bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite signature of ecological selection for salt tolerance in a wild sunflower hybrid species, Helianthus paradoxus
Authors: EDELIST CÉCILE , LEXER CHRISTIAN , DILLMANN CHRISTINE , SICARD DELPHINE , RIESEBERG LOREN H.
Published: November 2006

The hybrid sunflower species Helianthus paradoxus inhabits sporadic salt marshes in New Mexico and southwest Texas, USA, whereas its parental species, Helianthus annuus and Helianthus petiolaris, are salt sensitive. Previous studies identified three genomic regions — survivorship quantitative trait loci (QTLs) — that were under strong selection in experimental hybrids transplanted into the natural habitat of H. paradoxus. Here we ask whether these same genomic regions experienced significant selection during the origin and evolution of the natural hybrid, H. paradoxus. This was accomplished by comparing the variability of microsatellites linked to the three survivorship QTLs with those from genomic regions that were neutral in the experimental hybrids. As predicted if one or more selective sweeps had occurred in these regions, microsatellites linked to the survivorship QTLs exhibited a significant reduction in diversity in populations of the natural hybrid species. In contrast, no difference in diversity levels was observed between the two microsatellite classes in parental populations.
Extremely low effective population sizes, genetic structuring and reduced genetic diversity in a threatened bumblebee species, Bombus sylvarum (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: ELLIS J. S. , KNIGHT M. E. , DARVILL B. , GOULSON D.
Published: November 2006

Habitat fragmentation may severely affect survival of social insect populations as the number of nests per population, not the number of individuals, represents population size, hence they may be particularly prone to loss of genetic diversity. Erosion of genetic diversity may be particularly significant among social Hymenoptera such as bumblebees (Bombus spp.), as this group may be susceptible to diploid male production, a suggested direct cost of inbreeding. Here, for the first time, we assess genetic diversity and population structuring of a threatened bumblebee species (Bombus sylvarum) which exists in highly fragmented habitat (rather than oceanic) islands. Effective population sizes, estimated from identified sisterhoods, were very low (range 21–72) suggesting that isolated populations will be vulnerable to loss of genetic variation through drift. Evidence of significant genetic structuring between populations (θ = 0.084) was found, but evidence of a bottleneck was detected in only one population. Comparison across highly fragmented UK populations and a continental population (where this species is more widespread) revealed significant differences in allelic richness attributable to a high degree of genetic diversity in the continental population. While not directly related to population size, this is perhaps explained by the high degree of isolation between UK populations relative to continental populations. We suggest that populations now existing on isolated habitat islands were probably linked by stepping‐stone populations prior to recent habitat loss.
Hydrogen cyanide release during feeding of generalist and specialist lepidopteran larvae on a cyanogenic plant, Passiflora capsularis
Authors: ALONSO AMELOT MIGUEL E. , LUIS ÁVILA NÚÑEZ JORGE , DUARTE LISDAY , OLIVEROS‐BASTIDAS ALBERTO
Published: November 2006

Abstract The hydrogen cyanide‐based interaction of a strongly cyanogenic plant, Passiflora capsularis, and larvae of two insect herbivores, a generalist (Spodoptera frugiperda) and a specialist (Heliconius erato), is examined in terms of the combined kinetics of the feeding process and the simultaneous hydrogen cyanide (HCN) liberation, as compared with the natural kinetics of hydrogen cyanide evolution by plant‐leaf tissue. There are marked differences in acceptance of P. capsularis by third‐instar larvae of specialist and generalist species. The former, H. erato, display a parsimonious ingestion rate of 0.74 ± 0.15 mg (fresh weight) min−1 comprising 18% active feeding time, whereas S. frugiperda larvae show a more erratic and restrained feeding involving 4% of the time at 0.45 ± 0.14 mg min−1. These S. frugiperda larvae ingest 124.4 ± 8.3 mg (fw) of the non‐cyanogeneic Spinacia oleracea leaves in 24 h compared with only 74.7 ± 20.1 mg of P. capsularis in the same period. The total hydrogen cyanide released naturally from wild specimens of P. capsularis plants is in the range 326–3901 μg g−1. Hydrogen cyanide evolution from macerated P. capsularis leaves takes place along a hyperbolic function with time and initial velocities of cyanide evolution are a linear function of total hydrogen cyanide. When feeding on P. capsularis leaves, H. erato releases only a minor fraction relative to total hydrogen cyanide (0.09%) and to the anticipated cyanide from the initial velocity (7%). By contrast, S. frugiperda evokes 5.8‐fold more than the anticipated hydrogen cyanide release from the plant. The findings are interpreted as diverging strategies by generalist and specialist insects in the utilization of hydrogen cyanide in cyanogenic plants.
Temperature and development rate ofTriatoma guasayana(Hemiptera: Reduviidae) eggs under laboratory conditions: physiological and adaptive aspects
Authors: RABINOVICH JORGE , PIETROKOVSKY SILVIA , WISNIVESKY‐COLLI CRISTINA
Published: November 2006

AbstractEggs laid in the laboratory byT. guasayana(Wygodzinsky & Abalos 1949) adults collected from wild biotopes in Santiago del Estero (Argentina) were exposed to fluctuating temperatures, and 172 egg batches, involving 1574 eggs, completed development. Their development times were fitted to the linear degree‐day model and three nonlinear models (devar, Lactin, and Rueda). Parameter values and 95% CL were estimated. The lower development threshold is estimated to be 15 °C (lineardevarmodel) and 17.5 °C (Lactin model), and the temperature resulting in the shortest development time is estimated to be between 26 °C (Lactin model) and 37 °C (nonlineardevarmodel). The thermal death point by the Lactin model is 34.4 °C, and conforms well with other studies. Differences between the present results and those of other studies forT. guasayanaare discussed in terms of the maternal effects, the influence of experimental conditions, and the rate summation effect. Using the climatic conditions of the natural environment ofT. guasayana, the results are interpreted in terms of physiological adaptation. A generalized development rate response ofT. guasayanaeggs to increasing temperature is proposed, with three ranges: between 10 and 14.8 °C development rate increases in an accelerating way; between 14.8 and 29.2 °C development rate increases more or less linearly, and between 29.2 and 34 °C development rate decreases.
Adult female crickets,Gryllus texensis, maintain reproductive output after repeated immune challenges
Authors: SHOEMAKER KELLY L. , ADAMO SHELLEY A.
Published: November 2006

AbstractBoth immunity and reproduction are thought to be energetically costly and therefore likely to make trade‐offs with one another. To assess whether increasing immune system activity results in a decline in egg production, the immune system in the cricketGryllus texensisis activated over a period of 12 days with regular injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived fromSerratia marcescens, and the number of eggs laid during this time counted. Egg quality is also assessed by measuring total protein of eggs laid, fertilization and hatching success, and the weight of individual eggs laid after the series of injections. Indirect evidence suggests that LPS induces an immune response inG. texensis. However, the number of eggs produced is not affected. There is also no effect of repeated LPS injections on female weight, egg protein content, or fertilization and hatching success. Taken together, these results suggest that with food and water providedad libitum, females can protect many aspects of fitness in the face of increased immune system activity. However, there is some evidence to suggest that large (100 μg) doses of LPS lead to reduced female longevity, and also in egg weight that could affect offspring success. Although the possibility exists that the decline in lifespan and egg weight after high‐dose injections reflects a trade‐off between reproduction and immune investment, another possibility is that these doses yield nonspecific effects, or that the high‐dose induces an overwhelming immune response that leads to self‐damage.
Screening colonoscopy in asymptomatic average‐risk Koreans: Analysis in relation to age and sex
Authors: Choe Jae Won , Chang Hye‐Sook , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Myung Seung‐Jae , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Lee Don , Song Hye‐Kyung , Lee Hyun Ju , Chung Eun‐Ju , Kim Sun Young , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Lee Gin‐Hyug , Hong Weon‐Seon , Kim Jin‐Ho , Min Young Il
Published: November 2006

Background and Aims:  Although the incidence of colorectal cancer is rising in Asian countries, there are no guidelines for its screening in this region due in part to the lack of epidemiological data regarding colorectal neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in average‐risk Koreans and to assess the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy in Korea.

Methods:  The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms was assessed by primary screening colonoscopy in 5086 consecutive asymptomatic adults (males 70.5%; age 20–84 years) with no risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Results:  The overall prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in the 5086 subjects was 21.9% and this increased linearly with age. Among the 2435 subjects aged ≥50 years (males 66.7%; mean age 57.7 years), the prevalence of all colorectal neoplasms was 30.2% (males 35.9% vs females 18.7%; P < 0.001), while advanced neoplasms accounted for only 4.1% (males 5.1% vs females 2.0%; P < 0.001). The prevalence of advanced neoplasms in Korean men of a specific age group was similar to that of Korean women in the 10‐years older age group. Also, Koreans in a specific age group showed a prevalence of advanced neoplasms similar to that of Westerners in the 10‐years younger age group.

Conclusions:  Colonoscopy is a useful modality for colorectal cancer screening in Korea, as established in Western countries. However, the screening colonoscopy may begin at an older age for Koreans than for Westerners. Similarly, the optimal starting age for screening in Korean women may be higher than that in men by 10 years.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women who live in an urban resettlement area of Delhi, India: A cohort study
Authors: Chhabra Pragti , Sharma Arun Kumar , Tupil Kannan Anjur
Published: November 2006

Aim: To study the pregnancy outcome, namely mode and place of delivery, attendant at birth and perinatal mortality in an urban resettlement area of Delhi, India, and to determine factors that affect the outcome.

Methods: All the pregnant women (n = 909) in the area were enrolled and followed until 7 days after delivery. We calculated the crude and adjusted odds ratios for predictors of pregnancy related obstetric and neonatal outcomes, using logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 884 (97.3%) women could be followed up. Approximately two‐thirds of deliveries took place at home. Primigravida, more educated mothers and mothers with non‐cephalic presentation or complications were more likely to deliver in a health facility (P < 0.05). Most deliveries (97%) were vaginal, 2.5% were cesarean and 0.5% forceps deliveries. Primigravida mothers, mothers with short stature, mothers with non‐cephalic presentation or complications had cesarean and forceps delivery more often (P < 0.05). A perinatal mortality rate of 74.5 per 1000 live births was observed. Presentation of the fetus and complications in the mother remained important factors.

Conclusion: The majority of deliveries in the under‐privileged sections in urban Delhi take place at home and the perinatal mortality remains high.
Abnormal Doppler velocimetry is related to adverse perinatal outcome for borderline amniotic fluid index during third trimester
Authors: Kwon Ja‐Young , Kwon Han‐Sung , Kim Young‐Han , Park Yong‐Won
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the relationship between abnormal Doppler velocimetry and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI).

Methods:  Medical records of 3740 pregnancies with known AFI and Doppler velocimetry measurements within 2 weeks of delivery, and delivered between January 1996 and December 2003, were retrospectively analyzed. Borderline AFI was defined as 5 cm < AFI ≤ 8 cm. For the umbilical artery, Doppler velocimetry was considered abnormal when the S/D ratio was greater than 3.0 or when end‐diastolic flow was absent; whereas, for the uterine artery, the S/D ratio was greater than 2.6 or presence of end‐systolic notch was defined as abnormal. Adverse perinatal outcomes (small for gestational age, cesarean section for fetal distress, 5 min Apgar score of less than 7, respiratory distress syndrome, NICU admission, and perinatal death) according to Doppler velocimetry in borderline AFI were evaluated.

Results:  Compared to the normal AFI group (n = 3523), the borderline AFI group (n = 217) had significantly higher incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (28.8% vs 54.8%). There was 3‐fold increase in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome among women with the borderline AFI in comparison to normal AFI (OR, 3.00; CI, 2.27–4.00). When abnormal Doppler velocimetry was associated with borderline AFI, a 5‐fold increase in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was noted (OR, 5.26; CI, 3.00–9.21).

Conclusion:  In the borderline AFI group, the presence of abnormal Doppler velocimetry measurement was related to increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Thus, borderline AFI of 5–8 cm, especially when associated with abnormal Doppler velocimetry, mandates closer antenatal surveillance.
Complete mole coexistent with a twin fetus
Authors: Ogura Tomonori , Katoh Hidenori , Satoh Shoji , Tsukimori Kiyomi , Hirakawa Toshio , Wake Norio , Nakano Hitoo
Published: November 2006

We report two cases of a complete hydatidiform mole coexistent with a live fetus diagnosed by DNA polymorphism analysis. A 27‐year‐old woman revealed symptoms of pre‐eclampsia and ultrasound showed multicystic tumor and placenta coexistent with a live fetus at 16 weeks’ gestation. The placenta with partly hydropic change and the fetus without anomaly were consequently evacuated. Another 30‐year‐old woman had a multicystic mass attached to a normal placenta with a 20‐week live fetus on ultrasound examination. A hysterotomy was carried out because of persistent bleeding due to placenta previa. In both cases, DNA was extracted from the placental tissue and the tumor, as well as from maternal and paternal blood. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the placental tumor consisted of only paternal origin, which is consistent with the diagnosis of complete hydatidiform mole.
Efficacy, safety and hospital costs of tension‐free vaginal tape and pubovaginal sling in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence
Authors: Kondo Atsuo , Isobe Yasuaki , Kimura Kyousuke , Kamihira Osamu , Matsuura Osamu , Gotoh Momokazu , Ozawa Hideo
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The efficacy, safety and hospital costs of the tension‐free vaginal tape procedure were compared with the pubovaginal sling operation.

Methods:  A total of 60 women urodynamically diagnosed as having stress or mixed urinary incontinence were operated on using either the tension‐free vaginal tape or pubovaginal sling operation in a prospective manner. Preoperative characteristics of the women were not significantly different for the groups. The women were followed for up to 24 months.

Results:  In the tension‐free vaginal tape group, the operation time was shorter, numbers of analgesics postoperatively required were less and hospital charges were less expensive compared to those in the pubovaginal sling operation (P < 0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a marginal significant difference (P = 0.059) in the objective cumulative cure rates at 24 months between the groups receiving the former (70.3%) and latter (48.3%) procedures. Subjective cure rates were not significantly different (P = 0.101). In both groups, an improvement in quality of life was significant and surgical complications were identical. De novo urge incontinence developed in 6% and 10% in the former and latter, respectively.

Conclusions:  The tension‐free tape was significantly superior to the pubovaginal sling in terms of operation time, postoperative pain, and hospital charges, but not in cure rates. A longer follow up with a larger sample size is necessary to draw definite conclusions.
Adipocyte prolactin: regulation of release and putative functions
Authors: Brandebourg T. , Hugo E. , Ben‐Jonathan N.
Published: November 2006

Pituitary‐derived prolactin (PRL) is a well‐known regulator of the lactating mammary gland. However, the recent discovery that human adipose tissue produces PRL as well as expresses the PRL receptor (PRLR) highlights a previously unappreciated action of PRL as a cytokine involved in adipose tissue function. Biologically active PRL is secreted by all adipose tissue depots examined: breast, visceral and subcutaneous. The expression of adipose PRL is regulated by a non‐pituitary, alternative superdistal promoter. PRL expression and release increases during early pre‐adipocyte differentiation and is stimulated by cyclic AMP activators, including β adrenergic receptor agonists. PRL release from subcutaneous adipose explants is attenuated during obesity, suggesting that adipose PRL production is altered by the metabolic state. Several lines of evidence indicate that PRL suppresses lipid storage as well as the release of adipokines such as adiponectin, interleukin‐6 and possibly leptin. PRL has also been implicated in the regulation of adipogenesis. A newly developed PRL‐secreting human adipocyte cell line, LS14, should allow comprehensive examination of the regulation and function of adipocyte‐derived PRL. Collectively, these studies raise the prospect that PRL affects energy homeostasis through its action as an adipokine and is involved in the manifestation of insulin resistance.
Insulin detemir improves glycaemic control with less hypoglycaemia and no weight gain in patients with type 2 diabetes who were insulin naive or treated with NPH or insulin glargine: clinical practice experience from a German subgroup of the PREDICTIVE study*
Authors: Meneghini L. F. , Rosenberg K. H. , Koenen C. , Merilainen M. J. , Lüddeke H.‐J.
Published: November 2006

Aim:  The Predictable Results and Experience in Diabetes through Intensification and Control to Target: An International Variability Evaluation (PREDICTIVE) Study is a large, multi‐centre, observational study assessing the safety and efficacy of insulin detemir in everyday clinical practice.

Methods:  This subgroup analysis of the German cohort of PREDICTIVE evaluates over 3 months, patients with type 2 diabetes who were transferred to insulin detemir ± oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) from an OAD‐only regimen (n = 1321), NPH insulin ± OADs (n = 251) or insulin glargine ± OADs (n = 260).

Results:  Among all groups, 3 months after starting treatment with insulin detemir, total, daytime and nocturnal hypoglycaemic events/patient were reduced by 84, 80 and 90%, respectively, from baseline. No major hypoglycaemic events were reported during treatment with insulin detemir. HbAlc was significantly reduced from baseline in each of the subgroups (−1.29,−0.60 and−0.59% for patients previously taking OADs only, NPH insulin ± OADs and insulin glargine ± OADs respectively; p < 0.0001), as was fasting blood glucose (FBG) (−58.1,−29.1 and−24.6 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) and FBG variability−8.2 mg/dl,−5.7 mg/dl; p < 0.0001 and −5.1 mg/dl; p = 0.0008). All subgroups combined lost an average of 0.9 kg of body weight (p < 0.0001) during the study. Total daily basal insulin dose increased slightly from baseline for those patients on a prior insulin regimen, and in this study 79% of patients used insulin detemir once daily.

Conclusions:  These data confirm the short‐term safety and efficacy of insulin detemir ± OADs in a real‐world scenario and support the findings of randomized controlled clinical trials with insulin detemir, including its limited effects on body weight.
Comparison of the antidiabetic effects of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and thiazolidinediones in obese diabetic mice
Authors: Yamanaka M. , Itakura Y. , Tsuchida A. , Nakagawa T. , Noguchi H. , Taiji M.
Published: November 2006

Aims: Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) ameliorates glucose metabolism in obese diabeticdb/dbmice. The antidiabetic effect of BDNF is dependent on plasma insulin levels, and BDNF enhances insulin action by modulating insulin signalling in peripheral tissues. The aim of the study was to compare the antidiabetic effects of BDNF with those of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are insulin‐sensitizing agents, through evaluation of the effects of BDNF and TZDs on glucose metabolism, energy expenditure, pancreatic function and hepatic steatosis indb/dbmice.

Methods: The effects of BDNF, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone on blood glucose concentration, body weight and pancreatic insulin and glucagon contents and the effects of BDNF and troglitazone treatment for 3 weeks on blood glucose concentration, body and liver weights and histological liver images were examined indb/dbmice. Furthermore, since BDNF reduces food intake in obese hyperphagic diabetic mice, the effects of BDNF treatment for 3 weeks on blood glucose concentration, body weight, fat pad and liver weights and rectal temparature indb/dbmice were compared with those of troglitazone under pair‐fed conditions.

Results: BDNF, pioglitazone and rosiglitazone all ameliorated hyperglycaemia indb/dbmice, but BDNF increased the pancreatic insulin content more effectively than pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. The pancreatic glucagon content decreased with BDNF, but increased with pioglitazone and rosiglitazone compared with vehicle, and body weight and liver weight increased with troglitazone, but decreased with BDNF compared with vehicle. Histological analysis of the liver showed that BDNF treatment reduced the massive vacuolization observed with vehicle, whereas troglitazone worsened the vacuolization. Body weight, fat pad and liver weights in BDNF‐treated mice were significantly lower than those in pair‐fed troglitazone‐treateddb/dbmice, and rectal temperature in BDNF‐treated mice was significantly higher than that in pair‐fed troglitazone‐treated mice, suggesting that BDNF enhances energy expenditure.

Conclusions: These data suggest that compared with TZDs, BDNF potently ameliorates pancreatic dysfunction, fatty liver and energy expenditure, thereby exerting favourable antidiabetic effects in type 2 diabetic mice.
Improvement of glycaemia control in subjects with type 2 diabetes by self‐monitoring of blood glucose: comparison of two management programs adjusting bedtime insulin dosage
Authors: Chen H.‐S. , Wu T.‐E. , Jap T.‐S. , Lin S.‐H. , Hsiao L.‐C. , Lin H.‐D.
Published: November 2006

Aim:  Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is important for patients treated with insulin to detect asymptomatic hypoglycaemia and to guide patients towards reaching blood glucose goal. This study compared two management programs for adjusting bedtime insulin dose: program 1 (performed by study subjects) vs. program 2 (performed by study subjects and reminded by investigators).

Methods:  This is a prospective, open‐level, 28‐week randomized trial in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects. One hundred subjects treated with oral antidiabetic drugs plus bedtime insulin with glycated haemoglobin A1C (A1C) >8.0% were screened and received a structure education package in a 4‐week run‐in period. Seventy‐eight subjects were randomized to two treatment programs (adjust insulin dose by themselves with or without investigators’ reminder) and reviewed by the investigators at a 4‐week interval clinical visit.

Results:  The mean SMBG decreased significantly in both groups, with a greater decrease observed in program 2 vs. program 1 (from 198.7 ± 43.1 to 122.6 ± 21.9 mg/dl vs. from 194.0 ± 42.7 to 151.6 ± 37.7 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Bedtime insulin dose increased in both groups with a greater increase in program 2 (from 14.4 ± 8.7 to 27.4 ± 12.8 IU vs. from 14.3 ± 8.3 to 18.4 ± 6.2 IU, p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in A1C from 9.54 ± 1.67% to 7.76 ± 1.27%, with a greater decrease (p < 0.001) in program 2 (2.17%) than in program 1 (1.40%). There were more subjects in the program 2 group achieving the treating targets: mean SMBG ≤120 mg/dl (46.9 vs. 17.9%) and A1C ≤7.0% (54.5 vs. 32.2%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycaemia and body weight changes.

Conclusions:  Systematically titrating bedtime insulin dose added to oral therapy, especially combined with health care reminders, can safely improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes with poor glycaemic control. This regimen may facilitate safe and effective insulin therapy in routine medical practice and improve achievement of recommended standards of diabetes care.
“But it's Alright, Ma, it's Life, and Life Only”: Radicalism as Survival
Authors: Heynen Nik
Published: November 2006

Hunger stole upon me so slowly at first. I was not aware of what hunger really meant [emphasis added]. Hunger had always been more or less at my elbow when I played, but now I began to wake up at night to find hunger, staring at me gauntly … this hunger baffled me, scared me, made me angry and insistent … I would grow dizzy and my vision would dim. I became less active in my play, and for the first time in my life I had to pause and think of what was happening to me. (Wright 1977)

Hey, hey Woody Guthrie, I wrote you a song

‘Bout a funny ol' world that's a‐comin' along.

Seems sick an' it's hungry, it's tired an' it's torn,

It looks like it's a‐dyin' an' it's hardly been born.

(Bob Dylan 1962)

If no one seems to understand

Start your own revolution and cut out the middleman

In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune

But this is reality so give me some room

So join the struggle while you may

The Revolution is just a T‐shirt away

(Billy Bragg 1998)
Circuits of Capital, Genealogy, and Television Geographies
Authors: Christophers Brett
Published: November 2006

In this paper I draw on Marx's concept of circuits of capital, and David Harvey's work in theorizing the geographies of such circuits, to illuminate recent developments in the economic geographies of international television, as seen from a UK perspective. The paper starts from, and repeatedly returns to, the consumption of one particular programme by one viewer in order to frame and situate its arguments, which amount to a genealogy of an historically and geographically specific moment in the capital accumulation process. Writing such a genealogy, I argue, demands a different approach to the identification, description and explanation of capital circuits and their geographies than has previously been offered.
Emergent Geographies of International Education and Social Exclusion
Authors: Waters Johanna L
Published: November 2006

This paper explores the socio‐spatial implications of recent developments in the internationalisation of education, which includes the growth in numbers of foreign students and the establishment of offshore schools. It demonstrates the relationship between emergent geographies of international education in the “West” and social reproduction in both student “sending” and “receiving” societies. Drawing on fieldwork in Hong Kong and Canada, it argues that international education is transforming the spatial scales over which social reproduction is achieved: on the one hand, upper‐middle‐class populations in East Asia are able to secure their social status through the acquisition of a “Western education”, thereby creating new geographies of social exclusion within “student‐sending” societies. On the other hand, primary and secondary schools in Canada are able to harness the benefits of internationalisation in order to offset the negative effects of neoliberal educational reform, thereby facilitating local social reproduction.
Verbal–Behavioral Dissociations in Development
Authors: Woolley Jacqueline D.
Published: November 2006

Verbal and behavioral measures of children's knowledge are frequently dissociated. These situations represent a largely untapped but important resource for furthering an understanding of human cognition. In this paper, verbal–behavioral dissociations in children are discussed and analyzed, drawing from a wide range of domains. The article explores what might lead to different responses in different modalities, and it is proposed that children's goals may be an important factor. It is concluded that a variety of factors are involved in producing these dissociations, and that a richer picture of development will result from attention to these factors.
It Clicks When It Is Rolled and It Squeaks When It Is Squeezed: What 10‐Month‐Old Infants Learn About Object Function
Authors: Perone Sammy , Oakes Lisa M.
Published: November 2006

Function has been considered important in numerous literatures in the study of cognitive development, yet little is known about what and how infants learn about function. Five experiments examined what 10‐month‐old infants (N=80) learn about functions that involve a sound produced when an object is acted on. Infants habituated to a single object (Experiment 1) or multiple objects that performed the same function (Experiment 2) learned both the actions and the sounds. Infants did not appear to learn relations between actions and sounds (Experiment 3) or appearances and sounds (Experiment 4), although they did learn the relations between appearances and actions (Experiment 5). These results are discussed in terms of how infants learn about object function.
A Twin‐Study of Sleep Difficulties in School‐Aged Children
Authors: Gregory Alice M. , Rijsdijk Frühling V. , Eley Thalia C.
Published: November 2006

This study examines frequency, overlap, and genetic and environmental influences on sleep difficulties, which are understudied in school‐aged children. The Sleep Self Report and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire were completed by 300 twin pairs (aged 8 years) and their parents. Child report suggested more frequent sleep problems than parent report (e.g., regular sleep onset delay was reported by 45% of children and 17% of parents). Associations between most of the sleep difficulties were small but significant (e.g., rs=.16 for parent report of bedtime resistance and sleep onset delay). Twin correlations based on parent reports suggest greater genetic influence (M=50%) than those based on child self‐report (M=18%). Possible rater effects should be considered when evaluating children's sleep problems.
Longitudinal Course and Family Correlates of Sibling Relationships From Childhood Through Adolescence
Authors: Kim Ji‐Yeon , McHale Susan M. , Wayne Osgood D. , Crouter Ann C.
Published: November 2006

Changes in sibling intimacy and conflict were charted from middle childhood through adolescence, and family structure and relationship correlates of change were examined. Participants were mothers, fathers, and firstborn (M=11.82 years at Time 1) and secondborn (M=9.22 years) siblings from 200 White, working/middle class, 2‐parent families. Sibling intimacy was highest for sisters, stable over time for same‐sex dyads, and showed a U‐shaped change pattern in mixed‐sex dyads. Sibling conflict declined after early adolescence at the same time (but at different ages) for firstborn and secondborns. Maternal acceptance covaried positively with sibling intimacy, and father–child conflict covaried positively with sibling conflict over time; fathers' marital love was linked to sibling intimacy in a pattern suggestive of compensation.
Where Is the Real Cheese? Young Children's Ability to Discriminate Between Real and Pretend Acts
Authors: Ma Lili , Lillard Angeline S.
Published: November 2006

This study examined 2‐ to 3‐year‐olds' ability to make a pretend–real distinction in the absence of content cues. Children watched two actors side by side. One was really eating, and the other was pretending to eat, but in neither case was information about content available. Following the displays, children were asked to retrieve the real food (Experiment 1) or point to the container with the real food (Experiments 2 and 3). 3‐ and 2.5‐year‐olds distinguished between the real and pretend acts based on behavioral cues alone. Two‐year‐olds chose the containers at random, but their spontaneous reactions suggested that they discriminated the real acts from pretense to some degree. Possible accounts for the discrepancy between the different behavioral measures are discussed.
Perceptual Completion in Newborn Human Infants
Authors: Valenza Eloisa , Leo Irene , Gava Lucia , Simion Francesca
Published: November 2006

Despite decades of studies of human infants, a still open question concerns the role of visual experience in the development of the ability to perceive complete shapes over partial occlusion. Previous studies show that newborns fail to manifest this ability, either because they lack the visual experience required for perceptual completion or because they fail to detect the pattern of motion. To distinguish these possibilities, newborns' perception of a center‐occluded object was tested, using stroboscopic motion. Infants (mean age of 72 hr) perceived the object as a connected unit, providing the first evidence that the newborn is capable of filling in gaps in the visible surface layout when the relevant visual information can be detected by his or her immature visual system.
Specific Language Impairment, Theory of Mind, and Visual Perspective Taking: Evidence for Simulation Theory and the Developmental Role of Language
Authors: Farrant Brad M. , Fletcher Janet , Maybery Murray T.
Published: November 2006

Recent research has found that the acquisition of theory of mind (ToM) is delayed in children with specific language impairment (SLI). The present study used a battery of ToM and visual perspective taking (VPT) tasks to investigate whether the delayed acquisition of ToM in children with SLI is associated with delayed VPT development. Harris' (1992, 1996) simulation theory predicts that the development of VPT will be delayed. Participants were 20 children with SLI (M=62.9 months) and 20 typically developing children (M=61.2 months) who were matched for nonverbal ability, gender, and age. The results supported Harris' theory and a role for language in ToM and VPT development.
The Social Networks of People with Intellectual Disability Living in the Community 12 Years after Resettlement from Long‐Stay Hospitals
Authors: Forrester‐Jones Rachel , Carpenter John , Coolen‐Schrijner Pauline , Cambridge Paul , Tate Alison , Beecham Jennifer , Hallam Angela , Knapp Martin , Wooff David
Published: November 2006

Background  The social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities presents a major challenge to services. As part of a 12‐year follow up of people resettled from long‐stay hospitals, the size of 213 individuals’ social networks and the types of social support they received were investigated, as viewed by people with intellectual disabilities themselves. The types of support received in four different kinds of community accommodation were compared.

Method  Individuals were interviewed and their social support networks mapped using a Social Network Guide developed for the study. Descriptive statistics were generated and comparisons made using generalized linear modelling.

Results  The sample comprised 117 men (average age 51 years) and 96 women (average age 56 years). All but seven were White British, 92% were single and they had in general, mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The average network size was 22 members (range 3–51). The mean density was 0.5. A quarter of all network members were other service users with intellectual disabilities and a further 43% were staff. Only a third of the members were unrelated to learning disability services. In general, the main providers of both emotional and practical support were staff, although these relationships were less likely to be described as reciprocal. Other people with intellectual disabilities were the second most frequent providers of all types of support. People in small group homes, hostels and supported accommodation were significantly more likely to report close and companiable relationships than those in residential and nursing homes, but they also reported a greater proportion of critical behaviour.

Conclusions  The social networks revealed in this study are considerably larger than those of previous studies which have relied on staff reports, but findings about the generally limited social integration of people with intellectual disabilities are similar. A clearer policy and practice focus on the desirability of a range of different social contexts from which to derive potentially supportive network members is required so that people do not remain segregated in one area of life.
The Camberwell Cohort 25 Years On: Characteristics and Changes in Skills Over Time
Authors: Beadle‐Brown Julie , Murphy Glynis , Wing Lorna
Published: November 2006

Background  This study presents data on the characteristics of the Camberwell Cohort, 25 years after they were first assessed in the 1970s [Wing & Gould (1979) Journal of Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia vol. 9, pp. 11–29]. It also presents data on changes over time which adds to that presented in Beadle‐Brown et al. [Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (2000) vol. 32, pp. 195–206].

Methods  Measures of level of skills, ability and behaviour, including self‐care, educational, social skills, cognitive ability and challenging behaviour, were conducted with as many of the cohort as possible. In addition, background information was collected on diagnosis, placement history, daytime activity and family contact.

Results  The cohort (n = 91) now aged between 27 and 42 years were living mostly in the community (68%) or with their parents (27%). Sixty‐four per cent of the sample who could be tested (n = 36) had an IQ below 50, 73% were socially impaired and 72% had some form of autistic spectrum disorder. There were few changes over time between time 2 (1980s) and time 3 – as reported in Beadle‐Brown et al., most changes occurred during childhood and early adolescence. However, for those who had been in institutional care for more than 3 years, there were a number of self‐care skills which significantly increased between time 2 and time 3 (after a move into the community).
Menstrual Problems Experienced by Women with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Rodgers Jackie , Lipscombe Jo , Santer Miriam
Published: November 2006

Background  Menstruation appears to be problematic for women with learning disabilities, yet there has been little quantitative research on their experiences, or comparisons with other groups of women. This paper considers the nature and extent of menstrual problems experienced by women with learning disabilities.

Methods  The data reported here come from a cross‐sectional postal questionnaire survey conducted with carers of 452 women, aged 14–55 years, who had learning disabilities.

Results  Women with learning disabilities appear to be as likely to experience menstrual problems as other women. However, such problems may be experienced differently and more negatively and may not always be recognized appropriately.

Conclusions  More attention needs to be given to menstrual problems experienced by women with learning disabilities, both in research and in practice. It is particularly important that women with learning disabilities be supported to play a central role in recognizing and defining the problems they experience.
Obstetric‐induced incontinence: A black hole of preventable morbidity
Authors: THORNTON Michelle J. , LUBOWSKI David Z.
Published: November 2006

There is a detailed literature comprising clinical and anorectal physiological studies linking faecal incontinence to vaginal delivery. Specific risk factors are high infant birthweight, forceps delivery and prolonged second stage of labour. The onset of symptoms may be delayed for many years. Faecal incontinence occurs in more than 10% of adult females and urinary incontinence in about a third of multiparous women. This places a very large economic burden on the Australian health system. A conservative estimate for overall management of incontinence would be in excess of $A700 million but the actual amount is unknown.

 Preventative measures for avoiding pelvic floor injuries need to be established, and safe obstetric practice needs to be redefined in the light of current knowledge about incontinence. Outcome measures for safe birthing should not only include infant and maternal mortality and infant morbidity, but should also include the long‐term effects of vaginal delivery on the pelvic floor, particularly urinary and faecal incontinence. Several state reports and one federal senate report on safe birthing have been lacking in this area. The safety of birthing centres and home birthing needs to be examined to provide birthing mothers with complete and appropriate information about safety in order that they may consider their options. Appropriate Caesarean section rates for optimal birthing safety are unknown and need to be re‐examined. Calls for overall reduction in Caesarean section rates in Australia are inappropriate and cannot be justified until the effects of pelvic floor injury are added to the overall assessment.
Mapping uptake of prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities across Victoria, Australia
Authors: MUGGLI Evelyne Elvira , COLLINS Veronica Rose , HALLIDAY Jane Lavinia
Published: November 2006

Objective:  To investigate geodemographic characteristics of women having prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome and other fetal chromosome abnormalities in Victoria, Australia.

Methods:  A descriptive analysis of population‐based data on all confinements, amniocenteses and chorionic villus sampling for 1998 and 2002 was undertaken. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of 2002 data investigated geographical differences, including selected maternal features and a socioeconomic status measure that may be associated with uptake of diagnostic testing.

Results:  After adjusting for age, parity of three or more children was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of testing (P < 0.001). Women from Africa were 61% less likely to have testing than women born in Australia (P < 0.01).

 While overall uptake of testing was lower than average in rural regions, only the Loddon Mallee had a significantly decreased likelihood of testing (OR 0.71 (0.53, 0.95), P = 0.02). A socioeconomic index of place of residence showed no association with uptake. Metropolitan and rural women giving birth in private hospitals were 31 and 60% more likely to have a test than women giving birth in public hospitals (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Geographical differences influence uptake of prenatal diagnosis, probably related to access to services. However, other maternal demographic factors also play a role in uptake. To ensure equity in access and autonomy in women's reproductive choices, reasons for exceptionally low uptake in certain localities or within certain subgroups of pregnant women should be investigated further, followed by appropriate changes in service provision.
The psychosocial outcomes of antenatal day care for three medical complications of pregnancy: A randomised controlled trial of 395 women
Authors: TURNBULL Deborah A. , WILKINSON Chris , GRIFFITH Elizabeth C. , KRUZINS Gillian , GERARD Karen , SHANAHAN Marian , STAMP Georgina E.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Although antenatal day care is becoming increasingly common, there is little evidence as to the psychosocial efficacy of this model of care.

Aim:  We aimed to assess the broader psychosocial impact of antenatal day care compared with admission to hospital.

Methods:  We carried out a randomised trial of 395 women, randomly assigned in a 2 : 1 ratio between day care and antenatal ward, stratified for major diagnostic categories (proteinuric hypertension, non‐proteinuric hypertension and preterm premature rupture of membranes). Main outcome measures – self‐report questionnaires (response rates ranging from 80 to 90%) were sent to women's homes four days after randomisation and seven weeks after delivery.

Results:  Overall, there were statistically significant differences favouring day care in 12 of 28 items at four days post‐randomisation, with no differences in the two groups for the other 16 items. At seven weeks postdelivery, we found differences in eight of 28 items favouring day care, with no differences in the two groups for the other 20 items. The types of items indicating a sustained difference covered a range of aspects of care and included satisfaction with staff, continuity of carer, information transfer, and social support. There were no differences in relation to infant feeding and relationship with the baby.

Conclusions:  Day care has an effect on women's satisfaction with care but does not produce broader psychosocial outcomes.
Laparoscopic colposuspension versus vaginal suburethral slingplasty: A randomised prospective trial
Authors: FOOTE Andrew J. , MAUGHAN Vicky , CARNE Claire
Published: November 2006

Background:  This study aimed to determine if laparoscopic colposuspension (LC) was as effective as vaginal suburethral slingplasty (SPARC).

Methods:  Ninety‐seven women with urodynamic stress incontinence were prospectively randomised to LC (n = 48) or SPARC (n = 49). Outcome measures were measured at, baseline, six months (n = 87) and two years (n = 58), and comprised leakage episodes per week and visual analogue scale (VAS) of incontinence severity. The LC and SPARC groups at baseline had similar leaks per week (8.8 vs 9.8) and VAS (5.6 vs 5.9).

Results:  Laparoscopic colposuspension took longer to perform (48 vs 30 mins, P < 0.001), had a slightly higher blood loss (104 vs 82 mL, P < 0.01), had a longer hospitalisation (4.0 vs 1.5 days, P < 0.001) and had a longer time to resumption of normal activities (3.6 vs 2.8 week, P < 0.01). At six months there were no significant differences between LC and SPARC with regard to leaks per week (1.1 vs 2.6) and VAS (1.3 vs 0.7). The success rates were similar (88.3 vs 81.8%). These results again had no significant differences at two years (leaks per week 2.1 vs 3.5, and VAS 1.7 vs 2.2). At two years, the cure/improved rates again found no significant difference (81.5 vs 77.4%)

Conclusions:  Laparoscopic colposuspension is as effective as vaginal suburethral slingplasty after two years’ follow‐up.