bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current use of the artificial urinary sphincter and its long‐term durability: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Takei Mineo , Nonomura Katsuya , Baba Shiro , Habuchi Tomonori , Matsuda Tadashi , Takahashi Satoru , Igawa Mikio , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Haruo
Published: December 2008

Objectives:  Although the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for severe urinary incontinence, little is known about its use in Japan. A nationwide survey was done to determine contemporary trends in AUS use and its long‐term durability.

Methods:  Data on AUS units sold in Japan were provided directly by Takai Hospital Supply Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, and a survey form was sent to all 44 institutes where AUS implantation had been carried out. The survey included various demographic and preoperative variables, surgical variables, and postoperative outcomes.

Results:  Between 1994 and 2007, a total of 100 AUS devices had been provided in Japan. Of the 44 institutes, 24 responded to the survey, and a total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study. Post‐urological surgery incontinence accounted for 81.3% of the indications. During the mean follow‐up of 50 months, mechanical failure occurred in four (6.2%), and the device was removed in 13 (20.3%) due to infection (14.0%), erosion (4.7%), or urination difficulty (1.5%). Of the 58 patients evaluated, 91.4% reported social continence. Five‐ and 10‐year failure‐free rates were 74.8% and 70.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, operative time was an independent predictor of treatment failure (P = 0.0334).

Conclusions:  Considering recent trends in prostate surgery, the AUS may be significantly underused in Japan. Although excellent long‐term durability has been achieved, a learning effect appears to be evident. The Japanese urological community needs to provide appropriate patients with this treatment option.
Incidence of inguinal hernia after prostate surgery: Open radical retropubic prostatectomy versus open simple prostatectomy versus transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Sekita Nobuyuki , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Kamijima Shuichi , Chin Kensei , Fujimura Masaaki , Mikami Kazuo , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: December 2008

Our objective was to determine the incidence of inguinal hernia (IH) after surgery for prostatic diseases. Medical records of 395 patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP; n = 155), open simple prostatectomy (OP; n = 35), or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP; n = 205) at the Chibaken Saiseikai Narashino Hospital from April 2000 to March 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. The incidence of IH was 23.9% in the RRP group, 18.9% in the OP group, and 2% in the TURP group. Overall, 91.9% in the RRP and 83.3% in the OP group developed an IH within 2 years postoperatively. The laterality of IH after open surgery was mainly on the right side. Subclinical IH were seen in 25% of RRP cases. The existence of subclinical IH was the only significant risk factor for postoperative IH in this analysis. Furthermore, OP and RRP procedures significantly increased the risk of postoperative IH compared with TURP. The hernia‐free ratios were significantly lower after RRP and OP than after TURP (vs RRP: P < 0.001; vs OP: P < 0.001). Our findings confirm that a lower abdominal incision itself is associated with postoperative IH in patients undergoing prostate surgery. Attention must be paid to pre‐existing subclinical IH through careful preoperative assessment. Patients should be followed for more than 2 years due to the high incidence of postoperative IH.
Scleral wrap increases the long‐term complication risk of bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants
Authors: Toh Tze'Yo , Bevin Tui H , Molteno Anthony CB
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background:  This study was prompted by previous findings that suggested that scleral wrapping increased the rate of complications following insertion of bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants and compared the long‐term results of implants inserted with and without scleral wraps.

Methods:  This retrospective case series reviewed the long‐term outcomes of 159 patients who had undergone enucleation with insertion of a bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implant at Dunedin Hospital between 1977 and 2006. Implants were inserted with and without scleral wraps in 85 and 74 cases, respectively. Follow up was 0.5–27.5 years (mean 8.2 years) for the whole series and 9.7 years for the sclera group and 6.7 years for the group without sclera. Patient details were obtained from theatre records, case note review, patient interview and examination, interview of patient relatives and family general practitioner records. The main outcome measures were the rates of minor or major complications and their treatments and outcomes.

Results:  Twenty‐seven cases (17%) suffered minor complications of limited implant exposure that either healed spontaneously, with implant drilling or wound resuturing and 11 cases (7%) suffered major complications requiring explantation. Of 38 patients with postoperative complications, 31 (82%) had scleral wraps compared with 7 (18%) without sclera (P < 0.001; OR 5.14, 95% CI 2.00–14.78).

Conclusion:  Bone‐derived hydroxyapatite orbital implants inserted without scleral wrap were associated with better clinical outcomes and a lower rate of long‐term complications. It is therefore recommended that these implants be inserted without a scleral wrap.
Conjunctival melanoma and melanosis: a reappraisal of terminology, classification and staging
Authors: Damato Bertil , Coupland Sarah E
Published: December 2008

Abstract

This paper aims to stimulate debate on the terminology, classification, grading and staging of conjunctival melanosis and melanoma. We audited our results with 76 invasive conjunctival melanomas. Staging according to the sixth edition of the Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) system did not correlate well with tumour extent and outcome. Approximately 50% of invasive melanomas were associated with ‘primary acquired melanosis with atypia’, a term which in our opinion underestimates the gravity of this disease. We also found deficiencies in the grading, terminology and classification of conjunctival melanocytic abnormalities. In summary, we suggest that the term ‘primary acquired melanosis’ be reserved for clinical diagnosis. Histologically, this abnormality can be categorized more precisely as either ‘hypermelanosis’ or ‘conjunctival melanocytic intraepithelial neoplasia (C‐MIN)’. ‘Primary acquired melanosis without atypia’ can be termed more accurately as ‘C‐MIN without atypia’. In view of the high risk of invasive melanoma, we suggest that ‘primary acquired melanosis with atypia’ be termed ‘C‐MIN’ with atypia, with the more severe changes regarded as melanoma in situ. To improve objectivity in the reporting of C‐MIN, we propose a scoring system based on horizontal and vertical spread and degree of severity of melanocytic atypia. We suggest that the TNM staging system for conjunctival melanoma be revised to: (i) include a Tis stage; (ii) take account of tumour size, quadrant and caruncular involvement; and (iii) improve staging of any local invasion beyond conjunctiva.
Horizontal skin wound closure in full thickness eyelid excision
Authors: Rosser Paul , McCormick Austin
Published: December 2008

Abstract

The direct closure of full thickness lid margin defects is well described. The most popular method of closing this defect is to convert it to a pentagon by excising a triangle of skin and muscle below. The resultant scar is perpendicular to relaxed skin tension lines and may be cosmetically obvious. An alternative technique is presented whereby a horizontal subciliary incision is extended either side of the defect. After undermining and minimal excision the skin is closed leaving a horizontal linear subciliary scar, parallel to relaxed skin tension lines.
Penetration of 1% voriconazole eye drops into human vitreous humour: a prospective, open‐label study
Authors: Lau David , Leung Lok , Ferdinands Mervyn , Allen Penelope J , Fullinfaw Robert O , Davies Geoffrey E , Kong David CM
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Purpose:  Although there have been reports describing the use of 1% voriconazole eye drops in the treatment of fungal infections, little is known about the penetration of voriconazole eye drops into the vitreous humour. The aim of this study was to elucidate if topical application of 1% voriconazole eye drops could reach therapeutic levels in the vitreous humour.

Methods:  A prospective, open‐label trial involving 10 participants selected from patients scheduled to undergo elective, posterior segment surgery. Participants received 1% voriconazole solution, preserved with 0.01% benzalkonium chloride, hourly for four doses or four times a day for 3 days. Vitreous humour was obtained at the start of surgery and analysed using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography assay.

Results:  The minimum and maximum voriconazole concentration after hourly dosing (n = 5) was 0.1 and 1.1 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the median was 0.3 µg/mL. Samples were taken between 0.8 and 5.4 h after the last dose, with the median at 1.2 h. Almost all voriconazole concentrations from the four times a day group (n = 5) were below the limit of quantification.

Conclusions:  One per cent voriconazole eye drops are able to penetrate into human vitreous humour. Adequate concentration for treatment of sensitive Candida species can be achieved upon hourly administration.
Flexion compromises ventilation with the laryngeal tube suction II in children
Authors: KIM JIN‐TAE , NA HYO‐SEOK , BAE JI‐YOUNG , KIM HYUN‐JEONG , SHIN HWA‐YONG , KIM HEE‐SOO , KIM CHONG‐SUNG , KIM SEONG‐DEOK
Published: December 2008

Background:  There are insufficient data as to the influence of the head and neck flexion, extension, and rotation on the ventilation with laryngeal tube suction II® (LTS II). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the head and neck position on oropharyngeal sealing pressure (primary outcome) and ventilation score (secondary outcome) during ventilation with the LTS II in children.

Methods:  We studied 33 children scheduled for elective surgery. Oropharyngeal sealing pressure and ventilation score were measured with the head and neck in a neutral position, flexed, extended and rotated to the right. The ventilation score was scored from 0 to 3 based on three items (no leakage with an airway pressure of 15 cmH2O, bilateral chest excursion, and a square wave capnogram; each item scored 0 or 1 point). Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) at a tidal volume of 10 ml·kg−1 and fiberoptic laryngeal views were also assessed in each position.

Results:  Although the sealing pressure was lower in the extended position [22 (8) cmH2O] than that in the neutral position [25 (7) cmH2O], there was no significant leakage during ventilation with a tidal volume of 10 ml·kg−1. In the neutral, extended and rotated positions, the median ventilation scores were better (3 point respectively) than that with the head and neck flexed (1 point). PIP was decreased with the head and neck extended or rotated but was significantly increased in flexion position. During fibreoptic examination, the vocal cords were more easily seen in extension and right rotation, compared with the neutral position and flexion.

Conclusions:  Although oropharyngeal sealing pressure is decreased with the head and neck extended, effective ventilation with LTS II can be performed like in the neutral position or the rotated position. While the sealing pressure is maintained with the head and neck flexed, flexion compromises the ventilation with LTS II in children.
Does epidural analgesia delay the diagnosis of lower limb compartment syndrome in children?
Authors: JOHNSON DOUG J.G. , CHALKIADIS GEORGE A.
Published: December 2008

One of the cardinal symptoms of compartment syndrome is pain. A literature review was undertaken in order to assess the association of epidural analgesia and compartment syndrome in children, whether epidural analgesia delays the diagnosis, and to identify patients who might be at risk. Evidence was sought to offer recommendations in the use of epidural analgesia in patients at risk of developing compartment syndrome of the lower limb. Increasing analgesic use, increasing/breakthrough pain and pain remote to the surgical site were identified as important early warning signs of impending compartment syndrome in the lower limb of a child with a working epidural. The presence of any should trigger immediate examination of the painful site, and active management of the situation (we have proposed one clinical pathway). Avoidance of dense sensory or motor block and unnecessary sensory blockade of areas remote to the surgical site allows full assessment of the child and may prevent any delay in diagnosis of compartment syndrome. Focusing on excluding the diagnosis of compartment syndrome rather than failure of analgesic modality is vital. In the pediatric cases reviewed there was no clear evidence that the presence of an epidural had delayed the diagnosis.
Sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors: an emerging new class of oral antidiabetic drug
Authors: Idris Iskandar , Donnelly Richard
Published: December 2008

The sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) is a low‐affinity transport system that is specifically expressed in the kidney and plays an important role in renal glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Competitive inhibition of SGLT2 therefore represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hyperglycaemia and/or obesity in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes by enhancing glucose and energy loss through the urine. The observation that individuals with familial renal glycosuria maintain normal long‐term kidney function provides some reassurance that this mode of action will not adversely affect renal function. Intense research in this therapeutic area has led to the discovery of novel SGLT2 inhibitors, each with different chemical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. This review outlines the biology, expression and pleotropic activity of the SGLT system and the pharmacological profile of SGLT2 inhibitors and provides a summary of preclinical and limited clinical data available to characterize the efficacy, safety and potential clinical utility of SGLT2 inhibitors in the management of diabetes.
Efficacy and safety of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor alogliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by glyburide monotherapy
Authors: Pratley R. E. , Kipnes M. S. , Fleck P. R. , Wilson C. , Mekki Q. ,   Alogliptin Study 007 Group
Published: December 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alogliptin, a potent and highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, in combination with glyburide in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by sulphonylurea monotherapy.

Methods:  After a 2‐week screening period, adult patients 18–80 years of age entered a 4‐week run‐in/stabilization period in which they were switched from their own sulphonylurea medication to an equivalent dose of glyburide (open label) plus placebo (single blind). After the run‐in period, patients were randomly assigned to double‐blind treatment with alogliptin 12.5 mg (n = 203), alogliptin 25 mg (n = 198), or placebo (n = 99) for 26 weeks. The primary end‐point was change from baseline to week 26 in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary end‐points included clinical response rates and changes in fasting plasma glucose, β‐cell function (fasting proinsulin, insulin, proinsulin/insulin ratio, and C‐peptide, and homeostasis model assessment β‐cell function), body weight, and safety end‐points [adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory tests, vital signs and electrocardiographic readings].

Results:  The study population had a mean age of 57 years and a mean disease duration of 8 years; it was well balanced for gender (52% women) and was mainly white (71%). The mean baseline HbA1c was approximately 8.1% in each group. Significantly greater least squares (LS) mean reductions in HbA1c were seen at week 26 with alogliptin 12.5 mg (−0.38%) and 25 mg (−0.52%) vs. placebo (+0.01%; p < 0.001), and more patients in the alogliptin 25‐mg group had HbA1c levels ≤7.0% at week 26 (34.8%, p = 0.002) vs. placebo (18.2%). Proportionately more patients in the alogliptin 12.5 mg (47.3%) and 25 mg (50.5%) groups had an HbA1c reduction ≥0.5% from baseline compared with patients in the placebo group (26.3%; p < 0.001). Minor improvements in individual markers of β‐cell function were seen with alogliptin, but no significant treatment group differences were noted relative to placebo. Minor LS mean changes in body weight were noted across groups (placebo, −0.20 kg; alogliptin 12.5 mg, +0.60 kg; alogliptin 25 mg, +0.68 kg). AEs were reported for 63–64% of patients receiving alogliptin and 54% of patients receiving placebo. Few AEs were treatment limiting (2.0–2.5% across groups), and serious AEs (2.0–5.6%) were infrequent, similar across groups, and generally considered not related to treatment. The incidences of hypoglycaemia for placebo, alogliptin 12.5 mg and alogliptin 25 mg groups were 11.1, 15.8 and 9.6% respectively.

Conclusions:  In patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by glyburide monotherapy, the addition of alogliptin resulted in clinically significant reductions in HbA1c without increased incidence of hypoglycaemia.
The race that precedes coactivation: development of multisensory facilitation in children
Authors: Barutchu Ayla , Crewther David P , Crewther Sheila G.
Published: December 2008

Rationale: The facilitating effect of multisensory integration on motor responses in adults is much larger than predicted by race‐models and is in accordance with the idea of coactivation. However, the development of multisensory facilitation of endogenously driven motor processes and its relationship to the development of complex cognitive skills in school‐age children is largely unexplored. Method: Twenty adults and 95 children where allocated into six age groups: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10–11 and adults. Participants’ motor reaction times (MRTs) and accuracy in response to the detection of auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli were recorded. Children's reading accuracy and nonverbal IQ were also assessed. Results: In general, MRTs of children were significantly slower with greater variability than those of adults. Although the average level of multisensory facilitation was similar for all age groups, mean cumulative density functions (CDFs) showed that multisensory facilitation in 6 and 10–11‐year‐olds is within the predictive limits of race‐models. Where coactivation was seen in the CDF of individual children it was not as strong or as consistent as that in adults. The degree of multisensory facilitation did not correlate with age, reading accuracy or IQ. Conclusion: The average level of multisensory facilitation to endogenously driven motor responses does not change gradually with age nor is it related to intelligence or reading accuracy. In general, multisensory integration remains immature until 10–11 years of age and lies within the predicted confines of race‐models.
The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ): A psychometric evaluation of the 36‐item Norwegian version
Authors: BORUD EINAR KRISTIAN , MARTINUSSEN MONICA , EGGEN ANNE ELISE , GRIMSGAARD SAMELINE
Published: December 2008

The Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ) was designed specifically to study possible changes that occur during menopause. The purpose of this study was to perform a psychometric evaluation of the Norwegian version of the WHQ by examining the factor structure and construct validity of the instrument. Data used for the evaluation were collected at baseline of the ACUFLASH study, a randomized, controlled clinical trial that evaluated the effect of acupuncture treatment on menopausal symptoms. Altogether, 267 women with a very high frequency of hot flushes were included in the study. Some deficiencies in the WHQ questionnaire were observed when applied to this sample, including an unclear factor structure, low alpha values for some dimensions, and a strong floor effect in the vasomotor symptoms dimension. The total scale score appears reliable, but care should be taken when interpreting some of the subscales.
The efficacy of teaching psychology students exposure and response prevention for obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: SOLEM STIAN , HANSEN BJARNE , VOGEL PATRICK A. , KENNAIR LEIF EDWARD OTTESEN
Published: December 2008

The aim of the study was to investigate whether inexperienced student therapists could successfully learn exposure and response prevention for obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Twenty out of 21 outpatients completed treatment as delivered by ten psychology students. A total of 60 hours group supervision and approximately 30 hours with individual supervision was given to the students over the course of three semesters. Large effect sizes were observed for measures of symptoms and depression. Sixty‐two percent (N= 13) of the intent to treat group achieved clinical significant change and 81% no longer met the diagnosis criteria (N= 17). The treatment effects observed at the 6 month follow‐up period were promising. The results are encouraging for training students in evidence based treatment for specific disorders.
A new state–space methodology to disaggregate multivariate time series
Authors: Gómez Víctor , Aparicio‐Pérez Félix
Published: December 2008

Abstract.  This article addresses the problem of disaggregating multivariate time series sampled at different frequencies using state–space models. In particular, we consider the relation between the high‐frequency and low‐frequency models, the possible loss of observability and identifiability in the latter with respect to the former, the estimation of the parameters of the low‐frequency model by maximum likelihood, and the prediction and interpolation of high‐frequency figures when only low‐frequency data are available. Since vector autoregressive moving average models are a special case of state–space models, our results are also valid for those models, but they include other models as well, like structural models. We provide a rigorous theoretical development of the aforementioned issues, including a comparison with the classical model‐based approaches, and we propose a practical methodology to disaggregate multivariate time series that is both efficient and easy to implement.
CONSUMPTION AND GROWTH FROM A RICARDIAN PERSPECTIVE*
Authors: Ekinci Nazim Kadri
Published: December 2008

A new way of imposing the Ricardian closure is proposed through a dynamic consumption function along Keynesian lines. The dynamic consumption function relates consumption to current income and to the accumulated stock of consumer durables. In this way the dynamics of consumption and effective demand become dependent on consumer spending on durables. Using the dynamic consumption function within a simplified Harrod–Domar growth framework, it is shown that there is no independent consumption function in the long run as the Ricardian closure implies. The long‐run propensity to consume is an equilibrium relation, not a behavioural parameter.
The Components of the Bid‐Ask Spread: the Case of the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Angelidis Timotheos , Benos Alexandros
Published: December 2008

We analyse the components of the bid‐ask spread in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE), which was recently characterised as a developed market. For large and medium capitalisation stocks, we estimate the adverse selection and the order handling component of the spreads as well as the probability of a trade continuation on the same side of either the bid or the ask price, using the Madhavan et al. (1997)model. We extend it by incorporating the traded volume and we find that the adverse selection component exhibits U‐shape patterns, while the cost component pattern depends on the stock price. For high priced stocks, the usual U‐shape applies, while for low‐priced ones, it is an increasing function of time, mainly due to the order handling spread component. Furthermore, the expected price change and the liquidity adjustment to Value‐at‐Risk that is needed are higher in the low capitalisation stocks, while the most liquid stocks are the high priced ones. Moreover, by estimating the Madhavan et al. (1997)model for two distinct periods we explain why there are differences in the components of the bid‐ask spread.
Cash Flow Sensitivity of Investment
Authors: Hovakimian Armen , Hovakimian Gayané
Published: December 2008

Investment cash flow sensitivity is associated with both underinvestment when cash flows are low and overinvestment when cash flows are high. The accessibility of external capital is positively correlated with cash flows, intensifying investment cash flow sensitivity. Managers actively counteract the variations in internal and external liquidity by accumulating working capital when liquidity is high and draining it when liquidity is low. These results imply that cash flow sensitive firms face financial constraints, which are binding in low cash flow years. Traditional indicators of financial constraints, such as size and dividend payout, successfully distinguish firms that may potentially face constraints, but are less successful in distinguishing between periods of tight and relaxed constraints. These periods are much more clearly separated by the KZ index, which, on the other hand, is less successful in identifying firms that are likely to face liquidity constraints.
The Value of Adjusting the Bias in Recommendations: International Evidence
Authors: Balboa Marina , Gómez‐Sala J. Carlos , López‐Espinosa Germán
Published: December 2008

The financial literature has shown that both earnings forecasts and investment recommendations are optimistically biased. However, while the bias in earnings forecasts has decreased over time and even some recent studies show that they are no longer optimistic, in the case of investment recommendations this bias still remains relatively constant over time. Therefore, it seems that recommendations are less credible to investors than earnings forecasts. The vast majority of recommendation studies have been carried out at the country level. In this paper, we use an international context to study whether profitable investment strategies exist when adjusting the recommendation bias of each analysed country. The adjustment we propose to correct this bias takes into account the differences across countries, and also varies in time to correct for the changes in bias over time within countries. Our empirical results show that there are in fact significant differences in the level of bias among countries, with the US and the UK being the countries with the highest bias. Second, the adjusted consensus portfolios are more orthogonal to typical investment styles (size, book‐to‐market and attention) and we find that investors could implement a higher number of profitable investment strategies using this adjusted measure. In this line, the results show that the countries with the lowest bias obtain the highest risk adjusted abnormal returns. Third, our work entails a practical implication, as it shows the value embedded in a simple necessary adjustment in the global asset management context. This is an important result showing that profitable investment strategies exist when considering a global portfolio based on adjusted recommendations.
The European Arrest Warrant and the Sovereign State: A Marriage of Convenience?
Authors: Fichera Massimo
Published: December 2008

The article aims to analyse the extent to which mutual recognition and mutual trust in the criminal law area are developing in the EU in the context of the implementation of the European Arrest Warrant (EAW). First, an overview of the decisions of the Constitutional Courts in Germany, Poland, Cyprus and Czech Republic will be given. These decisions are evidence of a tension, on the one hand, between mutual recognition and state sovereignty and, on the other hand, between the powers of the European institutions in criminal matters and the fundamental rights of the individual. Second, national case‐law in the UK, Belgium, Spain and Italy will be examined. Third, an analysis of the recent decision of the European Court of Justice of 3 May 2007 will be carried out. Finally, a global assessment of the EAW will be made. Is this instrument effectively promoting normative mutual trust among the judicial authorities in the EU? Should it be amended or is it the wrong response at the wrong time? Some suggestions will be put forward, in light of what is considered to be the nature of the EAW and the birth of this instrument as part of the mutual recognition agenda.
Cohabitation and Comparative Method
Authors: Leckey Robert
Published: December 2008

The paper intervenes in current policy debates on unmarried cohabitation and comparative law debates on methodology. It adopts a culturally alert, discursive methodology of comparison to study regulation of unmarried cohabitation under the common law and civil law as well as the effect of an entrenched right to equality protecting against marital status discrimination. It identifies not different legislative solutions to a common problem, but distinct discourses of family law regulation. Yet the approaches are less radically opposed than is often thought. Discursive comparison tends to highlight dominant voices at the expense of minority ones, wrongly characterising minority views as foreign to a tradition. Discursive comparison should not confine itself to a synchronic view of present legal debates; a richer diachronic approach will also attend to views within a legal tradition's past.
Governmental Rejections of Ombudsman Findings: What Role for the Courts?
Authors: Varuhas Jason N. E.
Published: December 2008

This article discusses the recent Bradley litigation before the High Court and Court of Appeal, in which applicants sought judicial review of a Government Minister's decision to reject findings made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in her report, ‘Trusting in the Pensions Promise’. The article critically analyses the Court of Appeal's approach to reviewing the Minister's decision, focusing on the standard of review applied and placing the Court's approach in the wider context of the Ombudsman process, which is inherently political.
Inbreeding Coefficients for X‐linked and Autosomal Genes in Consanguineous Marriages in Spanish Populations: The Case of Guipúzcoa (Basque Country)
Authors: Calderón R. , Aresti U. , Ambrosio B. , González‐Martín A.
Published: December 2008

Inbreeding patterns over the past two centuries have been studied more extensively in Spain and Italy than anywhere else in Europe. Consanguinity studies in mainland Spain have shown that populations settled along the Cantabrian cornice share inbreeding patterns that distinguish them from other populations further south. A visual representation of spatial variations of two key inbreeding variables is presented here for the first time via contour maps. This paper also analyzes time trends of mean inbreeding coefficients for X‐linked (Fx) and autosomal genes (F) (1862–1995) together with variations in Fx/F ratios in Guipúzcoa, the most autochthonous Spanish Basque province. Because close cousin marriages are a mark of identity of the study population, we evaluated the contribution of uncle‐niece/aunt‐nephew (M12) and first cousin (M22) marriages to Fx and F values and compared the frequencies of M12 and M22 pedigree subtypes and their corresponding Fx/F ratios to those found in other Spanish populations. The mean Fx and F inbreeding levels in Guipúzcoa for the 134‐year period analyzed were 1.51 × 10−3 and 1.04 × 10−3, respectively, and the Fx/F ratio was seen to be very stable over time. Our findings show that major similarities exist for close consanguineous marriage subtypes between Basque and non‐Basque Spanish populations, despite significant geographic variability in terms of first cousin pedigrees. The distortion seems to be caused by Guipúzcoa. The Fx/F ratios for first cousins in Spanish populations were higher than expected (1.25), with values ranging from 1.34 to 1.48. The findings of the present study may be useful for advancing knowledge on the effects of the interaction between biology and culture and for exploring associations between mating patterns and the prevalence of certain diseases.
Distinct clinical characteristics of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex patients with no mutation identified
Authors: Camposano S. E. , Greenberg E. , Kwiatkowski D. J. , Thiele E. A.
Published: December 2008

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multi‐system disorder that is highly variable in its clinical presentation. Current molecular diagnostic methods permit identification of mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 in 75–85% of TSC patients. Here we examine the clinical characteristics of those TSC patients who have no mutation identified (NMI). A retrospective review of our patient population that had comprehensive testing for mutations in TSC1/TSC2 identified 23/157 (15%) that were NMI. NMI patients had a lower incidence of brain findings on imaging studies, neurological features, and renal findings than those with TSC2 mutations. In contrast, NMI patients had a lower incidence of seizures than TSC patients with TSC1 mutations, but had a higher incidence of both renal angiomyolipomas and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis. This distinct constellation of findings suggest that NMI patients may have a unique molecular pathogenesis, different from that seen in TSC patients with the usual mutations in TSC1 and TSC2. We suggest that the mechanisms of disease in these patients include both mosaicism for a TSC2 mutation, and unusual non‐coding region mutations in TSC2.
Testing co‐evolutionary hypotheses over geological timescales: interactions between Mesozoic non‐avian dinosaurs and cycads
Authors: Butler Richard J. , Barrett Paul M. , Kenrick Paul , Penn Malcolm G.
Published: December 2008

The significance of co‐evolution over ecological timescales is well established, yet it remains unclear to what extent co‐evolutionary processes contribute to driving large‐scale evolutionary and ecological changes over geological timescales. Some of the most intriguing and pervasive long‐term co‐evolutionary hypotheses relate to proposed interactions between herbivorous non‐avian dinosaurs and Mesozoic plants, including cycads. Dinosaurs have been proposed as key dispersers of cycad seeds during the Mesozoic, and temporal variation in cycad diversity and abundance has been linked to dinosaur faunal changes. Here we assess the evidence for proposed hypotheses of trophic and evolutionary interactions between these two groups using diversity analyses, a new database of Cretaceous dinosaur and plant co‐occurrence data, and a geographical information system (GIS) as a visualisation tool. Phylogenetic evidence suggests that the origins of several key biological properties of cycads (e.g. toxins, bright‐coloured seeds) likely predated the origin of dinosaurs. Direct evidence of dinosaur–cycad interactions is lacking, but evidence from extant ecosystems suggests that dinosaurs may plausibly have acted as seed dispersers for cycads, although it is likely that other vertebrate groups (e.g. birds, early mammals) also played a role. Although the Late Triassic radiations of dinosaurs and cycads appear to have been approximately contemporaneous, few significant changes in dinosaur faunas coincide with the late Early Cretaceous cycad decline. No significant spatiotemporal associations between particular dinosaur groups and cycads can be identified – GIS visualisation reveals disparities between the spatiotemporal distributions of some dinosaur groups (e.g. sauropodomorphs) and cycads that are inconsistent with co‐evolutionary hypotheses. The available data provide no unequivocal support for any of the proposed co‐evolutionary interactions between cycads and herbivorous dinosaurs – diffuse co‐evolutionary scenarios that are proposed to operate over geological timescales are plausible, but such hypotheses need to be firmly grounded on direct evidence of interaction and may be difficult to support given the patchiness of the fossil record.
LEISHMANIASIS ENTOMOLOGICAL FIELD STUDIES: ETHICAL ISSUES
Authors: ANDRADE‐NARVAEZ FERNANDO , CANTO‐LARA SILVIA B. , DEL ROSARIO GARCIA‐MISS MARIA
Published: December 2008

Occupational health remains neglected in developing countries because of competing social, economic and political challenges. Ethical issues in the workplace related to the hazards and risks of becoming infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana, through the bite of naturally infected sand flies, is another area of concern that has been neglected as well. We report here the results of reviewing two entomological field studies carried out in our research center from 2003 to 2006. Eight students from our School of Biology were invited to catch sand flies. A total of six of the eight (75%) developed a typical clinical picture of Localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (LCL) caused by L. (L.) mexicana. In this article we identify the ethical issues related to these kinds of studies and propose some guidelines for conducting them.
Experimental Investigation Into the Fatigue of Welded Stiffened 350WT Steel Plates Using Neutron Diffraction Method
Authors: Yuen B. K. C. , Taheri F. , Gharghouri M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The propagation of fatigue cracks under constant amplitude cyclic loading was studied in welded stiffened steel plates. The residual stresses in the stiffened plates were measured using the neutron diffraction strain‐scanning technique. The neutron diffraction measurements indicated that, in general, the residual stresses were tensile near the welded stiffeners and compressive between the stiffeners and ahead of the starter notch tips. Fatigue testing indicated that the fatigue crack growth rates of the stiffened plates were, in general, lower than that of a corresponding unstiffened plate, especially near the notch tips, where compressive residual stresses existed. An analytical method, using Green's function, was developed to predict the fatigue crack growth rates. Reasonable accuracy was obtained.
Analysis of Pipes Containing Plain and Gouged Dents
Authors: Błachut J. , Iflefel I. B.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The paper discusses numerical results obtained for pipes subjected to transverse denting by a rigid indenter. Dents produced by different shapes of indenters are assessed for the amount of cross‐sectional distortion of the pipe and for propagation of this distortion along the length of the pipe. The contact area between the rigid indenter and the deformable pipe, as well as between the pipe and the rigid support is calculated for different loading configurations and for different shapes of indenters. Pipe supports considered include elastic springs, a rigid saddle and a rigid plate. In numerical work, axial cracks and gouges of different sizes have been introduced to the pipe's outer surface. Damaged pipes are then subjected to denting and results, including denting forces, distortion of the cross‐sectional area and limit loads are compared with the corresponding results obtained for non‐dented and non‐gouged geometries as well as with non‐dented but gouged cases. Finally, selected numerical results are compared to experimental data in order to demonstrate the adequacy of the adopted modelling and analysis approach.
A Unit‐Cell Approach of Finite Element Analysis for Transverse Impact Damage of 3‐D Biaxial Spacer Weft‐Knitted Composite
Authors: Lv L. , Sun B. , Gu B.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  This paper evaluates the transverse impact damage of a 3‐D biaxial spacer weft‐knitted composite using experimental results and complimentary finite element analysis. The load–displacement curves and damage morphologies during impact loading were obtained to analyse energy absorption and impact damage mechanisms of the knitted composite. A unit‐cell model based on the microstructure of the 3‐D knitted composite was established to calculate the deformation and damage evolution when the composite is impacted by a hemisphere‐ended steel rod. An elastoplastic constitutive equation is incorporated into the unit‐cell model and the critical damage area failure theory developed by Hahn and Tsai has been implemented as a user‐defined material law (VUMAT) for commercial available finite element code ABAQUS/Explicit. The load–displacement curves, impact damages and impact energy absorption obtained from ABAQUS/Explicit are compared with those FROM experiments. The good agreement of the comparisons supports the validity of the unit‐cell model and user‐defined subroutine VUMAT. The unit‐cell model can also be extended to evaluate the impact crashworthiness of engineering structures made out of the 3‐D knitted composites.
Monotonic and Cyclic Plasticity Response of Magnesium Alloy. Part I. Experimental Response of a High‐Pressure Die Cast AM60B
Authors: Lu Y. , Taheri F. , Gharghouri M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The mechanical behaviours of a high‐pressure die cast AM60B magnesium alloy were studied. Monotonic and cyclic tests (with a strain ratio R = −1) were carried out at ambient temperature. The results of the mechanical testing were discussed with respect to the crystallographic texture and the microstructure of the alloy in terms of clusters of pores, grain size, second phase strengthening as well as the orientation‐dependent activation of different deformation mechanisms such as slip and twinning.
Monotonic and Cyclic Plasticity Response of Magnesium Alloy. Part II. Computational Simulation and Implementation of a Hardening Model
Authors: Lu Y. , Taheri F. , Gharghouri M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  A constitutive materials model, which includes Ohno–Wang's kinematic hardening rule, is employed to simulate the isothermal monotonic and cyclic behaviours of high‐pressure die cast magnesium AM60B alloy under uniaxial loading condition. An implicit constitutive stress integration scheme developed by Kobayashi and Ohno [Int. J. Numer. Methods Eng. 53 (2002) 2217] is used to code the model into an ABAQUS user materials subroutine (UMAT). After the material parameters used in the current model were obtained from the experimental results, the predictive capability of the model was verified.
Crack Tip Opening Angle Measurement Methods and Crack Tunnelling in 2024‐T351 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Sakhalkar A. , Frink E. , Mahmoud S. , Lease K.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The crack tip opening angle (CTOA) fracture criterion is one of the most promising fracture criterion used to characterise the stable tearing process in metallic materials. Traditional methods used for the experimental characterisation of the CTOA involve accurate identification of the crack tip at each tearing event. Recently alternative methods have been proposed that reduce the necessity of accurately defining the current crack and rely more on the shape of the crack flanks to define the CTOA. In addition, these methods define an ‘apparent crack tip’, which may be different from the actual surface crack tip and may provide insight into the amount of crack‐front tunnelling that is occurring. In the current research, compact tension specimens fabricated from 6.35 mm thick 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy plate were evaluated to investigate different CTOA measurement methods and their potential for estimating crack‐front tunnelling. In addition to characterizing the CTOA, fatigue marker bands were employed to map the evolution of crack‐front tunnelling. The experimental critical CTOA values obtained from the alternative methods were noticeably lower than that obtained from the traditional approach and showed noticeably more scatter. When compared to the experimentally obtained marker bands, the alternative methods indicated limited potential for predicting crack‐front tunnelling.
FE and Experimental Investigation With Shadow Optical Method for Measuring Plastic Zone in a Ductile Cracked Plate
Authors: Hedan S. , Pop O. , Valle V. , Cottron M.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The aim of this paper is to demonstrate by numerical simulations and experimental tests, that for a ductile specimen S.E.N. (Single Edge Notch) loaded in the mode I, the plastic zone dimension can be revealed by the shadow optical method. Assuming that the plasticity affects the displacement field topology near the crack tip, one shows that the study of multiple caustic shapes makes it possible to evaluate the plastic zone dimension. So, the use of the shadow optical method can give an excellent tool for the plasticity evaluation of loaded cracked structures.
Vapour Pressure Modelling for Plastic Encapsulated Microelectronics Subjected to Lead‐Free Solder Reflow Profile
Authors: Wang Z.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  A universal, practical vapour pressure modelling scheme for the plastic encapsulated microelectronics (PEMs) subjected to lead‐free solder reflow profile and other high temperature conditions is presented. The proposed technique employs finite‐element moisture diffusion and structural analysis to calculate the dynamic vapour pressure buildups at the interfacial delaminations in the PEMs. The modelling scheme uses a non‐iterative approach, and it is capable of accurately and efficiently determining the dynamic vapour pressure information required for the reliability‐related design and failure analysis of various kinds of PEMs. The modelling scheme has considerable value to the development of new materials, innovative structures, and effective protection methods for enhancing the performance and reliability of plastic packages.
Adopting Information Technology to Drive Improvements in Patient Safety: Lessons from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Health Information Technology Grantees
Authors: Damberg Cheryl L. , Ridgely M. Susan , Shaw Rebecca , Meili Robin C. , Sorbero Melony E.S. , Bradley Lily A. , Farley Donna O.
Published: December 2008

Objectives. To document and assess the experiences of 104 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)‐funded health information technology (health IT) grantees in planning and implementing health IT systems.

Data Source. Grant proposals and interviews with the AHRQ health IT grantees.

Data Collection Method. Extracted descriptive data from the health IT grant proposals; conducted telephone interviews with principal investigators.

Principal Findings. AHRQ funding of the health IT projects provided important support for health IT development work in various health care settings. Successful implementation required commitment from top management, dedicated staff and financial resources, an open process to encourage buy‐in and enthusiasm by end users, and sheer persistence. Technologies required tailoring to the specific organization's needs. Grantees felt their projects could be replicated by others, if organizations had ample IT expertise and resources. Evaluating the value of health IT was hampered by the absence of validated instruments and measures, organizational demands that competed with data collection, and lack of evaluation expertise among health IT implementers.

Conclusions. Experiences of the health IT grantees provide rich information for use by health care providers, AHRQ, and other policy makers to help strengthen future health IT development efforts, including the need to improve evaluation design and standards to assess impact.