportunities.