bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women in academic psychiatry in the United Kingdom
Authors: Killaspy H. , Johnson S. , Livingston G. , Hassiotis A. , Robertson M.
Published: August 2003

Although there seems to be a shared impression that the proportion of women in academic psychiatry is substantially lower than in National Health Service (NHS) posts, we are not aware of any empirical data on this. In the USA, women physicians have been shown to be more likely to pursue an academic career than men (Nonnemaker, 2000), but the number who advance to Professor appears significantly lower than expected (Reiser et al, 1993; Nonnemaker, 2000). Women in academic psychiatry in Canada also appear less likely to advance to senior positions than their male colleagues (Penfold, 1987). A recent survey of 44 academic institutions in the UK, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (Blake & La Valle, 2000), found that women occupied lower grade academic posts than their male counterparts and therefore were less eligible to apply for project research grants. Those that were eligible were as successful in gaining funding as their male colleagues.
The future role of general adult psychiatrists
Authors: De Silva Prasanna , Sutcliffe Alistair
Published: August 2003

Peter Kennedy and Hugh Griffiths (2001) have convened a timely debate on the role and responsibilities of consultants in general adult psychiatry. They provide an analysis of difficulties in fulfilling this role, including inappropriate general practitioner (GP) referrals, excessive caseloads and increasing stress leading to premature retirement. They provide the jobbing consultants with two models of out-patient practice, both relative to the community mental health team (CMHT). However, they have not considered the potential effect of change currently underway as summarised below.
Services for opiate misuse: can primary care meet government expectations?
Authors: Brownell Lisa W. , Naik Prakash C.
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

In order to assess the current provision for patients who misuse opiates in primary care, the discrepancy between this, and government expectations and the resources required to bridge this gap, a purpose-designed questionnaire based on the Department of Health guidelines was distributed to all general practitioners (GPs) in Solihull and Warwickshire (n=379). Data were analysed with the Chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, using the computer software SPSS version 10.

Results

Replies were received from 205 GPs, representing 77.2% of the practices. Only 12 GPs (6%) provided all four key services studied and 71 (34%) provided none of these services. One hundred and six GPs (51.7%) had read the guidelines. Of these, 51 (49%) were not willing to change their practice. Forty-one (39.4%) were prepared to change their practice, but only with additional resources. The main resources identified as necessary were shared care and training.

Clinical Implications

There is a huge gap between current provision and government expectations, which may be unrealistic. If this gap is to be bridged, then resources should be targeted to shared care and training for GPs.
Media coverage of mental health care in the UK, USA and Australia
Authors: Huang Beatrice , Priebe Stefan
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

We aimed to assess the contents and tone of articles on mental health care in the UK print media by comparing them with reporting in the USA and Australia. Two broadsheets from each country were analysed using the Internet for a random 4 months over a 1-year period. The number of articles, their content and the views expressed in them were identified and compared.

Results

A total of 118 articles on mental health care issues were found. The predominant tone of the articles in all three countries was negative, though there were slightly more positive articles in the USA and Australian media. Positive articles highlighted in the UK media covered mostly medical conferences and research findings.

Clinical Implications

Efforts to achieve a more positive attitude towards people with mental illnesses in the public, such as anti-stigma campaigns, operate against a background of predominantly negative coverage of mental health care issues in broadsheets. The coverage in the UK may tend to be even less positive than in the USA and Australia. Medical conferences and research findings can, however, be used to promote positive views of mental health care in the media.
Involving service users in their mental health care: the CUES Project
Authors: Blenkiron Paul , Mo Kwai Hong , Cuzen John , Hammill Anne Christine
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

To assess the impact of Carers' & Users' Expectations of Services –User version (CUES–U) upon clinical care planning in working age adults with mental health problems. Eighty-six individuals who were receiving input from the community mental health team gave their views.

Results

Life and service satisfaction ratings ranged from 49% to 88%. The CUES–U discussion led to a change in clinical care for 49% of respondents. Care coordinators rated CUES–U as a good use of their time in 64% of cases. Women and those with a shorter duration of mental disorder were rated as more engaged in the consultation process.

Clinical Implications

CUES–U appears to be a useful tool for supporting individual clinical care and the evaluation of community mental health services.
Liaison psychiatry continues to expand: developing services in the British Isles
Authors: Swift Geraldine , Guthrie Else
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

A postal survey of consultants in liaison psychiatry was carried out in the spring of 2002 to document the current state of liaison psychiatry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Information was collected on post specifications, clinical organisation and plans for further local development.

Results

Ninety-three liaison consultants were identified. Seventy-seven posts were full-time or half-time, compared with 43 such posts in 1996. During the same time period, specialist registrar training posts have doubled from 30 to 61. A third of respondents anticipated further consultant posts in their region.

Clinical Implications

Despite the increase in the number of liaison consultants since 1996, the numbers still fall below that recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Liaison consultants need to improve links with primary care and continue to develop specialised services to demonstrate the qualitative and financial benefits that liaison psychiatry has to offer to a wide range of patients.
Service innovations
Authors: Simpson Chris , De Silva Prasanna
Published: August 2003

The increase in older people in the UK will increase the need for mental health services to run efficient, high-quality services. Multi-disciplinary team assessments, although not new, provide a method of increasing the capacity to see referrals. Two similar systems of multi-disciplinary team assessments from North Yorkshire are reported with evidence of improvement in quality.
Service innovations
Authors: Richman Anna , Wilson Ken , Scally Lynn , Edwards Paul , Wood Jacqueline
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

We describe activity and outcome concerning a consecutive series of older community patients referred to an outreach support team while waiting for acute psychiatric admission.

Results

Forty patients on an admissions waiting list who were referred to the outreach support team were followed up. Each patient was reassessed for admission by the responsible medical officer when an in-patient bed became available. Thirty patients who would have been admitted (if a bed had been available at the time of the first assessment) remained at home and did not need hospitalisation.

Clinical Implications

This study suggests that intensive domiciliary support might offer an acceptable form of crisis intervention for older people with mental illness. Further research is needed before generalisation of these findings can be recommended.
Secrets of supervision – a trainee's perspective
Authors: Rhinds David
Published: August 2003

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, all psychiatrists in training should receive weekly supervision from their ‘educational supervisor’ – usually their supervising consultant. College policy dictates that the educational supervisor spends a ‘protected hour per week’ with the trainee (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1999). Cottrell (1999) has suggested that good supervision should encapsulate the following topics: clinical management, teaching and research, management and pastoral care.
Better safe than sorry: a survey of safety awareness and safety provisions in the workplace among specialist registrars in the South West
Authors: Sipos Attila , Balmer Robin , Tattan Theresa
Published: August 2003

Aims and Method

A questionnaire was sent to all general adult psychiatry specialist registrars (SpRs, n=33) on the largest rotation in the South West to survey their safety awareness and provision for safety in their workplace.

Results

The response rate was 82%. Most SpRs had received training, but less than half within the previous 2 years. Only 44% had been given induction to their job and only 37% reported inclusion in local safety procedures. More than half felt they had to interview in unsuitable rooms and sometimes felt vulnerable or fearful at work. No personal involvement in violent incidents during SpR training was reported.

Clinical Implications

Important gaps in workplace safety provision for SpRs persist and should be addressed.
Strong Motion Station Characterization and Site Effects during the 1999 Earthquakes in Turkey
Authors: Rathje Ellen M. , Stokoe Kenneth H. , Rosenblad Brent
Published: August 2003

The 1999 Kocaeli and Duzce earthquakes in Turkey generated a moderate amount of strong ground motion data. This paper describes the shear-wave velocity profiles measured at a number of strong motion stations in Turkey using the spectral-analysis-of-surface-waves (SASW) method. The shear-wave velocity profiles from SASW testing compare well with deeper profiles developed by microtremor surface wave inversion, but SASW provides more shear-wave velocity resolution near the ground surface. The developed shear-wave velocity profiles are used to define site classifications for each station. For the Kocaeli earthquake, event-specific attenuation relationships are developed. These relationships show considerable amplification of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration (at a period of 0.3 s) at deep soil sites in the far field, but no amplification in the near-fault region. For spectral accelerations at longer spectral periods (1.0 and 2.0 s), amplification is indicated in both the near field and far field. Amplification factors derived from the Kocaeli earthquake strong motion data are generally larger than those used in current attenuation relationships and building codes. The short-period amplification factors derived from the regression decrease with increasing rock motion intensity (PGArock), and the derived long-period amplification factors increase with increasing PGArock. These trends are most likely due to soil nonlinearity. The increase in long-period amplification factors with PGArock is not taken into account in current building codes.
Revisions to Soil-Structure Interaction Procedures in NEHRP Design Provisions
Authors: Stewart Jonathan P. , Kim Seunghyun , Bielak Jacobo , Dobry Ricardo , Power Maurice S.
Published: August 2003

The NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures have contained procedures for soil-structure interaction analysis that were originally developed between 1975 and 1977 by the Applied Technology Council Committee on Soil-Structure Interaction (ATC3 Committee 2C). These procedures affect the analysis of seismic demand in structures by modifying the base shear for a fixed-base structure to that for a flexible-base structure with a longer fundamental mode period and a different (usually larger) system damping ratio. In the 2000 NEHRP Provisions and Commentary, several changes were made to these procedures that affect the analysis of foundation stiffness, and in turn affect the SSI adjustment to base shear. In this paper, SSI analysis procedures in the pre-2000 and 2000 NEHRP Provisions are examined relative to a database of “observed” SSI effects previously evaluated using system identification analyses. Through this calibration exercise and focused numerical analyses, we discuss the motivation and justification for the modifications to the NEHRP SSI analysis procedures.
Bayesian Estimations of Peak Ground Acceleration and 5% Damped Spectral Acceleration from Modified Mercalli Intensity Data
Authors: Ebel John E. , Wald David J.
Published: August 2003

We describe a new probabilistic method that uses observations of modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) from past earthquakes to make quantitative estimates of ground shaking parameters (i.e., peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, 5% damped spectral acceleration values, etc.). The method uses a Bayesian approach to make quantitative estimates of the probabilities of different levels of ground motions from intensity data given an earthquake of known location and magnitude. The method utilizes probability distributions from an intensity/ground motion data set along with a ground motion attenuation relation to estimate the ground motion from intensity. The ground motions with the highest probabilities are the ones most likely experienced at the site of the MMI observation. We test the method using MMI/ground motion data from California and published ground motion attenuation relations to estimate the ground motions for several earthquakes: 1999 Hector Mine, California (M7.1); 1988 Saguenay, Quebec (M5.9); and 1982 Gaza, New Hampshire (M4.4). In an example where the method is applied to a historic earthquake, we estimate that the peak ground accelerations associated with the 1727 (M∼5.2) earthquake at Newbury, Massachusetts, ranged from 0.23 g at Newbury to 0.06 g at Boston.
Development and Calibration of an Earthquake Fatality Function
Authors: Nichols John M. , Beavers James E.
Published: August 2003

Structures present a risk during seismic events from partial or full collapse that can cause death and injury to the occupants. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has collated data on deaths from and magnitudes of earthquakes. These data have not previously been analyzed to establish any relationships between fatality tolls or fatality rates in different earthquakes. An investigation of the fatality catalogue establishes a bounding function for the twentieth-century fatality data using the USGS assigned earthquake magnitude as the dependent variable. A simple equation was established and calibrated to relate the fatalities in earthquakes having tolls lower than the bounding function to the bounding function. This equation and the calibration data, essentially for unreinforced masonry and timber-framed buildings, provides a procedure for estimating fatality counts in future theoretical events with a specific combination of circumstances. Potential uses of the fatality function with further refinement are economic analysis of seismic mitigation alternatives for unreinforced masonry structures. Current uses of the fatality function can be for real-time estimating of fatalities in earthquakes in remote locations, and estimating fatality counts in future earthquakes for planning purposes.
A Reconciliation of the Effects of Non-Plastic Fines on the Liquefaction Resistance of Sands Reported in the Literature
Authors: Polito Carmine P. , Martin James R.
Published: August 2003

The literature presents several seemingly contradictory reports concerning the effects of non-plastic (i.e., silty) fines content on the liquefaction resistance of sands. These seemingly contradictory trends were reconciled in light of the results of a recent study by the authors that linked cyclic resistance and relative density. It was shown that the trend of decreasing cyclic resistance with increasing silt content reported in the literature could be explained by considering the soil's relative density. The same argument was made for the trend of decreasing and then increasing cyclic resistance with increasing silt content. The concept that cyclic resistance is controlled by the sand skeleton void ratio of the soil was also reconciled with the results of the authors’ previous study. The trend of increasing cyclic resistance (without a corresponding initial decrease) with increasing silt content that has been reported in the literature does not appear to occur in non-plastic silts.
Reliability Evaluation in Seismic Design: A Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Möller Oscar , Foschi Ricardo O.
Published: August 2003

Performance-based seismic design requires consideration of the uncertainties in corresponding demands and capacities. A response surface methodology is used to evaluate the annual exceedance probability in each specified, damage-related performance level. The nonlinear dynamic response of the structure to the seismic action is studied considering, among the uncertainties, the peak acceleration and the frequency content of the ground motion. Advantages and disadvantages of two types of response surface formulations are discussed, including two ways of considering dispersion produced by different ground motions. The procedure is illustrated with two examples: an elevated water tank and a five-story portal frame. Finally, the method is applied to the calibration of a deterministic, factored design code approach with multiple performance objectives.
Reconnaissance Report on the 31 March 2002 Earthquake on the East Coast of Taiwan
Authors: Loh C. H. , Tsai K. C. , Chung L. L. , Yeh C. H.
Published: August 2003

On 31 March 2002, an earthquake of magnitude ML=6.8 occurred in northeastern Taiwan that caused five deaths and damage to more than 300 buildings. The earthquake left some important lessons; these lessons were not considered after the 1999 Chi-Chi (Taiwan) earthquake but must be taken into account for the management of a similar situation in the future. This article first presents the strong motion characteristics found from the ground accelerations recorded from this event. In particular, the basin effects on the distribution of ground motion intensities observed in Taipei Basin are critically reviewed. Observations of some severe building damage following the earthquakes are then summarized. The building damage modes for this event, particularly due to the basin effect, are explored in detail. The characteristics of the building disaster reflected a typical situation that can occur in cities located in high seismic risk. Finally, the collapse of the two tower cranes on, and its impact on, the Taipei Financial Center construction site are described in detail. This article presents the main lessons learned from this earthquake in the light of work performed by the research team for natural disaster from the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering, Taiwan.
Strong-Motion Records for Site-Specific Analysis
Authors: Malhotra Praveen K.
Published: August 2003

A procedure is presented to select and scale strong-motion records for site-specific analysis. The procedure matches records’ smooth response spectra with the site response spectrum by scaling of the acceleration histories. The parameters defining the smooth spectrum of various records are computed and tabulated to allow easy selection of records. Hazard de-aggregation is used to identify closer and distant seismic events, which are simulated by the scaled ground motion histories. The procedure can also be used to obtain ground motion pairs in orthogonal directions for multidimensional dynamic response analyses.
Definition of Collapse Mechanisms and Seismic Vulnerability of Historic Masonry Buildings
Authors: D'Ayala D. , Speranza E.
Published: August 2003

In historic city centers the mitigation of seismic risk is dependent on the possibility of implementing strengthening programs. Given the cultural and economic value attached to the historic structures, however, interventions should be tailored to suit aesthetic and structural requirements of each building type, and provide sufficient reliability of performance in future earthquakes. A simple analytical model is developed to calculate load factors associated with various collapse mechanisms of wall assemblies, and vulnerability functions are derived. An application shows the capability of the procedure to quantify reduction in vulnerability associated with strengthening implementations for different typologies.
The formation of vault-tubes: a dynamic interaction between vaults and vault PARP
Authors: van Zon Arend , Mossink Marieke H. , Schoester Martijn , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , Scheffer George L. , Scheper Rik J. , Sonneveld Pieter , Wiemer Erik A. C.
Published: September 2003

Vaults are barrel-shaped cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles that are composed of a major vault protein (MVP), two minor vault proteins [telomerase-associated protein 1 (TEP1), vault poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (VPARP)] and small untranslated RNA molecules. Not all expressed TEP1 and VPARP in cells is bound to vaults. TEP1 is known to associate with the telomerase complex, whereas VPARP is also present in the nuclear matrix and in cytoplasmic clusters (VPARP-rods). We examined the subcellular localization and the dynamics of the vault complex in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line expressing MVP tagged with green fluorescent protein. Using quantitative fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) it was shown that vaults move temperature independently by diffusion. However, incubation at room temperature (21°C) resulted in the formation of distinct tube-like structures in the cytoplasm. Raising the temperature could reverse this process. When the vault-tubes were formed, there were fewer or no VPARP-rods present in the cytoplasm, suggesting an incorporation of the VPARP into the vault-tubes. MVP molecules have to interact with each other via their coiled-coil domain in order to form vault-tubes. Furthermore, the stability of microtubules influenced the efficiency of vault-tube formation at 21°C. The dynamics and structure of the tubes were examined using confocal microscopy. Our data indicate a direct and dynamic relationship between vaults and VPARP, providing further clues to unravel the function of vaults.
Size, position and dynamic behavior of PML nuclear bodies following cell stress as a paradigm for supramolecular trafficking and assembly
Authors: Eskiw Christopher H. , Dellaire Graham , Mymryk Joe S. , Bazett-Jones David P.
Published: September 2003

The promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein has been implicated in many cellular pathways, but it is unclear whether the accumulation of PML and other proteins into PML nuclear bodies is a regulated or random process. In this paper we have used a variety of physiological stresses, including heat stress, Cd+2 exposure and adenovirus E1A expression, as tools to study the principles underlying the assembly/disassembly, integrity and dynamic behavior of PML bodies. Using live-cell imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy, we observe that PML bodies are positionally stable over time intervals of a few hours. After stress, however, microstructures form as a result of fission or budding from the surface of `parental' PML bodies. Since new PML bodies do not form at new locations, and the relative sizes observed before heat shock are preserved after recovery, we conclude that there are pre-determined locations for PML bodies, and that they are not random accumulations of protein. Over-expression of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO-1) prevents stress-induced disassembly of PML bodies, implicating SUMO-1 as a key regulator of PML body integrity. Stress-induced fission of SUMO-1-deficient microstructures from parental PML bodies may be a mechanism to change local chromatin domain environments by the dispersal of protein factors. PML bodies may provide a useful paradigm for the dynamics and integrity of other supramolecular protein complexes involved in processes such as transcription, RNA processing DNA repair and replication.
Hip fracture in the immobile patient
Authors: Hay D. , Parker M. J.
Published: September 2003

Immobility has been used as an indication for conservative treatment of patients with fractures of the hip, although there is little in the literature to support this view. We conducted a prospective review of 3515 patients with hip fractures of whom 152 (4.3%) were immobile prior to the fracture. Nine patients were treated conservatively, the rest by operation. The mean age was 83 years (42 to 99); the mean length of hospital stay was 17.8 days; 19 patients (12.5%) died whilst still in hospital and 120 (79.0%) went back to their original residence. There were 38 post-operative complications.

At one year after injury, 73 patients were still alive. Of the survivors, 54 (74.0%) had none or minimal pain in the hip and 58 (79.5%) had the same residential status as before the fracture. Immobility in patients with hip fracture is uncommon and is not a valid reason for withholding surgical treatment.
Fluoroquinolone AUIC Break Points and the Link to Bacterial Killing Rates Part 2: Human Trials
Authors: Schentag Jerome J , Meagher Alison K , Forrest Alan
Published: August 2003

Objective

To review clinical trials with fluoroquinolones and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters predictive of clinical and microbiologic outcomes and resistance. Data on fluoroquinolones are summarized and the premise that a single AUIC target >125 may be used for all fluoroquinolones against all target organisms is examined.

Data Sources

Primary articles were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966–February 2002) and through secondary sources.

Study Selection And Data Extraction

All of the articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included.

Data Synthesis

The fluoroquinolones exhibit concentration-dependent killing. This effect clearly depends upon concentrations achieved and outcomes depend upon endpoints established by individual investigators. With AUIC values <60, the actions of fluoroquinolones are essentially bacteriostatic; any observed bacterial killing is the combined effect of low concentrations in relation to minimum inhibitory concentration and the action of host factors such as neutrophils and macrophages. AUIC values >100 but <250 yield bacterial killing at a slow rate, but usually by day 7 of treatment. AUICs >250 produce rapid killing, and bacterial eradication occurs within 24 hours. Disagreements regarding target endpoints are the expected consequences of comparing microbial and clinical outcomes across animal models, in vitro experiments (Part 1), and humans when the endpoints are clearly not equivalent. Careful attention to time-related events such as speed of bacterial killing versus global endpoints such as bacteriologic cure allows optimal break points to be defined.

Conclusions

Evidence from human trials favors the use of AUIC values >250 for rapid bactericidal action, regardless of whether the organism is gram-negative or gram-positive.
Duration of Anticoagulant Therapy after Initial Idiopathic Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Frazee Lawrence A , Chomo Diane L
Published: August 2003

Objective

To review the literature investigating the duration of oral anticoagulant therapy following a first event of idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Data Source

MEDLINE (1967–April 2003) and bibliographic searches of the English-language literature pertaining to the duration of oral anticoagulant therapy following a first event of idiopathic VTE was conducted. Search terms included venous thromboembolism, anticoagulation, duration of treatment, warfarin, and idiopathic.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

The results of all trials and meta-analyses that were obtained are reviewed and critiqued.

Data Synthesis

The risk of recurrent VTE following a first idiopathic event is similar to the risk in patients with a permanent risk factor. Conventional-intensity oral anticoagulant therapy reduces this risk by 80–90%, but at an annual risk of bleeding of approximately 2–3%. According to the PREVENT trial, low-intensity anticoagulation also affords protection against VTE recurrence, but at a lower risk of bleeding. Older trials indicated that longer therapy was superior to shorter therapy; however, data from recent trials have demonstrated that the benefit was maintained only while receiving therapy.

Conclusions

Patients with a first episode of idiopathic proximal VTE should be considered for indefinite anticoagulant therapy. The appropriate intensity of anticoagulation is still controversial; however, it appears that low-intensity treatment would be appropriate in most patients. For patients who will not continue therapy indefinitely, there does not appear to be any long-term benefit to extending the duration of therapy from 3 to 6 months.
Comparison of resection and radiofrequency ablation for treatment of solitary colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Oshowo A , Gillams A , Harrison E , Lees W R , Taylor I
Published: September 2003

Background

Liver resection is the treatment of choice for patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases. In recent years, however, radiofrequency ablation has been used increasingly in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, this study aimed to compare outcome in patients with solitary colorectal liver metastases treated by surgery or by radiofrequency ablation.

Methods

Solitary colorectal liver metastases were treated by radiofrequency destruction in 25 patients. The indications were extrahepatic disease in seven, vessel contiguity in nine and co-morbidity in nine patients. Outcome was compared with that of 20 patients who were treated by liver resection for solitary metastases and had no evidence of extrahepatic disease. Most patients in both groups also received systemic chemotherapy.

Results

Median survival after liver resection was 41 (range 0–97) months with a 3-year survival rate of 55·4 per cent. There was one postoperative death and morbidity was minimal. Median survival after radiofrequency ablation was 37 (range 9–67) months with a 3-year survival rate of 52·6 per cent.

Conclusion

Survival after resection and radiofrequency ablation of solitary colorectal liver metastases was comparable. The latter is less invasive and requires either an overnight stay or day-case facilities only.
Role of the complement‐lectin pathway in anaphylactoid reaction induced with lipopolysaccharide in mice
Authors: Świerzko Anna St. , Cedzyński Maciej , Kirikae Teruo , Nakano Masayasu , Klink Magdalena , Kirikae Fumiko , Ziółkowski Andrzej , Vinogradov Evgeny V. , Kawakami Masaya
Published: September 2003

We show that Proteus vulgaris O25 (PO25) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced an anaphylactoid reaction not only in wild‐type and in lipid A non‐responding mice but also in recombinase‐activating gene‐2‐deficient (RAG‐2–/–) and in mast cell‐deficient (W/Wv) animals. Western blot analysis indicated that PO25 LPS bound to Ra‐reactive factor (RaRF), the complex of mannan‐binding lectins (MBL) and MBL‐associated serine proteases. Binding of RaRF to PO25 LPS led to the activation of C4 component without participation of either C1 or Ig, via the lectin pathway. Relative concentration of RaRF and hemolytic activity in mouse serum decreased rapidly during the process of anaphylactoid reaction. A significant drop of MBL‐A, but not MBL‐C level was observed. Administrationwith antiserum to RaRF prevented animals from death as a consequence of the inhibition of interaction of RaRF with the carbohydrate target and complement activation. These results indicate that complement‐lectin pathway activation is responsible for the anaphylactoid reaction induced with LPS in muramyldipeptide‐primed mice. RaRF also activated fibrinogen in vitro suggesting the involvement of the coagulation system in the process investigated.
Surprises in a ‘Simple' System: 2,4‐Diaminobenzenesulfonic Acid
Authors: Rubin‐Preminger Janice M. , Bernstein Joel
Published: September 2003

The search for the polymorphic forms of 2,4‐diaminobenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA), known to exist since 1880, has revealed a surprisingly rich solid‐state system for such a simple molecule. A monohydrate, a dimoiric hydrate, an anhydrate and two polymorphic forms of the hydrochloride of this material have thus far been prepared. Their characterization by microscopic and thermal methods, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal structure determination are described.
Demographics, personality, contact, and universal‐diverse orientation: An exploratory examination
Authors: Strauss Judy P. , Connerley Mary L.
Published: September 2003

This study explores relationships between race, gender, agreeableness, openness to experience, contact, and a
measure of attitudes toward diversity—universal‐diverse orientation (UDO). UDO consists
of three attitudinal components: realistic appreciation (a cognition), comfort with difference (a
feeling), and diversity of contact (a behavior). Results suggest that race, agreeableness, and
openness relate to UDO attitudes, primarily due to the relationships of these variables with the behavioral
component—diversity of contact. Identifying characteristics of tolerant people (e.g.,
agreeableness) and training managers in skills related to those characteristics may improve contextual
performance and make managers better role models within the organizational context. © 2003 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc.
Top-down modulation, emotion, and hallucination
Authors: Aleman André , Kahn René S.
Published: September 2003

We argue that the pivotal role assigned by Northoff to the principle of top-down modulation in catatonia might successfully be applied to other symptoms of schizophrenia, for example, hallucinations. Second, we propose that Northoff's account would benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of the cognitive level of explanation. Finally, contrary to Northoff, we hypothesize that “top-down modulation” might play as important a role as “horizontal modulation” in affective-behavioral alterations.
A metamodule for conceptual integration: Language or theory of mind?
Authors: Atran Scott
Published: September 2003

Those who assume domain specificity or conceptual modularity face Fodor’ Paradox (the problem of “combinatorial explosion”). One strategy involves postulating a metamodule that evolved to take as input the output of all other specialized conceptual modules, then integrates these outputs into cross-domain thoughts. It’ difficult to see whether this proposed metamodular capacity stems from language or theory of mind.
The beauty of models for developmental disorders
Authors: Briscoe J.
Published: September 2003

Cognitive frameworks provide important means for uniting concepts of specificity, cognition, and dynamic change in development. Two points are challenged by evidence from special populations: (1) that boundary constraints such as Residual Normality and a cognitive “endstate” compromise the use of cognitive models; and (2) the developmental process itself automatically rejects either Residual Normality or residual deviance from typical development.
What medical catatonias tell us about top-down modulation
Authors: Carroll Brendan T.
Published: September 2003

Catatonia resulting from a general medical condition (as defined in the DSM-IV) seems to account for a large percentage of patients presenting with catatonia in psychiatric settings. In view of Dr. Northoff's hypothesis, it is important to emphasize that medical catatonias provide additional information to support his neuropsychiatric hypothesis of the anatomical and biochemical mechanisms of catatonia.
Do neurodegenerative cascades in Parkinson's disease really reflect bottom-up processing?
Authors: Shaw Christopher A.
Published: September 2003

The target article suggests that the neurological disorders catatonia and Parkinson's disease share similar behavioral features that nevertheless reflect different forms of abnormal information processing. However, emerging research on Parkinson's disease and related age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders suggests that no simplistic notions about processing will be correct for all stages of the disease.
Evidence for a domain-specific deficit in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Ramus Franck
Published: September 2003

Thomas & Karmiloff-Smith (T&K-S) claim that “Residual Normality” is a priori unlikely, that is, that specific cognitive deficits should not exist in developmental disorders. Here I review evidence that a specific cognitive deficit is at the core of developmental dyslexia and I provide a possible neurological account thereof.
Are developmental disabilities the same in children and adults?
Authors: Tallal Paula
Published: September 2003

Thomas & Karmiloff-Smith (T&K-S) raise an issue of considerable theoretical importance: Are developmental disorders like cases of adult brain damage? However, a related question: Are developmental disabilities the same in children and adults? is rarely addressed. Failure to consider the cumulative and differing effects of aberrant development across the life span confounds the current literature on both developmental dyslexia and Specific Language Impairment.
How perspective shift integrates thought
Authors: MacWhinney Brian
Published: September 2003

Within the context of Carruthers’ general analysis of the relation between language and thought, I present a specific hypothesis about how grammar uses perspective flow to unify disparate cognitions. This perspective hypothesis allows us to understand the neolithic burst in creativity as a cultural advance in methods for knitting together thoughts.
Language, cognition, and the nature of modularity: Evidence from aphasia
Authors: Varley Rosemary , Siegal Michael
Published: September 2003

We examine Carruthers’ proposal that sentences in logical form serve to create flexibility within central system modularity, enabling the combination of information from different modalities. We discuss evidence from aphasia and the neurobiology of input-output systems. This work suggests that there exists considerable capacity for interdomain cognitive processing without language mediation. Other challenges for a logical form account are noted.
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION PROCESSES IN THE CLASSROOM: LEARNING JAPANESE. Amy Snyder Ohta. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2001. Pp. xviii + 298. $79.95 cloth, $34.50 paper.
Authors: So Sufumi
Published: September 2003

This book, as part of a series published by Erlbaum entitled Second language acquisition research: Theoretical and methodological issues, addresses the question as to how the acquisition of a nonnative language progresses through interaction in language classrooms. As the author admits (p. xiii), this is hardly a new topic in studies of SLA. The book, however, sheds some new light by introducing novel theoretical and methodological perspectives in dealing with this old topic. The author finds in Vygotskyan ideas a theoretical stance to frame her views of language, the language learner, and the language learning process. Furthermore, it focuses on the second language (L2) acquisition of Japanese by English-speaking learners, which has only recently begun attracting the attention of SLA researchers.
TASKS AND COMMUNICATING IN LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS. James F. Lee. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. Pp. xviii + 162. $46.88 paper.
Authors: Alvarez-Torres María José
Published: September 2003

This book presents a task-based instructional framework for communicative language teaching. The first seven chapters focus on task-based instruction, and the remaining two chapters deal with assessment. Each chapter begins with a brief review, goes on to the topic of discussion, and ends with a summary. Two sections follow each chapter. In “Gaining Greater Perspectives,” Lee recommends further readings for in-depth reflection of the topic of the chapter. The “Application Activities” section contains a number of exercises to put into practice the concepts discussed in the chapter.
FOREIGN ACCENT: THE ONTOGENY AND PHYLOGENY OF SECOND LANGUAGE PHONOLOGY. Roy C. Major. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2001. Pp. viii + 212. $49.95 cloth.
Authors: Hardison Debra M.
Published: September 2003

This discussion of second language (L2) phonological development is rooted in what the author refers to as the three features of interlanguage (IL): native language (L1) contribution (as positive or negative transfer to the L2), L2 input, and universal language principles not subsumed by either language.
Family Communication and Genetic Counseling: The Case of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Green Josephine , Richards Martin , Murton Frances , Statham Helen , Hallowell Nina
Published: September 2003

In familial breast/ovarian cancer, the information that the proband is able to supply about other family members is of critical importance for genetic counseling. This frequently requires family communication. Forty‐six women attending a cancer genetics clinic were interviewed as part of a longitudinal study. Nearly all reported affected maternal, rather than paternal relatives, which may indicate lack of awareness by women with paternal histories. There was also much more communication among female relatives. Mothers, where they were still alive, were key figures in supplying family information. Although the majority of the sample contacted at least one relative regarding counseling, most named a relative with whom they did not feel able to communicate on this subject. Probands balanced the perceived obligation of passing on information with that of not causing alarm. Communication, both obtaining and giving information, was impeded by adoption, divorce and remarriage, family rifts, and large age gaps between siblings.
The Effects of Family and Neighborhood Characteristics on the Behavioral and Cognitive Development of Poor Black Children: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jackson Aurora P.
Published: September 2003

Using data from an ongoing study of 178 single‐mother, Black families, this study investigates the relations among family resources (mothers' employment, income from employment, and educational attainment), maternal depressive symptoms, neighborhood quality in the preschool years and over time, and child developmental outcomes (behavior problems, broad reading, calculation) in the early school years. Results indicate that behavior problems in school‐age children were associated with behavior problems early on, the child's gender, the mother's depressive symptoms and, to some extent, her employment status. However, these findings were conditioned by the mother's educational attainment and her evaluation of neighborhood problems early on. Better broad reading scores were associated with higher maternal educational attainment, especially for school‐age girls of employed mothers, whereas higher calculation scores were predicted by fewer school‐age behavior problems and, in the presence of higher neighborhood problems in the preschool years, mothers' higher educational attainment.
Clinical course of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Schätzle Marc , Löe Harald , Lang Niklaus P. , Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J. A. , Bürgin Walter , Ånerud Åge , Boysen Hans
Published: September 2003

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of attachment loss during various stages of adult life in a well‐maintained middle‐class population.

Material and Methods: The data originated from a 26‐year longitudinal study of Norwegian males who had received regular and adequate dental care and practised daily oral home care. The initial examination in 1969 included 565 individuals aged between 16 and 34 years. Subsequent examinations took place in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1988 and 1995. Thus, the study covers the age range of 16–59 years. The rate of the annual attachment loss was calculated as the difference between the individual mean attachment loss between two examinations divided by the years between examinations. The mean annualized relative risk of attachment loss was calculated as the frequency distribution of sites with initial periodontal attachment loss (loss of attachment at the first time of occurrence 2 mm) and healthy sites (loss of attachment always <2 mm). For comparison of significant changes in annual attachment loss rates between the age groups and mean annualized relative risks of attachment loss as they proceeded through adult life, the Wilcoxon Mann–Whitney U‐test was used.

Results: The mean overall individual attachment loss during 44 years (between 16 and 59 years) totaled 2.44 mm (range 0.14–2.44 mm), averaging an annual mean rate of 0.05 mm/year. The highest annual rate of attachment loss occurred before 35 years of age (0.08–0.1 mm/year), after which the mean annual rate decreased to about 0.04–0.06 mm/year for the next three decades of life leading to 60 years. The mean annualized relative risk of initial attachment loss increased significantly from adolescence (1.2%) to the maximum at 30–34 years of age (6.9%). After the age of 34 years, the risk of initial attachment loss decreased again, but after the age of 40 years, another continuous increase was observed.

Conclusions: Over a 26‐year period, 25% of the subjects went through adult life with healthy and stable periodontal conditions. The remaining 75% developed slight to moderately progressing periodontal disease with progression rates varying between 0.02 and 0.1mm/year with a cumulative mean of loss of attachment of 2.44mm as they approached 60 years of age. The annual mean rate and the mean annualized risk of initial attachment loss were highest between 16 and 34 years of age. Only 20% of the sites continued to lose further attachment during the remainder of the observation period, and less than 1% of the sites showed substantial loss of attachment (>4mm).
Change performance to change the culture
Authors: Pennington Randy G.
Published: September 2003

Corporate culture – the integrated patterns of human behavior that describe “how we do things around here” – is making a comeback in business literature and discussion. It is an important tool for winning the hearts, minds, and commitment of people. Some believe it is the intangible that provides a sustainable competitive advantage in a world where products and services are commodities. This article asserts that changing performance is the critical component in any culture change initiative. It describes the components that influence an organization’s culture and provides seven indicators that your organization’s culture might be in trouble. Finally, the author draws on over 20 years of experience to offer five practical strategies to change performance and change an organization’s culture.
The effects of congruent/incongruent magnitude representation on explicit and implicit knowledge of prices
Authors: Coulter Keith S.
Published: September 2003

Research evidence has demonstrated that consumers often may rely on non‐conscious, automatic processing of price information when choosing among brands. One way in which numerical stimuli (and hence prices) may be non‐consciously and automatically represented in memory is in terms of magnitude representations. If prices are automatically mapped on to the same underlying magnitude code that sustains the processing of physical stimuli, then interference may ensue if the magnitude representation associated with a price differs from the magnitude representation associated with some other aspect of the brand. This study examines the effects of congruent/incongruent magnitude representation on how a price is perceived, and on the likelihood of purchase. Results indicate that a “congruent” magnitude representation may result in more favorable implicit price perceptions and increase the likelihood of choice.