bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thomas Richard Edmund Southwood. 20 June 1931 — 26 October 2005
Authors: May Robert M. , Hassell Michael P.
Published: August 2008

Sir Richard Southwood—Dick Southwood to his many friends—was one of the twentieth century's most eminent and influential zoologists and ecologists. His own research, beginning with boyhood interests in observing and collecting insects, matured into major contributions to understanding the structure and function of plant–insect communities. He has left an even more important legacy through his superb skills as mentor, builder of academic departments and institutions, and wise counsellor to Governments in areas where scienceand policy intersect.
CLINICAL TRIALS AND SCID ROW: THE ETHICS OF PHASE 1 TRIALS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Authors: KIMMELMAN JONATHAN
Published: August 2008

Relatively little has been written about the ethics of conducting early phase clinical trials involving subjects from the developing world. Below, I analyze ethical issues surrounding one of gene transfer’s most widely praised studies conducted to date: in this study, Italian investigators recruited two subjects from the developing world who were ineligible for standard of care because of economic considerations. Though the study seems to have rendered a cure in these two subjects, it does not appear to have complied with various international guidelines that require that clinical trials conducted in the developing world be responsive to their populations’ health needs. Nevertheless, policies devised to address large scale, late stage trials, such as the AZT short‐course placebo trials, map somewhat awkwardly to early phase studies. I argue that interest in conducting translational research in the developing world, particularly in the context of hemophilia trials, should motivate more rigorous ethical thinking around clinical trials involving economically disadvantaged populations.
Life history variation across a riverine landscape: intermediate levels of disturbance favor sexual reproduction in the ant‐dispersed herbRanunculus ficaria
Authors: Jung Frederik , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Prinzing Andreas
Published: August 2008

Global climate change can fundamentally alter disturbance regimes across landscapes, but little is known about how species adjust their life histories to shifts in disturbance regimes. In plants, dispersal by seeds may permit rapid re‐colonization under frequent disturbances, but often seed‐dispersing animals may be absent and local dispersal by vegetative diaspores may be a more efficient means of occupying open space in the vicinity of the plant. We tested the effect of disturbances due to inundation on the investment in seed production by the ant‐dispersed plant,Ranunculus ficariassp.bulbifer. During seed ripening we collected 392 plants within a landscape mosaic of 39 sites with different levels of inundation. We measured the mass of fruits and other tissues (leafs, roots, bulbils, stalks) and described plant growth form. We found that fruit numbers and masses were more variable among plants than numbers and masses of other tissues. We then standardized fruit mass against the mass of other tissues and other growth‐form parameters. Standardized fruit mass showed a highly significantly hump‐shaped relationship with the level of inundation disturbances. This pattern was consistent across 12 small‐scale transects and thus not confounded by spatial autocorrelation within landscapes. The pattern was also confirmed by analyses that simultaneously accounted for disturbance and morphological co‐variables. We thus conclude that plants invested most heavily into reproduction by seeds under intermediate levels of disturbance. Under intermediate disturbance, seeds are beneficial for rapidly re‐colonizing open space after disturbance while the seed‐dispersers are still available. The life history of mutualists such as ant‐dispersed plants and ants may thus change across a landscape, reflecting small‐scale variation in the disturbance regime.
Protein S down‐regulates factor Xase activity independent of activated protein C: specific binding of factor VIII(a) to protein S inhibits interactions with factor IXa
Authors: Takeyama Masahiro , Nogami Keiji , Saenko Evgueni L. , Soeda Tetsuhiro , Nishiya Katsumi , Ogiwara Kenichi , Yoshioka Akira , Shima Midori
Published: August 2008

Protein S functions as an activated protein C (APC)‐independent anticoagulant in the inhibition of intrinsic factor X activation, although the precise mechanisms remain to be fully investigated. In the present study, protein S diminished factor VIIIa/factor IXa‐dependent factor X activation, independent of APC, in a functional Xa generation assay. The presence of protein S resulted in an c. 17‐fold increase in Km for factor IXa with factor VIIIa in the factor Xase complex, but an c. twofold decrease in Km for factor X. Surface plasmon resonance‐based assays showed that factor VIII, particularly the A2 and A3 domains, bound to immobilized protein S (Kd; c. 10 nmol/l). Competition binding assays using Glu‐Gly‐Arg‐active‐site modified factor IXa showed that factor IXa inhibited the reaction between protein S and both the A2 and A3 domains. Furthermore, Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the cleavage rate of factor VIIIa at Arg336 by factor IXa was c. 1·8‐fold lower in the presence of protein S than in its absence. These data indicate that protein S not only down‐regulates factor VIIIa activity as a cofactor of APC, but also directly impairs the assembly of the factor Xase complex, independent of APC, in a competitive interaction between factor IXa and factor VIIIa.
Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) mantle muscle gelled‐emulsified type product: formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics
Authors: Félix‐Armenta Aníbal , Ramirez‐Suarez Juan C. , Pacheco‐Aguilar Ramón , Díaz‐Cinco Martha E. , Cumplido‐Barbeitia Germán , Carvallo‐Ruiz Gisela
Published: August 2008

Jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas), an abundant species in the Gulf of California, can have a great potential for production of gelled‐emulsified type products. Thus, formulation, processing and physicochemical characteristics of frankfurter‐type product from jumbo squid mantle muscle (JSF) was achieved. JSF were vacuum‐packed and stored at 2–4 °C. Samples were analysed for physicochemical (colour, texture, TBARS, peroxide value, folding test, pH, and water content and holding capacity) and microbial changes at regular intervals during storage for up to 27 days. The sensory quality of the product was also evaluated. Shear force, cohesiveness and colour (hue angle and total colour difference) were the most affected (P < 0.05) parameters at day 27, changes most probably because of microbial growth as total aerobic counts increased to >2.7 × 105 CFU g−1 (day 21). Product showed acceptability. Results suggest a stable gelled‐emulsified type product can be developed from jumbo squid mantle muscle opening a range of possibilities for product development.
A non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in IFNAR1 affects susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zhou J. , Smith D. K. , Lu L. , Poon V. K. M. , Ng F. , Chen D.‐Q. , Huang J.‐D. , Yuen K.‐Y. , Cao K.‐Y. , Zheng B.‐J.
Published: August 2008

Summary.  The type I interferon (IFN‐α/β) receptor 1 (IFNAR1) mediates the potent antiviral and immuno‐regulatory effects of IFN‐α/β that are believed to be pivotal to eradicate hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. IFNAR1 promoter polymorphisms (at −568/−77) have been shown to be associated with susceptibility to chronic HBV infection; however, whether these markers are genetic determinants of HBV infection remains unknown. The functional significance of promoter −568/−77 polymorphisms was assessed by mutagenesis and luciferase assays. Sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphisms in 328 chronic HBV patients, 130 spontaneous resolvers and 148 healthy blood donors identified other polymorphism at IFNAR1 open reading frame. IFNAR1 expression levels in peripheral blood cells were detected by flow cytometry. We found that the −568/−77 promoter variants were unlikely to affect transcription levels. A C/G single nucleotide polymorphism, in strong linkage disequilibrium with the promoter polymorphisms, was found in the coding sequence of IFNAR1 (nt19158). This resulted in a nonsynonymous substitution in the extracellular region of IFNAR1 protein and correlated with susceptibility to chronic HBV infection. Bioinformatic analysis suggested decreased stability of the IFNAR1 protein. Chronic HBV patients with the 19158C/C genotype (Leu141) exhibited higher IFNAR1 protein expression levels in peripheral blood monocytes than those with the 19158G/G genotype (Val141). In conclusion, IFNAR1 19158C/G polymorphism is primarily associated with susceptibility to chronic HBV infection.
Trehalose and trehalase in root nodules of Medicago truncatula and Phaseolus vulgaris in response to salt stress
Authors: López Miguel , Tejera Noel A. , Iribarne Carmen , Lluch Carmen , Herrera‐Cervera José A.
Published: August 2008

Trehalose (α‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐1,1‐α‐d‐glucopyranoside), a non‐reducing disaccharide, has been found in a wide variety of organisms playing an important role as an abiotic stress protectant. Plants may come into contact with trehalose from exogenous sources, such as in plant–rhizobia symbiosis in which the rhizobia have the capacity to produce trehalose. The aim of this work is to analyse how trehalose and trehalase respond to salt stress in root nodules of legumes. For this purpose, tissue expression of Medicago truncatula trehalase gene (MTTRE1) and the expression of MTTRE1 under salt stress were analysed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR method. Trehalase activity was determined and trehalose was also measured by gas chromatography. In addition, trehalase protein occurrence in different organs and at different developmental stages in Phaseolus vulgaris plants has been studied. MTTRE1 expression is induced in nodules compared with leaves and roots, indicating a transcriptional regulation of trehalase in the presence of the microsymbiont. Under salt stress conditions, trehalase activity is downregulated at the transcriptional level, allowing trehalose accumulation. The results found in this study led us to conclude that trehalase activity is induced in root nodules of legumes by the microsymbiont and that under salt stress conditions; trehalase activity is downregulated at the transcriptional level in M. truncatula nodules. This allows trehalose accumulation and supports the possible role of this disaccharide as a stabilizer against salt stress conditions.
Epidemiological trends in skin mycoses worldwide
Authors: Havlickova Blanka , Czaika Viktor A. , Friedrich Markus
Published: August 2008

Fungal infections of the skin and nails are a common global problem. The high prevalence of superficial mycotic infections shows that 20–25% of the world’s population has skin mycoses, making these one of the most frequent forms of infection. Pathogens responsible for skin mycoses are primarily anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes from the genera Trichophyton (T.), Microsporum (M.) and Epidermophyton (E.). There appears to be considerable inter‐ and intra‐continental variability in the global incidence of these fungal infections. Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale (mentagrophytes var. interdigitale), M. canis, M. audouinii, T. tonsurans and T. verrucosum are the most common, but the attack rates and incidence of specific mycoses can vary widely. Local socio‐economic conditions and cultural practices can also influence the prevalence of a particular infection in a given area. For example, tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) is more prevalent in developed countries than in emerging economies and is likely to be caused by the anthropophilic germ T. rubrum. In poorer countries, scalp infections (tinea capitis) caused by T. soudanense or M. audouinii are more prevalent. This review summarises current epidemiological trends for fungal infections and focuses on dermatomycosis of glabrous skin on different continents.
IMIQUIMOD, A TOLL‐LIKE RECEPTOR 7 LIGAND, INHIBITS AIRWAY REMODELLING IN A MURINE MODEL OF CHRONIC ASTHMA
Authors: Du Qiang , Zhou Lin‐Fu , Chen Zhen , Gu Xiao‐Yan , Huang Mao , Yin Kai‐Sheng
Published: August 2008

Imiquimod, a synthetic Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 7 ligand, has been shown to attenuate airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in acute murine models of allergic asthma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of imiquimod on allergen‐induced airway remodelling in chronic experimental asthma.

Ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mice were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks. Some mice were exposed to an aerosol of 0.15% imiquimod daily during the period of OVA challenge. Twenty‐four hours after the last OVA challenge, mice were evaluated for the development of airway inflammation, AHR and airway remodelling. The levels of total serum IgE and Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 protein in lungs were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

The results demonstrated that imiquimod significantly inhibited chronic inflammation, persistent AHR and airway remodelling in chronic experimental asthma. In addition, imiquimod reduced levels of total serum IgE and BALF Th2 cytokines and diminished expression of TGF‐β1 in remodelled airways.

In summary, the results of the present study indicate that imiquimod may attenuate the progression of airway inflammation and remodelling, providing potential in the treatment of asthma.
ANALYSIS OF SHORT‐TERM REPRODUCIBILITY OF ARTERIAL VASOREACTIVITY BY PULSE‐WAVE ANALYSIS AFTER PHARMACOLOGICAL CHALLENGE
Authors: Paul Biju , Hewitson Christopher L , Woodman Richard J , Mangoni Arduino A
Published: August 2008

Pulse‐wave analysis (PWA) is an established method to assess arterial wave reflections and arterial vasoreactivity in humans. A high short‐term reproducibility of baseline augmentation index (AIx) has been reported. However, the short‐term reproducibility of AIx changes following pharmacological challenge with either inhaled salbutamol (endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation) or sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN; endothelium‐independent vasodilatation), using appropriate statistical methods, is largely unknown.

Baseline AIx and GTN‐ and salbutamol‐mediated changes in AIx (all corrected for a heart rate of 75 b.p.m.) were measured on two separate occasions, 1 h apart, in 22 healthy controls (mean (±SD) age 52.0 ± 13.4 years) and 11 elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF; 73.1 ± 8.7 years). Reproducibility was assessed by measuring intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV) and Bland–Altman plots.

Baseline AIx showed good short‐term reproducibility with high ICC in both the control and CHF groups (0.90 and 0.87, respectively). In contrast, in the control and CHF groups, the ICC of GTN‐ (0.58 and 0.17, respectively) and salbutamol‐mediated (0.18 and 0.04, respectively) changes in AIx were substantially low. The CV was relatively low for baseline AIx in control and CHF groups (25.0 and 22.5%, respectively), but not for GTN‐ (22.3 and 59.8%, respectively) or salbutamol‐mediated (45.1 and 184.0%, respectively) changes in AIx. Bland–Altman analysis revealed poor reproducibility, with limits of agreement beyond either +15% or –15% for changes in AIx after GTN and salbutamol for both control and CHF groups. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate following pharmacological challenge were similar between the two measurements.

The poor reproducibility of changes in AIx following pharmacological challenge questions the use of this method in acute studies.
Déjà Vu All Over Again: Effects of Reenactment on Toddlers' Event Memory
Authors: Hudson Judith A. , Sheffield Ellyn G.
Published: August 2008

Four experiments examined (1) whether reenactment improves 18‐month‐olds' event memory, (2) how effects of reenactment are affected by the time at which the reenactment occurs, (3) whether timing of reenactment affects recall over very long periods of time, and (4) how partial reenactment affects recall. Children were trained to perform 8 novel activities in a laboratory playroom, returned to the playroom 15 min to 8 weeks later to reenact the activities, and were tested for recall of the original activities 6 to 8 weeks after reenactment. Results indicate that reenactment improves toddlers' event memory (Experiment 1); reenactment is more effective after a time delay (Experiment 2); effects of timing of reenactment are even more pronounced after a 6 month delay (Experiment 3); and reenacting half of the activities is just as effective as reenacting all of the activities (Experiment 4). These findings suggest that reenacting events or parts of events can remind very young children of past experiences and inoculate against forgetting over very long periods of time.
“All the sheeps are dead. He murdered them”: Sibling Pretense, Negotiation, Internal State Language, and Relationship Quality
Authors: Howe Nina , Petrakos Harriet , Rinaldi Christina M.
Published: August 2008

Pretend play enactment, negotiation, internal state language, and sibling relationship quality were examined in 40 kindergarten‐aged children with either an older (M age = 7.10 years) or younger (M age = 3.6 years) sibling. Dyads were identified as engaging in frequent (n= 20) or infrequent (n = 20) pretend play. Results indicated that frequent pretend play dyads engaged in more high‐level negotiation, whereas infrequent pretend dyads preferred low‐level negotiation strategies. Frequent pretend dyads were more likely to use internal state language, especially during high‐level negotiation. Friendly sibling relationship quality was negatively related to pretend enactment, whereas conflict was negatively associated with internal state language. Discussion focuses on the sibling relationship as a context in which to investigate the links between aspects of pretend play, sibling relationship quality, and social understanding.
Structure, Stability, and Development of Young Children's Self‐Concepts: A Multicohort–Multioccasion Study
Authors: Marsh Herbert W. , Craven Rhonda , Debus Raymond
Published: August 2008

A new, individual administration procedure for assessing multiple dimensions of self‐concept for young children 5–8 years of age (Marsh, Craven, & Debus) was the basis of this study. We expanded this application in a multicohort‐multioccasion (MCMO) study that provides simultaneous multicohort comparisons (cross‐sectional comparisons of different age cohorts) and longitudinal comparisons of the same children on multiple occasions. There was reasonable support for predictions that reliability, stability, factor structure, and the distinctiveness of the SDQ factors would improve with age (a between‐group age cohort comparison) and from 1 year to the next (a longitudinal comparison), and that small gender differences were reasonably stable over age. Consistent with the proposal that children's self‐perceptions become more realistic with age, Time 1 (T1) teacher ratings were more highly correlated with student self‐ratings at T2 than T1 and contributed to the prediction of T2 self‐concept beyond effects mediated by T1 self‐concepts. The results support and expand the surprisingly good support for the multidimensionality of self‐concept responses for very young children using this procedure.
Is Affect Aversive to Young Children with Autism? Behavioral and Cardiac Responses to Experimenter Distress
Authors: Corona Rosalie , Dissanayake Cheryl , Arbelle Shoshana , Wellington Peter , Sigman Marian
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to determine whether displays of negative emotions are more aversive to young children with autism than displays of neutral emotions. The attention, behavioral reactions, facial affect, and cardiac responses of 22 autistic and 22 mentally retarded 3–5‐year‐old children were compared when an experimenter pretended to hurt herself and showed strong distress in contrast to when the experimenter pretended to hurt herself but showed only neutral affect. The children in both diagnostic groups looked more at the experimenter and appeared more interested and concerned when she displayed strong distress than when she showed neutral affect. The heart rate of the mentally retarded children decreased during the distress condition relative to a baseline condition, but the heart rate of the children with autism did not change across conditions. In summary, the children with autism gave no evidence of being overly aroused by or avoiding the distressed experimenter.
Parent Influences on Adolescent Peer Orientation and Substance Use: The Interface of Parenting Practices and Values
Authors: Bogenschneider Karen , Wu Ming‐yeh , Raffaelli Marcela , Tsay Jenner C.
Published: August 2008

This study examines how experiences in the family domain may magnify or mitigate experiences in the peer domain, and how processes in both milieus may influence adolescent substance use. The data derived from 666 European American mother‐adolescent dyads and 510 European American father‐adolescent dyads. Consistent with individuation‐connectedness theory, mothers' responsiveness lessened their adolescents' orientation to peers, which, in turn, reduced adolescent substance use. This process was moderated by maternal values regarding adolescent alcohol use; that is, the relation of maternal responsiveness to adolescent substance use depended on the extent of maternal approval or disapproval of adolescent alcohol use. Among fathers, closer monitoring was directly associated with less adolescent substance use, with stronger effects among fathers who held more disapproving values regarding adolescent alcohol use. Theoretical, methodological, and pragmatic implications are given.
Changes in Infants' Cries as a Function of Time in a Cry Bout
Authors: Green James A. , Gustafson Gwen E. , McGhie Anne C.
Published: August 2008

The present study examines changes in cry sounds over the course of a relatively long bout of crying. Specifically, differences in acoustic characteristics of 5 cries from early and 5 cries from late in a prolonged cry bout were assessed. The results indicated that several features changed in means and/or variances between early and late in the bout. A subset of 9 acoustic features was chosen to evaluate changes in the interrelations of features over time. Cries from late in the bout appeared to result from a smaller number of factors, which were more readily interpretable in terms of a standard model of cry production. Thus, it appears that as infants' level of arousal or distress changes, so do the acoustic features of their cries. Further, the results support the notion that bouts of crying settle into a “basic” or regular cry whose acoustic features provide a reasonable match with a theoretical model of cry production.
Contextual Effects of Prekindergarten Classrooms for Disadvantaged Children on Cognitive Development: The Case of Chapter 1
Authors: Lee Valerie E. , Loeb Susanna , Lubeck Sally
Published: August 2008

This study explores the effects of the social context of Chapter 1 prekindergarten classrooms on children's learning. Chapter 1 (also called Title I) is a federal government preschool program directed at children in low‐income schools who are at risk of later school failure. Using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) and a sample of 677 4‐year‐olds in 55 1990–1991 Chapter 1 prekindergarten classes in 5 states, the study explores factors that influence gains on the Preschool Inventory (PSI) over the preschool year. Social context is defined here mainly in terms of the cognitive and social composition of the classroom. Contextual factors defined in terms of demographics are shown to be related to learning, but the average cognitive level of the class is not. On average, children learn less in classrooms with high concentrations of minorities, children with special needs, recent immigrants, and children whose mothers have little education. The study explores differential effects of racial concentration on race differences in learning. Policy implications are discussed.
A Simple Test for Cointegration in Dependent Panels with Structural Breaks*
Authors: Westerlund Joakim , Edgerton David L.
Published: August 2008

This paper develops a very simple test for the null hypothesis of no cointegration in panel data. The test is general enough to allow for heteroskedastic and serially correlated errors, unit‐specific time trends, cross‐sectional dependence and unknown structural breaks in both the intercept and slope of the cointegrated regression, which may be located at different dates for different units. The limiting distribution of the test is derived, and is found to be normal and free of nuisance parameters under the null. A small simulation study is also conducted to investigate the small‐sample properties of the test. In our empirical application, we provide new evidence concerning the purchasing power parity hypothesis.
A New Multidimensional Measure of Spirituality‐Religiosity for Use in Diverse Substance Abuse Treatment Populations
Authors: NEFF JAMES ALAN
Published: August 2008

Extant measures of spirituality‐religiosity, not developed specifically with substance abuse treatment populations in mind, may not be culturally appropriate in regard to either: (1) the 12‐step “culture” found in many treatment programs; or (2) racial‐ethnic minority populations overrepresented in publicly funded programs. A 40‐item four‐dimensional measure was developed, which differentiates “religiosity” (religious practices) from “spirituality” (an individual's relationships with God/higher power, others, and self). Instrument development involved: qualitative focus groups with individuals in seven diverse Texas treatment programs; quantitative exploratory and confirmatory (CFA) analyses to test the four‐factor model conducted using data from 237 diverse clients in treatment programs in Tennessee and Virginia. Confirmatory analyses indicate acceptable fit indices (>0.90) for the four‐factor model, and acceptable reliability estimates for all subdimensions (≥0.70) provide further support for the measures. Results support the potential usefulness of the measures.
Measuring Evangelicalism: Consequences of Different Operationalization Strategies
Authors: HACKETT CONRAD , LINDSAY D. MICHAEL
Published: August 2008

Several investigations of American evangelicalism have been conducted in recent decades, yet they conceptualize evangelicalism in different ways. It is not surprising, therefore, that different profiles of the evangelical movement and its adherents emerge from these studies. This research reviews major studies on the subject undertaken since 1976, when evangelicals first attracted national attention. Using data collected in a single data set—the 1998 General Social Survey—we show how measurement strategies employed in different studies yield drastically different pictures of evangelicalism. Conservative measures indicate that only one in 20 Americans is evangelical while one in two is evangelical according to a combination of more expansive measures. The demographic, cultural, and religious characteristics of evangelicals, as well as theories about them, hinge upon how the population is defined.
A Dynamic Incentive‐Based Argument for Conditional Transfers*
Authors: MOOKHERJEE DILIP , RAY DEBRAJ
Published: August 2008

We compare the long‐run effects of replacing unconditional transfers to the poor by transfers conditional on the education of children. Unlike Mirrlees’ income taxation model, the distribution of skill evolves endogenously. Human capital accumulation follows the Freeman–Ljungqvist–Mookherjee–Ray OLG model with missing capital markets and dynastic bequest motives. Conditional transfers (funded by taxes on earnings of the skilled) are shown to induce higher long‐run output per capita and (both utilitarian and Rawlsian) welfare, owing to their superior effect on skill accumulation incentives. The result is established both with two skill levels, and a continuum of occupations.
Choices and Constraints over Retirement Income Streams: Comparing Rules and Regulations*
Authors: BATEMAN HAZEL , THORP SUSAN
Published: August 2008

The new Simplified Superannuation regulations for Australian superannuation provide tax concessions to retirement income streams which comply with legislated minimum drawdown rules. We evaluate these new drawdown rules against four alternatives, including three formula‐based ‘rules of thumb’ used by financial planners. We find that the new regulations are a substantial improvement on the previous rules for allocated pensions and, when compared with the formula‐based rules, are a good compromise in terms of simplicity, adequacy and risk. We also find that welfare is lower for most individuals who follow the Simplified Superannuation rules compared with welfare under an optimal path or a simple fixed percentage drawdown rule, but that outcomes could be improved through a further simplification of the new rules.
Increasing Returns, Financial Capital Mobility and Real Exchange Rate Dynamics*
Authors: PENNINGS STEVEN , TYERS ROD
Published: August 2008

The late 1990s saw a US IT investment boom, large capital flows into the USA and an appreciation of the US$. At the time, this appeared to be driven by expectations of continued IT‐related knowledge spillover externalities and associated productivity and profit growth. Using a two‐region dynamic general equilibrium model with externalities, we find a once‐off productivity shock leads to capital inflow and a real appreciation only in the short term. In the long term, capital flows stabilise and the real exchange rate depreciates. For a single shock to trigger long‐term growth in capital flows requires unrealistically large externalities.
Prioritizing Conservation Effort through the Use of Biological Soil Crusts as Ecosystem Function Indicators in an Arid Region
Authors: BOWKER MATTHEW A. , MILLER MARK E. , BELNAP JAYNE , SISK THOMAS D. , JOHNSON NANCY C.
Published: August 2008

Abstract: Conservation prioritization usually focuses on conservation of rare species or biodiversity, rather than ecological processes. This is partially due to a lack of informative indicators of ecosystem function. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) trap and retain soil and water resources in arid ecosystems and function as major carbon and nitrogen fixers; thus, they may be informative indicators of ecosystem function. We created spatial models of multiple indicators of the diversity and function of BSCs (species richness, evenness, functional diversity, functional redundancy, number of rare species, number of habitat specialists, nitrogen and carbon fixation indices, soil stabilization, and surface roughening) for the 800,000‐ha Grand Staircase‐Escalante National Monument (Utah, U.S.A.). We then combined the indicators into a single BSC function map and a single BSC biodiversity map (2 alternative types of conservation value) with an unweighted averaging procedure and a weighted procedure derived from validations performance. We also modeled potential degradation with data from a rangeland assessment survey. To determine which areas on the landscape were the highest conservation priorities, we overlaid the function‐ and diversity‐based conservation‐value layers on the potential degradation layer. Different methods for ascribing conservation‐value and conservation‐priority layers all yielded strikingly similar results (r= 0.89–0.99), which suggests that in this case biodiversity and function can be conserved simultaneously. We believe BSCs can be used as indicators of ecosystem function in concert with other indicators (such as plant‐community properties) and that such information can be used to prioritize conservation effort in drylands.
Fellows’ Forum Fellows’ Forum in Dialysis Edited by Mark A. Perazella: Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Patel Nilang , Dalal Pranav , Panesar Mandip
Published: August 2008

Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome (DDS) is characterized by neurological symptoms caused by rapid removal of urea during hemodialysis. It develops primarily from an osmotic gradient that develops between the brain and the plasma as a result of rapid hemodialysis. This results in brain edema that manifests as neurological symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors, disturbed consciousness, and convulsions. In severe cases, patients can die from advanced cerebral edema. Recent advancements in cell biology implicate the role of urea disequilibrium (with a smaller contribution from organic osmolytes) as the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for this syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical features and prevention of DDS.
Does Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion by Interventional Nephrologists Enhance Peritoneal Dialysis Penetration?
Authors: Leong Goh Bak , Ganeshadeva Yudisthra M. , Eng Chew Siew , Dalimi Mohd Sulaiman
Published: August 2008

Traditionally peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter was implanted by surgeons using mini‐laparotomy or open technique in Malaysia. We introduced peritoneoscopic Tenckhoff catheter insertion technique since the beginning of our PD program. Data were collected from the start of our PD program in February 2006 until April 2008. All Tenckhoff catheters were inserted by nephrologists using the peritoneoscope technique. We also compare the penetration rate of PD versus hemodialysis (HD) in our center, as well as comparing to national PD penetration rate. There were 83 patients who underwent 91 peritoneoscope Tenckhoff catheter insertion procedures from March 2006 until April 2008. The patients were mostly female (66%) with the mean age of 51.99 ± 1.78 years and the majority (67%) of them were diabetics. All together there were 749.7 patient‐months at risk and the overall peritonitis rate was 1 in 93.7 patient‐months. The 1‐year catheter survival was 86.5%. Primary catheter failure (defined as failure of the catheter within 1 month of insertion) occurred in 16 procedures (17.6%). The main cause of catheter malfunction was catheter tip migration and omentum wrap. The penetration ratio of PD when compared with HD in our center is 44.8%, which is about 4.5 times the national average. With our integrated care approach where nephrologist was heavily involved from the outset of renal replacement therapy discussion, PD access implantation to the assistance of spoke person to whom new patient can identify with, we were able to achieve PD penetration rate which far exceeds that of the national average.
A Screwless and Cementless Technique for the Restoration of Single‐tooth Implants: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Urdaneta Rainier A. , Marincola Mauro , Weed Meghan , Chuang Sung‐Kiang
Published: August 2008

Purpose: The Integrated Abutment Crown™ (IAC) is a technique for the fabrication of single‐tooth implant‐supported crowns where the abutment and the crown are one unit. The abutment–crown complex is connected to the implant with a locking taper. This technique does not use cement to retain the crown or screws to retain the abutment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of screwless, cementless single implant‐supported crowns (IACs) placed in a general dental practice.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between July 2001 and August 2003. Patients were recalled between January and March 2004. The restorations were evaluated following the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Several other variables, such as anatomic form, occlusion, soft tissue health, and reconstructive procedures, were also recorded. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate marginal Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models, adjusted for multiple implants in the same patient, were used.

Results: During the chart review, 108 patients were identified. A cohort of 59 patients with a total of 151 IACs met the inclusion criteria. The Kaplan–Meier survival rate for IACs was 98.7%. Two IACs were removed, one due to implant failure; the other became loose several times and was replaced with a splinted restoration. Excellent marginal adaptation was observed with no clinically discernible interface between the veneer material and the abutment. Nine maxillary anterior IACs loosened on five patients; eight of them were reinserted and continued in function without further problems for the remainder of the study. An IAC located between a tooth and an implant was 2.65 times more likely to have postinsertion complications (p= 0.05). An IAC with incorrect anatomic form (overcontoured) was 3.26 times more likely to have postinsertion complications (p= 0.01). Maxillary anterior IACs adjacent to one tooth and one implant were 3.9 times more likely to come loose (p= 0.05).

Conclusions: The clinical outcome of this screwless and cementless system for single implant restorations compares favorably with the experience of screw‐ and cement‐retained single implant restorations within the observation period.
Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated with Decreased Cardiac Sympathetic Response to Isometric Exercise in CHF in Comparison to Sinus Rhythm
Authors: GOULD PAUL A. , ESLER MURRAY D. , KAYE DAVID M.
Published: August 2008

Background: The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in congestive heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by increased mortality, although the exact mechanism is unclear. In previous studies, we have demonstrated cardiac baroreceptor abnormalities in association with AF and CHF. In this study, we sought to examine the effect of cardiac rhythm on the cardiac sympathetic response to exercise in CHF.

Methods: In 13 CHF patients (six AF, seven SR, left ventricular ejection fraction 31 ± 2%, age 61 ± 1 years), we measured the hemodynamic and cardiac sympathetic response isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise.

Results: At baseline the groups were well matched. Baseline hemodynamics and cardiac sympathetic activity did not significantly differ between the cohorts. In response to IHG exercise, both groups demonstrated significant hemodynamic responses. In conjunction, the sinus rhythm (SR) group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiac sympathetic response to exercise (P = 0.04) while in contrast the AF group did not (P = 0.6).

Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the combination of AF and CHF is accompanied by a marked attenuation of the cardiac sympathetic response to acute hemodynamic stress. This implies AF is associated with a further impairment of baroreceptor response in CHF compared to SR. These findings present possible insights to the associated increased mortality and pathogenesis of AF with CHF.
Cryoablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Young Patients: Predictors of Recurrence
Authors: CHANANI NIKHIL K. , CHIESA NANCY A. , DUBIN ANNE M. , AVASARALA KISHOR , VAN HARE GEORGE F. , COLLINS KATHRYN K.
Published: August 2008

Background: Recurrence rates of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) after cryoablation continue to remain high despite excellent initial success rates. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cryoablation for AVNRT with the 4‐mm and 6‐mm tip cryoablation catheters in a young population and to elicit predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent cryoablation for AVNRT at the UCSF/Stanford Pediatric Arrhythmia Center from January 2004 to February 2007.

Results: One hundred fifty‐four patients (age 13.7 years (3.2–24.4)) underwent cryoablation for AVNRT of which 144 patients had inducible AVNRT (123 sustained and 21 nonsustained) and 10 had presumed AVNRT. Initial success was achieved in 95% (146/154), with no difference between the 4‐mm (93%) and 6‐mm (98%) cryoablation catheter tips (P = 0.15). There was no permanent atrioventricular (AV) block. Transient third‐degree AV block occurred in nine patients (6%), with no difference between the 4‐mm (4%) and 6‐mm (9%) tip (P = 0.13). AVNRT recurrence was documented in 14% in a median time of 2.5 months (0.25–20). Recurrences were lower with the 6‐mm (9%) versus the 4‐mm (18%) tip, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.16). With univariate analysis, a longer fluoroscopy time was the only significant factor associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis failed to identify any significant predictor of AVNRT recurrence.

Conclusion: Outcomes of cryoablation for AVNRT continue to be good without the complication of AV block. We could not identify any specific parameter associated with AVNRT recurrence. Further improvements in cryoablation technique will be necessary to reduce recurrences.
Effect of Prenatal Antiarrhythmic Treatment on Cardiac Function in a Twin Pregnancy
Authors: VAN LEEUWEN PETER , SCHIERMEIER SVEN , HAILER BIRGIT , LANGE SILKE , GEUE DANIEL , HATZMANN WOLFGANG , GRÖNEMEYER DIETRICH
Published: August 2008

We present a case of supraventricular tachycardia affecting one fetus in a twin pregnancy. Before and after treatment with flecainide and cardioversion, we examined conduction times and heart rate variability (HRV) in both twins on the basis of magnetocardiography. Cardiac conduction times increased in both fetuses but HRV showed opposing effects with a number of HRV measures. This case demonstrates that magnetocardiography not only enables identification of fetal arrhythmia, but also permits the investigation of the effects of antiarrhythmic treatment on the conductive system as well as on interaction with the autonomic nervous system.
Use of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrogram Mapping System in Mapping and Ablating the Atrial Flutter of a Transplanted Heart
Authors: BIRIA MAZDA , BURNETT MARK , VANGA SUBBAREDDY , MURRAY CAROLINE , RAY WALLACE , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA
Published: August 2008

Atrial flutter in donor part of orthotopic heart transplant has been reported and treated by radiofrequency ablation in the past. Complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFE) mapping has been used to simplify the ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation. Here, we report a case with atrial flutter in an orthotopic heart transplant whose circuit mapping was difficult. Using CFE helped us to define the arrhythmia circuit easily and perform curative ablation.
The Politics of the Gap: Indigenous Australians, Liberal Multiculturalism, and the End of the Self‐Determination Era
Authors: KOWAL EMMA
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Since the 1970s, “self‐determination” has been the dominant trope for expressing national aspirations for Indigenous Australians. Through the principles of self‐determination, the liberal multicultural state has attempted to deliver postcolonial justice to its first peoples. In this new century, the sheen of the self‐determination era has faded. Once heralded as the antidote to the racist assimilation era, it is now depicted as the cause of social ills. In this article, I draw on an ethnographic study of White antiracists working in Indigenous health in northern Australia to analyze the brand of liberal rationality that dominated the discourse of the self‐determination era. By engaging with a “tribe” of White people who identify with the aims of the self‐determination era, we can decipher the logic of self‐determination as an instrument of the liberal state and better understand the internal contradictions and ambiguities that have led to its recent demise.
An Open Mind Wants More: Opinion Strength and the Desire for Genetically Modified Food Labeling Policy
Authors: RADAS SONJA , TEISL MARIO F. , ROE BRIAN
Published: August 2008

Two opposing viewpoints exist in the literature; some suggest consumers are unconcerned and do not desire any genetically modified labeling, while others indicate the opposite. The mixed results may be because consumers make finer distinctions than surveys have called for, and have evaluation schemes sensitive to information about the benefits and risks associated with genetically modified foods. We find consumers are quite nuanced in their preferences for genetically modified labeling policy. Unexpectedly, consumers with less‐defined views desire mandatory labeling of the most stringent type, while consumers with stronger viewpoints (either pro‐ or con‐genetically modified) are more relaxed in their labeling requirements.
Exploratory Study of Tegaserod for Dyspepsia in Women Receiving PPIs for Heartburn
Authors: Vakil Nimish , Kianifard Farid , Bottoli Ivan
Published: August 2008

Background and Aims.  Tegaserod is a selective serotonin receptor (5‐HT4) agonist that relieves dysmotility symptoms associated with constipation. Here we explore its effects on functional dyspepsia symptoms and heartburn during continued proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment.

Methods.  In this multicenter pilot study, following a 2‐week screening/baseline period, women with functional dyspepsia and persisting heartburn treated with PPIs received add‐on open‐label tegaserod 6 mg twice daily (bid) for 4 weeks. Treatment responders were then randomized 1:1 to continue double‐blind tegaserod or placebo therapy for 6 weeks. Efficacy variables included the proportion of days with satisfactory relief of dyspepsia symptoms (early satiety, postprandial fullness and bloating) as well as the change in individual symptom severity scores for these three cardinal dyspepsia symptoms. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using a validated questionnaire, the Nepean Dyspepsia Index. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results.  Of 101 women enrolled, 71 completed open‐label treatment, and 70 responders were randomized to double‐blind treatment. The proportion of days with satisfactory relief of dyspepsia symptoms (least squares mean, LSM) increased with tegaserod and placebo, to 0.69 and 0.62, respectively at study end (P = 0.366). Similarly, both groups showed improvements in the composite daily symptom severity score (overall LSM change from baseline of 1.55 and 1.57, P = 0.934), and the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (overall LSM change of −39.0 and −37.8, P = 0.537). Tegaserod was well tolerated. Diarrhea was the most common AE (8.1% tegaserod, 0% placebo). There were no serious AEs or deaths.

Conclusions.  A significant treatment effect was not demonstrated in this study using a treatment‐withdrawal methodology. In future studies of functional dyspepsia patients with heartburn, a more rigorous parallel‐group study design should be considered.
The effectiveness of buying easements as a conservation strategy
Authors: Armsworth Paul R. , Sanchirico James N.
Published: August 2008

Easements offer an increasingly popular approach to habitat conservation. We use first principle economic models to examine the effectiveness of easements for protecting biodiversity from development. We compare buying reserves, buying easements, and a preacquisition strategy, in which properties are purchased outright before being sold on with an easement attached. The effectiveness of easements depends on the value of open land for biodiversity and the information available regarding landowners' valuations of low impact land uses. Easements are particularly effective where there are alternative land parcels available to developers and when landowners' values for continuing with biodiversity friendly production methods are relatively uniform. Buying reserves outright is the best approach when land supply is exhausted and developers have little option but to rely on land of conservation concern. Preacquisition can broaden the set of ecological and economic conditions for which an easement‐based approach is advantageous when faced with high initial uncertainty about private land values.
The Impact in the United States of Global Adoption of IFRS
Authors: Street Donna L.
Published: August 2008

This paper presents the pros and cons of the use of IFRS by US companies. The quest for one set of high‐quality accounting standards recognised globally is clearly the ideal goal. However, before making a decision on the use of IFRS in the United States (US), the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) should develop a blueprint to ensure that prerequisites for achieving a true global standard are satisfied and that convergence will continue. An ‘improve and then adopt’ approach appears to represent the best way forward for the US.