bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Snow White to Digimon
Authors: Hadley Kathryn Gold , Nenga Sandi Kawecka
Published: October 2004

Parents, educators and social commentators have repeatedly claimed that passive media consumption can harm children. Building on recent attempts to understand how children actively interpret media, the authors use an interpretive model of socialization to analyze fieldnote excerpts from a Taiwanese kindergarten and first grade. Contrary to popular opinion, the findings demonstrate that young children did not simply internalize and reproduce the messages received from media or adult authority figures. Instead the authors found that children actively incorporated popular media into their peer cultures through knowledge displays, play planning episodes and collective play. Further, the children in this study used popular media to enact, explore and resist the Confucian values of being a good student, a good family member and a good peer.
Intelligible Violence
Authors: Zacharias Usha
Published: October 2004

This article analyzes media narrations of an incident of Hindu/Muslim communal conflict in Kerala, India. Depicting women as victims and agents of communal violence, the media cast them in narratives of violation and retribution that are part of readymade scripts of ‘communities at war’. Regional and communal conflict becomes intelligible through the tropes of gender difference, that of ‘Hindu wound’, ‘Islamic terrorism’, and ‘violated womanhood’. The narration of violence does not precede or follow gender politics. Rather, scripts of violence become intelligible through the logic of gender relations, as they strategically shift Hindu and Muslim political citizenship. The ideologies that thread together gender, violence, and community, this article argues, critically underwrite the battle for political citizenship.
Adversarial Discourses, Analogous Objectives
Authors: Khattak Saba Gul
Published: October 2004

Afghan women have been the symbolic target of competing discourses and political strategies. The US-led bombing of Afghanistan used the rhetoric of women’s emancipation as a major reason for the attack without pursuing real ‘liberation’. The misogynist Taliban discourse, as it was promulgated in the Pakistan-based refugee camps and heavily funded by the western world, marked a severe deterioration in Afghan women’s rights. After the US-led military intervention of 2001, the Karzai government’s unfounded claims vis-‡-vis women’s betterment have not been realized. Afghan women, a clear majority of the Afghan population, are not at the centre of the government’s concerns or those of the international community. Engaging these problematics, this article claims that conventional politics, informed by statist and masculinist ideologies and practices, are incapable of ensuring Afghan women’s emancipation.
The Biopolitics of Hindu Nationalism
Authors: Chatterji Angana P.
Published: October 2004

This article maps the incursion of Hindu nationalism in Orissa, eastern India. It interrogates Hindu cultural dominance and nationalist mobilization as it gains momentum in the state. It speaks to majoritarianism in the context of liberal development, the related apparatus of nation making, mediated by issues of religion, caste, class, culture, tribe and gender. The text, as history of a discontinuous present, offers counter-narratives of lives often reduced to ‘lack’ or ‘spectacle’, reciting minority-subaltern claims in rethinking nation, rights and difference.
The Immobile Mass: Movement Restrictions in the West Bank
Authors: Brown Alison P.
Published: October 2004

Control over land and over labour can be supported by movement restrictions within territories. During the Israel Palestine conflict, the primary form of movement restriction that has been documented is closure to day migrant workers of the borders between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In recent years, however, restrictions on movement throughout the West Bank have been applied to the general Palestinian population. International accompaniment work has endeavoured to resist such restrictions and to escape the limitations of traditional human rights documentation. In doing so, it presents alternative views: of the population as more than ‘worker’; and the impact of restrictions on both the individual and the collective. It also demonstrates the material, emotional and cultural aspects of movement. Observation emerges as a principal form of resistance. This suggests that restrictions can be seen as discipline in Foucault’s sense. The West Bank experience, however, is better characterized by a negative rather than the positive conception of discipline associated with the productive control of labour.
Shifting alignment and negotiating sociality in travel agency discourse
Authors: Ylänne-Mcewen Virpi
Published: October 2004

Institutional talk, including service encounter discourse, has typically been taken to be ‘asymmetrical’ and the participants of these encounters to be constrained in terms of their allowable conversational contributions. This article explores shifts of alignment from normative serverclient alignments into different directions, involving symmetrical positionings of various kinds in travel agency spoken discourse. It is shown how these shifts occur and at which points in the interaction they might be found. The relevance of the commercial institutional context is also considered. It is argued that these shifts from the supposedly unmarked asymmetrical alignment are motivated by orientations to relational goals and politeness/facework concerns, and they function as interpersonal devices achieving various relational configurations. These shifts are then related to levels of sociality that can be found in these, and other, face-to-face interactions.
Education for cosmopolitanism
Authors: Gunesch Konrad
Published: October 2004

This article presents a model of cosmopolitanism, taken from the conceptual part of the author’s research study into ‘The Relationship between Multilingualism and Cosmopolitanism’. Cosmopolitan cultural identity is introduced as straddling the global and the local, encompassing questions of cultural mastery, metaculturality, mobility and travelling, tourism, home and nation-state attachments. Cosmopolitanism, containing but also furthering the notion of internationalism, could constitute an alternative to or complement for ‘international education’ in theory or practice, especially via its element of ‘international/ism’. The explicit reference of cosmopolitanism to the development of the individual, in contrast to institutionalized frameworks, opens up further usefulness for international education.
Belonging, identity and Third Culture Kids
Authors: Fail Helen , Thompson Jeff , Walker George
Published: October 2004

This article is based on a multiple case study which examines the lives of a group of 11 former international school students who all attended an international school between 20 and 50 years ago. The research design was based on a review of the literature on third culture kids and adult third culture kids, covering emotional and relational issues such as sense of belonging, identity and the nature of relationships formed. Data were gathered through both postal questionnaires and indepth interviews and multi-dimensional pictures of the lives of the former international students have been generated. Links between the literature and personal experiences are explored.
Commonalities in IB practice and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model
Authors: Carber Steven , Reis Sally
Published: October 2004

This article discusses commonalities that exist between two popular educational approaches that provide options for a wide range of student achievement levels, the Schoolwide Enrichment Model and the International Baccalaureate, especially the Primary Years Programme, in classroom practice. Introductions to the International Baccalaureate and Schoolwide Enrichment Model are presented, as is a discussion of commonalities in the two approaches related to the themes of overall school culture, student self-reflection, portfolios, and inquiry-based instruction. Both approaches have similar as well as different goals, and suggested ways to combine the approaches may help to refine the instruction and curriculum provided in both IB and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model.
Cytotoxicity of the phytosterol diosgenin and its derivatives in rat cultured hepatocytes and V79 fibroblasts
Authors: Melo Patricia Silva , De Azevedo Mariangela Burgos Martins , Zullo Marco Antônio Teixeira , Fabrin-Neto João Batista , Haun Marcela
Published: October 2004

In this work, the cytotoxic effects of some spirostane derivatives were examined in cultured hepatocytes and V79 fibroblasts using different viability assays. The derivatives were obtained by modifying the A and B rings of diosgenin. Diosgenin and its derivatives were more toxic in V79 fibroblasts (IC50 40-300 µM) than in hepatocytes (IC50 280-1000 µM). Inhibition of cytochrome P450IIIA in cultured hepatocytes by incubation with 1 mM cimetidine did not alter the toxicity of these compounds in these cells. These observations suggest that other pathways of detoxification may be involved in hepatocytes. In conclusion, the compounds studied merit investigation for their potential pharmacological and industrial applicability.
Changes in hematological, hemostatic and biochemical parameters induced experimentally in rabbits by Loxosceles gaucho spider venom
Authors: Tavares Flávio Luiz , Sousa-e-Silva Maria Cristina Cirillo , Santoro Marcelo Larami , Barbaro Káitia Cristina , Rebecchi Ivanise Marina Moretti , Sano-Martins Ida Sigueko
Published: October 2004

Human accidents caused by Loxosceles spiders may result in local dermal necrosis and, in some cases, severe systemic reactions - such as intravascular hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), renal failure and death. Since many aspects of envenomation by Loxosceles spiders remain unclear, we studied the hematological and hemostatic responses induced by the i.d. injection of 10 μg/kg Loxosceles gaucho venom in rabbits. For this purpose, total blood cell count, platelet function, coagulation tests and biochemical parameters were analysed at 3, 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours after venom administration. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were noted at 3 and 24 hours. Histopathological analysis of the skin lesion, performed at 24 hours after venom administration, showed a massive presence of leukocytes and platelets, hemorrhage and thrombus fornation at the injection site. At 72 and 120 hours, neutrophilic leukocytosis and thrombocytosis were observed. Platelet hyperaggregation was noticeable at 48 and 72 hours. Haptoglobin and fibrinogen levels were elevated early and remained in high levels over time. Significant increases in coagulation factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI were noted at 120 hours. The results showed that neither intravascular hemolysis nor DIC occurred. However, the early onset of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia are important findings that may be related to dermal necrosis formation during loxoscelism.
Outcomes following abuse of methanolcontaining carburetor cleaners
Authors: LoVecchio F , Sawyers B , Tholel D , Beuler M C , Winchell J , Curry S C
Published: October 2004

Introduction: Carbureter cleaners may contain methanol and are abused via inhalation. Toxicity resulting from the methanol component of these products is poorly described. Methods: We conducted a retrospective poison center chart review over a four-year period (3/98-3/02) of outcomes following methanol-containing carbureter cleaners (MCC) exposure. Inclusion criteria were: (1) use of MCC, (2) evaluation in health care facility (HCF), (3) no known co-ingestion exposure and (4) at least 12 hour follow-up. Results: 33 cases were reviewed with 11 cases excluded because of significant co-ingestions. Of the remaining 22 cases the mean age was 17 [range: 14-41] years old with 90% of cases between 14 and 17 years old. Six women and 16 men were in the study. Six of 22 cases had acidosis (serum bicarbonate ≤22 mmol/L or pH ≤7.35), 100% of patients had neurological symptoms (ataxia, etc.) and 14/22 had vomiting on presentation. Three patients received treatment with ethanol (1) and fomepizole (2). All others received intravenous fluids (15) or no treatment (4). Mean serum methanol concentration was 28mg/dl [range: 0-341 with 17/22 developing acidosis. Serum methanol was obtained at a mean of 3.5 hours [range 1-7 hours] post use. All metabolic disturbances resolved within 24 hours except in one patient (41 years old) in which her disturbances resolved within 72 hours. No patient developed visual disturbances or neurological sequealae. Conclusions: Significant toxicity following inhalation of MCC was rare with symptoms improving without aggressive care (dialysis, alcohol dehydrogenase blockade).
Difficulties in assessing brain death in a case of benzodiazepine poisoning with persistent cerebral blood flow
Authors: Marrache Frédéric , Megarbane Bruno , Pirnay Stéphane , Rhaoui Abdel , Thuong Marie
Published: October 2004

Assessing brain death may sometimes be difficult, with isoelectric EEG following psychotrope overdoses or normal cerebral blood flow (CBF) persisting despite brain death in the case of ventricular drainage or craniotomy. A 42-year-old man, resuscitated after cardiac arrest following a suicidal ingestion of ethanol, bromazepam and zopiclone, was admitted in deep coma. On day 4, his brainstem reflexes and EEG activity disappeared. On day 5, his serum bromazepam concentration was 817 ng/ml (therapeutic: 80-150). The patient was unresponsive to 1 mg of flumazenil. MRI showed diffuse cerebral swelling. CBF assessed by angiography and Doppler remained normal and EEG isoelectric until he died on day 8 with multiorgan failure. There was a discrepancy between the clinically and EEG-assessed brain death, and CBF persistence. We hypothesized that brain death, resulting from diffuse anoxic injury, may lead, in the absence of major intracranial hypertension, to angiographic misdiagnoses. Therefore, EEG remains useful to assess diagnosis in such unusual cases.
The National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program: Experiences and Recommendations
Authors: Page Melanie C. , Abramson Charles I. , Jacobs-Lawson Joy M.
Published: October 2004

In response to the need to offer undergraduates research experience, the National Science Foundation created the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program. The number of psychology sites has fluctuated in the Division of Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences between 8 and 12 over the last several years. To increase the number of sites in psychology, we encourage more faculty at all types of universities to apply for these grants. In this article, we present what a model program might be, how psychologists and students can benefit from this type of program, and how to obtain funding for such a program.
FLICE/caspase-8 activation triggers anoikis induced by β1-integrin blockade in human keratinocytes
Authors: Marconi Alessandra , Atzei Paola , Panza Cristina , Fila Chiara , Tiberio Rossana , Truzzi Francesca , Wachter Tina , Leverkus Martin , Pincelli Carlo
Published: October 2004

β1-integrin protects keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) from cell-detachment apoptosis (`anoikis'). Here we show that caspase-8 active protein is detected in both young transit amplifying (TA) cells and TA cells, but not in KSC. On suspension, caspases are activated earlier in young TA than in KSC, whereas anti-β1-integrin neutralizing antibody accelerates caspase activation in both KSC and young TA. Caspases 8 and 10 are the first caspases to be activated whereas caspase-8 inhibitor zIETD-fmk delays the activation of Bid, caspase-9 and caspase-3. However, the caspase-9 inhibitor zLEDH-fmk does not block the activation of caspase-8, Bid, caspase-10 and caspase-3. Moreover, caspase-8, but not caspase-9 inhibitor partially prevents keratinocyte anoikis. As FLIP inhibits caspase-8 processing, we retrovirally infected HaCaT keratinocytes with c-FLIPL. Anti-β1-integrin fails to activate caspase-8, Bid, caspase-9 and to induce the release of cytochrome c in c-FLIPL overexpressing keratinocytes. Finally, overexpression of c-FLIPL partially prevents anoikis in both suspended and anti-β1 integrin-treated cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the extrinsic apoptotic pathway triggered by caspase-8 predominates in keratinocyte anoikis. However, the release of cytochrome c and the later activation of caspase-9 seem to suggest that the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway may intervene as a positive feedback loop of caspase activation.
Differential actin binding along the PEVK domain of skeletal muscle titin
Authors: Nagy Attila , Cacciafesta Paola , Grama László , Kengyel András , Málnási-Csizmadia András , Kellermayer Miklós S. Z.
Published: October 2004

Parts of the PEVK (Pro-Glu-Val-Lys) domain of the skeletal muscle isoform of the giant intrasarcomeric protein titin have been shown to bind F-actin. However, the mechanisms and physiological function of this are poorly understood. To test for actin binding along PEVK, we expressed contiguous N-terminal (PEVKI), middle (PEVKII), and C-terminal (PEVKIII) PEVK segments of the human soleus muscle isoform. We found a differential actin binding along PEVK in solid-state binding, cross-linking and in vitro motility assays. The order of apparent affinity is PEVKII>PEVKI>PEVKIII. To explore which sequence motifs convey the actin-binding property, we cloned and expressed PEVK fragments with different motif structure: PPAK, polyE-rich and pure polyE fragments. The polyE-containing fragments had a stronger apparent actin binding, suggesting that a local preponderance of polyE motifs conveys an enhanced local actin-binding property to PEVK. The actin binding of PEVK may serve as a viscous bumper mechanism that limits the velocity of unloaded muscle shortening towards short sarcomere lengths. Variations in the motif structure of PEVK might be a method of regulating the magnitude of the viscous drag.
Novel Photo-excited Triplet State Arising from Four Unpaired Electrons: π-Topology and Spin Alignment in Excited State of Organic Spin System
Authors: Teki Yoshio , Nakajima Satoru
Published: October 2004

A novel photo-excited state with the intermediate spin (S = 1) arising from four unpaired spins and a nearly degenerate quintet (S = 2) excited state were detected for 1, which was designed utilizing the photo-excited triplet spin coupler by taking π-topology into account. The unique triplet state has an interesting electronic structure, which D value is reduced by the antiferromagnetic spin alignment between two radical spins through the excited spin coupler.
Trial Measurement of NMR in a Bitter Magnet of NIMS
Authors: Shimizu Tadashi , Goto Atsushi , Hashi Kenjiro , Ohki Shinobu
Published: October 2004

Magnetic field homogeneity and stability of a Bitter type resistive magnet of National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have been examined at fields up to 23.5 T by means of NMR. The field homogeneity is 100 ± 10 ppm over a 5 mm DSV (diameter of spherical volume), being independent of field strength. The field instability observed at 23.5 T contains, at least, two contributions; 1) a periodic oscillation of frequency 50 ± 1 Hz and amplitude 100 ± 25 ppm, and 2) a drift at a typical rate of 50 ± 20 ppm/h. The magnet power supply seems to be primarily responsible for both instabilities.
Novel Synthesis of Submicrometer Silica Spheres in Non-alcoholic Solvent by Microwave-assisted Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Adachi Kaoru , Iwamura Takeru , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: October 2004

Monodisperse submicrometer silica spheres in the range of 200–700 nm diameter were rapidly prepared in less than 3 min by sol–gel reaction of tetramethoxysilane with assistance of 2.54 GHz, 500-W microwave irradiation in non-alcoholic diglyme solution in the presence of an acidic catalyst.
Structure of Intermolecular Donor–Acceptor Monolayers of N,N-Dimethyl-p-[15-(1-pyrenyl)pentadecanyl]aniline
Authors: Nishio Satoru , Yoshidome Masahito , Uji-i Hiroshi , Hobley Jonathan , Fukumura Hiroshi , Zachariasse Klaas A
Published: October 2004

N,N-Dimethyl-p-[15-(1-pyrenyl)pentadecanyl]aniline (Py15DMA); 15-(p-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)pentadecanyl pyrene-1-carboxylate (Py(COO)16 DMA); and 1,16-di(1-pyrene)hexadecane (Py16Py) monolayers sorbed at a liquid-solid interface were probed using an STM. High definition images were obtained of sufficient quality to determine the structural parameters of the monolayers.
Preparation of Nitrogen-doped Anatase Titania by Treatment of Layered Titania/Isostearate Nanocomposite with Aqueous Ammonia
Authors: Matsumoto Taki , Iyi Nobuo , Kaneko Yoshiro , Kitamura Kenji , Takasu Yoshio , Murakami Yasushi
Published: October 2004

A layered titania/isostearate nanocomposite was prepared via the sol–gel process in a hydrophobic solvent with a salt catalyst. The isostealate modifiers hybridized with titania sheets were completely removed by treatment with aqueous ammonia. A vivid yellow powder of plate anatase was obtained by firing the treated sample at 450 °C, and it showed a strong photoabsorption in the visible light region. Rapid degradation of methylene blue was observed in an aqueous solution during irradiation with 470-nm light.
Synthesis of Pure SAPO-31 with Di-n-hexylamine as a Novel Structure Directing Agent
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Wang Xiangsheng , Guo Xinwen , Li Silue , Sun Haibo
Published: October 2004

Di-n-hexylamine was originally used to synthesize pure SAPO-31 as a structure directing agent (SDA) and the synthesized SAPO-31 crystals have some novel features. After loaded with Pt, it exhibits higher selectivity to isomerization compared with the results of SAPO-31 prepared by the regular method.
Chemical Properties of Sperm Whale Myoglobins Reconstituted with Monopropionate Hemins
Authors: Hayashi Takashi , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Harada Katsuyoshi , Matsuo Takashi , Hitomi Yutaka , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: October 2004

The binding behavior of two heme-propionate side chains in sperm whale myoglobin was evaluated using artificially created hemins, 6-methyl-7-propionate- and 6-propionate-7-methyl-protohemin IX. From the thermodynamic study of the hemin binding to apomyoglobin, it was found that two heme-propionates clearly contribute to the stabilization of the hemin in the protein matrix.
[Ni3(cit)2(pyz)(H2O)4](H2O)4: A New Three-dimensional Porous Coordination Polymer with a Pillared Layer Structure
Authors: Yu Ting , Tian Yunqi , Chen Zhenxia , Chen Jinxi , Weng Linhong , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: October 2004

Reaction of NiCl2·4H2O with citric acid and pyrazine affords a new three-dimensional (3-D) porous coordination polymer, which adopts a pillared layer structure with (426282)(4648)2 topology and contains 3-D intersected channels.
Synthesis and Conductivity of High Proton Conductor H6GeW10V2O40·22H2O
Authors: Sang Xiao-Guang , Wu Qing-Yin
Published: October 2004

The decatungstodivanadogermanic heteropolyacid H6GeW10V2O40·22H2O was synthesized for the first time by the stepwise acidification and the stepwise addition of solutions of the component elements. The product was characterized by means of inductively coupled plasma (ICP), IR, UV, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. The results of AC impedance measurement show that its proton conductivity is 1.20 × 10−2 S·cm−1 at room temperature (16 °C).
Application of a Hydrogen Storage Alloy with an Amorphous Phase for Sensing Hydrogen in Water
Authors: Nakano Sumiaki , Yamaura Shin-ichi , Uchinashi Sakae , Kimura Hisamichi , Inoue Akihisa
Published: October 2004

We investigated the effect of hydrogen on the electrical resistance of melt-spun amorphous alloys. It was found that Mg-based amorphous alloys show the increases in the electrical resistance when they are immersed in hydrogen-dissolved water and that the electrical resistance increases by hydrogen absorption and returns to the initial level by hydrogen desorption. These results show the possibility that the Mg-based amorphous alloys may be applied to hydrogen sensing materials in water.
A New Method for the Preparation of Alkyl Aryl Sulfides from Alcohols via Alkoxydiphenylphosphines by Oxidation–Reduction Condensation
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Ikegai Kazuhiro
Published: October 2004

A new method for the preparation of alkyl aryl sulfides from alcohols via alkoxydiphenylphosphines by oxidation–reduction condensation was established. Various primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols were successfully converted into the corresponding sulfides in moderate to high yields.
Photoswitching Property of Ferrocene-doped Poly(methyl methacrylate) Thin Films Containing Chloroform Molecules
Authors: Basak Dhrubajyoti , Mallik Biswanath
Published: October 2004

Ferrocene-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films prepared from solution in chloroform and modified under photoexcitation have exhibited interesting photoswitching property monitored by photoconductivity measurements in air. The results on photoconductivity have been discussed on the basis of formation of photoinduced charge-transfer complexes of ferrocene with chloroform molecules confined in PMMA thin films, dissociation of the complexes, secondary thermal reaction and photodegradation of PMMA. Photodegradation of PMMA, was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The modified ferrocene-doped PMMA films could be used as photoswitching elements.
Analysing spatial trends in referral patterns to cancer genetics services: a preliminary investigation of regional variations in Wales
Authors: McDonald Kevin , Higgs Gary , Iredale Rachel , Tempest Vanessa , Gray Jonathon
Published: October 2004

This paper discusses spatial trends in referral patterns to a cancer genetics service. It presents a literature review outlining the paucity of existing research, a preliminary analysis at the Unitary Authority level in Wales and advances a programme of further research to be conducted at a more detailed spatial level. The preliminary analysis shows a weak negative relationship between referral rates from primary care and social deprivation by Unitary Authority (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, σ = -0.38). There is also a weak positive relationship between average settlement size and referral rates (σ = +0.28), which taken together may indicate that primary care practices in affluent urban areas are more likely to refer than those in poorer rural areas. Future research will be conducted at a finer spatial scale, and will take into account characteristics of primary care practices and the patients being referred, amongst other variables.
Do HMO penetration and hospital competition impact quality of hospital care?
Authors: Rivers P.A. , Fottler M.D.
Published: October 2004

This study examines the impact of HMO penetration and competition on hospital markets. A modified structure-conduct-performance paradigm was applied to the health care industry in order to investigate the impact of HMO penetration and competition on risk-adjusted hospital mortality rates (i.e. quality of hospital care). Secondary data for 1957 acute care hospitals in the USA from the 1991 American Hospital Association's Annual Survey of Hospitals were used. The outcome variables were risk-adjusted mortality rates in 1991. Predictor variables were market characteristics (i.e. managed care penetration and hospital competition). Control variables were environmental, patient, and institutional characteristics. Associations between predictor and outcome variables were investigated using statistical regression techniques. Hospital competition had a negative relationship with risk-adjusted mortality rates (a negative indicator of quality of care). HMO penetration, hospital competition, and an interaction effect of HMO penetration and competition were not found to have significant effects on risk-adjusted mortality rates. These findings suggest that when faced with intense competition, hospitals may respond in ways associated with reducing their mortality rates.
The measurement and management of service quality in dental healthcare
Authors: Palihawadana Dayananda , Barnes Bradley R.
Published: October 2004

This paper reports the findings of a research study designed to manage and measure service quality in dental healthcare. Two large dental practices located in a major UK city were chosen for the research, and 300 patients from each of the two surgeries participated in the study. The findings provide insights into the appropriateness of the SERVQUAL framework (Parasuraman et al., 1988) as a tool for measuring service quality in the context of two distinct dental healthcare practices, one public and one private. The findings suggest that 'price' and 'experience' are two variables that may have an influence on service quality perceptions, when measured by customers. From the data, it was possible to identify service quality gaps where improvements could be made, and where resources could be re-allocated to obtain more optimum results in terms of enhancing service. In summary, the findings provide support for the SERVQUAL framework as a management tool for both measuring service quality and highlighting areas where improvements could be made within a dental healthcare environment.
Factors influencing turnover and retention of midwives and consultants: a literature review
Authors: Shen Jie , Cox Annette , McBride Anne
Published: October 2004

This study is a review of literature on the factors affecting the retention and turnover of hospital consultants and midwives. While there is widespread concern and acknowledgement of staff retention problems for professional occupations within the NHS, far less research has analysed the causes of the staff retention problems for the occupations in question. This study shows that there is a dearth of literature in this area and that systematic comparative analysis of retention and turnover factors through both primary and secondary research is urgently required in order that policy-making can take place on the basis of informed choice. Tentative initial findings were that lack of appreciation or perceptions of not being valued are key factors influencing turnover for both occupations. Working hours, workload and work schedules are also common concerns to both groups. In addition, career development, promotion and appreciation of contribution were important retention factors for midwives, while a supportive professional environment, reduction in workload and working hours and more flexible work patterns were important to consultants.
Realities of Respite Care
Authors: Al Mahdy Husayn
Published: October 2004

Respite care in the form of day care centres, in-home respite and institutional care, has been the cornerstone of care for the disabled elderly. Evidence for its effectiveness in helping carers or disabled clients is hard to come by. In this paper, a proposition is put forward for a carefully designed study to answer some of the important points often raised by the providers of such services.
Modernising the NHS: What does the Health and Social Care bill mean for Surgeons?
Authors: Lansley Andrew
Published: October 2004

The English novelist Arnold Bennett once said that 'any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.'
The Potential Role of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Prescott William A , Streetman Darcie-ann D , Streetman Daniel S
Published: October 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) as a potential treatment option for the dyslipidemia associated with childhood nephrotic syndrome.

DATA SOURCES

Searches of MEDLINE (1966–April 2004), Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1977–April 2004), and an extensive manual review of journals were performed using the key search terms nephrotic syndrome, familial hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Two prospective uncontrolled studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of statin therapy in pediatric nephrotic syndrome were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

While an extensive amount of data is available in adult nephrotic syndrome in which statin therapy decreases total plasma cholesterol 22–39%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 27–47%, and total plasma triglycerides 13–38%, only 2 small uncontrolled studies have been conducted evaluating the utility of these agents in pediatric nephrotic syndrome. These studies indicate that statins are capable of safely reducing total cholesterol up to 42%, LDL-C up to 46%, and triglyceride levels up to 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

Lowering cholesterol levels during childhood may reduce the risk for atherosclerotic changes and may thus be of benefit in certain patients with nephrotic syndrome. Statins have demonstrated short-term safety and efficacy in the pediatric nephrotic syndrome population. Implementing pharmacologic therapy with statins in children with nephrotic syndrome must be done with care until controlled studies are conducted in this population.
Spatial Distribution and Initial Changes of SSEA-1 and Other Cell Adhesion-related Molecules on Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Before and During Differentiation
Authors: Cui Li , Johkura Kohei , Yue Fengming , Ogiwara Naoko , Okouchi Yasumitsu , Asanuma Kazuhiko , Sasaki Katsunori
Published: October 2004

We examined the distribution of cell adhesion-related molecules (CAMs) among mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and the spatial distribution on cell surfaces before and during differentiation. The cell-cell heterogeneity of SSEA-1, PECAM-1, and ICAM-1 among the undifferentiated cells in the ES cell colonies was evident by immunohistochemistry and immuno-SEM, supporting the flow cytometry findings. In contrast, most undifferentiated ES cells strongly expressed CD9. SSEA-1 was located preferentially on the edge of low protuberances and microvilli and formed clusters or linear arrays of 3–20 particles. PECAM-1 and ICAM-1 were randomly localized on the free cell surfaces, whereas CD9 was preferentially localized on the microvilli or protuberances, especially in the cell periphery. Both the SSEA-1+ fraction and the SSEA-1− fraction of magnetic cell sorting (MACS) formed undifferentiated colonies after plating. Flow cytometry showed that these populations reverted separately again to a culture with a mixed phenotype. Differentiation induced by retinoic acid downregulated the expression of all CAMs. Immuno-SEM showed decreases of SSEA-1 in the differentiated ES cells, although some clustering still remained. Our findings help to elucidate the significance of these molecules in ES cell maintenance and differentiation and suggest that cell surface antigens may be useful for defining the phenotype of undifferentiated and differentiated ES cells.
Semicarbazide-sensitive Amine Oxidase in Annulo-aortic Ectasia Disease: Relation to Elastic Lamellae-associated Proteins
Authors: Sibon Igor , Larrieu Daniel , el Hadri Khadija , Mercier Nathalie , Fève Bruno , Lacolley Patrick , Labat Carlos , Daret Daniéle , Bonnet Jacques , Lamazière Jean-Marie Daniel
Published: October 2004

Lysyl oxidases (Lox), which are members of the amine oxidase family, are involved in the maturation of elastic lamellae and collagen fibers. Modifications of amine oxidases in idiopathic annulo-aortic ectasia disease (IAAED) have never been investigated. Our aim was to examine the expression of several proteins that might interfere with elastic fiber organization in control ( n = 10) and IAAED ( n = 18) aortic tissues obtained at surgery. Expression of amine oxidases and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), and cellular phenotypic markers were examined by immunohistopathology and confocal microscopy. The expression of these proteins was assessed in relation to clinical and histomorphological features of the arterial wall. In control aorta, SSAO staining was expressed along elastic lamellae, whereas in aneurysmal areas of IAAED, SSAO was markedly decreased, in association with severe disorganization of elastic lamellae. Smooth muscle myosin heavy chain was also decreased in IAAED compared with controls, indicating smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation. Multiple regression analysis showed that elastic lamellar thickness (ELT) was correlated positively with the SSAO: elastin ratio and negatively with the Lox: elastin ratio, and that the clinical features of IAAED (aneurysm, thoracic aorta diameter, and aortic insufficiency) were positively correlated with ELT but not with SSAO. The relationship between SSAO expression and ELT suggests that this amine oxidase may be involved in elastic fiber organization. However, in advanced IAAED, the deficit in SSAO expression could be secondary to the decrease and fragmentation of elastic fibers and/or to vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation.
Perlecan Immunolocalizes to Perichondrial Vessels and Canals in Human Fetal Cartilaginous Primordia in Early Vascular and Matrix Remodeling Events Associated with Diarthrodial Joint Development
Authors: Melrose James , Smith Susan , Whitelock John
Published: October 2004

The aim of this study was to ascertain how perlecan was localized in human fetal cartilaginous joint rudiment tissues. Perlecan was immunolocalized in human fetal (12–14-week-old) toe, finger, knee, elbow, shoulder, and hip joint rudiments using a monoclonal antibody to domain-1 of perlecan (MAb A76). Perlecan had a widespread distribution in the cartilaginous joint rudiments and growth plates and was also prominent in a network of convoluted hairpin loop-type vessels at the presumptive articulating surfaces of joints. Perlecan was also present in small perichondrial venules and arterioles along the shaft of the developing long bones, small blood vessels in the synovial lining and joint capsules, and in distinctive arrangements of cartilage canals in the knee, elbow, shoulder, and hip joint rudiments. Perlecan was notably absent from CD-31-positive metaphyseal vessels in the hip, knee, shoulder, and fingers. These vessels may have a role in the nutrition of the expanding cell populations in these developing joint tissues and in the establishment of the secondary centers of ossification in the long bones, which is essential for endochondral ossification.
Ubiquitin Signals in the Developing Acrosome during Spermatogenesis of Rat Testis: An Immunoelectron Microscopic Study
Authors: Haraguchi Celina M. , Mabuchi Tadashi , Hirata Shuji , Shoda Tomoko , Hoshi Kazuhiko , Yokota Sadaki
Published: October 2004

The localization of ubiquitin (UB) signals in the acrosomes of rat spermiogenic cells was investigated by immunoelectron microscopy using two anti-UB antibodies: UB1, reacting with ubiquitinated proteins and free UB; and FK1, recognizing polyubiquitinated proteins but not monoubiquitinated proteins or free UB. Labeling of UB by UB1 (UB1 signal) was detected in the acrosomes at any stage of differentiation. In step 1 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected on the cytoplasmic surface and in the matrix of transport vesicles located between the trans-Golgi network and the acrosome. Weak signals were detected in acrosomal granules within acrosome vesicles that had not yet attached to the nucleus. In step 4–5 spermatids, the acrosome vesicles had enlarged and attached to the nucleus. Strong gold labeling was noted in a narrow space between the outer acrosomal membrane and the developing acrosomal granule, where a dense fibrous material was observed on routine electron microscopy, whereas the acrosomal granule was weakly stained by UB1 antibody. In step 6–8 spermatids, UB1 signals were detected in the fibrous material that expanded laterally to form a narrow electronless dense zone between the acrosomal granule and the outer acrosomal membrane. Labeling in the acrosomal granule increased. In step 9–11 spermatids, UB1 signals were confined to the narrow zone from the tip of the head to the periphery of the ventral fin. The matrix of the acrosome was weakly stained. In epididymal sperm, UB1 labeling in the acrosome decreased without any pretreatment, whereas staining was noted in a spot in the neck region and in the dorsal fin after trypsin digestion. On the other hand, the staining pattern with FK1 was quite different from that with UB1. The trans-Golgi network was weakly stained but the cis-Golgi network was strongly stained. The dense fibrous material just beneath the outer membrane was never stained with FK1. The results suggest that UB on the surface of transport vesicles is involved in anterograde transport from the Golgi apparatus to the acrosome. The physiological role of UB in acrosomes is not clear. Two candidates for monoubiquitinated proteins in the acrosome, which have a UB-interacting motif, were found by cyber screening.
Laser Microdissection-based Analysis of mRNA Expression in Human Coronary Arteries with Intimal Thickening
Authors: Stolle Katrin , Weitkamp Benedikt , Rauterberg Jürgen , Lorkowski Stefan , Cullen Paul
Published: October 2004

Intimal thickening is an early phase of atherosclerosis characterized by differentiation of plaque smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. We used laser microdissection (LMD) plus real-time RT-PCR to quantify mRNAs for calponin-1 and smoothelin, markers of the contractile phenotype, and for serum response factor (SRF), a regulator of SMC differentiation, in intimal and medial SMCs of human coronary arteries with intimal thickening. RNA expression was also analyzed by ISH and protein expression was detected by IHC. LMD plus RT-PCR found similar levels of SRF mRNA in intimal and medial SMCs, while medial mRNA levels for calponin-1 and smoothelin were higher. ISH confirmed that smoothelin mRNA levels in media exceeded those in intima, whereas SRF mRNA levels were similar at both sites. For calponin-1 and smoothelin, protein levels mirrored respective mRNA levels. By contrast, more medial than intimal SRF protein was present. Our results indicate that intimal SMCs exhibit a largely synthetic phenotype, perhaps reflecting lower intimal levels of SRF protein; ISH and LMD plus real-time RT-PCR provide comparable results; as a valuable alternative to ISH, LMD plus RT-PCR allows parallel measurement of several transcripts; and tissue gene expression studies must measure both protein and mRNA levels.
Stem-like Cells in Human Hepatoblastoma
Authors: Fiegel Henning C. , Glüer Sylvia , Roth Beate , Rischewski Johannes , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Ure Benno , Lambrecht Wolfgang , Kluth Dietrich
Published: October 2004

Hepatoblastoma is a pediatric liver tumor with epithelial components resembling embryonal and fetal liver cells. The existence of teratoid hepatoblastoma suggests the presence of stem cells in hepatoblastoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of stem cell markers in hepatoblastomas. We studied specimens from 10 hepatoblastomas. Five of the hepatoblastomas were of epithelial and five of mixed type. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the stem cell markers CD34, Thy1, c-kit, and the hepatic or biliary lineage markers CK-18, OCH, CK-7, and CD56 was performed. Double IHC for stem cell and lineage markers was used to identify putative liver stem cells. The different markers showed distinct distributions on the tumor cells. Cells in atypical ducts were found to express simultaneously stem cell markers and hepatocytic or biliary lineage markers. Other cells in connective tissue showed c-kit expression, but not hepatic or biliary marker expression. The data show the presence of different cell populations bearing stem cell markers in human hepatoblastoma. Ductal cells co-expressing stem cell markers and hepatic lineage markers phenotypically resemble hepatic stem-like cells. These findings support the thesis that stem cells play a role in the histogenesis of hepatoblastoma.
Presence and Localization of Three Lactic Acid Transporters (MCT1, −2, and −4) in Separated Human Granulocytes, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes
Authors: Merezhinskaya Natalya , Ogunwuyi Sunday A. , Mullick Florabel G. , Fishbein William N.
Published: October 2004

We fractionated leukocytes from three donors into >90% pure samples of granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes and tested them for transcriptional and translational expression of three physiologically-proven lactate transporters, monocarboxylate transporter 1(MCT1), MCT2, and MCT4, using RT-PCR and affinity-purified rabbit antibody (Ab) to the C-terminal segment of each human MCT. Transcripts of all three MCTs were identified in each leukocyte fraction by RT-PCR and proven by sequencing of fragments extracted after isolation on agarose gels. Transporter protein of the appropriate size was demonstrated for each of the monocarboxylate transporters MCTs in lymphocytes and monocytes by Western blot, while lower-molecular-weight bands were found in granulocytes and are presumed to be degraded forms, because they were blocked by antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) preincubation. IHC demonstrated all three MCTs in methanol-fixed droplets of all three leukocyte fractions; stain was abolished on omission of the primary Ab. Plasmalemmal staining occurred with all MCTs in all leukocyte fractions. Because the Km for lactate increases approximately fivefold at each step, with MCT2<1<4, leukocytes must use the full range of lactate binding to survive in acidic and hypoxic environments. Except for MCT4 in lymphocytes, all the MCTs also stained leukocyte cytoplasm, often with distinct granularity. Nuclear membrane staining was also seen with MCT1 and MCT2, while platelet plasmalemma stained only with MCT2.
Additive and/or Synergistic Action (Downregulation) of Androgens and Thyroid Hormones on the Cellular Distribution and Localization of a True Tissue Kallikrein, mK1, in the Mouse Submandibular Gland
Authors: Kurabuchi Shingo , Gresik Edward W. , Hosoi Kazuo
Published: October 2004

We investigated the effects of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 3,5,3′-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), and dexamethasone (Dex) on the expression of mK1 in the granular convoluted tubule (GCT) cells of the submandibular gland (SMG) of hypophysectomized (Hypox) male mice by indirect enzyme-labeled antibody and immunogold antibody methods for light and electron microscopy. Hypox resulted in considerable atrophy of the GCT cells, which were always immunoreactive for mK1, and the cells were characterized by apical small dense secretory granules labeled with gold particles suggesting the presence of mK1, small Golgi apparatus, sparse rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and developed basal infoldings. Each of the hormones, DHT, T3, and Dex, enhanced the GCT phenotype to various degrees in Hypox male mice. Both DHT alone and T3 alone moderately inhibited mK1 synthesis by increasing the number of mK1-immunonegative GCT cells in Hypox males, but Dex alone had no inhibitory effect on mK1 synthesis. A significant trophic effect on GCT cells was induced by combined injection of DHT and T3 or of all three hormones, and was reflected in the appearance of abundant large secretory granules, well-developed Golgi apparatus and RER, and reduced basal infoldings. Only a few such GCT cells were immuno-positive for mK1, and the pattern of immunopositive and immunonegative cells very closely resembled the mosaic pattern seen in normal male GCTs. These findings suggested that the sexual dimorphism of mK1 expression and the morphological appearance of GCT cells can be induced by treatment with two hormones, DHT and T3, but not by either of them alone. T3 appears to have a permissive effect on committed GCT cells that results in downregulation of mK1 expression in these cells.