bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizenship and Minorities: A Historical Overview of Turkey's Jewish Minority
Authors: TOKTAS SULE
Published: November 2005

Abstract  Citizenship in Turkey is one of the major instruments of nation‐building. The legal framework that Turkish citizenship rests on is universal and equal. The non‐Muslim minorities – the Armenians, the Greeks and the Jews – however are granted special group rights in the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne. Despite the protection of minorities and their rights in the treaty, the non‐Muslim minorities, from time to time, had been superceded by the universal norms of citizenship in Turkey. This study discusses the history of the Jewish minority with a focus on the development of citizenship in Turkey. The history of the Jews as a minority group and as citizens is illustrated by way of a chronological methodology encompassing a broad range of events, laws, ideas and movements spanning Early Republican Period up to present‐day Turkey. In line with the conventional classification utilized by many studies of Turkish politics, the historical projection developed on the citizenship and minority status of Jews in Turkey is categorized into three periods: the Early Republican Period (1923–1945), the Multi‐Party Democracy Period (1945–1980) and the Post‐1980 Period covering more recent developments.
RESWITCHING AS A CAUSE OF INSTABILITY OF INTERTEMPORAL EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Schefold Bertram
Published: November 2005

It is generally recognized that the paradoxes of capital, of which reswitching is the most striking example, are a reason to question the existence of aggregate production functions. It is here shown that they affect intertemporal general equilibrium as well as causes of instabilities.
Quality, experience, and monopoly: the Soviet market for weapons under Stalin1
Authors: MARKEVICH ANDREI , HARRISON MARK
Published: November 2005

Monopoly is a particular problem in markets where experience goods are traded, since the consumer cannot respond to bad experiences by switching repeat purchases to another supplier. New evidence shows how the defence ministry as buyer in the Soviet market for military goods responded to this problem by investing in an evaluation of quality prior to purchase, by showing reluctance to buy, and by exploiting the available non‐market means to influence the defence industry as supplier. The effectiveness of these stratagems was limited by the defence industry's counteractions and because the buyer had no choice but to come to a compromise with the supplier.
Survival after non‐aggressive obstetric management in cases of severe fetal anomalies: a retrospective study
Authors: Bijma Hilmar H. , Van Der Heide Agnes , Wildschut Hajo I.J. , van de Vathorst Suzanne , Tibboel Dick , Wladimiroff Juriy W. , van der Maas Paul J.
Published: November 2005

Objective  Obstetricians may choose to refrain from interventions aimed at sustaining fetal life (i.e., non‐aggressive obstetric management) when the fetus has an extremely poor prognosis. However, if the infant is then born alive, crucial neonatal management decisions then have to be made. We sought empirical data concerning such perinatal end‐of‐life decisions. Firstly, to describe survival during delivery and after birth following non‐aggressive obstetric management, and secondly, to describe neonatal management in infants born alive after non‐aggressive obstetric management.

Design  Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting  Tertiary centre.

Population  Eighty‐one infants born to women who opted for a non‐aggressive obstetric management policy because of sonographically diagnosed severe fetal anomaly.

Methods  Data were collected from obstetric and neonatal records, as well as ultrasound reports.

Main outcome measures  Survival, neonatal management and health status after birth.

Results  Relevant data were available for 78/80 (98%) infants. Six (8%) infants died in utero, 16 (21%) died during delivery (11 from cephalocentesis) and 56 (72%) were born alive. Life‐sustaining neonatal treatment was initiated in 29 (52%) of the live‐born infants. Twenty‐three of these 29 (79%) infants died within six months of birth. Of the 27 live‐born infants who did not receive neonatal life‐sustaining treatment, 25 (93%) died. Eight infants survived; all with severe health problems.

Conclusion  Life‐sustaining neonatal support after non‐aggressive obstetric management in the presence of severe fetal malformation has little impact on survival.
A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of self‐administered analgesia on women's experience of outpatient treatment at colposcopy
Authors: Cruickshank M.E. , Anthony G.B. , Fitzmaurice A. , McConnell D. , Graham W. , Alexander D.A. , Tunstall M. , Ross J.A.S.
Published: November 2005

Objective  To evaluate the effect of self‐administered isoflurane and desflurane on women's experience of outpatient treatment at colposcopy.

Design  A prospective double‐blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting  A colposcopy clinic serving a regional population.

Population  Three hundred and ninety‐six women scheduled for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) by large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).

Methods  Self‐administration of trial gas during a LLETZ procedure. One hundred and ninety‐eight women were randomised to use isoflurane and desflurane and 198 to use placebo.

Main outcome measures  Patient satisfaction, pain and anxiety.

Results  The mean pain score for cervical surgery was significantly lower for women using isoflurane and desflurane (22.4) than the placebo arm (29.6) (P= 0.003). There was no significant difference between arms in anxiety levels before or after treatment. More women using isoflurane and desflurane (78%) reported ‘total helpfulness’ of the trial gas than those using placebo (67%) (P= 0.012). A subgroup analysis of trial participants classified as anxious by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score at recruitment showed that using isoflurane and desflurane significantly increased total treatment acceptability, helpfulness of the gas and willingness to undergo a similar procedure at six‐month follow up.

Conclusion  Satisfaction with outpatient treatment at colposcopy is generally high. The main effect of isoflurane and desflurane evaluated in this trial was to reduce pain. It appeared to be effective for women with clinically significant anxiety and could be offered as an alternative to general anaesthesia.
Assisted reproduction technology and defects of genomic imprinting
Authors: Allen Cathy , Reardon William
Published: November 2005

It is estimated that approximately 1% of the newborn population of the British Isles are conceived following assisted reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). While the long term outcome of IVF children is mostly reassuring, some concerns remain. Specifically, recent studies have suggested a possible association between assisted conception and clinical conditions of genetic origin known as genomic imprinting defects. This has arisen from several different studies observing an excess of assisted conceptions among the rare clinical disorders of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS). The numbers of such patients described in the studies to date are small but indicate a clear need for large‐scale investigations to clarify the link between genomic imprinting defects and assisted conception as well as to establish the exact biological basis of any such link. In view of the strong public interest in this area of medicine, it behoves all professionals working in reproductive medicine and associated areas to be aware of these emerging data and be in a position to discuss them in as informed and responsible a manner with patients, as current data limitations permit.
Mapping small areas using a low‐cost close range photogrammetric software package with aerial photography
Authors: Aguilar Manuel A. , Aguilar Fernando J. , Agüera Francisco
Published: November 2005

Generating maps of small areas using conventional aerial photography is of great interest for small engineering firms. The main problem is the high cost of the sophisticated digital photogrammetric workstations usually employed. In this paper, a low‐cost close range photogrammetric software package is used to measure the three‐dimensional coordinates of points on the land surface from a photogrammetric flight at a scale of approximately 1:5000. Furthermore, the influence of the type of scanner used to digitise photographs (consumer‐grade or photogrammetric scanner), the resolution of the digital images and the number of control points required are examined. The root mean square errors obtained at the check points, using a low‐cost close range software package, scanning aerial images with a photogrammetric scanner and 24 ground control points, were around 116 mm for X and Y coordinates, and 191 mm for Z. These levels of accuracy allow the generation of planimetric maps at a scale of 1:1500 and topographic maps with a contour interval of around 1 m. When the images were scanned with a consumer‐grade scanner, the root mean square errors were around 150 mm for X and Y, and 271 mm for Z.
DISTINCTION BETWEEN MULTIPLE ISOLATES OF CHLORELLA VULGARIS (CHLOROPHYTA, TREBOUXIOPHYCEAE) AND TESTING FOR CONSPECIFICITY USING AMPLIFIED FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM AND ITS RDNA SEQUENCES1
Authors: Müller Julia , Friedl Thomas , Hepperle Dominik , Lorenz Maike , Day John G.
Published: November 2005

Multiple strains of individual algal species are available from public culture collections, often with the same isolate being maintained in parallel at a number of collections under different culture regimes. To unravel genomic variation and to identify unique genotypes among such multiple strains, two approaches were used on a sample of 29 strains of Chlorella vulgaris Beijerinck, an alga of great value for applied research, from five culture collections. With the exception of two strains, internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence data substantiated conspecificity of the studied strains and only minor sequence differences with the authentic “Beijerinck isolate” were observed. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) detected considerable genomic variation when rDNA sequences were identical. Band detection and the construction of a binary matrix from AFLP patterns for phylogenetic analyses were fully automated, but comparison of similar patterns still required manual refinement. The AFLPs distinguished 11 unique genotypes and provided robust support for the presence of five cryptic species. This finding advocates the need to carefully record which strain has been used in any experiment or in applied research, because genomic variation may also correspond to differences in physiological/biochemical properties. No genomic differences could be detected between duplicate strains of the same isolate that were maintained by continuous subculturing over many decades or within those stored at ultralow temperatures.
INTRAGENOMIC NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM AMONG SMALL SUBUNIT (18S) RDNA PARALOGS IN THE DIATOM GENUS SKELETONEMA (BACILLARIOPHYTA)1
Authors: Alverson Andrew J. , Kolnick Leanne
Published: November 2005

Morphological features of the siliceous cell wall traditionally have been used to diagnose and classify species of diatoms, though an increasing number of studies distinguish new species, in part, by phylogenetic analysis of rDNA sequences. Intragenomic sequence variation is common among the hundreds to thousands of rDNA cistrons present within a genome, and this variation has strong potential to obscure species boundaries based on rDNA sequences. We screened six Skeletonema culture strains for intragenomic nucleotide polymorphisms in the small subunit (SSU) rDNA gene and found that all strains had polymorphic sites, with proportions ranging from 0.57% to 1.81%. In all cases, transitions accounted for more than 70% of nucleotide differences at polymorphic sites. Polymorphic sites were split nearly evenly in the SSU rRNA molecule between the base‐paired regions of helices (52%) and the unpaired regions of loops and bulges (48%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SSU rDNA genotypes were monophyletic for two of the six culture strains examined. Genotypes from the other four culture strains either showed little or no phylogenetic structure compared with genotypes of other conspecific culture strains or had phylogenetic structure that was incongruent with existing species boundaries. Moderate to strong support for monophyly was recovered for four of the seven species included in the analysis. Phylogenetic results combined with the low sequence divergence of SSU rDNA genotypes within species suggest that concerted evolution has not proceeded to completion in these species and/or that the rate at which variation is being generated exceeds the rate at which concerted evolution is expunging variation.
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSED SEQUENCE TAGS FROM THE GREEN ALGA ULVA LINZA (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Stanley Michele S. , Perry Ruth M. , Callow James A.
Published: November 2005

There is a general lack of genomic information available for chlorophyte seaweed genera such as Ulva, and in particular there is no information concerning the genes that contribute to adhesion and cell wall biosynthesis for this organism. Partial sequencing of cDNA libraries to generate expressed sequence tags (ESTs) is an effective means of gene discovery and characterization of expression patterns. In this study, a cDNA library was created from sporulating tissue of Ulva linza L. Initially, 650 ESTs were randomly selected from a cDNA library and sequenced from their 5′ ends to obtain an indication of the level of redundancy of the library (21%). The library was normalized to enrich for rarer sequences, and a further 1920 ESTs were sequenced. These sequences were subjected to contig assembly that resulted in a unigene set of approximately 1104 ESTs. Forty‐eight percent of these sequences exhibited significant similarity to sequences in the databases. Phylogenetic comparisons are made between selected sequences with similarity in the databases to proteins involved in aspects of extracellular matrix/cell wall assembly and adhesion.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF LIGHT, TEMPERATURE, AND NITROGEN SOURCE ON TRANSCRIPTION OF GENES FOR CARBON AND NITROGEN METABOLISM IN THE CENTRIC DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Parker Micaela Schnitzler , Armbrust E. Virginia
Published: November 2005

The effects of nitrogen source, temperature, and light level on transcription of five genes from three pathways of carbon and nitrogen metabolism were determined for the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) Hasle et Heimdal. The targeted genes were NR (nitrate reductase) and GSII (glutamine synthetase II), both required for nitrate utilization; PGP (phosphoglycolate phosphatase) and GDCT (glycine decarboxylase T‐protein), both required for photorespiration; and SBP (sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphatase), required for carbon fixation (Calvin cycle). Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR was used to compare transcript abundances for these genes from T. pseudonana cells grown at two light intensities (50 or 300 μmol photons·m−2·s−1), at two temperatures (12 or 22°C), and on two different nitrogen sources (nitrate or ammonium). Transcript abundance (normalized to 18S rRNA) was higher for all five genes at the higher light intensity. At 12°C, fewer transcripts were detected for the Calvin cycle gene, whereas more transcripts were detected for the photorespiration and nitrate utilization genes. Nitrogen source affected transcript accumulation of the photorespiration and nitrate utilization genes but not the Calvin cycle gene. Extracellular concentrations of glycolate, a photorespiratory‐specific product, were determined under the high light conditions and were found to decrease at 12°C and when cells were grown on ammonium. A hypothetical model is presented to explain the patterns of transcript accumulation and glycolate release in terms of energy balance within the cell.
EFFECT OF NITRATE CONCENTRATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHOTOSYNTHETIC OXYGEN EVOLUTION AND ELECTRON TRANSPORT RATE IN ULVA RIGIDA (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Cabello‐Pasini Alejandro , Figueroa Félix L.
Published: November 2005

The electron transport rate (ETR) versus gross photosynthesis (GPS) relationship varies as a function of species, temperature, irradiance, and inorganic carbon levels, but less is known about the effect of nitrogen supply on this relationship. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrate concentration on the ETR versus GPS relationship in Ulva rigida C. Agardh from the Mediterranean Sea. Chlorophyll content and tissue absorptance increased 2‐fold as nitrate in the media increased from 0 to 50 μM. Whereas internal N content increases 3‐fold at 50 μM, internal C increased slightly. Oxygen evolution and ETR, evaluated as in vivo chl fluorescence using pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry, in general saturated at irradiances above 100 μmol photons·m−2·s−1. Both maximum ETR and GPS values increased as nitrate concentration increased. In general, the ETR versus GPS relationship showed a linear response to increasing nitrate with little variance of the data. This relationship, however, became more variable at high irradiances and high nitrate concentrations. The ETR/GPS ratio was close to the theoretical value of 4 at low nitrate concentrations, and the ratio decreased exponentially when nitrate concentration in the media increased. The variations of ETR/GPS under different inorganic nitrogen supply are discussed in terms of the effect of nitrate on the photosynthesis and respiration relationship.
ANTIOXIDANT RESPONSES IN SCYTOSIPHON LOMENTARIA (PHAEOPHYCEAE) INHABITING COPPER‐ENRICHED COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS1
Authors: Contreras Loretto , Moenne Alejandra , Correa Juan A.
Published: November 2005

Scytosiphon lomentaria (Lingb.) Link. (Phaeophyceae) is one of the two dominant seaweeds in a coastal area of northern Chile affected by copper mine wastes, where the concentration of copper in water and algal tissues remains higher than in nonimpacted sites. Copper‐loaded plants develop oxidative stress, as demonstrated by the increased levels of reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxides. This stress was associated with 1) an enhanced activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase and 2) an inhibition of the glutathione reductase activity. Furthermore, stressed plants showed a decrease in glutathione and phenolic compounds levels and an increase in total ascorbate. Reciprocal transplants revealed that plants rapidly adjusted their antioxidant system in response to the conditions of the receiving site. In individuals transplanted from the copper‐enriched environment to the control site, normal levels of lipoperoxides and antioxidant compounds were restored in 48 h and antioxidant enzymes recovered their basal activities in 96 h. Individuals transplanted from the control site to the copper‐enriched area adjusted their antioxidant compounds and antioxidant enzymes within 48 h and 96 h, respectively, and reached the functional status of the local plants. We conclude that S. lomentaria inhabiting the copper‐enriched area buffered oxidative stress by a simultaneous involvement of antioxidant enzymes and water‐soluble antioxidant compounds. These antioxidant responses were rapid and reversible, suggesting that copper resistance in S. lomentaria is a constitutive trait and that copper enrichment of the area did not result in a locally adapted copper‐tolerant ecotype.
Anti‐Racism and Indigenous Australians
Authors: Paradies Yin
Published: November 2005

Indigenous Australians constitute approximately 2.4% of the Australian population and suffer from disadvantage across a range of social, economic, and health indicators compared to other Australians, including exposure to racism across all domains of contemporary Australian society. However, there has been relatively little research conducted on anti‐racism in relation to Indigenous Australians. This article begins with an overview of theoretical issues pertinent to the empirical study and public policy of anti‐racism. Empirical findings, from social psychology, on effective approaches to anti‐racism at the cognitive, individual, interpersonal, and societal level as well as for the targets of racism are detailed with a particular focus on Indigenous Australians. Recommendations for improving and expanding institutional and legal policies to implement these approaches in relation to education and child‐rearing, public service, law enforcement and media, as well as monitoring racism and promoting anti‐racism in civil society, are then presented. To conclude, strategies for engendering political will to combat racism in the current neoliberal capitalist climate are explored.
Predicting Support for Eliminating the Dividend Tax: The Role of Framing and Attributions for Wealth
Authors: Bullock Heather E. , Fernald Julian L.
Published: November 2005

The proposed elimination of the dividend tax was among the most debated aspects of the Bush administration's economic stimulus package. Both the fairness of the initiative and who would benefit from it were questioned. Drawing on the political rhetoric of these debates, 86 respondents completed materials assessing the effects of framing and attributions for wealth on support for eliminating the dividend tax. The participants were less supportive of eliminating the dividend tax when it was framed as benefiting the wealthy than when the initiative was framed as benefiting the general public. Attributing wealth to personal initiative and “warm” feelings toward the wealthy emerged as the most powerful predictors of supporting the tax's elimination. Implications for social policy and economic justice are discussed.
Marginalized Mothers: Parenting Without a Home
Authors: Cosgrove Lisa , Flynn Cheryl
Published: November 2005

The authors of this study used participatory and interpretive methods to capture the lived experience, strengths, and needs of homeless mothers. The interview data obtained challenge unfounded stereotypes and provide information about women's coping behaviors and resilience. The findings were developed in collaboration with shelter guests and staff and have important implications for public and university policy and shelter programs. For example, researchers need to become more aware of the limitations of current psychological theories and assessment tools designed to measure “effective coping” in disenfranchised individuals. To accomplish this goal, increased collaboration among researchers, activists, policy makers, and homeless families is recommended (e.g., by instituting roundtable discussions as a standard part of shelter programs). It is also suggested that professional staff who work with women living in poverty avoid using deficit‐oriented, victim‐based models of intervention, and that staff provide women with opportunities to participate in the development of the curriculum for parenting classes.
The Social Psychology of the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Lanning Kevin
Published: November 2005

The 2004 U.S. presidential election was determined not by simple demographics and the power of incumbency, but by emotions such as fear and shame, aspects of the self‐concept such as moralism and religiosity, and other psychological phenomena ranging from the self‐deception of voters to the linguistic styles of the candidates. In introducing the papers in this special issue of ASAP on the social psychology of the election, I examine the effect sizes for psychological constructs such as religiosity, moralism, and terror. I suggest that pride and shame are likely determinants of the widely reported exit poll discrepancies, and argue that outgroup homogeneity was critical in determining the outcome of the election.
Linguistic Markers of Psychological State through Media Interviews: John Kerry and John Edwards in 2004, Al Gore in 2000
Authors: Pennebaker James W. , Slatcher Richard B. , Chung Cindy K.
Published: November 2005

What can we learn about presidential candidates by examining their speech in natural conversation? In the present study, the television interviews from the 2004 Democratic presidential primary campaign of John Kerry (N= 29) and John Edwards (N= 34) were examined using linguistic analyses. Results indicate that Kerry and Edwards were similar in their use of positive emotion words, but that Kerry used significantly higher rates of negative emotion words than did Edwards. Comparisons with televised interviews of Al Gore from the 2000 presidential campaign (N= 17) revealed striking similarities in the linguistic styles of Gore and Kerry. Gore's linguistic style overlapped considerably with that of Kerry on pronoun usage and many cognitive domains. This study points to how linguistic analyses can give us a clearer picture of how political candidates think, act, and feel.
Prisoner Disenfranchisement Policy: A Threat to Democracy?
Authors: Dhami Mandeep K.
Published: November 2005

The right to vote is one of the fundamental principles of democracy. However, full suffrage of the adult population has not been realized in many present‐day democracies. Internationally, millions of prisoners (and ex‐offenders in some nations) are disenfranchised. Being excluded from the civic process is a threat to democracy. In this article, I argue that removing a prisoner's right to vote can lead to inequality and injustice that is counter to democratic ideals. By contrast, enfranchisement of prisoners can promote their rehabilitation and social reintegration, and can have a real impact on the political climate of a nation. I also discuss the arguments for and against prisoner disenfranchisement, explore public opinion on this issue, and track recent legislative changes to disenfranchisement policy internationally. Areas for future psychological inquiry are highlighted.
Effects of Right‐Wing Authoritarianism and Threat from Terrorism on Restriction of Civil Liberties
Authors: Cohrs J. Christopher , Kielmann Sven , Maes Jürgen , Moschner Barbara
Published: November 2005

In an Internet survey (N = 275), we investigated how right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), personal values, and political ideology predicted attitudes toward restriction of civil liberties and toward surveillance measured one year later. Feelings of threat from terrorism were also taken into account. RWA, SDO, political ideology, security values, and self‐direction values were significant predictors. In addition, RWA interacted with threat from terrorism, in that threat reinforced the positive effect of RWA on support for surveillance measures. Thus, the study contributes to the understanding of psychological reasons for support for political measures related to civil liberties.
Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Prevalence, Reliability, and Validity of Physical Examination Findings
Authors: Weiner Debra K. , Sakamoto Sara , Perera Subashan , Breuer Paula
Published: November 2005

Objectives: To develop a structured physical examination protocol that identifies common biomechanical and soft‐tissue abnormalities for older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) that can be used as a triage tool for healthcare providers and to test the interobserver reliability and discriminant validity of this protocol.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey and examination.

Setting: Older adult pain clinic.

Participants: One hundred eleven community‐dwelling adults aged 60 and older with CLBP and 20 who were pain‐free.

Measurements: Clinical history for demographics, pain duration, previous lumbar surgery or advanced imaging, neurogenic claudication, and imaging clinically serious symptoms Physical examination for scoliosis, functional leg length discrepancy, pain with lumbar movement, myofascial pain (paralumbar, piriformis, tensor fasciae latae (TFL)), regional bone pain (sacroiliac joint (SIJ), hip, vertebral body), and fibromyalgia.

Results: Scoliosis was prevalent in those with (77.5%) and without pain (60.0%), but prevalence of SIJ pain (84% vs 5%), fibromyalgia tender points (19% vs 0%), myofascial pain (96% vs 10%), and hip pain (48% vs 0%) was significantly different between groups (P < .001). Interrater reliability was excellent for SIJ pain (0.81), number of fibromyalgia tender points (0.84), and TFL pain (0.81); good for scoliosis (0.43), kyphosis (0.66), lumbar movement pain (0.75), piriformis pain (0.71), and hip disease by internal rotation (0.56); and marginal for leg length (0.00) and paravertebral pain (0.39).

Conclusion: Biomechanical and soft tissue pathologies are common in older adults with CLBP, and many can be assessed reliably using a brief physical examination. Their recognition may save unnecessary healthcare expenditure and patient suffering.
Religion as a Meaning System: Implications for the New Millennium
Authors: Silberman Israela
Published: November 2005

Every human action, ranging from benevolence to inhumane violence has been justified in the name of religion, which has been a pervasive feature of human life throughout history. This article describes religion as a meaning system that is unique in centering on what is perceived as sacred, and in its special ability to address the quest for meaning. The article recommends the meaning system approach for the study of religion, suggesting that this approach can illuminate the resiliency of religion, and its complicated relations with individual and societal well‐being. It describes the outline of the volume, and concludes with recommendations for research, education, and policies in the arena of religion that can facilitate well‐being in the new millennium.
Religion and Conflict in Marital and Parent‐Child Relationships
Authors: Mahoney Annette
Published: November 2005

This article discusses how religion can substantively influence the manifestation and resolution of conflict in marital and parent‐child relationships. Religious systems of meaning are proposed to influence conflict by promoting which goals and values should be sought in family life and the appropriate means to achieve these ends. Conflict can be amplified or inhibited based on the extent to which family members differ and agree about such religiously based parameters. Religion also offers families strategies that may facilitate or hinder the resolution of conflict after it erupts. The limited amount of empirical research on how religion shapes the manifestation and resolution of marital and parent‐child conflict is highlighted, and suggestions are made to advance research and clinical practice on this topic.
Religion as a Meaning‐Making Framework in Coping with Life Stress
Authors: Park Crystal L.
Published: November 2005

This article explores how religion, as a meaning system, influences coping with adversity. First, a model emphasizing the role of meaning making in coping is presented. Next, religion as a meaning system is defined, and theory and research on the role of religion in the coping process are summarized. Results from the author's study of 169 bereaved college students are then presented to illustrate some of the pathways through which religious meaning can influence the coping process in making meaning following loss. Findings indicate that associations between religion and adjustment vary across time since loss, and that these associations are mediated by meaning‐making coping. Finally, implications for individual and societal well‐being and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Religion, Meaning, and Prejudice
Authors: Hunsberger Bruce , Jackson Lynne M.
Published: November 2005

Links between religion and prejudice have been interpreted to suggest that religion can both reduce and exacerbate prejudice. Here, the analysis of religion as a meaning system illuminates how religion can affect intergroup attitudes. Traditional psychological perspectives on religion and prejudice are summarized, followed by a discussion of religion and prejudice in cross‐cultural and cross‐religious contexts, involving varying target groups. Next, we explore possible explanatory mechanisms by proposing how four levels of meaning associated with religion—cognitive, motivational, societal, and intergroup—may both promote and attenuate prejudice. Finally, additional factors that might facilitate the paradoxical coexistence of religious egalitarian intentions with prejudiced attitudes are considered, and we speculate about the potential for religious groups to reduce prejudice within their adherents.
Stimulating the Demand for Insurance
Authors: Hussels Stephanie , Ward Damian , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: November 2005

Abstract

This article acts as a review and also a guide to policymakers who are interested in understanding the determinants of insurance demand and how it affects general economic development. By providing a synopsis and evaluation of existing empirical research on the development of insurance markets, this article provides a discussion of the factors that promote insurance market development. This article then highlights certain issues that both insurance companies and policymakers can utilize further in their own markets to design future policies that can be geared to promote insurance market development.
International Insurance Markets: A Credit Travel Study Course
Authors: Nielson Norma L. , Kleffner Anne E. , Lee Ryan B.
Published: November 2005

Abstract

The Risk Management and Insurance faculty at the University of Calgary developed a new course in 2000‐2001 called International Insurance Markets. It was offered for the first time in 2001 and has been offered each year since, achieving its largest enrollment in 2004. In 2004 the course was selected as the winner of the Lester B. Strickler Innovation in Instruction award from the American Risk and Insurance Association. Below we provide an overview of the considerations in developing and delivering the course for students at the University of Calgary as well as other institutions.
A multivariate analysis of fine‐scale species density in the plant communities of a saltwater lagoon – the importance of disturbance intensity
Authors: Houle Gilles
Published: November 2005

Interactions between resources and abiotic conditions control local diversity and productivity, often in a complex fashion. In this study, I estimated the relative causal effects of several environmental variables known to influence diversity and productivity in plant communities. Two sites differing in disturbance intensity (i.e. wrack deposition) were studied along a saltwater lagoon, at Îles de la Madeleine, Québec, Canada. A larger proportion of the variance in species density (82%) and plant cover (81%) was explained by the environmental factors at the most disturbed site, while only 35% of the variance in species density and 47% of the variance in plant cover were explained at the other, less disturbed site. At the most disturbed site, environmental factors associated with distance from the shoreline (e.g. salinity, anoxia, granulometry) indirectly controlled species density through their effects on plant cover, while at the less disturbed site, environmental factors influenced both plant cover and species density. At low disturbance intensity, the species pool may be more significant than productivity per se in restricting local diversity; however, at higher intensity of disturbance, productivity (directly influenced by resources and abiotic conditions) may be more important in controlling diversity.
Effects of predator confusion on functional responses
Authors: M. Jeschke Jonathan , Tollrian Ralph
Published: November 2005

When confronted with a swarm of their prey, many predators become confused and are less successful in their attacks. To shed light on the ecological, ethological and evolutionary consequences of predator confusion, we here investigate its effects on predator functional responses. We develop the first functional response model that considers confusion and compare it (1) qualitatively as well as (2) quantitatively to empirical data from two predator–prey systems,Aeshna cyanea(Odonata)–Daphnia magna(Crustacea) andChaoborus obscuripes(Diptera)–Daphnia obtusa.

(1) The qualitative comparisons show that, contrary to common belief, confusion does not necessarily lead to a dome‐shaped functional response. The response can alternatively remain qualitatively unchanged and be affected only quantitatively. A non‐dome‐shaped response is thus no indication for the absence of predator confusion. The same is true for other swarming effects reducing foraging success, such as early warning of approaching predators. Our results hence question studies that have equated the absence of a dome‐shaped response with the absence of a swarming effect. Our results also resolve the apparent paradox that swarming effects are quite common while dome‐shaped functional responses are rather uncommon.

(2) There is a good quantitative match between a parameterized version of our model and the empirically measured functional response in theChaoborus‐Daphniasystem, suggesting that all crucial factors in this system are captured by the model.
Grasshoppers cope with low host plant quality by compensatory feeding and food selection: N limitation challenged
Authors: Berner Daniel , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Körner Christian
Published: November 2005

The effect of low host plant nitrogen (N) content on herbivore performance has rarely been studied together with the herbivore's feeding behaviour. We explored this relationship with juvenile Omocestus viridulus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) grasshoppers using fertilized and unfertilized host grasses. Due to lower growth rates, grasshoppers reared on N‐poor grasses exhibited slightly prolonged development and smaller adult size, while mortality was similar among the fertilizer treatments. This was found both in the laboratory and in outdoor cages under natural climatic conditions. A parallel analysis of feeding behaviour revealed that the grasshoppers counterbalance N shortage by compensatory feeding, and are capable of selectively feeding among grasses of contrasting nutritional quality when given a choice. This indicates a striking ability of O. viridulus to regulate nutrient intake in the face of imbalanced food sources. Although the species exploits a relatively very poor autotroph nutrient base in the wild, as underpinned by N analysis of natural host grasses and grasshopper tissue, our data suggest that natural food quality imposes no relevant constraint on the herbivore's performance. Our study thus challenges the importance of simple plant‐mediated control of herbivore populations, such as N limitation, but supports the view that herbivores balance their intake of N and energy.
When being alive implies being safe: variation in mortality rates can cause oviposition selectivity to increase with age
Authors: Tammaru Toomas , Javoiš Juhan
Published: November 2005

Optimal behavioural decisions are expected to depend on various state variables, such as physiological condition or age. In insects, empirical evidence of the effect of adult age on oviposition selectivity is mixed. Consistently, optimality models – which primarily incorporate the effects of egg load and senescence – fail to provide universal predictions. Here we propose that spatial variation in mortality rates creates an additional mechanism able to select for an increase in selectivity with age. Females can be selected to use the fact of having reached an advanced age as a cue of low mortality rates in their environment. Older females may thus be less time‐limited, and can afford for more careful host selection. This is because variation in mortality rates can cause a positive correlation between individual age, and expected residual life span. We present a simulation model that formalises the verbal argument presented above, and discuss the findings in the more general context of the dependence of reproductive output on age.
Body shape, burst speed and escape behavior of larval anurans
Authors: Dayton Gage H. , Saenz Daniel , Baum Kristen A. , Langerhans R. Brian , DeWitt Thomas J.
Published: November 2005

Variation in behavior, morphology and life history traits of larval anurans across predator gradients, and consequences of that variation, have been abundantly studied. Yet the functional link between morphology and burst‐swimming speed is largely unknown. We conducted experiments with two divergent species of anurans, Scaphiopus holbrookii and Rana sphenocephala, to examine how behavior and morphology influence predator vulnerability, and whether tadpole shape is related to burst‐swimming performance. Scaphiopus holbrookii, a species that typically uses ephemeral pools, was more active, exhibited slower burst speeds, and was more susceptible to predation than R. sphenocephala, a species associated with more permanent aquatic sites. Our analysis of morphology and burst speed defined a shared axis of shape variation associated with burst‐swimming speed regardless of species. Tadpoles with a deeper tail fin and muscle and a smaller body produced faster speeds. The nature and breadth of the morphology–speed relationship suggests it may represent a generalized ecomorphological paradigm for larval anurans.
Privacy Concerns of Patients and Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care—An APRNet Study
Authors: Olsen Douglas P. , Dixon Jane Karpe , Grey Margaret , Deshefy‐Longhi Terry , Demarest Jo Cecille
Published: November 2005

Purpose

This study explores and compares the privacy concerns of primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) and their patients.

Data sources

Privacy concerns were identified in separate focus groups of NPs and patients, and then parallel survey instruments were designed and administered to 27 NPs and 185 of their patients. All subjects were recruited through APRNet, a regional practice‐based research network of NPs in southern New England encompassing 58 practices.

Conclusions

Both groups demonstrated high levels of concern regarding privacy. While NPs and patients had similar levels of concern about most issues, there were some notable differences regarding breeches because of carelessness, disclosures for research, and which disorders require the most care in maintaining privacy.

Implications for practice

These results allow NPs to anticipate patient privacy concerns and to enhance trust in the clinical relationship. These results also indicate the need to educate patients regarding privacy rights and expectations.
A Case Study: Identifying a New Case of Wilson's Disease
Authors: Noble Jeannette A.
Published: November 2005

Purpose

To present a case of Wilson's disease that presented with fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and splenomegaly. Patient information, diagnostic tests, etiology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, medical treatment, nursing interventions, patient education, and research findings related to Wilson's disease are discussed.

Data Sources

Case study and scientific literature from Internet, journals, and medical textbooks.

Conclusions

Wilson's disease is a hereditary, autosomal‐recessive disease affecting copper excretion. As copper accumulates, signs and symptoms appear. Individuals often present with nonspecific findings, making diagnosis difficult.

Implications for Practice

This article reviews this rare but potentially devastating disease. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent copper accumulation leading to hepatic cirrhosis, basal ganglia degeneration, and irreversible organ damage.
Hamilton’s Equations for Impact Simulations With Perforation and Fragmentation
Authors: Horban Blaise A. , Fahrenthold Eric P.
Published: November 2005

Conventional models of high velocity impact dynamics rely on approximate solutions of the governing partial differential equations for an elastic-plastic continuum, developed using weighted residual, finite difference, or other techniques prevalent in the computational mechanics literature. Hamiltonian mechanics provides an alternative approach, one which makes no reference to any PDE description of the physical system. The derived Hamilton’s equations incorporate general contact-impact effects, apply to a wide class of material constitutive relations, and allow for the simulation of highly nonlinear three-dimensional impact problems.
Recursive Kinematics and Inverse Dynamics for a Planar 3R Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Khan Waseem A. , Krovi Venkat N. , Saha Subir K. , Angeles Jorge
Published: November 2005

We focus on the development of modular and recursive formulations for the inverse dynamics of parallel architecture manipulators in this paper. The modular formulation of mathematical models is attractive especially when existing sub-models may be assembled to create different topologies, e.g., cooperative robotic systems. Recursive algorithms are desirable from the viewpoint of simplicity and uniformity of computation. However, the prominent features of parallel architecture manipulators-the multiple closed kinematic loops, varying locations of actuation together with mixtures of active and passive joints-have traditionally hindered the formulation of modular and recursive algorithms. In this paper, the concept of the decoupled natural orthogonal complement (DeNOC) is combined with the spatial parallelism of the robots of interest to develop an inverse dynamics algorithm which is both recursive and modular. The various formulation stages in this process are highlighted using the illustrative example of a 3R Planar Parallel Manipulator.
Actuation and Control Strategies for Miniature Robotic Surgical Systems
Authors: Stevens Jason M. , Buckner Gregory D.
Published: November 2005

During the past 20years, tremendous advancements have been made in the fields of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and minimally invasive, robotically assisted (MIRA) cardiac surgery. Benefits from MIS include reduced pain and trauma, reduced risks of post-operative complications, shorter recovery times, and more aesthetically pleasing results. MIRA approaches have extended the capabilities of MIS by introducing three-dimensional vision, eliminating hand tremors, and enabling the precise articulation of smaller instruments. These advancements come with their own drawbacks, however. Robotic systems used in MIRA cardiac procedures are large, costly, and do not offer the miniaturized articulation necessary to facilitate tremendous advancements in MIS. This paper demonstrates that miniature actuation can overcome some of the limitations of current robotic systems by providing accurate, repeatable control of a small end effector. A 10× model of a two link surgical manipulator is developed, using antagonistic shape memory alloy wires as actuators, to simulate motions of a surgical end-effector. Artificial neural networks are used in conjunction with real-time visual feedback to “learn” the inverse system dynamics and control the manipulator endpoint trajectory. Experimental results are presented for indirect, on-line learning and control. Manipulator tip trajectories are shown to be accurate and repeatable to within 0.5mm. These results confirm that SMAs can be effective actuators for miniature surgical robotic systems, and that intelligent control can be used to accurately control the trajectory of these systems.