bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoracoscopic Versus Open Partial Pericardectomy in Dogs: Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Morbidity
Authors: Walsh Peter J. , Remedios Audrey M. , Ferguson James F. , Walker David D. , Cantwell Shawna , Duke Tanya
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo evaluate postoperative pain and morbidity in dogs undergoing open thoracotomy and partial pericardectomy versus thoracoscopic pericardectomy.

Study DesignResearch study in normal dogs.

Animals or Sample PopulationFourteen mixed breed healthy dogs.

MethodsSeven dogs had a partial pericardectomy through a standard left lateral thoracotomy at the fifth intercostal space. The remaining seven dogs underwent selective lung ventilation and thoracoscopic partial pericardectomy. Surgery sites in both groups were bandaged and each dog received a single postoperative dose of morphine (0.2 mg/kg, intramuscularly [IM]). Postoperative pain was evaluated using a standard pain score table at 1, 5, 9, 17, 29, and 53 hours after surgery. Dogs receiving a pain score of six or greater received an additional dose of morphine. At each observation point, blood samples were taken to measure blood glucose and plasma cortisol concentrations. Pain scores, blood glucose, and plasma cortisol concentrations were compared between the two groups using two‐way ANOVA.

ResultsBlood glucose concentrations, plasma cortisol concentrations, and pain scores were significantly different between the two groups, with the thoracotomy dogs having higher values at 1, 5, and 9 hours postoperatively. Three of the open thoracotomy dogs required additional analgesia after the initial dose of morphine. In addition, two dogs that underwent open thoracotomy were lame in the left forelimb and two others developed dehiscence of their wounds.

Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThoracoscopic partial pericardectomy has several advantages over open partial pericardectomy including decreased postoperative pain, fewer wound complications, and more rapid return to function.
Total Intravenous Anesthesia in Greyhounds: Pharmacokinetics of Propofol and Fentanyl—MA Preliminary Study
Authors: Hughes J.M. Lynne , Nolan Andrea M.
Published: April 2004

ObjectiveTo evaluate concomitant propofol and fentanyl infusions as an anesthetic regime, in Greyhounds.

AnimalsEight clinically normal Greyhounds (four male, four female) weighing 25.58 ± 3.38 kg.

DesignProspective experimental study.

MethodsDogs were premedicated with acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) by intramuscular (IM) injection. Forty five minutes later anesthesia was induced with a bolus of propofol (4 mg/kg) by intravenous (IV) injection and a propofol infusion was begun (time = 0). Five minutes after induction of anesthesia, fentanyl (2 μg/kg) and atropine (40 μg/kg) were administered IV and a fentanyl infusion begun. Propofol infusion (0.2 to 0.4 mg/kg/min) lasted for 90 minutes and fentanyl infusion (0.1 to 0.5 μg/kg/min) for 70 minutes. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, end‐tidal carbon dioxide, body temperature, and depth of anesthesia were recorded. The quality of anesthesia, times to return of spontaneous ventilation, extubation, head lift, and standing were also recorded. Blood samples were collected for propofol and fentanyl analysis at varying times before, during and after anesthesia.

ResultsMean heart rate of all dogs varied from 52 to 140 beats/min during the infusion. During the same time period, mean blood pressure ranged from 69 to 100 mm Hg. On clinical assessment, all dogs appeared to be in light surgical anesthesia. Mean times (± SEM), after termination of the propofol infusion, to return of spontaneous ventilation, extubation, head lift and standing for all dogs were 26 ± 7, 30 ± 7, 59 ± 12, and 105 ± 13 minutes, respectively. Five out of eight dogs either whined or paddled their forelimbs in recovery. Whole blood concentration of propofol for all eight dogs ranged from 1.21 to 6.77 μg/mL during the infusion period. Mean residence time (MRTinf) for propofol was 104.7 ± 6.0 minutes, mean body clearance (Clb) was 53.35 ± 0.005 mL/kg/min, and volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) was 3.27 ± 0.49 L/kg. Plasma concentration of fentanyl for seven dogs during the infusion varied from 1.22 to 4.54 ng/mL. Spontaneous ventilation returned when plasma fentanyl levels were >0.77 and <1.17 ng/mL. MRTinf for fentanyl was 111.3 ± 5.7 minutes. Mean body clearance was 29.1 ± 2.2 mL/kg/min and Vdss was 2.21 ± 0.19 L/kg.

Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceIn Greyhounds which were not undergoing any surgical stimulation, total intravenous anesthesia maintained with propofol and fentanyl infusions induced satisfactory anesthesia, provided atropine was given to counteract bradycardia. Despite some unsatisfactory recoveries the technique is worth investigating further for clinical cases, in this breed and in mixed breed dogs.
Effects of Lumbosacral Subarachnoid Catheterization in Horses
Authors: Natalini Claudio C. , Robinson Elaine P.
Published: April 2004

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of long duration subarachnoid catheterization in horses on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cellularity and bacteriology, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, and spontaneous locomotor activity.

Study DesignProspective experimental study.

AnimalFive clinically normal healthy adults horses weighing 511 ± 47 kg.

MethodsSubarachnoid catheters were placed using sedation and local anesthesia and maintained for 48 hours in standing horses. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were tested for cellularity and bacteria growth. Heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, and body temperature were recorded. Locomotor activity was graded. One‐way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's test were used to statistically compare data from baseline to 12, 24, and 48 hours.

ResultsSubarachnoid catheterization in horses produced an acute inflammatory reaction after 12 hours of catheterization, as evidenced by a statistically significant increase in CSF white blood cell count. No bacterial contamination was encountered. No significant differences were found in heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and arterial blood pressure. The horses did not develop motor ataxia or proprioceptive deficits during 48 hours of catheterization.

ConclusionsResults of this study suggest that 48 hours of subarachnoid catheterization in horses does not produce clinical signs of neurologic dysfunction or cardiovascular and respiratory changes, even though an inflammatory reaction occurred.

Clinical RelevanceSubarachnoid catheterization in horses is preferred for monitoring CSF pressure or for repeated collection. Understanding the effects of catheterization alone, allows the clinician to better interpret abnormalities in CSF collected.
Evaluation of a Free Vascularized Medial Tibial Bone Graft in Dogs
Authors: Bebchuk Trevor N. , Degner Daniel A. , Walshaw Richard , Brourman Jeff D. , Arnoczky Steven P. , Stickle Russ L. , Probst Curtis W.
Published: April 2004

Objective—To develop a free vascularized tibial bone graft based on the periosteal saphenous blood supply.

Study Design—Preliminary anatomic study of medial tibial blood supply.In vivocomparison of a vascularized and avascular tibial bone graft.

AnimalsNine canine cadavers; 14 healthy adult dogs that weighed 25 to 32 kg.

Methods—An anatomic study of the vascular supply of the medial aspect of the tibia was performed using the Spalteholz technique. A bone graft consisting of the medial aspect of the tibia was transferred to a mandibular defect as a vascularized graft in 7 dogs and as an avascular graft in 7 dogs. Bone scans were performed to evaluate graft perfusion. Radiographic evaluation of the mandibles and tibias was performed. The dogs were killed after 60 days, five mandibles from each group were examined histologically, and two from each group were evaluated using the Spalteholz technique.

Results—The saphenous vascular pedicle provides vascular perfusion to the medial tibial cortex. Bone scans and radiographic evaluations were consistent with viable bone in the vascularized grafts, and nonviable bone in the avascular grafts. Histological examination revealed live, healing bone in vascular grafts and necrotic bone in avascular grafts. Spalteholz evaluation revealed many small arborizing vessels in the vascular grafts and no organized vasculature in the avascular grafts.

Conclusions—The vascularized medial tibial cortical bone graft survived and proceeded to bony union in the mandibular body defect more readily than the avascular graft in this experimental model.

Clinical Relevance—A vascularized medial tibial bone graft is a suitable free graft for use in reconstructing bone defects in dogs.
Catheter‐Induced Left Internal Mammary Artery Dissection:
Authors: FREEMAN STEVEN P. , LISTON MICHAEL J. , LIPS DANIEL L. , VACEK JAMES L.
Published: April 2004

Coronary artery dissection is a well‐described but rare complication of diagnostic angiography. With increased numbers of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, the number of patients undergoing repeat angiography for chest pain should likewise increase. The authors report two cases of catheter‐induced left internal mammary (LIMA) dissection and review the existing literature. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:117–121)
Spontaneous Multivessel Coronary Artery Dissection in a Young Asymptomatic Patient
Authors: ROVNER ALEKSANDR , THANIGARAJ SRIHARI , ROGERS JOSEPH G. , MOAZAMI NADER , LASALA JOHN M.
Published: April 2004

A unique case of spontaneous multivessel coronary artery dissection in a young woman without identifiable risk factors, who remained asymptomatic despite extensive coronary dissection is presented. The management of this condition and a review of the current literature on this subject are presented. (J Interven Cardiol 2004;17:123–127)
Effects of labelling on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia: are there cultural differences?
Authors: Angermeyer M. C. , Buyantugs L. , Kenzine D. V. , Matschinger H.
Published: April 2004

Objective:  A representative survey which was recently conducted in Germany came to the conclusion that labelling as mental illness has an impact on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, with negative effects clearly outweighing positive effects. In this study, we will examine whether this result can be replicated in other countries.

Method:  In the summer of 2002, representative surveys were carried out in Novosibirsk (Russia) and in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), using the same sampling procedure and interview as in Germany.

Results:  As in Germany, in Novosibirsk and Ulaanbaatar labelling as mental illness was positively correlated with the endorsement of the belief that the individual depicted in the vignette is in need for help. However, unlike in Germany, labelling had no significant effect on the endorsement of the stereotype of dangerousness.

Conclusion:  Our findings support the notion that labelling effects are culture‐related. Therefore, anti‐stigma efforts need to be tailored to the specific conditions in a particular country.
Incidence and severity of root resorption in orthodontically moved premolars in dogs
Authors: Maltha JC , van Leeuwen EJ , Dijkman GEHM , Kuijpers‐Jagtman AM
Published: April 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Maltha JC, van Leeuwen EJ, Dijkman GEHM, Kuijpers‐Jagtman AM

Objectives – To study treatment‐related factors for external root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

Design – An experimental animal study.

Setting and Sample Population – Department of Orthodontics and Oral Biology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Twenty‐four young adult beagle dogs.

Experimental Variable – Mandibular premolars were bodily moved with continuous or intermittent controlled orthodontic forces of 10, 25, 50, 100, or 200 cN according to standardized protocols. At different points in time histomorphometry was performed to determine the severity of root resorption.

Outcome Measure – Prevalence of root resorptions, defined as microscopically visible resorption lacunae in the dentin. Severity of resorption was defined by the length, relative length, depth, and surface area of each resorption area.

Results – The incidence of root resorption increased with the duration of force application. After 14–17 weeks of force application root resorption was found at 94% of the root surfaces at pressure sides. The effect of force magnitude on the severity of root resorption was not statistically significant. The severity of root resorption was highly related to the force regimen. Continuous forces caused significantly more severe root resorption than intermittent forces. A strong correlation (0.60 < r < 0.68) was found between the amount of tooth movement and the severity of root resorption.

Conclusions – Root resorption increases with the duration of force application. The more teeth are displaced, the more root resorption will occur. Intermittent forces cause less severe root resorption than continuous forces, and force magnitude is probably not decisive for root resorption.
Cofilin Promotes Actin Polymerization and Defines the Direction of Cell Motility
Authors: Ghosh Mousumi , Song Xiaoyan , Mouneimne Ghassan , Sidani Mazen , Lawrence David S. , Condeelis John S.
Published: April 2004

A general caging method for proteins that are regulated by phosphorylation was used to study the in vivo biochemical action of cofilin and the subsequent cellular response. By acute and local activation of a chemically engineered, light-sensitive phosphocofilin mimic, we demonstrate that cofilin polymerizes actin, generates protrusions, and determines the direction of cell migration. We propose a role for cofilin that is distinct from its role as an actin-depolymerizing factor.
DESIGNING A SYSTOLIC ALGORITHM FOR GENERATING WELL-FORMED PARENTHESIS STRINGS
Authors: TSAY JONG-CHUANG
Published: April 2004

A parenthesis string is a string of left and right parentheses. The string is well-formed when it consists of balanced pairs of left and right parentheses. This study presents a novel systolic algorithm for generating all the well-formed parenthesis strings in lexicographical order. The algorithm is cost-optimal and is run on a linear array of processors such that each well-formed parenthesis string can be generated in three time steps. The processor array is appropriate for VLSI implementation, since it has the features of modularity, regularity, and local connection.
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATIONS OF SOME BISMUTHATE OXIDE GLASSES WITH MANGANESE IONS
Authors: ARDELEAN I. , TODOR IOANA , PǍŞUŢǍ P. , IONCU V.
Published: April 2004

Glasses from x MnO ·(100-x) Bi 2 O 3 and x MnO ·(100-x)[ Bi 2 O 3· MO ] ( MO ⇒ GeO 2 and As 2 O 3 systems, with 0≤x≤50 mol %) were prepared in the same conditions and investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The study is particularly focused on the influence of a gradual increase of MnO content on the glass structure and the effect of changing the glass matrix composition. The spectra obtained certify the presence of [ BiO 6] octahedral units for all systems and their content progressively increasing with the MnO content. The specific changes in the glass structure according to the matrix composition observed for each system were investigated.
A DOMAIN ANALYSIS AND MODELING METHODOLOGY FOR COMPONENT DEVELOPMENT
Authors: CHO EUN SOOK , KIM SOO DONG , RHEW SUNG YUL
Published: April 2004

Component-based development (CBD) has been widely accepted as an effective paradigm for building software with reusable components, consequently reducing efforts and shortening time-to-market. The components used in CBD should provide a domain standard or common functionality so that they can be shared and reused by family members in a domain. Moreover, variability among family members should also be modeled in components so that family member-specific business logic can be realized through component customization. Therefore, the degree of commonality and customizability determines the range of component applicability in CBD. In this paper, we propose a practical COmponent MOdeling methodology (COMO) for analyzing domain requirements and designing highly reusable components. COMO extends Unified Modeling Language and Rational Unified Process with notations and semantics relevant to CBD. For each activity of the process, comprehensive instructions and artifact templates are provided so that software components can be modeling effectively. We also provide a comprehensive case study of applying the methodology in building an electronic commerce application.
THE DYNAMICAL MODELS FOR SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY TRANSITION
Authors: LUQI  , ZHANG LIN , SABOE MIKE
Published: April 2004

Currently, systematic techniques for assessing macro mechanisms for transferring software engineering technologies are non-existent. This leads to inefficient allocation of research resources and increased risk to software technology intensive programs. Consequently, software technology transition today is an ill-defined and non-repeatable, inefficient process for bringing advanced software engineering technologies to market. This paper develops two dynamical models of a software technology transition from both macroscopic and microscopic views. The models are developed utilizing information theory, communication theory, chaos control theory, and learning curve principles. The combination of those scientifically sound mechanisms provides a basis for assessing, and/or prescribing a portfolio of technologies and the implementing macro infrastructure. This provides the theoretical framework for a practical method for a program manager to establish a high capacity transition channel, which accelerates technology maturation and insertion. Experiments based on very large number of data have been performed. Data samples assess the following technologies: software engineering, software technology transfer, Ada, Java, abstract data types, rate monotonic analysis, cost models, software standards, and software work breakdown structures.
THE GENERATION OF Ca2+ SIGNALS IN PLANTS
Authors: Hetherington Alistair M. , Brownlee Colin
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  The calcium ion is firmly established as a ubiquitous intracellular second messenger in plants. At their simplest, Ca2+-based signaling systems are composed of a receptor, a system for generating the increase in [Ca2+]cyt, downstream components that are capable of reacting to the increase in [Ca2+]cyt, and other cellular systems responsible for returning [Ca2+]cyt to its prestimulus level. Here we review the various mechanisms responsible for generating the stimulus-induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt known as Ca2+ signals. We focus particularly on the mechanisms responsible for generating [Ca2+]cyt oscillations and transients and use Nod Factor signaling in legume root hairs and stimulus-response coupling in guard cells to assess the physiological significance of these classes of Ca2+ signals.
DNA METHYLATION AND EPIGENETICS
Authors: Bender Judith
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  In many eukaryotes, including plants, DNA methylation provides a heritable mark that guides formation of transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. In plants, aberrant RNA signals direct DNA methylation to target sequences, sometimes appropriately and sometimes inappropriately. This chapter discusses the generation of RNA signals for epigenetic changes, the factors that mediate those changes, and some of the consequences of those changes for plant gene expression and genome integrity.
PHYTOESTROGENS
Authors: Dixon Richard A.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Collectively, plants contain several different families of natural products among which are compounds with weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity toward mammals. These compounds, termed phytoestrogens, include certain isoflavonoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. The best-studied dietary phytoestrogens are the soy isoflavones and the flaxseed lignans. Their perceived health beneficial properties extend beyond hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers and osteoporosis to include cognitive function, cardiovascular disease, immunity and inflammation, and reproduction and fertility. In the future, metabolic engineering of plants could generate novel and exquisitely controlled dietary sources with which to better assess the potential health beneficial effects of phytoestrogens.
The Distribution Pattern of Freshwater Crayfish in Croatia
Authors:   Maguire,   Gottstein-Matočec
Published: April 2004

In order to improve our general knowledge on the distribution of the various species of freshwater crayfish of the family Astacidae in Croatia, we gathered all the available unpublished data, as well as data from the literature and those of our own investigations. Our research confirmed the presence of three crayfish species in Croatia: Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758), Austropotamobius torrentium (Schrank, 1803), and Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet, 1858), and we officially recorded the presence of Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823 and Orconectes limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Biogeographical data suggest the following distribution pattern: A. astacus is distributed in the continental part of Croatia, forming both river and lake populations. A. pallipes is distributed in south and southwest Croatia (Lika, Istria, Dalmatia, and on some islands in the Adriatic Sea). A. torrentium can be found in streams at higher altitudes in the continental part of Croatia. Finally, A. leptodactylus is found in the rivers of eastern and central Croatia (Slavonia and Posavina), while O. limosus was discovered recently in marshes of the Nature Park Kopački rit (Slavonia). Some mixed populations of A. astacus and A. torrentium were detected. Some specimens of A. pallipes and A. torrentium were found in underground habitats. Research on the distribution of freshwater crayfish should be more intensive, and will be continued in the future.
Demand for, Access to and Use of Community Mental Health Care: Lessons from a Demonstration Project in India and Pakistan
Authors: James Sarah , Chisholm Daniel , Murthy R. Srinivasa , Kumar K. Kishore , Sekar K. , Saeed Khalid , Mubbashar Malik
Published: April 2004

Background: A widely promoted model of mental health care and prevention appropriate to many low-income countries is one that is integrated into the local primary health care system.

Aims: To examine the influence of health-seeking behaviours (demand-side factors) and the access to/availability of services (supply-side factors) on local service utilisation patterns for people with common mental disorders.

Method: Two rural catchment populations outside Bangalore (India) and Rawalpindi (Pakistan), one with the standard primary health care system, the other with additional mental health care training and support, were screened for common mental disorders. Diagnosed cases were interviewed about thier use of and perceptions of local health care services (repeated three months later).

Results: Individuals' use of integrated mental health and other care was modest. Principal (self-rated) supply-side factors were the cost of care, distance from treatment centre, a perception that care would not be effective, and concerns regarding stigma. Perceptions improved over three months, accompanied by an increased preference for public over private providers, but this was not restricted to the integrated care localities.

Conclusion: The use (and therefore effectiveness) of mental health services integrated into primary care is influenced by the health-seeking behaviours and perceptions of the local population. Efforts to integrate mental health into primary care need to be accompanied by educational activities in order to increase awareness, reduce stigma and draw attention to the availability of effective treatment.
A Comparison of the Psychosocial Environment of Two Types of Residences for Persons with Severe mental Illness: Small Congregate Community Residences and Psychiatric Inpatient Settings
Authors: Brunt David , Hansson Lars
Published: April 2004

Background: Legislation was passed in Sweden to stimulate the development of different housing solutions for persons suffering from severe mental illness. Among these solutions are small congregate residences built in the community to provide suitable housing and support for those not able or willing to live independently.

Aims: The general aim of the present study was to compare the psychosocial environment of two types of residences for the persons with severe mental illness-congregate community residences and psychiatric inpatient settings. A specific aim was to see if the former provided higher levels of autonomy than the latter.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study the real version of the Community Oriented Program Environmental Scale (COPES) was administered to residents, patients and staff members.

Results: The study showed that the psychosocial environment differs between the two types of settings. Residents and staff in small congregate residences rated higher levels of Autonomy and lower levels of Practical Orientation, Anger and Aggression and Order and Organisation than patients and staff in inpatient settings.

Conclusions: The psychosocial environment profiles for psychiatric settings in different phases of the care process may vary in terms of the aforementioned subscales.
Non-Singular Term Effect for the Inclined Crack Extension in Anisotropic Solids under Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Lim Won-Kyun , Sankar Bhavani V.
Published: April 2004

The problem of predicting crack propagation in anisotropic solids, which is a subject of considerable practical importance, is examined by carrying out the analysis on anisotropic solids with an inclined crack subject to uniaxial loading. By deriving the subsequent term of the series expansion for crack tip stresses in anisotropic materials, its effects on the hoop stresses near the crack tip and predicted crack propagation direction are evaluated. In order to determine the direction of crack extension, the normal stress ratio theory is employed. The theoretical analysis is performed for a wide range of the anisotropic material properties. Based on this failure criterion, it is shown that the second order term in the series expansion is essential for accurate determination of crack growth direction in anisotropic solids.
Effect of Concrete Based Alkali Solutions on Short-Term Durability of E-Glass/Vinylester Composites
Authors: Karbhari V. M. , Murphy K. , Zhang S.
Published: April 2004

Although the mechanisms of degradation of bare E-glass fibers by concrete based alkaline solutions are fairly well documented, the effects on ambient temperature cure E-glass/Vinylester composites have heretofore not been well investigated. This paper reports on the results of a study of effects on E-glass/Vinylester composites immersed in a number of concrete-based, and derived, solutions for a period of 18 months. It is shown that degradation is not merely due to pH levels, but to a combination of pH level and solution chemistry. The degradation is at the levels of the fiber-matrix interface and the fiber. A range of damage states are identified and correlated to changes in mechanical properties. In addition to tensile testing, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and SEM/EDX analyses were conducted. It is shown that alkali salts do migrate by diffusion through the composite and by wicking along the fiber-matrix interface into the composite and can cause pitting of the fiber surface.
Transverse Crack Propagation in the Specimen Width Direction of CFRP Laminates under Static Tensile Loadings
Authors: Yokozeki Tomohiro , Aoki Takahira , Ishikawa Takashi
Published: April 2004

The damage process of transverse cracks in cross-ply and quasiisotropic toughened CFRP laminates under static loading is studied. To investigate specimen configuration effect on width-direction propagation of transverse cracks, coupon specimens with ranges of specimen width and transverse ply thickness are tested. Detailed observations of transverse cracks indicate that there are consecutive three-stage processes of edge crack initiation, edge crack increase without inward propagation, and crack propagation across the width in quasiisotropic laminates, whereas simultaneous transverse crack propagation takes place across the width in conjunction with new edge crack formation in cross-ply laminates. The detailed process of transverse cracking is investigated using three-dimensional FEA in order to clarify the difference of damage process between quasiisotropic and cross-ply laminates. It is shown that damage mode transition from edge cracking to widthwise propagation can be characterized with energy release rates near free-edges and inner regions. Finally, an average propagation model based on the conventional two-dimensional models is presented and verified with experimental results and FEA. Useful information about experimental results of transverse crack propagation and the characterization of edge cracking and inward propagation isprovided.
The California Treatment Expansion Initiative: Aftercare Participation, Recidivism, and Predictors of Outcomes
Authors: Burdon William M. , Messina Nena P. , Prendergast Michael L.
Published: April 2004

This study explored possible predictors of participation in aftercare and 12-month return-to-custody (RTC) among 4,155 inmates who participated in prison-based therapeutic community treatment in California. The most consistent theme that emerged from this study was the importance of duration of time spent in treatment. Increased time spent in prison-based treatment predicted increased participation in aftercare and decreased 12-month RTC. Similarly, increased time spent in aftercare predicted decreased 12-month RTC. Those who participated in aftercare in urban counties spent longer periods of time in treatment and were less likely to be returned to custody within 12 months. The findings suggest that Hispanics rely more successfully on social and/or familial support systems than on aftercare postrelease. The findings also highlight the importance of education in facilitating postrelease reintegration and ensuring successful outcomes.
Client Perceptions Of Prison-Based Therapeutic Community Drug Treatment Programs
Authors: Melnick Gerald , Hawke Josephine , Wexler Harry K.
Published: April 2004

This study is part of an ongoing effort to evaluate the growing number of prison-based substance abuse treatment programs from the perspective of the clients. The study tested whether 1,059 participants from 13 prison-based substance abuse treatment programs could be grouped according to elevated, moderate, or low perceptions of the treatment environment (i.e., their perception of the use of therapeutic community, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step treatment activities) and according to their perceptions of the program climate (i.e., a positive sense of community). It also tested whether those who observed higher levels of these treatment components had a higher evaluation of their treatment and of their rapport with counselors and, overall, higher levels of treatment satisfaction. Despite being coerced into treatment, the majority of participants were positive about their treatment experience.
The American National Corpus
Authors: Reppen Randi , Ide Nancy
Published: April 2004

The American National Corpus (ANC) will be a carefully designed corpus of 100 million words of American written and spoken language that generally follows the framework of the British National Corpus. The ANC project will provide both a standard format for text encoding and a format for different types of corpus annotation (e.g., parts of speech, rhetorical features, etc.), as well as different versions of the same type of annotation (e.g. multiple part of speech taggings). As the only widely available large corpus of spoken and written American English containing a variety of registers, the ANC will represent a synchronic slice of American English across many registers. The First Release of the ANC, described in this article, is a preview of the corpus and a chance for researchers to contribute feedback on format and related issues, while allowing them access to data rather than waiting until the entire corpus is completed.
The Semantic Specificity of Gesture
Authors: Hadar Uri , Pinchas-Zamir Lian
Published: April 2004

The semantic specificity of gesture was assessed by the ability of untrained participants to recognize the meaning of ideational gestures in a forced-choice paradigm. Untrained participants selected the word that best described the meaning of a gesture clip. Clips contained one phrase of speech and one ideational gesture. Participants selected one of 5 words that they judged to best describe the meaning of the gesture, which was either iconic, or conventional or indefinite. The task was repeated in 3 conditions: gesture only, gesture plus text, and gesture plus text plus speech. Results showed that the lexical affiliate was chosen in 33%, and the irrelevant distractor in 10%, of cases. Also, the lexical affiliate was chosen in 40% of iconic gestures and 25% of indefinite gestures. The authors conclude that although the shaping of gestures is related to the conceptual and semantic aspects of the accompanying speech, gestures cannot be unambiguously interpreted by naïve listeners. The authors also conclude that the distinction between iconic and indefinite gestures is supported by the differential ability of participants to interpret them.
Modeling Operational Decision Making in Public Organizations
Authors: Heikkila Tanya , Isett Kimberley Roussin
Published: April 2004

Institutional theories, which explain how rules, norms, and shared strategies shape human behavior, have been used to examine why public and private organizations look different structurally, why actors decide to coordinate the provision of goods and services, or how characteristics of a political system shape public management strategies. Many institutional scholars have recognized the importance of developing accurate institutional theories and models to explain policy and management decision making, yet the authors find that few scholars have attempted to bridge institutional theories coming from the political science and organization theory disciplines. In this article, they present a model of operational decision making in public organizations that integrates concepts from these two institutional schools of thought. The authors then apply this model to two distinct cases—one in the field of water resource management and the other in the field of mental health provision—to demonstrate the usefulness of this integrated approach to institutional analysis.
The Digital Technology Revolution and Its Effect on the Market for Copyrighted Works: Is History Repeating Itself?
Authors: Langenderfer Jeff , Kopp Steven W.
Published: April 2004

Recent changes in the technological environment have had a significant impact on the sale of copyrighted works. This article examines the effect of those changes in a historical context and compares the current issues facing copyright owners with previous challenges. The authors conclude that the present market environment bears a great deal of similarity to previous “crises,” although there are important differences that may dramatically alter the economic landscape for content owners. The ramifications of increased copyright control vis-à-vis the status quo are examined.
Whose Identity Is It Anyway? Consumer Representation in the Age of Database Marketing
Authors: Zwick Detlev , Dholakia Nikhilesh
Published: April 2004

In the information-intensive marketplaces of the networked economy, database-related marketing techniques have gained unprecedented popularity. Their development is based on the assumption that greater capturing of customer information in digital databases leads to epistemologically superior insights about the customer. The proliferation of customer databases, however, has triggered privacy concerns and has encouraged consumers to devise information externalization strategies to maintain control over their digital representation (identity) vis-à-vis companies. Drawing on poststructuralist theory, the authors argue that current consumer strategies are ineffective in maintaining control over one’s identity in the electronic marketplace because such strategies are based on an obsolete ontological distinction between material identity and digital representation. They suggest that in the age of database marketing, digital consumer representations in fact constitute the consumer. Therefore, only if consumers are given full access to companies’ customer databases can they maintain a sense of control over their identities in the marketplace.
Of Change, Famished Roads, and African Development
Authors: Sonaiya Remi
Published: April 2004

The fact of the underdevelopment of Africa is a direct challenge to the enlightened minds on the continent. Indeed, it is a burden that is borne with a certain amount of shame by those who are more sensitive and capable of deep reflection. They have often asked fundamental questions in frustration and anger, wondering what was wrong with Africa and with the African, seeking to know why Africans seemed incapable of rising above their reputation of being the ‘les damnés de la terre’ (‘the wretched of the earth’). Among the questions about Africa that have troubled such minds are the following:

-

Why did Africa succumb to slavery like it did?

-

Why was the enslavement of African peoples on African soil possible?

-

Why has education failed to produce the kinds of societal changes that should normally have followed?

-

Why does good governance continue to elude so many African countries, after over 40 years of independence?

-

Might certain aspects of the African culture be standing in the way of the continent's development?
Islam and Philosophy: Lessons from an Encounter
Authors: Diagne Souleymane Bachir
Published: April 2004

Hegel is the great denier of the meeting and dialogue between civilizations and, contrary to every idea of hybridization as the very spirit of culture, he carefully undertook a thorough ethnic cleansing of history: from the Greek beginning to the European ending the circle is continuous even when it went through other spiritual universes. They could scarcely have the breadth to confront the movement of Reason carried along by the idea of its goal. So it mattered little to the making of its history that philosophy spoke Syriac then Arabic.
Parametric Characterization of the Thin-Wall Injection Molding of Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Liu Shih-Jung , Hsu Chia-Hsing , Chang Chih-Yuan
Published: April 2004

Thin wall injection molding of thermoplastic composites has become an important process in industry because of its light weight, relatively lower resin cost per part, and faster cycle time. An experimental study, based on the Taguchi orthogonal array design, was conducted to characterize the effect of different processing parameters on the thin wall injection molding of thermoplastic composites, including melt temperature, mold temperature, filling speed, filling pressure, packing pressure, and packing time. Three materials were used in the study: virgin acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and 20% and 30% glass-fiber filled ABS composites. Experiments were carried out on an 80-ton reciprocating injection molding machine. After molding, the weight of the molded composite parts was determined. For the factors selected in the main experiments, melt temperature and melt filling pressure were found to be the principal parameters affecting the thin wall injection molding of thermoplastic composites. Glass fiber filled polymers required a higher filling pressure and melt temperature for successful molding than those of the non-filled polymers. In addition, a moldability diagram was developed based on the statistical results to give first guidelines for system optimization.
An Attempt at Predicting Failure in a Random Glass/Epoxy Composite Laminate
Authors: Okoli Okenwa I. , Abdul-Latif Aimullotfi
Published: April 2004

The difficulties presented by inertial disturbances in the testing of fibre reinforced composite materials at elevated strain rates necessitated the development of a technique for the prediction of high strain rate material property data. These data have been used in a finite element analysis to simulate impact behaviour of a random glass epoxy composite. High strain rate properties obtained by extrapolating results of experiments conducted at low to intermediate strain rates were used in the finite element analysis of a simple three-point bend beam impact. Three point bend impact tests were performed on the laminates, and comparisons were made of the results predicted from this analysis and actual impact test data.

The results show that the finite element model created may be used to predict the behaviour of random glass/epoxy laminates. However, the inclusion of flexible post-failure degradation rules to allow for progressive damage, will improve the accuracy of the analysis.
The Effect of Transverse Moduli on Dilatation and Through-Thickness Poisson’s Ratio in Angle-Ply Laminates
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Liang , Yeh Hsien-Yang
Published: April 2004

In this article, an investigation of the effect from the transverse elastic moduli of the lamina on the dilatation and the through-thickness Poisson’s ratio in the angle-ply laminates is presented. Based on the classical lamination theory and the generalized Hook’s law, a dimensionless analysis has been used to study the influence of the various transverse elastic moduli E2 and E3 of the lamina on the dilatation and the through-thickness Poisson’s ratio in angle-ply laminates. The results from this dimensionless analysis provide a set of general guidelines for designing and evaluating the values of the through-thickness Poisson’s ratio and the dilatation of the angle-ply laminates to meet various requirements in engineering applications.
A Typology of Workplace Policies
Authors: Hoyman Michele , Duer Heidi
Published: April 2004

This article defines “family friendly” policies of employers more broadly as “worker friendly” policies. Second, it presents a fourfold typology of these worker friendly policy types, using these systematic criteria: Who/what is the focus of the policy? What is the goal of the policy? Who benefits (is favored) by the policy? Who bears the financial constraints of the policy? Who is the target audience? Four policy types emerge from this: (a) the “old” family friendly and personal type policies;(b) those that remove impediments to work; (c) training and education; and (d) nontraditional incentives type. We also scored all individual policies along a proemployer and proemployee axis, then determined an average score for each policy type and placed the types into one of four quadrants along these axes. There is preliminary support for four distinct types of worker friendly policies by virtue of their spatial placement.
Depression among Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Treatment Dilemma
Authors: Overman Gerald P. , Anderson Stacey L.
Published: April 2004

Increased longevity of HIV-infected individuals due to expanding pharmacological research allows a longer period of time for mood disorders to come to medical attention. A longer period of time exists in which the treatment of depression can make a difference in the quality of life, function, and course of HIV infection. Many HIV-related symptoms and concurrent treatment regimens can complicate the choices made regarding mood disorder treatments. Certain HIV/AIDS patients are at greater risk for developing depression, such as those with substance abuse/dependence. Differentiation between the clinical presentation of depression in the general population versus the HIV/AIDS population is important. Although differentiating between symptoms of depression, somatic complaints, and cognitive deficits may be difficult, specific symptoms in HIV-infected individuals prevail. Substantial evidence suggests that antidepressant therapy and psychotherapy are effective in most HIV-positive patients with major depression. One of the greatest difficulties in drug selection for the HIV-infected population is the avoidance of clinically significant drug-drug interactions between antidepressants and antiretrovirals. Evaluating the tolerability of antidepressant medications is also an important factor of effective treatment. This article attempts to clarify all the aforementioned issues pertaining to treatment choices in HIVinfected individuals suffering from depression.
Geriatric Depression
Authors: Cooke Stephen C. , Tucker Melissa L.
Published: April 2004

Depression in the elderly is more common than once thought, especially in nursing home settings, where as many as 25% of residents can exhibit signs and symptoms of depression. Depression in the elderly can have a significant impact on overall health and desired outcome. The depressed elderly patient has been shown to have worsened prognosis of concomitant medical conditions, increased use of health care, decreased recovery time, and more likelihood to experience accelerated physical deterioration. Suicide represents the most serious complication of depression of the older depressed individual. The elderly are at a disproportionate risk for suicide attempts and are more likely to be successful. Diagnosis should be made using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4th ed.) (DSMIV) criteria, and clinicians should use standardized rating scales such as the Geriatric Depression Scale to assist in monitoring the severity of depressive symptoms and the efficacy of antidepressant treatment. Several treatment options are available to the clinician and include psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, older antidepressants such as the tricyclics, and newer more tolerable therapies such as the serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Drug therapy should be individualized and should take into account the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that are associated with normal aging.
Hospital Provision of Uncompensated Care and Public Program Enrollment
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Davidson Gestur , Brown Margaret E. , Maude-Griffin Roland
Published: April 2004

Hospital provision of uncompensated care is partly a function of insurance coverage of state populations. As states expand insurance coverage options and reduce the number of uninsured, hospital provision of uncompensated care should also decrease. Controlling for hospital characteristics and market factors, the authors estimate that increases in MinnesotaCare (a state-subsidized health insurance program for the working poor) enrollment resulted in a 5-year cumulative savings of $58.6 million in hospital uncompensated care costs. Efforts to evaluate access expansions should take into account the costs of the program and the savings associated with reductions in hospital uncompensated care.
Italian Political Parties on the Web
Authors: Newell James L.
Published: April 2004

To draw some conclusions about the implications of parties' engagement with the new information and communications technologies (ICTs) for the quality of democracy, this article explores the way in which Italian parties are exploiting the World Wide Web for campaigning and related functions. Italy has been chosen because it is a liberal democracy and yet has party-system and other characteristics in terms of which it differs from other democracies that have been used to explore the political implications of use of the new ICTs. Adding an Italian case study to the existing work consequently allows us to move closer to an understanding of the conditions under which the new ICTs will have an impact. Defining the quality of democracy in terms of the degree to which parties and individual citizens are afforded equality of influence in political decision making, this research points in the direction of a muted impact because of a tendency of the parties to use the new medium to carry out existing campaign tasks more efficiently and effectively rather than seek to use it in innovative ways. However, this same tendency may improve the quality of democracy in another sense, namely, by reinvigorating and strengthening the party organizations that are central to the representative process in the first place.