bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial Risk for Depression and P3b Component as a Possible Neurocognitive Vulnerability Marker
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Hauser Ute , Conty Claudia , Emrich Hinderk M. , Dietrich Detlef E.
Published: June 2007

Objective: Complex genetic mechanisms are involved in the vulnerability to depressive disorders and cognitive dysfunctions found in depression. This study was performed to explore the effect of the familial risk for depression on electrophysiological correlates of attentional functions as demonstrated by an event-related potential (ERP) go/no-go experiment. Methods: The component P3b as an indicator of target detection processing was investigated in two groups of healthy subjects with or without a family history of depression (n = 14 each). An electrophysiological source localization method (LORETA) was employed to allow a neuro-anatomical interpretation for the ERP data. Results: The group with a familial risk for depression showed a reduced P3b amplitude over left temporal areas in contrast to the control group. This two-dimensional effect was associated with a significantly reduced activation of the left middle temporal gyrus. Conclusions: The P3b amplitude decrement might represent a neurocognitive vulnerability marker for the development of depression.
Sleep in Major Depression: Relation to Memory Performance and Outcome after Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Authors: Göder Robert , Fritzer Gunther , Hinze-Selch Dunja , Huchzermeier Christian , Koch Jakob M. , Seeck-Hirschner Mareen , Aldenhoff Josef B.
Published: June 2007

Background: Earlier findings suggest both a link between sleep and memory consolidation and a relationship between abnormal sleep at baseline and poor treatment outcome in major depression after interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). Methods: Pre-treatment polysomnography was examined in 32 patients with a major depressive episode (mean age = 39.5 years, 20 women). Declarative memory was tested by the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and a paired associative word list and procedural learning was assessed by a mirror tracing skill. All patients were treated with IPT according to the manual and did not receive any antidepressant medication. Twenty-three patients took part in a minimum of 12 sessions of IPT. Remission was defined as 2 consecutive weeks with a score <8 on the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression. Results: Declarative visual memory performance was associated with total sleep time and total amount of rapid eye movement sleep. In IPT remitters (n = 14), there was a trend towards a decrease in rapid eye movement density (first period) and a significant decrease in delta power in pre-treatment sleep in comparison to non-remitters (n = 9). Treatment outcome after IPT was also associated with declarative memory performance at baseline (as a trend). Conclusions: Further indications of a role of sleep in memory processes and of the importance of specific sleep parameters as markers for a positive treatment response to psychotherapy were found.
Red Cell Folate and Plasma Homocysteine in Preterm Infants
Authors: Jyothi S. , Misra I. , Morris G. , Benton A. , Griffin D. , Allen S.
Published: June 2007

Background: The supplementation of preterm infants with folic acid is routine practice in many neonatal units. However, the advent of preterm formula milks and breast milk fortifiers have increased folic acid intake. We measured red cell folate in preterm infants who received preterm formula milks and breast milk fortifiers to determine whether additional folic acid supplementation was still required. A potential benefit of folic acid supplementation is reduction of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy). tHcy appears to have a linear association with the risk of atherothrombotic vascular events in adults but its role in intraventricular haemorrhage and associated white matter damage in preterm infants is not known. As there is little information regarding tHcy in preterm infants, we also measured tHcy in this study. Methods: Red cell folate and tHcy were measured at 1 and 4 weeks of age and before discharge in 28 consecutive infants <34 weeks’ gestation. Factors which may have affected folate and homocysteine status were recorded. Results:Red cell folate ranged between 266 and 1,513 ng/ml and deficiency (<140 ng/ml) was not observed in any sample. Red cell folate concentration tended to increase with increasing age. tHcy ranged from 0.8 to 12.2 µmol/l and fell within the ‘normal’ range for fasting adults. Conclusions: Preterm formula milks and breast milk fortifiers provide sufficient folic acid to prevent folate deficiency in preterm infants. Although tHcy fell within the ‘normal’ range for fasting adults, more research is needed to determine optimal concentration of tHcy for preterm infants.
Anorexia in Hemodialysis Patients: The Possible Role of Des-Acyl Ghrelin
Authors: Muscaritoli Maurizio , Molfino Alessio , Chiappini Maria Grazia , Laviano Alessandro , Ammann Thomas , Spinsanti Paola , Melchiorri Daniela , Inui Akio , Alegiani Filippo , Rossi Fanelli Filippo
Published: June 2007

Background: Anorexia is frequently found in end-stage renal disease and is a reliable predictor of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The pathogenesis of anorexia is complex and the appetite-modulating hormone ghrelin could be involved. Two forms of circulating ghrelin have been described: acylated ghrelin (<10% of circulating ghrelin) which promotes food intake, and des-acyl ghrelin which induces a negative energy balance. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to clarify whether anorexia and body weight change in HD patients relate to plasma des-acyl ghrelin levels. Methods: 34 HD patients and 15 healthy controls were studied. The presence of anorexia was assessed by a questionnaire. Serum des-acyl ghrelin was measured in HD patients and in 15 body mass index-, sex- and age-matched controls by ELISA. Energy intake was assessed by a 3-day dietary diary, and fat-free mass (FFM) was evaluated by body impedance analysis. Data have been statistically analyzed and are presented as mean ± SD. Results: 14 patients (41%) were found to be anorexic, and 20 patients (59%) non-anorexic. Energy intake (kcal/day) was significantly lower in anorexic than in non-anorexic patients (1,682 ± 241 vs. 1,972.50 ± 490; p < 0.05). FFM (%) was lower in anorexic than in non-anorexic patients (65.8 ± 4.4 vs. 70.9 ± 8.7; p = 0.05). Plasma des-acyl ghrelin levels (fmol/ml) were significantly higher in HD patients than in controls (214.88 ± 154.24 vs. 128.93 ± 51.07; p < 0.05), and in anorexic HD patients than in non-anorexic (301.7 ± 162.4 vs. 159.1 ± 115.5; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Anorexia is highly prevalent among HD patients and des-acyl ghrelin could be involved in its pathogenesis.
RhoA Activation Contributes to Sex Differences in Vascular Contractions
Authors: Nuno Daniel W. , Korovkina Victoria P. , England Sarah K. , Lamping Kathryn G.
Published: June 2007

Objective—Studies have suggested that sex differences in endothelial function in part account for the lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women compared with men. Less is known about the role of smooth muscle. We hypothesized that signaling mechanisms that regulate calcium sensitivity in vascular muscle also play a role in determining sex differences in contractile function.

Methods and Results—In aorta, concentration-dependent contractions to serotonin were greater in male versus female mice whereas contractions to KCl and U46619 were similar. Nitric oxide or other endothelial-derived factors did not account for the difference in responses to serotonin because inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with NG-nitro-l-arginine, genetic deficiency of endothelial NOS, and removal of endothelium increased contractions but did not abolish the enhanced contractions in aorta from males. Contractions in aorta from both males and females were abolished by a serotonergic 5HT2Areceptor antagonist (ketanserin), however there was no sex difference in 5HT2Areceptor expression. Activation of RhoA and Rho-kinase by serotonin was greater in aorta from males compared with females, but this was not related to greater expression of RhoA or Rho-kinase isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2). The sex difference in aortic contractions to serotonin was abolished by an inhibitor of Rho-kinase, Y27632.

Conclusion—We conclude that increased contractions to serotonin in aorta from male mice are attributable to differences in RhoA/Rho-kinase activation in smooth muscle independent of differences in the expression of RhoA or Rho-kinase.
Reliability and Factor Structure of the Portuguese Version of Self-Reporting Questionnaire
Authors: Iacoponi Eduardo , Jair de Jesus Mari
Published: June 2007

The Self-Reporting Questionnaire is a screening instrument devised by the WHO to identify minor psychiatric morbidity in primary care settings and the community in developing countries. It has already been widely used although its psychometric properties are not yet completely explained. The present article describes the following properties of the Portuguese version of the SRQ-20: a) coefficients of internal consistency; b) inter-rater reliability coefficients, and c) a factor analysis. Internal consistency, measured by the KD20 method, was 0.81. The intra-class correlation coefficient obtained from simultaneous scoring of four interviewers was 0.96, considerably high, as expected from a structured instrument. In the factor analysis four main factors accounted for 41% of the total item variance, and they could be reasonably identified as Decreased Energy, Somatic symptoms, Depressive mood and Depressive thoughts.
Factors Influencing Long-Term Psychiatric Hospitalisation of the Elderly in Kuwait
Authors: Malasi T.H. , Mirza Iman A. , Fakhr El-Islam M.
Published: June 2007

In this study both psychosocial and clinical aspects of elderly patients were investigated in relation to long hospital stay in the only psychiatric hospital in Kuwait. Patients with longer stay did not differ statistically from short stay patients in distributions of sex, age, nationality, marital status, family system, diagnostic categories or factors blocking patients' discharge from hospital. Significant association was found between withdrawal from social interaction, and those admitted for personal suffering and those who had poor relationships with their families. Long stay elderly patients who came from extended families were more likely to be medically unfit for discharge than patients who came from nuclear families. Multivariate explorations of possible associations were performed by hierarchical loglinear analysis which revealed that long stay in hospital was significantly more likely in the widowed who had physical illness and came from extended families with poor relationships.

The findings are discussed in relation to cultural and clinical background and compared to similar findings published abroad.
The New Long Stay in an Inner City Service: a Tale of Two Cohorts
Authors: Holloway Frank , Wykes Til , Petch Edward , Lewis-Cole Kelly
Published: June 2007

We assessed the long-stay inpatients (length of stay >6 months) from a deprived inner-city catchment area with a population of 210000 in 1993 and 1995 on a variety of measures, following up both cohorts after 24 months. Total numbers of long-stay inpatients were reduced from 56 (26.7 per 100,000 total population) to 35 (16.7 per 100,000) between 1993 and 1995, in line with the closure of dedicated long-stay beds. The 1995 cohort were more symptomatic according to the BPRS (t= 2.8, P = 0.007, 95% confidence interval 18.1, 3.0), more commonly detained under the Mental Health Act (χ2 = 6.07 p = 0.05) and more commonly from an ethnic minority (χ2 = 3.7 p = 0.05). At 2 year follow-up 57% of the 1993 cohort were living out of hospital, compared with 60% of the 1995 cohort. Patients were discharged to a variety of settings, some highly supported. For the combined sample the presence of certain challenging behaviours (absconding, disturbance at night, non-compliance with treatment and violence) predicted continuing inpatient status as did three items on the Social Behaviour Schedule (bizarre behaviour, laughing to oneself and violence). Only five (9%) of the original sample remained inpatients for the entire four year follow-up.
Subjective Quality of Life in Female in-Patients With Depression: a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rudolf Heidi , Priebe Stefan
Published: June 2007

This study investigated Subjective Quality of Life (SQOL) in 42 women with depression, 70 women with alcoholism, and 73 women with schizophrenia within 3 weeks after hospital admission. Twenty-eight of the depressive patients were re-examined after 6 months. SQOL was assessed using the German version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile.

On average, depressive women expressed dissatisfaction with life as a whole and with 4 out of 8 life domains, and had a lower SQOL than the other two diagnostic groups. Differences remain statistically significant when the influence of age and anxiety/depression is controlled for. SQOL in depressive women improved significantly within the follow up period. Positive SQOL change was moderately correlated with an improvement of depressive symptoms.

The results indicate that depressive women after hospital admission express an unusually low SQOL, which seems to have some diagnostic specificity and improves over time. Changes in depressive symptoms do not fully explain SQOL changes.
Subjective Quality of Life, Psychopathology, Satisfaction With Care and Insight: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Holloway Frank , Carson Jerome
Published: June 2007

We have investigated the determinants of global subjective quality of life (GSQOL) using data from a controlled trial of intensive case management for the severely mentally ill. In a multiple regression analysis depression, age, objective quality of life and domain-specific quality of life together explained 59% of the variance in GSQOL. GSQOL was not significantly correlated with measures of positive psychotic symptomatology, insight or attitudes to treatment but was correlated with satisfaction with care (r= .21, p = .011 ). Change in GSQOL over 18 months was correlated with change in domain-specific quality of life (r=-.45, p=.002) and depression (r=-.43, p=.01): multiple regression analysis confirmed that both variables had an independent effect on change in GSQOL.
Measuring Quality of Life in Secure Care: Comparison of Mentally Ill and Personality Disordered Patients
Authors: Swinton Mark , Oliver Joseph , Carlisle Julie
Published: June 2007

Improving quality of life for patients is emerging as a legitimate goal for UK inpatient forensic mental health services. The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQOLP), which has been used widely to measure well-being in community settings, was trialed on an inpatient population being cared for under conditions of high security. Two groups of male patients, drawn from within the same institution but with markedly different clinical conditions, i.e. schizophrenia (N = 47) and personality disorder (N=48), were interviewed using the LQOLP. Although both groups had been cared for under largely similar environmental conditions over similar lengths of time (9.5 years), the subjective global well-being of the two groups differed systematically as did other objective and subjective well-being measures. However, analysis found that the variations in global well-being could not be attributed readily to factors covered by the interview, including either current mood or personality. Possible reasons for these findings and implications for the use of the LQOLP under conditions of high security are discussed.
Functional Finishing of Acrylic and Cationic Dyeable Fabrics: Intermolecular Interactions
Authors: Young Hee Kim  , Sun Gang
Published: June 2007

Similar to basic dyeing of fabrics, the intermolecular interactions of synthetic fibers and functional agents can be used in durable functional treatments for fabrics. As an example, biocidal quaternary ammonium salts are employed in chemical finishing of acrylics and cationic dyeable polyesters, and durable antimicrobial properties are achieved on the treated products. Finishing conditions such as temperature, agent concentration, pH of finishing baths, and addition of sodium sulfate more or less affect the exhaustion of the agents on the fabrics. Of these factors, the finishing temperature is the most important. The exhaustion of the cationic agents also depends on the anionic polymer structures.
Objective Evaluation of Fabric Pilling Using Image Analysis Techniques
Authors: Xin Binjie , Hu Jinlian , Yan Haojin
Published: June 2007

For quality control of textiles, it is necessary to develop an objective method to evaluate fabric pilling, rather than subjective, to improve reliability and reproducibility. This paper presents a new method to extract pill features from fabric images. In this work, we apply a two-dimensional Gaussian fit theory to train a pill template using actual pill images for pill template matching, and determine a reasonable threshold for image segmentation using a histogram-fitting technique. We then extract five parameters to describe pill properties—pill number, mean area of pills. total area of pills. contrast. and density—and establish formulas to calculate objective grades with these parameters. The results show that a good correlation can be achieved between objective and subjective data.
A Novel Stress-Freezing Technique for Studying the Compressional Behavior of Woven Fabrics
Authors: Potluri P. , Wilding M.A. , Memon A.
Published: June 2007

This paper describes a novel experimental approach to assessing fabric structural geometry under compression, and presents a study of some typical technical fabrics. The method employs a "stress-freezing" technique, where a fabric sample, impregnated with a clear resin, is subjected to compressive stress and held under load while the resin cures (at room temperature). Image analysis of the cured specimens enables various fabric geometric parameters to be derived, which cannot be determined from existing mechanical test methods such as KES-F. The new technique is, however, validated by comparing the fabric thickness versus pressure relationships with compression data obtained on equiv alent fabrics with KES-F. The variation with applied pressure of the identified geometric parameters is determined using a series of woven fabrics of differing structures and yarn specifications. The results are interpreted in terms of a simple compression model.
JetRing Spinning and Its Influence on Yarn Hairiness
Authors: Cheng K.P.S. , Li C.H.L.
Published: June 2007

In the production of cotton and polyester JetRing spun yarns, spindle speed, air pressure, and yarn twist level affect yam hairiness. However, the distance between the front roller nip and the nozzle inlet has only a marginal effect on yam hairiness. Results also show that JetRing spun yams have a much lower numbers of hairs than the equivalent ring spun yams.
Evaluation of Yarn Properties and Processing Performance of Pima S-1 Cotton
Authors: Brown John J. , Howell Nathaniel A. , Fiori Louis A. , Sands Jack E.
Published: June 2007

Results are reported of a pilot plant evaluation of Pima S-1 cotton using an Egyptian variety, Karnak, and an American-Egyptian variety, Pima 32, as controls. The three cottons were processed alike on conventional equipment into a range of relatively fine single- and 2-ply yarns.

Certain organizational details were varied within limits to aid in the evalution of the processing performance of the three cottons, and to determine the contributions each cotton made toward product quality.

Each cotton was divided into three lots which were carded at 4, 6, and 8 lb/hr, respectively. Each lot was then combed, with 15 and 18% noils being removed. Twist- strength relationships were determined by spinning the yarns with a range of twist multipliers from 3.00 to 4.00 in increments of 0.25; draft-strength relationships were determined by spinning the yarns with a range of drafts from 14 to 53, using the twist multiplier found previously to produce maximum strength. The effect of the method of creeling was determined by spinning the same yarn number from a series of hank rovings both single and double creeled. Evaluation was made of gain in strength of 2-ply over single yarns using the same twist multiplier in both single and ply yarns. Also, an assessment was made of the response of these three cottons to three conditions of mercerizing and to subsequent dyeing.

An analysis was made of opening-, picking-, and carding-waste percentages and of the uniformity of slivers and yarns. Yarn quality was determined by measuring skein and single-strand strengths, elongation, and appearance, and from the coefficient of variation of the strength values and Uster uniformity tester measurements.

It was found that, within the limits of this study, the general processing performance of the Pima S-1 was equal to that of the Karnak and Pima 32 cottons. Regardless of the organizational variables used in the evaluation, the Pima S-1 cotton produced yarns of better appearance and uniformity than did the other two cottons. Also, yarns made from Pima S-1 were stronger than those made from Karnak, and were generally equal in strength to yarns made from Pima 32. Double creel produced stronger and more uni form yarns than did single-creel spinning for all the cotton varieties tested. The per formance of Pima S-1 in 2-ply constructions was equal to that of the two control cottons. The general response of Pima S-1 to mercerizing and to subsequent dyeing was slightly better than that of the other cottons.
The Effect of Fabric Structure on Fabric Properties
Authors: Brown John J. , Rusca Ralph A.
Published: June 2007

Research leading to the development of specialized fabrics for an agency of the Department of Defense is described. Requirements called for the fabrics to be highly resistant to the passage of water and air and to possess relatively high tensile and tear strength, yet to be light in weight.

The effects of 7 types of fabric structure on the physical properties of the fabrics are discussed. Of the constructions tested, basket weaves offered an acceptable com promise among the properties desired, with a 2/2 basket being highly water resistant without any chemical treatment and a 3/3 basket being slightly less water resistant and slightly more tear resistant. Regardless of the weave, as the picks per inch were in creased, air and water resistance increased and tear strength decreased.

Bleaching, mercerizing, and dyeing significantly decreased the tightness of the fabrics; however, application of a flame-retardant and water-repellent treatment almost restored the original resistance of the fabrics to the passage of water and air.
Pharmacotherapy of Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
Authors: Miyahara Randell K.
Published: June 2007

The use of sulfonylurea in conjunction with a diet and exercise regimen continues to be the primary treatment modality for obese type II diabetics in the United States. These agents work to lower plasma glucose by several proposed mechanisms. Pancreatic mechanisms of action improve efficiency of the islet beta cells, and extrapancreatic mechanisms of action increase peripheral insulin-receptor sensitivity. Sulfonylureas are extensively metabolized in the liver. Depending on the specific agent, renally excreted metabolites with hypoglycemic activity may be produced and pose a threat to patients with impaired renal function. Accumulation of these metabolites can result in hypoglycemia, a common adverse reaction seen with the sulfonylurea. Other adverse reactions and their prevalence, presentation, and treatment are also presented. Clinically significant drug interactions of the sulfonylurea are tabulated and discussed. Because the sulfonlyureas have equivalent efficacy to each other, proper agent selection must be based on the metabolism and excretion characteristics, adverse reaction potential, and concurrent drug profile of the patient for whom the sulfonylurea is being selected. In patients who have not achieved adequate blood glucose control, combination therapy is sometimes initiated. Sulfonylurea-sulfonylurea and various sulfonylurea-insulin regimens are discussed. The importance of diabetic patient education is reviewed, including some basic instructions pharmacists can give to diabetics. The investigation of other oral hypoglycemic agents continues. Information of selected agents undergoing clinical trials in the United States is also reviewed. Copyright © 1992 by W.B. Saunders Company
Glucose Monitoring of the Diabetic Patient
Authors: Engle Janet P.
Published: June 2007

The use of home glucose monitoring products is increasing. The pharmacist can make an important contribution to the diabetic patient's care by becoming knowledgeable about the many monitoring products available and by providing a structured diabetes management program for his or her patients. This article will discuss the many products available for home blood glucose monitoring and the pharmacist's role in diabetic patient monitoring.
More than Meets the Eye: The circulation of images and the embodiment of value
Authors: Jain Kajri
Published: June 2007

This article examines the popular, cheaply mass-produced prints known as ‘calendar’ or ‘bazaar’ art, going ‘beyond appearances’ to explore how their value and power is located not just in their visuality as such, but also in their capacity as circulating objects. I describe how these prints can be seen as sites of intersection between the colonially-derived institution of ‘fine art’ and what historians have called the ‘bazaar’ economy. The postcolonial visual regime in which bazaar images circulate is therefore characterised by different but co-existing frames of value and moral-commercial economies. The animated circuits of bazaar icons, I argue, have served to shore up relations of credit and exchange in the ‘informal’ social, moral-ethical and commercial networks of the bazaar, obviating the distinction between sacred and commercial forms of value. However, there are tensions between the role of images in the bazaar and the schema of aesthetic judgement within ‘fine art’. Here I focus on the way in which performative and bodily engagements, integral to a ritual and devotional relationship with images, have been denigrated within an aesthetic schema which privileges a distanced, disembodied gaze. This paves the way for a re-examination of the notion of the fetish, asking why one of the few categories that speaks to the power of the image as a circulating object rather than as a static sign does so within a moral framework of denigration and abnormality. I relate this denigration to the historical conditions of this concept's appearance, and the specific ideological work it has had to do within a European bourgeois-liberal public sphere.
Hindutva intervisuality: Videos and the politics of representation
Authors: Brosius Christiane
Published: June 2007

This article analyses the ways in which new audiovisual technologies may organise and challenge patterns of seeing for purposes of political mobilisation and ideological indoctrination. The context is that of the Hindu Right, with particular reference to the Ayodhya controversy. Focusing on God manifests Himself, a video produced by Jain Studios in New Delhi (1989/1990), the complex question of representation is discussed with reference to two key principles that inform the audiovisual rhetoric of Hindu nationalism. First, the video demonstrates that the Hindutva politics of representation is based on the technique of ‘intervisuality’, whereby meaning emerges from the dynamic interplay of aesthetic and symbolic spaces and social practices. Second, Hindutva rhetoric relies on the use of ‘wish-images’, through which imaginary ‘think-spaces’ are opened that enable its ideologues to generate ideas of a crisis-ridden imagined community of Hindu nationals against the backdrop of a Golden Age and a utopian future. This includes the stereotypical fixation of the ‘Muslim Other’. The article investigates the role of popular culture and religio-political practices as well as stylistic aspects of docu-drama, montage and special effects.
Penetrating gazes: The poetics of sight and visual display in popular Indian cinema
Authors: Taylor Woodman
Published: June 2007

Following a sequence of visually stunning dance routines accompanied by sounds of sung poetry, the climax for most popular Indian films is the intense exchange of gazes between the lover and beloved. This exchange of penetrating gazes not only expresses sexual desire but, in a move beyond voyeurism, signifies a physical interaction through vision. This intense and even tactile gaze relies on two different notions of vision: that of drishti, activated in Indian religious contexts, and of nazar, so essential for the exposition of love in Persianate poetry. The lyrics of film songs rely for their affectivity on these notions of drishti and nazar. Committed to memory by film viewers, this repertoire of film songs generates a poetics of sight and visual display within the film-going public. By framing and focusing in on eyes and thereby simulating moments of intense visual interaction, Bollywood film directors have poetically nuanced a modern visual genre for contemporary Indian audiences which actively employs notions of vision and visuality that are specific to South Asia. Moreover, in cueing ocularity to the aural, Bollywood films constitute a subaltern modernity that disrupts the minimalist silences and ocular-centricity of most ‘Western’ modernisms, This signals the polyscopic, intersensual and poetic character of modern Indian visual experiences, both portrayed on, and enacted off, the screen.
Differential Effects of Expressive and Receptive Language Use on the Inference Task Performance of Middle- and Lower-Income Children
Authors: Spencer Margaret Beale , Wagner Marilyn
Published: June 2007

Performance on receptive and expressive language measures as related to inference task administration was investigated. The contribution of receptive and expressive language abili ties to observed differences in performance on inference tasks was explored in relation to socioeconomic status. The study employed 384 lower- and middle-income Black chil dren ages 3, 5, 7, and 9. Subjects at each age level were tested on three language measures, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the McCarthy Subscales, and a Flexibility Score. Socioeconomic differences in performance were ex pected and obtained; middle-income subjects obtained higher scores. Differences attributed to socioeconomic status were most pronounced at the oldest age levels. In particular, 9-year-old lower-income subjects were approximately two years behind their middle-income peers. On the two infer ence tasks differences related to socioeconomic status were found only for the conceptual, more complex inference task.
Some Implications for Intelligence Test Construction and Administration with Children of Different Racial Groups
Authors: Butler-Omololu Cynthia , Doster Joseph A. , Lahey Benjamin
Published: June 2007

An evaluation of Williams' (1972) culturally-specific intel ligence test, Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homo geneity (BITCH-100), was made and was compared with the Anglo-oriented Vocabulary Subtest of the California Achievement Test (CAT) and with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Revised Form (WISC-R). As predicted, Blacks generally scored higher on the BITCH-100, and Whites generally scored higher on the CAT and WISC-R. Absolute differences were smaller than in previous inves tigations, which suggests a continuing familiarization of Blacks with the content of Anglo-oriented tests. In addition, it was found that the method of testing (recognition versus identification) interacted with race and sex to such an extent that the relative position of both racial and sexual groups was reversed by the method of testing. It is suggested that the issues involved in the fair testing of different racial and sexual groups is more complicated than previously believed.
Corrigendum
Authors: Kumaravelu Parasakthy , Hook Lilian , Morrison Aline M. , Ure Jan , Zhao Suling , Zuyev Sergei , Ansell John , Medvinsky Alexander
Published: June 2007

In the developing mouse embryo the first definitive (transplantable-into-the-adult) haematopoietic stem cells/long-term repopulating units (HSC/RUs) emerge in the AGM region and umbilical vessels on10-11 days post coitum (d.p.c.). Here, by limiting dilution analysis, we anatomically map the development of definitive HSC/RUs in different embryonic tissues during early colonisation of the liver. We show that by day 12 p.c. the mouse embryo contains about 66 definitive HSC/RUs (53 in the liver, 13 in other tissues), whereas on the previous day the total number of definitive HSC/RUs in the entire conceptus is only about 3. Owing to the length of the cell cycle this dramatic increase in thenumber of definitive HSC/RUs in only 24 hours is unlikely to be explained purely by cell division. Therefore, extensive maturation of pre-definitive HSCs to a state when they become definitive must take place in the day 11-12 embryo. Here we firstly identify the numbers of HSCs in various organs at 11-13 d.p.c. and secondly, using an organ culture approach, we quantitatively assess the potential of the aorta-gonadmesonephros (AGM) region and the yolk sac to produce/expand definitive HSC/RUsduring days 11-12 of embryogenesis. We show that the capacity of the AGM region to generate definitive HSC/RUs is high on 11 d.p.c. but significantly reduced by 12 d.p.c. Conversely, at 12 d.p.c. the YS acquires the capacity to expand and/or generate definitive HSCs/RUs, whereas it is unable to do so on 11 d.p.c. Thus, the final steps in development of definitive HSC/RUs may occur not onlywithin the AGM region, as was previously thought, but also in the yolk sac microenvironment. Our estimates indicate that the cumulative activity of the AGM region and the yolk sac is sufficient to provide the day 12 liver with a large number of definitive HSC/RUs, suggesting that the large pool of definitive HSC/RUs in day 12 foetal liver is formed predominantly by recruiting ‘ready-to-use’ definitive HSC/RUs from extra-hepatic sources. In accordance with this we observe growing numbers of definitive HSC/RUs in the circulation during days 11-13 of gestation, suggesting a route via which these HSCs migrate.
Simulation of Fiber/Matrix Debonding in Unidirectional Composites under Fatigue Loading
Authors: Zabihpoor Mahmood , Adibnazari Saeed
Published: June 2007

The efficiency of fiber/matrix interface bonding in composites has an important influence on their overall performance. This article deals with the simulation of interface imperfection effect as it grows under fatigue loading. The relations have been derived based on the constituents' properties for the primary damage mode in unidirectional composites and boundary conditions defined for elements of the micromechanics model. Conformation of model stiffness predictions with the best described residual stiffness model indicates the way to find the remaining constants in the simulated relation. Finally through this relation, cyclic corrected stress components in constituents could be determined. The results are more realistic than those obtained from a basic bridging model with perfect bonding and yet the method is easier to apply.
Effects of Organoclay Loading and Ethylene Glycol on Mechanical, Morphology and Thermal Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Organoclay Nanocomposites
Authors: Ardhyananta H. , Ismail H. , Takeichi T.
Published: June 2007

Effects of organoclay loading (organophilic modified montmorillonite with octadecylamine) on the processing properties, tensile properties, morphology, thermal stability and water absorption behavior of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/organoclay nanocomposites were studied. Organoclay loading from 2 to 10 phr was used as a filler in this study. The EVA/organoclay nanocomposites were produced using the melt compounding technique in an internal mixer, Haake Rheometer, at 120°C and 50 rpm of rotor speed. Ethylene glycol was used to compatibilize the polymer matrix-filler system. The ethylene glycol loading was maintained at 2 phr for all compounding systems. The results indicate that the processing torque increases gradually from 0 to 10 phr of organoclay loading. The tensile strength increases at 2 phr organoclay loading. Young's modulus increases with increasing organoclay loading which slightly reduces the elongation at break. The 2 phr of organoclay loading also showed better thermal stability and less water absorption. These enhanced properties are due to the homogenous dispersion of individual silicate layers in EVA matrix, which is evidenced from the structure that evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This exfoliation was achieved without the addition of compatibilizer. Interestingly, the presence of ethylene glycol reduces the processing torque, improves the tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability of the EVA/organoclay nanocomposites.
Career Guidance on the Cutting Edge of Competency-Based Assessment
Authors: Gfroerer Mariane
Published: June 2007

This article describes New Hampshire's efforts in developing and implementing a Competency-Based Transcript for secondary education. The Competency-Based Transcript is a method of recording the attainment of skills as well as traditional educational learning represented by grades, test scores, etc. The impact, on students' developing self-esteem, of the opportunity to demonstrate learned skills is discussed. The role of Career Guidance in competency-based teaching, learning, and assessment cannot be underestimated because of the cross-cutting skills that form a foundation for all academic, social, and career learning. Trends in assessment may favour a comprehensive testing model which captures what students know without opportunity to demonstrate what they are able to do with that knowledge, particularly in the higher grades, 9 through 12. Assessment models that use portfolios as "checklists" of skills practiced or attained may also only document opportunities to access knowledge and may not be reliable methods of assessment. New Hampshire's Competency-Based Transcript model and its method of application is described and discussed as an assessment method in which students demonstrate what they are able to do and demonstrations are evaluated against one performance standard, with both internal and external consistency reviews. This is a professional judgement model, which requires training and reform in teaching, learning, and assessment methods. This model aligns with and mutually supports both state curriculum frameworks and state testing.
South Dakota's Model for Career and Life Planning
Authors: Kucker Marsha
Published: June 2007

This article provides information about how a rural state manages its resources to deliver a well-coordinated career and life planning system for students in grades 9—12. It provides information on statewide initiatives and programs, resources, and tools, and gives examples of best practices and model programs. Inherent throughout all initiatives and programs is the concept of integrating academic, vocational technical, and employability competencies so that students achieve both academic and occupational skills. It is a comprehensive effort of students, staff, parents, business/industry, and the community to assist individuals in making career and life planning decisions.
The Effects of a Career Planning Course and a Computer-Assisted Career Guidance Program (SIGI PLUS) on Undecided University Students
Authors: Niles Spencer , Garis Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2007

This study examined the separate and combined effects of a carreer planning course and a computer-assisted career guidance system(SIGH PLUS) on undecided university students. Seventy first and second year university students were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups (career planning course only; career planning course an SIGI PLUS; SIGI PLUS only: wait-listed control group). Pre and posttest measures were administered and an analysis of covariance was conducted to determine differences amoung groups for each measure. Significant overall differences between specific career treatment groups and the control group. Imlications for counselors are discussed.
Contextual Career Education for Urban Youth: A New Look at Experience Based Career Education
Authors: Taymans Juliana , Lewis Kathleen , Ramsay Anita Scovanner
Published: June 2007

This article describes a model career education program for urban youth. The program exemplified promising practices in career education by providing all career education experiences in the context of real life experiences. Work site supervisors' ratings of youths' initiative and responsibility significantly increased over the course of the seven week program.
Combining the Professions of Pharmacy and Law
Authors: Branding Frederick H.
Published: June 2007

A practicing pharmacist and lawyer describes his decision to go to law school after completing pharmacy school and where that career choice has led him. He has been able to utilize his pharmacy education to help put himself through law school, to prosecute and defend cases on behalf of the United States, to assist with international drug control by the United Nations, and to teach food and drug law at a law school. The combination of professions has proven to be exciting, challenging, and rewarding.
Veterinary Pharmacy
Authors: Caprile Kelli A.
Published: June 2007

Veterinary pharmacy is a specialized area of practice within the field of pharmacy as a whole. It is in the veterinary academic setting that pharmacists have established themselves as an integral and important part of the veterinary health care team in that veterinary hospital pharmacists are engaged in many different activities involving drug distribution, clinical services, teaching, and research. The average veterinary hospital pharmacy provides services that are equivalent in quality and quantity to those found in many hospitals for humans. Veterinary hospital pharmacists also play an important role as drug therapy consultants often being called upon to design dosage regimens for various types of patients. In order to be maximally effective in this setting, the veterinary pharmacist must combine knowledge of drug chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology with an understanding of those unique anatomic, metabolic, and behavioral aspects that exist for each species of animal. Veterinary pharmacists are also often involved in clinical research with veterinary hospital clinicians and, less often, in areas of basic research with other faculty members of the veterinary school. Veterinary pharmacy is predicted to continue to grow, expand, and evolve in those areas in which it has already become established, namely, the veterinary schools and their associated teaching hospitals. There is also ample opportunity and need for pharmacists to become involved in other areas, such as the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, veterinary regulatory agencies, and agricultural and livestock production, which affect not only veterinary medicine but also public health as a whole.
Careers for Pharmacists in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Perspective on Medical Affairs
Authors: Korberly Barbara H. , Mann Katherine V. , Denisco Mary Joan C.
Published: June 2007

Pharmaceutical industry represents a potential career path for pharmacists. Industry positions currently available to pharmacists, particularly those for individuals with advanced degrees, are expanding. This article will focus on opportunities for career-oriented pharmacists within a medical department with particular reference to a pharmaceutical company that markets nonprescription drug products. Although the potential responsibilities with this area may vary between companies, this article will focus on the areas of drug information, adverse drug experience reporting, postmarketing surveillance, and medical writing. These topics have been selected because they represent some of the responsibilities of pharmacists within the Medical Affairs Department at McNeil Consumer Products Company, a member of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. In addition to job-related responsibilities, the suitability of a pharmacy education along with potential rewards and frustrations of working within the pharmaceutical industry are also presented.
A Basic Overview of Radiopharmaceuticals and Their Relationship to Nuclear Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Kowalsky Richard J. , Ponto James A.
Published: June 2007

Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive drugs used to diagnose and treat disease with radiation. Following patient administration of a radiopharmaceutical, γ-camera images are made of its localization and distribution within specific organs. The images obtained provide information that the nuclear medicine physician can use to make a diagnosis. Dynamic imaging studies provide functional information through measurement of the rates of accumulation and removal of the radiopharmaceutical by the organ. Static images provide morphologic information regarding organ size, shape, and position, the presence of space-occupying lesions, and relative function. In general, nuclear medicine studies can be used to determine whether a disease is present, to evaluate the progress of disease following drug therapy, and to evaluate drug-induced toxicity. Additionally, radiopharmaceuticals can be used to arrest certain types of illness through the localized in vivo destruction of diseased tissue with radiation. Nuclear pharmacists prepare radiopharmaceuticals, perform quality control tests to assure their identity, quantity, and purity before patient administration, and provide professional advice on the safe and efficacious use of these agents.
Contrast Agents for Ultrasonic Diagnosis: A New Arena for Pharmacy
Authors: Gobuty Allan H.
Published: June 2007

The use of contrast agents for ultrasonic diagnosis has been an elusive goal since the first experimental report of the successful use of gas bubbles in echocardiology in 1968. Included here is background information about the place of ultrasound in medical diagnosis, physical principles of ultrasound contrast, and examples of substances that have been used in an effort to achieve this goal. Reflection of ultrasound waves occurs to some extent in all tissues. Production of usefut reflected pulses most often results when structures with different acoustic impedances are separated by a discrete interface. One way in which contrast agents can facilitate production of such an interface is when they are taken up in higher concentrations in one tissue or organ than in an adjacent one. The principal acoustic parameters of tissue which may be influenced by the introduction of contrast agents are backscatter, attenuation, and speed of sound. The most important effect of contrast agents in imaging at present is the enhancement of backscatter. While there has been some progress in the use of these substances, their further development will depend upon successfully recruiting those who possess training in allied disciplines, such as pharmacy, toxicology, ultrasound physics and experimental techniques.
Pharmacy Considerations Related to Radiolabeled Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Hinkle George H. , Beightol Robert W. , Gregorio Ned , Lefevre Steven R.
Published: June 2007

Current modalities used for the detection and treatment of cancer suffer from the lack of specificity for tumor cells. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies have been, and continue to be, actively investigated for use in this regard. Various radionuclides, cell cultures, and radiolabeling processes have been examined, aimed at producing a product with sufficient immunoreactivity to enhance the use of these agents in various radioimmunodetection, radioimmunotherapy and radioimmunoguided surgery capacities. Antibody production, radiolabeling and radionuclide selection criteria, and quality assessment techniques for radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies are reviewed.