bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shoot meristem: an ideal explant for Zea mays L. transformation
Authors: Sairam R V , Parani M , Franklin G , Lifeng Z , Smith B , MacDougall J , Wilber C , Sheikhi H , Kashikar N , Meeker K , Al-Abed D , Berry K , Vierling R , Goldman S L
Published: August 2003

We report on a rapid high-frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration protocol for Zea mays. Maize plants were regenerated from complete shoot meristem (34 mm) explants via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. In organogenesis, the shoot meristems were directly cultured on a high-cytokinin medium comprising 510 mg·L1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The number of multiple shoots produced per meristem varied from six to eight. Plantlet regeneration through organogenesis resulted in just four weeks. Callus was induced in five days of incubation on an auxin-modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Prolific callus, with numerous somatic embryos, developed within 34 weeks when cultured on an auxin medium containing 5 mg 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid·L1. The number of multiple shoots varied from three to six per callus. Using R23 (Pioneer, Hi-Bred, Johnston, Iowa), the frequency of callus induction was consistently in excess of 80% and plant regeneration ranged between 47 and 64%. All regenerated plantlets survived in the greenhouse and produced normal plants. Each transgenic plant produced leaves, glumes, and anthers that uniformly expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GFP gene segregated in the pollen. Based on this data it is concluded that the transgenics arose from single-cell somatic embryos. The rate of transfer DNA (T-DNA) transfer to complete shoot meristems of Zea mays was high on the auxin medium and was independent of using super-virulent strains of Agrobacterium.Key words: Zea mays, shoot meristems, organogenesis, embryogenesis, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
Comparative assessment of DNA fingerprinting techniques (RAPD, ISSR and AFLP) for genetic analysis of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) accessions of India
Authors: Archak S , Gaikwad A B , Gautam D , Rao E V.V.B , Swamy K R.M , Karihaloo J L
Published: August 2003

Nineteen cashew accessions were analysed with 50 random primers, 12 ISSR primers and 6 AFLP primer pairs to compare the efficiency and utility of these techniques for detecting variation in cashew germplasm. Each marker system could discriminate between all of the accessions, albeit with varied efficiency of polymorphism detection. AFLP exhibited maximum discrimination efficiency with a genotype index of 1. The utility of each molecular marker technique, expressed as marker index, was estimated as a function of average band informativeness and effective multiplex ratio. Marker index was calculated to be more than 10 times higher in AFLP than in RAPD and ISSR. Similarity matrices were determined based on the data generated by molecular and morphometric analyses, and compared for congruency. AFLP displayed no correspondence with RAPD and ISSR. Correlation between ISSR and RAPD similarity matrices was low but significant (r = 0.63; p < 0.005). The similarity matrix based on morphometric markers exhibited no correlation with any of the molecular markers. AFLP, with its superior marker utility, was concluded to be the marker of choice for cashew genetic analysis.Key words: Anacardium occidentale, DNA fingerprinting, RAPD, ISSR, AFLP, morphometric.
Homoeologous loci control the accumulation of seed glucosinolates in oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Howell P M , Sharpe A G , Lydiate D J
Published: August 2003

The genetic control of seed glucosinolate content in oilseed rape was investigated using two intervarietal backcross populations. Four QTLs segregating in the population derived from a Brassica napus L.'Victor' × Brassica napus L.'Tapidor' cross, together accounting for 76% of the phenotypic variation, were mapped. Three of these loci also appeared to control the accumulation of seed glucosinolates in a Brassica napus L. 'Bienvenu' × 'Tapidor' cross, and accounted for 86% of the phenotypic variation. The three QTLs common to both populations mapped to homoeologous regions of the B. napus genome, suggesting that seed glucosinolate accumulation is controlled by duplicate genes. It was possible to extend the comparative analysis of QTLs controlling seed glucosinolate accumulation by aligning the published genetic maps generated by several research groups. This comparative mapping demonstrated that high-glucosinolate varieties often carry low-glucosinolate alleles at one or more of the loci controlling seed glucosinolate accumulation.Key words: backcross, comparative mapping, genetic linkage map, marker-assisted breeding, QTL.
Mapping the mosaic of ancestral genotypes in a cultivar of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) selected via pedigree breeding
Authors: Sharpe A G , Lydiate D J
Published: August 2003

Recent oilseed rape breeding has produced low glucosinolate cultivars that yield proteinaceous meal suitable for animal feed. The low glucosinolate character was introduced into modern cultivars from Brassica napus 'Bronowski', a cultivar that is agronomically inferior in most other respects. Residual segments of 'Bronowski' genotype in modern cultivars probably cause reduced yield, poorer winter hardiness, and lower oil content. The quantity and distribution of the 'Bronowski' genotype in the modern oilseed rape cultivar Brassica napus 'Tapidor' was investigated using a segregating population derived from a cross between 'Tapidor' and its high glucosinolate progenitor. This population was analyzed with 65 informative Brassica RFLP probes and a genetic linkage map, based on the segregation at 77 polymorphic loci, was constructed. The mapping identified 15 residual segments of donor genotype in 'Tapidor', which together occupy approximately 29% of the B. napus genome. Mapping the loci that control variation for the accumulation of total seed glucosinolates in the segregating population has identified three loci that together explain >90% of the variation for this character. All of these loci are in donor segments of the 'Tapidor' genome. This result shows the extent to which conventional breeding programmes have difficulty in eliminating residual segments of donor genotype from elite material.Key words: genetic drag, glucosinolates, marker-assisted selection, RFLP, trait introgression.
The paternal sex ratio chromosome in the parasitic waspTrichogramma kaykaicondenses the paternal chromosomes into a dense chromatin mass
Authors: van Vugt Joke F.A , Salverda Merijn , de Jong J Hans , Stouthamer Richard
Published: August 2003

A recently discovered B chromosome in the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma kaykai was found to be transmitted through males only. Shortly after fertilization, this chromosome eliminates the paternal chromosome set leaving the maternal chromosomes and itself intact. Consequently, the sex ratio in these wasps is changed in favour of males by modifying fertilized diploid eggs into male haploid offspring. In this study, we show that in fertilized eggs at the first mitosis the paternal sex ratio (PSR) chromosome condenses the paternal chromosomes into a so-called paternal chromatin mass (PCM). During this process, the PSR chromosome is morphologically unaffected and is incorporated into the nucleus containing the maternal chromosomes. In the first five mitotic divisions, 67% of the PCMs are associated with one of the nuclei in the embryo. Furthermore, in embryos with an unassociated PCM, all nuclei are at the same mitotic stage, whereas 68% of the PCM-associated nuclei are at a different mitotic phase than the other nuclei in the embryo. Our observations reveal an obvious similarity of the mode of action of the PSR chromosome in T. kaykai with that of the PSR-induced paternal genome loss in the unrelated wasp Nasonia vitripennis.Key words: paternal sex ratio, PSR, Trichogramma kaykai, B chromosome, paternal chromatin mass, embryogenesis.
Weighted Fuzzy Averages in Fuzzy Environment: Part I. Insufficient Expert Data and Fuzzy Averages
Authors: Sirbiladze G. , Sikharulidze A.
Published: August 2003

Three new versions of the most typical value (MTV)1,2 of the population (generalized weighted averages) are introduced. The first version, WFEVg, is a generalization of the weighted fuzzy expected value (WFEV)3 for any fuzzy measure g on a finite set and it coincides with the WFEV when a sampling probability distribution is used. The second and the third version are respectively the weighted fuzzy expected intervals WFEI and WFEIg which are generalizations of the WFEV, namely, MTV s of the population for a sampling distribution and for any fuzzy measure g on a finite set, respectively, when the fuzzy expected interval (FEI)4 exists but the fuzzy expected value (FEV)4 does not. The construction process is based on the Friedman-Schneider-Kandel (FSK)3 principle and results in the new MTV s called the WFEI and the WFEIg when the combinatorial interval extension of a function5 is used.
A Constructive Method for Building Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems
Authors: Requena Ignacio , Blanco Armando , Delgado Miguel
Published: August 2003

This paper proposes a new method for identifying unknown systems with Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems (FRBSs). The method employs different methodologies from the discipline of Soft Computing (Artificial Neural Networks, Fuzzy Clustering) and follows a three-stage process. Firstly, the structure of the FRBS rules is determined using a feature selection process. A fuzzy clustering procedure is then used to establish the number of fuzzy rules. In the third step, the fuzzy membership functions are constructed for the linguistic labels. Finally, the empirical performance of the algorithm is studied by applying it to a number of classification and approximation problems.
The Cyclin in the RNA Polymerase Holoenzyme Is a Target for the Transcriptional Repressor Tup1p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Schüller Jutta , Lehming Norbert
Published: August 2003

The general transcriptional repressor Tup1p requires the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase pair Srb11p/Srb10p in the holoenzyme of transcription. We used the split-ubiquitin system to demonstrate that Tup1p interacts with Srb11p in vivo. We confirmed our observation in vitro with the help of purified proteins, and we compared the de-repression effect of deleting TUP1, SRB10, and SRB11 on different promoters. We propose that Tup1p targets the cyclin Srb11p to affect the cyclin-dependent kinase Srb10p.
Phylogenetic Analyses of Potassium Channel Auxiliary Subunits
Authors: Mangubat Erwin Z. , Tseng Tsai-Tien , Jakobsson Eric
Published: August 2003

Results of recent genome-sequencing projects together with advances in biochemical, molecular genetic and physiological experimentation have allowed discovery of many transport auxiliary subunits. These subunits facilitate the proper movement of substrates across cell membranes. Mutations of any of these subunits can cause catastrophic effects to the transport mechanism and cause certain genetic diseases. Auxiliary subunits of ion channels are of particular interest because of their potential to diversify the transport properties of the principal subunits. Furthermore, ion channel auxiliary subunits may function in the capacity of enhancing surface expression, allowing gating, and providing chaperone-like activities. As a result of their evolutionary histories, these proteins can be grouped exclusively by phylogenetic techniques. Many of these families are found to be restricted to a single kingdom of life while others seem to be ubiquitous. Here we report the results of systematic analyses of three families of ion channel auxiliary subunits. Some subunits contain one or more transmembrane segments while others exist only in the cytoplasm. We have also observed potential horizontal transfer across kingdoms with these auxiliary subunits. In this report, we present tabulated results of homology searches, partial multiple alignments, secondary structure analyses, and phylogenetic trees for these families.
Independent Predictors of Late Hydrocephalus in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage – Analysis by Multivariate Logistic Regression Model
Authors: Hirashima Yutaka , Hamada Hideo , Hayashi Nakamasa , Kuwayama Naoya , Origasa Hideki , Endo Shunro
Published: August 2003

Object: We determined independent variables contributing to the development of late hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods: A total of 114 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for aneurysms within 72 h after SAH were studied. Thirty-nine patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement (14 patients within 30 days and 25 patients more than 30 days after onset). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess relationships among various variables and shunt placement. Results: Three variables were found to be independently associated with VPS patients: (1) the rate of SAH clearance; (2) the duration of external cerebrospinal fluid drainage, and (3) presence of neurological deficits 2 weeks after surgery, which indicates brain damage mainly caused by intraoperative manipulation and cerebral vasospasm. Conclusion: As in previous reports, intraoperative clot removal and duration of external CSF drainage were found to be closely related to the incidence of hydrocephalus. Brain damage due to intraoperative manipulation and cerebral vasospasm is seemed to be involved in the occurrence of late hydrocephalus in this study.
Motor Evoked Potentials in Predicting Recovery from Upper Extremity Paralysis after Acute Stroke
Authors: Hendricks Henk T. , Pasman Jaco W. , van Limbeek Jacques , Zwarts Machiel J.
Published: August 2003

Objective: The use of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in predicting recovery after stroke still appears to be somehow equivocal. We assessed the prognostic value of MEPs with respect to arm and hand motor recovery in acute stroke patients. Methods: This cohort study included 43 consecutive acute stroke patients with complete paralysis of the upper extremity. MEPs of the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADM) and the biceps brachii muscle (BB) were obtained within 10 days after stroke onset. The upper limb subset of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment was used to evaluate the motor performance at regular intervals until 6 months after stroke. Results: The follow-up was complete in 40 patients (2 patients died and 1 patient had a recurrent stroke); 14 patients showed motor recovery of the arm and their mean 26-week arm motor score was 17.93 (range 3–30, SD 11.68); hand motor recovery occurred in 11 patients and their mean 26-week hand motor score was 11.09 (range 4–14, SD 4.10). Stepwise logistic regression revealed prognostic models for both arm and hand motor recovery based on BB MEPs (odds ratio 7.69, confidence interval, CI, 1.16–50.95) and ADM MEPs (odds ratio 16.20, CI 2.51–104.40), respectively. Conclusions: The predictive significance of MEPs with respect to motor recovery of the upper extremity was obvious in our homogeneous sample of patients. This agrees with the paradigm that motor recovery after infarction is strongly dependent on a critical residual sparing of the corticospinal function. In this context, the test properties of MEPs in predicting motor recovery are discussed. The added value of MEPs with respect to motor recovery of the upper extremity should be regarded as established for patients with initial paralysis, especially since clinical examination alone lacks the possibility to detect the potential for motor recovery in these cases.
A Case-Control Study on Cigarette, Alcohol, and Coffee Consumption Preceding Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ragonese P. , Salemi G. , Morgante L. , Aridon P. , Epifanio A. , Buffa D. , Scoppa F. , Savettieri G.
Published: August 2003

Objective: To investigate the association between cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, coffee consumption and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: We selected subjects affected by idiopathic PD, with a Mini-Mental State Examination of ≧24, and controls matched 1 to 1 with cases by age (± 2 years) and sex. Controls were randomly selected from the resident list of the same municipality of residence of the cases. We assessed cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and coffee consumption preceding the onset of PD or the corresponding time for controls using a structured questionnaire, which also evaluated the duration and dose of exposure. Using conditional logistic regression analysis, we calculated adjusted OR and 95% CI. Results: We interviewed 150 PD patients and 150 matched controls. Cigarette smoking (ever vs. never smokers OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.41–1.05, p = 0.08) did not show a statistically significant association with PD. We observed an inverse association between alcohol drinking (ever vs. never OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39–0.97, p = 0.037) and coffee consumption (ever vs. never OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.46, p = 0.0001) and PD. These associations remained significant after adjustment for other covariates: OR for ever vs. never alcohol consumption was 0.62 (95% CI = 0.43–0.89, p = 0.009) and that for coffee drinking 0.19 (95% CI = 0.07–0.52, p = 0.001). Heavy coffee consumption confirmed the inverse association between coffee and PD (more than 81 cup/year vs. none: OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08–0.47, p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, our results suggest an inverse association between coffee drinking, alcohol consumption and PD. The multiple inverse association observed may indicate a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.
Association between Parkinson’s Disease and Exposure to Pesticides in Southwestern France
Authors: Baldi Isabelle , Cantagrel Anne , Lebailly Pierre , Tison François , Dubroca Bénédicte , Chrysostome Virginie , Dartigues Jean-François , Brochard Patrick
Published: August 2003

A case-control study was performed in southwestern France in order to assess the relationship between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the elderly. During the period from 1997 to 1999, 84 cases were recruited together with 252 population-based controls. Experts in occupational health reviewed job codes and provided pesticide exposure levels, making it possible to calculate cumulated exposure lifelong for individuals. Environmental pesticide exposure was considered in relation to the place of residence. A positive association was found with occupational pesticide exposure (odds ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1–4.3) in conditional logistic multiple regression analysis taking into account age, sex, educational level and smoking; however, no clear dose relationship was found. Our results support the hypothesis of an association between occupational pesticide exposure and PD and point to the need to investigate the role of fungicides, for which toxicological hypotheses exist.
Renal and Cardiovascular Responses to Water Immersion in Essential Hypertension: Is There a Role for the Opioidergic System?
Authors: Coruzzi Paolo , Parati Gianfranco , Brambilla Lorenzo , Brambilla Valerio , Gualerzi Massimo , Novarini Almerico , Mancia Giuseppe , Castiglioni Paolo , Di Rienzo Marco
Published: August 2003

Our study aimed at elucidating the effects of acute central hypervolemia induced by water immersion (WI) on renal hemodynamics, hormonal responses and on cardiovascular control in hypertensive patients, as well as at evaluating the possible role of the opioidergic system (OS) in determining these effects. Thirteen essential hypertensives were studied for 2 h before and for 2 h during WI. This was done twice, without and with i.v. injection of the OS antagonist naloxone. Before and during WI alone, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse interval (PI), spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), Low frequency to High frequency (LF/HF) ratio in PI spectra, hematocrit, urinary sodium excretion, plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (PA) were assessed. Based on their response to WI, hypertensives were subdivided into two groups: ERPF+ (n = 7) in whom WI increased ERPF, and ERPF– (n = 6) in whom WI reduced ERPF. ERPF+ displayed a higher BRS than ERPF– at baseline and during WI. A suppression of PRA and PA and an increase in MAP and urinary sodium excretion were found in both groups. In ERPF+ naloxone caused RVR and MAP to increase during WI and this response was associated with a blockade of the increase in ERPF in this group, while BRS and natriuresis were unchanged. In ERPF– naloxone did not affect WI-induced MAP, ERPF, RVR and BRS changes, while it blunted sodium excretion. Our data provide the first evidence of a differentiate renal hemodynamic response to WI in hypertension; they also suggest that while OS may significantly potentiate the renal vasodilatory response to WI in ERPF+, it does not affect the natriuretic response nor the changes in systemic cardiovascular regulation induced by central hypervolemia.
Mapping of a further locus for X-linked craniofrontonasal syndrome
Authors: Wieland I. , Jakubiczka S. , Muschke P. , Wolf A. , Gerlach L. , Krawczak M. , Wieacker P.
Published: August 2003

Craniofrontonasal syndrome is a rare dysostosis syndrome with an unusual pattern of X-linked inheritance, because males are usually not or less severely affected than females. Previously, a CFNS locus has been localised in Xp22. We report on a haplotype analysis in a German CFNS family, mapping the CFNS locus to the pericentromeric region of the X chromosome. This discrepancy can be explained by locus heter- ogeneity. Furthermore, random X inactivation could be demonstrated in affected females. The most plausible interpretation for this unusual pattern of X-linked inheritance is metabolic interference. Consequently, we propose that the CFNS gene escapes X inactivation.
Sevelamer
Authors: Henderson Jane , Altmann Paul
Published: August 2003

Hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic renal failure has traditionally been treated with calcium- and aluminium-containing phosphate binders. This article briefly discusses the rationale and complications of these treatments and reviews sevelamer that is a novel non-calcium-, non-aluminium-containing phosphate binder and the evidence to support its use in clinical practice.
Pericellular Matrix Formation by Renal Tubule Epithelial Cells in Relation to Crystal Binding
Authors: Schepers Marieke S.J. , Asselman Marino , Duim Ronald A.J. , Romijn Johannes C. , Schröder Fritz H. , Verkoelen Carl F.
Published: August 2003

Background/Aim: Retention of crystals in the kidney ultimately leads to renal stone formation. Hyaluronan (HA) has been identified as binding molecule for calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals. The association of high molecular mass (Mr) HA with cell surface receptors such as CD44 gives rise to pericellular matrix (PCM) formation by many eukaryotic cells in culture. Here, we study the ability of several renal tubular cell lines to assemble PCMs and to synthesize high-Mr HA during proliferation in relation to crystal retention. Methods: PCM assembly by MDCK-I, MDCK-II, and LLC-PK1 cells was visualized by particle exclusion assay. Metabolic labeling studies were performed to estimate the cellular production of HA. The expression of CD44 and HA was studied using fluorescent probes, and crystal binding was quantified with radiolabeled calcium oxalate monohydrate. Results: PCMs were formed, and HA was expressed by most MDCK-I and some MDCK-II, but not by LLC-PK1 cells. All cell types expressed CD44 at their apical surface. MDCK-I and MDCK-II cells secreted, respectively, 14.7 ± 1.6 and 0.5 ± 0.2 pmol [3H]glucosamine incorporated in high-Mr HA, whereas LLC-PK1 cells did not secrete HA. Streptomyces hyaluronidase treatment significantly decreased crystal binding (µg/cm2) to MDCK-I cells (from 8.6 ± 0.4 to 3.9 ± 0.9), but hardly to MDCK-II cells (from 10.2 ± 0.2 to 9.6 ± 0.1) or LLC-PK1 cells (from 10.2 ± 0.8 to 9.9 ± 0.3). Conclusions: There are various forms of crystal binding to renal tubular cells in culture. Crystal attachment to MDCK-I and some MDCK-II cells involves PCM assembly that requires high-Mr HA synthesis. HA production and PCM formation do not play a role in crystal binding to LLC-PK1 and the majority of MDCK-II cells. It remains to be determined which form of binding is involved in renal stone disease.
Participation of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor in Cardiac and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Fiebeler Anette , Haller Hermann
Published: August 2003

The mineralocorticoid receptor mediates the effects of aldosterone. In addition to its influence on fluid and electrolyte, aldosterone plays a role in cardiac hypertrophy, tissue fibrosis, and modulation of vascular reactivity. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms induced by aldosterone are not fully understood. Aldosterone causes slow transcriptional and rapid non-transcriptional effects. The latter include changes in intracellular calcium, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. In addition, autocrine loops involving other molecules such as the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor are also important in aldosterone-induced cellular mechanisms. This short review covers in vitro and in vivo studies that have investigated the pathophysiological role of aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor in the cardiovascular system.
Oral Nifedipine in the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure
Authors: Ağaoğlu Nazım , Cengiz Salahattin , Arslan Mithat Kerim , Türkyilmaz Serdar
Published: August 2003

Background: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of oral nifedipine on maximal resting anal pressure (MRAP) in healthy volunteers and to evaluate its role in the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF). Methods: MRAP was measured in 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with CAF before and after oral nifedipine (20 mg b.i.d.). Patients were assessed on the first visit and every fortnight for measurement of MRAP, pain scores, blood pressure, pulse rate, healing of the fissure and adverse effects. Treatments were continued until healing had occurred or for up to 8 weeks. Results: MRAP values before and after nifedipine were 73.2 and 49.3 cm H2O, respectively, in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Nifedipine caused a reduction in mean MRAP from 105.2 to 74.0 cm H2O (p < 0.001) in patients with CAF. Pain scores were significantly reduced after 2 weeks of treatment with nifedipine (p < 0.001) and continued throughout the treatment period. At the end of the study 6 of the 10 patients treated with nifedipine were deemed to be healed (n = 5) or improved (n = 1). Headache occurred in 1 patient. Conclusion: We conclude that oral nifedipine is effective in reducing MRAP and should become the first-line treatment for CAF.
News Portrayal of Violence and Women
Authors: Carll Elizabeth K.
Published: August 2003

Objective news coverage and dissemination of information may become one of the most powerful tools in reducing the pervasive problem of violence against women. Examples of biases and distortions in news coverage of women as victims and perpetrators of violence are discussed, including the influence on public perception and policy. Recommendations for the steps that can be taken to influence public policy and promote positive social change also are discussed.
Audience Reactions to Local TV News
Authors: Klein Roger D.
Published: August 2003

A survey measuring audience reactions to local television news was administered to middle school/high school students, college students, and senior citizens. The majority in each population reported watching the news to learn about the world. They agreed that news is mostly about violent events and that such news causes them to worry and to feel that the world is not a safe place. Significant sex differences were found indicating that women were more likely to report turning the news off and worrying about news content, whereas college men were more likely to watch to see coverage of violent events. The possibility of modifying news content was raised.
The Effects of Nonverbal Mirroring on Perceived Persuasiveness, Agreement with an Imitator, and Reciprocity in a Group Discussion
Authors: van Swol Lyn M.
Published: August 2003

Two experiments focused on nonverbal mirroring in a group discussion. In Experiment 1, each participant interacted with two confederates. Confederates disagreed with each other and with the participant during discussion. One confederate mirrored the nonverbal behavior of the participant; the other did not. Participants rated the imitating confederate as more confident and persuasive. However, they were not more likely to change their viewpoint to match that of this confederate. Independent coders, unaware of the hypotheses, did not rate the two confederates as significantly different. In Experiment 2, each participant again interacted with two confederates. One confederate agreed with the participant during the discussion, and the other disagreed. One confederate rubbed his or her face during the discussion. The other shook his or her foot. The hypothesis that participants would be more likely to mirror the nonverbal behavior of the confederate who agreed with them during discussion received no support.
Variety Versus Timing
Authors: Aubrey Jennifer Stevens , Harrison Kristen , Kramer Leila , Yellin Jennifer
Published: August 2003

This study examined whether the relationship between exposure to sexually oriented television and sexual expectations differed by gender, controlling for several key variables including characteristics of past or current romantic relationship, perceived reality of television, and the motivation to watch television to learn about the world. The results of a questionnaire completed by 202 (96 males, 106 females) college undergraduates revealed that exposure to sexually oriented television was related in males to an expectation of a broad range of sexual activities in relationships, and in females to the expectation of earlier sex in relationships, even after controlling for key variables. Also, the viewing-television-to-learn motive predicted an expectation of a variety of sexual activities to occur in a relationship for males.
The Level of Service Inventory-Revised Profile of English Prisoners
Authors: Hollin Clive R. , Palmer Emma J. , Clark Danny
Published: August 2003

This study considers the applicability of the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) with an English prison population. After slight modification of the LSI-R for use in England, several items were added to amplify it for use in prisons. As data from an English prison population have not previously been published, full details are presented. Comparison with data from a Canadian prison population suggests that the LSI-R functions in a similar manner in assessing needs for both populations. The calculation of test-retest change scores over the duration of the sentence, based on the dynamic risk items, represents a new use of the LSI-R. This study precedes another study presently under way using this data set to search for relationships between LSI-R scores and recidivism. Such relationships, if reliably established, would have several applications within the prison service in terms of sentence planning and risk assessment.
Effects of Workplace Monitoring Policies on Potential Employment Discrimination and Organizational Attractiveness for African Americans in the Technical Professions
Authors: Stanton Jeffrey M. , Lin Lilly F.
Published: August 2003

Many organizations have policies concerning the use of technology to monitor the communications of employees. The present study explored the effects of these policies on beliefs and preferences of Black job applicants. Using a simulated job advertisement, we varied organizational monitoring policies and application submission methods in a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment with 600 participants from a professional organization of Black engineers. Using a multiple stakeholder model of organizational privacy as a theoretical framework, we measured the perceived potential for discrimination and the degree to which the simulated organization was seen as an attractive workplace for minorities. Results indicated that failing to protect employees’ and applicants’ privacy made the organization seem less attractive as an employer. Likewise, a lack of privacy protection was seen as a potential source of discrimination. These findings supported theoretical assertions concerning two of four normative bases of privacy preferences.
Student Enrollment in High School AP Sciences and Calculus: How does it Correlate with STEM Careers?
Authors: Robinson Mike
Published: August 2003

Many high schools offer students the opportunity to take advanced placement (AP) courses in many subjects including science and mathematics. Studies have shown that students who take these classes are more likely to succeed in college and that failure in engineering education is strongly correlated to deficiencies in mathematics and science. This article presents the background of AP classes and their impact on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career choices of college students. The results of this study confirm that students who take AP classes in calculus and the sciences are more likely to select majors in careers such as engineering, science, mathematics, and the medical field. In this study, both minority and nonminority students who were taking AP calculus and/or science courses in high school selected STEM careers at a higher rate than other careers and males selected engineering at a higher rate than females. Females selected science and mathematics and the medical field at a higher rate than males. Furthermore, the size and location of the high school, profession of parents, and socioeconomic level of parents all affect the number of AP classes offered in high schools as well as which ethnic groups primarily take them.
The Relationship between Actual Promotion and Turnover among Professional and Managerial-Administrative Occupational Groups
Authors: Saporta Ishak , Farjoun Moshe
Published: August 2003

The basic argument of the article is that actual promotion, which is an essential part of the variety of rewards distributed by organizations, affects the quitting behavior of individual employees. This effect is contingent on the type of occupational group to which the employee belongs. To test the basic argument, the authors looked at the longitudinal records of a single organization, examining data on actual promotion and turnover. The findings reveal that, regardless of occupational affiliation, past promotions reduced the likelihood of leaving the organization. However, they also showed that professionals (accountants, engineers, lawyers, and computer scientists) were promoted at higher rates than managers and administrators were but had similar quitting rates. These combined findings do not lend direct support for a moderating role of occupational group affiliation. However, they suggest that by differentially affecting promotion opportunities, occupational group affiliation does affect the promotion-quit relationship.
The Decline of Industrial Unionism in the Meatpacking Industry:
Authors: Brueggemann John , Brown Cliff
Published: August 2003

Having negotiated challenges that contributed to the deterioration of most other unions, the United Packinghouse Workers of America entered the second half of the century with widespread support among packinghouse workers and a strong sense of purpose. In the late 1950s, however, meatpacking companies began a radical reorganization of the industry's system of production. Within the next decade, significant deskilling, the collapse of wage standards, and numerous plant closings facilitated the political emaciation of organized labor in meatpacking. Using event-structure analysis to systematically examine and compare labor struggles in the postwar years (1946-1948) and during the Reagan era (1986-1987), the authors find that the development of new corporate strategies fundamentally transformed the capital-labor relationship and led to the collapse of industrial unionism in meatpacking. Most important were the industry's development of new technologies, its geographical reorganization of production, and its ability to locate new sources of cheap, nonunion labor.
Sex, Menopause, and Culture
Authors: Winterich Julie A.
Published: August 2003

Past research finds that after menopause some women experience negative changes such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and decreased orgasm quality; very little research inquires about positive changes. In contrast, this study shifts the research focus from whether women experience menopausal changes to how women view any changes in sex life. Based on 30 in-depth interviews with heterosexual and lesbian women, the author finds that most women emphasize cultural and social issues, such as relationship status and quality, health, and sexual history, rather than menopausal changes when they describe sex after menopause. However, she finds a difference by sexual orientation in how women handle problems in sex. The author concludes by discussing the implication of this research for future menopause and sex research; most important, she emphasizes studying sex in the context of women's lives rather than as a result of the biological changes of menopause.
Around the World Wide Web in 80 Ways
Authors: Johnson Thomas J. , Kaye Barbara K.
Published: August 2003

This study examines what online activities politically interested Internet users regularly engage in and how online activities are linked to motivations for using the Internet. This study found that politically interested web users were motivated to go online for different reasons than the general public and therefore they participated in different activities online. However, only for entertainment sites did audience activity serve as an important intervening variable between gratifications sought and obtained.
Effects of Demographic and Health Variables on Rasch Scaled Cognitive Scores
Authors: Zelinski Elizabeth M. , Gilewski Michael J.
Published: August 2003

Objectives: To determine whether demographic and health variables interact to predict cognitive scores in Asset and Health Dynamics of the Oldest-Old (AHEAD), a representative survey of older Americans, as a test of the developmental discontinuity hypothesis. Methods: Rasch modeling procedures were used to rescale cognitive measures into interval scores, equating scales across measures, making it possible to compare predictor effects directly. Rasch scaling also reduces the likelihood of obtaining spurious interactions. Tasks included combined immediate and delayed recall, the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), Series 7, and an overall cognitive score. Results: Demographic variables most strongly predicted performance on all scores, with health variables having smaller effects. Age interacted with both demographic and health variables, but patterns of effects varied. Discussion:Demographic variables have strong effects on cognition. The developmental discontinuity hypothesis that health variables have stronger effects than demographic ones on cognition in older adults was not supported.
The Structure of Lay Consultation Networks:
Authors: Stoller Eleanor Palo , Wisniewski Amy A.
Published: August 2003

Objective: We examined the structure of lay consultation networks among elderly people. Methods: Data were gathered through interviews with 548 elderly adults living in Florida retirement communities and in Cleveland. Respondents identified people they consulted about symptom or disease information, health worries, what the doctor said, and consulting health providers. Network size, composition, geographic dispersion, gender homogeneity, and division of labor were assessed. Results: Eighty percent identified at least one network member (range=1to7 consultants). Networks largely consisted of family members, particularly spouses and women. Older adults talked most frequently with network members about physician visits. Widowed individuals were more likely to rely on children and friends and have networks outside their neighborhoods than married elders. Women's networks included a broader range of relationships than men's networks. Discussion: Results reaffirmed the importance of gender in structuring networks in late life. The low prevalence of friends supports Cartensen's Selectivity Theory.
Association of Physical Activity and Visual Attention in Older Adults
Authors: Roth David L. , Goode Kathryn T. , Clay Olivio J. , Ball Karlene K.
Published: August 2003

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine possible associations between physical activity and visual attention in community-dwelling older adults. Methods:Older adults (age 65-95) completed the Useful Field of View (UFOV®) test of visual attention, and they also reported current physical activity levels using the Exercise Participation Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Results: UFOV® performance was significantly correlated with both measures of physical activity, but some of these effects overlapped with the effects of age. The 21 participants (15%) who reported regular participation on the EPQ were found to have significantly better UFOV® scores than the more inactive participants both before and after controlling for age, gender, and visual acuity. Discussion: The preservation of visual attention skills across the life span may be more highly correlated with regular participation in exercise training activities than it is with more general occupational and leisure-related physical activity.
Outcomes of an Exercise Program for Older Women Recruited through Primary Care
Authors: Clark Daniel O. , Stump Timothy E. , Damush Teresa M.
Published: August 2003

Objectives: This study reports the social cognitive, health status, and health service use outcomes of an exercise intervention among women over 50 years of age. Methods: A random sample of patients was drawn from two primary care centers that serve a predominantly low-income and African American population. After provider screen, 412 women were eligible and invited to participate in the study. Of these, 123 participated and 1-year follow-up data are available for 72 participants.Results: Participants were more likely to be African American and had a higher average body weight than nonparticipants. Perceived health was the only variable that differed by adherence group at baseline. At 1 year, differences were apparent for body weight, body mass index, hip and waist circumference, triceps skinfold, and exercise self-esteem. The no-adherence group got worse, whereas the moderate adherence group improved. Discussion: These data suggest that even suboptimal adherence to moderate-intensity exercise can yield health benefits.
Are Socioeconomic Factors Valid Determinants of Suicide? Controlling for National Cultures of Suicide with Fixed-Effects Estimation
Authors: Neumayer Eric
Published: August 2003

National cultures of suicide have found renewed interest in the recent literature on variation in suicide rates. Fixed-effects estimation controls more elegantly and comprehensively for such cultures than other approaches used in the existing literature. This article's analysis employs a range of economic and social explanatory variables based on economic as well as Durkheimian sociological theory in fixed-effects and random-effects estimation of age-standardized suicide rates in a large panel of up to 68 countries during the period 1980 to 1999. The results suggest that economic and social factors affect cross-country differences in suicide rates in accordance with theory. Importantly, the fixed-effects estimation results do not differ systematically from the random-effects results. This suggests that the vast majority of the existing literature, which typically fails to control for national cultures of suicide and suggests socioeconomic factors as important determinants of suicide, can still be expected to come to valid results.
The Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program: Bringing Information to Child Abuse & Neglect Cases
Authors: Weisz Victoria , Thai Nghi
Published: August 2003

The Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program has been rapidly expanding in its 25-year history, although there has been little sound, empirical data assessing its value. The present study compared 21 judicial hearings regarding children who had a CASA with 20 hearings for children who were on a waiting list for a CASA. Judges, CASAs, and guardians ad litem provided the data for the study. The findings indicated that CASA involvement improves the breadth and quality of information provided to the courts. Unfortunately, CASA involvement also appears to decrease the involvement of the guardian ad litem. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A Community Health Nursing Perspective of Home Health Care Management and Practice within the Zimbabwean Health Care System
Authors: Mapanga Kudakwashe G. , Mapanga Margo B.
Published: August 2003

A community health nursing perspective of home health care management and practice is hereby conceptualized within the context of the Zimbabwean health care system and primary health care approach. Home health care, known as community home-based care, is an integral component of community health nursing practice. A framework is developed to depict the main goal of community health nursing practice as enhancing client empowerment in independent functioning through cognitive and skill development, cumulating in client participation as a health outcome. Client participation is conceptualized as the extent of self-initiated engagement in activities contributing to health and well-being. Community health nursing practice incorporates family members, significant others, and village health workers in enhancing client participation as a health outcome in the home scenario.
The Issue of International Values and Beliefs: The Debate for a Global HRD Code of Ethics
Authors: Russ-Eft Darlene , Hatcher Timothy
Published: August 2003

The problem and the solution. Professional codes of ethics are the foundation for responsible human resource development (HRD) research and practice and can help to define the field of HRD. Such codes institutionalize values, beliefs, and norms of a profession. As commerce and HRD in turn become more global, normative values and beliefs supported by a monocultural professional code of ethics may become problematic and may fail to represent the values, beliefs, and norms of international HRD. This article discusses ethical dilemmas resulting from globalization, offers a rationale for global ethics, debates the pros and cons of establishing an international HRD code of ethics, and suggests a scenario for the future of ethics and integrity in HRD.
Household Composition Timeline
Authors: Mcilvaine-Newsad Heather , Sullivan Amy , Dougherty Michael
Published: August 2003

Those who conduct applied field research cannot ignore the importance of the household as a unit of analysis. Academics and practitioners alike have written a great deal about the prominence of households around the world and throughout history. One of the difficulties often encountered with using the household as a unit of analysis is how best to compare households for the purpose of making relevant suggestions for how they might best reach their goals. This article introduces a tool to document how households are affected by changes in variables such as composition, economics, politics, and the natural environment. The article provides a step-by-step methodology for documenting household composition and other changes a household may experience over time. The methodology is then applied to a case study in which the benefits and drawbacks of this approach are discussed.