bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocrine and metabolic disorders in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) or non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Authors: Steffens M. , Beauloye V. , Brichard B. , Robert A. , Alexopoulou O. , Vermylen Ch. , Maiter D.
Published: April 2008

Background  Treatments of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), involving various combinations of chemotherapy (chemo), cranial irradiation (CI) and/or bone marrow transplantation after total body irradiation (BMT/TBI), are often successful but may have several long‐term harmful effects.

Objective  To evaluate late endocrine and metabolic complications in adult survivors of childhood ALL and NHL, in relation with the different therapeutic schemes received.

Design  Endocrine and metabolic parameters were determined in 94 patients (48 men, mean age: 24 ± 5 years) with a former childhood ALL (n = 78) or NHL (n = 16) and subgrouped according to their previous treatment: chemo only (group I; n = 44), chemo + CI (group II; n = 32) and chemo + BMT/TBI (group III; n = 18).

Results  Severe GH deficiency (peak < 3·0 ng/ml after glucagon) was observed in 22% and 50% of patients of groups II and III, respectively, while hypothyroidism was mainly observed in group III (56%). Moreover, 83% of men developed hypogonadism after BMT/TBI, compared to 17% and 8% in groups I and II, respectively (P < 0·05), and all grafted women had ovarian failure, in contrast with other female patients in whom menarche had occurred spontaneously. Patients with BMT/TBI had also an adverse metabolic profile, with insulin resistance in 83% and dyslipidaemia in 61%.

Conclusions  This study reveals a high prevalence of endocrine and metabolic disorders in young adult survivors of childhood ALL or NHL, this frequency mainly depending on the treatment received. Treatment with BMT/TBI is the most detrimental and many of these patients will develop GHD, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia.
ERK5 is involved in TCR‐induced apoptosis through the modification of Nur77
Authors: Fujii Yasushi , Matsuda Satoshi , Takayama Gensuke , Koyasu Shigeo
Published: April 2008

Nur77 is a nuclear orphan steroid receptor that has been implicated in negative selection when immature T cells are strongly activated through interaction with self peptide‐MHC complexes. The expression of Nur77 in thymocytes and T cell lines leads to apoptosis in a manner dependent on its transcriptional activity. It is well established that Nur77 function is negatively regulated by post‐translational modification. Here we demonstrate that the MAPK‐induced phosphorylation of Nur77 during T cell activation plays a critical role in the induction of apoptosis. Upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, ERK5 (also known as big MAP kinase 1, BMK1), a member of the MAPK family, phosphorylates Nur77, leading to its transcriptional activation. In contrast, the activation of the ERK2 signaling pathway failed to activate Nur77 although ERK2 is also able to phosphorylate Nur77. Furthermore, the blockade of ERK5 signaling pathway suppressed TCR‐induced cell death. These results indicate that ERK5 regulates Nur77 function through its phosphorylation.
Lyonization pattern of normal human nails
Authors: Okada Mariko , Nishimukai Hiroaki , Okiura Tatsuyuki , Sugino Yoshinobu
Published: April 2008

To examine the X‐inactivation patterns of normal human nails, we performed the human androgen receptor gene assay of DNA samples extracted separately from each finger and toe nail plates of nine female volunteers. The X‐inactivation pattern of each nail was unique and constant for at least 2 years. The frequency of nails with one of the two X‐chromosomes exclusively inactivated was 25.9%. In the nails composed of two types of cells with either one X‐chromosome inactivated, the two cell types were distributed in patchy mosaics. These findings suggest that the composition of precursor cells of each nail is maintained at each site at least through several cycles of regeneration time, and that the nail plate has a longitudinal band pattern, each band consisting of cells with only one of the two X‐chromosomes inactivated. Using the frequency of nails with one of two X‐chromosomes exclusively inactivated, we estimated the number of progenitor cells that gave rise to the nail plate during development to be about 3, under the assumption that the process follows the binominal distribution model. A strong correlation observed among the big, index and little fingers, and among the corresponding toes suggests an interesting interpretation concerning their morphogenetic process.
Inhibition of filament formation of human Rad51 protein by a small peptide derived from the BRC‐motif of the BRCA2 protein
Authors: Nomme Julian , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Martinez Susan F. , Renodon‐Cornière Axelle , Fleury Fabrice , Weigel Pierre , Yamamoto Ken‐ichi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Takahashi Masayuki
Published: April 2008

Human Rad51 is a key element of recombinational DNA repair and is related to the resistance of cancer cells to chemo‐ and radiotherapies. The protein is thus a potential target of anti‐cancer treatment. The crystallographic analysis shows that the BRC‐motif of the BRCA2 tumor suppressor is in contact with the subunit–subunit interface of Rad51 and could thus prevent filament formation of Rad51. However, biochemical analysis indicates that a BRC‐motif peptide of 69 amino acids preferentially binds to the N‐terminal part of Rad51. We show experimentally that a short peptide of 28 amino acids derived from the BRC4 motif binds to the subunit–subunit interface and dissociates its filament, both in the presence and absence of DNA, certainly by binding to dissociated monomers. The inhibition is efficient and specific for Rad51: the peptide does not even interact with Rad51 homologs or prevent their interaction with DNA. Neither the N‐terminal nor the C‐terminal half of the peptide interacts with human Rad51, indicating that both parts are involved in the interaction, as expected from the crystal structure. These results suggest the possibility of developing inhibitors of human Rad51 based on this peptide.
HMRF1L is a human mitochondrial translation release factor involved in the decoding of the termination codons UAA and UAG
Authors: Nozaki Yusuke , Matsunaga Noriko , Ishizawa Toshihiro , Ueda Takuya , Takeuchi Nono
Published: April 2008

While all essential mammalian mitochondrial factors involved in the initiation and elongation phases of translation have been cloned and well characterized, little is known about the factors involved in the termination process. In the present work, we report the functional analysis of human mitochondrial translation release factors (RF). Here, we show that HMRF1, which had been previously denoted as a human mitochondrial RF, was inactive in in vitro translation system, although it is a mitochondrial protein. Instead, we identified another human mitochondrial RF candidate, HMRF1L, and demonstrated that HMRF1L is indeed a mitochondrial protein that functions specifically as an RF for the decoding of mitochondrial UAA and UAG termination codons in vitro. The identification of the functional mitochondrial RF brings us much closer to a detailed understanding of the translational termination process in mammalian mitochondria as well as to the unraveling of the molecular mechanism of diseases caused by the dys‐regulation of translational termination in human mitochondria.
Negative regulation of constitutive NF‐κB and JNK signaling by PKN1‐mediated phosphorylation of TRAF1
Authors: Kato Jr Tomohisa , Gotoh Yusuke , Hoffmann Alexander , Ono Yoshitaka
Published: April 2008

Inhibitor of NF‐κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) are stress inducible kinases that critically regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes. Transient activation of the downstream transcription factors NF‐κB and AP‐1, allows for stress inducible, inflammatory and innate immune gene expression programs. However, elevated chronic activity is associated with cancer and chronic inflammatory disease. Despite its relevance to human health, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control constitutive activity of IKK and JNK. Here, we demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase PKN1 plays a critical role in regulating constitutive IKK/JNK activity in unstimulated cells and report on the molecular mechanism. We identify TRAF1 as a substrate of PKN1 kinase activity in vitro and in vivo, and show that this phosphorylation event is required for attenuating downstream kinase activities. Furthermore, this silencing was dependent on TNFR2. Mutagenesis of the phospho‐acceptor residue in TRAF1 abrogated PKN1‐dependent recruitment to TNFR2. Our results suggest a model by which the stoichiometric ratio of TRAF1 and TRAF2 heteromeric complexes associated with TNFR2 control the tonic activity of JNK and IKK. TRAF1 phosphorylation by the ubiquitously expressed kinase PKN1 thereby plays a critical role in the negative regulation of tonic activity of the two central inflammatory signaling pathways.
Scheduled exposures to a novel environment with a running‐wheel differentially accelerate re‐entrainment of mice peripheral clocks to new light–dark cycles
Authors: Yamanaka Yujiro , Honma Sato , Honma Ken‐ichi
Published: April 2008

Effects of scheduled exposures to novel environment with a running‐wheel were examined on re‐entrainment to 8 h shifted light–dark (LD) cycles of mouse circadian rhythms in locomotor activity and clock gene, Per1, expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral tissues. Per1 expression was monitored by a bioluminescence reporter introduced into mice. The animals were exposed to the novel environment for 3 h from the shifted dark onset for four cycles and released into constant darkness. In the phase‐advance shift, the circadian rhythm in locomotor activity fully re‐entrained in the exposed group, whereas it was in transients in the control. On the other hand, the circadian rhythm of Per1 expression in the SCN almost completely re‐entrained in both the control and exposed groups. In the skeletal muscle and lung, the circadian rhythm fully re‐entrained in the exposed group, whereas the rhythms in the control did not. In the phase‐delay shift, the circadian rhythms in locomotor activity and Per1 expression almost completely re‐entrained in both groups. These findings indicate that the scheduled exposures to novel environment with a running‐wheel differentially accelerate the re‐entrainment of the mouse peripheral clocks to 8 h phase‐advanced LD cycles.
BREK/LMTK2 is a myosin VI‐binding protein involved in endosomal membrane trafficking
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Kon Takahide , Ohkura Reiko , Yamakawa Hisashi , Ohara Osamu , Yokota Jun , Sutoh Kazuo
Published: April 2008

Myosin VI is involved in a wide range of endocytic and exocytic membrane trafficking pathways; clathrin‐mediated endocytosis, intracellular transport of clathrin‐coated and ‐uncoated vesicles, AP‐1B‐dependent basolateral sorting in polarized epithelial cells and secretion from the Golgi complex to the cell surface. In this study, using a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we identified brain‐enriched kinase/lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (BREK/LMTK2), a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase with previously unknown cellular functions, as a myosin VI‐interacting protein. Several binding experiments confirmed the interaction of myosin VI with BREK in vivo and in vitro. Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that BREK localizes to cytoplasmic membrane vesicles and to perinuclear recycling endosomes. Notably, cells in which BREK was depleted by siRNA were still able to internalize transferrin molecules and to transport them to early endosomes, but were unable to transport them to perinuclear recycling endosomes. Our results show that BREK is critical for the transition of endocytosed membrane vesicles from early endosomes to recycling endosomes and also suggest an involvement of myosin VI in this pathway.
Disease knowledge and treatment adherence among patients with thalassemia major and their mothers in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Ya‐Ling , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Tsai Shu‐Feng
Published: April 2008

Aims.  The current study had three aims: (i) to examine disease knowledge in both thalassemia major patients and their mothers; (ii) to understand the relationships between disease knowledge and treatment adherence in thalassemia major patients; and (iii) to explore the importance of selected factors in predicting patients’ knowledge about thalassemia major.

Background.  Patients with thalassemia major must be treated with life‐long blood transfusions. Evidence suggests that patients with more knowledge/information about their illnesses adhere more readily to treatment schedules. However, there has been little evaluation of knowledge and treatment adherence in thalassemia major patients.

Design and methods.  A cross‐sectional correlational survey design and purposive sampling were used. Thirty‐two thalassemia major patients (mean age 17·5 years) and 32 mothers (mean age 40·5 years) were recruited.

Results.  On a scale ranging from 0–20, the average of the patients’ disease knowledge about thalassemia major was 15·19 and the average of their mothers’ disease knowledge was 16·44. The scores for the patients’ disease knowledge about thalassemia major were positively correlated with follow‐up visit adherence (r = 0·690, p < 0·001) and with desferrioxamine infusion adherence (r = 0·791, p < 0·001). 95.6% of variance in patients’ knowledge was explained by a model that included mothers’ knowledge (β = 0·901, p < 0·001), follow‐up visit adherence (β = 0·084, p = 0·140) and annual household income (β = 0·042, p < 0·387).

Conclusions.  The positive association between knowledge and treatment adherence and factors of patients’ knowledge indicate the need for systematic education for patients and caregivers to improve adherence to treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Improvement of the quality of patient care, reinforcement of medical education and enhanced efforts by clinical staff to provide practical knowledge to patients with thalassemia major should significantly improve patient adherence to treatment.
Pathological evaluation of uterine leiomyomas treated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) therapy: Role of mast cells and a possible mechanism of GnRH‐a resistance in leiomyomas
Authors: Nakayama Masato , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Shimizu Yoshihiko , Ishihara Osamu , Shimizu Michio
Published: April 2008

Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRH‐a) therapy is frequently applied to reduce the volume of uterine leiomyomas (UL). In addition, the possible relationship between mast cells (MC) within UL and the development of UL has been suggested, but the role of MC in UL remains to be determined. UL with or without GnRH‐a therapy in 121 premenopausal patients were reviewed. The number of MC was evaluated between the two groups, immunohistochemistry was done for insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), and the association between the IGF‐I immunoreactivity in UL and the GnRH‐a therapy was analyzed. The number of MC significantly increased in UL in GnRH‐a therapy, while IGF‐I immunoreactivity was significantly reduced in smooth muscle cells of these UL. Furthermore, IGF‐I immunoreactivity in MC was inversely correlated with the size reduction rate of UL in GnRH‐a therapy. Although GnRH‐a therapy is considered to reduce the size of UL transiently, the regression of UL was in part hampered by the increased IGF‐I secretion from the increased MC after GnRH‐a therapy. Therefore, the more the IGF‐I secretion from MC in UL increases, the less effective the GnRH‐a therapy is on the size reduction of UL. Thus, the present study may provide an explanation of the possible mechanism of GnRH‐a resistance in UL.
Oncocytic renal cell carcinoma having papillotubular growth: Rare morphological variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Masuzawa Naoko , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Nishimura Ayako , Shichiri Yasumasa , Yanagisawa Akio
Published: April 2008

Herein is described a unique renal cell tumor with previously unreported morphological and immunohistochemical features. The patient was a 78‐year‐old Japanese man. A huge left renal tumor was found on ultrasound during evaluation of left abdominal distention. The tumor was macroscopically characterized by a non‐infiltrative border, pale yellow to grayish color, foci of hemorrhage and partial edematous change. Histologically the tumor had an extensive small tubular growth pattern often with papillary fronds mainly composed of oncocytic cells with deeply eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Clear vacuolated cells were scattered among the oncocytic cells. The present case had an unusual immunohistochemical profile for all known types of renal cell tumors, but both the oncocytic cells and the clear vacuolated cells were strongly immunoreactive for α‐methylacyl‐coenzyme A racemase. It is concluded that the tumor may be a candidate for a rare variant of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Further cases having similar features are awaited for a definitive classification of this tumor as a previously undescribed tumor type.
Serous borderline tumor of the paratestis
Authors: Maruyama Hiroshi , Ohyama Nobuo , Hosokawa Yukinari , Momose Hitoshi , Yamada Kaoru , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Kuniyasu Hiroki , Enomoto Yasunori , Uematsu Kunio , Konishi Yoichi
Published: April 2008

Reported herein is a case of serous borderline tumor (SBT, ovarian epithelial type tumor) of the paratestis, involving the tunica vaginalis, in a 64‐year‐old man. The patient complained of right hydrocele; puncture cytology of the turbid fluid pointed to an adenocarcinoma. Right orchiectomy was performed and multiple micronodules were grossly observed in the paratestis. On microscopy small papillary epithelial lesions were found with psammoma bodies and intraglandular papillary lesions were irregularly recognized in the stroma of the paratestis, similar to SBT of the ovary. The tumor cells had often short microvilli. Mucin production was evident on PAS and colloid iron staining. Both papillary and glandular epithelial cells were positive on immunohistochemistry for Ber‐EP4/epithelial antigen, low‐molecular‐weight cytokeratin (CAM5.2), cytokeratin 7 and estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, but negative for CEA, cytokeratin 20 and calretinin. The average proliferative index was approximately 10.5% as assessed on Ki‐67 (MIB‐1) staining. Ultrastructurally, the cells did not demonstrate any well‐developed microvilli or secretory granules and immunohistochemical findings supported SBT of Müllerian type (ovarian epithelial type tumor), while excluding a papillary type of malignant mesothelioma. The lesion in the present case was concluded to be a testicular serous tumor of Müllerian type, similar to SBT of the ovary.
Aggressive invasive micropapillary salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Yamamoto Hidetaka , Uryu Hideoki , Segawa Yuichi , Tsuneyoshi Masazumi
Published: April 2008

The presence of invasive micropapillary component has been reported to be associated with salivary duct carcinoma and poor outcomes. Herein is described a rare case of invasive micropapillary salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland in a 60‐year‐old man. The micropapillary component was approximately 70% of the area of the tumor. Squamous differentiation was focally seen adjacent to the micropapillary component. On immunohistochemistry the ordinary salivary duct carcinoma component was positive for gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 (GCDFP‐15), androgen receptor (AR), and HER2/neu, whereas both micropapillary and squamous components were negative for GCDFP‐15 and AR. Immunohistochemical staining for D2‐40 highlighted the lymph vessel invasion of tumor cells. This patient developed metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck, and also in the liver, lung, and brain. The lymph nodes and liver metastases had both ordinary salivary duct carcinoma and micropapillary components. The patient died of tumor 11 months after the initial surgical operation. The results support that the presence of micropapillary component is associated with more aggressive behavior of salivary duct carcinoma. It is also important for pathologists to recognize that GCDFP‐15 and AR expression can be reduced in micropapillary carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of metastatic tumor.
Comparative Patterns in the Acquisition of English Negation by Native Speakers of French Creole and Creole English
Authors: Simmons‐McDonald Hazel
Published: April 2008

This study of comparative patterns in the acquisition of standard English is part of a larger study on acquisition by St. Lucian native speakers of French Creole and Creole English in a formal setting. The study compares the developmental patterns in the acquisition of negation by French Creole and Creole English speakers, and presents the results of an error analysis of the learners’ interlanguage. The speech samples of 9 children—5 French Creole and 4 Creole English speakers—is the corpus used for the analysis. Similar patterns of development and error types were found for both groups, but the French Creole speakers remained at a less advanced stage than did the Creole English speakers throughout the study. The findings suggest that the target language for the French Creole speakers is a variety of Creole English, and not Standard English, which is the language of instruction. The Creole English speakers, on the other hand, appear to be moving toward Standard English as a target. After 2½ years of instruction in a formal setting, the French Creole speakers were not as advanced as were the Creole English speakers in the acquisition of Standard English. Overall, the French Creole speakers had a higher number of Creole English structures in their interlanguage. The findings raise questions about the efficacy of the methods used to instruct these learners.
Attempts to Improve English L2 Pronunciation: The Variable Effects of Different Types of Instruction
Authors: Macdonald Doris , Yule George , Powers Maggie
Published: April 2008

This study compared the pronunciation of targeted vocabulary items in spontaneous speech by 23 adult Chinese L1 learners of L2 English grouped into four different conditions reflecting current pedagogical practices: (a) traditional drilling activities, (b) self‐study with tape recordings, (c) interactive activities, and (d) a no‐intervention control condition. One hundred and twenty native‐speaking listeners judged whether there was improvement or deterioration in pronunciation before and at two separate times subsequent to each of the four conditions. Because none of the results appeared to overwhelmingly favor one teaching technique, we included a discussion of the range of patterns of change brought about by the four input types. We also present arguments for a more serious consideration of the complex effects potentially involved when setting out to modify a learner's L2 pronunciation.
Monthly Instability in Early Adolescent Friendship Networks and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Chan Alessandra , Poulin François
Published: April 2008

This study examined (1) the relation between perceived friendship instability and depressive symptoms, (2) the directionality of this link, and (3) whether the relation between friendship instability and depressive symptoms would differ according to specific friendship status (best and secondary friendships) and contexts (school, non‐school, and multiple). Participants were 102 young adolescents (51 girls; M age = 12 years) who completed a series of five monthly telephone interviews and in‐class questionnaires. Results suggested that friendship instability over a five‐month period was significantly associated with an increase in depressed mood. Regarding the directionality of the influence, cross‐lag analyses revealed that elevated depressive symptoms at one time point significantly predicted an increase in friendship instability by the following month, whereas friendship instability at one time point did not predict an increase in depressive symptoms the next month. Finally, participants' depressed mood appeared to be associated with instability in their best friendships (but not secondary friendships) and in their school friendships (but not non‐school and multi‐context friendships). The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Adolescent and Adult Reasoning about Gender and Fairness in Traditional Practices in Benin, West Africa
Authors: Conry‐Murray Clare
Published: April 2008

This study examined reasoning about fairness in gender‐related traditional practices in Benin, West Africa. Fifty adolescents (M = 15.7 years) and 46 adults (M = 33.4 years) were interviewed about traditional practices involving gender hierarchy. Results indicate that the majority attributed decision‐making authority to a traditional authority for conventional reasons. However, the majority also judged the practices as unfair, giving moral reasons. In judgments of how to respond to unfair practices, those who advocated accepting the practices gave conventional reasons and not moral reasons. Males took the gender of the protagonist into account more than did females, and males saw traditional male authority as less alterable. No age differences were found, indicating that adults were not more enculturated than adolescents.
A superharmonic prior for the autoregressive process of the second‐order
Authors: Tanaka Fuyuhiko , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  The Bayesian estimation of the spectral density of the AR(2) process is considered. We propose a superharmonic prior on the model as a non‐informative prior rather than the Jeffreys prior. Theoretically, the Bayesian spectral density estimator based on it dominates asymptotically the one based on the Jeffreys prior under the Kullback–Leibler divergence. In the present article, an explicit form of a superharmonic prior for the AR(2) process is presented and compared with the Jeffreys prior in computer simulation.
Test for the null hypothesis of cointegration with reduced size distortion
Authors: Kurozumi Eiji , Arai Yoichi
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  This article considers a single‐equation cointegrating model and proposes the locally best invariant and unbiased (LBIU) test for the null hypothesis of cointegration. We derive the local asymptotic power functions and compare them with the standard residual‐based test, and show that the LBIU test is more powerful in a wide range of local alternatives. Then, we conduct a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the finite sample properties of the tests and show that the LBIU test outperforms the residual‐based test in terms of both size and power. The advantage of the LBIU test is particularly patent when the error is highly autocorrelated. Furthermore, we point out that finite sample performance of existing tests is largely affected by the initial value condition while our tests are immune to it. We propose a simple transformation of data that resolves the problem in the existing tests.
Design of quadratic estimators using covariance information in linear discrete‐time stochastic systems
Authors: Nakamori Seiichi , Hermoso‐Carazo Aurora , Linares‐Pérez Josefa
Published: April 2008

Abstract.  This article describes a polynomial estimation technique based on the state‐space model and develops an estimation method for the quadratic estimation problem by applying the multivariate recursive least squares (RLS) Wiener estimator to the quadratic estimation of a stochastic signal in linear discrete‐time stochastic systems. The augmented signal vector includes the signal to be estimated and its quadratic quantity. The augmented signal vector is modelled in terms of an autoregressive model of appropriate order. A numerical simulation example for the speech signal as a practical stochastic signal is implemented and its estimation accuracy is found to be considerably improved in comparison with the existing RLS Wiener estimators. The proposed method may be applied advantageously to the quadratic estimations of wide‐sense stationary stochastic signals in general.
Improved inference for first‐order autocorrelation using likelihood analysis
Authors: Rekkas M. , Sun Y. , Wong A.
Published: April 2008

Abstract. Testing for first‐order autocorrelation in small samples using the standard asymptotic test can be seriously misleading. Recent methods in likelihood asymptotics are used to derive more accuratep‐value approximations for testing the autocorrelation parameter in a regression model. The methods are based on conditional evaluations and are thus specific to the particular data obtained. A numerical example and three simulations are provided to show that this new likelihood method provides higher order improvements and is superior in terms of central coverage even for autocorrelation parameter values close to unity.
Using least squares to generate forecasts in regressions with serial correlation
Authors: Koreisha Sergio G. , Fang Yue
Published: April 2008

Abstract. The topic of serial correlation in regression models has attracted a great deal of research in the last 50 years. Most of these studies have assumed that the structure of the error covariance matrix Ω was known or could be consistently estimated from the data. In this article, we describe a new procedure for generating forecasts for regression models with serial correlation based on ordinary least squares and on an approximate representation of the form of the autocorrelation. We prove that the predictors from this specification are asymtotically efficient under some regularity conditions. In addition, we show that there is not much to be gained in trying to identify the correct form of the serial correlation since efficient forecasts can be generated using autoregressive approximations of the autocorrelation. A large simulation study is also used to compare the finite sample predictive efficiencies of this new estimator vis‐à‐vis estimators based on ordinary least squares and generalized least squares.
SAVINGS, REAL BALANCES, INFLATION AND EXPECTATIONS‐FURTHER EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE*
Authors: TAIT ALAN A.
Published: April 2008

In an earlier paper (Tait and Burnell, 1976), evidence showed that in a period when consumer prices were rising an overwhelming proportion of the sample were aware inflation was happening and expected it to continue in the coming 12 months, at least, at the rate of the previous 12 months. In these conditions, they thought it more important to save (in money and near money assets). Despite their awareness that their savings were falling in value, they still thought it more important to save. They did not try to translate their savings into goods as quickly as possible. Their balances were held mainly in banks. The evidence, therefore, supported the real balance effect and the basic postulate of the quantity theory of money, that there is a tendency toward a stable demand function for money in real terms and that people are prepared to accept the cost, through the rate of idation, of holding these real balances.
PERSISTENCE OF WAGES, PRICES AND OUTPUT UNDER RATIONAL EXPECTATIONS WHEN THE LABOUR MARKET IS DOMINATED BY WORKPLACE BARGAINING *
Authors: OULTON NICHOLAS
Published: April 2008

“Engineering employers yesterday told union leaders that a severe decline in output would limit their ability to pay higher wages this year. The employers told the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions that they expected output for 1981 to drop by 17 per cent compared with 1979.”
AN HISTORICAL NOTE ON THE JAYATISSA TEST*
Authors: BUSE A. , DASTOOR N. K.
Published: April 2008

I Until the recent publication of Weerahandi's (1987) note, the Jayatissa (1977) test was the only exact parametric test in the econometric literature of regression vector equality in the presence of heteroscedasticity. This singular status has made the Jayatissa test a benchmark against which alternative test procedures have often been evaluated; see, for example, Watt (1979); Tsurumi (1984); Honda and Ohtani (1986); Ohtani and Kobayashi (1986). In this note, we show that the Jayatissa test is a special case of a more general procedure given in a paper by Pothoff (1965) over a decade earlier. Apart from settling the question of priority, which has intrinsic historical interest, we also derive the test for subvector equality and clarify some properties of the Jayatissa test.
Career Development and Gender Pay Disparities in State Employment in Greece
Authors: Koskina Aikaterini
Published: April 2008

Much existing western‐based literature on gender argues that deregulated institutional mechanisms have a detrimental impact on gender segregation and pay differentials. However, there is little empirical evidence to confirm the opposite in highly regulated systems such as those in Greece, even though there are strong reasons to suggest that it may be quite different here because of the unusual gender division of labour and endemic patriarchal norms. An apt example of this is national state employment in which centrally determined work processes reflect societal discriminatory structures. This article examines the impact of institutions on career development and its potential effects on gender pay disparities in state employment in Greece. It attempts to achieve this by exploring the extent to which rule‐based systems may overturn gender bias in one public organization in Greece. The study suggests that exogenous parameters may shape centrally imposed institutional frameworks both in terms of facilitating and hindering career progression and thus pay.
Imagined and Embodied Spaces in the Global Sex Industry
Authors: Penttinen Elina
Published: April 2008

This article investigates the space of a sex bar in Finland as a global conjuncture in which new forms of gendered and ethnicized subjectivity and agency emerge. The commercial sex culture in Finland is seen as an effect of the globalization of the world economy and culture. The subjectivities formed in a sex bar are analysed according to Irigaray's formulation of a heterosexual matrix in which women embody a specular function that enables the formation of the masculine subject. This is developed by analysing the position of erotic dancers as listening bodies who perform a position of someone who cares. The narrative method is used to show the constraints and possibilities of these embodied positions and their organization in a sex bar. This is emphasized by the opening narrative that presents the client and the erotic dancer ‘the morning after’, emphasizing the situatedness and temporality of subjectivities created in a sex bar.
The Care–tech Link: An Examination of Gender, Care and Technical Work in Healthcare Labour
Authors: Lindsay Sally
Published: April 2008

Despite the dramatic increase of technology in the healthcare field, little is known of how care work and technical work are related. Examining substitute healthcare providers offers a useful illustration of the care–tech link because nursing (care) and medical (technical) models often merge. Forty‐two interviews with men and women (nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists and physician assistants) were conducted in the USA. The results showed that the gendered nature of care–tech boundaries has shifted in small but important ways and that the gendering of work influenced the shape of these boundaries. Men often encountered barriers when moving too far into the care realm and attempted to overcome this by ‘caring cautiously’ and emphasizing problem‐solving care. Women faced similar barriers from the ‘old boys network’ when they entered highly technical areas. There is also evidence that men and women challenged existing care–tech boundaries and moved beyond their traditional roles.
Towards a Metamorphosis: Current Developments in the Theory and Practice of Family Therapy
Authors: Rivett Mark
Published: April 2008

This paper reviews the current state of the theory and practice of family therapy. It proposes that the field is undergoing a radical metamorphosis in which its theory base is becoming characterised by less ideological ‘purity’, more attention to an evidence base and an integration within other treatment modalities. Like all such metamorphoses, this transformation of family therapy is not without its difficulties. In many ways, professional contexts, professional institutions and training programmes, at least in the UK, do not appear to have made the adjustment to this change. The paper will therefore highlight these contextual issues as a counter‐point to the metamorphosis that is in process.
Micro‐zircon: origin and evolution during metamorphism
Authors: DEMPSTER T. J. , HAY D. C. , GORDON S. H. , KELLY N. M.
Published: April 2008

The size and distribution of zircon within a garnet‐mica‐schist from the Scottish Highlands were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. The study reveals that abundant 0.2–3.0 μm sized zircon is preferentially concentrated within garnet and biotite porphyroblasts. The micro‐zircon has grown during regional metamorphism and represents >90% of the total number of zircon in the schist. It is texturally distinct from a few larger detrital zircon grains in the schist that commonly preserve evidence of dissolution, and more rarely, small metamorphic outgrowths. The sequential incorporation of zircon in porphyroblasts allows prograde changes in the morphology of the zircon population to be identified. Zircon is reactive and soluble, and responds to medium‐grade metamorphism in a series of dissolution and crystallization events, linked to possible changes in fluid composition. Deformation also has a significant influence on the distribution of zircon, allowing inclusions previously trapped within biotite to react. About 8 × 106 micro‐zircon occur as inclusions within a typical individual 5‐mm garnet porphyroblast and their presence must be considered prior to trace‐element or isotopic analysis of such metamorphic phases.
Rotavirus vaccine studies in Europe
Authors: Vesikari T
Published: April 2008

Following the discovery and recognition of rotavirus as an important human enteropathogen, work towards the development of rotvirus vaccines was begun in the USA and Europe. The first candidate rotavirus vaccine was launched by Smith Kline‐RIT, Belgium, and studied in clinical trials in Finland, Yugoslavia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the UK. Efficacy trials in Finland of RIT 4237 strain live oral bovine rotavirus vaccine resulted in some fundamental findings about rotavirus immunity in humans: protection against disease rather than infection; better protection against severe than mild disease and heterotypic rather than homotypic protection. Another bovine rotavirus vaccine, strain WC‐3, was studied briefly in France. Also studies of rhesus rotavirus vaccine were started early in Europe, and efficacy studies were carried out in Finland and Sweden. Recently, rhesus‐human re‐assortant tetravalent (RRV‐TV) rotavirus vaccine was tested in a field trial in Finland this study was pivotal for the registration of the vaccine in the USA and European Union countries. Despite extensive experience with rotavirus vaccines in Europe, the need for such vaccines in many European countries still requires further assessment. □Bovine rotavirus, rhesus rotavirus, rotavirus vaccine
An estimate of the proportion of diarrhoeal disease episodes seen by general practitioners attributable to rotavirus in children under 5 y of age in England and Wales
Authors: Djuretic T , Ramsay M , Gay N , Wall P , Ryan M , Fleming D
Published: April 2008

Mean weekly incidence rates for a 4‐week period of new episodes of infectious intestinal disease (IID) and laboratory reports of faecal isolations in children under 5 y of age presenting in general practice were used to estimate the incidence of IID due to rotavirus infection in England and Wales. Between January 1992 and December 1996, a total of 92452 new episodes of IID were seen at sentinel general practices and reported to the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Research Unit in Birmingham, UK. Of these 32% (29592) were in children under 5 y of age. During the same period the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) in London, UK received 159532 reports of faecal identifications in children under 5 yof age; 69219 (43%) of these wer due to rotavirus. By modelling RCGP data and laboratory reports, the proportion of episodes attributable to rotavirus infection was estimated to be 29% (95% CI: 24% to 34%). By extrapolation of RCGP data it was estimated that rotavirus accounted for 762000 of new episodes of IID nationally in children under 5 y of age between January 1992 and December 1996. Implementation of a rotavjrus vaccinatio programme could substantially reduce the incidence of childhood diarrhoea. □General practice, rotavirus
Rotavirus infection among children with diarrhoea in Italy
Authors: Ruggeri FM , Declich S
Published: April 2008

Despite the absence of a nationwide surveillance system for rotavirus infection, relevant information concerning the epidemiology of this pathogen in Italy can be obtained from hospitalbased studies carried out since the early 1980s on patients with acute diarrhoea. A review of morethan 50 papers and congress proceedings published in both international and national literature indicates that rotavirus is the most important cause of diarrhoea in Italy among young children requiring hospitalization, with a prevalence ranging from approximately 20% to 40% in different studies. Infection is predominant among children aged 6‐24 months, although cases are also common in younger children and in children 2‐3y of age. Despite differences among studies in geographical area, years and age group under investigation, an increase in rotavirus cases is consistently reported in the winter months, with a peak in February through April. Although a few studies have been conducted in non‐hospitalized patients, rotavirus infection is significantly less frequent among outpatients with enteritis than among inpatients. Most circulating rotavirus strainstyped from 1981 to 1992 belong to serotype 1 and, to a lesser extent, 4. However, untypable rotavirus strains have been found in these years, with prevalences up to 27%, suggesting a possible spread of non‐serotype 1 through 4 strains. □Diagnosis, diarrhoea, epidemiology, rotavirus, serotype
Epidemiology of type 1 (insulin‐dependent) diabetes mellitus: public health implications in the Middle East
Authors: Green A
Published: April 2008

Recent estimates suggest that more than 100 000 inhabitants in the Middle East suffer from type 1 diabetes and that about 6000 subjects in the region develop the disease each year. This paper illustrates how epidemiological principles and methods may assist in a rational assessment of the public health impact of type 1 diabetes in the Middle East. Making a series of assumptions, it is estimated that the future prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the region will increase slightly, but that the increase may be more pronounced if the disease incidence is increasing and the prognosis improved. It is recommended that more valid information is established on the basic epidemiological features of type 1 diabetes in the Middle East, as this will provide the basis of more rational planning of the current and future diabetes healthcare in the region. □Epidemiology, public health, type 1 (insulin‐dependent) diabetes
Incidence of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus in Jordanian children aged 0–14 y during 1992–1996
Authors: Ajlouni K , Qusous Y , Khawaldeh AK , Jaddou H , Batiehah A , Ammari F , Zaheri M , Mashal A
Published: April 2008

An attempt was made by the Jordanian National Center for Diabetes, Endocrine and Genetic Diseases (NCDEGD) to identify all cases of type 1 diabetes among Jordanian children aged 0‐14 y. Data were obtained retrospectively for the years 1992‐1994 and prospectively for the years 1995 and 1996, including full name, national identifying number, date of birth, date of diagnosis and family history. The incidence was calculated as the number of cases per 100000 population, according to the national census of 1994. The incidence rate for these years (1992 through 1996) was 2.8, 2.9, 3.2, 3.6 and 3.6 per 100000 population, respectively. The ma1e:female ratio was (1: 1.03). Seasonal variation at clinical onset was noticed, with maximum incidence in the winter months and minimum incidence in the summer months. In conclusion, the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in Jordanian children aged 0‐14y is among the lowest in the region, but is rising. □Children, incidence, insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, Jordan, type 1 diabetes
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Brink SJ
Published: April 2008

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a true pediatric and medical emergency. Diagnosis should be entertained and confirmed within 30 min of presentation. Any delay in making the diagnosis or instituting fluid and electrolyte correction is likely to increase morbidity and mortality. Slow and careful monitoring and correction of water, sodium and potassium levels should decrease DKA‐associated problems with either continuous intravenous low‐dose insulin or intramuscular insulin protocols designed to slowly bring the hyperglycemic and hyperosmotic state towards normal homeostasis. Special attention should be paid to potassium replenishment. Most patients do not require bicarbonate replacement. Cerebral edema, when it occurs, is associated with an approximately 50% morbidity and mortality; therefore, all attempts should be made at early recognition and prevention since treatment is less than ideal. Recurrent ketoacidosis is often related to omitted insulin and major psychosocial turmoil in the family, such as depression substance abuse, physical and/or sexual abuse. Prevention of recurrent DKA remains a major challenge for diabetologists and involves detailed assessment of family psychodynamics plus responsibility for home monitoring and insulin administration by a mature adult. Sick day guidelines should be taught and reviewed frequently in an effort to decrease ketoacidosis and metabolic decompensation during episodes of intercurrent illness. □Cerebral edema, diabetic ketoacidosis, diabetes mellitus, DKA, sick day guidelines, sick day management, type 1 diabetes mellitus
Modern insulin therapy in children and adolescents
Authors: Dahl‐Jørgensen K
Published: April 2008

Clear evidence exists that near‐normal blood glucose control will prevent serious late diabetic complications. This review summarizes the targets for blood glucose control and discusses why insulin replacement therapy is so complicated in children and adolescents. It is important that diabetes treatment teams have excellent knowledge of insulin preparations, insulin pharmacokinetics and action profiles and the limitations and pitfalls of therapy. This is necessary to be able to optimize and individualize treatment. A detailed summary of different insulin regimens is given and discussed to help treatment teams choose a suitable regimen for the individual patient. The use of home blood glucose measurement is necessary to reach the targets of treatment. If economic resources are limited, alternative strategies are suggested. In wealthy countries the lifestyle of adolescents demands great flexibility and a suggestion for systematic training to increase flexibility in daily life is presented. □Children, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM, insulin therapy