bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatially‐resolved protein surface microsampling from tissue sections using liquid extraction surface analysis
Authors: Wisztorski Maxence , Desmons Annie , Quanico Jusal , Fatou Benoit , Gimeno Jean‐Pascal , Franck Julien , Salzet Michel , Fournier Isabelle
Published: March 2016

Tissue microenvironment characterization presents a challenge for a better understanding of the full complexity of a pathology. Unfortunately, making a precise “picture” of the disease needs an efficient microsampling method coupled to an accurate localization for performing region‐dependent proteomics. Here, we present a method that enables rapid and reproducible extraction of proteins from a tissue section to analyze a specific region at a millimeter scale. The method used a liquid‐microjunction extraction with conventional detergent solution for proteomics analysis. We successfully performed immunoblotting experiments and showed the possibility to retrieve and identify more than 1400 proteins from a 1‐mm diameter spot size on tissue sections with a high degree of reproducibility both qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, the small size of the extracted region achieved by this sampling method allows the possibility to perform multiple extractions on different tissue section points. Ten points on a sagittal rat brain tissue section were analyzed and the measured proteins clearly distinguished the different parts of the brain, thus permitting precise functional mapping. We thus demonstrate that with this technology, it is possible to map the tissue microenvironment and gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms at millimeter resolution.
Statistical issues in the analysis of adverse events in time‐to‐event data
Authors: Allignol Arthur , Beyersmann Jan , Schmoor Claudia
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work is to shed some light on common issues in the statistical analysis of adverse events (AEs) in clinical trials, when the main outcome is a time‐to‐event endpoint. To begin, we show that AEs are always subject to competing risks. That is, the occurrence of a certain AE may be precluded by occurrence of the main time‐to‐event outcome or by occurrence of another (fatal) AE. This has raised concerns on ‘informative’ censoring. We show that, in general, neither simple proportions nor Kaplan–Meier estimates of AE occurrence should be used, but common survival techniques for hazards that censor the competing event are still valid, but incomplete analyses. They must be complemented by an analogous analysis of the competing event for inference on the cumulative AE probability. The commonly used incidence rate (or incidence density) is a valid estimator of the AE hazard assuming it to be time constant. An estimator of the cumulative AE probability can be derived if the incidence rate of AE is combined with an estimator of the competing hazard. We discuss less restrictive analyses using non‐parametric and semi‐parametric approaches. We first consider time‐to‐first‐AE analyses and then briefly discuss how they can be extended to the analysis of recurrent AEs. We will give a practical presentation with illustration of the methods by a simple example. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a surrogate matrix for cerebral spinal fluid for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry based analytical methods
Authors: Hooshfar Shirin , Basiri Babak , Bartlett Michael G.
Published: March 2016

Rationale

In recent years, several liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods have been reported for the quantitative determination of drugs and metabolites in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Artificial CSF (aCSF) is often used as a surrogate for preparing calibration curves and quality control samples in these methods. However, aCSF does not accurately represent the composition of real CSF because it is missing all of the proteins and lipids, which may alter the electrospray ionization (ESI) response when performing LC/MS/MS analyses. In the current study we compared the mass spectral response of several compounds with a range of physiochemical properties in aCSF (essentially a mixture of salts and buffers), diluted plasma (ranging from 1:5 to 1:200) and real CSF to find the best surrogate for CSF in LC/MS/MS methods.

Methods

A number of analytes from polar to non‐polar, high protein binding to low protein binding, employing different sample preparation methods, were prepared in diluted plasma, actual CSF or aCSF and tested using LC/MS/MS. The analytes included cotinine and its metabolites, quetiapine, norquetiapine, chlorpromazine, efavirenz and lamivudine. The similarity of MS responses from these compounds in aCSF and diluted plasma to CSF was assessed by comparing the slopes of the calibration curves generated from using linear regression modeling.

Results

For all compounds, the lowest percent difference in response ratio (0 to 17%) was observed from 1:200 diluted plasma. Our results indicated that, irrespective of the inherent physiochemical properties of the analytes or the method of sample preparation, 1:200 diluted plasma performed as the best surrogate for CSF in LC/MS/MS methods.

Conclusions

The percent difference in response ratio has been established to demonstrate how different compounds behave between CSF, aCSF and dilute plasma. Although among the compounds tested some of them showed a very similar MS response in actual and aCSF, there were analytes that demonstrated significant differences in ESI‐MS signal when sprayed from these two matrices. However, even in such cases, 1:200 diluted plasma generated results with no significant difference from CSF. Therefore, we recommend that in order to develop robust and dependable bioanalytical LC/MS methods from CSF samples, it is more appropriate to prepare calibration curves and quality control samples in diluted plasma instead of aCSF. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of S‐ and N‐linked glutathione conjugates of pulegone and menthofuran and identification of P450 enzymes mediating their formation
Authors: Lassila Toni , Mattila Sampo , Turpeinen Miia , Pelkonen Olavi , Tolonen Ari
Published: March 2016

Rationale

Menthofuran is a hepatotoxin and a major metabolite of pulegone, a monoterpene found in the essential oils of many mint species. It is bioactivated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to reactive metabolites, which may further react with glutathione to form S‐linked and N‐linked conjugates. The tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation pathways of rarely observed N‐linked conjugates, and the differences to fragmentation of S‐linked conjugates, have not been reported in the literature previously, although this information is essential to enable comprehensive MS/MS‐based screening methods covering the both types of conjugates.

Methods

(R)‐(+)‐Pulegone, (S)‐(–)‐pulegone, and menthofuran were incubated with a human liver S9 fraction with glutathione (GSH) as the trapping agent. Conjugates were searched with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/orbitrap MS and their MS/MS spectra were measured both in the negative and positive ionization polarities. Menthofuran was also incubated with recombinant human CYP enzymes and GSH to elucidate the CYPs responsible for the formation of the reactive metabolites.

Results

Four GSH conjugates of menthofuran were detected and identified as S‐ and N‐linked conjugates based on MS/MS spectra. N‐linked conjugates lacked the characteristic fragments of S‐linked conjugates and commonly produced fragments that retained parts of glutamic acid. CYP1A2, 2B6 and 3A4 were observed to produce more GSH conjugates than other CYP isoforms.

Conlusions

Furans can form reactive aldehydes that react in Schiff‐base fashion with the free glutamyl‐amine of GSH to form N‐linked conjugates that have distinct MS/MS spectra from S‐linked adducts. This should be taken into account when setting up LC/MS/MS‐based detection of glutathione conjugates to screen for reactive metabolites, at least for compounds with a furan moiety. Neutral loss scanning of 178.0412 Da and 290.0573 Da in the positive ionization mode, or neutral loss scanning of 256.0695 Da and 290.0573 Da and precursor ion scanning of m/z 143.0462 in the negative ionization mode, is recommended. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel high‐temperature combustion interface for compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen via high‐performance liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Federherr E. , Willach S. , Roos N. , Lange L. , Molt K. , Schmidt T. C.
Published: March 2016

Rationale

In aqueous samples compound‐specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) plays an important role. No direct method (without sample preparation) for stable nitrogen isotope analysis (δ15N SIA) of non‐volatile compounds is known yet. The development of a novel HPLC/IRMS interface based on high‐temperature combustion (HTC) for both δ13C and δ15N CSIA and its proof of principle are described in this study.

Methods

To hyphenate high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) a modified high‐temperature combustion total organic carbon analyzer (HTC TOC) was used. A system to handle a continuously large amount of water (three‐step drying system), favorable carrier and reaction gas mix and flow, an efficient high‐temperature‐based oxidation and subsequent reduction system and a collimated beam transfer system were the main requirements to achieve the necessary performance.

Results

The proof of principle with caffeine solutions of the system succeeded. In this initial testing, both δ13C and δ15N values of tested compounds were determined with precision and trueness of ≤0.5 ‰. Further tests resulted in lower working limit values of 3.5 μgC for δ13C SIA and 20 μgN for δ15N SIA, considering an accuracy of ±0.5 ‰ as acceptable.

Conclusions

The development of a novel HPLC/IRMS interface resulted in the first system reported to be suitable for both δ13C and δ15N direct CSIA of non‐volatile compounds. This highly efficient system will probably open up new possibilities in SIA‐based research fields. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes of a virtual‐reality simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills in robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Phé Véronique , Cattarino Susanna , Parra Jérôme , Bitker Marc‐Olivier , Ambrogi Vanina , Vaessen Christophe , Rouprêt Morgan
Published: March 2016

Background

The utility of the virtual‐reality robotic simulator in training programmes has not been clearly evaluated. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a virtual‐reality robotic simulator‐training programme on basic surgical skills.

Methods

A simulator‐training programme in robotic surgery, using the da Vinci Skills Simulator, was evaluated in a population including junior and seasoned surgeons, and non‐physicians. Their performances on robotic dots and suturing‐skin pod platforms before and after virtual‐simulation training were rated anonymously by surgeons experienced in robotics.

Results

39 participants were enrolled: 14 medical students and residents in surgery, 14 seasoned surgeons, 11 non‐physicians. Junior and seasoned surgeons’ performances on platforms were not significantly improved after virtual‐reality robotic simulation in any of the skill domains, in contrast to non‐physicians.

Conclusions

The benefits of virtual‐reality simulator training on several tasks to basic skills in robotic surgery were not obvious among surgeons in our initial and early experience with the simulator. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosted sparse nonlinear distance metric learning
Authors: Ma Yuting , Zheng Tian
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a boosting‐based solution addressing metric learning problems for high‐dimensional data. Distance measures have been used as natural measures of (dis)similarity and have served as the foundation of various learning methods. The efficiency of distance‐based learning methods heavily depends on the chosen distance metric. With increasing dimensionality and complexity of data, however, traditional metric learning methods suffer from poor scalability, and the limitation due to linearity as the true signals are usually embedded within a low‐dimensional nonlinear subspace. In this paper, we propose a nonlinear sparse metric learning algorithm via boosting. We restructure a global optimization problem into a forward stage‐wise learning of weak learners based on a rank‐one decomposition of the weight matrix in the Mahalanobis distance metric. A gradient‐boosting algorithm is devised to obtain a sparse rank‐one update of the weight matrix at each step. Nonlinear features are learned by a hierarchical expansion of interactions incorporated within the boosting algorithm. Meanwhile, an early stopping rule is imposed to control the overall complexity of the learned metric. As a result, our approach guarantees three desirable properties of the final metric: positive semi‐definiteness, low rank and element‐wise sparsity. Numerical experiments show that our learning model compares favorably with the state‐of‐the‐art methods in the current literature of metric learning.
Carbon Nanotube Yarn‐Based Glucose Sensing Artificial Muscle
Authors: Lee Junghan , Ko Sachan , Kwon Cheong Hoon , Lima Márcio D. , Baughman Ray H. , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: March 2016

Boronic acid (BA), known to be a reversible glucose‐sensing material, is conjugated to a nanogel (NG) derived from hyaluronic acid biopolymer and used as a guest material for a carbon multiwalled nanotube (MWNT) yarn. By exploiting the swelling/deswelling of the NG that originates from the internal anionic charge changes resulting from BA binding to glucose, a NG MWNT yarn artificial muscle is obtained that provides reversible torsional actuation that can be used for glucose sensing. This actuator shows a short response time and high sensitivity (in the 5–100 × 10−3m range) for monitoring changes in glucose concentration in physiological buffer, without using any additional auxiliary substances or an electrical power source. It may be possible to apply the glucose‐sensing MWNT yarn muscles as implantable glucose sensors that automatically release drugs when needed or as an artificial pancreas.
Designing Quality Content Area Instruction
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: March 2016

In this column, we focus on the planning aspects that are important for students to learn content well. We include a discussion of transfer goals, learning intentions, and success criteria.
A structurally plastic ribonucleoprotein complex mediates post‐transcriptional gene regulation in HIV‐1
Authors: Fernandes Jason D. , Booth David S. , Frankel Alan D.
Published: March 2016

HIV replication requires the nuclear export of essential, intron‐containing viral RNAs. To facilitate export, HIV encodes the viral accessory protein Rev which binds unspliced and partially spliced viral RNAs and creates a ribonucleoprotein complex that recruits the cellular Chromosome maintenance factor 1 export machinery. Exporting RNAs in this manner bypasses the necessity for complete splicing as a prerequisite for mRNA export, and allows intron‐containing RNAs to reach the cytoplasm intact for translation and virus packaging. Recent structural studies have revealed that this entire complex exhibits remarkable plasticity at many levels of organization, including RNA folding, protein–RNA recognition, multimer formation, and host factor recruitment. In this review, we explore each aspect of plasticity from structural, functional, and possible therapeutic viewpoints. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:470–486. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1342

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA Export and Localization > Nuclear Export/Import
Drosophila Fed ARA and EPA Yields Eicosanoids, 15S‐Hydroxy‐5Z,8Z, 11Z, 13E‐Eicosatetraenoic Acid, and 15S‐Hydroxy‐5Z,8Z,11Z,13E,17Z‐Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Authors: Tan Liangliang , Xin Xiaoxuan , Zhai Liang , Shen Lirong
Published: March 2016

Drosophila melanogaster has been a widely used as a model system for its powerful genetic tools. However, it remains to be illustrated if Drosophila can be used to examine the biochemical and physiological metabolism of eicosanoids. Thus, the analysis on the metabolism of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in Drosophila was implemented with high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Fatty acid (FA) analysis of the whole body, head, and thorax‐abdomen in Drosophila showed C20 PUFA could only be found in Drosophila fed diets supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), but not in Drosophila fed base diets. The C20 PUFA were found in abundance in the head. Drosophila fed ARA‐ and EPA‐supplemented diets yielded 15S‐hydroxy‐5Z,8Z,11Z,13E‐eicosatetraenoic acid [15(S)‐HETE] and 15S‐hydroxy‐5Z,8Z,11Z,13E,17Z‐eicosapentaenoic acid [15(S)‐HEPE], respectively, while other sampled eicosanoids could not be detected. Similar results were obtained by incubating fly tissue supplemented with ARA or EPA. Furthermore, a genome sequence scan indicated that no gene encoding the key enzymes synthesizing eicosanoids were found in Drosophila. These findings demonstrate that Drosophila may possess a special lipid metabolic system, which is different from mammals.
A New Antioxidant Active Film Based on HDPE and Peppermint Essential Oil for Packaging Soybean Oil
Authors: Fayaz Dastgerdi Goly , Goli Sayed Amir Hossein , Kadivar Mahdi
Published: March 2016

In this research, the effect of antioxidant active package was studied on oxidative stability of soybean oil at 40 °C during 2‐month storage. A synthetic antioxidant [Butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT), 200 ppm] and peppermint essential oil (200 and 400 ppm) were added to antioxidant free soybean oil. To prepare active packages, the oil was filled in antioxidant active high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles containing synthetic antioxidant (3700 ppm) and the essential oil (3700 and 8400 ppm). Regarding peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values, the essential oil added to the oil delayed the oil oxidation more than BHT. In active packages, the synthetic and natural antioxidants migrated from the package to the oil (with 68 and 100 % migration rate, respectively) and retarded its oxidation over the storage time. However, no significant difference was observed between essential oil and BHT in antioxidant capacity for active packages. This study demonstrated that active packages containing antioxidants could be introduced as a good replacement for direct addition of synthetic antioxidants to the oil.
Role of Estrogens and Estrogen-Like Compounds in Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction
Authors: Santoro Nanette , Worsley Roisin , Miller Karen K. , Parish Sharon J. , Davis Susan R.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Sex steroids are important in female sexual function and dysfunction.

Aim

To review the role of estrogens in the physiology and pathophysiology of female sexual functioning and the evidence for efficacy of estrogen therapy for female sexual dysfunction to update the previously published International Society of Sexual Medicine Consensus on this topic.

Methods

Panel members reviewed the published literature using online databases for studies pertaining to estrogen in female sexual function and dysfunction. Attention was specifically given to clinical trials that had reported on sexual function outcomes in women treated with estrogen.

Main Outcome Measures

Quality of data published in the literature and recommendations were based on the GRADES system.

Results

Observational studies that have considered relationship factors and physical or mental health have reported that these factors contribute more to sexual functioning than menopausal status or estrogen levels. Few clinical trials have investigated estrogen therapy with sexual function as a primary outcome. The available data do not support systemic estrogen therapy for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Topical vaginal estrogen therapy improves sexual function in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and is considered first-line treatment of VVA. Oral ospemifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is effective for the treatment of VVA and might have independent systemic effects on female sexual function.

Conclusion

For sexual problems, the treatment of VVA remains the most pertinent indication for estrogen therapy. When systemic symptoms are absent, estrogen therapy ideally can be administered by a vaginal preparation alone. Systemic estrogen therapy with combined estrogen and progestin in non-hysterectomized women is indicated for women who require treatment for vasomotor and/or other systemic estrogen deficiency symptoms. The improvement in well-being achieved by relief of vasomotor and other symptoms might improve libido in some women and abrogate further intervention.
Conceptualization of the Sexual Response Models in Men: Are There Differences Between Sexually Functional and Dysfunctional Men?
Authors: Connaughton Catherine , McCabe Marita , Karantzas Gery
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Research to validate models of sexual response empirically in men with and without sexual dysfunction (MSD), as currently defined, is limited.

Aim

To explore the extent to which the traditional linear or the Basson circular model best represents male sexual response for men with MSD and sexually functional men.

Methods

In total, 573 men completed an online questionnaire to assess sexual function and aspects of the models of sexual response. In total, 42.2% of men (242) were sexually functional, and 57.8% (331) had at least one MSD. Models were built and tested using bootstrapping and structural equation modeling.

Main Outcome Measures

Fit of models for men with and without MSD.

Results

The linear model and the initial circular model were a poor fit for men with and without MSD. A modified version of the circular model demonstrated adequate fit for the two groups and showed important interactions between psychological factors and sexual response for men with and without MSD.

Conclusion

Male sexual response was not represented by the linear model for men with or without MSD, excluding possible healthy responsive desire. The circular model provided a better fit for the two groups of men but demonstrated that the relations between psychological factors and phases of sexual response were different for men with and without MSD as currently defined.
Evaporation effects in elastocapillary aggregation
Authors: Hadjittofis Andreas , Lister John R. , Singh Kiran , Vella Dominic
Published: March 2016

We consider the effect of evaporation on the aggregation of a number of elastic objects due to a liquid’s surface tension. In particular, we consider an array of spring–block elements in which the gaps between blocks are filled by thin liquid films that evaporate during the course of an experiment. Using lubrication theory to account for the fluid flow within the gaps, we study the dynamics of aggregation. We find that a non-zero evaporation rate causes the elements to aggregate more quickly and, indeed, to contact within finite time. However, we also show that the final number of elements within each cluster decreases as the evaporation rate increases. We explain these results quantitatively by comparison with the corresponding two-body problem and discuss their relevance for controlling pattern formation in elastocapillary systems.
Environments of Law: Islam, Buddhism, and the State in Contemporary Sri Lanka
Authors: Schonthal Benjamin
Published: March 2016

This article uses an important Sri Lankan Supreme Court case concerning religious sound as a starting point for thinking about the intersections of Islam, law, politics, and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It argues that Sri Lankan Muslims find themselves in three interlacing legal “environments” at the present moment: in an environment of general laws governing religion, in an environment of special laws and administrative bodies for Muslims, and in a broader constitutional environment that grants special recognition to Buddhism. These environments offer differing opportunities and imperatives for expressing Muslim identity, religious equality, diversity, rights, and freedoms in contemporary Sri Lanka. Through a consideration of these legal environments and the way they affected the case, this article illuminates ongoing questions about the legal and political status of Muslims on the island and provides a snapshot of the legal debates and discourses that have flowed into and fortified recent anti-Muslim sentiments on the island.
Prospects for studying vacuum polarisation using dipole and synchrotron radiation
Authors: Ilderton Anton , Marklund Mattias
Published: March 2016

The measurement of vacuum polarisation effects, in particular vacuum birefringence, using combined optical and X-ray laser pulses are now actively pursued. Here we briefly examine the feasibility of two alternative set-ups. The first utilises an alternative target, namely a converging dipole pulse, and the second uses an alternative probe, namely the synchrotron-like emission from highly energetic particles, themselves interacting with a laser pulse. The latter set-up has been proposed for experiments at ELI-NP.
Seric and hepatic NTPDase and 5′ nucleotidase activities of rats experimentally infected byFasciola hepatica
Authors: DOLESKI PEDRO H. , MENDES RICARDO E. , LEAL DANIELA B. R. , BOTTARI NATHIELI B. , PIVA MANOELA M. , DA SILVA ESTER S. , GABRIEL MATEUS E. , LUCCA NEUBER J. , SCHWERTZ CLAITON I. , GIACOMIM PATRÍCIA , MORSCH VERA M. , SCHETINGER MARIA R. C. , BALDISSERA MATHEUS D. , DA SILVA ALEKSANDRO S.
Published: March 2016

The enzymatic activities of NTPDase and 5′nucleotidase are important to regulate the concentration of adenine nucleotides, known molecules involved in many physiological functions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the activity of NTPDase and 5′nucleotidase in serum and liver tissue of rats infected byFasciola hepatica. Rats were divided into two groups: uninfected control and infected. NTPDase activity for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ADP substrates in the liver was higher compared with the control group at 15 days post-infection (PI), while seric activity was lower. In addition, seric and hepatic samples did not show changes for 5′nucleotidase activity at this time. On the other hand, either NTPDase or 5′nucleotidase activities in liver homogenate and serum were higher at 87 days PI. Early in the infection, low NTPDase activity maintains an increase of ATP in the bloodstream in order to activate host immune response, while in hepatic tissue it decreases extracellular ATP to maintain a low inflammatory response in the tissue. As stated, higher NTPDase and 5′nucleotidase activities 87 days after infection in serum and tissue, probably results on an increased concentration of adenosine molecule which stimulates a Th2 immune response. Thus, it is possible to conclude thatF. hepaticainfections lead to different levels of nucleotide degradation when considering the two stages of infection studied, which influences the inflammatory and pathological processes developed by the purinergic system.
Population-specific toxicity of six insecticides to the trematode Echinoparyphium sp.
Authors: HUA JESSICA , BUSS NICHOLAS , KIM JUSTIN , ORLOFSKE SARAH A. , HOVERMAN JASON T.
Published: March 2016

The ubiquitous use of pesticides has increased concerns over their direct and indirect effects on disease dynamics. While studies examining the effects of pesticides on host–parasite interactions have largely focused on how pesticides influence the host, few studies have considered the effects of pesticides on parasites. We investigated the toxicity of six common insecticides at six environmentally-relevant concentrations to cercariae of the trematode Echinoparyphium from two populations. All six insecticides reduced the survival of cercariae (overall difference between mortality in control vs pesticide exposure = 86·2 ± 8·7%) but not in a predictable dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that Echinoparyphium are sensitive to a broad range of insecticides commonly used in the USA. The lack of a clear dose-dependent response in Echinoparyphium highlights the potential limitations of toxicity assays in predicting pesticide toxicity to parasites. Finally, population-level variation in cercarial susceptibility to pesticides underscores the importance of accounting for population variation as overlooking this variation can limit our ability to predict toxicity in nature. Collectively, this work demonstrates that consideration of pesticide toxicity to parasites is important to understanding how pesticides ultimately shape disease dynamics in nature.
Some comments on the effects on the development child of material smoking during pregnancy
Authors: Boyce Max
Published: March 2016

Until the late 1960's the most popular advice literature for expectant mothers did not concern itself with advice on smoking. However, since the turn of the decade there have been increasing exhortations against smoking during pregnancy. For example, the Health Education Council (U.K.) has produced a pamphlet which commences: “When a pregnant woman smokes she puts her unborn baby's life at risk. Every time she inhales, she poisons her baby's bloodstream with nicotine and carbon monoxide.” Why have there been these increasing exhortations, and what is the evidence?
The management of behaviour problems in children
Authors: Williams Sara
Published: March 2016

It is unlikely that the services of child care workers will cease to be needed during the next decade. The figures tend to show a steadily increasing demand for help with children who cannot live with their biological families for a number of different reasons. This seems to be a reflection of:—

Firstly, an increased awareness of the meaning of unusual behaviour in children, i.e., that the child who does something unacceptable like running away, stealing or failing to perform well in school is really showing signs of emotional stress, and secondly, in part due to an increase in social disruption of the family and a change in the values of a significant proportion of middle class parents. There is no way we can expect that all children can spend all their young lives living with a family, either their biological family or an alternative one.
Behaviour modification with children in a natural environment
Authors: Griffin Michael W.
Published: March 2016

Traditionally, when children were seen by their parents or teachers as exhibiting “problem” behaviors (e.g. tantrums, disobedience, stealing, reading difficulties, social withdrawal, incontinence) they were brought to the notice of a professional (often a psychologist) who proceeded to carry out “therapy” in a clinic or hospital. The child was seen as primarily the person with whom one should work, and the clinic as the setting where therapy should take place. Even in those cases where some form of “family therapy” was undertaken the emphasis remained on seeing the child in a clinical setting and rarely it seems was the parent or teacher taught specific behavior change skills.
Behavioural casework — A Social Work Method for Family Settings
Authors: Herbert Martin , O’Driscoll Brenda
Published: March 2016

Contemporary behaviour modification (or therapy) seems to offer what is both a useful theoretical and practical approach to the treatment of a very wide range of childhood and adolescent disorders (Gelfand and Hartmann, 1975; Herbert, 1975). We intend in this paper to describe this relatively new method of assessment and treatment of problem behaviour as it applies in family settings, and examine its relevance to social work practice. In doing this we shall consider briefly the nature of the social work task. After a discussion of the theoretical basis of behaviour therapy we shall attempt to demonstrate how the methods themselves can be applied in the social work setting giving examples from our casework in the Child Treatment Research Unit (C.T.R.U.) at the School of Social Work, Leicester University.
Generation 2000
Authors: Allsop Ian
Published: March 2016

Generation 2000 is a package of resource materials to help people throughout Australia to gather together in groups to explore and discuss the wisdom that children have to offer adults. Generation 2000 is whatever happens in those groups as people meet, explore, discover, discuss and decide. Generation 2000 is about getting ready for the future with the liveliness, spontaneity, honesty and directness that children continually offer adults for their learning. It is an opportunity for adults to explore the world of children and to evaluate their values and attitudes.

The program is based on a series of four sessions which enable participants to work through and recall their own childhood and an examination of our current lifestyles and patterns of living and assessing how these affect the people close to us. It uses the strategy that as we re-enter the world of children, we re-experience the richness and value for life that children have to offer.
Aphasia — The neglected handicap — The forgotten children
Authors: Blake Bronwyn
Published: March 2016

The world of the Aphasic child is a strange and confusing one. Imagine yourself wearing earphones, dropped into China, allowed to listen to one or two words per sentence, being told from that to understand the culture and language, learn to speak the language, and educate yourself. This is a milder form of the problem faced by the aphasic child, for unlike the child, the traveller in China already knows the use of language, has a well established internal language albeit in English, and a good background in how cultures operate.
Sterilising the Apparently Incapable: Further Thoughts and Developments
Authors: Bates Frank J.
Published: March 2016

The recent decision of the English judicial hierarchy in Re B (a minor) (wardship: sterilisation) raises many of the issues which are involved with the difficulties inherent in attempts compulsorily to sterilise apparently incapable minors. The article contrasts the decision in Re B with the earlier English decision of Re D and the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Re Eve. It continues by discussing the policy issues which are raised by the case and by the literature.
Case Notes Accreditation: Substitute Care Programmes for Children. A Step Forward
Authors: Church Rick
Published: March 2016

A history of children's welfare services in Australia demonstrates the significant and on-going role of the non-government sector. This is particularly true within New South Wales. Many programmes, frequently under the auspice of mainstream religious institutions, were established early in response to critical social needs. These programmes routinely developed in isolation from each other, often with primary ties only to the auspice body and the local community. Some things are slow to change.

Today the non-government sector is an amorphous collective of agencies with highly variable philosophical under pinnings, welfare ideologies, resources and competency levels.

We have learned a great deal about the needs of children, the process of change, and competency in service delivery (within a specific statutory umbrella). Our new knowledge is yet to be consistently reflected in practice.
Some Key Concepts from a Course for Parents about Adolescents
Authors: Hourigan Annette
Published: March 2016

Catholic Family Welfare Bureau Melbourne have for many years provided remedial family services, a core service being marriage and family counselling. Our range of service has expanded to also include educative programs.

One frequent request is for education for parents about adolescence and its' meaning in family life. Additionally, our Dandenong branch needed to respond to the many urgent requests they were receiving from parents for counselling, about “adolescence problems” encountered in their families.

As result a group of counsellors and social workers have produced a course in an endeavor to discover the most effective means to provide education for parents.
Malaysia: Some Problems of Child and Family Law in a Progressive Pluralist Society
Authors: Turner J. Neville
Published: March 2016

A visit to Malaysia is a delight for a comparative family lawyer, especially one who adores satay, nasi goreng and biryani.

The country itself is an unlikely amalgam of two land masses separated by 700 km, containing thirteen States of widely differing cultures. West Malaysia is by far the more populous, East Malaysia the larger geographically. In East Malaysia, a rich country (Brunei) is sandwiched as an independent enclave between the two States which do belong to Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah). In the Malay Peninsula the port of Singapore, which geographically belongs to West Malaysia, ceded from the Federation in 1965, and is a separate country.
The Family Court of Australia: A Triumph or Disaster?
Authors: Turner J. Neville
Published: March 2016

The Family Court was introduced in Australia in 1976, almost by legislative legerdemain. There had been little debate about it beforehand. There was no Royal Commission, no Law Reform Report. There was little public agitation or debate about its merits. It was suddenly upon us, as part and parcel of the reform of the divorce laws.

How this differs from the position in other countries! In England, the Law Commission invited submissions on Family Courts as early as 1970. The Finer Committee in 1974 strongly recommended them! Numerous commentators since have advocated them in one form or another. The debate continues! But none has yet been set up! France and Germany have established tribunals loosely akin to our Family Court. But they are pallid imitations only. Other countries have tried some experiments. But I know of no country, save possibly Japan, that has established such a radical reform as Australia.
Not the Last Word: Point and Counterpoint
Authors: Goddard Chris
Published: March 2016

What you see depends on where you stand. It is all a question of our perspective, our world view. Attempting to understand other people's perspectives is said to be a mark of adulthood.

Journalists, on the other hand, are often asked to ensure that a narrow and local interest is catered for in stories. Thus we see stories of disasters where hundreds have been killed overseas, in a plane crash for example, and the cryptic sentence “No Australians were believed to be on board” appears in the text.
Children in Fast Lane Australia
Authors: Boss Peter
Published: March 2016

We are all familiar with Donald Horne's descriptive phrase “The Lucky Country” as applied to Australia. It was coined during the resources boom years of the late 'sixties. It referred to the luck we have to be living in a country so rich in mineral resources – all we had to do was to dig it out of the ground and sell the raw stuff to equally boom economies overseas. Actually those economies then converted the stuff into manufactured goods – cars, fridges, television sets, plastic toys and so on, which they then flogged back to us … and we could afford to buy – much of the money our wealth generated went to make already comfortably-off people more comfortable - not much went to the not so comfortable or to the really poor. But in line with the optimistic theories in economics, the trickle effect of the boom years would ensure that the poor too got a gnaw at the bones thrown to them; distribution of wealth already distorted, stayed distorted. Then came Gough and a new era was about to dawn, the new wealth would be used toward producing a more egalitarian society and an enhanced infra structure of welfare sevices, a spanking new health service, a broadening of the social security system, more job opportunities, free tertiary education, the Australian Assistance Plan, and the list went on. But history has a mischievous, even misanthropic turn of mind, and no sooner was Gough crowned than the resources market turned sour and the money started to dry up, the dream faded and you know the rest. The Fraser years were years of cutback and belt-tightening, of dour and unglamorous attempts to keep the ship afloat. No more vision of building a new Jerusalem in Canberra's green and pleasant land.
Respite Care Needs of Families with Disabled Children
Authors: Szwarc Barbara
Published: March 2016

The idea of respite care is of recent origin, having come about largely as a result of the deinstitutionalization movement of the 1960's and 70's.

Before that time, it was generally not expected that families keep a disabled member at home: and there is considerable evidence to show that those families who chose to do so, were expected to cope with the consequences on their own. No-one asked how they did it; and only the provision of crisis orientated counselling indicated that care providers recognized that these families might sometimes have hardships.
Foster care — its legal problems
Authors: Turner J. Neville
Published: March 2016

Perhaps the best definition of foster-care is that of the influential, and extremely carefully drafted, Standards of Child Welfare League of America:

… The Child Welfare Service which provides substitute family care for a planned period for a child when his own family cannot care for him for a temporary or extended period, and when adoption is neither desirable or possible.
Future Trends in Education
Authors: Warner David
Published: March 2016

Thank you for the invitation to address a session of your Conference on the topic “Future Trends in Education”. I am not sure of the basis of my expertise to address such a topic. It is a topic normally reserved for the gurus of academia and of educational bureaucracies. Perhaps, however, the invitation is in relation to the role of the College with which I am associated in being at the “leading edge” of developments in post-compulsory education in Australia.

Perhaps before I say anything, I should direct attention to my belief in the capacity of people to respond to need. Yesterday, I sat with two of our teachers who had taken themselves off to help the centre develop their “detention activities” into credit courses associated with courses at our College and then provide completion experiences on Saturdays and at the end of children's sentences. There is hope.
An Approach to Family Therapy
Authors: Geldard David
Published: March 2016

Lifeline Brisbane has a team of professional family therapists who provide family therapy services from 3.30p.m. to 10 p.m. on four nights each week. The team consists of a full-time coordiantor (40 hours per week) plus five part time therapists, who between them work 48 hours per week.

The Unit uses a systems approach which assumes that the behaviours of individual members of a system are the invevitable response to the behaviours of the other members of the system. Hence, for example, a child's stealing behaviour, is seen as inevitable when the child is viewed not in isolation, but in the context of the system within which the child exists.
Diversity and Choice: The Strengths of Parent Education in Victoria
Authors: Rodd Jillian , Holland Annette
Published: March 2016

Participation in parent education appears to be becoming more acceptable and legitimate for many Victorian parents over the past decade. The experience of parenting or ‘being a parent’ has been recognised as potentially confusing and difficult for many adults (Allen and Schultz, 1987: 14). In response to parents' perceived difficulties and expression of need for assistance with the parenting role, professionals who work with children and families have devised a diverse range of approaches to working with parents from informal, often unstructured, individualised, needs based reading and/or discussion type programs to the more formal and structured approaches which employ the often imported pre packaged programs with groups of parents in a variety of settings. Although little systematic information is available concerning the basis and nature of the burgeoning parent education programs currently operating in Victoria, Allen and Schultz (1987) described the current status of parent education in Australia as diverse in theoretical orientations, emphases, topics and settings. However, it appears that many programs currently operating cannot be described as systematic and theoretically based. Fine (1980: 5) defined parent education as “instruction on how to parent” and argued that this definition properly applies to organised, structured programs rather than to more informal discussions.
Growing up with Andrew
Authors: Hyden Margaret
Published: March 2016

The mother of a retarded child tells of some of the battles, frustrations and the rewards of caring for her retarded son.

It is hoped that contributions such as this one from Margaret Hydon will become a regular feature of the Journal.

My husband was elated to hear at long last that our son Andrew had arrived, but at the time little did he realize the full implications of the trauma of the birth which was then closely followed by septicaemia and bronchial pneumonia.
Quality of Life and the Evaluation of Quality of Care
Authors: Gregory Graeme
Published: March 2016

God bless Mummy. I know that’s right.

Wasn’t it fun in the bath tonight?

The cold’s so cold, and the hot’s so hot.

Oh! God bless Daddy – I quite forgot.

If I open my fingers a little bit more

I can see Nanny’s dressing gown on the door.

It’s a beautiful blue, but it hasn’t a hood.

Oh! God bless Nanny and make her good.

Mine has a hood, and I lie in bed,

And pull the hood tight over my head,

And I shut my eyes, and I curl up small,

And nobody knows that I’m there at all.

Oh! Thank you God for a lovely day.

And what was the other I had to say?

I said “Bless Daddy”, so what can it be?

Oh! Now I remember it. God bless me.

Whether or not A.A. Milne accurately reflected childhood experiences in 1924, this is certainly the picture of childhood experience and expectation with which many of us grew up. As an aside, I would note that another English poet, Kit Wright, writing in 1978, comes up with a vastly different picture of life through a child’s eyes:

My Mum is on a diet,

My dad is on the booze,

My Gran’s out playing Bingo

And she was born to lose.

My brother’s stripped his motorbike

Although it’s bound to rain.

My sister’s playing Elton John

Over and over again.

What a dim old family!

What a dreary lot!

Sometimes I think that I'm the only

Superstar they’ve got.
The Process of Change within an established System
Authors: Green David
Published: March 2016

“Innovation starts from the collision between theory and reality within an irreverent mind”

David Donnison

David Donnison’s definition is both useful, and relevant to the theme “The Process of Change from within an Established System”. The relevance, I suggest, relates to the words — theory, reality and irreverence. How many of us working within an established system have a sound theoretical base, are in touch with reality, and have an irreverent mind. Such a combination of attributes are considered unusual in bureaucrats — although they can be acquired. However the acquisition requires the bureaucrat to give up some of the conventional attributes of success, or at least, a quiescent life in the organization. People involved in change really do see the world as it is without the assistance of self-interest filters.