bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermal Growth Factor in Cutaneous Repair Processes
Authors: Ricotti G. , Tucci M.G. , Pugnaloni A. , Biagini G. , Belligolli A. , Bertani A. , Castagnani R. , Castaldini C.
Published: March 2007

Donor areas on patients undergoing plastic surgery were treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to stimulate tissue regeneration. Mor phometric analyses showed that cutaneous explants, treated with EGF, pre sented a higher number of microvessels ( p < 0.01) and mesenchimal cells ( p < 0.01), than untreated areas, while EGF did not improve epidermal thick ening. By electron microscopy, better histoarchitectural maturation of cellular and extracellular dermal compartments was observed after EGF application. This work provides evidence that EGF does stimulate skin repair by promoting the formation of mature cutaneous tissue.
Partial Esters of Alternating Copolymers of Maleic Anhydride and Alkyl Vinyl Ethers for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Chiellini Emo , Leonardi Giuseppe , Giannasi Donatella , Solaro Roberto
Published: March 2007

The synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of alternating copolymers of maleic anhydride (MA) with new vinyl ethers of mono-O-methyl oligoethylene glycol (MePegnVE, degree of oligomerization n = 1-4) are described. The linear MA/PegnVE copolymers were partially esterified with alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, methoxyethanol, and n- dodecanol. Depending upon the nature of the two reactive components, the degree of esterification was between 10 and 70%. Semiquantitative indications on the relative reactivity of both polymeric materials and alcohols are pro vided. The potential of this new class of functional polymers is to provide am phiphilic polymeric ionomers as candidates for drug controlled release, based on their biocompatibility.
Synthesis of Enzyme-Digestible, Interpenetrating Hydrogel Networks by Gamma-Irradiation
Authors: Shalaby Waleed S.W. , Jackson Osalind , Blevins William E. , Park Kinam
Published: March 2007

γ-Irradiation was used to prepare cylindrically shaped, enzyme- digestible hydrogels consisting of a moderately swelling albumin-crosslinked poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel core which formed a semi-interpene trating network (SIPN) at its outer region with a polyelectrolyte homopolymer of acryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (AETAC). In pepsin-free simu lated gastric fluid (SGF), the presence of a SIPN resulted in only a marginal in crease in swelling as compared to the pure PVP hydrogel. In distilled deionized water, however, the swelling of the 2-phase hydrogel system was dramatically increased.

The effects of γ-irradiation on the individual constituent polymers that com prised the 2-phase system were studied. Vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) formed PVP which subsequently crosslinked to form an insoluble three-dimensional net work after 4 h of γ-irradiation. Polymers of AETAC (PAETAC) underwent chain scission following 30 min of γ-irradiation. FA became crosslinked as deter mined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE).

The swelling properties of albumin-crosslinked PVP and albumin- crosslinked PAETAC hydrogels were also studied as a function of γ-irradiation time and the concentration of FA in the monomer solution. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the prepared hydrogels in pepsin-free simulated gastric fluid (SGF) were dependent on the γ-irradiation time which affected the crosslinking or chain scission of the polymers. Both the PVP and PAETAC hydrogels under went bulk degradation in pepsin-containing SGF.
Study of Interfacial Bonding in Fiber Reinforced Absorbable Composites
Authors: Leadbetter Karen J. , Shalaby Shalaby W.
Published: March 2007

A simple fiber reinforced composite model, a matrix droplet on fiber, was used to study the interfacial bonding of a typical absorbable system. Specifically, the changes in the interfacial bond strength as a result of changes in certain key processing variables were documented for the poly(glycolic acid) (PGA)/poly(p-dioxanone) (PDS) absorbable composite system. The processing conditions under observation were processing time, post-processing annealing temperature, and exposure to a buffered aqueous environment. The interfacial bond strength was measured using a mechanical pull-out test. A change in post-processing annealing temperature had a nonsignificant effect on bond strength; however, changes in processing temperature were significant for dry strength values.
Dielectric Behavior of Aqueous Solutions of α,β-Poly(aspartyl hydrazide) and α,β-Poly(N-hydroxyethyl aspartamide): An Investigation of the Structural and Dynamic Properties
Authors: Cavallaro Gennara , Goffredi Mario , La Manna Gabriella , Pitarresi Giovanna , Liveri Vincenzo Turco , Giammona Gaetano
Published: March 2007

The dielectric properties of aqueous solutions of α,β-poly(aspartyl hydrazide) (PAHy) and of α,β-poly( N-hydroxyethyl aspartamide) (PHEA) were measured at 25 ° C in the frequency range of 100 MHz to 15 GHz using a time domain reflection method (TDR). Single time relaxation processes were found at 2 GHz and 15 GHz, respectively. The low frequency dispersion was inter preted in terms of the dynamics of polymeric segments based on the dielectric relaxation strength and the relaxation time. The high frequency process which is attributed to the rotational relaxation of water, indicated that water mole cules surrounding the polymeric backbone and in the pure state have a similar rotational behavior.
Reliable and Fictitious Accounts of Sexual Abuse to Children
Authors: JONES DAVID P. H. , McGRAW J. MELBOURNE
Published: March 2007

The various categories of reports of child sexual abuse were examined in Phase 1 of a two-part study. In this first phase, all the reports (N = 576) of child sexual abuse made to the Denver Department of Social Services were categorized. Most reports were reliable accounts (70%), but a small proportion appeared to be fictitious (8%). In Phase 2, fictitious (false) reports of child sexual abuse were examined in detail. Certain clinical features appeared to mark the fictitious reports: lack of emotion and an absence of coercion and threat in the child's account, absence of detail, and several of the children and some adults were suffering from preexisting posttraumatic stress disorders based upon previous experiences. In certain cases, custody or visitation disputes were in force when the allegation arose. Poor quality of interviews with children was sometimes a factor. In our current state of knowledge absolute conclusions are not possible in the absence of corroboration. Tentative conclusions are drawn concerning present clinical practice and suggestions are made for future research.
Personality and Criminality in Violent Offenders
Authors: LANG REUBEN A. , HOLDEN ROGER , LANGEVIN RON , PUGH GEORGE M. , WU RAY
Published: March 2007

Four groups of serving prisoners, 29 murderers, 30 assaulters, 51 armed robbers, and 25 nonviolent controls, were compared on measures of personality, demographic variables, and past history of violence. The measures were selected to examine the range of personality dimensions and factors considered important in violent offenders, to compare their relative value in predicting violent offenses, and to determine if nonhomicidal assaulters and armed robbers share features in common with murderers. Between-group differences occurred mainly on the hostility and violence measures. Results showed that murderers, on the whole, more often distorted their clinical profiles by minimizing their aggressiveness or propensity for violence. The history of violence variables were “better” predictors of group membership than personality indices. Overall, defensiveness emerged as a major characteristic of the murderer. In contrast, the armed robbers and assaulters tended to distort primarily their self-confidence and level of self-consciousness. The findings call into question the usefulness of personality measures in assessing and understanding the violent individual.
The Sexual Abuse of Boys
Authors: RISIN LESLIE I. , KOSS MARY P.
Published: March 2007

Recent clinical reports reveal that a sizable proportion of referrals involve boys. But because child sexual abuse is a problem that is often concealed, studies of reported cases represent only a fraction of the total cases that actually occur. A small number of studies have examined the prevalence of unreported sexual abuse among nonclinical samples. The goal of the present study was to extend this previous work to a national basis. Self-reports of childhood sexual experiences were obtained from 2,972 men in an approximately representative national sample of students in higher education. Although the results are limited in generalizability to other students, this group represents 26% of all persons in the United States aged 18-24. In the present sample, 7.3% of the men reported a childhood experience that met at least one of the following three criteria for sexual abuse: (1) existence of age discrepancy between the child and perpetrator, (2) use of some form of coercion to obtain participation by the victim, and/or (3) a perpetrator who was a care giver or authority figure. The descriptive characteristics of the abusive incidents are briefly reviewed and those characteristics that differentiated among three levels of sexual abuse (exhibition, fondling, and penetration) are presented. Operational definitions of sexual abuse and the behavioral specificity of sexual abuse screening questions for use in future research on men and boys are discussed.
Controlling for Family Variables in Abuse Effects Research
Authors: BRIERE JOHN
Published: March 2007

The present article offers a critique of the semipartial correlation approach to abuse effects research. This procedure attempts to “control” statistically for the potentially confounding effects of family environment in the relationship between child abuse and later psychological symptomatology. Unfortunately, the use of such statistics in abuse research may be problematic, especially when control, predictor, and criterion variables are significantly intercorrelated (multicolinear) and the intent is to determine the relative importance of abuse to later psychological functioning. Other problems discussed include the effects of (a) small sample sizes, (b) unreliability of the control variable, (c) ambiguity regarding the causal relationship between control and predictor variables, and (d) theoretical problems inherent in considering abuse “minus” family dysfunction. It is suggested that semipartial correlation analysis can be a highly conservative test of the “abuse effects” hypothesis.
Groups for Significant Others of Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: BRITTAIN DAVID E. , MERRIAM KAREN
Published: March 2007

This article offers a report of our experiences providing Groups for Significant Others of Survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Three different group formats are described: open, drop-in model; educative course; and workshop. Issues of social isolation and the identification of affective and cognitive skills served to structure the group experiences. Group participants exhibited differing abilities to distinguish their own needs from those of their survivor-partners, particularly in their responses to major areas of concern and conflict common to these relationships such as Being Cared For, Accommodation, Secrecy, or Rage. Special issues that arise in offering these groups are discussed, including screening, confidentiality, and leadership roles. Questions and areas for further study and experience are suggested.
Variables Associated with Violence in a Forensic Population
Authors: HILLBRAND MARC , FOSTER HILLIARD G. , HIRT MICHAEL
Published: March 2007

Cautious optimism has returned among practitioners and researchers involved in the prediction of violent behavior as a consequence of what has been termed “second-generation thinking” on the prediction of violence. New emphases have been suggested on actuarial techniques, alternate research methodologies, and comparisons between various clinical populations. In the present study, four clinical variable domains were sampled in a forensic population (psychiatric diagnosis, electroencephalographic measures, psychological test data, and social history data) in order to examine the absolute and relative strengths of their relationship with acts of severe violence. A characterological type of dysphoria was found to have the strongest association with violence, followed by the absence of temporal lobe damage, and a passive style of response to threat.
Compassion or Control
Authors: MEDERER HELEN J. , GELLES RICHARD J.
Published: March 2007

Family disturbance calls, many of which involve violence between spouses, constitute the single largest category of calls received by the police each year. In the last few years, the method of police intervention has changed from apparent indifference or compassionate mediation to firmer control and mandatory arrest. The change has occurred even though there are but two empirical studies that indicate that control strategies might be effective in reducing wife beating and there have been no formal evaluations of the theory underlying the alternative approaches police might use to intervene in cases of wife abuse. This article examines the change in intervention strategies. We critically analyze the reasons for the change to controlling interventions and then examine the assumptions, goals, advantages, and disadvantages of each alternative approach. Finally, we develop the theoretical aspects of each strategy.
Adult Protective Services
Authors: FREDRIKSEN KAREN I.
Published: March 2007

Research on Adult Protective Services has rarely examined the full breadth of such services. This research examines Adult Protective Services client profiles (e.g., client's age, gender, physical and psychological problems, type of reported abuse, referral source, and relationship of the abused to the alleged abuser), case severity ratings, case substantiation rates, and case outcomes. Secondary data were analyzed and it was found that the majority of APS cases were not substantiated and resulted in no service. This article presents implications for Adult Protective Services.
Comparison of Physical Child Abusers, Intrafamilial Sexual Child Abusers, and Child Neglecters
Authors: MILNER JOEL S. , ROBERTSON KEVIN R.
Published: March 2007

One hundred and fifty subjects, including 30 physical child abusers, 15 intrafamilial sexual child abusers, 30 child neglecters, and three matched comparison groups were compared on levels of distress, unhappiness, loneliness, rigidity, negative concept of child and self, child problems, and problems from family and others. All child maltreatment groups reported elevated levels of personal distress, unhappiness, loneliness, and rigidity. Sexual child abusers reported more positive views of their children and self and fewer problems with their children than physical child abusers and child neglecters. Sexual child abusers also reported fewer family problems than physical child abusers. Results support previous observations that child maltreatment groups overlap on a number of personal characteristics. However, compared to other maltreatment groups, sexual child abusers were found to view their children in a more positive manner and report fewer child-related problems, suggesting these characteristics may have utility in the differential screening and treatment of sexual child abusers.
Sexual Traumata Among Eating-Disordered, Psychiatric, and Normal Female Groups
Authors: STEIGER HOWARD , ZANKO MARIA
Published: March 2007

Prevalences of childhood sexual traumata were assessed in 73 eating disordered (EDd) women, 24 normal women, and 21 women with heterogeneous psychiatric problems. Neither “incestuous abuse” (involving family members) nor “extrafamilial abuse” (involving nonrelatives) seemed unique to EDd women, both being about as highly prevalent among psychiatric controls as among any EDd group. Traumata of both types were unusually infrequent among anorexic “restricters,” suggesting that this ED subtype may have an etiology unique among the EDds. Comparisons of abused and nonabused EDds along defense-style measures suggested that self-sacrificing defense styles may be accentuated in incest victims.
Treating Symptoms in Adult Victims of Sexual Assault
Authors: RESICK PATRICIA A. , SCHNICKE MONICA K.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the prevalent theories and treatments regarding symptoms which may follow in the wake of sexual assault. Crisis theory and intervention are addressed first, followed by a description and discussion of cognitive and behavioral treatments for PTSD, depression, and sexual dysfunctions. Among the treatments considered are exposure techniques, coping skills packages, and cognitive therapy. The article concludes with a description of information processing theory and a discussion of future directions in the field.
The Provision of Advocacy Services to Women Leaving Abusive Partners
Authors: SULLIVAN CRIS M.
Published: March 2007

The current research was designed to examine the impact of providing short-term advocacy services to women leaving battered women's shelters. Previous research has suggested that a critical reason so many women remain with or return to their abusive partners is lack of access to community resources necessary for independent living. This study employed a true experimental design and was longitudinal, interviewing women four times over the first five months after they left a battered women's shelter. Women in the experimental condition received intensive, one-on-one services with trained paraprofessional advocates for a period of 10 weeks. Advocates assisted women in gaining access to needed community resources. Women in the control condition received no additional services. Findings corroborated earlier research that suggested that battered women often lack many resources needed to live independently of their assailants. Results further indicated that women who worked with advocates reported being more effective in accessing resources than did the women in the control condition. Implications for further research are discussed.
Motives in Sexual Aggression
Authors: TANG CATHERINE SO-KUM , CRITELLI JOSEPH W. , PORTER JAMES F.
Published: March 2007

The present study directly compared sexual and aggressive motives for sexual aggression in Chinese college students. One hundred and forty-six males completed self-reported measures of sex and aggressive drives, sex and aggressive guilt, social desirability response set, and history of coercive sexuality. As expected, sex guilt and aggressive guilt acted as inhibitors of their respective drives. In this sample, sexual aggression appeared to result from aggressive rather than sexual motives. A comparison with similar research in a North American sample suggests that motives for sexual aggression may be moderated by cultural differences in general aggressiveness, sex guilt, and the social desirability of aggressive behavior.
Parents Who Get Killed and the Children Who Kill Them
Authors: HEIDE KATHLEEN M.
Published: March 2007

Empirical analysis of homicides in which children have killed parents has been limited, largely due to the lack of publicly available data. Findings from an analysis of 10 years of FBI Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) data are reported in this article. Analysis revealed that the typical parent or stepparent slain during the period 1977-1986 was White and non-Hispanic. the typical offender who killed a parent or stepparent was a White, non-Hispanic male. Mothers and stepmothers who were slain were significantly more likely to be White than fathers and stepfathers. Parents and stepparents slain were overwhelmingly killed by sons and rarely slain by Hispanic offenders. A strong relationship existed between the age of the offender and mother versus father victimization; patricide offenders were significantly younger than matricide offenders. Homicides involving parents and stepparents were overwhelmingly committed by adult offenders. Evidence that youth involvement in the killings of parents and stepparents increased over the 10-year period was lacking. Police classified more than 98% of homicides of parents and stepparents as murders. These findings are discussed and compared when possible to findings in the general area of homicide.
Veterans of a Secret War
Authors: CAMERON CATHERINE
Published: March 2007

Data from a longitudinal study of women survivors of childhood sexual trauma documents the presence, over time, of the same symptoms that characterize posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam veterans—reexperiencing, avoidance of reminders or psychic numbing, and arousal. Survivors, as well as veterans, had endured conditions of helpless terror and threats to body and life. In both cases, traumatic violence was the antecedent of PTSD, and tenacious symptoms were the result. The sexual abuse survivors differed from veterans in several ways. The women were generally abused by family members, they were far younger at the time of their trauma, and they experienced it alone rather than in a group. Their abuse typically lasted longer, it was more likely to have been repressed, and therapy was much delayed. Despite an average of three decades separating trauma from treatment, significant progress toward healing was documented during the 6-year period of this study.
Compensation Review : A New Approach to Compensation Management
Authors: Taylor J.
Published: March 2007

A "supermarket" program for providing the employee with an array of benefits from which he chooses those that suit his needs
Pension Reform
Authors: Friedes Peter E.
Published: March 2007

An overview o f what pension reform means to employees—"probably better off with it than without it"— and, all in all, in the best interests of the private pension system.
Profit-Related Stock Options: Immunizing Grants Against the Market
Authors: Nwokobia Fred O.
Published: March 2007

Executives who make good on their long-term profit goals deserve some protection on option investments, even in a sour market. Here's one way to provide it.
A Problem with the "COLA Craze"
Authors: Thornton Robert J.
Published: March 2007

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the use or COLAs in union-negotiated pay arrangements, in pay plans for salaried employees, and in pension plans. But not enough consideration has been given to the effects of such adjustments on the economy.
U.S. Urban Area Living- Cost Data for Compensation Planning
Authors: Runzheimer Rufus E.
Published: March 2007

Given the substantial differences in tax and commutation costs between major urban areas in the United States, hard data on these differences are a useful administrative tool for personnel and compensation managers.
Setting Supervisors' Pay and Pay Differentials
Authors: Miller Ernest C.
Published: March 2007

Most companies use formal approaches to setting the salaries of their supervisors, and in using these structures, they establish by policy a minimum differential between supervisor pay and the pay of subordinates—usually 15 percent.
Determinants of Equity of Rewards for Managers
Authors: Tombari Henry A.
Published: March 2007

For the executive, responses to employees' feelings about the jobs they perform is crucial to the smooth running of an organization. The issues are as complex and diversified as there are people on the job.
Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value in the Federal Public Service of Canada
Authors: Campbell John G.
Published: March 2007

The federal bureaucracy in Canada has been breaking new ground in eliminating sex discrimination in pay.
Collective Bargaining in 1982: A Turning Point in Industrial Relations?
Authors: Katz Harry C.
Published: March 2007

In some industries, the 1982 round of collective bargaining may have signaled the transition from traditional adversarial bargaining to greater labor-management cooperation, employment security guarantees, and more worker participation .
Estimating Future Social Security Benefits
Authors: Letzkus William C.
Published: March 2007

To help employees and their employers plan for employees' retirement, disability, or death, the author presents a simplified method for ...
Meeting the Challenge of Comparable Worth: Part 1
Authors: Olney Peter B.
Published: March 2007

Noting that comparable worth is just a logical extension of the traditional job-analysis and job-evaluation processes, the author shows how to ensure that job-evaluation systems take all comparable elements into consideration.
The Adjudication Of Rape Since Reforms: Examining The Probability Of Conviction And Incarceration At The National And Three State Levels
Authors: Bachman Ronet , Smith Pheny
Published: March 2007

This paper examines trends in the criminal justice system's handling of rape cases since the implementation of reforms both nationally and in three states: California, New York and Pennsylvania. While previous research has remained equivocal regarding the instrumental effects of rape law reforms, this study has documented the usefulness of more refined methodologies with which to address this issue. Included in these reformulations were more refined dependent measures of rape (age and gender specific); the inclusion in the analysis of equivalent trends for robbery to control for extraneous factors that may increase these adjudication outcomes for all violent crimes; and, finally, more liberally defined time periods which include data from the late eighties. This last reformulation is particularly important since original statutes in most states have undergone extensive interpretation based on recent appellate court decisions. When these methodological reformulations were made, results indicated that conviction rates for rape increased over and above increases observed for robbery in all three states. While rates of incarceration also increased in all states for rape, only in Pennsylvania and at the national level did these increases exceed those observed for robbery. While proponents of rape law reform would not necessarily characterize the picture painted by these findings as a perfect one, this research demonstrates the importance of utilizing more refined measures and methodologies with which to examine trends in the adjudication of rape since reforms.
Maternal Attitudes and Infant Feeding among Low-income Mothers
Authors: Hill Pamela D.
Published: March 2007

Sixty-four women of low socioeconomic status were interviewed in their third trimester and again six weeks postpartum. They were questioned about their infant feeding plans, general attitudes about breastfeeding, time of feeding decision, persons who influenced the infant feeding choice, and number of breastfeeding classes attended. Their knowledge of breastfeeding was measured by a questionnaire designed for this purpose.

The choice of infant feeding method was influenced most by the mother herself. However, the subject's mother and the male partner were important influences. Mothers who breastfed were more likely to make their feeding decision before or very early in pregnancy than were mothers who bottle-fed. Maternal attitudes about breastfeeding also were more positive among breastfeeding women than among bottle-feeding women, and breastfeeding women attended more classes on this subject than their counterparts who bottle-fed. The role of education and follow-up by nurses is discussed.
Epidermal Growth Factor: An Important Constituent of Human Milk
Authors: McCleary Monica J.
Published: March 2007

Epidermal growth factor is a human milk mitogen that has been shown to promote growth and maturation of infant intestinal mucosa. Since epidermal growth factor is not destroyed by proteolytic enzymes, it may be absorbed in the infant's gut and thus affect other tissues of the suckling infant.
Breastfeeding Knowledge of Hospital Staff in Rural Maternity Units in Ireland
Authors: Becker Genevieve E.
Published: March 2007

Knowledge of breastfeeding is necessary for health workers to adequately assist breastfeeding mothers. This paper examines the level of knowledge concerning breastfeeding in three rural maternity units in Ireland. Health workers responding to a self-report questionnaire felt that they had adequate knowledge, but their answers to the questions did not always bear this out. Health workers felt more staff training in breastfeeding would help to improve breastfeeding rates.

Thirty-four percent of respondents had never attended continuing education on infant feeding topics. Manufacturers of artificial infant formula were the main source of continuing education information. The knowledge level of obstetricians did not appear to affect breastfeeding rates. Pediatricians' breastfeeding knowledge was good, but they had little input in the care of healthy babies. Rising breastfeeding rates were found in the unit where midwives were more recently qualified and had higher knowledge scores. The need exists for more breastfeeding education in all the units examined, ideally provided by a staff member with current lactation training.
Molecular and Genetic Investigations on Alzheimer Brain Amyloid
Authors: Majocha Ronald E. , Marotta Charles A.
Published: March 2007

Amyloid-containing plaques are a characteristic feature of the Alzheimer's disease brain and have been the object of study for decades. Only recently, however, have molecular and genetic techniques been applied to examination of amyloid in order to understand the factors that contribute to the accumulation of plaques in dementia. Current investigations have focused on the structure and properties of the amyloid protein, its corresponding messenger RNA, its cellular site of pro duction, and its chromosomal site of origin. These data are discussed in the present review. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1988;1:65-70).
Cerebral Degenerations Producing Dementia: Importance of Neuropathologic Confirmation of Clinical Diagnoses
Authors: Marks Warren A. , Shuman Robert M. , Leech Richard W. , Brumback Roger A.
Published: March 2007

Dementia is a major public health concern with our increasing elderly population and currently affects more than three million Americans at an annual cost of $50 billion. The marked overlap in symptomatology between Alzheimer's disease and other primary parenchymal degenerations makes antemortem diagnosis based on clinical assessment tentative at best, with error rates of 25% commonly reported. Accurate diagnosis is of vital importance in order to improve our understanding of these illnesses, evaluate potential therapies, and provide appropriate genetic counseling to family members. Direct neuropathologic examination at autopsy is currently the only reliable method for assuring accurate diagnosis, and should be undertaken in all demented patients. To illustrate the importance of these principles, we present three patients who were clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and subsequently found to have other dementing illnesses by careful postmortem neuropathologic examination. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1988;1:187-198).
Endoplasmic Reticulum Abnormality in Alzheimer's Disease: Selective Alteration in Platelet NADH-Cytochrome C Reductase Activity
Authors: Zubenko George S.
Published: March 2007

Previous evidence suggests that the increase in platelet membrane fluidity associated with a subgroup of patients with Alzheimer's disease results from the accumulation of internal membrane. The specific activities of enzyme markers for selective cell membrane compartments were compared in platelets from subgroups of demented patients with normal or increased fluidity as well as from normal control subjects. A statistically significant change in enzyme activity was observed only for antimycin A-insensitive NADH-cytochrome reductase, a selective marker for smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) in platelets. This reduction was limited to the subgroup of demented patients who had increased platelet membrane fluidity, and therefore is not a nonspecific concomitant of neurodegeneration, medication exposure, or chronic illness in general. Since the platelet membrane alteration associated with Alzheimer's disease results from the inheritance of a single major locus, these results suggest that a defect in SER function may exist in brain cells as well as peripheral cells that express this genotype. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989;2:3-10).
Reversible Anorexia and Rapid Weight Loss Associated With Neuroleptic Administration in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rohrbaugh Robert M. , Siegal Alan P.
Published: March 2007

Weight loss and malnutrition despite adequate dietary intake has been reported to be part of the clinical course in advanced dementia of the Alzheimer type. We present a case of reversible weight loss associated with neuroleptic use in a patient with Alzheimer's disease and discuss a possible pathophysiological basis for the weight loss. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989-2:45-47).
Psychological Aspects of Treating Complete Denture Patients: Their Relation to Prosthodontic Success
Authors: Winkler Sheldon
Published: March 2007

Denture failures in the elderly are multifactorial. Such failures are rarely the result of technical or mechanical faults alone and are seldom corrected by remaking the denture. The dentist is in a position to reduce the number of prosthetic failures through the application of knowledge of the physical, metabolic, and endocrine changes associated with aging, as well as the emotional disturbances and nutritional deficiencies common among the aged. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989;2:48-51).
Geographical Knowledge in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Beatty William W. , Bernstein Nancy
Published: March 2007

Geographical knowledge, a measure of remote memory for visuospatial information, was studied in mildly and moderately demented patients who met NINCDS-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease patients were moderately impaired on a test that emphasizes locating gross features of US geography and profoundly impaired in locating cities on a map of the region of the United States in which they resided. The possibility that performance on tests of geographical knowledge can be used to predict impending difficulties of demented patients in wayfinding is discussed. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989;2:76-82).
Lifetime Course of Chronic Depression in Older Men
Authors: Rohrbaugh Robert M. , Sholomskas Diane E. , Giller Earl L.
Published: March 2007

The lifetime course of illness in older outpatient men who remained symptomatic despite adequate pharmacologic treat ment for depression was examined. A bimodal distribution of age of onset of first major depression was found, with 75% having onset before age 35 years and 25% having onset after age 50 years. At all ages, episodes of chronic depression developed after episodes of major depression and appeared to be partially resolved major depression. In 88% of patients, anxiety disorders developed before age 35 years, preceded onset of other disorders, and continued throughout the patient's lifetime. Seventy percent developed alcoholism and 25% had a medical illness that impaired function to a signifi cant degree. The importance of obtaining a lifetime course of illness in older patients is discussed. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989;2:89-95).
Binswanger's Disease (Part I): The Clinical Recognition of Subcortical Arteriosclerotic Encephalopathy in Elderly Neuropsychiatric Patients
Authors: Summergrad Paul , Peterson Bradley
Published: March 2007

The role of vascular disorders in the pathogenesis of dementia has been controversial. Recent studies suggest that subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (Binswanger's disease), a disorder of white-matter demyelination associated with narrowing of penetrating medullary arteries and arterioles may affect more than 5% of the population over age 65 years.

In part I of this paper, the authors present clinical examples and review the clinical literature, including clinical course and radiologic features. Differential diagnosis and treatment options are reviewed. In part II of this paper we will discuss theories of pathogenesis of subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy and implications for the nosology of dementia. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1988; 2:123-133).
Picture and Motor Sequencing in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Beatty William W. , Monson Nancy
Published: March 2007

A recent report found that the discrepancy between scaled scores on the Vocabulary and Picture Arrangement subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) was much larger for patients with Parkinson's disease than for healthy controls or patients with Alzheimer's disease. On this basis, it was argued that Parkinson's disease causes a spe cific deficit in cognitive sequencing that occurs even when the memory and speed requirements of the task are minimal. However, other work indicated that Parkinson's disease patients are almost as severely impaired on other Performance subtests from the WAIS-R that do not require sequencing. In the present study, an extremely simple, untimed test of picture sequencing and a version of the Luria three-step test of motor sequencing were employed. Parkinson's disease patients were impaired on both tasks. The extent of their impairments on picture and motor sequencing were positvely correlated, and the severity of deficits on both sequencing tests was related to global mental status and to performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, but not to neurologic measures of disease severity. However, the patients' performance on the picture sequencing test but not on the motor sequencing test was related to performance on Benton's Facial Rec ognition Test. These results demonstrate the existence of a generalized sequencing deficit in Parkinson's disease that ap pears dissociable from impairment in performing simple motor acts. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1990;3:192-197).
Differential Diagnosis of Dementia: Intra- and Interdiscipline Agreement
Authors: Plugge Leonard A. , Verhey Frans R.J. , van Everdingen Jannes J.E. , Jolles Jellemer
Published: March 2007

Ninety clinicians from six disciplines diagnosed ten case descriptions of patients, judged by a multidisciplinary expert committee to suffer from dementia. Five cases were diagnosed before and five after a consensus meeting on the diagnosis of dementia. A significant change in the level of agreement between the disciplines could not be established. The analysis did show a significant difference between the disciplines in the use of etiologic diagnoses. The results indicated that, in order to avoid possible bias caused by medical specialization, a multidisciplinary approach for this type of patient is rec ommended (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1991;4:90-97).
Quantitative EEG During a Double-Blind Trial of THA and Lecithin in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Perryman Kent M. , Fitten L. Jaime
Published: March 2007

Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) was performed on eight of ten Alzheimer patients in a double-blind, inpatient-outpatient tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA) and lecithin trial. Neuropsychological measures were related to EEG activity. Patient baseline dominant parietal rhythms (DPRs) and power spectral distributions differed significantly from controls. Severity of cognitive impairment was related to the degree of parietal slowing. Inpatient THA treatment resulted in increased DPR frequency in six of eight patients. Four of eight inpatients demonstrated reduced power in the delta and theta bands. During the outpatient long-term treatment phase, six of the patients were able to continue. Three of these improved significantly on tests of cognition. Two of these improved patients demonstrated DPRs with increased fre quency. One of these patients also showed a decrease in slow-wave activity. Thus, THA may accelerate DPRs while re ducing power in the slower EEG bands. However, there appears to be only a tentative coupling between individual quantitative EEG measures and cognitive performance associated with THA administration (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1991;4:127-133).
Othello Syndrome Secondary to Right Cerebrovascular Infarction
Authors: Richardson Emily D. , Malloy Paul F. , Grace Janet
Published: March 2007

The Othello syndrome, or delusional jealousy, occurs in idiopathic psychoses and in neurodegenerative diseases, but has rarely been described in patients with cerebrovascular infarction. A patient was observed to exhibit the delusion shortly after cerebral ischemic injury in the absence of other psychiatric symptoms. The underlying pathology was consistent with recent reports on content-specific delusions, implicating right hemisphere and frontal lobe involvement in the mis interpretation and misidentification of complex information. Psychological factors were hypothesized to shape the content of the delusional misinterpretations. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1991;4:160-165).
Organic Brain Disease in Psychogeriatric Patients: Impact of Symptoms and Screening Methods on the Diagnostic Process
Authors: Fladby Tormod , Schuster Martin , Grønli Ole , Sjøholm Hans , Løseth Sissel , Sexton Hal
Published: March 2007

Psychogeriatric patients are mentally affected by a heterogeneous group of diseases, traditionally classified as func tional or organic brain disorders (OBDs). Here, we evaluate screening procedures with respect to revelation of underlying OBD. Fifty consecutive patients admitted to a psychogeriatric unit dedicated to late-onset psychiatric disease were included. Diagnosis at admission, symptoms, and time of onset of disease were determined blindly by an independent, experienced psychiatrist on the basis of referral documents and the interview written at admis sion. Subsequently, consensus established a clinical diagnosis (after psychiatric and neurologic evaluations) and a final diagnosis after the screening procedures (Cognistat and MMS-tests, electroencephalograms, computed tomog raphy, and SPECT). Conventional criteria (ICD-10, ICPC) were used for diagnostic classification. Only 10 of the 50 patients were diagnosed with OBD at admission and an additional 7 patients following full clinical evaluations. At final diagnosis, 34 (of 46) patients were diagnosed with significant OBD. The Cognistat test had the largest diag nostic impact, with sensitivity/specificity values of 81%/60% for OBD. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:16-20).
Burden of Alzheimer's Disease: Helping the Patient and Caregiver
Authors: Donaldson Catherine , Burns Alistair
Published: March 2007

The burden associated with caring for a patient with dementia is well documented. There are many conflicting data on the factors that cause caregiver burden. Historically, studies in this area have tended to focus on deficits in the patient and the burden and distress they cause the caregiver. More recently, it has been acknowledged that care givers' own characteristics may play a major role in determining how burdensome and stressful they find their role. These characteristics include such things as gender, availability of support systems, and relationship to patient, as well as the way the caregiver perceives the patient's symptoms (whether illness related or deliberate) and his or her attitude and behavior toward the patient. Understanding the origins of caregiver burden has broad implica tions both in terms of the well-being of caregivers and the quality of support that patients receive. The Manchester Carer's Project, which is described here, seeks to identify the origins and management of caregiver burden. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:21-28).
Pathophysiology of Secondary Depressions in the Elderly
Authors: Robinson Robert G. , Chemerinski Eran , Jorge Ricardo
Published: March 2007

Although the pathophysiology of depression is not fully understood in either primary depression (i.e., no known neuropathology related to depression) or secondary depression (i.e., neuropathologic disorder that leads to depres sion), a number of studies have begun to identify aspects of the pathophysiology of both primary and secondary depression. This article reviews the findings of studies examining the pathophysiology of depression following stroke, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease and compares them to findings in primary depression. Studies exam ining glucose metabolic rates or blood flow changes in regional brain areas found that stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, as well as primary depression, were all associated with decreased activity or brain lesions in the orbital frontal cortex and basal ganglia. There were also abnormalities noted in the basal temporal lobes, cingulate cortex, and thalamus in some but not all disorders. Studies in stroke have also noted depletions of sero tonin receptors in left temporal cortex associated with depression. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the pathophysiology of secondary and primary depression involves the dysfunction of one or more of the corti cal-basal ganglia-thalamic neuronal loops. This dysfunction may be mediated by decreased serotonin release. These studies may ultimately lead to more focused and specific treatments. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:128-136).
Neuropharmacology and Receptor Studies in the Elderly
Authors: Meltzer Carolyn Cidis
Published: March 2007

Functional brain imaging has provided unique and exciting opportunities to strengthen our knowledge of the bio logic substrate of the aging brain and neuropsychiatric disorders. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a particularly powerful tool for quantifying the neurobiologic correlates of cognition, mood, and behavior. Initial PET studies of aging, psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative disease focused primarily on generalized physiologic parame ters such as cerebral blood flow and metabolism, and early neuroreceptor imaging studies relied on relatively nonselective markers. New, selective receptor radioligands now offer a previously inaccessible means to investigate the dynamic relationships among neurochemistry, aging, and psychopathology in vivo. This approach has sub stantial advantages over peripheral (platelet and cerebrospinal fluid) markers, neuroendocrine challenge studies, animal models, and postmortem receptor binding assays. Advances in tracer kinetic modeling, magnetic resonance imaging facilitated PET image analysis, radiochemistry techniques, instrumentation, and image processing have helped pave the way for increased emphasis on functional imaging studies of neuropsychiatric disorders. The capa bility to correct PET image data for the confounding effect of cerebral atrophy permits relationships among age-related brain changes and neurobiologic disease mechanisms to be more accurately examined in the elderly. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1999; 12:137-149).
Fracture Toughness of Short Fiber/Thermoplastic Matrix Composites, Compared on the Basis of Different Test Methods
Authors: Friedrich K. , Walter R. , Voigt J.
Published: March 2007

A variety of thermoplastic matrices, including Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyoxymethylene (POM), and toughness modified Polyethylenterephthalate (PET), and their short glass fiber reinforced composites have been tested with respect to their impact resistance. Test methods applied, all characterize in some respects the "toughness" of these materials. It turns out, however, that the ranking order of their toughnesses varies quite remarkably, depending on the particular testing procedure. In a fracture mechanics test with compact tension specimens, the fracture toughness of Polyethersulfone, for instance, is very low compared to the other thermoplastics and to their short fiber reinforced versions. This is due to the very sharp notches used in this kind of toughness test, and due to the high notch sensitivity of PES. In a falling dart test with a CEAST® modular falling weight device, and the use of unnotched plates, PES proves to be, on the other hand, much better than all the other competitive materials. The results are discussed with respect to the content of infor mation of the individual tests on the "toughness" profile of the different polymers and com posite materials studied.