bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there a latitudinal gradient in seed production?
Authors: Moles Angela T. , Wright Ian J. , Pitman Andrew J. , Murray Brad R. , Westoby Mark
Published: November 2008

We compiled data from seed rain studies at 33 sites from around the world to determine whether the greater mean seed mass of tropical plants is associated with production of fewer seeds per square meter of ground. We found no significant linear relationship between latitude and annual seed rain density, but found some evidence for a mid‐latitude peak in seed rain density (quadratic relationship, p=0.018; R2=0.23). Combining seed rain data with seed mass data suggests that vegetation at the equator produces between 19 and 128 times more total mass of seed per year than does vegetation at 60°. This gradient in seed production would far outweigh the doubling in net primary productivity (NPP) over the same range of latitudes. Thus, our (admittedly small) dataset suggests that tropical vegetation allocates a much greater proportion of NPP to reproduction. This raises two important questions for the future: 1) why might tropical vegetation commit more energy to seed production than vegetation further from the equator? 2) What aspect of plant growth might receive proportionally less energy in tropical ecosystems?
Molecular Characterization of Two Silenced y‐type Genes for Glu‐B1 in Triticum aestivum ssp. yunnanese and ssp. tibetanum
Authors: Yuan Zhong‐Wei , Chen Qi‐Jiao , Zhang Lian‐Quan , Yan Ze‐Hong , Zheng You‐Liang , Liu Deng‐Cai
Published: November 2008

The high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GSs) are a major class of common wheat storage proteins. The bread‐making quality of common wheat flour is influenced by the composition of HMW‐GSs. In the present study, two unexpressed 1By genes from Triticum aesitvum L.ssp.yunnanese AS332 and T. aesitvum ssp.tibetanum AS908 were respectively cloned and characterized. The results indicated that both of the silenced 1By genes in AS332 and AS908 were 1By9. In contrast to previously reported mechanisms for silenced genes 1Ax and 1Ay, which was due to the insertion of transposon elements or the presence of premature stop codon via base substitution of C→T transition in trinucleotides CAA or CAG, the silence of 1By9 genes was caused by premature stop codons via the deletion of base A in trinucleotide CAA, which lead to frameshift mutation and indirectly produced several premature stop codons (TAG) downstream of the coding sequence.
Incorporation of CD40 Ligand into the Envelope of Pseudotyped Single-Cycle Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses Enhances Immunogenicity
Authors: Lin Fan-ching , Peng Yue , Jones Leslie A. , Verardi Paulo H. , Yilma Tilahun D.
Published: November 2008

A vaccine for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is desperately needed to control the AIDS pandemic. To address this problem, we developed vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-pseudotyped replication-defective simian immunodeficiency viruses (dSIVs) as an AIDS vaccine strategy. The dSIVs retain characteristics of a live attenuated virus without the drawbacks of potential virulence caused by replicating virus. To improve vaccine immunogenicity, we incorporated CD40 ligand (CD40L) into the dSIV envelope. CD40L is one of the most potent stimuli for dendritic cell (DC) maturation and activation. Binding of CD40L to its receptor upregulates expression of major histocompatibility complex class I, class II, and costimulatory molecules on DCs and increases production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, especially interleukin 12 (IL-12). This cytokine polarizes CD4+T cells to Th1-type immune responses. DC activation and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) studies were performed to evaluate the immunogenicity of CD40L-dSIV in vitro. Expression levels of CD80, CD86, HLA-DR, and CD54 on DCs transduced with the dSIV incorporating CD40L (CD40L-dSIV) were significantly higher than on those transduced with dSIV. Moreover, CD40L-dSIV-transduced DCs expressed up to 10-fold more IL-12 than dSIV-transduced DCs. CD40L-dSIV-transduced DCs enhanced proliferation and gamma interferon secretion by naive T cells in an MLR. In addition, CD40L-dSIV-immunized mice exhibited stronger humoral and cell-mediated immune responses than dSIV-vaccinated animals. The results show that incorporating CD40L into the dSIV envelope significantly enhances immunogenicity. As a result, CD40L-dSIVs can be strong candidates for development of a safe and highly immunogenic AIDS vaccine.
Early Events during BK Virus Entry and Disassembly
Authors: Jiang Mengxi , Abend Johanna R. , Tsai Billy , Imperiale Michael J.
Published: November 2008

BK virus (BKV) is a nonenveloped, ubiquitous human polyomavirus that establishes a persistent infection in healthy individuals. It can be reactivated, however, in immunosuppressed patients and cause severe diseases, including polyomavirus nephropathy. The entry and disassembly mechanisms of BKV are not well defined. In this report, we characterized several early events during BKV infection in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial (RPTE) cells, which are natural host cells for BKV. Our results demonstrate that BKV infection in RPTE cells involves an acidic environment relatively early during entry, followed by transport along the microtubule network to reach the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A distinct disulfide bond isomerization and cleavage pattern of the major capsid protein VP1 was observed, which was also influenced by alterations in pH and disruption of trafficking to the ER. A dominant negative form of Derlin-1, an ER protein required for retro-translocation of certain misfolded proteins, inhibited BKV infection. Consistent with this, we detected an interaction between Derlin-1 and VP1. Finally, we show that proteasome function is also linked to BKV infection and capsid rearrangement. These results indicate that BKV early entry and disassembly are highly regulated processes involving multiple cellular components.
SOLVENT EFFECT ON ELECTROPHILIC AND RADICAL SUBSTITUTION OF TOLUENE MONONITRATION REACTIONS
Authors: LIU MIN-HSIEN , CHENG KEN-FA , CHEN CHENG , HONG YAW-SUN
Published: November 2008

Two kinds of nitrating reagents, a nitronium cation [Formula: see text] and a nitro radical (· NO2), were used in the gaseous phase toluene mononitration reaction. The closed shell calculation for electrophilic substitution and open shell calculation for radical substitution were both performed in solventless, H2O -solvated, and CH3OH -solvated molecular reaction systems. In the series of electrophilic toluene nitration reactions, both ortho-nitro toluene (o-MNT) and para-nitro toluene (p-MNT) are more abundant products than meta-nitro toluene (m-MNT), no matter what solvent is used in the reaction system. The reaction energy barrier for obtaining each kind of mononitro toluene follows a stepwise decreasing trend when the reaction is carried out in the solventless, H2O -solvated, and CH3OH -solvated systems. In all radical toluene nitration reactions, solventless or solvated, m-MNT is the most abundant product. The energy barrier data also show that the nitration reaction is more feasible in a solvated than in a solventless system. H2O has a more obvious solvent effect than CH3OH in the · NO2radical substitution reaction, and the H2O -solvated system provides a lower activation energy reaction path.
CD133 Progenitor Cells from the Bone Marrow Contribute to Retinal Pigment Epithelium Repair
Authors: Harris Jeffrey R. , Fisher Robert , Jorgensen Marda , Kaushal Shalesh , Scott Edward W.
Published: November 2008

Our goal was to define a clinically significant population of cells by utilizing a single-step selection process to enrich hematopoietic cells capable of regenerating the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Utilizing intravitreal injection of bone marrow cells from a mouse with pigment (C57BL6:gfp) into albino recipient mice (C57BL6:Tyr-), we show that hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) enriched for CD133 can regenerate RPE cells and improve retinal function. The chemokine CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor 1α) is essential for migration, incorporation, and RPE regeneration by CD133+ HPCs. Once incorporated, CD133+ HPCs become pigmented, adopt an RPE morphology, and express RPE-specific proteins, leading to partial functional recovery by electroretinogram. Human CD133+ HPCs also incorporate in the retina and assume RPE morphology in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice xenografts. These data show that a clinically accessible CD133+ hematopoietic cell can home to an injured RPE layer, differentiate into cells with significant RPE morphology, and provide therapeutic functional recovery of the visual cycle.
ADMINISTRATIVE HANDLING OF THE NARCOTIC ADDICT: ITS BENEFITS AND DANGERS
Authors: Bishop Ernest S.
Published: November 2008

Dr. Bishop asserts again that narcotic drug addiction is a disease; the laws make it a crime. The appalling extent of illicit drug traffic is due largely to this mistake. Forcible control is a fundamental error. The existing laws make it hard for the physician to know where he stands in his treatment. Here is a strong plea for sensible reform.
SOCIAL USES OF MEDICINE
Authors: Armstrong D. B.
Published: November 2008

Seventy percent of our people need medical or dental treatment, but go without because of lack of proper medical organization. Dr. Armstrong is not merely critical, but is constructive. He shows the absurdity of making physicians dependent on sickness for support, and outlines a plan of community procedure on a rational basis.
ON THE SOLUTION OF PNEUMOCOCCI BY BILE
Authors: Kelly F. B.
Published: November 2008

The lytic property of bile and its preparations with reference to pneumococci appears to be of uncertain quality. A variance seems to exist in the susceptibility of different strains of these organisms to lysis by bile. Inhibition of growth on blood agar is of value in determining lytic action.
A PLAN FOR EDUCATION IN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF OCCUPATIONAL COMPLAINTS
Authors: Schereschewsky J. W.
Published: November 2008

The keynote to the betterment of conditions of industrial occupation is education. Such education cannot be limited to one class but must include all units of society. Doctor Schereschewsky here discusses the type of education necessary to each unit, the worker, the medical profession, the general public, and suggests methods by which results may be effected.
THE GRADING OF MILK IN SMALL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Williams Linsly R.
Published: November 2008

The New York State Health Department last year enacted a Sanitary Code which regulates the sale of milk in every rural community in the state. Doctor Williams tells something of how it has worked.
Program planning, evaluation, and the problem of alcoholism.
Authors: Selig A L
Published: November 2008

Rational program planning and evaluation has been suggested as a necessary skill. First, a conceptual framework for planning and evaluation was presented and discussed, using the example of preventing alcoholism and providing services and rehabilitation for alcoholics. Second, a case study was presented, which is similar to that used by many professionals in their efforts to plan programs. Finally, some of the marked limitations of the case study were pointed out, when it was projected upon the conceptual framework.
The health maintenance organization delivery system. A national study of attitudes of HMO project directors on HMO issues.
Authors: Lum D
Published: November 2008

A national survey of health maintenance organization project directors' attitudes on HMO delivery issues was conducted to gather data about HMO planning development and delivery areas. Questionnaire results revealed characteristics of the HMO project director, sponsoring institution, and developmental stage. Seven HMO issues (Prepayment Mechanism, Quality of Care, Degree of Federal Participation) Public and Private Funding, Physicians' Attitudes toward HMO, and Consumer Recruitment) were identified to measure the attitudes of directors. As a whole, responses were in the positive range. Scale 1 (Prepayment Mechanism) and Scale 2 (Quality of Care) received the lowest mean scores and were in the moderate agreement range. Scale 3 (Degree of Federal Regulation) and Scale 5 (Public and Private Funding) had the highest mean scores and fell between slight agreement and disagreement. Further research has been noted in various administrative features and issue areas of HMO. Most crucial is the outcome of HMO legislation which has a bearing on the policy and program of the HMO delivery system. On the basis of what appears to be a representative sample of directors of DHEW-funded HMO Planning and Development Projects, the study has assessed attitudes on important issues relevant to HMOs and determined areas of greatest agreement and disagreement.
Radiological practice in Hiroshima and Nagasaki: trents from 1964 to 1970.
Authors: Sawada S , Fujita S , Russell W J , Takeshita K
Published: November 2008

Use of X-ray in Hiroshima and Nagasaki from 1964 to 1970 was assessed according to numbers of films consumed, and the radiographic, fluoroscopic, and photofluorographic examinations performed. Except for chest photofluorography, a steady increase in the use of medical X-ray since Workd War II is demonstrated.
A comparison of program and contraceptive use continuation rates in a family planning clinic.
Authors: Romm F J , Armstrong P S , Prior A P
Published: November 2008

Programs and contraceptive use continuation rates were obtained for a rural Georgia family planning clinic. Program continuation is a measurement of maintenance of clinic attendance, while use continuation is related to actual use of effective contraceptives regardless of clinic activity status. Program continuation rates ranged from 0.77 at 12 months to 0.48 at 36 months. Contraceptive use continuation rates were 0.78 at 12 months and 0.58 at 36 months. Women who moved or were otherwise lost to follow-up formed the largest category of discontinuation. The highest rate of discontinuation from clinic attendance occurred after the first visit with secondary peaks around the time of scheduled annual checkups. Women who were younger and had fewer living children had a greater likelihood of discontinuing clinic attendance and contraceptive use. The reasons for and timing of discontinuation from clinic attendance suggest that clinic personnel should place special emphasis on the first visits, arrange referral for women who might have plans to leave the service area before the scheduled return visit, send reminders before first revisits, and follow up patients soon after missed visits. Priority might be assigned to the younger women of low parity who have been shown to be at higher risk of discontinuation. Other factors which might influence continuation include method of contraception, marital status, and race. Program continuation can be determined by analysis of clinic records alone while contraceptive use continuation often requires follow-up of patients. Although the two continuation rates were not equivalent, program and use continuation were roughly parallel through much of the study period. This suggests that a simple review of records in the clinic or on computer tape, when available, to determine program continuation may give an estimate of actual contraceptive use in the population.
Intrauterine device retention: a study of selected social-psychological aspects.
Authors: Morehead J E
Published: November 2008

A retrospective study of the association between selected sociopsychological variables and the early discontinuation of intrauterine device use was carried out among patients of the Central Clinic of Family Health, Inc., New Orleans, Louisiana. In toto, 270 women cooperated in a standardized interview which was administered by trained auxiliaries of the clinic's staff; Investigation of sociodemographic characteristics shows a greater proportion of the terminators to be younger, more mobile, and to have experienced more changes in marital partners. Continuers are at greater health risk in pregnancy as rated by the clinic at time of admission, but do not verbalize this as a concern. Responses relating to sexuality image and contraceptive attitudes indicate that a greater proportion of the terminators dislike an internal IUD self string check, hold a more pro-pregnancy attitude, do not feel dependent on the availability of contraceptives, and currently utilize the less effective contraceptive methods. Few significant differences are reported in the side effects experienced after IUD insertion by the terminators or continuers. However, the groups hold decidely different perceptions of the meaning of such complaints. A greater proportion of the terminators perceive themselves as being sick, take to bed during the menses, find that complaints disrupt their normal household activities, and are fearful of the meaning to their health of the difficulties experienced. The majority of both groups are functioning in a segregated marital role pattern. Terminators portray a tendency to be interacting with more "traditional" husbands who visualize the proper role for their wives as mothers whose duty it is to stay home. Continuers, to a greater degree, are more dominant individuals, make more decisions in the running of the home, and feel that contraception is their responsibility alone. Program implications take direction from the findings that the terminator is a more "costly" patient in terms of physician time and is at a decidely greater risk of final closure to all clinic contacts.
Leukemia incidence and ethnicity in Nassau County, New York.
Authors: Cuneo J M
Published: November 2008

The religious distribution of Nassau County resident leukemia cases diagnosed between 1966 and 1974 was studied to see if the elevated incidence of the disease among Jews reported in the 1950s and early 1960s was persisting. The results showed, for both males and females, virtually no difference in attack rates between the Jewish and "other white" populations of the County.
A sausage-associated outbreak of trichinosis in Illinois.
Authors: Potter M E , Kruse M B , Matthews M A , Hill R O , Martin R J
Published: November 2008

Twenty-three of 50 members of an extended Dutch-German family and their close friends who ate raw homemade summer sausage became ill with trichinosis; 12 patients were hospitalized for an average of 10 days each. The sausage had been made in three different batches according to an old family recipe. One of the batches made from USDA-inspected pork was found to contain Trichinella spiralis larvae by two Illinois State laboratories. The other two batches were negative. Seventeen of the 23 patients submitted information on medical expenses incurred and wages lost because of the outbreak. These costs totaled almost $20,000. There is need for a nationwide program for controlling trichinosis in swine.
Failure to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in certified shellfish from New England.
Authors: Koff R S , Connelly L J
Published: November 2008

In this study, hard- and soft-shell clams harvested during a one-year period from state approved (certified) clam beds in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were tested for HBsAg by radioimmunoassay. HBsAg could not be detected in clam viscera. The role of bivalve mollusk ingestion in transmission of Hepatitis B remains speculative.
Current regulatory status of foods for special dietary uses.
Authors: Chopra J G
Published: November 2008

The Food and Drug Administration has redefined foods for "special dietary use". Such foods must now: (1) Supply a special dietary need that exists by reason of a physical or physiological condition, such as convalescence, a pregnancy, lactation, or by reason of a specific disease or disorder; (2) Supply a vitamin, mineral, or other dietary property to supplement diet by increasing total dietary intake; (3) Meet a special nutritional need as the sole item of the diet. The stricter definition of this category of food means that the conventional foods with added nutrients or food for which nutritional claims are made or nutritional information provided will no longer be considered as foods for special dietary uses, although they must conform to standard nutritional labeling requirements. The new regulation establishes a clearly delineated position within which the consumer, industry, and FDA can deal with special dietary foods without the past confusion as to what belonged in this category.
The effects of anticipated funding changes on maternal and child health projects: a case study of uncertainty.
Authors: Schlesinger E R , Skoner M M , Trooskin E D , Markel J R , North A F
Published: November 2008

A questionnaire survey of Title V special projects--Maternal and Infant Care (M&I), Comprehensive Care for Children and Youth (C&Y), Neonatal Intensive Care and Children's Dental Care--indicated that the anticipated change from federal project grants to state formula grants caused anxiety among project directors, low morale and high turnover in project staff, difficulty in filling staff positions, and anticipation of service reductions. These effects were much more prevalent and severe in projects which could realistically be expected to suffer budget cuts as a result of the shift in funding method. Despite the widespread anxiety, low morale and adverse effects reported by program directors, there was no reduction in the number of patients served, the scope of services offered, or the number of staff employed.
The community hospital as a focus for health planning.
Authors: Lane D S , Mazzola G
Published: November 2008

A community hospital focus for health planning has been developed by a Department of Community Medicine in a "non-teaching" voluntary hospital. Results of three years of planning experience have included: descriptions of service area populations and utilizer populations; implementation of neighborhood based health centers with transportation and outreach programs; integration of emergency services with other ambulatory care resources; and proposals for geriatric day-care, ambulatory surgery, and patient education. Working relationships have been developed between the hospital Department and local planning bodies, among them the Comprehensive Health Planning agency, the County Health Services Department, consumer groups, voluntary agencies and a University Health Services Center.
Development of a minor illness inventory for children in day care centers.
Authors: Lakin J A , Anselmo S , Solomons H C
Published: November 2008

A Minor Illness Inventory has been developed for use in systematic investigations of the nature and incidence of minor illness of pre-kindergarten aged children in day care centers. Other researchers are invited to use the authors' Inventory to conduct investigations of some of the important problems associated with health and day care of young children.
Difficult issues in health planning, development, and review.
Authors: Mott P D , Mott A T , Rudolph J M , Lane E R , Berg R L
Published: November 2008

To give an overview of the kinds of issues expected to be encountered by the new Health Systems Agencies being established in conformity with Public Law 93-641, the authors draw from the experiences of the Comprehensive Health Planning agency and Regional Medical Program of an Upstate New York area. Problems faced together in the years 1972 to 1975 in health planning, development, review, and public policy are described. The unusual geographic and working relationship of these agencies makes them, together, a useful prototype of the HSA to examine.
Trends in intravenous drug abuse as reflected in national hepatitis reporting.
Authors: Minichiello L , Retka R
Published: November 2008

A procedure for obtaining an indicator of trends in illicit intravenous (I.V.) drug use-a form of drug use which is very harmful and difficult to measure-has been developed using national hepatitis surveillance data. Hepatitis reports are separated into two groups: one containing mostly cases related to transmission via I.V. drug use and the other containing cases related to transmission via personal contact and blood transfusion. The analysis of ten years of national hepatitis reporting (1966 to 1975) shows an almost ten-fold rise in drug-related hepatitis cases from 1966 to 1972. In the last three years the number of cases has declined but remains substantially greater than the pre-epidemic levels. The rise in I.V. drug-related cases began in the 1960's among minority groups living in the center cities of the East and West Coasts and spread during the 1970's into the suburbs of these cities and into metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Limitations of this indicator of I.V. drug use relate to the characteristics of the surveillance system and to the underlying relationship of hepatitis to I.V. drug use.
Chemical mutagenesis: an emerging issue for public health.
Authors: Claxton L D , Barry P Z
Published: November 2008

Chemical mutagens are recognized as prevalent in the environment and a potential threat to the health of future generations. This paper presents an overview of chemical mutagenesis as an issue for public health. Several problems in the determination of risk to human populations are discussed, including difficulties of extrapolating scientific data to humans, the latency period between exposure and recognizable genetic damage, and the large number of chemicals which must be tested. Test systems are described. Possibilities of control through federal regulation are discussed.
Head and spinal cord injuries: a pilot study of morbidity survey procedures.
Authors: Kalsbeek W D , Hartwell T D
Published: November 2008

This paper describes a pilot case-finding survey which allowed statistical resolution of a number of methodological issues facing researchers who conduct such surveys. The pilot study for a national survey assessing the incidence, prevalence, and economic impact of head and spinal cord injuries, was conducted in eight geographically representative country sites and involved a study of field procedures in several different types of medical facilities. The scope of this paper is limited to the study of procedures used in hospitals. It concluded that: (1) inexperienced field staff were as productive as experienced field staff for activities such as listing discharges and abstracting patient records; (2) field staff familiarity with facility record systems was associated with success in securing hospital cooperation; (3) endorsements by national chapters of relevant professional and health-related associations were sufficient for securing hospital cooperation; and (4) neither hospital characteristics (e.g., size) nor the degree of participation by cooperating hospitals was associated with any significant differences in field staff productivity.
Rubella in Seattle-King County Washington.
Authors: Bader M , Bonin P
Published: November 2008

Assessment of the results of rubella hemagglutination-inhibition tests from women of child-bearing age in Seattle-King County suggests no community susceptibility problem except among women age 19 in 1976. Within this cohort 23 per cent were susceptible, probably because these women were too young to experience a full exposure to natural rubella prior to introduction of rubella vaccine and too old to be immunized against rubella in the elementary schools in 1970. Follow-up of women under age 25 who were seronegative for rubella antibody indicated that one-third subsequently received rubella vaccine.
A practical reporting and evaluation system for intervention programs: guiding principles and potential uses.
Authors: Zalkind D , Zelon H , Moore M , Kaluzny A
Published: November 2008

The continued existence of intervention programs is contingent on the ability to answer basic questions such as "What is your program doing?" and "Why should we fund your program?" This paper outlines basic principles and describes a practical reporting and supplemental evaluation system that can be used by administrators of even the smallest intervention program.
The state and territorial public health laboratory: program activities, organization and prospects for the future.
Authors: Schmidt R M , Madoff M A
Published: November 2008

During the past two years we have studied the characteristics of state and territorial public health laboratories in an attempt to develop guidelines for considering reorganization of laboratory services in Massachusetts. Only a few recent monographs have dealt with this topic and, to our knowledge, the functional and organizational characteristics of these laboratories have not been reviewed. The state public health laboratory system affords an excellent example of applied laboratory science or technology organized to provide basic public health services. In this paper the programs and organization of the state public health laboratory are reviewed, and a functional basis more responsive to society's current needs is suggested.
The geographic and functional distribution of black physicians: some research and policy considerations.
Authors: Gray L C
Published: November 2008

Studies of the geographic and functional distribution of physicians rarely include race of the physicians as a study variable. For black physicians, there are some rather strong justifications for doing just that: 1) their services are directed almost exclusively to black and often medically underserved communities; 2) recent efforts to reduce constraints to medical education based on race, sex, ethnicity, and income have resulted in a substantial increase in the proportion of black medical students; 3) inferring about black physicians from information on the general population of physicians given the differences in biographical and experimental characteristics is tenuous at best. Hence, an adequate information base and focused conceptualization on the educational and career patterns of black physicians are indicated. At the policy level there is a need to clarify the relationship between equity in educational (and career) opportunity and efforts to redistribute physicians.
Very young adolescent women in Georgia: has abortion or contraception lowered their fertility?
Authors: Shelton J D
Published: November 2008

Despite a state law enacted in 1972 which allowed minors to obtain contraceptive services without parental consent, births to very young women in Georgia (age 14 and less) have risen in recent years. Beginning in 1974, however, this trend has reversed. Increased access to induced abortion following the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision appears to have been responsible for the decline. Supporting this assertion are: 1) the temporal relationship between increased access to abortion and the decline in births, 2) the geographic evidence that the decline in births occurred first in Atlanta where abortion utilization is the highest and then followed in areas with somewhat more limited utilization, and 3) a similar observation that the decline occurred earlier and more markedly among young white teenagers whose abortion utilization is higher. Although abortion appears to have had the most visible impact on births, most people would probably agree that efforts toward providing contraception to these young women remain worth the challenge. The ratio of young teenegers accepting contraceptives to young teenegers getting pregnant is suggested as a useful intermediator of the success of family planning programs.
Screening for gonorrhea and syphilis in the gay baths--Denver, Colorado.
Authors: Judson F N , Miller K G , Schaffnit T R
Published: November 2008

During 33 screening sessions in Denver gay steambaths, 48 of 419 (11.5 per cent) men were found to have asymptomatic gonorrhea and six (1.4 per cent) had early latent syphilis. Questionnaires were administered to 160 men who reported a mean of 7.9 different male sex contacts per month. Female sex contacts were also reported by 30 per cent. The respondents used the baths an average of 2.2 times per month, having an average of 2.7 different sex contacts per visit, 84 per cent of whom were not previously known to the respondent. Gay steambaths are productive locations for detecting asymptomatic gonorrhea and syphilis.
Family allowance and family planning in Chile.
Authors: Plank S J
Published: November 2008

Family allowances designed to promote maternal and child health and welfare could be self-defeating if they stimulated otherwise unwanted births, as often assumed. That assumption, with its public health and demographic implications, needs testing. An attempt to test it was made in Chile in 1969--1970 through interviews with 945 wives receiving an allowance and 690 non-recipients. Recipients practiced contraception significantly more than did non-recipients. This was not explained by wives' educational attainment or employment, the couples' earnings, or number of living children, but was associated with a 50 per cent greater utilization of professional prenatal care by recipients during the most recent pregnancy; women with such care (regardless of allowance status) were 75 per cent more likely than others to control their fertility. Prenatal care was probably sought more by recipients in part because an additional stipend was provided as soon as pregnancy was confirmed, usually at clinics with integrated family planning. Greater family income, attributable to the allowance, probably also contributed to the recipients' better prenatal attention and to contraceptive practice. Noteworthy, too, was the finding that with the number of living children controlled, contraceptive practice was significantly greater amoung couples who had never lost a child.
Health input into land use planning experiences in a land use program.
Authors: Kaplan O B
Published: November 2008

The experiences of a health professional in a land use program in a California County are described: providing health input into the land use planning process by counseling elected and appointed government officials, individual developers, and citizen groups; interpreting existing standards and evaluating proposed ordinances and land use proposals. The significance of such input and the need for guiding standards are emphasized.
Planning a food and nutrition surveillance system: the example of Honduras.
Authors: Aranda-Pastor J , Menchu M T , Palma R , Kevany J P
Published: November 2008

A description of the preliminary steps in establishing a food and nutrition surveillance system in a country of Central America is presented in outline. The system will provide the basis for policy formulation, program planning, and evaluation. It is organized on the basis of the participation and resources of seven national agencies and will operate at the local, regional, and central level.
Characteristics of men most likely to respond to an invitation to be screened.
Authors: Greenlick M R , Bailey J W , Wild J , Grover J
Published: November 2008

Some of the characteristics of men, with known risk factors, who were most likely to respond to an invitation to be screened in a national randomized clinical trial to prevent heart disease were determined in 18,872 men, 35-57 years of age, members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Oregon. Demographic characteristics and risk factor variables (blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and cigarette smoking levels) were abstracted from medical records. The men were ranked high priority or low priority according to level of risk. All age-eligible men in the health plan received at least one invitation to be screened, with high-priority men receiving more invitations. Despite concentrated efforts to bring them in, less than one-half the high-priority men were screened. Participants were older and wealthier than non-participants, and more likely to have more dependents and to routinely use medical services. Whether or not a man received a medical care service within the preceding two years was a powerful discriminating variable in both the univariate and multivariate analyses reported. The findings suggest that health care programs serving a stable population group should give more consideration to screening in routine medical care.
Vaccine failures in the epidemiology and control of measles.
Authors: Strassburg M A , Greenland S , Fannin S L
Published: November 2008

Data were employed from confirmed measles case reports and an immunization survey to estimate the apparent effectiveness of measles vaccine in Los Angeles County in 1976. We evaluated the age-specific proportions of our case load arising from persons erroneously thought to possess immunity. Thirty five per cent of our cases claimed to have had prior measles vaccination, and over 60 per cent of these reported having written records. Since community measles control programs rely on immunization records as the principal screening tool, the shortcomings observed need to be recognized.
Utilization of services of an HMO by new enrollees.
Authors: Forthofer R N , Glasser J H
Published: November 2008

This study investigates whether there is a built-up demand for health services that surfaces when people enroll through a group plan in a Health Maintenance Organization. The study population consists of newly enrolled subscriber units of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (Oregon Region). The utilization variables examined include the number of inpatient and outpatient contacts with the Plan, the number and type of specific services performed, and the type of outpatient contact. The enrollees were followed over 12 quarters (three years). The analysis showed that the first quarter stood out in three respects: its average number of inpatient and outpatient contacts were the lowest of any quarter; the mean numbers of radiology services and laboratory tests per outpatient contact were the highest during this quarter; and the highest proportion of regularly scheduled contacts and the lowest rate of patient cancellation of visits occurred during the first quarter. Hence, these data are not supportive of the idea of a built-up demand. Rather they suggest that the enrollee requires some time to learn how to deal with the system; and, once a new member contacts the system, the system may perform a number of tests to obtain baseline data about the enrolee. Additional analysis did not suggest the presence of any time trends in the utilization data.
Putting environmental economics in perspective: case study of Four Corners Power Plant, New Mexico.
Authors: Bartlit J R
Published: November 2008

Environmental control costs can be made to appear much larger in impact than they actually are by placing costs in misleading contexts or failing to provide perspective. It is essential for continued public support of environmental health programs that this practice be countered by more meaningful presentations of economic data. As an example, analytic methods appropriate to the case of a large coal-fired power plant in northwestern New Mexico are developed and disucssed. Pollution control expenditures at the Four Corners Power Plant in northwestern New Mexico were presented to the public as costing $82 annually. Although this figure may be the correct one, data were collected and analyzed to show that this cost represented an increase of only 5 to 60 cents on a $100 electricity bill for the consumer of electricity.
Clinical methods in smoking cessation: description and evaluation of a stop smoking clinic.
Authors: Harrup T , Hansen B A , Soghikian K
Published: November 2008

This study reports the results of the Kaiser-Permanente Stop Smoking Clinic and describes the philosophy and methods employed by the clinic in treating addictive smoking behavior. Of the 1,128 clients who registered for the group program, 57 per cent are abstinent six months after quitting smoking and 47 per cent are abstinent at one year. The clinic methods used are described in detail. They attempt to relate smoking behavior to the larger phenomenon of addiction.
Recombinant DNA research: the scope and limits of regulation.
Authors: Krimsky S , Ozonoff D
Published: November 2008

The paper provides an overview of public policy issues pertaining to the use of gene-splicing (recombinant DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid]) techniques in research and for industrial applications. Included is a discussion of the regulatory framework at the federal and institutional levels. The principal limitation of the current federal guidelines is its failure to provide mandatory coverage for private sector activities. Four municipalities and two states have passed their own legislation to remedy the situation. These enactments and their tie-in to the public health sector are examined.
Development of an information system: a means for improving social work practice in health care.
Authors: Volland P J , German P S
Published: November 2008

The Johns Hopkins Hospital has developed a social work information system involving seven referral problem categories based on problems as identified by the referral source, ten problem categories for social work service, identified by the social work person after interview, and ten social work service categories similarly identified. The latter two categories include contracts with patients and expected outcomes together with categorization of actual outcome. Analyses of the coded data allow for more effective management of social work services and permit social work departments to compete for scarce resources, to comply with external regulations and accountability demands, and to assure quality service. In addition they provide a firm data base for research. The problem and service categories were tested for reliability by comparing the independent categorizations of 159 and 154 cases respectively by six social work persons, two each at three different levels of experience. Reliability levels were found to be satisfactory. The development of this system and the method of reliability testing are described and believed to be applicable to other systems.
Occupational health priorities for health standards: the current NIOSH approach.
Authors: Perkins J L , Rose V E
Published: November 2008

Government agencies responsible for protecting the public from the adverse effects of toxic chemicals must set priorities for research, regulatory action, protocol testing, and monitoring due to the vast number of toxic chemicals and the limited resources available to these agencies. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) must set priorities for research on hazards encountered in the workplace. Priorities are also utilized by NIOSH in preparing criteria for recommended occupational standards which are forwarded to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor, for possible promulgation. For various reasons, including rapidly changing conditions in the American workplace, NIOSH has instituted a revised priorities program. In the future, NIOSH research and recommended standards activities will focus not only on individual chemicals, but also on industries, occupations, chemical classes, and general industrial processes. NIOSH has also implemented a new program which will allow recommended control procedures for certain chemicals to be forwarded to OSHA in a shorter time period than has been experienced previously.
Patterns of reported rape in a tri-ethnic population: Houston, Texas, 1974--1975.
Authors: Sanford J , Cryer L , Christensen B L , Mattox K L
Published: November 2008

Police records of reported rape, compiled for the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports, in Houston, Texas for 1974 and 1975, were analyzed in relation to ethnicity and age of victim/offender, and time and place of occurrence. Blacks had the highest race-specific rates for both victims and offenders; the majority of all rapes were intraracial. The high-risk age group for both victims and offenders was from 20 to 24 years. Rapes increased slightly during the summer months, peaked during the hours of darkness, and were fairly evenly distributed among the days of the week. The weekend calculated as from 4:00 pm Friday to 8:00 am Monday accounted for 43.6 per cent of all rape occurrences. The majority of rape events involved the use of a lethal weapon and took place in a residence.
The health impact of restricting public funds for abortion. October 10, 1977--June 10, 1978.
Authors: Cates W , Kimball A M , Gold J , Rubin G L , Smith J C , Rochat R W , Tyler C W
Published: November 2008

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia implemented an eight-month prospective surveillance system in 24 hospitals distributed among states with and without public funding for abortion. Out of 3,157 visits for abortion-related complications, only 10 women gave a history of non-physician or self-induced abortion and none were Medicaid recipients. The small number of hospitals located in non-funded states and the smaller numbers of women served in these hospitals than in the funded states limited the power of out study. Women living along the Texas-Mexico border appeared more likely to have complications after illegal abortions than women from other areas of the country.
Response of low income women and abortion facilities to restriction of public funds for abortion: a study of a large metropolitan area.
Authors: Rubin G L , Gold J , Cates W
Published: November 2008

During the first five months after the restriction of public funds for abortion, a large percentage of low-income women seeking abortions in a metropolitan area in Texas obtained abortion that were partially subsizied using a combination of reduced clinic fees and public funds for ancillary non-abortion services. Their own personal funds made up the difference between the subsidy and the full cost of the procedure.
The impact of non-physician health directors on full-time public health coverage in Connecticut.
Authors: Jekel J F , Dunaye T M , Siker E , Rossetti M
Published: November 2008

Seven years after passing a 1971 law enabling individuals without MD degrees but trained in public health to become local directors of health, the proportion of Connecticut towns covered by full-time directors had risen from 14 per cent to 38 per cent and the proportion of the population covered had risen from 46 per cent to 63 per cent. The directors of health without MD degrees were satisfied with their positions and believed they had developed good relationships with physicians, the community, and government.
A unique outbreak of Pasteurella multocida in a chronic disease hospital.
Authors: Itoh M , Tierno P M , Milstoc M , Berger A R
Published: November 2008

An outbreak of Pasteurella multocida infection, involving seven patients on two adjacent wards, has been observed. All seven patients were debilitated and had underlying chronic neuromuscular and/or pulmonary disease and had a tracheostomy tube in situ. The isolates of P. multocida were of the same biotype and serotype, and had an identical antibiogram. Epidemiological studies failed to determine the source of these infections.
An evaluation of alcoholism services in Minnesota using a social indicator method.
Authors: Westermeyer J , Neider J , Stone B , Bearman J
Published: November 2008

Alcohol-related events in Minnesota are assessed using a social indicator method. Eight events have shown rate average increases of 2.0 to 13.5 per cent per year over the last 7 to 14 years, with most events increasing 5 to 7 per cent. These include traffic fatalities, alcoholic cirrhosis deaths, alcohol deaths, arrest for liquor law violations, convictions, for driving while intoxicated (first and repeat), and state hospital admissions (first and repeat). Statistical analyses of these increases shows that, even with relatively few sample years, the rate and direction of rate increases are highly significant for most events.