bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Heterobasidion basidiocarps on cull pieces of Norway spruce left on cutting areas and in mature spruce stands
Authors: Müller M. M. , Heinonen J. , Korhonen K.
Published: November 2007

Fruiting of Heterobasidion on cull pieces and stumps of Norway spruce was investigated in cutting areas and mature spruce stands located in southern Finland. Cull pieces of variable size and showing butt rot were left on three clear‐cut areas and in one thinned stand. Additionally, a part of the cull pieces was transported to mature forest sites with closed canopy. During the succeeding 3–4 years the cull pieces were investigated annually for sporocarps of Heterobasidion, and the area of actively sporulating pore layer of each sporocarp was measured. Root bases of spruce stumps in the logging areas were excavated and sporocarps found on the stumps also measured. At the onset of the experiment, Heterobasidion spp. were isolated from 76% of the cull pieces showing butt rot; 85% of the isolates were identified as H. parviporum and 15% as H. annosum s.s. During the following 3–4 years sporocarps were found on 20% of the 1938 cull pieces where Heterobasidion butt rot was initially detected visually. Sporocarp formation was promoted by advancement of butt rot, increasing cull piece diameter and end‐to‐end ground contact, but restricted by the colonization of the cull piece by Stereum sanguinolentum. Between‐site differences were significant but could not be explained by differences in tree cover. At the end of the investigation period the average sporulating area of Heterobasidion sporocarp per metre of cull piece was higher than the average sporulating area per stump at three of four logging sites. Hence, leaving cull pieces containing Heterobasidion butt rot at logging areas in southern Finland can considerably increase local production of Heterobasidion spores.
How many cytological examinations should be performed for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube?
Authors: Uchida Naohito , Kamada Hideki , Ono Masahiro , Aritomo Yuichi , Masaki Tsutomu , Nakatsu Toshiaki , Kuriyama Shigeki
Published: November 2007

Background and Aim:  The sensitivity of bile cytology is recognized as being low. Repeating cytological sampling is likely to improve the sensitivity. The aim of this study is to determine the optimal number of repeated cytological sampling of bile obtained via an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture.

Methods:  Ninety‐eight patients with malignant biliary stricture who underwent ENBD were enrolled. Diagnoses included bile duct carcinoma (n = 53), pancreatic carcinoma (n = 28), carcinoma of the major papilla (n = 8), gallbladder carcinoma (n = 6), and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 3). Bile was aspirated via an ENBD tube once a day and immediately evaluated cytologically.

Results:  The median number of cytological samplings via an ENBD tube was 2.8 times (range, 1–10). In 40 of 98 patients with malignant biliary stricture, cytology was positive at the first cytological sampling (sensitivity 40.8%). Cytology was cumulatively positive in 71 of 98 patients (sensitivity 72.4%) from which repeated samples were taken. In 71 patients with positive cytology, correlation of the positive rate and the number of cytological samplings performed was investigated. In 68 of 71 (95.8%) patients with positive cytology, positive results were obtained by or at the sixth examination.

Conclusions:  Bile cytology via an ENBD tube is an easy method, and has been shown to have relatively high sensitivity. The optimal number of repeated cytological samplings using bile obtained via an ENBD tube for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture was concluded to be six.
Factors influencing parental decision to consult for children with upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Ng Chirk‐Jenn , Chia Yook‐Chin , Teng Cheong‐Lieng , Nik‐Sherina Hanafi
Published: November 2007

Aim:  This study aimed to determine which factors could influence (i) parents’ decision to seek medical consultatin and (ii) their preference for either public or private medical service in children with upper respiratory tract infection.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Gombak district, which is an urban area in Malaysia. We randomly selected parents of kindergarten children aged 4–5 years to participate in this questionnaire survey. The main outcome measures were predictors of early medical consultation and type of service utilisation (public versus private).

Results:  We achieved a response rate of 84.5% (n = 1033/1223). 64.1% sought early medical consultation and 70.9% preferred to consult a private doctor. Early consultation was predicated by the parent gender being male (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.09, 2.05), non‐Chinese (OR 1.75%; 95% CI 1.10, 2.79), and those who preferred child specialists (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.27, 3.23). Lower income group (OR 4.28; 95% CI 2.30, 7.95) and not having a regular doctor (OR 4.99%; 95% CI 3.19, 7.80) were predictors of using the public health services.

Conclusions:  Parent's gender, ethnicity and income influenced their decision to seek early medical consultation for their children's respiratory illness while income and having a regular doctor could predict their choice of healthcare services.
Accuracy of pulse oximetry in assessing heart rate of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Singh Jasbir KSB , Kamlin C Omar F , Morley Colin J , O'Donnell Colm PF , Donath Susan M , Davis Peter G
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To determine the accuracy of pulse oximetry measurement of heart rate in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods:  Stable preterm infants were monitored with a pulse oximeter and an ECG. The displays of both monitors were captured on video. Heart rate data from both monitors, including measures of signal quality, were extracted and analysed using Bland Altman plots.

Results:  In 30 infants the mean (SD) difference between heart rate measured by pulse oximetry and electrocardiography was −0.4 (12) beats per minute. Accuracy was maintained when the signal quality or perfusion was low.

Conclusion:  Pulse oximetry may provide a useful measurement of heart rate in the neonatal intensive care unit. Studies of this technique in the delivery room are indicated.
Rates of early intervention services in very preterm children with developmental disabilities at age 2 years
Authors: Roberts Gehan , Howard Kelly , Spittle Alicia J , Brown Nisha C , Anderson Peter J , Doyle Lex W
Published: November 2007

Aim: Preterm birth is increasing in prevalence and long‐term follow‐up studies have documented high rates of neurosensory, intellectual, academic and behavioural disabilities. The importance of early intervention (EI) is well recognised but significant barriers to receiving EI exist in the community. This study explores the association of levels of disability at age 2 years with EI services and social risk in a large cohort of very preterm children.

Methods: This was a cohort study of 236 very preterm (gestational age < 30 weeks or birthweight < 1250 g) infants recruited at birth. Children were assessed comprehensively at age 2 years, and EI and social risk data were gathered via parental questionnaire. Disability levels were assigned as none, mild, or moderate to severe. The relationships of disability level to EI services and social risk were determined.

Results: Of the initial cohort, data from 227 (97%) were available at age 2 years. Overall, 50.7% (115/227) of children had some disability. A significant difference was present (P < 0.001) between the rates of EI and disability, with only 27.9% of children with a mild disability receiving EI services compared with 51.1% of children with a moderate to severe disability. After adjustment for level of disability, those of higher social risk were less likely to receive EI services (odds ratio 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.56;P = 001).

Conclusions: Currently available follow‐up, referral and EI services underserve the most vulnerable children in our community, those with a combination of biological and social risk factors for developmental disabilities.
Full breastfeeding and paediatric cancer
Authors: Ortega‐García Juan A , Ferrís‐Tortajada Josep , Torres‐Cantero Alberto M , Soldin Offie P , Torres Encarna Pastor , Fuster‐Soler Jose L , Lopez‐Ibor Blanca , Madero‐López Luis
Published: November 2007

Aim:  It has been suggested that there is an inverse association between breastfeeding and the risk of childhood cancer. We investigated the association between full breastfeeding and paediatric cancer (PC) in a case control study in Spain.

Methods:  Maternal reports of full breastfeeding, collected through personal interviews using the Paediatric Environmental History, were compared among 187 children 6 months of age or older who had PC and 187 age‐matched control siblings.

Results:  The mean duration of full breastfeeding for cases were 8.43 and 11.25 weeks for controls. Cases had been significantly more often bottle‐fed than controls (odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.8). Cases were significantly less breastfed for at least 2 months (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3–0.8), for at least 4 months (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3–0.8), and for 24 weeks or more (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.2–0.9).

Conclusions:  Breastfeeding was inversely associated with PC, the protection increasing with the duration of full breastfeeding. Additional research on possible mechanisms of this association may be warranted. Meanwhile, breastfeeding should be encouraged among mothers.
Prevention of urethral stricture in insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis
Authors: Lee Sung Won , Park Bong Hee , Lim Joo Hyun , Cui Wan Shou , Kim Myung Ki , Park Jong Kwan
Published: November 2007

Objective:  The aim of this study was to find the mechanism that causes urethral stricture with a view to preventing its occurrence after implantation of a three‐piece inflatable penile prosthesis.

Methods:  When implanting a three‐piece inflatable penile prosthesis, we draw two longitudinal lines parallel to the long axis of the proximal cylinder and the tubing leading from each cylinder into the cavernosal space, to prevent 360 degree rotation of the cylinder.

Results:  From September 1993 to February 2007, a total 86 three‐piece penile prosthesis implantations were carried out in 70 patients. Urethral stricture occurred in 5.8% (5/86) of the prosthesis operations. Fifteen three‐piece penile prosthesis reinsertions were carried out in 17.4% (15/86) of the prosthesis recipients.

Conclusions:  A successful outcome was achieved in the patients who received penile implantation with the three‐piece penile prosthesis that were marked with longitudinal lines. The rotation of the cylinder may cause compression on the urethra from the tubing leading from the cylinder or pump crossing over the urethra and resulting in urethral stricture. The drawing of longitudinal lines at the proximal cylinder and tubing leading from the cylinder could prevent the urethral stricture induced by tubes that are twisted by rotation of the cylinder.
Relaparotomy after cesarean delivery: Experience from an Indian teaching hospital
Authors: Seal Subrata Lall , Kamilya Gourisankar , Bhattacharyya Subir K. , Mukherji Joydev , Bhattacharyya Ajit R.
Published: November 2007

Aim:  Analysis of cases requiring relaparotomy following cesarean delivery (within 6 weeks of surgery).

Methods:  This was a retrospective observational study set in a teaching institution in Kolkata, India, of 66 cases requiring relaparotomy following cesarean delivery.

Results:  Over a period of 3 years from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2004, 12 967 cesarean deliveries were done. During the same period, 66 cases had repeat laparotomy. Of these, 43 cases followed cesarean delivery at the institution itself, while 23 had had a cesarean delivery at a peripheral hospital. Post‐partum hemorrhage in 28 cases (42.4%) and rectus sheath hematoma in 18 cases (27.3%) were the leading indications for relaparotomy. Of these 66 cases, 63 (95.5%) had intrapartum cesarean delivery, while three (4.5%) had an elective operation. Procedures undertaken at relaparotomy were resuturing of uterine incision in 22 cases (33.3%), uterine artery ligation in 19 cases (28.8%), and drainage of hematoma in 18 cases (27.3%). A third laparotomy was needed in 13 cases (19.6%), of which 11 were due to secondary post‐partum hemorrhage. There were eight maternal deaths following relaparotomy.

Conclusion:  Repeat laparotomy within 6 weeks of cesarean delivery was required following 1 in 300 cases done in an Indian teaching hospital. The majority of these were preventable and could have been avoided if adequate attention had been paid at the time of the primary surgery.
Asymmetries in pelvic lymph nodes and their metastatic involvement by gynecologic cancer cells
Authors: Borekci Bunyamin , Dane Senol , Gundogdu Cemal , Kadanali Sedat
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The aims of this study were to re‐examine left–right asymmetry in pelvic lymph node distribution in patients with gynecologic malignancies, and to investigate if there is a left–right asymmetry in pelvic lymph node metastatic involvement by gynecologic cancer cells.

Methods:  The oncologic database of our gynecologic department was reviewed to identify patients who had pelvic lymphadenectomy as part of treatment for a variety of gynecologic malignancies. Right and left lymph node counts with and without involvement of cancer cells were retrieved from the pathological reports.

Results:  Three hundred and thirteen patients were included in the study. The numbers of external iliac, and hypogastric + obturator lymph nodes were higher on the right side than on the left in all gynecologic malignancies. The numbers of involved external iliac, and hypogastric + obturator lymph nodes by metastatic cancer cells were significantly higher on the right side than on the left in all gynecologic malignancies.

Conclusion:  The results suggest the existence of a left–right asymmetry in pelvic lymph node distribution and pelvic lymph node distribution involved by gynecologic cancer cells. This situation may be due to the asymmetry in the number of pelvic lymph nodes. In addition, stronger cell‐mediated immune activity in the left side of humans may be associated with the blocking of metastatic invasion of cancer cells from gynecologic malignancies in the left side of the body.
Three‐dimensional ultrasonographic diagnosis and hysteroscopic management of a viable cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Özkan Sebiha , Çalışkan Eray , Özeren Semih , Çorakçı Aydın , Çakıroğlu Yiğit , Coşkun Ebru
Published: November 2007

Implantation of conception material within a cesarean section scar is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy with devastating complications, such as uterine rupture and intractable bleeding. Both 2‐D and 3‐D transvaginal ultrasonographic devices are used adequately for precise diagnosis, but there is still a lack of consensus concerning management strategies. No therapeutic modality is suggested to be entirely efficacious and safe for preserving uterine integrity. We present here a 29‐year‐old woman with vaginal bleeding and a gestational sac with a viable embryo of 6 weeks of age that was implanted in a cesarean section scar. Serum β‐hCG levels were 16 792 mIU/mL. Following an unsuccessful treatment course of systemic methotrexate, the patient underwent operative hysteroscopy. Minimally invasive hysteroscopic resection of the ectopic gestational mass without major complication appears to be an alternative therapeutic approach with minimal morbidity and preservation of future fertility.
Gβ5–RGS complexes co‐localize with mGluR6 in retinal ON‐bipolar cells
Authors: Morgans Catherine W. ,   Weiwei Liu, Wensel Theodore G. , Brown R. Lane , Perez‐Leon Jorge A. , Bearnot Ben , Duvoisin Robert M.
Published: November 2007

The time course of G‐protein‐coupled responses is largely determined by the kinetics of GTP hydrolysis by the G protein α subunit, which is accelerated by interaction with regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) proteins. Light responses of ON‐bipolar cells of the vertebrate retina require rapid inactivation of the G protein Gαo, which is activated in the dark by metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR6, in their dendritic tips. It is not yet known, however, which RGS protein(s) might be responsible for rapid inactivation kinetics. By immunofluorescence and co‐immunoprecipitation, we have identified complexes of the Gαo‐selective RGS proteins RGS7 and RGS11, with their obligate binding partner, Gβ5, that are localized to the dendritic tips of murine rod and cone ON‐bipolar cells, along with mGluR6. Experiments using pre‐ and post‐synaptic markers, and a dissociated bipolar cell preparation, clearly identified the location of these complexes as the ON‐bipolar cell dendritic tips and not the adjacent photoreceptor terminals or horizontal cell dendrites. In mice lacking mGluR6, the distribution of RGS11, RGS7 and Gβ5 shifts away from the dendritic tips, implying a functional relationship with mGluR6. The precise co‐localization of Gβ5–RGS7 and Gβ5–RGS11 with mGluR6, and the dependence of localization on the presence of mGluR6, suggests that Gβ5–RGS7 and Gβ5–RGS11 function specifically in the mGluR6 signal transduction pathway, where they may stimulate the GTPase activity of Gαo, thus accelerating the ON‐bipolar cell light response, in a manner analogous to the acceleration of photoreceptor light responses by the Gβ5–RGS9‐1 complex.
Safety and efficacy of patient controlled epidural analgesia following pediatric spinal surgery
Authors: SAUDAN SONJA , HABRE WALID , CERONI DIMITRI , MEYER PIERRE‐ALAIN , GREENBERG ROBERT S. , KAELIN ANDRÉ , VON UNGERN‐STERNBERG BRITTA S.
Published: November 2007

Background:  Patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) is uncommon in pediatric anesthesia. Because PCEA offers superior pain control compared with continuous epidural infusions in adults, we prospectively evaluated the analgesia efficacy and safety of PCEA in children and adolescents following extensive spinal surgery.

Methods:  Following ethics committee approval, 100 consecutive children [age median (range) 14 (6–19) years] undergoing spinal surgery were studied until the seventh postoperative day, and 98 children received a PCEA. One or two epidural catheters were positioned under direct vision by the surgeon based on the number of vertebral segments operated upon. The epidural solution consisted of bupivacaine 0.0625%, fentanyl 1 μg·ml−1 and clonidine 0.6 μg·ml−1, delivered at a basal rate of 0.2 ml·kg−1·h−1 and a PCEA dose of 0.1 ml·kg−1·h−1(max. 2 h−1). On the fourth postoperative day, PCEA was stopped and analgesia was continued with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine.

Results:  During the PCEA regimen, the maximal scores of the revized facial scale were below 4 at rest with a very high satisfaction rate (>90%). Pain scores were higher during mobilization on the first postoperative day and when PCEA was switched to PCA. The overall incidence of adverse events was low and consisted primarily of technical problems and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Only two children experienced a complication requiring the discontinuation of the PCEA but there were no consequent adverse sequelae.

Conclusions:  The present study demonstrates that PCEA provides excellent pain relief following extensive spinal surgery and is associated with a low incidence of adverse events. The use of PCEA should be encouraged in children and adolescents following extensive spinal surgery.
The Proseal™ laryngeal mask airway in children: a comparison between two insertion techniques
Authors: TEOH CHUAN YEONG , LIM FELICIA S.K.
Published: November 2007

Background:  The Proseal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is a relatively new supraglottic airway device with a drain tube to minimize the risk of gastric insufflation and aspiration. We compared introducer tool (IT) and gum elastic bougie (GEB)‐guided techniques for insertion of the Proseal™ LMA in children.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐four children aged 1–12 years, weight 8–29 kg, ASA I–II, undergoing peripheral surgery were studied. Patients were randomly divided into either IT group (n = 64) or GEB group (n = 60). Following a standardized anesthesia protocol, the IT technique was performed according to the manufacturer’s instruction. The GEB‐guided technique involved priming the drain tube with a GEB, placing the distal end of the GEB into the esophagus under gentle laryngoscopy and railroading the Proseal™ LMA into position. All insertions of Proseal™ LMA were performed by two experienced investigators. Data were collected regarding rate of successful insertion, incidence of oral, gastric and drain tube air leak, ease of gastric tube placement and frequency of airway‐related complications.

Results:  Insertion was equally successful at the first attempt (IT 96.9%, GEB 95.0%) in both groups. Efficacy of seal was better in the GEB group (oral leak, IT 35.9%, GEB 18.3%, P < 0.05; gastric leak, IT 21.9%, GEB 5.0%, P < 0.05; drain tube leak, IT 7.8%, GEB 0%, P < 0.05). Position of Proseal™ LMA in relation to the glottis was better in the IT group (grade I, IT 0%, GEB 11.7%; grade II, IT 29.7%, GEB 23.3%; grade III, IT 28.1%, GEB 25.0%; grade IV, IT 42.2%, GEB 40.0%; P < 0.05). Gastric tube placement was equally successful (IT 100%, GEB 100%) and frequency of airway‐related problems was similar for both groups (IT 3.2%, GEB 6.1%).

Conclusions:  A gum elastic bougie‐guided insertion technique in children is comparable with the IT technique in terms of success rate and may be useful as a backup technique when the IT technique fails.
Reactivation of the vanchrobactin siderophore system of Vibrio anguillarum by removal of a chromosomal insertion sequence originated in plasmid pJM1 encoding the anguibactin siderophore system
Authors: Naka Hiroaki , López Claudia S. , Crosa Jorge H.
Published: November 2007

A chromosomal gene cluster encoding vanchrobactin biosynthesis and transport genes was identified in the Vibrio anguillarum serotype O1 strain, 775(pJM1), harbouring the anguibactin biosynthetic genes in the pJM1 plasmid. In this strain only anguibactin is produced as the vanchrobactin chromosome cluster has a RS1 transposition insertion into vabF, one of the vanchrobactin biosynthesis genes. Removal of this RS1 generating 775(pJM1)Δtnp, still resulted in the detection of only anguibactin in specific bioassays. Surprisingly, when the pJM1 plasmid was not present as in the plasmidless strain H775‐3, removal of the RS1 resulted in the detection of only vanchrobactin. These results thus can be interpreted as if presence of the pJM1 plasmid or of anguibactin itself is associated with the lack of detection of the vanchrobactin siderophore in bioassays. As high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that both vanchrobactin and anguibactin were indeed produced in 775(pJM1)Δtnp, it is clear that the pJM1‐encoded anguibactin siderophore has higher affinity for iron than the vanchrobactin system in strains in which both systems are expressed at the same time. Our results underscore the importance of the anguibactin system in the survival of V. anguillarum 775 under conditions of iron limitation.
Ordinary Folk and Cottaging: Law, Morality, and Public Sex
Authors: Johnson Paul
Published: November 2007

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 introduced a new statutory offence of ‘sexual activity in a public lavatory’ into English law. Although written as a gender‐neutral offence, the statute was formulated and enacted on the basis of concerns about male homosexual sexual activity in public lavatories (‘cottaging’). This paper examines the justifications for, and implications of, the legislation. It considers the main arguments made in support of the offence and situates these within established moral, legal, and social debates about homosexuality. The paper considers the relationship between conceptions of public and private morality in relation to the legal regulation of homosexual sex. It goes on to explore the complex nature of regulating public sex in relation to sexual practices which often maintain high degrees of privacy. The final part of the paper argues that the legislation is largely in contradiction with the realities of police work and contemporary law enforcement.
Hard facts about software piracy
Authors: Crittenden William F. , Robertson Christopher , Crittenden Victoria
Published: November 2007

Technological ease has made it quite simple to steal and distribute the intellectual property associated with the computer, video, and music industries. What's the cost of such piracy? Who does it the most? Can anyone control it?William Crittenden, Christopher Robertson and Victoria Crittenden report on a growing problem.
Funky Redux
Authors: Nordström Kjell , Ridderstråle Jonas
Published: November 2007

Kjell Nordström and Jonas Ridderstråle came to the world's attention thanks to their 1999 bestseller, Funky Business. Now, they pause to re‐evaluate their original funky musings and pass judgement on the world of 2008 and beyond.
Good enough leadership
Authors: Bains Gurnek
Published: November 2007

Tired of a command‐and‐control leadership style?Gurnek Bains has discovered a new way to lead. It's a style that promotes a high level of meaning for people in the organization. Here's what that means to you.
Probability distributions in tennis
Authors: Triana Pablo
Published: November 2007

Roger Federer may never have heard about “black swans”, and Pablo Triana says that, unless Federer takes up a career in finance, it's just as well that he forget the concept. But what about you?
The role of shyness and self‐focused attention for attribution of reactions in social situations to internal and external causes
Authors: ALM CHARLOTTE
Published: November 2007

The hypothesis that shyness would be associated with attribution of emotional reactions to stable internal causes rather than to less stable internal and external causes was tested in Study 1 (N = 60). In Study 2 (N= 112) the hypothesis that the explanatory power of shyness would decrease once the effect of self‐focused attention on attribution to stable internal causes had been controlled for was tested. The results confirmed both hypotheses. Shyness correlated positively with attribution to stable internal causes, but non‐significant with attribution to less stable internal and external causes. Shyness explained a lesser portion of the variance in attribution to both of the internal causes when controlling for self‐focus. Even though the findings indicate that self‐focus is central to the social cognitive processes of shy individuals, they also suggest that self‐focus cannot fully explain attribution to internal causes in general and shy individuals’ attributional pattern in particular.
Long‐term stability in the Big Five personality traits in adulthood
Authors: RANTANEN JOHANNA , METSÄPELTO RIITTA‐LEENA , FELDT TARU , PULKKINEN LEA , KOKKO KATJA
Published: November 2007

This study investigated the stability of the Big Five personality traits in adulthood from age 33 to 42. Participants (89 men, 103 women) were drawn from the ongoing Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development. The results showed that the mean‐level of Neuroticism decreased whereas the mean‐level of Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness increased from age 33 to 42. The Structural Equation Modeling analyses revealed both gender differences and similarities in the rank‐order stability of the Big Five: Neuroticism and Extraversion were more stable in men than in women, whereas Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were as stable in men as in women. Stability coefficients for the Big Five personality traits across 9 years were moderate to high, ranging from 0.73 to 0.97 in men and from 0.65 to 0.95 in women. The highest gender‐equal stability was found for Openness to Experience and the lowest for Conscientiousness.
Emotional irritation before mental stress is associated with enhanced peripheral norepinephrine
Authors: WEBER CORA STEFANIE , THAYER JULIAN F. , RUDAT MIRIAM , PERSCHEL FRANK HOLGER , BUCHHOLZ KONRAD , DETER HANS CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2007

Research suggests equivocal findings on associations of catecholamines and mood. Our study investigated the associations of emotional state, blood pressure and catecholamines in 55 healthy males undergoing mental stress. We especially checked the reported link between norepinephrine (NE) and emotional irritation. Blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored. NE and epinephrine (EPI) were measured before, after, and 20 minutes after stress. Participants were divided into irritated versus non‐irritated and anxious versus non‐anxious subjects by median split on their baseline questionnaires. The task elicited significant cardiovascular, hormonal, and psychological stress responses. NE levels were significantly correlated with irritation before stress. Irritated subjects showed significantly higher DBP and NE than non‐irritated subjects. The higher NE and DBP levels in the irritated participants suggest detrimental psycho‐physiological interrelations promoting the development of stress‐mediated cardiovascular diseases. Heightened emotional irritation before stress may be regarded as a psychological risk factor.
Child‐rearing goals of Estonian, Finnish, and Swedish mothers
Authors: TULVISTE TIIA , MIZERA LUULE , DE GEER BOEL , TRYGGVASON MARJA‐TERTTU
Published: November 2007

In the present study, the child‐rearing goals of mothers of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children from Estonia, Finland, and Sweden were compared. The developed Child‐Rearing Goals Questionnaire consisted of three different tasks: open‐ended questions, item rating, and item ranking. All mothers were similar in valuing highly self‐maximization, but differed in emphasis on traditional child‐rearing goals (e.g., conformity, obedience, politeness, being hard‐working, etc.). The Swedish mothers tended to stress the characteristics connected with self‐maximization as well as self‐confidence and children's happiness, but did not value the traditional child‐rearing goals. The Estonian mothers attached a great significance both to the traditional characteristics and to self‐maximization. The Finnish mothers also stressed both traditional and non‐traditional values, but to a lesser extent than the Estonians. The Swedish and Finnish mothers’ child‐rearing goals were relatively homogeneous. In contrast, the Estonian mothers were generally less focused on any specific goal. Mothers with a lower level of education stressed traditional goals more than mothers with a higher level of education. The results are discussed in the light of the possible effect different cultural contexts have on maternal child‐rearing goals: bringing up children in stable welfare societies (such as Sweden and Finland) in contrast to a rapidly changing society (such as Estonia).
Asylum Seekers in Scotland: The Accommodation of Diversity
Authors: Sim Duncan , Bowes Alison
Published: November 2007

This article explores the experiences of asylum seekers who have been housed in Glasgow under the government's dispersal policy. It notes the work of the Audit Commission in identifying those factors which may be considered when assessing the suitability of areas for asylum‐seeker settlement. These factors are then discussed in detail in relation to the Glasgow case study, using information derived from interviews with asylum seekers themselves, with service providers and various community and voluntary organizations. The article notes the impact of additional factors such as media coverage, which were not considered by the Audit Commission. The article discusses the appropriateness of cities such as Glasgow, with relatively small minority ethnic populations, as locations for asylum‐seeker settlement, and explores the impact of devolution. It concludes by suggesting that areas such as Glasgow may, with the appropriate commitment, become places where asylum seekers may successfully settle, once they have received refugee status, with new multicultural communities being created.
Combining Work and Care: Carers’ Decision‐making in the Context of Competing Policy Pressures
Authors: Arksey Hilary , Glendinning Caroline
Published: November 2007

Issues related to paid work and care are of global importance, reflecting the twin pressures of population ageing and efforts to increase labour market participation. Informal carers of sick, disabled or older people can experience tensions between policies aimed at support for care and support for employment. This article discusses a study of carers’ decision‐making around work and care, drawing on evidence from interviews with 80 working‐age carers in England. Carers are not homogeneous; their circumstances and needs differ reflecting age, gender, ethnicity, labour market participation, and the condition and/or needs of the person they support. This diversity is illustrated by contrasting rural and urban carers’ decisions and experiences about work and care. Key factors that impact on carers’ decisions are: current and anticipated financial need; the constraints arising from receipt of carers’ and other means‐tested income maintenance benefits; personal identity; job opportunities and scope for flexibility; social services provision; carers’ own health. Distance, travel times and transport are unique additional challenges for rural carers who (wish to) work. These difficulties are further intensified when they intersect with other factors such as the Carer's Allowance, the local labour market and social services provision. The findings are evaluated in terms of the adequacy of current government policy measures.
How to Balance the Outcomes of the Economic Partnership Agreements for Sub‐Saharan African Economies?
Authors: Perez Romain , Karingi Stephen Njuguna
Published: November 2007

Since 2002, the Sub‐Saharan African countries (except South Africa which already has a free‐trade agreement with the EU) have embarked on free‐trade agreement negotiations with the European Union. These arrangements will replace the Cotonou scheme, which requires these countries to eliminate their tariffs on ‘substantially’ all their European imports. Based on a general equilibrium analysis, this study estimates the potential effects of these agreements by considering different levels of reciprocity in the commitments of the Sub‐Saharan African countries. It shows that the ‘standard’ EU proposal, whereby Sub‐Saharan African countries would cut tariffs on 80 per cent of their European imports, would not be enough to balance the outcome of the Economic Partnership Agreements. As a result of the asymmetries between European and African protections and supply‐side capacities, African countries could experience a balance of trade deficit of USD 1.8 billion associated with a 0.1 per cent decrease in GDP. This proposal, which also induces an industrial restructuring to the benefit of the agro‐processing industries, will create a significant fiscal burden. A lesser level of commitment could largely mitigate these unfavourable results; by reciprocating tariff eliminations on only 60 per cent of their European imports, African countries would reduce the trade imbalance and fiscal losses induced by these agreements by 21 and 51 per cent respectively.
Intra‐industry Trade, Reconsidered: The Role of Technology Transfer and Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro
Published: November 2007

This paper investigates novel determinants of intra‐industry trade (IIT) of late 1990s Japanese trade. Our empirical analysis shows that IIT is increased not only by the similarity of GDP and factor endowment but also by technology transfer via Japanese FDI. In particular, the current high proportion of Japanese IIT with Asian countries can be explained by technology transfer (licensing between headquarters and overseas affiliates) via FDI.
Applying Discrete Choice Models to Predict Academy Award Winners
Authors: Pardoe Iain , Simonton Dean K.
Published: November 2007

Every year since 1928, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized outstanding achievement in film with their prestigious Academy Award, or Oscar. Before the winners in various categories are announced, there is intense media and public interest in predicting who will come away from the awards ceremony with an Oscar statuette. There are no end of theories about which nominees are most likely to win, yet despite this there continue to be major surprises when the winners are announced. The paper frames the question of predicting the four major awards—picture, director, actor in a leading role and actress in a leading role—as a discrete choice problem. It is then possible to predict the winners in these four categories with a reasonable degree of success. The analysis also reveals which past results might be considered truly surprising—nominees with low estimated probability of winning who have overcome nominees who were strongly favoured to win.
Rank‐based estimation for autoregressive moving average time series models
Authors: Andrews Beth
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  We establish asymptotic normality and consistency for rank‐based estimators of autoregressive‐moving average model parameters. The estimators are obtained by minimizing a rank‐based residual dispersion function similar to the one given by L.A. Jaeckel [Ann. Math. Stat. Vol. 43 (1972) 1449–1458]. These estimators can have the same asymptotic efficiency as maximum likelihood estimators and are robust. The quality of the asymptotic approximations for finite samples is studied via simulation.
Improved Prediction Limits For AR(p) and ARCH(p) Processes
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Syuhada Khreshna
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  A new simulation‐based prediction limit that improves on any given estimative d‐step‐ahead prediction limit for a Markov process is described. This improved prediction limit can be found with almost no algebraic manipulations. Nonetheless, it has the same asymptotic coverage properties as the Barndorff‐Nielsen and Cox [Inference and Asymptotics (1994) Chapman and Hall, London] and Vidoni [Journal of Time Series Analysis Vol. 25, pp. 137–154.] (2004) improved prediction limits. The new simulation‐based prediction limit is ideally suited to those Markov process models for which the algebraic manipulations required for the latter improved prediction limits are very complicated. We illustrate the new method by applying it in the context of one‐step‐ahead prediction for a zero‐mean Gaussian AR(2) process and an ARCH(2) process.
Telework, human resource flexibility and firm performance
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Angel , Pérez‐Pérez Manuela , De‐Luis‐Carnicer Pilar , Vela‐Jiménez María José
Published: November 2007

The results of a survey of 156 Spanish firms indicate that HR development practices are positively associated to the intensity of telework adoption and they moderate the relationship between telework and firm performance. The positive moderator effect of HR development practices indicates that their implementation is necessary not only to facilitate telework adoption but also to enhance the otherwise marginal contribution of telework at organisational level.
Resources, techniques, and strategies south of the Sahara: revising the factor endowments perspective on African economic development, 1500–20001
Authors: AUSTIN GARETH
Published: November 2007

This article seeks to revise and re‐apply the factor endowments perspective on African history. The propositions that sub‐Saharan Africa was characterized historically by land abundance and labour scarcity, and that the natural environment posed severe constraints on the exploitation of the land surplus, are broadly upheld. Important alterations are suggested, however, centred on the seasonality of labour supply, Ruf's concept of ‘forest rent’, and, for precolonial economies, the role of fixed capital. This revised endowments framework is then applied in order to explore the long‐term dynamics of economic development in Africa, focusing on how the economic strategies of producers and political authorities created specific paths of change which shifted the production possibility frontiers of the economies concerned, and ultimately altered the very factor ratios to which the strategies had been responses.
The use of topical calcineurin inhibitors in lupus erythematosus: an overview
Authors: Wollina U , Hansel G
Published: November 2007

Lupus erythematosus (LE) shows a broad range of cutaneous symptoms, including acute, subacute and chronic lesions. The gold standard of established topical treatment consists of medium‐ to high‐potency corticosteroids. Because face and neck are often involved, adverse effects of prolonged corticosteroid use are not uncommon. There is a need of steroid‐free topical treatment in LE. With the development of topical calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, there is an alternative available. The present study reviews the literature data on topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus for malar rash, subacute lesions and discoid chronic lesions among others. The present data argue for an efficacy of these compounds in acute and subacute cutaneous LE manifestations with a rapid response and only minor side‐effects when used as an adjunct to systemic treatment. In chronic discoid LE, hypertrophic plaques do not well respond because of limited penetration. The primary target seems to be the decrease or blocking of cytokine production by activated T lymphocytes.
Is the European Commission a ‘Hothouse’ for Supranationalism? Exploring Actor‐Level Supranationalism*
Authors: TRONDAL JARLE
Published: November 2007

The article explores actor‐level supranationalism among seconded national experts (SNEs) in the European Commission. The transformative clout of the European Commission is assessed by the extent to which SNEs adopt a supranational role perception. The survey and interview data presented demonstrates that SNEs evoke multiple roles, notably departmental, epistemic and supranational roles. OLS regression analyses reveal that actor‐level supranationalism among SNEs reflect (i) processes of re‐socialization inside the Commission, (ii) the organizational composition of the Commission and (iii) organizational incompatibilities between the Commission and domestic government institutions.
The role of thermochemical sulfate reduction in the origin of Mississippi Valley‐type deposits. I. Experimental results
Authors: THOM J. , ANDERSON G. M.
Published: November 2007

The kinetics of thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) were studied in experiments at 205–250°C, with determination of both sulfate and sulfide at intervals during the runs of up to 430 h. Analysis of the data indicates the reaction to have first‐order kinetics, and extrapolating these data, plus data from the literature, to 150°C gives a range of possible rate constants from 100 to 10−4 year−1. Although the rate law has not been well established, a reasonable estimate allows calculation of the amount of sulfide ore formed as a function of flow conditions and time. It is here concluded that TSR could happen during the formation of Mississippi Valley‐type ore deposits, subject to several caveats.
Gephyrin expression and clustering affects the size of glutamatergic synaptic contacts
Authors: Yu Wendou , Blas Angel L. De
Published: November 2007

We have recently shown that disrupting the expression and post‐synaptic clustering of gephyrin in cultured hippocampal pyramidal cells, by either gephyrin RNAi (RNA interference) or over‐expression of a dominant negative gephyrin‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fusion protein, leads to decreased number of post‐synaptic gephyrin and GABAA receptor clusters and to reduced GABAergic innervation of these cells. On the other hand, increasing gephyrin expression led to a small increase in the number of gephyrin and GABAA receptor clusters and to little or no effect on GABAergic innervation. We are now reporting that altering gephyrin expression and clustering affects the size but not the density of glutamatergic synaptic contacts. Knocking down gephyrin with gephyrin RNAi, or preventing gephyrin clustering by over‐expression of the dominant negative gephyrin‐enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion protein, leads to larger post‐synaptic PSD‐95 clusters and larger pre‐synaptic glutamatergic terminals. On the other hand, over‐expression of gephyrin leads to slightly smaller PSD‐95 clusters and pre‐synaptic glutamatergic terminals. The change in size of PSD‐95 clusters were accompanied by a parallel change in the size of NR2‐NMDA receptor clusters. It is concluded that the levels of expression and clustering of gephyrin, a protein that concentrates at the post‐synaptic complex of the inhibitory synapses, not only has homotypic effects on GABAergic synaptic contacts, but also has heterotypic effects on glutamatergic synaptic contacts. We are proposing that gephyrin is a counterpart of the post‐synaptic glutamatergic scaffold protein PSD‐95 in regulating the number and/or size of the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contacts.
TLQP‐21, a neuroendocrine VGF‐derived peptide, prevents cerebellar granule cells death induced by serum and potassium deprivation
Authors: Severini Cinzia , Ciotti Maria Teresa , Biondini Laura , Quaresima Stefania , Rinaldi Anna Maria , Levi Andrea , Frank Claudio , Possenti Roberta
Published: November 2007

Different VGF peptides derived from Vgf, originally identified as a nerve growth factor responsive gene, have been detected in neurons within the central and peripheral nervous system and in various endocrine cells. In the current study, we have evaluated the ability of TLQP‐21, a VGF‐derived peptide, to protect, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) from serum and potassium deprivation‐induced cell death. We demonstrated that TLQP‐21 increased survival of CGCs by decreasing the degree of apoptosis as assessed by cell viability and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, TLQP‐21 significantly activated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, serine/threonine protein kinase, and c‐jun N‐terminal kinase phosphorylation, while decreased the extent of protein kinase C phosphorylation, as demonstrated by western blot analysis. In addition, TLQP‐21 induced significant increase in intracellular calcium (as measured by fura‐2AM) in about 60% of the recorded neurons. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that TLQP‐21 promotes the survival of CGCs via pathways involving, within few minutes, modulation of kinases associated with CGCs survival, and by increasing intracellular calcium which can contribute to the neuroprotective effect of the peptide.