bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personnel Psychology: Performance Evaluation and Pay for Performance
Authors: Rynes Sara L. , Gerhart Barry , Parks Laura
Published: November 2004

Although there is a voluminous psychological literature on performance evaluation (PE), surprisingly little of this research examines the consequences of linking pay to evaluated performance in work settings. Rather, PE research has been dominated by cognitive processing, measurement, and construct validity issues. At the same time, a large literature on pay-for-performance (PFP) linkages does exist, but most of it has been conducted in disciplines other than psychology. We think this pattern should change. To this end, we briefly trace the origins of the general separation of PE research from PFP research in psychology. From there, we review recent research on the relationship between PE and performance improvement, particularly with respect to multisource or 360-degree evaluation. We then turn to research on various PFP systems, such as merit pay and individual and group incentives. We conclude with suggestions as to how psychological research can make useful contributions to knowledge of PE, PFP, and performance improvement.
Psychological Approaches to Understanding and Treating Disease-Related Pain
Authors: Keefe Francis J. , Abernethy Amy P. , C. Campbell Lisa
Published: November 2004

Psychologists are increasingly involved in the assessment and treatment of disease-related pain such as pain secondary to arthritis or cancer. This review is divided into four sections. In the first section, we provide a conceptual background on this area that discusses the limitations of the biomedical model of disease-related pain and traces the evolution of psychosocial theories of pain. In the second section, we discuss special issues and challenges involved in working with persons having disease-related pain, including the reluctance of some persons to report pain and to become involved in psychological treatments for pain. Section three provides an overview of psychosocial research conducted on arthritis pain and cancer pain that addresses both psychosocial factors related to pain and psychosocial interventions for pain management. In the final section, we describe important future directions, including strategies for disseminating psychosocial treatments and disparities in pain management.
Models of Brain Function in Neuroimaging
Authors: Friston Karl J.
Published: November 2004

Inferences about brain function, using neuroimaging data, rest on models of how the data were caused. These models can be quite diverse, ranging from conceptual models of functional anatomy to nonlinear mathematical models of hemodynamics. However, they all have to be internally consistent because they model the same thing. This consistency encompasses many levels of description and places constraints on the statistical models, adopted for data analysis, and the experimental designs they embody. The aim of this review is to introduce the key models used in imaging neuroscience and how they relate to each other. We start with anatomical models of functional brain architectures, which motivate some of the fundaments of neuroimaging. We then turn to basic statistical models (e.g., the general linear model) used for making classical and Bayesian inferences about where neuronal responses are expressed. By incorporating biophysical constraints, these basic models can be finessed and, in a dynamic setting, rendered causal. This allows us to infer how interactions among brain regions are mediated.
ABORTION IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Harper Cynthia C. , Henderson Jillian T. , Darney Philip D.
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  Abortion is an extremely safe and common medical procedure. In the United States, over one million women had an abortion in the year 2000. Advances in early abortion techniques have helped to increase the proportion of early procedures, the safest type. Abortion rates have been declining since the early nineties among adults and adolescents, but rates among poor, minority women remain high. State restrictions to abortion have a larger impact on poor women and young women. Restrictions and regulations have also resulted in the concentration of abortion services in specialized clinics. These clinics are subject to harassment. The expansion of abortion services to more types of providers could increase access, as well as integrate abortion into women's health care.
ADOLESCENT RESILIENCE: A Framework for Understanding Healthy Development in the Face of Risk
Authors: Fergus Stevenson , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  Adolescent resilience research differs from risk research by focusing on the assets and resources that enable some adolescents to overcome the negative effects of risk exposure. We discuss three models of resilience—the compensatory, protective, and challenge models—and describe how resilience differs from related concepts. We describe issues and limitations related to resilience and provide an overview of recent resilience research related to adolescent substance use, violent behavior, and sexual risk behavior. We then discuss implications that resilience research has for intervention and describe some resilience-based interventions.
NEW MICROBIOLOGY TOOLS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
Authors: Robertson Betty H. , Nicholson Janet K.A.
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  The realm of diagnostic assays for detection of acute infections is rapidly changing from antibody detection to pathogen detection, from clinical laboratory based to point-of-care based, from single analyte detection to multiple analyte detection, and is more focused on detection using less invasive approaches for collecting biological samples. New assays are typically more sensitive than are conventional assays and have the capability of providing more information that characterizes the pathogen or the host response to the pathogen. From a public health perspective, the advent of molecular epidemiology, which allows tracking of pathogens based on unique genetic sequences or antigenic properties, has revolutionized how epidemiologists investigate and evaluate epidemics and assess endemic diseases. In addition, the use of point-of-care (POC) devices can impact the detection and surveillance of infections and will enhance our ability to accurately identify the causes of illnesses.
SOCIAL MARKETING IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Authors: Grier Sonya , Bryant Carol A.
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  Social marketing, the use of marketing to design and implement programs to promote socially beneficial behavior change, has grown in popularity and usage within the public health community. Despite this growth, many public health professionals have an incomplete understanding of the field. To advance current knowledge, we provide a practical definition and discuss the conceptual underpinnings of social marketing. We then describe several case studies to illustrate social marketing's application in public health and discuss challenges that inhibit the effective and efficient use of social marketing in public health. Finally, we reflect on future developments in the field. Our aim is practical: to enhance public health professionals' knowledge of the key elements of social marketing and how social marketing may be used to plan public health interventions.
URBAN HEALTH: Evidence, Challenges, and Directions
Authors: Galea Sandro , Vlahov David
Published: November 2004

▪ Abstract  Urbanization is one of the most important demographic shifts worldwide during the past century and represents a substantial change from how most of the world's population has lived for the past several thousand years. The study of urban health considers how characteristics of the urban environment may affect population health. This paper reviews the empirical research assessing urban living's impact on population health and our rationale for considering the study of urban health as a distinct field of inquiry. The key factors affecting health in cities can be considered within three broad themes: the physical environment, the social environment, and access to health and social services. The methodologic and conceptual challenges facing the study of urban health, arising both from the limitations of the research to date and from the complexities inherent in assessing the relations among complex urban systems, disease causation, and health are discussed.
Molecular evidence supporting the portal theory: a causative link between visceral adiposity and hepatic insulin resistance
Authors: Kabir Morvarid , Catalano Karyn J. , Ananthnarayan Suchitra , Kim Stella P. , Van Citters Gregg W. , Dea Melvin K. , Bergman Richard N.
Published: November 2004

The mechanism by which increased central adiposity causes hepatic insulin resistance is unclear. The “portal hypothesis” implicates increased lipolytic activity in the visceral fat and therefore increased delivery of free fatty acids (FFA) to the liver, ultimately leading to liver insulin resistance. To test the portal hypothesis at the transcriptional level, we studied expression of several genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism in the fat-fed dog model with visceral adiposity vs. controls ( n = 6). Tissue samples were obtained from dogs after 12 wk of either moderate fat (42% calories from fat; n = 6) or control diet (35% calories from fat). Northern blot analysis revealed an increase in the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous (v/s ratio) mRNA expression of both lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). In addition, the ratio for sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1 (SREBP-1) tended to be higher in fat-fed dogs, suggesting enhanced lipid accumulation in the visceral fat depot. The v/s ratio of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) increased significantly, implicating a higher rate of lipolysis in visceral adipose despite hyperinsulinemia in obese dogs. In fat-fed dogs, liver SREBP-1 expression was increased significantly, with a tendency for increased fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) expression. In addition, glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and phospho enolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) increased significantly, consistent with enhanced gluconeogenesis. Liver triglyceride content was elevated 45% in fat-fed animals vs. controls. Moreover, insulin receptor binding was 50% lower in fat-fed dogs. Increased gene expression promoting lipid accumulation and lipolysis in visceral fat, as well as elevated rate-limiting gluconeogenic enzyme expression in the liver, is consistent with the portal theory. Further studies will need to be performed to determine whether FFA are involved directly in this pathway and whether other signals (either humoral and/or neural) may contribute to the development of hepatic insulin resistance observed with visceral obesity.
Equity Traps: A Useful Construct for Preparing Principals to Lead Schools That Are Successful With Racially Diverse Students
Authors: McKenzie Kathryn Bell , Scheurich James Joseph
Published: November 2004

The concept of equity traps evolved from a qualitative study that revealed the conscious and unconscious thinking patterns and behaviors that trap teachers, administrators, and others, preventing them from creating schools that are equitable, particularly for students of color. Although the results of this original study exposed these equity traps, merely exposing the traps is not sufficient. Hence, the purpose of this article is to offer a useful, pragmatic construct to professors in educational administration departments to help them prepare their principal candidates to be able not only to identify these equity traps but also to understand them and be able to implement strategies to avoid or eliminate these traps. Therefore, the authors clearly define the four equity traps—the deficit view, racial erasure, employment and avoidance of the gaze, and paralogic beliefs and behaviors—and offer practical, successful strategies to avoid or free educators from these traps.
Assessing the Field of Organization Development
Authors: Wirtenberg Jeana , Abrams Lilian , Ott Carolyn
Published: November 2004

This article describes Phase I of a larger organization development (OD) initiative. Asurvey was sent to more than 6,000 members of the Organization Development Network, Organization Development Institute, and International Organization Development Association to assess present weaknesses and potential strengths of the field. Respondents to this survey indicated that the field of OD (a) lacks a clear, distinct definition; (b) needs greater quality control/effectiveness and business acumen among OD practitioners; and (c) lacks clarity around its return on investment and perceived value of the work performed. At the same time, OD has significant strengths that can be leveraged. These include a systemic orientation in organizations, an ability to assist in change management, teamwork and leadership development, and the values OD brings to its practice. Building on these results, a literature review, and interviews with business leaders, six key integrated themes that have implications for the OD profession are described.
Internal Organization Development Practitioners
Authors: Burke W. Warner
Published: November 2004

Currently, organization development (OD) seems to be languishing. Hardly any new technology has emerged in recent years. It is also puzzling that large consulting firms are doing well but OD as a field is not. One reason may be that OD is less connected with its roots, especially those grounded in academia, namely, theory and research where new ideas often emerge. Another reason may be structural. Most internal OD practitioners today are buried within the human resource (HR) function. Five structural models are considered: traditional (OD within HR), independent (a freestanding unit), decentralized (part of a business or regional unit), integrated (every HR person an OD practitioner and vice versa), and strategy (OD being an integral part of the strategic planning function). Advantages and disadvantages of each of these models are explored. Finally, a position is taken that OD could serve the organization most effectively by being integrated with strategy.
Wanted
Authors: Greiner Larry E. , Cummings Thomas G.
Published: November 2004

The authors examine the evolution of organization development (OD) from its exciting startup to its confusing current state, ending with their concern for OD’s future viability. There have been many ups and downs to the OD field, including its faddish rise in the 1960s, its downturn while under attack in the 1970s, and its subsequent morphing into many forms during the 1980s and 1990s. The current diffuse nature ofODsuggests that it is hardly recognizable in most organizations, portending its possible demise as a historical artifact. However, the authors believe that ODstill has a role to play if it can revitalize itself by taking on a strategic role in organizations to focus its core values on solving problems it has largely avoided or ignored in the past.
Organization Development and Change Interventions
Authors: Fagenson-Eland Ellen , Ensher Ellen A. , Burke W. Warner
Published: November 2004

The present study compares differences in organization development (OD) interventions using Hofstede’s (1980) four dimensions of culture as a framework for studying seven countries’ practices. The seven countries examined were Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In general, Hofstede’s theoretical approach proved to be a useful framework for comparing OD practices as the majority of the authors’ hypotheses were, at a minimum, partially supported. However, when those hypotheses were not supported, some interesting patterns emerged that provide intriguing directions for future research.
New Media, New Era
Authors: Russo John Paul
Published: November 2004

This article explores the impact of the new communications technologies on the generation born in the 1980s, the first to grow up under the dominance of the computer. It considers some of the parameters for discussing the close of one era and the beginning of another and draws on the writings of major civilizationist historians and futurologists, including Jacques Ellul, Samuel Huntington, and Romano Guardini.
Negotiating the “Resemblances of Surfaces”: Painterly Abstract Painting and Consumer Culture, circa 1945-1965
Authors: Way Jennifer Ellen
Published: November 2004

During the middle of the twentieth century, members of the American art world, academics from the arts and sciences, and cultural commentators all used concepts from the economy and consumer culture to describe and evaluate the meaning and significance of vanguard painterly abstract painting. Restaging their discourse reveals they perceived that consumer culture was determining the forms, uses, and values of art. However, there were alternatives, as evidenced by the early sculpture of Claes Oldenburg.
Art Museums and Socioeconomic Forces: The Case of a Community Museum
Authors: Moreno María-José
Published: November 2004

Community art museums emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s as alternatives to mainstream art museums. However, these nontraditional/ethnic art organizations have become increasingly similar to established museum models. This article examines the historical evolution of a community art museum in New York City and the factors that contributed to its conventionalization. The study suggests that fieldwide economic and professional pressures were the driving forces behind the transformation of this organization.
Distribution of Circadian Clock-Related Proteins in the Cephalic Nervous System of the Silkworm, Bombyx Mori
Authors: Sehadová Hana , Markova Elitza P. , Sehnal Frantisek , Takeda Makio
Published: November 2004

In the circadian timing systems, input pathways transmit information on the diurnal environmental changes to a core oscillator that generates signals relayed to the body periphery by output pathways. Cryptochrome (CRY) protein participates in the light perception; period (PER), Cycle (CYC), and Doubletime (DBT) proteins drive the core oscillator; and arylalkylamines are crucial for the clock output in vertebrates. Using antibodies to CRY, PER, CYC, DBT, and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT), the authors examined neuronal architecture of the circadian system in the cephalic ganglia of adult silkworms. The antibodies reacted in the cytoplasm, never in the nuclei, of specific neurons. Acluster of 4 large Ia1 neurons in each dorsolateral protocerebrum, a pair of cells in the frontal ganglion, and nerve fibers in the corpora cardiaca and corpora allata were stained with all antibodies. The intensity of PER staining in the Ia1 cells and in 2 to 4 adjacent small cells oscillated, being maximal late in subjective day and minimal in early night. No other oscillations were detected in any cell and with any antibody. Six small cells in close vicinity to the Ia1 neurons coexpressed CYC-like and DBT-like, and 4 to 5 of them also coexpressed aaNATlike immunoreactivity; the PER- and CRY-like antigens were each present in separate groups of 4 cells. The CYC- and aaNAT-like antigens were further colocalized in small groups of neurons in the pars intercerebralis, at the venter of the optic tract, and in the subesophageal ganglion. Remaining antibodies reacted with similarly positioned cells in the pars intercerebralis, and the DBT antibody also reacted with the cells in the subesophageal ganglion, but antigen colocalizations were not proven. The results imply that key components of the silkworm circadian system reside in the Ia1 neurons and that additional, hierarchically arranged oscillators contribute to overt pacemaking. The retrocerebral neurohemal organs seem to serve as outlets transmitting central neural oscillations to the hemolymph. The frontal ganglion may play an autonomous function in circadian regulations. The colocalization of aaNAT- and CYC-like antigens suggests that the enzyme is functionally linked to CYC as in vertebrates and that arylalkylamines are involved in the insect output pathway.
Serious Infections Associated with Anticytokine Therapies in the Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Giles Jon T. , Bathon Joan M.
Published: November 2004

The ability to target and neutralize macrophage-derived inflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), has emerged in recent years as one of the most important advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and several other systemic inflammatory diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, these biological agents rapidly reduce signs and symptoms of joint inflammation and profoundly slow the progression of joint damage. However, data that have emerged following Food and Drug Administration approval of these agents have alerted clinicians to an increased likelihood of opportunistic infections in patients treated with these agents, particularly tuberculosis. The effect of TNF inhibition on the frequency of infection with more common bacterial pathogens is less clear. Animal models of tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections have demonstrated the importance of TNF-α in controlling and containing intracellular pathogens. The spectrum of infections reported to date in the setting of anti-TNF-α treatment is reviewed here. In addition, relevant animal data illustrating potential mechanistic roles for TNF-α in host responses to infection are also reviewed.
Current Concepts in Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Brodsky Dara , Christou Helen
Published: November 2004

Regulation of fetal growth is multifactorial and complex. Diverse factors, including intrinsic fetal conditions as well as maternal and environmental factors, can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The interaction of these factors governs the partitioning of nutrients and rate of fetal cellular proliferation and maturation. Although IUGR is probably a physiologic adaptive response to various stimuli, it is associated with distinct short- and long-term morbidities. Immediate morbidities include those associated with prematurity and inadequate nutrient reserve, while childhood morbidities relate to impaired maturation and disrupted organ development. Potential long-term effects of IUGR are debated and explained by the fetal programming hypothesis. In formulating a comprehensive approach to the management and follow-up of the growth-restricted fetus and infant, physicians should take into consideration the etiology, timing, and severity of IUGR. In addition, they should be cognizant of the immediate perinatal response of the growth-restricted infant as well as the childhood and long-term associated morbidities. A multi disciplinary approach is imperative, including early recognition and obstetrical management of IUGR, assessment of the growth-restricted newborn in the delivery room, possible monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit, and appropriate pediatric follow-up. Future research is necessary to establish effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies for IUGR, perhaps affecting the health of future generations.
Team Performance
Authors: English Andrew , Griffith Richard L. , Steelman Lisa A.
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between measures of conscientiousness at differing levels of analysis and team performance in the context of task type. It was hypothesized that a team referent measure of conscientiousness would have more predictive power than an aggregate of individual-level measures and that task type would moderate the relationship between team conscientiousness and overall team performance. Participants were 30 cockpit crews, made up of three pilots each. Both an individual-level and team referent measure of conscientiousness were administered to the pilots, and crew performance appraisal data were collected that separated performance into overall, additive, disjunctive, and conjunctive task types. Results indicated that the team referent measure of conscientiousness predicted overall team performance greater than did the individual-level measure. The results also partially supported the moderating effect of task type.
Social Cohesiveness and Absenteeism
Authors: Sanders Karin , Nauta Aukje
Published: November 2004

This study tries to explain the relationship between characteristics of the employees (e.g., gender and working hours) and short-term absenteeism by examining the social cohesiveness of a team. Hypotheses are formulated concerning gender and working hours of employees, social cohesiveness, and short-term absenteeism. To test these hypotheses, network data on 56 employees in 8 comparable teams within an organization were collected. The results show that similarity in gender and percentage of full-time employees within a team were positively related to the social cohesiveness of a team and that social cohesiveness is negatively related to short-term absenteeism.
8-oxo-dG Elevated in Children During Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Kennedy Deborah D. , Santella Regina M. , Wang Qiao , Ladas Elena J. , Kelly Kara M.
Published: November 2004

Changes in oxidative stress in children undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have not been well documented. To determine whether the measurement of the DNA oxidized base 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) may be a useful biomarker in this population, the authors conducted an observational study on 103 children with ALL. Blood samples were collected at diagnosis, during interim maintenance (IM), and during delayed intensification (DI). Blood mononuclear cell 8-oxo-dG, measured with an immunohistochemical method, decreased from diagnosis to IM ( P = .01) and increased between IM and DI ( P < .01). In a pilot study, bone marrow was also collected from 16 patients at diagnosis and after 28 days of treatment, but 8-oxo-dG remained the same. The relationship between plasma and dietary intake of antioxidants and the level of 8-oxo-dG was also explored. There was a direct relationship between the intake of vitamin E at diagnosis and bone marrow 8-oxo-dG ( P = .03) and an inverse relationship between β-carotene intake and blood 8-oxo-dG at IM ( P = .03) and vitamin A in-take and blood 8-oxo-dG at DI ( P = .003). Plasma vitamin C ( P = .02) and total carotenoids ( P = .01) were inversely related to blood 8-oxo-dG at IM. In contrast, higher plasma E/total lipid levels were associated with higher 8-oxo-dG at IM and DI ( P < .01). At IM, patients with higher 8-oxo-dG had an increased risk of chemotherapy dose reduction ( P = .04). In conclusion, the level of 8-oxo-dG in blood mononuclear cells decreases after the start of chemotherapy and increases during aggressive chemotherapy in children with ALL.
Dietary Antioxidants and Human Cancer
Authors: Borek Carmia
Published: November 2004

Epidemiological studies show that a high intake of anti-oxidant-rich foods is inversely related to cancer risk. While animal and cell cultures confirm the anticancer effects of antioxidants, intervention trials to determine their ability to reduce cancer risk have been inconclusive, although selenium and vitamin E reduced the risk of some forms of cancer, including prostate and colon cancer, and carotenoids have been shown to help reduce breast cancer risk. Cancer treatment by radiation and anticancer drugs reduces inherent antioxidants and induces oxidative stress, which increases with disease progression. Vitamins E and C have been shown to ameliorate adverse side effects associated with free radical damage to normal cells in cancer therapy, such as mucositis and fibrosis, and to reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. While clinical studies on the effect of anti-oxidants in modulating cancer treatment are limited in number and size, experimental studies show that antioxidant vitamins and some phytochemicals selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells and prevent angiogenesis and metastatic spread, suggesting a potential role for antioxidants as adjuvants in cancer therapy.
Fruit Extract of Aegle marmelos Protects Mice Against Radiation-Induced Lethality
Authors: Jagetia Ganesh Chandra , Venkatesh Ponemone , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: November 2004

The radioprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extracted material from the fruit of Aegle marmelos (AME) was studied in mice exposed to different doses of γ radiation. The optimum dose for radioprotection was determined by administering 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight of AME intraperitoneally (ip) once daily, consecutively for 5 days before exposure to 10 Gy of γ radiation. A total of 20 mg/kg of AME for 5 consecutive days before irradiation was found to afford maximum protection as evidenced by the highest number of survivors after 30 days postirradiation. Animals from all groups were monitored for 30 days postirradiation for development of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality. Treatment of mice with AME before exposure to different doses of γ radiation reduced the severity of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality with all exposure doses. This was accompanied by an increase in number of survivors in the AME + irradiation group when compared with the concurrent sterile physiological saline (SPS) + irradiation group. AME pretreatment protected mice against the gastrointestinal as well as bone marrow deaths, as evidenced by the greater number of survivors on day 10 or 30, respectively. LD50/30 was found to be 8.2 Gy for the SPS + irradiation group, while it was 8.8 Gy for AME + irradiation. The dose-reduction factor (DRF) was found to be 1.1 for AME + irradiation group. The acute toxicity study of AME showed that it was nontoxic up to a dose of 6 g/kg body weight, the highest drug dose that could be administered. Irradiation of animals resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice. Conversely, GSH concentration declined in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of animals with AME before irradiation caused a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation accompanied by a significant elevation in the GSH concentration in liver, kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice determined at 31 days postirradiation.
How biologically relevant are interaction-based modules in protein networks?
Authors: Poyatos Juan F , Hurst Laurence D
Published: November 2004

By applying a graph-based algorithm to yeast protein-interaction networks we have extracted modular structures and show that they can be validated using information from the phylogenetic conservation of the network components. We show that the module cores, the parts with the highest intramodular connectivity, are biologically relevant components of the networks. These constituents correlate only weakly with other levels of organization. We also discuss how such structures could be used for finding targets for antimicrobial drugs.
From modernism to the movies: The globalization of American culture in the twentieth century
Authors: Pells Richard
Published: November 2004

The cultural relationship between the United States and world has never been one-sided. On the contrary, America was and continues to be as much a consumer of foreign intellectual and artistic influences as it has been a shaper of the world’s entertainment and tastes. Indeed,
American culture has spread throughout the world precisely because it has drawn on foreign styles and ideas. Americans have then reassembled and repackaged the cultural products they received from abroad, and retransmitted them to the rest of the planet. In effect, Americans have specialized
in selling the fantasies and folklore of other people back to them. This is the reason America’s culture has been so popular for so long in so many places.
Ureteric injury in obstetric and gynaecological surgery
Authors: Jha Swati , Coomarasamy Aravinthan , Chan Kiong Kong
Published: November 2004

Ureteric injury is rare in obstetric and gynaecological practice but, when it occurs, it has serious implications in terms of both morbidity and litigation. In this review, we evaluate the incidence, aetiology, preventive strategies, diagnosis and management of ureteric injury by systematically reviewing the literature. The incidence of ureteric injury varies between 0.1% and 30%, depending on the type of surgery. Prevention can be attempted by preoperative and intraoperative precautions, although the effectiveness of these measures has not been fully evaluated. Diagnosis of ureteric injury may be made intraoperatively but 70% are diagnosed postoperatively. Management depends on the timing of diagnosis, the aetiology, the length and location of the injury, the extent of the causative operation and the condition of the woman.
Alternatives to hysterectomy for treatment of uterine fibroids
Authors: Kunde Dattakumar , Khalaf Yakoub
Published: November 2004

In recent years there has been a trend towards conservative treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Historically, myomectomy has been the operation of choice. Over the past few years, however, new minimally invasive procedures have evolved. These include laparoscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic myolysis, uterine artery embolisation and, more recently, magnetic resonance‐guided percutaneous laser ablation, interstitial laser photocoagulation and high‐intensity focused ultrasound energy. Simultaneously, nonsurgical treatments including gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogues and a levonorgestrel intrauterine system have been tried, with limited success. In this era of evidence‐based medicine, a thorough assessment of available research data is necessary to determine the place of new therapies in clinical practice. This review discusses the various treatments and outlines a pragmatic approach to the management of fibroids in women wishing to preserve their uterus. This should enable clinicians to counsel women regarding the most appropriate treatment option based on the specific clinical situation.
MOET in Iraq: enabling Iraqi doctors to develop a teaching model for obstetric emergencies and trauma
Authors: Ryan James M , Macnab Cara , Mathieson Andrew , McCabe Niamh
Published: November 2004

In April 2004, an international group of health professionals travelled to Shaibah airbase in Southern Iraq to deliver courses on emergency obstetrics and trauma, based on the principles of the MOET (Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Trauma) course, to Iraqi doctors and midwives. This trip was the culmination of a year's efforts by various members of the team and other interested parties. Following the success of the initial visit, a second trip was arranged to deliver a Generic Instructor Course and a third MOET course.
GC‐MS Characterisation and Identification of Natural Terpenic Resins Employed in Works of Art
Authors: Cartoni Giampaolo , Russo Mario Vincenzo , Spinelli Francesca , Talarico Fabio
Published: November 2004

Natural resins were frequently employed in the past as adhesives or as components of oleo‐resinous media in paintings. The identification of vegetable resins is still an open problem. The aim of this paper is to analyse by GC‐MS some vegetable resins frequently employed in paintings, such as Venice turpentine, dammar, copal, elemi, in order to identify their main components in samples both raw and aged. Some molecules are proposed as chemical markers to identify these natural resins. Two samples scraped off from XV and XVII century paintings were used to test the reliability of proposed method.
Identification of Structures of Nitrogen‐Containing Compounds in Crude Oils in Conjunction with Chemometric Resolution
Authors: Zhang Taiming , Liang Yizeng , Li Boyan , Cui Hui , Huang Lanfang , Guo Fangqiu , Zhao Chenxi
Published: November 2004

A universal method was established for the systematically structural identification of nitrogen‐containing compounds in crude oils. Pre‐fractionation of the non‐hydrocarbons in a crude oil sample into 7 fractions was performed by di‐adsorption column chromatography using neutral aluminum oxide and silica gel; subsequent high‐resolution separation of individual components was achieved by using capillary column gas chromatography, and compound types were detected by mass spectrometer. The two‐dimensional data from the compounds in the fractions were further resolved by a chemometric method to obtained the deconvoluted chromatogram and mass spectrum of every compound, and then, the nitrogen‐containing compounds were identified in combination with the retention indices. This method could relieve the difficulty of classical analysis in identifying those species with very low contents or incompletely separation, particularly in the cases where the authentic standards were not available for addition into the unknown samples in order to reveal what indeed existed in them. The structures of 168 nitrogen‐containing compounds in a crude oil sample were determined by this method with satisfactory results.
Determination of Manganese in Some Medicinal Plants and Their Infusions by a Catalytic Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Mutaftchiev Konstantin
Published: November 2004

The catalytic effect of manganese (II) on the oxidation of the azo dye 3‐Methyl‐6‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)‐2‐[2‐methoxy‐4‐N (N, N diethylamino) phenylazo] benzothiazolium methylsulphate, with potassium periodate in the presence of 1, 10‐ phenanthroline in weakly acidic media was studied. The reaction was followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of the dye at 560 nm. Under the optimum conditions (4×10‐5 mol dm‐3 azo dye, 4×10‐4 mol dm‐3 potassium periodate, 1×10‐4 mol dm‐3 1, 10‐phenanthroline, 0.1 mol dm‐3 buffer ‐ pH 3.0, 70 °C, 8 min) manganese (II) in the range 0.1‐5 ng cm‐3 could be determined by the fixed‐time method with a detection limit of 0.035 ng cm‐3. The developed method is highly sensitive, selective, and simple. The method was applied successfully to the determination of total manganese in some medicinal plants and to analyse their infusions for trace amounts of total manganese and free manganese (II) ions without separation.
Comparison of Sample Preparation Procedures for the Determination of Trace Heavy Metals in House Dust, Tobacco and Tea Samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Narin Ibrahim , Tuzen Mustafa , Soylak Mustafa
Published: November 2004

The effect of wet ashing, dry ashing and microwave procedure for the determination of trace metal levels was investigated in house dust, tobacco and tea samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. The study of sample preparation procedures showed that the microwave method was the best. The recovery of trace metals was very good and precision and accuracy were compatible with standard reference material. The relative standard deviations for all measured metal concentrations were lower than 10 %. The digestions of HNO3/ H2SO4/ HClO4 (4: 1: 1) mixture for house dust, HNO3/ H2SO4/ H2O2 (2: 2: 2) mixture for tea and HNO3/ H2O2 (4: 2) mixture for tobacco were very efficient.
Patterns of strain in the macaque tibia during functional activity
Authors: Demes Brigitte , Qin Yi‐Xian , Stern Jack T. , Larson Susan G. , Rubin Clinton T.
Published: November 2004

The strain environment of the tibial midshaft of two female macaques was evaluated through in vivo bone strain experiments using three rosette gauges around the circumference of the bones. Strains were collected for a total of 123 walking and galloping steps as well as several climbing cycles. Principal strains and the angle of the maximum (tensile) principal strain with the long axis of the bone were calculated for each gauge site. In addition, the normal strain distribution throughout the cross section was determined from the longitudinal normal strains (strains in the direction of the long axis of the bone) at each of the three gauge sites, and at the corresponding cross‐sectional geometry of the bone. This strain distribution was compared with the cross‐sectional properties (area moments) of the midshaft. For both animals, the predominant loading regime was found to be bending about an oblique axis running from anterolateral to posteromedial. The anterior and part of the medial cortex are in tension; the posterior and part of the lateral cortex are in compression. The axis of bending does not coincide with the maximum principal axis of the cross section, which runs mediolaterally. The bones are not especially buttressed in the plane of bending, but offer the greatest strength anteroposteriorly. The cross‐sectional geometry therefore does not minimize strain or bone tissue. Peak tibial strains are slightly higher than the peak ulnar strains reported earlier for the same animals (Demes et al. [1998] Am J Phys Anthropol 106:87–100). Peak strains for both the tibia and the ulna are moderate in comparison to strains recorded during walking and galloping activities in nonprimate mammals. Am J Phys Anthropol 116:257–265, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Field methodology for lateral cranial radiography of nonhuman primates
Authors: Schillaci Michael A. , Jones‐Engel Lisa , Heidrich John E. , Miller Gerald P. , Froehlich Jeffery W.
Published: November 2004

The historical lack of field‐based radiographic studies of nonhuman primates within the field of anthropology is likely due to the perceived difficulty of transporting and operating X‐ray equipment. Here we present a method for taking lateral cranial radiographs of nonhuman primates in the field that is simple to employ, and that produces exposed films suitable for collection of measurement data useful for growth and development studies, as well as for investigating bone and soft‐tissue pathology. Several different X‐ray units, film types, and portable power sources were used, all producing suitable images of similar quality, indicating that this methodology is likely not overly sensitive to these important parameters. Am J Phys Anthropol 116:278–284, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cover Picture: High‐Resolution Soft Lithography: Enabling Materials for Nanotechnologies (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 43/2004)
Authors: Rolland Jason P. , Hagberg Erik C. , Denison Ginger M. , Carter Kenneth R. , De Simone Joseph M.
Published: November 2004

High‐performance imprint lithographic applications are ideally suited for perfluoropolyether‐based elastomers. The cover picture shows sub‐100‐nm sized features replicated by these materials whose successful application comes from their remarkably low surface energy and their high flexibility. The performance of the materials suggests that replication at even smaller sizes may be possible. For more information, see the Communication by J. M. De Simone, K. R. Carter, and co‐workers on page 5796 ff.
An open source agenda for research linking text and image content features
Authors: Goodrum Abby A. , Rorvig Mark E. , Jeong Ki‐Tai , Suresh Chitturi
Published: November 2004

The use of primitive content features of images for classification and retrieval has matured over the past decade. However, human beings often prefer to locate images using words. This article proposes a number of methods to utilize image primitives to support term assignment for image classification. Further, the authors propose to release code for image analysis in a common tool set for other researchers to use. Of particular interest to the authors is the expansion of work by researchers in image indexing to include image content based feature extraction capabilities in their work.
Using clustering techniques to detect usage patterns in a Web‐based information system
Authors: Chen Hui‐Min , Cooper Michael D.
Published: November 2004

Different users of a Web‐based information system will have different goals and different ways of performing their work. This article explores the possibility that we can automatically detect usage patterns without demographic information about the individuals. First, a set of 47 variables was defined that can be used to characterize a user session. The values of these variables were computed for approximately 257,000 sessions. Second, principal component analysis was employed to reduce the dimensions of the original data set. Third, a two‐stage, hybrid clustering method was proposed to categorize sessions into groups. Finally, an external criteria‐based test of cluster validity was performed to verify the validity of the resulting usage groups (clusters). The proposed methodology was demonstrated and tested for validity using two independent samples of user sessions drawn from the transaction logs of the University of California's MELVYL® on‐line library catalog system (www.melvyl.ucop.edu). The results indicate that there were six distinct categories of use in the MELVYL system: knowledgeable and sophisticated use, unsophisticated use, highly interactive use with good search performance, known‐item searching, help‐intensive searching, and relatively unsuccessful use. Their characteristics were interpreted and compared qualitatively. The analysis shows that each group had distinct patterns of use of the system, which justifies the methodology employed in this study.
Hydrazine‐induced post‐chemiluminescence phenomenon of permanganate–luminol reaction and its applications
Authors: Du Jianxiu , Lu Jiuru
Published: November 2004

The post‐chemiluminescence phenomenon arising from the permanganate–luminol reaction induced by hydrazine and isoniazid was investigated. When hydrazine or isoniazid was injected into the mixture after the end of the reaction of permanganate with alkaline luminol, a new chemiluminescence (CL) reaction was initiated and strong CL signal was detected. A possible CL mechanism is suggested, based upon the studies of the kinetic characteristics of the CL reaction, the UV‐visible spectra, the CL spectra and some other experiments. The present reactions allow the determination of 0.1–10.0 mg/L hydrazine and 0.02–1.0 mg/L isoniazid, with detection limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.006 mg/L, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of isoniazid in pharmaceutical preparations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term results and risk factors influencing outcome of major bile duct injuries following cholecystectomy
Authors: Schmidt S C , Langrehr J M , Hintze R E , Neuhaus P
Published: November 2004

Background

Major bile duct injuries usually need operative repair and remain a challenge even for surgeons who specialize in hepatobiliary surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate management and short- and long-term outcomes of patients with major complications after cholecystectomy.

Methods

Data were analysed for 54 patients who underwent operation for major bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy between January 1990 and January 2002. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the development of biliary complications.

Results

Complete follow-up data were available for all 54 patients (median duration 61·9 (range 2·6–154·3) months). All underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Three patients (6 per cent) died from biliary tract complications during follow-up. Long-term biliary complications occurred in ten patients (19 per cent). Nine patients developed biliary stricture of whom five developed secondary biliary cirrhosis. A successful long-term result was achieved in 50 (93 per cent) of 54 patients, including those who required subsequent procedures. Biliary reconstruction in the presence of peritonitis (P = 0·002), combined vascular and bile duct injuries (P = 0·029), and injury at or above the level of the biliary bifurcation (P = 0·012) were significant independent predictors of poor outcome.

Conclusion

Successful repair of bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy can be achieved in specialized hepatobiliary units.