bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Sodium Loading Increases Arterial Pressure in Afferent Renal–Denervated Rats
Authors: Kopp Ulla C. , Cicha Michael Z. , Smith Lori A.
Published: October 2003

In rats fed high sodium diet, increasing renal pelvic pressure ≥3 mm Hg activates renal mechanosensory nerves, resulting in a renorenal reflex–induced increase in urinary sodium excretion. The low activation threshold of the renal mechanosensory nerves suggests a role for natriuretic renorenal reflexes in the regulation of arterial pressure and sodium balance. If so, interruption of the afferent renal innervation by dorsal rhizotomy (DRX) at T
9
-L
1
would impair urinary sodium excretion and/or increase arterial pressure during high dietary sodium intake. DRX and sham-DRX rats were fed either a high or a normal sodium diet for 3 weeks. Mean arterial pressure measured in conscious rats was higher in DRX than in sham-DRX rats fed a high sodium diet, 130±2 vs 100±3 mm Hg (
P
<0.01). However, mean arterial pressure was similar in DRX and sham-DRX rats fed a normal sodium diet, 115±1 and 113±1 mm Hg, respectively. Steady-state urinary sodium excretion was similar in DRX and sham-DRX rats on high (17.9±2.2 and 16.4±1.8 mmol/24 h, respectively) and normal (4.8±0.3 and 5.0±0.4 mmol/24 h, respectively) sodium diets. Studies in anesthetized rats showed a lack of an increase in afferent renal nerve activity in response to increased renal pelvic pressure and impaired prostaglandin E
2
–mediated release of substance P from the renal pelvic nerves in DRX rats fed either a high or a normal sodium diet, suggesting that DRX resulted in decreased responsiveness of peripheral renal sensory nerves. In conclusion, when the afferent limb of the renorenal reflex is interrupted, a high sodium diet results in increased arterial pressure to facilitate the natriuresis and maintenance of sodium balance.
Chronic Administration of Adrenomedullin Attenuates Transition From Left Ventricular Hypertrophy to Heart Failure in Rats
Authors: Nishikimi Toshio , Yoshihara Fumiki , Horinaka Shigeo , Kobayashi Naohiko , Mori Yosuke , Tadokoro Kazuyoshi , Akimoto Kazumi , Minamino Naoto , Kangawa Kenji , Matsuoka Hiroaki
Published: October 2003

Acute administration of adrenomedullin (AM) exerts beneficial hemodynamic, renal, and neurohormonal effects in heart failure (HF). However, chronic effects of AM administration on HF remain unknown. This study sought to examine the effect of chronic infusion of AM on progression of HF in rat. Human recombinant AM was administered by osmotic minipump for 7 weeks in the HF model of Dahl salt-sensitive rats. The effect was compared with vehicle and diuretic treatment group. Chronic AM infusion significantly decreased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, right ventricular systolic pressure, right atrial pressure, and left ventricular weight/body weight (
P
<0.01 for all). AM significantly attenuated the increase in circulating renin-aldosterone, endogenous rat AM, and atrial natriuretic peptide levels (
P
<0.01 for all). AM also inhibited the myocardial tissue levels of angiotensin II and atrial and brain natriuretic peptide (
P
<0.01 for all). These changes were associated with the improvement of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (both
P
<0.05). Furthermore, AM improved left ventricular end-systolic elastance (
P
<0.01). These improvements were greater in the AM than in the diuretic group, although both drugs similarly decreased systolic blood pressure and increased urinary sodium excretion. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that AM significantly prolonged survival time compared with diuretic (
P
<0.05) and vehicle (
P
<0.01) treatment groups. These results suggest that endogenous AM plays a compensatory role in HF and that chronic AM infusion attenuates progression of left ventricular dysfunction and improves survival, at least in part, through inhibition of circulating and myocardial neurohormonal activation.
Inhibition of Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase Reduces Th1 Development and Promotes Th2 Development
Authors: Hakamada-Taguchi Rie , Uehara Yoshio , Kuribayashi Kagemasa , Numabe Atsushi , Saito Kanako , Negoro Hideyuki , Fujita Toshiro , Toyo-oka Teruhiko , Kato Takuma
Published: October 2003

Several prospective clinical studies have indicated that hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, prevent cardiovascular events in part through their antiinflammatory properties. Because inflammation is positively and negatively regulated by T helper (Th) 1 cells and Th2 cells, respectively, we examined the effects of statins on the Th polarization in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that the statins tested, ie, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin, promoted Th2 polarization through both inhibition of Th1 development and augmentation of Th2 development of CD4
+
T cells primed in vitro with anti-CD3 antibody and splenic antigen-presenting cells. Cerivastatin exerted most potent effect on modulation of Th1/Th2 development, and the effect was completely abrogated by an addition of mevalonate. Consistent with in vitro experiments, cerivastatin treatment decreased IFN-γ production of lymph node cells from mice immunized with ovalbumin emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant, indicating that Th1 development is also suppressed in an in vivo proinflammatory environment. In this murine model, cerivastatin significantly reduced mesangial matrix expansion of glomeruli in the kidney and attenuated proteinuria. The decrease of glomerular sclerosis by cerivastatin treatment was positively related to the suppression of interferon (IFN)-γ–producing Th1 response in draining lymph node cells. Hence, these findings strongly suggest that statins’ inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase regulates Th1/Th2 polarization in vivo and such a mechanism possibly plays a pathophysiological role in immune-related glomerular injury.
AT1b Receptor Predominantly Mediates Contractions in Major Mouse Blood Vessels
Authors: Zhou Yingbi , Chen Yanfang , Dirksen Wessel P. , Morris Mariana , Periasamy Muthu
Published: October 2003

In rodents, angiotensin (Ang) II type-1 (AT1) receptors exist as two pharmacologically identical subtypes: AT1a and AT1b. Recent studies have utilized mouse models with specific subtype receptor deletions to differentiate the functional difference between AT1 subtypes. However, little information is available on AT1 subtype expression in mouse vasculature. Therefore, in this study, AT1a
−/−
mice and wild-type littermates (AT1a
+/+
) were used to examine AT1 subtype expression and its functional relevance in mouse arterial vessels. Using RT-PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, we showed that AT1b accounts for most of the total AT1 mRNA in mouse abdominal aorta and femoral artery. In contrast, AT1a is the predominant subtype in kidney. To study the functional role of AT1 subtypes, we measured the in vitro contractility in vessels from AT1a
−/−
and AT1a
+/+
mice. The Ang II concentration response curves in abdominal aorta and femoral artery were comparable between the two mouse strains. Furthermore, the Ang II response in AT1a
−/−
mouse vessels was completely antagonized by losartan, an AT1 antagonist. These results demonstrate that AT1b receptor is a major mediator for Ang II contractile response in mouse vessels, such as abdominal aorta and femoral artery.
Enalapril Prevents Impaired Nitric Oxide Synthase–Dependent Dilatation of Cerebral Arterioles in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Trauernicht Anna K. , Sun Hong , Patel Kaushik P. , Mayhan William G.
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

Our goal was to identify the effects of chronic treatment with enalapril on cerebrovascular dysfunction and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein in diabetic rats.

Methods—

Rats were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: nondiabetic, diabetic, nondiabetic/enalapril-treated, and diabetic/enalapril-treated groups. Rats assigned to the nondiabetic groups were injected with vehicle (sodium citrate buffer), and rats assigned to the diabetic groups were injected with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg IP). Enalapril (10 mg/kg per day) was administered in the drinking water and coincided with the injection of vehicle or streptozotocin. Two to 3 months later, we examined responses of pial arterioles to nitric oxide synthase (NOS)–dependent agonists (acetylcholine and ADP) and a NOS-independent agonist (nitroglycerin). After these functional studies, we harvested cerebral microvessels for Western blot analysis of eNOS protein.

Results—

We found that acetylcholine- and ADP-induced dilatation of pial arterioles was impaired in diabetic compared with nondiabetic rats. In addition, while enalapril did not alter responses in nondiabetic rats, enalapril prevented diabetes-induced impairment of NOS-dependent vasodilatation. Furthermore, eNOS protein was higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic rats, and enalapril did not produce a further increase in eNOS protein in enalapril-treated diabetic rats compared with untreated diabetic rats.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that enalapril prevents cerebrovascular dysfunction in diabetic rats. We speculate that the protective role of enalapril may be independent of an alteration in eNOS protein in cerebral microvessels.
Acute Stroke Therapy by Inhibition of Neutrophils (ASTIN)
Authors: Krams Michael , Lees Kennedy R. , Hacke Werner , Grieve Andrew P. , Orgogozo Jean-Marc , Ford Gary A.
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

UK-279,276 (neutrophil inhibitory factor) reduced infarct volume in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion model. ASTIN (Acute Stroke Therapy by Inhibition of Neutrophils) was an adaptive phase 2 dose-response–finding, proof-of-concept study to establish whether UK-279,276 improves recovery in acute ischemic stroke. The prime objective was to determine the dose that gave a clinically relevant effect in patients.

Methods—

A Bayesian sequential design with real-time efficacy data capture and continuous reassessment of the dose response allowed double-blind, randomized, adaptive allocation to 1 of 15 doses (dose range, 10 to 120 mg) or placebo and early termination for efficacy or futility. The primary end point was change from baseline to day 90 on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (ΔSSS), adjusted for baseline SSS, aiming for a 3-point additional mean recovery above placebo.

Results—

Nine hundred sixty-six acute stroke patients (887 ischemic, 204 cotreated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator; mean baseline SSS score, 28; range, 10 to 40) were treated within 6 hours of symptom onset. Mean ΔSSS was approximately +17 points of improvement on SSS for the overall evaluable population. There was no treatment effect for UK-279,276 (posterior probability of futility, 0.89). The trial was stopped early for futility. Post hoc analysis indicated a mean 1.6-point additional improvement on ΔSSS in the tissue plasminogen activator–treated subset (credible interval=0.5, 2.6). UK-279,276 was generally well tolerated, with no increased incidence of infections.

Conclusions—

UK-279,276 did not improve recovery in acute ischemic stroke patients but was devoid of serious side effects. The adaptive design facilitated early termination for futility.
Stroke in 85-Year-Olds
Authors: Liebetrau Martin , Steen Bertil , Skoog Ingmar
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

Stroke and dementia are major health problems in the elderly. We examined the prevalence and incidence of stroke and their relation to dementia in a representative sample of 494 subjects 85 years of age from Gothenburg, Sweden, who were followed up to 88 years of age.

Methods—

Information on stroke was obtained from an inpatient hospital linkage system, death certificates, self-reports, and key informants. Dementia was defined according to the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
, third revision.

Results—

The prevalence of stroke at 85 years of age was 18.8% (self-reports, 10.7%; key informants, 13.2%; register data, 13.0%). The incidence of stroke between 85 and 88 years of age was 57.2/1000 person-years (men, 32.5/1000 person-years; women. 66.9/1000 person-years; self-reported, 30.8/1000 person-years; key informants, 38.5/1000 person-years; register data, 45.4/1000 person-years). Female sex (risk ratio [RR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 4.8) and higher systolic blood pressure (per 10 mm Hg: RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.28) were associated with higher incidence of stroke. Baseline stroke was related to increased mortality in women and higher prevalence but not incidence of dementia. There was an association between incidence strokes and incidence dementia between 85 and 88 years of age (RR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.2 to 6.7).

Conclusions—

One fifth of 85-year-olds had stroke, and half of those were demented. In this age, it is important to use several sources of information to detect stroke because of the high number of demented. High blood pressure increases stroke risk also in the very old, which is important in relation to prevention.
Role of Monitoring in Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Cavallini Anna , Micieli Giuseppe , Marcheselli Simona , Quaglini Silvana
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

Although several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of specialist Stroke Unit (SU) care of stroke patients, there is still disagreement over how these units are best organized. We sought to clarify the role of continuous monitoring of physiological parameters in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective study of 268 first-ever ischemic stroke patients admitted to our Cerebrovascular Department and allocated, according to the availability of beds, to the SU or Cerebrovascular Unit (CU). Statistical analysis compared mortality and outcome at discharge, medical and neurological complications, and length of hospitalization in the 2 care settings.

Results—

Two hundred sixty-eight patients were enrolled. A good outcome at discharge, observed in 114 SU patients (85%) and 78 CU patients (58%) (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.8;
P
<0.02), was found, on multivariate analysis, to be significantly related to type of care (SU versus CU). A significantly greater proportion of SU patients showed adverse changes in monitored parameters, which required acute medical treatment (SU: 64%; CU: 19%;
P
<0.0001). The mean duration of these complications was significantly shorter in the SU patients (SU: 1.0 day; CU: 2.4 days;
P
<0.02), and the outcome in patients experiencing complications covered by the monitoring protocol was significantly better in the SU (66%) than in the CU (35%) group (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Admission of acute stroke patients to a monitoring SU may positively influence their outcome at discharge. Confirmation of our findings in larger trials will indicate the need for a revision of the minimum requirements of SUs, with the addition of monitoring as a new requirement.
International Variations in Surgical Practice for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Gregson Barbara A. , Mendelow A. David
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a major cause of death and disability, yet there is no convincing evidence of the benefit of any medical treatment and the role of surgery remains controversial. The international randomized Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STICH) provided an opportunity to assess the role of surgery within the centers taking part.

Methods—

Screening logs were completed to record details of all patients assessed by the department, whether they were included in the trial, the reasons if they were not included, and whether they underwent surgery.

Results—

Logs were returned by 42 centers and cover 704 months. They include details on 1578 patients with characteristics comparable to STICH inclusion criteria. Neurosurgeons were more likely to express clinical certainty about treatment for older patients, patients with a higher Glasgow Coma Score scale, and patients in whom the hematoma was located on the right or in the basal ganglia or thalamus. Patients for whom the neurosurgeon was certain about treatment were more likely to have the hematoma removed if they were younger (62 versus 68 years of age), had a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (10 versus 13), and had a lobar hematoma (49% versus 40%). The operation rate varied between 74% in Lithuania and 2% in Hungary.

Conclusions—

The difference in operation rates could not be explained by differences in patient characteristics alone. This finding demonstrates the need for further evidence to ensure that treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage is not governed by local custom.
Subcortical White Matter Infarcts
Authors: Lee Phil Hyu , Bang Oh Young , Oh Se Ho , Joo In Soo , Huh Kyoon
Published: October 2003

Background and Purpose—

Because of difficulty in distinguishing between superficial perforator (SP) and internal border-zone (IB) infarcts, some studies lumped SP and IB infarcts together as so-called subcortical white matter infarcts, which might complicate the classification of infarct type and its pathogenesis. Using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), we made comparative analyses of clinical and neuroradiological characteristics between IB and SP infarcts to clarify the difference in underlying pathogenesis.

Methods—

We selected SP and IB infarcts on DWI using templates for the identification of subcortical vascular territories. Sex, age, neurological symptoms, clinical course, risk factors, concomitant cortical spotty lesions, and degree and location of arterial occlusive disease were compared between the 2 groups.

Results—

Among the 720 consecutive patients, 54 and 29 patients met the criteria for SP and IB infarcts, respectively. The SP group had lower initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (2.4±2.1 versus 4.4±3.1;
P
=0.001), favorable clinical outcomes (
P
=0.001), and more frequent potential cardioembolic sources (14.8% versus 0%;
P
=0.046) than the IB group. Cortical spotty lesions were more frequently accompanied by SP than IB infarcts (72.2% versus 24.1%;
P
<0.001). IB infarcts were larger (24.2±10.2 versus 11.4±8.5 mm;
P
<0.001), appeared in a chainlike fashion (72.4% versus 33.3%;
P
=0.001), and had a higher degree of stenosis or occlusion (86.2% versus 46.3%;
P
=0.001) compared with SP infarcts.

Conclusions—

Our present study suggests that embolic pathogenesis makes a greater contribution to SP infarcts than IB infarcts. This finding may explain the difference in clinical and neuroradiological characteristics between the 2 groups.
Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Goldstein Larry B.
Published: October 2003

Background—

Carotid endarterectomy is the most common surgical procedure used to treat stenosis of the extracranial precerebral carotid artery. Data from several randomized controlled trials are available to help guide its use in specific patient subgroups. Carotid angioplasty with stenting is also being performed, and clinical trials comparing this procedure with carotid endarterectomy are in progress.

Summary of Report—

For patients with symptomatic high-grade (ie, 70% to 99%) stenosis, carotid endarterectomy is associated with an overall benefit (risk ratio estimate for the combined end point of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or death, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.83). The benefit is more modest for patients with less severe stenosis (ie, 50% to 69%) and may vary with specific patient characteristics. Selected patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis may also benefit from the operation, but it needs to be performed with very low complication rates, which can be difficult to achieve in clinical practice. Several studies of angioplasty, angioplasty with stenting, and more recently angioplasty with stenting and a so-called distal protection device have also been performed. The technology involved continues to evolve rapidly, presenting a challenge for the design and conduct of clinical trials.

Conclusions—

Surgical intervention for extracranial carotid stenosis remains a major potential therapeutic modality for the prevention of stroke in selected patients. Endovascular approaches continue to be evaluated in ongoing trials.
The Costs and Benefits of Sentencing: A Systematic Review
Authors: McDougall Cynthia , Cohen Mark A. , Swaray Raymond , Perry Amanda
Published: October 2003

It is increasingly being recognized that it is essential to know not only what is effective in reducing criminal behavior but also the relative costs and benefits of criminal justice interventions. While a number of studies now include such costs and benefits, the evidence is difficult to compare because of differing research designs and cost-benefit methodologies. This article systematically reviews the current evidence on the costs and benefits of different sentencing options. A cost-benefit validity scale is proposed as a mechanism to evaluate systematically the quality of costs and benefits data. A systematic review of the literature revealed only nine published studies that fit the criteria of the review. Many were of poor methodological quality, and the authors recommend the development of standardized methodologies for assessing the costs and benefits of criminal justice programs.
The Effectiveness of Juvenile Curfews at Crime Prevention
Authors: Adams Kenneth
Published: October 2003

Juvenile curfew laws have become a pervasive and popular strategy for controlling juvenile crime. Public opinion is solidly behind the use of curfews, and the primary basis for this support is the notion that curfews make streets safer. This article provides preliminary results from a systematic review of empirical research on juvenile curfews, concluding that the evidence does not support the argument that curfews prevent crime and victimization. Juvenile crime and victimization are most likely to remain unchanged after implementation of curfew laws. Other aspects of curfew research, such as efficiency at detecting criminal activity, costs of enforcement, crime displacement, counterintuitive findings, and characteristics of curfew violators also are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future research are offered.
Standards for Evidence and Evidence for Standards: The Case of School-Based Drug Prevention
Authors: Petrosino Anthony
Published: October 2003

The Campbell Collaboration Crime and Justice Group continues to focus on issues of evidence: what studies count in a systematic review and how many studies are needed to claim an intervention works. They are not alone. Since the mid-1990s, a number of similar efforts have sprung up to provide guidance to policy makers who wish to adopt programs to prevent violence or drug use. Many of these are particularly relevant to school-based drug prevention programs. This article describes seven efforts to produce guides to research-based programs, focusing on the standards adopted to determine what evidence counts and how much of it is necessary to determine that it worked. The author concludes with a discussion of some of the issues raised by this review.
Enhancing the Zoo Visitor’s Experience by Public Animal Training and Oral Interpretation at an Otter Exhibit
Authors: Anderson Ursula S. , Kelling Angela S. , Pressley-Keough Robin , Bloomsmith Mollie A. , Maple Terry L.
Published: October 2003

This study investigated the effects of performing animal-training sessions with Asian small-clawed otters ( Aonyx cinerea) while zoo visitors watched. The effects of having an interpreter present to describe the otters and their training on zoo visitors were also assessed. The data from 389 visitors to Zoo Atlanta’s otter exhibit were analyzed, and exhibit stay times and animal activity levels were recorded during four conditions (passive exhibit viewing, interpretation-only sessions, public animal- training sessions, and public animal training with interpretation sessions). The findings suggest that public animal training and public animal training with interpretation produce more positive zoo experiences, training perceptions, exhibit size and staff assessments, and longer visitor exhibit stay times when compared to passive exhibit viewing and interpretation-only sessions. This study quantifies an outcome of positive reinforcement training beyond its effects on animals and extends the benefits to zoo visitors by providing information on how to increase positive perceptions and experiences for zoological park visitors.
Recycling Behavior Under China’s Social and Economic Transition
Authors: Li Shichao
Published: October 2003

With the end of top-down recycling campaigns and rising living standards in post-Mao China, public participation in recycling can no longer be taken for granted. This article examines the differences in recycling behaviors between social groups differentiated by age, gender, education, employment, and level of household incomes in Wuhan—China’s fifth largest city. Based on the analysis of empirical data, gender, age, and household income were identified as three important factors affecting individual recycling behavior in the city. For economic incentives, households with different incomes did take different actions, and individuals in lower income households were more active in recycling. Females, especially older women, play a crucial role in recycling household waste. Given the gender processes in China’s households, the domestic division of labor is expected to drive housewives to not only shoulder most of the routine housework duties but also to bear the responsibility for recycling. However, the conservation tradition for recycling from the factor of age will likely disappear in the near future with the passing of the current older generation.
Ambient Noise and Cognitive Processes among Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Lercher Peter , Evans Gary W. , Meis Markus
Published: October 2003

Although the evidence of adverse impacts of ambient noise exposure on reading acquisition in children is rather strong, a less consistent picture results from attention and memory studies in children chronically exposed to ambient noise levels. This study incorporated three cognitive measures in 4th-grade schoolchildren ( N = 123). The sample was carefully selected from a representative sample by stratification on residential noise and parental educational level. The two sociodemographically homogeneous samples differed only in their noise exposure range ( M = 46.1 Ldn vs. M = 62 Ldn). Individual testing took place in a mobile, sound-attenuated laboratory after prescreening for hearing loss. Chronic noise exposure was significantly related to both intentional and incidental memory. Recognition memory was also worse for the chronically noise-exposed children. No effects of chronic noise exposure were seen on visual search performance. These noise effects occur at lower, more typical noise levels as found in residential areas in Europe and North America in contrast to prior noise and cognition effects around airports and other loud noise sources.
The Restorative Effects of Roadside Vegetation
Authors: Cackowski Jean Marie , Nasar Jack L.
Published: October 2003

Anger and frustration may contribute to unsafe driving and may trigger instances of aggressive driving or road rage. Research shows that stress, fatigue from the exercise of directed attention, or a combination of these factors can exacerbate anger and frustration. It also suggests that exposure to vegetation can facilitate recovery from stress and fatigue. Can highway vegetation mitigate automobile driver anger and frustration? We assigned 106 participants at random to view one of three video-tapes of highway drives, which varied in the amount of vegetation versus man-made material. The experiment obtained Speilberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) measures of anger before and after video exposure and obtained a measure of frustration tolerance after the video. No significant effect on anger emerged, but the results for frustration tolerance showed higher frustration tolerance (respondents spent more time on unsolvable anagrams) after exposure to videotapes with more vegetation. Parkway design and roadside vegetation appear to have restorative effects in reducing frustration.
Curtailing The Use Of Restraint In Psychiatric Settings
Authors: Fisher Jennifer Atieno
Published: October 2003

This article explains past and current theory and practice regarding the use of coercion with persons targeted for psychiatric treatment and outlines the benefits of reducing the use of force in psychiatric settings for consumers, staff, and the wider society. Resources are described for building explicitly noncoercive norms in a therapeutic community by establishing a coherent humanistic theoretical basis, with special attention to trauma theory. The article analyzes the causes of human aggression and the impact of violence on the healing process and describes case examples of nonviolent clinical settings. Appendices offer tips for practical application.
Psychopharmacology And Human Values
Authors: Breggin Peter R.
Published: October 2003

Psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry now dominate the mental health field. Even humanistic and existential therapists are likely to refer difficult or disturbed clients to physicians, especially psychiatrists, for possible medication. The prevailing professional tendency is to conceptualize the conflict between psychotherapy and drug treatment as a scientific one; but it is at root a conflict between two different views of human nature. We need to renew our faith in the psychiatric drug-free human being in both our personal and professional lives.
The Impermanence Of Being: Toward A Psychology Of Uncertainty
Authors: Gordon Kerry
Published: October 2003

This article adopts Nobel Laureate Ilya Prigogine's assertion that uncertainty is an inherent cosmic expression, deeply embedded within the core of reality. The deep psychic expression of this experience is anxiety which, following Heidegger, is conceived not as pathology but rather as an essential state of being emerging simultaneously with uncertainty. This article examines uncertainty and its child, anxiety, as a necessary consequence of a creative universe and begins to formulate a psychology in accordance with such a reality. I will show that such a psychology must inevitably be transpersonal because an unpredictable universe transcends the merely unknown and raises the issue of the unknowable. This is an inherently spiritual formulation that directly addresses the experience of mystery and the nature of faith. This article explores the possibility for a psychology in which uncertainty is regarded not as a limit but as an expression of the boundless creativity inherent in the universe.
Factors Affecting Homicide Clearances: Multivariate Analysis Of A More Complete Conceptual Framework
Authors: Puckett Janice L. , Lundman Richard J.
Published: October 2003

Scholarly study of the factors affecting homicide clearances is at the same point as scholarly study of police patrol officers more than 50 years ago. In particular, major organizing frameworks provide fundamentally contradictory images, and only a handful of multivariate studies exist. The present research partially remedies these problems by advancing a more complete conceptual framework and then by using that framework to guide multivariate analysis of the factors affecting the clearance of 802 homicides in Columbus, Ohio, between 1984 and 1992. Consistent with the more complete conceptual framework, there is strong support for the argument that the visibility of homicide and the singular importance of homicide clearances cause homicide detectives to work aggressively to clear all homicides irrespective of where they occur or the characteristics of homicide victims. Also consistent with the framework, the authors find no support for previous arguments that detective experience and workload affect homicide clearances.
Reshaping Cities
Authors: Blockmans Wim P.
Published: October 2003

Cities have been the theaters of state power for many centuries. What happens with the existing architecture in capital cities when fundamentally different state regimes take over? New regimes require new types of buildings for specific, ideologically sensitive social practices. Huge investments have been made by different new authorities in cities having been the scene of dramatic political, ideological and social changes. The main cases discussed here are Istanbul, Moscow and Berlin. It is argued that the architectural adaptations are revealing not only for the main ideological targets of new regimes—whereby the choice of architectural models and styles is highly signifying—moreover, the organization of the works is revealing for the social forces prevailing in the new regimes
City and Nation in Germany from the Middle Ages to the Present
Authors: Ribhegge Wilhelm
Published: October 2003

Germany's reunification process beginning in 1989 raised the question of its national traditions. There was and is no easy answer. In Germany, nowadays, there is a broad agreement on the negative assets of German history especially of the 19th and 20th centuries. Against this negative balance there is one exception in the tradition of the German cities and the German municipal self-government. Cities had their origins in the Middle Ages in Germany and Europe as corporate institutions. Within the medieval cities are the origins of a civil society in Germany. Even the movement that led to the breakdown of the “DDR” and the reinvigoration of civil society had its origins in the cities, and it began with a protest against the manipulation of the communal elections. This article delivers a critical account of ten centuries of German urban history within the framework of national history.
Economic Space and Urban Policies
Authors: Lanaro Paola
Published: October 2003

The difficulty of defining fairs and markets with any methodological clarity is particularly pronounced when one considers the problem of space and the growth of urban centers. The close link between the two economic institutions is especially conspicuous in the case of Italy, a country that not only boasted the highest concentration of towns, but also showed precocious instances of institutional powers adopting urban strategies. What this suggests is that a single model is insufficient and that different analytical approaches must be adopted. The aim of this article is to identify certain lines of development in the relations linking fairs and markets to urban spaces—in the broad sense of both urban spaces and geo-economical spaces dominated by an urban center.
The City Gates of Louis XIV
Authors: Sanger Victoria , Warmoes Isabelle
Published: October 2003

This article details a study of some forty examples of city gates and shows that the cultural institutions of Louis XIV developed a nationwide classical language for the design of arches, emulating antique and Renaissance forms. On one hand, an academic style, and on the other a military style, were exhibited in classically designed arches and ornamented with carefully guided sculptural iconography and inscriptions. Both were particularly strong forms of royal propaganda. Gates, far from being an isolated phenomenon, were part of a larger artistic mission. Studying their design may revise our understanding of royal squares. More detailed study of gates' decorative programs would allow a more subtle understanding of their place in the vast program of cultural propaganda of Louis XIV, disseminated throughout the interior and the borders of his realm.
The Axis Petersburg-Moscow
Authors: Shevyrev Alexander
Published: October 2003

Russia's bimetropolitanism dates back to 1712, when Peter the Great transferred the nation's capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Despite the removal of the tsar and his court, Moscow retained the formal status of capital, becoming the city of the emperors' coronation. This article examines the creation of the phenomenon of Moscow culture since that time. Bimetropolitanism was perceived in Russian mentality as both a rivalry and a dialogue of two capitals—each representing a unique Russian identity. Throughout the centuries one was a center of the country and the nation, and the other played a role of an eccentric point, a “window to Europe.” In 1918, the two capitals changed their formal roles: Moscow became the main city of the state; Petersburg lost its metropolitan status, but kept the status of second city
The Metropolis and the Mental Life of Georg Simmel
Authors: Jazbinsek Dietmar
Published: October 2003

German sociologist and cultural philosopher Georg Simmel's contribution to Europe's urban history has had an enduring influence, due in no part to the validity of his empirical approach. In his texts, however, Simmel manages to capture quite accurately the feeling of life in modern urban centers—so his readers attest—due to his own experiences as a city dweller. This article asks what kind of experiences he had in the big city, or could have had, particularly in Berlin.
The Mediating Effects of Attachment to Social Structure and Psychosocial Resources on the Relationship Between Marital Quality and Psychological Distress
Authors: Cotten Shelia R. , Burton Russell P.D. , Rushing Beth
Published: October 2003

All marital relationships are not alike. The quality of the marital relationship may be an important determinant of health outcomes. The authors suggest that low marital quality is stressful for married people and that resources (i.e., self-esteem, mastery, and social support) may mediate the effects of relationship quality on distress. Using data from the “Americans’ Changing Lives (ACL): Wave 1” data set, they examine a series of path models to determine the mediating effects of these resources on distress. Marital harmony is more strongly associated with psychological distress than other relationship characteristics. Self-esteem and mastery account for much of the mediating effects, with and without the inclusion of support resources. No gender differences in relationship quality, resources, or social support were found at the multivariate level. The results reflect the importance of self-esteem and mastery for health and well-being over and above the effects of relationship quality and social support.
Mapping the Terrain of Work/Family Journals
Authors: Drago Robert , Kashian Russell
Published: October 2003

An expanding body of published research addresses the relationship between paid employment and commitments to kin, an area referred to as work/family research. Largely relying on an electronic database located at Boston College, the authors analyze the prevalence of relevant articles in various journals and the extent of the likely audience for such articles in those journals in an attempt to obtain a well-defined map. The analysis yields rankings of journals. The rankings demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the field and highlight the need for researchers to read across disciplines but are unstable. For this and other reasons, the authors recommend reliance on an unranked set of 23 core journals.
Coming Home Again
Authors: Berke Debra L.
Published: October 2003

This article focuses on ways of negotiating and balancing work and family as identified by in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 women working as Mary Kay consultants. Areas such as detailed descriptions of work structures, how the women did their work, how they balanced their work and family demands on a daily basis, and their perceptions of how family obligations and gender influenced their choice of a job and their job experiences were investigated. Data revealed that women negotiate work and family using spatial, behavioral, temporal, social, and psychological strategies to manage internal and external temporal and spatial boundaries. Further research should continue to explore the interaction of work and family with other home-based self-employed occupations.
Structural Covariates Of Homicide Rates: Does Type Of Homicide Matter?
Authors: Kubrin Charis E.
Published: October 2003

This research extends a 1990 study by Land, McCall, and Cohen on the structural covariates of homicide rates. Examining neighborhoods in St. Louis, this study assesses whether socioeconomic and demographic characteristics are correlated with different types of homicide, thereby addressing the question of whether homicides are sufficiently distinct in nature that their levels are not equally associated with community characteristics. The findings indicate that while residential instability is associated only with felony killings, economic disadvantage is associated with all of the homicide categories. The theoretical significance of the findings for theories of violent crime is discussed.
Race-Ethnic and Gender Differences in Nonstandard Work Shifts
Authors: Presser Harriet B.
Published: October 2003

This article, based on the May 1997 Current Population Survey, presents a detailed analysis of the extent to which employed American men and women of various race-ethnic groups work non-standard work hours—namely, evenings, nights, and rotating or highly variable work shifts— and the reasons they report for doing so. Differences in occupational structure among race-ethnic groups largely explain their differences in the prevalence of nonstandard work shifts. Yet even when standardizing for occupation, both male and female non-Hispanic Blacks have higher levels working nonstandard shifts than their Hispanic or White counterparts. Moreover, the relatively low pay of such jobs and the large proportions of those working nonstandard hours who give job-constraining reasons for doing so support the contention that late and rotating work schedules are an important dimension of labor force disadvantage, especially among men. Furthermore, the literature indicates greater health risks and social costs for working such hours. Differences in weekend employment by race-ethnicity are small. Based on job growth projections, it is speculated that over the next decade, nonstandard work schedules will disproportionately involve more women, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics.
Occupational Stratification Over the Life Course
Authors: Miech Richard A. , Eaton William , Liang Kung-Yee
Published: October 2003

This study uses growth curve analysis to examine whether disparities in the occupational standing of White men relative to women and minorities grew larger or smaller with advancing age during the 1980s and 1990s. The analyses are based on The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Follow-Up. Results indicate that disparities in occupational standing stayed constant over the life course across all demographic groups except for African Americans, whose gap in occupational status relative to Whites and Hispanics grew significantly larger with advancing age. Implications of these findings for theories of occupational inequality are discussed.
The Search for Equality
Authors: Hakim Catherine
Published: October 2003

The European Union integration process has stimulated a huge wave of cross-national comparative research and writing in Europe—particularly on women's position in society and the labor market, work-life balance, and the search for “equality.” These three books illustrate the wide range of this new work: from narrowly theoretical empirical research to openly polemical discussion of how to change the world. Two books extend their comparisons to North America, China, and New Zealand. All are concerned with the pay gap between men and women, its causes, and mechanisms to deal with it. To varying degrees, all three books consider the social, economic, institutional, and legislative environment, and its impact on women's lives.
The Work Side of Welfare-to-Work
Authors: Lambert Susan
Published: October 2003

This review essay first discusses what we might learn about the nature of work and employment from scholars concerned with the recent changes in welfare legislation, changes that make children's receipt of income support dependent on their parent's work effort. It then considers the possible contributions that theory and research centered on jobs and workplaces might make to developing new policy strategies for moving families out of poverty. Economic and organizational accounts of the relationship between labor markets and the behavior of lower skilled workers are contrasted. The review considers why economists tend to take workplace and employer practices as givens, focusing on how to change workers rather than workplaces. It highlights the potential contribution that knowledge of firm-level labor markets may make to identifying new targets for policy analysis and development, specifically jobs and workplaces.
Happiness of Mexican Americans
Authors: Weaver Charles N.
Published: October 2003

Despite arguments on both sides, no one knows how happiness compares between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. This was investigated using responses of 328 female and 276 male Mexican Americans and 7,226 female and 5,870 male non-Hispanic Whites to items about happiness, satisfaction in eight domains of life, and demographics included on 11 surveys from 1985 through 2000 representative of the U.S. population. There were virtually no differences in the happiness of Mexican American men and non-Hispanic White men, but Mexican American women were not as happy as non-Hispanic White women when both were 18 to 30, were married, were economically well-off, held white-collar jobs, and were born in this country. Demographic variables and satisfaction in eight domains of life were largely unrelated to the happiness of Mexican Americans of both sexes, suggesting almost all information about happiness from studies of non-Hispanic Whites does not apply to them.
A New Familism Scale for Use with Latino Populations
Authors: Steidel Angel G. Lugo , Contreras Josefina M.
Published: October 2003

The goal of this study was to develop an attitudinal familism scale that can be used with relatively less acculturated Latinos and that assesses all relevant aspects of the construct. An 18-item scale composed of original items and adapted items from previous scales was tested on a sample of 124 Latino adults. An exploratory factor analysis revealed the following four factors, accounting for 51.23% of the total variance: Familial Support, Familial Interconnectedness, Familial Honor, and Subjugation of Self for Family. Cronbach’s alpha for the scale was found to be .83. Validity analyses revealed significant negative correlations between some aspects of familism and acculturation scores and indicators of exposure to the U.S. culture, confirming previous findings on the subject.
Reliability and Validity of the Social Anxiety Scale for Children— Revised for Hispanic Children
Authors: Storch Eric A. , Eisenberg Philip S. , Roberti Jonathan W. , Barlas Mitchell E.
Published: October 2003

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Social Anxiety Scale for Children–Revised (SASC-R) in a sample of 159 predominantly Dominican and Puerto Rican children. Participants were a nonclinical sample of fifth-and sixth-grade children aged 10 to 13 years attending an elementary school located in the Metropolitan New York City area. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the SASC-R three-factor structure. Internal consistencies were acceptable across subscales for gender and grade. Convergent validity of the SASC-R was supported with moderately positive relations through self-report measures of depressive symptomatology and loneliness. These findings provide initial support for the reliability and validity of the SASC-R in Hispanic children.