bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating inventory management performance using a turnover curve
Authors: Ballou Ronald H.
Published: May 2004

Managing inventory levels in the aggregate is a common concern of senior management. A generalized formula (turnover curve) developed in previous research that mimics practical inventory control is used to audit inventory control performance of inventories in the aggregate and at multiple stocking points. The same turnover curve is used to estimate the impact of changing the inventory control procedures or to set new targets for inventory levels. It is a simple yet powerful tool for evaluating inventory managerial performance that can be developed from readily available company data. This research provides additional examples to further validate the practical usefulness of the turnover curve.
The Realities of Quick Response in the Grocery Sector:
Authors: Whiteoak Phil
Published: May 2004

Presents a supplier view of the realities of quick response supply chain
partnershipping in the grocery sector. Discusses the factors which
determine the level of stock held by manufacturers and retailers and the
resulting conflicts which occur in reconciling policies pursued by both
parties. Asks why manufacturers and retailers want quick response
partnerships and what their objectives are.
Boundary‐spanning interfaces between logistics, production, marketing and new product development
Authors: Morash Edward A. , Dröge Cornelia , Vickery Shawnee
Published: May 2004

Investigates performance relationships for interfunctional process integration and specific logistics interface capabilities. The results indicate that competitive advantage is more likely to emanate from interfunctional process integration than individual function (sub) optimization. Also identifies logistics’ unique role as a boundary‐spanning interface between marketing, production, and new product development, as a potential source of competitive advantage. In terms of overall business performance, logistics followed by new product development are shown to have the greatest impact on profitability and growth. Further, logistics interface capabilities of customer service and logistics quality have the greatest independent impacts on business performance. In total these results imply that logistics, new product development, and demand‐management capabilities may provide firms with that extra competitive edge which shows up in “bottom line” performance. States that the relatively neglected areas of logistics boundary spanning and production customer service also deserve attention.
Managing suppliers: when fewer can mean more
Authors: Goffin Keith , Szwejczewski Marek , New Colin
Published: May 2004

Shows that manufacturing companies place a strong emphasis on the role of supply‐chain management ‐ the management of supplies, suppliers, inventory and distribution. Much of the literature talks about the trend to reduce supplier base. Database analysis gave empirical evidence of this trend in UK manufacturing companies ‐ 201 companies from different industrial sectors cut their supplier base over the last four years, by 9 per cent in the household products sector and approximately 35 per cent in the process, engineering and electronics sectors. Reports on further research at four companies, looking at their experiences with suppliers and establishes that a key reason for supplier base reduction is to free time to manage the remaining suppliers more effectively. Identifies the criteria used for supplier selection and reasons why single‐sourcing was avoided. Suggests that these findings on supplier management have implications for both researchers and managers in industry.
Using Time to Generate Corporate Renewal
Authors: Hart Horst , Berger Anders
Published: May 2004

Presents a preliminary evaluation of an extensive corporate renewal
programme directly encompassing some 70 companies in the Swedish branch
of Asea Brown Boveri (ABB). The renewal effort which is known as the T50
programme, is focused on reducing the total cycle times within most
value adding chains including marketing, design, engineering and
manufacturing. Preliminary results show that differences between
companies are substantial with the leading companies well ahead of the
corporate objective, while others have yet (after three years) only
experienced minor improvements. Furthermore, the T50 concepts have been
more difficult to apply to white‐collar work than anticipated which have
contributed to limited success with respect to complete value‐adding
chains. Describes and evaluates the T50 programme at corporate, company
and workplace level and uses the programme history together with a
national perspective to comment on the future of the programme.
Implementation and utilization of a decentralized storage system
Authors: Sargent Tiffany A. , Kay Michael G.
Published: May 2004

Companies using just‐in‐time principles are currently moving from
centralized to decentralized storage areas. A question that needs to be
addressed is whether this move is cost efficient. Presents a costing
model which can be used to determine if further consideration should be
given to decentralized storage in a facility currently utilizing
centralized storage. Evaluates whether the savings in material handling
flow costs associated with moving from centralized to decentralized
storage outweighs the additional costs associated with implementing and
utilizing decentralized storage for a designated period of time. Through
the process of solving the cost model, a new layout will be created for
the decentralized storage system. The layout includes the placement of
the additional material storage and receipt areas as well as the
rearrangement of the other departments in the facility.
Physical distribution organization in multinationals: the position of authority
Authors: Picard Jacques
Published: May 2004

Presents an exploratory study to define the organizational approaches available to multinational corporations in their attempt to optimize their global PD operations.
Contracting Incentives and Compensation for Property‐Liability Insurer Executives
Authors: Grace Elizabeth
Published: May 2004

Abstract

This article examines several hypotheses about the structure and level of compensation for 103 property‐liability chief executive officers (CEOs) from 1995 through 1997. The greater the level of firm risk and the larger the firm, the greater the use of incentive compensation. Insurers subject to more regulatory attention and those whose CEOs have greater stock ownership make less use of incentive compensation. There is some evidence that option grants and restricted stock awards provide CEOs with differing incentives. This article finds that corporate governance structures, managers' stock ownership, and regulatory attention are not adequate to prevent CEOs from receiving compensation levels in excess of what economic factors predict. Contrary to findings in prior studies, there is little evidence that use of incentive compensation or level of total compensation paid increases with insurer investment opportunities, as traditionally measured.
Serum Amyloid P‐Component‐Mediated Inhibition of the Uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Macrophages, In Vitro
Authors: Kaur S. , Singh P. P.
Published: May 2004

The effect of purified mouse serum amyloid P‐component (SAP) treatment of mouse alveolar macrophages (AMs) on their uptake of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Erdman was investigated, in vitro. SAP (0.5–50.0 µg/ml), in a concentration‐dependent manner, inhibited the M. tuberculosis uptake by the AMs; maximum inhibition (33.43%) occurred at 10.0 µg/ml. The inhibition of uptake could be observed as early as 30 min after the incubation of AMs with 10.0 µg/ml SAP; however, an incubation of 60 min induced maximum inhibition beyond which the response became static. The SAP‐mediated decreased uptake of M. tuberculosis also resulted in their reduced intramacrophage growth as determined by colony‐forming unit counts. SAP inhibited the uptake of mycobacteria in the presence of Ca2+, and at pH = 5.6, the inhibition was abrogated. Deglycosylation of purified SAP with N‐glycanase, and not with O‐glycanase, blocked the SAP‐mediated inhibition of the uptake. Heat‐inactivated (80 °C; 1 h; pH 7.0) SAP did not inhibit the uptake of M. tuberculosis by AMs. These data, apparently for the first time, indicate that purified mouse SAP, in a divalent cation‐ and N‐linked oligosaccharide glycosylation‐dependent manner, inhibited the in vitro uptake of M. tuberculosis Erdman by mouse AMs, which was also associated with their reduced intracellular growth.
Emotions, the meaning of food and heart failure: a grounded theory study
Authors: Jacobsson Anna , Pihl Emma , Mårtensson Jan , Fridlund Bengt
Published: May 2004

Background.  Many patients with heart failure have generalized wasting, referred to as cardiac cachexia. This leads to skeletal muscle wasting, impaired mobility, reduced functional capacity and poor prognosis. Patients with heart failure have symptoms that can affect their food intake, for example breathing difficulties, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, early feeling of fullness and ascites. These dietary problems and patients’ nutritional status, can be significantly improved by means of simple nursing interventions.

Aim.  This paper reports a grounded theory study which developed a theoretical model of experiences of food and food intake among patients with heart failure.

Methods.  A descriptive and exploratory design, with a grounded theory analysis, was used. Data were collected in 2002 through interviews with 11 patients with heart failure.

Findings.  Two core categories emerged: emotions and the meaning of food. Psychosocial meaning could be associated with positive feelings of well‐being, or negative feelings of sorrow. Physiological meaning could be associated with positive feelings of comfort or negative feelings of burden. Patients’ experiences of food and eating changed during the development of the disease. Feelings of fatigue and lack of appetite gave rise to a feeling of deprivation because of missing both eating and the related social environment. This could lead to a loss of personal identity.

Discussion.  Although the findings of a qualitative study cannot be generalized, they raise important clinical nursing issues. With increasingly shorter hospital stays, these problems will need to be addressed by community healthcare staff and family carers. Therefore, all healthcare professionals need knowledge about heart disease and information techniques if they are to be able to give appropriate care to this group.

Conclusion.  Ignorance about food and eating can easily lead to malnourishment, with an increased risk of the patients falling into a vicious circle. Implications of the study for health care practice and research are identified.
Student performance in tertiary‐level accounting: an international student focus
Authors: Hartnett Neil , Römcke Jennifer , Yap Christine
Published: May 2004

The present paper provides empirical evidence regarding the academic performance of university students studying accounting. In particular, the effect of student origin is investigated by comparing the accounting performance of resident and international students. The present study controls for a number of other key variables, including ability, anxiety, work experience in accounting, accounting study prior to university and enrolment status. The question of whether international student performance improves over time through an acculturation effect is also investigated. Bivariate analyses revealed higher anxiety and lower general ability for international vis‐à‐vis resident students yet no significant difference in accounting performance between the two groups. After controlling for key variables, an association was observed between student origin and accounting performance with superior performance reported for the international student cohort. Statistically significant relationships were also observed between accounting performance and ability, anxiety, employment experience in accounting, enrolment status and accounting study prior to university. An acculturation effect was not clearly evidenced.
Ground rental rates and ratchet clauses
Authors: Lally Martin , Randal John
Published: May 2004

The present paper investigates the effect of a ratchet clause on the appropriate rental rate for a ground lease, in the circumstance where land value is periodically reassessed. The effect of the ratchet clause depends primarily upon the life of the lease and the volatility in land returns. For a lease with a 20‐year life, and land value reviewed every 5 years, the effect of the ratchet clause is to lower the appropriate rental rate by around one percentage point. Partial ratchet clauses are also examined, and are shown to have an effect equal to approximately 80 per cent that of a full ratchet clause.
A Tertiary age for Alpine high‐pressure metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif, Western Alps: a Rb–Sr microsampling study
Authors: Meffan‐Main S. , Cliff R. A. , Barnicoat A. C. , Lombardo B. , Compagnoni R.
Published: May 2004

The timing of high‐pressure (HP) metamorphism in the internal basement massifs of the Western Alps has been contentious. In the Gran Paradiso massif silvery micaschists, thought to have developed from granitic precursors, contain assemblages indicative of pressures in excess of 18 kbar at 500–550 °C. This paper presents unique geochronological data for the paragenesis of the silvery micaschist HP assemblage. Rb–Sr microsampling of an apatite–phengite pair thought to have remained closed to Rb–Sr exchange since the HP paragenesis formed has yielded an age of 43.0 ± 0.5 Ma. Greenschist retrogression occurred after 36.3 ± 0.4 Ma, probably in the interval 36–34 Ma. The localised disturbance of the Rb–Sr system in phengite, apatite and allanite during retrogression means that only in situ microsampling could obtain meaningful ages from these rocks. The new data indicating a Tertiary age for HP metamorphism in the Gran Paradiso massif agree with recent data for other internal basement massifs in the Western Alps. A model fitting the Gran Paradiso massif into the Western Alpine framework is presented.
Stability of fluorite and titanite in a calc‐silicate rock from the Vizianagaram area, Eastern Ghats Belt, India
Authors: Sengupta P. , Raith M. M. , Datta A.
Published: May 2004

In the Vizianagaram area (E 83°29.442′; N 18°5.418′) of the Eastern Ghats Belt, India, a suite of graphite‐bearing calc‐silicate granulites, veined by syenitic rocks, developed wollastonite‐rich veins at 6–7 kbar and > 850 °C. During subsequent near‐isobaric cooling wollastonite was replaced by calcite + quartz and a graphic intergrowth of fluorite + quartz ± clinopyroxene. Titanite with variable Al and F contents is present throughout the rock. Combining the compositional variation of titanite and recent experimental data, it is demonstrated that the mineral assemblage, the composition of coexisting fluids and the mobility of Al exert a far greater control on the composition of titanite than pressure, temperature or the whole rock composition. Thermodynamically computed isothermal–isobaric logfO2– logfCO2 and logfF2– logfO2 grids in the systems Ca–Fe–Si–O–F (CISOF; calcite‐free) and Ca–Fe–Si–O–F–C–H (CISOFV; calcite‐present) demonstrate the influence of bulk rock and fluid compositions on the stability of the fluorite‐bearing assemblages in diverse geological environments and resolve the problem of the stability of titanite in fayalite + fluorite‐bearing rocks in the Adirondacks. The mineralogy of the studied rocks and the topological constraints tightly fix the logfO2, logfF2 and logfCO2 at −15.8, −30.6 and 4.1, respectively, at 6.5 kbar and c. 730 °C. Because of the similarity in the P–T conditions, the compositions of pore fluids in the fluorite‐bearing assemblages of the Adirondacks and the Eastern Ghats Belt have been compared.
Are Judgment Errors Reflected in Market Prices and Allocations? Experimental Evidence Based on the Monty Hall Problem
Authors: Kluger Brian D. , Wyatt Steve B.
Published: May 2004

The question of whether individual judgment errors survive in market equilibrium is an issue that naturally lends itself to experimental analysis. Here, the Monty Hall problem is used to detect probability judgment errors both in a cohort of individuals and in a market setting. When all subjects in a cohort made probability judgment errors, market prices also reflected the error. However, competition among two bias‐free subjects was sufficient to drive prices to error‐free levels. Thus, heterogeneity in behavior can be an important factor in asset pricing, and further, it may take few bias‐free traders to make asset prices bias‐free.
Optimal Asset Location and Allocation with Taxable and Tax‐Deferred Investing
Authors: Dammon Robert M. , Spatt Chester S. , Zhang Harold H.
Published: May 2004

We investigate optimal intertemporal asset allocation and location decisions for investors making taxable and tax‐deferred investments. We show a strong preference for holding taxable bonds in the tax‐deferred account and equity in the taxable account, reflecting the higher tax burden on taxable bonds relative to equity. For most investors, the optimal asset location policy is robust to the introduction of tax‐exempt bonds and liquidity shocks. Numerical results illustrate optimal portfolio decisions as a function of age and tax‐deferred wealth. Interestingly, the proportion of total wealth allocated to equity is inversely related to the fraction of total wealth in tax‐deferred accounts.
Family Perception of Interpersonal Behavior as a Predictor in Eating Disorders: A Prospective, Six‐Year Followup Study
Authors: Herzog Wolfgang , Kronmüller Klaus‐Thomas , Hartmann Mechthild , Bergmann Günther , Kröger Friedebert
Published: May 2004

This study assessed family perception patterns of interpersonal behavior in families with a daughter diagnosed with an eating disorder 6 years after treatment that used a prospective design. Family perception patterns of patients found to have a poor outcome at followup (n = 15) were compared with patients with a good outcome (n =23), as well as a control group (n =36). Using the system of multiple level observation of groups (SYMLOG), all 238 family members evaluated themselves and each other. The index patients with a poor outcome perceived themselves as friendlier and more positive than they were perceived by their families. In comparison to parents of daughters with a good outcome and the control group, parents of daughters in the poor outcome group perceived themselves to be less friendly than their partners perceived them to be. A rigid polarization of the perception of the index patient by family members and a discrepancy in this perception between the index patient and the rest of the family were found to be indicative of a poor prognosis. Implications for treatment based on family perception patterns of interpersonal behavior are discussed.
A Study of the Differential Effects of Tomm's Questioning Styles on Therapeutic Alliance
Authors: Ryan Dermot , Carr Alan
Published: May 2004

To replicate and extend Dozier's (1992) test of Tomm's hypothesis about the differential effects of questioning styles on therapeutic alliance, an analogue study was conducted. Twenty‐eight family triads, each including a son and his parents, viewed four videotaped, simulated family therapy scenarios in which Tomm's four questioning styles were separately portrayed. Participants were asked to identify with the client whose role corresponded to theirs (that is, father, mother, or son) and, on the basis of this, to rate the client's alliance with the therapist. They were also asked to rate the overall alliance between the family and the therapist. Finally, having viewed all four scenarios, they were invited to rate comparatively the quality of the therapeutic alliance across the four questioning styles. Compared with strategic and lineal questioning styles, circular and reflexive questions led to higher ratings of therapeutic alliance on all three measures. The results of this study support Tomm's hypothesis that questioning styles based on circular assumptions lead to a better therapeutic alliance at an individual and systemic level than do questions based on lineal assumptions.
Family Support and Acceptance, Gay Male Identity Formation, and Psychological Adjustment: A Path Model*
Authors: Elizur Yoel , Ziv Michael
Published: May 2004

While heterosexist family undermining has been demonstrated to be a developmental risk factor in the life of persons with same‐gender orientation, the issue of protective family factors is both controversial and relatively neglected. In this study of Israeli gay males (N= 114), we focused on the interrelations of family support, family acceptance and family knowledge of gay orientation, and gay male identity formation, and their effects on mental health and self‐esteem. A path model was proposed based on the hypotheses that family support, family acceptance, family knowledge, and gay identity formation have an impact on psychological adjustment, and that family support has an effect on gay identity formation that is mediated by family acceptance. The assessment of gay identity formation was based on an established stage model that was streamlined for cross‐cultural practice by defining three basic processes of same‐gender identity formation: self‐definition, self‐acceptance, and disclosure (Elizur & Mintzer, 2001). The testing of our conceptual path model demonstrated an excellent fit with the data. An alternative model that hypothesized effects of gay male identity on family acceptance and family knowledge did not fit the data. Interpreting these results, we propose that the main effect of family support/acceptance on gay identity is related to the process of disclosure, and that both general family support and family acceptance of same‐gender orientation play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of gay men.
Eliciting Children's Thinking in Families and Family Therapy*
Authors: Cooklin Alan
Published: May 2004

In this article, I introduce a way of talking between a therapist and children, which aims to be more adaptive to the family therapy context than the modes of communication with children often reported by individual psychotherapists. Although the recent increase in articles concerned with the role of children in family therapy is welcomed, I suggest that the common recommendation of the use of “play” and nonverbal methods of communication with young children can at times introduce its own constraints on a child's thinking. A method of engagement in “dialectical” conversations with children is described, and illustrated with verbatim case examples. It is argued that this offers one route to a discourse commonly used between children, and one that acknowledges their capacity to think.
The Language of Becoming: Helping Children Change How They Think about Themselves
Authors: Wachtel Ellen F.
Published: May 2004

In this article, I describe the language of becoming, which is a way of speaking to children that enables them to see themselves as continually evolving and changing. By noticing and reflecting back the specific ways the child is becoming, the parent gives a meta‐message that one's personality is not set in stone but, rather, evolves and changes over time. In order for parents to use the language of becoming, the child must actually act differently. I will describe a three‐pronged approach to helping children try new behaviors. The language of becoming helps parents and children see the child's personality, not just his or her behavior, as fluid rather then static. This helps parents and children break the vicious circles and self‐fulfilling prophesies of rigid definitions of self. An understanding of stages of cognitive development in the construction of beliefs about the self and the implications of these stages for using the language of becoming is also discussed.
Connections and Themes of Spirituality in Family Therapy
Authors: Rivett Mark , Street Eddy
Published: May 2004

In this article, we provide an overview of current considerations of spirituality in family therapy literature and practice. We suggest that whatever practice of therapy is undertaken, implicity or explicitly it will reflect views on the connection between spirituality and family therapy–connections involving clients' and therapists' beliefs. A thematic framework based on dimensions of the instrumental and metaphysical is outlined. Clinical approaches and practices within these connections are discussed.
Generating Hypotheses After 14 Years of Marital Followup; Or, How Should One Speculate? A Reply to DeKay, Greeno, and Houck*
Authors: Gottman John Mordechai , Levenson Robert Wayne
Published: May 2004

Gottman and Levenson (2002), for the purpose of post hoc speculation, developed a number of ordinary least squares regressions to model the length of marriage of divorcing couples in a 14‐year longitudinal study. We believe that our analyses are appropriate for our purpose. We do not agree with DeKay, Greeno, and Houck (2002) that a duration‐model approach would have been more appropriate, and instead argue that the analyses used are more powerful and generate more interesting speculations. When speculating, one makes an important contribution just by being interesting, not necessarily by being right. The purpose of post hoc speculation is to generate discussion, and we are pleased that even at the outset we have accomplished this goal. In this reply to DeKay et al., we argue that the two‐process model for earlier versus later divorcing that we propose is both interesting and clinically useful.
Relieving Parentified Children's Burdens in Families with Insecure Attachment Patterns
Authors: Byng‐Hall John
Published: May 2004

In this article, I will explore how parentfication, in which children take on parental roles, develops within the context of insecure attachments. I argue that parentification is more prevalent than is generally supposed. Adaptive parentfication is differentiated from destructive parentification, which is associated with a range of childhood problems. In this article, attachment theory is placed within a family systems framework and family concepts are described, such as a secure family base and family scripts, which can help to understand parentification. The ways in which two attachment relationships—insecure/ambivalent and insecure/controlling—contribute to parentification processes are delineated. Transgenerational patterns are discussed. Family therapy can provide a preventive intervention aimed at reducing current parentification and interrupting transgenerational transmission. A central aim is to reduce the need for a parent to turn to a child for care. To this end, work can be done to resolve conflicts between parents, thus freeing them to provide sufficient mutual support to each other. Children need to be detriangulated from the parental relationship. Working with transgenerational patterns, including work with grandparents, is recommended. Therapy with a family with a preschool child illustrates these issues as well as the prevention of the establishment of destructive parentification.
Conceptual Links Between Byng‐Hall's Theory of Parentification and the Emotional Security Hypothesis*
Authors: Davies Patrick T.
Published: May 2004

Guided by our emotional security hypothesis, this commentary expands on Byng‐Hall's article by addressing the role interparental difficulties play in the development of parentification. The implications that recent methodological advances have for empirically testing family models of insecurity are discussed.
Death in the Family and HIV Risk‐Taking among Intravenous Drug Users
Authors: Bowser Benjamin P. , Word Carl O. , Stanton M. Duncan , Coleman Sandra B.
Published: May 2004

The objective of this study was to ascertain the relationship among intravenous drug users between high levels of HIV risk‐taking and both (a) deaths of significant others experienced before age 15, and (b) unresolved mourning; 592 out‐of‐treat‐ment intravenous drug users (71.4% male; mean age = 40.5), stratified as to zip code, were recruited in San Jose, CA, as part of a CDC multisite investigation of access to sterile needles and HIV infection. HIV serostatus tests were obtained and an individual, structured interview administered covering demographics, employment, mental health, HIV risk‐taking behavior, family contacts/closeness, and family deaths/mourning. Multivariate analyses indicated that the extent of HIV risk‐taking in adulthood was highly and positively related to (a) the number of close‐family‐member deaths participants experienced as youth, (b) the extent to which respondents effectively mourned sudden family losses, (c) the extent to which those lost were emotionally close to the respondent, and (d) whether or not the respondent attended the funerals of lost relatives. Canonical correlations between sets of death/mourning and HIV risk‐taking variables were .55 for the total sample (p < .001) and .70 for the subsample who experienced early and sudden family deaths (p < .001). In both analyses, it made little difference if age and gender were partialed out. These findings give credence to the importance of (a) unexpected deaths experienced early in life, and (b) related, inadequate mourning, as factors in progressively higher adult HIV risk‐taking. They suggest that treatment for such individuals and their families should involve grief work dealing with un‐resolved losses within the family of origin. In addition, prevention efforts may have to revise their modus operandi toward both more focused and more family‐based methods of outreach and engagement.
Identifying polymorphisms in the Rattus norvegicus D3 dopamine receptor gene and regulatory region
Authors: Smits B. M. G. , D'Souza U. M. , Berezikov E. , Cuppen E. , Sluyter F.
Published: May 2004

The D3 dopamine receptor has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and addiction. Sequence variation in the D3 gene can lead to subtle alteration in receptor structure or gene expression and thus to a different phenotype. In this study we examine the sequence variation in the D3 gene in 96 rat strains and substrains. Interestingly, the analyses revealed 10 polymorphisms in the 5′flanking region and four polymorphisms in intronic regions of the gene. Moreover, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that result in amino acid changes were found in the last exon of the D3 gene in the RNU/Mol strain. Additionally, bioinformatic analysis of the 5′flanking region and first intron of the gene revealed putative transcription factor binding sites that are conserved between mouse and human and are affected by the SNPs, possibly resulting in altered regulation of the subsequent transcription factor.
Older workers: can they succeed in the job market?
Authors: Encel Sol , Studencki Helen
Published: May 2004

Objectives: To identify and track the progress of mature age workers who have overcome barriers associated with their age. To identify factors contributing to successful employment outcomes for older workers. To evaluate the success rate of service providers in facilitating access to the labour market for older workers.

Methods: Three job network providers were approached: Mission Employment, Salvation Army Employment Plus and Work Ventures Inc. All three agreed to provide addresses of clients aged 45 years and over to be reached through a mail questionnaire. A total of 700 questionnaires were dispatched anonymously with the cooperation of these three organisations. A small number of follow‐up interviews were also conducted with survey respondents who indicated their willingness to be interviewed, and had signed a consent form for this purpose. Several interviews were also conducted with staff at the three cooperating agencies.

Results: Of the 700 questionnaires dispatched, 163 were returned, giving a response rate of 23%. Among the respondents, 82 were employed at the time and 81 were unemployed. There were approximately equal responses from men and women. Of the 82 employed persons, 48 had obtained jobs either through answering advertisements or through personal contacts. Only 19 had obtained employment through a job network agency. The most important barrier to employment was identified as age, followed by lack of specialised skills.

Conclusions: Early intervention is essential. The chances of re‐employment decline steadily with the duration of unemployment. Age discrimination stands out as the major obstacle to re‐employment for older workers. Personal connections and specialised skills are more important than the activities of job network agencies. Job seekers are also handicapped by inflexibility in relation to training, travel to new locations, and acceptance of a different kind of job.
The Involvement of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Remote Contextual Fear Memory
Authors: Frankland Paul W. , Bontempi Bruno , Talton Lynn E. , Kaczmarek Leszek , Silva Alcino J.
Published: May 2004

Although the molecular, cellular, and systems mechanisms required for initial memory processing have been intensively investigated, those underlying permanent memory storage remain elusive. We present neuroanatomical, pharmacological, and genetic results demonstrating that the anterior cingulate cortex plays a critical role in remote memory for contextual fear conditioning. Imaging of activity-dependent genes shows that the anterior cingulate is activated by remote memory and that this activation is impaired by a null α-CaMKII mutation that blocks remote memory. Accordingly, reversible inactivation of this structure in normal mice disrupts remote memory without affecting recent memory.
Nota Bene: Pain Viewed Dispassionately
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: May 2004

Pain
Passion, Compassion, Sensibility. Javier Moscoso, Curator. A Wellcome Trust exhibition at the Science Museum, London. 12 February to 20 June 2004.
www.wellcome.ac.uk/pain
. Booklet and CD. £2. ISBN 1-84129-050-5.

Placing pain in a cultural context, this exhibit explores how researchers, writers, and artists have influenced our beliefs about, understanding of, and attempts to control it.
Specific Detection and Identification of Herpes B Virus by a PCR-Microplate Hybridization Assay
Authors: Oya Chika , Ochiai Yoshitsugu , Taniuchi Yojiro , Takano Takashi , Ueda Fukiko , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Hondo Ryo
Published: May 2004

Herpes B virus DNA was specifically amplified by PCR, targeting the regions that did not cross-react with herpes simplex virus (HSV). The amplified products, which were shown to be highly genetic polymorphisms among herpes B virus isolates, were identified by microplate hybridization with probes generated by PCR. The products immobilized in microplate wells were hybridized with the biotin-labeled probes derived from the SMHV strain of herpes B virus. The amplified products derived from the SMHV and E2490 strains of herpes B virus were identified by microplate hybridization. PCR products amplified from the trigeminal ganglia of seropositive cynomolgus macaques were identified as herpes B virus DNA. The utility of the PCR-microplate hybridization assay for genetic detection and identification of the polymorphic region of herpes B virus was determined.
Evaluation of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Typhoid Fever
Authors: Olsen Sonja J. , Pruckler Jim , Bibb William , Thanh Nguyen Thi My , Trinh Tran My , Minh Nguyen Thi , Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Gupta Amita , Phuong Phan Thu , Chinh Nguyen Tran , Chau Nguyen Vinh , Cam Phung Dac , Mintz Eric D.
Published: May 2004

Laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever requires isolation and identification of
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhi. In many areas where this disease is endemic, laboratory capability is limited. Recent advances in molecular immunology have led to the identification of sensitive and specific markers for typhoid fever and technology to manufacture practical and inexpensive kits for their rapid detection. We evaluated three commercial kits for serologic diagnosis of typhoid fever. Patients presenting with ≥ 4 days of fever were enrolled at two hospitals in Southern Vietnam. Cases were patients with serotype Typhi isolated from blood samples, and controls were patients with other laboratory-confirmed illnesses. Serotype Typhi isolates were confirmed and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City. The Widal test was run at the hospitals and the Pasteur Institute. Sera were shipped frozen to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and tested by using Multi-Test Dip-S-Ticks, TyphiDot, and TUBEX to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgG and IgM, and IgM, respectively. Package insert protocol instructions were followed. We enrolled 59 patients and 21 controls. The sensitivity and specificity findings were as follows: 89 and 53% for Multi-Test Dip-S-Ticks, 79 and 89% for TyphiDot, 78 and 89% for TUBEX, and 64 and 76% for Widal testing in hospitals and 61% and 100% for Widal testing at the Pasteur Institute. For all assays, the sensitivity was highest in the second week of illness. The Widal test was insensitive and displayed interoperator variability. Two rapid kits, TyphiDot and TUBEX, demonstrated promising results.
Specific Identification of
Staphylococcus aureus
by Staphychrom II, a Rapid Chromogenic Staphylocoagulase Test
Authors: Fonsale Nathalie , Bes Michèle , Verdier Isabelle , Carricajo Anne , Ploton Christine , Aubert Gérald , Etienne Jerome , Vandenesch François , Freydiere Anne Marie
Published: May 2004

We compared the performance of Staphychrom II (International Microbio, Signes, France), a rapid (2-h) chromogenic staphylocoagulase test that uses human prothrombin and protease inhibitors, with those of the reference tube coagulase test (TCT) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) Slidex Staph Plus for the rapid identification of
S. aureus
. Prospective evaluation with 293 fresh clinical isolates yielded sensitivities, specificities, and predictive and negative predictive values of 98.1, 100, 100, and 95.1%, respectively, for the Staphychrom II test; 98.6, 98.7, 99.6, and 96.3%, respectively, for LAT; and 97.6, 98.7, 99.5, and 93.9%, respectively, for TCT. The perfect specificity of the Staphychrom II test was confirmed by testing 193 collection strains selected because of their potential testing pitfalls. The Staphychrom II test was positive for 90% of the 215
S. aureus
strains tested after only 1 h of incubation. The Staphychrom II test was as sensitive as the reference TCT and was 100% specific.
Evaluation of Advanced Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays and an Alternative PCR Target Region for Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Associated Coronavirus
Authors: Drosten Christian , Chiu Lily-Lily , Panning Marcus , Leong Hoe Nam , Preiser Wolfgang , Tam John S. , Günther Stephan , Kramme Stefanie , Emmerich Petra , Ng Wooi Loon , Schmitz Herbert , Koay Evelyn S. C.
Published: May 2004

First-generation reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) gave false-negative results in a considerable fraction of patients. In the present study, we evaluated two second-generation, replicase (R) gene-based, real-time RT-PCR test kits—the RealArt HPA coronavirus LC kit (Artus, Hamburg, Germany) and the LightCycler SARS-CoV quantification kit (Roche, Penzberg, Germany)—and a real-time RT-PCR assay for the nucleocapsid (N) gene. Detecting the N-gene RNA might be advantageous due to its high abundance in cells. The kits achieved sensitivities of 70.8% (Artus) and 67.1% (Roche) in 66 specimens from patients with confirmed SARS (samples primarily from the upper and lower respiratory tract and stool). The sensitivity of the N-gene assay was 74.2%. The differences in all of the sensitivities were not statistically significant (
P
= 0.680 [analysis of variance]). Culture cells initially contained five times more N- than R-gene RNA, but the respective levels converged during 4 days of virus replication. In clinical samples the median concentrations of R- and N-gene RNA, respectively, were 1.2 × 10
6
and 2.8 × 10
6
copies/ml (sputum and endotracheal aspirates), 4.3 × 10
4
and 5.5 × 10
4
copies/ml (stool), and 5.5 × 10
2
and 5.2 × 10
2
copies/sample (throat swabs and saliva). Differences between the samples types were significant but not between the types of target RNA. All (
n
= 12) samples from the lower respiratory tract tested positive in all tests. In conclusion, the novel assays are more sensitive than the first-generation tests, but they still do not allow a comprehensive ruling out of SARS. Methods for the routine sampling of sputum without infection risk are needed to improve SARS RT-PCR.
Genetic Variability and Molecular Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subgroup A Strains in Japan Determined by Heteroduplex Mobility Assay
Authors: Kuroiwa Yuki , Nagai Kazushige , Okita Lisa , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2004

We used heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) to determine the genetic variability of 118 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) field isolates from 19 epidemics occurring in a Japanese urban area between 1980 and 2000. Nucleotides 1 to 584 of the attachment G glycoprotein gene were amplified by reverse transcription-PCR, and the PCR amplicons were analyzed by HMA by using the earliest isolate from 1980 as the reference throughout. We also performed PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and phylogenetic analysis on the same nucleotide sequence. PCR-RFLP revealed 9 patterns, whereas HMA produced 31 distinct patterns. The RFLP patterns were divided into two to seven distinct HMA genotypes. Field strains with similar degrees of G gene nucleotide differences from the reference strain often showed distinct HMA types. The RSV genetic heterogeneity detected by direct sequencing of the PCR amplicon was usually identical to HMA analysis. Analysis of the molecular epidemiology of RSV subgroup A isolates obtained by HMA showed that new RSV variants emerged with each epidemic and that previously dominant variants seldom recurred in subsequent epidemics. HMA is useful in detecting genetic variants of RSV subgroup A and has some advantages over other conventional methods.
Molecular Epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Viruses in the Adamawa Province of Cameroon
Authors: Bronsvoort B. M. de C. , Radford A. D. , Tanya V. N. , Nfon C. , Kitching R. P. , Morgan K. L.
Published: May 2004

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes a highly contagious viral disease of even-toed ungulates and is one of the most important economic diseases of livestock. Most studies of FMDV are done in countries where control measures are being implemented. In contrast, in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, where FMDV is endemic and new strains are likely to emerge, there are only sporadic submissions to the World Reference Laboratory, Pirbright, United Kingdom. This paper describes the molecular epidemiology of FMDV in the Adamawa province of Cameroon based on a population sample of cattle herds. Serotypes SAT2 and A were isolated in the cross-sectional study. SAT2 isolates were all similar, with phylogenetic distances of <6%, and were most closely related to published sequences of isolates from Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. Serotype A isolates were more variable, with phylogenetic distances of 0 to 11%, and were most closely related to historic isolates from Cameroon. Use of a population-based sample gives a representative sample of virus diversity and will improve our understanding of the evolution of FMDV and its epidemiology. A supplementary study of pigs passing through the railhead collection yard at Ngaoundere detected a serotype O virus. A third pilot longitudinal study monitored viral persistence in three cattle herds over 12 months, and serotype O and A viruses were recovered from a herd 12 months after it was first recorded as being infected with SAT2 virus. The pig type O isolate was not closely related to that recovered from the cattle, suggesting that the pigs had not introduced the O virus into the cattle herds.
Use of the BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC Medium for Detection of
Brucella melitensis
Bacteremia
Authors: Yagupsky Pablo
Published: May 2004

In a prospective volume-controlled study, the sensitivity of the BACTEC MYCO/F LYTIC medium was similar to that of the Peds Plus/F and Plus Aerobic/F vials for detecting
Brucella melitensis
bacteremia, but the time to detection with the MYCO/F LYTIC medium (101.4 ± 46.7 h) was significantly longer than that with the combined comparator media (65.5 ± 18.9 h,
P
= 0.004).
Rapid Detection of Point Mutations in the
gyrA
Gene of
Helicobacter pylori
Conferring Resistance to Ciprofloxacin by a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Real-Time PCR Approach
Authors: Glocker Erik , Kist Manfred
Published: May 2004

As a result of the increasing resistance of
Helicobacter pylori
against first-line antibiotics, other drugs, such as quinolones, will be needed for eradication therapy in the future. We developed a real-time PCR to detect mutations in the
gyrA
gene associated with ciprofloxacin resistance of
H. pylori
, thereby contributing to the selection of patients who could be treated by ciprofloxacin-based therapy.
Characterization of
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Typhimurium Isolates from Human, Food, and Animal Sources in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Gorman Rachel , Adley Catherine C.
Published: May 2004

A potential epidemic clone of
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium DT104, and the possible emergence of
S. enterica
serotype Typhimurium DT104b, has been identified from the characterization of 67
S. enterica
serotype Typhimurium strains from three sources, human gastroenteritis isolates, isolates from food samples, and veterinary isolates, by antimicrobial resistance profiling, phage typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline was found in 77.6% of these strains.
Meta-Analysis of BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 460 TB, with or without Solid Media, for Detection of Mycobacteria
Authors: Cruciani M. , Scarparo C. , Malena M. , Bosco O. , Serpelloni G. , Mengoli C.
Published: May 2004

In a meta-analysis of 10 studies, the BACTEC 960/MGIT and BACTEC 460 systems showed a sensitivity and specificity in detecting mycobacteria (1,381 strains from 14,745 clinical specimens) of 81.5 and 99.6% and 85.8 and 99.9%, respectively. Combined with solid media, the sensitivity of the two systems increased to 87.7 and 89.7%, respectively.
Effect of aldosterone on renal transforming growth factor-β
Authors: Juknevicius Irmantas , Segal Yoav , Kren Stefan , Lee Rutha , Hostetter Thomas H.
Published: May 2004

Aldosterone participates in the pathophysiology of several models of progressive chronic renal disease. Because of the causal connection between transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β) and scarring in many such models, we hypothesized that aldosterone could evoke TGF-β in the kidney. Aldosterone infusion for 3 days in otherwise normal rats caused a more than twofold increase in TGF-β excretion without changes in systolic pressure or evidence of kidney damage. Concurrent treatment with amiloride did not alter this effect, indicating that aldosterone's stimulation of TGF-β was independent of its regulation of sodium or potassium transport. However, concurrent treatment with spironolactone did block the increase in TGF-β, indicating that the effect depends on the mineralocorticoid receptor. Renal mRNA for serum glucocorticoid kinase rose, but no change in TGF-β message occurred, suggesting posttranscriptional enhancement of renal TGF-β. In summary, aldosterone provokes renal TGF-β, and this action may contribute to aldosterone's fibrotic propensity.