bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerations in Participatory Action Research when Working Cross-Culturally
Authors: Westby Carol , Hwa-Froelich Deborah
Published: October 2003

Professionals from minority world nations are increasingly consulting with majority world nations to develop intervention and educational training programs, yet minority world programs cannot be simply transferred to majority world countries. Participatory action research (PAR) provides a methodology that can be used to facilitate the development of programs that are useful for and sustainable by the majority world communities. This article describes the principles of PAR and gives examples of the ways that cultural values and behaviors may influence interactions between minority and majority world persons. An understanding of these cultural variations in values is essential for the successful implementation of PAR and will reduce miscommunication and incorrect interpretations of behaviors.
Renaissance of the Blocking Antibody Concept in Type I Allergy
Authors: Flicker Sabine , Valenta Rudolf
Published: October 2003

Formation of IgE antibodies against per se harmless antigens (i.e. allergens) is the hallmark and key pathomechanism of type I allergy, a hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 25% of the population. Classical experiments performed more than 65 years ago demonstrated that allergen-specific IgG antibodies, termed blocking antibodies, can antagonize the cascade of allergic inflammation resulting from allergen recognition by IgE antibodies. However, controversial results have questioned the protective role of IgG antibodies in allergic diseases. Here, we review recent data demonstrating that blocking antibodies inhibit allergen-induced release of inflammatory mediators from basophils and mast cells as well as IgE-facilitated allergen presentation to T cells, thus leading to suppression of T cell activation. Furthermore, it has been reported that the development of blocking antibodies is associated with reduced boosts of allergen-specific IgE production in patients receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy. These findings suggest that blocking antibodies have protective activity by inhibiting immediate as well as late inflammatory responses and long-term ameliorating activity on the allergic immune response by antagonizing the underlying IgE production. Induction of blocking antibodies is thus an important mechanism underlying allergen-specific immunotherapy. In addition, passive administration of blocking antibodies may be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases.
Spatial Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of the Trunk Lateral Line Neuromasts of the Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.; Teleostei, Serranidae)
Authors: Faucher Karine , Aubert Anne , Lagardere Jean-Paul
Published: October 2003

The morphology and spatial distribution of the different types of neuromasts encountered on the trunk lateral line of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The sea bass trunk lateral line exhibits a complete straight pattern. In their basic features, the two types of neuromasts present, canal and superficial, resemble what has been described in other fishes. They are similar in their general cellular organization but differ in sizes, and shapes, as well as in the densities and lengths of their hair bundles. However, the sea bass trunk lateral line distinguishes itself in several ways. For instance, the pores of the canal segments are partially obstructed due to the overlap of scales throughout the trunk. Moreover, based on the density and length of the hair bundles, two distinct areas, central and peripheral, could be distinguished within the maculae of canal neuromasts. Their cupulae are also peculiar as they possess two wing-like extensions and that their central core appears to be organized in layers instead of columns. In addition, the superficial neuromasts, up to 6 per scale, are either round or elliptical and seem to be distributed serendipitously. Finally, within the maculae of both types of neuromasts, a significant number of hair bundles do not follow the two-directional polarity pattern usually described. Although some hypotheses are proposed, the influence of these characteristics in terms of signal encoding and fish behavior is yet to be understood.
Fermentation of Five Sucrose Isomers by Human Dental Plaque Bacteria
Authors: Matsuyama J. , Sato T. , Hoshino E. , Noda T. , Takahashi N.
Published: October 2003

Sucrose has five structural isomers: palatinose, trehalulose, turanose, maltulose and leucrose. Although these isomers have been reported to be noncariogenic disaccharides, which cannot be utilized by mutans streptococci, there is no information about their fermentability by other bacteria in dental plaque. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether these isomers were fermented by predominant bacteria in human dental plaque. Clinical bacterial isolates obtained from dental plaque from 3 children aged 22 months to 50 months (146 strains) were inoculated into 3 ml of peptone-yeast extract (PY medium) containing glucose for 1 day, then an aliquot of 20 µl of culture medium was inoculated into 1 ml of PY medium containing 1% (w/v) of the respective test carbohydrates. After incubation for 1 day, the pH values and the optical density at 660 nm of the cultures were measured. Fermentation ability was measured by pH ≤5.5, growth by an OD660 of ≧0.5. Of the clinical isolates, 33% fermented palatinose, and 69% of these were Actinomyces species. All of the palatinose-fermenting bacterial strains fermented trehalulose, 25% fermented turanose, 70% fermented maltulose and 23% fermented leucrose. We therefore conclude that, in human dental plaque, there are significant numbers of bacteria that are able to ferment sucrose isomers.
Relationship between the Presence of Demarcated Opacities and Hypoplasia in Permanent Teeth and Caries in Their Primary Predecessors
Authors: Lo Edward C.M. , Zheng Cun G. , King Nigel M.
Published: October 2003

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the presence of demarcated opacities and hypoplasia on permanent teeth and the caries status of the primary predecessor teeth in a cohort of Chinese children. Methods: The study sample consisted of 250 children living in a non-fluoridated area in Southern China whose caries status of primary teeth at the age of 3–6 years had been recorded annually in a previous study. A follow-up examination of their permanent teeth was conducted when they were about 12 years old. The presence of enamel defects was determined by consensus of 2 dentists according to the modified DDE index. Results: 56.8% of the 250 children examined had demarcated opacities, while 10.8% of them had hypoplasia. Demarcated opacities and hypoplasia were found in 5.8 and 1.3% of the teeth examined, respectively. A higher prevalence of demarcated opacities was found in those permanent teeth of which their primary predecessor teeth had caries than in those without (7.5 vs. 3.8%, p < 0.001). A similar finding was obtained for the prevalence of hypoplasia (1.9 vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There was an association between caries in primary teeth and the presence of demarcated opacities and hypoplasia in their permanent successors.
Cytogenetics of the razor clam Solen marginatus (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Solenidae)
Authors: Fernández-Tajes J. , González-Tizón A. , Martínez-Lage A. , Méndez J.
Published: October 2003

The razor clam Solen marginatus has a diploid chromosome number of 38. The karyotype consists of one metacentric/submetacentric, three submetacentric/metacentric, five submetacentric, one submetacentric/subtelocentric, one subtelocentric/submetacentric, six subtelocentric and two telocentric chromosome pairs. Staining with chromomycin A3 revealed bright positive bands subcentromerically in the long arms of one medium-sized subtelocentric pair, while DAPI staining showed uniform fluorescence in all chromosomes of the complement. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using an 18S-5.8S-28S rDNA probe locates these loci at the subcentromeric region of one subtelocentric pair and at the subtelomeric region of another subtelocentric pair.
Sensitivity of the Neuromagnetic N100m Deflection to Spectral Bandwidth: A Function of the Auditory Periphery?
Authors: Seither-Preisler A. , Krumbholz K. , Lütkenhöner B.
Published: October 2003

The amplitude of the auditory evoked field (AEF) component N100m in response to tonal stimuli of varying spectral bandwidth and periodicity was compared with simulated peripheral activity patterns of the auditory nerve (AN). The AEF of ten subjects was recorded with a 37-channel axial gradiometer system (four independent measurement sessions per hemisphere). The simulated peripheral activity was characterized using measures derived from spike probabilities of the AN. Stimuli were pure tones, narrow-band harmonic complex tones (spectrum: 4–4.8 kHz), and broad-band harmonic complex tones (spectrum: 800 Hz–4.8 kHz) with periodicities of 100, 200, and 400 Hz. The intensity of all stimuli was set to 65 dB above the absolute thresholds. Both the simulated AN activity and measured cortical response amplitudes increased consistently with spectral bandwidth. This suggests that the enhanced sensitivity of the N100m amplitude to broad-band complex tones is to some extent a function of the auditory periphery.
Incident Cerebrovascular Disease in Rural and Urban Alberta
Authors: Yiannakoulias Nikolaos , Svenson Lawrence W. , Hill Michael D. , Schopflocher Donald P. , Rowe Brian H. , James Robert C. , Wielgosz Andreas T. , Noseworthy Thomas W.
Published: October 2003

Study Objective: This study examines the pattern of incidence and health service utilisation of cerebrovascular disease cases in urban and rural areas within a publicly funded health care system. Design: A population-based study covering a large geographic region, using population-wide administrative health data. Age- and sex-standardised incidence and mortality rates were calculated for rural and urban areas. Final status (discharge or death), place of service and place of residence were reported for all cases across several different subsets of cerebrovascular disease. Setting: The province of Alberta, located in western Canada. Participants: Incident cases of cerebrovascular disease (stroke and transient ischaemic attack) and 4 different definitions of incident stroke were identified from data on emergency department admissions in the 1999/2000 fiscal year. Main Results: The rate of cerebrovascular disease per 10,000 was similar between urban (13.24) and rural (13.82) areas. Rural residents frequently reported their incident episode to urban emergency departments. Although the mortality is similar between urban and rural residents, rural dwellers die more frequently in the emergency department setting than urban dwellers, who die more often as in-patients. Conclusions: Overall mortality is similar between urban and rural residents. A large proportion of rural residents receive diagnoses and treatment for cerebrovascular disease in urban areas. Location of service and location of death differs between rural and urban cases of cerebrovascular disease.
Activation of Protein Kinase C Isozymes Protects LLCPK1 Cells from H2O2 Induced Necrotic Cell Death
Authors: Polosukhina Dina , Singaravelu Kurinji , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: October 2003

Background/Aims: We have previously reported that ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) to the kidney leads to induced expression of RACK1 and changes in the level of expression and subcellular distribution of PKC isozymes α, βII and ζ. In order to further define the role of PKC isozymes in IRI we investigated the effect of activation or inhibition of the isozymes on cytotoxicity mediated by H2O2 in LLCPK1 cells. Methods: Cytotoxicity was analyzed by Trypan blue assay and LDH release assay. Translocation of PKC isozymes postinjury in LLCPK1 cells was analyzed by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. Results: Western blot analysis showed that the expression of PKC-α was up-regulated in a triphasic pattern with the initial induction within the first 10 min of injury followed by higher levels of expression at 2 and 24 h postinjury. The expression of PKC-ζ was highly induced within the first 15 min of injury but its expression was down-regulated to that of normal levels by 30 min postinjury. Immunocytochemistry showed that both PKC-α and PKC-ζ translocated to the nucleus and perinuclear region during H2O2 treatment. Following injury, PKC-α expression was localized to the nuclear membrane at earlier time points but a translocation to the nucleus occurred at later time points. PKC-ζ translocated to nucleus at 30 minutes post injury and relocated back to the nuclear membrane at later time points. Conclusion: These data suggest that activation of PKC-α and PKC-ζ is involved in the H2O2 induced injury of LLCPK1 cells.
Screening for Iron Overload in the Turkish Population
Authors: Barut Gultekin , Balci Huriye , Bozdayi Mithat , Hatemi Ibrahim , Ozcelik Dervis , Senturk Hakan
Published: October 2003

Background/Aims: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), the most common autosomal recessive disease in the white population, is characterized by excessive gastrointestinal absorption of iron and loading of parenchymal organs. HFE mutations of C282Y and H63D are largely responsible for HH in populations of Celtic ancestry. Although many screening studies related to HH have been done in Northern Europe, the USA and Australia, as yet, no such study has been published on Turkey. In this study we aimed to screen the Turkish population for iron overload. Methods: Random samples were obtained from 4,633 healthy adults (3,827 male, 806 female, mean age ± SD 35 ± 8 years, range 14–76) for the measurement of transferrin saturation (TS). Measurements were repeated after an overnight fast in the subjects whose initial TS was ≧50%. Serum ferritin levels and C282Y and H63D gene mutations were studied in cases when fasting TS was ≧50%. In cases where the serum ferritin level was >200 ng/ml with or without HFE mutations, liver biopsy was performed for histological evaluation and determination of iron content. Results: In 158 subjects, TS was ≧50% in the non-fasting state. A second determination of TS after an overnight fast was performed in 135 subjects. In 26 subjects, the TS was ≧50% in the fasting state. HFE mutation and serum ferritin levels were measured in these 26 subjects. Eleven subject (10 male, 1 female) were heterozygote and 1 male subject was homozygote in reference to H63D. C282Y mutation was not found. Four of these 26 subjects (all males, aged 23, 24, 40, 49) had increased serum ferritin levels and liver biopsy was performed. In 1 male (aged 49) who was heterozygote for H63D genotype with a serum ferritin level of 645 ng/ml, iron overload in liver tissue was shown by histology as well as atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Conclusion: The prevalence of hemochromatosis in the Turkish population is much lower in comparison to populations of Celtic ancestry and C282Y mutation is non-existent.
Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease Is a Manifestation of Frontal Lobe Dysfunction
Authors: Senanarong V. , Cummings J.L. , Fairbanks L. , Mega M. , Masterman D.M. , O’Connor S.M. , Strickland T.L.
Published: October 2003

Objectives: (1) To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other forms of dementia; (2) to explore the association between agitation and other clinical variables, including disease severity, functional impairment and other neuropsychiatric symptoms, and (3) to determine the predictors of agitation. Methods: Data for 427 men and women with dementia from outpatient clinics of the University of California, Los Angeles Alzheimer’s Disease Center were analyzed. There were 277 patients with AD, 43 with vascular dementia, 47 with mixed dementia, 45 with frontotemporal dementia and 15 with dementia with Lewy bodies. Patients were evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), neuropsychological tests and the Caregiver Appraisal instrument. SPSS10 was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: There was no difference in agitation subscale scores among patients with dementia of various etiologies. In patients with AD, there was increased prevalence of agitation with increasing dementia severity. Agitation contributed substantially to caregiver burden and impact. There was a significant correlation between the FAQ and the NPI agitation subscale score after adjusting for MMSE scores. Delusion, disinhibition and irritability subscale scores in AD patients were correlated with agitation across disease severity. Subscale scores of frontally mediated behaviors including irritability, delusions and disinhibition predicted most of the variance in agitation levels. Conclusion: Agitation is common in AD and other dementias and has a marked impact on caregivers. It is related to dementia severity and to specific types of associated psychopathology implicating frontal lobe dysfunction. The present study is the largest and most comprehensive assessment of agitation reported. The data suggest that agitation in AD is a frontal lobe syndrome. Frontal lobe dysfunction may predispose AD patients to agitation by exaggerating behavioral responses to many types of coexisting psychopathology or environmental provocations.
Rapidly Progressive Aphasic Dementia with Motor Neuron Disease: A Distinctive Clinical Entity
Authors: Catani Marco , Piccirilli Massimo , Geloso Maria Concetta , Cherubini Antonio , Finali Giancarlo , Pelliccioli Gianpiero , Senin Umberto , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: October 2003

The association of motor neuron disease (MND) with rapidly progressive aphasic dementia has been recognized as a distinct clinical syndrome within the group of frontotemporal dementias (FTDs). Although the clinical and neuropsychological features of this syndrome have been defined, a small number of post-mortem studies have been published with heterogeneous neuropathological findings. We performed cognitive, neuro-imaging and neuropathological studies on a 71-year-old male with rapidly progressive aphasic dementia and MND. We initially found a selective non-fluent aphasia associated with hypoperfusion of the left frontotemporal cortex. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed an asymmetric change of brain metabolites, with greater changes in the left temporal lobe. The bulbar manifestations of MND occurred over the following 6 months, and the patient died of bronchopneumonia. The neuropathological examination revealed loss of neurons in the hypoglossal nucleus and anterior horns of the cervical spinal cord with microvacuolation and dot-like ubiquitin-positive deposits in the frontoparietotemporal cortex, but no changes suggestive of Alzheimer’s, Pick’s or Lewy body disease. These findings support the conclusion that MND with rapidly progressive aphasic dementia is a distinctive clinical entity within the group of FTD-MND.
Treating Apathy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Boyle Patricia A. , Malloy Paul F.
Published: October 2003

Apathy, a syndrome of decreased initiation and motivation, affects over 70% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is the most common neuropsychiatric symptom reported in AD patients. The syndrome of apathy is associated with functional impairment among patients and elevated stress among their caregivers. Apathy is one of the primary neuropsychiatric manifestations of frontal system dysfunction, and AD-related apathy is thought to reflect the interaction between cholinergic deficiency and neuropathological changes in frontal brain regions. This article reviews the assessment and treatment of apathy in AD, with emphasis on the utility of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for reducing apathy in AD. The potential benefits of other pharmacologic agents and combined pharmacologic-behavioral interventions are also discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Delayed Recovery of Receptor-Mediated Functional Responses to Acetylcholine in Mouse Isolated Carotid Arteries following Endothelial Denudation in vivo
Authors: Miller Alastair L. , Plane Frances , Jeremy Jamie Y. , McKinnon Heather J. , Jackson Christopher L.
Published: October 2003

The time-course of endothelial regrowth and functional recovery following polytetrafluoroethylene filament-induced endothelial denudation in vivo was studied in the left common carotid artery of the mouse. This technique does not result in any intimal hyperplasia, enabling the investigation of endothelial function without any confounding effect of intimal thickening. Endothelial coverage was assessed histologically, and functional recovery was assessed as restoration of receptor-mediated, endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine in vitro. Re-endothelialization of the carotid artery was complete within 8 days of denudation. However, relaxations to acetylcholine, which are mediated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide, were only partially restored 10 days after the procedure. At this time point, arterial responses to either phenylephrine, the receptor-independent endothelium-dependent dilator cyclopiazonic acid, or the nitric oxide donor diethylamine NONOate, were not significantly different to controls. At 25 days after denudation, acetylcholine-evoked responses remained significantly depressed compared to controls but at 90 days full recovery was observed. These data indicate that following mechanical denudation of the mouse carotid artery, although endothelial re-growth is complete within 8 days, recovery of endothelial cell function – assessed as the ability of the regenerated endothelium to mediate acetylcholine-stimulated relaxation – remains impaired for a prolonged period.
Vascular Access Surveillance: Evaluation of Combining Dynamic Venous Pressure and Vascular Access Blood Flow Measurements
Authors: Hoeben Heidi , Abu-Alfa Ali K. , Reilly Robert F. , Aruny John E. , Bouman Koenraad , Perazella Mark A.
Published: October 2003

Background/Aims: Vascular access thrombosis is one of the most morbid problems encountered by hemodialysis patients. Surveillance protocols utilizing venous pressure (Vp) and vascular access blood flow (VABF) measurements have been employed to preserve vascular access. We undertook a study to evaluate combined dynamic Vp and VABF measurements in the identification of vascular access impairment. We also assessed the effect of preventive repair on thrombosis rates in impaired vascular accesses identified by surveillance. Methods: Eighty-six chronic hemodialysis patients with a functioning vascular access were enrolled into the surveillance protocol. All vascular accesses with greater than 50% of monthly Vp readings >120 mm Hg or VABF <500 ml/min in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and VABF <650 ml/min in arteriovenous grafts (AVGs), or a decrease in VABF >25% compared to the highest previously measured value, were considered positive. Stenosis >50% on fistulography or a thrombotic event were defined as a ‘vascular access impairment episode’ while a stenosis <50% or the absence of a thrombotic event was defined as ‘no vascular access impairment episode’. Thrombosis rates and intervention rates were calculated per access year at risk. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the combined surveillance protocol for AVFs were 73.3 and 91%, respectively. In AVGs, they were 68.8 and 87.5%, respectively. The rate of thrombotic events was lower in patients who underwent early repair. The addition of dynamic Vp did not reduce the thrombosis rate any further than surveillance based on VABF alone. Conclusion: Combined monitoring for surveillance of AVFs improved sensitivity but had little benefit in AVGs over VABF monitoring alone. Raising VABF cutoff levels might increase and improve identification of vascular access risk for thrombosis, but at the expense of lower specificity.
Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Preterm and Induced Labor
Authors: Diejomaoh Michael F.E. , Omu Alexander E. , Taher Sami , Al-Busiri Nasser , Fatinikun Tunde , Fernandes Sanjit , Al-Othman Saed
Published: October 2003

Background: Nitric oxide has potent relaxant effects on the pregnant uterus and has been associated with a quiescent uterus in animal and human studies. Nitric oxide donors have been used to arrest preterm labor and a reduction in nitric oxide production has been reported before the onset of labor. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the serum levels of nitrate and nitrite in women undergoing spontaneous preterm labor and induced labor. Materials and Method: Venous blood was drawn from 39 patients before the onset of labor (control) and also from 17 patients undergoing induction of labor who were in active labor (study group A), and 24 patients in spontaneous preterm labor (study group B). Serum concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were estimated in the samples using the HPLC method. Results: The maternal age of the patients was similar in all the groups. There was no significant difference in the mean gestational age at delivery between the control and group-A patients (38.86 vs. 38.29 weeks); however, there was a significant difference between the control and group-B patients (38.86 vs. 30.92; p < 0.0001), and between study groups A and B (38.29 vs. 30.92 weeks; p < 0.0001). The mean serum levels of nitrite in groups A and B (0.563 ± 0.15 and 0.512 ± 0.13, respectively) were significantly lower than the level in the control group (0.915 ± 0.13; p < 0.0001). Although the serum nitrate levels in study groups A and B were lower than in the control group, this difference was not significant. The maternal outcome was satisfactory but, as expected, the mean birth weight of the babies in group B (1,665.73 ± 863.84 g) was significantly lower than the birth weights in the control and group-A patients (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: There is a drop in nitric oxide production in active preterm labor and induced labor. These findings need to be confirmed in larger studies to establish the role of nitric oxide in the initiation of labor.
fMRI Evidence for Cortical Modification during Learning of Mandarin Lexical Tone
Authors: Wang Yue , Sereno Joan A. , Jongman Allard , Hirsch Joy
Published: October 2003

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was employed before and after six native English speakers completed lexical tone training as part of a program to learn Mandarin as a second language. Language-related areas including Broca's area, Wernicke's area, auditory cortex, and supplementary motor regions were active in all subjects before and after training and did not vary in average location. Across all subjects, improvements in performance were associated with an increase in the spatial extent of activation in left superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann's area 22, putative Wernicke's area), the emergence of activity in adjacent Brodmann's area 42, and the emergence of activity in right inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann's area 44), a homologue of putative Broca's area. These findings demonstrate a form of enrichment plasticity in which the early cortical effects of learning a tone-based second language involve both expansion of preexisting language-related areas and recruitment of additional cortical regions specialized for functions similar to the new language functions.
Perceptions of Legitimacy and Efficacy in International Environmental Management Standards: The Impact of the Participation Gap
Authors: Raines Susan Summers
Published: October 2003

What is the impact on perceptions of legitimacy and efficacy when key stake-holders are absent during the creation of international standards? Can these international standards setting bodies adequately address the needs of all countries when often working in the absence of developing countries? This study examines the process through which one international environmental management standard (ISO 14001) was created and analyzes its perceived legitimacy and efficacy among developing country stakeholders relative to those from developed countries. Data for this project come from interviews with 42 delegates to the ISO 14000 standards-drafting sessions in Malaysia and 133 surveys of ISO 14001 certified firms in 16 countries. The article concludes that stakeholder absence impacts both legitimacy and efficacy of ISO 14001 in interesting and unexpected ways.
Sobre la existencia y el origen de las diferencias en el liderazgo entre hombres y mujeres
Authors: Moya Miguel
Published: October 2003

Mis comentarios al artículo central de este Dossier se articulan en torno a la existencia de numerosas variables psicosociales de las que depende el hallazgo o no de diferencias en los estilos de liderazgo de hombres y mujeres, más que del simple hecho de pertenecer a uno u otro sexo. Se destaca la inadecuación del enfoque categorial y diferencialista adoptado tanto por los autores que apelan a la posible carencia de las características necesarias para desempeñar una función directiva, como a los que tratan de mostrar que las mujeres no tienen esas características, sino otras cualidades, incluso mejores, que las dotan para ser líderes eficaces. La adopción de este enfoque produce en gran medida las diferencias que se encuentran, más que ser un reflejo de diferencias reales. Mi argumentación gira en torno a dos ideas diferentes. Por una parte, si existen o no diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en el desempeño del liderazgo. Por otra parte, en caso de que las haya, cuál es el origen de esas diferencias. Mis conclusiones sobre la relación entre liderazgo y género se centran en tres puntos: hombres y mujeres están igual de capacitados para desempeñar roles de liderazgo, algunos hombres y algunas mujeres desempeñarán bien ciertos roles y mal otros y, finalmente, el importante papel que ejercen las creencias en la evaluación y juicios sobre el liderazgo.
Against Learning
Authors: Contu Alessia , Grey Christopher , örtenblad Anders
Published: October 2003

This article is a critique of the broad ensemble which we identify as `learning discourse' and its pervasive ideological content which determines learning as a `good thing for all'. We consider how the signifier `learning' works as a nodal point which constitutes (legitimizes and sustains), yet glosses over, antagonistic and contradictory organizational and social practices. With our critique we endeavour to go beyond a simple rebuke or rebuttal. We, rather, point out the problematic nature of the truths engendered in `making the social' and constituting the promise of a learning society whose ambit encompasses learning in general, the learning organization and the political economy of the `knowledge economy'. By doing so we expose the political character of the learning discourse which, we argue, works as the surface of intelligibility pro-posing the reality of work, self-hood, citizenship and society. We antagonize its `no alternative' trope by questioning the equivalence it creates between social inclusion, competitiveness, employability, empowerment and personal development. Our critique makes explicit how it is possible, and why it is important, to be `against learning'.
Challenging Realism by Returning to History: The British Committee's Contribution to IR 40 Years On
Authors: de Almeida João Marques
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this article is to show how the English School rejected the realist conception of international anarchy, and how as a result its members developed the notion of international society. I challenge both the position that includes the English School in the realist paradigm tout court and its variation that sees the English School as a form of `normative realism', distinct from Kenneth Waltz's neorealism, but quite close to Morgenthau's classical realism. My argument also goes further than the views of those who see the English School or, alternatively, the work of its key members, as occupying a kind of middle ground, with close affinities in many respects to the realist theory. Normally, such a view is presented in terms of an evolution of thought from an early `realist' phase to a later `rationalist' or `solidarist' period. To show the nature of the English School's reaction against realism, the article focuses, in the first part, on the early work of the British Committee, in particular on Wight's inaugural presentation, which later became the chapter entitled `Why Is There No International Theory?'. The second part discusses how Wight and Bull developed the rationalist tradition, giving origin to two distinct approaches: Wight's liberal rationalism and Bull's pluralism.
Society and Hierarchy in International Relations
Authors: Dunne Tim
Published: October 2003

The emerging pattern of crisis and war triggered by the terror attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001 and sustained through successive wars against Afghanistan and Iraq, provides a new context within which we must re-evaluate the English School claim that international society is a key element in the reality of world politics. From today's perspective, two dilemmas are undermining international society. There is the old fear that international order - meaning the security of the actors and the stability of the system - cannot be sustained without the members of international society participating in the working of common institutions. And there is the new fear that US preponderance is such that even prudential considerations are not sufficient to compel it to act in ways that support international order. Running these arguments together, we are forced to address the question, `How far can international society be maintained alongside a hierarchical system?'
Substitution or Segregation? The Impact of Changes in Employment, Production and Product on Gender Composition in Dutch Manufacturing 1899-1999
Authors: Van Klaveren Maarten
Published: October 2003

This study focuses on the issue of substitution or segregation in the demand for female labour. Based on an extensive overview of detailed studies, the authors examine fluctuations in the gender composition of the workforce in four major sectors of Dutch manufacturing industry over the past century. Women's share in employment has been stable in the clothing industry, fluctuated in textiles, increased in food production and decreased in Philips Electronics. Changes in the proportion of women in these industries are primarily explained by segregation, that is by fluctuations in employment in the male and female domains. Only a few examples of substitution can be traced. These are primarily driven by labour shortages, and the numbers of workers involved are small. Overwhelmingly, employers prefer to act within gender boundaries.
Pasolini and Exclusion
Authors: Vighi Fabio
Published: October 2003

This article combines a reading of Pasolini's first feature film, Accattone (1961), with an investigation into what the theory of subjectivity of Zizek and Agamben might mean for a critique of today's liberal-democratic, late-capitalist hegemony. More precisely, my article claims that Pasolini's scandalous over-identification with the Roman sub-proletariat quaexcluded social class, in the context of Italy's modernization, should be read in conjunction with both Zizek's and Agamben's defence of the `abject subjects' of today's global order. Arguing against the de-politicizing trends of contemporary cultural studies, I suggest that it is only through the identification of (a politically rehabilitated notion of) universality with the point of exclusion of today's late-capitalist experience, that our cultural discourse can radically disturb the socio-symbolic field.
Improving Image-Based Visual Servoing with Three-Dimensional Features
Authors: Cervera E. , del Pobil A. P. , Berry F. , Martinet P.
Published: October 2003

Neither of the classical visual servoing approaches, position-based and image-based, are completely satisfactory. In position-based visual servoing the trajectory of the robot is well stated, but the approach suffers mainly from the image features going out of the visual field of the cameras. On the other hand, image-based visual servoing has been found generally satisfactory and robust in the presence of camera and hand-eye calibration errors. However, in some cases, singularities and local minima may arise, and the robot can go further from its joint limits. This paper is a step towards the synthesis of both approaches with their particular advantages, i.e., the trajectory of the camera motion is predictable and the image features remain in the field of view of the camera. The basis is the introduction of three-dimensional information in the feature vector. Point depth and object pose produce useful behavior in the control of the camera. Using the task-function approach, we demonstrate the relationship between the velocity screw of the camera and the current and desired poses of the object in the camera frame. Camera calibration is assumed, at least coarsely. Experimental results on real robotic platforms illustrate the presented approach.
These Things Called Systems
Authors: Mackenzie Adrian
Published: October 2003

The present paper proposes a way of reading telecommunications systems, software protocols and specifications in terms of collective imaginings of mobility. It reports on an ethnographic study of a large software system designed to control telecommunications infrastructure in rural Australia. Drawing on a notion of infrastructural work as involving an imagining of mobility, the paper develops two lines of inquiry. First, it asks how practices of imagining help us to understand the embodied practices and bewildering variety of artefacts circling around the development of a large distributed software system. These practices include the heavy use of citation, the interweaving of different tropes, metaphors and figures through the system, and the role of figures such as `system' and `process' in organizing work. Second, the present paper suggests that intensely invested issues in software production such as configurability, scalability, flexibility and distributing process imply that infrastructural design and implementation have a complicated relation to place. Via recent theoretical critiques of ethnography, it asks how notions such as locality and place can encompass mutually contextualizing movements and imaginings of movement.
From Individual to Social Defences in Psychosocial Criminology
Authors: Brown Alison P.
Published: October 2003

A psychosocial strand of criminology has emerged in recent years, which explores concepts such as fear of crime through analysis of individual biographies, and Freudian perspectives on punitive responses to offenders. It is possible to develop this psychosocial perspective further through an exploration of other central concepts such as conscience and reparation, and of a broader range of psychodynamic perspectives on the origins of anti-social tendencies. Inevitably, this leads beyond the intra-psychic to the interpersonal, with consequences for our view of conventional and restorative justice systems and penal institutions.
From Modern to Postmodern Penality?
Authors: Penna Sue , Yar Majid
Published: October 2003

This article responds to a recent article by Hallsworth (2000), which claims that contemporary changes in penal practice indicate the rise of a postmodern penality. We identify three issues raised by Hallsworth's argument, encompassing methodological, empirical and conceptual questions. We argue that his approach exhibits some methodological problems, as well as a conceptual conflation between `postmodernity' as a social formation and `postmodernism' as an anti-foundational epistemology for social inquiry. Given the problems identified here, we suggest that a convincing case for a `postmodern penality' has not yet been made.
Desperately Seeking an Identity
Authors: Moorti Sujata
Published: October 2003

Not all constructions of home in the diaspora produce virulent forms of patriotism. Visual culture offers diasporic populations the opportunity to enable an identification with the homeland that emphasizes shared affiliations and identifications. Tapping into the warehouse of images offered by western and non-western popular culture, the diasporic imaginary builds a transnational community of sentiment forged through kinship networks and affective ties. Specifically, the article argues that these narratives deploy a diasporic optic, a sideways glance that looks constantly at two or more worlds and moves in different directions at once. The diasporic optic offers the possibility of negotiating identities across differences through the use of media images.
An Industrial Process for Adipic Acid Production by the Liquid-Phase Oxidation of Cyclohexanone with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Tanaka Katsutoshi , Ogawa Hiroo , Matsuoka Yuji , Fujimori Masami , Nagamori Yukito , Hamachi Hidefumi , Kimura Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2003

Adipic acid is produced industrially by the oxidation of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol with nitric acid. Dinitrogen oxide (nitrous oxide, N2O), a non-CO2 greenhouse gas, is produced as a by-product in this process. We have investigated an industrial process for the production of adipic acid without the generation of N2O. When acetic acid was used as a solvent and Mn(OAc)2/Co(OAc)2 were used as catalysts under atmospheric pressure of pure O2 at 70 °C, the selectivity of adipic acid was 77% and the combined selectivity of carboxylic acids, which consisted of adipic acid, glutaric acid, and succinic acid, was 93% for the 100% conversion of cyclohexanone. We presume that adipic acid is generated via 6-oxohexanoic acid. Glutaric acid was probably generated via 5-oxopentanoic acid in the reaction path that branched at 6-oxohexanoic acid. When air containing less than 10 vol % of oxygen was used at 1.22 MPa in order to avoid explosion hazards, the selectivity of adipic acid was 78% for a 99.3% conversion of cyclohexanone. We conclude that the present reaction can be used as an industrial process for adipic acid production.
Management of Anemia in Erythropoietin-Resistant Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Santos Anne E Dar , Shalansky Karen F , Jastrzebski Jacek P
Published: October 2003

BACKGROUND:

Human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is administered to patients with end-stage renal disease for treatment of anemia.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the impact of a structured team approach to anemia management in rHuEPO-resistant hemodialysis patients.

METHODS:

This was an 8-month prospective, open-label, quality-improvement initiative. Nineteen patients in a 160-bed hemodialysis unit receiving rHuEPO doses >300 units/kg/wk were defined as rHuEPO-resistant. Hemoglobin (Hb), iron indices, parathyroid hormone, folate, B12, aluminum, and reticulocyte counts were determined at baseline. The former 3 parameters were followed every 6, 12, and 26 weeks, respectively. Vascular access flow was regularly assessed via ultrasonic dilution methodology. Target Hb was 12.0–13.5 g/dL. All factors potentially contributing to rHuEPO resistance were assessed and, if possible, treated every 6 weeks by a dedicated anemia team. Downward rHuEPO dosage adjustments of 12.5–25% to the closest 1000 units were considered if underlying causes of rHuEPO resistance could not be identified or reversed, or if the Hb rose beyond the target level.

RESULTS:

Dysfunctional vascular access and iron deficiency were the predominant treatable factors associated with rHuEPO resistance. At 8 months, mean rHuEPO dosage decreased significantly from 469 to 319 units/kg/wk (p < 0.001) and mean Hb increased significantly from 10.6 to 11.6 g/dL (p = 0.023). Eight-month cost savings approximated $45 000 (CDN$).

CONCLUSIONS:

A structured team approach to the management of rHuEPO-resistant patients was successful in significantly lowering rHuEPO dosage with improvement in serum Hb at a substantial cost savings.
Stability of Cyclophosphamide and Mesna Admixtures in Polyethylene Infusion Bags
Authors: Menard Cedric , Bourguignon Celine , Schlatter Joël , Vermerie Norbert
Published: October 2003

BACKGROUND:

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is used to treat cancers in combination with mesna to prevent cystitis. The use of extemporaneously prepared admixtures of these drugs must be supported by documentation of their chemical stability.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the chemical stability of CYP and mesna admixtures in dextrose 5% polyethylene infusion bags.

METHODS:

The drugs were diluted in 100-mL dextrose 5% infusion bags to final concentrations of CYP 10.8 mg/mL with mesna 3.2 mg/mL (solution A) and CYP 1.8 mg/mL with mesna 0.54 mg/mL (solution B). Six infusion bags from each solution were stored at 4 °C and 6 were stored at room temperature. Triplicate HPLC determinations were performed on each bag to measure drug concentrations at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 hours.

RESULTS:

At 96 hours, drug concentrations in all solutions stored at room temperature were found to be <80% compared with the initial concentrations. The solutions stored at 4 °C retained at least 90% of the initial drug concentrations at 48 hours. The pH of solutions A and B stored at room temperature decreased significantly by 4.44 and 4.31 units, respectively. The pH of the refrigerated infusion bags decreased significantly by 1.46 units for solution B.

CONCLUSIONS:

Admixtures stored at 4 °C (pH 7.90 ± 0.004; mean ± SD) are stable for 48 hours. The CYP and mesna combination can be infused at room temperature over 6 hours without significant degradation of the drugs. Stabilities are dependent on pH, temperature, and/or concentration.
Presence of reactive microglia in monkey substantia nigra years after 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine administration
Authors: McGeer Patrick L. , Schwab Claudia , Parent Andre , Doudet Doris
Published: October 2003

This report describes the presence of reactive microglia, the accumulation of extracellular melanin, and the extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of monkeys administered 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 5 to 14 years before death. This evidence of chronic neuroinflammation years after MPTP exposure is similar to that previously reported in humans. The monkeys were drug free for at least 3 years before death, indicating that a brief exposure to MPTP had instituted an ongoing inflammatory process. The mechanism is unknown but could have important implications regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease and possible approaches to therapy.