bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of extra‐adrenal paragangliomas
Authors: RANA R. S. , DEY P. , DAS A.
Published: July 2011

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of extra‐adrenal paragangliomas

We studied nine histologically proved cases of extra‐adrenal paragangliomas. Of these, eight cases were correctly diagnosed preoperatively by FNA cytology. Salient cytological features included clusters and discretely scattered cells, with occasional acinar configuration. The cells showed moderate to abundant slightly basophilic cytoplasm with ill‐defined margins and round to oval nuclei with mild to marked nuclear pleomorphism. Fine reddish intracytoplasmic granules were also noted (six cases). Cytological features along with clinical data are quite diagnostic of paragangliomas. A correct preoperative cytological diagnosis helps to prevent undue surgical complications.

Cytologie par ponction aspiration à l'aiguille fine des paragangliomes extra‐surrénaliens

Nous avons étudié 9 cas de paragangliomes extra‐surrénaliens histologiquement prouvés. Huit cas sur 9 ont été correctement diagnostiqués, à titre pré‐opératoire, par cytologie par ponction aspiration à l'aiguille fine. Les caractéristiques cytologiques principales sont la présence d'amas, une dispersion cellulaire modérée et d'occasionnelles formations acineuses. Les cellules comportent un cytoplasme légèrement basophile, moyennement à très abondant, avec des limites mal définies ainsi qu'un noyau rond ou ovale, dont le pléomorphisme nucléaire est modéré ou plus nettement marqué. Le présence de fines granulations rougeâtres intra‐cytoplasmiques a également été notée (6 cas). Ces caractères cytologiques, associés aux données cliniques, permettent pratiquement le diagnostic des paragangliomes. Un diagnostic cytologique pré‐opératoire correct favorise la prévention des complications chirurgicales indésirables.

FNP extraadrenaler Paragangliome

Neun histologisch gesicherte Fälle extraadrenaler Paragangliome werden vorgestellt. Präoperativ waren 8 der Fälle zytologisch durch FNP richtig diagnostiziert worden. Charakteristisch waren Einzelzellen und z.T. azinäre Verbände. Die Zellen zeigten mässig bis reichlich, leicht basophiles, unscharf begrenztes Zytoplasma und rund‐ovale Kerne mit leichter bis ausgeprägter Pleomorphie. In 6 Fällen lagen feine, rote Granula im Zytoplasma vor. Das zytologische Bild in Zusammenschau mit den klinischen Daten erlaubt eine sichere Diagnose. Auf diese Weise können die operativen Risiken vermindert werden.
Disentangling direct and indirect effects of water table drawdown on above‐ and belowground plant litter decomposition: consequences for accumulation of organic matter in boreal peatlands
Authors: Straková Petra , Penttilä Timo , Laine Jukka , Laiho Raija
Published: July 2011

Pristine peatlands are carbon (C)‐accumulating wetland ecosystems sustained by a high water table (WT) and consequent anoxia that slows down decomposition. Persistent WT drawdown as a response to climate and/or land‐use change affects decomposition either directly through environmental factors such as increased oxygenation, or indirectly through changes in plant community composition. This study attempts to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of WT drawdown by measuring the relative importance of environmental parameters (WT depth, temperature, soil chemistry) and litter type and/or litter chemical quality on the 2‐year decomposition rates of above‐ and belowground litter (altogether 39 litter types). Consequences for organic matter accumulation were estimated based on the annual litter production. The study sites were chosen to form a three‐stage chronosequence from pristine (undrained) to short‐term (years) and long‐term (decades) WT drawdown conditions at three nutrient regimes. The direct effects of WT drawdown were overruled by the indirect effects through changes in litter type composition and production. Short‐term responses to WT drawdown were small. In long‐term, dramatically increased litter inputs resulted in large accumulation of organic matter in spite of increased decomposition rates. Furthermore, the quality of the accumulated matter greatly changed from that accumulated in pristine conditions. Our results show that the shift in vegetation composition as a response to climate and/or land‐use change is the main factor affecting peatland ecosystem C cycle, and thus dynamic vegetation is a necessity in any model applied for estimating responses of C fluxes to changing environment. We provide possible grouping of litter types into plant functional types that the models could utilize. Furthermore, our results clearly show a drop in soil summer temperature as a response to WT drawdown when an initially open peatland converts into a forest ecosystem, which has not yet been considered in the existing models.
The large Amazonian peatland carbon sink in the subsiding Pastaza‐Marañón foreland basin, Peru
Authors: Lähteenoja Outi , Reátegui Yully Rojas , Räsänen Matti , Torres Dennis Del Castillo , Oinonen Markku , Page Susan
Published: July 2011

The carbon (C) dynamics of tropical peatlands can be of global importance, because, particularly in Southeast Asia, they are the source of considerable amounts of C released to the atmosphere as a result of land‐use change and fire. In contrast, the existence of tropical peatlands in Amazonia has been documented only recently. According to a recent study, the 120 000 km2 subsiding Pastaza‐Marañón foreland basin in Peruvian Amazonia harbours previously unstudied and up to 7.5 m thick peat deposits. We studied the role of these peat deposits as a C reserve and sink by measuring peat depth, radiocarbon age and peat and C accumulation rates at 5–13 sites. The basal ages varied from 1975 to 8870 cal yr bp, peat accumulation rates from 0.46 to 9.31 mm yr−1 and C accumulation rates from 28 to 108 g m−2 yr−1. The total peatland area and current peat C stock within the area of two studied satellite images were 21 929 km2 and 3.116 Gt (with a range of 0.837–9.461 Gt). The C stock is 32% (with a range of 8.7–98%) of the best estimate of the South American tropical peatland C stock and 3.5% (with a range of 0.9–10.7%) of the best estimate of the global tropical peatland C stock. The whole Pastaza‐Marañón basin probably supports about twice this peatland area and peat C stock. In addition to their contemporary geographical extent, these peatlands probably also have a large historical (vertical) extension because of their location in a foreland basin characterized by extensive river sedimentation, peat burial and subsidence for most of the Quaternary period. Burial of peat layers in deposits of up to 1 km thick Quaternary river sediments removes C from the short‐term C cycle between the biosphere and atmosphere, generating a long‐term C sink.
Treatment outcomes and dental anxiety in 18‐year‐olds with MIH, comparisons with healthy controls – a longitudinal study
Authors: JÄLEVIK BIRGITTA , KLINGBERG GUNILLA
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 85–91

Background.  In a previous study, 9‐year‐old children with severe Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) had undergone dental treatment of their first molars nearly ten times as often as children in a control group. They also showed more management problems (BMP) and fear and anxiety (DFA).

Aim.  To assess the long‐term outcomes of dental treatments, dental anxiety, and patients’ satisfaction in adolescents with MIH.

Design.  Sixty‐seven patients, identical with those in the baseline study, were studied at age 18‐years. The participants answered the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule – Dental Subscale the Dental Visit Satisfaction Scale (DVSS). Data were compiled from the dental records concerning dental health, number of restorative treatments and BMP.

Results.  Molar Incisor Hypomineralization group had a significantly higher DMFT, and had undergone treatment of their permanent first molars 4.2 times as often as the controls. BMP was still significantly more common in the MIH group. However, DFS was reduced in MIH group and increased in the control groups. The DVSS scores did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions.  Patients with severe MIH had a poorer dental health and were still more treatment consuming at age 18‐years. However, their dental fear was now at the same level as the controls.
Nurses’ perceptions of an electronic patient record from a patient safety perspective: a qualitative study
Authors: Stevenson Jean E. , Nilsson Gunilla
Published: July 2011

stevenson j.e. & nilsson g. (2012) Nurses’ perceptions of an electronic patient record from a patient safety perspective: a qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 667–676.

Aims.  The overall aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perceptions of using an electronic patient record in everyday practice, in general ward settings. This paper reports on the patient safety aspects revealed in the study.

Background.  Electronic patient records are widely used and becoming the main method of nursing documentation. Emerging evidence suggests that they fail to capture the essence of clinical practice and support the most frequent end‐users: nurses. The impact of using electronic patient records in general ward settings is under‐explored.

Method.  In 2008, focus group interviews were conducted with 21 Registered Nurses. This was a qualitative study and the data were analysed by content analysis. At the time of data collection, the electronic patient record system had been in use for approximately 1 year.

Findings.  The findings related to patient safety were clustered in one main category: ‘documentation in everyday practise’. There were three sub‐categories: vital signs, overview and medication module. Nurses reported that the electronic patient record did not support nursing practice when documenting crucial patient information, such as vital signs.

Conclusions.  Efforts should be made to include the views of nurses when designing an electronic patient record to ensure it suits the needs of nursing practice and supports patient safety. Essential patient information needs to be easily accessible and give support for decision‐making.
The role of school nurses in delivering accessible health services for primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Regina LT
Published: July 2011

Aims.  To explore and describe the distinctive role of nurses in delivering school health services for primary and secondary school students in Hong Kong.

Background.  The practical responsibility of nurses in delivering school health services has not been established. There is no literature on this topic and, in particular, nothing has been written from the perspective of the practitioner in communities in Hong Kong.

Design.  A qualitative design using semi‐structured interviews was employed.

Methods.  Thirteen school nurses were recruited and interviewed in 2006. The narratives were analysed using content analysis steps to identify categories.

Results.  Seven categories were formulated. School nurses described their roles as providers, counsellors, leaders, promoters, collaborators, referrers and administrators and housekeepers. The school nurses also reported that they needed to maintain a diverse range of skills and knowledge, such as effective communication skills and clinical updated knowledge, to cope with the demands and the diversity of their roles and to support the health and educational needs of the students and their local communities.

Conclusion.  The future development of the ‘one school, one nurse’ policy envisaged by the current government for ordinary schools in Hong Kong will not occur unless the role of school nurses is clearly delineated and valued by society as reducing school children’s and adolescents’ risk‐taking behaviours and promoting the health and well‐being of school children and adolescents.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings provide relevant information for school nurse leaders and school nurse policy makers to understand how school nurses are practicing and promoting child and adolescent health services, which can inform regional and national policy and practice.
Healthcare workers’ duty concerns of working in the isolation ward during the novel H1N1 pandemic
Authors: Wong Eliza LY , Wong Samuel YS , Lee Nelson , Cheung Annie , Griffiths Sian
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim was to explore healthcare workers’ duty concerns in the isolation wards during the novel H1N1 pandemic.

Background.  Healthcare workers’ willingness to work is a concern worldwide since SARS; Concerns related to work in the isolation wards among healthcare workers’ who continue to work during the novel H1N1 pandemic is unknown. In the light of possible staff shortages, healthcare workers’ duty concern is very important for planning the retention strategies.

Method.  The qualitative study with individual interview of 10 healthcare workers (four physicians, three nurses and three healthcare assistances) working in isolation wards were conducted in mid June 2009 where pandemic alert level 6 was raised by WHO. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim and then analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results.  All participants who were still working in the isolation wards during the novel H1N1 pandemic showed professional senses that were strongly related to the willingness to work. Their concerns in their duty including appreciation from the employers, efficacy and side effects of vaccination, frequent policy changes, unclear criteria of case management, poor facility layout, duty role stress were highlighted.

Conclusions.  Further research should seek to provide in‐depth specific concerns in each type of healthcare workers which is very important to keep adequate healthcare workers fighting against the infectious disease pandemic. Interesting results on the negative view towards the swine flu vaccination demonstrate more detailed evidence‐based information about the vaccination is needed.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important for mangers to provide a support to healthcare workers during influenza pandemic by providing a clear guideline/policy for case management and demonstrating appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers to minimise the risk for high staff turnover rates.
Malignant melanoma: gender patterns in care seeking for suspect marks
Authors: Hajdarevic Senada , Schmitt‐Egenolf Marcus , Brulin Christine , Sundbom Elisabet , Hörnsten Åsa
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  Gender patterns in self‐detection of melanoma are not sufficiently highlighted in the literature. The aim of the study was to identify specific patterns in the decision‐making process to seek care for suspect melanoma, as narrated by women and men.

Background.  Females have a more favourable prognosis than males and also a higher level of perceived susceptibility and a higher level of knowledge about melanoma. Women are, furthermore, more prone to participate in screening.

Method.  Thirty patients (15 women and 15 men) with a mean age of 55.5 years and diagnosed with malignant melanoma were interviewed about their decisions to seek care for suspect skin marks. The interviews were transcribed and analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results.  Care‐seeking behaviour for suspect melanoma was influenced by gender constructions. Men seldom or never acknowledged interest in attention to bodily changes, but when they became aware of changes, they often took a quick decision and sought an expert’s assessment. Men were compliant with wives’ and relatives’ advice about seeking care. All women reported that they paid attention to bodily changes, but they often delayed care seeking, due to family responsibilities and emotional struggles. The women also attempted self‐care remedies, such as applying ointment, before seeking professional care.

Conclusions.  There are gender‐specific patterns that may influence decision making in the care‐seeking process. Such patterns are important to identify, since health care professionals must take these factors into account in communicating with men and women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and in particular those working in telephone counselling, are often at the frontlines, deciding who can have access to health services. They are ideally placed to tackle the issue of gender constructions in the development of effective health care services.
Cytonuclear evidence for hybridogenetic reproduction in natural populations of the Australian carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris: Eleotridae)
Authors: SCHMIDT DANIEL J. , BOND NICHOLAS R. , ADAMS MARK , HUGHES JANE M.
Published: July 2011

Although most vertebrates reproduce sexually, a small number of fishes, amphibians and reptiles are known in which reproduction is asexual, i.e. without meiotic recombination. In fishes, these so‐called unisexual lineages usually comprise only females and utilize co‐occurring males of a related sexual species to reproduce via gynogenesis or hybridogenesis. Here, we examine patterns of microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation in a widespread group of freshwater fishes (carp gudgeons; Hypseleotris spp.) to investigate a long‐standing proposal that this group includes unisexual forms. We show that the mtDNA genome of most carp gudgeons in tributaries of the Goulburn River belongs to one of two deeply divided clades (∼10% cyt b divergence) and that nuclear variation divides the same individuals into four distinct groups. Group 1 exhibits the genotypic proportions of a random mating population and has a 1:1 sex ratio. Two other groups are extremely sex‐biased (98% male, 96% female), exhibit excess heterozygosity at most loci and share at least one allele per locus with group 1. We propose that these two groups represent ‘unisexual’ hybridogenetic lineages and that both utilize co‐occurring group 1 as sexual host. Interestingly, the fourth distinct group appears to represent hybrid offspring of the two putative hybridogenetic lineages. The propagation of clonal haploid genomes by both males and females and the ability of these clones to unite and form sexually mature diploid hybrid offspring may represent a novel mechanism that contributes to the dynamics of coexistence between hybridogenetic lineages and their sexual hosts.
Clustering of fecundability within women
Authors: McLain Alexander C. , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Cooney Maureen A. , Gollenberg Audra L. , Buck Louis Germaine M.
Published: July 2011

McLain AC, Sundaram R, Cooney MA, Gollenberg AL, Buck Louis GM. Clustering of fecundability within women. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 460–465.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes have long been observed to cluster within women resulting in the inclusion of past reproductive history in clinical assessments and perinatal scoring systems. However, limited study has focused on the clustering of fecundability as measured by time to pregnancy (TTP), despite growing evidence suggestive of a possible association with adverse pregnancy outcomes known to cluster within women. We sought to empirically evaluate the clustering of conception delay, and TTP more globally, in one of the few existing prospective pregnancy cohort studies that captured women's successive pregnancies. The study cohort comprised 544 women who contributed 1119 pregnancies in the US Collaborative Perinatal Project. We used a discrete Cox frailty model to estimate the degree and significance of within‐woman clustering of TTP. Women with an initial conception delay (TTP > 6 months) were older, less educated and had higher body mass indices than women not experiencing delays (TTP ≤ 6 months). Our analysis indicates that there is significant within‐woman clustering of TTP (variance of the frailty = 0.80, [95% confidence interval 0.49, 1.11]) after adjusting for baseline maternal age, body mass index and education level. Similar to many other reproductive and perinatal outcomes, our findings suggest that TTP clusters within women. Identifying exposures or behaviours that affect TTP may offer strategies for reducing conception delay in future pregnancy attempts.
Glutathione in plants: an integrated overview
Authors: NOCTOR GRAHAM , MHAMDI AMNA , CHAOUCH SEJIR , HAN YI , NEUKERMANS JENNY , MARQUEZ‐GARCIA BELEN , QUEVAL GUILLAUME , FOYER CHRISTINE H.
Published: July 2011

Plants cannot survive without glutathione (γ‐glutamylcysteinylglycine) or γ‐glutamylcysteine‐containing homologues. The reasons why this small molecule is indispensable are not fully understood, but it can be inferred that glutathione has functions in plant development that cannot be performed by other thiols or antioxidants. The known functions of glutathione include roles in biosynthetic pathways, detoxification, antioxidant biochemistry and redox homeostasis. Glutathione can interact in multiple ways with proteins through thiol‐disulphide exchange and related processes. Its strategic position between oxidants such as reactive oxygen species and cellular reductants makes the glutathione system perfectly configured for signalling functions. Recent years have witnessed considerable progress in understanding glutathione synthesis, degradation and transport, particularly in relation to cellular redox homeostasis and related signalling under optimal and stress conditions. Here we outline the key recent advances and discuss how alterations in glutathione status, such as those observed during stress, may participate in signal transduction cascades. The discussion highlights some of the issues surrounding the regulation of glutathione contents, the control of glutathione redox potential, and how the functions of glutathione and other thiols are integrated to fine‐tune photorespiratory and respiratory metabolism and to modulate phytohormone signalling pathways through appropriate modification of sensitive protein cysteine residues.
Effect of short‐term water restriction in hot season on some blood parameters and immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine of local and commercial layers in the late phase of production
Authors: Alamer M. A. , Ahmed A. S.
Published: July 2011

Forty‐five Hisex commercial layers and forty‐five local Saudi breed layers were used to compare and assess the effect of water restriction under hot conditions on blood constituents and immune response to Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. The trial was divided into three periods: control (7 day), water restriction (14 day) and rehydration (7 day). During water restriction, layers from each breed were divided into three groups that received 0%, 20% and 40% restriction of drinking water relative to the control period. The immune response against ND was affected by breed; it also declined significantly with 40% water restriction 10 days post‐restriction. Water restriction did not affect haematocrit value, plasma total protein, albumin, glucose or osmolality, which may not suggest a reduction in plasma volume. However, plasma creatinine increased in both breeds because of water restriction that remained elevated during rehydration. Water restriction increased plasma urea in the local group, while it decreased in the commercial group. Irrespective of rate of water restriction, it can be concluded that the two breeds can withstand up to 40% water restriction during high environmental temperature. However, the local breed may be superior in water conservation in relation to the commercial layers.
Invasive pneumococcal pneumonia is the major cause of paediatric haemolytic‐uraemic syndrome in Taiwan
Authors: LEE CHING‐SUNG , CHEN MEI‐JU , CHIOU YEE‐HSUAN , SHEN CHING‐FEN , WU CHAN‐YAO , CHIOU YUAN‐YOW
Published: July 2011

Aim:  Streptococcus pneumoniae‐associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (SP‐HUS) is a major concern of paediatric acute renal failure in Taiwan; it leads to significant morbidity and mortality during the acute phase and to long‐term morbidity after an acute episode.

Methods:  Twenty children diagnosed with HUS between 1 May 1995, and 31 December 2008 was enrolled. Clinical variables related to laboratory data, organ involved, and outcomes were examined between patients with and without SP‐HUS.

Results:  Thirteen of the 20 (13/20, 65%) patients required dialysis, nine (9/20, 45.0%) developed hepatic dysfunction, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypertension, respectively. They were the second most common extrarenal complication except empyema (11/20, 55%). Two (10%) died and seven (35%) of the survivors developed long‐term renal morbidity. Twelve of the 20 patients (60%) were diagnosed with SP‐HUS. Younger age, female children, higher white blood cell count, higher alanine transaminase, higher lactate dehydrogenase and high incidence of DIC were significantly common in SP‐HUS cases. All SP‐HUS cases were complicated with pleural effusion, empyema, or both. Positive Thomsen‐Freidenreich antigen (T‐Ag) activation was 83% sensitive and 100% specific for SP‐HUS, and a positive direct Coombs' test was 58% sensitive and 100% specific.

Conclusion:  Invasive pneumococcal infection is the most common cause of HUS in Taiwan. Positive T‐Ag activation and a direct Coombs' test are rapid predictors of SP‐HUS in children with invasive pneumonia.
High serum level of alpha‐fetoprotein in focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver
Authors: Wadad Mneimneh , Farges Olivier , Bedossa Pierre , Belghiti Jacques , Paradis Valérie
Published: July 2011

Serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), the main serum marker of hepatocellular carcinoma, may increase in some benign conditions involving the liver but is usually within normal values in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in adults. We present a case of a FNH associated with serum AFP increase, and in which both the lesion and the non‐lesional adjacent liver showed AFP‐positive immunostained areas. Moreover, only one case of FNH with AFP‐positive immunostaining has been previously reported. In addition, our case of FNH is remarkable as it displayed some morphological and immunophenotypical features of progenitor cells. The serum AFP levels rose after liver resection and progressively returned to the preoperative high values. These findings are concordant with the hypothesis that FNH is a regenerative process, and suggest that regenerative areas in the liver might be the source of AFP production.
Distribution of cryptic blue oat mite species in Australia: current and future climate conditions
Authors: Hill Matthew P. , Hoffmann Ary A. , McColl Stuart A. , Umina Paul A.
Published: July 2011

Invertebrate pests, such as blue oat mites Penthaleus spp., cause significant economic damage to agricultural crops in Australia. Climate is a major driver of invertebrate species distributions and climate change is expected to shift pest assemblages and pest prevalence across Australia. At this stage, little is known of how individual species will respond to climate change.

We have mapped the current distribution for each of the three pest Penthaleus spp. in Australia and built ecological niche models for each species using the correlative modelling software, maxent. Predictor variables useful for describing the climate space of each species were determined and the models were projected into a range of future climate change scenarios to assess how climate change may alter species‐specific distribution patterns in Australia.

The distributions of the three cryptic Penthaleus spp. are best described with different sets of climatic variables. Suitable climate space for all species decreases under the climate change scenarios investigated in the present study. The models also indicate that the assemblage of Penthaleus spp. is likely to change across Australia, particularly in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.

These results show the distributions of the three Penthaleus spp. are correlated with different climatic variables, and that regional control of mite pests is likely to change in the future. A further understanding of ecological and physiological processes that may influence the distribution and pest status of mites is required.
AN ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL POWER DISPERSION: THE CASE OF TURKEY
Authors: TUTAR IBRAHIM , TANSEL AYSIT
Published: July 2011

This study examines the effects of fragmented governments and fiscal authorities on budget deficits in Turkey along with political business cycle effects. For econometric analysis we will use annual data from the period 1960 to 2009. This article sheds light on various dispersion indices and their use in the field of political power and fiscal performance. The results show that the power dispersion indices of governments and fiscal institutions significantly explain the increases in the ratio of budget deficit to gross national product. The article draws attention to the unification and better coordination of fiscal authorities in Turkey. The analysis has important policy implications for Turkey and other developing countries from the viewpoint of fragmented political and administrative dispersion of power and poor budget performances. (JEL P16, H72, C22, C43)
CHILD LABOR AND SCHOOLING RESPONSES TO ACCESS TO MICROCREDIT IN RURAL BANGLADESH
Authors: ISLAM ASADUL , CHOE CHONGWOO
Published: July 2011

Microcredit has been shown to be effective in reducing poverty in many developing countries. However, less is known about its effect on human capital formation. In this article, we examine the impact of access to microcredit on children's education and child labor using a new and large data set from rural Bangladesh. The results show that household participation in a microcredit program may increase child labor and reduce school enrollment. The adverse effects are more pronounced for girls than boys. Younger children are more adversely affected than their older siblings and the children of poorer and less educated households are affected most adversely. Our findings remain robust to different specifications and methods, and when corrected for various sources of selection bias. (JEL H43, I21, J13, J24, L30, O12)
ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO PARENTHOOD: IVF OR CHILD ADOPTION?
Authors: GUMUS GULCIN , LEE JUNGMIN
Published: July 2011

This article analyzes the effects of child adoption on the utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in the United States. Using state‐level longitudinal data for 1999–2006, we show that ART use is responsive to changes in adoption markets. After controlling for state‐specific fixed effects, our estimates reveal that a 10% increase in adoptions leads to a 1.3%–1.5% decrease in the number of ART cycles performed. The responsiveness is higher when we consider infant adoptions, adoptions by older women, and international adoptions, while there is no substitutability between ART and adoption of related children. (JEL I11, J13, J18)
The determinants of reserves disclosure in the extractive industries: evidence from Australian firms
Authors: Taylor Grantley , Richardson Grant , Tower Greg , Hancock Phil
Published: July 2011

This paper examines the determinants of reserves disclosure (RD) in the Australian extractive industries. Our regression results indicate that RD are positively associated with variables relating to corporate governance, foreign listing, existence of reserves in foreign jurisdictions, pledging of reserves in debt covenants, leverage and external (Big 4) auditor, after controlling for firm size, subindustry, shareholder concentration and development/production stage. Additional regression testing shows that the existence of reserves in foreign jurisdictions is the most important determinant of RD in Australia. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the extent and rationale behind the RD practices of Australian resource firms.
Utopian Promise or Burdensome Responsibility? A Critical Analysis of the UK Government's Building Schools for the Future Policy
Authors: Kraftl Peter
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  This paper critically analyses a nationwide school‐building programme in England: Building Schools for the Future (BSF). It is argued that, between 2003 and 2010, the UK Government's policy guidance for BSF represented a (re)turn to utopian discourse in governmental policy‐making, mobilised in order to justify a massive programme of new school building in the UK. In doing so, BSF connected with the promise of three further discourses: school(‐children), community and architectural practice. It anticipated that new school buildings would instil transformative change—modernising English schooling, combating social exclusion and leaving an architectural “legacy”. However, it is argued that BSF constituted an allegorical utopia: whilst suggesting a “radical” vision for schooling and society, its ultimate effect was to preserve a conventional (neo‐liberal) model of schooling. The paper highlights the critical role that notions of utopia might have in negotiating—and challenging—promise‐laden mega‐building policies like BSF. In doing so, it develops recent geographical research on utopia, education and architecture.
“They hate pigs, Chinese farmers … everything!” Beastly Racialization in Multiethnic Malaysia
Authors: Neo Harvey
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  This paper details the construction of the pig and the pig industry in Malaysia. It argues that a pattern of “animal‐linked racialization” continually polices the boundary between the dominant, elite Malay‐Muslim hegemony and the comparatively less powerful Chinese pig farmers. Often subtle and implicit, such beastly racialization, drawing frequently from religious and nationalist tropes, renders visible the taboo subjects of race and racism in Malaysia. While a simplistic form of beastly racialization in relation to the pig industry is held by the political elites and non‐Chinese community, one cannot say that such a racialization has produced or sustained distinct racisms. Nonetheless, it is through the process of beastly racialization that we unravel the seemingly random acts of coercive policies that, taken in their entirety, threaten to stymie the future viability of the industry and continue to accentuate the visible social‐cultural disjuncture between the two biggest ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Differentiated Products, Vertical Related Markets, and Optimal Export Policy
Authors: Chou Stephen Jui‐Hsien
Published: July 2011

This paper studies the optimal export policy in the context of a vertically related industry with differentiated products, and analyzes the effects of the degree of product substitutability and market structure on the determination of such a policy. It is shown that the results obtained in a similar model with homogeneous goods rivalry no longer hold when the goods are differentiated. Indeed, the degree of product substitutability plays an important role in the determination of export policies, and also determines whether a country can be better off under a trade policy war compared to free trade. The use of a differentiated product setting also allows one to compare export policies and countries' welfare levels under both Cournot and Bertrand competition. It is found that the results of the comparison are also sensitive to the degree of product substitutability.
Monopolistic Competition and North–South Trade
Authors: Oladi Reza , Gilbert John
Published: July 2011

This paper examines the consequences of opening to international trade for a developing economy with open urban unemployment and rural–urban migration, where the urban sector is monopolistically competitive. It is shown that there exists a threshold level of urbanization prior to which increases in product variety will be reflected in increased urban unemployment, that opening to intra‐industry trade with a high‐wage economy (i.e. North–South trade) will reduce the rate of urban unemployment by a greater amount than intra‐industry trade with a similar economy, and that trade intervention in the South may lower welfare by reducing varieties produced in the North.
Trade Policy and Antitrust: Do Consumers Matter to Legislators?
Authors: Feinberg Robert M. , Husted Thomas A. , Reynolds Kara M.
Published: July 2011

We provide one of the first efforts to measure the importance of consumer preferences in legislators' trade policy decisions by estimating the degree to which the level of antitrust enforcement in the legislator's state impacts his or her vote on free trade agreements. To the extent that antitrust and trade liberalization are both viewed as pro‐consumer in nature, we would expect to see a positive relationship between antitrust enforcement in their legislative district and Congressional votes in support of trade liberalization. We find evidence suggesting that consumer preferences do play a role in legislative decisions on trade policy.
Why Did ‘Zombie’ Firms Recover in Japan?
Authors: Fukuda Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Jun‐ichi
Published: July 2011

The Japanese economy experienced prolonged recessions during the 1990s. Previous studies suggest that evergreen lending to troubled firms known as ‘zombie firms’ distorted market discipline in terms of stabilising the economy and caused significant delays in its recovery. However, the eventual bankruptcy of zombies was rare. The purpose of this study is to investigate why zombie firms recovered in Japan. We first extend the method of Caballero et al. (2008) and identify zombies from among the listed firms. Subsequently, we investigate the nature of corporate restructuring that was effective in reviving zombie firms. Our multinomial logistic regressions suggest that reducing the employee strength of zombie firms and selling its fixed assets were beneficial in facilitating their recovery. However, corporate restructuring without accounting transparency or by discouraging incentives for managers was ineffective. In addition, corporate restructuring lacked effectiveness in the absence of favourable macroeconomic environment as well as substantial external financial support.
A clinical profile of 103 patients with secondary movement disorders: correlation of etiology with phenomenology
Authors: Netravathi M. , Pal P. K. , Indira Devi B.
Published: July 2011

Background and purpose:  Studying patients with secondary movement disorders (SMD) provides a unique opportunity to determine the correlation between the etiology and phenomenology of movement disorders.

Methods:  This was a prospective study of 103 patients (43 women, 60 men; age = 28.7 ± 17.3 years; range = 2–70 years) with SMD, in a tertiary hospital over 4 years.

Results:  The mean age of onset of SMD was 24.3 ± 19.7 years, and duration of symptoms was 4.3 ± 7.1 years (42 days to 40 years). Patients with pure tremor, pure dystonia (DYS), or a combination of tremor with dystonia had longest latency (10.9–18.5 months), whereas those with parkinsonism (PAR) and hemiballismus (HMB) had shorter latency (2.7–3.0 weeks). Pure dystonia was most prevalent (30.1%) followed by dystonia plus (13.6%), tremor (12.6%), PAR (11.7%), HMB (8.7%), mixed SMD (7.8%), tremor with dystonia (6.8%), myoclonus (5.8%), and chorea (2.9%). In approximately 60% of patients, the underlying etiologies were vascular (VAS), infections, and space‐occupying lesions (SOL), and 25% had SMD following trauma or hypoxia (HYP). With reference to specific etiologies, the most frequent SMDs were tremor following SOL (46%), post‐traumatic syndromes (25%), dystonia following HYP (56%), VAS lesions (50%), and infections (28%). With reference to specific SMDs, the most common etiologies were VAS for dystonia (39%), SOL for tremor (67%), and PAR (31%), and both SOL and trauma (37.5% each) for tremor with dystonia.

Conclusions:  Our study highlights the spectrum of SMDs and the lack of correlation between types of SMDs and underlying etiologies. Preventable causes such as infections, HYP, trauma, and kernicterus still play a major role in pathogenesis of SMD.
Critical care outreach referrals: a mixed‐method investigative study of outcomes and experiences
Authors: Pattison Natalie , Eastham Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

Aim: To explore referrals to a critical care outreach team (CCOT), associated factors around patient management and survival to discharge, and the qualitative exploration of referral characteristics (identifying any areas for service improvement around CCOT).

Method: A single‐centre mixed method study in a specialist hospital was undertaken, using an explanatory design: participant selection model. In this model, quantitative results (prospective and retrospective episode of care review, including modified early warning system (MEWS), time and delay of referral and patient outcomes for admission and survival) are further explained by qualitative (interview) data with doctors and nurses referring to outreach. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS +17 and 19, and qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory principles.

Results: A large proportion of referrals (124/407 = 30·5%) were made by medical staff. For 97 (97/407 = 23·8%) referrals, there was a delay between the point at which patients deteriorated (as verified by retrospective record review and MEWS score triggers) and the time at when patients were referred. The average delay was 2·96 h (95% CI 1·97–3·95; SD 9·56). Timely referrals were associated with improved outcomes; however, no causal attribution can be made from the circumstances around CCOT referral. Qualitative themes included indications for referral, facilitating factors for referral, barriers to referral and consequences of referral, with an overarching core theory of reassurance. Outreach was seen as back‐up and this core theory demonstrates the important, and somewhat less tangible, role outreach has in supporting ward staff to care for at‐risk patients.

Conclusion: Mapping outreach episodes of care and patient outcomes can help highlight areas for improvement. This study outlines reasons for referral and how outreach can facilitate patient pathways in critical illness.
Plant Community Recovery Following Restoration in Semiarid Grasslands
Authors: Munson Seth M. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: July 2011

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is an extensive land use in the United States, which restores cultivated land to perennial vegetation through seeding. Low precipitation and high potential evapotranspiration are major limitations to the establishment and growth of seeded species in semiarid regions. We tested the rate of development of plant functional types across a chronosequence of restored fields using a model of plant succession. We also determined how the seeding of non‐native (introduced) relative to native perennial grasses influenced plant community recovery. In contrast to the native shortgrass steppe (SGS), recently seeded CRP fields had high cover of annuals, forbs, C3, and introduced species. The seed mix determined which perennial grasses dominated the plant community within 18 years, but slow establishment prolonged early seral stages, allowed for the spread of colonizing perennial grasses, and limited recovery to less than half the canopy cover of undisturbed shortrass steppe. Species density declined in restored fields as seeded perennial grass cover increased and was lower in CRP fields seeded with introduced compared to native perennial grasses. Plant community composition transitioned to C4 and native species, even if fields were not seeded with these species, and was modified by shifts in the amount and seasonality of precipitation. Thus, in semiarid CRP fields, we found that the potential for recovery depended on time since CRP enrollment, seed mix, and climatic variability. Full recovery, based on similarity to vegetation cover and composition of undisturbed SGS, requires greater than 20 years.
A Molecular and Fitness Evaluation of Commercially Available versus Locally Collected Blue Lupine Lupinus perennis L. Seeds for Use in Ecosystem Restoration Efforts
Authors: Gibbs James P. , Smart Lawrence B. , Newhouse Andrew E. , Leopold Donald J.
Published: July 2011

Dependence on wild seed sources is often impractical for large‐scale habitat restoration programs. Reliance on commercial seed supplies of unknown provenance and fitness is thereby warranted. Little consideration has been given, however, to how the large volumes of seed required should be sourced. We evaluated commercial and locally collected seed sources for potential use in a New York State‐based, landscape‐scale program for restoring blue lupine Lupinus perennis. Through analysis of microsatellite markers we determined that “native” lupine designations by some commercial suppliers were in fact interspecific hybrids and therefore unreliable; at least two commercial sources, however, were genetically as close to native New York populations as native New York populations were to one other. Common garden experiments revealed that seed source influenced first‐year overwintering survival and subsequent height growth of surviving plants; seed sources more closely related genetically to native New York populations survived better and produced more stems per individual in the field in the area targeted for restoration. We conclude that (1) commercial suppliers often but not always offer reliably characterized seed sources of sufficient genetic similarity to native populations to warrant their use in restoration projects and (2) genetic affinity of potential seed stock to native populations is positively related to its fitness in the environment targeted for restoration.
Recovery of Plant Species Richness and Composition in an Abandoned Forest Settlement Area in Kenya
Authors: Mullah Collins J. A. , Totland Ørjan , Klanderud Kari
Published: July 2011

Cultivation of annual crops in the initial stage of reforestation has been commonly practiced in the tropics. In recent decades, however, cultivation of such areas has been discontinued, resulting in widespread abandoned settlements. In this article we used a former forest village settlement in Kenya, which had been cleared, cultivated and then abandoned, to study how natural vegetation recovers after such disturbances. Species richness, abundance, and composition of tree seedlings, saplings, adult trees, shrubs, and herbs were recorded in different zones, from a heavily degraded zone in the center of the settlement, through less disturbed transition zones (TZs), and in the surrounding secondary forest (SF). Species richness and abundance of tree seedlings, saplings, and adult trees increased gradually from the heavily degraded zone to the SF, whereas shrub and herb richness were the same for TZs and SF and abundance was lowest in the SF. Total species richness was highest in the SF. Some pioneer tree species were highly associated with the TZs, whereas sub‐canopy tree species were associated with the SF. A group of tree species were not particularly associated with any of the four zones. Thus, these species might have good potential as restoration species. The results of our study contribute to the knowledge of natural regeneration in general, and of individual species characterizing the different stages of recovery of abandoned settlements in particular. Such information is urgently needed in designing ecologically sound management strategies for restoring abandoned forest settlements in tropical areas.