bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DMSA scan in paediatric urinary tract infection
Authors: Ditchfield MR , Nadel HR
Published: March 2008

The objective of the present paper was to review the use of the dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan in urinary tract infection at British Columbia's Children's Hospital to determine the frequency of cortical defects and the association between vesicoureteric reflux and the presence of cortical defects in children with urinary tract infection. A total of 129 consecutive children with a urinary tract infection referred for a DMSA scan in a 2‐year period (January 1992‐January 1994) were retrospectively studied. The results were analysed in terms of kidneys, and the incidence of cortical defects was determined. Eighty‐eight patients (68%) had a radiographic micturating cystourethrogram within 6 months of the DMSA scan, and in this group the relationship of defects with vesicoureteric reflux was determined. Overall, 81/258 (31%) of kidneys had a cortical defect on a DMSA scan. Of those who had a micturating cystourethrogram, 53/176 (30%) kidneys had vesicoureteric reflux, and of those that had reflux, 21/53 (40%) had a cortical defect on a DMSA scan. In the group of children without reflux, 38/123 (31%) had a cortical defect. Renal cortical scan defects are common findings in paediatric urinary infection, and frequently occur in the absence of vesicoureteric reflux. These defects represent either established scars or acute pyelonephritis that can proceed to scarring. The micturating cystourethrogram alone is insufficient as a screening modality to identify those kidneys at risk of renal scarring.
Quantitative diagnostic methods in osteoporosis: A review
Authors: Pocock Nicholas A
Published: March 2008

During the last two decades there have been major advances in the understanding of pathophysiology and in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. There are now, in addition to standard radiographs, a number of different diagnostic modalities available to doctors for the quantitative assessment of bone mass. These methodologies are having an increasingly important role, not only in the clinical diagnosis, but also in the monitoring of patients with osteoporosis. As the population ages there will be an increasing demand for these services, and radiologists need to be aware of the strength and limitations of the different modalities available.
Blood‐brain barrier and blood volume imaging of cerebral glioma using functional CT: A pictorial review
Authors: Leggett David AC , Miles Kenneth A , Kelley Benjamin B
Published: March 2008

Five cases of cerebral glioma are presented here that illustrate the benefit of functional CT imaging of blood‐brain barrier permeability and cerebral blood volume. Functional CT uses Patlak analysis of a single location dynamic sequence to extract physiological information that is useful clinically in the assessment of cerebral gliomas. Functional CT offers distinct advantages over other functional modalities including clearer delineation of tumour, tumour grading, measurement of tumour activity and monitoring response to therapy.
Multiseptate gall‐bladder: Incidental diagnosis on ultrasound
Authors: Saddik Daniel
Published: March 2008

Multiseptate gall‐bladder is a very rare congenital condition, and fewer than 30 cases are reported in the literature. Most patients are female adults though it can occur in children and men. Although usually symptomatic, a case is described of a patient diagnosed incidentally on ultrasound. In the former group it is important to recognize because cholecystectomy is curative. Biliary calculi are usually absent in multiseptate gall‐bladder while choledochal cysts have been associated.
Desmoplastic small round cell tumour
Authors: Tan Thuan Heng Lawrence , Ong Kim Lian , Au Yeung Man Chiu
Published: March 2008

The present report describes a rare case of primary desmoplastic small cell tumour of the recto‐sigmoid colon with hepatic metastases and lymphadenopathy. There are no pathognomonic radiological features and often their features overlap with other diseases including lymphoma. Histology is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. Unfortunately despite aggressive therapy, the prognosis for this disease is poor.
Mammogram screening of Chinese women in Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong
Authors: Chan L‐K , Lam H‐S , Chan EH‐S , Lau Y , Chan M , Gwi E , Leung T‐Y
Published: March 2008

The incidence of primary carcinoma of the breast in Hong Kong has been rising. A screening team including radiologists, breast surgeons, cytopathologists, a full‐time gynaecologist and mammographers was set up at Kwong Wah Hospital. The screening method includes a clinical breast examination (CBE) and two‐view mammography. The target age group is 40‐70. A total of 13 033 women were screened from March 1993 to March 1995 and 8504 mammograms were performed. A double reading system was used, with an experienced mammographer as the first reader. The films were then read by radiologists and were reported. All abnormal films and normal films with palpable masses or clinical symptoms were reviewed in a weekly meeting. A total of 113 biopsies were performed including 86 stereotactic‐guided fine needle aspirations (FNA) and 27 stereotactic‐guided hook‐wire biopsies. Four FNA showed malignant cells and another five showed suspicious cells. Eleven hook‐wire biopsies showed carcinoma. The benign to malignant ratio of the hook‐wire biopsies was 16 : 11 (< 1.5). The total number of carcinomas disclosed was 42, and 16 of these were not palpable. Four palpable tumours were not detected by mammography. The overall carcinoma of the breast detection rate was 4.94/1000, with a rate of 4.61/1000 for the 40‐49‐year age group and a rate of 6.46/1000 for the over 50 years of age group. The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ plus Ti tumours was 2.82/1000.
Metastatic carcinoma to the male and female breast
Authors: Muttarak M , Nimmonrat A , Chaiwun B
Published: March 2008

Metastases to the female breast are rare and those to the male breast are even rarer. Differentiating primary from metastatic breast carcinoma is important for rational therapy and avoidance of unnecessary radical surgery. Data on five women and two men with metastases to the breast are presented here. The primary tumours in these seven cases were as follows: three bronchogenic carcinoma and one each from papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary, adenocarcinoma of the colon, squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. In both men (who had primary lung carcinoma), mammograms showed dense glandular tissue occupying nearly the entire breast. All five women had multiple nodules. Two of these cases were unilateral and three were bilateral. The metastatic nodules were round, with slightly irregular or ill‐defined margins and calcification in the single case from metastatic papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Ultrasonograms demonstrated well‐circumscribed low‐echoic masses in all cases. In a patient with known extramammary malignancy and a breast mass, mammograms and ultrasonograms should be undertaken to exclude a primary breast carcinoma and for proper management.
Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbar vertebral apophyseal ring fractures
Authors: Peh Wilfred CG , Griffith James F , Yip Daniel KH , Leong John CY
Published: March 2008

Posterior lumbar vertebral apophyseal ring fractures are described in three adolescents presenting with severe low back pain, spinal tenderness and lower limb neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging showed severe L4/5 posterior disc protrusion in all three patients. The actual fracture fragment was visualized with difficulty on MRI alone. The diagnosis of apophyseal ring fracture was made by either radiography or CT. Computed tomography delineated the size, shape and site of the fracture fragment. Surgical confirmation was obtained in all cases. Posterior lumbar vertebral apophyseal ring fractures may be difficult to visualize on MR imaging. Careful review of radiographs, supplemented by targeted CT, is necessary for the correct diagnosis and management of this entity.
Sacral chordomas: A 10‐year study
Authors: Prabhakaran PS , Misra S , Kannan V , Chandrashekar M , Vijayakumar M , Veerendrakumar KV , Anantha N
Published: March 2008

A retrospective analysis of 14 cases of sacral chordoma seen between 1984 and 1993 at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is reported. The mean patient age was 54 years, with 13 males and one female. Seventy‐one per cent of patients presented with symptoms related to a painful sacral mass. Eight patients underwent radical surgery and two had adjuvant radiotherapy. One patient had a partial tumour resection. Three patients received radical radiotherapy. Two patients were offered only pain relief medication. The median follow‐up was 33 months. The actuarial overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 48%. In the 12 patients in whom curative therapy was attempted, the 5‐year OS was 56% and progression‐free survival was 36%. Four patients developed local recurrence and three developed distant metastasis.
Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy for rectal carcinoma
Authors: Chao Michael WT , Byram David , Bell Richard , Bond Rodney , Vaughan Steven , McLennan Roger , Lim‐Joon Michael , Wada Morikatsu , Joseph David
Published: March 2008

Postoperative combined modality therapy with radiotherapy and 5‐fluorouracil (5FU) chemotherapy is an effective adjuvant approach that reduces locoregional and distant metastatic disease in patients with high‐risk rectal carcinoma. However, this approach results in a treatment regimen of at least 6 months’duration. The present prospective study investigates the integration of radiotherapy and 5FU chemotherapy in a protocol designed to minimize toxicity and reduce the overall treatment time. A total of 40 patients with TNM stage II or III disease received postoperative radiotherapy at four fractions per week with weekly 5FU bolus injections delivered on the fifth non‐radiotherapy day. Patients also received systemic chemotherapy with leucovorin both before and after pelvic irradiation, with the total treatment duration extending for only 18 weeks. Patients were able to complete radiotherapy in 90% of cases, while the delivery of full‐dose chemotherapy was achievable in the vast majority. The incidence of haematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities requiring the cessation of treatment was acceptable. With a median follow‐up of 20.9 months among surviving patients, the estimated progression‐free and overall survival at 2 years were 71 % and 79%, respectively.
Traumatic transection of the optic chiasm: Magnetic resonance evaluation
Authors: Sharma Raju , Goyal Mayank , Sharma Aseem , Dada Vijay Kumar , Berry Manorama
Published: March 2008

Disruption of the optic chiasm is a rare complication of head trauma. We present the findings on MRI of this entity in a 40‐year‐old patient presenting with bitemporal hemianopia.
Chest wall tuberculosis simulating breast carcinoma: Imaging appearance
Authors: Goyal Mayank , Sharma Raju , Sharma Aseem , Chumber Sunil , Sawhney Sukhpal , Berry Manorama
Published: March 2008

Tuberculosis of the breast is a rare disease. Tubercular abscesses predominantly affecting the soft tissues are also very infrequent. A case of chest wall tuberculosis secondarily involving the breast presenting as a hard, fixed lump simulating mammary carcinoma is presented here. There was no evidence of pleural or pulmonary tuberculosis.
Klippel‐Trenaunay syndrome: Unusual magnetic resonance features
Authors: Srivastava Deep Narayan , Gulati Manpreet Singh , Thulkar Sanjay , Berry Manorama
Published: March 2008

Klippel‐Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital vascular abnormality consisting of a cutaneous naevus, varicose veins and bone and soft‐tissue hypertrophy affecting one or more limbs. A case is presented here with some unusual associated findings seen on MR that, to the best of the authors’knowledge, has not been reported in the literature. Although colour Doppler in addition to venography is frequently used in demonstration of the KT vein, MRI may well have an important role in complete assessment.
Allergic reactions to oral iodinated contrast agents: Reactions to oral contrast
Authors: RIDLEY LJ
Published: March 2008

Allergic reactions can occur with virtually all substances used in medicine. Recently there has been increasing recognition that iodinated oral contrast agents (oral contrast) used in radiology are also capable of inducing an allergic response. Fortunately these are rarely life‐threatening. This paper discusses three cases of mild reactions to oral iodinated contrast (all for computed tomography (CT) scans). The Australian experience of these agents is also reviewed.
Primary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of the uterine cervix: Case report of long‐term survival of two patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy
Authors: Lee KM , Seah ES , Sethi VK
Published: March 2008

Two patients with Stage 1EA primary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of the uterine cervix were treated by surgery and radiotherapy in 1986 and 1987. On follow‐up, over a period of 10 years, both are well and remain free of recurrence.
Spontaneous intramural haematoma of the oesophagus: CT and MRI appearances
Authors: Yuen EHY , Yang WT , Lam WWM , Kew J , Metreweli C
Published: March 2008

A 64‐year‐old man with history of ischaemic heart disease and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but no history of peptic ulcer or liver disease, presented with retrosternal pain and coffee‐ground vomitus. Endoscopy revealed a long column of bluish discolouration with normal mucosa interpreted as a grade IV oesophageal varix. Computed tomography showed a non‐enhancing low‐density submucosal columnar lesion in the mid‐ and lower oesophagus consistent with a submucosal haematoma. This resolved on follow‐up at 10 days. The magnetic resonance features of intermediate signal intensity on T1 ‐weighted images and hyperintense signal on T2‐weighted images of this lesion are also highlighted.
Dysphagia: A rare presentation of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenitis
Authors: BalaPopli Manju
Published: March 2008

Mediastinal lymphadenitis as the only presentation of adult tuberculosis is rare. Rarer still is dysphagia as the only presenting symptom of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Here is the report of such a case.
Bilateral subacromial bursitis with macroscopic rice bodies: Ultrasound, CT and MR appearance
Authors: Law TC , Chong SF , Iu PP , Mak KH
Published: March 2008

The radiological findings of ultrasound, CT and MR of a case of bilateral subacromial bursitis with macroscopic rice bodies is described. The previous literature is also reviewed.
Favorable outcomes of autoimmune hepatitis in a community clinic setting
Authors: Seo Suk , Toutounjian Raphael , Conrad Andrew , Blatt Larry , Tong Myron J
Published: March 2008

Background and Aim:  Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an idiopathic disease with diverse clinical manifestations. The aims of the present study were: (i) to describe the clinical characteristics of AIH patients in a community clinic setting; and (ii) to determine factors which were associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed on 72 AIH patients who: (i) had pretreatment sera: (ii) were treatment‐naïve at presentation; and (iii) had a minimum of 24 months of follow up.

Results:  On initial presentation, 22 (30%) had an acute onset of symptoms simulating acute viral hepatitis, 34 (47%) had chronic symptoms of greater than 6 months duration, and the remaining 16 (22%) were asymptomatic. Twenty‐six (36%) had coexisting autoimmune diseases. Anti‐nuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in 73% of the patients, and antismooth muscle antibody was positive in 15% of ANA‐negative patients. Those few patients who tested positive for soluble liver antigen, anti‐liver‐kidney, microsomal antibody type‐1, and anti‐mitochondrial antibody were all also ANA positive. The median (range) duration of follow up was 98 (24–331) months. After immunosuppressive therapy, 26 of 72 (36%) remained in remission without further treatment. However, 46 (64%) required maintenance immunosuppression. Three patients who presented under the age of 20 years progressed to liver failure while on therapy and died while waiting for liver transplantation. Two other patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while on therapy and died.

Conclusions:  A majority of AIH patients have an excellent prognosis. However, presentation at a younger age is a predictor of poor disease outcome and, although uncommon, HCC may develop during the late stages of cirrhosis.
Amine precursor therapy: Manipulation of brain amine activity with precursor amino acid
Authors: NAKAJIMA TERUO
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Amine precursor therapies for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and their neurochemical background are reviewed historically. Furthermore, peculiar or artificial amino acids, which are metabolized into the brain amines or their derivatives and promised their clinical application of treatment for morbid conditions, are also introduced.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview
Authors: ARAI YUMIKO , MD KEI KUDO , HOSOKAWA TORU , WASHIO MASAKAZU , MIURA HIROKO , HISAMICHI SHIGERU
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Despite a rapid increase in disabled elderly in Japan, the burden of the caregiver has not been properly assessed due to a lack of objective measurements. Our study was aimed at adapting and validating the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI) in Japan, which is one of the most widely used measurements for caregivers' burden in the United States. Sixty‐six caregivers answered the self‐administered questionnaire, involving the Japanese version of the ZBI and questions regarding their caregiving situation. Our study demonstrated that the Japanese version of the ZBI had equally as high reliability and validity as the original version. The Japanese ZBI had a high test—retest reliability (r = 0.76) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93). The total score of the ZBI was highly correlated with the caregivers' score of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) score (r = 0.50), as well as a single global rating of burden (r = 0.71). It was also shown that demographic distribution of the score of the Japanese version had a similar trend to that of the original version. Caregivers who looked after patients with behavioral disturbances were found to have a significantly higher ZBI score than those who looked alter patients without behavioral disturbances, which is consistent with previous findings. It is concluded that the Japanese version of the ZBI can be used to measure feelings of burden of caregivers in the Japanese population and can be used for cross‐cultural comparison.
Neglect in elderly stroke patients: A comparison of five tests
Authors: AGRELL BERIT M. , DEHLIN OVE I. , DAHLGREN CLAS J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Neglect is a disabling state in stroke patients. Five tests for visuo‐spatial neglect, star cancellation, line crossing, line bisection, draw a clock and copy a cross, were compared in 57 elderly patients. Sensitivity and intercorrelations between the tests were determined. Patients with neglect were studied as regards their activities of daily living, motor activity and cognition. Left‐hemisphere neglect in patients with right‐hemisphere lesions was more severe than right‐sided neglect in patients with left‐sided lesions in the star cancellation test. Sensitivity of the tests was moderate for star cancellation, line bisection and draw a clock, and low for line crossing and copy a cross. Significant correlations existed between the tests and cognitive and functional ability. Intercorrelations between the tests were moderate. Neglect patients showed a slower recovery after 6 and 12 months. Draw a clock and copy a cross displayed no sensitivity for neglect in patients with hemianopia, which may be due to the fact that these tests also evaluate constructional apraxia. The cancellation tests were influenced by hemianopia and there is evidence that hemianopia exacerbates neglect. This study shows that a battery of neglect tests is required to diagnose the neglect syndrome.
Kidney transplantation and liaison psychiatry, part II: A case of dissociative identity disorder
Authors: FUKUNISHI ISAO , OGINO MAKI , SUZUKI JIRO , HASEGAWA AKIRA , OHARA TAKEHIRO , AIKAWA ATSUSHI , SUZAKI AND MIWAKO
Published: March 2008

Abstract  The authors examined the case of an adolescent patient with dissociative identity disorder secondary to psychological shock of a transplant rejection response. Psychiatric symptoms consisted ot three components: visual hallucinations and delusions as a psychological defense against the anxiety of a transplant rejection; appearance of three personalities including proper self, the dead child (donor), and a prophet with strong predicting power; and a twilight state. These psychiatric symptoms may have been related to two psychological factors; immature personality characteristics formed during hemodialysis, and post‐traumatic stress caused by a chronic rejection reaction from the patient's first transplant.
MRI‐based morphometric topographic parcellation of human neocortex in trichotillomania
Authors: GRACHEV IGOR D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract  The purpose of the present study was to test specific hypotheses regarding volumetric changes ot the neocortex between 10 female trichotillomania (TTM) subjects and 10 female normal controls. A standard three‐dimensional (3‐D) brain coordinate system was imposed over each newly acquired native magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for positional normalization and 3‐D shape/geometric localization analyses were based on the midpoints of anterior and posterior commissures, and the longitudinal fissure. The brain segmentation method, using well‐characterized semiautomated intensity and differential contour algorithms by signal intensity‐frequency histograms, was used blind to segment the principal gray and white matter structures. The segmented neocortical ribbon was subdivided into 48 regions (i.e. parcellation units) per hemisphere via a new method of morphometric topographic parcellation. There were no significant volumetric changes of the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, supplementary motor cortex or opercular cortex in TTM patients compared with control subjects. A broader analysis as a hypothesis‐generating post‐hoc effort showed that TTM subjects exhibited significantly reduced left inferior frontal gyrus volume of 27% (t = 2.21, d.f. = 18, P = 0.04) and enlarged right cuneal cortex volume of 40% (f = ‐2.30, d.f. = 18, P = 0.03) compared to normal controls. This is the first report of a structural neocortex abnormality in TTM. Results are discussed in terms of the behavioral specialization of these two brain neocortical regions and the complex interractions between visual and sensorimotor cortices. The results also showed the feasibility of the MRI‐based morphometric topographic parcellation for investigation of the human neocortex in neuroscience research.
An association study between a transcriptional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and panic disorder in a Japanese population
Authors: ISHIGURO HIROKI , ARINAMI TADAO , YAMADA KAZUO , OTSUKA YUKINO , TORU MICHIO , SHIBUYA AND HARUO
Published: March 2008

Abstract  A polymorhism in the 5′ region of the serotonin transporter gene modulates its transcription efficiency. Its short allele has been reported to be associated with neurotic traits. The serotinin transporter is the action site of selective serotonine re‐uptake inhibitors, widely used in the treatment of panic disorder. We examined an association between the polymorphism and panic disorder in a case‐control study consisting of 66 Japanese patients and 150 controls. The short allele was significantly more frequent in the Japanese than in Caucasians. The patients and the controls had similar allele frequencies, indication no association between the polymorehism and panic disorder in most Japanese patients.
Update on influenza anti‐virals
Authors: TAMBYAH Paul A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  While the mainstay of prevention and control of any viral infection has historically been the use of vaccines, it is recognized that the pace of a global pandemic is likely to be such that it is unlikely that an effective vaccine will be ready for the first wave of an influenza pandemic. As such, in addition to non‐pharmacological public health and infection control measures, the first line of action will be the use of antivirals.
Influenza A/H5N1 infection: Other treatment options and issues
Authors: HUI David S.C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Antiviral therapy and vaccination are important strategies for the control of human influenza/H5N1 disease, but the efficacy of these modalities is limited by timing of administration and shortage of supply. Lung protective ventilation strategy with a low tidal volume and low pressure, in addition to a conservative fluid management approach, is recommended when treating patients with ARDS. Low‐dose steroids may be considered in the treatment of refractory septic shock. Non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) may play a limited supportive role for early ARDS/acute lung injury, but it is contra‐indicated in critically ill patients with multi‐organ failure and haemodynamic instability. NPPV and oxygen therapy should be applied in healthcare facilities with good ventilation and respiratory protection as substantial exposure to exhaled air occurs within a 0.5 m and 0.4 m radius of patients receiving NPPV and oxygen via a simple mask, respectively. Intravenous gammaglobulin should be used with caution for treatment of reactive haemo‐phagocytosis due to its thrombogenic effects, whereas the role of etoposide needs evaluation with animal models. Passive immunotherapy in the form of convalescent plasma may be useful as rescue therapy. More data are needed to explore the potential role of other drugs with immuno‐modulating properties such as statins. Healthcare workers currently must apply strict standards, contact and droplet precautions when dealing with suspected cases, and upgrade to airborne precautions when performing aerosol‐generating procedures. Non‐pharmacological measures such as early case isolation, household quarantine, school/workplace closure, good community hygiene and restrictions on travel are useful measures in controlling a pandemic.
Out of the blue: a novel, trans‐Atlantic clade of geckos (Gekkota, Squamata)
Authors: Gamble Tony , Bauer Aaron M , Greenbaum Eli , Jackman Todd R
Published: March 2008

Phylogenetic relationships among gekkotan lizards were estimated from five nuclear protein‐coding genes in separate and combined analyses using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. All analyses recovered a monophyletic trans‐Atlantic gecko clade (Phyllodactylidae) consisting of the genera Asaccus, Haemodracon, Homonota, Phyllodactylus, Phyllopezus, Ptyodactylus, Tarentola and Thecadactylus. No other phylogenetic or taxonomic hypotheses have proposed linking these genera, which have been consistently grouped with other taxa outside of the clade. In this paper, we determine the relationships of this new clade to other major gekkotan groups, evaluate previous phylogenetic hypotheses regarding constituent members of this novel clade, and critically examine the use of historically important morphological characters in gekkotan systematics as they relate to this novel clade, specifically — phalangeal formulae, hyoid morphology and external structure of the toe‐pads.
Molecular phylogeny of five species of Dremomys (Rodentia: Sciuridae), inferred from cytochrome b gene sequences
Authors: Li Song , Yu Fahong , Yang Su , Wang Yingxiang , Jiang Xuelong , McGuire Peter M. , Feng Qing , Yang Junxing
Published: March 2008

Analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) showed that Dremomys lokriah, D. pernyi, D. pyrrhomerus, D. rufigenis and D. gularis all are separate species. Dremomys pyrrhomerus showed 8.5% sequence variation from D. rufigenis, and the level of estimated sequence divergence observed among D. gularis, D. lokriah and D. pernyi was > 11%. With Tamiops and Callosciurus as the outgroup taxa, in both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses, the five Dremomys species formed one strongly supported monophyletic group and D. pyrrhomerus is closely related to D. rufigenis. The derived divergence times and fossil record suggested that the present geographical distributions of Dremomys owe much to the uplifting of the Himalayas and the successive glacial and interglacial in the Pliocene–Pleistocene.
TEMPORAL AGGREGATION OF UNIVARIATE AND MULTIVARIATE TIME SERIES MODELS: A SURVEY
Authors: Silvestrini Andrea , Veredas David
Published: March 2008

Abstract We present a unified and up‐to‐date overview of temporal aggregation techniques for univariate and multivariate time series models explaining in detail, although intuitively, the technical machinery behind the results. Some empirical applications illustrate the main issues.
Employer and Employee Ignorance in Developing Countries: The Case of Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Murphy Anthony , Strobl Eric
Published: March 2008

The authors examine the degree of employer and employee ignorance about reservation and offer wages in Trinidad and Tobago and find this to be considerable. On average employers pay more than 26% above workers’ reservation wages, while employees earn 22% less than the maximum wage on offer, ceteris paribus. However, there are some differences across sub‐groups of jobs, particularly with regard to individuals’ lack of information about the best wage offers. Some differences are also found compared to previous results for developed nations, although the level of ignorance does not appear to be higher in Trinidad and Tobago.
POLITICS AND COMMUNITY: CHICAGO'S NEAR WEST SIDE BLACK UNDERCLASS
Authors: WILSON DAVID , BROWNING JEREMY
Published: March 2008

The black underclass are one population group that has recently experienced a devastating decay of their built environment. This article examines the attitudes and political response of the black underclass to this process. Our focus on Chicago's Near West Side probes resident perceptions of the problem, resident mobilization around political agendas, leader actions at public forums, and levels of institutionalized obstacles to effective leader participation. The results suggest that this population had little opportunity to reverse this decay. Obstacles to controlling neighborhood change were embedded in everyday social life, communicative discourses, community institutional actions, and local government policy. While formal political procedures prevented this group's meaningful public participation, underclass social life ravaged their incentives to participate. We conclude that opening up community development to the black underclass requires restructuring the game's rules and this group's impoverished condition.
TOWARD MORE FLEXIBLE ORGANIZATION?: CANADIAN RAIL FREIGHT IN THE 1990s
Authors: MILNE SIMON , WADDINGTON RICHARD , PEREY ANDRÉ
Published: March 2008

The freight transportation sector has received relatively little attention in recent debates over the nature of the transformations currently affecting contemporary capitalism. This lack of interest is particularly surprising given the fact that certain emergent forms of productive organization appear to be heavily dependent on increasingly flexible and efficient transport services. Within the context of these theoretical debates we review how the two dominant players in the Canadian rail freight sector, Canadian Pacific and Canadian National, are responding to the evolving competitive conditions of the 1990s. Deregulation, recessionary pressures, and changing customer expectations are just some of the factors that are creating an intensifying competitive environment. We then outline the responses adopted by the two companies in their attempts to improve the responsiveness and efficiency of their operations. The concluding sections of the article focus on some of the broader spatial and theoretical implications of the findings. We show that while this sector has undergone considerable change in recent years current ‘post‐Fordist’ theories of industrial restructuring can provide, at best, only a partial explanation of the processes observed.
REFUGEE MIGRATION AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN EASTERN ZAMBIA
Authors: BLACK RICHARD
Published: March 2008

This article examines the local socio‐economic impact of the arrival of Mozambican refugees in the Eastern Province of Zambia. Previous studies of forced migration elsewhere in Africa have suggested that not only stresses, but also positive gains for local development may be felt in areas hosting significant numbers of refugees. It is suggested here that an appropriate framework from which to analyze the impact of refugees is to focus separately on the effects of population increase on the one hand, and the specific characteristics of refugees on the other. Using this distinction, a model is developed of potential beneficial changes resulting from the arrival of refugees. Key assumptions of this model are then identified to be of relevance to policies designed to promote local economic development under conditions of refugee migration.
NETWORKS IN KNOWLEDGE‐INTENSIVE FIRMS
Authors: MONNOYER‐LONGÉ MARIE‐CHRISTINE , MAYÈRE ANNE
Published: March 2008

Is a network a sufficient concept as a model of growth for consultancy firms? To answer this question, the article examines the current functioning of networks created by SMF and the opportunities that could arise from this type of structure in a sluggish economic environment. Networks appear to be an adequate means to satisfy the customers' demand both in terms of competencies and availability in an increasingly competitive world. This study also shows the limitations of networks as it reveals that exchanges of competencies are mostly effected between financially organized groups. The study relies on an investigation involving 350 consultancy firms in six European countries.
THE COMPUTER SERVICES INDUSTRY: RESTRUCTURING FOR A SINGLE MARKET
Authors: GENTLE CHRIS , HOWELLS JEREMY
Published: March 2008

The size and strategic importance of computer services, in advanced industrial economies, including the European Community, continues to grow. As a reflection of its growth and deepening strategic importance, computer services have increasingly taken on a more international dimension, in turn losing its former national orientation. This article looks at recent developments in the European computer services industry, in particular at the restructuring taking place in response to the creation of the Single European Market. It attempts to reveal a number of major factors which will influence the reorganisation of the industry in the late 1990s and beyond.
TRANSACTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES AND SPATIAL SYSTEMS
Authors: TORDOIR PIETER P.
Published: March 2008

This article is concerned with spatial interaction between suppliers and clients of professional business services. It is often suggested that business services transactions require frequent personal interaction and spatial proximity, to the advantage of large urban service complexes. Survey results, presented in this article, show that modes of interaction vary considerably within the professional business services sector, however, leading to complex spatial patterns of services transaction. A typology of professional business services is presented, useful for the explanation of spatial systems of service transactions.
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION IN BUSINESS SERVICES: SOME EMPIRICAL FINDINGS
Authors: CUNAT FEDERICO , THOMAS BERNADETTE
Published: March 2008

This article presents a typology derived from field work seeking to identify what characterizes the differences between two organizational models based on relationships organized into a hierarchy and relationships arising from cooperation. Services are considered as the determining factor, enabling the specification of the relationship between types of firms and their spatial behaviour. Three contrasting types of organization are explored (network firm and consultancy chain; globalization and consultancy network; technology and consultancy node). They are complemented by intermediary types with influences on extemalization, scientific and technical information and performance specification. Three case studies support this classification. They question various traditionally identified attitudes concerning the re‐qualification of territories. In conclusion, the ‘network’ form of organization plays a multiple role in the relations between firms and territories and has to be taken into account in the understanding of externalities, polarized diffusion and economies of agglomeration.
BUSINESS SERVICE SUPPLY AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION‐COTTBUS, BRANDENBURG
Authors: ELLGER CHRISTOF
Published: March 2008

As sources of expertise for firms, business services play a major role in the transformation process of East Germany from a centrally planned economy to a capitalist market economy, in which entrepreneurial knowledge has to be developed. For Cottbus, the easternmost of the German cities with over 100,000 inhabitants and a centre of brown coal mining and energy production, a study of business services, their origin and linkages was undertaken in 1992. It shows that West German control is strong but not all‐encompassing. The small business service offices in the city, however, work predominantly for small and medium‐sized companies in the region and are not engaged by the surviving large economic units controlled by Treuhand or West German and West European enterprises. The massive degree of external control, which characterizes most sectors in East Germany now, limits the market for regional business service establishments.
DEFINING AND EXAMINING RURAL DIVERSIFICATION: A FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS
Authors: KELLY CATHERINE E. , ILBERY BRIAN W.
Published: March 2008

Rural change in developed market economies is no longer strictly synonymous only with agricultural restructuring. In the current economic climate, many rural areas may be seen to consist of a number of different competing factions, comprising traditional agricultural, ‘new’ agricultural and non‐agricultural interests. In the past, geographers have tended to study farm diversification and rural industrialization as separate, isolated fields of research. Whilst these foci are of merit, a more holistic conceptualization of rural change is now required. This paper defines the concept of ‘rural diversification’ and offers an agency‐structure conceptualization as a framework for analysis. It is suggested that such structured conceptualization is required for a more informed understanding of the process of rural change in the United Kingdom.
TOURISM REGIONS AND SPACES IN A CHANGING SOCIAL FRAMEWORK
Authors: WILLIAMS ALLAN M. , MONTANARI ARMANDO
Published: March 2008

There has been a neglect of tourism issues in the literature on economic and social restructuring in Europe. To some extent this is being addressed by the RURETOUR project which is linked to the European Science Foundation's RURE project. This special theme issue presents several articles, drawn from different methodological backgrounds, which illuminate the themes of tourism and restructuring of the European space. This introduction sets these articles in the context of some of the wider issues relating to the role of tourism in the economy, space and culture of Western Europe.
TOWARDS A HISTORY OF TOURISM: NAPLES AND SORRENTO (XIX CENTURY)
Authors: DAWES BARBARA , D'ELIA COSTANZA
Published: March 2008

Both geographical and historical perspectives are necessary to analyze the phenomenon of tourism. This is illustrated by a review of pre modern tourism, and the fascination for ‘the South’, the most explicit expression of what was the Grand Tour. However, a case study of Naples and Sorrento reveals that the Grand Tour changed in its social construction over time, with important implications for the types of visitors attracted, their activity patterns and, consequently, intra‐regional distributions of tourism.
TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT‐LIMITATIONS AND CONTRADICTIONS IN THE EC's MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Authors: MONTANARI ARMANDO
Published: March 2008

This article charts growing concern in the EC at the environmental pressures generated by the expansion of tourism. The ability to develop an appropriate policy response is, however, constrained by a neglect, until recently, of tourism issues by both academics and policy makers. The pressures are particularly intense in the Mediterranean region, as is exemplified by a case study of Italy. Despite the public debate on the need to consider the environmental implications of tourism, a commune level analysis shows that the industry has become increasingly spatially polarized in recent years. While this has led to the demand for ‘green’ or ‘sustainable’ tourism alternatives, it is clear that the literature still does not provide clear guidance on this. However, predicted increases in the volume and intensity of Mediterranean tourism make it essential that appropriate tourism policies are designed for the region.
TOURISM AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: POLARIZATION AND NEW FORMS OF PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Authors: WILLIAMS ALLAN M. , SHAW GARETH
Published: March 2008

The role of tourism in uneven regional development is under‐researched. This article considers three conceptual issues ‐ spatial and temporal polarization, and restructuring ‐ which have important implications for uneven regional development. These are then investigated empirically in a case study of the UK, using indicators of tourism demand and of employment. One of the principal findings is that the restructuring and the internationalization of demand have led to a relative shift in favour of the core regions.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION IN THE CLYDESIDE CONURBATION
Authors: PACIONE MICHAEL
Published: March 2008

Large parts of urban Britain have been adversely affected by global economic restructuring, deindustrialisation and ineffective urban policies. In older industrial areas such as Clydeside the outcome of uneven development is manifested in the poverty and deprivation of disadvantaged residents. This article presents a descriptive analysis of the nature, incidence and intensity of multiple deprivation within the Clydeside conurbation, one of the most socially and economically depressed regions of the United Kingdom. The article first outlines the growth of research into urban deprivation and describes the anatomy of multiple deprivation. The causes of deprivation and value of an area‐based approach are then considered. Following discussion of several key methodological issues, a multivariate empirical analysis is employed using a range of 1991 census indicators to reveal the contemporary geography of multiple deprivation in Clydeside. Finally, these empirical findings inform a number of policy‐relevant conclusions relating to the regional incidence of deprivation

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HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE AND GROWTH OF ADVANCED BUSINESS SERVICES
Authors: KNAAP BERT VAN DER , SMITS GERT‐JAN
Published: March 2008

As in most advanced economies, in Hong Kong the services sector has become the most important economic activity. Since the Second World War Hong Kong has restructured itself twice: first from an entrepot harbour to a full‐fledged industrial economy, and second from an industrial economy to a service economy. The emphasis in this article is on this second change in the Hong Kong economy, notably on the advanced business services and its developments. Hong Kong's dual economy is based on its traditional harbour and emerging new services activities. At present, the services sector, and specifically the advanced business services therein, has become Hong Kong's fastest growing industry.
THE SECOND CLOSING OF THE FRONTIER: AN END TO OPEN‐ACCESS REGIMES
Authors: FEITELSON ERAN
Published: March 2008

This article argues that as land becomes scarce and rents rise the period of unfettered exploitation of frontier regions, and their use for siting major noxious facilities, is drawing to a close. The factors leading to the formation of local‐national coalitions that successfully oppose environmentally deleterious initiatives of both capital and the state are described for the Israeli case. A number of recent cases where such coalitions managed to block development initiatives in Israel's remote periphery are briefly reviewed to illustrate this process. It is suggested that the Israeli case is but one point in a global trend. Thus, it seems that the availability of sites for noxious facilities is decreasing also on a global scale. Several planning and policy implications of this change are advanced.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN THE UK
Authors: THOMAS HUW , IMRIE ROB
Published: March 2008

This article discusses the changing nature of British urban policy in the context of upheavals in the system of local governance and their implications for urban regimes. It does this through an evaluation of urban development corporations, a policy initiative in which are embedded many of the principles of an emerging system of local governance. In particular it poses two questions: to what extent do the contours of a new local governance system overshadow the more traditional system; and to what extent does the experience of UDCs suggest possibilities for local variations in and local political ‘capture’ of central government policy initiatives, specifically through the integration of UDCs into local urban regimes?
PUBLIC PARKS AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF FEAR
Authors: MADGE CLARE
Published: March 2008

This article investigates the geography of fear surrounding the use of public parks in Leicester city, Britain. Fear was a major deterrent limiting the use of parks, especially for women, the elderly and Asian and African‐Caribbean people. Certain fears were particularly important for specific groups: women were particularly fearful of sexual attack, the elderly of mugging and Asian and African‐Caribbean people of racial attack. Women and African‐Caribbean people were most liable to alter their behaviour as a result of their fears. The spatial outcomes of fear thus both reflect and reinforce social injustice based on gender and race inequality. As parks are becoming important foci of new environmental strategies for cities it is essential that local government is aware of the spatial consequences of the socially differentiated geography of fear, if all members of the community are to be encouraged to increase their participation in public parks.
DIMENSIONS OF CHANGE IN WHITE SOUTH AFRICAN EDVCATION, 1990–1992
Authors: HORN ANDRÉ C. , HENNING STEPHNE
Published: March 2008

Changes introduced in white schools in South Africa in September 1990 after decades of authoritarian, racially segregated and unequal education had the potential to start a process of fundamental educational reform. Diffusion of the innovation started in the southwestern coastal areas of South Africa and spread along the south and eastern coasts before turning inland to the deep interior. The diffusion had a hierarchical spatial spread based on the sizes of settlements. Socially, it was influenced by language, political ethos, population density and perceived racial distances. Although considered to be short‐sighted, self‐serving adaptive measures, these changes have resituated white education in a position where its socio‐economic exclusiveness is now defined in terms of class rather man race.