bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review Article : Genetics of Neurofibromatosis 1 and the NF1 Gene
Authors: Viskochil David
Published: March 2008

Neurofibromatosis 1 serves as a paradigm for understanding the principles of human genetics. The concepts of gene mutation, penetrance of the condition, variable clinical expressivity, mosaicism, age-dependent expression of clinical manifestations, and pleiotropy are evident in this autosomal dominant condition. The lack of genotype-phenotype correlation, except the whole-gene deletion phenotype, leads to speculation on modifiers of the haploinsufficient state of the NF1 gene product neurofibromin. The variant form of neurofibromatosis, neurofibromatosis Noonan's syndrome, suggests potential interaction of independent biochemical pathways. Identification of the NF1 gene led to the discovery of its role in ras signal transduction. Neurofibromin is a negative regulator of intracellular ras signaling. This observation now provides the framework for the development of rational medical therapies. In addition, knowledge of the molecular basis of the variable expression of clinical manifestations could provide better anticipatory guidance and more effective management of the medical complications that are associated with this condition. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:562-570).
Review Article : Neurofibromin in the Brain
Authors: Gutmann David H.
Published: March 2008

Neurofibromatosis 1 is one of the most common autosomal dominant disorders affecting the nervous system. Individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 present with abnormalities of both astrocytes and neurons that result from reduced or absent expression of the NF1 gene product neurofibromin. Impaired neurofibromin function in these nervous system cells contributes to the development of astrocytomas, learning disabilities, and radiographic abnormalities of the brain. With the identification of NF1 , significant advances have begun to unlock some of the mysteries that surround the molecular pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis 1-associated brain abnormalities. With continued advances in our basic understanding of NF1 function, future targeted therapies for neurofibromatosis 1-associated central nervous system abnormalities can be developed. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:592-601).
Review Article : Neurofibromatosis 1: Clinical Review and Exceptions to the Rules
Authors: Young Helen , Hyman Shelley , North Kathryn
Published: March 2008

Neurofibromatosis 1 is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder with myriad clinical manifestations. Between 1991 and 1998, 495 adults and children were diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 1 at a specialized neurogenetics clinic in Sydney, Australia. This review establishes the prevalence of the clinical manifestations of neurofibromatosis 1 in these patients and provides guidelines for assessment and management. In addition, we review in detail patients who had unusual presentations and who represent important "exceptions to the rules" of clinical practice. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:613-621).
Review ArticLe : Therapy for Plexiform Neurofibromas in Children With Neurofibromatosis 1: An Overview
Authors: Packer Roger J. , Rosser Tena
Published: March 2008

Plexiform neurofibromas are one of the most common and disabling features of neurofibromatosis 1. Treatment options for patients with plexiform neurofibromas have been limited, with surgery being the primary option for patients with progressive lesions causing significant morbidity. Trials have evaluated other treatment approaches, including the use of antihistamines, maturation agents, and antiangiogenic agents. The design of such trials and entry criteria have been quite variable, and results have been difficult to interpret. As more is understood concerning the molecular genetic underpinnings of plexiform neurofibromas, new avenues of treatment are being explored. Evaluation of clinical trials is challenging because of the unpredictable nature of plexiform neurofibromas and difficulties in measuring objective responses. The use of innovative neuroimaging techniques and other outcome measures may greatly improve the design of trials and evaluation of potential effective agents. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:638-641).
Review Article : Determination of End Points for Treatment of Neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Korf Bruce R.
Published: March 2008

Neurofibromatosis 1 is a progressive disorder that affects multiple systems of the body. Management is currently focused on anticipatory guidance, genetic counseling, and symptomatic treatment of specific lesions, usually through surgery. Insights into pathogenesis of the disorder are beginning to suggest possible mechanisms of treatment, and clinical trials have begun for some types of lesions. The unpredictable natural history and variable phenotype present challenges for clinical trials in neurofibromatosis 1, which will need to be addressed to develop a system for reliable testing of potential therapies. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:642-645).
Prospective Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Authors: Burd Larry , Kerbeshian Jacob , Westerland Alyssia , Labine Janelle , Barth Amy , Klug Marilyn G. , Wagner Kay
Published: March 2008

We conducted a 12-year prospective study of children with pervasive developmental disorders from North Dakota. In a prospective longitudinal follow-up study, of 59 patients, we found 52 patients with pervasive developmental disorders (88%). Ten (17%) declined to participate. We collected data on 42 (71%) of the original cohort. Of the 42 subjects, 1 died (1.7%). The other 41 were followed up for 492 person-years. Severity scores for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III-Revised (DSM-III-R) declined 20% and for DSM-IV 23%. Global Assessment of Functioning improved 19%, and the average number of comorbidities decreased 45%. Thirty-seven percent of patients improved in all four measures, whereas only 5% improved in only one measure. Pervasive developmental disorders are developmental disorders with a long-term course of limited improvement for most patients. Male subjects demonstrated substantially more variability in improvement but, overall, demonstrated more improvement than female subjects. (J Child Neurol 2002; 17:681-688).
Epilepsy Surgery in Tuberous Sclerosis: Multistage Procedures With Bilateral or Multilobar Foci
Authors: Romanelli Pantaleo , Najjar Souhel , Weiner Howard L. , Devinsky Orrin
Published: March 2008

Refractory seizures are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis and can contribute to developmental delay and behavioral problems. Surgical intervention can reduce the seizure burden in selected patients with tuberous sclerosis and refractory epilepsy, thereby improving cognitive function, behavior, and quality of life. However, the risks of surgery are usually considered unacceptable when the epileptogenic focus lies over dominant hemisphere eloquent cortex or is multilobar. Multistage invasive monitoring can provide detailed data regarding the location and number of ictal foci and functional extraoperative mapping can precisely delineate the boundaries of eloquent areas of the brain. If independent ictal onsets are demonstrated, a staged surgical approach can allow a more aggressive yet safe procedure in selected patients. A combination of staged resection and multiple subpial transections may provide an opportunity to treat epileptogenic foci located over eloquent cortex. Bilateral staged resections can be used when independent bihemispheric foci are present in patients with tuberous sclerosis. This article presents two cases, one of which (case 2) was previously reported, on successful multistage surgical treatment of epileptogenic foci located over an eloquent cortex or in both hemispheres in children with tuberous sclerosis. This case is represented since there is additional follow-up available and the prior report was to a neurosurgical audience. This multistage approach permitted resection of epileptogenic foci that would traditionally have been considered inoperable. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:689-692).
Expression of Adhesion and Extracellular Matrix Molecules in the Developing Human Brain
Authors: Anlar Banu , Atilla Pergin , Çakar A. Nur , Kose M. Faruk , Beksaç M. Sinan , Dagdeviren Atilla , Akçören Zuhal
Published: March 2008

Cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix molecules have important roles in cell migration and connection. Their developmental expression has not been fully described in humans. In this report, these molecules were examined by immunohistochemistry in frontal tissue samples from 14- to 28-week-old fetuses aborted for obstetric reasons (n = 20) and four fetuses with nervous system abnormalities. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), tenascin, and laminin were expressed after 17 weeks. Neural cell adhesion molecule was observed in the neuropil, whereas tenascin and laminin also had cellular and vascular expression. Thrombospondin and fibronectin, apparent after 14 weeks, showed a redistribution from periventricular to outer cortical layers after midgestation. N-cadherin and integrin were observed in mid- and late gestation. Maternal or environmental conditions seemed to influence the pattern of expression. Fetuses with nervous system abnormalities had altered expression of several molecules. The descriptive data obtained in this study might constitute a basis for further studies investigating the role of these molecules in developmental abnormalities of the brain. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:707-713).
Association Between Factor V Leiden Mutation and the Hemiconvulsion, Hemiplegia, and Epilepsy Syndrome: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Scantlebury Morris H. , David Michèle , Carmant Lionel
Published: March 2008

The factor V Leiden mutation is the most common hereditary cause of venous thrombosis in our population. In the pediatric population, it has been associated with cerebrovascular thrombosis, cerebral palsy, and prosencephaly in neonates. We present two children with hemiconvulsion, hemiplegia, and epilepsy syndrome in whom the cause is likely attributable to the factor V Leiden mutation. We suggest that patients presenting with hemiconvulsion, hemiplegia, and epilepsy syndrome should be routinely investigated for factor V Leiden, and, if positive, careful consideration should be given to therapeutic and prophylactic anticoagulation as this may improve long-term outcome. (J Child Neurol 2002;17:713-717).
Unique Clinical Phenomenology Can Help Distinguish Primary From Secondary Generalized Seizures in Children
Authors: Kirton Adam , Darwish Husam , Wirrell Elaine
Published: March 2008

The physical manifestations a seizure produces provide critical information. It is assumed that all generalized convulsions are ostensibly the same, regardless of whether they are primary or secondary generalized seizures. We undertook a pilot study to determine if the clinical phenomenology of secondary generalized seizures in children with epilepsy is different from classic descriptions of generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. A data capture sheet was created and applied to the video-electroencephalographic (EEG) records of 64 secondary generalized seizures from 13 children with intractable and/or refractory epilepsy. Many features of secondary generalized seizures were different from traditional descriptions of generalized convulsions. In 100% of cases, the mouth either remained open or repeatedly opened and closed rather than slamming shut. In 77% of cases, a variety of late motor activities were seen to occur after the seizure activity had ceased and the EEG record was quiet. The clinical features of a generalized convulsion in a child, especially mouth opening and late motor events, can be useful in establishing the origin as either focal or primary generalized. (J Child Neurol 2004;19:265-270).
Cognitive Screening for Young Children: Development and Diversity in Learning Contexts
Authors: Bornholt Laurel J. , Spencer Fiona H. , Fisher Ian H. , Ouvrier Robert A.
Published: March 2008

SYSTEMS is a screening tool of general cognitive functioning for school-aged children that entails cognitive manipulation and information skills. Our aim was to extend the test for 4- and 5-year-old children at preschool to estimate theoretical starting points in typical cognitive profiles, which are critical in the early years. Participants (N = 1164, girls/boys, 50%) were 4 to 11 years old (mean 7.9, SD 2.2) at preschools and schools in diverse socioeconomic areas of Sydney, Australia. Children's responses created the normative database, and the parameters were derived from curve estimation and regression procedures. The results suggest that cognitive screening is reliable and valid for younger and older children and show a nonlinear relation of children's test scores with age, which is characteristic of rapid change for younger children. The characteristic curve with the best fit to the data had a theoretical starting point before school age, at around 3 years of age. The findings are discussed in light of alternative models and the clinical and educational applications. (J Child Neurol 2004; 19:313-317).
Malpractice in the Emergency Room: A Critical Review of Undiagnosed Appendicitis Cases and Legal Actions
Authors: Trautlein Joseph J. , Lambert Robert , Miller J.
Published: March 2008

A review of 1,400 potentially compensable events on file at a major insurer of hospitals in Pennsylvania demonstrated 22 cases of missed appendicitis. Each case was reviewed by three health care professionals, using standard criteria for physical examination of the abdomen as published in generally accepted text books. These cases were gleaned from a population of over 27,000,000 emergency room visits. The typical patient presented less than 24 hours after onset of symptoms. All had major elements of the history or physical examination that strongly suggested the pos sible diagnosis of appendicitis. Common elements that led to the failure to diagnose were cursoriness of examination as evidenced by documentation of the physical examination and inadequacy of follow-up and misinterpretation of existing signs and symp toms. Remedial actions are suggested.
Combined Plan to Reduce Readmissions
Authors: Huge Donald S.
Published: March 2008

The implementation of Medicare's prospective pay ment system has precipitated the question of whether incentives to reduce inpatient admissions and lengths of inpatient stays have an adverse effect upon quality. A primary focus on quality under prospective pay ment is premature discharge and subsequent read mission. This problem suggests a new "breed" of pa tients who require alternative levels of care. The combination of the geriatric team approach with that of alternate levels of care seeks to decrease the inci dence of readmission resulting from inadequate edu cation and preparation for discharge.
Cost Containment, Data Collection, and "Buying Right"
Authors: Tyson R. Robert
Published: March 2008

Editor's Note: In 1986, Pennsylvania passed a Health Care Cost Containment Act mandating the collection and public dissemination by a Cost Containment Council of data on health care services. The statute is the first in the nation to require that data be collected on the quality as well as the cost of health care.

To help implement the law, the Center for Policy Studies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, developed a strategy known as Buy Right to educate health care purchasers in the informed use of the data. The 3-year educational and demonstrational Buy Right project is now underway in Pennsylvania.

R. Robert Tyson, M.D., President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, participated in the study and the negotiations that resulted in the law. Since its passage, he has spoken on the need to balance cost and quality considerations. The following is adapted from a talk he delivered to the Pennsylvania Chapter, American College of Utilization Review Physicians on April 25, 1987. While it refers to programs specific to Pennsylvania, Dr. Tyson's call for strong physician leadership is relevant to us all.
Medical Care Value Purchasing: Medicolegal Promises, Pitfalls, and Progress
Authors: Couch James B.
Published: March 2008

Medical care value purchasing is the latest effort to promote cost containment while maintaining or enhancing the quality of medical care. The fuel driv ing this process is mandated health care cost and quality data disclosure to stimulate competition in oversupplied markets so that the highest quality and lowest cost providers achieve the greatest market share gains. States such as Pennsylvania, pursuant to Act 89, are in the vanguard of this national move ment, sometimes referred to as the "Buy Right Strat egy for Health Care Purchasing."

The measurement of provider quality and cost-ef fectiveness will become a "growth industry" in the 1990s. Medical paternalism will give way to con sumer activism in health care decision making. How ever, there are certain medicolegal pitfalls arising from the promises associated with mandated data disclosure concerning provider cost and quality effec tiveness.

One pitfall is that the unmeasurable quality attri butes (such as compassion and empathy) will fall into even greater disuse. Another pitfall may concern the further inflation of expectations of certain health care outcomes among consumers attending providers with the highest cost/quality ratings. Also, those pro viders losing patients will lose practical skills and any restraint they might have had from overutiliza tion on those few remaining fee-for-service patients left to them. All of these scenarios could result in increased litigation.

Despite these potential pitfalls, medical care value purchasing represents a real advance in promoting quality and cost-effectiveness. Regardless of the un derlying motivation, these two worthy goals should be sought with increasing vigor in the days ahead. The ultimate benefit may well be the rising to prom inence of the "laser-beam" (as opposed to the "shot gun") approach to clinical diagnosis in our academic medical centers and other health care institutions nationwide.
Risk Management, Quality Assurance, and Health Care Policy Dilemmas
Authors: Mason Beverly C. , Wells Reginald F.
Published: March 2008

Editor's Note: The following article, coauthored by the QAUR Case Study Editor, and Reginald F. Wells, Ph.D. (2.) is presented to demonstrate the utility of risk management when, as a component of a comprehensive QA initiative, it is applied to critical policy dilemmas facing health care providers today. The practical application of RM in formulating an AIDS policy for a public MRDD service agency is outlined as a strategic example-the "case study" if you will. Paper was presented by the authors at the 112th Annual Meeting of the AAMR, Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington, D. C.
Quality Assurance's Role in Reducing Liability Costs
Authors: Russell Robert L. , Armstrong Joyce E.
Published: March 2008

This article provides information on containing liability protection costs. The authors, experienced corporate and institutional liability protection specialists who provide risk management services to the medical and business community, describe the causes of the high cost of liability insurance and cost-saving alternatives to traditional insurance. Quality assur- ance's role in working with risk management to prevent losses and reduce costs in a self-insured program is covered. Insurance costs rise and fall in inevitable cycles, but the medical community can protect itself from these cycles. Quality assurance and risk management can work together to reduce costs and prevent losses. The principal conclusion is that through policies, procedures, and information exchange, quality assurance can expand its risk management role to help maintain high quality health care and financial stability. Within a self-insured liability program, direct savings to the institution will result.
Reducing Hospital Use and Expenditures through Utilization Review
Authors: Wickizer Thomas M. , Feldstein Paul J. , Wheeler John R. C. , McDonald Margaret C.
Published: March 2008

Utilization review (UR) has become a prominent approach to cost containment now used by almost 65% of private group insurance plans. Although insurers have increasingly relied on UR to contain health care costs, until recently little was known about the effects of this cost containment approach. This article re views some of the key findings of a UR evaluation, based on analysis of claims data on 223 insured groups for the years 1984 through 1986. The evalu ation found that UR reduced admissions by 12%, in- patient expenditures by 8%, and total expenditures by 6%. It was estimated that UR generated net sav ings of $115 per employee per year. Groups adopting UR with high baseline rates of hospital use had larger expenditure reductions and greater net savings. It appears that UR can play an important role in private cost containment and help improve medical care re source consumption.
Toward a National Strategic Plan for Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Education
Authors: Roberts Nigel , Ziegenfuss James T. , Trautlein Joseph
Published: March 2008

This article discusses the need for a national plan for quality assurance and utilization review (QA/UR) education. Six points are addressed: the rationale for planning; the developments in quality assurance urg ing plan creation; external pressures on the QA field; internal interests in educational program develop ment ; a beginning vision of an educational future; and strategies for realizing the future. Additional planning and policy tasks are defined.
Assessing Quality of Ambulatory Care A Comparative Analysis in Rural versus Tertiary General Medical Clinics
Authors: Williamson John W. , Fehlauer C. Steven , Gaiennie Joanne , Smith Charles B.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this study is to report the results and feasibility of a "multi-methods" assessment of ambulatory health care in both rural and tertiary care settings. Our method used an expert panel's assess ment of patient health and satisfaction outcomes (measured by follow-up telephone interviews) and care processes (measured by chart review) for assess ing complete episodes of care. Subjects consisted of a matched cohort of ambulatory adult patients from the above two settings. We identified and analyzed spe cific clinical errors to confirm the expert panel's judg ment of inadequacy. Results indicate that in both settings unacceptable health outcomes were found, at least partially explained by serious care deficiencies for 1 out of 2 to 3 patients seen. The problems, which involved mostly laboratory and pharmaceutic man agement, are probably preventable using newer edu cation and computer technologies. Our method, though dependent on adequate medical records, proved feasible in both the rural and tertiary ambu latory care settings studied.
Utilization Review
Authors: Rosenstein Alan H.
Published: March 2008

In an effort to reduce their health care burden, health care payors have turned to utilization controls and restructured health care payment systems to con trol health care costs. While health care payors are interested in economic restraints, health care pro viders are being placed at increasing levels of finan cial risk, and they struggle to maintain high quality services. Quality of care must remain our number one priority, but it is essential to achieve this goal in a cost-efficient manner. Cost-efficiencies are gained through the development of a comprehensive physi cian education program that encourages information exchange, physician input, and the implementation of positive alternatives that lead to efficiencies in re source management.
Identifying Physicians and Patterns Generating Unnecessary In-Hospital Days
Authors: Baigelman Walter
Published: March 2008

A focused, concurrent utilization review effort identified the existence of a large number of unnec essary hospital days remaining even after a highly successful utilization review effort. Within a group of physicians identified as having the highest acuteness adjusted average lengths of stay, 38.3% of their pa tient's hospital days were unnecessary, with 83% of those days being within physician control. Observa tion, diagnostic undertakings or therapeutic efforts that were unnecessary or appropriate for the out patient setting represented 81.3% of the unnecessary days. A future utilization study will compare the practice patterns among physicians in the same de partment in order to define future goals and develop necessary corrective actions that will be acceptable to the medical staff.
A Review of the Literature on Quality Assurance Programs Reported Outcomes and Intervention Types
Authors: Hendryx Michael S.
Published: March 2008

A current emphasis within quality assurance (QA) is on the measurement of outcome. While QA pro grams have been quick to praise the benefits of out comes, it has not been clear to what extent outcome assessments have been incorporated into their activi ties and published papers. An analysis of QA reports published in 1987-1990 indicates that QA papers still commonly do not report quantitative immediate or long-term outcomes. Other features of published QA studies, including the types of interventions used to improve care, are also described. The lack of outcome information will continue to pose obstacles to evalu ating the effects of various types of interventions on improving the quality of patient care.
Solitary Blood Cultures as a Quality Assurance Indicator
Authors: Schifman Ron B. , Strand Calvin L. , Braun Egon , Louis-Charles Anthony , Spark Ronald P. , Fried Mary L.
Published: March 2008

For patients with suspected bacteremia, at least two separate blood cultures are recommended to achieve maximum sensitivity and to properly interpret re sults. Since a single blood collection may signify an improper procedure with serious consequences if the diagnosis of blood stream infection is missed, we in vestigated this problem with studies at three teaching hospitals (A, B, and C) and by a survey of 38 other hospitals. The incidence of solitary blood cultures ranged from 1 to 99% (median 26%) at the surveyed institutions. Among the cases investigated at hospitals B and C, between 10 and 30% of solitary blood cul tures were not clinically indicated, while most of the others were caused by the physician not knowing that one culture was insufficient or by failure to complete the diagnostic plan. Focused concurrent intervention at hospital B was associated with reductions in soli tary blood cultures from 40.0 to 24.6% (p = 0.045) and a decline in those not indicated from 38.1 to 12.5% (p = 0.192). Global educational efforts at hos pital A were associated with a decrease in solitary blood culture rates from 52 to 37% (p = 0.016). These results show that blood culture practice varies widely among institutions in spite of consensus recommen dations for proper specimen collections. We estimate that, nationwide, up to 18,000 etiologic diagnoses of bacteremia are missed annually because of this prob lem. Monitoring institutional solitary blood cultures is recommended as a test utilization indicator and as the basis for improving blood culture practice.
Improving Access to Health Care through Total Quality Management
Authors: Miller Jack B. , Milakovich Michael E.
Published: March 2008

Editor's Note: The intense interest in adapting principles of industrial quality control to health care is frequently identified in terms of total quality man agement (TQM). Introduction and implementation of these programs hospital-wide is a characteristic focus of that interest. This commentary by Drs. Miller and Milakovich discusses an even broader implication for these TQM approaches. They suggest their applica tion to health care systems, not only to enhance qual ity, but to improve access as well, through the reve nues generated by increased efficiency.
The Risk of Transfusion-associated AIDS: Offering Patients an Active Role in Their Care
Authors: Shepherd Lois L.
Published: March 2008

This article explores the duty of health care pro viders to inform patients of the risk of contracting AIDS through blood transfusions that may be neces sitated by surgery or other forms of medical treat ment. Although the quantitative risk of receiving HIV-contaminated blood in a transfusion is small, the qualitative risk is of a magnitude requiring complete disclosure if a patient's consent to treatment is to be considered adequately informed. Recent litigation confirms the importance of providing patients with the information needed to adequately assess the risks and benefits of proposed treatments that might in volve a transfusion and reveals the need to offer the opportunity, where permissible, for autologous and directed donations. A comprehensive program em bodying these concerns improves the quality of pa tient care and reduces exposure to liability for trans fusions with contaminated blood.
Perceptions of Branded Clothing by Male Consumers
Authors: Behling Dorothy U. , Witch Jennette
Published: March 2008

This paper describes a study on the effect of brand names on men's perception of quality and price of slacks according to age, income, and socioeconomic class. Results of the study indicate a significant difference in attribution ofqualityfor those subjectsfamiliar with all labels used in the study. Subjects not familiar with labels judged the quality to be the same.
Most Cited Authors in Textiles and Apparel-Related Articles Published in the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal and the Home Economics Research Journal
Authors: Lakner Hilda Buckley , Paff Jennifer L. , Hamidah Md Din
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this research was to identify scholars in textiles and apparel whose work has been significant in the advancement of the field. A citation analysis was conducted of authors cited in articles appearing in the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal and textiles and apparel-related articles appearing in the Home Economics Research Journal from the first issue of each journal through the December 1993 issues. Of the 456 total qualifying articles in the two journals, 16,104 citations were entered into the database. The 52 authors cited at least 25 times in the articles were rank ordered. Descriptive analyses regarding the most cited authors yielded the following findings: (a) Textiles and apparel scholars cited the top ranked most cited authors more than did scholars in related disciplines; (b) 67 percent of the most cited authors were textiles and apparel scholars; (c) the most common subject matter interest areas of the most cited authors were social psychology/culture and merchandising; and (d) 88 percent of the most cited authors were affiliated with land grant universities. These results contribute to the assessment of the quality of the work of individual scholars within textiles and apparel and to an understanding of the nature of the field.
Career Preference for Retail Formats Among College Students: A Socialization Perspective
Authors: Goldsberry Ellen , Gehrt Kenneth C. , Sun Haipeng , Shim Soyeon
Published: March 2008

College students majoring in retailing, fashion/merchandising or clothing/textiles/design (N = 387) from 12 land-grant universities were surveyed to identify their career preferences for five retail formats. An expectancy theory was adopted in assessing students' career preferences, and a socialization theory was adopted in identifying factors that influence the career socialization processes. Overall, students expressed a clear pattern of preference for upscale department stores, whereas discount stores were the least preferred venue. Socialization conditioned by shopping at various types of retailers had the most significant impact on student preferences for the retail formats. Other socialization factors (i. e., working at a specific retail store format and general socialization agents) as well as social structural variables had limited impact on the career socialization process. Implications for college educators, career counselors, retail recruiters, and students are discussed.
The Leadership Role of Today's Middle Manager
Authors: Klagge Jay
Published: March 2008

In a previous article this author identified a leadership role for top management. In this article he sets his sights on identifying the unique leadership role of today's middle manager. This author links the role of middle management with that of today's organizational leaders in response to the simultaneous calls for unity and diversity.

Is there a legitimate need for middle managers in today's flattened organizations? What role might be left for the middle manager in light of trends toward team-based operations? Can middle managers supplement the work of teams? How can middle management complement the role of organizational leaders? How should middle managers respond to today's simultaneous calls for unity and diversity?

After briefly reviewing the role of organizational leaders in response to simultaneous calls for unity and diversity, the author explores the leadership role of middle management today. In preparation for identifying the tasks of the middle manager in today's organizational environment, he covers some of the costs associated with the loss of middle managers. The author concludes that middle managers in today's flattened and team-based organization bring leadership as: integrators creating organizational unity; facilitators releasing human diversity into group processes; and implementers of necessary supporting systems for recognizing and rewarding actions that foster unity and unlock diversity.
An Affair of the Heart: Emotional Intelligence and Transformational Leadership
Authors: Megerian Lara E. , Sosik John J.
Published: March 2008

The importance of emotional engagement in motivation of followers by transformational/charismatic leaders has often been emphasized by leadership scholars. Despite such consideration, little has been espoused regarding the theoretical mechanisms by which emotions and leadership behaviors are related. By presenting a theoretical bridge between the concept of emotional intelligence (Goleman, 1995) and Bass and Avolio's (1994) components of transformational leadership (i.e., idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration), this paper provides a focus on such theoretical issues with the hope of stimulating more systematic research efforts. Implications for future research and organizational management are also discussed.
The Making of Leaders: A Review of the Research in Leadership Development and Education
Authors: Brungardt Curt
Published: March 2008

Are leaders born or made? If the answer is made, then can leadership be taught and learned? These and other similar questions are the focus of this article which reviews the research in both leadership development and education. In addition to the literature review, a clear distinction is drawn between leadership development and education; current theory-building efforts are illustrated; and the paper concludes by proposing future directions in leadership development and education research.
Community Visioning and Leadership
Authors: Bargen Don
Published: March 2008

"Community" is a powerful force. And healthy communities can be created. The most important factor in building and strengthening healthy communities is "community visioning." Community visioning is the process of effectively stating what we, as a community, really want to be. The sign of a strengthened community is that its citizens have made choices as to what they realistically want to be.

This paper identifies the process of building healthy, strong communities. The process is developed with the premise that communities are unique, and that applying the visioning process presents profound challenges.

Identifed in the visioning process are: six major forces driving the visioning process; steps in creating a community-shared vision; achieving the shared vision; and living the shared vision.
Capturing Employees' Hearts and Minds: [How leaders in large companies can create the energy and focus that is common in entrepreneurial environments]
Authors: Dunn Maggie W.
Published: March 2008

What can leaders in large companies do to create the passion for the work that is common in entrepreneurial environments? What organizational conditions are necessary for employees to think and act like owners of the business? The energy and focus that often exist in small, entrepreneurial environments can be elusive to large employers. There are many theories and recommended "fixes" for large employers. This paper provides an overview of the various perspectives and concludes with recommendations for large employers who recognize the bottom line impact of capturing employee's hearts and minds.
The Challenge of Leadership in High Performance Work Organizations
Authors: Kirkman Bradley L. , Lowe Kevin B. , Yaung Dianne P.
Published: March 2008

The purpose of this paper is to integrate the diverse literatures on High Performance Work Organizations (HIPO) Varied definitions of the HIPO are presented, common components across the definitions are identified, and then each component is examined in more detail. A model integrating the components is presented and separate sets of leadership challenges for middle and senior managers are inferred from the model.
Educating Leaders: From the Abstract and Rational to the Concrete and Personal
Authors: Steiner Carol J. , Gaskin Paul
Published: March 2008

How can business educators nurture in their students the qualities of transformational leadership: charisma, inspirational leadership, intellectual stimulation and individualised consideration of employees? This philosophical paper suggests such idealistic outcomes cannot be achieved without a shift away from abstract rationalism and towards concrete, personal engagement with the world and its people. It arrives at this suggestion by synthesising Kuhnian and Heideggerian philosophy with learning styles and personality research and with the characteristics of rationalist and post-rationalist business paradigms.
Does Downsizing Result in Sustained Improvements?
Authors: Rayburn L. Gayle , Rayburn J. Michael
Published: March 2008

Downsizing in itself will not necessarily produce efficiency, improve business processes, or automatically lead to increased customer satisfaction. The result is demoralization of the work force, loss of skilled and experienced workers, disruption of production schedules, and a increased probability of unionization or strikes. Rather than resort to massive layoffs when profits fall, more organizations should first identify the factors causing problems.
Diversity Leadership: A Mandate for the 21st Century Workforce
Authors: Hopkins Willie E. , Hopkins Shirley A.
Published: March 2008

This article contends that if U.S. corporations are to remain competitive as they enter the 21st century, their managers must stop trying to manage members of a workforce that is becoming increasingly more diverse and begin leading them. We offer evidence that this admonition amounts to a mandate for corporations to begin developing diversity leaders. In addition to providing a definition of what a diversity leader is, we describe nine characteristics that diversity leaders must possess to successfully lead a diverse workforce. The importance of these characteristics is supported by examples from a variety of large, well-known corporations. Finally, we offer recommendations that will be useful to those managers with aspirations of becoming effective diversity leaders.
Learning Laboratories for Renewed Community Leadership: Rationale, Programs, and Challenges
Authors: Rossing Boyd E.
Published: March 2008

In the first issue of this journal in 1993 Joseph Rost declared that leadership development programs offered in the past require new concepts of leadership and new educational methods to develop leaders and collaborators for the 21 st century. This article presents: 1) a rationale for collaborative, shared leadership that fosters community renewal 2) an introduction to situated and action-leaming concepts to guide leadership develop program design 3) an analysis of three leadership development programs that sought to build renewed community or organizational leadership and 4) a discussion of implications for future leadership education.
Propiedades tecnológicas y regulación de los edulcorantes de alta intensidad en la Unión Europea Technological properties and regulatory status of high intensity sweeteners in the European Union
Authors: Montijano H. , Tomás-Barberán F.A. , Borrego F.
Published: March 2008

The European regulation of sweeteners has recently been changed with the publication and implementation by Member States of Directive 94/35/EC, which authorizes the use of six bulk sweeteners and six intense sweeteners for the formulation of reduced energy and/or non-sugar-added foods. An update of the technological properties of the high intensity sweeteners presently authorized in the EU is presented. We also report on the use of sweetener combinations as a means to optimize the sensory properties of the finished product and reduce sweetening costs.
Inactivación de formas esporuladas de Bacillus subtilis mediante campos eléctricos pulsantes de alta intensidad en combinacion con otras tecnicas de conservacion de alimentos/Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis spores using high intensity pulsed electric fields in combination with other food conservation technologies
Authors: Pagán R. , Esplugas S. , Góngora-Nieto M.M. , Barbosa-Cánovas G.V. , Swanson B.G.
Published: March 2008

The inactivation of Bacillus subtilis spores using high intensity pulsed electric fields (HIPEF) was investigated. Spores were not inactivated when HIPEF treatment (60 kV/cm, 75 pulses) was used alone. The combination of-HIPEF and moderate temperatures around 60°C, and/or the activation of spore suspension prior to HIPEF treatment, and/or the use of up to 5000 IU/ml lysozyme, did not inactivate spores. High hydrostatic pressure (1500 atm, 30 min, 40°C) resulted in the initiation of germination of more than five log cycles in the number of spores, making them sensitive to subsequent pasteurization heat treatment, whereas they were not sensitive to subsequent HIPEF treatment at temperatures less than 40 °C. An intermediate step is needed which allows the outgrowth of spores to vegetative cells. Thus, the combination of high hydrostatic pressure and HIPEF treatment offers an attractive alternative to the stabilization of food products by heat to inactivate spores.
Solid/liquid extraction of caffeine from guaraná with methylene chloride/Extracción solido-liquido de cafeina de guarana con cloruro de metileno
Authors: Hulbert G.J. , Biswal R.N. , Mehr C.B. , Walker T.H. , Collins J.L.
Published: March 2008

Methylene chloride decaffeination processes for ground and whole guaraná seed cores were evaluated. Ground seeds were contacted with solvent in shaking flasks in a controlled temperature water bath. The experimental design included three solid/liquid ratios [1:4, 1:6, 1:8 (w/w)] and two temperatures (25 and 30°C). Caffeine was also extracted from 100 g batches of whole seed cores in a solid/liquid packed bed extractor with a solid/liquid ratio of 1:50 (w/w); this was used with three solvent flow rates (436, 522, and 667 ml/min) at two temperatures (21 and 30°C). For optimal extraction of caffeine from the ground seeds a solid/liquid ratio of 1:6 was adequate at 30°C (- 90% extraction after 23 h) but not at 25°C. However, with a solid/liquid ratio of 1:8 the temperature effect was not significant ( p < 0.05), both temperatures yielded a 93% extraction after 23 h. Caffeine was extracted from unground seed cores at a lower rate because of decreased contact surface area and a greater radial mass transfer distance. At 21°C, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between extraction rates with solvent flows of 522 and 667 ml/min. This indicated that caffeine diffusivity was limiting mass transfer and boundary layer effects had become negligible. Caffeine extraction at 30°C continued to increase with solvent flow because of a higher diffusivity. Diffusivity values calculated from the mass transfer model were 0.29 x 10-6 cm2/s at 21°C and 0.95 x 10-6 cm2/s at 30°C. For industrial applications, design of a solid/liquid packed bed extractor with high solvent flow and temperature capability would probably be economically justified.
Influence of roasting temperature on physicochemical properties of different coffees
Authors: Ortolá M.D. , Londoño L. , Gutiérrez C.L. , Chiralt A.
Published: March 2008

Arabica and robusta coffees from different origins were characterized before and after roasting at different temperatures (between 220 and 295°C). Samples were roasted (dark roast) until they attained the same colour. Colour development of the ground samples was measured throughout using CIE L*a*b* co-ordinates. The roasting temperature did not affect final weight loss and moisture content of the different coffees significantly, but slight differences were detected in the mean weight losses for the different coffees. Roasting temperature affected bulk and bean densities, grain volume increase, and soluble solids and acidity of coffee extracts. Robusta coffees were less sensitive to the bean volume increase, but showed a stronger temperature effect on the content of soluble solids and in the acidity of the aqueous extract, which can benefit its quality parameters.
Kinetic study of lipid oxidation in roasted coffee
Authors: Ortolá M.D. , Gutiérrez C.L. , Chiralt A. , Fito P.
Published: March 2008

The kinetics of lipid oxidation in ground roast Arabica coffee from Colombia stored under different conditions were studied. Rancidity was controlled by the analysis of the peroxide value at 30-day intervals. The influence of moisture content (26 and 43 g/kg), storage temperature (5, 25 and 35 °C) and packaging conditions (with non-sealed bags, under vacuum, 35 mbar, and packed under CO2 atmosphere) on the kinetics was determined. Experimental values were fitted with a kinetic model for the mechanism of lipid oxidation. Lipid oxidation is described by two steps, which implies a monomolecular and a bimolecular initiation mechanism for the first and second period respectively. The kinetic constants showed that the plastificant effect of water and CO2 lead to an important change in the reactants' mobility within the temperature range. However, the rise in moisture content seems to protect the product from formation of the peroxide. Furthermore, this effect is more important in the second step of the oxidation process.
Identifying, measuring and responding to different market segments: price determination in air transport
Authors: di Vittorio Arianna
Published: March 2008

The aim of this paper is to help to understand price determination in air transport, both international and national, and its connection with the customer satisfaction problem.

Nowadays price determination is quite complex: in fact two passengers on the same flight may have paid different prices and this discrepancy is due to the fact that users are different and, generally speaking, the markets to which the service is applied are different. The price varies not only because of the different distances travelled, but also according to the different services which the passenger wishes to receive on board and on the ground. The additional flight services (which represent the so-called 'extended product') are many today and they satisfy the consumer's every possible need. Obviously, for this reason, the prices vary.

Through market segmentation it is possible to identify various categories of consumers and to offer them the service they require, which varies depending on numerous factors, both social and economic.

Moreover, in the last decade, the effects of deregulation have been decisive, as removing controls from flights and air fares has also gained ground in those countries which were once against liberalisation. Among these are those countries of Europe (UK, Scandinavia) which, following the American example, have lobbied for the introduction of deregulation in Europe. At this time deregulation is not present everywhere and this creates considerable difficulties in negotiating tariffs.

Finally, this paper indicates customer satisfaction as a fundamental factor in building customer loyalty, since customers really determine the success or the failure of an initiative, a service or even a whole organisational structure.