bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementation with Alfacalcidol Increases Protein Intake and Serum Albumin Concentration in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis with Hypoalbuminemia: Possible Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Yonemura Katsuhiko , Sugiura Takeshi , Yamashita Fuyuki , Matsushima Hideki , Hishida Akira
Published: March 2004

Background: We have reported that vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hypoalbuminemia observed in patients with end-stage renal disease, but the mechanism remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine whether supplementation with alfacalcidol might increase protein intake in hemodialyzed patients with hypoalbuminemia. Methods: Twelve patients with hypoalbuminemia under 3.5 g/dl undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and not taking active forms of vitamin D were orally supplemented with 0.5 µg of alfacalcidol daily for 8 weeks. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), an index of protein intake, and serum concentrations of albumin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-II (sTNFR-II), an index of tumor necrosis factor-α activity, were determined before and after supplementation with alfacalcidol. Results: Supplementation with alfacalcidol increased nPCR from 0.96 ± 0.20 to 1.16 ± 0.15 g/kg/day (p < 0.005), thereby increasing serum albumin concentration from a baseline of 3.13 ± 0.35 to 3.32 ± 0.29 g/dl (p < 0.05). The baseline serum concentrations of sTNFR-II and IL-6 were markedly elevated, whereas those of IL-1β were under the detection limit. Supplementation with alfacalcidol significantly decreased serum concentration of sTNFR-II from 23.8 ± 4.38 to 19.7 ± 3.93 ng/ml (p < 0.001) but did not alter serum IL-6 concentration. Conclusion: Supplementation with alfacalcidol can increase protein intake and serum albumin concentration in hemodialyzed patients with hypoalbuminemia, probably through the suppressed tumor necrosis factor activity.
Intraperitoneal Nitric Oxide Production in Patients Treated by Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Davenport Andrew , Fernando Ray L. , Varghese Zachariah
Published: March 2004

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) generation within the peritoneum could potentially affect peritoneal transport by increasing capillary vasodilatation, and increase peritoneal permeability during episodes of bacterial peritonitis. As peritoneal mesothelial cells have a common embryological derivation with endothelial cells, then mesothelial cells could potentially be a major source of locally produced NO. Methods: NO was measured using the Griess reaction in fresh and spent dialysate effluent (SPDE) from uninfected CAPD patients, and from those during episodes of bacterial peritonitis. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) were cultured and NO production determined in the presence of SPDE and the effect of a potential NO substrate, L-arginine, and NO synthase inhibitor, L-NMMA. NO production by peritoneal macrophages (MØ), obtained from SPDE and the effect of staphylococci was also determined. RNA for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was sought using Northern blotting technique following combination stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and γ-INF, and/or spent dialysate from patients with bacterial peritonitis). Results: Whereas fresh CAPD dialysate was nitrite-free, SPDE from the day time exchange contained 41 ± 3 µM (nitrite and nitrate), and that from the overnight dwell 91 ± 8 µM. During CAPD peritonitis, dialysate nitrite and nitrate increased from 9.3 ±0.8 to 17.5 ± 2.4 µM/l·h, for the first CAPD bag at presentation, and 15.2 ± 1.8 for the second and 16.2 ± 2.4 for the third exchange (p < 0.01 compared to non-infected control). By the second day, levels had returned to baseline, 7.3 ± 0.9 µM/l·h. HPMC produced 261 nmol nitrate and nitrite/mg cell protein, and this increased in a dose-dependent manner with the addition of spent uninfected CAPD dialysate, to 365 nmol/mg with 1:10 dilution and 655 nmol/mg with 1:2 dilution, p < 0.001. The addition of the substrate, L-arginine, resulted in a 10% increase in nitrite and nitrate production, whereas the addition of L-NMMA produced a 10% reduction. Peritoneal MØ obtained from SPDE produced similar quantities of nitrite and nitrate to peritoneal mesothelial cells, and cultures of Staphylococcus aureus resulted in a reduction in nitrite and nitrate levels, as they were used as a growth requirement. However, we could not demonstrate RNA production for iNOS by HPMC following cytokine or SPDE stimulation. Conclusions: This suggests that HPMC may be an important source of locally generated NO within the peritoneal cavity under basal conditions, but as they do not contain iNOS, the increased NO produced during episodes of acute bacterial peritonitis is more likely due to a combination of increased NO production by peritoneal endothelial cells and transmigrating macrophages.
Thallium SPECT-Based Stereotactic Targeting for Brain Tumor Biopsies
Authors: Hemm S. , Hemm S. , Vayssiere Nathalie , Vayssiere Nathalie , Zanca Michel , Zanca Michel , Ravel Patrice , Ravel Patrice , Coubes Philippe , Coubes Philippe
Published: March 2004

MR or CT images acquired under stereotactic conditions are often used to plan and guide brain tumor biopsies. The objective of this study was to design and test a methodology to increase target selection reliability by acquiring stereotactic 201Tl-SPECT data and by integrating them into the surgical planning. The three-headed Philips gamma camera system (Prism 3000) was adapted to stereotactic acquisitions (patient pallet, headholder). A software was developed for the stereotactic target determination based on SPECT images (pixel with the highest metabolic activity inside the tumor). The whole system accuracy was tested with the Elekta phantom adapted to SPECT imaging. The methodology was applied to one brain tumor biopsy. Comparison of the specific phantom coordinates evaluated in SPECT with the theoretical ones did not reveal any significant difference. In this way, our methodology including our homemade software (identification of the stereotactic frame, determination of the pixel with highest metabolic activity within the tumor in the stereotactic coordinate system) was validated. No significant geometric deformations were detected. Clinical feasibility was confirmed in 1 patient with a brain glioma. This study illustrates the feasibility and the accuracy of SPECT acquisitions with the stereotactic Leksell G-frame. The clinical relevance of this methodology is under evaluation. This definition of the target, based on the point with the highest metabolic activity within the tumor, might lead to improved diagnosis in biopsies and patient management. Furthermore, it might prepare the future for therapy aimed at delivering a therapeutic agent within a tumor.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Factors Influencing Success of Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty
Authors: Vishne Tal H. , Ramadan Edward , Alper Dan , Avraham Ziona , Seror Dan , Dreznik Zeev
Published: March 2004

Background: Careful selection of patients for the operation plays a major role in long-term results of silastic ring vertical gastroplasty. The objective of the current study is to identify predictive factors for the objective (excess weight loss) and subjective (satisfaction) success of silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) for morbid obesity. Methods:Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University hospital. Subjects: 300 patients of 450 who were operated on between 1984 and 1997. Follow-up time was 4.4 ± 2.3 years. Intervention: SRVG. Statistical Methods: Correlations, multi-linear regression model. Results: Average BMI (body mass index) loss: 13.6 ± 7.4 kg/m2, average excess weight loss was 67.4 ± 33.0%. Satisfaction rate: 81.3%. Correlation was found between objective parameters of successes and the satisfaction of the patient (p < 0.001). Excess weight loss was correlated to younger age (p < 0.005), pre-operative weight and BMI (p < 0.005, p < 0.01, respectively), and shorter follow-up (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression model revealed that age and preoperative weight were independent vari ables and correlated to the excess weight loss after SRVG (R2 = 0.303, p < 0.01; R2 = 0.026, p < 0.05). Social support was correlated to satisfaction (p < 0.05). Conclusions: SRVG is an operation with high rates of objective and subjective success rate. Younger and heavier subjects will mostly enjoy SRVG in terms of excess weight loss. Patients who have social support have the most satisfactory emotional outcome.
Is the Endovascular Treatment of Carotid Stenosis in High-Risk Patients Really Safer than Carotid Endarterectomy?
Authors: McKevitt F.M. , Macdonald S. , Venables G.S. , Cleveland T.J. , Gaines P.A.
Published: March 2004

Background: We assess the outcomes of patients who would have been considered at high-risk from carotid endarterectomy (CEA), who have undergone endovascular treatment. Methods: High-risk patients were classed as those with occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery, recurrent stenosis following CEA, stenosis secondary to neck irradiation or treatment prior to coronary bypass surgery. Results: 103 procedures fulfilled at least one inclusion criterion. 58.3% had symptomatic disease. The all stroke/death rate was 9.7%. The major disabling stroke/stroke-related death rate was 3.9%. 63 had a contralateral occlusion, 15 post-CEA, 17 post-radiation and 33 pre-coronary surgery. The major disabling stroke/stroke-related death rates for each subset were 4.8, 6.7, 0 and 0%, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that this category of patients is at high-risk of stroke regardless of method of carotid intervention.
Noninvasive Histologic Grading of Solid Astrocytomas Using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Fountas Kostas N. , Fountas Kostas N. , Kapsalaki Effie Z. , Kapsalaki Effie Z. , Vogel Robert L. , Vogel Robert L. , Fezoulidis Ioannis , Fezoulidis Ioannis , Robinson Joe Sam , Robinson Joe Sam , Gotsis Efstathios D. , Gotsis Efstathios D.
Published: March 2004

Background: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) constitutes a promising modality to assess intracranial pathology. We present our experience using this method in grading solid brain astrocytomas. Material and Methods: Using a 1.5-Tesla MRI unit, 71 patients with the radiographic diagnosis of astrocytoma were examined. Water-suppressed single-voxel 1H MRS was employed in all of our patients. The concentrations of choline (Cho), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), phosphocreatine-creatine (Pcr-Cr), myo-inositol (MI), lactate (Lac), lipids (Lip) as well as the metabolite ratios of Cho/Pcr-Cr, NAA/PCr-Cr and NAA/Cho were calculated. An appropriate surgical biopsy was performed. Standard pathology examination was employed in a double-blinded fashion. Results: An increased concentration of Cho and decreased concentrations of Pcr-Cr and NAA were detected. The concentrations of Lac, Lip and MI varied inconsistently, even among tumors of the same histologic grade. The Cho/Pcr-Cr ratio was calculated. This ratio was found to be 2.15 ± 0.26 in 27 patients with astrocytomas grade I and II, 2.78 ± 0.09 in 18 patients with grade III, and 5.40 ± 0.16 in 26 patients with grade IV. Discussion: The increased concentration of Cho is due to the increased cellularity and a relatively increased number of membranous structures in highly malignant tumors. In abnormal anaerobic metabolic tumor states there is relatively less phosphorylization of creatine. By using the Cho/Pcr-Cr ratio the concomitant effects of structural and metabolic alteration can thereby be emphasized for diagnostic advantage. Conclusion: The Cho/Pcr-Cr is a very important and statistically significant marker (p = 0.043) determining the degree of intracranial astrocytoma malignancy.
Analysis of Gene Expressions of T Cells from Children with Acute Exacerbations of Asthma
Authors: Katsunuma Toshio , Kawahara Hidetoshi , Suda Tomoko , Ishii Tetsuji , Ohya Yukihiro , Akasawa Akira , Saito Hirohisa , Oshida Tadahiro , Sugita Yuji
Published: March 2004

Background: Little is known about airway inflammation in childhood asthma. The aims of this study were to analyze the expression of a wide range of mediators of airway inflammation in childhood asthma. Methods: Eight asthmatic children with acute exacerbations were recruited for the study. Peripheral blood was drawn from the patients at the time of exacerbation and after improvement. Total RNA was extracted from the isolated T lymphocytes. The differential display (DD) RT-PCR method was used to detect expressed genes, and the quantification of candidate gene expression was performed using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Results: The only gene for which significant expression differences were detected in both DD analysis and quantitative RT-PCR was lipocortin II (annexin II) (exacerbation > remission, p < 0.05). In quantitative RT-PCR of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, interferon-γ, IL-12 receptor-β and integrin α6, a significant difference was found only in the expression of IL-4 mRNA (exacerbation > remission, p < 0.05). The IL-4 plasma concentration tended to be higher in exacerbation than in remission. Conclusions: Our findings suggest activation of T cells and IL-4 production may be involved not only in the basic pathogenesis of childhood asthma but also in its acute exacerbation, and that lipocortin II may be a marker or contribute to asthma exacerbation.
Nasal Obstruction in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Relationships between Allergic Inflammation and Nasal Airflow
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , Cirillo Ignazio , Vizzaccaro Andrea , Milanese Manlio , Tosca Maria Angela
Published: March 2004

Background: Nasal obstruction is a typical symptom of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is characterized by a Th2-dependent inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationships between allergic inflammation, including inflammatory cells and cytokine pattern, and nasal airflow in patients with nasal obstruction due to seasonal allergic rhinitis. Methods: Fifty patients (31 males and 19 females, mean age 31.9 ± 4.8 years) with seasonal allergic rhinitis were evaluated during the pollen season. All of them had moderate to severe nasal obstruction. Total symptom score, rhinomanometry, nasal lavage, and nasal scraping were assessed in all subjects. Inflammatory cells were counted by conventional staining; IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, and IFNγ were measured by immunoassay on fluids recovered from nasal lavage. Results: Significant positive relationships were demonstrated between eosinophil infiltration and IL-4 levels (p < 0.0001), eosinophils and IL-5 levels (p < 0.0001), and eosinophils and IL-8 levels (p < 0.0001). Significant negative relationships were demonstrated between eosinophil infiltration and IFNγ levels (p < 0.0001) and eosinophil infiltration and nasal airflow (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the close connection between Th2 cytokines and eosinophil infiltration. In addition, there is clear evidence concerning the relationship between eosinophil infiltration and nasal airflow. These findings constitute first evidence of the relationship between nasal airflow impairment and Th2-related inflammation in seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Aerosolized Anti-T-Cell-Receptor Antibodies Are Effective against Airway Inflammation and Hyperreactivity
Authors: Lahn Michael , Kanehiro Arihiko , Hahn Youn-Soo , Wands J.M. , Aydintug M. Kemal , O’Brien Rebecca L. , Gelfand Erwin W. , Born Willi K.
Published: March 2004

Aerosolized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for T-cell receptors (TCR) were used to manipulate T-cell function in airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and -challenged mice with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The inhaled mAbs were found to be effective at low doses, had little or no systemic effect and specifically abrogated both effector and regulatory functions of the targeted T cells. Specific mAbs targeting αβ T cells suppressed and those targeting γδ T cells enhanced AHR. Moreover, specific mAbs directed against subsets of γδ T cells varied in their effect on AHR. Using this approach of targeting either αβ or γδ T cells reduced airway eosinophila, although the effect of mAbs specific for αβ T cells was stronger. The use of aerosolized anti-TCR mAbs may offer an effective approach for the treatment of airway inflammation and AHR.
Early Blood Pressure Normalization Independent of the Class of Antihypertensive Agent Prevents Augmented Renal Fibronectin and Albuminuria in Experimental Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lehfeld Leandro S. , Silveira Lilia A. , Ghini Bruno , Lopes de Faria José B.
Published: March 2004

Background/Aims: This study tested the hypothesis that prevention of the development of hypertension, and not the class of antihypertensive agent, inhibits the increase in renal fibronectin and albuminuria in experimental diabetes. Methods: Four-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), with diabetes induced by streptozotocin, were randomized for no treatment, or treatment with captopril, amlodipine, an association of captopril and amlodipine (Cap+A) or an association of captopril and verapamil (Cap+V) for 12 weeks. Results: Systolic blood pressure increased similarly in control (187 ± 5 mm Hg, mean ± SE) and diabetic (186 ± 4) SHR and was kept within the normal range by amlodipine (131 ± 3), captopril (127 ± 3), Cap+A (134 ± 4) and Cap+V (134 ± 9, p < 0.0001). In diabetic rats, albuminuria was higher than in control SHR [geometric mean (variance), 1,213 (953–1,708) vs. 512 (213–850), p < 0.0001] and was reduced to a similar extent by amlodipine [573 (353–744), p < 0.0001], captopril [562 (238–771), p < 0.0001], Cap+A [679 (442–971), p < 0.0001] and Cap+V [748 (581–848) µg/24 h, p = 0.0002]. Renal fibronectin increased in diabetic rats (24.0 ± 3.3 densitometric units, mean ± SE) compared to control rats (9.6 ± 1.8, p = 0.0005) and was normalized by amlodipine (9.9 ± 1.0, p = 0.0001), captopril (11.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.0016), Cap+A (9.9 ± 2.0, p = 0.0004) and Cap+V (14.7 ± 4.9, p = 0.0159). Conclusion: In this model, tight blood pressure control rather than the class of antihypertensive agent was the main determinant factor in attenuating of nephropathy.
Oral Adsorbent AST-120 Decreases Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Nakamura Tsukasa , Kawagoe Yasuhiro , Matsuda Takaharu , Ueda Yoshihiko , Shimada Noriaki , Ebihara Isao , Koide Hikaru
Published: March 2004

Background/Aim: Intima media thickness (IMT) and stiffness of the carotid arteries is related to coronary artery disease, and chronic renal failure patients are at high risk for such diseases. An oral adsorbent, AST-120 (Kremezin; Kureha Chemical Industry, Tokyo, Japan), can delay the progression of chronic renal failure in undialyzed uremic patients. The aim of the present study was to determine whether AST-120 affects carotid artery IMT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with chronic renal failure not undergoing dialysis. Methods: Fifty patients with non-diabetic chronic renal failure were randomly divided into two groups: 30 patients (18 men and 12 women; mean age 53.5 years; mean serum creatinine 3.2 mg/dl) who were given AST-120 (6.0 g/day) and 20 patients (12 men and 8 women; mean age 52.0 years; mean serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dl) who were not given AST-120. Thirty healthy age-matched subjects (18 men and 12 women; mean age 51.5 years; mean serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dl) were also included. The treatment period was 24 months. IMT and arterial stiffness were measured before and after treatment. Results: The slope of the reciprocal serum creatinine concentration over time became significantly less steep in the AST-120 group than in the non-AST-120 group (p < 0.001). Before treatment, carotid artery IMT differed little between the AST-120 group (0.90 ± 0.22 mm) and the non-AST-120 group (0.88 ± 0.20 mm). IMT in these two groups was significantly greater than IMT in the control group (0.64 ± 0.14 mm) (p < 0.01). Carotid IMT in the AST-120 group decreased slightly but not significantly to 0.84 ± 0.20 mm after 12 months and then significantly after 24 months to 0.78 ± 0.18 mm (p < 0.05). Carotid IMT in the non-AST group showed little change throughout the experimental period. PWV differed little between the AST-120 group (1,980 ± 330 cm/s) and the non-AST group (1,940 ± 360 cm/s) before treatment. PWV values in these two groups were significantly greater than PWV in the control group (1,280 ± 240 cm/s) (p < 0.01). After 12 and 24 months, PWV in the AST-120 group decreased significantly to 1,840 ± 280 cm/s (p < 0.05) and to 1,780 ± 260 cm/s (p < 0.05), respectively; however, PWV in the non-AST group showed a slight increase during the experimental period. Conclusion: The data suggest that AST-120 may reduce arterial stiffness and IMT in non-diabetic chronic renal failure patients before dialysis.
An Assessment of the Trait Validity of Cognitive Age Measures
Authors: Van Auken Stuart , Barry Thomas E.
Published: March 2004

We extend the concept of cognitive age and assess the internal validity of a direct, multiple‐item approach to its measurement. A multitrait–multimethod matrix consisting of the correlations between average cognitive age, ideal age, and least desired age, as measured by three methods (semantic differential, ratio, and Likert scales), was developed and analyzed using three models: confirmatory factor analysis, correlated uniqueness, and direct product. The correlated uniqueness model performed well in terms of goodness‐of‐fit, and the results provide evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, as well as the strength of age traits, relative to methods, in explaining matrix variance. Also, the semantic differential scale performed best in explaining the trait variance of a composite of cognitive age measures. The findings provide strong support for the internal validity of the cognitive age concept and the use of the semantic differential as the scale of choice for cognitive age research.
One‐of‐a‐Kind in a Full House: Some Consequences of Ethnic and Gender Distinctiveness
Authors: Wooten David B.
Published: March 2004

This research examines the behaviors of individuals in environments characterized by varying degrees of ethnic and gender diversity. Self‐attention theory (e.g., Mullen, 1983) is used to explain how being one‐of‐a‐kind (e.g., race or gender) in a social setting may affect behavior. Ethnic minorities have previously been found to avoid behaviors associated with their ethnicity when no other members of their ethnic group are present (Stayman & Deshpande, 1989). However, the extent to which they adopt the behaviors of the majority is not clear. This research investigates conformity and other possible consequences of distinctiveness. Findings from three experiments suggest that numerical minorities adjust to their distinctiveness by reducing perceived dissimilarities rather than increasing perceived similarities between themselves and members of the numerically dominant group.
An Exploratory Study of Choice Rules Favored for High‐Stakes Decisions
Authors: Kahn Barbara E. , Baron Jonathan
Published: March 2004

As information technology becomes more sophisticated, consumers will be able to access more information to help them make difficult high‐stakes choices, such as medical and financial investments or career decision making. The purpose of this article is to examine how consumers think such information should be used in making decisions for which there are high stakes. Results, based on five exploratory studies, indicate that subjects do not spontaneously favor the use of compensatory decision procedures, such as multiattribute utility theory (MAUT). Explanation and structured pedagogical procedures significantly increase the subjects’ endorsement of decision rules over no decision rules, but they do not increase the endorsement of MAUT. Further, subjects believe that they would be more likely to use compensatory models when they have more options and more information about the options, more time, less certainty about their goals, and more accountability. Paradoxically, although subjects generally do not want to use compensatory rules themselves, they are more likely to want their agents (e.g., physicians or financial or career advisors) to use these rules in making decisions.
Whither Fact, Artifact, and Attitude: Reflections on the Theory of Reasoned Action
Authors: Herr Paul M.
Published: March 2004

In response to Fishbein and Middlestadt's (1995) study, the theory of reasoned action is evaluated in the context of general attitude theory. Although the theory has been theoretically interesting and practically useful, concerns are raised regarding its implementation, with particular respect to measurement, falsifiabil‐ity, and testability issues. The theory provides a solid foundation for the study of consumer behavior, but participants in the debate over affect or belief‐based attitude mediation should consider additional attitude theories that build on and complement the theory of reasoned action.
Consumer Reactions to a Provider's Position on Social Issues: The Effect of Varying Frames of Reference
Authors: Sen Sankar , Morwitz Vicki G.
Published: March 2004

How do consumers’ perceptions of a provider's stance on a social issue affect their intentions to patronize that provider? Drawing on research on public opinion and consumer decision making, we examined how the reference frames implicit in alternate issue wordings and a provider's status‐quo position on that issue interact to affect consumers’ willingness to engage in a range of consumption behaviors. Results of two experiments indicate that subjects perceived a minority rights law as being more justifiable and were more willing to patronize a provider that supported such a law when it was framed as “protection from discrimination” than as “special rights.” Moreover, subjects were less willing to patronize a provider that had withdrawn its prior support of a minority rights law than if it had never supported such a law only when the issue was framed as “protection from discrimination” and not as “special rights.” This difference is partially explained by subjects’ justifiability perceptions and is moderated by their sex and familiarity with the minority group.
Predicting Purchase Intentions for an Environmentally Sensitive Product
Authors: Alwitt Linda F. , Pitts Robert E.
Published: March 2004

Expressions of positive attitudes toward the environment are only weakly related to the consumption of alternatives to products that are environmentally unfriendly. Yet, socially concerned marketers and public policy makers still appeal to general environmental concern (GEC) when trying to demarket environmentally sensitive products or market more friendly alternatives. In this article, we propose that GEC has an indirect effect on purchase intentions for environmentally related products and the relation is mediated by product‐specific attitudes about consequences of using the environmentally related product as well as the product's environmental attributes. We tested the model among 210 users of disposable diapers, a product that is not environmentally friendly. The results support the proposition that GEC has only an indirect effect on purchase intentions for disposable diapers. Implications for marketers and public policy makers are discussed.
Acquisition and Impact of Consumer Expertise
Authors: Maheswaran Durairaj , Sternthal Brian , Gürhan Zeynep
Published: March 2004

Two experiments examined how consumer expertise moderates message learning and product evaluations. It was found that organizing message information and repeating it enhanced novices’ learning of the message content and the favorableness of their evaluations. In contrast, experts’ learning was for the most part not influenced by these factors, and their evaluations reflected the type of message they received and the extent to which they evaluated the message content.
Extensions of Broad Brands: The Role of Retrieval in Evaluations of Fit
Authors: Dawar Niraj
Published: March 2004

Brand breadth is a function of not only the number and variability of products represented by the brand but also of the strength of association between the brand and the products it represents. The strength of association is reflected in the re‐trievability from memory of product associations. This, in turn, influences the evaluation of fit of brand extensions. Two types of brands were studied: those with a strong association to a single product (and weaker associations with other products) and those with strong associations to multiple products. Results from an experiment showed that for brands with a single product association, brand knowledge and context interact to influence evaluations of fit for extensions to products weakly associated with the brand. For brands strongly associated with more than 1 product, context influences evaluations of the fit of brand extensions.
Intended and Unintended Effects of Corrective Advertising on Beliefs and Evaluations: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Johar Gita Venkataramani
Published: March 2004

This research examined the effects of corrective advertising (advertising that corrects for previously made ad claims found to be deceptive) on brand and advertiser evaluations. Experiment 1 showed that brand evaluations were less favorable after (vs. before) company‐sponsored corrective advertising when prior evaluations of the advertiser were negative, but not when they were positive. On the other hand, advertiser evaluations were less favorable after corrective advertising when prior evaluations of the advertiser were positive, but not when they were negative. Experiment 2 was designed to examine the mechanisms underlying these effects. Brand beliefs and cognitive responses to the corrective ad were found to mediate the effects of prior advertiser evaluations on brand evaluations. Advertiser evaluations were affected by cognitive and affective responses made to the corrective ad. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Language and Brand Attitudes: Impact of Script and Sound Matching in Chinese and English
Authors: Pan Yigang , Schmitt Bernd
Published: March 2004

Chinese names consist of logographs that represent the meanings of a word, whereas English names consist of alphabetic letters that represent the sound of the word. Therefore, we propose that Chinese brand attitudes are primarily affected by the match between script associations and brand associations, but brand attitudes of English names are primarily affected by the match between sound associations and brand associations. A cross‐cultural study conducted in China and the United States confirms these predictions. These findings add further evidence to the stream of research that shows how structural features of languages and writing systems affect consumer behavior.
Initial Retrieval Difficulty and Subsequent Recall in an Advertising Setting
Authors: Forehand Mark R. , Keller Kevin Lane
Published: March 2004

This research examines the proposition that the difficulty encountered during initial retrievals from memory is positively associated with subsequent recall ability. This proposition is tested experimentally by examining the longitudinal effects of advertising retrieval cues on memory. Although these cues initially facilitate recall by activating ad‐based retrieval routes, they may hinder subsequent recall in two ways. First, the presence of an ad cue reduces the likelihood of activating and strengthening brand name‐based routes that may be useful at delay (a retrieval‐direction effect). Second, ad cues simplify the retrieval process and lower the amount of effort required for successful retrieval (a retrieval‐intensity effect). As a result, ad‐based retrieval routes are not strengthened as much by use as are brand name‐based routes. Together, these effects suggest that consumer memory traces are most resistant to decay if initial retrieval is successful and occurs without advertising retrieval cues. Two experiments are presented that demonstrate this retrieval difficulty effect and delineate the underlying roles of intensity and direction.
Impact of Consumer Preference Formation on Marketing Objectives and Competitive Second Mover Strategies
Authors: Carpenter Gregory S. , Nakamoto Kent
Published: March 2004

In this article, we consider the impact of the dynamics of consumer preference formation on the optimal competitive strategy for a second brand entering a market dominated by a pioneer. In particular, our analysis explicitly incorporates the perceptual dominance and prototypicality of a successful pioneer into models of consumer and managerial decision making. Based on these models, we derive optimal entry strategies for a second mover that competes with the pioneer in brand positioning, advertising, and price. Analyses using classical models of decision making, which exclude prototypicality, show that optimal second mover strategies engage a process of competition that leads to falling prices and profits until further entry is unprofitable. However, the empirical evidence shows that pioneers enjoy persistent competitive advantages. Our analysis, incorporating the prototypicality of the pioneer, shows that it is optimal for the second mover to adopt a niche strategy (with a maximally differentiated position, high price, low advertising outlay) that is consistent with the persistent pioneering advantage. Our results suggest an important role for brand prototypicality in the design of competitive strategies and for the process of competition between brands.
Processing of Numerical and Verbal Product Information
Authors: Viswanathan Madhubalan , Childers Terry L.
Published: March 2004

Numerical magnitude information, such as 32 mpg, is often specified as a number in the context of a unit of measurement for a specific attribute, whereas verbal magnitude information such as high mileage, is usually a generic descriptor that may apply to several attributes. Because of its specificity, numerical information may be easier to distinguish from other information and hence, easier to encode and retrieve than is verbal information. However, numerical labels often lack inherent meaning, whereas verbal information conveys meaning more readily. Based on this reasoning, we generate and test hypotheses about how numerical and verbal information is processed and remembered following learning, judgment, and choice tasks. Across several studies, numerical information was found to require less processing time, recognized faster and more accurately, and recalled more exactly, than verbal information for a learning task. However, some of these advantages for numerical over verbal information were found to persist following a judgment task or a choice task. Additional studies demonstrate that these processing and memory differences between numerical and verbal information can be reduced or eliminated by (a) presenting all information along an attribute either verbally or numerically so that both verbal and numerical information are equated on attribute specificity, and (b) presenting numerical information in the form of numbers on a rating scale so that it is similar to verbal information in terms of conveying meaning. The findings suggest that the key to processing and memory differences between different types of magnitude information may lie in how specifically the magnitude information is linked to an attribute and also how readily it conveys meaning in an information processing context.
Communality as a Dimension of Service Relationships
Authors: Goodwin Cathy
Published: March 2004

This article proposes a construct, communality, that can be used to differentiate service relations. Theoretical development of this construct suggests that (a) communality will affect the way consumers interpret behaviors of service providers and fellow consumers; (b) marketing variables can influence the degree to which consumers anticipate and experience communality; and (c) conflicting relationship norms will have consequences for service outcomes. A model and propositions are presented, along with suggestions for operationalizing the construct and developing future research.
Effects of Self‐Efficacy and Vividness on the Persuasiveness of Health Communications
Authors: Block Lauren G. , Keller Punam Anand
Published: March 2004

We use the literature on self‐efficacy and vividness to predict and explain the conditions under which vivid information will be more persuasive than nonvivid information in a health communication. Our results on sexually transmitted diseases (Experiment 1) and skin cancer (Experiment 2) demonstrate higher preferences for vivid over nonvivid material when participants believe they can follow the recommendations in the message (high self‐efficacy). This vividness effect disappears under low self‐efficacy. In addition, vivid information was considered more persuasive among high rather than low self‐efficacy participants. The pattern of thoughts about the recommendations and consequences contained in the message provides insight on the process underlying the self‐efficacy by vividness interaction.
Evolution of the Personality Construct in Marketing and Its Applicability to Contemporary Personality Research
Authors: Endler Norman S. , Rosenstein Alvin J.
Published: March 2004

This is an attempt to integrate two related perspectives on the interactional approach to personality, both of which have been developed over the past 30 years. The first perspective is that of a broad, generalizable theoretical model that was developed within the rubric of traditional academic personality theory. The second represents an essentially pragmatic application of the first and was developed independently within the business world.
Artifact or Meaningful Theoretical Constructs?: Examining Evidence for Nonbelief‐ and Belief‐Based Attitude Change Processes
Authors: Priester Joseph R. , Fleming Monique A.
Published: March 2004

Fishbein and Middlestadt (1995) argued that evidence for nonbelief‐based attitude change is primarily artifactual, resulting from inadequate one, belief‐based measurement of attitudes and beliefs. Thus, all attitude change occurs through this process. In this article, we present three arguments in response. First, evidence exists suggesting that some attitude change processes are best conceptualized as relatively nonbelief based. Second, evidence is presented of attitudes resulting from relatively nonbelief‐ and belief‐based attitude change processes, as assessed by the same measure of beliefs within the same study. Third, studies have found substantive and meaningful differences in the attitudes resulting from what are posited to be different attitude change processes. Together, these arguments provide a strong case for the existence and differential consequences of both belief‐ and nonbelief‐based attitude change processes.
The Case for Noncognitive Determinants of Attitude: A Critique of Fishbein and Middlestadt
Authors: Miniard Paul W. , Barone Michael J.
Published: March 2004

In this article, we raise several concerns regarding Fishbein and Middlestadt's (F & M; 1995) analysis of noncognitive attitudinal effects. First, we question F & M's focus on correlational evidence and review experimental evidence concerning non‐cognitive influences on attitudes that are immune to F & M's criticisms. Second, we note the potential for interpretations of the F & M findings that sustain the possibility of the influence of noncognitive factors in attitude formation. In making a case for noncognitive effects on attitude, we recommend an increased emphasis on identifying the particular processes by which such effects might occur.
The Persuasive Impact of Message Spacing
Authors: Malaviya Prashant , Sternthal Brian
Published: March 2004

Although the persuasive impact of repeated message exposures has been investigated extensively, the effect of varying the spacing of those repetitions on message judgments has not been examined empirically. We use recent theorizing, which suggests that in relation to massed presentations, spaced presentations of a target ad are likely to prompt the allocation of more resources to stimulus processing because spaced exposures are perceived as less familiar. Brand judgments are expected to depend on the resources that are allocated to message processing in relation to those required for this task, and these judgments are expected to be most favorable when the resources allocated to message processing match those required for the task. Our data are consistent with these expectations.
Mere Ownership Revisited: A Robust Effect?
Authors: Barone Michael J. , Shimp Terence A. , Sprott David E.
Published: March 2004

Beggan (1992) published a program of studies that tested the concept of mere ownership. His interesting results, in support of Nuttin's (1985, 1987) earlier work, detected that participants who receive an item as a gift (and hence who acquire ownership) evaluate that item more favorably than do participants who examine an identical item but do not own it. Beggan attributed these results to a private self‐enhancement effect. Our research set out to better understand the operative theoretical mechanism and to test the robustness of the mere‐ownership effect. Findings from our program of studies lead us to question whether the mere‐ownership effect is as robust as Beggan's findings would suggest. We have demonstrated that the magnitude of effect is weaker than what Beggan detected. The prospect is raised that mere‐ownership effects may simply represent a form of experimenter bias.
Anomalies in the Values for Consumer Goods With Environmental Attributes
Authors: Julie Irwin R. , Scattone Spira Joan
Published: March 2004

Many consumer products today present information regarding an environmental attribute (e.g., recycled content). This information can be expected to augment the other attributes, resulting in an overall increased interest in the product. However, previous research on preferences for environmental policies (e.g., an increase in air quality) suggests that environmental values are prone to anomalies. For example, respondents may refuse to provide a value or they may exhibit embedding effects, which means they may value two or more environmental goods less highly together than separately. Anomalies such as embedding violate commonsense assumptions regarding an attribute's contribution to the overall attractiveness of a product. These studies examined whether such anomalies obtain in the valuation of consumer goods with environmental attributes in different elicitation conditions. Study 1 established this anomaly for environmental attributes, in which the values were measured using pricing responses (i.e., “how much would you be willing to pay?”) for trades among consumer goods. Study 2 provided a controlled measurement (via a conjoint method) of the trade‐offs between the environmental and nonenvironmental attributes and established the effect under this elicitation method. Study 3 extended the findings to conjoint tasks with pricing responses and explored the psychological mediators of embedding, including the role of moral involvement. Study 4 concentrated on possible inferential underpinnings of the effect and further established that the emotional and moral content of environmental attributes contributes to their susceptibility to anomalous valuation.
Learning and the Cognitive Algebra of Price Expectations
Authors: Shirai Miyuri , Meyer Robert
Published: March 2004

We investigate how consumers learn to form price expectations for multiattribute goods in novel product categories. We hypothesize that expectations of price among novice consumers will be dominated by simplistic intuitive conjectures about the costs of goods that would cause expectations of prices to depart systematically from “true” values. Although we hypothesize that judgments should become more accurate—and configural—as expertise grows, we also hypothesize that learning will be limited, with even experienced consumer judges displaying some of the same biases in price expectations observed among novices. We tested these hypotheses in two studies: a dynamic laboratory task that simulated a period of learning about prices in a novel category and a cross‐sectional survey that compared the multiattribute price‐expectation rules used by novice and experienced consumers. The results provide a somewhat surprising view of the dynamics of price‐expectation policies. First, Study 1 shows that composition rules used by novices can be highly configural in nature, even when they lack knowledge about the true rules that govern the price of goods in a category. Second, both studies support the hypothesis of limited learning, with judgments strategies of experienced consumers being only slightly more accurate in anticipating true normal market prices than those used by inexperienced consumers. A discussion of the implications of the work for research in how consumers learn to form price expectations is offered.
Assimilation or Contrast?: Comparison Relevance, Distinctness, and the Impact of Accessible Information on Consumer Judgments
Authors: Stapel Diederik A. , Koomen Willem , Velthuijsen Aart S.
Published: March 2004

In 3 studies we demonstrate that the direction of context or information accessibility effects on consumer judgments is dependent on the comparison relevance and distinctness of the activated information. Accessible information yields contrastive judgment effects (that occur in both judgments of “new” and “familiar” stimuli) when the activated information is sufficiently distinct and comparison relevant to be used as a scale anchor, whereas it yields assimilative interpretation effects (that only occur in judgments of new stimuli of which the meaning is ambiguous) when the activated information is relatively indistinct and comparison irrelevant. Theoretical implications and practical recommendations are discussed.
Effects of Source Congruity on Brand Attitudes and Beliefs: The Moderating Role of Issue‐Relevant Elaboration
Authors: Kirmani Amna , Shiv Baba
Published: March 2004

In this article, we examine the conditions under which source congruity affects brand attitudes and beliefs. Source congruity is defined as the degree of match between accessible endorser associations and attributes associated with the brand. When the level of issue‐relevant elaboration is high, we propose that source congruity affects brand attitudes positively, as consumers seek brand‐relevant information to form attitudes. When the level of issue‐relevant elaboration is low, source congruity has less of an effect on brand attitudes, as consumers use peripheral cues or heuristics to form attitudes. Support for the hypotheses comes from three lab studies.
The Inclusion Effect and Category‐Based Induction: Theory and Application to Brand Categories
Authors: Joiner Christopher , Loken Barbara
Published: March 2004

This article investigates inferences between elements in brand categories using an argument strength research paradigm. In 3 laboratory studies of brand categories, we found that consumers often generalize possession of an attribute from a specific category (e.g., Sony televisions) to a more general category (e.g., all Sony products) more readily than they generalize the attribute from the specific category (e.g., Sony televisions) to another specific category (e.g., Sony bicycles)—a counternormative phenomenon called the inclusion effect. Consistent with the category induction model of Osherson, Smith, Wilkie, Lopez, and Shafir (1990), the similarity between the premise and conclusion categories (e.g., televisions and bicycles) was a strong predictor of argument strength judgments. We also found that the inclusion effect was attenuated when the specific conclusion category increased in its typicality to the general category (e.g., Sony cameras vs. Sony bicycles). Presenting the general conclusion argument immediately followed by the specific conclusion argument (as opposed to presenting each argument alone) seemed to accentuate the inclusion effect, despite our expectation that increased salience of the judgmental inconsistencies (that lead to the counternormative reasoning) would reduce the effect. Although several rival explanations of the inclusion effect (including a conversational norms explanation) were ruled out, a conclusion plausibility explanation also appeared to account for some of the results.