bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How well does decision support software perform in the emergency department?
Authors: Graber M A , VanScoy D
Published: September 2003

Objective:To determine how well general decision support systems perform given the data collected in an emergency department (ED).

Methods:A convenience sample of 25 patients was selected from those patients having a diagnostic question on presentation to the ED. All interactions with the patients were audiotaped and abstracted into a structured data form. All other data such as written notes, laboratory, and EKG results were also abstracted. All data were entered into two general diagnostic decision support programs (Quick Medical Reference (QMR Version 3.82, Knowledge Base 10–07–1998 Copyright University of Pittsburgh and The Hearst Corporation) and Iliad (Version 4.5 Copyright 1996 Applied Medical Informatics)). The diagnoses generated by the computer programs were compared with the final diagnoses of the ED attending.

Results:The final ED diagnosis was found in the differential diagnosis generated by Iliad and QMR 72% and 52% of the time respectively. The final ED diagnosis was found in the top 10 diagnoses 51% and 44% of the time and in the top five diagnoses 36% and 32% of the time for each program respectively. This approximates to the performance of these programs in other clinical settings.

Conclusions:Diagnostic decision support software has the same success in finding the “correct” diagnosis in the ED as in other clinical settings where more extensive clinical data are available. The accuracy is not sufficiently high to permit the use of these programs as an arbiter in any individual case. However, they may be useful, prompting additional investigation in particularly difficult cases.
Cost effectiveness of diagnostic strategies for patients with acute, undifferentiated chest pain
Authors: Goodacre S , Calvert N
Published: September 2003

Objectives:Patients presenting to hospital with acute, undifferentiated chest pain have a low, but important, risk of significant myocardial ischaemia. Potential diagnostic strategies for patients with acute, undifferentiated chest pain vary from low cost, poor effectiveness (discharging all home) to high cost, high effectiveness (admission and intensive investigation). This paper aimed to estimate the relative cost effectiveness of these strategies.

Methods:Decision analysis modelling was used to measure the incremental cost per quality adjusted year of life (QALY) gained for five potential strategies to diagnose acute undifferentiated chest pain, compared with the next most effective strategy, or a baseline strategy of discharging all patients home without further testing.

Results:Cardiac enzyme testing alone costs £17 432/QALY compared with discharge without testing. Adding two to six hours of observation and repeat enzyme testing costs an additional £18 567/QALY. Adding exercise testing to this strategy costs £28 553/QALY. A strategy of overnight admission, enzyme, and exercise testing has an incremental cost of £120 369/QALY, while a strategy consisting of overnight admission without exercise testing is subject to extended dominance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the results are sensitive to variations in the direct costs of running each strategy and to variation in assumptions regarding the effect of diagnostic testing upon quality of life of those with non-cardiac disease.

Conclusion:Observation based strategies incur similar costs per QALY to presently funded interventions for coronary heart disease, while strategies requiring hospital admission may be prohibitively poor value for money. Validation of the true costs and effects of observation based strategies is essential before widespread implementation.
The epidemiology of assault across the West Midlands
Authors: Downing A , Cotterill S , Wilson R
Published: September 2003

Objectives:The purpose of this study is to look at accident and emergency (A&E) attendances and admissions after assault in the West Midlands NHS region across a wide range of acute units.

Methods:This study used data from two sources, the A&E Minimum Data Set and the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Analyses were based on data from 12 of the 21 acute trusts in the West Midlands NHS region for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000.

Results:Analyses were performed on 15 969 A&E attendances and 1596 admissions. Some 67.4% of attenders and 84.2% of those admitted were male. The mean age of the patients was between 27 and 29 years. Attendance peaked between 2100 and 0259, especially on Friday and Saturday night. The most common injury was to the head. Some 75.3% of A&E attenders were discharged home. The average stay in hospital was two days and six deaths were recorded. Those living in the most deprived areas were nearly four times more likely to be admitted than those in the least deprived areas (175.9 per 1000 compared with 45.1 per 1000).

Conclusions:This study shows assault is predominately a male phenomenon, worst in the evenings and at weekends, and is positively related to deprivation. It is probable that the levels recorded will be an underestimate, however with some additions to the information collected hospital records could create the basis for a comprehensive surveillance system.
How evidence based are therapeutic decisions taken on a medical admissions unit?
Authors: Hardern R D , Leong F T , Page A-V , Shepherd M , Teoh R C M
Published: September 2003

Objectives:To audit the proportion of drug treatments started on a medical admissions unit that is justified by published evidence, and the proportion for which no justification could be found.

Methods:Retrospective review of randomly selected case notes to identify drug treatments started and the problem(s) for which they were prescribed, followed by literature searches.

Results:A total of 132 treatment-problem pairs were found, comprising 85 unique treatment-problem pairs. An evidence base was found in support of 78 of the treatments started (59.1%). A further 41 treatment-problem pairs could be argued to be reasonable practice (sometimes included in guidelines), even though no published trial data support them. Ninety per cent of drug treatments started on the medical admissions unit have either an evidence base or are accepted practice.

Conclusions:Regular audit of this nature could be carried out on units admitting acute medical patients. Similar audits in internal medicine have delivered consistent results (50%–60%); there is a baseline level against which units can compare themselves. Clinical audit is an integral feature of clinical governance; all wards admitting acute medial patients could conduct similar audits on a random sample of patients.
An introduction to power and sample size estimation
Authors: Jones S R , Carley S , Harrison M
Published: September 2003

The importance of power and sample size estimation for study design and analysis.
Ascorbate for alkali burns to the eye
Authors: Mackway-Jones Kevin , Marsden Janet
Published: September 2003

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether ascobate drops are useful in the management of alkalis burns to the eyes. Altogether 33 papers were found using the reported search, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
Leucovorin (calcium folinate) in “antifreeze” poisoning
Authors: Ghosh Angaj , Boyd Russell
Published: September 2003

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether the addition of intravenous calcium folinate to standard (ethanol) therapy reduced the visual complications of antifreeze (methanol and ethyleny glycol). Altogether 12 papers were found using the reported search, of which one animal study presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
Is the central venous pressure reading equally reliable if the central line is inserted via the femoral vein
Authors: Desmond Joel , Megahed Mahmoud
Published: September 2003

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether femoral central venous lines were as reliable as subclavian or jugular lines at assessing right atrial filling pressure. Altogether 141 papers were found using the reported search, of which seven presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
Review of prehospital sodium bicarbonate use for cyclic antidepressant overdose
Authors: Calkins T , Chan T C , Clark R F , Stepanski B , Vilke G M
Published: September 2003

Objective:To describe the clinical presentation of patients with cyclic antidepressant (CA) and use of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) in the treatment of this overdose in the prehospital setting.

Methods:A three year retrospective observational review of records was performed using the San Diego County Quality Assurance Network database for prehospital providers. All adult patients who were treated with NaHCO3by paramedics for a CA overdose were included. Demographic data, presenting cardiovascular and neurological symptoms, paramedic treatments, and any changes in status were reviewed.

Results:Twenty one patients were treated by paramedics with NaHCO3for CA overdose. Seventeen patients (80%) presented with mental status changes, including 11 presenting with a GCS<8. Seven of the 21 (33%) presented with a cardiac arrhythmia expected to possibly respond to NaHCO3treatment. Seven of the 21 (33%) were hypotensive, and five (24%) patients had reported seizure activity. Only 2 of the 21 patients (10%) treated with NaHCO3had recorded improvements after administration of the drug, while the other 19 remained stable without any deterioration. Sixteen of 21 patients (76%) were given NaHCO3for indications on standing order, while five patients were treated outside the standing order indications by base physician order with none of the five patients having any change in status ater treatment.

Conclusions:After prehospital NaHCO3use in patients with CA overdose, there were no complications reported, two patients improved in status and the others remained unchanged. Base hospital physician orders of NaHCO3for indications beyond the standing orders were not associated with changes in patient status.
Tension pneumothorax: eyes may be more diagnostic than ears
Authors: Leigh-Smith S , Davies G
Published: September 2003

A case is presented of unilateral tension pneumothorax in an awake patient who was seen in prehospital care after a significant fall. Because of extrication difficulties it was 40 minutes after the accident when he was first seen and by this stage the tension pneumothorax was well developed. Many features that are taught as “classic” of tension pneumothorax were absent but various other clinical signs were present to aid the diagnosis, and these are reviewed.
Transient lupus anticoagulant: an unusual cause of bruising in children
Authors: Anderson A-K , Mohan U , Liesner R
Published: September 2003

A child presented with excessive bruising and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Mixing studies in plasma were positive for phospholipid dependence of the anticoagulant, confirming a diagnosis of lupus anticoagulant. Factor II level was reduced. Laboratory findings normalised after three months, with spontaneous resolution of bruising. This case demonstrates a transient antiphospholipid antibody syndrome as a rare presentation of bleeding diathesis in a previously healthy child, and should be considered in children with new onset bruising and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time.
Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy
Authors: Kamalakannan D , Baskar V , Barton D M , Abdu T A M
Published: September 2003

The occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy compromises both the fetus and the mother. It usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy and is also seen in newly presenting type 1 diabetes patients. Despite improvement in its incidence rates and outcomes over the years, it still remains a major clinical problem since it tends to occur at lower blood glucose levels and more rapidly than in non-pregnant patients often causing delay in the diagnosis. This article illustrates a typical case of diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy and reviews the literature to provide an insight into its pathophysiology and management.
Bilateral popliteal aneurysms complicating adult polycystic kidney disease in a patient with a marfanoid habitus
Authors: Al-Hakim W , Goldsmith D J A
Published: September 2003

A man born in 1944 presented with an episode of macroscopic haematuria during a urinary tract infection in 1988. He was unusually tall at 2 metres. An intravenous pyelogram and an abdominal ultrasound disclosed the presence of bilaterally enlarged polycystic kidneys and a polycystic liver. There was a family history of renal disease. Plasma creatinine (180 μmol/l) and blood pressure (150/100 mm Hg) were both raised. Despite good blood pressure control his renal function declined progressively and he started renal dialysis treatment in 1995. He received a renal allograft in 1996.

In 1994 he had noticed a painful swelling behind his left knee. Computed tomography with contrast showed a large popliteal aneurysm. This was replaced with a vein graft. The right popliteal artery showed milder changes, and this was repaired in 1999.

Popliteal aneurysms develop most often in older vasculopaths with multiple risk factors; connective tissue disorders have rarely been associated with their presence in younger patients. Polycystic kidney disease has been associated with several aneurysms, most notably cerebral, but not popliteal. The patient’s marfanoid habitus also may have played a part. This case emphasises the mixed aetiology of popliteal aneurysms.
Duality, Quantum Mechanics and (Almost) Complex Manifolds
Authors: Isidro José M.
Published: September 2003

The classical mechanics of a finite number of degrees of freedom requires a symplectic structure on phase space [Formula: see text], but it is independent of any complex structure. On the contrary, the quantum theory is intimately linked with the choice of a complex structure on [Formula: see text]. When the latter is a complex-analytic manifold admitting just one complex structure, there is a unique quantization whose classical limit is [Formula: see text]. Then the notion of coherence is the same for all observers. However, when [Formula: see text] admits two or more nonbiholomorphic complex structures, there is one different quantization per different complex structure on [Formula: see text]. The lack of analyticity in transforming between nonbiholomorphic complex structures can be interpreted as the loss of quantum-mechanical coherence under the corresponding transformation. Observers using one complex structure perceive as coherent the states that other observers, using a different complex structure, do not perceive as such. This is the notion of a quantum-mechanical duality transformation: the relativity of the notion of a quantum.
Power Laws, Scale Invariance and the Generalized Frobenius Series: Applications to Newtonian and TOV Stars Near Criticality
Authors: Visser Matt , Yunes Nicolas
Published: September 2003

We present a self-contained formalism for calculating the background solution, the linearized solutions and a class of generalized Frobenius-like solutions to a system of scale-invariant differential equations.

We first cast the scale-invariant model into its equidimensional and autonomous forms, find its fixed points, and then obtain power-law background solutions. After linearizing about these fixed points, we find a second linearized solution, which provides a distinct collection of power laws characterizing the deviations from the fixed point. We prove that generically there will be a region surrounding the fixed point in which the complete general solution can be represented as a generalized Frobenius-like power series with exponents that are integer multiples of the exponents arising in the linearized problem. While discussions of the linearized system are common, and one can often find a discussion of power-series with integer exponents, power series with irrational (indeed complex) exponents are much rarer in the extant literature. The Frobenius-like series we encounter can be viewed as a variant of the rarely-discussed Liapunov expansion theorem (not to be confused with the more commonly encountered Liapunov functions and Liapunov exponents).

As specific examples we apply these ideas to Newtonian and relativistic isothermal stars and construct two separate power series with the overlapping radius of convergence. The second of these power series solutions represents an expansion around "spatial infinity," and in realistic models it is this second power series that gives information about the stellar core, and the damped oscillations in core mass and core radius as the central pressure goes to infinity. The power-series solutions we obtain extend classical results; as exemplified for instance by the work of Lane, Emden, and Chandrasekhar in the Newtonian case, and that of Harrison, Thorne, Wakano, and Wheeler in the relativistic case.

We also indicate how to extend these ideas to situations where fixed points may not exist — either due to "monotone" flow or due to the presence of limit cycles. Monotone flow generically leads to logarithmic deviations from scaling, while limit cycles generally lead to discrete self-similar solutions.
Speeding Up Backpropagation Algorithms by Using Cross-Entropy Combined with Pattern Normalization
Authors: Joost Merten , Schiffmann Wolfram
Published: September 2003

This paper demonstrates how the backpropagation algorithm (BP) and its variants can be accelerated significantly while the quality of the trained nets will increase. Two modifications were proposed: First, instead of the usual quadratic error we use the cross entropy as an error function and second, we normalize the input patterns. The first modification eliminates the so called sigmoid prime factor of the update rule for the output units. In order to balance the dynamic range of the inputs we use normalization. The combination of both modifications is called CEN–Optimization (Cross Entropy combined with Pattern Normalization). As our simulation results show CEN–Optimization can't only improve online BP but also RPPROP, the most sophisticated BP variant known today. Even though RPROP yields usually much better results than online BP the performance gap between CEN–BP and CEN–RPROP is smaller than between the standard versions of those algorithms. By means of CEN–RPROP it is nearly guaranteed to achieve an error of zero (with respect to the training set). Simultaneously, the generalization performance of the trained nets can be increased, because less complex networks suffice to fit the training set. Compared to the usual SSE (summed squared error) one can yield lower training errors with fewer weights.
Fuzzy Navigation for Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Althoefer K. , Seneviratne L. D. , Zavlangas P. , Krekelberg B.
Published: September 2003

This paper describes a novel navigation and obstacle avoidance system for robotic manipulators. The system is divided into separate fuzzy units which individually control the links of a manipulator. The rule base of each unit combines the repelling influence of obstacles with the attracting influence of the target position in a fuzzy way to generate actuating commands for the link. Owing to its simplicity and hence its short response time, the fuzzy navigator is especially suitable in on-line applications with strong real-time requirements. Furthermore, this approach allows obstacle avoidance in dynamic environments. The functioning of the fuzzy navigator with respect to robotic manipulators and results of real-world experiments are presented.
Canonical Separated Hierarchical Decomposition of the Choquet Integral Over a Finite Set
Authors: Murofushi Toshiaki , Fujimoto Katsushige , Sugeno Michio
Published: September 2003

The paper shows the existence of a canonical separated hierarchical decomposition of the Choquet integral over a finite set. The decomposed system is a hierarchical combination of Choquet integrals with mutually disjoint domains, and equivalent to the original Choquet integral. The paper also gives canonical overlapped hierarchical decompositions of the Choquet integral over a semiatom.
FUSINTER: A Method for Discretization of Continuous Attributes
Authors: Zighed D. A. , Rabaséda S. , Rakotomalala R.
Published: September 2003

In induction graphs methods such as C4.51 or SIPINA2, taking continuous attributes into account needs particular discretization procedures. In this paper, we propose on the one hand, an axiomatic leading to a set of criteria which can be used for continuous attributes discretization, and on the other hand, a method of discretization called FUSINTER. The results obtained by FUSINTER are compared to those obtained by techniques developed by Fayyad and Irani3 and Kerber4 and they have proved better for the majority of the examples studied.
Decomposable Financial Laws and Profitability
Authors: Rambaud Salvador Cruz , Ventre Aldo G. S.
Published: September 2003

An important feature of some financial laws is the decomposability property. This is a theoretical issue for a financial law admitting that the cash flow does not change when the economic subject disinvests and immediately re-invests a capital. Decomposable laws are exponential. In the recent past, the notion of decomposability has been generalized, modelling non homogeneity of the time in financial processes by the action of triangular t-conorms over the times. In this more general setting, our aim is to compare and measure the advantages or disadvantages that the economic subject obtains when he interrupts a flow.
Ordinal Explanation of the Periodic System of Chemical Elements
Authors: Scerri Eric R. , Kreinovich Vladik , Wojciechowski Piotr , Yager Ronald R.
Published: September 2003

Textbooks often claim that quantum mechanics explained the periodic system: namely, the actual configuration of electronic orbits that is responsible for the element's chemical properties can be described as the one that minimizes the total energy, and the energy of each configuration can be computed by using quantum mechanics.

However, a careful analysis of this explanation reveals that, in addition to the basic equations of quantum mechanics, we need some heuristic rules that do not directly follow from quantum physics. One reason why additional heuristics are necessary is that the corresponding numerical equations are extremely difficult to solve, and as we move to atoms with larger and larger atomic numbers Z, they become even more difficult. Moreover, as Z grows, we must take relativistic effects into consideration, and this means going from partial differential equations to even more mathematically difficult operator equations.

In this paper, we show that if instead of the (often impossible) numerical optimization, we consider the (available) ordinal information, we can then explain the observed periodic system.
On Considering Constraints of Different Importance in Fuzzy Constraint Satisfaction Problems
Authors: Torra I Reventós Vicenç
Published: September 2003

Several real-world applications (e.g., scheduling, configuration, …) can be formulated as Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSP). In these cases, a set of variables have to be settled to a value with the requirement that they satisfy a set of constraints. Classical CSPs are defined only by means of crisp (Boolean) constraints. However, as sometimes Boolean constraints are too strict in relation to human reasoning, fuzzy constraints were introduced.

When fuzzy constraints are considered, human reasoning usually performs some compensation between alternatives. Thus other operators than t-norms are advisable. Besides of that, not all constraints can be considered with equal importance. In this paper we show that the WOWA operator can consider both aspects: compensation between constraints and constraints of different importance.
Aggregation Operators Defined by k-Order Additive/Maxitive Fuzzy Measures
Authors: Calvo Tomasa , de Baets Bernard
Published: September 2003

It is well known that the Choquet and Sugeno integrals w.r.t. a discrete fuzzy measure can be considered as aggregation operators. In this paper, we study in detail two special cases of symmetric fuzzy measures, i.e. fuzzy measures of which the values only depend upon the cardinality of the arguments. The first case is that of a symmetric k-order additive fuzzy measure, i.e. a fuzzy measure of which the Möbius transform vanishes in sets with cardinality greater than k. A new increasing sequence of binomial OWA operators is introduced. It is recalled that weighted sums of aggregation operators, with possibly negative weights, may also lead to aggregation operators. The Choquet integral w.r.t. a symmetric k-order additive fuzzy measure is then characterized as such a weighted sum of the first k binomial OWA operators. The second case is that of a symmetric k-order maxitive fuzzy measure, i.e. a fuzzy measure of which the possibilistic Möbius transform vanishes in sets with cardinality greater than k. The Sugeno integral w.r.t. a symmetric k-order maxitive fuzzy measure is then characterized as a weighted maximum of the last k order statistics.
An Open-Frame Theory of Incomplete Interval Probabilities
Authors: Sgarro Andrea
Published: September 2003

We develop a reference setting for uncertainty representation, i.e. incomplete interval probabilities, which we think may be useful not only at the formal but also at the conceptual level. The universe we choose to work on is a finite set, which is thought of as open (incomplete, not fully observable); a pre-assumption we make is acceptance of Dempster rule without the normalization coefficient as an adequate tool for pooling opinions. We make use of three comparatively old ingredients: interval probabilities, open-frame bodies of evidence and Rényi's incomplete probabilities. As for open-frame bodies of evidence, we introduce a formal novelty, seemingly of little or no consequence, which instead leads us quite naturally to the unifying approach of incomplete interval probabilities. We tackle the problem of forcing incomplete states of knowledge into completeness, as required at the operational stage of decision making.
Mentoring as a Precursor to Incorporation
Authors: Dixon-Reeves Regina
Published: September 2003

Consistently, the academic and anecdotal research on mentoring has demonstrated that it is important in enhancing opportunities for success and achievement. Whereas many would agree that mentoring is important for females and scholars of color, there is very little research to confirm this conventional wisdom. In an effort to fill the gap of knowledge about how mentoring affects the success of African American junior faculty, this article explores the mentoring experiences of recently graduated, African American doctorates (Ph.D.s) in the field of sociology. This research demonstrates how mentoring can enhance the opportunities of faculty of color and facilitate advancement through the ranks.
An Overview of Variance Inflation Factors for Sample-Size Calculation
Authors: Hsieh F. Y. , Lavori Philip W. , Cohen Harvey J. , Feussner John R.
Published: September 2003

For power and sample-size calculations, most practicing researchers rely on power and sample-size software programs to design their studies. There are many factors that affect the statistical power that, in many situations, go beyond the coverage of commercial software programs. Factors commonly known as design effects influence statistical power by inflating the variance of the test statistics. The authors quantify how these factors affect the variances so that researchers can adjust the statistical power or sample size accordingly. The authors review design effects for factorial design, crossover design, cluster randomization, unequal sample-size design, multiarm design, logistic regression, Cox regression, and the linear mixed model, as well as missing data in various designs. To design a study, researchers can apply these design effects, also known as variance inflation factors to adjust the power or sample size calculated from a two-group parallel design using standard formulas and software.
Conducting Power Analyses for Anova and Ancova in between-Subjects Designs
Authors: Algina James , Olejnik Stephen
Published: September 2003

Researchers are frequently asked to justify the sample size used in their quantitative inquiries. Such a justification can be provided through a power analysis. Conducting power analyses, however, can raise some difficult issues regarding the specification of the size of the effect, testing for interaction effects, the role of covariates, and the use of an estimated effect size in the power analysis. The authors present methods for conducting power analyses along with a discussion of these issues, and they make available SAS programs that can be used to implement the power analyses that are discussed.
An `Irreversible Conquest'? Colonial and Postcolonial Land Law in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Home Robert
Published: September 2003

The authoritarian and transformative character of modernist utilitarian law, as applied in colonial contexts, has made it a key instrument of state control, and an arena for intercommunity struggle. British colonialism under the Palestinian Mandate (1923-48), deploying the complex land laws and regulations which it inherited and modified from the Ottoman land code, passed to the successor Israeli state the tools for ethnocratic control, through which Israel came to claim public ownership over virtually all its physical territory. The importation into Palestine of ready-made British-style law, drawing upon British colonial experience, contributed building blocks for the Israeli state. The colonialist dual construction of communal and individual land rights, and the power of planning and other regulations for reshaping ownership and land use patterns, are examined in the Israel/Palestine situation through certain rhetorical keywords with shifting interpretations and meanings, i.e. settlement, transfer, partition and absenteeism.
Examination of Generational Differences in Household Apparel Expenditures
Authors: Norum Pamela S.
Published: September 2003

In light of the impact baby boomers continue to have on the American culture and marketplace, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between household apparel expenditures and age groups defined by generations while controlling for other household characteristics. Generations used in this study were the GI generation (1901 to 1932), the silent generation (1933 to 1945), the baby boom generation (1946 to 1964), Generation X (1965 to 1976), and Generation Y (1977 to 1987). Data from the 1998 Consumer Expenditure Survey were used to estimate expenditure equations for total household apparel as well as men's, women's, boys', girls', and infants' apparel. The results of this research indicate there are significant differences between baby boomers and other generations with respect to their household apparel expenditures. The results have both educational and marketing implications.
A Comparison of Stability and Bifurcation Criteria for Inflated Spherical Elastic Shells
Authors: Haughton D. M. , Kirkinis E.
Published: September 2003

The nonlinear stability analysis introduced by Chen and Haughton [1] is employed to study the full nonlinear stability of the non-homogeneous spherically symmetric deformation of an elastic thick-walled sphere. The shell is composed of an arbitrary homogeneous, incompressible elastic material. The stability criterion ultimately requires the solution of a third-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation. Numerical calculations performed for a wide variety of well-known incompressible materials are then compared with existing bifurcation results and are found to be identical. Further analysis and comparison between stability and bifurcation are conducted for the case of thin shells and we prove by direct calculation that the two criteria are identical for all modes and all materials.
A Model for Individual Change: Exploring its Application to Human Resource Development
Authors: Madsen Susan R.
Published: September 2003

Change is the basis for improving and expanding individual, group, and organizational effectiveness, performance, and learning. However, human resource development (HRD) has utilized and developed few empirically validated individual change models or theories. Because HRD is multidisciplinary in nature, it is important for researchers and practitioners to consider what models or theories others have to offer. One influential model from the health and medical field that has promising utility in HRD is the transtheoretical model (TTM) of individual change. The purpose of this article is to introduce this model and explore its application to HRD. This article uses Dubin's criteria for theory building as a general framework for discussing the TTM's background, components, related constructs, and limitations. In addition, it presents the implications of this theoretical model to HRD.
How shall a Thing be Called? An Argumentation on the Efficacy of the Term HRD
Authors: Walton John S.
Published: September 2003

This article introduces an academic debate on the legitimacy and appropriateness of the label used to designate the human resource development (HRD) domain. By means of the method of argumentation, supported by the exploration of theoretical constructs relating to categorization and meaning structures, this article asserts that the term HRD has too many different and, for some, negative connotations for people within and outside the field. In political terms it reminds us of the power of discourse in creating meaning. Attention is drawn to the fact that the extension of the domain that many have proposed in recent years is contested and can be construed as an attempt to exercise interpretative dominance over others. It contends that if we are to persuade others of the legitimacy of this claim, we need to replace the term with one that has neither historical baggage attached to it nor close terminological associations with other fields of study such as human resource management (HRM).
Photochemical Synthesis of Diazacryptophane
Authors: Inokuma Seiichi , Kimura Koichi , Nishimura Jun
Published: September 2003

Azacryptophane was obtained by irradiation of the precursor diammonium chloride in the presence of γ-CD (γ-cycodextrin) in aqueous solution. In the liquid-liquid extraction, the azacryptophane showed a moderate affinity toward all alkali metal picrates without any significant selectivity, whereas it selectively extracted both Ag+ and Pb2+ cations in series of heavy metal nitrates.
Synthesis of Novel Water-soluble Molecular Bowls and Their Unique Complexing Behavior with 1-Anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate
Authors: Goto Kei , Akine Shigehisa , Hayashi Tomoko , Okazaki Renji
Published: September 2003

Novel water-soluble bowl-shaped cyclophanes 1 and 2 were synthesized. Complexation study in 25% aqueous methanol revealed that 1 and 2 form 2:1 (host/guest) complexes with 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS). The emission wavelength of ANS encapsulated by 1 and 2 as well as the related monocyclic cyclophanes was usefully employed to demonstrate that the host/guest ratio of the complex significantly affects the micropolarity of the guest-binding site of these cyclophanes.
Lewis-Acid-Assisted “Tandem Claisen Rearrangement”: Application to the Synthesis of a New Type of Macrocycle Containing Phenolic Moieties
Authors: Uzawa Hirotaka , Hiratani Kazuhisa , Minoura Norihiko , Takahashi Toshikazu
Published: September 2003

Tandem Claisen rearrangement promoted by Et2AlCl and 2-methyl-2-butene has produced better results than thermal rearrangement at synthesizing a new type of macrocycles containing phenolic moieties, from the corresponding macrocyclic polyether compound in a dramatically fast reaction with a good yield under mild conditions.
Preparation of Nonnatural Branched Chitin and Chitosan
Authors: Kurita Keisuke , Kojima Taku , Munakata Tetsuya , Akao Hirofumi , Mori Tomonori , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Shimojoh Manabu
Published: September 2003

N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucosamine branches were introduced into chitin and chitosan, respectively, by a series of regioselective modification reactions based on N-phthaloyl-chitosan. Unlike insoluble chitin and chitosan, the resulting nonnatural branched amino polysaccharides showed a remarkable water solubility. Moreover, the branched chitosan exhibited significant antimicrobial activity.
Graphite-Catalyzed Acylative Cleavage of Ethers with Acyl Halides
Authors: Suzuki Yoshitada , Matsushima Masayuki , Kodomari Mitsuo
Published: September 2003

Graphite is found to catalyze acylative cleavage of ethers such as benzylic, allylic, tert-butylic and cyclic ethers with acyl halides to give the corresponding esters in good to excellent yields. Benzylic ether was cleaved chemoselectively, when a variety of other functional groups was present, to produce the corresponding ester along with benzyl halide.
Conversion of 2-Methylthio-4-trifluroacetyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3,4-thiadiazines into α,β-Unsaturated Esters via Carbanion-Induced Ring Opening and Desulfurization
Authors: Shimada Kazuaki , Otaki Akihiro , Yanakawa Masaki , Mabuchi Shosuke , Yamakado Naoya , Shimoguchi Takeshi , Takikawa Yuji
Published: September 2003

A convenient conversion of 2-methylthio-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,3,4-thiadiazines 1 into α,β-unsaturated esters was achieved through the procedure including trifluoroacetylation of 1, carbanion-induced ring opening of trifluoroacetamides 2, and reductive removal of heteroatom functionality of the resulting S-alkenyl hydrazinecarbodithioates 3. Treatment of 3 with a base under an aqueous condition also gave the corresponding 6-alkylidene-4H-1,3,4-thiadiazin-5-ones 6.
Photolysis of 1,2,3,4-Benzenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride in a Low-temperature Argon Matrix. Formation of C6H2 Reactive Intermediates
Authors: Moriyama Masaya , Yabe Akira
Published: September 2003

The photolysis of 1,2,3,4-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride in an argon matrix produced 1,3,5-hexatriyne via C6H2 reactive intermediates, similarly to the case of the photolysis of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride. Formation of C6H2 reactive intermediates by elimination of CO2 and CO was discussed.
Synthesis and Ring-opening of 1,2-Digerma[2]ferrocenophane Catalyzed by Palladium or Platinum Complexes
Authors: Mochida Kunio , Shibayama Nene , Goto Midori
Published: September 2003

1,2-Digerma[2]ferrocenophane (1) was prepared and was fully characterized by spectroscopic methods. Palladium or platinum complexes-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of 1 under mild conditions yielded high molecular weight poly(ferrocenyltetramethyldigermane) in good yields.
Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties of 1,10-Dialkylpermethyldecasilanes
Authors: Yatabe Tetsuo , Kanaiwa Takeshi , Sakurai Hideki , Okumoto Hajime , Kaito Akira , Tanabe Yoshikazu
Published: September 2003

Decasilanes, R(SiMe2)10R where R=Et, Pr, and Bu, show the enantiotropic mesophase with a multilayer interdigitated structure. In the mesophase, the silicon chains adopt an almost all-trans conformation, and the decasilanes show absorption bands with maxima at 293 (R=Et) and 294 nm (R=Pr and Bu).
Efficient Coupled Oxidation of Heme Performed by the H63M Variant of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane Cytochrome b5
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Desilva Thamara , Rivera Mario
Published: September 2003

Replacement of the heme axial ligand His 63 for Met in the electron transfer protein cytochrome b5 renders a variant capable of performing the efficient coupled oxidation of heme. The experimental evidence shows that the coupled oxidation of heme catalyzed by the H63M variant is arrested after the formation of verdoheme. This may result from the formation of a hexacoordinated (His, Met) veredoheme complex.
Self-Assembled Process for the Preparation of Ultra-thin Zeolite Films
Authors: Cho Gyoujin , Moon IL-Shik , Shul Yong-Gun , Jung Kyung-Taek , Lee Jae-Suk , Fung Bing M
Published: September 2003

A simple and effective process of preparing ultra-thin zeolite films on a silicon substrate is described. The starting material was a stable colloidal dispersion of TS-1 zeolite particles with a size of 50 - 100 nm. The silicon wafer is placed in a 20 mM solution of hexanoic acid in water at pH=3. When the colloidal dispersion is added, the adsorption of the hexanoic acid molecules onto the zeolite particles causes them to deposit on the silicon wafer to form a thin layer with a thickness of about 103 nm.
Energy Transfer in a Rotaxane with a Naphthalene-modified α-Cyclodextrin Threaded by Dansyl-terminal Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Tamura Makio , Ueno Akihiko
Published: September 2003

A rotaxane with a naphthalene-modified α-cyclodextrin penetrated by a dansyl-terminal poly(ethylene glycol) was prepared. In the rotaxane, singlet energy transfer occurs from the naphthalene moiety to the terminal dansyl units.
Selective Colorimetry of Sodium Ion in Anionic Micellar Solution Containing Dibenzo-16-crown-5 Chromoionophore
Authors: Kuboyama Toshiharu , Nakamura Shigeo , Takagi Makoto , Lee Jong Chan , Hayashita Takashi
Published: September 2003

Colorimetric response of a lipophilic dibenzo-16-crown-5 chromoionophore 1 in aqueous micellar solution has been examined. A selective color change was obtained for Na+ ion in the anionic micellar solution of 1.
Geophysical prospection at Floridablanca archaeological site, San Julian Bay, Argentina
Authors: Lascano Eugenia , Osella Ana , De La Vega Matías , Buscaglia Silvana , Senatore Ximena , Lanata José Luis
Published: September 2003

We present the application of three geophysical methods—ground‐penetrating radar, resistivity and electromagnetic induction—to the Floridablanca archaeological site at San Julián Bay, Argentina. The objective of the prospection was to detect buried archaeological structures—mostly adobe walls—to delimit these structures, to find their characteristics and to study the presence of tiles attributable to roof collapse within the zone of interest. Profiles were carried out in this zone and outside it to compare results. A periodic distribution of low‐contrast shallow anomalies was found that indicated the presence of different types of buried walls within the zone. Also the absence of tile accumulations could be determined. These results provided the archaeologists with useful information to design a more efficient excavation plan. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In search of the Royal Ptolemaic Cemetery in central Alexandria, Egypt—the first contact
Authors: Papamarinopoulos St. P. , Liosis A. , Polymenakos L. , Stephanopoulos P. , Limnaeou‐Papakosta K.
Published: September 2003

At Chatby in central Alexandria, Egypt, a team from the University of Patras conducted a detailed geophysical study as part of an investigation for locating the Royal Ptolemaic Cemetery. The exploration site is located in the Latin and Greek cemeteries in the southeast corner of the modern cemeteries of Alexandria. An area of 10 000 m2 was investigated down to a depth of 10 m. Gravity, electromagnetic prospecting, electrical, ground‐penetrating radar and seismic methods were applied. The use of various methods allowed as much information from the subsurface as possible to be obtained and comparison of the data in order to enhance interpretation. Despite the increased geophysical noise present in such a highly urbanized environment, intelligent selection of field parameters, use of advanced processing techniques and specialized software made it possible to reveal important information from the subsurface data. Interpreted geophysical features may be related to buried archaeological structures at some locations of the area explored. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of N‐substituted N′‐[6‐methyl‐2‐oxido‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinino(5,4‐b)pyridine‐2‐yl]ureas
Authors: Reddy P. Vasu Govardhana , Reddy C. Suresh , Venugopal M.
Published: September 2003

N‐Substituted N′‐[6‐methyl‐2‐oxido‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinino(5,4,‐b)pyridine‐2‐yl]ureas have been accomplished by condensation of equimolar quantities of chlorides of various carbamidophosphoric acids (3) with 3‐hydroxyl‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyridinemethanol (lutidine diol) (4) in the presence of triethylamine in dry toluene–tetrahydrofuran (1:1) mixture at 45–50°C. Their structures were established by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 31P NMR spectral data. Their antifungal and antibacterial activity is also evaluated. Most of these compounds exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity in the assays. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:509–512, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10181
Optically active telluronium imides: Optical resolution, absolute configuration, and mechanism of racemization
Authors: Shimizu Toshio , Machida Yoshito , Kamigata Nobumasa
Published: September 2003

Thermodynamically and kinetically stabilized asymmetric diaryltelluronium imides were synthesized and optically resolved into their enantiomers on an optically active column using medium‐pressure column chromatography. The relationship between the absolute configuration and the optical properties of the chiral telluronium imides was clarified. The mechanism of the racemization, which involves the formation of telluroxides by the hydrolysis of the telluronium imides, was proposed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:523–529, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10185
Synthesis of chiral phosphorus reagents and their catalytic activity in asymmetric borane reduction of N‐phenyl imine of acetophenone
Authors: Kangying Li , Zhenghong Zhou , Guofeng Zhao , Chuchi Tang
Published: September 2003

Eleven chiral trivalent or quatrivalent phosphorus reagents were synthesized starting from L‐proline, D‐camphor, (+)‐ or (−)‐1,1′‐binaphthalene‐2,2′‐diol, (−)‐α‐phenylethylamine, etc. and their application as catalysts in asymmetric borane reduction of N‐phenyl imine of acetophenone was preliminarily investigated. N‐Phenyl α‐phenylethylamine was obtained in good yield with low to moderate enantioselectivity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:546–550, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10190
Conversion of 2(3H)‐furanones into 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles
Authors: Elgazwy Abdel‐Sattar S. Hamad , Zaki Mayssoune Y. , Eid Nahed N. , Hashem Ahmed I.
Published: September 2003

A series of 2‐phenyl‐5‐alkenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles were synthesized in high yields from the corresponding dicarbonylhydrazides through cyclodehydration. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:570–574, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10197