bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperkeratotic Head and Neck Malassezia Dermatosis
Authors: Boralevi Franck , Marco-Bonnet Josefina , Lepreux Sebastien , Buzenet Christel , Couprie Bernard , Taïeb Alain
Published: November 2005

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) is a common skin disorder due to Malassezia usually affecting adolescents and young adults, more frequently in the tropics. Facial involvement, isolated or not, is not frequent in white adults. Objective: Here, we report a possible atypical hyperkeratotic form of dermatosis of the face, in two young immunocompetent Caucasian patients, particularly recalcitrant to therapy. Results: Skin scrapings grew yeasts belonging to the genus Malassezia, including both M. globosa and M. sympodialis. This unusual variant needs long-term therapy with systemic and topical imidazoles together with facial cleansing. Conclusion: We propose the name hyperkeratotic head and neck Malassezia dermatosis for this distinctive clinical entity. This variant of pityriasis versicolor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis and dermatitis neglecta.
Ultrasound Mapping of Lymph Node and Subcutaneous Metastases in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Blum Andreas , Schmid-Wendtner Monika-Hildegard , Mauss-Kiefer Vera , Eberle Julia Yvonne , Kuchelmeister Christine , Dill-Müller Dorothee
Published: November 2005

Background: Ultrasound (sonography, B-mode sonography, ultrasonography) examination improves the sensitivity in more than 25% compared to the clinical palpation, especially after surgery on the regional lymph node area. Objective: To evaluate the distribution of metastases during follow-up in the draining lymph node areas from the scar of primary to regional lymph nodes (head and neck, supraclavicular, axilla, infraclavicular, groin) in patients with cutaneous melanoma with or without sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or former elective or consecutive complete lymph node dissection in case of positive sentinel lymph node (CLND). Methods: Prospective multicenter study of the Departments of Dermatology of the Universities of Homburg/Saar, Tübingen and Munich (Germany) in which the distribution of lymph node and subcutaneous metastases were mapped from the scar of primary to the lymphatic drainage region in 53 melanoma patients (23 women, 30 men; median age: 64 years; median tumor thickness: 1.99 mm) with known primary, visible lymph nodes or subcutaneous metastases proven by ultrasound and histopathology during the follow-up. Results: Especially in the axilla, infraclavicular region and groin the metastases were not limited to the anatomic lymph node regions. In 5 patients (9.4%) (4 of them were in stage IV) lymph node metastases were not located in the corresponding lymph node area. 32 patients without former SLNB had a time range between melanoma excision and lymph node metastases of 31 months (median), 21 patients with SLNB had 18 months (p < 0.005). In 11 patients with positive SLNB the time range was 17 months, in 10 patients with negative SLNB 21 months (p < 0.005); in 32 patients with CLND the time range was 31 months and in 21 patients without CLND 18 months (p < 0.005). In thinner melanomas lymph node metastases occurred later (p < 0.05). Conclusions: After surgery of cutaneous melanoma, SLNB and CLND the lymphatic drainage can show significant changes which should be considered in clinical and ultrasound follow-up examinations. Especially for high-risk melanoma patients follow-up examinations should be performed at intervals of 3 months in the first years. Patients at stage IV should be examined in all regional lymph node areas clinically and by ultrasound.
Two Distinct Types of Speckled Lentiginous Nevi Characterized by Macular versus Papular Speckles
Authors: Vidaurri-de la Cruz Helena , Happle Rudolf
Published: November 2005

Background: Speckled lentiginous nevus (SLN; synonym: nevus spilus) is a darkly spotted light-brown macule that mostly occurs as an isolated lesion of rather limited dimensions but sometimes may involve large areas of the body. So far, this skin disorder has been considered to represent one clinical entity. Objective: Because SLN is occasionally associated with complex birth defects such as phacomatosis pigmentovascularis, phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, or SLN syndrome, we tested our idea that two different types of SLN may exist, each one associated with a particular syndrome. Methods: A review of case reports on SLN published during the years 1970–2004 was performed. Results: This evaluation of cases provided evidence that two different types of SLN exist, in the form of macular versus papular SLN, each one being related to a specific syndrome. Macular SLN is characterized by a tannish-brown background with darker flat speckles. The distribution of speckles is rather even and resembles a polka-dot pattern. Histopathologically, this type of SLN is characterized by what has been called a ‘jentigo’ pattern in the darker speckles and by some nests of melanocytes at the dermoepidermal junction at the tips of the papillae, whereas the background pigmentation shows the microscopical features of a lentigo. Papular SLN is characterized by a light-brown macule superimposed by multiple melanocytic nevi in the form of papules or nodules that show a more uneven distribution reminiscent of a star map. Small dark macules may likewise be present. Histopathologically, the papular component consists of dermal or compound melanocytic nevi. A separation of the two types of SLN is important because our analysis showed that macular SLN is a hallmark of a particular type of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis, whereas papular SLN is typically present in phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica as well as in SLN syndrome. Conclusions: Macular SLN and papular SLN appear to be two distinct cutaneous entities. This dichotomy may turn out to be important when such nevi will be analyzed at the molecular level.
Terbinafine-Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Farhi David , Viguier Manuelle , Cosnes Anne , Reygagne Pascal , Dubertret Louis , Revuz Jean , Roujeau Jean-Claude , Bachelez Hervé
Published: November 2005

Background: Nearly 10% of lupus erythematosus (LE) are drug induced. More than 60 different drugs are involved in iatrogenic LE. We report herein 3 cases of terbinafine-induced LE. Observations: Three patients receiving terbinafine for a suspected dermatophytic infection developed a subacute cutaneous LE, within 7 weeks following terbinafine introduction. The patients’ medical history included sicca syndrome, lung carcinoma and Kikuchi disease, respectively. Clinical remission occurred within 15 weeks following terbinafine withdrawal. Discussion: Sixteen cases of terbinafine-induced LE have been previously reported, including 13 women. The median age was 54 years. Prior autoimmunity was reported in 10 cases, including 5 pre-existing LE. The median delay between terbinafine introduction and LE onset was 5 weeks. The median time until clinical recovery following terbinafine withdrawal was 8 weeks. Conclusion: Terbinafine should be prescribed only in patients with proven dermatophytosis. We recommend cautious monitoring in patients with pre-existing autoimmunity. The diagnosis of terbinafine-induced LE should lead to the immediate and definitive withdrawal of the drug.
Neonatal Mastocytosis with Pachydermic Bullous Skin without c-Kit 816 Mutation
Authors: Walker T. , von Komorowski G. , Scheurlen W. , Dorn-Beineke A. , Back W. , Bayerl C.
Published: November 2005

Background: Bullous mastocytosis is an unusual variant of mast cell disease with widespread bullae as the main cutaneous feature induced by mast cell proteases that cause dermoepidermal separation. Case Report: A rare case of diffuse cutaneous bullous mastocytosis with pachydermia and unusually extensive skin folding is described in a 3-week-old girl. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry with Giemsa stain, the naphthol ASD chloroacetate esterase reaction and elevated blood levels for tryptase, histamine in serum and histamine and 1.4-methylimidazol acetic acid in the 24-hour urine. Blood cell count was normal, as were thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. FACS analysis of the bone marrow aspiration material showed 1% mast cells. No c-Kit 816 [Asp→Val] somatic mutation was found. Systemic involvement of other organs was excluded. Discussion: The prognosis of c-Kit-negative diffuse bullous mastocytosis is not known. Regular blood controls are mandatory, and screening for germ cell ovarian cancer and bone marrow controls should be performed as well.
Regression of Papular Elastolytic Giant Cell Granuloma Using Narrow-Band UVB Irradiation
Authors: Takata T. , Ikeda M. , Kodama H. , Ohkuma S.
Published: November 2005

A 71-year-old Japanese man presented with asymptomatic, firm, brown-red papules on the dorsum of his left hand and back. A biopsy specimen revealed granulomatous infiltration consisting of multinucleated giant cells and histiocytes in the upper dermis. Elastic fibers were absent in the upper dermis, having been phagocytosed by giant cells. These papular elastolytic giant cell granuloma lesions regressed very well with narrow-band ul traviolet B irradiation, with only residual brown pigmentation left after treatment.
Erythropoietin Downregulates Bax and DP5 ProApoptotic Gene Expression in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Kumral Abdullah , Genc Sermin , Ozer Erdener , Yilmaz Osman , Gokmen Necati , Koroglu Tolga F. , Duman Nuray , Genc Kursad , Ozkan Hasan
Published: November 2005

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is an important cause of neonatal mortality and subsequent serious sequelae such as motor and cognitive deficits and seizures. The ameliorative effect of erythropoietin (Epo) on experimental hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats has been recently reported. Recent studies also confirm the antiapoptotic effect of Epo in a variety of in vitro and in vivo neuronal injury models including hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. However, molecular mechanisms of Epo protection and antiapoptotic effect in this model are unclear. Epo may exert its antiapoptotic effect via the differential regulation of the expression of genes involved in the apoptotic process. Objectives: Thus, in the present study, we studied the effects of systemically administered Epo on antiapoptotic (bcl-2, bcl-XL), proapoptotic (bax and DP5) gene expression following hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats. Methods: Seven- day-old Wistar rat pups were divided into three groups: control group (n = 15), saline-treated group (n = 17), and Epo-treated group (n = 18). Rat pups were subjected to left carotid artery occlusion followed by 2.5 h of hypoxic exposure. Epo-treated group received an intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human Epo at a dose of 1,000 units/kg, saline-treated group received an intraperitoneal injection of saline at the same volume of Epo. Forty-eight hours after hypoxia, 3 animals in each group were killed for histopathological evaluation. To detect DNA fragmentation in cell nuclei, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling reaction was applied. Bcl-2 and bax protein expression were also analyzed with immunohistochemistry. For reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, rats were sacrificed 4, 12, and 24 h after hypoxia. Bcl-2, bcl-XL, bax, and DP5 mRNA expression were analyzed by RT-PCR. Results: Epo significantly prevented hypoxia-ischemia-induced bax and DP5 mRNA upregulation in brain tissue. Epo did not show any effect on bcl-XL transcription altered by injury. However, Epo reversed injury-induced downregulation in bcl-2 transcription. Modulating effects of Epo on bcl-2 and bax protein expression were also revealed by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions: These results suggest that Epo exerts a neuroprotective effect against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, at least partially, via the differential regulation of the expression of genes involved in apoptotic process.
Concentrations of Toxic Metals and Trace Elements in the Meconium of Newborns from an Industrial City
Authors: Türker Gülcan , Ergen Kıvanç , Karakoç Yunus , Arısoy Ayşe Engin , Barutcu U. Bora
Published: November 2005

Objective: To investigate fetal exposure to toxic metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd)] and fetal levels of trace elements [zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)] in newborns from an industrial city. Relationships between meconium mineral contents and parental occupation and location of residence were also tested. Method: The meconium mineral contents of 117 healthy newborn infants were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The median concentrations (interquartile range) of toxic metals and trace elements in the meconium were as follows: Pb: 46.5 (1,399) µg/g dry weight (wt), Cd: 2.3 (55.6) µg/g dry wt; Zn: 234 (3,049) µg/g dry wt; Cu: 11.8 (818.7) µg/g dry wt, and Fe 105 (2,980) µg/g dry wt. All the meconium samples contained both toxic metals and trace elements. The proportions of trace elements in the meconium samples with concentration higher than 100 µg/g dry wt of the substances tested were Zn 90%, Cu 64%, and Fe 53%. There were significantly positive correlations between the concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements. Also there were positive correlations between the levels of Zn, Fe, and parental occupations, and between the level of Fe and location of residence of the parents (proximity to the petroleum refinery or the dye industries). Conclusion: All the meconium samples were positive for toxic metals, and thus may reflect environmental pollution in the city. The occupation environments and the location of the family residence are linked with levels of trace elements in meconium.
Capsule Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract – The Need for a Second Endoscopy
Authors: Peter Shajan , Heuss Ludwig T. , Beglinger Christoph , Degen Lukas
Published: November 2005

Background and Aims: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has been recognised as an important investigational tool in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disease. Studies have shown that CE can identify lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract as well as in the small intestine. However, contrary to conventional oesophagogastroscopy results, the role of CE findings in the diagnostic algorithm of disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding has not been well understood. We evaluated the frequency of lesions identified in the oesophagus and the stomach as well as their significance. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had undergone video CE over the last 2 years at our institution. Indication and findings in the oesophagus and the stomach were analysed and compared to previous oesophagogastroscopy findings. Patients in whom lesions were identified were followed up retrospectively for the significance of these findings. Results: 95 patients were included in the analysis (47 males, 48 females, mean ± SD age of 54.62 ± 19.2 years). The commonest indication for CE was gastrointestinal bleeding (45%), the second commonest anaemia (28%). CE identified significant lesions in the stomach of 11/95 (11.57%) patients. These lesions had been overlooked in 9/95 (9%) of patients by conventional oesophagogastroscopy prior to CE examination (p value < 0.05). Eight of 95 (8%) patients had oesophageal abnormalities detected by CE. The diagnosis changed the treatment of 8/11 (82%) patients with significant lesions. Conclusions: CE has an undefined role in evaluating upper gastrointestinal lesions. Significant lesions missed at oesophagogastroscopy were identified during CE examination. This study underpins the importance of a second conventional endoscopy in the diagnostic algorithm.
Comparison of Radiosurgery Planning Modalities for Acoustic Neuroma with Regard to Conformity and Mean Target Dose
Authors: Perks J.R. , El-Hamri K. , Blackburn T.P.D. , Plowman P.N.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To evaluate dose conformity and mean target dose in light of previous comparative studies and state-of-the-art radiosurgery delivery modalities. Materials and Methods: Seven patients with acoustic neuromas deemed clinically suitable for linear accelerator or Gamma Knife radiosurgery were planned such that the minimum doses for any plan were equal. Gamma Knife plans were prepared in three ways: by altering the prescription of previously published data, by hand and with the assistance of an automatic planning algorithm (wizard). The linear accelerator plans were prepared utilizing a micro-multileaf collimator in both static and dynamic modes. The dose volume histogram analyses lead to a measure of conformity and the mean and minimum target dose for each plan. Statistical significance was calculated as each planning modality was compared with every other. Results: All Gamma Knife plans demonstrated a statistically significantly better conformity when compared with fixed field linear accelerator techniques. When compared to linear accelerator techniques the wizard-assisted Gamma Knife plans demonstrated significantly better conformity. The mean target dose for all the Gamma Knife plans was significantly higher than that of the linear accelerator plans (19.2 Gy vs. 13.4 Gy). Conclusions: Conformity of the prescription isodose to the target shape is of major importance in radiosurgery. The modalities compared represent commercially available and widely accepted systems. Gamma Knife plans derived using the ‘wizard’ option and finalized by hand yield the best conformity.
Lesion Topography in Capsulotomy for Refractory Anxiety – Is the Right Side the Right Side?
Authors: Rück Christian , Svanborg Pär , Meyerson Björn A.
Published: November 2005

Objective: A previous report on bilateral capsulotomy in obsessive-compulsive disorder showed common topographic features of lesions in the right-sided internal capsule in all patients responding to the treatment. The aims of the present study were to test if the same region was involved in anxiety patients responding to surgery and to examine whether lesion area and site correlated with adverse events and effect on target symptoms. Method: Eleven anxiety patients who had undergone bilateral thermocapsulotomy were examined after 8–23 years. A quantitative MRI evaluation of the lesions within the internal capsule was conducted in three axial planes. Results: None of the eight responders had lesions that corresponded to the earlier reported right-sided anatomical denominator. Four patients out of 11 were rated as having significant clinical symptoms indicating frontal lobe dysfunction. The total sum of the lesion area determined in each of the three anatomical levels did not correlate with the degree of anxiety reduction. However, the lesion area appeared to be related to a rating of executive dysfunctioning, apathy and disinhibtion.
Five-Year Update of an Expanded Phase II Study of Dose-Dense and -Intense Doxorubicin, Paclitaxel and Cyclophosphamide (ATC) in High-Risk Breast Cancer
Authors: Abu-Khalaf Maysa M. , Windsor Stephen , Ebisu Keita , Salikooti Saritha , Ananthanarayanan Gowri , Chung Gina G. , DiGiovanna Michael P. , Haffty Bruce G. , Abrams Martin , Farber Leonard R. , Hsu Arlene D. , Reiss Michael , Zelterman Daniel , Burtness Barbara A.
Published: November 2005

Objectives: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of dose-dense and -intense sequential doxorubicin (A), paclitaxel (T) and cyclophosphamide (C) as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer (BC) with ≧4 ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes.Methods: Patients were recruited after BC surgery if ≧4 axillary nodes were involved by metastatic cancer. Planned treatment was A 90 mg/m2 three times every 14 days (q14d×3), T 250 mg/m2 q14d×3 and C 3 g/m2 q14d×3 combined with filgrastim support. Results: The study enrolled 85 eligible patients. The median number of lymph nodes involved was 9. Mean dose intensity was >94% of planned for each drug. Common grade 3 toxicities included nausea and/or vomiting (24%), mucositis (18%), neuropathy (16%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (12%), myalgia (6%) and arthralgia (6%). Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 77 (91%) patients, and 32 (38%) patients had neutropenic fever. One patient developed acute leukemia. Sixty-nine (81%) patients are alive, and 59 (69%) patients are alive and free of distant disease at a median follow-up of 5 years. Conclusions: ATC is a feasible regimen for adjuvant therapy of high-risk BC, with a relatively low rate of relapse at the 5-year follow up.
Combination of Irinotecan (CPT-11) plus 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin (FOLFIRI Regimen) as First Line Treatment for Elderly Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Souglakos J. , Pallis A. , Kakolyris S. , Mavroudis D. , Androulakis N. , Kouroussis C. , Agelaki S. , Xenidis N. , Milaki G. , Georgoulias V.
Published: November 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of irinotecan (CPT-11) in combination with bolus and continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LV) (FOLFIRI regimen) as first-line treatment of elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCC). Methods: Thirty consecutive, previously untreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, aged (median 76 years; range 70–84) were enrolled. The performance status (WHO) was 0 in 8, 1 in 16 and 2 in 6 patients; 19 (63%) patients had prior surgery and 8 (27%) adjuvant chemotherapy. CPT-11 (180 mg/m2 as a 90 min i.v. infusion) was administered on day 1, LV (200 mg/m2 as a 2-hour i.v. infusion), 5-FU (400 mg/m2/d i.v. bolus followed by 600 mg/m2/d as a 22-hour i.v. continuous infusion) were given on days 1 and 2 every 2 weeks. Results: Complete response was achieved in one (3.3%) patient and partial response in 10 (33.3%) (overall response rate: 36.6%; 95% C.I.: 26.6–48.4%); 11 (36.6%) patients had stable disease and, 8 (26.6%) disease progression. The median duration of response was 7.5 months and the median time to disease progression 7.0 months. After a median follow-up period of 17 months, the median overall survival was 14.5 months. Main toxicities were: grade 3–4 neutropenia (n = 6; 20%), grade 3 thrombocytopenia (n = 1; 3.3%), grade 2 anemia (n = 9; 30%), grade 3–4 diarrhea (n = 5; 17%) and grade 3 asthenia (n = 3; 10%). There was one treatment-related death due to neutropenic sepsis. Conclusions: The FOLFIRI combination is an active regimen with manageable toxicity as front-line treatment in patients above 70 years of age.
Differentiation of Follicular Thyroid Adenoma from Carcinoma by Means of Gene Expression Profiling with Adapter-Tagged Competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Taniguchi Kazuya , Takano Toru , Miyauchi Akira , Koizumi Kyoko , Ito Yasuhiro , Takamura Yuuki , Ishitobi Makoto , Miyoshi Yasuo , Taguchi Tetsuya , Tamaki Yasuhiro , Kato Kikuya , Noguchi Shinzaburo
Published: November 2005

Objective: Since preoperative differentiation between follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and carcinoma (FTC) remains very difficult, the purpose of this study was to identify the genes differentially expressed in FTA and FTC in order to construct a diagnostic system based on such genes for differentiation of FTA and FTC. Methods:Gene expression profiles of 45 FTAs and 22 FTCs were analyzed by means of adapter-tagged competitive polymerase chain reaction (ATAC-PCR) with 2,516 genes (learning set). The genes differentially expressed in FTAs and FTCs were then used to construct a diagnostic system based on the weighted-voting algorithm. In addition, a validation study of this diagnostic system was conducted using 12 FTAs and 6 FTCs (validation set). Results: The diagnostic system for differentiation of FTA and FTC, constructed with the aid of the learning set samples, was based on 60 genes differentially expressed in FTA and FTC, which included several genes previously identified as overexpressed in FTC (DPP4, KRT19 and IGFBP3) or FTA (trefoil factor 3 and thyroid peroxidase).The leave-one-out cross-validation study showed that the accuracy of this diagnostic system was as high as 90% (sensitivity: 77.3% and specificity: 95.6%), and was confirmed by the validation study (diagnostic accuracy: 83.3%; 95% confidence interval: 62.8–95.4%, sensitivity: 66.7% and specificity: 91.2%). Conclusions: This diagnostic system using the ATAC-PCR assay is expected to be clinically useful for preoperative differentiation between FTA and FTC since ATAC-PCR can be used for the small amount of RNA obtained from fine needle aspiration biopsy.
Gender and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in High-Risk Smokers
Authors: de Torres Juan P. , Campo Arantza , Casanova Ciro , Aguirre-Jaime Armando , Zulueta Javier
Published: November 2005

Background: Data suggest that women are more susceptible to develop airway obstruction compared to men for the same number of cigarettes smoked. Objectives: To compare the prevalence of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and the effect of smoking on the risk of developing COPD according to gender, in a population of high-risk smokers. Methods: In 795 smokers, spirometry was performed using the criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to determine airflow obstruction. COPD prevalence was determined in smokers grouped according to the number of cigarettes smoked per year [<20 (I), 20–40 (II), 40–60 (III) and >60 pack-years (IV)] and age. Results: Men were older, smoked more and for a longer period. Age at smoking initiation and the number of packs smoked per day did not differ. COPD was diagnosed in 26% of the subjects (30.5% men and 22.3% women, p < 0.001) with similar degree of obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s: 78% of predicted in men vs. 75% in women). COPD prevalence was lower in women in all categories irrespective of the pack-year history (I: 9 vs. 19%; II: 16 vs. 28%; III: 28 vs. 39%, and IV: 25 vs. 42%, respectively, p < 0.001). In those older than 50 years, 34% men and 17% women (p < .001) had COPD. Conclusions: Using the GOLD criteria, the prevalence of COPD in smokers was higher than previous reports. In this self-selected sample of high-risk smokers having the same smoking history, prevalence was lower in women than in men, suggesting a lower susceptibility for the development of airway obstruction.
"Secundum processum et mentem Versoris": John Versor and His Relation to the Schools of Thought Reconsidered
Authors: Rutten Pepijn
Published: November 2005

Johannes Versor († after 1482) was a prominent philosopher in the late fifteenth century, whose works were widely diffused. In recent scholarship, Versor has been associated with two schools of thought: Thomism and Albertism. These, however, were rivals—especially in Cologne, where Versor's works were printed repeatedly. Given this historical context, how should Versor's position amidst the quarrels of the schools be interpreted? Although he evidently used the works of both Albert and Thomas, there is no evidence that Versor ever committed himself to either Albertism or Thomism. In addition, the Cologne printings of his works suggest that Versor's contemporaries considered him an independent authority. Therefore, Versor cannot be rated among the members of either school.
MR-FQ: A Fair Scheduling Algorithm for Wireless Networks with Variable Transmission Rates
Authors: Wang Y.-C. , Tseng Y.-C. , Chen W.-T.
Published: November 2005

Wireless networks are characterized by bursty and location-dependent errors. Although many fair scheduling algorithms have been proposed to address these issues, most of them assume a simple two-state channel model, where a channel can be either good or bad. In fact, the situation is not so pessimistic because different modulation techniques can be used to adapt to different channel conditions. Multirate transmission is a common technique for wireless networks now a days. This leads to a dilemma: should fairness be built based on the amount of time that a user utilizes the medium or the amount of services that a user receives? In this work, the authors propose a multirate wireless fair queueing (MR-FQ) algorithm that allows a flow to transmit at different rates according to its channel condition and lagging degree. MR-FQ takes both time and service fairness into account. They demonstrate that MR-FQ can guarantee fairness and bounded delays for packet flows by mathematical modeling and analyses. Besides, simulation results show that MR-FQ can also increase the overall system throughput compared to other scheduling methods.
An Ingroup Advantage for Confidence in Emotion Recognition Judgments: The Moderating Effect of Familiarity With the Expressions of Outgroup Members
Authors: Beaupré Martin G. , Hess Ursula
Published: November 2005

The confidence we have in our assessment of an interaction partner's emotional state can have important consequences for the quality of the interaction. Two studies assessed the hypothesis that immigrants are more confident in their judgment of others' emotional facial expressions if the expresser is a member of their cultural ingroup rather than a member of the host community or another cultural group. In addition, the effects of the perceived familiarity with the type of expression, the length of residence in the host country, the quality of cross-cultural contact, the level of acculturation, and the intensity of the facial expressions were assessed. Overall, the results revealed an ingroup advantage effect for confidence ratings as well as support for the notion that individuals are more confident when judging expressions that they consider as more frequently displayed in everyday life. Furthermore, individuals were more confident when judging happiness expressions as well as more intense expressions in general.
Why Is Enacted Social Support Associated With Increased Distress? Using Simulation to Test Two Possible Sources of Spuriousness
Authors: Seidman Gwendolyn , Shrout Patrick E. , Bolger Niall
Published: November 2005

Although perceiving that social support is available is often associated with psychological benefits in times of stress, there is evidence that actually receiving support is associated with increased distress. To assess whether this latter association could be spurious, the authors conducted computer simulation studies to examine two theoretical models that could give rise to it. Study 1 examined a process whereby distress leads to provision of support rather than the reverse. Study 2 examined a process whereby an adverse event increases both support and distress. In both cases, substantial spurious associations were produced only when parameter values were markedly unrealistic. It was concluded that these possible sources of spuriousness are insufficient to explain the association between support and distress found in naturalistic studies.
“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”: Reference Points and Racial Differences in Assessing Progress Toward Equality
Authors: Eibach Richard P. , Ehrlinger Joyce
Published: November 2005

White Americans tend to perceive greater progress toward racial equality than do ethnic minorities. Correlational evidence (Study 1) and two experimental manipulations of framing (Studies 2 and 3) supported the hypothesis that this perception gap is associated with different reference points the two groups spontaneously use to assess progress, with Whites anchoring on comparisons with the past and ethnic minorities anchoring on ideal standards. Consistent with the hypothesis that the groups anchor on different reference points, the gap in perceptions of progress was affected by the time participants spent deliberating about the topic (Study 4). Implications for survey methods and political conflict are discussed.
Cultural Estrangement: The Role of Personal and Societal Value Discrepancies
Authors: Bernard Mark M. , Gebauer Jochen E. , Maio Gregory R.
Published: November 2005

Study 1 examined whether cultural estrangement arises from discrepancies between personal and societal values (e.g., freedom) rather than from discrepancies in attitudes toward political (e.g., censorship) or mundane (e.g., pizza) objects. The relations between different types of value discrepancies, estrangement, subjective well-being, and need for uniqueness also were examined. Results indicated that personal-societal discrepancies in values and political attitudes predicted estrangement, whereas mundane attitude discrepancies were not related to estrangement. As expected, value discrepancies were the most powerful predictor of estrangement. Value discrepancies were not related to subjective well-being but fulfilled a need for uniqueness. Study 2 replicated the relations between value discrepancies, subjective well-being, and need for uniqueness while showing that a self-report measure of participants' values and a peer-report measure of the participants' values yielded the same pattern of value discrepancies. Together, the studies reveal theoretical and empirical benefits of conceptualizing cultural estrangement in terms of value discrepancies.
Older Adults' Perceptions of Intergenerational Support After Widowhood
Authors: Ha Jung-Hwa , Carr Deborah , Utz Rebecca L. , Nesse Randolph
Published: November 2005

This study examines the ways that widowhood affects older adults' perceived exchange of support with their children, and whether exchange patterns differ by gender. Data are from the Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC), a prospective study of 1,532 married individuals age 65 years and older. Spousal loss increases older adults'dependence on their children 6 months after the loss yet decreases children's dependence on their surviving parents. Patterns of postloss parent-child exchanges differ by gender of parent. Compared to widowers, widows are more dependent on their children for financial and/or legal advice yet provide more emotional and instrumental support. However, these gender differences are contingent on educational attainment. Education decreases widows' dependence on children for financial and legal advice yet increases widowers'provision of emotional support to their children. The findings suggest that adherence to traditional gender roles among married couples may influence older adults' adaptation to spousal loss.
Key Considerations in Automating Health and Welfare Benefits Administration
Authors: Gieseke Valerie
Published: November 2005

The process of effectively implementing automated benefits administration can be much more complex than it appears on the surface for a number of reasons. The world of automated benefits administration has changed dramatically over the past ten years. This article discusses the beginnings and the current state of online benefits automation. Whether automating in house or using a third-party provider, finding the right software or provider is a critical success factor for both the implementation process and ongoing service delivery. Many common issues arise whether automating the process internally or using a third-party provider. Asking the right questions is crucial to avoiding many of these issues.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Incentive Plan Design within Company Constraints
Authors: Weinberger Theodore E.
Published: November 2005

Compensation professionals are increasingly being asked to provide empirical evidence of the effectiveness of company incentive plans. Senior management is less willing to accept plan success at face value today. However, it is necessary to conduct a systematic evaluation to connect performance improvements with plan design. The results must be significantly higher following implementation, and there must be no attribution to external sources. Within a real options framework, evaluative information is integral for making subsequent compensation resource decisions-whether or not to continue the plan or revise the mechanics. Unfortunately, the evaluation of an incentive plan may be complicated by company constraints pertaining to participation, time, and business conditions. This article describes a method for assessing incentive plan effectiveness over a brief period, which negotiates these constraints. Specifically, the “short” interrupted time series analysis is recommended as a suitable procedure for incentive plan evaluation. Postevaluative actions are also discussed.
Myths in the making
Authors: Fletcher Kim
Published: November 2005

Media commentator Fletcher writes: "Looking back, we can see that New Orleans was not British journalism's finest hour. Speculation rapidly became fact. Hearsay was presented as hard evidence. Caution diminished as the story grew. Only as the waters subsided did it become clear that many stories of murders, rapes and dead bodies were myths. The number of dead did not rise to tens of thousands - though around 1,000 did die in the state of Louisiana - and there was no epidemic. Andrew Gilligan, who reported from New Orleans for the London Evening Standard, says the press cast a slur on a devastated city: 'A city was libelled. As well as losing homes, and in some cases lives, the whole population was libelled as savages and criminals.'"
Playing with politics
Authors: Cole John
Published: November 2005

The former BBC political correspondent writes: "The quarrel between the Government and the BBC is a farce that risks sliding into tragedy. With the licence fee negotiations adding spice to the sauce, two groups of vain men and women - No. 10 and its hangers-on and the BBC higher-ups - are willing to risk the future of a worthwhile British institution, and have already sullied the face of British politics. Yet both are so wrapped in self-righteousness that they seem incapable of escaping from this corrosive quarrel."
Journalists as citizens
Authors: Whittle Stephen
Published: November 2005

Interviews on BBC TV's Panorama led to the Corporation finding itself in a position described by its director of editorial policy as "between a rock and a hard place, caught in the middle of what it regards as a fundamental journalistic principle [protection of sources] and the requirements of the Terrorism Act." Whittle observes: "Clearly we do not support terrorism, but there is a fundamental principle at stake. We have to be free to gather news and views to serve the society of which we, too, are a part...we cannot afford to be thought of as an extension of the police service or the intelligence agencies. We need people to talk to us. The public need to have access to that information. The public interest is better served by our being able to report what is happening and get inside the minds of people. That becomes impossible if every step is dogged with the threat of police raids and seizures of journalistic material."
Hall of Fame
Authors: Hagerty Bill
Published: November 2005

With the launch of the journalists' Hall of Fame by Press Gazette, the writer recalls three of the forgotten newspaper giants among the 40 inaugural inductees: Cyril Connolly, Nicholas Tomalin and Vincent Mulchrone.
Editors from A to B
Authors: McKay Peter
Published: November 2005

Daily Mai columnist McKay believes that "those who can, do, and those who can't edit"! Here he recalls editors he has known and writes: "In my experience there are two distinct types of editor - Alpha and Beta, if you like. Alphas are hard-driving individuals who are at their papers for 12 hours a day and do not generally accept invitations to appear on TV or waffle on the radio. Betas lunch out regularly and often view editorship as a mean of widening their acquaintanceship and raising their public profile... they lead with a light hand on the tiller, taking themselves off to restaurants or gentlemen's clubs at around 1pm, coming back after three and going home long before the presses roll."
Hindu Diasporic Consciousness
Authors: Koppedrayer Kay
Published: November 2005

This article applies theories of diaspora and diasporic consciousness to the study of a film produced in Canada by an independent South Asian film maker, Srinivas Krishna. The film, Masala, a dark comedy filmed in Toronto against a backdrop of South Asian immigrant groups, multi-culturalism and the 1985 Air India bombing and drawing upon the magico-realism of Bollywood productions and Indian devotionals, offers commentaries on questions of identity and life among South Asian diasporic communities in Canada, Canadian social policy, religion and diasporic consciousness. The article examines the way the film is located in diasporic space and how the film maker plays upon the different locations and sensitivities of his audiences to represent, explain and critique diasporic space. The article considers the way caricature and stereotype inform the negotiations of identity among members of diasporic communities, the way objective and subjective spaces are redefined in a diasporic setting and how Hindu beliefs are represented in such settings. The article examines how the film maker draws upon traditional techniques of Indian story telling as well as a mixture of cinematic techniques to tell a diasporic version of a Hindu avatara story. It argues that in simultaneously affirming and challenging the religious beliefs that inform that story, the film maker raises some provocative questions about the vitality of religious and cultural traditions in the diaspora. The article concludes with a brief examination of how the film was received by audiences in India and in Europe and North America.
The Mental Health Status of South Asian Women in Britain
Authors: Anand Aradhana S. , Cochrane Raymond
Published: November 2005

This article reviews the research on the mental health status of South Asian women living in UK. It reports on the findings from epidemiological studies of the prevalence of depression, suicide, parasuicide, deliberate self-harm and eating disorders in this community. Focus is on research studies that describe cultural influences on conceptualisations and expressions of distress, help seeking behaviours and alternative coping strategies. The influence of acculturation and “culture conflict” as they impact upon women's mental health is also highlighted. The review concludes by considering, first, salient cultural and religious concepts identified in studies that may facilitate understanding South Asian women's mental ill health, and second, the urgent need to develop gender, linguistic and culturally sensitive mental health services for women of South Asian origins now citizens of UK.
When Family-Centered Care Is Challenged by Infectious Disease: Pediatric Health Care Delivery During the SARS Outbreaks
Authors: Koller Donna F. , Nicholas David B. , Goldie Robyn Salter , Gearing Robin , Selkirk Enid K.
Published: November 2005

In this ethnographic study, the authors examined the experiences and perspectives of children hospitalized because of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), their parents, and pediatric health care providers. The sample included 5 children, 10 parents, and 8 health care providers who were directly affected by SARS during the time of the outbreaks and extreme infection control procedures. The data analyses illuminated a range of perceived experiences for this triadic sample. Issues related to social isolation due to infection control precautions were predominant. Themes included emotional upheaval, communication challenges, and changes in parental and professional roles. These findings reveal the cogent effects of SARS on family-centered care. The notion of providing family-centered care within an environment plagued by an infectious outbreak suggests an ominously difficult task. Efforts must be made to optimize family-centered care despite obstacles. The authors suggest effective clinical approaches in the event of future outbreaks.
Clinical Application Research: A Hermeneutical Approach to the Appropriation of Caring Science
Authors: Lindholm Lisbet , Nieminen Anna-Lena , Mäkelä Carita , Rantanen-Siljamäki Sinikka
Published: November 2005

Clinical caring science researchers contribute, by means of various participatory research efforts, to bring clinical practice closer to the ideals of caring. These research efforts have in the main been developed from classical action research rooted in critical theory. In this article, the authors launch an alternative research approach called clinical application research, the basis of which can be traced to the interpretative paradigm, or hermeneutics. The basic cornerstones of this research approach are ontology, context, and appropriation as well as understanding, interpretation, and application. Using an example from ongoing clinical research, the authors demonstrate the utility of this approach. Their aim in this article is to contribute to the development of methods within clinical research.
Destined to Come to Blows?
Authors: Vincent Louise
Published: November 2005

In 1994, a democratic government came to power in South Africa for the first time in the country's history. But political transition is never a single event or moment. Rather, it is a continuous process that faces setbacks and contradictions. One of the questions we might ask about a society in transition is to what extent its gender order has changed or is changing. The present paper sets out to read the country's transformation drama through the lens of contested conceptions of South African masculinity. The article is focused on one particular version of masculinity which it terms “rational-intellectual man,” and the argument is that a legacy of racism and the persistence of racialized modes of reasoning continue to marginalise black men from this and other powerful, high-status forms of hegemonic masculinity.
Masculinity, Whiteness, and the New Economy
Authors: Weis Lois
Published: November 2005

This article takes up the varying ways in which white working-class men remake class and masculinity in the context of massive changes in the global economy. Situated in the northeast rust belt in the United States, the piece draws upon data gathered at two points in time—during the men's third year of secondary school in l985, and again when these same men reached the ages of 30–31. Data gathered via participant observation and indepth interviews in 1985 and a set of follow-up in-depth interviews in 2000–2001 suggest that it is the movement off the space of hegemonically constructed white working-class masculinity—that masculinity which emerged in relation to the old industrial economy— that now encourages “stable” working-class lives.
“A Gangster and a Gentleman”
Authors: Payne Yasser Arafat
Published: November 2005

This article presents a content analysis of two group interviews with street life–oriented, U.S.-born African men that addresses issues of masculinity. The two group interviews are drawn from a more extensive dissertation data set that includes 371 surveys, 22 individual interviews, and 2 group interviews. The men specifically in the group interviews were asked to listen to and remark on a popular street life–oriented hip-hop song titled “A Gangster and a Gentleman” by Styles P. Findings indicate that for many of these men, masculinities are crafted in the face of inhumane socioeconomic conditions. In fact, findings reveal that their masculinity plays a vital role within their street-life orientation, thus serving a profoundly critical function in the development of street life as a “site of resiliency.”
Is He Boyfriend Material?
Authors: Firminger Kirsten B.
Published: November 2005

Teenage girls'magazines play an important role in shaping the norms of the millions of girls who read them. In this article, I examine, through the discursive analysis of two issues each of five different popular teenage girls' magazines (ten issues total), how males and male behavior are represented. Guided by the magazines, girls are “ empowered” to be informed consumers of boys, who are written about as shallow, highly sexual, emotionally inexpressive, and insecure, but also as potential boyfriends, providing romance, intimacy, and love. Framed by fashion and beauty products in both the advertisement and magazine content, success in attracting the “right” boy and finding love is presented as a result of girls' self-regulation, personal responsibility, and good choices, with only their own lack of self-esteem and effort holding them back.