bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Sound of One Hand Clapping: Experiences in Six Countries Using Health Equity Research in Policy
Authors: Pittman Patricia M.
Published: February 2006

In an attempt to better understand the complex and sometimes tenuous relationship between health equity research and health policy, we undertook a collaborative comparison of six case studies with researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, China, South Africa, and Chile. Patterns in factors contributing to governments' interest in research included the role of domestic advocacy, interest in their international standing, and the existence of internal government champions. Strategies used by researchers to promote their findings included carefully crafting messages and selecting messengers in accordance with their audience's concerns, delaying publication until interactions with policy makers had occurred, monitoring public opinion, and a host of ideas relating to the style and content of government-sponsored commission reports. Most of the similarities crossed the developing/developed country divide, although it did appear that in the three case studies from the north, greater attention was paid to the professional legitimacy of institutions, individuals, and journals, while in the three developing countries the existence of trusted personal messengers appeared essential. While there are no prescriptions for ensuring the use of health equity research in policy, the comparison across such different international settings stimulated participants to question their assumptions about what works, when, and why.
The Work the Document Does: Research, Policy, and Equity in Health
Authors: Freeman Richard
Published: February 2006

At the center of the politics of health equity, in many countries and circumstances, stands a signal report of research. This article is concerned with what might be described as the architecture of such documents, including how they are produced and organized and the relationships they demonstrate with others that parallel, precede, and succeed them. The article examines how scientific and political authority is established and comments on the evidence of cross-national learning that these documents reveal. It discusses differences in how the problem of health equity is constructed in different countries and how research findings are converted into policy recommendations. It begins to trace a process of implementation by noting how these documents are referred to and written about. The argument is that the politics of health equity are expressed or realized in the documents and reports, which are its principal vehicle. This is not to claim that there is no world beyond the text or that the world somehow is a text, but that to fully understand that world we must understand the text and the work it does.
U.s. Policy on Health Inequities: The Interplay of Politics and Research
Authors: Gamble Vanessa Northington , Stone Deborah
Published: February 2006

What is the relationship between scientific research and government action in addressing health inequalities in the United States? What factors increase the impact of scientific research on public policy? To answer these questions, we focus on racial and ethnic disparities in health status and health care in the United States. We first review the history of the disparities issue to elucidate how the continual and persistent interplay between political action and scientific research drives government policy. We then analyze two recent government-sponsored reports about racial and ethnic disparities to understand the strategic consequences of issue framing. We draw lessons about how disparities research can have a greater impact on public policy.
Sprouty proteins are in vivo targets of Corkscrew/SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases
Authors: Jarvis Lesley A. , Toering Stephanie J. , Simon Michael A. , Krasnow Mark A. , Smith-Bolton Rachel K.
Published: February 2006

Drosophila Corkscrew protein and its vertebrate ortholog SHP-2(now known as Ptpn11) positively modulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)signaling during development, but how these tyrosine phosphatases promote tyrosine kinase signaling is not well understood. Sprouty proteins are tyrosine-phosphorylated RTK feedback inhibitors, but their regulation and mechanism of action are also poorly understood. Here, we show that Corkscrew/SHP-2 proteins control Sprouty phosphorylation and function. Genetic experiments demonstrate that Corkscrew/SHP-2 and Sprouty proteins have opposite effects on RTK-mediated developmental events in Drosophilaand an RTK signaling process in cultured mammalian cells, and the genes display dose-sensitive genetic interactions. In cultured cells, inactivation of SHP-2 increases phosphorylation on the critical tyrosine of Sprouty 1. SHP-2 associates in a complex with Sprouty 1 in cultured cells and in vitro,and a purified SHP-2 protein dephosphorylates the critical tyrosine of Sprouty 1. Substrate-trapping forms of Corkscrew bind Sprouty in cultured Drosophila cells and the developing eye. These results identify Sprouty proteins as in vivo targets of Corkscrew/SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases and show how Corkscrew/SHP-2 proteins can promote RTK signaling by inactivating a feedback inhibitor. We propose that this double-negative feedback circuit shapes the output profile of RTK signaling events.
Ets2 is necessary in trophoblast for normal embryonic anteroposterior axis development
Authors: Georgiades Pantelis , Rossant Janet
Published: February 2006

Although the trophoblast is necessary for the growth, viability and patterning of the mammalian embryo, understanding of its patterning role is still rudimentary. Expression of the transcription factor Ets2 is restricted to the trophoblast in early postimplantation stages and Ets2 mutants have been previously shown to have defects in trophoblast development. We show here that Ets2 is necessary in the trophoblast for fundamental aspects of anteroposterior (AP) epiblast axis initiation, including mesoderm initiation at the primitive streak,establishment of posterior character in the epiblast and appropriate spatial restriction of the anterior visceral endoderm (AVE). Most homozygous Ets2 mutants also show highly reduced development of the trophoblast with an absence of extraembryonic ectoderm (EXE) markers. Embryos in which the EXE has been physically removed before culture in vitro phenocopy the patterning defects of Ets2 mutants. These defects cannot be rescued by providing Ets2 mutants with wild-type epiblast in tetraploid aggregations. Thus, EXE-derived signals are necessary for normal embryonic patterning. Ets2 is likely to be required in the EXE downstream of epiblast signals, such as Fgf, and, in turn, helps to regulate signals from the EXE that signal back to the epiblast to promote proper primitive streak and AVE development. This study provides new insights about the genetic and cellular basis of the patterning role and development of the early trophoblast.
NF-κB transmits Eda A1/EdaR signalling to activate Shh and cyclin D1 expression, and controls post-initiation hair placode down growth
Authors: Schmidt-Ullrich Ruth , Tobin Desmond J. , Lenhard Diana , Schneider Pascal , Paus Ralf , Scheidereit Claus
Published: February 2006

A novel function of NF-κB in the development of most ectodermal appendages, including two types of murine pelage hair follicles, was detected in a mouse model with suppressed NF-κB activity(cIκBαΔN). However, the developmental processes regulated by NF-κB in hair follicles has remained unknown. Furthermore, the similarity between the phenotypes of cIκBAΔN mice and mice deficient in Eda A1(tabby) or its receptor EdaR (downless) raised the issue of whether in vivo NF-κB regulates or is regulated by these novel TNF family members. We now demonstrate that epidermal NF-κB activity is first observed in placodes of primary guard hair follicles at day E14.5, and that in vivo NF-κB signalling is activated downstream of Eda A1 and EdaR. Importantly, ectopic signals which activate NF-κB can also stimulate guard hair placode formation, suggesting a crucial role for NF-κB in placode development. In downless and cIκBαΔN mice, placodes start to develop,but rapidly abort in the absence of EdaR/NF-κB signalling. We show that NF-κB activation is essential for induction of Shh and cyclin D1 expression and subsequent placode down growth. However, cyclin D1 induction appears to be indirectly regulated by NF-κB, probably via Shh and Wnt. The strongly decreased number of hair follicles observed in cIκBαΔN mice compared with tabby mice, indicates that additional signals, such as TROY, must regulate NF-κB activity in specific hair follicle subtypes.
Early Hedgehog signaling from neural to oral epithelium organizes anterior craniofacial development
Authors: Eberhart Johann K. , Swartz Mary E. , Crump Justin Gage , Kimmel Charles B.
Published: February 2006

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays multiple roles in the development of the anterior craniofacial skeleton. We show that the earliest function of Hh is indirect, regulating development of the stomodeum, or oral ectoderm. A subset of post-migratory neural crest cells, that gives rise to the cartilages of the anterior neurocranium and the pterygoid process of the palatoquadrate in the upper jaw, condenses upon the upper or roof layer of the stomodeal ectoderm in the first pharyngeal arch. We observe that in mutants for the Hh co-receptor smoothened (smo) the condensation of this specific subset of crest cells fails, and expression of several genes is lost in the stomodeal ectoderm. Genetic mosaic analyses with smo mutants show that for the crest cells to condense the crucial target tissue receiving the Hh signal is the stomodeum, not the crest. Blocking signaling with cyclopamine reveals that the crucial stage, for both crest condensation and stomodeal marker expression, is at the end of gastrulation - some eight to ten hours before crest cells migrate to associate with the stomodeum. Two Hh genes, shh and twhh, are expressed in midline tissue at this stage,and we show using mosaics that for condensation and skeletogenesis only the ventral brain primordium, and not the prechordal plate, is an important Hh source. Thus, we propose that Hh signaling from the brain primordium is required for proper specification of the stomodeum and the stomodeum, in turn,promotes condensation of a subset of neural crest cells that will form the anterior neurocranial and upper jaw cartilage.
Preparation of Polysilsesquioxane (CH3SiO1.5)8 Crystals from Swollen PHEMA
Authors: Luo Qun , Tang Daihua , Li Xiaodong , Wang Qi , Wang Zhipeng , Zhen Zhen , Liu Xinhou
Published: February 2006

Polysilsesquioxane (CH3SiO1.5)8 crystals were prepared from CH3Si(OCH2CH3)3-trapped poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) (PHEMA) swollen in methanol in 23% yield under certain acidic or alkaline condition.
Cyanidin 3-O-β-d-Glucopyranoside is a Potent Antioxidant Against Cytochrome c-enhanced 5-(2-Aminoethyl)benzene-1,2,4-triol Oxidation
Authors: Yao Yu , Vieira Amandio
Published: February 2006

A naturally occurring flavonoid, cyanidin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, is shown to have potent antioxidant activity against the cytochrome c-enhanced oxidation of 5-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2,4-triol (6-OH dopamine), an oxidation assay reaction of neurotoxic relevance.
Field-effect Characteristics of a One-dimensional Platinum Chain Compound, Bis(1,2-benzoquinonedioximato)platinum(II)
Authors: Sakai Ken-ichi , Hasegawa Tatsuo , Ichikawa Musubu , Taniguchi Yoshio
Published: February 2006

We report fabrication and device characteristics of field-effect transistors (FETs) based on single crystals of one-dimensional (1-D) platinum chain compound, bis(1,2-benzoquinonedioximato)platinum(II), Pt(bqd)2. The device with the channel along Pt chains shows n-type field-effect properties with a mobility of as large as 0.2 cm2/V s under atmospheric conditions.
Re‐examination of the split cold front in the British Isles cyclone of 17 July 1980
Authors: Locatelli John D. , Stoelinga Mark T. , Hobbs Peter V.
Published: February 2006

An analysis of an MM5 model simulation of a cyclone that passed over the British Isles on 17 July 1980 indicates that the cyclone had some characteristics of both the split‐cold‐front model of Browning and Monk (1982) and of a schematic by Browning and Roberts (1996). Most importantly, the cyclone had the characteristic upper‐level baroclinic zone and its associated vertical velocity in advance of the surface front. This is an integral part of both the split‐cold‐front model of Browning and Monk and Browning and Roberts's schematic, and confirms the analysis of Browning and Monk. Simultaneously at different locations, the cyclone also had the characteristics of a warm occlusion in the lower levels with the portion of the cold front that was above the warm front tipped forward with height. The lower and upper portions of the cold front were not only fronts in equivalent potential temperature, as proposed by Browning and Monk, but true baroclinic zones with significant associated vertical velocity.

The complex structure of this cyclone in the British Isles was similar to that of some storms in the Pacific Northwest of the United States (Locatelli et al. 2005). Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Radiative sensitivities for cloud structural properties that are unresolved by conventional GCMs
Authors: Barker H. W. , Räisänen P.
Published: February 2006

The Independent Column Approximation (ICA), a stochastic subgrid‐scale cloudy column generator, and a dataset produced by an array of two‐dimensional cloud system‐resolving models are used to estimate radiative sensitivities and uncertainties for parameters that describe the macrostructure of layered cloud at scales unresolved by conventional global climate models (GCMs). Three cloud structural parameters are considered: vertical overlap of fractional cloud, vertical overlap of cloud condensate, and horizontal variability of condensate. Radiative sensitivity is the derivative of top of atmosphere (TOA) fluxes with respect to a cloud structural parameter. Radiative uncertainty is defined as the product of radiative sensitivity and corresponding uncertainty in structural parameter. It is argued that radiative sensitivities and uncertainties can help direct and prioritize development of subgrid‐scale parametrizations.

Using estimates of sensitivities and uncertainties for structural parameters, it is shown that uncertainties in TOA short‐wave fluxes for cloud fraction overlap and horizontal variability are of similar magnitude averaged over the globe but display distinct spatial differences. Corresponding values for overlap of condensate are smaller and thus less important. For long‐wave radiation, cloud horizontal variability is generally the most important of the three parameters considered here, but sensitivities, and thus uncertainties, are smaller than those for short‐wave radiation. It is estimated that uncertainties associated with overlap of fractional cloud and horizontal variability are approximately as large as those associated with effective size of cloud particles. These results reinforce prior claims that GCM parametrizations for cloud overlap and horizontal variability should be addressed together, especially at solar wavelengths. These results are echoed in the appendix which examines TOA forcings that would arise in a GCM if the maximum‐random overlap of homogeneous clouds model was replaced by a model that addresses the cloud parameters mentioned above. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
The structure and realism of sensitivity perturbations and their interpretation as ‘Key Analysis Errors’
Authors: Isaksen Lars , Fisher Michael , Andersson Erik , Barkmeijer Jan
Published: February 2006

Adjoint sensitivity‐based perturbations (e.g. ‘Key Analysis Errors’) minimizing the two‐day forecast error have been calculated for December 2001 and January 2002 using three different initial‐time norms. The goal has been to investigate if the perturbations can justifiably be interpreted as analysis error. We perform a systematic comparison against available observations, at initial time and as the perturbations evolve during the first 24 hours of forecasts. Ten‐day forecasts have been run to verify that the medium‐range forecasts from the perturbed analyses are better than the control forecasts. It is shown that the structure of the perturbations depends strongly on the initial‐time norm, in experiments based on the energy norm, the background‐error covariance norm, and the Hessian norm. For all three norms it is found that forecasts starting from the perturbed analyses are further away from the observations than forecasts from control analyses during the first approximately 12 hours of forecasts, a signal that is increased when the number of iterations is increased. From 12 hours onwards the perturbed forecasts are closer to observations than the control forecasts. We conclude that the sensitivity perturbations cannot justifiably be interpreted as analysis error as far as their detailed structure is concerned. This result has implications in applications that rely on sensitivity‐based or singular vector‐based approaches for detailed characterization of analysis error, e.g. some observation‐targeting applications and the reduced‐rank Kalman filter. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
A 4D‐Var study on the potential of weather control and exigent weather forecasting
Authors: Henderson John M. , Hoffman Ross N. , Leidner S. MARK , Nehrkorn Thomas , Grassotti Christopher
Published: February 2006

Four‐dimensional variational data assimilation is a well‐established operational technique whereby a background estimate of the atmosphere is optimally blended with observations, subject to the constraints of the model dynamics and the uncertainties of the information presented to the system. We extend the usual approach by applying a modified version of the Penn State/NCAR fifth‐generation mesoscale model (MM5) 4D‐Var to find the smallest temperature increments required to minimize the wind damage over southern Florida during hurricane Andrew of 1992. The increments calculated by 4D‐Var in this experiment created imbalances and asymmetries. As the storm resymmetrizes, at the end of the 4D‐Var interval the model storm is largely weakened in situ. The amount of energy required to effect these changes is large. An alternate objective measure of the size of the increments could be formulated in terms of the likelihood of occurrence with respect to the estimated error characteristics of the model background field and the observations. A possible operational technique is presented whereby the likelihood of weather events of consequence is estimated—both subjectively and objectively. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Urine Markers as Possible Tools for Prostate Cancer Screening: Review of Performance Characteristics and Practicality
Authors: Müller Heiko , Brenner Hermann
Published: February 2006

Background: In recent years, an increasing number of urine-based tests have been proposed as potential screening tests for prostate cancer. The goal of this review was to summarize the current status of evidence regarding performance characteristics of the proposed tests and their practicality under screening conditions.

Method: Relevant articles published up to and including May 2005 were identified in the PubMed database. At least 10 cases and 10 controls had to be analyzed for a study to be included in the review. Data concerning the study population, performance characteristics, and the collection and processing of urine samples were extracted from the reviewed articles.

Results: In all, 34 retrospective studies evaluating 21 different markers complied with the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were rather small and included heterogeneous clinical study populations. Promising results were reported for a few markers in single studies, but they have often not been replicated in subsequent larger studies. Some of the more promising results were obtained with 24-h urines or with specimen-handling procedures that might be difficult to perform under screening conditions.

Conclusions: Larger studies with a prospective design are required to confirm promising findings regarding performance characteristics of some novel markers recently reported in mostly small studies. Future studies should also pay particular attention to the practicality of the markers under screening conditions.
Telemedicine and Collaborative Health Information Systems (Telemedizin und Kollaborative Gesundheitsinformationssysteme)
Authors: Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Ganslandt Thomas , Dumitru Roxana Corina , Ückert Frank
Published: February 2006

In this paper two major tasks of health telematics are identified: telemedicine to support the physicians and collaborative health information systems additionally incorporating the patient. In the field of telemedicine, exemplary scenarios of teleconsultation/teletherapy but also the creation of joint electronic patient records by several healthcare providers are described in detail and analysed. Those are teleradiology, telepathology, and telesurgery. On the other side, collaborative health information systems provide several means to actively incorporate the empowered patient in the care process. We illustrate the approach of sharing a patient's electronic medical record with the patient and distinguish it from alternative approaches, such as email communications between patients and doctors or patient empowerment through web-based information services. For all such applications, recent trends in research and implementation are analysed and the technological as well as legal requirements are discussed.
Cognitive Tools for Medical Knowledge Management (Kognitive Werkzeuge für das Medizinische Wissensmanagement)
Authors: Spreckelsen Cord , Liem Steve , Winter Christof , Spitzer Klaus
Published: February 2006

The term cognitive tool was coined for a means especially designed to improve human cognition. Examples of cognitive tools range from simple mind maps to computer-based assistence systems. Cognitive tools can play a key role in the knowledge management process. This paper describes specific requirements for cognitive tools in a medical context, and presents an implemented framework for enabling medical knowledge management by cognitive tools. The visualization of semantic networks and the users interaction with these graphical metaphors play an important role not only in the process of authoring or knowledge externalization, but in the computer-supported application and internalization of medical knowledge, as well. The paper addresses special methodological aspects, namely: 1) the seamless integration of formal knowledge representation and informal knowledge documentation, 2) the introduction of graphical means for interacting with the medical knowledge, and 3) the mutual support of eLearning and knowledge management. The framework is applied to complementary fields: 1) a learning system for differential diagnosis in paediatrics and 2) a tool, which empowers scientific literature retrieval by a graphical visualization of concept-nets based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). As a result the case studies show that a generic framework, which supports the visualization of conceptual structures and allows an easy interaction with a medical knowledge repository can successfully support very different steps of medical knowledge work and clinical decision support.
DFG-Schwerpunktprogramm „Netzbasierte Wissenskommunikation in Gruppen“ (The DFG Priority Program “Net-Based Knowledge Communication in Groups”)
Authors: Lauer Tobias , Ottmann Thomas , Trahasch Stephan , Haake Jörg M. , Pfister Hans-Rüdiger , Bauer Korinna , Hesse Friedrich W.
Published: February 2006

Thema dieses interdisziplinären Forschungsprogramms ist die Analyse und Optimierung des computerbasierten Wissensaustauschs in Lern- und Arbeitskontexten. Kommunikationswerkzeuge für derartige Situationen müssen auf bestimmte Herausforderungen eingehen, die sich aus der Kommunikation in Gruppen, auf Distanz und mit dem Ziel des Wissenserwerbs ergeben. Beispielhaft werden zwei Informatikprojekte vorgestellt, die das computerunterstützte kollaborative Lernen (CSCL) durch die Implementation von annotationsbasierten Lerndiskursen und CSCL-Skripten fördern.
Analyse und Synthese von integrierten Antennen für Mobiltelefone unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Benutzereinflusses (Analysis and Synthesis of Integrated Antennas for Mobile Phones taking the Users' Influence into Account)
Authors: Manteuffel Dirk
Published: February 2006

Die Integration von Multibandantennen in moderne Mobiltelefone stellt zunehmend eine Herausforderung für den Antennenentwickler dar. Eine platz- und kostenoptimale Lösung folgt daher dem Ansatz, das Gerät selbst als Antenne zu nutzen und mit dem zu integrierendem Antennenmodul nur dessen Ankopplung einzustellen. Obwohl zunächst skeptisch betrachtet, hat sich dieser Ansatz durch seine offensichtlichen Vorteile mittlerweile bei der Entwicklung von Mobiltelefonen durchgesetzt.
Coetzee, Agamben, and the Passion of Abu Ghraib
Authors: CATON STEVEN C.
Published: February 2006

In this article, I address J. M. Coetzee's chapter “The Problem of Evil” in Elizabeth Costello (2003); specifically, I discuss the danger of texts that attempt to represent evil letting loose that evil in the world. This insight is pushed by connecting it to the problem of sovereignty as put forth in Agamben's Homo Sacer (1998). To demonstrate the connection of evil and sovereignty, three different sets of images are analyzed that circulated in the global public sphere in 2004: frames from the Mel Gibson movie, The Passion of the Christ (2004); pictures of the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners from Abu Ghraib; and beheading videos of U.S. citizens and other nationals working for the U.S.‐led occupation forces in Iraq. Different explanations have been given for their circulation, but it is argued, following Agamben's notion of “homo sacer,” that they are contestations over sovereignty of Iraq and more widely of the Middle East.
Linguistic Diversity in the South: Changing Codes, Practices, and Ideology
Authors: SANDERS SARA L.
Published: February 2006

Linguistic Diversity in the South: Changing Codes, Practices, and Ideology. Margaret Bender, ed. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2004. 141 pp.
The Anthropology of Development and Globalization: From Classical Political Economy to Contemporary Neoliberalism
Authors: LEWELLEN TED
Published: February 2006

The Anthropology of Development and Globalization: From Classical Political Economy to Contemporary Neoliberalism. Marc Edelman and Angelique Haugerud, eds. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2005. 406 pp.
Callaloo Nation: Metaphors of Race and Religious Identities among South Asians in Trinidad
Authors: THOMAS DEBORAH A.
Published: February 2006

Callaloo Nation: Metaphors of Race and Religious Identities among South Asians in Trinidad. Aisha Khan. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2004. 264 pp.
Race to the Finish: Identity and Governance in an Age of Genomics
Authors: CUNNINGHAM HILARY
Published: February 2006

Race to the Finish: Identity and Governance in an Age of Genomics. Jenny Reardon. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. 312 pp.
From Racism to Genocide: Anthropology in the Third Reich
Authors: STRECK BERNHARD
Published: February 2006

From Racism to Genocide: Anthropology in the Third Reich. Gretchen E. Schafft. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2004. 297 pp.
Afterword to “Anthropology and Human Rights in a New Key”: The Social Life of Human Rights
Authors: WILSON RICHARD ASHBY
Published: February 2006

In this article, I argue for an ethnographic approach to human rights that recognizes the plural and fragmentary nature of the international rights regime and the ideological promiscuity of rights talk. Instead of determining in advance the social or political character of rights, anthropologists could profitably draw from the insights of early‐20th‐century “legal realists” and look closely at the underlying assumptions and hidden practices of political and legal processes. Studying the “social life of human rights” would involve focusing on, inter alia, the performative dimensions of human rights, the dynamics of social mobilization, and the attitudinal changes of elite and nonelite social actors towards formulations of “rights” and “justice,” both inside and outside the legal process. I conclude with a review of recent anthropological research on human rights epistemology and evaluate its implications for human rights policy.
Degendering the Honor/Care Conflation: Palestinian Israeli University Women's Appropria‐tions of Independence
Authors: Erdreich Lauren
Published: February 2006

On the basis of ethnographic research of Palestinian Israeli women at Hebrew University, I explore how cultural models of independence are used to reshape Arab conceptions of male and female selves and their communal positions. I claim that Arab models of family honor conflate honor and care differently in social expectations for men and women. Men insure family honor through care for women's bodies and women do the same through being modest and reproductive. Although the concept of independence has been critiqued as being male and Western, these women use the Western model to degender the Arab conflation of care and honor. They bring together Western cultural models of independence and Arab models of connectivity to reshape their potential as female selves to include both independent and relational features. [self, cultural models, Palestinian women, university, family honor]
Overtime and Need for Recovery in Relation to Job Demands and Job Control
Authors: Van der Hulst Monique , Van Veldhoven Marc , Beckers Debby
Published: February 2006

Overtime and Need for Recovery in Relation to Job Demands and Job Control: Monique van der Hulst, et al. Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands—This study addressed the prevalence of working overtime in relation to psychosocial work characteristics and need for recovery. More precisely, the aim of this study was to find out (1) whether a relationship exists between working overtime and psychosocial work characteristics (job demands and job control), (2a) whether a relationship exists between working overtime and need for recovery, and finally (2b) whether such a relationship depends on job type (a specific combination of job demands and job control). The study sample (N=1,473) consisted of a national random sample of office‐based municipal administration employees who worked full‐time. These employees completed a questionnaire on working conditions, overtime and need for recovery, among other things. Overtime was especially common in jobs characterised by high demands. The analyses showed that working overtime is not associated with a higher need for recovery in the total study population. However, there was a positive relationship between overtime hours and need for recovery in high strain jobs (high demands, low control). Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between structural overtime and need for recovery in active jobs (high demands, high control). The relationship between overtime and need for recovery seems to be dependent upon working conditions; indicators of overtime were associated with a higher need for recovery only for employees who experienced high job demands. Longitudinal research within a heterogeneous sample will be necessary to draw firm conclusions about causality with respect to the relationship between overtime, need for recovery and working conditions.
Methanol‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Lymphoid Organs
Authors: Parthasarathy Narayanaperumal J. , Kumar Ramasundaram S. , Manikandan Sundaramahalingam , Devi Rathinasamy S.
Published: February 2006

Methanol‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Lymphoid Organs: Narayanaperumal J. Parthasarathy, et al. Immunology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Dr. ALM. PG. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, India—Methanol is primarily metabolized by oxidation to formaldehyde and then to formate. These processes are accompanied by formation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. This paper reports data on the effect of methanol on antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in lymphoid organs such as the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and bone marrow of rats. Male Wistar albino rats were intoxicated with methanol (2.37 g/kg b.w intraperitoneally) for detecting toxicity levels for one day, 15 d and 30 d, respectively. Administration of methanol at 15 and 30 d significantly (p<0.05) increased lipid peroxidation and decreased the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non‐enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione and vitamin C) in lymphoid organs. However, lipid peroxidation and enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants in the acute methanol exposed group animals were found to be significantly (p<0.05) increased. In one day methanol intoxication, the levels of free radicals initially increased, and to remove these free radicals, antioxidants levels were elevated, which generally prevented oxidative cell damage. But in longer periods of intoxication, when the generation of reactive free radicals overwhelmed the antioxidant defense, lipid peroxidation increased. Further, decreased antioxidants in 15 and 30 d methanol intoxication may have been due to overutilization of non‐enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants to scavenge the products of lipid peroxidation. In addition, the liver and kidney markers of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine significantly increased. This study concludes that exposure to methanol causes oxidative stress by altering the oxidant/antioxidant balance in lymphoid organs of the rat.
Effects of Web‐Based Supervisor Training on Job Stressors and Psychological Distress among Workers: A Workplace‐Based Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kawakami Norito , Takao Soshi , Kobayashi Yuka , Tsutsumi Akizumi
Published: February 2006

Effects of Web‐Based Supervisor Training on Job Stressors and Psychological Distress among Workers: A Workplace‐Based Randomized Controlled Trial: Norito Kawakami, et al. Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences— Using workplaces as a unit for randomization, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the effects of web‐based supervisor training on the subject of worksite mental health on job stressors, supervisor support and psychological distress among subordinate workers. A total of eight workplaces of a sales and service company were randomly assigned to either training workplaces or non‐training workplaces. Supervisors (n=23) at the training workplaces participated in web‐based self‐learning training on worksite mental health; supervisors (n=23) at the non‐training workplaces did not. A total of 81 subordinate workers under the trained supervisors (the intervention group) and 108 subordinate workers under the nontrained supervisors (the control group) completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) at baseline and at a three‐month follow‐up. No significant intervention effect was observed for any scale of the BJSQ measuring job stressors, supervisor or coworker support, or psychological distress among subordinate workers (p>0.05). The item score of work autonomy changed very little in the intervention group, while it decreased in the control group during the follow‐up period, yielding a significant intervention effect (p=0.02). The item score for a friendly atmosphere in the workplace increased in the intervention group, while the score remained stable in the control group, yielding a significant intervention effect (p=0.02). While the present study failed to show any clear effect of the webbased training of supervisors on reduction of job stressors, it may be useful for maintaining worker autonomy and improving the friendliness of the worksite atmosphere.
Glove Selection as Personal Protective Equipment and Occupational Dermatitis among Japanese Midwives
Authors: Sasaki Minako , Kanda Katsuya
Published: February 2006

Glove Selection as Personal Protective Equipment and Occupational Dermatitis among Japanese Midwives: Minako Sasaki, et al. Department of Nursing Administration, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo—This study was conducted to 1) evaluate the personal selection and use of protective gloves against bloodborne pathogens and management of glove selection in the workplace, 2) survey the experience with occupational dermatitis and other allergic symptoms, 3) explore the relationships between occupational dermatitis experience and glove use, and 4) determine the impact of glove selection upon occupational dermatitis among midwives. Subjects were 1,150 midwives working in Japan. Participants were selected from the members of Japanese Nursing Association and 835 responded to the survey. More than 30% of respondents wore gloves only when clients had an infectious disease, 41% reported experience of occupational dermatitis, 26% associated the dermatitis with medical glove use, and 2% had a diagnosis of latex allergy. Demographic variables that were significantly associated with occupational dermatitis included history of allergic symptoms other than due to occupational exposure, age, tenure and type of working institution. Using latex gloves during administering enema, shaving, changing pads, washing perineum, receiving newborns, suctioning, and handling waste significantly increased the risk of occupational dermatitis experience compared to not using gloves. Logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise elimination revealed glove selection management, such as availability of alternative glove types, using latex gloves for washing perineum, and using latex gloves for handling waste were significant predictors of occupational dermatitis. Occupational dermatitis is a significant issue and glove use as personal protective equipment is not standardized. Some occupational dermatitis may be preventable by managing appropriate glove selection.
The Effect of Lung Burden on Biopersistence and Pulmonary Effects in Rats Exposed to Potassium Octatitanate Whiskers by Intratracheal Instillation
Authors: Oyabu Takako , Yamato Hiroshi , Ogami Akira , Morimoto Yasuo , Akiyama Izumi , Ishimatsu Sumiyo , Hori Hajime , Tanaka Isamu
Published: February 2006

The Effect of Lung Burden on Biopersistence and Pulmonary Effects in Rats Exposed to Potassium Octatitanate Whiskers by Intratracheal Instillation: Takako Oyabu, et al. Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health—In our previous inhalation studies on health effects of the asbestos substitute, potassium octatitanate whiskers (POW), we showed that an excess amount of POW deposition in the rat lung increased biopersistence resulting in fibrotic changes. The critical deposition amount which induced the higher biopersistence was estimated to lie between 1.5 mg and 2.4 mg. In order to find the exact amount, the relationship between the lung POW burden and biopersistence was investigated by the intratracheal instillation method. The chemical formula of POW is K2 Ti8 O17 and the geometric mean fiber diameter (geometric standard deviation, GSD) and geometric mean fiber length (GSD) are 0.35 µm (1.6) and 4.4 µm (2.7), respectively. Rats were intratracheally instilled with 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg or 5.0 mg of POW and sacrificed at 1day and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the instillation. The POW amount in each lung was chemically analyzed by ICP‐AES after microwave digestion and the biological half time (BHT) of each POW dose was calculated. The BHTs of each group were 10, 15, 20 and 42 months for 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 mg of POW, respectively, and BHT showed a linear dose‐dependent increase, but without a threshold within the range of 0.5 mg to 5.0 mg, which was recognized in our earlier inhalation studies. In the histopathological photograph just after the instillation, many macrophages, which had phagocytized many more fibers, existed around the bronchiole compared with the earlier inhalation study at almost the same deposited amount. The relationship between POW amount and biopersistence in this intratracheal instillation study was different from that of our previous inhalation studies, probably due to the unnatural method of the fiber introduction to the lung, which in turn led to a different fiber distribution. It is suggested that an intratracheal instillation study is not an appropriate method for estimating excess deposition amounts of POW and an inhalation study will be needed. However, this intratracheal instillation study clarified that the clearance of POW was delayed as compared with previous inhalation studies at similar deposition amounts and this result has importance for the hazard assessment of dusts in animal experiments.
Factors Affecting Rapid Turnover of Novice Nurses in University Hospitals
Authors: Suzuki Eiko , Itomine Ichiro , Kanoya Yuka , Katsuki Takeshi , Horii Sayaka , Sato Chifumi
Published: February 2006

Factors Affecting Rapid Turnover of Novice Nurses in University Hospitals: Eiko Suzuki, et al. Department of Analytical Health Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University—Rapid turnover of novice nurses eventually results in a shortage of veteran nurses. This study aimed to clarify the factors affecting rapid turnover of novice nurses in a prospective manner. We carried out an investigation in 20 university hospitals whose directors of nursing service departments accepted our request to cooperate with our research program. These hospitals were selected from all of the 102 university hospitals listed in The Hospital Catalog of Japan. The subjects were 1,203 novice hospital nurses who gave their informed consent for participation in our study. The questionnaires, which dealt with burnout, assertiveness, stressful life events, reality shock, ward assignment preference, transfer preference, job satisfaction (workplace, salary, workload, and overtime), social support and coping mechanisms were completed by 923 novice nurses in June 2003. Then, their turnover was investigated in December 2003. Thirty‐seven novice nurses (4.0%) quit during this period. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the factors affecting rapid turnover were 1) graduation from vocational nursing schools, 2) dissatisfaction with assignment to a ward contrary to their desire, and 3) no peers for support. Assignment of novice nurses to wards they choose as far as possible, avoidance of assigning novice nurses to wards alone, and establishment of a support system for nurses who graduate from vocational nursing schools seem to be important for preventing rapid turnover of novice nurses.
Prevalence of Cervical Spondylosis and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Coolies in a City of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahbub H. , Laskar S. , Seikh Farid A. , Altaf H. , Inoue Masaiwa , Yokoyama Kenjiro , Wakui Tadaki , Harada Noriaki
Published: February 2006

Prevalence of Cervical Spondylosis and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Coolies in a City of Bangladesh: Md H. Mahbub, et al. Department of Hygiene, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine—To assess the prevalence of cervical spondylosis and musculoskeletal symptoms among coolies a cross‐sectional study was performed in Narayangonj City of Bangladesh on a random sample of 98 male coolies, using a questionnaire and the results of cervical spine X‐rays. Statistical associations were investigated using the chi‐square test. The results show a considerably higher prevalence of cervical spondylosis among the coolies (39.8%). More than half (51.3%) of the cases of cervical spondylosis were in subjects below the age of 40 yr, and a significant association was found between age group and prevalence of cervical spondylosis. The study also observed a significant association between duration of occupation and prevalence of cervical spondylosis. Coolies who had worked for 10 to 15 yr, or more than 15 yr, had higher rates of cervical spondylosis. In this study it was found that those who carried heavier loads suffered more from cervical spondylosis. Musculoskeletal symptoms in multiple body regions (two or more) were more prevalent (61.2%) than those in single body region (29.6%). Symptoms in the hands/ fingers were the most frequent followed by the back and arms/forearms. In conclusion, the high prevalence of cervical spondylosis and musculoskeletal symptoms among professional coolies may be associated with the practice of carrying heavy loads on the head. Further study with a large sample of population is required to investigate this problem and to explore preventive measures.
Chloral Hydrate Sedation for Pediatric Echocardiography: Physiologic Responses, Adverse Events, and Risk Factors
Authors: Heistein Lisa C. , Ramaciotti Claudio , Scott William A. , Coursey Melanie , Sheeran Paul W. , Lemler Matthew S.
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. The physiologic responses to chloral hydrate sedation in the setting of a pediatric echocardiography laboratory have not been well documented; neither has the population at risk been identified adequately. The purpose of this study was to describe the physiologic responses to chloral hydrate sedation, to report the occurrence of adverse events, and to identify any risk factors that predicted these adverse events in children who underwent sedation for echocardiography at our institution.

METHODS. We analyzed retrospectively 1095 patients who were sedated for echocardiography. Vital signs and oxygen saturations were recorded every 5 minutes, and adverse events were noted. Potential risk factors for sedation-related adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS. Thirty-eight percent of patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or 4, reflecting the significant comorbidity in the study population. Hemodynamic responses to chloral hydrate sedation included ≥20% decreases in heart rate (24% of the patients) and blood pressure (59% of the patients). There were no deaths or permanent morbidity. Adverse events occurred in 10.8% of patients and included apnea (n = 3 [0.3%]), airway obstruction (n = 15 [1.4%]), hypoxia (n = 65 [5.9%]), hypercarbia (n = 40 of 603 [6.6%]), hypotension with poor perfusion (n = 4 [0.4%]), vomiting (n = 4 [0.4%]), and prolonged sedation (n = 36 [3.3%]). No intervention was required in 92.5%, minor interventions were necessary in 7%, and major interventions were required in 0.5% of all patients. Multivariate analysis identified only age younger than 6 months as a predictor for adverse events, whereas cyanosis, hospitalization, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, fasting time, oxygen requirement, and use of additional sedation were not predictors.

CONCLUSIONS. Moderate decreases in heart rate and blood pressure, in the absence of clinical deterioration, are expected responses to chloral hydrate sedation in this pediatric population. The majority of adverse events were minor, and major events were uncommon. Infants who were younger than 6 months were found to be at higher risk for serious adverse events.
Towards an Agenda for Ecological Theology
Authors: Conradie Ernst M.
Published: February 2006

This contribution to outline an agenda for (Christian) ecological theology includes a position paper from Ernst Conradie (Part 1). Responses to this position paper from Sigurd Bergmann, Robert Borrong, Steve Bouma-Prediger, Celia Deane-Drummond, Denis Edwards, William Everett, David Field, Samson Gitau, Jesse Mugambi and Peter Scott, form Part 2. There is also a rejoinder by Ernst Conradie. The paper identifies a number of issues that an ecological theology has to address in the fields of ethics and systematic theology (only). It calls for a proper theological rationale for Christian earthkeeping and seeks to avoid theological reductionism.Responses to this paper were invited from a somewhat random group of friends, colleagues and associates from all around the world. A rejoinder that offers a reply to these responses concludes this contribution.