bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening methods for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fagan Elizabeth J. , Jenkins Claire , Walton Christine , James Vivienne L. A.
Published: July 2010

The UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) distributes clinically relevant and educational specimens for external quality assessment (EQA). The aim of this report was to assess the suitability of using a freeze-dried specimen format for the EQA of conventional and rapid methods and to review the methods used by participants to screen for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Of the 714 laboratories that returned a result, 678 reported the presence of MRSA, and results showed a mean of 73 c.f.u. per 25 μl and a median of 50 c.f.u. per 25 μl confirming that the specimen was homogeneous. Four different approaches to MRSA screening were used routinely, including: (i) liquid culture; (ii) direct plating onto conventional media; (iii) direct plating onto chromogenic media; and (iv) rapid methods. A wide variety of methods were used within each of these four categories to screen for MRSA, and many laboratories reported using more than one method. Attempts should be made to determine the most appropriate approach to MRSA screening and to standardize the protocols across the UK.
Mannose-binding lectin and susceptibility to tuberculosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Denholm J T , McBryde E S , Eisen D P
Published: July 2010

It has been proposed that mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels may impact upon host susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) infection; however, evidence to date has been conflicting. We performed a literature review and meta-analysis of 17 human trials considering the effect of MBL2 genotype and/or MBL levels and TB infection. No significant association was demonstrated between MBL2 genotype and pulmonary TB infection. However, the majority of studies did not report MBL2 haplotype inclusive of promoter polymorphisms. Serum MBL levels were shown to be consistently elevated in the setting of TB infection. While this may indicate that high MBL levels protect against infection with TB, the increase was also of a degree consistent with the acute-phase reaction. This analysis suggests that the relatively poorly characterized MBL2 genotypes reported are not associated significantly with susceptibility to pulmonary TB infection, but high MBL serum levels may be.
Establishment of an efficient multiplex real‐time PCR assay for human papillomavirus genotyping in cervical cytology specimens: comparison with hybrid capture II
Authors: Lee J.‐H. , Lee N.‐W. , Hong S.‐W. , Nam Y.‐S. , Choi J.‐W. , Kim Y.‐S.
Published: July 2010

J.‐H. Lee, N.‐W. Lee, S.‐W. Hong, Y.‐S. Nam, J.‐W. Choi and Y.‐S. Kim

Establishment of an efficient multiplex real‐time PCR assay for human papillomavirus genotyping in cervical cytology specimens: comparison with hybrid capture II

Objective:  To establish an efficient multiplex real‐time PCR assay for 15 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, we designed multiplexing parameters and compared our PCR system with the hybrid capture (HC) II test using cervical cytology samples.

Methods:  For preventing cross‐reactive amplifications, variable HPV genes (E1, E2, E6, E7 and L1) were targeted. The melting temperatures of all primers and probes, and the size of the PCR product were optimized for the multiplex PCR. Our PCR system was compared with the HC II assays in the detection and genotyping of HPV infection using 173 cytology smears. Discordant cases between the two assays were verified by direct HPV DNA sequencing.

Results:  Of 173 women, 93 (53.8%) were HPV‐positive by the HC II assay and/or the multiplex real‐time PCR assay. The HPV genotypes were determined in 92 (98.9%) of 93 cases by the multiplex real‐time PCR and/or DNA sequencing. The agreement rate between multiplex PCR and HC II methods was 91.9% (kappa = 0.84). Although the sample size of this study needs to be increased to have epidemiological significance, multiple infections and HPV 16 were the predominant type. HPV 58, 52 and 18 accounted for 25% of HPV infections. HPV 52, 58 and 31 constituted 30% of CIN 2/3.

Conclusion:  The multiplex real‐time PCR system shows a good and reliable clinical performance. This in house PCR assay is fast and cost‐effective for HPV genotyping and the detection of HPV co‐infection in the post‐HPV vaccination era.
Activation of caspase‐3 in the skeletal muscle during haemodialysis
Authors: Boivin Michel A. , Battah Shadi I. , Dominic Elizabeth A. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Ferrando Arny , Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Dwivedi Rama , Ma Thomas A. , Moseley Pope , Raj Dominic S. C.
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (10): 903–910

Background and Objective  Muscle atrophy in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) may be due to the activation of apoptotic and proteolytic pathways. We hypothesized that activation of caspase‐3 in the skeletal muscle mediates apoptosis and proteolysis during haemodialysis (HD).

Materials and Methods  Eight ESRD patients were studied before (pre‐HD) and during HD and the findings were compared with those from six healthy volunteers. Protein kinetics was determined by primed constant infusion of L‐(ring 13C6) Phenylalanine.

Results  Caspase‐3 activity in the skeletal muscle was higher in ESRD patients pre‐HD than in controls (24966·0 ± 4023·9 vs. 15293·3 ± 2120·0 units, P < 0·01) and increased further during HD (end‐HD) (37666·6 ± 4208·3 units) (P < 0·001). Actin fragments (14 kDa) generated by caspase‐3 mediated cleavage of actomyosin was higher in the skeletal muscle pre‐HD (68%) and during HD (164%) compared with controls. The abundance of ubiquitinized carboxy‐terminal actin fragment was also significantly increased during HD. Skeletal muscle biopsies obtained at the end of HD exhibited augmented apoptosis, which was higher than that observed in pre‐HD and control samples (P < 0·001). IL‐6 content in the soluble fraction of the muscle skeletal muscle was increased significantly during HD. Protein kinetic studies showed that catabolism was higher in ESRD patients during HD compared with pre‐HD and control subjects. Muscle protein catabolism was positively associated with caspase‐3 activity and skeletal muscle IL‐6 content.

Conclusion  Muscle atrophy in ESRD may be due to IL‐6 induced activation of caspase‐3 resulting in apoptosis as well as muscle proteolysis during HD.
Inherited antithrombin deficiency: a review
Authors: PATNAIK M. M. , MOLL S.
Published: July 2010

Summary.  Antithrombin (AT) is a potent inactivator of thrombin and factor Xa and the major inhibitor of blood coagulation. Inherited AT deficiencies are uncommon, with prevalences in the general population between 1 in 500 and 1 in 5000. They are either quantitative (type I) or qualitative (type II). Type II is subdivided into the more common, but less thrombogenic, type IIb deficiency caused by a defect in the heparin‐binding region of AT and the less common, but more thrombophilic, type IIa variant caused by mutations in the thrombin‐binding site. A pleiotropic type IIc deficiency also exists. In the evaluation of a thrombophilic individual, a functional AT assay (AT activity) should be used and the diagnosis of AT deficiency only established after acquired causes have been ruled out and repeat AT testing on an additional sample has been performed. A subsequent antigenic AT assay result leads to differentiation between type I and type II deficiency. Further specialized tests help subclassify the type II deficiencies, but this is typically not carried out for clinical purposes, even though it might be helpful to assess thrombosis risk. AT deficiency is associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pregnancy loss. The association with arterial thrombosis is only weak. VTE prophylaxis and treatment management will be discussed in this article and existing treatment guidelines presented. The lack of data surrounding the use of AT concentrates and the resulting ambiguity as to when to use such concentrates will be discussed.
Assessment of structural variation and molecular mapping of insertion sites of Desmar‐like elements in the Hessian fly genome
Authors: Behura S. K. , Shukle R. H. , Stuart J. J.
Published: July 2010

The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) is an agriculturally important pest of wheat. A mariner element (Desmar1) has been previously identified in the Hessian fly genome. Using Desmar1 as a probe, we isolated individual copies of Desmar‐like elements from the Hessian fly genome cloned in bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and studied their structural variability and flanking DNA sequences. The partial Desmar‐like copies are relatively more abundant (∼64%) than full length copies (∼36%) in the Hessian fly genome. Most of the full length copies are consistently flanked by an EcoRI restriction site that occurs 32 bp from one end and 66 bp from the other end of the mariner. Using an amplified fragment length polymorphism‐PCR (AFLP‐PCR) based method, we identified segregating polymorphisms associated with Desmar elements in a F2 mapping population. We were able to use the segregation data to localize the chromosomal position of three Desmar elements by linkage analysis. As paternal chromosomes are eliminated in the Hessian fly during early embryogenesis, two‐thirds of the AFLPs were expected to be polymorphic in the mapping population and this was observed for AFLPs anchored to full length Desmar copies but not to the partial copies. Thus, our data indicate that dead and partial Desmar‐like copies are probably associated with less polymorphic regions and may represent mariner graveyards in the Hessian fly genome.
Swiss Cancer League communication skills training programme for oncology nurses: an evaluation
Authors: Langewitz Wolf , Heydrich Lukas , Nübling Matthias , Szirt Linda , Weber Heidemarie , Grossman Paul
Published: July 2010

langewitz w., heydrich l., nübling m., szirt l., weber h. & grossman p. (2010) Swiss Cancer League communication skills training programme for oncology nurses: an evaluation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2266–2277.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an evaluation of the effectiveness of a communication skills training programme for oncology nurses.

Background.  Clinical care for patients with cancer is increasingly being divided between nurses and physicians, with nurses being responsible for the continuity of patient care, and oncologists choosing and explaining the basics of anti‐cancer therapy. Therefore, oncology nurses will profit from evidence‐based communication skills training to allow them to perform in a professional way.

Methods.  Between 2003 and 2006 pre‐ and post‐intervention videos of interviews with simulated patients were compared using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Patient centeredness was assessed by counting segments of appropriate mutual responding to cues and by calculating length of uninterrupted patient speech.

Findings.  Appropriate empathic (1·6% vs. 3·2%), reassuring statements (2·3% vs. 3·4%), questions concerning psychosocial information (2·8% vs. 4·0%) increased statistically significantly; utterances containing medical information decreased on the part of nurses (17·8% vs. 13·3%) and patients (8·1% vs. 6·7%); and patients provided more psychosocial information (3·3% vs. 5·7%). The level of congruence and empathic responses to patients’ emotional cues increased statistically significantly, as did the length of uninterrupted speech (3·7–4·3 utterances; all P < 0·05).

Conclusion.  The communication skills training of the Swiss Cancer League could be used as a model to achieve substantial improvements in patient‐centred communication. Sequence analysis of utterances from patient‐provider interaction should be used to assess the amount of patient‐centred talk.
Case management educational intervention with public health nurses: cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Wen‐I. , Edwards Helen , Courtney Mary
Published: July 2010

liu w.‐i., edwards h. & courtney m. (2010) Case management educational intervention with public health nurses: cluster randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2234–2244.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to determine the effectiveness of a community case management collaborative education intervention in terms of satisfaction, learning and performance among public health nurses.

Background.  Previous evaluation studies of case management continuing professional education often failed to demonstrate effectiveness across a range of outcomes and had methodological weaknesses such as small convenience samples and lack of control groups.

Method.  A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2005 and February 2006. Ten health centre clusters (five control, five intervention) recruited 163 public health nurses in Taiwan to the trial. After pre‐tests for baseline measurements, public health nurses in intervention centres received an educational intervention of four half‐day workshops. Post‐tests for both groups were conducted after the intervention. Two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on target outcomes.

Results.  A total of 161 participants completed the pre‐ and post‐intervention measurements. This was almost a 99% response rate. Results revealed that 97% of those in the experimental group were satisfied with the programme. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in knowledge (P = 0·001), confidence in case management skills (P = 0·001), preparedness for case manager role activities (P = 0·001), self‐reported frequency in using skills (P = 0·001) and role activities (P = 0·004).

Conclusion.  Collaboration between academic and clinical nurses is an effective strategy to prepare nurses for rapidly changing roles.
Alarm behaviour inEcitonarmy ants
Authors: LALOR PABLO F. , HUGHES WILLIAM O. H.
Published: July 2010

The effective communication of alarm can be critical for social animals so that they are able to deal with threats posed by predators and competitors. In the case of many of the most ecologically dominant, large‐colony ant species, these alarm responses are aggressive and coordinated by alarm pheromones, produced generally from the mandibular glands. In the present study, the alarm behaviour of two Neotropical army ant species is examined, the swarm raidingEciton burchellii(Westwood) and the column raidingEciton hamatum(Fabricius). Both species exhibit aggressive alarm responses in response to crushed heads, suggesting that the alarm pheromone is indeed produced by the mandibular glands in these ants. The most abundant component of the mandibular gland secretion, 4‐methyl‐3‐heptanone (10 µL on a rubber septum), stimulates a substantial alarm response, although this is less than the response to a single crushed head. This suggests that 4‐methyl‐3‐heptanone may be an alarm‐stimulating compound inEciton. The alarm response ofE. burchelliiinvolves more workers than that ofE. hamatum, although major workers play a much greater role in the response of the latter species. The differences in the alarm response of the two closely‐related species may relate to their foraging strategies, withE. burchelliirelying more on quantity rather than the caste of ants responding and possibly using alarm pheromones for offensive as well as defensive functions.
Severe transfusion‐transmitted parvovirus B19 infection in a naive immunocompromised patient
Authors: Brodin‐Sartorius A. , Mekki Y. , Pastural M. , Billaud G. , Daoud S. , Chauvet C. , Touraine J.‐L. , Lina B. , Morelon E. , Thaunat O.
Published: July 2010

A. Brodin‐Sartorius, Y. Mekki, M. Pastural, G. Billaud, S. Daoud, C. Chauvet, J.‐L. Touraine, B. Lina, E. Morelon, O. Thaunat. Severe transfusion‐transmitted parvovirus B19 infection in a naive immunocompromised patient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 97–98. All rights reserved.
Herpes zoster incidence in a multicenter cohort of solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Pergam S.A. , Forsberg C.W. , Boeckh M.J. , Maynard C. , Limaye A.P. , Wald A. , Smith N.L. , Young B.A.
Published: July 2010

S.A. Pergam, C.W. Forsberg, M.J. Boeckh, C. Maynard, A.P. Limaye, A. Wald, N.L. Smith, B.A. Young. Herpes zoster incidence in a multicenter cohort of solid organ transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 15–23. All rights reserved

Background. Immunosuppressed patients are at increased risk for herpes zoster (HZ), but incidence in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has varied in multiple studies. To assess incidence of HZ, we examined patients who underwent SOT and received follow‐up care within the large multicenter US Department of Veteran's Affairs healthcare system.

Methods. Incident cases of HZ were determined using ICD‐9 coding from administrative databases. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for a priori risk factors, was used to assess demographic factors associated with development of HZ.

Results. Among the 1077 eligible SOT recipients, the cohort‐specific incidence rate of HZ was 22.2 per 1000 patient‐years (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.1–27.4). African Americans (37.6 per 1000 [95% CI, 25.0–56.6]) and heart transplants recipients (40.0 per 1000 [95% CI, 23.2–68.9]) had the highest incidence of HZ. Patients transplanted between 2005 and 2007 had the lowest incidence (15.3 per 1000 [95% CI, 8.2–28.3]). In a multivariable model, African Americans (hazard ratio [HR] 1.88; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.17) and older transplant recipients (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.27 [per 5‐year increment]) had increased relative hazards of HZ.

Conclusions. These data demonstrate that HZ is a common infectious complication following SOT. Future studies focused on HZ prevention are needed in this high‐risk population.
Expression of the apoptosis inducer genehead involution defectivein primordial germ cells of theDrosophilaembryo requireseiger,p53, andlokifunction
Authors: Maezawa Takanobu , Arita Kayo , Shigenobu Shuji , Kobayashi Satoru
Published: July 2010

Nanos (Nos) is an evolutionarily conserved protein essential for the maintenance of primordial germ cells (PGCs). InDrosophila, the PGCs or pole cells expresshead involution defective(hid), which is required for caspase activation, but its translation is repressed by maternal Nos. In the absence of Nos activity, translation ofhidmRNA into protein induces apoptosis in pole cells. However, it remains unclear howhidmRNA is regulated in pole cells. Here, we report thathidexpression requireseiger(egr), a tumor necrosis factor ligand (TNF) homologue, which is induced in pole cells bydecapentaplegic(dpp). In addition, we demonstrate thatp53andloki(lok), a damage‐activated kinase known to be required for p53 phosphorylation, are both required forhidexpression in pole cells. Since maternallokmRNA is enriched in pole cells, it is possible that ubiquitously distributed p53 is activated in pole cells by maternal Lok. We propose thathidexpression is activated in a pole cell‐specific manner byloki/p53anddpp/egrduring embryogenesis.
Draxin, an axon guidance protein, affects chick trunk neural crest migration
Authors: Su Yuhong , Naser Iftekhar B. , Islam Shahidul M. , Zhang Sanbing , Ahmed Giasuddin , Chen Sandy , Shinmyo Yohei , Kawakami Minoru , Yamamura Ken‐ichi , Tanaka Hideaki
Published: July 2010

The neural crest is a multipotent population of migratory cells that arises in the central nervous system and subsequently migrates along defined stereotypic pathways. In the present work, we analyzed the role of a repulsive axon guidance protein, draxin, in the migration of neural crest cells. Draxin is expressed in the roof plate of the chick trunk spinal cord and around the early migration pathway of neural crest cells. Draxin modulates chick neural crest cell migration in vitro by reducing the polarization of these cells. When exposed to draxin, the velocity of migrating neural crest cells was reduced, and the cells changed direction so frequently that the net migration distance was also reduced. Overexpression of draxin also caused some early migrating neural crest cells to change direction to the dorsolateral pathway in the chick trunk region, presumably due to draxin’s inhibitory activity. These results demonstrate that draxin, an axon guidance protein, can also affect trunk neural crest migration in the chick embryo.
Fourth‐ to third‐order cycles in the Hakobuchi Formation: Shallow‐marine Campanian final deposition of the Yezo Group, Nakagawa area, northern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Ando Hisao , Tamura Yoshitaka , Takamatsu Daisuke
Published: July 2010

The Yezo Group has a wide longitudinal distribution across Hokkaido, northern Japan. It represents a Cretaceous (Early Aptian–Late Maastrichtian) and Late Paleocene forearc basin‐fill along the eastern margin of the paleo‐Asian continent. In the Nakagawa area of northern Hokkaido, the uppermost part of the Yezo Group consists of the Hakobuchi Formation. Along the western margin of the Yezo basin, 24 sedimentary facies (F) represent 6 facies associations (FA), suggesting prevailing storm‐dominated inner shelf to shoreface environments, subordinately associated with shoreface sand ridges, outer shelf, estuary and fluvial environments. The stacking patterns, thickness and facies trends of these associations allow the discrimination of six depositional sequences (DS). Inoceramids Sphenoceramus schmidti and Inoceramus balticus, and the ammonite Metaplacenticeras subtilistriatum, provide late Early to Late Campanian age constraints to this approximately 370‐m thick final stage of deposition and uplift of the Yezo forearc basin. Six shallow‐marine to subordinately non‐marine sandstone‐dominated depositional sequences include four 10 to 110‐m thick upward‐coarsening regressive successions (FS1), occasionally associated with thin, less than 10‐m thick, upward‐fining transgressive successions (FS2). The lower DS1–3, middle DS4–5 and upper DS6 represent three depositional sequential sets (DSS1–3). These eastward prograding and westward retrograding recurring shallow‐marine depositional systems may reflect third‐ and fourth‐order relative sealevel changes, in terms of sequence stratigraphy.
Is child nudity in art ever pornographic?
Authors: Isaacs David , Isaacs Thomas G
Published: July 2010

In 2008, police raided an art gallery in Sydney just prior to the opening of an exhibition of photographs by the famous Australian artist and photographer Bill Henson. The images depicted naked 12‐ and 13‐year‐old children. The photographs were seized, although later released and Henson was never prosecuted. This prompted vigorous debate about censorship. In this article, a paediatrician and a Fine Arts Honours graduate argue that censorship laws regarding the depiction of children in art are needed but only to protect children from exploitation, not to protect the public from being corrupted by viewing pornographic material.
Longitudinal changes in canal length at 16–35 weeks in normal twin pregnancies and twin pregnancies with preterm labor and delivery
Authors: Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Inoue Yoshihito , Fukami Tatsuya , Sanui Ayako , Miyamato Shingo , Kawarabayashi Tatsuhiko
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To describe the longitudinal changes in canal length at 16–35 weeks' gestation in cases of twin pregnancy with preterm labor and delivery.

Methods:  We studied 22 cases of twin pregnancy that were delivered at <36 weeks and/or that underwent preterm labor requiring tocolysis. We also studied 44 cases of twin pregnancy delivered at ≥36 weeks without tocolysis (non‐tocolysis twin pregnancy). Controls were 82 cases of normal singleton pregnancy. Canal length was longitudinally measured using transvaginal ultrasonography. The observational period of 16–35 weeks was divided into 4‐week periods for analysis.

Results:  From 28 to 31 weeks onwards the canal length of non‐tocolysis twin pregnancies was shorter than that of normal singleton pregnancies (P < 0.05). The canal length of twin pregnancies with preterm labor and delivery was shorter than that of non‐tocolysis twin pregnancies at 16–19 weeks and decreased rapidly until 24–27 weeks (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  A short canal length at 16–19 weeks followed by rapid canal length shortening in the second trimester are specific characteristics in preterm labor and delivery of twin pregnancies. Sequential measurements of canal length in the second trimester starting at <20 weeks may be a suitable parameter to predict preterm labor and delivery in twin pregnancies.
Multidimensional scale of perceived social support: Psychometric properties in a South Asian population
Authors: Akhtar Athfah , Rahman Atif , Husain Meher , Chaudhry Imran B , Duddu Venu , Husain Nusrat
Published: July 2010

Aim:  The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was developed to assess perceived social support, and has been widely used in Western samples. We attempted to translate and adapt this scale into the Urdu language, and herewith report on its psychometric properties in a rural Pakistani setting.

Methods:  The study sample consisted of 325 antenatal women who were registered with ‘Lady Health Workers’ in the Kallar Circle of Rawalpindi district. The subjects were assessed pre‐ and postnatally with measures of psychiatric distress, and social support and depression, respectively (using a guided structured interview).

Results:  MSPSS scores were inversely related to measures of psychiatric distress and depression, thus supporting the construct validity of the MSPSS as a measure of social support. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of MSPSS was 0.92. Unlike previous research using the MSPSS in Western studies, the factor analysis revealed a single‐factor solution that accounted for 53% of the variance.

Conclusions:  The Urdu translation of the MSPSS was found to have good construct validity, and internal consistency. However, the findings suggest that women in the study population perceived social support as a unitary construct, as opposed to a tri‐dimensional one as identified in Western samples.
Elective single cleavage‐stage embryo transfer need not result in lower pregnancy rates compared to double cleavage‐stage embryo transfer
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Nishi Yayoi , Sugiyama Rie , Kuribayashi Yasushi , Sugiyama Rikikazu , Inoue Masato
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To confirm whether women who choose to have one fresh embryo transferred and one frozen‐and‐thawed embryo when needed can dramatically reduce the possibility of a multifetal pregnancy while giving themselves a better chance of achieving pregnancy.

Methods:  We enrolled 685 patients who were undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment at our clinic between January 2005 and December 2008. None of the patients had a history of ART treatment, and they received either a double‐embryo transfer (DET) or single‐embryo transfer (SET) during this period. The outcomes of the ART and the pregnancy rates per patient were evaluated for both groups and comparisons were made.

Results:  The mean age was 35.7 ± 0.2 years (mean ± standard error of the mean) for all patients (n = 583) who received a fresh embryo cycle of DET. In contrast, the mean age (34.3 ± 0.4) of all patients (n = 102) who received a fresh‐ or thawed‐embryo transfer cycle of SET was significantly younger than the average age in the DET group (P < 0.05). The per‐patient overall pregnancy rate in the SET group was an estimated 35.3%, which was significantly higher than that in the DET group (P = 0.02). However, the multifetal pregnancy rate for the DET group was significantly higher than that for the SET group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  We demonstrated that women who choose to have one fresh embryo transferred and one frozen‐and‐thawed embryo when needed, can dramatically reduce their possibility of a multifetal pregnancy while giving themselves a better chance of achieving pregnancy.
LEADING WITH(OUT) SACRIFICE? A PUBLIC‐GOODS EXPERIMENT WITH A PRIVILEGED PLAYER
Authors: GLÖCKNER ANDREAS , IRLENBUSCH BERND , KUBE SEBASTIAN , NICKLISCH ANDREAS , NORMANN HANS‐THEO
Published: July 2010

We analyze two team settings in which one member in a team has stronger incentives to contribute than the others. If contributions constitute a sacrifice for the strong player, the other team members are more inclined to cooperate than if contributions are strictly dominant for the strong player. (JEL C91, C92, H40, H41)
OFFSHORE OUTSOURCING DECISION AND CAPITAL INTENSITY: FIRM‐LEVEL RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: TOMIURA EIICHI , ITO BANRI , WAKASUGI RYUHEI
Published: July 2010

In offshore sourcing, a firm chooses outsourcing to independent suppliers or in‐sourcing from own foreign direct investment (FDI) subsidiaries. Based on the firm‐level data on offshore make‐or‐buy decision covering all manufacturing industries, this paper compares averages, documents inter‐firm distributions, and estimates multinomial logit models of the firm's sourcing mode choice. As predicted by previous theoretical models, this paper directly confirms at the firm level that outsourcing firms tend to be substantially labor‐intensive compared with firms in‐sourcing from the same region, even after the firm's R&D intensity, firm size, or industry is controlled for. (JEL F23, L23, L24, L14)
RESEARCH SECTION: Curriculum integration and at‐risk students: a Canadian case study examining student learning and motivation
Authors: MacMath Sheryl , Roberts Jillian , Wallace John , Chi Xiaohong
Published: July 2010

The combining of subject areas or disciplines, referred to in this article as curriculum integration, has been recognised as being linked to high levels of student motivation and learning. Sheryl MacMath of the University of Toronto, Jillian Roberts of the University of Victoria, and John Wallace and Xiaohong Chi of the University of Toronto discuss the findings of their case study (n = 23 students) based in a Canadian secondary school where an integrated unit on energy was taught to pupils identified as being ‘at risk’ of not completing high school. Teacher and student interviews, classroom observations and surveys were used in the case study to investigate student motivation and learning. Results from the study illustrate that students experienced higher levels of motivation and academic success compared to work on previous units. The authors explore how higher levels of student self‐efficacy were also recorded due to the repetition of content in different classrooms and across different contexts. The authors argue that further research in this area should examine more than student learning and motivation and highlights the need to focus specifically on opportunities for successful academic experiences where student efficacy is increased.
RESEARCH SECTION: The acceptability of psychosocial support interventions for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS: an evaluation of teacher ratings
Authors: Chitiyo Morgan , Changara Darlington , Chitiyo George
Published: July 2010

The AIDS epidemic has created many orphans around the globe. A majority of these orphans live in sub‐Saharan Africa. Children orphaned by HIV/AIDS face many daunting challenges in their struggle to cope with life. The issues they face due to the loss of their parent(s) include poverty, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and stress. This study carried out by Morgan Chitiyo of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Darlington Changara of Midlands AIDS Caring Organisation and George Chitiyo of Tennessee Technological University discusses how different psychosocial and educational interventions have been developed to help the children to overcome these challenges. However, few of the interventions have been empirically tested to determine their efficacy. The authors set out to evaluate the treatment acceptability of a psychosocial support programme using a group of teachers who had received training and were participating in the implementation of the programme across their schools. Findings from the study indicate high acceptability ratings of the programme.
Improving WTO Dispute Settlement Rules: Lessons from the Korea–China Garlic Dispute
Authors: Sohn Kiyoun , Ahn Se‐Young
Published: July 2010

We analyze the garlic dispute between Korea and China with the aim of exploring the improved WTO dispute settlement rules that could apply to disputes where WTO accession applying developing countries are involved in. After examining the background of the dispute, we analyze it from both the negotiation and WTO rules aspect. Then, we suggest policy recommendations, taking into account existing rules' limitations in dealing with disputes between a WTO Member and an accession applicant developing country. The recommendations are the introduction of the transitory dispute settlement rules covering disputes with accession applicants and the application of certain negotiation principles such as the standstill principle.
Exchange Rate Volatility and the Timing of Foreign Direct Investment: Market‐Seeking versus Export‐Substituting
Authors: Lin Chia‐Ching , Chen Kun‐Ming , Rau Hsiu‐Hua
Published: July 2010

This paper examines the impact of exchange rate uncertainty on the timing of foreign direct investment (FDI) with heterogeneous investing motives. We first extend Dixit–Pindyck's real options model to show that while an increase in exchange rate volatility tends to delay FDI of a market‐seeking firm, it might accelerate FDI of an export‐substituting firm if the firm's degree of risk aversion is high enough. The rationale behind this finding is that a market‐seeking FDI might increase the exposure of the firm's profits to exchange rate risk, while an export‐substituting FDI might reduce it. Empirical evidence from a survival analysis based on firm‐level data on the entry by Taiwanese firms into China over the period between 1987 and 2002 is consistent with the theory. These results reveal that the relationship between exchange rate uncertainty and FDI is crucially dependent on the motives of the investing firms.
Whither Chinese Growth? A Sectoral Growth Accounting Approach
Authors: Dekle Robert , Vandenbroucke Guillaume
Published: July 2010

We perform a growth‐accounting exercise for Chinese economic growth from 1978 to 2003, by decomposing Chinese growth in GDP per labor into the contributions arising from the agricultural, public, and private sectors; and the contribution arising from the reallocations of labor among these three sectors. The greatest contributor to overall labor productivity growth (contributing 30% of the overall) is the growth in total factor productivity in the private nonagricultural sector. The next largest contributor (26% of the overall) is the reallocation of labor from the agricultural sector to the nonagricultural sector.
Export Relationships among China, Japan, and South Korea
Authors: Li Muqun , Liu Wei , Song Shunfeng
Published: July 2010

This paper examines trades and trade relationships among China, Japan, and South Korea. It shows that China possesses a large comparative advantage in labor‐intensive products, while Japan and Korea maintain large comparative advantages in capital‐intensive products. Using quarterly data from 1981 to 2001, the paper evaluates the effect of yen depreciation on the exports of China and South Korea. Our empirical results prove a positive impact of depreciation of yen on China's exports but a negative impact on Korea's exports. This finding suggests that Japan is competing with South Korea in terms of exports, but not with China.
Trade Intensity, Net Export, and Economic Growth
Authors: Mo Pak Hung
Published: July 2010

Many studies suggest the positive causal effects of trade on productivity and growth. However, controversies are still prevalent among vast empirical studies on the issue. In this paper, I propose a standard empirical framework for investigating GDP growth and apply the framework to estimate the growth effects and transmission channels of per capita trade. Based on prior information, theoretical reasoning, and various empirical evidences, I conclude that international trade has positive independent effects on economic performance. A 1% increase in per capita trade raises the equilibrium GDP growth by 0.29%.
FDI and Industrial Productivity in China: Evidence from Panel Data in 2001–06
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiu , Zhang Kevin Honglin
Published: July 2010

How does foreign direct investment (FDI) affect China's industrial productivity? While the topic is important, the relevant empirical studies in the literature have been limited. This paper attempts to close the gap by investigating the issue with panel data in the period 2001–06. Empirical models for both productivity level and growth are developed, in which two channels are identified through which FDI may affect industrial productivity directly and indirectly. The estimates suggest that FDI has positive direct and spillovers effect on China's industrial productivity level and growth, and the contribution of FDI to productivity is enhanced by its interaction with China's human capital. While labor‐intensive industries benefit more from FDI direct effects, capital‐intensive industries gain more from FDI spillover effects.
Multivariate elliptic processes
Authors: Bingham N.H. , Fry John M. , Kiesel Rüdiger
Published: July 2010

We introduce and study multivariate elliptic processes, thus providing a dynamic counterpart to the (static) multivariate elliptic distributions. We pay special attention to the dynamics for Lévy processes and diffusions. We also discuss discrete versus continuous time modelling, jump processes versus diffusions, and semimartingales. Some data analysis illustrates the theory.
Increased headache prevalence in female adolescents and adult women with early menarche. The Head‐HUNT Studies
Authors: Aegidius K. L. , Zwart J.‐A. , Hagen K. , Dyb G. , Holmen T. L. , Stovner L. J.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Age at menarche is associated with cardiovascular events and lifestyle factors such as body mass index (BMI), certain women’s diseases like breast cancer and endometriosis and with occurrence of certain physical symptoms during puberty. It is unclear whether age at menarche is an independent determinant of headache.

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to explore age of menarche in relation to headache prevalence in a large population‐based study of both adolescents and adult women (HUNT).

Methods:  In the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study in Norway 1995–97 (HUNT 2), a total of 26 636 (57%) of 46 506 invited women responded to questions regarding menarche and headache (Head‐HUNT). In the youth part of HUNT 2, 3196 female students were interviewed about their headache complaints and 2766 (87%) responded to questions regarding menarche. All the final analyses were adjusted for age, use of oral contraceptives and BMI, and for adults also for educational level.

Results:  Headache was more prevalent amongst females with menarche ≤ 12 years, both amongst adolescents (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.5) and adults (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.1–1.2), evident for migraine and non‐migrainous headache.

Conclusion:  Headache, both migraine and non‐migrainous headache, was more prevalent amongst both adolescents and adult females with early menarche. Early menarche may increase headache susceptibility, or be a consequence of a common pathogenetic factor, e.g., sensitivity to estrogens.
‘Too scared to go sick’—reformulating the research agenda on sickness absence
Authors: Taylor Phil , Cunningham Ian , Newsome Kirsty , Scholarios Dora
Published: July 2010

This article argues that our understanding of absence and absenteeism, deriving from seminal studies in the sociology of work and employment, has been overtaken by hugely significant developments in political economy, regulation and employment relations. A new research agenda that addresses the changed organisational politics of absence management and the consequences for employees is urgently required.
Critical incidents of partnership: five years' experience at NatBank
Authors: Johnstone Stewart , Wilkinson Adrian , Ackers Peter
Published: July 2010

Despite a rich partnership literature in the UK, relatively little is known about the processes of decision making under partnership regimes. This study examines the first five years of a high‐profile agreement in a British retail bank. Inspired by critical incident technique, this article explores the way key issues such as globalisation, offshoring, and work organisation were handled and decisions were made. It is argued that one cannot fully understand the outcomes without exploring both the context and process in detail. Benefits for management, unions and employees are also explored, and some of the main challenges to partnership are considered. The article suggests that partnership requires a clear understanding of the purpose and the rules of engagement, and highlights a possible gulf between academic and actor expectations. It also highlights the importance of exploring the partnership processes and reveals evidence of the dialogue exerting a moderating effect over decision making, with management, union, and employee actors all in favour of the collaborative partnership approach.
Behavioural Problems in Children with Infantile Hydrocephalus
Authors: Fernell Elisabeth , Gillberg Christopher , von Wendt Lennart
Published: July 2010

The occurrence of behavioural problems in a population‐based series of children with infantile hydrocephalus (non‐spina bifida) was analysed, using parent questionnaires. Children with both infantile hydrocephalus and mental retardation had significantly more behavioural problems compared with those with no mental retardation and controls. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity were particularly typical. No differences were found between children with infantile hydrocephalus and no mental retardation and the control group.

Difficultés comportementales chez les enfants hydrocéphales

L'apparition de problèmes comportementaux dans des séries représentatives d'enfants hydrocéphales (spina‐bifida exclus) a étéétudiée à partir de questionnaires parentaux. Les enfants associant hydrocéphalie infantile et retard mental avaient significativement plus de problèmes comportementaux que les hydrocéphalus sans retard mental et les contrǒles. L'inattention et l'hyperactivitéétaient particulièrement typiques. Aucune différence n'a été notée entre les enfants hydrocéphales sans retard mental et les contrǒles.

Verhalrensprobleme bei Kindern mir infantilem Hydrocephalus

Anhand eines Elternfragebogens wurde die Häufigkeit von Verhaltensproblemen bei Kindern mit infantilem Hydrocephalus (ausgenornmen Spina bifida) untersucht. Kinder mit infantilem Hydrocephalus and geistiger Retardierung hatten signifikant mehr Verhaltensprobleme als die ohne geistige Retardierung und als Kontrollen. Unaufmerksamkeit and Hyperaktivität waren besonders typisch. Zwischen den Kindern mit infantilem Hydrocephalus ohne geistige Retardierung und der Kontrollgruppe fanden sich keine Unterschiede.

Problemus de comportumiento en series de poblucion de niños con hidrocefalia del luctunte

Se analizó, utilizando cuestionarios para los padres, la aparición de problemas del comportamiento en series de población de base de niños con hidrocefalia del lactante (sin espina bifida). Los niños con hidrocefalia del lactante y retraso mental tenían significativamente un mayor número de problemas del comportamiento en comparación con los que no tenían retraso mental y con los controles. Particularmente típicas eran la inatención y la hiperactividad. No se hallaron diferencias entre los niños con hidrocefalia del lactantes sin retraso mental y el grupo control.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT WALKING IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Leonard Charles T. , Hirschfeld Helga , Forssberg Hans
Published: July 2010

Electromyographic and kinematic data were collected during treadmill locomotion by normal infants and infants with cerebral palsy. Locomotor patterns of the infants with cerebral palsy were similar to those of normal infants during the stage of supported locomotion, but as they matured, some of the characteristics of the infant stepping pattern, such as synchronous muscle activity with excessive muscular co‐contraction and short‐latency reflexes at foot contact, were retained. The normal plantigrade features of adult gait did not develop in these children.

Le développement de la marche indépendante chez les enfants I. M. C. Des données electromyographiques et d'études cinématiques ont été relevées durant une marche en plan incliné chez des enfants normaux et I. M. C. L'allure de la locomotion des enfants I. M. C. était semblable à celle des enfants normaux durant le temps portant du déplacement. Avec la croissance, chez les enfants I. M. C., quelques caractéristiques de steppage telle qu'une activité synchrone musculaire avec co‐contractions musculaires excessives étaient observées. L'allure plantigrade normale de la démarche d'un adulte n'apparaissait pas chez ces enfants.

Entwicklung zum freien Laufen bei Kindern mit Cerebralparese Bei gesunden und cerebralparetischen Kindern wurden bei einer Tretmühlenbewegung elektromyographische und kinematische Daten gewonnen. Im Stadium der unterstützten Bewegung waren die Bewegungsmuster der cerebralparetischen und der gesunden Kinder ähnlich. Im späteren Entwicklungsverlauf blieben bei den Kindern mit Cerebralparese einige Charakteristika des kindlichen Laufschemas, wie synchrone Muskelaktivität mit exzessiver muskulärer Kokontraktion erhalten. Der normale Sohlengang des Erwachsenen entwickelte sich bei diesen Kindern nicht.

Desarrollo de la marcha independiente en niños con parálisis cerebral Se recogieron datos electromiográficos y cinemáticos durante la locomoción en una cinta sin fin en lactantes normales y con parálisis cerebral. Los patrones locomotores de los niños con parálisis cerebral eran similares a los de los niños normales durante el estadio de locomoción sostenida. A medida que el niño con parálisis cerebral maduraba, algunas de las caracteristicas del patrón de andadura, tales como la actividad muscular sincrónica con una co‐contracción muscular excesiva, persistieron. En estos niños no se desarrolló el tipo normal plantígrado tipico del adulto.