bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Simulation to Make Order Acceptance/Rejection Decisions
Authors: Nandi Amitava , Rogers Paul
Published: July 2004

Simulation is a powerful decision-making tool that can be used to decide whether a candidate order should be accepted or rejected by a manufacturing system. Such a simulation-based order acceptance rule is presented, and important features of the rule are highlighted. How the manufacturing system can be optimally controlled using this rule and its effects on the main performance measures of the system are also demonstrated. In addition, modeling such a simulation-based order acceptance rule is challenging and requires resolving many issues. This article discusses these issues. The lessons learned from this modeling experience are generic and can be used in similar contexts.
A New Dispatching Rule for the Stochastic Single-Machine Scheduling Problem
Authors: Al-Turki Umar , Andijani Abdulbasit , Arifulsalam Shaikh
Published: July 2004

In this article, the authors consider the n-job single-machine scheduling problem in which jobs with stochastic processing time requirements arrive to the system at random times. The performance measure combines both mean and variance of job completion times. In this study, a dispatching rule is designed to minimize the performance measure using a simulation model built using AWESIM. Different variations of the rule are tested to select the best implementing policy of the rule. Extensive experimentation is conducted to determine the best parameter values in terms of problem parameters.
Respondent Behavior in Panel Studies
Authors: Schräpler Jörg-Peter
Published: July 2004

Many validation studies deal with item nonresponse and measurement error in earnings data. In this article, the author explores respondents’ motives for failing to reveal earnings using the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). The SOEP collects socioeconomic information from private households in the Federal Republic of Germany. The author explains the evolution of income nonresponse in the SOEP and demonstrates the importance of discriminating between refusing to state income and responses of “don’t know.”
Lack of Attenuation in the Antitumor Effect of Tamoxifen by Chronic CYP Isoform Inhibition
Authors: Lehmann David , Nelsen Jamie , Ramanath Vijay , Newman Nancy , Duggan David , Smith Adrienne
Published: July 2004

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator used in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is metabolized to an extremely potent antiestrogen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, 2C9, and 3A isoforms. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are potent inhibitors of these CYPs. Since the prevalence of depression in breast cancer patients is nearly triple that of the general population, it is likely that a subgroup of breast cancer patients will receive long‐term treatment with both an SSRI and tamoxifen. A case control design was used to investigate the possibility that a resultant decrease in production of the 4‐hydroxy metabolite from chronic inhibition results in the attenuation of the antitumor effect of tamoxifen. Twenty‐eight patients without recurrences of breast cancer (controls) were matched to an equal number of cases (recurrences) by cancer stage and year of diagnosis. Data were analyzed on all chronic medication exposure (> 3 months) in both cases and controls classified as to their status as CYP 2D6, 2C9, and 3A inhibitors, substrates, or inducers. No significant difference was found for CYP inhibitor or substrate exposure between cases and controls. Indeed, controls showed a slightly greater exposure to inhibitors of the relevant CYP isoforms compared to cases. These results suggested a trend toward the null hypothesis. It is unlikely that the effect of chronic exposure to potent CYP isoform inhibitors affects the antitumor effect of tamoxifen and its 4‐hydroxy metabolite, supporting the safety of the continued practice of concomitant SSRI administration to breast cancer patients with depression.
Renal Interaction Between Itraconazole and Cimetidine
Authors: Karyekar Chetan S. , Eddington Natalie D. , Briglia Andrew , Gubbins Paul O. , Dowling Thomas C.
Published: July 2004

Renal drug interactions can result from competitive inhibition between drugs that undergo extensive renal tubular secretion by transporters such as P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of itraconazole, a known P‐gp inhibitor, on the renal tubular secretion of cimetidine in healthy volunteers who received intravenous cimetidine alone and following 3 days of oral itraconazole (400 mg/day) administration. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured continuously during each study visit using iothalamate clearance. Iothalamate, cimetidine, and itraconazole concentrations in plasma and urine were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet (HPLC/UV) methods. Renal tubular secretion (CLsec) of cimetidine was calculated as the difference between renal clearance (CLr) and GFR (CLioth) on days 1 and 5. Cimetidine pharmacokinetic estimates were obtained for total clearance (CLT), volume of distribution (Vd), elimination rate constant (Kel), area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0–240 min), and average plasma concentration (Cpave) before and after itraconazole administration. Plasma itraconazole concentrations following oral dosing ranged from 0.41 to 0.92 μg/mL. The cimetidine AUC0–240 min increased by 25% (p < 0.01) following itraconazole administration. The GFR and Vd remained unchanged, but significant reductions in CLT (655 vs. 486 mL/min, p < 0.001) and CLsec (410 vs. 311 mL/min, p = 0.001) were observed. The increased systemic exposure of cimetidine during coadministration with itraconazole was likely due to inhibition of P‐gp‐mediated renal tubular secretion. Further evaluation of renal P‐gp‐modulating drugs such as itraconazole that may alter the renal excretion of coadministered drugs is warranted.
Influence of Genetic Variants in UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 on the In Vivo Glucuronidation of SN‐38
Authors: Paoluzzi Luca , Singh Arun S. , Price Douglas K. , Danesi Romano , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Verweij Jaap , Figg William D. , Sparreboom Alex
Published: July 2004

The uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 and 1A9 isoforms are involved in the phase II biotransformation of the irinotecan metabolite, SN‐38. Recently, several variants in the UGT1A1 and UGT1A9 genes have been described with altered functionality in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional consequence of the UGT1A1(TA)7TAA (UGT1A1*28), UGT1A9 766G>A (D256N; UGT1A9*5), and UGT1A9 98T>C (M33T; UGT1A9*3) variants in Caucasian patients treated with irinotecan. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed after the first course of irinotecan in 47 males and 47 females. The mean (± SD) area under the curves (AUCs) of irinotecan and SN‐38 were 20,348+ 6466 ng•h/mL and 629 + 370 ng•h/mL, respectively, which is in line with earlier findings. For UGT1A9*5, no variant alleles were observed, whereas for UGT1A9*3, 1 patient with the variant allele was found (allele frequency, 0.633%). The distribution of the UGT1A1*28 variant showed 44 wild‐type patients (Wt), 37 heterozygotes (Het), and 5 homozygotes (Var). The median AUC ratio of SN‐38G to SN‐38 was significantly reduced in carriers of the variant UGT1A1*28 allele (7.00 [Wt] vs. 6.26 [Het] vs. 2.51 [Var]; p = .022). It is concluded that UGT1A9 functional variants are rare in Caucasians and likely to be clinically insignificant in irinotecan regimens. Screening for the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism may identify patients with altered SN‐38 pharmacokinetics.
Physiological, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Changes in Space
Authors: Graebe Annemarie , Schuck Edgar L. , Lensing Petra , Putcha Lakshmi , Derendorf Hartmut
Published: July 2004

Medications have been taken since the first Mercury flight in 1967 and, since then, have been used for several indications such as space motion sickness, sleeplessness, headache, nausea, vomiting, back pain, and congestion. As the duration of space missions get longer, it is even more likely that astronauts will encounter some of the acute illnesses that are frequently seen on Earth. Microgravity environment induces several physiological changes in the human body. These changes include cardiovascular degeneration, bone decalcification, decreased plasma volume, blood flow, lymphocyte and eosinophil levels, altered hormonal and electrolyte levels, muscle atrophy, decreased blood cell mass, increased immunoglobulin A and M levels, and a decrease in the amount of microsomal P‐450 and the activity of some of its dependent enzymes. These changes may be expected to have severe implications on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drug substances.
Pharmacokinetics of M100240 and MDL 100,173, a Dual Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme/Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitor, in Healthy Young and Elderly Volunteers
Authors: Emmons Gary T. , Argenti Rick , Martin Louis L. , Martin Nancy E. , Jensen Bradford K.
Published: July 2004

M100240 is an acetate thioester of MDL 100,173—a dual angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)/neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor—in phase II development. The pharmacokinetics of M100240 and MDL 100,173 were compared in young and elderly subjects. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from 12 young (ages 18–45 years, 10 male, 2 female) and 12 elderly (ages 65–85 years, 7 male, 5 female) healthy subjects in a parallel‐group, open‐label study. Following an overnight fast, subjects received a single 25‐mg oral dose of M100240. Serial plasma concentrations of M100240 and MDL 100,173 were determined using a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with noncompartmental methods. Single‐dose treatment with M100240 was well tolerated in both groups of subjects, with no clinically significant changes in vital signs, ECG recordings, or laboratory safety parameters. M100240 was rapidly absorbed and converted to MDL 100,173, with M100240 concentrations no longer detectable at 3 to 4 hours postdose in both groups. The pharmacokinetics of the pharmacologically active MDL 100,173 were similar for both groups. Although maximum concentrations of M100240 were generally higher in elderly versus young subjects (Cmax 0.48 ng/mL vs. 0.17 ng/mL), systemic availability of M100240 was quite low and variable with plasma, and this apparent difference in parent drug exposure is unlikely to have important clinical implications. No age‐related differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of MDL 100,173 (Cmax 8.16 vs. 9.62 ng/mL, tmax 1.25 vs. 1.5 h, AUC(0‐last) 81.6 vs. 72.2 ng•h/mL) were observed between young and elderly subjects, respectively. In conclusion, there are no age‐related differences in the pharmacokinetics of MDL 100,173 between young and elderly subjects.
Central Effects of Fexofenadine and Cetirizine: Measurement of Psychomotor Performance, Subjective Sleepiness, and Brain Histamine H1‐Receptor Occupancy Using 11C‐Doxepin Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Tashiro Manabu , Sakurada Yumiko , Iwabuchi Kentaro , Mochizuki Hideki , Kato Motohisa , Aoki Mariko , Funaki Yoshihito , Itoh Masatoshi , Iwata Ren , Wong Dean F. , Yanai Kazuhiko
Published: July 2004

Histamine H1‐receptor (H1R) antagonists, or antihistamines, often induce sedative side effects when used for the treatment of allergic disorders. This study compared the sedative profiles of the second‐generation antihistamines, fexofenadine and cetirizine, using 3 different criteria: subjective sleepiness evaluated by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, objective psychomotor tests (simple and choice reaction time tests and visual discrimination tests at 4 different exposure durations), and measurement of histamine H1‐receptor occupancy (H1RO) in the brain. Subjective sleepiness and psychomotor performance were measured in 20 healthy Japanese volunteers at baseline and 90 min after administration of fexofenadine 120 mg or cetirizine 20 mg in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study. Hydroxyzine 30 mg was included as a positive control. H1RO was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C‐doxepin in 12 of the 20 subjects, and a further 11 volunteers were recruited to act as controls. In psychomotor tests, fexofenadine was not significantly different from placebo and significantly less impairing than cetirizine on some tasks, as well as significantly less impairing than hydroxyzine on all tasks. For subjective sleepiness, fexofenadine was not significantly different from placebo, whereas cetirizine showed a trend toward increased sleepiness compared with fexofenadine and placebo. H1RO was negligible with fexofenadine (−0.1%) but moderately high with cetirizine (26.0%). In conclusion, fexofenadine 120 mg is distinguishable from cetirizine 20 mg, as assessed by H1RO and psychomotor testing.
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetic Profile of BIA 2‐093, a Novel Putative Antiepileptic, in a Rising Multiple‐Dose Study in Young Healthy Humans
Authors: Almeida Luis , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: July 2004

This was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study to investigate rising oral doses of BIA 2‐093 (S‐(−)‐10‐acetoxy‐10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz/b,f/azepine‐5‐carboxamide), a putative new antiepileptic drug. Within each of 4 dosage groups of 8 healthy male adult subjects, 2 subjects were randomized to receive placebo, and the remaining 6 subjects were randomized to receive BIA 2‐093 (200 mg bid, 400 mg qd, 800 mg qd, and 1200 mg qd) for 8 days. Concentrations of BIA 2‐093 in plasma or urine were generally not measurable. Median maximum plasma concentrations of the major metabolite (licarbazepine, (±)‐10,11‐dihydro‐10‐hydroxy‐5H‐dibenz/b,f/azepine‐5‐carboxamide) were attained (tmax) at 2 to 3 h postdose; thereafter, plasma concentrations declined with a mean apparent terminal half‐life of 9 to 13 h following repeated dosing. The extent of systemic exposure to licarbazepine increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner following single and repeated administration. Licarbazepine accumulated in plasma following repeated administration of BIA 2‐093; the mean extent of accumulation (RO, calculated from AUC0‐τ (day 8)/AUC0‐τ (day 1)) was 3.0 after repeated, twice‐daily dosing and 1.4 to 1.7 after once‐daily dosing. Steady‐state plasma licarbazepine concentrations were attained at 4 to 5 days of once‐ or twice‐daily dosing, consistent with an effective half‐life on the order of 20 to 24 h. The mean renal clearance of licarbazepine from plasma was approximately 20 to 30 mL/min, which is low compared with the glomerular filtration rate. The total amount of licarbazepine recovered in urine was approximately 20% within 12 h postdose and 40% within 24 h postdose. All adverse events were mild in severity, except for 1 case of somnolence of moderate severity, which occurred in a subject receiving 1200 mg BIA 2‐093. The incidence of adverse events was similar between all treatment groups, including placebo. There were no serious adverse events. In conclusion, BIA 2‐093 was well tolerated and appeared to be rapidly and extensively metabolized to licarbazepine following single and repeated administration to healthy young subjects.
Pharmacokinetics of Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin as a Single‐Agent Treatment of Pediatric Patients With Refractory or Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Buckwalter Mary , Dowell James A. , Korth‐Bradley Joan , Gorovits Boris , Mayer Philip R.
Published: July 2004

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is currently approved to treat CD33‐positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first relapse in patients older than age 60 years. The objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of gemtuzumab ozogamicin in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory AML. The study population comprised 29 subjects younger than age 18 with AML in first relapse. Dosages of 6, 7.5, and 9 mg/m2 were administered during the study. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined following each dose for hP67.6, total calicheamicin derivatives, and unconjugated calicheamicin derivatives. hP67.6 pharmacokinetic parameters had a consistent and statistically significant change between the first and second doses. Increases in AUC and decreases in both CL and Vss from the first dose to the second dose were consistent with those of the adult population. Changes between dose periods for total calicheamicin derivatives and unconjugated calicheamicin derivatives were consistent with those of hP67.6. Changes in pharmacokinetic parameters between dose periods are attributed to saturation of CD33 binding sites and diminished clearance resulting from a lower peripheral blast burden and antigen. Children receiving 9 mg/m2 had the following hP67.6 pharmacokinetic parameters: Cmax, 3.47±1.04 mg/L; AUC, 136 ±107 mg•h/L; CL, 0.12 ±0.15 L/h/m2; Vss, 6.5 ±5.5 L; and t1/2, 64±44 h after their first dose. Mean pharmacokinetic values are similar to values reported in adults. Individual children demonstrated large intersubject variability, similar to adults. The pharmacokinetics of gemtuzumab ozogamicin in pediatric patients closely follow the profile and variability of adult patients.
No Pharmacokinetic or Pharmacodynamic Interaction Between Atorvastatin and the Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Ximelagatran
Authors: Sarich Troy C. , Schützer Kajs‐Marie , Dorani Hassan , Wall Ulrika , Kalies Inge , Ohlsson Lis , Eriksson Ulf G.
Published: July 2004

In this randomized, 2‐way crossover study, the potential for interaction was investigated between atorvastatin and ximelagatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor. Healthy female and male volunteers (n = 16) received atorvastatin 40 mg as a single oral dose and, in a separate study period, ximelagatran 36 mg twice daily for 5 days plus a 40‐mg oral dose of atorvastatin on the morning of day 4. In the 15 subjects completing the study, no pharmacokinetic interaction was detected between atorvastatin and ximelagatran for all parameters investigated, including melagatran (the active form of ximelagatran) area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) and maximum plasma concentration, atorvastatin acid AUC, and AUC of active 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme‐A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors. Atorvastatin did not alter the melagatran‐induced prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time, and both drugs were well tolerated when administered in combination. In conclusion, no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction between atorvastatin and ximelagatran was observed in this study.
Toward a Scientific Inquiry into Superstitious Business Decision-Making
Authors: Tsang Eric W. K.
Published: July 2004

This article presents the findings of an exploratory study of the role of superstition in Chinese business decision-making. The study confirms the general perception that superstition constitutes a crucial part of business life in Chinese societies. Superstition helps Chinese businessmen cope with uncertainty by providing a sense of certainty and alleviating the anxiety associated with uncertainty. Although superstition is often regarded as irrational and unfounded, practitioners try to justify it on the grounds of superstition’s substantive validity or instrumental value. Interestingly, half-believers of superstition admit that they experience cognitive dissonance: they should not base their decisions on superstition but they do. Another important finding is that feng shui experts play their roles as expert, provocateur, legitimizer, and comforter in strategic decision-making when providing advice to their business clients.
From Press to E-Media? The Transformation of an Organizational Field
Authors: Mazza Carmelo , Pedersen Jesper Strandgaard
Published: July 2004

The dynamics of field transformation is an under-investigated topic within organization theory. Drawing on the new institutional theory of organization, field transformation dynamics is examined, focusing on four change factors—external shocks, changes at the field periphery, ineffective isomorphic pressures and rearrangement of field boundaries. The impact of and interplay between these change factors is investigated within the business press field in Denmark and Italy over the last four decades. Four propositions are suggested and explored to analyse the relevance of change factors in the transformation of the business press field. The evidence from the Danish and Italian cases reveals how changes from the field periphery have minor impact on the field transformation, whereas external shocks, ineffective isomorphic pressures and boundary rearrangements play a major role. Based on these findings, a research agenda is suggested encompassing theory-driven attempts to define change factors and identify patterns of field change in cross-country comparisons in the same field.
Aristotle, Ethics and Business Organizations
Authors: Solomon Robert C.
Published: July 2004

I have developed a theoretical framework which I call ‘an Aristotelian approach to business’ to talk about corporations and organizations in general. Although Aristotle is famous largely as an enemy of business, he was the first economist and he might well be called the first business ethicist as well. We can no longer accept the amoral idea that ‘business is business’ (not really a tautology but an excuse for being socially irresponsible and personally insensitive). According to Aristotle, one has to think of oneself as a member of the larger community—the Polis for him, the corporation, the neighborhood, the city or the country (and the world) for us—and strive to excel, to bring out what is best in ourselves and our shared enterprise. What is best in us—our virtues—are in turn defined by that larger community, and there is therefore no ultimate split or antagonism between individual self-interest and the greater public good. The Aristotelian approach to business ethics, rather, begins with the two-pronged idea that it is individual virtue and integrity that count, and that good corporate and social policy encourage and nourish individual virtue and integrity.
Women and Wages Worldwide: How the National Proportion of Working Women Brings Underpayment into the Organization
Authors: van de Vliert Evert , van der Vegt Gerben S.
Published: July 2004

Many employees are underpaid relative to their country’s level of wealth. In agreement with social identity theory principles extended to the national level, our 59-nation study uncovered that this form of wealth-referenced underpayment is associated with the proportion of working women. In countries with a relatively small or relatively large proportion of female workers, all workers are underpaid to the extent that merit pay and strikes are relatively rare. Payroll taxes, labour supply, unemployment rate, collective bargaining power, and the national wage gap could not disconfirm the results. We discuss how these country-level findings may innovate theory building on the impact of female worker proportion, merit pay, and strikes on payment in occupations, departments, and organizations.
Femininity, Sports, and Feminism
Authors: Roth Amanda , Basow Susan A.
Published: July 2004

U.S. society continues to accept myths regarding the supposed weakness of women’s bodies. Women’s displays of physical power are often prevented or undermined, typically in ways centering on the concept of femininity. Increasing numbers of female athletes have not led to a true physical feminist liberation, one which would increase women’s confidence, power, respect, wealth, enjoyment of physicality, and escape from rape and the fear of rape. Despite these possible benefits, most feminists have not encouraged the development of physical power in women. Although caution regarding physical power is warranted, the benefits of a physical, libratory feminism outweigh the risks.
Photographic Images in Women’s Health, Fitness, and Sports Magazines and the Physical self-concept of a Group of Adolescent Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Thomsen Steven R. , Bower Danny W. , Barnes Michael D.
Published: July 2004

Reception analysis was used to examine how a group of adolescent female volleyball players construct meaning from photographs of athletes in women’s health, fitness, and sports magazines. In-depth group interviews were conducted with 41 athletes aged 14 to 18. The findings indicate that these young women use the photographic images in the construction of their own physical self-concepts, which consist of two primary components: physical ability and body image. Physical ability focuses on perceptions of team participation and athletic competence. Body image is heavily influenced by the social comparison process and involves evaluations of overall physical size and specific body parts—arms, abdomen, and thighs. Although the self-evaluations of physical ability are predominantly positive, evaluations of body image are frequently negative and appear to be exacerbated by photographic poses that emphasize an athlete’s aesthetic beauty rather than her athletic prowess.
“That’s Cheap.” the Rational Invocation of Norms, Practices, and an Ethos in Ultimate Frisbee
Authors: Robbins Blaine
Published: July 2004

This field observation compares the behavior and welfare of ultimate Frisbee players in three settings. The first setting, Corning College, was an informal group at a private university. The second setting, Stuart University, was a seasonal, open collegiate team at a public university. The third setting, the Mallards, was a seasonal, elite, open club team. The players’ interactions and behaviors in the three settings were influenced by a number of norms, practices, and an ethos known as the spirit of the game. Through the presentation of field notes, video recordings, and informal conversations, the author argues via rational choice theory and game theory that players selectively create, negotiate, and manipulate norms and practices to maximize game interaction, quality, and/or fluidity depending on the particular conditions such as level of competition between players, history between teams and players, and the rewards at stake.
Culture, Gender Roles, and Sport
Authors: Shin Eui Hang , Nam Edward Adam
Published: July 2004

The success of multiple Korean women on the LPGA tour a decade ago was unheard of; today it is the norm. In the past 5 years, Koreans have joined the tour as rookies of the year, won major championships, and topped money lists. The timing of the success of Korean female golfers has been dependent on golf’s emerging popularity and prestige in Korea and a divergence in traditional gender roles after the Korean War. At the core of their success are several traits that are consequences of their cultural upbringing: a work ethic that is the envy of the tour, a devotion to the game that is unparalleled, and indomitable mental toughness. These traits and certain aspects of the Korean psyche, culture, and family help explain why female Korean golfers on the LPGA are thriving. Recent showings by Korean American golfers foretell an even stronger generation of golfers.
The Next M. J. or the Next O. J.? Kobe Bryant, Race, and the Absurdity of Colorblind Rhetoric
Authors: Leonard David J.
Published: July 2004

In this essay, the author explores the absurdity of colorblind rhetoric within the discursive field of Kobe Bryant’s rape trial. Specifically, in examining articulations on the Internet, television coverage, commentaries, and news reports, this article reveals how colorblind ideologies that dominate public discussions conflict with the racialized discursive utterances surrounding Kobe’s arrest and ongoing trial. In exploring the reactions to accusations of rape against Kobe Bryant by both the mainstream media and White nationalists, this article repels the tendency to disassociate mainstream discourses surrounding race and sports from the more racially grotesque versions found among White nationalists. This article interrogates the context, text, and subtext of the racialized/gendered discourse of Kobe Bryant, situating this case study within the larger dynamics of racialized sports celebrity. It asks whether status as a celebrity athlete provides racial erasure and whether accusations of criminal misconduct not only reinscribe race but also erase celebrity.
Fast Design of Mixing Sections by Means of Network Theory
Authors: Hennes Jochen , Michaeli Walter
Published: July 2004

Single-screw extruders make use of mixing and shearing sections to ensure good thermal and mechanical homogeneity at high mass throughput rates. Nowadays, these sections are usually designed empirically or with very simple estimation formulas. Therefore, important interpretation criteria, like pressure loss, temperature increase, average shear rate or residence time profile are only determined very inaccurately. The 3D finite-element analysis (FEA) can determine these parameters very precisely, but with very long computation times.

The network theory allows an economic calculation with a sufficient accuracy of the aforementioned data. This paper describes the modeling of extruder mixing sections and the solution of these models by means of the network theory.
Process Rheology and Mechanical Property Correlationship of Wood Flour-Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Li Haijun , Law Shiang , Sain Mohini
Published: July 2004

The rheological properties of wood fiber reinforced thermoplastics blends are important to practical industry application, however few research is available regarding this field. In this study, a C. W. Brabender Plasti-Corder torque rheometer was used to examine the flow behavior of wood flour filled polypropylene (PP) composites. The effect of loading level of wood flour and an internal lubricant on the rheological properties was studied. The results show that the wood flour-PP blends behavior as pseudo-plastics or shear-thinning flow under the experimental conditions investigated. The addition of internal lubricant is effective in reducing the apparent viscosity that tends to increase with a higher loading of wood flour. The effect of shear rate on the efficiency of internal lubricant was also investigated. For practical application, it is recommended to use both internal lubricant and phase compatibilizer such as Maleic Anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAgPP), thus improving the processing operation while maintaining the strength properties of the wood flour-PP composites.
Effect of Hole Drilling Techniques on Tensile Properties of Continuous Fiber Impregnated Thermoplastic (COFIT) Plain Weave Composites
Authors: Mariatti M. , Nasir M. , Ismail H. , Backlund J.
Published: July 2004

The effect of hole drilling technique on tensile properties of COFIT plain weave composite using circular hole was investigated. As expected, the tensile properties of COFIT woven system decrease with increasing hole sizes. The laminate, which was drilled by orbital technique, seems to impart higher tensile properties and better damage resistance compared to those of conventional drilling technique. In order to predict the laminate strength with the presence of open hole, the Point Stress Criterion was used. Results indicate that good agreement was obtained between experimental and estimation tensile strengths.
The Intersection of Mental and Physical Health in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Schneider Myra G.
Published: July 2004

The incidence of chronic diseases is highest among the elderly in general; compared to Anglo-Americans, Mexican Americans have lower rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease and higher rates of depression and diabetes. Using baseline data from the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) study, weighted hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that sociodemographic, cultural, and psychosocial profiles of respondents varied in the context of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). More depressive symptoms were associated with both diseases, as were lower levels of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and perceived health. Higher socioeconomic status, greater assimilation, divorced marital status, and adverse life events/changes involving significant personal losses, trauma, and family events increased cancer risk. People who were lower in socioeconomic status, were less assimilated into the host culture, were divorced, and had experienced the illness of a close family member were more likely to have CVD.
Some Thoughts on the Measurement of Acculturation among Mexican American Elders
Authors: Chiriboga David A.
Published: July 2004

This article examines a subset of acculturation items pertaining to language fluency and use and to interpersonal relationships. This study included 3,050 Mexican American elders aged 65 to 99, randomly sampled from five states in the southwestern United States. A standard acculturation inventory was used as the source for two factor-derived scales that dealt with language and social acculturation. In addition, three other measures were derived on the basis of the acculturation inventory: language and social biculturality scores were created by simple counts of the number of “in-between” scores on the inventory, and an index of neighborhood acculturation was created by computing the average score on the language acculturation factor for each of the 209 primary sampling units used in the sampling frame. The acculturation scales demonstrated reasonable levels of reliability and concurrent validity. Results suggest that multiple approaches to measuring acculturation can be created from existing measures.
Disruptive Behaviors and Maternal Responsibility: A Complex Portrait of Stigma, Self-Blame, and Other Reactions
Authors: Fernández María C. , Arcia Emily
Published: July 2004

Feelings of stigma and self-blame were studied among 62 Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican mothers of 4- to 10-year-old children with disruptive behaviors. Data were collected and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results indicated that 42% blamed themselves for their children’s behaviors, and 39% felt stigmatized by others. Feelings of stigma and self-blame were not significantly associated. Mothers who blamed themselves had a lower level of education and gave their children significantly more impaired functional ratings than mothers who did not blame themselves. Mothers who felt stigmatized became concerned about their children and sought help earlier, rated their children’s behavior at home more poorly, felt more socially restricted by their children’s behavior, and were less likely to feel competent in managing their children than mothers who did not feel stigmatized. Sources of stigma were family, the social network, schools, and the mother’s own schemas. Responses to stigma included isolation, self-blame, blaming others, and rejection of the stigma.
Fusion or Familialism: A Construct Problem in Studies of Mexican American Adolescents
Authors: Baer Judith C. , Prince Jonathan D. , Velez Judith
Published: July 2004

This study was an investigation of intergenerational relationships related to the individuation process as reported by Mexican (N = 2,388) and European American (N = 2,907) adolescents. The primary aim was to examine the construct within theories of adolescent development that emotional separation in parent-adolescent relationships is an inherent aspect of the developmental process that occurs across the two ethnic groups. The authors conducted confirmatory factor analyses on a subscale INFUS of an instrument developed to measure family process, the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire (PAFS-Q) developed by Bray, Williamson, and Malone. In sum, findings indicate (a) the need for better measurement testing, (2) the need to revisit the concept of autonomy from the family as a universal task during adolescent development, and (3) caution in the clinical use of concepts such as fusion and independence when delivering mental health services to Mexican adolescents and their families.
Computer-Based Training for Immigrant Latinos with Limited Formal Education
Authors: Anger W. Kent , Tamulinas Alys , Uribe Andrea , Ayala César
Published: July 2004

Mexican immigrants working at a wholesale nursery were involved in developing user instructions for a computer-based instruction system. Sixty-one Latinos with 0 to 16 years of education completed user instructions delivered on the computer, and all but 3 completed training content about the nursery. Based on objective criteria, program use was rated as “somewhat easy” to “easy” for most participants with more than 3 years of education, whereas 50% of those with 0 to 2 years of education completed content with “difficulty” or “struggled.” Participants who completed the computer-based posttest (n =22) had a mean performance of 96%, which was significantly better than the performance of 87% (n = 18) on an oral pretest (p = .003, d = 1.02). Thus, computer-based instruction can effectively train immigrant Latinos who have very limited formal education.
Recent Cuban Immigrants and Native-Born African Americans Leaving Welfare
Authors: Cattan Peter , Girard Chris
Published: July 2004

Studies of the economic well-being of women leaving welfare generally focus on the efforts of the welfare leaver herself. We argue that it is also important to take into account the employment and earnings of others in her household. Among women in Miami-Dade County (Florida) who left welfare between October 1999 and January 2000, our data show that households with multiple earners fared far better than others across several indicators of economic well-being. More detailed analysis indicates that the multiple-earner strategy was a likely option primarily for leavers whose sociodemographic characteristics already gave them labor market advantages. Important differences exist in welfare-leaving outcomes between Cuban and native-born African Americans, who together account for most of Miami’s welfare leavers.
Acute Respiratory Failure from Abused Substances
Authors: Wilson Kevin C. , Saukkonen Jussi J.
Published: July 2004

Acute respiratory failure is a common complication of drug abuse. It is more likely to develop in the setting of chronic lung disease or debility in those with limited respiratory reserve. Drugs may acutely precipitate respiratory failure by compromising respiratory pump function and/or by causing pulmonary pathology. Polysubstance overdoses are common, and clinicians should anticipate complications related to multiple drugs. Impairment of respiratory pump function may develop from central nervous system (CNS) depression (suppression of the medulla oblongata, stroke or seizures) or respiratory muscle fatigue (increased respiratory workload, metabolic acidosis). Drug-related respiratory pathology may result from parenchymal (aspiration-related events, pulmonary edema, hemorrhage, pneumothorax, infectious and non-infectious pneumonitides), airway (bronchospasm and hemorrhage), or pulmonary vascular insults (endovascular infections, hemorrhage, and vasoconstrictive events). Alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines are the most commonly abused drugs that may induce events leading to acute respiratory failure. While decontamination and aggressive supportive measures are indicated, specific therapies to correct seizures, metabolic acidosis, pneumothorax, infections, bronchospasm, and agitation should be considered. Drug-related respiratory failure when due to CNS depression alone may portend well, but in patients with drug-related significant pulmonary pathology, a protracted course of illness may be anticipated.
Vasopressin: Applications in Clinical Practice
Authors: Dyke Peter C. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: July 2004

Arginine vasopressin is a peptide produced in the posterior pituitary whose primary physiologic role is fluid homeostasis. Recent investigations have demonstrated a therapeutic role for arginine vasopressin in adult cardiac arrest as well as adult and pediatric vasodilatory shock. We review the physiology of arginine vasopressin and examine the supporting data behind the developing clinical applications of this naturally produced peptide.
Computed Tomography Evaluation of Diverticulitis
Authors: Lawrimore Tara , Rhea James T.
Published: July 2004

Acute diverticulitis is a frequent and important diagnosis in gastrointestinal disease, most commonly involving the colon. It is estimated that approximately 15% to 30% of patients with diverticulosis develop symptomatic diverticulitis at some point in the natural history of the condition, often requiring medical and/or surgical therapy. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to make, and several radiological studies have been used over the past decades to assist in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. These include barium enema, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). A number of studies over the past decade have shown CT to be the preferable initial examination because of its ability to demonstrate not only the extent of intramural inflammation but also the degree of pericolic disease, including intraperitoneal inflammation, perforation, and abscess formation. Additional benefits of CT imaging include guiding therapeutic interventions in complicated forms of diverticular disease and providing an alternative diagnosis in patients without diverticulitis. The accuracy, techniques, criteria for diagnosis, and staging and applications of CT imaging in acute diverticulitis are discussed.
Outcome Rating Scales for Pediatric Head Injury
Authors: Haley Stephen M. , Graham Robert J. , Dumas Helene M.
Published: July 2004

Intensivists, surgeons, neurologists, and others involved in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) have an important investment in both short-and long-term outcomes of children and adolescents with head injury who are treated under their care. Outcomes are most often documented by either single-or multiple-item rating scales and are implemented both during and after hospital care. For this review, the authors have organized the content of rating scales into 6 general classes: (1) mortality prediction, (2) severity, (3) global recovery, (4) activity restrictions, (5) secondary adverse conditions, and (6) limitations in participation, quality of life, and health status. Rating scales that describe the outcomes of children and adolescents after head injury are used to monitor medical and functional recovery, guide clinical management, drive quality assurance initiatives, and conduct clinical research. The authors restrict their selective review to rating scales that describe child outcomes (vs family) and that have been reported and applied in the outcome literature. Although head injury is a major cause of mortality and short-and long-term morbidity in children and adolescents, there is no consensus on which rating scales are optimal for hospital care or community follow-up. Major considerations for clinical use are feasibility, type of outcome information needed, content breadth across multiple ages and levels of recovery, and utility in determining the short-term impact of PICU care on long-term outcome.
Phantom Stock Plans: A Viable Alternative to Restricted Stock?
Authors: Levitt Harry , Gardiner Bill
Published: July 2004

With the increased scrutiny focused on stock option programs today, many companies are turning to restricted stock programs to provide incentives for their key employees and to increase that critical group’s ownership of the company. However, many corporations should consider yet another available alternative compensation strategy: phantom stock plans. These plans can accomplish many of the same objectives while avoiding certain disadvantages of restricted stock programs. Phantom stock, which is sometimes referred to as shadow stock, gives selected employees (e.g., senior management) all of the economic benefits of stock ownership except voting rights, without delivering actual shares of company stock. In one simple example, a phantom stock plan can provide an 8% to 14% advantage (depending on the time horizon) over the restricted stock plan, in terms of net dollars received when the shares are eventually liquidated.
Severance Plans: Deciding Whether to Pay Severance under an ERISA Plan
Authors: Bokert Mark E.
Published: July 2004

A company that provides severance benefits to its employees should consider paying the severance benefits under a written plan that meets the requirements of ERISA. By paying severance under an ERISA severance plan, a company obtains many advantages that place it in the best possible position to defend a lawsuit concerning severance. In addition to these advantages, the article discusses the disadvantages of establishing an ERISA severance plan, the risks of maintaining a severance program without first evaluating whether it is covered by ERISA, the requirements for drafting an ERISA severance plan and provisions that are recommended to be included in an ERISA severance plan.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Global Equity Compensation in the New World
Authors: Dunn Bill
Published: July 2004

Global companies have historically relied on stock options to compensate their workforce. Because of the fallout from recent corporate governance breakdowns, the use of corporate equity in compensation programs now faces new pressures. Furthermore, U.S. and international accounting changes will increase the cost of delivering stock options, forcing companies to rethink how they deliver equity-based compensation. Making these compensation delivery changes is especially challenging for global companies, which must consider a wide array of complex global and local issues before modifying the delivery approach. As companies respond to the changing accounting rules as well as shifting market conditions, they must resist making quick decisions relating to the implementation of equity-based compensation plans. Instead, new delivery approaches must be analyzed in the context of their global limitations and cultural effectiveness.

Boardroom actions must be supported by input from the many organizational stakeholders who have responsibility for operating the plan and who will be held accountable for plan costs and effectiveness. With this input, these plans can be structured in a way that achieves a company’s human resource and financial objectives.
Retirement Plan Sponsors and Fiduciary Risk
Authors: Buckley Michelle H.
Published: July 2004

Retirement plans have become the focus of increasing scrutiny as business corruption and financial scandals have come to light. Plan participants are asking more questions, and plan fiduciaries are increasingly concerned about their personal responsibilities and liability. A plan fiduciary who breaches the fiduciary requirements of ERISA can be held personally liable for losses sustained by the plan. The fiduciary also is liable for the breaches of other fiduciaries associated with the plan if the fiduciary participates knowingly or conceals a breach or does not make the effort to remedy the circumstances. In addition to personal liability, the fiduciary could be liable for attorney fees, punitive damages, lost profits of the plan, and civil penalties. Documentation and best practices form the basis not only for sound management of the plan and its assets but also for reducing the risk of any claims of wrongdoing on the part of the fudiciaries.
Building an ROI Business Case for Enterprise Compensation Management Solutions
Authors: Dobbs Kevin M.
Published: July 2004

A new breed of technology, called Enterprise Compensation Management (ECM) is automating the compensation process to help organizations acquire, manage and optimize workforces, in addition to enabling true manager self-reliance. By utilizing an ECM solution to optimize employee compensation on an enterprise level, surveyed companies reported greater workforce effectiveness, better execution of pay-for-performance strategies, increased productivity and substantial financial savings.

This article seeks to provide a conceptual framework to assist in quantifying the financial and strategic benefits that companies can expect to achieve from ECM solutions. It also provides detailed survey results from a wide-range of companies that have evaluated and implemented ECM solutions-examining the 5-step ROI Methodology companies can follow when building an ECM business case.