bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing cGMP in experimental progressive renal fibrosis: soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation vs. phosphodiesterase inhibition
Authors: Wang Yingrui , Krämer Stephanie , Loof Tanja , Martini Sebastian , Kron Susanne , Kawachi Hiroshi , Shimizu Fuijo , Neumayer Hans-H. , Peters Harm
Published: July 2005

cGMP serves as the main second messenger of nitric oxide (NO). Antifibrotic effects of enhancing renal cGMP levels have recently been documented in experimental acute anti-Thy-1 glomerulonephritis. The present study compares the effects of the cGMP production-increasing soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator BAY 41-2272 with those of the cGMP degradation-limiting phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX) in a progressive model of renal fibrosis. At 1 wk after induction of anti-Thy-1-induced chronic glomerulosclerosis (cGS), rats were randomly assigned to groups as follows: cGS, cGS + BAY 41-2272 (10 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1), or cGS + PTX (50 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1). BAY 41-2272 and PTX reduced systolic blood pressure significantly. At 16 wk, tubulointerstitial expressions of sGC mRNA and NO-induced cGMP synthesis were increased in untreated cGS animals, whereas their glomerular activity was depressed compared with normal controls. Tubulointerstitial and glomerular cGMP production in response to NO were significantly enhanced in animals treated with BAY 41-2272, but not in those treated with PTX. BAY 41-2272 administration resulted in marked reductions of glomerular and tubulointerstitial histological matrix accumulation, expression of TGF-β1 and fibronectin, macrophage infiltration, and cell proliferation as well as improved renal function. In contrast, only moderate and nonsignificant renoprotective changes were observed in the cGS + PTX group. In conclusion, increasing renal cGMP production through BAY 41-2272 significantly improved renal NO-cGMP signaling and limited progression in anti-Thy-1-induced chronic renal fibrosis, whereas inhibition of cGMP degradation by PTX was only moderately effective. The findings indicate that pharmacological enhancement of renal cGMP levels by sGC stimulation represents a novel and effective antifibrotic approach in progressive kidney disorders.
Contrasting Roles of Protein Kinase C in Induction Versus Suppression of Group I mGluR-Mediated Epileptogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Cuellar John C. , Griffith Elvin L. , Merlin Lisa R.
Published: July 2005

Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) elicits persistent ictaform discharges in guinea pig hippocampal slices, providing an in vitro model of epileptogenesis. The induction of these persistent ictaform bursts is prevented by l-cysteine sulfinic acid (CSA), an agonist at phospholipase D (PLD)–coupled mGluRs. Studies described herein examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in both the group I mGluR–mediated induction and CSA-mediated suppression of this form of epileptogenesis. Intracellular recordings were performed from CA3 stratum pyramidale and synchronized burst length was monitored. In the presence of 50 μM picrotoxin, a γ-aminobutyric acid type A antagonist, 250- to 500-ms synchronized bursts were elicited. ( S)-3,5-Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG, 50 μM), an agonist at group I mGluRs, increased the burst length to 1–3 s in duration, a change that persisted after agonist washout. This persistent change in burst length was elicited in the presence of 10 μM chelerythrine, a PKC inhibitor, indicating that DHPG-induced epileptogenesis is PKC independent. However, although PLD activation with CSA (100 μM) was highly effective at suppressing group I mGluR–mediated induction of burst prolongation, CSA application in the presence of chelerythrine was no longer effective and resulted in the expression of persistent ictaform bursts. These data suggest that CSA-mediated suppression of group I mGluR–induced epileptogenesis is PKC dependent. We propose that CSA mediates its effect by PLD-driven activation of PKC, which may desensitize the phospholipase C–linked group I mGluRs and thereby prevent group I mGluR–induced epileptogenesis.
Genetic and pharmacological inactivation of adenosine A2Areceptor reveals an Egr-2-mediated transcriptional regulatory network in the mouse striatum
Authors: Yu Liqun , Haverty Peter M. , Mariani Juliana , Wang Yumei , Shen Hai-Ying , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Weng Zhiping , Chen Jiang-Fan
Published: July 2005

The adenosine A2Areceptor (A2AR) is highly expressed in the striatum, where it modulates motor and emotional behaviors. We used both microarray and bioinformatics analyses to compare gene expression profiles by genetic and pharmacological inactivation of A2AR and inferred an A2AR-controlled transcription network in the mouse striatum. A comparison between vehicle (VEH)-treated A2AR knockout (KO) mice (A2AR KO-VEH) and wild-type (WT) mice (WT-VEH) revealed 36 upregulated genes that were partially mimicked by treatment with SCH-58261 (SCH; an A2AR antagonist) and 54 downregulated genes that were not mimicked by SCH treatment. We validated the A2AR as a specific drug target for SCH by comparing A2AR KO-SCH and A2AR KO-VEH groups. The unique downregulation effect of A2AR KO was confirmed by comparing A2AR KO-SCH with WT-SCH gene groups. The distinct striatal gene expression profiles induced by A2AR KO and SCH should provide clues to the molecular mechanisms underlying the different phenotypes observed after genetic and pharmacological inactivation of A2AR. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis discovered that Egr-2 binding sites were statistically overrepresented in the proximal promoters of A2AR KO-affected genes relative to the unaffected genes. This finding was further substantiated by the demonstration that the Egr-2 mRNA level increased in the striatum of both A2AR KO and SCH-treated mice and that striatal Egr-2 binding activity in the promoters of two A2AR KO-affected genes was enhanced in A2AR KO mice as assayed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Taken together, these results strongly support the existence of an Egr-2-directed transcriptional regulatory network controlled by striatal A2ARs.
Central and Paracentral Visual Field Defects and Driving Abilities
Authors: Petzold A. , Plant G.T.
Published: July 2005

The effect of central and paracentral visual field defects on driving abilities has until now received little attention. To date studies and surveys have concentrated on visual acuity and peripheral field loss. Here we summarise for the first time those diseases causing central visual field defects likely to be associated with binocular visual acuity adequate for driving.
Comparison of Achromatic and Blue-on-Yellow Perimetry in Patients with Resolved Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Afrashi Filiz , Erakgun Tansu , Uzunel Duygu , Mentes Jale , Kose Suheyla , Akkin Cezmi
Published: July 2005

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a disorder characterized by the serous detachment of the sensory retina in the posterior pole. Although CSCR usually resolves spontaneously, the patients may notice residual visual deficits, despite recovering normal visual acuity. The aim of this study is to compare the blue-on-yellow perimetric parameters with conventional automated perimetric parameters in the detection of visual deficits in patients with resolved CSCR. Eighteen patients who had spontaneous recovered from CSCR were enrolled this study. All subjects were examined twice with each type of perimetry. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. The achromatic perimetric mean deviation values were significantly higher in patients with CSCR than in the control group, while statistically a significant difference was determined for all of blue-on-yellow perimetric values. In conclusion the loss of central retinal sensitivity remains after resolution of the CSCR even if the visual acuity has recovered to normal. Blue-on-yellow perimetry is more sensitive than achromatic perimetry to reveal this central sensitivity loss.
Congenital Growth Hormone Deficiency and Eye Refraction: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Parentin Fulvio , Perissutti Paolo
Published: July 2005

The aim of this study was to study the influence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) on emmetropization and to evaluate the effect of growth hormone replacement therapy on eye refraction. Twenty-eight children affected by congenital GHD and undergoing substitutive therapy (group 1), and 28 healthy subjects (group 2), were prospectively studied. All patients had a thorough eye examination, including cycloplegic refraction and axial length measurement (only GHD children). After 2 years, we found in both groups a reduction of the dioptric power of the eye. A t test for paired data showed statistically significant differences in both groups (p < 0.001), but the change of refraction was higher in group 2 (p < 0.01). Axial length showed a statistically significant increase, according to the myopic shift (p < 0.001). The change of the refraction found in GHD children could be related to the somatic growth and partially induced by growth hormone therapy. The difference between the two groups could be explained with the late beginning of the therapy in GHD children. It is possible to form the hypothesis that a correct and well-timed substitutive therapy could permit a normal emmetropization process.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients with Large Overcorrection following Surgery for Exotropia
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Kim Jeong Hun , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: July 2005

To provide long-term surgical results for patients with large initial overcorrection following surgery for exodeviation, 68 consecutive patients with initial overcorrection of 20 prism diopters (PD) or more at distance or near following surgery for exodeviation performed between 1994 and 2002 were included in this study. The patients were managed with an alternate full-time occlusion, echothiophate iodide, or prism glasses for the period of overcorrection. One day postoperatively, the amount of overcorrection was 8–40 PD at distance and 0–35 PD at near, and decreased to 10 PD or less both at distance and near vision within 4 weeks postoperatively in 49 patients (72%). Seven patients needed prism glasses for esotropia of less than 10 PD. Four patients (5.9%) needed a reoperation for consecutive esotropia and 1 patient for postoperative hypotropia following recession of the superior and lateral rectus. The final outcome showed orthophoria to exo/esodeviation of ≤10 PD in 48 patients (71%) and exodeviations of >10 PD in 11 patients (16%) at near or distance. In conclusion, overcorrection was reduced to 10 PD or less at distance and near within 4 weeks after surgery in most patients. Even with initial overcorrection of 20 PD or more after surgery for exodeviation, reoperation for consecutive esotropia was necessary only in 5.9% of the patients.
Risk of Retinal Vein Occlusions in Patients Treated with Rofecoxib (Vioxx)
Authors: Meyer Carsten H. , Schmidt Jörg C. , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Mennel Stefan
Published: July 2005

Aims: To present patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) after application of rofecoxib (Vioxx), a cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitor. Methods: Three patients with sudden decrease in their vision were referred for evaluation and possible treatment. Results: A 72-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis was treated with rofecoxib. When the dosage was doubled to 50 mg daily, she noticed a sudden painless decrease of vision in her right eye. Her visual acuity (VA) was 20/400 OD and 20/20 OS. Biomicroscopy OD demonstrated a CRVO with tortuous retinal veins and numerous flecked hemorrhages in the midperiphery. A 68-year-old female with severe osteoporosis developed a BRVO with flame-shaped hemorrhages in the superior hemisphere OS 1 day after taking rofecoxib (25 mg) daily. A 47-year-old American male took Vioxx for 1 week to relieve hip pain and noticed temporarily decreased vision OD. A month later, he resumed taking Vioxx and noticed a progressive decline in his VA with persistent cloudiness. Ophthalmic examination revealed a CRVO in his right eye. Conclusion: Although COX-2 inhibitors are safe in the majority of patients, under certain conditions they may induce prothrombotic effects. Few patients with predisposed thrombosis may be at risk for cardiovascular and ocular thrombotic events.
Linkage Disequilibrium Inflates Type I Error Rates in Multipoint Linkage Analysis when Parental Genotypes Are Missing
Authors: Boyles Abee L. , Scott William K. , Martin Eden R. , Schmidt Silke , Li Yi-Ju , Ashley-Koch Allison , Bass Meredyth P. , Schmidt Michael , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Speer Marcy C. , Hauser Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2005

Objectives: Describe the inflation in nonparametric multipoint LOD scores due to inter-marker linkage disequilibrium (LD) across many markers with varied allele frequencies. Method: Using simulated two-generation families with and without parents, we conducted nonparametric multipoint linkage analysis with 2 to 10 markers with minor allele frequencies (MAF) of 0.5 and 0.1. Results: Misspecification of population haplotype frequencies by assuming linkage equilibrium caused inflated multipoint LOD scores due to inter-marker LD when parental genotypes were not included. Inflation increased as more markers in LD were included and decreased as markers in equilibrium were added. When marker allele frequencies were unequal, the r2 measure of LD was a better predictor of inflation than D′. Conclusion: This observation strongly supports the evaluation of LD in multipoint linkage analyses, and further suggests that unaccounted for LD may be suspected when two-point and multipoint linkage analyses show a marked disparity in regions with elevated r2 measures of LD. Given the increasing popularity of high-density genome-wide SNP screens, inter-marker LD should be a concern in future linkage studies.
Reversal of Triazolam Tolerance and Withdrawal-Induced Hyperlocomotor Activity and Anxiety by Bupropion in Mice
Authors: Joshi Dipesh , Naidu Pattipati S. , Singh Amanpreet , Kulkarni Shrinivas K.
Published: July 2005

Chronic administration of triazolam (0.25 mg/kg/day, i.p.) on days 1–8 and its withdrawal produced an anxiogenic reaction in mice as assessed in the mirrored-chamber test. Daily administration of bupropion (2 or 5 mg/kg, i.p.) prior to triazolam for 8 days prevented withdrawal-induced anxiety in mice. Triazolam withdrawal also induced a significant increase in the locomotor activity of mice indicating an anxiogenic response. Daily administration of bupropion (2 or 5 mg/kg) prior to triazolam for 8 days also prevented withdrawal-induced increased locomotor activity. In conclusion, chronic administration of bupropion (2 and 5 mg/kg) exhibited a significant protection against triazolam withdrawal-induced anxiety and hyperlocomotor activity in mice. The result suggests the protective effect of bupropion in the management of triazolam withdrawal reactions.
Implicit and Explicit Memory for Spatial Information in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kessels R.P.C. , Feijen J. , Postma A.
Published: July 2005

There is abundant evidence that memory impairment in dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is related to explicit, conscious forms of memory, whereas implicit, unconscious forms of memory function remain relatively intact or are less severely affected. Only a few studies have been performed on spatial memory function in AD, showing that AD patients’ explicit spatial memory is impaired, possibly related to hippocampal dysfunction. However, studies on implicit spatial memory in AD are lacking. The current study set out to investigate implicit and explicit spatial memory in AD patients (n = 18) using an ecologically valid computer task, in which participants had to remember the locations of various objects in common rooms. The contribution of implicit and explicit memory functions was estimated by means of the process dissociation procedure. The results show that explicit spatial memory is impaired in AD patients compared with a control group (n = 21). However, no group difference was found on implicit spatial function. This indicates that spared implicit memory in AD extends to the spatial domain, while the explicit spatial memory function deteriorates. Clinically, this finding might be relevant, in that an intact implicit memory function might be helpful in overcoming problems in explicit processing.
Degree of Cerebellar Ataxia Correlates with Three-Dimensional MRI-Based Cerebellar Volume in Pure Cerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Richter Stefanie , Dimitrova Albena , Maschke Matthias , Gizewski Elke , Beck Andreas , Aurich Volker , Timmann Dagmar
Published: July 2005

The aim of the present study was to compare the severity of cerebellar ataxia as measured by the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) by Trouillas et al. [ J Neurol Sci 1997;145:205–211] with the cerebellar volume in chronic cerebellar disease. Fifteen patients with pure cerebellar degeneration were investigated. Seven patients suffered from spinocerebellar ataxia type 6, 5 from idiopathic late-onset cerebellar ataxia, 2 from autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia type III and 1 from episodic ataxia type 2. Volumetric analysis was based on individual three-dimensional MR images. Total ICARS score significantly inversely correlated with the cerebellar volume (r = –0.805, p < 0.0001), correlations between ICARS subscores and cerebellar volume were significant for upper and lower limb ataxia, ataxia of posture and gait, and dysarthria, but not for the oculomotor subscore. The results suggest that the degree of cerebellar atrophy in pure cerebellar degenerative disorders is accompanied by comparable functional impairment (i.e. degree of cerebellar ataxia).
Evidence for Active Drug Efflux in Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Clostridium hathewayi
Authors: Rafii Fatemeh , Park Miseon , Wynne Rebecca
Published: July 2005

Background: Most fluoroquinolones have shown limited effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria. Evidence for a multidrug efflux pump, like those involved in fluoroquinolone resistance in some other bacteria, was investigated in Clostridium hathewayi. Methods:A parent strain of C.hathewayi wasisolated from human intestinal microflora on a medium with a low concentration of norfloxacin and a mutant strain was selected from it on a medium with a high concentration of norfloxacin. Fluoroquinolone sensitivity, drug accumulation, and the effects of different concentrations of fluoroquinolones on the kinetics of growth in the presence and absence of efflux pump inhibitors were measured. Results: Both strains were resistant to several fluoroquinolones and dyes. The pump inhibitor reserpine increased the sensitivity of both strains to some drugs; it affected the growth kinetics and the efflux of norfloxacin and ethidium bromide. Conclusion: The efflux of fluoroquinolone appears to be one reason for fluoroquinolone resistance inC. hathewayi.
Activity of Ceftibuten, Cefaclor, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin and Telithromycin against Streptococcus pyogenes Clinical Isolates with Different Genotypes and Phenotypes
Authors: Drago Lorenzo , Ripa Sandro , Zampaloni Claudia , De Vecchi Elena , Vitali Luca A. , Petrelli Dezemona , Prenna Manuela
Published: July 2005

Background: The growing number of macrolide-resistant strains of Streptococcus pyogenes represents an increasing worldwide problem. Macrolide resistance in S. pyogenes is mediated by several different genes, which determine different levels of resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLS). Methods: This study compared the in vitro antimicrobial activity of azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, ceftibuten, cefaclor, and telithromycin against 287 strains of S. pyogenes by the broth microdilution method. All strains were characterized both phenotypically and genotypically for erythromycin resistance and most of them have been M-typed by means of PCR. Results: Ceftibuten and cefaclor showed the best antimicrobial activity, while MIC values for telithromycin were higher against constitutively MLS (cMLS)-resistant strains rather than against the other phenotypes. Conclusion: Oral cephalosporins retain the best activity against S. pyogenes; showing good activity except for cMLS-resistant strains, telithromycin is a valid alternative to these antimicrobials.
Induction of Apoptosis by the Adenosine Derivative IB-MECA in Parental or Multidrug-Resistant HL-60 Leukemia Cells: Possible Relationship to the Effects on Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein Levels
Authors: Notarbartolo Monica , Lo Cicero Salvina , Meli Maria , Poma Paola , Labbozzetta Manuela , Cervello Melchiorre , D’Alessandro Natale
Published: July 2005

Background: The effects of the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonist IB-MECA were examined in HL-60 leukemia and in its multidrug-resistant variant HL-60R cells. Methods: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTS assays and apoptosis by flow cytometry analyses of DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The mRNAs of A3AR and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were determined by RT-PCR. Results: A3AR expression was similar in HL-60 and HL-60R cells. At ≧100 µM, IB-MECA exhibited strong cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in HL-60, but not in HL-60R cells. This activity was not modified by the A3AR antagonist VUF5574, the P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil, the adenosine uptake inhibitor NBTI or the anti-Fas antibody ZB4. HL-60R cells showed higher levels of different IAPs than HL-60 cells. IB-MECA 100 µM downregulated HIAP1, NAIP and survivin mRNAs in HL-60, but not in HL-60R cells. Conclusions: The antitumor effects of IB-MECA are not mediated by A3AR in HL-60 cells, where the proapoptotic mechanism of the compound may involve downregulation of IAPs. The resistance of HL-60R cells to IB-MECA may depend on their elevated levels of IAPs.
Effects of Acute Treatment With Pravastatin on Cerebral Vasospasm, Autoregulation, and Delayed Ischemic Deficits After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Tseng Ming-Yuan , Czosnyka Marek , Richards Hugh , Pickard John D. , Kirkpatrick Peter J.
Published: July 2005

Background and Purpose—

Statins may improve cerebral vasomotor reactivity through cholesterol-dependent and -independent mechanisms. A phase II randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the hypothesis that acute pravastatin treatment could improve cerebrovascular autoregulation and reduce vasospasm-related complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods—

A total of 80 aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) patients (18 to 84 years of age) within 72 hours from the ictus were randomized equally to receive either oral pravastatin (40 mg) or placebo daily for up to 14 days. Primary end points were the incidence, duration, and severity of cerebral vasospasm, and duration of impaired autoregulation estimated from transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Secondary end points were the incidence of vasospasm-related delayed ischemic deficits (DIDs) and disability at discharge.

Results—

Prerandomization characteristics were balanced between the 2 groups. No treatment-related complication was observed. The incidences of vasospasm and severe vasospasm were reduced by 32% (
P
=0.006) and 42% (
P
=0.044), respectively, and the duration of severe vasospasm was shortened by 0.8 days (
P
=0.068) in the pravastatin group. These measurements were maximal on the ipsilateral side of ruptured aneurysms. The duration of impaired autoregulation was shortened bilaterally (
P
≤0.01), and the incidence of vasospasm-related DIDs and mortality were decreased by 83% (
P
<0.001) and 75% (
P
=0.037), respectively, in the pravastatin group.

Conclusion—

Acute treatment with pravastatin after aSAH is safe and ameliorates cerebral vasospasm, improves cerebral autoregulation, and reduces vasospasm-related DID. Unfavorable outcome at discharge was reduced primarily because of a reduction in overall mortality. This is the first demonstration of clinical benefits with immediate statin therapy for an acute cerebrovascular disorder.
Ethnicity, National Identity, and Domestic Politics in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh John Fuh-sheng
Published: July 2005

Taiwan is a divided society; divided along the lines of ethnicity and national identity. During much of the 1980s and earlier, ethnicity played an important role for the opposition movement to mobilize popular support in fighting for democracy, but as Taiwan becomes democratic, national identity turns out to be more salient than ethnicity in shaping political competition on the island. As shown by survey data, national identity is indeed the dominant cleavage underpinning Taiwan’s party system. And since there is a high degree of stability in the distribution of the popular attitude toward the national identity issue, we also witness a relatively stable alignment between the two major political groupings, the pan-Kuomintang (KMT) and pan-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) camps, even though there have been splits within each camp. Although such a cleavage is highly contentious, and could bring about serious conflicts in the society, thus far, as a result of the convergence toward the middle point, namely, the status quo, and the threat of a formidable enemy across the Taiwan Strait, the situation has not got out of hand. Since the division between Taiwan and China may not be easily resolved, national identity will remain a major political issue in Taiwan for years to come.
Taiwanese or Chinese? Independence or Unification?
Authors: Chang G. Andy , Wang T. Y.
Published: July 2005

Recent political developments on Taiwan seem to suggest that the issues of ethnic identity and the island’s future relationship with China are divisive and polarized. Employing the concept of ‘political generation’, this study examines six waves of survey data collected through personal interviews. The findings indicate that the ethnic identity of Taiwanese citizens has experienced significant change between 1994 and 2002. Many citizens, especially the younger generations, have increasingly moved away from a Chinese identity in favor of a dual identity, considering themselves to be both Chinese and Taiwanese. Unlike the polarized image painted by the island’s politicians, it appears that there is convergence towards this identity across different generations. On the issue of Taiwan’s future relations with China, maintaining the status quo with any future action left undetermined is the preferred policy position for younger islanders with the island’s eventual unification with China being the favored stand for first generation respondents. Because the third and fourth generations combined have become the largest age cohort in the Taiwanese population, their similar identity and policy preference will have decisive effects on Taipei’s current and future domestic and foreign policies.
A New Measure of Preferences on the Independence-Unification Issue in Taiwan
Authors: Niou Emerson M.S.
Published: July 2005

An accurate and reliable measure of preferences on the independence-unification issue is indispensable to the study of Taiwanese politics. In the foreseeable future the study of Taiwanese politics and the cross-Strait relations will continue to focus on Taiwanese preferences on the independence-unification issue. These preferences, however, are neither readily identifiable nor easily defined. For many people, it might be a simple and a straightforward choice between for or against Taiwan’s independence, but others are less decisive because their preferences are conditional on factors such as China’s military threat, the USA security commitment to Taiwan, and China’s prospects of becoming democratic and prosperous. In this article I devise a new measure of people’s preferences regarding this issue. I show that a large percentage of the people in Taiwan can agree simultaneously to unite with China if China becomes modernized and democratic and to declare independence if China will not use force and peace can be maintained. Because independence and unification are not necessarily mutually exclusive alternatives, this empirical finding questions the appropriateness of the traditional six-point scale one-dimensional representation of Taiwanese preferences on the independence-unification issue.
Democratization, Divided Government and the 2001 Taiwanese Legislative Yuan Elections
Authors: Paolino Philip
Published: July 2005

The 2001 Legislative Yuan elections in Taiwan were the first to be held following the change in control of the presidency that occurred after the 2000 elections. The transition from a one-party dominant system to one where the opposition had control of the government provides a good opportunity to examine the prevalence of democratic attitudes in Taiwan. Democracy can be frustrating when control over public policy is divided between two opposing groups. Under these circumstances, it could be reasonable for voters to desire a return to authoritarianism government. In a survey conducted following the 2001 Legislative Yuan elections, Taiwanese citizens were asked a series of questions about democratic norms. In this article, I analyze these attitudes as a means of exploring how Taiwan’s voters feel about democracy as Taiwan moves away from a one-party dominant system and faces potential difficulties operating within a multi-party semi-presidential system.
Violence Against Women: An Examination of Men’s Attitudes and Perceptions About Wife Beating and Contraceptive Use
Authors: Ogunjuyigbe Peter O. , Akinlo Ambrose , Ebigbola Joshua A.
Published: July 2005

The objective of this study is to examine the attitudes and perceptions of men towards domestic violence and contraceptive use. Data for the study were obtained from a survey conducted between February and May 2003 in Osun and Ondo states of south west Nigeria. The study reveals that: (1) more than 80 per cent of men disapprove of a woman deciding to use contraceptives without consulting them; (2) a significant proportion of men view domestic violence as acceptable; (3) the results therefore signify serious problems concerning the role of men in reproductive issues, which the current efforts in family planning have not adequately addressed.
Merchant Charity and Public Identity Formation in Colonial India: The Case of Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy
Authors: Palsetia Jesse S.
Published: July 2005

This article examines the place of public philanthropy in enhancing the role of the Indian merchant in Bombay, India, during the first half of the 19th century. It supplements works that have stressed the indigenous elite’s attempts to contest and negotiate a significant place within the public culture of colonial India. Specifically, it emphasizes the opportunities and difficulties associated with Indian attempts to shape a colonial civic culture conducive to Indian requirements, by example of the establishment of the Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy Hospital in Bombay.
And I am Part of the Greatness
Authors: Mason Beverly J.
Published: July 2005

In a southern town, 12 senior citizens attending a multipurpose community center, discuss their community when it was in its heyday. It is located in an inner city area where crime and unemployment are now high and prospects for the future low. Through oral histories, the seniors voice concern about safety issues, interlopers, and those who have invaded their community, and they give suggestions on how to address the current demise. The histories were collected by undergraduate students at a local university and are excerpted on the following pages.
Education and Health Expenditures in Bangladesh
Authors: Glinskaya Elena
Published: July 2005

Data from the 2000 Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), together with expenditure data from the Ministries of Education and Health and Family Welfare, was used to analyze the distribution of GoB subsidies in these two sectors across poor and nonpoor. The analysis revealed that only two types of spending – outlays on primary education and allocations to child health within Essential Package of Services – are strongly pro-poor.While overall GoB subsidies to education and health were not pro-poor per se, they were more equitably distributed than private spending in these two sectors. Further, these subsidies reduce overall inequality in the income distribution, as they were found to be more equally distributed across the population as compared to overall private expenditures.
Direct and Indirect Effects of a Maternal and Child Health Program in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Chaudhuri Anoshua
Published: July 2005

This study is on the impact evaluation of a maternal and child health program in rural Bangladesh. The program was administered in a treatment area with an equally impoverished area retained as a control area. Using a standard utility maximization framework and data from Matlab Health and Socio-Economic Survey of 1996, treatment effects are estimated without the standard problems of endogenous program placement and selection. Results find not just a strong direct effect on the health of targeted individuals but also a significant spillover effect on the health of some non-targeted individuals. Results indicate that the externality is generated within the household and not through a community effect. Thus, this study raises important issues for the design of public policy programs.
If I remember rightly – tactile illustrations enable greater access to books
Authors: Norman Jackie
Published: July 2005

A follow-up account of a mother’s attempts to provide her blind daughter, now aged six, with knowledge of the physical world through the manipulation of three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional tactile representations. The case is made for the value of pictures to the development of children’s understanding in general; and for the child who is blind needing the same kind of stimulation but in a tactile format.
Windows of perception: a review of the literature concerning uncontracted and contracted literary braille
Authors: Clunies-Ross Louise
Published: July 2005

This literature review took place during 2004, and shows that the braille debate over Grade 1 and Grade 2 has been ongoing for more than 70 years. Given the span of time and a remit that covered the English-speaking world, a chronological approach was taken, focusing on the two main strands of policy and empirical research, from the early 20th century to the present day. Most of the material originates from the USA, Canada and the UK. Commissioned by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), the review focuses on a single aspect of the code: the use of uncontracted braille, also referred to as Grade 1, and the use of contracted braille, which is commonly referred to as Grade 2. The review is concerned with English literary braille and does not address issues surrounding specialist mathematical, foreign language or scientific codes. In the papers reviewed, the important roles of specialist committees and international organizations are acknowledged, as well as the significant contributions made by individuals. The full report is lodged within the RNIB Research Library.
Accessibility assistance for visually-impaired people in digital texts
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos S. , Goudiras Dimitrios B.
Published: July 2005

The use and applications of new technologies in the education of the visually impaired have made substantial strides forward in recent years. New technology allows the visually impaired to enjoy better access to information, to read for themselves and, by extension, to improve their learning literacy. Nevertheless, despite the advances made in assistant technology, a number of problems have arisen in relation to the limited experience of both users and teachers in handling that technology. Teachers also need to take into account the diversity of characteristics of impaired vision in the visually-impaired population, taking steps to make the educational material available with effective colour contrast and in legible text. The aforesaid problems are even more severe for teachers in the regular classroom. This article describes the effective colour contrast and legible text required by visually-impaired students and presents a new tool, not intended merely to provide another form of computer access for the partially sighted, but to offer a means of education in the regular classroom.
Gender Differences in Social Adaptation to a Retirement Community: Longitudinal Changes and the Role of Mediated Communication
Authors: Waldron Vincent R. , Gitelson Richard , Kelley Douglas L.
Published: July 2005

Many American elders migrate to age-restricted planned communities in the Sun Belt. Women and men may react differently to these migrations. For women in particular, the use of mediated communication may preserve supportive relationships with distant persons. Men may be advantaged by relocation to planned communities with highly structured social environments. Results are reported from a 4-year longitudinal study of 255 migrants. During the study period, men reported gains in persons providing emotional support, practical assistance, advice, and help with illness. Women reported losses or no change. Consistent with previous work on long-distance relationships, women reported more e-mail contact with their children. For both sexes, the use of e-mail was positively correlated with perceived social support after 4 years of residency. For women, contact with distant friends was particularly associated with levels of emotional support. The role of mediated communication in compensating for negative relocation effects is discussed.
Positive Psychosocial Functioning in Later Life: Use of Meaning-Based Coping Strategies by Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Danhauer Suzanne C. , Carlson Charles R. , Andrykowski Michael A.
Published: July 2005

This study examined factors associated with positive psychosocial functioning in 94 cognitively intact nursing home residents reporting poor physical health. It was hypothesized that greater use of meaning-based coping strategies would be associated with higher levels of positive psychosocial functioning. Participants completed an interview containing measures of coping, affect, psychological well-being, depression, and activities of daily living. Findings suggest that meaning-based coping variables (positive reappraisal, perceived uplifts) accounted for significant variance in positive psychosocial variables but not distress variables. In contrast, physical health variables accounted for significant variance in distress but not positive psychosocial variables. Results support the view that the absence of distress does not necessarily imply optimal mental health. Thus, a comprehensive assessment of mental health in older adults requires inclusion of indices of both positive and negative psychological and social functioning.
Religiosity, Smoking, Exercise, and Obesity Among Southern, Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Roff Lucinda Lee , Klemmack David L. , Parker Michael , Koenig Harold G. , Sawyer-Baker Patricia , Allman Richard M.
Published: July 2005

This study examined associations between organizational (OR), nonorganizational (NOR), and intrinsic religiosity (IR) and measures of cigarette smoking, exercise, and obesity among older adults, controlling for measures of sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity. In-home interviews were conducted among a stratified, random sample of Medicare beneficiaries from five central Alabama counties (the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging). Balanced numbers of African American and White, female and male, and rural and urban participants were recruited for the study. OR and NOR were negatively related to lifetime cigarette smoking and OR was positively related to leisure-time physical activity, even when controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity. No measure of religiosity was related to the likelihood of being obese, and IR did not predict smoking or exercise. The authors suggest that faith-based communities may be important resources for delivering health promotion programs for older adults.
How Can Local Government Become an Employer of Choice for Technical Professionals? Lessons and Experiences From the City of Phoenix
Authors: Lan G. Zhiyong , Riley Lera , Cayer N. Joseph
Published: July 2005

Using lessons and experiences from the city of Phoenix in information technology professional recruitment and retention, this article argues that in spite of public-sector constraints, local governments can and should become an employer of choice for technical professionals in this age of rapid change and technological progress. The article concludes that those who think and act strategically will more likely be the winners in the next technological rally.
Riverside: A Case Study of Social Capital and Cultural Reproduction and their Relationship to Leadership Development
Authors: Zacharakis Jeff , Flora Jan
Published: July 2005

This case study research is based on a 3-year project (1996-1999)in which Iowa State University Extension developed and implemented a long-term community development project based on strengthening social capital using participatory research. The results of this mapping were initially interpreted as indicating a high level of social capital, but on further analysis questions were raised about the interrelationship between social capital and cultural reproduction. Using the concrete example of Riverside, the authors sought to understand the dynamics between these concepts. Is there an appropriate balance between social capital and cultural reproduction? How do these two concepts relate to leadership development? They concluded that community development projects frequently tend to reproduce existing leadership structures rather than create opportunities to expand community leadership beyond existing leadership pools or cliques.
The Impact of Active Learning on Nursing Students’ Clinical Success
Authors: Hoke Mary M. , Robbins Leslie K.
Published: July 2005

Active, cooperative learning is a method to teach the critical thinking skills necessary for the transfer and use of classroom-acquired knowledge in the clinical setting. Yet many nursing educators continue to use teacher-centered educational approaches while identifying an array of barriers for the voiced preference for student-centered education. Using holistic, active cooperative learning strategies (faculty role modeling, student interactive and group learning, and group testing) within a didactic class, the authors found differences in the average clinical grade (87.03) when compared to the average clinical grade for students who had been taught using a lecture approach (84.19).
Loving-Kindness Meditation for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Carson James W. , Keefe Francis J. , Lynch Thomas R. , Carson Kimberly M. , Goli Veeraindar , Fras Anne Marie , Thorp Steven R.
Published: July 2005

Purpose: Loving-kindness meditation has been used for centuries in the Buddhist tradition to develop love and transform anger into compassion. This pilot study tested an 8-week loving-kindness program for chronic low back pain patients. Method: Patients (N = 43) were randomly assigned to the intervention or standard care. Standardized measures assessed patients’ pain, anger, and psychological distress. Findings: Post and follow-up analyses showed significant improvements in pain and psychological distress in the loving-kindness group, but no changes in the usual care group. Multilevel analyses of daily data showed that more loving-kindness practice on a given day was related to lower pain that day and lower anger the next day. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest that the loving-kindness program can be beneficial in reducing pain, anger, and psychological distress in patients with persistent low back pain. Implications: Clinicians may find loving-kindness meditation helpful in the treatment of patients with persistent pain.
Recognizing and Caring for Spiritual Needs of Clients
Authors: Lemmer Corinne M.
Published: July 2005

Purpose: With increased attention in health care being given to the spiritual dimension of clients, nurses must be able to recognize clients’ spiritual concerns and intervene appropriately. This article proposes that nurses may find the concept of spiritual needs more useful than the term spirituality in guiding practice decisions and curriculum development. Methods: A review of nursing and theological literature addressing the spiritual dimension was conducted. Elements of the spiritual dimension and suggestions for nursing intervention were identified. Findings: Four case situations from the author’s past practice are analyzed. Conclusion: Utilization of the elements of the spiritual dimension is a useful means of recognizing spiritual needs of clients and planning spiritual care. Implications: Nursing faculty need to examine curricula for inclusion of assessment of and intervention for spiritual needs. Practicing nurses need to be supported in their role in meeting spiritual needs of clients.
Understanding Collaboration Among Nonprofit Organizations: Combining Resource Dependency, Institutional, and Network Perspectives
Authors: Guo Chao , Acar Muhittin
Published: July 2005

Existing research stops short of explaining why nonprofit organizations develop certain forms of collaborations instead of others. In this article, the authors combine resource dependency, institutional, and network theories to examine the factors that influence the likelihood that nonprofit organizations develop formal types of collaborative activities vis-à-vis informal types. Based on the survey data of 95 urban charitable organizations, the study has found that an organization is more likely to increase the degree of formality of its collaborative activities when it is older, has a larger budget size, receives government funding but relies on fewer government funding streams, has more board linkages with other nonprofit organizations, and is not operating in the education and research or social service industry.
Doing Syringe Exchange: Organizational Transformation and Volunteer Commitment
Authors: Kelley Margaret S. , Lune Howard , Murphy Sheigla
Published: July 2005

The authors examine the organizational transformation of Prevention Point, the San Francisco-based syringe exchange program. Their purposes are to explore the processes of organizational change, focus on the impact of formalization on members and organizational goals, and contextualize these in light of belonging to an underground organization. They highlight the volunteers’ motivation and commitment, and their responses to the organizational changes. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 56 service providers, conducted from 1993 to 1995, the authors document the changes in the organization and the members’ perceptions of it as it moved from an illegal, deviant group to a socially sanctioned service organization. This transition is shown to have ultimately undermined much of the basis for volunteer commitment, reinforcing the shift in responsibility from the membership to a new management structure. These findings have implications for the larger problem of maintaining volunteer engagement in volunteer work.
Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use, and HIV Among Low-Income Women
Authors: Burke Jessica G. , Thieman Laura Knab , Gielen Andrea C. , O’Campo Patricia , McDonnell Karen A.
Published: July 2005

This article focuses on the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV), substance use, and HIV status among a sample of low-income urban women (n = 611). Differences emerged by drug type, categorization of IPV, and HIV status. Rates of IPV did not differ between HIV-negative and HIV-positive women, but differing rates of substance use were found to be highly significant. The relationship between IPV and drug use appeared to be stronger for HIV-negative women. Descriptive data capturing temporal relationships between substance abuse and IPV support continued examination of types of IPV separately. These findings indicate the need to create comprehensive intervention strategies to address all three issues.