bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Not nice to know
Authors: Webb Trevor J
Published: October 2003

Discusses the difference between what is useful and what is merely interesting, in the sense of information that may be deemed relevant but is in fact inessential for some purposes, in the context of the transactions that take place between the information professional and the information user. It is noted that the tendency to give irrelevant responses to enquiries is one that is more likely to be the fault of information users than of information professionals. The usual reason for such responses is that enquirers have failed to ask the right questions or to specify the purpose of their enquiries properly. In order to avoid this situation, information providers should see themselves as producers or specialist distributors of their product, not general retailers. They need to understand the nature of information, not just where to get it from. Users are not necessarily competent to handle the information they are supplied with and they should be helped to do so. Someone has to make sure that a proper contract exists between enquirers and providers and assigns responsibilities to both parties. Some examples are given to illustrate the competence of the information professional viewed in terms of: the relative nature of information; drawing inferences from information; educating the users; and deciding what kind of information is suitable for the decision at hand and its background circumstances.
Business information: the case for clear communication
Authors: Waddington Paul
Published: October 2003

It is argued that a great deal of money is spent on gathering, indexing, sorting, processing and delivering information, but relatively little on ensuring that the results and implications of this research are communicated to and understood by the organizations that commissioned the work. Examines the ways in which information becomes incomprehensible and how better comprehensibility will assist the process of information management. The “technology industry” is blamed for being responsible for continually pushing back comprehensibility in order to push products, arguing that it has yet to be proved that the phenomenal IT investment by companies over the past 20 years has yielded any real productivity gains. This rush to fuel the IT industry, aided an abetted by the World Wide Web, has led to a jargon-driven workplace and distracted the collective attention of business from the urgent need to get some value out of the vast quantities of information that it has built up. Suggests five practical steps aimed at boosting the value of information with good writing: think of the audience; recognize the limitations of different media; take advantage of the power of stories and storytelling; remember that not everyone is a good writer; and build style guides and processes and apply them. Concludes that good writing is not a management fad and it is not always easy to get people excited about it. However, the effort expended in replacing corporate psychobabble with relevant, well-written pieces of narrative the company’s products will repay the investment handsomely.
Corporate Websites: is yours doing the job effectively?
Authors: Bradley Phil
Published: October 2003

The simple fact that a company has a Web site is insufficient in itself and such a site needs to be able to act in a dynamic way to help the company to achieve its maximum effectiveness. It is no longer acceptable to have a Web site that just sits there doing very little but needs to be vibrant, attractive, informative and engaging. Companies need to make their sites stand out from the rest and this requires constant attention, constant updating and as much involvement as possible, both from both the company staff and the site’s visitors. Apoor site will turn people away, not only from the site itself, but quite possibly from the entire organization, but a well produced site will reap many rewards, both in the short and long term. Offers very useful advice on how organizations can assess how good their Web sites are currently and ways in which they can improve the design, layout and content to make them more effective.
Developing the corporate memory: the potential of business archives
Authors: Gray Vic
Published: October 2003

An archivist looks back over a long career in archives and records management, notably at The Rothschild Archive, to review the different aspects of the work of the corporate archivist. Some typical functions of the corporate archive are illustrated with examples to show how such collections perform invaluable service to the parent company, including: the preservation of documents that can play a vital part in litigation or even in proving the legal existence of the company; the use of the information in archives to support corporate decision making; and the use of archival material for tracing and writing the company’s history. Pays particular attention to means of transforming archives to suit the current needs of business through a more dynamic approach to the exploitation of the information contained and the creation of the kind of “business support unit” which is far removed from the traditional notion of the archive and the archivist. The models proposed to support such a transformation depends upon two attitudinal prerequisites: that the business must have overcome the traditional definitions of archives; and that the company archive must be seen not as a passive burden but as an asset in both financial and institutional terms. Concludes by stressing that the paper archivist will still have an important role to play in the world of the Internet and the “paperless archive”. The ease with which electronic records can be lost through careless storage or ill-mapped networks is likely to make the archivist’s disciplines of greater, rather than lesser, importance.
Managing your own career: lifestyles, economic cycles and counter-cyclicals
Authors: Hordle Julia
Published: October 2003

The management of an individual’s own career is a big subject and is acutely personal. The task of advising people in general terms about their career in an objective way is very difficult. Some observations are made about career development, the give and take elements of investment in individuals, the delicate relationship between employee and employer and the special mixture which makes a good career. The account is actively shaped by the author’s own personal experience, tempered by the anecdotes of the many people who have shared their experiences during job interviews. Concludes that there is no such thing as the perfect career, that the “correct” CV is an urban myth and that careers do not tend to progress at a consistently rapid speed, even amongst the supremely talented. Careers more usually tend to grow in fits and starts, moulding themselves to opportunity, domestic issues and circumstances beyond the individual’s control. Recommends that, whether a person is actively looking for a job or not, reviewing available options as well as the CV is very important. Being ever ready for an internal promotion, chance invitation or business opportunity, means that the person is more likely to be able to react quickly when the time comes, so avoiding the risk of opportunities going to waste.
How to find Chinese business information
Authors: Ying-Shan Han
Published: October 2003

Examines Chinese business information sources all over the world, including handbooks, directories, journals and yearbooks, databases, and organisations providing business information on China.
Business travel guides
Authors: Tagg Lawrence
Published: October 2003

There has been a sudden increase in the number of guidebooks intended for the business traveller. This article introduces the genre and reviews the major series.
Australian company information: a guide to sources
Authors: Brooke Wendy
Published: October 2003

A state-of-the art review of sources of information on Australian companies. Covers: company types and filing requirements; information from the Australian Securities Commission and Stock Exchange; source guides; abstracts and indexes; company histories and structure; financial information; shareholders and directors; product information, and company news.
Management information: the key sources
Authors: Harrison Paul
Published: October 2003

Evaluates the leading sources of information on management. Covers journals, books, indexes, abstracts, bibliographies of teaching and research materials, electronic databases, directories and organisations.
Business information on CD-ROM: a review
Authors: Foster Allan
Published: October 2003

The objective of this paper is to review the appropriateness of CD-ROM technology as a medium for business database provision, identify some key issues which must be considered by information managers who wish to provide CD-ROM services, reflect on direct end-user access, and review the development of business CD-ROM products. The perspective is that of an information manager and user, not a producer. The author is responsible for computing, A-V, library and information services in a leading European graduate business school.
Document delivery in business information
Authors: Poynder Richard
Published: October 2003

Assesses the advantages of the different methods of document delivery now available and describes what the major suppliers have to offer information professionals.
Tracking business activity by indices: part 2
Authors: Mathewson Andrew
Published: October 2003

Discusses the value of stock exchange indices produced in Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, London and South East Asia, as well as recession and trade indices and an environmental index.
Electronic business information towards 2000: online providers look at the future
Authors: Rennie Janet , Hamilton Elaine
Published: October 2003

Reports the views of nine information providers on the future of electronic business information services.
US Company Directories: The Top Titles
Authors: Pagell Ruth
Published: October 2003

Ruth Pagell’s first column on US business information sources reviews the current printed directory scene, assessing the main players and the range of information covered, with a short section on electronic versions.
Travel and tourism data in the UK
Authors: Tucker David
Published: October 2003

Describes and evaluates the most commonly used sources of statistics and other market information on the travel and tourism industries in the UK. Differentiates sources for inbound and outbound tourism and internal (domestic) travel. Also covers main international sources. Topics include forms of transport, purpose of travel, use of accommodation while travelling and origin/destination data.
Export information: a case study of SMEs in Northern Ireland
Authors: McDowell David , Rowlands Ian
Published: October 2003

Describes the current provision of export information for SMEs in Northern Ireland and offers recommendations to both suppliers and users of this information
STN International – the scientific and technical host
Authors: Poynder Richard
Published: October 2003

Traces the emergence, in 1983, of STN International, the major online scientific and technical database host, as a joint venture between Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), USA, and Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe (FIZ Karlsruhe), Germany. The service was originally developed from CAS ONLINE. Describes the specific services provided by STN International and the involvement of JICST, in running the STN International service in Japan in parallel to their own JICST Online Information System (JOIS). Describes: the coverage of STN International; technical developments (including provision of full text and images); questions raised about the service’s tax and competitive status and the monopoly and exclusivity of the Chemical Abstracts database; and the controversy surrounding the decision in 1994 to add business files to the service. Notes some pricing issues and the competitors to STN, notably, DIALOG, Questel ORBIT and LEXIS-NEXIS. Concludes that the emergence of CD-ROM and Internet databases will have little significant impact on STN International in the short term.
Computers and productivity: analysis of current literature and some significant issues
Authors: Urgo Marisa A.
Published: October 2003

Points to the difficulties in measuring the impact of information technology (IT) on industries in the service sector leading to the so-called ‘productivity paradox’, whereby companies are perceived as willing executioners, replacing employees in favour of technology that has not yet proven its worth as a productivity tool. Discusses the human factors involved in the spread of IT and reviews the literature covering recent studies that show a positive impact on productivity related to investment in IT.
Mutual fund information on the World Wide Web: part 2. Regional resources
Authors: Ladner Sharyn J.
Published: October 2003

Part 2 of a two-part article reviewing the comprehensive, global, regional and multifunctional mutual fund resources available free on the World Wide Web (WWW). For Part 1 see Business Information Review, 13(2) June 1996, 91– 100. Whereas the resources reported in Part 1 were global in nature, those reported in Part 2 are regional and country specific. Resources are grouped into six geographic regions: the USA; the UK; other countries in the European Union; Asia-Pacific region; and emerging markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Far East. Within each region, resources are arranged by five categories: subject hubs (full service sites); directories and indexes; performance data; reference guides, news and other resources; and mutual fund company profiles. Criteria used to evaluate the Web sites include: language; producer or authority; scope and special features; currency or stability; ease of use.
The business of national bibliography: an example of cooperation between public and private institutions
Authors: Clausen Helge
Published: October 2003

Describes the cooperation between a private company, Dansk Biblioteks Center (DBC), and the Royal Library in the production of the Danish National Bibliography as a successful example of how public authorities and private enterprise can work together to produce a country’s national bibliography. Presents details of the DBC: range of work; annual turnover and profit for 1994–1995; and the role of the National Bibliographic Agreement. Notes the role played by the National Library Authority. Describes in some detail the work of the Danish National Bibliography, its operations, publications and types of materials included. Focuses attention on the DANBIBonline database of centralized cataloguing records, pooled with Library of Congress and British National Bibliography data, and the facilities offered by DANBIB: reuse and transmission of records; National Bibliography; location data; online searching and ordering; legal deposit; interloans; BookData, UnCover and FirstSearch services; and an Internet gateway. Concludes with notes on other cataloguing databases available in Denmark and presents key figures taken from an earlier survey of business libraries in Denmark (see Business Information Review, 13(3), September 1996, pp. 151–65) and comparable data for the publishing sector.
Rankings and comparisons: the top lists
Authors: Pagell Ruth A.
Published: October 2003

The task of searching for the top companies in an industry, in a geographic region or in the world is an important and common one for business librarians and one which is satisfied by lists that rank companies and industries in a rational way (top, biggest, leading, largest). Discusses the issues involved with the concept of ranking and identifies sources of ranking information for North American companies and from US publishers for worldwide rankings, with particular reference to: Dun’s Business Rankings; national business periodicals ( Fortune, Forbes, INC) with contact details and selective URLs for World Wide Web access; regional magazines; compilations ( Gale’s Business Rankings Annual); finding aids; international ranking sources; sector rankings; and online sources. Notes briefly the sources for non-US rankings and screening for company rankings. Includes a reference hint for searchers in small and medium-sized libraries that most ranking questions will be answered from the Fortune or Forbes lists and that Gale’s Rankings titles should be used as finding aids to special issues in their own and other libraries.
Coopers & Lybrand's intranet: a case study
Authors: Paris Alan Lloyd
Published: October 2003

Reviews the long experience of Coopers & Lybrand (C&L), USA, in establishing their online network in the form of the Knowledge Network or ‘Reach’ system. Describes the main components of the Knowledge Network: Information Turbine (a set of databases and information resources); Channel System (electronic networks that link the company to its customers); Affiliate Network (to extend consulting firms); and Exchange Network (to give C&L access to financial services companies). Reports the phasing out of the Knowledge Network in favour of KnowledgeCurve, a company intranet designed to improve the efficiency of organization, collection and dissemination of information within the company. Lists the advantages of the intranet over the previous system and describes the phased introduction of KnowledgeCurve and its derivative, CyberLyb. Concludes with notes on the Tax News Network, an extranet developed by C&L, as a securely controlled portion of their intranet, to address the tax information needs of business in order to improve the company’s visibility and improve client service.
Knowledge management: a dilemma
Authors: Cropley Jacqueline
Published: October 2003

Many activities are loosely called knowledge management, some of which are truly new ways of regarding information and knowledge while others are merely name changes or attempts to enhance the value and status of existing activities. Considers ways in which companies have introduced knowledge management: the management levels in which it resides; and its relationship with information technology and conventional data handling. Knowledge managers must ready themselves for dramatic changes and position all their services and activities carefully if they are to gain the full advantages of the technique.
Patent information on the Internet
Authors: Poynder Richard
Published: October 2003

The increasing importance of patent information for companies has been matched by the growth in Internet-and Web-based patent information services. These services are currently patchy but are improving steadily in quality and sophistication. Derwent Information’s Patent Explorer is the first service to make both European and US patents available on the same Web site in both full text and image form. Considers some of the problems inherent in the current state of the Internet (speed of access, security) and discusses the present and likely future issues associated with the pricing of patent services. Points to the continuing dominance of traditional online hosts and services for patent information, due to the broad coverage and sophistication of searching facilities, but suggests that this may be eroded as Web-based services improve.
First through the Portal: the business potential of highly trafficked Web sites
Authors: Green David
Published: October 2003

Examines the growing concentration of Internet traffic around portals Argues that it will be the information providers, who are first through the portal and who own the intellectual property of their branded content rather than aggregating other people’s, who will simultaneously develop critical market mass and erect effective market barriers to their competitors. Portals are those Web sites which tend to be the starting points for Internet users and are the most intensively used consumer Web sites in the world. Points to the inherent advantage of Netscape, Microsoft Explorer and others in exploiting user inertia and ignorance to become default Web sites. Lists the key portals and their chief characteristics: product; distribution; price; promotion; and brand. Briefly notes the place of the Internet search engines and information content in portal development with two models for electronic commerce. Concludes that there are strong market forces backing portals and they will not be just the latest Web media obsession.
The virtual supply chain: a view of information flows, business structures and business opportunities
Authors: Klobas Jane
Published: October 2003

Introduces the models that are being used by business professionals and the software industry to understand and predict the effects of widespread use of computerized communication networks, such as the Internet, for electronic commerce. The models are drawn from those of business strategy, marketing and logistics, rather than from information management. Attempts to promote a deeper understanding of these business models among information professionals. Tries also to stimulate them to apply their understanding of the models in Three ways: to understand better proposals for information related change in their organizations; to evaluate better the information systems offered by software houses based on these models; and to identify opportunities for new information businesses which may emerge from business changes associated with electronic commerce.
Vendor relations – more than just a contract: ensuring that the pre-nuptial arrangements work to create a good marriage, rather than something to get thrown across the table at the divorce.
Authors: Clark Pamela
Published: October 2003

Considers the importance of contracts and contract negotiation relating to the acquisition of electronic data from third party vendors. Stresses that contract negotiation should involve as much, if not more, thought in the pre-contract work as into the contract signing itself. It is important to plan for the end of the contract through cancellation or product termination rather than allow contracts to be renewed by default. Contract management and processing within an organization should cover: the scope of what is being done; the timeliness of the process; the overall roles and responsibilities of those involved; and what needs to be reviewed. Considers possible pitfalls, including: contracts that roll from one year into the next; inability to achieve savings identified as part of the contract; failure to ensure that the deal can be financed; changes in the number of users between the start and end of a contract period; and the problems and opportunities involved in unbundling and partnering. Concludes with brief notes on the relationship between the buyer and seller of electronic information.
Knowledge services: where self service and value added services co-exist
Authors: Hope Julian
Published: October 2003

The debate in the information profession over the role of the researcher in this age of increasing end-user access to content has tended to focus on the threats, rather than the opportunities. This, combined with varying levels of understanding of the concept of knowledge management within organizations, has resulted in confusion and, in many cases, a feeling that the profession is losing any sense of direction. This article takes an opposite view and demonstrates how, in Ernst & Young; the knowledge management strategy is firmly based on a balanced approach between content, culture and technology. It also shows that information professionals play an integral part in ensuring that the firm’s professional staff provide a knowledge ‘rich’ service to their clients.
UK company directories on the Web
Authors: Coll John , Murray Lynda
Published: October 2003

Reports results of a study, conducted by the Scottish Business Information Service (SCOTBIS), part of the National Library of Scotland, to evaluate the basic UK national company directories available via the Web. It aimed to evaluate and identify key Web sites that could be recommended, with some confidence, to SCOTBIS users; and to compare the retrieval rates for company information from such sites against some of SCOTBIS’ existing printed resources. A given list of UK companies, derived from current printed directories, was compared with similar Web directories to compare success rates in locating companies and to provide some basic evaluation of the content and nature of the selected Web resources. Key indicators were coverage and level of data provided and it was seen that the majority of sites cover approximately between 1.5 and two million companies. Each site also provides an address as well as a telephone number (Dun & Bradstreet being the sole exception to the latter). In terms of product information, most sites fall into the brief description category (a maximum of three or four words describing the activity of the company). Indication of size is also rare among these directories with only Dun & Bradstreet providing such data for an extensive range of companies. Concludes that Web directories can be quick and useful tools for searching for UK companies but there is some question over the long term viability of free sites and the poor comprehensiveness of Web directories compared with the printed resources.
Competitor intelligence: information or intelligence?
Authors: Freeman Olivia
Published: October 2003

Defines the different types of intelligence, information and knowledge; acknowledging the blurred nature of the boundaries. Presents practical examples of business intelligence within financial services and explains why business intelligence skills are becoming essential to business survival. Focuses on what makes a good intelligence analyst and the issues of whether computer software can really produce intelligence by computerizing information. Illustrates the discussion with a case study based on the change from information to intelligence gathering at Midland Bank, UK. Stresses the vital role of acquisitions in company growth, the five principal categories of acquisitions and the important role played by business intelligence.
Web site construction: issues of access
Authors: Blakeman Karen
Published: October 2003

The phenomenal success of the World Wide Web has tended to be marred by Web developers’ tendency to ignore the needs and concerns of users regarding the design, layout and functioning of Web sites. Too many Web sites are irritating to look at or difficult to navigate, despite the work of Tim Berners-Lee and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to set standards and provide useful information for improving sites. When Jakob Nielsen listed what he believed to be the Top Ten Mistakes in Web site design in 1996 and compared this list again in 1999 he found nine out of the 10 problems still unsolved. He also found a further 10 problems, although these were more to do with content rather than technology (lack of biographies, lack of archives, headlines that make no sense out of context). Concludes that the collective efforts of individuals seem unable to make a difference and only official support and example, together with business need, can quickly and radically change attitudes.
Facing up to the challenges: defining the new database publisher
Authors: Stubbs Roger
Published: October 2003

Reports on papers presented at the Directory & Database Publishers Association’s Summer 1999 conference on the theme: ‘Defining the New Database Publisher’. In these papers leading publishers and information providers gave their views on strategies for managing the metamorphosis from print to a variety of new media, notably the Internet and Web. The unanimous view was that: 1999 represents a watershed for traditional publishers in which they must respond soon to the rapid convergence of print and CD-ROM or be too far behind ever to catch up. Their fate will be sealed because, although CD-ROM is currently a better and more profitable option than publishing on the Web, it will inevitably become an intermediate medium; publishing profitably on the Web involves more than simply transferring data from one medium to another; and applications of the Internet to business reference information are fast becoming commodities. Advice and opinions were given by key people in the electronic publishing business: Alastair Graham (Graham & Whiteside); John Minch (Reed Business Information); Neil Thackray (Miller Freeman UK); Andrew Lucas (Reuters’ Corporate & Media Information Group).
UK business information market: sources of statistics and market data
Authors: Hitchins Fred , Mort David
Published: October 2003

Indications are given of the current availability of key sources of statistical data and other information on the UK business information market, the largest market in Europe, its general coverage and the problems posed by its rapidly changing nature. Focuses on the market for published information, mainly books, reports, directories, newspapers, periodicals and legal documents, in either hard copy format or via electronic formats such as the Web other online sources and CD-ROMs. Lists and briefly describes, with Web sites, selected surveys, including those from the DTI; EPSLtd; Frost& Sullivan Ltd; Key Note Ltd; Headland Business Information; Information Market Observatory (IMO); Marketing Strategies for Industry (MSI); and Learned Information Europe Ltd. Lists and describes some of the sources of regular surveys of specific publishing and information sectors: Directory and Database Publishers Association; Periodical Publishers Association; Publishers Association; and market research publishers. Sources of price data (Library and Information Statistics Unit (LISU)), and market research (British Market Research Association (BMRA)) are included.
Building Smart 401(k) Plans: Basic Guidance on Development, Implementation and Investment Selection
Authors: Hall Jeffrey N.
Published: October 2003

This article provides an overview of 401(k) plan features, requirements and stipulations. Based on the premise that weak investment performance may be more a result of poor fund diversification than a by-product of economic fluctuations, the article also explores how two companies—a small, private high-tech start-up developing an new plan and a public company revamping a existing plan—approached designing smart, diversified 401(k) plans from very different perspectives and needs. In addition to providing details on recent 401(k) rules and procedures, the article discusses how each company built smart 401(k) plans based on diversified and informed investment selection, and educated and communicated with employees about these 401(k) developments. The article demonstrates how true investment diversification can be achieved by both plan administrators and employees.
Legal Status of Contingent Workers
Authors: Lanza Bob , Maryn Michael R. , Elders Robert J.
Published: October 2003

Contingent workers constitute a vital component of the workforce for many companies. A recent estimate has placed the number of contingent workers in the United States at 3 million, with about half, or one and one half million, performing the same services for the same company for six months or longer. However, the vast majority of companies using contingent workers have not developed a cogent plan for avoiding the numerous legal pitfalls and maximizing the benefit of the various categories of contingent workers. Consequently, many companies never benefit from the significant cost savings and risk-management benefits provided by such a plan. This article raises the strategic, legal and financial issues companies need to consider in navigating the contingent worker landscape, addresses the potential pitfalls and provides solutions for managing the contingent workforce.
Characterizing Reasons for Breastfeeding Cessation Through out the First Year Postpartum using the Construct of Thriving
Authors: Kirkland Victoria L. , Fein Sara B.
Published: October 2003

The authors examined whether 4 factors derived from the construct of thriving—Physical Adjustment, Infant Nutritional Status, Psychosocial Distress, and Lifestyle Patterns—explain reasons behind breastfeeding cessation. Factor analysis of longitudinal 1993-1994 data showed that mother's concern about her milk supply, wanting to leave the infant, or wanting someone else to feed the infant were the predominant reasons cited for breastfeeding cessation in the first 5 months. The 4 factors accounted for 97% of reasons given in the first 2 months, 86% of reasons given in months 3 to 5, and 58% of reasons from months 6 to 12. An additional factor—expectation regarding appropriate age for breastfeeding cessation—was also important in later months. J Hum Lact. 19(3):278-285.
Weaning Practices among Breastfeeding Women who Weaned Prior to Six Months Postpartum
Authors: Neighbors Katie A. , Gillespie Brenda , Schwartz Kendra , Foxman Betsy
Published: October 2003

We describe weaning practices among 222 breastfeeding mothers who weaned their babies ≤6 months postpartum. After initiating weaning, one fourth of participants weaned within 2 days and three fourths by 14 days (range, 0-90 days). Shorter weaning duration was associated with earlier ages at weaning. After adjustment for time of weaning, women who returned to work were more likely to take >3 days to wean (odds ratio = 2.98; 95% confidence interval = 1.53, 5.79). Women weaning in ≤3 days versus 4 or more days were more likely to report binding their breasts (31% or 15%, P = .007)or using ice packs (9% vs 1%, P = .0006)and were more likely to report feeling happier since weaning (23% vs 9%, P = .005). Most women weaning ≤6 months postpartum took 4 or more days to wean their baby. Experience and anecdote have been the norm in informing weaning practices. This study is a first step toward more rigorous evaluation. J Hum Lact. 19(4):374-380.
Couples' Ratings of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients' Quality of Life
Authors: Low Gail , Gutman Gloria
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare perceptual differences between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and their non-COPD spouses regarding the patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Sixty-seven community-dwelling COPD patients and their non-COPD spouses participated. Participants completed the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). On both questionnaires, spouses' perceptions of patients' HRQOL were lower than those of the patients themselves. At the bivariate level, statistically significant differences were found on the SIP in the physical domain and on the SGRQ in the psychosocial domain. At the multivariate level, the age and gender of both the patients and spouses accounted for 22% of score differences in the psychosocial domain of HRQOL for the SGRQ. Discordance was greatest among the oldest couples with female non-COPD spouses. Domain-specific HRQOL differences provide direction for supportive nursing interventions to enhance coping among COPD couples.
Physiological and Psychological Markers Associated with HIV-Related Fatigue
Authors: Barroso Julie , Carlson John R. , Meynell Janet
Published: October 2003

Fatigue is among the most common and debilitating complaints of HIV-positive individuals. These data are part of a larger exploratory study investigating the relationships of selected psychological and physiological factors among 40 participants with HIV-related fatigue. Fatigue severity was measured using the HIV-Related Fatigue Scale. Fatigue was correlated with depression (r = .40, p <.01), state anxiety (r = .40, p < .01), and trait anxiety (r = .46, p < .01). Of the physiological factors, there were three statistically significant correlations: thyroid-stimulating hormone was negatively correlated with fatigue severity (r = -.36, p = .02), and platelets (r = .35, p = .03) and alkaline phosphatase (r = .27, p = .09) were positively correlated with fatigue severity. There were no correlations between fatigue severity and CD4 count (r = -.16, p = .31) or fatigue severity and HIV viral load levels (r = .031, p = .84). Even among the group with excellent viral suppression, fatigue scores were still very high for many participants.
Refugee Children, Trauma and the Law
Authors: Tufnell Guinevere
Published: October 2003

This article describes expert witness work with refugee children carried out by the Child & Family Team at the Traumatic Stress Clinic affiliated to University College, London. These children are referred by solicitors acting for their parents in relation to claims for asylum. The children have usually survived multiple traumatic experiences and often have significant post-traumatic symptomatology. Many speak little English and have had little preparation for the assessment. This article briefly summarizes the law relating to human rights and refugees that is relevant to these children and the questions posed by their solicitors. It then describes the way in which the team approaches the assessment and the clinical and legal issues raised.
Psychological Debriefing with Children and Young People Following Traumatic Events
Authors: Stallard Paul , Salter Emma
Published: October 2003

Psychological debriefing is routinely provided as part of a crisis-stage intervention for adults involved in traumatic events. Although common with adults, comparatively few studies have reported the use of psychological debriefing with children and adolescents. The historical origins and process of debriefing are described and the studies undertaken with children reviewed. The limited data available do not indicate that debriefing prevents psychological distress, although it may reduce trauma-related symptomatology. There is a need to undertake methodologically sound trials to determine the effectiveness of psychological debriefing with children and adolescents.
Brain Systems Underlying Susceptibility to Helplessness and Depression
Authors: Shumake J. , Gonzalez-Lima F.
Published: October 2003

There has been a relative lack of research into the neurobiological predispositions that confer vulnerability to depression. This article reviews functional brain mappings from a genetic animal model, the congenitally helpless rat, which is predisposed to develop learned helplessness. Neurometabolic findings from this model are integrated with the neuroscientific literature from other animal models of depression as well as depressed humans. Changes in four major brain systems are suggested to underlie susceptibility to helplessness and possibly depression: (a) an unbalanced prefrontal-cingulate cortical system, (b) a dissociated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, (c) a dissociated septal-hippocampal system, and (d) a hypoactive brain reward system, as exemplified by a hypermetabolic habenula-interpeduncular nucleus pathway and a hypometabolic ventral tegmental area-striatum pathway. Functional interconnections and causal relationships among these systems are considered and further experiments are suggested, with theoretical attention to how an abnormality in any one system could affect the others.
Therapeutic Ultrasound in Lower Extremity Wound Management
Authors: Uhlemann Christine , Heinig Birgit , Wollina Uwe
Published: October 2003

In medical practice, ultrasound (US) is used for diagnosis and therapy. High-frequency (1-4 MHz) and low-frequency (20-120 KHz) therapeutic US are relevant to wound healing. The heating effects of high-frequency US are important, whereas the mechanical effects of low-frequency US must be considered. The physiological effects of low-frequency US include metabolic enhancement, perfusion, wound cleansing, and the acceleration of wound granulation. The therapeutic efficacy of US depends on dose (W/cm2 time)and dosage (frequency of application, series). At adequate doses, high-frequency and low-frequency therapeutic US induce in vitro cell proliferation; protein synthesis; and the production of cytokines by fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and monocytes. The mechanical effects of low-frequency US cause transient cavitation in wound surfaces for soft and smooth wound cleaning, ulcer debridement, and the stimulation of granulation. These effects can be determined in clinical studies, though the quality of the studies done so far and of the evidence of the usefulness of US is poor. Nevertheless, high-frequency and low-frequency US may be reasonable options in the management of chronic wounds.
The Role of Skin Hardness, Thickness, and Sensory Loss on Standing Foot Power in the Development of Plantar Ulcers in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Thomas V. Jacob , Patil K. Mothiram , Radhakrishnan S. , Narayanamurthy V. B. , Parivalavan R.
Published: October 2003

This article presents the results of a study on patients with diabetic neuropathy to find the relationships between the foot pressures characterized by power ratio (PR), foot sole hardness (Shore values), and foot sole soft tissue thickness. The results showed that the increase in PR values for diabetic patients in the upper sensation loss levels (S = 7.5 to 10 g) compared to the corresponding increase in lower sensation loss (S=3 to 4.5 g)were of the order of 5 times in the lateralheel and big toe, respectively, and 4 times in the first metatarsal head regions. The increase in PR values for diabetic patients in the upper Shore value regions (30 to 40) compared to the corresponding increase in lower Shore value regions (20 to 30) were of the order of 3.4 times in lateral heel and 2.4, 2.0, and 2.3 times in the first, second, and lateral metatarsal head regions, respectively. At sites contiguous to frank ulcers for foot sole hardness (Shore values of 50) at sensation level > 10 g PR was as high as 59, and foot sole thickness values were also greater than the corresponding normal values. The study shows all measured parameters may play a part in the development of plantar ulcers.
Oral Cancer: Prevention and Detection in Primary Dental Healthcare
Authors: Conway David I , Macpherson Lorna MD , Gibson John , Binnie Vivian I
Published: October 2003

The incidence of oral cancer is rising in the UK. Mortality from the disease remains high and survival has not improved significantly in the last 30 years. The primary dental health team has an integral role in the delivery of oral health promotion and prevention advice and in the early detection of oral malignancy and potentially malignant lesions. Both prevention and early detection within the general dental practice setting have a potential impact on overall incidence, morbidity and mortality from oral cancer. This paper details the primary dental healthcare team's roles in delivering smoking cessation and alcohol reduction counselling, in the early detection by oral examination, and in the process of prompt referral.
Oral Health and Heart Disease
Authors: Seymour Robin A , Preshaw Philip M , Steele James G
Published: October 2003

Over the past ten years, a body of evidence has accumulated to suggest that aspects of oral health, particularly the extent and severity of periodontal disease, may be associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). This evidence should be seen against the background of a more general interest in the role of chronic infections in vascular disease. There have, for example, been suggestions of associations between CHD and a range of bacterial and viral agents, including H. pylori, C. pneumoniae, and cyto-megalovirus, which are involved in persistent infections at various sites around the body. Reviews of the evidence for the causality of these relationships between CHD and specific organisms have been inconclusive. By comparison, periodontal disease is related to a wide and complex range of organisms rather than a single species and although the nature of the relationship is still inconclusive, the evidence for its validity still persists to some degree. A brief synopsis of the epidemiological studies to date and their outcomes is shown in Table 1.
Variable phenotypic expression and extensive tau pathology in two families with the novel tau mutation L315R
Authors: Van Herpen Esther , Rosso Sonia M. , Serverijnen Lies‐Anne , Yoshida Hirotaka , Breedveld Guido , Van De Graaf Raoul , Kamphorst Wouter , Ravid Rivka , Willemsen Rob , Dooijes Dennis , Majoor‐Krakauer Daniëlle , Kros Johan M. , Crowther R. Anthony , Goedert Michel , Heutink Peter , Van Swieten John C.
Published: October 2003

Mutations in the tau gene cause familial frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17. Here, we describe two Dutch families with familial frontotemporal dementia associated with the novel missense mutation L315R in exon 11 of tau. The age at onset of disease showed a large variation within each family, ranging from 25 to 64 years. Incomplete penetrance was established in an 82‐year‐old mutation carrier with no signs of dementia and appeared probable in two additional subjects. The brains of two affected subjects were studied and showed extensive tau pathology in neurons (Pick‐like inclusions) and astroglial cells, particularly in the frontotemporal cortex and the hippocampal formation. Sarkosyl‐insoluble tau extracted from the cerebral cortex showed the presence of straight and twisted tau filaments and a pattern of pathological tau bands similar to that of Pick's disease. Upon dephosphorylation, only five of the six brain tau isoforms were observed, with the shortest isoform being undetectable. All six tau isoforms were present in soluble brain tau. Recombinant tau proteins with the L315R mutation showed a reduced ability to promote microtubule assembly. Ann Neurol 2003;54:573–581
Valproic acid increases SMN levels in spinal muscular atrophy patient cells
Authors: Sumner Charlotte J. , Huynh Thanh N. , Markowitz Jennifer A. , Perhac J. Stephen , Hill Brenna , Coovert Daniel D. , Schussler Kristie , Chen Xiaocun , Jarecki Jill , Burghes Arthur H. M. , Taylor J. Paul , Fischbeck Kenneth H.
Published: October 2003

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited motor neuron disease caused by mutation of the telomeric copy of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN1). Although a centromeric copy of the survival motor neuron gene (SMN2) is retained in all patients with SMA, it differs from SMN1 at a critical nucleotide such that the majority of SMN2 transcripts lack exon 7 and encode an unstable, truncated protein. Here, we show that valproic acid increases levels of exon 7–containing SMN transcript and SMN protein in type I SMA patient–derived fibroblast cell lines. Valproic acid may increase SMN levels both by activating the SMN promoter and by preventing exon 7 skipping in SMN transcripts. Valproic acid and related compounds warrant further investigation as potential treatment for SMA. Ann Neurol 2003;54:647–654