bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorising the risks in fisheries management
Authors: GRAY S. A. , IVES M. C. , SCANDOL J. P. , JORDAN R. C.
Published: May 2010

Abstract  The many risks associated with fisheries management can be attributed to the substantial uncertainties that exist within fishery systems and their numerous possible consequences for fishers and fish stocks. Compounding these risks are the possible disparities between different fisheries professionals on the nature and source of these risks. This paper attempts to categorise the risks as reported by fishery scientists and managers in Australia and along the US Atlantic Coast. Through the use of semi‐structured interview data, this paper attempts to provide a categorisation of the risks identified by fisheries professionals; and to compare the identified risks by professional group and by country. The analysis yields three broad categories and 12 subcategories of risk found in both nations. Results indicate that: (1) fisheries management risks can be broadly categorised through interview data; (2) the frequency of identification of a particular risk category reflects the management system in which they operate; and (3) risk categorisation could be useful from a risk management perspective as risks in different categories may be evaluated and managed using different risk management approaches.
Community dermatology in Debre Markos: an attempt to define children’s dermatological needs in a rural area of Ethiopia
Authors: Murgia Vitalia , Bilcha Kassahun Desalegn , Shibeshi Dagnachew
Published: June 2010

Background  Skin diseases are very common in rural and urban areas in developing countries. Knowledge of the real frequency of the dermatological problems of Ethiopian children could help plan future intervention for early diagnosis and low cost “good practice” therapies.

Methods  We involved in the project two primary Ethiopian schools, attended by 1765 children from grade 1 to grade 4, who were screened to assess their general skin health conditions. All children were examined naked in good day light. To record data we used an EPIinfo questionnaire.

Results  A total of 1104 children were screened. We registered a total number of 1086 dermatological problems, 876 of them were of infective origin mainly represented by fungal infections (36.1%). Tinea capitis represented 76% of the cases, tinea corporis 27% and tinea unguium 8%. Head lice affected 345 children. Viral infections accounted for 12%, most of them were warts.

Conclusions  We think our work highlights the general health and living conditions of Ethiopian school children. The dermatological problems affecting most of the children could improve just by better skin hygiene conditions. The presence at the community level of health workers trained to perform a correct and early diagnosis and distribute efficacious, low‐cost therapies would be a relevant step forward. We think this project could help draw attention and interest to these issues.
Is acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma a new dermatosis? Two case reports and Chinese literature review
Authors: Fan Yi‐Ming , Li Shun‐Fan , Yang Yan‐Ping , Chen Qiu‐Xia , Li Wen
Published: June 2010

Background  A series of cases characterized by symmetrical acral hyperkeratosis, mainly involving the dorsal surface of the hands, feet, and wrists, but sparing the palmoplantar areas, as well as rapid immersion upon exposure to water have been recently described in China, but similar disorders have not been reported in the English literature.

Methods  The clinicopathologic features of two cases of acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma were reported and 27 Chinese patients were reviewed.

Results  The disorder typically occurred in young or middle aged men. Brown to black hyperkeratotic patches were symmetrically distributed particularly on the wrists and dorsum of hands, fingers, and feet, but without involvement of palms and soles. The lesions became whitish with mild swelling immediately after contact with water and improved generally in winter. Histopathologic examination revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and papillomatous hyperplasia, as well as superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Main ultrastructural features of the immersed lesion were epidermal hyperkeratosis and spongiosis with partial split of the desmosomes.

Conclusion  This disorder may be a new dermatosis, and the term “acquired symmetrical acrokeratoderma” could exactly reflect its clinicopathologic characteristics.
Beta defensin‐1 gene (DEFB1) polymorphisms are not associated with atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents from northeast Brazil (Recife, Pernambuco)
Authors: Segat Ludovica , Guimarães Rafael L. , Brandão Lucas A. C. , Rocha Cintia R. C. , Zanin Valentina , Trevisiol Chiara , De Lima Filho José Luiz , Crovella Sergio
Published: June 2010

Background  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease resulting from the interplay between environmental, immunological and genetic factors. In our study, we investigated the role of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 5′‐UTR of DEFB1 gene, encoding for the human beta defensin‐1, on the susceptibility to develop AD in a group of Brazilian children and adolescents.

Methods  Three SNPs, −20 G/A (rs11362), −44 C/G (rs1800972), and −52 G/A (rs1799946) at 5′‐UTR of DEFB1 gene were genotyped in two groups of children and adolescents, one affected by AD (96 subjects), the other healthy (191 individuals), from northeast Brazil.

Results  −44 C/G frequencies were comparable between the two groups. The −20 GG genotype was more frequent in AD subjects than in healthy controls; the −52 GG, conversely, was more frequent in healthy controls than in AD. However, both these differences did not reach statistical significance. Also, association between SNPs and AD severity has been shown. The analysis of DEFB1 haplotypes did not highlight any association of the three SNPs with AD development or disease severity.

Conclusions  Our results seem to exclude a role for the −44 C/G DEFB1 SNPs on the pathogenesis and severity of AD, while for the −20 C/G and −52 G/A, even if not statistically significant, we evidenced a slight trend for susceptibility (−20 GG) and protection (−52 GG) for the development of AD. However, as controversial findings have been reported in the literature, the role of DEFB1 in the development of AD and in the severity of the phenotype deserves further investigation.
Subcutaneous cysticercosis diagnosed by mitochondrial DNA analysis
Authors: Shih Yi‐Chin , Chen Chien‐Ming , Huang Yu‐Huei , Liao Chein‐Wei , Fan Chia‐Kwung , Yang Chih‐Hsun
Published: June 2010

Background  Cysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. Central nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscle, and subcutaneous tissue are the most frequent sites of involvement.

Methods  We report a case of subcutaneous larval cestode where no diagnostic histological features such as scolex or bladder wall can be seen on serial sections. Identification of the pathogen was attempted using mitochondrial DNA analysis of the histopathologic specimen.

Results  Analysis of PCR‐amplified DNA sequences targeting T. solium mitochondrial cox1 gene and cob gene confirmed the diagnosis.

Conclusions  When characteristic morphology is absent in histopathology specimen, mitochondrial DNA diagnosis is a powerful tool for a definitive diagnosis of cysticercosis. The DNA diagnosis using such histopathologic specimens would also be applicable for identification of other parasites as extensive DNA sequence data are currently available.
Intractable genital ulcers from herpes simplex virus reactivation in drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome caused by allopurinol
Authors: Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Fujimoto Manabu , Enokido Yuri , Wayaku Takamasa , Kaji Kenzo , Echigo Takeshi , Takehara Kazuhiko
Published: June 2010

Background  Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse systemic reaction. Reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV) family members other than HHV‐6 has been reported in patients with DIHS. Reactivation of HHV family members is generally characterized by increased serum antibody titers against the virus. By contrast, clinical symptoms caused by viral reactivation are relatively rare.

Method  We report a case of DIHS with intractable genital ulcers from reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in accordance with reactivation of HHV‐6 and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Result  Twenty‐two days after the onset of the rash, the patient developed intractable genital ulcers that were resistant to treatment. Histological examination of the ulcers revealed necrotic degeneration in the epidermal cells, with giant cells containing inclusion bodies and marked lymphocytic infiltration in the upper dermis. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies reactive to HSV or CMV showed that these giant cells were positive for HSV but negative for CMV.

Conclusion  Genital herpes is a common skin disease. However, our case was considered to be a DIHS‐associated symptom, not an accidental complication, as the symptoms were severe and resistant to treatment.
Pancreas and kidney transplantation: long‐term endocrine function
Authors: Mora Mireia , Ricart María José , Casamitjana Roser , Astudillo Emiliano , López Irela , Jiménez Amanda , Fernández‐Cruz Laureano , Esmatjes Enric
Published: June 2010

Mora M, Ricart MJ, Casamitjana R, Astudillo E, López I, Jiménez A, Fernández‐Cruz L, Esmatjes E. Pancreas and kidney transplantation: long‐term endocrine function.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E236–E240. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the characteristics of metabolic control and beta‐cell function in the long‐term follow‐up of patients with type‐1 diabetes (T1D) who have undergone pancreas and kidney transplantation (PKTx).

Patients and methods: Twelve patients (eight males/four females) with normal pancreas and kidney graft function for more than 15 yr were included. Patient age at the time of transplantation was 35.8 ± 6.9, with a duration of diabetes of 19.0 ± 4.6 yr and time on dialysis of 18.7 ± 12.4 months. In all the cases, bladder derivation was performed to drain exocrine secretion, with subsequent conversion to the intestinal tract in 42% of the patients. The functional evaluation was made at one, five, 10, and 15 yr after PKTx determining: glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), measuring insulinemia, and anti‐GAD antibody.

Results: Comparing the results between one and 15 yr after transplantation: (i) no differences were observed in either HbA1c (4.68% vs. 4.76%) or basal glycemia (71 vs. 79 mg/dL), but an increase was seen in the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose (11 983 vs. 15 875 mg/dL/120′, p = 0.02); (ii) a trend to a reduction in basal insulinemia (24 vs. 15 mU/L, p = 0.11) and a trend to a reduction in the AUC of insulinemia (8446 vs. 7057 mU/L/120′, p = 0.22) were observed. The OGTT was normal in six patients, intolerant in two and diabetic in four patients. No variations were seen in insulin resistance (FIRI, QUICKI). Anti‐GAD antibody became positive in one case.

Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that pancreas transplantation has long‐term functional viability, being an essential strategy for the treatment of patients with T1D with end‐stage renal failure. Nevertheless, lesser response to OGTT can be expected suggesting certain deterioration in the functional capability of the pancreas graft during follow‐up.
Acute dialysis in HIV‐positive patients in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: ARENDSE CRAIG , OKPECHI IKECHI , SWANEPOEL CHARLES
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The prognosis for HIV patients needing acute dialysis is uncertain. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, renal diagnoses and outcomes of HIV patients who underwent acute haemodialysis at Groote Schuur Hospital in the period 2002–2007.

Methods:  A retrospective review of case records of HIV patients who underwent acute haemodialysis was conducted.

Results:  One hundred and seventeen patients were reviewed (median age 34.0 years (29.0–40.0) 53.8% men, 93.2% black Africans) and 33 had a renal biopsy. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was diagnosed in 68 patients. Recovery of renal function occurred in 33.3% of all patients while in 25.7% treatment was withdrawn and 41.0% died in hospital. Suspected ATN was the commonest cause of renal disease in those who recovered renal function (82.1%). A higher CD4 count (odds ratio (OR) = 0.994, P = 0.007), lower pre‐dialysis serum creatinine (<1230 µmol/L) and longer hospitalization (OR = 0.93, P = 0.006) significantly correlated with survival.

Conclusion:  There is a good chance of survival for HIV patients needing acute dialysis when the diagnosis is ATN, and when the CD4 count is more than 200 cells/mm3.
Leptomeningeal metastases in pediatrics: magnetic resonance image manifestations and correlation with cerebral spinal fluid cytology
Authors: Porto Luciana , Kieslich Matthias , Bartels Marco , Schwabe Dirk , Zanella Friedhelm E , Mesnil Richard Du
Published: June 2010

Background:  Detection of leptomeningeal metastases is fundamental to a complete evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) or non‐CNS tumor with suspected involvement of the neuroaxis. Our purpose was to assess the appearances of different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastases and correlate those positive findings with the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cytology results.

Methods:  The authors reviewed the medical records and MR image manifestations of leptomeningeal metastases from 18 children who had positive MR findings and retrospectively correlated them with CSF cytologic results. There was a uniform MR protocol and the patients were examined with the same sequences.

Results:  The abnormalities included pial‐arachnoid disease (n= 16), disease coating the nerves (n= 12), hydrocephalus (n= 3) and subependymal metastases (n= 2). Enhanced T1 images were better than unenhanced fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2 to delineate cranial and spinal leptomeningeal metastases. In our sample, seven out of 18 cases were cytologically negative on a single lumbar puncture.

Conclusions:  Contrast‐enhanced MR imaging can be invaluable, detecting the false‐negative lumbar punctures. FLAIR and diffusion images can be helpful in diagnosing leptomeningeal metastases of non‐enhancing primary tumors. Prognosis was more related to the primary tumor type than to the leptomeningeal enhancement MR pattern.
Does an acute care surgical model improve the management and outcome of acute cholecystitis?
Authors: Lehane Christopher W. , Jootun Ravish N. , Bennett Michael , Wong Shing , Truskett Phil
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to compare the management and outcome of acute cholecystitis in an acute care surgery (ACS) model to that of the traditional home‐call attending surgeon. The ACS model is one in which a consultant led team manage all emergency surgical presentations. The consultant is involved with every decision made including theatre allocation. Records of all patients who underwent an emergency cholecystectomy in the 2 years before and after introduction of an ACS model were reviewed. A total of 202 patients were recruited into this study. The groups were matched for sex, age and insurance status. There was a decrease in the median time to theatre (1 versus 2 days) and total length of stay (4 versus 6 days) in the ACS group. There was no significant difference in the conversion rate between the groups. However, there was a decreased complication rate in the ACS group (8.7 versus 17.2%). There were no differences in the histological findings. Consultant presence in theatre was higher in the ACS group (73.9 versus 56.3%), and they were more often assisting (30.4 versus 4.6%). Results suggest that an ACS model is beneficial to patient care with shorter hospital stay and a decreased complication rate. This may reflects a greater input to patient assessment and management by the on‐site consultant. In addition, the ACS model provides greater consultant supervision to the trainee.
A prospective study of the effect of nursing home residency on mortality following hip fracture
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Yong Sarah , McEvoy Lynette , Thorn Lyndall
Published: June 2010

Background:  The strength of nursing home residence as a prognostic indicator of outcome following hip fracture has not previously been examined in Australia. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of nursing home residency on mortality after sustaining an acute hip fracture.

Methods:  A prospective study of all adults aged 65 years and over presenting to a single tertiary referral hospital for management of a proximal femoral fracture between July 2003 and September 2006. Residential status was obtained at admission. Patients were followed up to September 2007 (minimum 12 months). Relative risk values for mortality were calculated comparing nursing home residents with non‐nursing home residents. Survival analysis was performed.

Results:  Relative risk of death was higher in nursing home patients compared with non‐nursing home patients. The difference was greater in the immediate period (30 days) post‐injury (relative risk 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.0–3.6, P= 0.04) than after 12 months (relative risk 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2–1.8, P= 0.001). Survival analysis showed that 25% of patients in the nursing home group died by 96 days post‐injury, compared with 435 days in the non‐nursing home group.

Conclusions:  Nursing home residence confers an increased risk of death following hip fracture; this difference is greater in the immediate post‐injury period. The relative risk of death decreases over time to equal previously reported comparative mortality rates between nursing home residents and community dwellers without hip fracture.
Acute Surgical Unit: a new model of care
Authors: Cox Michael R. , Cook Lyn , Dobson Jennifer , Lambrakis Paul , Ganesh Shanthan , Cregan Patrick
Published: June 2010

The traditional on‐call system for the management of acute general surgical admissions is inefficient and outdated. A new model, Acute Surgical Unit (ASU), was developed at Nepean Hospital in 2006. The ASU is a consultant‐driven, independent unit that manages all acute general surgical admissions. The team has the same make up 7 days a week and functions the same every day, including weekends and public holidays. The consultant does a 24‐h period of on‐call, from 7 pm to 7 pm. They are on remote call from 7 pm to 7 am and are in the hospital from 7 am to 7 pm with their sole responsibility being to the ASU. The ASU has a day team with two registrars, two residents and a nurse practitioner.

All patients are admitted and stay in the ASU until discharge or transfer to other units. Handover of the patients at the end of each day is facilitated by a comprehensive ASU database.

The implementation of the ASU at Nepean Hospital has improved the timing of assessment by the surgical unit. There has been significant improvement in the timing of operative management, with an increased number and proportion of cases being done during daylight hours, with an associated reduction in the proportion of cases performed afterhours. There is greater trainee supervision with regard to patient assessment, management and operative procedures. There has been an improvement in the consultants' work conditions. The ASU provides an excellent training opportunity for surgical trainees, residents and interns in the assessment and management of acute surgical conditions.
Codon 129 polymorphism and the E200K mutation do not affect the cellular prion protein isoform composition in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Schmitz Matthias , Schlomm Markus , Hasan Badrul , Beekes Michael , Mitrova Eva , Korth Carsten , Breil Andreas , Carimalo Julie , Gawinecka Joanna , Varges Daniela , Zerr Inga
Published: June 2010

The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a multifunctional, highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed protein. It undergoes a number of modifications during its post‐translational processing, resulting in different PrPc glycoforms and truncated PrPc fragments. Limited data are available in humans on the expression and cleavage of PrPc. In this study we investigated the PrPc isoform composition in the cerebrospinal fluid from patients with different human prion diseases. The first group of patients was affected by sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease exhibiting different PrP codon 129 genotypes. The second group contained patients with a genetic form of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (E200K). The third group consisted of patients with fatal familial insomnia and the last group comprised cases with the Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome. We examined whether the PrP codon 129 polymorphism in sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease as well as the type of prion disease in human patients has an impact on the glycosylation and processing of PrPc. Immunoblotting analyses using different monoclonal PrPc antibodies directed against various epitopes of PrPc revealed, for all examined groups of patients, a consistent predominance of the glycosylated PrPc isoforms as compared with the unglycosylated form. In addition, the antibody SAF70 recognized a variety of PrPc fragments with sizes of 21, 18, 13 and 12 kDa. Our findings indicate that the polymorphisms at PrP codon 129, the E200K mutation at codon 200 or the examined types of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies do not exert a measurable effect on the glycosylation and processing of PrPc in human prion diseases.
Management choice of buyback method: Australian evidence
Authors: Brown Christine , Norman Daniel
Published: June 2010

This study investigates management choice of repurchase method for large Australian industrial companies from 1997 to 2007. We show that managers favour off‐market buybacks to distribute excess franking credits to shareholders when the buyback is larger and when the firm is generating more cash. On‐market buybacks are more likely when the firm is undervalued. These findings have implications for understanding how corporate managers approach the repurchase decision, the impact of taxes on corporate financial policy, and how transaction costs can influence the choice between an off‐market and an on‐market buyback.
US Free Trade Agreements and Policy Flexibility: Will New Rules Hinder Industrialisation?
Authors: DiCaprio Alisa
Published: June 2010

Free trade agreements have become a central feature of many developing countries' growth strategies, encouraged by an evaluation literature that quantifies their positive impact on trade. However, trade gains come at the cost of policy space, particularly when the partner is a developed country, and though this cost has been acknowledged, its impact has not been explored. This article seeks to address this oversight by detailing changes to the domestic policy environment from the participation of a developing country in a US‐anchored FTA and evaluating whether the resulting policy regime is flexible enough to enable a developmental government to pursue activities associated with industrialisation.
Elites, Rent‐Cycling and Development: Adjustment to Land Scarcity in Mauritius, Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Auty Richard M.
Published: June 2010

According to rent‐cycling theory, low rent aligns the interests of the elite and the majority in providing public goods and efficiency incentives to promote economic growth, while high rent risks deflecting the elite into self‐enriching rent deployment, which distorts the economy and triggers a collapse from which recovery is protracted because rent recipients resist reform. The theory also predicts, however, that this collapse will self‐correct by shrinking per capita rent, which strengthens incentives for wealth creation. This article tests the prediction in Mauritius, Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire where intensifying land scarcity has shrunk per capita rent; Mauritius meets the prediction, but Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire do not.
A Development Delivery Institution for the Tribal Communities: Experience of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in India
Authors: Mishra Pulak , Behera Bhagirath , Nayak Narayan Chandra
Published: June 2010

This article examines the varied impacts of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) as a development delivery institution for the tribal communities vis‐à‐vis other social groups across the Indian States, using the framework of new institutional economics. A number of State‐specific, socio‐economic institutional factors seem to be responsible for these variations. The article therefore suggests institutional reforms and convergence of the development initiatives of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the NREGS in order to realise the optimal potential of the scheme, and, in particular, to ensure greater livelihood opportunities for these marginalised groups and their entitlement to productive resources with greater socio‐economic and political empowerment.
Voluntary weight loss: systematic review of early phase body composition changes
Authors: Heymsfield S. B. , Thomas D. , Nguyen A. M. , Peng J. Z. , Martin C. , Shen W. , Strauss B. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Muller M. J.
Published: May 2010

Weight loss follows when adult humans enter a phase of negative energy balance brought about by reducing energy intake and/or increasing energy expenditure. The weight loss period is usually viewed as a continuous process, ending when energy equilibrium is achieved at a lower weight or with death following depletion of fuel stores. However, growing evidence supports the expanded view that induction of negative energy balance leads to well‐defined physiological effects characterized by three discrete phases (I‐III). At present there are no comprehensive reviews of the ‘early’ phase of weight loss, a gap highlighted by recent interest in rapidly testing new treatments with short‐term protocols. Herein we show from earlier reports and with new data that weight loss during phase I is: mathematically quantifiable with a t1/2 < 1‐week and 4‐ to 6‐week duration; includes well‐defined rapidly evolving body composition and energy expenditure changes; and is moderated by multiple factors including subject sex and activity level, nutrients ingested at baseline and during the negative energy balance period, and hormone and pharmacologic treatments. Our in depth review collectively characterizes phase I as a distinct weight loss period while revealing important knowledge gaps that can be filled with appropriately designed future studies.
What Lula lacks: Grappling with the discourse of autism at home and in the field (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Haldane Hillary , Crawford David
Published: June 2010

This paper examines the discourse of autism as we have experienced it as parents of an autistic six year‐old girl. Because both authors are anthropologists, we were professionally trained to understand something of what discourses are and do. However, our training did not necessarily help us blunt the original force of the diagnosis. Over time we have come to understand both our daughter and the discourse that is said to define her differently, and these understandings have fed back into our understanding of our discipline. One key transformative event occurred when we took our family to live in a village where we had done previous research. This reminded us of the conceptual power of discourses: we put the discourse of autism to work for our own purposes, but at the same time it works on us, shapes us in ways we do not always realize.
The Entry Cost Shock and the Re‐rating of Power Prices in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Simshauser Paul , Molyneux Elizabeth , Shepherd Michelle
Published: June 2010

Australia has long been the beneficiary of low, stable power prices. A decade‐long state of oversupply underpinned this result and while plant capital costs had been rising, the cost of capital had been declining. These offsetting effects locked the wholesale market into an average cost of $35–$40/MWh. However, from 2007, a simultaneous and sharp rise in new entrant plant capital costs and the cost of capital occurred. The combined effects crept up on the industry while it was in a state of oversupply. This ‘entry cost shock’ disrupted a 7 year long equilibrium price, with average power system cost rising to $60/MWh.
Australian Family Tax Reform and the Targeting Fallacy
Authors: Apps Patricia , Rees Ray
Published: June 2010

Over recent decades, Australia's highly progressive, individual‐based taxation of families has been replaced by a system that tends towards joint taxation with an inverted U‐shaped rate scale. The reform has been implemented by introducing family‐income‐targeted child payments (now Family Tax Benefit Part A) and by lowering tax rates on higher incomes. The new system has shifted the burden of taxation to two‐earner families on low and average wages and, in particular, to working married mothers as second earners. For reasons of fairness and efficiency, we propose returning to more progressive individual taxation and universal family payments.
Buckley–James Type Estimator for Censored Data with Covariates Missing by Design
Authors: YU MENGGANG
Published: June 2010

Abstract.  The Buckley–James estimator (BJE) is a well‐known estimator for linear regression models with censored data. Ritov has generalized the BJE to a semiparametric setting and demonstrated that his class of Buckley–James type estimators is asymptotically equivalent to the class of rank‐based estimators proposed by Tsiatis. In this article, we revisit such relationship in censored data with covariates missing by design. By exploring a similar relationship between our proposed class of Buckley–James type estimating functions to the class of rank‐based estimating functions recently generalized by Nan, Kalbfleisch and Yu, we establish asymptotic properties of our proposed estimators. We also conduct numerical studies to compare asymptotic efficiencies from various estimators.
Carbon‐motivated Border Tax Adjustments: Old Wine in Green Bottles?
Authors: Lockwood Ben , Whalley John
Published: June 2010

(1285) Ben Lockwood and John Whalley We discuss emerging proposals for border tax adjustments (BTAs) to accompany commitments to reduce carbon emissions in the EU, the US and other OECD economies. The rationale offered for such border adjustment is that various entities, such as the EU, if making commitments to reduce emissions which go beyond those undertaken in other regions of the world, impose added costs on domestic producers which create a competitive disadvantage for them. Some form of remedy is viewed as reasonable to maintain the competitiveness of domestic industries when responding to global environmental problems. In this paper, we argue that despite its current carbon manifestation, the issue of border tax adjustments and both their rationale and their effects on trade are not new and, despite the present debate (which seems to overlook older literature), have arisen before. Earlier debate on border tax adjustments occurred at the time of the adoption of the value‐added tax (VAT) in the EU as a tax harmonisation target in the early 1960s. But academic literature of the time showed that a change between origin and destination basis in the VAT would be neutral and hence the use of a destination‐based tax in the EU to accompany the VAT offered no trade advantage to Europe. Here we argue that essentially the same arguments also apply for carbon‐motivated BTAs, and in the current debate there seems to be a misconception between price‐level effects and relative price effects stemming from a BTA, which needs correcting. We also argue that the impact of border tax adjustments should be viewed as independent of the motivation of the adjustments.
The Impact of Union Experience on Job Satisfaction
Authors: ARTZ BENJAMIN
Published: June 2010

The relationship between union status and job satisfaction is commonly estimated without recognizing the heterogeneity of non‐union members. Many non‐union workers have experienced union jobs in the past while others have not, suggesting past estimations of the impact of unions on job satisfaction may miss a critical distinction. After separating non‐union members into those workers with and without union experience, this article shows that job satisfaction increases significantly for first‐time union workers, but decreases as workers accumulate experience in the union. Finally, after leaving the union jobs, worker job satisfaction recovers but does so only as the time since unionization grows.
Poverty, Legal Status, and Pay Basis: The Case of U.S. Agriculture
Authors: PENA ANITA ALVES
Published: June 2010

U.S. farmworkers primarily are paid either on a piecerate or on a timerate basis. This article studies relationships among wage contracts, legal status, and poverty using a representative survey of employed farmworkers, which includes detailed information on legal status, including whether a worker is illegal. Results indicate that while piecerate workers earn more per hour on average, they work fewer hours and face greater poverty risk than their timerate counterparts. Furthermore, foreign‐born workers, especially those who are undocumented, are overrepresented in piecerate positions, and analysis shows that the effect of piecerate pay on poverty is positive and correlated with being foreign‐born.
English Language and Low‐Skilled Jobs: The Structure of Employment
Authors: MAXWELL NAN L.
Published: June 2010

We use the Bay Area Longitudinal Surveys (BALS) to examine skill requirements, the joint use of English and non‐language skills, and wages in low‐skilled jobs. Results show that low‐skilled jobs—even those open to workers with limited English—require English language skills. Furthermore, most make joint use of English and non‐language skills with the ability of any specific English skill set to enhance varying with the job’s specific non‐language skill required and industry.
Influence of population stratification on population‐based marker‐disease association analysis
Authors: Li Tengfei , Li Zhaohai , Ying Zhiliang , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2010

Population‐based genetic association analysis may suffer from the failure to control for confounders such as population stratification (PS). There has been extensive study on the influence of PS on candidate gene‐disease association analysis, but much less attention has been paid to its influence on marker‐disease association analysis. In this paper, we focus on the Pearson χ2 test and the trend test for marker‐disease association analysis. The mean and variance of the test statistics are derived under presence of PS, so that the power and inflated type I error rate can be evaluated. It is shown that the bias and the variance distortion are not zero in the presence of both PS and penetrance heterogeneity (PH). Unlike candidate gene‐disease association analysis, when PS is present, the bias is not zero no matter whether PH is present or not. This work generalises the published results, where only the fully recessive penetrance model is considered and only the bias is calculated. It is shown that candidate gene‐disease association analysis can be treated as a special case of marker‐disease association analysis. Consequently, our results extend previous studies on candidate gene‐disease association analysis. A simulation study confirms the theoretical findings.
Bacterial diversity in Fe‐rich hydrothermal sediments at two South Tonga Arc submarine volcanoes
Authors: FORGET N. L. , MURDOCK S. A. , JUNIPER S. K.
Published: June 2010

Seafloor iron oxide deposits are a common feature of submarine hydrothermal systems. Morphological study of these deposits has led investigators to suggest a microbiological role in their formation, through the oxidation of reduced Fe in hydrothermal fluids. Fe‐oxidizing bacteria, including the recently described Zetaproteobacteria, have been isolated from a few of these deposits but generally little is known about the microbial diversity associated with this habitat. In this study, we characterized bacterial diversity in two Fe oxide samples collected on the seafloor of Volcanoes 1 and 19 on the South Tonga Arc. We were particularly interested in confirming the presence of Zetaproteobacteria at these two sites and in documenting the diversity of groups other than Fe oxidizers. Our results (small subunit rRNA gene sequence data) showed a surprisingly high bacterial diversity, with 150 operational taxonomic units belonging to 19 distinct taxonomic groups. Both samples were dominated by Zetaproteobacteria Fe oxidizers. This group was most abundant at Volcano 1, where sediments were richer in Fe and contained more crystalline forms of Fe oxides. Other groups of bacteria found at these two sites include known S‐ and a few N‐metabolizing bacteria, all ubiquitous in marine environments. The low similarity of our clones with the GenBank database suggests that new species and perhaps new families were recovered. The results of this study suggest that Fe‐rich hydrothermal sediments, while dominated by Fe oxidizers, can be exploited by a variety of autotrophic and heterotrophic micro‐organisms.
Update on epidemiology of pollinosis in Japan: changes over the last 10 years
Authors: Nakae K. , Baba K.
Published: June 2010

A nationwide epidemiologic survey of atopic diseases including allergic pollinosis was conducted in 9656 Japanese otorhinolaryngologists and their family members during the Japanese cedar pollen dispersion season in 2008 using methods identical to a previous survey that was performed in 1998. The survey response rate was 37.7% (compared with 42.8% in 1998). The overall prevalence rate of Japanese cedar pollinosis was 26.5%, which is an increase of approximately 9% from that noted in 1998. Similar increases were observed in all age groups, and the prevalence rate was similar between male and female respondents. A unimodal distribution was observed in male and female subjects, with a peak in both men and women aged in their 40s. Nationwide, a consistent positive relation was observed between the prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis and the regional Japanese cedar pollen counts. The prevalence rate of pollinosis other than Japanese cedar pollinosis and of perennial allergic rhinitis was 15.4% and 23.3%, respectively; both disease entities tended to occur more frequently in male than in female subjects. The prevalence rate of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy was 5.2%, 14.1%, and 3.9%, respectively. Our results suggest that the prevalence rates of atopic diseases including Japanese cedar pollinosis are dramatically increasing across all age groups in Japan. In particular, the increasing prevalence rate of Japanese cedar pollinosis seems to reflect higher exposure to the Japanese cedar pollen antigen in many prefectures.
Prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in Tokyo: a survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Authors: Nishihata S. , Murata T. , Inoue S. , Okubo K. , Sahashi N. , Takahashi H. , Hirooka J. , Hoshiyama Y. , Murayama K. , Mezawa A. , Yokoyama T. , Endo T. , Saiga T. , Saito Y.
Published: June 2010

In 2006, a survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in three target areas in Tokyo, namely Akiruno‐shi, Chofu‐shi, and Ota‐ku; this survey was similar to two surveys conducted previously, in 1983–1987 (first survey) and 1996 (second survey). In the most recent survey, the overall prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in Tokyo, except the islands of Tokyo, was estimated as 28.2%. This prevalence rate exceeds that estimated by the first and second surveys by 18.2 and 8.8 percentage points, respectively. The prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis in the three survey target areas increased by 2.3–10.8 percentage points vs. the rates obtained in the second survey. Furthermore, differences among the prevalence rates in the three areas decreased. Compared with the results obtained in the second survey, increases in the prevalence rate were noted in all age groups other than in people aged 30–44 years. In particular, the prevalence rate in children aged 0–14 years increased markedly, showing a threefold increase. The prevalence rate exceeded 30% in all age groups between 15 and 59 years.
Mechanism of nasal obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ichimura K.
Published: June 2010

Nasal obstruction is a crucial symptom in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and may affect the quality of life. It is caused mostly by nasal mucosal obstruction, and to a lesser extent, fluid secretion. Mucosal congestion is primarily a vascular phenomenon comprising vasodilatation of capacitance vessels (cavernous sinus) and oedema formation due to plasma leakage from post‐capillary venules. The nose has a complex microvascular anatomy consisting of capacitance vessels, arteriovenous anastomosis, and subepithelial and periglandular capillaries. Nasal congestion is explained by the effects of local mediators exerting potent vasodilatation or increasing permeability of nasal blood vessels and nerves. Capacitance vessels usually constrict because of constant sympathetic tone. They distend by a variety of stimuli such as loss of continuous sympathetic stimulation on the sinusoids, direct vasodilatation by vasoactive substances, contraction of cushion veins, and compression of venules by distended arteries in the intraosseous bony canals of periosteal space. Although topical application of histamine can cause vasodilatation and oedema, histamine is not likely a major mediator causative of nasal congestion in AR. Nasal vascular dilatation elicited by cysleukotriene 1 (cysLT1) may be induced by nitric oxide produced through cysLT1 receptor activation. Thromboxane A2 may cause capacitance vessel dilatation through a contraction of cushion veins. Potentiation of vasoconstrictor action of steroids has been reported since the 1950s. Glucocorticoids (GCs) have two fundamentally different vascular effects: classic action modifying the transcription of pro‐inflammatory genes and acute non‐genomic action (within minutes) that increases the vasomotor tone. The non‐genomic effect is likely related to binding of GCs to the plasma membrane and inhibition of extraneuronal monoamine transporter on vascular smooth muscle cells, thereby increasing noradrenaline concentrations at α1‐adrenoceptors. Genomic vascular effects include the reduction of vessel density, decrease of hyperperfusion, reduction of inflammatory microvascular hyperpermeability, and decreased influx and activation of inflammatory cells. These effects require hours to manifest themselves physiologically.
Measures of blood loss and red cell transfusion targets for caesarean delivery complicated by placenta praevia
Authors: BOYLE Rhonda K. , WATERS Barbara A. , O’ROURKE Peter K.
Published: June 2010

Objective:  The objective of this study was to assess the association between transfusion, per cent drop in haemoglobin (Hb), and estimated blood loss during the delivery and the first postoperative week following caesarean delivery for placenta praevia. Clinical data predictive of an objective laboratory test for risk of haemorrhage and the need for transfusion were investigated. Transfusions outside national Guidelines were noted.

Design:  Retrospective observational study of patients with placenta praevia, who were delivered consecutively by caesarean section at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital from 1999 to 2005.

Setting:  University‐affiliated tertiary hospital. All caesareans were performed by one or more consultant obstetricians, gynaecology oncology surgeons and registrar assistants.

Results:  Seventy‐one (28.9%) of 246 patients with placenta praevia were transfused, with 45 of these receiving three or more red cell units. The antenatal Hb fell by a mean of 20.2% (SD 13.5). The average operative haemorrhage was estimated as 1225 mL (SD 996). No patient or surgical factors were significantly associated with changes in Hb. There was a significant association between per cent fall in antenatal Hb and both transfusion P < 0.001 and estimated loss P = 0.002. After transfusion, the Hb of 19 patients was higher than that recommended by Guidelines.

Conclusions:  Whether transfusion is necessary, but not the number of red cell units, can be planned by the effect of haemorrhage on antenatal Hb during delivery by caesarean section complicated by placenta praevia.
A randomised controlled trial of two instruments for vacuum‐assisted delivery (Vacca Re‐Usable OmniCup and the Bird anterior and posterior cups) to compare failure rates, safety and use effectiveness
Authors: MOLA Glen D.L. , KUK Joseph M.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Most previous trials of vacuum‐assisted delivery have been in settings with high rates of instrumental vaginal delivery (8–12%) and high rates of failure to deliver with the intended instrument (20–30%). Over the past 20 years, vacuum‐assisted delivery rates at the Port Moresby General Hospital have been 3–4% with failure rates of <3%.

Objective:  The objective is to compare the failure rates of two vacuum extractor instruments, the Vacca Re‐Usable Omnicup and the Bird Vacuum delivery system (anterior and posterior cups).

Setting:  Port Moresby General national referral and teaching Hospital (PMGH), Papua New Guinea.

Population:  Two hundred consecutive women requiring assisted delivery, June–December, 2007.

Methods:  When a woman required an assisted delivery, she was randomised into either the Vacca Re‐Usable Omnicup (Clinical Innovations Inc.) or Bird anterior or posterior metal cup (depending upon the position of the vertex). One hundred women were randomised to each vacuum device. Statistical analysis was on ‘an intention‐to‐treat’ basis.

Main outcome measures:  The main outcome measure was the successful completion of the delivery with the allocated instrument. Secondary outcomes were maternal trauma (episiotomy and trauma to the maternal genital tract), significant scalp trauma (sub‐galeal haemorrhage or serious abrasion) and fetal and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score less than seven at 5 minutes, days spent in the Special Care Nursery and neonatal death).

Results:  Failure rates for both Omnicup (2/100) and Bird metal cups (6/100) were not statistically different (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.99–1.12; P = 0.17). Rates of maternal trauma and fetal scalp trauma were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:  Both the Vacca re‐useable Omnicup and the Bird metal cups are very effective instruments to achieve successful assisted delivery and equally so. Failures and problems were associated with not applying the vacuum cup to the flexion point on the fetal scalp and the mechanical faults with vacuum equipment devices.