bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic Response to Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis: Role of Substance P
Authors: Ruocco Heloisa H. , Fernandes Gilberto A. , Namer Izzie J. , Depaulis Antoine , Levy Salomon
Published: October 2003

Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) is thought to be a model for experimental chronic stress that has as main features decreased adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) plasma levels and a rise in median eminence content of arginine vasopressin (AVP) due to the activity of substance P. In experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), another chronic stress model, the role of substance P action is not clear. In this paper we tried to clarify the role of substance P in Lewis rats, which are susceptible to this disease. EAE was induced using myelin basic protein plus complete Freund’s adjuvant injected into the hind limbs. One day later injections of an antagonist to substance P (RP 67580), saline, and substance P were administered daily for 12–14 days through a stainless steel cannula into the lateral ventricle of the brain, and then the rats were killed. The rats were divided into groups of controls, sham, diseased controls (no intracerebroventricular injections) and EAE (injected intracerebroventricularly). Plasma was used for the quantification of ACTH and corticosterone but not AVP which was assayed in hypothalamic median eminence extracts. In noninjected diseased rats the plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone were significantly higher than in noninjected control rats, whereas the AVP concentrations in the median eminence were unchanged. The substance P antagonist did not affect the levels of these hormones in plasma or the median eminence. Substance P decreased the plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone but did not increase the median eminence content of vasopressin. Administration of the antagonist 30 min before an equivalent dose of substance P increased the plasma levels of the two hormones, but did not change the content of AVP. Based on the lack of response to the antagonist RP 67580 we suggest that the substance P has different roles in EAE and AA at least in the later stages of EAE (after 11 days of immunization).
Antibacterial Activity of Intraocularly Used Liquids against Two Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Economou-Stamatelopoulou Calliope , Roussopoulos George P. , Prouskas John C. , Apostolopoulos Michael
Published: October 2003

The antibacterial effectiveness of liquids used as intraocular tamponading agents in vitrectomy was tested in this study. Two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used as challenge organisms: the ATCC 9027 strain and a randomly selected resistant strain. The liquid intraocular tamponading agents tested were perfluorocarbons, balanced salt solutions, and silicone oils. Perfluorocarbons demonstrated a significant decrease in growth of the ATCC 9027 strain and sufficient protection against the resistant strain of P. aeruginosa. The balanced salt solutions as well as the silicone oils demonstrated insufficient protection against both strains used. There is a correspondence of results in the pairs of chemically similar substances.
Pigmented Paravenous Retinochoroidal Atrophy
Authors: Kükner A. Şahap , Yilmaz Turgut , Çelebi Serdal , Aydemir Orhan , Ulaş Fatih
Published: October 2003

Seven patients (4 men and 3 women, ranging in age from 27 to 64 years) with pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy, a rare disorder of unknown origin, were studied. The mean follow-up time was 18.5 months. Fundus examinations were performed, and color fundus photographs were taken. In addition to fluorescein angiography, visual field examinations, color vision and electroretinographic tests were performed. All 7 patients were asymptomatic, with visual acuities ranging from 3/10 to 10/10. Both fundi showed patches of retinochoroidal atrophy and pigmentation along the retinal veins in all patients. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescence due to the pigment epithelial atrophy together with hypofluorescence corresponding to bone spicule pigment clumping. Visual field tests showed scotomas corresponding with areas of atrophy along the retinal veins. The electroretinography showed reduced responses in 2 cases. Color vision was normal in all cases. The patients had no history of trauma or a previous inflammatory process. Serology for syphilis, Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus as well as a skin test for tuberculosis were negative. When the patients were seen at the end of the follow-up period, no variation of the findings was noted. Although the fundus abnormalities can be mild or severe, retinal function tests indicated that this is a geographic and not a generalized disorder.
Developmental Stages in the Rabbit Embryo: Guidelines to Choose an Appropriate Experimental Model
Authors: Beaudoin S. , Barbet P. , Bargy F.
Published: October 2003

Researchers involved in the field of congenital malformations are often forced to work on an animal model. Both accurate description of its normal development and comparative staging with human development will be mandatory. To complete the lacking medical literature, we herein provide such data for the rabbit model. Sampled rabbit embryos were staged using the Carnegie criteria, in order first to determine if they were consistent with the rabbit developmental pattern, and second to compare this pattern with the human one. Our results show a suitable comparison of rabbits and humans in early developmental stages, except for the neural growth.
Natural History of Twin Gestation Complicated by in utero Fetal Demise: Associations of Chorionicity, Prematurity, and Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Kaufman Howard K. , Hume Jr. Roderick F. , Calhoun Byron C. , Carlson Nancy , Yorke Victoria , Elliott Dawn , Evans Mark I.
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To evaluate the pathophysiology by which the in utero death of 1 twin might increase morbidity to its co-twin survivor and its mother. To assess previously reported risks for maternal disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, peripartal hemorrhage, retained placenta and infection, as well as the fetal risk of prematurity. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the natural history of twin pregnancies from three institutions was performed. A total of 1,989 cases of twin pregnancy were identified, Wayne State University included 1,266 cases from 1984 to 1993; Madigan Army Medical Center 136 cases, 1995–2000, and Rockford Regional Perinatal Center, 587 cases, 1990–2000. The findings were classified by the presence or absence of fetal death in utero (IUFD) as follows: both IUFD (0/0); 1 IUFD (0/+), and both live born (+/+). A case-control study was performed on the subgroup of patients for whom complete records as to chorionicity, etc., were available. Results: Of the 1,989 cases reviewed there were 49 both IUFD (0/0), 61 complicated by 1 IUFD (0/+), and 1,879 with both live born (+/+). The overall fetal death rate for this twin cohort was 55/1,000. IUFD of 1 or both twins was related to an increased risk of previable delivery 55% in 0/0, and 28% in 0/+ versus 4% for +/+ with p < 0.001. IUFD also was associated with early preterm delivery (mean gestational age at delivery of 23 (0/0) and 30 (0/+) versus 35 (+/+) weeks). Chorionicity as well as maternal risks were examined in the case-control study (24 (0/0), 43 (0/+), 134 (+/+)) with the following results: monochorionic placentation was more likely in pregnancies complicated by IUFD (54% (0/0), 51% (0/+) versus 14% (+/+); p < 0.001). Retained placenta, requiring dilation and curettage, occurred more frequently when both twins died in utero, but may be related to the earlier gestational age at delivery. Discussion: Independent of retained placenta, there is no difference in the maternal risks for hemorrhage, abruption, coagulopathy or infection between groups. Immaturity at delivery and monochorionicity are more common in pregnancies complicated by fetal demise. Neonatal morbidity and developmental outcome will be the focus of a longitudinal study comparing cotwin survivors to twins matched for chorionicity and gestational age at delivery.
Fetal Goitrous Hypothyroidism Followed by Neonatal Transient Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Matsumoto Tadashi , Miyakoshi Kei , Kasai Kenji , Ishimoto Hitoshi , Tanaka Mamoru , Ikeda Kazushige , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: October 2003

We report a case of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism followed by neonatal transient hyperthyroidism. A fetal goiter (26 × 38 mm) was detected by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging at 29 weeks of gestation. Hypothyroidism was confirmed by cordocentesis, which revealed an elevated TSH (255 µIU/ml) and a low free T4 (0.4 ng/dl). The fetal goiter decreased in size after treatment with four 240-microgram intra-amniotic administrations of levothyroxine. A 2,829-gram male neonate was delivered vaginally at 37 weeks of gestation, showing an euthyroid status at birth. On day 3, free T3 was 6.9 pg/ml and free T4 was 6.4 ng/dl, indicating hyperthyroidism. This persisted for 4 months. His thyroid functions reverted to normal at 4 months of age and have been within normal range since. Undetermined factors might be involved in the development of thyroid dysfunction in the perinatal period.
Fetal Atrial Tachycardia Diagnosed by Magnetocardiography and Direct Fetal Electrocardiography
Authors: Ishii Keisuke , Chiba Yoshihide , Sasaki Yoshihito , Kawamata Kazuya , Miyashita Susumu
Published: October 2003

At 26 weeks of gestation, fetal tachyarrhythmias (about 250 bpm) and ascites were detected by ultrasonography, and oral treatment with propranolol (30 mg/day) was commenced. Within 10 h, the fetal heart rate changed to approximately 85 bpm. The averaged fetal magnetocardiogram triggered by R peaks showed P wave and QRS complexes and an extra P wave. In addition, many extra nonconducted P-waves were detected in a fetal direct electrocardiogram. At 27 weeks of gestation, fetal tachycardia occurred again, and arrhythmia was diagnosed as the result of a blocked premature atrial contraction (PAC) with intermittent atrial tachycardia by fetal electrocardiogram. Administration of transplacental propranolol (90 mg/day) resolved the fetal tachyarrhythmias and ascites. Further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of propranolol for fetal atrial tachycardia.
Intravenous Fetal Exchange Transfusion before 22 Weeks of Gestation in Early and Severe Red-Cell Fetomaternal Alloimmunization
Authors: Poissonnier Marie Helene , Picone Olivier , Brossard Yves , Lepercq Jacques
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To determine the perinatal outcome in severe red-cell fetomaternal alloimmunization. Methods: Retrospective series of 32 affected fetuses treated with intravenous fetal exchange transfusion (IFET) before 22 weeks of gestation. The main outcome measures were the degree of fetal anemia, fetal transfusions and perinatal outcome. Results: The first IFET was performed at 19.8 ± 1.8 weeks of gestation. All fetuses were severely anemic and hemoglobin levels were not different between 20 hydropic and 12 nonhydropic fetuses (4.1 ± 2.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2.8 g/dl, p = 0.33). The initial maternal anti-D level ranged from 4 to 76 µg/l and was not correlated to fetal anemia (r = –0.07). Conclusion: The overall perinatal survival rate was 78% compared to a previous perinatal loss rate excluding first pregnancies of 55.5%.
Use of a Consensus Building Approach to Plan Speech Services for Children with Cleft Palate in India
Authors: D’Antonio Linda L. , Nagarajan Roopa
Published: October 2003

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common birth defect worldwide. While surgical repair can normalize appearance, debilitating speech disorders frequently persist. Speech-language pathology (SLP) services are needed to address these disorders. However in many regions of the world, there is no discipline of SLP or inadequate numbers of trained clinicians. New models for service delivery must be explored to address the needs of children with CLP. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programs represent one model that has been successful in the delivery of other rehabilitation services. This paper presents the outcome of a consensus workshop held in India that explored the application of the CBR model to address the need for SLP services for children with CLP when traditional SLP services are limited or not available.
Firing Properties and Dye Coupling of Neurons in the Pigeon Nucleus semilunaris
Authors: Tang Zong-Xiang , Wang Shu-Rong
Published: October 2003

Our previous study indicated that the nucleus semilunaris in birds is a visual center. The present study using pigeon brain slices shows that 84 semilunar cells examined could be grouped into five types according to responses to depolarizing current injections. Type I cells (early bursting, 44%) fire a single burst followed by regular spiking. Type II cells (regular spiking, 13%) regularly produce spikes, the rates of which are enhanced as currents are increased. Type III cells (bursting, 17%) discharge a series of bursts each consisting of 2–4 spikes. Type IV cells (dual spiking, 15%) evoke both spikes and spikelets. Type V cells (inhibition-following, 11%) are characterized by regular spiking followed by an inhibitory period after current cessation. Morphologically, semilunar neurons have piriform, round, or fusiform somata of 12–23 µm in diameter, which give rise to 2–4 primary dendrites with sparse branches. Dual spiking activity is invariably correlated with dye coupling, and bursting cells have a tendency to be fusiform in shape. Other types of semilunar cells do not show a correlation between their firing patterns and morphological features.
Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Medical Patients: Impact of Underlying Disease
Authors: Pirlich Matthias , Schütz Tatjana , Kemps Martin , Luhman Niklas , Burmester Gerd-Rüdiger , Baumann Gert , Plauth Mathias , Lübke Heinrich Josef , Lochs Herbert
Published: October 2003

Background/Aims: Malnutrition is common among hospitalized patients. We investigated whether certain diseases predispose more frequently for malnutrition than others. Methods: Nutritional state was assessed by clinical scores, anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis in 502 consecutively admitted patients in the departments of internal medicine in two hospitals in Berlin (n = 300, university hospital; n = 202, district hospital). The prevalence of malnutrition was compared in patient groups with a different diagnosis. Results: Malnutrition was present in 24.2% of all patients. A clear association between diagnoses and malnutrition was found: the prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher in malignant than in non-malignant diseases (50.9 vs. 21.0%, p < 0.0001). High prevalence rates >30% were observed in subgroups of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic heart failure and benign lung diseases. Patients with gastrointestinal diseases, however, were not more frequently malnourished than other medical patients (28.8 vs. 22.0%). Malnourished patients were significantly older (70.0 ± 13.6 vs. 58.3 ± 15.6 years, p < 0.0001) and had a 40% longer hospital stay (13.1 ± 8.1 vs. 9.3 ± 6.8 days, p < 0.0001) than well-nourished patients. Conclusions: Patients with malignancies, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic heart failure and benign lung diseases need special attention due to the high prevalence of malnutrition.
L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Mild or Moderate Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Malaguarnera Mariano , Pistone Giovanni , Astuto Marinella , Dell’Arte Simona , Finocchiaro Giovanna , Lo Giudice Emilia , Pennisi Giovanni
Published: October 2003

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of cirrhosis. Experimental and clinical findings observed in liver, muscle and brain have provided new insights into the ammonia mechanism of action. L-Carnitine (LC), inducing ureagenesis, may decrease blood and brain ammonia levels. 120 patients meeting inclusion criteria were randomized either to a treatment for 60 days with LC or placebo (2 g twice a day). Previous studies have reported a significant protective effect of LC in mice and rats, which is associated with a significant reduction of blood and brain ammonia concentration, suggesting an action of LC either at peripheral or central sites. Results of our study show a protective effect of LC in ammonia-precipitated encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Either in subjects with HE 1 or 2 we observed a significant reduction at day 30 and more markedly at day 60 of treatment. A significant therapeutic effect of LC was also observed in the NCT-A, which is an accepted and reliable psychometric test for the assessment of mental function in cirrhotic patients with HE.
The Acid-Tolerant Microbiota Associated with Plaque from Initial Caries and Healthy Tooth Surfaces
Authors: Svensäter G. , Borgström M. , Bowden G.H.W. , Edwardsson S.
Published: October 2003

The intent of this study was to compare the inherent acid tolerance of bacteria in samples of dental plaque from tooth sites in subjects with and without initial caries. Plaque was collected from approximal surfaces showing early enamel caries and from healthy tooth surfaces in the same subjects, as well as from enamel surfaces of caries-free individuals. In addition to plating on blood agar, the plaque samples were plated directly on non-selective solid agar medium buffered to pH 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5 and 4.0 to avoid any loss of adaptation to acid during primary isolation of plaque bacteria. The results showed that approximately 50% of the total cultivable plaque microbiota from caries, as well as healthy tooth sites, was able to grow at pH 5.5 and 1% at pH 5.0, pH values regarded as critical for the demineralization of tooth enamel. At pH 5.0, members of the genus Streptococcus were the dominant group, but mutans streptococci accounted for less than half of the streptococcal viable count. The other acid-tolerant streptococcal isolates included Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis,Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus sanguis. Analysis of the results indicated that the mutans streptococci in dental plaque were highly variable with respect to acid tolerance, and that both caries and healthy sites harboured significant numbers of mutans streptococci that were not acid-tolerant.
Influence of Oral Detergents and Chlorhexidine on Soft-Layer Electrokinetic Parameters of the Acquired Enamel Pellicle
Authors: Busscher H.J. , White D.J. , Kamminga-Rasker H.J. , Poortinga A.T. , van der Mei H.C.
Published: October 2003

Electron microscopy has described the salivary pellicle as an ‘uneven, knotted structure’. This study describes a novel soft-layer model of salivary pellicles, based on measured electrophoretic mobilities and the influence of dentifrices and a chlorhexidine mouthwash on the parameters of the model. The enamel surface was found to possess a high number of fixed, negative charges (zN = –62 mM) and to be electrophoretically hard (1/λ = 0.6 nm), i.e. impenetrable to fluid flow. Adsorption of a salivary pellicle resulted in a fourfold reduction in the surface fixed charge density (zN = –15 mM) along with an increase in electrophoretic softness (1/λ = 2.3 nm). Exposure of pellicles to various dentifrices containing sodium fluoride as an active component and sodium lauryl sulfate as a detergent had little effect on the surface fixed charge densities (varying between –15 and –30 mM, depending on the dentifrice involved) and electrophoretic softnesses (varying between 2.3 and 3.4 nm). Exposure of pellicles to a dentifrice containing sodium fluoride and hexametaphosphate as an additional detergent yielded soft (8.0 nm) pellicles, penetrable to fluid flow, with few fixed, negative charges (1 mM). This is opposite to the effects of chlorhexidine, which created an electrophoretically hard pellicle (1.7 nm). This soft-layer electrokinetic model quantitatively shows that the degree to which pellicles are penetrable to fluid flow differs upon exposure to dentifrices, with relevance for plaque formation, de- and remineralization and staining processes.
In vitro Study of Remineralization of Dentin: Effects of Ions on Mineral Induction by Decalcified Dentin Matrix
Authors: Saito Takashi , Toyooka Hiroki , Ito Shuichi , Crenshaw Miles A.
Published: October 2003

We examined the effects of various ions on the mineralization of dentin matrix in vitro. Demineralized dentin matrix was incubated in a metastable calcium phosphate solution with or without silicate, fluoride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium or silver. Insoluble dentin matrix induced mineral formation after incubation for 10.2 h in the metastable solution without added ions. Silicate at 5 µM and fluoride at 40 µM significantly reduced the mineral induction time. At least 200 µM calcium or 100 µM phosphate was required to promote mineral induction. Conversely, magnesium and silver concentrations as low as 10 and 2 µM inhibited mineral induction. The mineral induced by each sample after incubation for 24 h was identified by its X-ray diffraction pattern as apatite. We concluded that silicate is a stronger inducer of remineralization of dentin matrix than fluoride, calcium or phosphate, and that magnesium and silver inhibit the induction of remineralization of dentin matrix.
Heterochromatin polymorphism associated with 18S rDNA: a differential pathway among Hoplias malabaricus fish populations
Authors: Vicari M.R. , Artoni R.F. , Bertollo L.A.C.
Published: October 2003

The distribution of constitutive heterochromatin has showed a relevant association with karyotypic evolution in several animal groups. In the present paper, a polymorphic condition for a heterochromatic segment overlapping a nucleolar organizer region in the fish species Hoplias malabaricus from the Iguaçu river, Southern Brazil, was analyzed. In accordance with previous studies, this population belongs to cytotype A, showing 2n = 42 meta-submetacentric chromosomes, without differentiation of sex chromosomes. Three phenotypes were established with regard to the heterochromatin located near the centromere of chromosome pair 16, and named rr for homomorphic reduced bands, dd for homomorphic duplicated bands and rd for the heteromorphic condition. The rr phenotype was predominant (70.6%), followed by rd (23.5%) and dd (5.9%), showing Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the population. In addition, the 18S rDNA sites also show the polymorphic condition. A possible role for this NOR/heterochromatin segment in the evolution of sex chromosomes in other H. malabaricus cytotypes is discussed.
Chromosome banding in Amphibia
Authors: Schmid M. , Steinlein C.
Published: October 2003

The karyotype of the pine woods treefrog, Hyla femoralis, is characterized by primitive XY♀/XX♂ sex chromosomes. The sole difference between the X and the Y is the presence of a nucleolus organizer region (NOR) in the X. Due to a deletion of the NOR in the Y, this chromosome is distinctly smaller than the X. Since no autosomal NORs exist in the karyotype of this species, the NOR deletion in the Y results in a sex-specific difference in the number of ribosomal RNA genes, with a female:male ratio of about 2:1. Interphase nuclei of male animals contain always one silver-stained nucleolus, whereas most nuclei of female specimens exhibit two nucleoli. This is in agreement with the absence of dosage compensation for sex-linked genes in amphibian cells. The consequences of the loss of about 50% of ribosomal RNA genes for the viability of male individuals and spermatogenesis are discussed.
Body Image Disturbance, Parental Bonding and Alexithymia in Patients with Eating Disorders
Authors: De Panfilis C. , Rabbaglio P. , Rossi C. , Zita G. , Maggini C.
Published: October 2003

Background: To evaluate if body image disturbance and alexithymia, two major clinical features of eating disorders (ED), are predicted by an altered parental bonding. Sampling and Methods: 64 female ED outpatients and 68 female healthy controls were assessed by means of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Pearson’s correlations and multiple stepwise regression analysis were applied to explore the contribution of PBI factors on BUT and TAS scores. Results: BUT weight phobia, body image concerns, avoidance, depersonalization, Global Severity Index and positive symptom total were predicted by low parental care, while compulsive self-monitoring was predicted by parental overprotection. TAS total score and difficulty in describing feelings were predicted by low maternal care. Conclusions: Body image disturbance in ED may be conceptualized as a deficit in self-development, resulting from failures in parent-child interactions which impaired the ability to distinguish bodily needs from emotional experiences.
Preattentive Memory-Based Comparison of Sound Intensity
Authors: Jacobsen Thomas , Horenkamp Thorsten , Schröger Erich
Published: October 2003

Changes in the intensity of repeated, ignored sounds elicit the mismatch negativity (MMN) brain response which reflects preattentive detection of the change. It is generally assumed that the MMN in response to intensity changes reflects a memory-based comparison mechanism rather than being due to differential states of refractoriness of intensity-specific cortical neurons. In the present study, an experimental protocol consisting of 4 oddball blocks and 1 control block was used in order to separate memory-comparison-related effects from refractoriness-related ones. This design allowed an assessment of intensity MMN using physically identical stimuli with equal probability of occurrence in separate blocks, while avoiding contamination by refractoriness. Results were consistent with an MMN in response to intensity change that reflects genuine memory-based comparison.
Variation among European Americans in Emotional Facial Expression
Authors: Tsai Jeanne L. , Chentsova-Dutton Ulia
Published: October 2003

The authors examined whether European Americans (EA) several generations removed from their ancestors varied as a function of their countries of origin by comparing the emotional facial expressions of EA originally from Scandinavian countries (EA-S),who value emotional control, and those from Ireland (EA-I),who value emotional expression. EA-S were less expressive than EA-I while reliving various emotions, especially happiness and love, suggesting that in this domain, EAs continue to be influenced by their cultural heritages.
Adjustment for Acquiescence in the Assessment of the Construct Equivalence of Likert-Type Score Items
Authors: Welkenhuysen-Gybels Jerry , Billiet Jaak , Cambré Bart
Published: October 2003

Survey research often uses Liker-type score items to measure respondents' attitudes with respect to certain topics. This type of item has been shown to be susceptible to an acquiescent response bias. The purpose of this article is to point out the importance of controlling for this type of response bias when evaluating the equivalence of the construct measured by the items across (cultural) groups. More specifically, it is shown how and when omitting a factor accounting for the acquiescent response bias leads to a biased assessment of the invariance of the loadings of the content factor across the groups under study. On the basis of these results, a procedure for controlling for acquiescence is proposed and illustrated on a large data set of nine West European countries.
The Codes of Conduct of the Terāpanth Sama[UNKNOWN]n Order
Authors: Flügel Peter
Published: October 2003

The article investigates the relationship between canonical rules ( dharma) and customary rules ( maryādā) in contemporary Jain mendicant life. It focuses on an analysis of the Terāpanth śvetāmbara Jain mendicant order and presents translations and analyses of the rules and regulations and initiation rituals for a new category of Jain novices, the saman order, which was introduced by the Terāpanth in 1981. It is argued that variations and cumulative changes in post-canonical monastic law can be understood in terms of rule specification and secondary canonization and not only in terms of exceptions to the rule. The article contributes both to the anthropology of South Asian asceticism and monasticism and to the exploration of the maryādā and āvaśyaka literatures of the Jains.
'Honourable Machinations': The Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Baronetcy and the Indian Response to the Honours System in India
Authors: Palsetia Jesse S.
Published: October 2003

This paper examines the Indian response to the development of an honours system and imperial rites in India in the first half of the nineteenth century, and in particular the efforts by the Jejeebhoy family and its supporters to obtain the Indian businessman Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy a hereditary baronetcy prior to his death. It argues that the baronetcy scheme of Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and the Indian response to honours in general marked the recognition of the important role of imperial ideology among Indians.
A New Beginning? Manipur's State Elections: 2002
Authors: Parratt John , Parratt Saroj Arambam
Published: October 2003

The state elections held in Manipur in 2002 need to be understood against the background of the merger with India in 1949, and of the protests against the India-Naga cease fire agreement in June 2001. The elections in February 2002 demonstrated popular disillusionment with corruption, underdevelopment, self-seeking politicians, party-hopping and changing coalitions, which had characterized previous governments. The newly elected Secular Progressive Front alliance set out credible policies which promise to address these issues, as well as those of human rights abuses and geographical integrity.
Business information in transition: the business information resources survey 2000
Authors: Smith Gerry
Published: October 2003

Surveys the use of information in UK business libraries, based on a questionnaire mailed in November 1999 to 525 libraries.
E-commerce is key to global competitiveness - but is there anyone you can trust in the online world?
Authors: Talwatte Gehan
Published: October 2003

Considers the important role of trust in the context of electronic commerce (E-commerce), not just as a security issue, but as an issue covering the legal environment of purchasing online and the ability to be able to have instantaneous clarification that the person or company involved with has passed a credit verification and is a viable business proposition. Focuses on the services offered by eccelerate.com (http://www.eccelerate.com), a company providing enabling tools and information to support trusted online transactions. Being an offshoot of Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), eccelerate.com uses the D&B database, containing information on over 57 million companies worldwide, to deliver business credentials on buyers and sellers in real-time, at the point of an E-commerce transaction. Working with key digital certificate providers and ensuring that credible information from the D&B database is contained within the certificate enables eccelerate.com to provide both authentication and qualification.
Corporate portals: realizing their promise, avoiding costly failure
Authors: White Martin
Published: October 2003

Reviews selected issues involved in the deployment of intranets, with particular reference to those that have stimulated the development and adoption of corporate portal applications. Notes a questionnaire survey, conducted by Enterprise LSE, of 145 UK departments and agencies in late 1999 (report available from www.governmentonline.org), which showed that many intranets were not yielding the anticipated benefits. Discusses the genesis of corporate portals and lists the main features that these should include in terms of: content; communication; collaboration; customization; and currency. Notes the emergence of collaborative portal companies, business intelligence applications vendors, enterprise information/corporate portal (EIP) vendors, portal framework vendors, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendors. Describes the issues to be considered when selecting a corporate portal solution, including: product functionalities; pre-sales; costs; external source integration; and the impact on the provision of business information. Corporate portal vendors are becoming aware of the importance of providing effective integration, but may well decide to work with a selected number of vendors to reduce the technical integration issues. Concludes that, although corporate portal applications have been marketed for a couple of years, they are still in their infancy. Business information managers must make an effort to understanding the technology and benefits of corporate portal applications.
After content: the business of information in the postcopyright age
Authors: Worlock David R.
Published: October 2003

It is argued that the age of print is coming to a close more rapidly than had been predicted in the 1990s and that the system of ownership and control of content, embodied in the concept of copyright, will not survive into the digital age. Examples include the recent US legal rulings regarding the Napster (www.napster. com) and MP3 (www.mp3.com) Web sites for exchanging music, that have revealed the inadequacies of the US Copyright Act in the context of a modern communication model. In the post-copyright world of the Internet and World Wide Web, intellectual property will be traded in a different and, arguably, a more rational way. It is stressed that those who have argued most fervently about the primacy of content have not been the authors, artists or originators (the owners of the copyrights), but those who have only had access by licence. It is argued that the debate is not one about the ultimate ownership of content, but about its tradable status and the emphasis is quickly switching away from content and towards context. Some of the new, emerging business models are discussed including: free information acting as promotion for commercial services; advertising and sponsorship; vertically organized information services; and users-as-publishers. Concludes that in the mixed economy of the Web all of these models are likely to survive. In these networked content environments, the legal framework of exchange will be contract and licence while content and copyright will become forgotten concepts.
Dot.comings and dotgoings – time for a virtuality check?
Authors: Lennon David
Published: October 2003

Presents a slightly ironic view of the current trends in Internet business as exemplified by the proliferation of ‘dot.com’ companies and the seemingly limitless potential they appear to offer to investors. Notes that any lessons which could have been learned from business models developed by other virtual finance sectors or the French Minitel experience, have been largely unheeded. Faced with this set of circumstances, many investors, jobholders and job seekers have opted to jettison previously held and tested belief systems and to adopt the new visions of a virtual world more or less uncritically. Examines the new economy in the light of the current dot.com shakeout in order to carry out a reality check. Argues that the mistake of the new economy was to reject wholesale financial and business practices which had been perfected over time and to assume that they had no place in the new economy. Future success will lie with the marrying of the best of the new and the old established practices.
Being an intrapreneur and creating a successful information service within your organization
Authors: Pantry Shelia , Griffiths Peter
Published: October 2003

Suggests various ways in which library and information professionals can and should demonstrate to their organizations and to the public that their function is not merely useful but provides an essential service. These are likely to include a combination of marketing, corporate intelligence, management skills and innovative thought and to be based on the belief that library and information professionals are best equipped to make sense of the new areas of information and knowledge management that are currently proliferating. Argues that the key to success lies in a new style of management, defined as ‘intrapreneurial’ as applied to library and information service management. The fundamental nature and characteristics of intrapreneurs are discussed. These qualities include the ability to: allocate resources for service quality; delegate and organize; reduce individual and team stress; accept responsibility of leadership; motivate at all levels; select a good team; and develop a good team. The five requirements identified as being essential to allow the growth of intrapreneurship comprise: encouragement of risk-taking; financing, rewarding and recognizing innovation; improved means for dissemination of innovation in the public sector; provision of political leadership; and development of a new breed of public sector managers who are trained and motivated as intrapreneurs.
The art and science of Story or ‘Are you sitting uncomfortably?’
Authors: Snowden David J.
Published: October 2003

Part two of a two-part article continuing the theme of a earlier article ( BIR, 17(3) Sep 2000, 147–156) which outlined some of the uses of storytelling for communication and knowledge disclosure. Story is positioned against other approaches to storytelling in organizations and identifies the different forms of purposeful story that can be constructed using anecdotal material, archetypes and values extracted from an organization. Four contrasting approaches to the use of stories within an organizational context are extracted from the literature: stories as a research tool; enhancing actual stories; embracing fiction; and traditional forms of story. Story is distinguished by: its anecdotal collection methods which reduce the impact of the researcher; the use of anecdotal material for stories the identification of archetypes and organizing principles expressed in those anecdotes; the deliberate attempt to change or reinforce the culture as represented by those archetypes and organizing principles; and the emphasis on construction of the story in a collaborative context. Concludes by discussing the various types and uses of these stories and the ethical principles involved in the use of story technique.
The knowledge economy is here – but where are the information professionals? (Part 2)
Authors: Rikowski Ruth
Published: October 2003

Part two of a two-part article concluding a literature review of the business and political influences impacting on the development of the knowledge economy. Considers the influence of Japanese philosophy on the development of the knowledge company. Compares Western and Japanese theories of knowledge and considers the concept of the knowledge company alongside that of the knowledge economy where successful companies need to be innovative and create an environment that enables knowledge creation. Discusses the meaning of knowledge, commodified forms of knowledge, epistemology as the philosophical study of knowledge, rationalism versus empiricism and Japanese philosophy of knowledge. When considering the role of information professionals in the knowledge economy it must be concluded that this appears to be very limited at present, as does its role within the specific sphere of knowledge management.
The New Information Economy takes shape: business information resources survey 2001
Authors: Smith Gerry
Published: October 2003

Surveys the use of information in UK business libraries, based on a questionnaire mailed in November 2000 to 675 libraries/information departments.
The value of content
Authors: McGovern Gerry , Norton Rob
Published: October 2003

Summarizes the main points of the articles included in this issue of Business Information Review. Gerry McGovern and Rob Norton discuss the value of content in the context of the information needed to help them make decisions and their reliance on their professional or social network. They conclude that, while acknowledging that experience, instinct and good networking will always be central to any decision process, on their own they are no longer enough. Dave Crick’s report on the information gathering activities of successful internationalizing UK firms reports on the highly perceived usefulness of networks of social contacts, suggesting that informal sources are highly valued, particularly via the Internet. An update on service developments at Companies House is presented by Paul Reynolds and David Garnett, which concludes that deregulatory pressures mean that the minimum now required of all but the largest companies may give the searcher only a limited picture of a particular company. Simon Ryley suggests reasons why companies are not being over-enthusiastic about the benefits of corporate portals. Karen Beesley presents a helpful explanation of XML (Extensible Markup Language), concluding that its adoption will necessitate commitment to a more detailed understanding of business processes and to the introduction of a degree of structure to both documents and processes. David Mort concludes that information professionals are more effective at searching and finding information than end-users although a significant percentage of searches by information specialists were still ranked as unsuccessful and their success rate was only slightly higher.
Why information departments are becoming academic
Authors: Taylor James
Published: October 2003

This article outlines the increasing convergence between academia and business over the last decade or so, and the mutual benefits that this closer association has brought. He also looks at the growing importance of the information profession, suggesting that this is leading to a greater need for specialist skills, as reflected by the rise in academic courses in this area. However, he argues that increasing specialization must not lead to insularity; if information professionals are truly concerned with gaining a competitive advantage, they must not close their minds to the potential benefits of working with external, non-specialist, partners. The benefits that business has reaped from academia, he contends, suggest that this may also be a fruitful avenue for information departments to explore.
The psychology of smart information retrieval
Authors: Brown Daniel
Published: October 2003

This article examines the role of user psychology in the development of new approaches to information retrieval. It outlines the broad requirements of any system designed to overcome the problem of information glut, and explores methods for understanding users and eliciting information about their requirements. The importance of systems capturing context is emphasized: both the user’s changing requirements in the context of their underlying preferences, and the context of information contained within documents. The author provides an overview of different technological approaches to classifying information. The article concludes that information retrieval systems can only be truly effective if they construct deep, rich profiles of users as well as understanding the information that they require. Decision Intelligence theory asserts that it is only by bringing together these two halves of the information retrieval equation that users can be matched to content that is truly relevant to their decisionmaking.
Business information in the end-user age: Business Information Resources Survey, 2002
Authors: Foster Allan , Foster Pam
Published: October 2003

Surveys the use of business information in UK libraries, based on a questionnaire mailed in November 2001 to 456 libraries/information departments.
Recruitment prospects in economic downturn: will there be a downturn in jobs for information workers?
Authors: Hill Sue
Published: October 2003

The Managing Director of Sue Hill Recruitment & Services, a UK specialist recruitment consultancy within the information field, reviews the trends in the information industry, particularly during 2001, with a view to determining whether the economic conditions in the UK will impact on the number of jobs available for librarians and information professionals in the corporate library and information sector. A major problem lies not in fears of economic recession but in clearly defined changes in the recruitment patterns of organizations across all sectors traceable back to Spring 2001, when firms in the banking/ financial/consultancy sector tightened up on permanent recruitment. This was due to the great difficulty experienced in recruiting good quality staff in the information sector over a two-year period. The major reason for this shortfall is the rapid expansion of the information industry and the inability of the number of information professionals to keep pace with the demand. An examination of the fluctuation in information unit size and recent recruitment activity within the commercial and business markets shows: little reduction in team numbers in the majority of firms; new jobs in budget for 2002 are mostly on hold; recruitment of replacement staff is frozen in the majority of firms; team size is holding steady where considered or steady growth had taken place; team sizes have returned to that of 18 months previously where rapid or uncontrolled growth was encountered; and salary levels for the majority are unchanged save for inflation related increases. Concludes with recommendations for strategies to be adopted when recruiting staff or when being recruited.
Review, reform and regulation: planned accounting standards and disclosure requirements post Enron and Worldcom and the impact on information professionals
Authors: Slater Rachel
Published: October 2003

The overhauling of business as accounting standards and disclosure requirements in the light of the collapse of Enron and Worldcom is likely to cause significant changes in the way information professionals do their work. In addition to the general reforms suggested to tackle accounting abuses, there are a number of proposals that could significantly change the amount and type of UK company data available to information professionals. This will impact in several ways upon those using business information, both in positive terms and negative. The most pertinent recommendations appearing in the Company Law Review include: simplification of the format and content requirement for small company accounts and abolition of abbreviated accounts; extension of the small company accounting regime so that companies meeting any two of three criteria are classed as small; replacement of Memorandum and Articles with a single document; shortening the time limit for private companies to deliver accounts to Companies House from ten months to seven months after their financial year-end; an up-to-date, clear statement of the duties of directors; new restrictions on access to director’s address details; and an Operating and Financial Review for large companies. To some extent, these developments will be seen as advantageous for information professionals and those in need of pertinent, timely data. The opportunity to file abbreviated accounts may be removed; meaning that Profit and Loss accounts could finally be available for up to 8,500 medium sized companies and the Operating and Financial Review for large companies will allow those who rely on accurate information to view the whole picture.
How reliable is financial data from third parties?
Authors: Smith Alan
Published: October 2003

Analyses the reliability of financial data from third party suppliers, including SROs, stockbrokers, public relations companies, market research firms, the press, directories, government bodies, credit agencies, courts, the Electoral Register and Post Code Directory.
Finding information on suppliers of goods and services in the UK
Authors: Cohen John
Published: October 2003

Looks at the information needs of professional buyers in industry. Lists six source guides which could be useful for advising buyers. Investigates the provision of business data by commercial and public bodies, and concludes that more attention should to be paid to the needs of users, and to publicising help that already exists.
Business journals on China: a view from the west
Authors: Jackson Steven F.
Published: October 2003

Examines the strengths, weaknesses and online availability of a variety of the major English-language business journals which have China as a major or their main focus.