bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Further explorations in empowerment theory: An empirical analysis of psychological empowerment
Authors: Zimmerman Marc A. , Israel Barbara A. , Schulz Amy , Checkoway Barry 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDeveloped empowerment theory and replicated previous research on citizen participation and perceived control. Few investigators have designed studies that specifically test empowerment theory. This research further extends a theoretical model of psychological empowerment that includes intrapersonal, interactional, and behavioral components, by studying a large randomly selected urban and suburban community sample and examining race differences. Results suggest that one underlying dimension that combines different measures of perceived control may be interpreted as the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment, because it distinguishes groups defined by their level of participation in community organizations and activities (behavioral component). The association found between the intrapersonal and behavioral components is consistent with empowerment theory. Interaction effects between race groups and participation suggest that participation may be more strongly associated with the intrapersonal component of psychological empowerment for African Americans than for white individuals. Implications for empowerment theory and intervention design are discussed.
Comparing interventions to motivate work‐site collection of home‐generated recyclables
Authors: Needleman Lawrence D. , Geller E. Scott 
Published: March 2005

AbstractCompared the efficacy of eight different intervention strategies to increase the work‐site delivery of employees' home‐generated recyclables. The interventions incorporated appeals, reciprocity, goals plus feedback, and raffles. Results indicated that relatively few employees participated during any phase of the 25‐week program. Raffles of prizes donated by community businesses were the only effective intervention, motivating substantial deliveries of aluminum cans. This suggests that low‐cost, impersonal interventions targeting employees' delivery of recyclables to work are not effective. Reasons for the low participation rates are discussed as well as suggestions for improving future corporate‐based recycling programs.
Life stress, social support, and locus of control during early adolescence: Interactive effects
Authors: Cauce Ana Mari , Hannan Keith , Sargeant Marion 
Published: March 2005

AbstractExamined the relationships between negative events, locus of control, social support, and psychological adjustment in an early adolescent sample. Of interest were the potential stress‐buffering effects of social support and the conjunctive effects of social support and locus of control upon adjustment. Family support was positively related to adjustment in several domains, whereas school support was only related to school competence. Peer support was positively related to peer competence and anxiety, and negatively related to school competence. Examination of the buffering hypothesis suggested that both family and school support served to moderate the relationship between negative events and school competence. Conjunctive effects were also detected in that school support buffered number of negative events best for those individuals with an internal locus of control for successes.
Outcome of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung after antenatal diagnosis
Authors: Hsieh C.C. , Chao A.S. , Chang Y.L. , Kuo D.M. , Hsieh T.T. , Hung H.T. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveWe evaluated the outcome of fetuses diagnosed with having congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) on ultrasonographic examination and managed conservatively.MethodsA retrospective study of 19 cases of CCAM diagnosed antenatally in our hospital was conducted between 1990 and 2001. Complete clinical information was available for all patients, with a mean follow‐up of 62 months.ResultsThe median gestational age at which CCAM was diagnosed was 23 weeks and there were eight live births. With conservative postnatal management, seven neonates had no major complications and one developed bronchopneumonia.ConclusionTaken together, the findings of the present study and a review of the literature strongly support the conservative management of selected neonates with CCAM.
Experience using cryotherapy for treatment of cervical precancerous lesions in low‐resource settings
Authors: Jacob M. , Broekhuizen F.F. , Castro W. , Sellors J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractCervical cancer can be successfully prevented if timely identification of precancerous lesions is followed by effective treatment. In many developing countries, treatment of precancer is neglected because therapeutic services are unavailable, inaccessible, inappropriate, or inadequately linked to screening services. One of the main focuses of the Alliance for Cervical Cancer Prevention (ACCP) has been to ensure that safe and effective methods of treatment for precancer are both available and accessible to women who need them. Cryotherapy, in use for the past 40 years, is a relatively simple, safe, effective, acceptable, and appropriate outpatient procedure for the treatment of precancer. ACCP studies conducted in more than a dozen developing countries show that cryotherapy for precancer can be performed safely and effectively as an outpatient procedure at all levels of health facilities by trained and competent midlevel providers, thus increasing availability and accessibility to precancer treatment services.
Artificial neural network computer prediction of ovarian malignancy in women with adnexal masses
Authors: Szpurek D. , Moszynski R. , Smolen A. , Sajdak S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjectiveAssessment of the usefulness of a neural model to predict which ovarian tumors are malignant.MethodAge, menopausal status, body mass index, grayscale and Doppler ultrasonographic features, as well as levels of specific markers (CA 125, tissue polypeptide specific antigen) were examined in 686 women with adnexal masses. The probability of malignancy was calculated using an artificial neural network software and the diagnostic efficiency of the received model was estimated using a receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve.ResultOf the 686 women, 431 (62.8%) had a benign and 255 (37.2%) had a malignant ovarian tumor. The significant malignancy predictors are age, menopausal status, maximum tumor diameter, internal wall structure of tumor, presence of septa and/or solid elements, tumor location, location of vessels, and blood flow indexes. The best network provided 96.0% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity. The area under the curve for the received model was 0.9716.ConclusionsAn artificial neural network model based on clinical and ultrasonographic data allows to calculate the probability of tumor malignancy.
The American College of Nurse‐Midwives' Dream Becomes Reality: The Division of Accreditation
Authors: Carrington Betty Watts , Burst Helen Varney 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTRecognized continuously by the US Department of Education since 1982 as a specialized accrediting agency, the American College of Nurse‐Midwives' Division of Accreditation (DOA) accredits not only nurse‐midwifery education programs at the postbaccalaureate or higher academic level as certificate and graduate programs for registered nurses (RNs), but also precertification programs for professional midwives from other countries who are licensed as RNs in the United States. The DOA also accredits midwifery education programs for non‐nurses at the postbaccalaureate or higher academic level as certificate and graduate programs, and precertification programs for professional midwives from other countries. The accreditation process is a voluntary activity involving both nurse‐midwifery and/or midwifery education programs and the DOA. Present plans include another expansion of recognition: to become an institutional accreditation agency for independent and proprietary schools and to continue as a programmatic accrediting agency. Since its inception, the accreditation process has been viewed as a positive development in nurse‐midwifery education.
Midwifery Care of Poor and Vulnerable Women, 1925–2003
Authors: Raisler Jeanne , Kennedy Holly 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTA systematic literature review of research on midwifery care of poor and vulnerable women from 1925 to 2003, which included topics studied, research methods used, and special issues and implications for future research, was performed; 44 studies published between 1955 and 2003 were identified. The majority were retrospective, descriptive studies. Outcomes examined included prenatal care visits, vaginal versus operative births, labor interventions, maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, birth weight, and cost‐effectiveness. Studies showed that midwives predominantly serve vulnerable women who are young, poor, immigrants, or members of racial and ethnic minorities. Preterm birth prevention is emerging as a midwifery research focus. Health system changes are making it more difficult to provide effective care and counseling to disadvantaged women, especially in managed care settings. Extensive evidence documents excellent outcomes of midwifery care for the poor in urban and rural settings over the past three quarters of a century. Future research should include more intervention studies and use both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate midwifery processes of care and the process‐outcome connection. The research focus should broaden beyond childbirth to include gynecology, family planning, and primary care issues. Health disparities, cultural studies, obstetric interventions, and poor women's experiences of childbirth and midwifery care are important topics for future research.
Hemoglobin stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by synovial cells: A possible cause of joint damage after intra‐articular hemorrhage
Authors: Tajima Takuya , Yoshida Etsuo , Yamashita Atsushi , Ohmura Sayuri , Tomitaka Yasushi , Sugiki Masahiko , Asada Yujiro , Maruyama Masugi 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIntra‐articular bleeding causes degradation of articular cartilage leading to joint disorders, but the mechanisms is not well understood. The present study examined the effect of hemoglobin on the ability of synovial tissues to produce plasminogen activators and matrix metalloproteinases that play important roles in the degradation of articular cartilage. Human Hb added to primary cultures of human knee synovial cells markedly increased fibrinolytic activity and gelatinolytic activity. The fibrinolytic activity was due to an increase in uPA activity. Western blot analysis and gelatin zymography indicated that the increased gelatinolytic activity was due to increased MMP‐2 and ‐9. In order to know whether the effect of Hb on cultured synovial tissue is also true in in vivo system or not, rabbit hemoglobin was injected into rabbit knee joints. Coinciding with in vitro study, hemoglobin elicited considerable increase in fibrinolytic and gelatinolytic activity. The level of proteoglycan fragments in the hemoglobin‐treated joint fluid was significantly elevated, indicating cartilage matrix degradation. Cartilage damage after hemoglobin treatment was also confirmed by histological study. These findings suggest that hemoglobin stimulates the secretion of uPA, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 by synovial tissues, and raise a possible role of hemoglobin in joint damage after intra‐articular bleeding. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society.
Study of Antiepileptic Effect of Extracts from Acorus tatarinowii Schott
Authors: Liao Wei‐Ping , Chen Li , Yi Yong‐Hong , Sun Wei‐Wen , Gao Mei‐Mei , Su Tao , Yang Shao‐Qing 
Published: March 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To study the antiepileptic properties of extracts from rhizomes of Acorus tatarinowii Schott (ATS). Methods: The decoction and volatile oil were extracted from rhizomes of ATS by traditional decocting and supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE‐CO2) methods. Maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) maximal seizure, and prolonged PTZ kindling models were used to test their anticonvulsive properties. The γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunohistochemical reaction (IR) was used to study GABAergic neuron changes in the PTZ kindling model and the effects of treatment. Results: Both decoction (dose; 10–20 g/kg) and volatile oil (1.25 g/kg) of ATS decreased the convulsive rate significantly in the MES model. Decoction of ATS was shown to be effective in the PTZ model with both decreased convulsive and mortality rates. The volatile oil of ATS failed to prevent seizures in the dose range tested, although prolonged seizure latency and decreased mortality were found at a dose of 1.25 g/kg. In the PTZ kindling model, GABA‐IR neurons decreased obviously compared with the normal group. In the groups treated with the decoction and volatile oil, the seizure intensity decreased significantly after treatment. Increased GABA‐IR neurons also were found when compared with PTZ kindling controls. Morphologic observation also showed that GABA‐IR neuron damage was less severe in the drug‐treated groups. Conclusions: Both decoction and volatile oil extracted from the rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii Schott have anticonvulsive effects. The volatile oil is shown to be less effective for PTZ‐induced convulsions. Both extracts can prevent convulsions as well as convulsion‐related GABAergic neuron damage in the brain in the prolonged PTZ kindling model.
The relationship between self‐reported difficulty withT hearing in the worse ear and the better ear
Authors: Okamoto M. , Nakanishi N. , Tatara K. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives:  To investigate the relationship of self‐reported hearing difficulty with hearing in the worse ear and the better ear at 1 and 4 kHz.Design:  Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis in community‐residing population.Settings:  The Settsu City Health Center (Osaka, Japan).Participants:  A total of 919 consecutive participants who were provided health check‐ups.Main outcomes measures:  Comparison is based on the measurement of the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC.Results:  At 1 kHz, the area under the curve (AUC) of the worse ear (0.625 ± 0.021) was significantly larger than that of the better ear (0.570 ± 0.021) (P < 0.01). At 4 kHz, the AUC of the worse ear (0.665 ± 0.019) was significantly larger than that of the better ear (0.622 ± 0.020) (P < 0.01). Excluding the subjects with noise exposure, tinnitus and ear disease, at both frequencies, the AUC of the worse ear was not significantly larger than that of the better ear at both 1 and 4 kHz. Hearing in the worse ear was significantly more related to self‐reported hearing difficulty than in the better ear without excluding those with noise exposure, tinnitus and ear disease.Conclusions:  ROC curve analysis would provide a method to help us judge the difference between the worse hearing ear and the better hearing ear on the subject of hearing loss.
Evidence for correlation of objective and subjective measures of nasal airflow in patients with common cold
Authors: Clarke J.D. , Hopkins M.L. , Eccles R. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives:  To utilize posterior rhinomanometry and conductance, as units of measurement, to further investigate the relationship between subjective and objective measures of nasal airflow.Design:  A prospective, observational study.Setting:  Common Cold Research Centre.Participants:  Sixty healthy volunteers from the staff and student population of Cardiff University with an upper respiratory tract infection.Main outcomes measures:  To determine correlations between visual analogue scores (VAS) and posterior rhinomanometry for total, unilateral, high and low conductance groups.Results:  No correlation was found between total VAS and total conductance (r = 0.17, P = 0.10). A substantially significant correlation was found between unilateral VAS and unilateral conductance (ρ = 0.50, P < 0.001). The unilateral VAS and conductance were highly correlated for the low total conductance group (ρ = 0.61, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Posterior rhinomanometry allows actual measurement of the combined and unilateral conductance of nasal passages. The units of conductance, as opposed to resistance, allow totally obstructed nasal passages to be included in analysis. Visual analogue scores and conductance correlate strongly in unilateral measures for participants with a low total nasal conductance. Posterior rhinomanometry and units of conductance are recommended for future studies investigating the relationship between objective and subjective measures of nasal airflow.
Synthesis and Use of O‐Stearoyl Polysaccharides in Passive Hemagglutination and Hemolysis
Authors: Hämmerling U. , Westphal O. 
Published: March 2005

Lipid‐free polysaccharides generally are not attached to the surface of erythrocytes. In contrast O‐stearoyl derivatives of polysaccharides show a high affinity for red blood cells. By reaction of polysaccharides with stearoyl chloride in dimethyl formamide as a solvent in the presence of pyridine, derivatives are obtained which exhibit marked erythrocyte‐sensitizing activity. The chemical conditions for optimal sensitization of erythrocytes were investigated for a number of polysaccharides, e.g. starch, dextran, and several lipid‐free bacterial cell wall polysaccharides. A content of about 5% by weight of O‐stearoyl groups has been found most suitable for producing erythrocyte‐sensitizing properties without modification of the serological specificity of the polysaccharide.Sheep erythrocytes coated with O‐stearoyl polysaccharide are specifically agglutinated by antipolysaccharide antibody (passive hemagglutination) or lysed when guinea pig complement is present at the same time (passive hemolysis).Further applications of the method by using derivatives of O‐stearoyl polysaccharides are mentioned.
The Binding of Calcium at Lipid‐Water Interfaces
Authors: Hauser H. , Dawson R. M. C. 
Published: March 2005

Measurements have been made of the binding of radioactive calcium to unimolecular films of purified lipids equivalent to those found in cell membranes.The adsorption of 45Ca on pure phospholipid films is largely independent of the chemical nature of the phospholipid. The affinity is controlled by Coulombic forces and is directly related to the nett excess negative charge on the lipid molecule.With pure triphosphoinositide films at collapse pressure on a subphase at pH 5.5 there is evidence that calcium adsorption is lower than that predicted assuming full ionisation of all five anionic sites. This is probably due to the high surface potential suppressing ionisation. After reducing the pressure or after dilution of the triphosphoinositide with lecithin the adsorption of calcium per molecule approaches that predicted from the other phospholipids.The electrophoretic mobility of lecithin particles containing small amounts of anionic phospholipids indicates that at a bulk pH of pH 5.5 both negative sites on phosphatidic acid and all five negative sites on triphosphoinositide are fully ionized at the ‘lecithin’‐water interface.The calcium adsorbed on anionic phospholipids and gangliosides is displaced by a large excess of Na+ or K+ but in no instance is one univalent cation significantly more effective than the other. The adsorbed calcium is also displaced by Mg2+ but with all films there is a greater preference for Ca2+ ranging from 4.3 fold with gangliosides to 21 fold with triphosphoinositide.The adsorption of calcium on stearic acid films is small until the subphase is adjusted to pH values above 9. This and the electrophoretic mobility data indicate that the carboxylic acid group at an interface is only fully ionized or orientated to the aqueous phase at a bulk pH greater than 11. The calcium adsorbed on stearic acid under alkaline conditions is less readily displaced by Na+, K+ and Mg2+ than from other lipids.
Absence of β Globin Synthesis and Excess of α Globin Synthesis in Homozygous β‐Thalassemia
Authors: Bargellesi A. , Pontremoli S. , Conconi F. 
Published: March 2005

Globin chain synthesis has been studied in β‐thalassemia by incubating red blood cells of 10 homozygous thalassemic patients with [3H] amino acids, and by measuring the incorporation of radioactivity into the globin chains, separated by column chromatography.Five of the ten patients were never transfused, five were polytransfused.The following results were obtained: (a) absence of β chain synthesis in both polytransfused and never trasfused patients; (b) excess of α chain synthesis in the ten cases examined (ratio α synthesis/(γ+δ) synthesis = 3.0).In three heterozygous subjects β globin synthesis and an excess of α chain synthesis was observed (ratio α/(β+γ+δ) = 1.6). The possible interpretations of these results are presented in the discussion.
Affinité différentielle de la RNA polymérase pour divers polyribonucléotides synthétiques
Authors: Hirschbein L. , Dubert J.‐M. , Babinet C. 
Published: March 2005

Using synthetic polyribonucleotides templates as models, the problems of attachment or detachment of DNA dependent‐RNA polymerase to its template have been investigated. In addition, the hypothesis that sites of initiation or termination of transcription might be determined by some specific base sequences was tested with these models.In order to allow a distinction between the transcription process and its first step, which is the binding of the enzyme to its template, the inhibition by different polyribonucletides of the transcription of DNA was examined. A wide range of relative effects was found (Fig. 3). It is remarkable that the polyribonucleotides Poly G and Poly I showing the highest affinities for the enzyme, as well as the homopolymer pair Poly (G + C) of low affinity could not be transcribed into their complementary sequences when used as template.When using the polyribonucleotides as template instead of DNA, the Km for triphosphate binding is about 30 fold higher. It was shwon in inhibition experiments that for a given system, a polyribonucleotide was more efficient as an inhibitor as the concentration of its complementary triphosphate was increased (Fig. 4): this result shows that the triphosphate contributes to the stability of the polyribonucleotide‐enzyme complex.The properties of Poly I or Poly G of having very high affinity for RNA polymerase and of not being transcribed could be used to trap the enzyme not bound to its template at any time before or during the transcription process. Preliminary results are reported in Fig.5.The fact that Poly (G + C) has barely detectable affinity for RNA polymerase can explain the kinetic results obtained when Poly C is used as a template; the G/C ratio reaches one at the end of the reaction and no further incorporation of GMP is observed when enzyme or GTP is added. Only the addition of Poly C can allow resumption of incorporation of the complementary nucleotides (Fig.2A). Consistent with these results is the observation that the enzyme and the product of the reaction migrate separately in a sucrose gradient centrifugation. Our studies show that the relative affinity of RNA polymerase for different homopolymer pairs Poly (A + U), Poly (G + C) is dependent on the nature of the bases involved in these ordered double helical structures.