bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The collective amnesia of marketing scholars regarding consumers' biological and evolutionary roots
Authors: Saad Gad
Published: November 2008

Despite the extraordinary advances in biology in the 20th century, along with the infusion of Darwinian theory across countless domains of human import, marketing and consumer scholars have doggedly forgotten, rejected, or ignored that consumers are biological beings shaped by a common set of evolutionary forces. Accordingly, this collective amnesia has yielded disciplines that largely focus on the disjointed and incoherent cataloguing of empirical findings, all of which operate at the proximate level. A complete and accurate understanding of any biological organism requires that it be studied at both the proximate and ultimate (in the Darwinian adaptive sense of the term) levels. Hence, at best, marketing and consumer scholars generate incomplete accounts of Homo consumericus and at worst they provide erroneous theories that eventually fall by the epistemological wayside. Should the collective amnesia persist, marketing and consumer scholars will further contribute to the sinking of our discipline into the abyss of irrelevant sciences, disconnected from the revolutionary work that is being conducted within the natural sciences.
`Don't forget the fruit gums, chum': marketing under erasure and renewal
Authors: Patterson Anthony , Bradshaw Alan , Brown Stephen
Published: November 2008

The world's best marketers are blessed with a peculiar inventiveness that stems from experiencing the world as a novelty, which is why the marketing discipline in general has a good memory for forgetting. In this paper then, we contend that amnesia in marketing academia is perfectly healthy, and indeed functions as a key component of our creative, ideas-laden discipline. We argue that the marketer's natural inclination towards erasure and renewal, towards always wiping the slate clean, should be encouraged, not cured. In marshalling the evidence in favour of forgetting, we pull apart the dialectic of remembering and forgetting, demonstrate how forgetting is integral to the academic sensibility, and question how much of the marketing literature is worth remembering in the first place.
Review: Aldosterone Antagonists
Authors: Hari Krishnan Parthasarathy  , Macdonald Tom
Published: November 2008

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for microvascular and macrovascular disease. Many of the deleterious effects of hyperglycaemia are similar to those of aldosterone on the cardiovascular system (CVS). In addition to its classical epithelial effects, aldosterone has a variety of non-epithelial effects including induction of inflammation, collagen formation, fibrosis and necrosis in the CVS. Interest in these effects has recently re-emerged. The three aldosterone antagonists currently licensed for use in the UK are: spironolactone, potassium canrenoate and eplerenone. Eplerenone is a selective aldosterone receptor antagonist. It is a derivative of spironolactone and has the major advantage of a lower incidence of androgenic and progestogenic side effects. Both spironolactone and eplerenone are effective antihypertensive agents and reduce mortality and morbidity in heart failure. They prevent sudden cardiac death. They also exert renoprotective effects. They should be judiciously used in diabetes due to their tendency for hyperkalemia, however, they have proved vital in providing a more complete inhibition of the deleterious effects of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (aldosterone antagonists).
Computer simulation study of a horizontal light pipe integrated with laser cut panels in a dense urban environment
Authors: Kwok CM , Chung TM
Published: November 2008

A computer simulation study on the daylighting performance of a horizontal light pipe system integrated with laser cut panels at the entrance and output apertures was performed for two identical test rooms with different degree of obstructions in a dense urban environment under the CIE clear sky condition. It is observed that by properly varying the separation-to-thickness ratio and the aperture tilt angle of the laser cut panel at the entrance aperture, the illumination beneath the pipe emitter can be enhanced. It is concluded that due to the obstructed environment, the horizontal light pipe should aim at capturing light from high altitude sky and sun. An optimal set of STR and ATA values for the LCP at the entrance aperture of 0.5 and 35° respectively is found to be effective for both high and low floors in buildings within a dense urban context.
Indoor illumination by solar light collectors
Authors: Sansoni P. , Francini F. , Fontani D. , Mercatelli L. , Jafrancesco D.
Published: November 2008

An innovative system for illumination of internal spaces was studied, constructed and tested. The system was dubbed `The Sunflowers' because the solar collectors were designed to track the sun's position during the day. Each Sunflower includes sunlight concentrators, optical fibres and mechanical and electronic systems for sun tracking. A Sunflower lighting system has been successfully installed in a prestigious museum to provide internal illumination of showcases. Solar illumination is obtained by concentrating the sunlight into optical fibres, which guide the light in the interior of the building and realise the lighting points.
Journalism of attachment and objectivity: Dutch journalists and the Bosnian War
Authors: Ruigrok Nel
Published: November 2008

The civil war in Bosnia has been one of the most brutal periods in European post-war history. Dutch media played an important role in creating a rather stereotypical, simplified picture of the Bosnian conflict, and, as a consequence, also of what the Dutch government could do within an international context to solve it. The reasons the media created this simplified and stereotypical picture can be found in the phenomenon of `journalism of attachment'. This form of journalism regards reporters as participants in the conflicts they report, taking part in the public debate about the conflict. Using a content analysis of the news coverage about the Bosnian war we found that journalists covering the Bosnian war show attachment in the news coverage whether openly in the straight news articles or in a more subtle way, through the use of opportune witnesses.
Modulation of dendritic cell function by cowshed dust extract
Authors: Gorelik Leonid , Kauth Marion , Gehlhar Kirsten , Bufe Albrecht , Holst Otto , Peters Marcus
Published: November 2008

We have shown previously that inhalation of cowshed dust extract (CDE) resulted in decreased airway reactivity, eosinophilic inflammation and sensitization in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Our data suggested down-regulation of allergic immune response rather than activation of a Th1 response towards the model allergen. However, the precise mechanism of allergy protection is not yet understood in detail. To gain deeper insight into CDE-induced immune modulation, we have analysed the effects of CDE on dendritic cell biology. Dendritic cells were generated from murine bone marrow cells (BMDC). Cells were stimulated with CDE and subsequently used to sensitize mice via the airways. Our results showed that cells were not able to prime mice for allergic immune response when they were treated with CDE 2 days before pulsing with allergen, whereas cells that were stimulated with CDE simultaneously to OVA pulsing induced a fully developed allergic immune response. Surprisingly, CDE-treated cells that were not able to prime mice for allergic immune response exhibit an activated phenotype with high expression of the co-stimulatory surface molecule CD86. Moreover, CDE-treated cells transiently produced high amounts of cytokines such as IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α. Interestingly, blocking of autocrine-produced IL-10 in vitro partially restored the allergy-inducing capacity of CDE-exposed cells. Thus, we conclude that prolonged exposure to CDE reduces the allergy-inducing capacity of dendritic cells. Furthermore, we present evidence that an autocrine IL-10 dependent mechanism seems to be involved in down-regulation of dendritic cell function due to stimulation with CDE.
Development and mapping of Simple Sequence Repeat markers for pearl millet from data mining of Expressed Sequence Tags
Authors: Senthilvel S , Jayashree B , Mahalakshmi V , Kumar P Sathish , Nakka S , Nepolean T , Hash CT
Published: November 2008

Background

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.] is a staple food and fodder crop of marginal agricultural lands of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It is also a summer forage crop in the southern USA, Australia and Latin America, and is the preferred mulch in Brazilian no-till soybean production systems. Use of molecular marker technology for pearl millet genetic improvement has been limited. Progress is hampered by insufficient numbers of PCR-compatible co-dominant markers that can be used readily in applied breeding programmes. Therefore, we sought to develop additional SSR markers for the pearl millet research community.

Results

A set of new pearl millet SSR markers were developed using available sequence information from 3520 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). After clustering, unigene sequences (2175 singlets and 317 contigs) were searched for the presence of SSRs. We detected 164 sequences containing SSRs (at least 14 bases in length), with a density of one per 1.75 kb of EST sequence. Di-nucleotide repeats were the most abundant followed by tri-nucleotide repeats. Ninety primer pairs were designed and tested for their ability to detect polymorphism across a panel of 11 pairs of pearl millet mapping population parental lines. Clear amplification products were obtained for 58 primer pairs. Of these, 15 were monomorphic across the panel. A subset of 21 polymorphic EST-SSRs and 6 recently developed genomic SSR markers were mapped using existing mapping populations. Linkage map positions of these EST-SSR were compared by homology search with mapped rice genomic sequences on the basis of pearl millet-rice synteny. Most new EST-SSR markers mapped to distal regions of linkage groups, often to previous gaps in these linkage maps. These new EST-SSRs are now are used by ICRISAT in pearl millet diversity assessment and marker-aided breeding programs.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated the potential of EST-derived SSR primer pairs in pearl millet. As reported for other crops, EST-derived SSRs provide a cost-saving marker development option in pearl millet. Resources developed in this study have added a sizeable number of useful SSRs to the existing repertoire of circa 100 genomic SSRs that were previously available to pearl millet researchers.
Prolactin Receptor Is Required for Normal Glucose Homeostasis and Modulation of β-Cell Mass during Pregnancy
Authors: Huang Carol , Snider Frances , Cross James C.
Published: November 2008

Increased islet mass is an adaptive mechanism that occurs to combat insulin resistance during pregnancy. Prolactin (PRL) can enhance β-cell proliferation and insulin secretion in vitro, yet whether it is PRL or other pregnancy-related factors that mediate these adaptive changes during pregnancy is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether prolactin receptor (Prlr) is required for normal maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. An ip glucose tolerance test was performed on timed-pregnant Prlr+/+ and heterozygous null Prlr+/− mice on d 0, 15, and 18 of pregnancy. Compared with Prlr+/+ mice, Prlr+/− mice had impaired glucose clearance, decreased glucose-stimulated insulin release, higher nonfasted blood glucose, and lower insulin levels during but not before pregnancy. There was no difference in their insulin tolerance. Prlr+/+ mice show a significant incremental increase in islet density and β-cell number and mass throughout pregnancy, which was attenuated in the Prlr+/− mice. Prlr+/+ mice also had a more robust β-cell proliferation rate during pregnancy, whereas there was no difference in apoptosis rate between the Prlr+/+ and Prlr+/− mice before, during, or after pregnancy. Interestingly, genotype of the mothers had a significant impact on the offspring’s phenotype, such that daughters derived from Prlr+/− mothers had a more severe phenotype than those derived from Prlr+/+ mothers. In conclusion, this is the first in vivo demonstration that the action of pregnancy hormones, acting through Prlr, is required for normal maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy by increasing β-cell mass.
Hormone-Activated Estrogen Receptors in Annelid Invertebrates: Implications for Evolution and Endocrine Disruption
Authors: Keay June , Thornton Joseph W.
Published: November 2008

As the primary mediators of estrogen signaling in vertebrates, estrogen receptors (ERs) play crucial roles in reproduction, development, and behavior. They are also the major mediators of endocrine disruption by xenobiotic pollutants that mimic or block estrogen action. ERs that are sensitive to estrogen and endocrine disrupters have long been thought to be restricted to vertebrates: although there is evidence for estrogen signaling in invertebrates, the only ERs studied to date, from mollusks and cephalochordates, have been insensitive to estrogen and therefore incapable of mediating estrogen signaling or disruption. To determine whether estrogen sensitivity is ancestral or a unique characteristic of vertebrate ERs, we isolated and characterized ERs from two annelids, Platynereis dumerilii and Capitella capitata, because annelids are the sister phylum to mollusks and have been shown to produce and respond to estrogens. Functional assays show that annelid ERs specifically activate transcription in response to low estrogen concentrations and bind estrogen with high affinity. Furthermore, numerous known endocrine-disrupting chemicals activate or antagonize the annelid ER. This is the first report of a hormone-activated invertebrate ER. Our results indicate that estrogen signaling via the ER is as ancient as the ancestral bilaterian animal and corroborate the estrogen sensitivity of the ancestral steroid receptor. They suggest that the taxonomic scope of endocrine disruption by xenoestrogens may be very broad and reveal how functional diversity evolved in a gene family central to animal endocrinology.
Stressor and Glucocorticoid-Dependent Induction of the Immediate Early Gene Krüppel-Like Factor 9: Implications for Neural Development and Plasticity
Authors: Bonett Ronald M. , Hu Fang , Bagamasbad Pia , Denver Robert J.
Published: November 2008

Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) is a thyroid hormone-induced, immediate early gene implicated in neural development in vertebrates. We analyzed stressor and glucocorticoid (GC)-dependent regulation of KLF9 expression in the brain of the frog Xenopus laevis, and investigated a possible role for KLF9 in neuronal differentiation. Exposure to shaking/confinement stressor increased plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentration, and KLF9 immunoreactivity in several brain regions, which included the medial amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, anterior preoptic area (homologous to the mammalian paraventricular nucleus), and optic tectum (homologous to the mammalian superior colliculus). The stressor-induced KLF9 mRNA expression in the brain was blocked by pretreatment with the GC receptor antagonist RU486, or mimicked by injection of CORT. Treatment with CORT also caused a rapid and dose-dependent increase in KLF9 mRNA in X. laevis XTC-2 cells that was resistant to inhibition of protein synthesis. The action of CORT on KLF9 expression in XTC-2 cells was blocked by RU486, but not by the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. To test for functional consequences of up-regulation of KLF9, we introduced a KLF9 expression plasmid into living tadpole brain by electroporation-mediated gene transfer. Forced expression of KLF9 in tadpole brain caused an increase in Golgi-stained cells, reflective of neuronal differentiation/maturation. Our results support that KLF9 is a direct, GC receptor target gene that is induced by stress, and functions as an intermediary in the actions of GCs on brain gene expression and neuronal structure.
A critical time window ofSryaction in gonadal sex determination in mice
Authors: Hiramatsu Ryuji , Matoba Shogo , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Tsunekawa Naoki , Katoh-Fukui Yuko , Kurohmaru Masamichi , Morohashi Ken-ichirou , Wilhelm Dagmar , Koopman Peter , Kanai Yoshiakira
Published: November 2008

In mammals, the Y-linked sex-determining gene Srycell-autonomously promotes Sertoli cell differentiation from bipotential supporting cell precursors through SRY-box containing gene 9 (Sox9),leading to testis formation. Without Sry action, the supporting cells differentiate into granulosa cells, resulting in ovarian development. However,how Sry acts spatiotemporally to switch supporting cells from the female to the male pathway is poorly understood. We created a novel transgenic mouse line bearing an inducible Sry transgene under the control of the Hsp70.3 promoter. Analysis of these mice demonstrated that the ability of Sry to induce testis development is limited to approximately 11.0-11.25 dpc, corresponding to a time window of only 6 hours after the normal onset of Sry expression in XY gonads. If Sry was activated after 11.3 dpc, Sox9 activation was not maintained, resulting in ovarian development. This time window is delimited by the ability to engage the high-FGF9/low-WNT4 signaling states required for Sertoli cell establishment and cord organization. Our results indicate the overarching importance of Sry action in the initial 6-hour phase for the female-to-male switching of FGF9/WNT4 signaling patterns.
A nonsense exon in the Tpm1 gene is silenced by hnRNP H and F
Authors: Coles Joel L. , Hallegger Martina , Smith Christopher W.J.
Published: November 2008

As well as generating protein isoform diversity, in some cases alternative splicing generates RNAs that harbor premature termination codons and that are subject to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). We previously identified an apparent pseudo-exon in the rat α-tropomyosin (Tpm1) gene as a probable genuine alternatively spliced exon that causes NMD when spliced into Tpm1 RNA. Here, we report the analysis of cis-acting splicing regulatory elements within this “nonsense exon.” Guided by the data set of predicted splicing enhancer and silencer elements compiled by Zhang and Chasin, we made a series of mutations through the nonsense exon and found that like authentic exons it is densely packed with enhancer and silencer elements. Strikingly, 11 of 13 tested mutations behaved as predicted computationally. In particular, we found that a G-rich silencer at the 5′ end, which is crucial for skipping of the nonsense exon, functions by binding hnRNP-H and F.
Reading other people's mind: Insights from neuropsychology
Authors: Samson Dana
Published: November 2008

When trying to make sense of other people's behaviour we usually invoke their mental states, such as their intentions, beliefs or emotions. This mind reading ability has been traditionally investigated in developmental psychology and comparative psychology but is now receiving increasing attention from the cognitive neurosciences. I will show the important role that neuropsychology plays in unravelling the cognitive and neural basis of our mind reading abilities. I will illustrate this by showing how cases of adults with acquired brain lesions can help us tease apart the different mechanisms that underlie mind reading abilities and can help us understand the nature of these mechanisms, especially their relation to language and executive function.
Ethnographic museums and essentialist representations of Galician identity
Authors: Pereiro Xerardo , Vilar Manuel
Published: November 2008

This article presents a critical perspective on Galician ethnographic museums as a mechanism for the representation of cultural identities. It argues that the legislation pertaining to ethnographic museums can be seen, in part, as constituting a definition of identities. It also discusses
the models of and for the creation of museums known as ethnographic, the official recognition of this type of museum in Galicia, and the corresponding construction of a hegemonic image of Galician identities. Finally, the article considers the process of producing and consuming ideas about
Galician self-identity in ethnographic museums.
Donor Sertoli cells transplanted into irradiated rat testes stimulate partial recovery of endogenous spermatogenesis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Shao Shan , Shetty Gunapala , Meistrich Marvin L
Published: November 2008

Irradiation of rat testes leads to the failure to support differentiation of the surviving spermatogonia due to damage of the somatic environment. To determine the involvement of Sertoli cells in this somatic damage, we transplanted seminiferous tubule cells from normal immature GFP-transgenic rats into the testes of irradiated rats. The donor Sertoli cells colonized and developed in the host testes. In many seminiferous tubules, the donor Sertoli cells formed abnormal spherical structures in the lumen, but in some tubules they formed a normal-appearing epithelium, but with only isolated spermatogonia, on the basement membrane. When the donor cells were injected into the interstitial region of the testis, they formed tubule-like structures containing Sertoli cells and occasional isolated spermatogonia, both of donor origin. Surprisingly, in host tubules adjacent to these newly formed donor-cell tubules or adjacent to the endogenous tubules with abnormal donor Sertoli-cell structures, endogenous spermatogonia differentiated to the spermatocyte or even to spermatid stages. Around these newly donor cell-formed tubules and the host tubules with abnormal donor Sertoli-cell structures, many cells including macrophages, which perhaps represented chronic inflammation, accumulated in the interstitium. We conclude that the donor Sertoli cells that colonized the seminiferous tubules did not directly support recovery of spermatogenesis. Instead, the colonizing Sertoli cells acted indirectly on the interstitium to stimulate localized differentiation of endogenous spermatogonia.
Biological differences between in vitro produced bovine embryos and parthenotes
Authors: Gómez Enrique , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Díez Carmen , Bermejo-Alvarez Pablo , Muñoz Marta , Rodriguez Aida , Otero Jesús , Alvarez-Viejo María , Martín David , Carrocera Susana , Caamaño José Néstor
Published: November 2008

Parthenotes may represent an alternate ethical source of stem cells, once biological differences between parthenotes and embryos can be understood. In this study, we analyzed development, trophectoderm (TE) differentiation, apoptosis/necrosis, and ploidy in parthenotes andin vitroproduced bovine embryos. Subsequently, using real-time PCR, we analyzed the expression of genes expected to underlie the observed differences at the blastocyst stage.In vitromatured oocytes were either fertilized or activated with ionomycin +6-DMAP and cultured in simple medium. Parthenotes showed enhanced blastocyst development and diploidy and reduced TE cell counts. Apoptotic and necrotic indexes did not vary, but parthenotes evidenced a higher relative proportion of apoptotic cells between inner cell mass and TE. The pluripotence-relatedPOU5F1and the methylationDNMT3Agenes were downregulated in parthenotes. Among pregnancy recognition genes,TP-1was upregulated in parthenotes, whilePGRMC1andPLAC8did not change. Expression ofp66shcandBAX/BCL2ratio were higher, andp53lower, in parthenotes. Among metabolism genes,SLC2A1was downregulated, whileAKR1B1,PTGS2,H6PD, andTXNwere upregulated in parthenotes, andSLC2A5did not differ. Among genes involved in compaction/blastulation,GJA1was downregulated in parthenotes, but no differences were detected withinATP1A1andCDH1. Within parthenotes, the expression levels ofSLC2A1,TP-1, andH6PD, and possiblyAKR1B1, resemble patterns described in female embryos. The pro-apoptotic profile is more pronounced in parthenotes than in embryos, which may differ in their way to channel apoptotic stimuli, throughp66shcandp53respectively, and in their mechanisms to control pluripotency andde novomethylation.
Cell Lineage Mapping of Taste Bud Cells and Keratinocytes in the Mouse Tongue and Soft Palate
Authors: Okubo Tadashi , Clark Cheryl , Hogan Brigid L.M.
Published: November 2008

The epithelium of the mouse tongue and soft palate consists of at least three distinct epithelial cell populations: basal cells, keratinized cells organized into filiform and fungiform papillae, and taste receptor cells present in tight clusters known as taste buds in the fungiform and circumvallate papillae and soft palate. All three cell types develop from the simple epithelium of the embryonic tongue and palate, and are continually replaced in the adult by cell turnover. Previous studies using pulse-chase tritiated thymidine labeling in the adult mouse provided evidence for a high rate of cell turnover in the keratinocytes (5–7 days) and taste buds (10 days). However, little is known about the localization and phenotype of the long-term stem or progenitor cells that give rise to the mature taste bud cells and surrounding keratinocytes in these gustatory tissues. Here, we make use of a tamoxifen-inducible K14-CreER transgene and the ROSA26 LacZ reporter allele to lineage trace the mature keratinocytes and taste bud cells of the early postnatal and adult mouse tongue and soft palate. Our results support the hypothesis that both the pore keratinocytes and receptor cells of the taste bud are derived from a common K14+K5+Trp63+Sox2+ population of bipotential progenitor cells located outside the taste bud. The results are also compatible with models in which the keratinocytes of the filiform and fungiform papillae are derived from basal progenitor cells localized at the base of these structures.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH IN RELATION TO HEALTH INSURANCE AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Authors: Wadsworth Augustus B.
Published: November 2008

Preventive medicine deserves a wider field than merely communicable disease. Some developments, like prevention of diseases of middle life are successful, others like health insurance have been less so. This has been hardly more than a sick-benefit movement. Industrial medicine is most valuable from the financial point of view as well as that of health.
SOCIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HOUSING
Authors: Wile Ira S.
Published: November 2008

Infant mortality is twice as great in homes without bathtubs, although the infants do not use them, and increases with lower rentals. Housing is also not to be separated from typhoid and respiratory disease. Health, education, standards, inspection, control of rent profiteering and a living wage are health factors related to housing.
ANTHRAX PROBLEM IN MASSACHUSETTS
Authors: Osborn Stanley H.
Published: November 2008

Federal regulations do not prevent importation of anthrax infected material. This author suggests anthrax surveys in countries of origin of materials, quarantine of all hides, wool and hair from suspected areas, disinfection of these at places of origin and sanitary care here of wastes from hide and wool industrial establishments.
LACTOSE BROTH FOR ISOLATING BACTERIUM COLI FROM WATER
Authors: Wagner Esther A. , Monfort W. F.
Published: November 2008

These authors suggest simplification of the technic by reducing the lactose content by addition of gentian violet, also Pasteurization in place of autoclaving. The announced value of gentian violet for preliminary enrichment of colon cultures is sustained, with cleaner plates and readier identification of colonies. Gentian violet has also advantages in ensuring keeping qualities in the broth.
A new development in the provision of comprehensive medical care in Australia. A description of the Southern Memorial Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
Authors: Garb L G
Published: November 2008

An example is presented of a government-sponsored hospital in Australia working in cooperation with private general practitioners to provide them access to the total hospital facilities and to develop a health center that provides paramedical services not previously available in the community.
Some trends in schools of public health.
Authors: Matthews M R
Published: November 2008

Some of the recent changes in the schools of public health include: an increasing number of schools and of graduates; a decrease in both the awarding of the MPH degree as compared with other masters degrees, and the DrPH degree as compared with the PhD; a trend toward lengthening the time for achieving the MPH degree; an increase in part-time study for graduate degrees; institution of undergraduate programs and external masters degree programs; a thrust toward greater continuing education activities; and a broadened base for the student population in terms of the heterogeneity of professional backgrounds and prior experience, a wider age range with more younger students, more women students, fewer foreign students, and an increase in minority representation.
Quality assessment of restorations in a population of school children.
Authors: Bagramian R A , Jenny J , Woodbury P J , Proshek J
Published: November 2008

An index to measure quality of dental restorative care was devised and utilized on a population of 838 Caucasian school children in a large midwestern city. Quality was measured using a four-point scale. All restorations present were considered as part of the entire mouth. Quality was tested in relation to socioeconomic status. Based on this index the problem of poor quality dental restorations is significant and not necessarily related to socioeconomic status as represented by income or education. Evidence of high quality dentistry as evidenced by stainless steel crowns, space maintainers, and orthodontic appliances was limited to children whose families reported incomes over $6,000. Further use of this quality index is recommended to improve and refine measurements in the area of dental care.
Parental failure and consequences for children. The drug-abusing mother whose children are in foster care.
Authors: Fanshel D
Published: November 2008

The developmental progress of children of drug-abusing mothers was assessed in a study of foster children. Cognitive abilities and personal adjustment appeared to be normal but significantly poorer school adjustment patterns were observed. Such children are disproportionately locked into foster care.
Family planning services for persons handicapped by mental retardation.
Authors: David H P , Smith J D , Friedman E
Published: November 2008

The National Children's Center, Inc., and Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington joined in organizing a special family planning service for persons handicapped with mental retardation. The limited utilization, despite considerable community recruitment efforts, and the few problems encountered with patients served suggest that handicapped individuals can be seen at lower cost and at greater efficiency in regularly scheduled clinics, provided staff are attuned to their special needs. Informal interviews with residential center and clinic staff, with parents, and with clients confirm the need for (a) strengthening in-service training in sex education and contraception to prepare potential clients for more effective use of family planning services; (b) counseling with parents who place a high priority on training for independent community living but are reluctant to face the sexuality of their dependent offspring; and (c) increasing community awareness of the legitimate needs and rights of hard-to-reach handicapped persons in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
A comparison of suicide and non-suicide deaths involving psychotropic drugs in four major U.S. cities.
Authors: McGuire F L , Birch H , Gottschalk L A , Heiser J F , Dinovo E C
Published: November 2008

By use of a standard reporting form, extensive data were gathered on 651 deaths involving psychotropic drugs and recorded with the Coroner's or Medical Examiner's Office in each of four major U.S. cities. Thirty-six per cent of these deaths were listed as "Definitely Suicide" and 44% were listed as "Non-Suicide." A comparison was made of the age, sex, race, occupational category, and type of drug involved for each of these two groups, by city. In general, the Suicide group tended to be older, from higher occupational levels, and more often female. Blacks were under-represented among the Suicides but over-represented among the Non-Suicides. Suicide deaths tended to be associated with barbiturates, analgesics, and/or sedatives, while the Non-Suicides usually died from an accidental abuse of narcotics, usually heroin. These findings tended to be similar for each city, although some inter-city differences were noted.
A study of volunteer ambulance squads.
Authors: Mausner J S , Benes S C , Gabrielson I W
Published: November 2008

A study of all 37 ambulance squads in two Pennsylvania counties (Lehigh and Northampton), an area known to be served largely by volunteer units, was carried out by personal on-site interviews in 1973. The objectives were to determine the structure and functions of the squads and to devise some preliminary estimates of effectiveness as a base for regional planning. Topics examined include population and geographic area served, numbers and training of personnel, vehicles, equipment, record keeping, finances, communications capabilities, and squad organization. The 34 volunteer squads were found to vary greatly in resources and sophistication. The rural squads in particular tended to be underfinanced, to have low call loads and a delayed response to calls. In some squads personnel were inadequate in numbers and training. The advantages and disadvantages of maintaining volunteer services in rural areas are discussed and some possible approaches to the problem of providing high-quality services in rural areas outlined.
Program evaluation techniques in the health services.
Authors: Meredith J
Published: November 2008

This article addresses the issue of program evaluation in the area of health services; examples are drawn from the field of mental health. Current arguments concerning the goals, characteristics, and methodologies of program evaluation are discussed and two generally useful quantitative evaluation models are presented. The models are compared and their advantages for clinicians and administrators are detailed.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa serogroup 11 and pool-associated skin rash.
Authors: Jacobson J A , Hoadley A W , Farmer J J
Published: November 2008

The isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, serogroup 11, from the skin lesions of bathers and from public whirlpools during outbreaks of pool-associated rash illness raises the question of whether the association is an etiologic one and if so what accounts for it. We suggest that a particular environmental adaptation of some strains of Pseudomonas and certain virulence factors they possess may enhance their pathogenic potential.
The front line health worker: selection, training, and performance.
Authors: Ronaghy H A , Najarzadeh E , Schwartz T A , Russel S S , Solter S , Zeighami B
Published: November 2008

Iranian villagers with basic literacy were recruited, selected, trained, and deployed as Village Health Workers (VHWs) to rural areas of Iran. VHW clinical visit records and activities logs were analyzed to determine levels and nature of effort achieved in the field. Within six months of deployment, the number of patient visits to VHW treatment services constituted 53% of the target population. Within ten months of deployment, the number of family planning acceptors rose from 8% to 21% of the population at risk. Improvements to water supplies have been effected in 50% of target villages. Sanitary improvements have been made to 35% of the houses and 88% of toilets in those villages. Demographic characteristics, class rank, and place of residence of VHWs appear unassociated with village differences in levels of achievement. However, availability of material resources and actual time spent by VHWs on the job may be factors influencing the differences in outcome between villages.
Occupational lead poisoning, animal deaths, and environmental contamination at a scrap smelter.
Authors: Levine R J , Moore R M , McLaren G D , Barthel W F , Landrigan P J
Published: November 2008

Occupational lead poisoning and environmental contamination were evaluated at a lead scrap smelter. Thirty of 37 employees (81 per cent) has blood lead levels of greater than or equal to 80 mug/100 ml, indicating unacceptable absorption, and 35 had free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) levels greater than 60mug/100ml rbc, indicating toxicity of lead on heme metabolism in red blood cells; eight current and previous employees had been hospitalized with lead colic, and another with encephalopathy. Levels of lead in surface soil (1,800 ppm) and vegetation (20,000 ppm) at the smelter were high and decreased with distance. Animals on nearby pasture had died, and lead levels in the blood, milk, and hair of large and small animals were elevated. Adults living within 100 meters of the smelter had higher blood and hair lead levels than controls, who lived at greater distances, but there was no evidence in them of lead toxicity.
Professional drivers: protection needed for a high-risk occupation.
Authors: Baker S P , Wong J , Baron R D
Published: November 2008

"On the job" motor vehicle deaths number more than 4,000 annually in the U.S. and comprise nearly one-third of all work-related deaths. Yet the Department of Labor has set no standards relating to on-the-road safety of the millions of workers whose jobs entail large amounts of driving, and Department of Transportation standards affecting occupational safety cover only drivers in interstate commerce. Drivers of some commercial vehicles, such as heavy trucks, are at special risk of injury because trucks have usually been exempted for many years from federal motor vehicle safety standards--such as standards for brakes and seatbelts--designed to prevent crashes or protect occupants in crashes. Observations based on a series of 150 fatal crashes involving tractor trailers illustrate the need for better protection of this large population of high-risk workers. Clarification of responsibility within the various federal agencies and application of available knowledge and technology are essential.
The psychiatric patient at work.
Authors: Robbins D B , Kaminer A J , Schussler T , Pomper I H
Published: November 2008

Psychiatric consultations and job performance of 135 IBM employees were studied. Psychiatric referrals were made by management and the company medical department or were self-referred. The consulting psychiatrist conducted interviews, met with management, personnel representatives and other physicians to coordinate treatment with job requirements. Every effort was made to retain employees and improve performance. After a two-three year follow-up period, 82 employees (61.7 per cent) were with the company; ten were rated outstanding, 38 exceeded job requirements, 25 were meeting job requirements, and four were not. Performance data for five employees were not available. Forty-nine of 83 employees (59.0 per cent) rated unsatisfactory in job performance at the initial referral were performing satisfactorily at follow-up. The results support an optimistic attitude toward the working patient with psychiatric disease and highlight the value of a full-time medical department with consultation facilities leading to secondary and tertiary prevention.
Noise and hospital stay.
Authors: Fife D , Rappaport E
Published: November 2008

Length of hospital stay for simple cataract surgery was compared retrospectively for a period of construction noise and for two similar periods without construction noise. Hospital stay was significantly longer during the period of construction.
Efficacy information in contraceptive counseling: those little white lies.
Authors: Trussell T J , Faden R , Hatcher R A
Published: November 2008

Various procedures for estimating the effectiveness of a method of contraception have been devised. These measures, in turn, have been used in populations which differ widely in their propensity to use contraceptives properly. Therefore, a wide array of failure rates is available in the family planning literature. Unfortunately, because of differences in measurement and in choice of population, a random selection of these reported failure rates will not produce a consistent ordinal or cardinal ranking of methods by their effectiveness. Moreover, such a wide variety or reported rates permits the family planning practitioner to choose selectively in order to maximize the attractiveness of his favorite method(s). By surveying family planning personnel in two major cities, we found that they do indeen appear to place the methods they actively dispense in an extremely favorable position. Specifically, they are biased against the traditional contraceptives, foam and the condom. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical underpinnings of the measurement of effectiveness, report the apparent bias in the levels of contraceptive effectiveness reported to the patient, and finally, recommend a procedure for eliminating the jumble of rates in the literature and the consequent confusion among family planning personnel.
Factors affecting the use of physician services in a rural community.
Authors: Luft H S , Hershey J C , Morrell J
Published: November 2008

This paper examines the relative importance of various independent variables for predicting five separate measures of physician utilization in a rural community. The independent variables include socioeconomic, demographic, attitudinal, and health status factors. The results are comparable to those of national studies which find that health status is the primary determinant of utilization. Income, price measures, and travel time are notable for their relative unimportance in this rural area. This suggests that resources are more likely to be allocated on the basis of medical need within a given health care market than across a number of market areas.
Daily Relaxation Response Breaks in a Working Population
Authors: Peters Ruanne K. , Benson Herbert , Porter Douglas
Published: November 2008

An experiment conducted at the corporate offices of a manufacturing firm investigated the effects of daily relaxation breaks on five self-reported measures of health, performance, and well-being. For 12 weeks, 126 volunteers filled out daily records and reported bi-weekly for additional measurements. After four weeks of baseline monitoring, they were divided randomly into three groups: Group A was taught a technique for producing the relaxation response; Group B was instructed to sit quiety; Group C received no instructions. Groups A and B were asked to take two 15-minute relaxation breaks daily. After an eight-week experimental period, the greatest mean improvements on every index occurred in Group A; the least improvements occurred in Group C; Group B was intermediate. Differences between the mean changes in Groups A vs C reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) on four of the five indices: Symptoms, Illness Days, Performance, and Sociability-Satisfaction. Improvements on the Happiness-Unhappiness Index were not significantly different among the three groups. The relationship between amount of change and rate of practicing the relaxation response was different for the different indices. While less than three practice periods per week produced little change on any index, two daily sessions appeared to be more practice than was necessary for many individuals to achieve positive changes. Somatic symptoms and performance responded with less practice of the relaxation response than did behavioral symptoms and measures of well-being. (Am. J. Public Health 67:946-953,1977)
Appointment-keeping behavior re-evaluated.
Authors: Hertz P , Stamps P L
Published: November 2008

Many of the traditional approaches to the problem of appointment-keeping behavior have ignored the organizational factors that may be implicated in differentially high broken appointment rates leading to an implicit assumption that low-income and ethnic minority patients will be more likely to break appointments. A case study at a Model Cities Health Center which maintains a kept appointment rate of 85 per cent examined the relationship of broken appointments to age, sex, ethnic background, and payment mechanisms. The results suggest alternative explanations for differentially high broken appointments centering on the role of the institution in reinforcing appointment-keeping behavior.
House-to-house, community-wide chemoprophylaxis for meningococcal disease: an aggressive approach to disease prevention.
Authors: Chester T J , Jacobson J A , Caviness E L , Wolf F S
Published: November 2008

During an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a rural community in southwest Alabama in 1975-76, we undertook an aggressive campaign of house-to-house, community-wide chemoprophylaxis distribution. Over a three-day period 1,045 households were visited and 4,454 persons received medication. The 1970 census lists 967 households with 4,067 persons residing in the community. To evaluate compliance we cultured for meningococcal carriers before and after the chemoprophylaxis campaign. All of the previously discovered carriers were negative three weeks after the drug distribution. The cost of the campaign ($26,520) was very small compared to the possible benefit achieved. The methods of planning and executing this campaign are described in detail.
A perspective on the significance of pandemic influenza.
Authors: Kavet J
Published: November 2008

The identification in February 1976 of a new strain of influenza virus led to the enactment of unprecedented federal legislation to minimize the impact of a potential outbreak of pandemic influenza in the fall and winter of 1976-1977. This legislative program does not, however, represent a commitment of federal resources to deal with the more general, longstanding problem of epidemic influenza. This paper presents a series of estimates of the impact and economic consequences of influenza. By including periods of interpandemic as well as pandemic disease, the estimates offer a broadened perspective of the magnitude of the influenza problem. The estimates show that while the proportions of pandemic influenza can be singularly impressive, the cumulative effects of interpandemic outbreaks are generally of greater consequence. The paper discusses the implications of these estimates and the 1976 legislation for the support and implementation of federal policy on the use of influenza vaccine. While the commitment of resources in support of public policy cannot alone guarantee successful implementation, it must be considered an essential prerequisite for dealing with both interpandemic and pandemic influenza.