bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aminoglycosides Suppress tRNA Processing in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes in vitro
Authors: Tekos A. , Prodromaki E. , Papadimou E. , Pavlidou D. , Tsambaos D. , Drainas D.
Published: June 2003

The ever-growing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and the lack of potent antibacterial drugs constitute major problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. Thus, the better understanding of the mode of action of antibiotics at the molecular level is of essential importance. Accumulating evidence points towards RNA as being a crucial target of antibacterial and antiviral drugs. Interestingly, aminoglycosides, one of the most important families of antibiotics, apart from their inhibitory effect on ribosome function, reportedly interfere with various RNA molecules and in vitro suppress the proliferation of human keratinocytes. In this study we investigated the effect of the aminoglycosides neomycin B, paromomycin, tobramycin and gentamycin on ribonuclease P activity from normal human epidermal keratinocytes. All aminoglycosides tested revealed a dose-dependent inhibition of tRNA maturation, which was reduced by increasing Mg2+ ion concentrations, indicating competition of the cationic aminoglycosides with magnesium ions required for catalysis. Our in vitro findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of aminoglycosides on tRNA processing may be implicated in the mechanisms of their antiproliferative action on human epidermal keratinocytes.
Platelet-Activating Factor Antagonist WEB 2086 Inhibits Ultraviolet-B Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in the Human Skin
Authors: Baltás E. , Trach V. , Dobozy A. , Kemény L.
Published: June 2003

It has been suggested that platelet-activating factor (PAF) plays a role in the pathomechanisms of various inflammatory diseases. In an experimental animal model we demonstrated earlier that a selective PAF receptor antagonist gel inhibits ultraviolet-B (UVB) light-induced edema in mouse ears. The goal of our present investigation was to determine whether locally applied WEB 2086, a selective PAF receptor antagonist, alters the dermatitis-causing effect of UVB light on human skin. We induced dermatitis in healthy volunteers by irradiating their skin with UVB light in increasing doses. The irradiated area was treated with WEB 2086 gel (3%) or with a placebo. Erythema was measured spectrophotometrically after 24 and 48 h. After both 24 and 48 h, the WEB 2086 gel significantly inhibited the UVB light-induced erythema at each radiation dose in comparison with the placebo. The PAF antagonist gel therefore proved to be effective against UVB-induced dermatitis. Our results may help to understand the relative importance of mediators in UVB-induced dermatitis and might perhaps pave the way to better therapeutic modalities in this condition.
Involvement of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide on Insulin-Like Growth Factor I-Induced Proliferation of Rat Pituitary Lactotropes in Primary Culture: Evidence for an Autocrine and/or Paracrine Regulatory System
Authors: Fernández Miriam , Sánchez-Franco Franco , Palacios Nuria , Sánchez Isabel , Villuendas Gemma , Cacicedo Lucinda
Published: June 2003

In previous studies we demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) induces pituitary vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) gene expression and secretion, and that IGF-I-induced prolactin (PRL) release is mediated by VIP. In this study, we investigate the mitotropic action of IGF-I and VIP on pituitary lactotropes, and their possible interplay in this effect. Cultured male rat pituitary cells were treated with rhIGF-I (10–7M) and/or VIP (10–7M) for 48 h. 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) (10 µM) was added for labeling proliferation of pituitary cells. BrdU-labeling indices indicative of the proliferation rate of lactotropes were determined by double-labeling immunofluorescence staining for PRL and BrdU. Treatment with either IGF-I or VIP increased BrdU-labeling indices of lactotropes, but there was no further increase upon combined incubation with both factors, suggesting an interaction between the signal transduction pathways of IGF-I and VIP. VIP antiserum partially suppressed IGF-I-induced BrdU-labeling indices of lactotropes. We also investigated the intracellular signal transduction pathways in the action of IGF-I and VIP on the proliferation of lactotropes. Treatment of pituitary cells with an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway completely abolished IGF-I-induced lactotrope proliferation, whereas it partially suppressed VIP-induced BrdU-labeling indices. The protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, which abolished the mitogenic action of VIP, markedly suppressed IGF-I-induced lactotrope proliferation. These results indicate that both IGF-I and VIP stimulate lactotrope proliferation, and that IGF-I-induced lactotrope proliferation is partially mediated by VIP produced locally. Also, this study suggests that interactions between MAPK and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-PKA signaling pathways are implicated in the lactotrope proliferation induced by IGF-I and VIP.
Comparability of Perceptual Analysis of Speech Characteristics in Australian and Swedish Speakers with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hartelius Lena , Theodoros Deborah , Cahill Louise , Lillvik Malin
Published: June 2003

The aims of the present study were to compare the perceptual assessments of deviant speech signs (dysarthria) exhibited by Australian and Swedish speakers with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to explore whether judgements of dysarthria differed depending on whether the speakers and the judges spoke the same or different languages. Ten Australian and 10 Swedish individuals with MS (matched as closely as possible for age, gender, progression type and severity of dysarthria) were assessed by 2 Australian and 2 Swedish clinically experienced judges using a protocol including 33 speech parameters. Results show that the following perceptual dimensions were identified by both pairs of judges in both groups of speakers to a just noticeable or moderate degree: imprecise consonants, inappropriate pitch level, reduced general rate, and glottal fry. The reliability (Spearman rank-order correlation) of the consensus ratings from the Australian and the Swedish judges was high, with a mean rho of 85.7 for the Australian speakers and mean rho of 84.3 for the Swedish speakers. The most difficult perceptual parameters to assess (i.e. to agree on) included harshness, level of pitch and loudness, precision of consonants and general stress pattern. The study indicated that perceptual assessments of speech characteristics in individuals with MS are informative and can be achieved with high inter-judge reliability irrespective of the judge’s knowledge of the speaker’s language.
The Impact of Intestinal Ischaemia-Reperfusion on Caerulein-Induced Oedematous Experimental Pancreatitis
Authors: Farrant G.J. , Abu-Zidan F.M. , Liu X. , Delahunt B. , Zwi L.J. , Windsor J.A.
Published: June 2003

Background: Intestinal ischaemia is a feature of severe acute pancreatitis. It is not known whether intestinal ischaemia and reperfusion contributes to the progression from mild to severe pancreatitis. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion on caerulein-induced oedematous experimental pancreatitis. Method: Male Wistar rats (n = 48) were randomised to 6 experimental groups: controls (CO), saline infusion (S), saline infusion and intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion (SIR), caerulein infusion (C), caerulein and sham operation (CS), and caerulein infusion with intestinal ischaemia reperfusion (CIR). Caerulein was infused over 6 h to induce mild oedematous pancreatitis. Clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 10 min induced mild intestinal ischaemia. The reperfusion time was 24 h. The primary end point was histology of the pancreas at 24 h. Results: There was no significant difference in histologic severity of pancreatitis at 24 h (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.37). Conclusion: The severity of acute oedematous pancreatitis was not increased by 10 min of intestinal ischaemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion.
Possible Role of Parathyroid Hormone–Related Protein as a Proinflammatory Cytokine in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Martín-Ventura José Luis , Ortego Mónica , Esbrit Pedro , Hernández-Presa Miguel Angel , Ortega Luis , Egido Jesús
Published: June 2003

Background and Purpose—

Parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) is a vasodilator peptide. In addition, PTHrP appears to affect vascular growth and to be a mediator of inflammation in rheumatic and brain disorders. We examined the possible role of PTHrP in the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis

Methods—

We immunohistochemically analyzed the cellular localization of PTHrP, the type 1 PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTH1R), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in 26 human carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Results—

The inflammatory region of plaques was characterized by high PTHrP, PTH1R, and MCP-1 immunostaining in relation to the cap (0.75±0.1 versus 0.29±0.04, 0.5±0.1 versus 0.25±0.05, 0.72±0.2 versus 0.29±0.05, respectively;
P
<0.05). PTHrP and MCP-1 were colocalized in both resident and inflammatory cells in the plaque. Moreover, in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), PTHrP(1–36) increased MCP-1 mRNA (3-fold at 6 hours) and MCP-1 protein (2.5-fold at 24 hours). This effect was inhibited by either PTHrP(7–34) or various protein kinase A inhibitors and by the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor parthenolide. Furthermore, PTHrP(1–36) elicited an increase in NF-κB activation in VSMC. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor simvastatin inhibited the PTHrP(1–36) induction of both NF-κB activity and MCP-1 overexpression, and this was reversed by mevalonate.

Conclusions—

PTHrP appears to be a novel proinflammatory mediator in the atheroma lesion and may contribute to the instability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Our data provide a new rationale to understand the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of statins in atherosclerosis.
Sex Differences in First-Ever Acute Stroke
Authors: Roquer Jaume , Campello Ana Rodríguez , Gomis Meritxell
Published: June 2003

Background and Purpose—

There are few studies analyzing stroke in women, taking into account the vascular risk factors, cause of stroke, clinical picture, and outcome. The purpose of this study was to analyze possible sex differences in patients suffering first-ever acute stroke.

Methods—

From December 1995 to January 2002, 1581 patients with first-ever acute stroke were analyzed, taking into account sex, age, risk factors, clinical presentation, stroke subtype, treatment, and outcome data.

Results—

Mean age was higher in women than in men (
P
<0.001). Hypertension (
P
=0.0027) and cardioembolic disease (
P
=0.0035) were independent factors related to women. Alcohol overuse (
P
<0.001), smoking (
P
<0.001), and vascular peripheral disease (
P
=0.031) were related to the male sex. Women more often suffered aphasic disorders (
P
<0.001), visual field disturbances (
P
<0.05), and dysphagia (
P
<0.01) than men. There were no differences in hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes according to sex. Women suffered more cardioembolic strokes (
P
<0.001); men suffered more atherothrombotic (
P
<0.001) and lacunar strokes (
P
<0.05). Women who survived remained more disabled than men (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Sex determines some clear differences in patients suffering a first-ever stroke. Women were, on average, 6 years older than men and had a different profile of vascular risk factors and a different distribution of stroke subtypes. Women had a longer hospital stay and remained more disabled than men. The amelioration of hypertension control and increase in anticoagulant treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation would be the best options for preventing stroke, especially in women.
UK-279,276, a Neutrophil Inhibitory Glycoprotein, in Acute Stroke
Authors: Lees Kennedy R. , Diener Hans-Christoph , Asplund Kjell , Krams Michael
Published: June 2003

Background and Purpose—

UK-279,276, a recombinant glycoprotein, binds selectively to the CD11b/CD18 integrin on neutrophils and has the potential to modulate the neuroinflammation associated with acute stroke. After preclinical evidence of neuroprotection, UK-279,276 has entered clinical development. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of UK-279,276 and to examine its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (binding to neutrophil CD11b) in patients with acute stroke.

Methods—

This was a multicenter, double-blind, dose-escalation study in 176 patients randomized to a single intravenous dose of UK-279,276 (6 cohorts: 0.06, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mg/kg) or placebo (3:1 randomization within each cohort) within 12 hours of stroke onset.

Results—

Age and stroke severity were well balanced across groups, with a mean age of 70 years (range, 39 to 92 years) and moderate baseline stroke severity (mean Scandinavian Stroke Scale score, 36.5 to 43.2; mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 6.3 to 8.5). UK-279,276 was well tolerated at doses up to 1.5 mg/kg. There was no evidence of a relationship between dose of UK-279,276 and adverse events or clinical chemistry or hematology laboratory tests, or of an increased incidence of infection-related adverse events with the study drug. A dose-dependent UK-279,276-specific IgG antibody response was observed in patients treated with the 1.0- and 1.5-mg/kg doses. UK-279,276 displayed nonlinear pharmacokinetics across the dose range investigated. The duration of CD11b saturation was dose dependent, with >80% saturation achieved for at least 7 days after treatment with UK-279,276 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg.

Conclusions—

UK-279,276 was well tolerated in acute stroke patients at single doses up to 1.5 mg/kg. Further clinical investigation of UK-279,276 is ongoing.
Amplifying Head Movements with Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Jay Caroline , Hubbold Roger
Published: June 2003

The head-mounted display (HMD) is a popular form of virtual display due to its ability to immerse users visually in virtual environments (VEs). Unfortunately, the user's virtual experience is compromised by the narrow field of view (FOV) it affords, which is less than half that of normal human vision. This paper explores a solution to some of the problems caused by the narrow FOV by amplifying the head movement made by the user when wearing an HMD, so that the view direction changes by a greater amount in the virtual world than it does in the real world. Tests conducted on the technique show a significant improvement in performance on a visual search task, and questionnaire data indicate that the altered visual parameters that the user receives may be preferable to those in the baseline condition in which amplification of movement was not implemented. The tests also show that the user cannot interact normally with the VE if corresponding body movements are not amplified to the same degree as head movements, which may limit the implementation's versatility. Although not suitable for every application, the technique shows promise, and alterations to aspects of the implementation could extend its use in the future.
Progress and Prospects for the Development of Computer-Generated Actors for Military Simulation: Part 1-Introduction and Background
Authors: Stytz Martin R. , Banks Sheila B.
Published: June 2003

The development of computer-generated synthetic environments, also calleddistributed virtual environments, for military simulation relies heavily upon computer-generated actors (CGAs) to provide accurate behaviors at reasonable cost so that the synthetic environments are useful, affordable, complex, and realistic. Unfortunately, the pace of synthetic environment development and the level of desired CGA performance continue to rise at a much faster rate than CGA capability improvements. This insatiable demand for realism in CGAs for synthetic environments arises from the growing understanding of the significant role that modeling and simulation can play in a variety of venues. These uses include training, analysis, procurement decisions, mission rehearsal, doctrine development, force-level and task-level training, information assurance, cyberwarfare, force structure analysis, sustainability analysis, life cycle costs analysis, material management, infrastructure analysis, and many others. In these and other uses of military synthetic environments, computer-generated actors play a central role because they have the potential to increase the realism of the environment while also reducing the cost of operating the environment. The progress made in addressing the technical challenges that must be overcome to realize effective and realistic CGAs for military simulation environments and the technical areas that should be the focus of future work are the subject of this series of papers, which survey the technologies and progress made in the construction and use of CGAs. In this, the first installment in the series of three papers, we introduce the topic of computer-generated actors and issues related to their performance and fidelity and other background information for this research area as related to military simulation. We also discuss CGA reasoning system techniques and architectures.
Female Basketball Participation
Authors: Shakib Sohaila
Published: June 2003

The adolescent transition is characterized by heightened social pressure to conform to gender expectations from peers and increased female sports attrition. However, few studies examine how gender shapes physical activity participation in peer contexts. Through qualitative life-history interviews with high school basketball players, this study explores female sports participation and attrition throughout adolescence. To what extent do pre- and post-pubertal sporting experiences differ for girls? Results indicate that before and after puberty, girls' peer statuses and gender statuses are conflated. Female popularity (peer status) often contradicted (high status) basketball player. At both time points, girls had to renegotiate a tension between popularity (peer status) and athleticism. However, a postpubertal failure to emphasize femininity and/or downplay skills led peers to question girls' heterosexuality. Therefore, homophobia may be complicit in female sports attrition. Modifiable social processes in peer contexts are identified for post—Title IX gender equity education.
Economic Openness, Democracy, and Income Inequality
Authors: Reuveny Rafael , Li Quan
Published: June 2003

Scholars have studied effects of economic openness and democracy on national income inequality in two literatures. In democracy studies, scholars agree democracy reduces inequality but empirical evidence is ambiguous. In globalization studies, effects of economic openness on inequality are debated but have not been rigorously examined. This article is the first systematic statistical study of the effects of both economic openness and democracy on income inequality. These effects need to be studied together. The authors measure national income inequality from a comprehensive Gini coefficient data set. Economic openness is measured from trade flows, foreign direct investment inflows, and financial capital inflows. The period studied is 1960 to 1996, the unit of analysis is a country decade, and the sample includes 69 countries. The authors find that democracy and trade reduce income inequality, foreign direct investments increase income inequality, and financial capital does not affect income inequality. Policy implications are discussed.
Synergies for Wellness and Liberation in Counseling Psychology
Authors: Prilleltensky Isaac , Prilleltensky Ora
Published: June 2003

Several fields within psychology, including counseling psychology, are struggling to promote a social justice agenda. Most efforts concentrate on a critique of existing values, assumptions, and practices. Whereas the level of critique is quite sophisticated, the level of social justice practice is rather embryonic. Critical psychologists have been constructing alternative practices that strive to go beyond the status quo and its critique. This article proposes an agenda for action that is conductive to wellness and liberation at the same time. The authors recommend several steps for advancing such an agenda. They argue that critical psychologists need to promote synergy between and among (a) diverse values, (b) wellness and liberation, and (c) existing critiques within psychology and other fields. To illustrate practical application, the authors discuss these recommendations in the context of people with physical disabilities.
The 2002 Leona Tyler Award Address: Working with Dreams: A Road to Self-Discovery
Authors: Hill Clara E.
Published: June 2003

The author reviews the Hill cognitive-experiential model for working with dreams. This model involves three stages: exploration, insight, and action. She then reviews the empirical studies that have been conducted on this model. Results indicate that dream work is effective, particularly in terms of session evaluation and increased insight into the target dream. It appears that client involvement, therapist empathy and input, and all the components of the model are contributors to the outcome of dream sessions.
Teachers in the Schoolhouse Panopticon
Authors: Bushnell Mary
Published: June 2003

This article illustrates how educational reforms subordinate elementary school teachers and reduce their opportunities for professionalism. Reflecting Foucault's image and discussion of the panopticon, educational administration and the public participate in monitoring teachers' practices, leaving teachers in an untenable position for professional autonomy and therefore opportunities to become professionals. In addition, teachers themselves are complicit in their own subordination and are left with limited opportunities for resistance. Qualitative data of new and veteran New York City schoolteachers provide the basis for the study; the current climate of accountability provides the backdrop for the discussion.
Impact of Running Slope and Cross Slope on the Difficulty Level of Outdoor Pathways
Authors: Longmuir Patricia E. , Freeland Michelle G. , Fitzgerald Shirley G. , Yamada Denise A. , Axelson Peter W.
Published: June 2003

This pilot study examined proposed accessibility guidelines for running slope and cross slope and the perceived difficulty ratings of individuals with mobility limitations. Participants were 23 men and women, 23 to 67 years, with vision or mobility limitations who walked at their preferred pace before rating the path difficulty (1 to 10 scale). Paths meeting the proposed accessibility guidelines were rated as either easy or moderate for difficulty of use. Slopes exceeding the guidelines may also be acceptable for very short distances or on hard/paved surfaces. Future research should include a large representative population, evaluate surface firmness, and examine different perceptions between ambulatory individuals and wheelchair users.
Nurturing Collaborative Relations
Authors: Vangen Siv , Huxham Chris
Published: June 2003

Many organizations aspire to gain collaborative advantage by working in partnerships across organizational, sectoral, and even national boundaries. Such collaborations, however, are difficult to manage, and the likelihood of disappointing outputs is high. To create advantage, practitioners need to engage in a continuous process of nurturing the collaborative processes. One issue that appears significant in the nurturing process is trust. This article incorporates a synthesis of research on trust with research on other aspects of collaboration. It develops a trust-building loop and examines its validity to inform practice. It argues that trust building is problematic and that management of trust implies both the ability to cope in situations where trust is lacking and the ability to build trust in situations where this is possible. It summarizes pragmatic implications in a tool for thinking about and addressing trust management in different collaborative situations.
Organizational Change as a Process of Death, Dying, and Rebirth
Authors: Zell Deone
Published: June 2003

Bringing about change is difficult in any organization, but especially so in professional bureaucracies such as hospitals and universities in which highly trained and autonomous professionals, rather than administrators, largely control the core processes. Lacking in most models used to bring about change in organizations is understanding of how individuals and groups actually work through their resistance to change, which is key to whether change in a professional bureaucracy actually occurs. Interview data from professors in the physics department of a large, public university revealed that the department's change process closely resembled that of death and dying identified by Kubler-Ross in her study of terminally ill patients. Theories from psychoanalysis and group dynamics are used to explain both individual and group-level change. The article concludes by discussing implications for helping professionals and their organizations undergo change and by suggesting areas for future research.
Ukrainian and U.S. American Females
Authors: Shafiro Margarita V. , Himelein Melissa J. , Best Deborah L.
Published: June 2003

Individualism/collectivism, gender attitudes, and the relationship between these constructs were measured among Ukrainian and U.S. American women. Contrary to expectation, Ukrainians were more individualistic than U.S. Americans. As predicted, Ukrainians held more traditional gender attitudes than U.S. Americans. Although correlations between individualism/collectivism and gender attitudes were not statistically significant, there was a tendency for individualism to be associated with liberal gender attitudes among U.S. women. Findings were discussed in light of sociopolitical and economic changes in Ukraine.
Possible Tradeoffs in Raising Basic Skills Cutoff Scores for Teacher Licensure
Authors: Memory David M. , Coleman Christy L. , Watkins Sharron D.
Published: June 2003

This article traces developments that followed warnings in the 1980s that tests used for admission to teacher education or for licensure may prevent or discourage capable African Americans from entering into teaching. With this alleged detrimental effect of teacher testing still an issue, the reported study used the evaluations of a group of elementary student teachers by their university supervisors and the student teachers' scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) to examine the impact on the teaching effectiveness of newly licensed teachers that might be predicted to result if a PPST cutoff score is raised by one point. The findings of the study are placed in a context of possible tradeoffs in raising basic skills cutoffs for teacher licensure, especially certain negative tradeoffs related to participation of African Americans in teaching.
A Grounded Look at the Debate Over Prison-Based Education: Optimistic Theory Versus Pessimistic Worldview
Authors: Ubah Charles B. A. , Robinson Robert L.
Published: June 2003

Debate over prison-based education continues to divide scholars. Central to this debate are two contradictory perspectives on prison education. These perspectives are (a) an idealistic/optimistic view regarding prison education and (b) a pessimistic reaction to prison education. We located the debate on the contemporary political context (prison-based education Pell Grants). Until its elimination in 1993/1994 with the passage of the Crime Bill, Pell Grants were the primary sources of funding for postsecondary, correctional-education programming in America. This recent, external, environmental change on our penal systems has profound political, economic, and social implications that might be too important and too costly to ignore.
The Contemporary Relevance of Early Experiments with Supermax Reform
Authors: Toch Hans
Published: June 2003

Prison conditions similar to those of supermax prisons have been instituted on several occasions in the past, in the course of early experiments with prison design. In several instances, supermax-like conditions were abandoned because pre/postintervention data demonstrated that social isolation and enforced inactivity could produce symptoms of mental illness, which could be ameliorated when confinement conditions were relaxed. Such experiences carry implications for current correctional administrators.
Simulation of Tactical Communications Systems by Inferring Detailed Data from the Joint Theater-Level Computer-Aided Exercises
Authors: Cayirci Erdal , Ersoy Cem
Published: June 2003

A new scheme for the simulation of tactical communications systems is introduced in which the mobility, call, and availability patterns for communications equipment are generated by using the data inferred from joint theater-level battle simulations. In this technique, the mobility, strength, and posture data related to military units are stored in a database by a military constructive simulation system during computer-aided exercises. Then, the mobility, call, and availability patterns for the communications equipment are derived from these data in the required detail and time resolution by the authors' models. The data structures and the statistical data used in these models, the description of a tactical communications system studied by using the authors' technique, and example results from this study are also presented.
Modeling Ecosystem Development on Blast-Furnace Slag Dumps in a Tropical Region
Authors: Roy Arijit , Basu S. K. , Singh K. P.
Published: June 2003

A deterministic mathematical model for ecosystem development on slag dumps has been formulated based on five components of the ecosystem—soil total nitrogen, plant biomass, plant cover, soil moisture, litter, and soil fine particles. Nitrogen and soil moisture, which regulate vegetation development on the slag dumps, have been used as the driving parameters of the model. The numerical results obtained from the model were compared with the field values estimated in five sites representing an age series of 5 to 40 years. The percentage deviation between the model and field values at the end of 40 years was less than 16%, except in the case of silt and clay, which was less than 44%. Unlike earlier published ecosystem models dealing mostly with steady-state systems, this model deals with an ecosystem evolving from a bare and sterile substratum and can be used to predict changes in various components in the slag dump ecosystem.
A New Simulation Tool for the Modeling and Control of Distributed Systems
Authors: Gonzalez Fernando G. , Davis Wayne J.
Published: June 2003

This paper discusses the construction of a new simulation and control tool that is designed to facilitate the modeling of distributed systems. This tool can be employed to design and implement distributed control architectures for managing large-scale, discrete event systems. Current commercial simulation tools cannot adequately model distributed control architectures. They can only model the system using a single model and therefore cannot adequately predict the performance constraints that these distributed architectures impose on the system. Furthermore, current tools are not designed to control the systems they model. Thus, in modeling and controlling such distributed systems, one must currently write the models using a general-purpose language such as C++. In simulation, the individual models are tied together using a model of the communications network included as part of the tool. This paper discusses this new tool, which is capable of addressing these concerns.
Using Raptor to Evaluate Communication System Sparing Strategies
Authors: Chambal Stephen P. , Mackulak Gerald T.
Published: June 2003

Simulation is a powerful tool for evaluating complex systems. RAPTOR (Rapid Availability Prototyping for Testing Operational Readiness) is a generic simulation developed by the Air Force and modified by the authors that predicts reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A) performance of systems and components. RAPTOR is uniquely suited for evaluating communication network system reliability, especially systems consisting of expensive components with highly variable availability times. Systems are modeled using a modified version of RAPTOR to compare competing sparing policies to obtain an overall target system availability. The sparing strategies evaluated differ by the order point and delivery time used to populate a common resource pool. The evaluation metric is high-level system availability over the life of the communication system. Alternative options are provided to the company in determining reorder and delivery strategy. This simplified case study demonstrates a strategy selection algorithm incorporating the RAPTOR simulation model.
Teaching White Preservice Teachers
Authors: Swartz Ellen
Published: June 2003

About 90% of the teachers in the United States are White, which is mirrored at the preservice level. In addition, schools of education have historically grounded their curricula in cannons of positivist science and Eurocentrism that are transmitted through conventional styles of pedagogy. Given the apartheid nature of U.S. society and the disinterest and/or resistance of preservice teachers to teach in urban settings where students of color are the norm, teacher educators need to help their students develop the dispositions they need to rethink their assumptions about “others.” Using dramaturgy, this self-study demonstrates how the connection of multiple epistemologies and other emancipatory pedagogies can stimulate the dispositions needed to rethink assumptions about the children and adults who live in communities of color.
Gender, Peers, and Delinquency
Authors: Hartjen Clayton A. , Priyadarsini S.
Published: June 2003

Unlike most other European countries, no self-report research in France has been published, so aside from available data or ethnographic and interview studies, little is known about the delinquent behavior of French youth and practically nothing about young people in the French countryside. In the research reported here, the authors administered a self-reported delinquency questionnaire to a sample of 387 lycée and collège students in the Poitou-Charentes region of central France. Employing indices used in the National Youth Survey, the authors sought to test the extent to which measures of social control and learning/differential association theories could be generalized to, and similarly help explain, the delinquency of boys and girls in rural France. Of the two theories investigated, social control measures either did not form reliable scales or were not significantly related to various offense scales, although measures of learning/differential association theory were strongly related to delinquency and about equally so for both boys and girls. The implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
Destination Perceptions Across a Vacation
Authors: Vogt Christine A. , Andereck Kathleen L.
Published: June 2003

This study investigated change in destination perception during the course of a vacation using in situ research techniques. Cognitive perceptions were represented by destination knowledge and affective perceptions by destination desirability. Prior experience and length of stay in the destination were examined as moderating the level of change between destination perception measures at the onset of a vacation and again upon leaving the destination. ANOVA models showed that experience was a significant main effect on increasing destination knowledge. Desirability perceptions of the destination changed only slightly, and experience or length of stay did not explain any of the change. Findings suggest desirability is generally strong before a trip begins and is hard to affect during a trip particularly when tourists are satisfied with the destination, whereas knowledge levels improve during the course of a trip.
I'm Not a Typical Tourist: German Tourists' Self-Perception, Activities, and Motivations
Authors: Prebensen Nina K. , Larsen Svein , Abelsen Birgit
Published: June 2003

This study focused on individuality as expressed by German tourists in Norway. Based on the survey data, German tourists were divided into two groups: those who perceived themselves as typical German tourists and those who did not. These two groups were compared with regard to their views on the characteristics of a typical German tourist, the activities of the two groups during their stay, and their self-reported motives for coming. Results indicate that while 89.5% of the respondents viewed themselves as nontypical tourists, the two groups' views of what constituted a typical German tourist did not differ significantly. Interestingly, the data showed no differences between the two groups with respect to their activities during their journeys or their motives for traveling to Norway. Results are discussed in view of current perspectives on individuality. While most people view themselves as highly individual, their actual motives and activities are quite similar.
Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Dallmayr Fred
Published: June 2003

Barely a decade after the end of the Cold War, the fury of violence has been unleashed around the world, taking the form of terrorism, wars against terrorism, and genocidal mayhem. These developments stand in contrast to more hopeful legacies of the twentieth century: creation of the United Nations and adoption of international documents such as the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” These legacies have encouraged a series of initiatives aiming at the formulation of a global or cosmopolitan ethics guiding the global community. The essay examines the promise and drawbacks of some of these initiatives. After reviewing proposals sponsored by Hans Küng and Martha Nussbaum, the essay turns to criticisms registering a perceived neglect of situated differences and motivational resources. To correct these deficits, the conclusion focuses on the political plane arguing that a viable global ethics needs to be anchored in, or supplemented by, a global political praxis.
Extending Tittle's Control Balance Theory to Account for Victimization
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Hickman Matthew
Published: June 2003

Relying on statements from Tittle's control balance theory regarding both control deficits and surpluses, the authors developed a framework for understanding how control balance theory could account for victimization. Then, using data collected for the dual purpose of measuring control ratios and victimization experiences, the authors tested the hypothesis that control imbalances predicted victimization. Segmented, nonlinear regression results indicated that even after controlling for routine lifestyle activity and demographic variables, control surpluses and control deficits were positively associated with the probability of both general and predative victimization. Future theoretical and research directions are discussed.
Child Maltreatment and Adjustment to Juvenile Correctional Institutions
Authors: Gover Angela R. , MacKenzie Doris Layton
Published: June 2003

A longitudinal sample of 509 juveniles confined to 48 correctional facilities in 20 states was assessed to examine the relationship between experiencing child maltreatment and anxiety and depression. Child maltreatment was operationalized to include exposure and frequency of physical and sexual abuse, witnessing family violence, and neglect by primary caregivers. The analysis indicated that incarcerated youth who experienced greater levels of child maltreatment had higher levels of both anxiety and depression, holding other individual- and institutional-related factors constant. In addition, greater levels of maltreatment were associated with increased depression over time. The results provide empirical evidence that child maltreatment should be assessed when treating issues related to psychological adjustment within juvenile correctional environments.
Cultural Value Orientations and Accommodation among Heterosexual Relationships in Jamaica
Authors: Gaines Stanley O. , Ramkissoon Marina , Matthies Brigitte K.
Published: June 2003

In this study, we tested the following hypotheses concerning cultural value orientations as predictors of accommodation among heterosexual relationships in Jamaica: (a) Individuals' Group Orientation will be a significant positive predictor of Accommodation toward opposite-sex relationship partners, whereas (b) individuals' Self Orientation will not be significantly related to Accommodation toward opposite-sex relationship partners. A total of 287 individuals (44 males, 233 females, and 10 unspecified) participated in this study. Results of structural equation analyses of data for Blacks and persons of other races indicated that, contrary to our hypotheses, individuals' Self Orientation was a significant negative predictor of Accommodation, and individuals' Group Orientation was a nonsignificant positive predictor of Accommodation. Results of this study differ markedly from results previously obtained with predominantly White samples of heterosexuals and gays in the United States. Implications for the study of personal relationship processes in Jamaica and other predominantly Black nations are discussed.
Fear of the Dark: Interactive Effects of Beliefs about Danger and Ambient Darkness on Ethnic Stereotypes
Authors: Schaller Mark , Park Justin H. , Mueller Annette
Published: June 2003

Two studies examined effects of ambient darkness and chronic beliefs about danger on activation of stereotypes about Blacks. Chronic beliefs were measured by a Belief in a Dangerous World (BDW) questionnaire. In Study, 1, participants in either a dimly lit or dark room saw photos of Black men and rated the extent to which specific traits described the cultural stereotype of Blacks. In Study 2, participants in either a well-lit or dark room completed reaction-time tasks assessing implicit associations between Blacks and evaluative attributes. Separate measures assessed stereotypes connoting danger versus those that are merely derogatory. Results revealed BDW × Darkness interactions on activation of danger-relevant stereotypes: BDW positively predicted activation in dark but not in light conditions. It appears that chronic beliefs about danger can facilitate activation of functionally relevant stereotypes, but this effect occurs primarily under circumstances (such as darkness) that heuristically suggest vulnerability to harm. Conceptual implications are discussed.
Lying Words: Predicting Deception from Linguistic Styles
Authors: Newman Matthew L. , Pennebaker James W. , Berry Diane S. , Richards Jane M.
Published: June 2003

Telling lies often requires creating a story about an experience or attitude that does not exist. As a result, false stories may be qualitatively different from true stories. The current project investigated the features of linguistic style that distinguish between true and false stories. In an analysis of five independent samples, a computer-based text analysis program correctly classified liars and truth-tellers at a rate of 67% when the topic was constant and a rate of 61% overall. Compared to truth-tellers, liars showed lower cognitive complexity, used fewer self-references and other-references, and used more negative emotion words.
Assessment of a Refined Short Acculturation Scale for Latino Preteens in Rural Colorado
Authors: Serrano Elena , Anderson Jennifer
Published: June 2003

Acculturation level was assessed among 137 fourth- and fifth-grade children in rural, southern Colorado, using the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanic Youth (SASH-Y), a 12-point, unidimensional instrument adapted for this audience. Reliability was determined by test-retest (70.8% agreement) with a small subsample of this population. Eleven children were considered Mexican, 33 Mexican American, and 93 Euro-American. Analysis of the sample yielded a strong internal consistency (α=.89) and split-half reliability (.84). Based on factor analysis, personal language use, external language use, and ethnic social relations accounted for 82.6%, 13.5%, and 5.9% of all variance, respectively. Latino self-identification did not correlate with acculturation. The findings demonstrate that the SASH-Y, especially questions related to language use, is robust with a young, rural-based Latino population.
Eating Disorders in the Adolescent Population:
Authors: Pratt Helen D. , Phillips Elaine L. , Greydanus Donald E. , Patel Dilip R.
Published: June 2003

Adolescents become vulnerable to developing eating disorders as they mature. Very little is known about the prevalence, etiology, assessment, treatment, and outcome of eating disorders among adolescents. In general, research on eating disorders continues to be plagued with design flaws. Future studies need to be prospective research based on larger, more diverse samples of adolescents that represent all developmental stages of adolescence. Consistent diagnostic criteria and definitions of treatment interventions and outcomes also need to be employed. In addition, research should address the identification of protective and risk factors that predict who will actually develop an eating disorder.
Knowledge Networks and Technical Invention in America's Metropolitan Areas: A Paradigm for High-Technology Economic Development
Authors: Bee Ed
Published: June 2003

The presence of high-technology jobs defined the regional winners in economic growth during the past decade. Countless communities around the United States tried to clone Silicon Valley to accelerate their own growth rates, but these programs consistently failed. This research demonstrates that all innovation is not tied to microchips and silicon. Seven other technologies are growing within the United States. Each of these technologies forms a “knowledge network” of innovations that resemble the Pareto distribution of national wealth, suggesting that technology behaves according to the principles of social networks. Patent data refute the folklore that small companies are more innovative than large ones. The principal distinction among innovative regions and less innovative regions is the number of large corporate research and development centers.
Downtown Malls as Engines of Economic Development, Community Spirit, and Political Capital
Authors: West Darrell M. , Orr Marion
Published: June 2003

This article reframes the inquiry into downtown economic redevelopment by raising the question of whether downtown malls affect how citizens feel about their community. Unlike other studies that focus almost exclusively on objective economic indicators, the authors employ perceptual data to measure how a new mall in downtown Providence, Rhode Island affected residents' shopping behavior, views on community spirit, and evaluation of the mayor. Drawing on data from a public opinion poll of Providence residents, they conclude that Providence's downtown mall has had positive economic spillover and has heightened civic pride, but it has had no significant effect on residents' views of the mayor's job performance. These and other of their results demonstrate that city boosters who justify such projects based on economic revitalization and improved community spirit are likely to have arguments that resonate with residents.
Soft-Boiled Masculinity
Authors: Heath Melanie
Published: June 2003

This article examines the tensions in the identities of men who belong to the Promise Keepers (PK) movement by uncovering the social conditions that lead men to rethink gender and racial ideologies. Using participant observation and in-depth interviews, the author draws on gender and social movement scholarship to reveal how contradictory gender and racial ideologies shape PKs' identities. Furthermore, the PKs' impact on gender and race relations is also contradictory. PK fosters men's growth on an interactional level, allowing men to embrace a more expressive and caring masculinity that includes cross-racial bonding. Simultaneously, however, PK ignores, and indirectly reinforces, the structural conditions that underpin gender and racial privilege among white men.