bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entitlement through numbers: nationality and language categories in the first post‐Soviet census of Kazakhstan*
Authors: Dave Bhavna
Published: October 2004

Abstract. The post‐independence censuses in virtually all post‐Soviet states have become contested tools of nation‐building and ethnic entitlements. No state was politically more determined and psychologically more anxious to conduct its population census than Kazakhstan, in which the eponymous Kazakhs did not constitute a majority. The article points at political and identity pressures that made it inevitable that the first post‐Soviet census produce the ‘right’ numbers and officialise the anticipated majority status of Kazakhs in the multiethnic state. By analysing the census data on language, it shows how the state has constructed a politically desirable form of linguistic reality by altering the established category ‘native language’ in the census. This not only offers a compelling rationale for ethnic and linguistic entitlements, but also seeks to demonstrate the ‘success’ of the state's language policy.
‘What makes one an Israeli?’ Negotiating identities in everyday representations of ‘Israeliness’*
Authors: Sela‐Sheffy Rakefet
Published: October 2004

Abstract. This paper examines the construction of a sense of Israeli identity which is not deducible from the public political discourse. It analyses common verbal representations of ‘being an Israeli person’, namely, what people in contemporary Israeli culture repeatedly say about Israelis, and how they position themselves vis‐à‐vis the commonsensical agreements they exchange, assuming that the massive use of such clichés in certain contexts creates a discursive routine that has ‘a life of its own’, through which people constantly negotiate their self‐images and their sense of belonging. It investigates the ways these representations create solidarity or demarcation and how such current popular representations relate to canonical veteran images of Israeli identity, notably that of the pre‐state ‘Native Israeli’ (Sabra) archetype. The analysis is based on 295 anonymous open responses to the question ‘What makes one an Israeli?’ published weekly in the Weekend Supplement of Maariv, the second largest newspaper in Israel, between 1996 and 1998. The analysis has led to the following observations: (1) Instead of the most expected grand ideological (ethnic, national, religious, etc.) issues of conflict, the responses reveal a ‘pursuit of culturedness’, using an implied scale of mastering good manners and possessing a ‘genuine culture’ which form the dominant parameter of judging the ‘Israeli person’. (2) A tension between mainstream and marginalised groups is shaped by a ‘chase and flight’ dynamic of embracing and rejecting the mythological Sabra image (in asymmetry with these groups' assumed political stances), which image is believed to be a symbol of the once hegemonic veteran elite. (3) This tension paradoxically contributes to the persistence of the canonical image of the Sabra that is currently delegitimised by much intellectual discourse.
French: a language for everyone in Québec?*
Authors: Oakes Leigh
Published: October 2004

Abstract. With the realisation that the future of French in Québec depends on its adoption by a growing number of immigrants, efforts have intensified in recent years to promote a less ethnic and more civic conception of Québécois identity. As attested by the title of the final report of the Commission des États généraux sur la situation et l'avenir de la langue française au Québec (French, a Language for Everyone), a key component of this new conception is the idea that French should be a langue publique commune (common public language) for all those residing in Québec, irrespective of ethnic origin. This article examines the notion of langue publique commune in more detail. While the concept assumes that language can somehow be ‘de‐ethnicised’ to become the property of all ethnic groups, observations made in other contexts only confirm the inextricable link between language and the ethnic, as opposed to the civic, dimension of national identity. The article also investigates the issue of language motivation, in particular the related challenge faced by the Québécois authorities of how to encourage so‐called new Quebecers to adopt French as their language of public communications.
The natural history of adolescent alcohol use disorders
Authors: Clark Duncan B.
Published: October 2004

Aim  To examine clinically relevant research on the development, course and outcomes of adolescence alcohol use disorders (AUDs).

Methods  Observational studies with adolescent samples were selected for inclusion based on systematic assessment of AUDs and clinical relevance. The literature was searched using Medline and Psychinfo. Articles on childhood predictors, characteristics, course, complications and adult outcomes of adolescent AUDs were reviewed.

Results  The developmental trajectory toward adolescent AUDs begins with the emergence of childhood mental disorders. These problems are transmitted from parent to child in a developmentally specific fashion, reflect psychological dysregulation dimensions and predict adolescent AUDs. While most DSM‐IV AUD diagnostic criterion items are valid for adolescents, tolerance and impaired control items are problematic, and some adolescents with significant alcohol problems are not identified by this diagnostic system. Understanding the psychosocial and biomedical complications that accompany AUDs requires attention to factors other than alcohol involvement itself, including childhood maltreatment and comorbid psychopathology. While some adolescents with AUDs manifest chronic alcohol dependence in adulthood, a substantial proportion overcome alcohol problems and transition to abstinence or normative drinking.

Conclusions  Developmentally specific phenotypic characteristics define the natural history of adolescent AUDs, inform clinical assessment and provide the developmental context for treatment research. While alcohol consumption may be the primary treatment focus, other important consequences, comorbidities and complications need to be addressed for successful developmental outcomes to result.
Salient variables for treatment research of adolescent alcohol and other substance use disorders
Authors: Bukstein Oscar G. , Winters Ken
Published: October 2004

Aims  To seek a level of uniformity and consistency in the type of data or variables collected to allow cross‐study comparison and ease in meta‐analyses of adolescent treatment studies.

Design  The rationale for adoption of such a core set of variables for adolescent treatment research, the main categories and specific types of variables, methods for collecting these variables, including the use of specific instruments are reviewed and discussed.

Findings  There is a relatively small number of adolescent treatment outcome studies. Between studies, there are highly variable methodologies, including differences in how outcome or treatment success is measured, differences in ascertainment in substance use, differences in the measurement of non‐substance use variables such as social and academic functioning, poor follow‐up rates and a lack of comparison groups in many studies.

Conclusions  Differences in the types and collection of baseline and outcome variables and the need to achieve some level of uniformity across adolescent substance use disorders (SUD) treatment studies suggest that investigators interested in adolescent treatment outcome research should develop a set of ‘core variables’ that are relatively consistent, or at least comparable, across studies.
Measuring youth outcomes from alcohol and drug treatment
Authors: Brown Sandra A.
Published: October 2004

Aims  This report examines adolescent alcohol and drug treatment outcome research from a process‐oriented, developmental perspective. A dynamic developmental model is proposed in which adolescent treatment outcome research incorporate considerations relevant to changes occurring typically during this stage of life as well as developmental distinctions pertinent to the early onset of abuse and dependence.

Method  Findings from our developmentally focused longitudinal research of adolescent treatment participants and the extant literature on adolescent treatment outcome are reviewed. Conceptual, research design and measurement recommendations are presented from this double developmental perspective of addiction.

Findings  Techniques for engaging youth in the research process, managing confidentiality and facilitating self‐disclosure are described. Developmental considerations in the type and timing of outcome assessments, measurement content, predictor domains and data analytical approaches are discussed. Predictors and process measures for adolescent alcohol treatment outcome study are suggested based on current findings.

Conclusions  Inclusion of developmental considerations may enhance the utility of adolescent treatment outcome research.
On the learning curve: the emerging evidence supporting cognitive–behavioral therapies for adolescent substance abuse
Authors: Waldron Holly Barrett , Kaminer Yifrah
Published: October 2004

Aims  Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches to intervention for adolescent substance use disorders has been limited and formal controlled clinical efficacy trials have been rare. Moreover, the early literature on the efficacy of CBT for adolescent substance abuse has been characterized by significant methodological limitations. Recent innovations in the treatment of adolescent substance abuse and the recent completion of several randomized clinical trials has brightened the picture with respect to establishing the empirical support for CBT. The aim of this review is to integrate the findings from controlled trials of CBT for adolescent substance abuse.

Method  Studies representing randomized clinical trials were reviewed using criteria provided by Lonigan et al. and Nathan & Gorman as a guide.

Findings and conclusions  Despite some prominent differences in design and methodology, the studies reviewed provide consistent empirical evidence that group and individual CBT are associated with significant and clinically meaningful reductions in adolescent substance use. The evidence for the efficacy of group therapy is particularly important, countering the assertion that aggregating problem youths into group treatment settings is associated with iatrogenic effects. The findings from the randomized trials reviewed represent significant developments in treatment outcome research and lay the foundation for validating CBT for adolescent substance use disorders. Future research directions include improving short‐ and long‐term outcomes, enhancing treatment motivation and engagement, and identifying mechanisms and processes associated with positive change, especially for youths with comorbid conditions.
Implementing school‐based substance abuse interventions: methodological dilemmas and recommended solutions
Authors: Wagner Eric F. , Tubman Jonathan G. , Gil Andrés G.
Published: October 2004

Aims  To review current knowledge about the most effective school‐based interventions for child and adolescent problems, and to present dilemmas and potential solutions in mounting and evaluating school‐based interventions for adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) use problems.

Design  Two literature reviews were conducted: (1) a broad and encompassing review of English‐language articles published from 1990 to the present concerning school‐based interventions for child and adolescent problems and (2) an exhaustive review of articles concerning Student Assistance Programs, which are the most popular approach to school‐based AOD intervention in the United States.

Findings  Ten key components of effective school‐based interventions were identified. In addition, six pervasive dilemmas in school‐based AOD intervention research were discussed. Examples of potential solutions to these dilemmas were gleaned from an ongoing randomized clinical trial of a Student Assistance Program.

Conclusions  School‐based AOD interventions have several potential advantages over more traditional clinic‐based AOD interventions. Nonetheless, there are many challenges and dilemmas to conducting and evaluating interventions in school settings. With patience and guidance, these challenges can be addressed successfully.
Thirty‐month relapse trajectory cluster groups among adolescents discharged from out‐patient treatment
Authors: Godley Susan H. , Dennis Michael L. , Godley Mark D. , Funk Rodney R.
Published: October 2004

Aims  To identify adolescent relapse trajectory groups following discharge from out‐patient substance abuse treatment.

Design, setting and participants  Adolescents aged 12–18, who were assigned randomly to one of five out‐patient interventions (n = 563) in four United States communities and followed‐up 3, 6, 9, 12 and 30 months post‐intake.

Outcome measures  Self‐report measures of days using any alcohol or other drugs (AOD), days of alcohol use, days of cannabis use, days of heavy use, days of crack/cocaine use, days of heroin/opiate use, days AOD use interfered with responsibilities and days in a controlled environment.

Findings  Adolescents can be grouped empirically into five relapse trajectories over 30 months following out‐patient treatment: (a) low AOD use with limited days in a controlled environment; (b) low AOD use with high days in a controlled environment; (c) moderate/decreasing AOD use; (d) increasing AOD use; and (e) consistently high AOD use.

Conclusions  There was considerable heterogeneity in the relapse trajectories, varying by the initial response to treatment, the stability (versus increase/decrease) of the response and an interaction with time in a controlled environment. Cannabis and alcohol were the two main substances involved, although the two groups with the poorest trajectories had increasing levels of cocaine, opiate and other substance use at the 30‐month follow‐up. This study demonstrates the chronicity of substance use even among a subgroup of adolescents and the importance of studying more complex longitudinal patterns of recovery.
Steady‐state pharmacokinetics and safety of donepezil HCl in subjects with moderately impaired renal function
Authors: Nagy Christa F. , Kumar Dinesh , Cullen Edward I. , Bolton W. Kline , Marbury Thomas C. , Gutierrez Maria J. , Hutman H. Wayne , Pratt Raymond D.
Published: October 2004

Aims

To characterize the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profiles of donepezil in subjects with moderate renal impairment and matched healthy controls during single‐dose and multiple‐dose phases.

Methods

This open‐label study enrolled subjects with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CLCr] 17–33 ml min−1 1.73 m−2 body surface area) and age, weight and sex‐matched healthy controls. A single‐dose (5 mg donepezil) phase was followed by a 23‐day multiple dose (5 mg day−1 donepezil) steady‐state phase. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of donepezil were determined for up to 144 h after the first dose and 168 h after the last dose.

Results

Thirty‐six subjects were enrolled, 19 renally impaired and 17 healthy controls. All pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were similar between groups after a single dose of donepezil (Cmax 5.17 ± 0.36 and 6.07 ± 0.49 ng ml−1; AUC0−24 76.05 ± 5.54 and 77.45 ± 4.49 ng·h ml−1; mean maximum percentage inhibition [Imax] red blood cell (RBC) AChE activity 32.07 ± 2.00 and 31.69 ± 2.45%; for subjects with renal impairment and healthy subjects, respectively). Pharmacokinetic parameters under steady‐state conditions did not differ between renally impaired and healthy subjects (CSS 20.83 ± 1.78 and 18.38 ± 1.52 ng ml−1; AUC0−24 500.0 ± 42.8 and 441.1 ± 36.4 ng·h ml−1; degree of accumulation [RA] 6.98 ± 0.59 and 5.94 ± 0.53; for subjects with renal impairment and healthy subjects, respectively). Main pharmacodynamic parameters were also similar in renally impaired and healthy subjects at steady state (average percentage inhibition [ISS] RBC AChE activity 65.11 ± 2.52 and 60.62 ± 2.95, respectively). Protein binding was also similar between groups (% free donepezil 23.54 ± 1.96 and 20.23 ± 0.64, respectively). Donepezil was well tolerated by both groups.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the pharmacokinetics of donepezil are not altered after dosing to steady state, and that donepezil can be administered safely to subjects with moderate renal impairment.
Interferon-γ-modified dendritic cells suppress B cell function and ameliorate the development of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis
Authors: ADIKARI S B , LIAN H , LINK H , HUANG Y-M , XIAO B-G
Published: October 2004

This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects of interferon (IFN)-γ-modulated dendritic cells (DC) in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). We induced EAMG in Lewis rats by immunization with Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and adjuvant. On day 33 post-immunization (p.i.), splenic DC were prepared, exposed to IFN-γ alone (IFN-γ-DC) or to IFN-γ in combination with 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan (1-MT), the specific inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) (IFN-γ + 1-MT-DC), and injected subcutaneously into rats with incipient EAMG on day 5 p.i. A control group of EAMG rats received naive DC on day 5 p.i., while another group received 1-MT every other day, intraperitoneally (p.i.), from days 5 to 41 p.i. The severity of clinical signs of EAMG was reduced dramatically in IFN-γ-DC-treated rats compared to rats receiving naive DC, IFN-γ + 1-MT-DC or 1-MT alone. The number of plasma cells secreting nAChR antibodies was reduced and the expression of B cell activation factor (BAFF) on splenic and lymph node mononuclear cells (MNC) was down-regulated in rats treated with IFN-γ-DC. In vitro co-culture of MNC derived from EAMG rats with IFN-γ-DC produced relatively few cells secreting nAChR antibodies. Addition of 1-MT to the co-culture significantly increased the number of cells secreting nAChR antibodies. We conclude that IFN-γ-DC reduced the number of plasma cells secreting nAChR antibodies in an IDO-dependent manner and ameliorated the development of EAMG in Lewis rats.
Circulating monocytes in patients with acute coronary syndromes lack sufficient interleukin-10 production after lipopolysaccharide stimulation
Authors: VAN HAELST P L , TERVAERT J W COHEN , BIJZET J , BALJÉ-VOLKERS C , MAY J F , LANGEVELD B , GANS R O B
Published: October 2004

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are associated with inflammation resulting from monocyte activation. We sought for differences in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by monocytes from patients with ACS. C-reactive protein (CRP) and neopterin were measured in 22 patients with acute coronary syndromes, 50 patients with stable vascular disease and 22 healthy controls. Production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 was determined after, respectively, 6 and 24 h of incubation of full blood with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Levels of CRP [median, interquartile range (IQR)][1·5 mg/l (0·8–4·5) ACS patient versus 2·1 (0·9–3·6) stable disease versus 0·4 (0·3–1·2) healthy controls] (P < 0·001) and neopterin [7·4 nmol/l (6·0–8·7) ACS patient versus 7·1(6·0–8·9) stable disease versus 6·4 (5·6–7·3) healthy controls] (P = 0·07) were higher in both the patient groups. IL-10 production after LPS stimulation was greatly reduced in patients with acute coronary syndromes (16 175 pg/ml, 7559–28 470 pg/ml) as opposed to patients with stable disease (28 379 pg/ml, 12 601–73 968 pg/ml) and healthy controls (63 830 pg/ml, 22 040–168 000 pg/ml) (P = 0·003). TNF-α production was not signiﬁcantly different between the groups [7313 pg/ml (4740–12 615) ACS patient versus 11 002 (5913–14 190) stable disease versus 8229 (5225–11 364) healthy controls] (P = 0·24). Circulating monocytes in unstable coronary syndromes produce equal amounts of TNF-α but less IL-10 after stimulation with LPS in vitro as compared with healthy controls. We hypothesize that, in acute coronary syndromes, the production proinflammatory cytokines is not counterbalanced by anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10.
Autoantibody against matrix metalloproteinase-3 in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: NISHIJIMA C , HAYAKAWA I , MATSUSHITA T , KOMURA K , HASEGAWA M , TAKEHARA K , SATO S
Published: October 2004

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by multi-organ fibrosis with an autoimmune background. Although autoantibodies are detected frequently in SSc patients, the role of autoantibody in the development of fibrosis remains unknown. Connective tissue homeostasis is a balance between the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM); ECM degradation is regulated mainly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Anti-MMP-1 antibody is suggested to inhibit MMP-1 and be involved in the development of the fibrosis in SSc. However, the accumulation of various ECM components in the tissue of SSc cannot be explained by the anti-MMP-1 antibody alone. In this study, we examined the presence  or  levels of antibody to MMP-3, a protein which degrades various ECM components relevant to SSc fibrosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using human recombinant MMP-3 revealed that IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody levels were elevated significantly in the sera from SSc patients, but not in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis. IgG and IgM anti-MMP-3 antibody levels were significantly higher in diffuse cutaneous SSc, a severe form, than those in limited cutaneous SSc. Consistently, IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody levels correlated significantly with fibrosis of the skin, lung and renal blood vessels. The presence of IgG anti-MMP-3 autoantibody in sera from SSc patients was confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. Remarkably, MMP-3 activity was inhibited by IgG anti-MMP-3 antibody. These results suggest that anti-MMP-3 antibody is a serological marker that reflects the severity of SSc and also suggest that it may contribute to the development of fibrosis by inhibiting MMP-3 activity and reducing the ECM turnover.
Increased CCR4 expression on circulating CD4+ T cells in ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: YANG P T , KASAI H , ZHAO L J , XIAO W G , TANABE F , ITO M
Published: October 2004

Previous studies have suggested that CCR4 is particularly important in the selective recruitment of various subsets of leucocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we examined the percentage of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells within circulating lymphocytes in active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), RA and SLE patients. The clinical significance of CCR4 expression as well as possible associations between the expression and serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 were also examined. Our results showed that the percentage of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells was significantly elevated in AS and RA patients as compared with normal controls. The percentage was also significantly higher in SLE patients who had received no treatment with glucocorticoids or cytotoxic drugs (untreated SLE) than that in controls. In addition, the percentage of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells showed significant positive correlations with the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) in AS and with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) in untreated SLE. Of all the cytokines examined, the elevated serum IL-10 level was closely correlated with the percentage of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells in AS, RA and untreated SLE. These results suggest that CCR4 may be crucial in the pathogenesis of AS, RA and SLE. The percentage of CD4+/CCR4+ T cells can serve as a useful marker for the activity of AS and untreated SLE.
Glycolytic enzymes associated with the cell surface of Streptococcus pneumoniae are antigenic in humans and elicit protective immune responses in the mouse
Authors: LING E , FELDMAN G , PORTNOI M , DAGAN R , OVERWEG K , MULHOLLAND F , CHALIFA-CASPI V , WELLS J , MIZRACHI-NEBENZAHL Y
Published: October 2004

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, bacteraemia and meningitis worldwide. The drawbacks associated with the limited number of various capsular polysaccharides that can be included in the polysaccharide-based vaccines focuses much attention on pneumococcal proteins as vaccine candidates. We extracted an enriched cell wall fraction from S. pneumoniae WU2. Approximately 150 soluble proteins could be identified by 2D gel electrophoresis. The proteins were screened by 2D-Western blotting using sera that were obtained longitudinally from children attending day-care centres at 18, 30 and 42 months of age and sera from healthy adult volunteers. The proteins were further identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Seventeen proteins were antigenic in children and adults, of which 13 showed an increasing antibody response with age in all eight children analysed. Two immunogenic proteins, fructose–bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and a control protein with known low immunogenicity, heat shock protein 70 (DnaK), were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and used to immunize mice. Mouse antibodies elicited to the recombinant (r) FBA and rGAPDH were cross-reactive with several genetically unrelated strains of different serotypes and conferred protection to respiratory challenge with virulent pneumococci. In addition, the FBA used in this study (NP_345117) does not have a human ortholog and warrants further investigation as a candidate for a pneumococcal vaccine. In conclusion, the immunoproteomics based approach utilized in the present study appears to be a suitable tool for identification of novel S. pneumoniae vaccine candidates.
Letters from volcanoes
Authors: Wall Frances
Published: October 2004

Geology Todayoften features letters from geologists working on active volcanoes. Some of the most famous letters from a volcano were written by Sir William Hamilton from Vesuvius in Italy, during the 18th century and earned him the title of ‘the first volcanologist’.
Targets and methods for the detection of processed animal proteins in animal feedstuffs
Authors: Muldoon Mark T. , Onisk Dale V. , Brown Michael C. , Stave James W.
Published: October 2004

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or ‘mad cow disease’, is one of several transmissable spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) known to affect certain mammals and is spread through the ingestion of infected animal tissue. It is believed that the inadvertent contamination of meat and bone meal (MBM) with infected animal tissue and the subsequent use of this material as a feed supplement contributed to the spread of the disease in cattle. As a result, the use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) in animal feeds is regulated in many parts of the world. Although feed testing is the only definitive means to certify compliance, regulatory compliance often relies solely on paper certification. Recently, rapid methods have become available that can be used by regulators to determine compliance during routine inspections. We describe a rapid, immunochromatographic strip test that can detect 0.1% MBM in animal feed. The test takes 15 min to perform and large numbers of samples can be screened for PAPs simultaneously.
Searching for information in an online public access catalogue (OPAC): the impacts of information search expertise on the use of Boolean operators
Authors: Dinet Jérôme , Favart Monik , Passerault Jean‐Michel
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Boolean systems still constitute most of the installed base of online public access catalogues (OPACs) in the French universities even if many studies have shown that Boolean operators are not frequently used by ‘non‐librarian’ users (by contrast with professional librarians). The first study examined the use of Boolean operators by French university students; In the second study, elaborated to evaluate the impact of information search expertise on this use, Boolean operators are explicitly presented and participants were explicitly invited to use them. We assumed that university students would not frequently use the operators in searching, and that even if they were explicitly invited to make use of them. Results obtained with the first study based on transaction logs analyses confirmed that French university students did not frequently use Boolean operators. The impact of information search expertise, analysed in the second study, compared three levels of expertise: Novice (university students), intermediate (future professional librarians), and expert (professional librarians). Results showed that, even if the three groups were invited to use Boolean operators, this use increased significantly with the level of information search expertise. University students, if they manage procedural functions of connectives in natural language, do not always manage the whole set of procedural functions carried by such connectives when used in the documentary language. So, the relevance of presenting explicit Boolean operators in the OPACs when users are ‘non‐librarians’ is questioned.
Comparative analysis of Palm and wearable computers for Participatory Simulations
Authors: Klopfer Eric , Yoon Susan , Rivas Luz
Published: October 2004

Abstract Recent educational computer‐based technologies have offered promising lines of research that promote social constructivist learning goals, develop skills required to operate in a knowledge‐based economy (Roschelle et al. 2000), and enable more authentic science‐like problem‐solving. In our research programme, we have been interested in combining these aims for curricular reform in school science by developing innovative and progressive hand‐held and wearable computational learning tools. This paper reports on one such line of research in which the learning outcomes of two distinct technological platforms (wearable computers and Palm hand‐helds) are compared using the same pedagogical strategy of Participatory Simulations. Participatory Simulations use small wearable or hand‐held computers to engage participants in simulations that enable inquiry and experimentation (Colella 2000) allowing students to act out the simulation themselves.

The study showed that the newer and more easily distributable version of Participatory Simulations on Palms was equally as capable as the original Tag‐based simulations in engaging students collaboratively in a complex problem‐solving task. We feel that this robust and inexpensive technology holds great promise for promoting collaborative learning as teachers struggle to find authentic ways to integrate technology into the classroom in addition to engaging and motivating students to learn science.
A comparison of parallelism in interface designs for computer‐based learning environments
Authors: Min Rik , Yu Tao , Spenkelink Gerd , Vos Hans
Published: October 2004

In this paper we discuss an experiment that was carried out with a prototype, designed in conformity with the concept of parallelism and the Parallel Instruction theory (the PI theory). We designed this prototype with five different interfaces, and ran an empirical study in which 18 participants completed an abstract task. The five basic designs were based on hypotheses of the PI theory that for solving tasks on screens all task relevant information must be in view on a computer monitor, as clearly as possible. The condition with two parallel frames and the condition with one long web page appeared to be the best design for this type of task, better than window versions that we normally use for our computer simulations on the web. We do not only describe the results of the abstract task in the five conditions, but we also discuss the results from the perspective of concrete, realistic tasks with computer simulations. The interface with two parallel frames is the best solution here, but also the interface with long web pages (‘virtual parallelism’) is a great favourite in practice when doing realistic tasks.
Diagnostic and remedial learning strategy based on conceptual graphs
Authors: Jong BinShyan , Lin TsongWuu , Wu YuLung , Chan Teyi
Published: October 2004

Abstract Numerous scholars have applied conceptual graphs for explanatory purposes. This study devised the ‘Remedial‐Instruction Decisive path (RID path)’ algorithm for diagnosing individual student learning situation. This study focuses on conceptual graphs. According to the concepts learned by students and the weight values of relations among these concepts, this study established the remedial‐instruction paths to identify their real missing concepts. This study applies diagnostic and remedial learning strategies to two courses –‘Introduction and Implementation of RS‐232’ and ‘Electronic Circuits Laboratory’. By analysing the scores of the midterm and final exams, evaluations of remedial learning yield positive experimental results. Participants who adopt the diagnostic and remedial learning strategy have better academic performance.
Use of ICT and its relationship with performance in examinations: a comparison of the ImpaCT2 project's research findings using pupil‐level, school‐level and multilevel modelling data
Authors: Harrison Colin , Lunzer Eric A. , Tymms Peter , Fitz‐Gibbon Carol Taylor , Restorick Jane
Published: October 2004

Abstract
This paper reports a previously unpublished comparative analysis of data from the ImpaCT2 study investigating the relationship between students' performance in England on national tests and their reported use of information technology (particularly networked technology) for school work, at three age levels (11, 14 and 16), in English, Maths and Science (and in additional subjects at age 16). The new analysis compares three separate analyses of the same data set based on approximately 1100 children drawn from 27 primary and 28 secondary schools: the first analysis considers the individual pupil data and looks particularly for pupil‐level (and particularly gender) effects; the second analysis groups the pupils by school, and looks particularly for school‐level effects; the third analysis was a more conservative multilevel modelling analysis, carried out by an independent team at the University of Durham, which split the schools into three groups, based on overall high, medium or low level of use of information and communications technology (ICT) in each school. All three analyses reported findings based on mean achievement measured in terms of standardised residual gain scores, where each student's progress was measured against predicted gains calculated from baseline data on reading and Maths ability gathered 2 years earlier. The results indicated broad agreement between each of the three modes of analysis, though effect sizes were slightly smaller in the case of the multilevel modelling. The findings are interpreted in relation to case study data on ICT use in schools gathered as part of the wider ImpaCT2 investigation, but the case is also made that the common rationale for using multilevel modelling with large data sets, namely that whole class effects are more significant determinants of performance than individual effects, is less applicable in this study, because of wide variation in the use by children of ICT for school work at home.
Impairment of coronary circulation by acute hyperhomocysteinaemia and reversal by antioxidant vitamins
Authors: Coppola A. , Astarita C. , Liguori E. , Fontana D. , Oliviero M. , Esposito K. , Coppola L. , Giugliano D.
Published: October 2004

Objective.  To evaluate the effect of acute hyperhomocysteinaemia with and without antioxidant vitamins pretreatment on coronary circulation and circulating chemokine levels.

Design.  Observer‐blinded, randomized crossover study.

Setting.  This study was conducted at a university hospital and at a general hospital in Italy.

Subjects.  Sixteen healthy hospital staff volunteers (nine men, seven women), aged 26–40 years.

Interventions.  Subjects were given each three loads in random order at 1‐week intervals: oral methionine, 100 mg kg−1 in fruit juice; the same methionine load immediately following ingestion of antioxidant vitamin E, 800 IU, and ascorbic acid, 1000 mg; and methionine‐free fruit juice (placebo).

Main outcome measures.  Coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), assessed by noninvasive transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, blood pressure, heart rate, lipid and glucose, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) parameters evaluated at baseline and 4 h following ingestion of the loads.

Results.  The oral methionine load increased plasma homocysteine from 12.8 ± 1.8 to 33.3 ± 3.4 μmol L−1 at 4 h (P < 0.001). A similar increase was observed with same load plus vitamins (P < 0.001) but not with placebo (P = 0.14). Circulating MCP‐1 and IL‐8 levels rose after the methionine load (P < 0.001), but not after placebo or methionine plus vitamins. The methionine load significantly reduced CFVR (decrease, 26 ± 8.2%; P < 0.001). The methionine load with ingestion of vitamins partially prevented the impairment of CFVR (decrease, 11 ± 4%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion.  Our data suggest that acute hyperhomocysteinaemia reduces CFVR and increases plasma MCP‐1 and IL‐8 levels in healthy subjects. Pretreatment with antioxidant vitamin E and ascorbic acid prevents the effects of hyperhomocysteinaemia, suggesting an oxidative mechanism.
A population‐based intervention study on elevated serum levels of methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine in elderly people: results after 36 months of follow‐up
Authors: Björkegren K. , Svärdsudd K.
Published: October 2004

Objectives.  To study the effects of vitamin B12 and folic acid treatment on haematological measures, reported symptoms and clinical findings over a 3‐year period.

Design.  A longitudinal two‐cohort study.

Setting.  A mid‐Swedish community.

Subjects.  A 20% random sample of persons 70 years or older in a defined geographical area were invited to a survey (n = 266). Sixty‐nine persons who had serum cobalamin <300 pmol L−1 and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) ≥0.37 μmol L−1 or serum total homocysteine (tHcy) ≥15 μmol L−1 and who had no vitamin B12 or folic acid substitution were selected for treatment.

Main outcome measures.  Serum cobalamin, folate, MMA and tHcy. Presence of gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric and some other symptoms, obtained by questionnaire, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, vibration sense measurement and findings at a physical examination.

Results.  After combined vitamin B12–folic acid treatment, all persons normalized their serum tHcy and MMA levels and the effect remained after 3 years. The study design allowed separation of pure vitamin B12 deficiencies from folate and combined deficiencies. There was a tendency towards improvement of vibration sense, especially in the long nerve paths, and improvement of neurological symptoms and oral mucosa findings. No improvement was seen for other symptoms, reflex activity or MMSE score.

Conclusions.  Vitamin treatment of elderly people in the early phase of the condition may reverse damage that otherwise would become irreversible. If initiated, the treatment should be combined with vitamin B12 and folic acid.
Hormone therapy and mortality during a 14‐year follow‐up of 14 324 Norwegian women
Authors: Graff‐Iversen S. , Hammar N. , Thelle D. S. , Tonstad S.
Published: October 2004

Objectives.  We evaluated mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD) and all causes in relation to use of any hormone therapy (HT) and HT with oestradiol and norethisterone or levonorgestrel.

Design.  Population‐based cohort study.

Setting and subjects.  Women in three Norwegian counties were invited to a health survey in 1985–88 and 82.8% participated. In all 14 324 post‐ or perimenopausal women aged 35–62 years, including 702 HT users with a mean age of 48.8 years, were followed for 14 years.

Results.  Women using HT had mortality from all causes and CVD comparable with that of nonusers. The relative risk (RRs) for CVD mortality amongst all women were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.35–1.33) for users of HT, and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.43–2.17) for users of HT with norethisterone or levonorgestrel. Amongst women free of self‐reported cardiovascular health problems at baseline all‐cause, CVD and CHD mortality tended to be lower amongst users of HT whilst HT use was linked with increased mortality amongst women with cardiovascular health problems.

Conclusions.  In this cohort of women around the usual age of menopause all‐cause or CVD mortality amongst users of HT, most often oestradiol combined with norethisterone or levonorgestrel, was not markedly different from that of nonusers. Early CHD events amongst HT users prior to the baseline survey, together with selective inclusion of healthy subjects, may in part explain protective effects of HT on CHD reported from previous observational studies.
Beyond bone mineral density: can existing clinical risk assessment instruments identify women at increased risk of osteoporosis?
Authors: Wehren L. E. , Siris E. S.
Published: October 2004

Objective.  Although osteoporosis and fragility fracture are common amongst postmenopausal women, the extent of risk varies, and measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) is the standard tool used to diagnose and assess fracture risk. Rates of diagnosis remain relatively low, and several groups have developed instruments to help identify individuals who would most benefit from BMD testing. In this paper, we review and compare the performance of these instruments to identify those most useful in the primary care setting.

Design.  Review of screening instruments comprised osteoporosis clinical risk factors and comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of these algorithms.

Results.  Validated instruments have varying complexity, but similar sensitivity and specificity for identifying individuals who are likely to have low BMD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranges from 0.75 (SOFSURF) to 0.81 (SCORE). The simplest of the instruments (OST) uses only age and weight and has an AUC of 0.79.

Conclusions.  The Osteoporosis Self‐assessment Tool, the simplest of the instruments, performs as well as more complex tools and, because of its simplicity, may be the most useful means for the busy clinician to identify postmenopausal women who would most benefit from BMD testing.
A randomized trial comparing phosphorylcholine‐coated stenting with balloon angioplasty as well as abciximab with placebo for restenosis reduction in small coronary arteries
Authors: Hausleiter J. , Kastrati A. , Mehilli J. , Schühlen H. , Pache J. , Dotzer F. , Glatthor C. , Siebert S. , Dirschinger J. , Schömig A. ,   for the ISAR‐SMART‐2 investigators
Published: October 2004

Objective.  The objective of this randomized trial was to assess the antirestenotic effects of phosphorylcholine (PC)‐coated stents as well as of abciximab in small coronary arteries when compared with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and placebo respectively.

Background.  Stent coating with PC has been shown to reduce protein absorption and platelet activation which may reduce the risk of restenosis. Furthermore, on the basis of nondedicated studies abciximab is believed to reduce the risk of restenosis after coronary interventions.

Methods.  A total of 502 patients with lesions situated in small coronary arteries (vessel diameter ≤2.5 mm) were randomly assigned to be treated with either PC‐coated stents (n = 253) or PTCA (n = 249) and with either abciximab (n = 251) or placebo (n = 251) with the use of a 2 × 2 factorial design. All patients were pretreated with 600 mg clopidogrel. The primary end‐point was the incidence of angiographic restenosis (≥50% diameter stenosis) at follow‐up; death or myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization (TVR), were assessed as secondary end‐points.

Results.  Angiographic restenosis did not differ between patients treated with PC‐coated stents or with PTCA (39.0% vs. 34.2%; P = 0.30) and between patients receiving abciximab or placebo (39.3% vs. 34.3%; P = 0.29). Similarly, the need for TVR at 1‐year follow‐up did not differ between patients receiving PC‐coated stents or PTCA (20.2% vs. 20.5%; P = 0.98) as well as between patients treated with abciximab or placebo (18.7% vs. 21.9%; P = 0.44).

Conclusions.  PC‐coated stents and abciximab failed to reduce the incidence of angiographic restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention of small coronary arteries. These data strengthen the belief that future studies on prevention of restenosis in small coronary arteries should focus on drug‐eluting stents.
Discordant penetrance of the trait for familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy in two pairs of monozygotic twins
Authors: Holmgren G. , Wikström L. , Lundgren H.‐E. , Suhr O. B.
Published: October 2004

Background.  Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is caused by mutated transthyretin in which valine at position 30 is substituted by methionine (ATTR Val30Met). FAP is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with variable penetrance.

Cases.  Two pairs of DNA confirmed monozygotic twin brothers, 63 and 37 years of age respectively, who are heterozygous for the ATTR Val30Met gene, have been identified in Sweden. In the first twin pair (A), the onset of typical FAP symptoms occurred at the age of 48 for twin A1, whilst his twin brother (A2) is still free from FAP symptoms 13 years later.

In the second pair of twins (B), the onset of polyneuropathy occurred at the age of 34 for the proband (B1), whilst his brother (B2) is healthy 3 years after the onset of his brother's disease.

Discussion.  In the following, a detailed description of the clinical presentation of the Swedish twin pairs is provided together with a discussion of possible environmental factors initiating the onset of the disease.
Hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease: increased risks of venous thromboembolism and stroke, and no protection from coronary heart disease
Authors: Lowe G. D. O.
Published: October 2004

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was increasingly promoted over the last 40 years to improve quality of life, and to reduce the risks of osteoporotic fractures and coronary heart disease (CHD). In recent years, observational studies, randomized trials and systematic reviews of such trials have shown that HRT does not reduce, but actually increases cardiovascular risk. HRT increases the relative risks of venous thromboembolism (twofold), and of fatal or disabling stroke (by 50%); whilst increasing the early risk of myocardial infarction and having no protective effect against CHD on longer term use. Possible mechanisms for these increased cardiovascular risks include down‐regulation of several inhibitory pathways of blood coagulation, resulting in increased coagulation activation, which promotes venous and arterial thrombosis. The implications for prescription are discussed, as are lessons for future evaluation of health care interventions.
Population pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in horses: preliminary analysis
Authors: Peyrou M. , Doucet M. Y. , Vrins A. , Concordet D. , Schneider M. , Bousquet‐mélou A.
Published: October 2004

Population pharmacokinetic of marbofloxacin was investigated on 21 healthy and 16 diseased horses to assess interindividual variability of drug exposure. Demographic, physiologic and disease covariables were tested using mixed effects models. As a preliminary analysis, this study has demonstrated that none of the tested covariables were significant in regression models for compartmental volumes or clearance of distribution, but the clinical status of the horse (healthy/diseased) was a significant covariable (P < 0.01) for systemic clearance. Clearance had a lower mean and a higher variance for diseased horses than healthy horses, with respectively a mean of 0.209 and 0.284 L/h/kg and a coefficient of variation of 52 and 15%. Consequently, variability ofAUCwas greater in diseased horses. Considering anAUC/MICratio below 60 h as a prediction of poor efficacy, a dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg intravenous was deemed to be inadequate for 19% of diseased horses if the MIC of the bacteria was 0.1 μg/mL. However 93% of diseased horses could achieve a ratio above 125 h, predicting a very good efficacy, for the MIC90of Enterobacteriacae (0.027 μg/mL).