bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Zealand exports: Pseudosphaeroma Chilton, 1909 (Isopoda: Sphaeromatidae), a Southern Hemisphere genus introduced to the Pacific coast of North America
Authors: BRUCE NIEL L. , WETZER REGINA
Published: June 2019

Collections made along the coast of California have revealed the presence of a species of Pseudosphaeroma Chilton, 1909, a genus common in New Zealand coastal waters. The genus is entirely Southern Hemisphere in distribution, and this record reports the introduction of a species of Pseudosphaeroma into the San Francisco and Central Coast region of California, the first reported occurrence of the genus as an invasive taxon, and the first record of the genus from the Northern Hemisphere. The genus is also recorded for the first time from the Galapagos and Argentina.
Three new species of Phytoseius Ribaga (Acari: Phytoseiidae), and a new record from Brazil
Authors: DEMITE PETERSON R. , LOFEGO ANTONIO C. , FERES REINALDO J. F.
Published: June 2019

Three new species of phytoseiid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata), Phytoseius jurute sp. nov., Phytoseius jatoba sp. nov. and Phytoseius kaapre sp. nov., are described from native plants in northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil. In addition, Phytoseius intermedius Evans & MacFarlane, previously known only from Asia and Africa, is recorded for the first time in Brazil. All four species were found only on plant foliage with leaf trichomes.
Synopsis of the Ozyptila rauda-group (Araneae, Thomisidae), with revalidation of Ozyptila balkarica Ovtsharenko, 1979
Authors: MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: June 2019

Ozyptila balkarica Ovtsharenko, 1979, belonging to the Holarctic Ozyptila rauda-group was thought to be a junior synonym of O. orientalis Kulczyński, 1926, because of its indistinguishable females. Comparison of topotype males from Caucasus and Kamchatka revealed clear differences in the shape of copulatory organs and carapace patterns; thus the junior name is revalidated here. Because the differences between the two taxa are of the same level as between O. orientalis and O. basegica Esyunin, 1992, which is considered a subspecies of the former species, subspecific rank to O. orientalis balkarica stat. nov. is suggested. Males of the two subspecies are illustrated, and a synopsis of the whole O. rauda-group accounting 14 species and subspecies is given. O. sedotmikha Levy, 2007, from Israel was found to belong to this group. Distribution of all species is mapped.
Aplosonyx amorphophallus, an interesting new species of Galerucinae from Timor, Indonesia (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: MOHAMEDSAID MOHAMED S.
Published: June 2019

Aplosonyx amorphophallus, a new species of chrysomelid beetle of the subfamily Galerucinae is described and illustrated from Timor, Indonesia. An aroid plant, Amorphophallus muelleri Blume, is identified as the host plant. Live specimens of the new species are shiny bright yellow, whereas dried preserved specimens are dull, brownish, or yellowish. The feeding behaviour of the new species differs from other Aplosonyx that have been reported, where it feed from the leaf margin resulting semicircular cuts, not as round holes on the leaf of the host plant. Information on bionomics is provided.
Taxonomic and biological notes on Cardiastethus affinis and C. pseudococci pseudococci (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) in India
Authors: YAMADA KAZUTAKA , BINDU K. , NASSER M.
Published: June 2019

Cardiastethus affinis and C. pseudococci pseudococci were recognized in Kerala State, southern India: the latter is recorded from India for the first time. It is found that Cardiastethus affinis is associated with Orthaga exvinacea (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and C. pseudococci pseudococci is associated with Opisina arenosella (Lepidoptera: Xylorictidae). Revised diagnoses and illustrations of both species are given. Biological notes for Indian species of Cardiastethus and a key to the three local species of the genus are provided.
A new species of the genus Oxymycterus (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) from the vanishing Yungas of Argentina
Authors: JAYAT J. PABLO , D’ELÍA GUILLERMO , PARDIÑAS ULYSES F. J. , MIOTTI M. DANIELA , ORTIZ PABLO E.
Published: June 2019

Morphological and molecular studies allowed us to recognize a new species of Oxymycterus from the southern end of the Yungas of Argentina. External morphologic traits allow the new species, Oxymycterus wayku, to be differentiated from O. paramensis and O. akodontius, the two currently recognized species for northwestern Argentina, as well as from the remaining species of the genus. Those traits include very dark general coloration, ears covered with nearly black hairs, a white spot on the chin, and claws on fore and hind feet long and robust. Cranial characteristics of the new species include wide and relatively shallow zygomatic notches, proportionally short incisive foramina and molar series, and a relatively robust braincase compared to O. paramensis. Phylogenetic analysis based on cytochrome b DNA sequences corroborates the distinctiveness of Oxymycterus wayku n. sp. Observed divergence values support this distinction. This new species is particularly important from a conservation viewpoint due to its rarity and the advanced level of alteration of its habitat.
Unusual Nasal Insufficiency in an Infant: What’s Behind the Nostril?
Authors: Alzate Amaya Fabian , Invencio da Costa Liliana F. , Martinez Moran Alejandro , Alvarez Rodriguez Roberto
Published: June 2019

Objectives:

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare benign lesion, especially in the pediatric age. There are several cases described in pulmonary, digestive and renal localizations, but involvement in head and neck area is infrequent.

Methods:

Case report and review of the literature.

Results:

A 1 year and 11 months old child, during 2 months had clinical signs of nasal respiratory insufficiency and epistaxis subsequently developing a purulent rhinorrhea and a sleep apnea. His pediatrician previously requested a sinus and cavum X-ray with the finding of an image compatible with an intranasal mass. Endoscopic resection was performed of the mass with further immunohistochemical analysis showing the result of a lesion compatible with IMT.

Conclusions:

Even though there are very few cases in scientific literature of a tumor with these characteristics in infants, IMT must be present as a differential diagnosis of intranasal masses. The role of the pathologist is essential to reach the definitive diagnosis and the performance of an early surgical treatment decreases aesthetic consequences in this pathology.
Community Health Impact Assessment in Ghana: Contemporary Concepts and Practical Methods
Authors: Aboagye Da-Costa , Akuffo Kwame , Khan Hafiz T. A.
Published: June 2019

It has long been recognized that health and its determinants are strongly influenced by policies, programs, and projects outside of the health care sector. Few countries have introduced health impact assessments (HIA) to try and ensure that probable impacts on health are considered. An appropriate health impact assessment regime will identify negative and positive impacts of proposed health policies and programs on health, enable the interpretation of health risk and potential health gain, and present the information to assist in decision making. These HIAs are often generic and rapid desk–based appraisals characterized by the use of information and evidence that is already available or easily accessible and generally undertaken by administrators in an organization to gain a snapshot of the health impacts to inform proposal direction. Rapid and generic desk–based assessments require less-intensive effort and resources and draws on existing data sources from scientific peer-reviewed and gray literature to analyze potential health impacts. However, both sources can also be used to determining whether a more detailed review is necessary. The Community HIA model proposed by this work departs from the generic and rapid desk–based appraisals and is intended to provide practical evidence to give higher priority to people’s viewpoints, promote participation, understanding and incorporate community voices to help shape future policy, programs, and practice. A comprehensive review of Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was carried out using the generic desk–based HIA approach. This was followed by a practical qualitative community field work. In this research, we have demonstrated how community HIA is to be conducted through an actual case study in the Ghanaian West African context. The scope of this work is wide and incorporates the consideration of key concepts and possible methods for carrying out HIA at the community level.
Comparing Transit Agency Peer Groups using Cluster Analysis
Authors: Ederer David , Berrebi Simon , Diffee Chandler , Gibbs Taylor , Watkins Kari E.
Published: June 2019

Transit ridership has decreased steadily each year from 2014 to 2017 despite increasing urban populations and transit investment. Several analyses have examined trends in national transit ridership levels or within specific agencies or regions. However, the causes of transit ridership changes, and the changes themselves, are not likely to be the same everywhere. Thus, comparing the performance of transit agencies over time with their peers, which share similar characteristics, may yield more informative results than just examining national trends. This analysis groups metropolitan areas using relevant characteristics, which are correlated with transit ridership: total population, density, percentage of zero vehicle households, and transit agency operating expenditures. Data from the National Transit Database and the United States Census Bureau are used. Trends in transit ridership are then analyzed in relation to population and service levels within each cluster and by family of modes. Results suggest that although the change in population and service levels can partly explain the change in ridership for transit modes in dedicated right of way, the same is not true for modes in mixed right of way. In particular, transit ridership for mixed right of way modes in large metropolitan areas is not significantly correlated with the change in population or service levels.
Investigating Pavement Maintenance and Rehabilitation Requirement Based on Material Types and Traffic Levels through an Application of Probabilistic Approach for Ontario Highways
Authors: Jannat Gulfam , Tighe Susan L.
Published: June 2019

In a pavement management system (PMS), time to maintenance is generally estimated based on the predicted condition of the pavement. Usually a deterministic approach is applied in the PMS to estimate the time to maintenance by following the deterioration equation of the performance index. However, it is necessary to be aware of the probability of failure to investigate whether the estimated time to maintenance by the deterministic approach is reasonably probable. For this reason, a probabilistic approach is applied in this study to estimate the probability of failure over the estimated time to maintenance. In this approach, the probability of failure is estimated from the distribution of the mean time to maintenance by considering both the overall condition of the pavement and individual instances of distress. These mean times to failure or maintenance are calculated from the overall condition of pavement in relation to the pavement condition index (PCI) when the trigger value becomes 65 or less. A pavement may be expected to fail, however, because of any specific distress before it reaches the PCI trigger value for maintenance. For this reason, the probability of failure of each specific distress is also investigated by using a Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the survival probability up to the fifth year is approximately 80% to 90% for each category of traffic and material type based on the overall condition, and the probability of failure for individual distress is very low over the performance cycle.
Sexual functions of females married to males with semi-rigid penile implant: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Awwad Ahmed Ateyah , Seif Ahmed Fathy Abo , Farag Mohamed Abdel Fattah , GamalEl Din Sameh Fayek , Khalil Raghda Yehia
Published: June 2019

Erectile dysfunction is a highly prevalent disorder. It is estimated that more than 50% of men who ranged in age from 40 to 70 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction to some degree. We aimed in this pilot cross-sectional study to determine female sexual function and social satisfaction before and 6 months after penile prosthesis implant. This study was carried on 50 consecutive married women whose husbands underwent malleable penile prosthesis implant in our department from July 2015 to July 2016. Our results showed significant increase in desire, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores after 6 months of penile prosthesis operation compared to scores before penile prosthesis implant (p < 0.001). Moreover, our study demonstrated significant increase in lubrication score in non-female genital mutilation after penile prosthesis implant (p 0.049). In addition, the results showed inverse correlations between age and female genital mutilation and female sexual function index scores after penile prosthesis implant. On the contrary, there were no correlations between number of offsprings and residence and duration of marriage and different domains of female sexual function index scores. Finally, penile prosthesis operation for patients with erectile dysfunction has a great impact on sexual functions of their female partners. We recommend preoperative and postoperative female partner involvement as a part of the treatment strategy for men undergoing penile prosthesis implant.
A Spatial Analysis of Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Support in the United States: The Leaders and Laggards Landscape
Authors: Grubesic Tony H. , Durbin Kelly M.
Published: June 2019

Background:

To better track progress in achieving the Healthy People 2020 goals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes an annual Breastfeeding Report Card (BRC) that represents a compilation of data on breastfeeding practices in all states. With data drawn from the CDC National Immunization Survey, the BRC provides an especially valuable source of information about geographic trends in breastfeeding and related support activities.

Research aim:

This study aimed to identify important geographic trends in both breastfeeding practices and support structures in the United States, highlighting their spatial disparities.

Methods:

Exploratory spatial data analysis, including local indicators of spatial association, is combined with spatial regression models to highlight geographic variations in breastfeeding practices and support.

Results:

Geographic variation in both breastfeeding practices and allied support exists within the United States. Geographic hot spots of breastfeeding are found in the western and northeastern sections of the United States, and cool spots are located primarily in the Southeast. Regression results suggested that unemployment and demographic diversity are negatively associated with breastfeeding rates, whereas higher education and the presence of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® (IBCLCs®) are positively connected to persistent breastfeeding practices. Further, although the availability of professional support (IBCLC) strengthened nationwide between 2011 and 2016, the availability of mother-to-mother support (La Leche League) softened.

Conclusion:

Although breastfeeding initiation rates continue to increase in the United States, rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months remain low, displaying significant geographic variation. The ability to pinpoint lagging regions can help to efficiently allocate additional breastfeeding support resources and interventions.
Lobbying dynamics
Authors: Baron David P
Published: June 2019

Many if not most government policies, regulations, and laws continue in effect unless changed by the legislature, providing a natural dynamic to the political process. Lobbying is a ubiquitous component of that process and can affect both proposal making and voting. This paper characterizes Markov perfect equilibria of a dynamic legislative bargaining model with stable policies and durable coalitions despite lobbying. Interest groups aligned with challenges to the incumbent coalition have a greater willingness to pay than have the defending interest groups, but the defenders have a legislative incumbency advantage in needing to counter-lobby fewer legislators than the challengers lobby. If legislators are sufficiently patient, equilibria exist such that the defenders of the incumbent coalition are successful. More than a minimal majority may be lobbied by the challengers, and coalitions can be surplus. Lobbying can increase proposal power, resulting in a more unequal distribution within a coalition.
Intrahepatic Carcinosarcoma With Cholangiocarcinoma Elements and Prominent Bile Duct Spread
Authors: Usui Genki , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Kusakabe Masashi , Shirota Go , Sugiura Yoshiya , Fujita Yuji , Satou Shouichi , Harihara Yasushi , Horiuchi Hajime , Morikawa Teppei
Published: June 2019

Carcinosarcomas with elements of cholangiocarcinoma and sarcoma are rare and have a poor prognosis. The spreading pattern and radiological findings of these lesions remain unclear. A 74-year-old man presented with a high γ-glutamyl transferase level. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed dilation of the right intrahepatic and common bile ducts, consistent with an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) indicated an area of high signal intensity in the intrahepatic bile duct. Bile duct biopsy yielded a small amount of atypical spindle cells, and the patient underwent a right hepatectomy. Microscopically, the tumor contained cholangiocarcinoma and sarcomatous components, including osteosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, leading to a diagnosis of intrahepatic carcinosarcoma. The tumor spread primarily through the intrahepatic bile duct. An accurate radiological diagnosis of carcinosarcoma was challenging, given the apparent similarities with IPNB. The findings from DWI and pathology of a bile duct biopsy may assist with preoperative diagnosis.
High Prevalence of BRAF V600E Mutations in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of Head and Neck in Chinese Patients
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Ye , Zhou Chuan-Xiang
Published: June 2019

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells and has been classified as a hematolymphoid tumor. BRAF V600E mutation was found to be frequent in LCH; however, it has also been reported that Asia patients with LCH tend to show a lower rate of BRAF V600E mutation. In this study, we found LCH from the head and neck region often involved bone especially the posterior of the mandible and presented a high prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation in Chinese patients. Our findings also showed immunohistochemical detection correlated very well to DNA sequencing of BRAF alterations, which may be useful in the diagnosis of LCH, especially in cases with a low proportion of Langerhans cells, and BRAF inhibitors might be a treatment option for patients with LCH harboring BRAF V600E mutation.
Lateral Transfer of the Flexor Digitorum Longus for Peroneal Tendinopathy
Authors: Sherman Thomas I. , Koury Kimberly , Orapin Jakrapong , Schon Lew C.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Few studies have reported midterm outcomes after single-stage flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer to the lateral foot for irreparable rupture of the peroneal tendons.

Methods:

Over a 7-year period (2008-2015), 25 consecutive patients underwent transfer of the FDL to the fifth metatarsal for irreparable peroneal tendon tears. Of these, 15 patients were available for inclusion with a mean follow-up of 53.7 ± 23.3 months, mean age at surgery of 48.4 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) of 29.8 kg/m2. Patients completed the pain visual analog scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and participated in range of motion, peak force, and peak power testing.

Results:

All 15 patients were satisfied with their surgery and reported a reduction in their pain level with a decreased VAS of 5.6 ± 2.5. The mean FFI was 12.8 ± 9.2, the SMFA Function Index was 12.4 ± 8, and the mean SMFA Bothersome Index was 11.5 ± 11. The mean FAAM was 86.4 ± 9.7. Patients had on average 58% less eversion and 28% less inversion compared with the nonoperative side. Isometric peak torque and isotonic peak velocity were 38.4% and 28.8% less compared with the contralateral side, respectively. The average power in the operative limb was diminished by 56% compared with the nonoperative limb.

Conclusion:

In this small case series with midterm follow-up, FDL transfer to the lateral foot for significant, irreparable peroneal tendinopathy was an effective and durable treatment option.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Surgical hip dislocation with femoral osteotomy and bone grafting prevents head collapse in hips with advanced necrosis
Authors: Steppacher Simon D , Sedlmayer Raphael , Tannast Moritz , Schmaranzer Florian , Siebenrock Klaus A
Published: June 2019

Questions:

Does surgical hip dislocation with drilling or bone grafting, cartilage treatment and femoral osteotomy in avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) result in: (1) progression of osteonecrosis or osteoarthritis; (2) pain relief and improved function; and (3) subsequent surgery and complications?

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients (13 hips, mean age 29 ± 9 years) undergoing surgical hip dislocation for AVN. Preoperative ARCO stages were: 1 hip ARCO II, 8 hips ARCO III early, 4 hips ARCO III late. Drilling was performed in 4 hips, 9 hips underwent curettage, drilling and autologous bone grafting. Cartilage was sutured in 5 hips, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis was performed in 3 hips, an osteochondral autograft was used in 1 hip. Femoral osteotomy was performed in 10 hips. Mean follow-up was 3 ± 2 years. Progression of AVN and osteoarthritis was assessed preoperatively and at latest follow-up using Tönnis and ARCO staging. Pain and function were assessed with the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score. Complications were graded according to Sink et al.

Results:

1 hip had AVN progression and converted to THA. 9 hips showed no AVN- or advanced osteoarthritis progression and 3 hips improved at least 1 ARCO stage. The Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score increased from preoperatively 14.1 ± 3.2 to 16.6 ± 1.2 ( p = 0.012). Subsequent surgery were performed in 3 hips, complications occurred in 3 hips.

Conclusion:

Although the first results are promising a longer follow-up with more patients is needed to draw a definite conclusion regarding the joint preserving potential in AVN.
Neuroscience and Early Childhood: A Necessary Partnership
Authors: Talay-Ongan Ayshe
Published: June 2019

The 1990s have been called the decade of the brain; indeed, we are faced with more and more opportunities that highlight the interface of neuroscience with facets of human learning, behaviour, and effect. All aspects of our adaptive life, including thought, perception, language, and emotion, as well as fine and gross motor skills, are mediated by the brain. Most developmental disorders of childhood are attributable to some brain-related event.

The human brain holds amazing mysteries, especially during the early childhood years: it reaches 70 per cent of its adult weight by two years of age, nearly 90 per cent by age six, and its full weight by puberty. It consumes twice as much glucose, the brains source of energy, as the adult brain from age four to until about puberty. Researchers think that young brains are as primed as they will ever be to process new information.

As neuroscience unfolds to inform us of some of its wonders, we come to realise how indispensable it is to understand and apply this knowledge to our practice with young children, for in no other period in development is the brain as responsive to environmental input as in early childhood.
Research with Children: Ethical Mind-fields
Authors: Fasoli Lyn
Published: June 2019

This article explores some ethical issues involved in research with young children. Research that involves children always contains assumptions about the nature of the child and of childhood in general and these can affect every aspect of the research undertaken with them, particularly ethical concerns. Seeing children as social actors, not as passive participants, has profound implications for researchers who work with children, particularly in how power relations between adults and children are conceived and experienced. In this article I problematise these relations through analysis of taped transcribed conversations with children.

‘While the young have always been identifiable by their physical size and age, the meanings these differences have been given are not universal’ (Baker, 1998, p. 117).
The Nature of Values in Early Childhood Education: An Analysis of the AECA Code of Ethics
Authors: Kennedy Anne
Published: June 2019

This paper discusses the findings of research which is examining the nature of the values embodied or intended in the Australian Early Childhood Associations Code of Ethics (1990). In order to determine the nature of these values a meta-ethical analysis is adopted. Philosophical discourse on values in Australian early childhood education needs to be asserted in the face of current discourses where values are considered to be relative, or where education is considered to be a value-free or neutral activity. This discussion should be grounded in an understanding of the nature of the values which underpin early childhood education in Australia.
Assessing Young Children's Arithmetical Strategies and Knowledge: Providing Learning Opportunities for Teachers
Authors: Wright Robert J.
Published: June 2019

Two interrelated initiatives in early numeracy are briefly described—the Count Me In Too Project in New South Wales, and Mathematics Recovery. The article then focuses on an approach to student assessment which is used in both initiatives. This approach enables teachers to better understand young children's early arithmetical strategies and knowledge. The approach is described in three parts: Part A focuses on initial strategies for addition or subtraction; for example, counting-from-one, counting-on, using finger patterns, and using strategies other than counting by ones. Part B focuses on strategies to solve two-digit subtraction and strategies for incrementing by tens and ones. And Part C focuses on strategies for early multiplication and division. Following this, the strategies which have been described in each part are discussed in terms of their relative sophistication. The discussion includes links to relevant literature and issues relevant to the teaching of early numbers. The conclusion lists six important points about early number teaching and learning.
Children's Concepts of Teachers’ Ways of Relating to Play
Authors: Sandberg Anette
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate, identify, and describe children's concepts of teachers ways of relating to play. This study relates to the need to discern children's concepts of different phenomena in their lives. One-hundred-and-seventeen children from the age of five to nine were interviewed about their concept of how teachers relate to play. The main findings of this study suggest that children like the teacher to take part in the play, but there are prerequisites. Teachers need to be more aware of children's concepts and to take them seriously.
Why Parents Read to Children
Authors: Spreadbury Julie
Published: June 2019

Research has shown that a parent-child book reading in the home facilitates that child's later independent reading, but little is known of the reasons parents read to their children. This paper reports that after interviewing 25 Brisbane parents, the reasons they gave for reading aloud to their children can be categorised under five main headings: Pleasure for the child; Functionality; Good start at school; Closeness; and Quiet time. It concludes with practical implications for the early childhood classroom.
Mothers’ Perceptions of their Young Children's Literacy Development
Authors: Potter Gillian
Published: June 2019

There has been increasing interest shown by researchers in those children who attain an obvious understanding of reading and writing before attending school. It has been indicated that those children are not necessarily otherwise precocious (Smith, F. 1984; Harste, J., Burke, C., Woodward, V. 1984).

Talking with mothers about their perceptions of their preschoolers’ literacy development, revealed how sensitive they are and how perceptive in their observations of what their children are doing. Following, is a report on research carried out to investigate the phenomenon of natural learning of literacy among 50 preschoolers.
Vertical Integration: Teachers’ Knowledge and Teachers’ Voice
Authors: Corrie L.
Published: June 2019

The Ministerial Task Force in Western Australia has stimulated debate on the issue of vertical integration in the early years of school. This paper traces the theoretical basis for vertical integration, and some differences in pedagogy between preprimary and primary teachers. Contrasts are drawn between transmission-based pedagogy with a higher level of teacher control, and acquirer-based pedagogy with a higher level of pupil control. It is suggested that these important issues of pedagogical knowledge should be addressed in order to achieve the underlying principles of vertical integration. In addition, early childhood pedagogy will be maintained when teachers are able to articulate their pedagogical knowledge and act as advocates for their profession.
When do Principals and Teachers Think Children Should Start School?
Authors: Griffin Maggie , Harvey David
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to obtain the opinions of principals and teachers on school entry age and determine if principals and teachers believe younger children are disadvantaged academically and/or socially compared with their older peers. Subjects were all primary principals and teachers currently teaching in 41 schools situated within a 30km radius of a rural city in South Eastern Victoria. The schools comprise State, Catholic and one Christian school, ranging from a one-teacher rural school with six pupils to a school with 23 teachers and 470 pupils. Data was obtained by distribution of two self-administered questionnaires - one for principals and one for teachers. Thirty-two principals and 112 teachers returned questionnaires. A majority of both principals and teachers believe children should be at least five years of age when they begin school. Younger children have more problems academically and socially and they tend to remain behind their older peers. It is suggested that children be evaluated for school readiness before being allowed to begin
The Bicultural Imperative within the New Zealand Draft Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education, ‘Te Whariki’
Authors: Ritchie Jenny
Published: June 2019

The New Zealand Draft Curriculum Guidelines for Early Childhood Education, ‘Te Whariki’, introduced in 1993, are discussed in relation to the historical and cultural contexts which underlie their development, and aspects of the bicultural focus of the document are highlighted. The document addresses the aspirations of the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori, for their language and culture to be protected and sustained. Early childhood is the primary site for the transmission of language and culture, and this places the onus on all early childhood educators in New Zealand to address these issues in an integrated way within the early childhood curriculum.
Bananas Can't Talk: Young Children Judging the Reality of Big Bird, Bugs and the Bananas
Authors: Howard Susan
Published: June 2019

Research exploring the ways older children and adolescents interact with and make sense of television is providing us with a fascinating picture of active viewers who use various strategies to assess the extent to which television content relates to real life. The preschooler has not received the same research attention although considerable anxiety exists over the effects that television may have on the young viewer. At the heart of this concern lie questions regarding the child's ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality in television content.

In this article, five 4-year-olds talk about how ‘real’ they think some TV characters are and from their discussions there emerges a picture of active, thinking viewers not the passive, mesmerised children so often constructed in public debate. These children are aware that TV images are representations which have varying degrees of relationship to things in the ‘real’ world. Some of their working hypotheses about these degrees of relationship are presented here.
Learning to Develop as Early Childhood Professionals
Authors: Rodd Jillian
Published: June 2019

The pressure towards increasing professionalism on the part of those practitioners who care for and educate young children has grown considerably over the past decade (Rodd, 1994). The need for improvements in the quality of early childhood service provision has been recognised by growing numbers of early childhood carers and teachers, many of whom already put a great deal of time and effort into their programs and services. In addition, the past decade has witnessed a broadening of the number of roles and responsibilities that early childhood professionals undertake in relation to the changing needs of young children and their families. It seems that the goal of ‘developing and implementing good practice’ which has motivated and underpinned the work of many early childhood practitioners has been achieved to a large extent.
Gender in Early Childhood Revisited
Authors: Ebbeck Marjory
Published: June 2019

The debates on children's socialisation and, recently, in this respect, on gender issues continues to flourish. The current vogue is to view feminist poststructural theory as a basis for framing gender equity programs in early childhood (MacNaughton, 1997, p.23). This paper proposes that the issues of gender equity are complex and cannot be addressed solely by taking a feminist poststructural approach or, for that matter, any one approach. What is important, this paper will argue, is the adoption of a view which embraces the wider issues surrounding gender and the formulation of an approach which recognises that the socialisation of both boys and girls needs more than an application of any one theory.
Young Children and Reading what does the Research Tell Us?
Authors: Smith Ann
Published: June 2019

This paper attempts to look at the question ‘What factors does research literature identify as being important in facilitating young children's later reading achievement?’

Three areas are explored:

• phonological awareness

• play, and

• shared story-reading.

The answers from the literature are often complex and contradictory. However, several principles do emerge which early childhood professionals should consider. There is general agreement that a great deal of the learning that relates to reading achievement has occurred before children enter school. There is also general agreement that the sort of literacy input children have had before coming to preschool may vary markedly. Most importantly the case for teaching phonological awareness is very strong. The research support for the role of play is not as compelling as that for phonological awareness, but there is evidence that play contributes to literacy achievement in a number of different ways. Shared story-reading also does not match up to the status teachers have traditionally accorded it. The research does still validate the early childhood professional's support of shared adult/child reading. Implications for teaching practice are drawn from the conclusions reached.
The Demise of Community-Owned Long Day Care Centres and the Rise of the Mythical Consumer
Authors: Press Frances
Published: June 2019

This paper discusses the demise of the Australian community-owned long day care sector. In so doing it also examines the way in which the language of government policy has established a framework for children's services that works against the survival of these nonprofit services. The paper asks the reader to consider the need to focus the debate back on policy outcomes for children.
Political Socialisation during Early Childhood
Authors: Waniganayake Manjula , Donegan Barbara
Published: June 2019

The paucity of research into the study of political socialisation during early childhood is indicative of the Australian community's general apathy towards politics. This paper provides an initial assessment of what is known about early political socialisation based on a review of relevant literature. Examples from a large body of anecdotes collected by a teacher working with preschool children are used to illustrate key developmental aspects and strengthen the rationale for contemporary Australian research. A new model is presented as a starting point to examine the contextual dimensions and learning processes which underpin early political socialisation.
In their Own Words: Children's Perceptions of Learning to Write
Authors: Martello Julie
Published: June 2019

Research into children's writing has concentrated more on the development of competence than on children's conscious understanding about the process of learning to write. However, teachers need information about children's understanding in order to establish a foundation for new learning. For this reason the research reported here is based on interviews with school beginners about their perceptions of learning to write. The children's responses, drawing on home and school experiences, reveal their developing concepts about the nature of writing and the strategies they use when learning to write. The study showed variation in metacognitive and metalinguistic awareness, and a high degree of concurrence between the children's responses and syllabus recommendations on teaching/learning strategies for writing. Some useful teaching/learning strategies for writing instruction in the first year of school are discussed.
Behaviour Management Strategies in the Preschool: Teacher Strategies in Current Use
Authors: Gruss Christine , Jackson Ian
Published: June 2019

Ameliorating conflict situations in the play of preschool children is an issue that may arise at some point in day-to-day teaching practice. How teachers and children are coming to terms with this issue will be revealed. There is an overall emphasis on ways to prevent and contain the behaviour, and a look at why teachers use this approach.
Making the Political Pedagogical in Early Childhood
Authors: Campbell Sheralyn
Published: June 2019

This article explores ‘disposition as a concept for developing an early childhood pedagogy of equity, and suggests why it is problematic. Two readings of an episode of children's play called Workers in the construction site bring to life competing possibilities of how equity operates for children. The writer suggests the contradictions which emerge from traditional and critical readings open spaces in which it may be possible to begin to reconceptualise an early childhood pedagogy of equity.
Who's the Expert: Reconceptualising Parent-Staff Relations in Early Education
Authors: Hughes Patrick , MacNaughton Glenda
Published: June 2019

This article draws on an examination of current international literature concerning parent involvement in early education to advocate a reconceptualisation of parent-staff relations. Three views of parent involvement in early education dominate the literature: parent as teacher, parent as collaborator, and parent as decision-maker. Each view rests on problematic assumptions about staff and parent expertise concerning learning and development and each, in specific ways, disempowers staff and parents by discrediting or undermining their particular expertise. The article argues that staff can resolve some ‘theoretical’ and practical problems associated with parent involvement by acting as ‘organic intellectuals’.
Doing Theory with Early Childhood Educators: Understanding Difference and Diversity in Personal and Professional Contexts
Authors: Robinson Kerry , Diaz Criss Jones
Published: June 2019

This paper will provide an overview of the pedagogical practices we have developed over several years of teaching early childhood educators at the University of Western Sydney, Macarthur, to increase their awareness and understanding of difference, inequality, and social justice. Students are introduced to a range of theoretical contributions to explain difference and social inequities over the three semesters that they undertake the compulsory diversity and social justice subjects. The focus of this approach includes incorporating critical personal reflection as a framework from which students can begin to analyse and theorise the construction of their own attitudes and values towards difference. It provides the opportunity to explore the origins, maintenance, and changes in one's attitudes over time, and how this process is linked to the construction and perpetuation of power and inequality within a broader social context.
A genomics-informed computational biology platform prospectively predicts treatment responses in AML and MDS patients
Authors: Drusbosky Leylah M. , Singh Neeraj Kumar , Hawkins Kimberly E. , Salan Cesia , Turcotte Madeleine , Wise Elizabeth A. , Meacham Amy , Vijay Vindhya , Anderson Glenda G. , Kim Charlie C. , Radhakrishnan Saumya , Ullal Yashaswini , Talawdekar Anay , Sikora Huzaifa , Nair Prashant , Khanna-Gupta Arati , Abbasi Taher , Vali Shireen , Guha Subharup , Farhadfar Nosha , Murthy Hemant S. , Horn Biljana N. , Leather Helen L. , Castillo Paul , Tucker Caitlin , Cline Christina , Pettiford Leslie , Lamba Jatinder K. , Moreb Jan S. , Brown Randy A. , Norkin Maxim , Hiemenz John W. , Hsu Jack W. , Slayton William B. , Wingard John R. , Cogle Christopher R.
Published: June 2019

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are generally older and have more comorbidities. Therefore, identifying personalized treatment options for each patient early and accurately is essential. To address this, we developed a computational biology modeling (CBM) and digital drug simulation platform that relies on somatic gene mutations and gene CNVs found in malignant cells of individual patients. Drug treatment simulations based on unique patient-specific disease networks were used to generate treatment predictions. To evaluate the accuracy of the genomics-informed computational platform, we conducted a pilot prospective clinical study (NCT02435550) enrolling confirmed MDS and AML patients. Blinded to the empirically prescribed treatment regimen for each patient, genomic data from 50 evaluable patients were analyzed by CBM to predict patient-specific treatment responses. CBM accurately predicted treatment responses in 55 of 61 (90%) simulations, with 33 of 61 true positives, 22 of 61 true negatives, 3 of 61 false positives, and 3 of 61 false negatives, resulting in a sensitivity of 94%, a specificity of 88%, and an accuracy of 90%. Laboratory validation further confirmed the accuracy of CBM-predicted activated protein networks in 17 of 19 (89%) samples from 11 patients. Somatic mutations in the TET2, IDH1/2, ASXL1, and EZH2 genes were discovered to be highly informative of MDS response to hypomethylating agents. In sum, analyses of patient cancer genomics using the CBM platform can be used to predict precision treatment responses in MDS and AML patients.
When a corrigendum is not sufficient
Authors: Kaufman Kenneth R. , Malhi Gin S. , Bhui Kamaldeep S.
Published: June 2019

We present the reasoning behind a retraction noting that even small, honest errors can result in significant changes in findings.
Role of Patient and Disease Factors in Adjuvant Systemic Therapy Decision Making for Early-Stage, Operable Breast Cancer: Update of the ASCO Endorsement of the Cancer Care Ontario Guideline
Authors: Henry N. Lynn , Somerfield Mark R. , Abramson Vandana G. , Ismaila Nofisat , Allison Kimberly H. , Anders Carey K. , Chingos Diana T. , Eisen Andrea , Ferrari Bruno L. , Openshaw Thomas H. , Spears Patricia A. , Vikas Praveen , Stearns Vered
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology endorsement of the Cancer Care Ontario recommendations on the Role of Patient and Disease Factors in Adjuvant Systemic Therapy Decision Making for Early-Stage, Operable Breast Cancer.

METHODS

Two phase III trials—the Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment (TAILORx) in women with hormone receptor–positive, node-negative tumors and the Microarray in Node-Negative and 1 to 3 Positive Lymph Node Disease May Avoid Chemotherapy (MINDACT) trial—provided the evidence for this update.

UPDATED RECOMMENDATIONS

Shared decision making between clinicians and patients is appropriate for adjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer. For patients older than age 50 years and whose tumors have Onco type DX recurrence scores less than 26, and for patients age 50 years or younger whose tumors have Onco type DX recurrence scores less than 16, there is little to no benefit from chemotherapy. Clinicians may offer endocrine therapy alone for these patients. For patients age 50 years or younger with recurrence scores of 16 to 25, clinicians may offer chemoendocrine therapy. Patients with recurrence scores greater than 30 should be considered candidates for chemoendocrine therapy. Based on informal consensus, the Panel recommends that oncologists may offer chemoendocrine therapy to patients with Onco type DX scores of 26 to 30. The MammaPrint assay could be used to guide decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in patients with hormone receptor–positive lymph node–negative breast cancer and in select patients with lymph node–positive cancers. In both patients with node-positive and node-negative disease, evidence of clinical utility of the MammaPrint assay was only apparent in those determined to be at high clinical risk; the Panel thus did not recommend use of MammaPrint assay in patients determined to be at low clinical risk. Remaining recommendations from the 2016 ASCO guideline endorsement are unchanged. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines .