bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognosis of cystic fibrosis in the Western Cape region of South Africa
Authors: WESTWOOD ATR
Published: March 2008

Objective: To study the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) in South Africa.

Methodology: Retrospective chart review of 102 children with CF over 20 years.

Results: Survival at 18 years was 54% (95% confidence intervals 30–79). Prognosis was not influenced by gender or genotype but survival was noted to be worse for Cape Coloured children than for European children. This appeared mainly to be due to the death of eight Cape Coloured infants, four of whom presented with oedema and anaemia, mimicking kwashiorkor. Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred earlier in Cape Coloured children than European children (median, 1 vs 4 years) and they had a worse 5‐year survival (56 vs 89%, P< 0.05) after infection. Of the 40 children born in the second decade studied, six Coloured and no European children died.

Conclusions: Ethnic differences in prognosis exist for children with CF in South Africa and are probably related to underrecognition of CF and the socio‐economic status of some patients.
Safe feeding practices for infants and young children
Authors: BYARD RW , GALLARD V. , JOHNSON A. , BARBOUR J. , BONYTHON‐WRIGHT B. , BONYTHON‐WRIGHT D.
Published: March 2008

Objective: To review local and overseas experience of food asphyxia in children and to examine aspects of safe childhood eating practices.

Methodology: Inpatient separation information data for childhood hospital admissions in South Australia were searched for episodes of food‐induced airway obstruction and case records of the Department of Histopathology at the Women's and Children's Hospital were searched for cases of fatal food asphxia.

Results: While other forms of injury to young children appear to be declining in numbers, episodes caused by choking on food have remained relatively constant. The increase in average length of hospital stay (from 2.8 days in 1989‐90 to 5.2 days in 1993‐94) also suggests that the episodes have been more severe. Two fatal cases were also found.

Conclusions: Choking due to food inhalation is a problem with potentially fatal consequences. Young children are particularly at risk as they have immature dentition and control of swallowing, and lack experience of food. Although young children should avoid potentially dangerous foods such as raw carrot sticks and raw apples, certain currently available information packages for parents recommend these foods.
Evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcome in highrisk infants in Australia
Authors: McMICHAEL JE
Published: March 2008

An understanding of the neurodevelopmental outcome of long‐term survivors of neonatal intensive care is essential for the informed management of preterm or high risk infants. This annotation looks at the current status of neonatal follow‐up services in Australasia and highlights problems in the collection and interpretation of data. It suggests that we should work towards achieving a consensus on standard definitions and test regimes and on national data collection.
Familial Cushing's disease with severe weight loss occurring in late childhood
Authors: CAMERON FJ , WARNE GL
Published: March 2008

We describe a rare case of familial Cushing's disease occurring in a 7‐year‐old boy, and 19 years of follow up. Our patient first presented soon after his maternal aunt had been treated for Cushing's disease. The clinical presentation was made complicated by the development of an intercurrent eating disorder resembling anorexia nervosa. This resulted in marked weight loss, and even though serum and urinary cortisol levels were elevated, many of the clinical stigmata of Cushing's disease were absent. Eating disorders are relatively uncommon in boys, and in this case there was an organic cause for the abnormal behaviour. This case shows, furthermore, that even the obesity of Cushing's disease can be overcome by the combination of diet and exercise.
Aetiology and classification of small for gestational age infants
Authors: O'CALLAGHAN MJ , HARVEY JM , TUDEHOPE DI , GRAY PH
Published: March 2008

Objective: To determine important aetiological factors in small gestational age (SGA) infants and the effectiveness of anthropometric indexes in identifying patterns of growth retardation.

Methodology: Eighty‐four SGA infants and 81 controls were enrolled. Maternal biological, lifestyle and psychosocial factors were compared for the total group and the term Caucasian subset. Anthropometric indexes were also examined in relation to growth patterns.

Results: Decreased maternal size, poor weight gain, previous SGA infant and smoking were significantly associated with SGA status. Poor parental education and unemployment was increased in the study group. Mothers of SGA infants, especially the term Caucasian group, had a greater prevalence of hypertension and depressive and stress symptomatology. Ponderal index failed to identify discreet patterns of disproportionate/proportionate growth retardation.

Conclusion: Biological, lifestyle and psychosocial differences remain important aetiological factors of intrauterine growth retardation. Identification of specific patterns of growth retardation by ponderal index remains controversial.
Trends of infant mortality in Hong Kong (1956–90) and evaluation of preventable infant deaths
Authors: WONG SL , YU ITS , WONG T‐W , LLOYD OL
Published: March 2008

Objective: This study describes the time trends for infant mortality in Hong Kong and aims to develop statistical models that can be used to predict changes of infant mortality in places already having low levels of infant mortality.

Methodology: Data on births and deaths of infants in Hong Kong during the years 1956–90 were analysed annually as well as by aggregating the data into seven consecutive quinquennia. To assess the contribution of preventable infant deaths, causes for infant deaths were classified into two broad categories: (i) congenital anomalies; and (ii) preventable diseases. A simple linear regression model was used to analyse the time trend of the mortality rate of the preventable diseases (PIMR) over the seven quinquennia.

Results: During the period 1956–90, the infant mortality rate fell from 60.9 in 1956–5.9 per 1000 in 1990 and the neonatal mortality rate fell from 24.2‐3.8 per 1000. There was no clear time trend observed for infant mortality of congenital anomalies. However, the time trend for PIMR (log scale) was very close to a straight line and simple linear regression modelling showed a R2 of 0.9970.

Conclusion: As the infant mortality rate (IMR) falls to below 30 per 1000, the further rate of decrease becomes less predictable from the regression model of the IMR. By removing the portion of deaths attributable to congenital anomalies, the further decrease in infant mortality became more predictable down to very low levels of IMR.
Developmental language disorders and epilepsy
Authors: PARRY‐FIELDER B , NOLAN TM , COLLINS KJ , STOJCEVSKI Z
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The association of speech and language disorders with epilepsy is well‐known in children with acquired epileptic aphasia, involving such entities as Landau—Kleffner syndrome (LKS), continuous spike wave in slow wave sleep (CSWSS) epilepsy and benign partial epilepsy with centra‐temporal spikes (BPECTS). The possible association between epilepsy and a subgroup of children with developmental dysphasia is reported less frequently. Lack of controlled prospective studies of sleep electroencephalograms (EEG), and the use of medication, in children with developmental dysphasia, may deny appropriate treatment strategies to children with severe developmental speech and language disorders.
Nurse‐controlled analgesia using a patient‐controlled analgesia device: An alternative strategy in the management of severe cancer pain in children
Authors: KANAGASUNDARAM SA , COOPER MG , LANE LJ
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Nurse‐controlled analgesia (NCA) using a patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) device has been described for intensive care and postoperative use. This report describes the effective use of this technique for severe episodic and procedural pain in four children with advanced malignancy and high opioid requirements where conventional parenteral analgesia had been inadequate. Both morphine and fentanyl were used. Average duration of NCA was 6.75 days (range 4–12).
Infants born to narcotic dependent mothers: Physical growth patterns in the first 12 months of life
Authors: VANCE JC , CHANT DC , TUDEHOPE DI , GRAY PH , HAYES AJ
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To describe the physical growth patterns of infants born to narcotic dependent mothers (INDM) over a 12 months period and, if possible, to relate the growth to drug taking patterns during pregnancy.

Methodology: The growth of a cohort of 43 INDM was measured during the first 12 months of life. Weight and length measurements were compared with percentile charts and converted to Z scores. Questionnaire data about drug taking practices, demographic variables and the neonatal period (including withdrawal scores) were obtained.

Results: Twenty‐four (55.8%) of INDM had evidence of neonatal drug withdrawal requiring treatment with phenobarbitone. At birth, Z scores for weight and length indicated relative intrauterine growth retardation. By 12 months, there had been some catch up growth, but Z scores for weight and length were still below zero. Persistent weight retardation at 12 months was correlated with methadone dosage during pregnancy, but not the need for phenobarbitone therapy.

Conclusions: The growth patterns of INDM in the first 12 months of life indicated that at birth there was evidence of intrauterine growth retardation, but by 12 months the growth was little different from the rest of the community. There appears to be some influence of narcotic agents taken while pregnant on subsequent growth of INDM.
Fatal meningoencephalitis due to Bacillus anthracis
Authors: KWONG KL , QUE TL , WONG SN , SO KT
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We report the first case of fatal anthrax meningoencephalitis in Hong Kong over the past 60 years. A 13 year‐old boy presented with right lower quadrant pain, diarrhoea and progressive headache. Lumbar puncture yielded gram positive bacilli initially thought to be Bacillus cereus, a contaminant. He was treated with ampicillin and cefotaxime, but died 3 days after hospitalization. The organism isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid was later identified as Bacillus anthracis.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in diffuse scleroderma: impact on hand structure and function
Authors: Englert H. , Kirkham S. , Moore J. , Poon T. S. , Katelaris C. , McGill N. , Schrieber L. , Manolios N.
Published: March 2008

Background:  The aim of the study was to assess the structural and functional effects of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on scleroderma finger clawing.

Methods:  Using photocopies of hands of five scleroderma patients who underwent ASCT using photocopies of hands. Functional assessments used a standardized questionnaire.

Results:  Pre‐ASCT, synovitis and tenosynovitis were present in five and four patients, respectively. Modified Rodnan hand skin scores ranged from 6–12/12. Following pulsed chemotherapy, synovitis resolved. Tenosynovitis often did not. Post‐ASCT, skin scores fell in four patients (range 0–6/12). Hand tenosynovitis resolved. With disease remission hand function globally improved. Functional improvement, noted early (+3 months) and continuously (+12 months) in disease remitters, occurred in all areas of function. Greatest hand‐functional improvement related to paid employment, followed by self‐care and hygiene, home‐care activities and least by hobbies/sports. The second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width was reproducible and independent of ASCT therapy. In contrast, hand length and measures of abducted finger span (first to fifth fingertip and second to fifth fingertip distance) improved. Finger abduction (abducted first to fifth fingertips/second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width) was a more sensitive discriminator of finger clawing than hand length or hand length/second to fifth metacarpophalangeal width.

Conclusion:  ASCT improved hand scleroderma over 12 months and resolved previously refractory tenosynovitis. ASCT was unnecessary to treat scleroderma synovitis. ASCT secondarily improved hand function (paid employment, followed by self‐care, home care, then by sport/hobbies). Loss of finger abduction was a more sensitive measure of finger clawing than apparent loss of hand length.
Neuronal correlates of perceptual stability during eye movements
Authors: Dicke Peter W. , Chakraborty Subhojit , Thier Peter
Published: March 2008

We are usually unaware of retinal image motion resulting from our own movement. For instance, during slow‐tracking eye movements the world around us remains perceptually stable despite the retinal image slip induced by the eye movement. It is commonly held that this example of perceptual invariance is achieved by subtracting an internal reference signal, reflecting the eye movement, from the retinal motion signal. If the two cancel each other, visual objects, which do not move, will also be perceived as non‐moving. If, however, the reference signal is too small or too large, a false eye movement‐induced motion of the external world, the Filehne illusion, will be perceived. We have exploited our ability to manipulate the size of the reference signal in an attempt to identify neurons in the visual cortex of monkeys, influenced by the percept of self‐induced visual motion or the reference signal rather than the retinal motion signal. We report here that such ‘percept‐related’ neurons can already be found in the primary visual cortex area, although few in numbers. They become more frequent in areas middle temporal and medial superior temporal in the superior temporal sulcus, and comprise almost 50% of all neurons in area visual posterior sylvian (VPS) in the posterior part of the lateral sulcus. In summary, our findings suggest that our ability to perceive a visual world, which is stable despite self‐motion, is based on a neuronal network, which culminates in the VPS located in the lateral sulcus below the classical dorsal stream of visual processing.
CXCR4 receptors in the dorsal medulla: implications for autonomic dysfunction
Authors: Hermann Gerlinda E. , Van Meter Montina J. , Rogers Richard C.
Published: March 2008

The chemokine receptor, CXCR4, plays an essential role in guiding neural development of the CNS. Its natural agonist, CXCL12 [or stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1)], normally is derived from stromal cells, but is also produced by damaged and virus‐infected neurons and glia. Pathologically, this receptor is critical to the proliferation of the HIV virus and initiation of metastatic cell growth in the brain. Anorexia, nausea and failed autonomic regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) function cause morbidity and contribute to the mortality associated with these disease states. Our previous work on the peripheral cytokine, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, demonstrated that similar morbidity factors involving GI dysfunction are attributable to agonist action on neural circuit elements of the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the hindbrain. The DVC includes vagal afferent terminations in the solitary nucleus, neurons in the solitary nucleus (NST) and area postrema, and visceral efferent motor neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) that are responsible for the neural regulation of digestive functions from the oral cavity to the transverse colon. Immunohistochemical techniques demonstrate a dense concentration of CXCR4 receptors on neurons throughout the DVC and the hypoglossal nucleus. CXCR4‐immunoreactivity is also intense on microglia within the DVC, though not on the astrocytes. Physiological studies show that nanoinjection of SDF‐1 into the DVC produces a significant reduction in gastric motility in parallel with an elevation in the numbers of cFOS‐activated neurons in the NST and DMN. These results suggest that this chemokine receptor may contribute to autonomically mediated pathophysiological events associated with CNS metastasis and infection.
Enhancement of long‐range EEG coherence by synchronous bifocal transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Plewnia Christian , Rilk Albrecht J. , Soekadar Surjo R. , Arfeller Carola , Huber Heiko S. , Sauseng Paul , Hummel Friedhelm , Gerloff Christian
Published: March 2008

Interregional coupling of distant brain regions can be measured by electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence reflecting the spatial–temporal correlation between two oscillatory signals. It has been suggested that this coherence in activity is a signature of functional integration of multimodal neuronal networks. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a well‐established technique for non‐invasive cortical stimulation. Its modulating effects outlast the train of stimulation and affect behavior. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that cortico‐cortical coherence between distant brain areas can be selectively enhanced by synchronous bifocal rTMS. Cortico‐cortical coherence was assessed in 16 healthy human subjects before and after three trains of synchronous high‐frequency (10 Hz) rTMS to the left primary motor cortex and the visual cortex at the occipital pole simultaneously. Stimulation of the left M1 alone served as the control condition. Coherence and spectral power were measured between these areas on the stimulated and the homologue contralateral side. Synchronous bifocal rTMS induced an increase of interregional coupling in the alpha and lower beta band on the stimulated side without effects on spectral power. These data indicate that synchronous bifocal rTMS is a feasible technique for selective modulation of interregional EEG coherence. Furthermore, they raise the hypothesis that interventional enhancement of long‐range coherence may effectively modulate interregional integration with behavioral consequences.
Robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: a matched‐pair comparison from a high‐volume centre
Authors: Aron Monish , Koenig Phillipe , Kaouk Jihad H. , Nguyen Mike M. , Desai Mihir M. , Gill Inderbir S.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relative merits of robotically assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN), using a matched‐pair analysis, with laparoscopic PN (LPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2006 and August 2007, 12 patients had RPN for tumour; the outcomes were compared retrospectively with 12 matched patients who had LPN. Patients were matched for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumour side, size and location, and the specific technique used (early vs conventional unclamping). Operative measures evaluated included operative time, estimated blood loss, warm ischaemia time (WIT), and number of ports used. Outcomes measured included serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate before and after surgery, length of hospital stay, transfusion rate, operative and 30‐day complication rate, and surgical margin status.

RESULTS

Overall there were no differences in perioperative variables (WIT, estimated blood loss, surgery time, length of stay) between the groups. Fewer ports were used during LPN. Renal functional outcomes, transfusion rate and complication rates were comparable. Two RPN cases required conversion to standard LPN. A subset analysis of six patients in each group who had early unclamping showed a 7‐min shorter WIT with LPN (14 vs 21 min, P = 0.05), despite larger tumours being treated with LPN (3 vs 2.4 cm, P < 0.01) in this subset.

CONCLUSIONS

RPN is a developing procedure, and is technically feasible and safe, albeit with a longer warm WIT than LPN. Further experience is necessary to determine the relative merits of RPN.
Grid origin affects scaling of species across spatial scales
Authors: Witte Jan‐Philip M. , He Fangliang , Groen Cees L.G.
Published: March 2008

Aim  Distribution maps of species based on a grid are useful for investigating relationships between scale and the number or area of occupied grid cells. A species is scaled up simply by merging occupied grid cells on the observation grid to successively coarser cells. Scale–occupancy relationships (SORs) obtained in this way can be used to extrapolate species down, in other words to compute occupancies at finer scales than the observation scale. In this paper we demonstrate that the SOR is not unique but depends on where one positions the origin of the grid map.

Innovation  The effect of grid origin on SORs was explored with the aid of the Dutch national data base FLORBASE, which contains the observation records of all 1410 wild vascular plants in the Netherlands on a 1‐km square basis. For each species, we generated 2500 unique SORs by scaling up from 1 km, in steps of 1 km, to squares of 50 km. We computed the sensitivity of the SOR to the grid origin for each species, and subsequently analysed the factors that determined this sensitivity. The effect of grid origin on downscaling was demonstrated by means of a simple power function that we used to extrapolate down from both a 2‐km and a 5‐km grid, to the original 1‐km grid.

It appeared that the position of grid origin could have a substantial effect on SORs. The sensitivity of SORs to the position of the grid origin depended on three characteristics of a species’ spatial distribution: rarity, degree of spatial clustering and the position of the distribution relative to the border of the investigated area. Rare species with a clustered distribution near the border were particularly highly sensitive. The dependence of SOR on grid origin caused unpredictable and non‐random errors in downscaled occupancies.

Main conclusions  In future, the whole bandwidth of scaled occupancies should be considered when testing and interpreting mathematical relationships between scale and occupancy. Moreover, downscaled occupancies should be interpreted cautiously.
PRODUCTIVITY AND STRUCTURAL CHANGE: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Krüger Jens J.
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper is a survey of the existing research on structural change at various levels of aggregation with a special focus on the relation to productivity and technological change. The exposition covers the research concerning the development of the three main sectors of the private economy, multisector growth models and recent evolutionary theories of structural change. Empirical studies of the reallocation of market or sector shares as a result of differential productivity developments are also discussed. The synthesis emphasizes the crucial interaction of supply‐ and demand‐side forces in shaping structural change.
Children's working understanding of the knowledge gained from seeing and feeling
Authors: Robinson E.J. , Haigh S.N. , Pendle J.E.C.
Published: March 2008

In three experiments (N = 48 3‐ to 4‐year olds; 100 3‐ to 5‐year olds; 54 4‐year‐olds), children who could see or feel a target toy, recognized when they had sufficient information to answer ‘Which one is it?’ and when they needed additional access. They were weaker at taking the informative modality of access when the choice was between seeing more of a partially visible toy and feeling it; at doing so when the target was completely hidden; and at reporting seeing or feeling as their source of knowledge of the target's identity having experienced both. Working understanding of the knowledge gained from seeing and feeling (identifying the target efficiently) was not necessarily in advance of explicit understanding (reporting the informative source).
“Words with Power” for Social Transformation: An Anatomy of Biblical Criticism for Theological Education
Authors: Walker‐Jones Arthur
Published: March 2008

Abstract.  The proliferation of methods of literary criticism in biblical studies raises the question of how to introduce students to the field. This article argues that the work of Northrop Frye is useful for teaching the existential meaning and social impact of the Bible. The first section introduces relevant aspects of Frye's literary theory. The second presents the author's teaching as a case study. The third section concludes with implications for a philosophy of theological education.
“Immunity‐to‐Change Language Technology”: An Educational Tool for Pastoral Leadership Education
Authors: Ste‐Marie Lorraine
Published: March 2008

Abstract.  One of the primary aims of pastoral leadership education is to offer reflective processes that enable learners to surface, critique, and construct different epistemological conceptions of reality leading to more effective pastoral practice. In many pastoral leadership education programs, this type of intentional reflection usually takes place in a mentoring or supervisory relationship as well as in a reflective seminar. In this essay, I describe how I have used the “immunity‐to‐change language technology” as one type of reflective process for intentional reflection and transformational learning in pastoral leadership education. The results of my research and ongoing use of this educational tool indicate that it can be valuable for enabling change by helping learners expand their pastoral leadership capacities and become more effective in their practice. Given my findings, I conclude that this educational tool could be of interest to other educators who are seeking to broaden their own repertoire of approaches to transformational learning. A version of this research appears in a forthcoming book by the same author, published by Novalis, in Fall 2008.
WHETHER SPIES TOO CAN BE SAVED
Authors: Cole Darrell
Published: March 2008

Spies, like soldiers, do a job and employ tactics that need justifying. I offer an argument for how Christian ethics may handle the moral problems of spying and do so by looking at the morally troubling tactics used by spies through the eyes of those who played an important role in shaping Christian theology and philosophy and have become normative in Christian moral thinking on the use of force. I argue that spying may be justifiable when we conceive the profession as a kind of use of force that is governed by the just war criteria. Spying is a particular kind of use of force that takes its moral character from those who authorize it, with what justification, to what ends, and with what methods. Particular attention is given to the tactics of disregarding the rules of war, the telling and living of lies, running covert operations, and assassinating military and political leaders.
CONTEMPORARY MUFTIS BETWEEN BIOETHICS AND SOCIAL REALITY
Authors: Rispler‐Chaim Vardit
Published: March 2008

Selecting the sex of a fetus has been a desire of parents in many different cultures. Modern Muslim religious scholars have identified advantages and disadvantages of this practice, permitting it in certain cases while forbidding it in others. In general, they do not appear to desire that selection of sex become a common practice, yet they are willing to allow it for personal reasons. This case‐by‐case approach exemplifies a key aspect of Muslim ethical discourse. After an overview of justifications for fetal sex selection in different cultures, I turn to a discussion of authoritative Islamic sources. I then analyze the reasoning of several modern authorities who deal with the issue. In the absence of a clear religious text on the subject, scholars seem inclined to legitimize sex selection, and in so doing they appear strongly influenced by social attitudes.
AN ISLAMIC APPRAISAL OF MINDING THE GAP
Authors: Khan Faiz
Published: March 2008

The neglect of psycho‐spiritual needs of patients as they traverse the modern healthcare system has been a featured theme in medical literature over the past decade. This literature, which often highlights in‐patient palliative care, as well as acute and critical care settings, influences practice guidelines and protocols of doctors and nurses. In this essay, I review some of the pertinent issues raised in the literature and examine the validity of placing an ethical perspective on this issue. I also compare Islamic theocentric perspectives with secular, non‐theistic perspectives on restoring psycho‐spiritual care for patients. I then develop a framework for pastoral intervention based on aspects of the Islamic tradition and elaborate this framework by addressing clinical contexts and cases. The essay is an exposition based upon a review of the modern medical literature, an analysis of some of the traditional Islamic written sources, and the observations of the investigator, a practicing physician and an American Muslim.
SACRED LAW RECONSIDERED
Authors: Sing Manfred
Published: March 2008

People everywhere search for answers by using the resources of their traditions. They wish to do so in a legitimate way, and so they consult official institutions, specialists, and skilled individuals for their opinions; regardless of religious or cultural contexts, the common aim of these experts is to produce security, unity, and trust. Therefore, the norm‐finding processes in Islamic and Western contexts share fundamental similarities: the problem of finding a final ground for judgment, the strategies of constructing coherence and of organizing consensus, and the difficulties of obtaining legitimacy. What makes one debate “Islamic” and the other one “Western” is the different semantic materials, the different authorities, the different languages, and the different juridical frameworks. In my comparison of Muslim and Western discourses and practices, I conclude that Muslim and non‐Muslim scholars tend to overemphasize the uniqueness of Muslim legal and practical responses to bioethical challenges, because they restrict their purview to legal opinions, ignoring larger dynamics of legitimization.
Were Modern Capital Structure Theories Valid in Belgium Before World War I?
Authors: Deloof Marc , Van Overfelt Wouter
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  This study investigates whether modern theories can explain capital structure in a historical environment which was characterized by poor investor protection, booming stock markets and strong banks, and in which taxes did not affect leverage. Our results, based on a unique, hand‐collected sample of 556 firm‐year observations for 129 listed companies in Belgium before World War I, are remarkably similar to findings for present‐day samples. Leverage was positively related to asset tangibility, firm size and firm age, and it was negatively related to profitability and prior stock returns. Bank relationships were associated with lower leverage.
Identification and characterization of a Drosophila ortholog of WRN exonuclease that is required to maintain genome integrity
Authors: Saunders Robert D. C. , Boubriak Ivan , Clancy David J. , Cox Lynne S.
Published: March 2008

The premature human aging Werner syndrome (WS) is caused by mutation of the RecQ‐family WRN helicase, which is unique in possessing also 3′–5′ exonuclease activity. WS patients show significant genomic instability with elevated cancer incidence. WRN is implicated in restraining illegitimate recombination, especially during DNA replication. Here we identify a Drosophila ortholog of the WRN exonuclease encoded by the CG7670 locus. The predicted DmWRNexo protein shows conservation of structural motifs and key catalytic residues with human WRN exonuclease, but entirely lacks a helicase domain. Insertion of a piggyBac element into the 5′ UTR of CG7670 severely reduces gene expression. DmWRNexo mutant flies homozygous for this insertional allele of CG7670 are thus severely hypomorphic; although adults show no gross morphological abnormalities, females are sterile. Like human WS cells, we show that the DmWRNexo mutant flies are hypersensitive to the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin. Furthermore, these mutant flies show highly elevated rates of mitotic DNA recombination resulting from excessive reciprocal exchange. This study identifies a novel WRN ortholog in flies and demonstrates an important role for WRN exonuclease in maintaining genome stability.
Reflections on use of participatory research for disaster risk reduction
Authors: Mercer Jessica , Kelman Ilan , Lloyd Kate , Suchet‐Pearson Sandie
Published: March 2008

Participatory research approaches are increasingly popular with academic researchers and development organisations working to facilitate change in collaboration with local communities. This paper contributes to recent debates over the use of participatory approaches by examining the use of participatory research within disaster risk reduction. Drawing on research in Papua New Guinea in which participatory techniques were used with indigenous communities to determine strategies for dealing with environmental hazards, the value of such techniques is critiqued. Finally the significance of participatory research as a research methodology is discussed as is its possible contribution to disaster risk reduction policy.
Poverty, migration and sex work: youth transitions in Ethiopia
Authors: Van Blerk Lorraine
Published: March 2008

Despite an emerging body of work on youth transitions, research has yet to explore the often unconventional routes to adulthood for young people marginalised through poverty. By drawing on interviews with 60 young commercial sex workers in Ethiopia, this paper explores the connections between poverty, migration and sex work and demonstrates that sex work provides a risky alternative, but often successful, path to independence for some rural–urban migrants. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for policies that seek to support young sex workers by enabling them to maintain their independence while seeking different employment.
Imag(in)ing ‘homeless places’: using auto‐photography to (re)examine the geographies of homelessness
Authors: Johnsen Sarah , May Jon , Cloke Paul
Published: March 2008

Despite its growing popularity as a method across the social sciences, the methodological literature on auto‐photography is remarkably sparse. In an effort to begin redressing this gap, this paper provides an account of the ways in which auto‐photography was used to complement other research methods in a (re)examination of the geographies of homelessness. It describes how auto‐photography illuminated ‘hidden’ spaces that do not typically feature in public (or academic) imaginations of homelessness, and provided more nuanced understandings of the use, meanings and dynamics associated with other, apparently already ‘known’ spaces. It concludes that whilst auto‐photography presents a number of logistical and ethical challenges – particularly when used with such a vulnerable group – it is nevertheless a powerful heuristic tool.
Member checking in human geography: interpreting divergent understandings of performativity in a student space
Authors: Turner Sarah , Coen Stephanie E
Published: March 2008

In human geography, member checking is now routine practice for upholding rigour in qualitative studies, yet it can result in conflicting opinions regarding research interpretations. Here we reflect upon divergent outcomes from member checking research exploring the nature of student experiences in a specific space of a Canadian university law school. While member checking did not yield acceptance of the initial interpretations by all informants, we argue that rather than invalidating our findings, the very disagreement exposed through member checks added to our analyses in important ways. As such, results refuted by informants should not necessarily be discarded in human geography research.
A survey of pregnant women's attitude towards breech delivery and external cephalic version
Authors: Leung Tak Yeung , Lau Tze Kin , Lo Keith Wing Kit , Rogers Michael S.
Published: March 2008

A structured interview survey was carried out in 150 women who came for their first antenatal visit in a university hospital in Hong Kong between June and July 1998. Their opinions and perceptions of fetal and maternal safeties on different modes of delivery for both cephalic and breech presentation, and external cephalic version (ECV) were surveyed. Their decisions on the management of term breech‐presenting pregnancy were examined. Most women (92%) preferred vaginal delivery to Caesarean delivery (CS) in case of cephalic presentation, mainly because it was a natural way of parturition. They perceived that vaginal delivery was safer than CS for both mothers and babies, but the reverse was true for breech presentation. About 82% chose ECV as the first choice of managing breech presentation, mainly because a successful version allowed a natural way of delivery. Only 2% of women considered ECV ineffective, and 13.3% and 18.7% considered it not safe for mothers and fetuses respectively. Therefore, ECV should be an available option in all obstetric units. Adequate counselling and explanation would improve the acceptance of ECV.
Seroprevalence and assessment of risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy
Authors: Sfameni Salvatore F. , Francis Barbara , Wein Peter
Published: March 2008

Screening for hepatitis B is routinely performed in most antenatal clinics. Whether the same should occur for hepatitis C needs to be assessed for each population by determining the prevalence of this infection within the community and whether any particular high‐risk group can be identified. A series of 2,000 consecutive patients attending for antenatal care at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, was tested for evidence of hepatitis C infection. The prevalence of hepatitis C infection in this group was 1.45% (95% confidence interval 0.97–2.1%). Significant independent risk factors were a history of intravenous drug use, blood transfusion and previous pregnancy ending prior to 20 weeks' gestation. Currently no treatment exists for hepatitis C and as there are no effective means of preventing transmission to the baby, routine screening cannot be justified in view of the low prevalence of this infection among antenatal patients. Selective screening of patients with relevant risk factors for hepatitis C should be carried out as the most efficient and cost‐effective strategy in pregnancy.
Ultrasonic fetal measurements: new Australian standards for the new millennium
Authors: Westerway Susan Campbell , Davison Alastair , Cowell Simon
Published: March 2008

In over 30 years of ultrasound assessment of the fetus, Australian researchers have only produced growth curves for the biparietal diameter (BPD) and occipito‐frontal diameter (OFD) for general use. The overseas curves used for other fetal parameters are up to 25 years old and based on predominantly white middle class sample populations. In the last decade the ethnicity in Australia has changed significantly, putting into question the accuracy of the existing charts. This 3‐year study of 3800 pregnancies has resulted in the production of fetal measurement charts for the BPD, OFD, head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), crown rump length (CRL), femur and humerus lengths. Using over 11600 measurements collected from diverse ethnic, social and economic groups within the Australian population, rigorous statistical analysis was performed. The results showed that statistically significant differences occur between the curves currently in regular use and those for the OFD, HC, AC, CRL and humerus length obtained from our data.
Why is the placenta being ignored?
Authors: Badawi N. , Kurinczuk JJ , Keogh JM , Chambers HM , Stanley FJ
Published: March 2008

The relationship between the frequency of published recommended indications for placental pathological examination and the frequency of requests for such examination in a population‐based study of term newborn encephalopathy was examined. Only 11.2% of placentas among 276 case infants and 0.7% of placentas among 564 term control infants were examined. Using the criteria set out in a consensus statement by the American College of Pathologists, all 276 cases fulfilled multiple maternal, fetal and placental indications for placental examination. Furthermore 43.3% of control infants fulfilled at least one criterion. Of the 25 case placentas that underwent pathological review, 16 were reported as having no diagnostic abnormality. Six cases (24%) showed clinically important findings: four had evidence of infection, one had multiple chorangiomata and one had thrombosis and rupture of the umbilical vein. Of the three remaining placentas, one showed funisitis, one showed minor lymphohistiocytic villitis and one was from monochorionic twins. To our knowledge there are no agreed Australian guidelines for when a placenta should be submitted for pathological examination. We suggest that until guidelines based on properly designed studies are developed it may be appropriate to store all placentas for at least 72 hours. If the infant develops neurological symptoms or requires unexpected admission to a neonatal intensive care unit then placental examination may reveal important aetiological diagnostic and prognostic information.
Cervical pregnancy treated with a single intravenous administration of methotrexate plus oral folinic acid
Authors: Margolis K.
Published: March 2008

Cervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy and at present there is no consensus as to the most appropriate treatment.

A patient with a 6‐week cervical pregnancy was successfully treated with a single intravenous administration of methotrexate and oral folinic acid without any adjuvant therapy. Her recovery was uncomplicated. She subsequently conceived and was delivered by Caesarean section of a live healthy male baby.

The efficacy of the described regimen in the management of a cervical pregnancy requires further assessment.

This modality of treatment does not appear to adversely affect fertility and future pregnancies.
Evaluating Biodiversity Conservation around a Large Sumatran Protected Area
Authors: LINKIE MATTHEW , SMITH ROBERT J. , ZHU YU , MARTYR DEBORAH J. , SUEDMEYER BETH , PRAMONO JOKO , LEADER‐WILLIAMS NIGEL
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Many of the large, donor‐funded community‐based conservation projects that seek to reduce biodiversity loss in the tropics have been unsuccessful. There is, therefore, a need for empirical evaluations to identify the driving factors and to provide evidence that supports the development of context‐specific conservation projects. We used a quantitative approach to measure, post hoc, the effectiveness of a US$19 million Integrated Conservation and Development Project (ICDP) that sought to reduce biodiversity loss through the development of villages bordering Kerinci Seblat National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. We focused on the success of the ICDP component that disbursed a total of US$1.5 million through development grants to 66 villages in return for their commitment to stop illegally clearing the forest. To investigate whether the ICDP lowered deforestation rates in focal villages, we selected a subset of non‐ICDP villages that had similar physical and socioeconomic features and compared their respective deforestation rates. Village participation in the ICDP and its development schemes had no effect on deforestation. Instead, accessible areas where village land‐tenure had been undermined by the designation of selective‐logging concessions tended to have the highest deforestation rates. Our results indicate that the goal of the ICDP was not met and, furthermore, suggest that both law enforcement inside the park and local property rights outside the park need to be strengthened. Our results also emphasize the importance of quantitative approaches in helping to inform successful and cost‐effective strategies for tropical biodiversity conservation.
Tamarix as Habitat for Birds: Implications for Riparian Restoration in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Sogge Mark K. , Sferra Susan J. , Paxton Eben H.
Published: March 2008

Exotic vegetation has become a major habitat component in many ecosystems around the world, sometimes dramatically changing the vegetation community structure and composition. In the southwestern United States, riparian ecosystems are undergoing major changes in part due to the establishment and spread of the exotic Tamarix (saltcedar, tamarisk). There are concerns about the suitability of Tamarix as habitat for birds. Although Tamarix habitats tend to support fewer species and individuals than native habitats, Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas data and Birds of North America accounts show that 49 species use Tamarix as breeding habitat. Importantly, the relative use of Tamarix and its quality as habitat vary substantially by geographic location and bird species. Few studies have examined how breeding in Tamarix actually affects bird survivorship and productivity; recent research on Southwestern Willow Flycatchers has found no negative effects from breeding in Tamarix habitats. Therefore, the ecological benefits and costs of Tamarix control are difficult to predict and are likely to be species specific and site specific. Given the likelihood that high‐quality native riparian vegetation will not develop at all Tamarix control sites, restoration projects that remove Tamarix but do not assure replacement by high‐quality native habitat have the potential to reduce the net riparian habitat value for some local or regional bird populations. Therefore, an assessment of potential negative impacts is important in deciding if exotic control should be conducted. In addition, measurable project objectives, appropriate control and restoration techniques, and robust monitoring are all critical to effective restoration planning and execution.
Morphological Characterization and Intraspecific Variation of Zoothamnium intermedium Precht, 1935 (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) Attached to Calanoid Copepods in the Chesapeake Bay, USA
Authors: UTZ LAURA R. P. , COATS D. WAYNE , SMALL EUGENE B.
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT. A redescription of Zoothamnium intermedium Precht, 1935, a peritrich epibiont on copepods, is provided using specimens colonizing Acartia tonsa and Eurytemora affinis in Chesapeake Bay, USA. Bell‐shaped zooids of Z. intermedium ranged in size from 31.2–54.7 μm × 16.7–31.3 μm in vivo. A single contractile vacuole and a “C shaped” macronucleus lie in the upper half of the body. Colonies had up to 30 zooids, but most presented two to four zooids. The single myoneme was continuous from the zooids through the lateral branches and basal stalk, terminating 4–73.2 mm before the attachment point of the colony. The ciliature of Z. intermedium was typical of sessile peritrichs, consisting of an outer haplokinety and an inner polykinety 1 (PK1) that made ∼ turns around the peristomial disk before entering the infundibulum. Within the infundibulum, PK 1 was accompanied by polykinetid 2 (PK2) and polykinetid 3 (PK3), each consisting of three kinetosomal rows: PK2 of Z. intermedium terminated adoral to the aboral end of PK1 and had a central row of kinetosomes shorter than the lateral rows. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an annular pattern of pellicular ridges with pellicular pores. Morphological features used in peritrich species identification are quantified for specimens attached to both hosts and compared with other species of Zoothamnium. Statistically significant differences found between specimens attached to A. tonsa and E. affinis may reflect phenotypic plasticity rather than infestation by multiple species of Zoothamnium.