bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Method for the Translation and Cross-Cultural Validation of Health Status Questionnaires
Authors: Eremenco Sonya L. , Cella David , Arnold Benjamin J.
Published: April 2005

The FACIT (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy) translation methodology has been in use for nearly 10 years and, during the course of that time, has emphasized a universal translation approach that includes multicountry review, the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in testing, and the exploration of new methods such as differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using item response theory to evaluate item equivalence. The FACIT translation methodology aims to establish equivalence of meaning and measurement between different country versions through the use of the decentered model of translation and advanced statistical methods.
Cross-Cultural Evaluation of Health Status Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Hahn Elizabeth A. , Holzner Bernhard , Kemmler Georg , Sperner-Unterweger Barbara , Hudgens Stacie A. , Cella David
Published: April 2005

To make meaningful cross-cultural comparisons of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) or to pool international research data, it is essential to create culturally unbiased measures that detect clinically important differences between patients. We evaluated the measurement properties of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) in 111 Austrian and 144 U.S. patients with breast cancer using item response theory (IRT) methods. A small number of items were identified as displaying statistically significant differential item functioning (DIF), suggesting possible measurement bias. The majority of the items functioned similarly between the two cultural groups. U.S. patients reported lower (worse) physical function and well-being compared with Austrian patients, higher (better) social/family well-being and similar emotional well-being, before and after adjustment for DIF. IRT and related measurement models provide useful methods for assessing cross-cultural equivalence and determining which items can be pooled across languages before analyzing HRQOL data. Determination of clinically significant cross-cultural differences will require additional investigation.
Intellectual Abilities and Motivation Toward Substance Abuse Treatment in Drug-Involved Offenders: A Pilot Study in the Belgian Criminal Justice System
Authors: Vandevelde Stijn , Broekaert Eric , Schuyten Gilberte , Van Hove Geert
Published: April 2005

A sample of Belgian drug-involved inmates (N = 116) completed the European Addiction Severity Index, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), and the Circumstances, Motivation, and Readiness Scales. The pilot results demonstrate that nearly 50% of the participating drug-involved offenders display low intellectual abilities (SPM score definitely below average). Legal difficulties, drug abuse, and psychological problems are identified as the most severe problem areas for the total group. The participants display low to moderately low scores regarding motivation, readiness, and external reasons to stay in or leave treatment. No to very limited correlations between motivational attributes and other variables such as the length of the prison sentence and the number of violent crimes are found. Participants with high intellectual abilities are less motivated to enter substance abuse treatment compared to their counterparts with average and low intellectual abilities. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Gender Differences in Life-Course Theory of Recidivism: A Survival Analysis
Authors: Benda Brent B.
Published: April 2005

This study of 300 women and 300 men graduates of a boot camp finds that there are noteworthy gender differences in predictors of tenure in the community without criminal recidivism in a 5-year follow-up. The Cox proportional hazards models show that urban residence, childhood and recent abuses, living with a criminal partner, selling drugs, stress, depression, fearfulness, and suicidal thoughts are stronger positive predictors of recidivism for women than for men. Men are more likely to return to prison because of criminal peer associations, carrying weapons, alcohol abuse, and aggressive feelings. Job satisfaction and education lengthen time in the community more for men than women, whereas the number of children and relationships are more important to tenure in the community for women. The implications for the findings for theory are discussed.
A Plan Analysis of Pedophile Sexual Abusers’ Motivations for Treatment: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Authors: Drapeau Martin , Körner Annett , Granger Luc , Brunet Louis , Caspar Franz
Published: April 2005

Many authors have suggested adapting treatment programs to the specific needs of sexual abusers. However, little research has been conducted to understand what these patients seek in therapy or what elements play a key role in keeping them in treatment. In this pilot study, fifteen (N = 15) pedophile sexual abusers from La Macaza clinic for sexual abusers were interviewed. Plan analysis was used to investigate the most prevalent components involved in staying in or leaving therapy. Results suggest that many components involved in the plans leading to doing and to avoiding treatment were similar. Differences were found in regards to the outcome of confrontations with the therapists, a tendency to isolate and overcomply, guilt related to the abuse, a need for a stable environment, and a need to be accepted. These results are discussed along with possible ways to improve the patients’ involvement in treatment.
Methamphetamine Use in Nonurban and Urban Drug Court Clients
Authors: Stoops William W. , Tindall Michele Staton , Mateyoke-Scrivner Allison , Leukefeld Carl
Published: April 2005

Population-based surveys suggest that methamphetamine use and abuse may be rising in the United States. However, little is known about methamphetamine use in eastern sections of the United States, particularly nonurban areas. The purpose of the present study was (a) to explore reported methamphetamine use and its correlates among Kentucky drug court clients and(b) to determine whether differences exist between methamphetamine users by drug court location. Of the 500 drug court clients surveyed, approximately 32% n = 161) reported lifetime methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine users and nonusers differed in their drug-use profiles, self-reported criminal history, and number of criminal offenses. Nonurban and urban methamphetamine users differed in their drug-use profiles, psychological functioning, self-reported criminal history, and number of criminal offenses. These results suggest that differences exist between these populations and clinicians, and criminal justice officials may need to consider these differences when planning treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Loneliness and Associated Violent Antisocial Behavior: Analysis of the Case Reports of Jeffrey Dahmer and Dennis Nilsen
Authors: Martens Willem H. J. , Palermo George B.
Published: April 2005

It can be theorized that loneliness plays a significant role in the development and continuation of violent, antisocial attitudes and behavior. Analysis of case reports of two serial killers, Dennis Nilsen and Jeffrey Dahmer, indicate that there is evidence for such a link. In this article, a list of significant correlates of loneliness and antisocial behavior is presented. This may be useful for the assessment of possible dangerousness and in the development of prevention and intervention programs. Suggestions are made for the adequate treatment of loneliness and correlated violent, antisocial behavior. A need is recognized for more research into the psychosocial, emotional, neurobiological, cultural, and ethnic determinants of loneliness and their correlation to specific antisocial and/or criminal behavior.
Circadian Rhythms in Mouse Blood Coagulation
Authors: Bertolucci Cristiano , Pinotti Mirko , Colognesi Ilaria , Foà Augusto , Bernardi Francesco , Portaluppi Francesco
Published: April 2005

The circadian clock, influencing many biological processes, has been demonstrated to modulate levels of specific coagulation factors, but its impact on the coagulation efficiency is unknown. In a mouse model, the authors evaluated the temporal variations in the initial rate of activated factor X (FXa) and thrombin generation. Upon coagulation activation through the FVIIa-TF pathway (extrinsic activation), both parameters showed rhythmic variations with a significant peak at ZT 12, the light-to-dark transition. In mice subjected to a 6-h delayed light-dark cycle, the peak was shifted as expected. These cyclic oscillations were also observed in constant darkness, thus demonstrating, for the first time, the existence of strong circadian rhythms of the initial rate of either FXa or thrombin generation activity levels. These circadian variations overlapped with those that have been recently described in factor VII (FVII) activity. The peak of FXa generation activity was simulated by the addition of purified human FVII, thus indicating that circadian variations in FVII activity are important determinants of the circadian rhythm of the procoagulant cascade efficiency. These findings help to elucidate the complex control on the coagulation process and might contribute in explaining the temporal variations in the frequency of cardiovascular events observed in humans.
Circadian Regulation of Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Chaudhury Dipesh , Wang Louisa M. , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: April 2005

The goal of this study is to investigate the possible circadian regulation of hippocampal excitability and long-term potentiation (LTP) measured by stimulating the Schaffer collaterals (SC) and recording the field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) from the CA1 dendritic layer or the population spike (PS) from the soma in brain slices of C3H and C57 mice. These 2 strains of mice were of interest because the C3H mice secrete melatonin rhythmically while the C57 mice do not. The authors found that the magnitude of the enhancement of the PS was significantly greater in LTP recorded from night slices compared to day slices of both C3H and C57 mice. They also found significant diurnal variation in the decay of LTP measured with fEPSPs, with the decay slower during the night in both strains of mice. There was evidence for a diurnal rhythm in the input/output function of pyramidal neurons measured at the soma in C57 but not C3H mice. Furthermore, LTP in the PS, measured in slices prepared during the day but recorded during the night, had a profile remarkably similar to the night group. Finally, PS recordings were carried out in slices from C3H mice maintained in constant darkness prior to experimentation. Again, the authors found that the magnitude of the enhancement of the PS was significantly greater in LTP recorded from subjective night slices compared to subjective day slices. These results provide the 1st evidence that an endogenous circadian oscillator modulates synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Attitudes Toward Sex and Sex Offences Among Israeli and Former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic Youth
Authors: Sherer Moshe , Etgar Talia
Published: April 2005

The phenomenon of sex offences among new immigrants from the former USSR is a source of concern in Israel. This research studied students from Israel (n = 257) and the Ukraine (n = 195) to learn about their system of social norms and values regarding sex and sex offences. For the purposes of this study, a new tool was structured and validated that examines attitudes toward 11 spheres of life connected with the research topic, such as the status of men and the victim’s responsibility for rape. The principal findings show significant differences in the norms and values of the surveyed groups, reflecting negative norms among Ukrainian youth. Results are examined in light of the possible implications for understanding the phenomenon of sexual violence among immigrant youth from the former USSR and the appropriate methods for treating them in Israel. The discussion highlights possible implications for other countries that face similar issues.
Adult Female Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Jonzon Eva , Lindblad Frank
Published: April 2005

This study examined the impact of child sexual abuse and disclosure characteristics on adult psychological and psychosomatic symptoms. Data on abuse characteristics, disclosure-related events, and subjective health were collected through semistructured interviews and questionnaires from 123 adult women reporting having been sexually abused in childhood by someone close. The results indicate that disclosure-related events have a stronger relation than abuse characteristics to long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse. In particular, a positive reaction from a partner was related to fewer symptoms. Of the abuse characteristics, exposure also to physical abuse was strongly associated to psychological sequelae.
Attitudes Toward Victims of Rape
Authors: Nagel Barbara , Matsuo Hisako , McIntyre Kevin P. , Morrison Nancy
Published: April 2005

Although previous literature focusing on perceptions of victims of rape has examined how gender, race, and culture influence the attitudes one holds toward victims, these studies have yielded mixed results. This study compared perceptions of victims of rape across a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, religions, and income levels, while focusing on gender and racial differences. Results indicate (N = 220) that victims of rape are generally viewed more sympathetically by females than by males and by Whites than by African Americans. However, the effect of race disappears when socioeconomic variables are controlled, suggesting a more complex relationship. Also, a hierarchical regression indicates that age, sex, education, and income are significant predictors of attitudes toward victims. This study builds on existing research that examines such attitudes from a cultural perspective and extends this literature by examining the interactive effects of several demographic variables within a community sample.
Indian Youth Speak About Tobacco: Results of Focus Group Discussions With School Students
Authors: Mishra Arima , Arora Monika , Stigler Melissa H. , Komro Kelli A. , Lytle Leslie A. , Reddy K. Srinath , Perry Cheryl L.
Published: April 2005

This article discusses the findings of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that were conducted as a formative assessment for Project MYTRI (Mobilizing Youth for Tobacco Related Initiatives in India), a randomized, multicomponent, school-based trial to prevent and control tobacco use among youth in India. Forty-eight FGDs were conducted with students ( N = 435) in sixth and eighth grades in six schools in Delhi, India. Key findings include: (a) students in government schools reported as “consumers” of tobacco, whereas students in private schools reported as “commentators”; (b) parents and peers have a strong influence on youth tobacco use; (c) chewing gutkha is considered less harmful and more accessible than smoking cigarettes; (d) schools are not promoting tobacco control activities; and (e) students were enthusiastic about the role government should play in tobacco control. These findings are being used to develop a comprehensive intervention program to prevent and control tobacco use among Indian youth.
Self-Esteem and Theoretical Mediators of Safer Sex Among African American Female Adolescents: Implications for Sexual Risk Reduction Interventions
Authors: Salazar Laura F. , Crosby Richard A. , DiClemente Ralph J. , Wingood Gina M. , Lescano Celia M. , Brown Larry K. , Harrington Kathy , Davies Susan
Published: April 2005

Theories of health behavior posit that change is accomplished by modifying factors deemed as mediators. A set of mediators from several theoretical models used in sexual risk reduction programs was assessed among a sample of 522 African American female adolescents. The goal was to determine whether self-esteem was associated with sexually transmitted disease (STD), pregnancy, and the set of theoretical mediators controlling for covariates. Bivariate analyses showed no relationship between self-esteem and STD or pregnancy; multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant relation between self-esteem and the set of mediators. Girls higher in self-esteem were more likely to hold positive condom attitudes, felt more efficacious in negotiating condom use, had more frequent communication with sex partners and parents, perceived fewer barriers to using condoms, and were less fearful of negotiating condom use. Self-esteem should be considered when designing and evaluating sexual risk reduction programs for this population.
Public Health Advocacy to Change Corporate Practices: Implications for Health Education Practice and Research
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: April 2005

Corporate practices, such as advertising, public relations, lobbying, litigation, and sponsoring scientific research, have a significant impact on the health of the people in the United States. Recently, health professionals and advocates have created a new scope of practice that aims to modify corporate practices that harm health. This article describes how corporate policies influence health and reviews recent health campaigns aimed at changing corporate behavior in six industries selected for their central role in the U.S. economy and their influence on major causes of mortality and morbidity. These are the alcohol, automobile, food, gun, pharmaceutical, and tobacco industries. The article defines corporate disease promotion and illustrates the range of public health activities that have emerged to counter such corporate behaviors. It analyzes the role of health professionals, government, and advocacy groups in these campaigns and assesses the implications of this domain for health education practice and research.
Commentary on Public Health Advocacy to Change Corporate Practices
Authors: Kreuter Marshall W.
Published: April 2005

Responsible practitioners who plan programs to promote health and prevent diseases must understand and address those factors and conditions that influence the health status of the population they serve. It is clear that some corporations and businesses promote and sell products and pursue other policies that can have deleterious effects on the public’s health. This commentary urges planners and practitioners who seek to redress the actions and polices that lead to corporate disease promotion to consider expanding their working knowledge of (a) the core values that drive corporate culture and (b) how those values are often framed to distort and override the social justice values of public health. Such understanding can serve to strengthen public health professionals’ capacity to take discrete steps, including the strategic use of community organizing for power, to heighten public demand for greater corporate social accountability for the health consequences of their actions.
More Than a Message: Framing Public Health Advocacy to Change Corporate Practices
Authors: Dorfman Lori , Wallack Lawrence , Woodruff Katie
Published: April 2005

Framing battles in public health illustrate the tension in our society between individual freedom and collective responsibility. This article describes how two frames, market justice and social justice, first articulated in a public health context by Dan Beauchamp, influence public dialogue on the health consequences of corporate practices. The authors argue that public health advocates must articulate the social justice values motivating the changes they seek in specific policy battles that will be debated in the context of news coverage. The authors conclude with lessons for health education practitioners who need to frame public health issues in contentious and controversial policy contexts. Specific lessons include the importance of understanding the existing values and beliefs motivating the public health change being sought, the benefits of articulating core messages that correspond to shared values, and the necessity of developing media skills to compete effectively with adversaries in public debate.
Localization of Electrons: Blue-shifting Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Inagaki Satoshi , Takeuchi Takahiro
Published: April 2005

A theory of electron localization is developed. Localization is caused by the interaction of an occupied orbital with a vacant orbital. Electrons localize in the occupied orbital rather than delocalize from the occupied orbital to the overlap region. The localization is substantiated by the contraction of the CH bond length of HnCF4−n with the fluorination and successfully applied to the blue-shifting hydrogen bonding of fluoroform with dimethyl ether.
The Police Legitimacy Crisis and Police Law Reform in China: Part II
Authors: Wong Kam C.
Published: April 2005

In 1978 the third plenary session of the Eleventh Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCCP) set a new course of development for China, ie modernisation by way of economic reform and market opening. The reform movement changed China socially, politically, economically, and culturally. The gongan or public security is a part of that transformation process. This article is a first attempt to investigate and report upon PRC police law reform effort — objectives, process and result — since 1978. In so doing, the article catalogues the past, describes the present, and speculates upon the future. The paper argues that police law reform in China is a reaction to a growing police legitimacy crisis attenuating police-public relationship.

In the first part of this article (Wong, 2004) the case was made for police law reform in China using political, historical and doctrinal material. This second part details and discusses the direction, promulgation, actualisation and concluding observations of PRC police law reform.
Promoting a Service Culture for Community Policing in Thailand
Authors: Puthpongsiriporn Sarit , Quang Truong
Published: April 2005

This paper examines the relevance of cultivating a service-oriented culture in the police organisations as a promoting force to the successful implementation of community policing. A survey was conducted with 656 police officers working in metropolitan police divisions of the Royal Thai Police, which has been selectively implementing community policing, to address the issue. The findings show that three out of the seven dimensions of service culture values correlate positively with the extent of community policing commitment. Specifically, the more the police exhibit the values of service quality, service orientation, and external communication, the more they demonstrate their commitment to the practice of community policing. Drawing on the survey findings, the paper makes several recommendations on the use of service culture to facilitate the implementation of community policing.
Fixed Penalty Notices as a Means of Offender Selection
Authors: Wellsmith Melanie , Guille Hannah
Published: April 2005

This research assesses the capacity of fixed penalty notice (FPN) infractions to form the basis for targeted police attention to more serious or chronic offenders. Offences of this kind were associated with concurrent criminality, relative to a group selected from the electoral register. Over half of the notices issued were not associated with a named individual, presumably because many vehicles did not have a current registered keeper. The ‘hit rate’ for concurrent criminality was not significantly different than for the control group. When repeat fixed penalty offences were analysed, this produced a higher hit rate, although it remained lower than expected from other studies. A number of problems in carrying out analysis on these types of data are discussed and it is suggested that a study in which checks are made at the point of issuing an FPN might well yield far higher rates of active criminality, and might provide a more powerful trigger for offender self-selection. Further areas for research into self-selection triggers are also suggested.
An Investigation into African Immigrants' Experiences with the Police in Finland
Authors: Egharevba Stephen
Published: April 2005

Individual African immigrants' experiences with the police in Finland often seem to be characterised by tension and suspicion. This article examines how Finnish respondents' perceptions of the police are affected by their previous encounters. In an effort to explain this phenomenon, the article examines why these past experiences have sometimes impacted on African immigrants' attitudes toward the police. Also, the article attempts to understand the role that ‘race’ played in the respondents' attitudes, a variable which is shown to be responsible for their perspective. In addition, it is argued that the respondents' personal experiences are affected by their previous encounters (or an encounter of a close friend) with the police in Finland. In analysing the social role played by these encounters, the study draws attention to their analytical significance to the respondents. Furthermore, in investigating these experiences with the police, this article attempts to describe the way individual African immigrants use their experiences to draw conclusions about the police. Finally, this study also draws on the importance of these previous experiences in view of the fact that African immigrants are often in the marginalised sector of the economy, for the aim is to improve our understanding of their everyday experiences.
Virus safety of human blood products – diagnostics and prevention. Virussicherheit humaner Blutprodukte – Diagnostik und Prävention
Authors: Gürtler Lutz G.
Published: April 2005

Relevant blood transfusion-transmitted viruses are still HBV, HCV and HIV. As newly emerged infectious agent, the vCJD prion is relevant as well and will cause difficulties within the next decade, since there is no diagnostic tool applicable to blood donation testing. Still, the most effective measure for the virus safety of blood is donor selection followed by antibody and nucleic acid testing, followed by derichment and inactivation performed to the extent possible.

For selected recipients, relevant viruses are CMV and Parvovirus B19. Diagnostic testing for both viruses is no challenge. The prevalence of HTLV-I is very low in Germany but higher in many other countries. Therefore epidemiological surveillance is sufficient to control the spreading of this retrovirus in Germany.

As the West Nile fever virus and the SARS coronavirus demonstrate, old viruses may newly enter the donor population and the efficient way to prevent these viruses from spreading is still the usual quarantine for donors who have visited contaminated areas.

The history of blood transfusion shows that by taking appropriate measures safety will be increased, but also that new infectious agents will enter the donor population in future years.
Diagnostische Verfahren bei der Hepatitis C und ihre Zuverlässigkeit. Reliability of diagnostic procedures for hepatitis C
Authors: Polywka Susanne
Published: April 2005

The diagnosis of HCV infection is often hampered by false positive reactivities in antibody screening assays. Therefore, confirmatory assays are necessary. Since most unspecific reactivities are only slightly above the cut-off value, the intensity of the reactivity should always be considered. Particularly in groups with low HCV risk such as blood donors, positive reactivities obtained by one test system can often be ruled out by re-testing with another format (e.g. an enzyme immunoassay instead of a microparticle enzyme immunoassay). Most confirmatory assays are based on a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA); these tests should always be done in patients diagnosed as HCV positive for the first time. Additionally, in many cases, tests for HCV RNA are necessary. Based on these results, an evaluation of the risk of transmission to household contacts is possible and in patients receiving antiviral treatment, the success can be monitored. A negative PCR result in patients showing high positive antibody reactivities does not necessarily represent loss of the virus since even in chronic carriers, viral replication can be intermittently very low. Immuno-compromised patients often show prolonged seroconversion so that antibody screening assays remain negative for a long time while the patients have high level viraemia. Therefore, we recommend regular RT-PCR in populations at risk such as patients on chronic dialysis. To evaluate patients for antiviral treatment, the determination of the genotype is necessary. The HCV genotype also has an influence on the course of liver disease in chronic carriers. Possible transmission of HCV, e.g. by blood products, can be elucidated by sequence analysis of the high variance region (HVR) of the virus.
Empfehlungen zur qualitätsgesicherten Durchführung von Nukleinsäure-Amplifikations - Testungen (NAT) von Blutprodukten. Quality assurance in nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) of blood products
Authors: Roth Willi K.
Published: April 2005

European manufacturers of plasma products and German blood transfusion services were the first to introduce nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) of blood products in the mid-1990s. Their primary goal was to increase the safety of blood by closing as far as possible the diagnostic window, which exists after the onset of viral infection until the appearance of the first detectable antibodies. Sample preparation, transport and storage are crucial steps in a quality-controlled PCR. Sensitivity and contamination rates highly depend on the sample preparation and storage techniques. Anticoagulants must be selected carefully because some may inhibit the PCR. Dilution of samples by pooling needs to be considered and should be compensated for by subsequent virus enrichment procedures, e.g. centrifugation. The whole process of sample preparation, pooling and virus enrichment must be validated and quality control measures must be implemented. Reagents for the extraction of viral nucleic acids should not pose any risk to the laboratory staff. Nevertheless, the reagents should be highly efficient in liberating viral nucleic acids at high yield and purity for the following amplification reactions. At this critical stage, quality control measures should guarantee an efficient extraction process and contain potential sources of contaminations. Several methods are available for the amplification of nucleic acids. PCR is the most common, especially in in-house assays. The amplification of nucleic acids should be performed as far as possible in a closed system, which may be guaranteed best by real-time PCR approaches. Reaction tubes need never be opened during the amplification because detection can be performed through the closed tube. Amplicons that could contaminate the following PCR reactions will not be released. It is of great importance to blood transfusion services to guarantee that negative results un-equivocally indicate virus negative blood donations. Therefore, internal control sequences should be implemented in each individual PCR reaction in order to monitor that the individual PCR has worked correctly. Besides internal control sequences, external negative and positive controls should be implemented in each PCR run to demonstrate false positive reactions as well as to monitor pre-PCR processes like virus enrichment and extraction. The whole process needs to be validated according to the criteria set in national guidelines or by national authorities. External quality assessment programs are highly recommended.
Significance of SEN virus in post-transfusion hepatitis. Bedeutung von SEN-Viren für die Posttransfusionshepatitis
Authors: Sagir Abdurrahman , Häussinger Dieter
Published: April 2005

Five hepatitis viruses (A-E) cause more than 80% of cases of viral hepatitis. However, the fact that nearly 20% of individuals with acute hepatitis test negative for all known hepatitis viruses, as do up to 10% of patients with transfusion-associated hepatitis, suggests the existence of other viral hepatitis agents. Hepatitis G virus (HGV) and TT virus (TTV) were originally proposed as potential causative agents. The SEN virus (SENV) belongs to a recently discovered group of DNA viruses whose members (SENV D and SENV H) are associated with post-transfusion hepatitis. Eight different strains of SENV have been identified and provisionally classified as members of the Circoviridae family, a group of small, single-stranded, non-enveloped circular DNA viruses which includes, in addition to SENV, the TT virus (TTV), TUS01, SANBAN, PMV, and YONBAN viruses. SENV is a single-stranded circular, non-enveloped DNA virus of ~3.600 to ~3.900 nucleotides with at least three open reading frames (ORFs). The prevalence in different populations shows great variability with marked differences between different countries and groups. Although parenteral transmission is very likely, other routes of transmission are not excluded. Mother-to-infant transmission has been demonstrated. Data on other acute and chronic liver diseases are sparse. Further studies are needed to define the pathogenesis and clinical importance of SENV infection.
Tumormarker-Profilauswertung – und aus Messdaten wird Information. Analysis of tumor marker profiles – turning measured data into information
Authors: Bitterlich Norman
Published: April 2005

In practical use, the experiences of single marker interpretation influence the analysis of tumor marker profiles. From a mathematical point of view, there are different possibilities to link individual measured data. When comparing such methods of resolution, significant differences in their efficiency are observed. An increase in sensitivity generally results in a loss of specificity. Therefore, the choice of the mathematical process is decisively influenced by subjective expectations.

The goal of the analysis of tumor marker profiles is raising the sensitivity while maintaining a high specificity. Based on the study of frequently used strategies of data evaluation, effects are described from which a universally valid concept of data evaluation can be derived. Special attention is given to the independence of the mathematical processes from specified cut-offs and thereby from diagnostic testing methods. Instead of quantitative measured data, qualitative valuations of decision security are handled. This not only enables a rise in sensitivity but also allows a plausible interpretation of results from the user's view. Thus the analysis of tumor marker profiles seems (fuzzy) logical and opens up new avenues to make far-reaching contributions to the clarification of clinical problems by laboratory analysis.
Diagnostische Bedeutung zirkulierender DNA- Fragmente in der Onkologie. Diagnostic importance of circulating DNA fragments in oncology
Authors: Holdenrieder Stefan , Pawel Joachim von , Schalhorn Andreas , Stieber Petra
Published: April 2005

The past decade witnessed an increasing interest in assessing circulating DNA in the plasma and serum of patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. This might be due to the availability of new and sensitive methods for the determination of qualitative and quantitative changes in circulating DNA. As, previously, tumor-specific mutations or epigenetic modifications have been detected predominantly in tissue specimens, the appealing possibility to use less invasive though specific methods for tumor diagnosis was a noticeable incentive for the exploration of circulating DNA.

A considerable part of the circulating DNA, which is mostly present in serum and plasma as nucleosomal DNA, is released during apoptotic cell death. Because the rate of apoptosis is deregulated in many pathological situations such as degenerative, traumatic, ischemic, inflammatory, and malignant diseases, and because many cytotoxic therapies aim at reducing the cancer cell number by apoptosis, the cell death product “circulating DNA” might serve as an attractive and appropriate biochemical correlative.

In this review, the physiological and pathophysiological background of the arrangement of DNA as nucleosomes and of its release into circulation is shown. Further, the metabolism of circulating DNA in plasma and serum and its role in the pathogenesis of various diseases is discussed. Finally, the diagnostic relevance of qualitative and quantitative changes in circulating DNA for screening, differential diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of systemic therapies, early prediction of therapy response and detection of recurrence in malignant diseases is reviewed. Concluding, some methodical considerations regarding the measurement of circulating DNA are given.
Einfluss der verzögerten Transportdauer bei Raumtemperatur auf die Rate der falsch negativen Blutkulturen im BACTEC™ 9000 Gerät. Impact of delayed entry at room temperature on the rate of false negative blood cultures with the BACTEC™ 9000 instrument
Authors: Fahr Anne-Marie , Eigner Ulrich , Shah Pramod M.
Published: April 2005

One hospital-based laboratory and one laboratory serving a number of hospitals prospectively studied 3.907 blood culture bottles of the BACTEC™ 9000 System (BD Diagnostics, Heidelberg, Germany) (1.888 aerobic bottles, 1.880 anaerobic bottles and 139 pediatric bottles). Information on media type, blood volume, time of inoculation, entry into the system, anti-microbial treatment, time to detection, identification to the species level and positive rate compared to terminal subculture were recorded and analysed.

Twenty-seven bottles were classified as false negative, seven of these had a positive cohort bottle (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Burkholderia cepacia and two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa), four out of these seven were not expected to grow in anaerobic media, five patients were under antibiotic treatment and one bottle had a transport time >48 h and is also mentioned in this group. Fifteen of the false negative bottles had a transport time of >48 h. Eleven patients underwent antibiotic therapy, six out of 27 false negative bottles had a transport time <48 h, two patients had antibiotic therapy. Out of these six isolates, one C. glabrata did not grow in the anaerobic bottle.

The rate of clinically relevant false negative blood cultures (pathogen not detected in cohort bottle) in bottles that were entered into BACTEC 9000 within 48 h after inoculation is 0,15%. All efforts need to be directed towards expediting the transportation of material to the microbiology laboratory.
The Lack of Security Cooperation between Southeast Asia and Japan: Yen Yes, Pax Nippon No
Authors: Leavitt Sandra R.
Published: April 2005

Common threats, mutually conducive goals, and institutional safeguards predict a significant security role for Japan in Southeast Asia. Yet, only recently has limited collaboration taken place. Often-cited explanations of collective memory and internal Japanese constraints are unfounded. Realism and strategic culture provide considerably more explanatory power.
Japan's Telecommunications Policy: Issues in Regulatory Reform for Interconnection
Authors: Suda Yuko
Published: April 2005

Since the late 1990s, Japan has undertaken a series of reforms on interconnection to enhance competition in the telecommunications market. This relatively swift regulatory reform was driven primarily by global market pressure transmitted by large business users, rather than political pressure deriving from international negotiations or foreign government actions.
Japan's Keidanren and Free Trade Agreements: Societal Interests and Trade Policy
Authors: Yoshimatsu Hidetaka
Published: April 2005

This article examines how societal actors' preferences and activities impinge on the evolution of a state's regional economic agreements in light of Keidanren's involvement in Japan's free trade agreements with Singapore, Mexico, and South Korea. The business federation has promoted the agreements by playing the role of a pressure group and information provider.
Participatory Democracy and Chaebol Regulation in Korea: State-Market Relations under the MDP Governments, 1997–2003
Authors: Lee Yeonho
Published: April 2005

The government-chaebol nexus formed under Democratic Party governments reflects new state-market relations in Korea that are predicated on a democratic model emphasizing participation and equity. The participatory democratic logic of corporate reform assumes that civic organizations, functioning as a third sector, should act as watchdogs and whistle-blowers to correct any unequal market structures.
ASEAN Counterterrorism Cooperation Since 9/11
Authors: Chow Jonathan T.
Published: April 2005

This article examines ASEAN's intramural counterterrorism cooperation from 9/11 through the Bali bombing of October 2002 and its effects on ASEAN's cohesion and the norm of non-intervention in members' domestic affairs. While the Bali bombing appeared to unify threat perceptions, domestic imperatives have significantly hindered substantive multilateral counterterrorism efforts.
The Journalist as Social Scientist
Authors: Clarke Lee
Published: April 2005

Claudia Dreifus writes the “A Conversation With …” column for the New York Times. A long-time journalist and a “founder of the modern feminist movement,” Dreifus pulls no punches. That's how she lives her life, which she shares with her partner, the social scientist Andrew Hacker.
Unmarried with Children
Authors: Edin Kathryn , Kefalas Maria
Published: April 2005

Have poor, unmarried mothers given up on marriage, as middle-class observers often conclude? To the contrary, most of the time they are simply waiting for the right partner and situation to make it work.
From the Welfare State to the Warfare State
Authors: Tiryakian Edward A.
Published: April 2005

What is the nature of the post-9/11 global order? What types of transnational conflicts are we likely to see in the years ahead? Will the United States dominate this new world order? Can it? A panel of distinguished sociologists tackles these questions.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Why can't we Stop Circumcising Boys?
Authors: Darby Robert
Published: April 2005

Almost alone in the wealthy world, the United States still circumcises most newborn boys. Elsewhere this practice is disappearing, except when it is done for religious reasons. Why not here? Another failure of the medical establishment?
Can Social Science Shape the Public Agenda?
Authors: Wilensky Harold L.
Published: April 2005

Although America leads the world in conducting social scientific evaluations of public policies, in the end, social science contributes less to policymaking here than it does in most of Western Europe and Japan. Instead, our research has little bearing on whether a government program lives or dies. Intellectuals typically have tense relationships with men and women of power, but the disconnect between research and policy is most extreme in the United States.
Use of barcodes and digital balances for the identification and measurement of field trial data
Authors: Kuti C. , L. Láng L. , Bedő Z.
Published: April 2005

The widespread use of digitally-controlled measuring and analytical devices and electronic data collectors, all equipped with microprocessors and linked to computers, has made it possible for on-line data collection to become a routine process. A rational combination of two up-to-date techniques, barcodes and digital balance terminals, linked to an average computer background (Kuti et al., 2003), has proved in practice to satisfy the criteria raised for the up-to-date processing of breeding data at low cost. This system is an example of how it is possible to reduce costs while processing data more rapidly and reliably and allowing human resources to be utilised more flexibly and efficiently. The modules (MvLabel, MvSticker, MvWeighing)of the program package developed in Martonvásár for the handling and analysis of the data from plant breeding and crop production experiments can also be used independently for the identification of experimental field units (spikes, rows, plots) and for the online handling of weight measurements and analytical data. They provide a simple solution for the design and printing of labels (self-adhesive or plastic) containing barcodes. They make it easier to retrieve the data recorded by digital balance terminals and store them on hard discs, while also helping to unify and synchronise the various parts of the system using barcode readers to identify the measurement data.
Effects of different irrigation regimes on the yield and yield components of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Işik M. , Önceler Z. , Çakir S. , Altay F.
Published: April 2005

Water stress is one of the most important yield-limiting abiotic factors for dry beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.). This study was conducted 1) to identify the effects of different irrigation scheduling on yield and yield components, 2) to define the number and intervals of irrigation water requirements in dry beans and 3) to compare the performances of two dry bean varieties in different irrigation schedules. The experiments were carried out in the fields of the Anatolian Agricultural Research Institute from 1992 to 1996. Two dry bean cultivars, Yunus90 and Karacasehir90, were used to study the effects of five irrigation schedules (S1: High, S2: Medium, S3: Low, S4: High-Low, S5: Low-High rates of irrigation). The results indicated that year (Y) × irrigation regime (IR) interactions were important for yield and yield components. Karacasehir90 was less affected by water stress than Yunus90 when rainfall was low in the growing season. Differences between irrigation schedules were more distinct when rainfall was low. The highest yield and yield component values were obtained from S1, while the lowest values were obtained from S3and S4. These results showed that water stress after flowering had the most adverse effect on yield. Thus, it is recommended that farmers use supplemental water chiefly after flowering when water sources are limited.
Thermal behaviour study of solid state compounds of manganese (II), zinc (II) and lead (II) with cinnamic acid
Authors: CARVALHO FILHO Marco Aurélio da Silva , IONASHIRO Massao
Published: April 2005

Compounds of cinnamic acid with manganese, zinc and lead have been prepared in aqueous solution. Thermogravimetry, derivative thermogravimetry (TG, DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction and complexometry have been used in the characterization as well as in the study of the thermal stability and interpretation concerning the thermal decomposition.
Síntese e caracterização de compostos diorganoestânicos com ácido dl-mandélico
Authors: TERRA Vilma Reis , BARBIÉRI Roberto Santos , CASTELO BRANCO Pedro de Azevedo , ABRAS Anuar
Published: April 2005

Por reação de quantidades eqüimoleculares de R2SnO ou R2SnCl2 (R = -CH3; -C4H9) com ácido dl-mandélico, C6H5CH(OH)COOH, em meio de etanol, foram obtidos novos compostos formulados como [(LR2Sn)2O] [L= C6H5CH(OH)COO-], nos quais o átomo de estanho é pentacoordenado, com o ligante L estabelecendo uma ligação bidentada através dos átomos de oxigênio dos grupos ácido e hidroxila alcoólica. Nas mesmas condições, nenhum produto obtido a partir da reação de (C6H5)2SnO ou (C6H5)2SnCl2 pode ser identificado. No entanto, quando da reação de (C6H5)2SnCl2 com ácido dl-mandélico, em meio de acetonitrila, foi preparado um composto dimérico hexacoordenado formulado como [L(C6H5)2SnCl]2. Este composto não pode ser isolado de forma pura e está misturado com 7% de impurezas não identificadas, cujos parâmetros de interação hiperfina sugerem tratar de estanho tetravalente octaedricamente coordenado por oxigênio. Os compostos obtidos foram caracterizados por determinação de ponto de fusão, microanálise e espectroscopias i.v. e Mössbauer.