bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalência e fatores associados à realização da mamografia na faixa etária de 50-69 anos: um estudo baseado na Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (2003)
Authors: Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Matos Divane Leite
Published: June 2007

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2003 (PNAD 2003), com o objetivo de estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à realização da mamografia entre mulheres brasileiras com 50-59 e 60-69 anos de idade. Participaram do estudo 16.570 e 10.722 mulheres nas respectivas faixas etárias. Quarenta e três por cento das participantes com 50-69 anos haviam realizado uma mamografia nos últimos dois anos. Essa prevalência foi mais baixa na faixa etária superior (37%) em comparação à inferior (46%). Em ambas as faixas etárias, a realização da mamografia apresentou associações positivas e independentes com a localização urbana do domicílio, a macrorregião de residência, a escolaridade, a renda domiciliar, o exame de Papanicolau, o número de consultas médicas e a cobertura por plano de saúde. Esses resultados mostram que a cobertura da mamografia ainda é baixa entre mulheres brasileiras, sobretudo entre as mais velhas, e que existem profundas desigualdades associadas à sua realização. Recomenda-se a condução de investigações mais profundas que permitam um melhor entendimento dessas desigualdades, visando a sua superação.
Fatores associados ao risco de internação por acidentes de trânsito no Município de Maringá-PR
Authors: Soares Dorotéia Fátima Pelissari de Paula , Barros Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
Published: June 2007

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados ao risco de internação da coorte constituída pelas vítimas dos acidentes de trânsito ocorridos no Município de Maringá - PR, no ano 2000. MÉTODO: A coorte foi composta pelas vítimas que tiveram registro no Serviço Integrado de Atendimento ao Trauma em Emergência (SIATE) ou em Boletim de Ocorrência Policial (BO). Foi feita vinculação dos bancos gerados com os dados do SIATE, do BO, da Autorização de Internação Hospitalar (AIH-SUS) e da Comunicação de Internação Hospitalar (CIH). Foram realizadas análises univariadas e de regressão múltipla de Cox para identificar, entre as variáveis relacionadas à vítima, ao acidente e ao condutor do veículo, os fatores de risco para internação. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 3.468 pessoas vitimadas em 2.725 acidentes. O risco médio de internação foi de 19,4/100 vítimas (673 internações). A análise de regressão múltipla identificou como categorias de maior risco de internação: vítimas pedestres, ciclistas e motociclistas; com idade acima de 50 anos; vitimadas em colisão com transporte pesado ou ônibus; em acidentes ocorridos de madrugada e de tarde, em algumas regiões da cidade; e sendo o condutor do veículo residente no próprio município. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que os programas de redução dos acidentes de trânsito devem considerar os subgrupos mais vulneráveis a acidentes graves e que as múltiplas determinações do risco apontam para a necessidade de ações articuladas dos diversos setores de governo e segmentos da sociedade nesses programas.
Desnutrição como causa básica ou associada de morte: análise da qualidade de informação em mulheres em idade fértil
Authors: Chiavegatto Filho Alexandre Dias Porto , Laurenti Ruy , Gotlieb Sabina Lea Davidson , Jorge Maria Helena Prado de Mello
Published: June 2007

As estatísticas de mortalidade são baseadas, rotineiramente, apenas na causa básica de morte. A introdução de uma análise por causas múltiplas pode trazer ganhos importantes ao estudo da presença de algumas doenças que não costumam ser mencionadas como "causa básica" na declaração de óbito, como é o caso da desnutrição. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a presença de desnutrição no momento da morte, em mulheres em idade fértil, e a sua associação com outras doenças, bem como analisar a qualidade do preenchimento das declarações de óbito. A população alvo foi composta pelos óbitos femininos de 10 a 49 anos, ocorridos no primeiro semestre de 2002, de residentes nas capitais de Estados do Brasil e no Distrito Federal. Utilizou-se a metodologia RAMOS (Reproductive Age Mortality Survey) que permitiu a elaboração de uma nova declaração de óbito (DO-N) e a comparação desta com a original, isto é, antes da investigação (DO-O). Do total de 7.332 casos analisados, originalmente havia 12 casos que apresentaram desnutrição como causa básica e 136, como causa associada. Após a pesquisa, nas DO-N, foram 9 e 179 casos, respectivamente. Nas DO-O, nos casos de associação com desnutrição, as causas básicas mais mencionadas foram aids (20,3%) e neoplasia maligna dos órgãos digestivos (13,5%). Nas DO-N, foram aids (30,3%) e tuberculose (11,2%). O presente trabalho apontou para a importância da presença de algumas causas básicas (como a aids e a tuberculose) na mortalidade de mulheres em idade fértil, tendo como causa associada a desnutrição.
Accumulation of Metals in Naturally Grown Weeds (Aquatic Macrophytes) Grown on an Industrial Effluent Channel
Authors: Sahu Ranjeev. K. , Naraian Ram , Chandra Vishal
Published: June 2007

The ability of seven hyperaccumulator macrophytes which grow naturally in the heavy metal contaminated channels of three different industries (Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd., Eveready Ltd., and Scooter India Ltd.) to accumulate heavy metals was recorded. All these industries use electroplating processes in their manufacturing and are located in the inner area of Lucknow City, U.P., India. Of the three industries monitored, effluent released from Eveready Ltd. contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. In general, accumulations of heavy metals depend upon the plant species and the metal concentration in the media. All plant samples showed heterogeneous metal accumulations, except for Fe or Cd. It was observed that some plant species accumulated high level of metals, e. g., Eichhornnia crassipes for Fe (4052.44 μg/g), Mn (788.42 μg/g), and Cu (315.50 μg/g), and Spirodela polyrhiza for Cd (12.75 μg/g), Pb (20.25 μg/g), and Cr (128.27 μg/g), even when the metal concentrations were not high in the effluent. In summary, these two plants were found to be the best accumulators at each contaminated site. The results will be helpful in the selection of plant species which can be used as bioaccumulators or bioindicators.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting for treatment of HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Garrison Louis P. , Lubeck Deborah , Lalla Deepa , Paton Virginia , Dueck Amylou , Perez Edith A.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND.

Adding trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy provides significant clinical benefit in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer. A cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed to assess clinical and economic implications of adding trastuzumab to adjuvant chemotherapy, based upon joint analysis of NSABP B‐31 and NCCTG N9831 trials.

METHODS.

A Markov model with 4 health states was used to estimate the cost utility for a 50‐year‐old woman on the basis of trial results through 4 years and estimates of long‐term recurrence and death based on a meta‐analysis of trials. From 6 years onward, rates of recurrence and death were assumed to be the same in both trastuzumab and chemotherapy‐only arms. Incremental costs were estimated for diagnostic and treatment‐related costs. Analyses were from payer and societal perspectives, and these analyses were projected to lifetime and 20‐year horizons.

RESULTS.

Over a lifetime, the projected cost of trastuzumab per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY; discount rate 3%) gained was $26,417 (range, $9104‐$69,340 under multiway sensitivity analysis). Discounted incremental lifetime cost was $44,923, and projected life expectancy was 3 years longer for patients who received trastuzumab (19.4 years vs 16.4 years). During a 20‐year horizon, the projected cost of adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy was $34,201 per QALY gained. Key cost‐effectiveness drivers were discount rate, trastuzumab price, and probability of metastasis. The cost‐effectiveness result was robust to sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS.

Trastuzumab for adjuvant treatment of early stage breast cancer was projected to be cost effective over a lifetime horizon, achieving a cost‐effectiveness ratio below that of many widely accepted oncology treatments. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Unmet psychosocial needs of Pennsylvanians with cancer: 1986–2005
Authors: Barg Frances K. , Cronholm Peter F. , Straton Joseph B. , Keddem Shimrit , Knott Kathryn , Grater Joyce , Houts Peter , Palmer Steven C.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND.

The purpose of the current study was to identify unmet psychosocial needs of cancer survivors, understand the distribution of needs across subgroups, and compare unmet needs in 2005 with those identified by Houts et al. in 1986.

METHODS.

Using a sequential mixed methods design, qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 cancer survivors or family members to identify the psychosocial needs of people from the time of cancer diagnosis through survivorship. These data were used to modify a needs assessment that was mailed to a stratified random sample of survivors obtained from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry.

RESULTS.

A total of 614 survivors returned usable questionnaires. Nearly two‒thirds of respondents reported experiencing at least 1 unmet psychosocial need, particularly emotional, physical, and treatment‒related needs. It is likely that unmet needs in insurance, employment, information, and homecare increased during the 20‒year interval between surveys. Demographics associated with increased unmet need included later stage of disease at the time of diagnosis, younger age, more comorbidities, and lower income.

CONCLUSIONS.

Unmet psychosocial need remains high despite 20 years of effort to address psychosocial issues. This may be due to a mismatch between needs and services. Unmet need may be related to access issues, a lack of awareness of resources, “new” needs that have arisen in a changing healthcare climate, and patient preferences for types of service. Cancer treatment staff should be especially alert for psychosocial problems in younger individuals with an additional illness burden. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
CEC enantioseparations on chiral monolithic columns: A study of the stereoselective degradation of (R/S)‐dichlorprop [2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid] in soil
Authors: Messina Antonella , Sinibaldi Massimo
Published: June 2007

For the study of the stereoselective degradation of the herbicide 2‐aryloxipropionic acid dichlorprop (DCPP) in soil, a porous monolithic chiral column (100 μm id) was prepared by in situ copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of formamide and 1‐propanol as the porogen solvents. Subsequently, the epoxide groups at the surface of the monolith were reacted with (+)‐1‐(4‐aminobutyl)‐(5R,8S,10R)‐terguride as the chiral selector. Optimum conditions for the herbicide resolution by CEC were found using mobile phases consisting of acetic acid/triethylamine mixtures in ACN–methanol (9:1 v/v). Under these conditions fully separation of DCPP enantiomers in the presence of clofibric acid (internal standard) was achieved in about 5 min. Experiments on the incubation of rac‐DCPP in soil at room temperature showed the herbicide undergone during 23 incubation days to a degradation to levels ≤20% of the initial concentration, with rates for (R)‐DCPP slower than (S)‐DCPP. More interesting results were observed when herbicide enantiomers were individually incubated. In both the experiments, the formation of the opposite isomer in the presence of the initial one, and reversed enantiomeric interconversion in the case of (S)‐DCPP was observed. (R)‐DCPP was found to be the most persistent isomer after incubation.
Nonaqueous and aqueous‐organic media for the enantiomeric separations of neutral organophosphorus pesticides by CE
Authors: Huang Lu , Lin Jinming , Xu Liangjun , Chen Guonan
Published: June 2007

The enantiomeric separation of some poorly water‐soluble organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) has been investigated using nonaqueous solvent and aqueous‐organic solvent systems. In this work, sodium cholate (SC) either with SDS or γ‐CD was used to achieve enantiomeric separations of four neutral and poorly water‐soluble OPs, i.e., profenofos, prothiofos, sulprofos, and pyraclofos. Electrophoretic medium consisted of a mixture of methanol (MeOH) with ACN (4:1 v/v) or a mixture of MeOH with H2O and ACN (5:4:1 v/v/v). On one hand, NACE was applied for enantiomeric separation of pyraclofos using a large amount of chiral and achiral surfactants (SC and SDS). On the other hand, H2O was added to act as a solvent additive to increase the solubility of γ‐CD in the organic solvents such as MeOH and ACN, in which the solubility of γ‐CD was very low. The presence of H2O was found to be particularly useful for the enantiomeric separation of profenofos, prothiofos, and sulprofos. In this way, the range of application of the neutral CDs in CE has been extended. In addition, SC was used as the only electrolyte. The proposed method has been applied for the analysis of soil samples.
Movement behaviour in patients with chronic neck pain
Authors: Vogt Lutz , Segieth Christoper , Banzer Winfried , Himmelreich Heiko
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose. The present study evaluated whether patients with chronic neck pain demonstrate characteristic angular movement deviations during repeated cervical spine movements. Method. Sixteen patients with chronic neck pain and a group of 18 aged‐matched healthy control subjects performed 10 repetitive maximal cervical movement cycles (flexion/extension, rotation, lateral flexion) at a self‐determined velocity. To collect the kinematic data of the cervical spine, a three‐dimensional ultrasonic movement analysis system (Zebris CMS70©, Germany) was used. To describe the movement variability in the maximum oscillation amplitudies the intra‐subject coefficients of variation (CV %) was calculated. The maximum difference was characterized by the absolute differences between the minimum and maximum oscillation amplitudes of iterated movement cycles. Pain intensity was obtained by visual analogue scales (VAS). Results. The average pain rating of the patients with chronic neck pain indicated moderate neck pain intensity (3.7 (±0.8)). Independent Student's t‐tests revealed a significantly decreased range of movement (ROM) in the chronic neck pain group for all anatomic values (p < 0.05), except for the lateral flexion to the right. The maximum differences and variability parameters showed significantly increased values in the chronic neck pain group in all directions (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Maximal cervical ROM was significantly lower, and movement variability was significantly higher, in patients compared with healthy control subjects. The differences of cervical motion variability point towards increased movement irregularities in patients with chronic neck pain. The present study shows evidence to support the hypothesis that additional information may be gained from the analysis of movement variability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining loss characteristics of arid zone river waterbodies
Authors: Costelloe Justin F. , Shields Andrew , Grayson Rodger B. , McMahon Thomas A.
Published: June 2007

Understanding the retention time of water in waterbodies during periods of no surface flow in dryland rivers provides an important context for evaluating the ecological importance of a waterhole to the river system. Time series of water level data were collected from 10 waterbodies spread across three river systems of the Lake Eyre Basin (LBE), Australia. Observed loss rates in the absence of surface flow were compared to modelled evaporation rates in order to determine whether open water evaporation was the main loss process from isolated waterholes and to what extent there is evidence of interaction between the surface water and any shallow groundwater aquifers. The modelled evaporation rates were determined using the Penman combination equation and meteorological data from the closest climate station in the region of the waterbodies. The modelled evaporation data were able to explain only some of the variability in the observed loss data but did highlight periods where other processes (including observation error) need to be invoked. These other possible processes, which include temporary groundwater connection and the effect of heat storage on the evaporation losses, probably contribute as much to the observed data variability as error introduced by the use of regional meteorological data. Assuming evaporation is the dominant process determining water loss in the absence of flow, the persistence of a waterhole is primarily dependent upon its depth when flow ceases. The annual loss shown by most waterbodies lies within the range of the modelled evaporation rate using the Penman combination equation and equates between 1.5 and 2.5 m per annum. The use of water level data in conjunction with the modelled evaporation rates was able to provide important insights into controls on waterbody loss rates and persistence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zn8[P12N24]O2 – ein Nitridophosphat‐oxid mit Sodalith‐Struktur
Authors: Karau Friedrich , Oeckler Oliver , Schäfers Franz , Niewa Rainer , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

Zn8P12N24O2 – a Nitridophosphate Oxide with Sodalite Structure

The reaction between zinc metal and phosphorus nitride imide PN(NH) was investigated. Surprisingly, no Zn6P12N24 was formed as assumed in former investigations but phase pure Zn8[P12N24]O2 ( (Nr. 217), a = 8.2422(2) Å; Z = 1) was obtained due to contamination by a small amount of oxygen. The existence of Zn8[P12N24]O2 was formerly supposed, but neither its crystal structure nor its exact composition have been unequivocally reported so far. The stoichiometric formula was deducted from elemental analyses, XANES spectroscopy at the phosphorus K‐threshold and IR‐spectroscopy using the crystallographic results of electron diffraction, X‐ray powder diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. Zn8[P12N24]O2 adopts the sodalite structure type and is thus isotypic with Zn8[P12N24]X2 with X = S, Se, Te and Zn8[B12O24]O2.
Synthesis, Structure and Magnetism of Bis[1,2,4‐tris(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl]europium
Authors: Kuiper Maurits H. , Lueken Heiko
Published: June 2007

Bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl]europium, Eu{C5H2[Si(CH3)3]3}2 (1), has been synthesized by a modified transmetallation route between Tl{C5H2[Si(CH3)3]3} and europium powder in toluene. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 15) with a = 20.293(5) Å, b = 20.221(5) Å, c = 9.654(2) Å, β = 106.412(5)°, V = 3800.1(15) Å3, Z = 4. The unit cell contains monomeric molecules that adopt a bent metallocene conformation with two partially staggered Cp‴ ligands. Magnetic susceptibility measurements in the temperature range 2–300 K display ideal Curie paramagnetic behaviour of the 4f7 system with Curie constant C = 9.6 × 10−5 m3 K mol−1 corresponding to temperature independent μeff = 7.8.
Synthese, Kristallstruktur und Eigenschaften von Vanadium(II)‐tetrachloroaluminat
Authors: Keßler Ulrich , Müller Rainhard
Published: June 2007

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of Vanadium(II) Tetrachloroaluminate

The reaction of vanadium dichloride and aluminium trichloride yields vanadium(II) tetrachloroaluminate. Amber cuboid crystals can be obtained by slow cooling of the melt. V(AlCl4)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/c (a = 1284.6(3), b = 776.3(2), c = 1163.5(2) pm, β = 92.376(10)°) and is therefore isotypic to Co(AlCl4)2. The structure contains chains build of VCl6 octahedra and AlCl4 tetrahedra sharing corners and edges with each other. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility follows Curie‐Weiss behaviour (μ = 3.88(2) μB, Θ = −9(1) K) complying with the spin‐only paramagnetism expected of d3 ions.
Mixed Ligand Complexes of Cobalt(II) – Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Co4(thd)4(OEt)4
Authors: Ahmed M. A. K. , Fjellvåg H. , Kjekshus A. , Dietzel P. D. C.
Published: June 2007

Synthesis, crystal structure, thermal stability, and magnetic properties of mixed‐ligand complexes of cobalt(II) with ß‐diketonato (thd = C11H19O2−) and alkoxides (OR mainly OMe = methoxide = CH3O− or OEt = ethoxide = C2H5O−) are reported. Direct reaction between Co(thd)2 (1) and EtOH gives a new complex with the structural formula [Co4(thd)4(OEt)4] (2) whereas MeOH correspondingly reacts to [Co4(thd)4(OMe)4(MeOH)4] (3). The yield of these products decreases with increasing size of the R group owing to increased solubility of 1 in the alcohol. The structure of 2 is determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. At 100 K 2 takes a monoclinic structure (space group C2/c): a = 15.108(2), b = 19.428(2), c = 21.240(3) Å, and β = 108.882(2)°. At 295 K 2 has transformed to a closely related orthorhombic structure (space group Fddd): a = 15.233(3), b = 19.712(3), c = 40.916(7) Å. Protracted hydrolysis accompanied by oxygenation of complexes 2 and 3 in laboratory air (viz. simultaneous exposure to moisture and oxygen) leads to a new complex 4 with empirical formula corresponding to [Co(thd)(OH)(O2)]. Magnetic susceptibility data show that Co takes the valence state II in all complexes 1–4. For 4 this implies that dioxygen has to form an adduct‐like association to the rest of the complex. Unfortunately complex 4 has hitherto only been obtained in the amorphous state, but all here produced evidences point at 4 as a distinct entity and that products of 4 obtained from 2 and 3 are chemically identical (but differ somewhat with regard to short‐ and longer‐range order in the atomic arrangement). The interatomic distances in the crystal structure of complexes 1–3 are briefly discussed in terms of the bond‐valence concept.
Effects of antituberculosis treatment on self assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis of voice quality in laryngeal tuberculosis patients
Authors: Yelken K , Guven M , Topak M , Gultekin E , Turan F
Published: June 2007

Objectives:

To evaluate the effects of antituberculosis treatment on the voice quality of laryngeal tuberculosis patients, measured by patient self-assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis.

Materials and methods:

A total of 14 laryngeal tuberculosis patients were enrolled. Laryngeal tuberculosis was established either by biopsy and histopathological examination or by rapid regression of the laryngeal lesions after antituberculosis medication. Before and after treatment, all patients were evaluated perceptually (on a scale of zero to three), and 12 assessed their own voices using the voice handicap index-10 scale. Acoustic analysis was performed to allow objective evaluation.

Results:

Patients' ages ranged from 21 to 72 years (mean, 41). The male to female ratio was 12:2. Eight patients (57 per cent) had tuberculous involvement of the epiglottis, four (28 per cent) had involvement of the aryepiglottic fold and eight (57 per cent) had involvement of the false vocal folds. The glottis was the less commonly involved part of the larynx, including true vocal folds (28 per cent, n = 4) and posterior commissure (14 per cent, n = 2). Perceptual evaluation, on a scale of zero to three, gave the patients a median score of six; after commencement of treatment, the median score decreased to two. The mean voice handicap index-10 score decreased from 24 to 12 after treatment. An obvious improvement in acoustic analytical parameters was also found following treatment.

Conclusions:

Antituberculosis treatment clearly improved the voice outcomes of laryngeal tuberculosis patients, according to self-assessment, perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis.
Expiratory nasal sound analysis as a new method for evaluation of nasal obstruction in patients with nasal septal deviation: comparison of expiratory nasal sounds from both deviated and normal nasal cavity
Authors: Tahamiler R , Canakcioglu S , Yilmaz S , Dirican A
Published: June 2007

Background:

The reliability of nasal obstruction measurements could be improved, and several new techniques are being developed. Our objective was to investigate the use of a new software program, Odiosoft-Rhino, in the assessment of nasal obstruction via analysis of the sounds of nasal expiration.

Methods:

We compared the nasal symptom scores and Odiosoft-Rhino and acoustic rhinometry test results for 61 patients with known nasal septal deviation.

Results:

We found a significant difference, and a correlation, between Odiosoft-Rhino results at 2000–4000 Hz and 4000–6000 Hz intervals, and the minimal cross-sectional area 2.2 cm from the nostril, in the right nasal cavity in patients with right-sided deviations. Similar results were observed for the left nasal cavity in patients with left-sided deviations.

Conclusions:

The Odiosoft-Rhino software test is noninvasive, requires minimal cooperation and experience, and provides results that can be saved as digital data. Additionally, data from the Odiosoft-Rhino test are strongly correlated with acoustic rhinometry results and visual analogue scores of nasal obstruction. It seems that sound intensity within the 2000–4000 Hz and 4000–6000 Hz intervals is more sensitive than other sound intensity intervals. Thus, we speculate that Odiosoft-Rhino testing could be used as a new diagnostic method in order to evaluate nasal airflow in clinical practice.
The importance of the PrP genotype in active surveillance for ovine scrapie
Authors: TONGUE S. C. , WILESMITH J. W. , NASH J. , KOSSAIBATI M. , RYAN J.
Published: June 2007

Surveillance activities for ovine scrapie have expanded in the 21st century, following concerns about the potential for a hidden epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in European sheep populations. Large-scale surveys have been used to estimate the prevalence of scrapie infection. In this study we analyse data from the surveys in Great Britain between 2002 and 2004. When we estimate genotype-specific prevalences for each of the two screening tests used a difference is observed. One test underestimates the number of positive cases in genotypes classically considered to be at a low relative risk of developing clinical disease (ARR- and AHQ-containing genotypes). By comparison, the other test underestimates the number of positive cases in genotypes classically considered to be at an increased relative risk of developing clinical disease (VRQ-containing genotypes). These findings have implications for surveillance, disease control, and diagnostic test evaluation.
Mechanisms of U46619‐ and 5‐HT‐induced contraction of bovine pulmonary arteries: role of chloride ions
Authors: Alapati V R , McKenzie C , Blair A , Kenny D , MacDonald A , Shaw A M
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Thromboxane A2and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) are implicated in pulmonary hypertension. The involvement of chloride, voltage‐operated calcium channels (VOCCs), store‐operated calcium channels (SOCCs) and the Rho kinase in the contractile response of bovine pulmonary arteries (BPA) to the thromboxane A2mimetic U46619 and 5‐HT was investigated.

Experimental approach:

Endothelium‐intact ring segments of BPA were mounted in Krebs/Henseleit buffer (37°C) under a tension of 2g and gassed with 95%O2/5%CO2.

Key results:

Depletion or removal of extracellular chloride, inhibition of chloride and SOCC, Na:K:2Cl, Cl/HCO3, Rho kinase inhibited contractions to U46619. Combining Rho kinase inhibition and chloride channel blockade (with NPPB) almost abolished the contractions to U46619. In contrast 5‐HT‐induced contraction was inhibited by verapamil and mibefradil. Depletion of stored calcium with caffeine almost abolished the response to U46619 but not 5‐HT. The contraction by the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor CPA was abolished by SOCC and chloride channel blockade (with NPPB) and by chloride depletion.

Conclusions and implications:

This study suggests that the contractile response of BPA to U46619 involves Rho kinase together with a chloride‐sensitive mechanism, which does not involve VOCC but may have a role in calcium release and calcium entry via SOCC. In contrast contraction of the BPA by 5‐HT appears to involve verapamil‐ and mibefradil‐sensitive VOCC. This study may indicate that the use of calcium channel blockers in the management of pulmonary hypertension may not always be effective and that Rho kinase and chloride channels may be targets for the development of new therapies.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1224–1234; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707338
Frontier electronic structures of Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)3 and Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2: A photoelectron spectroscopy study
Authors: Johansson E. M. J. , Hedlund M. , Odelius M. , Siegbahn H. , Rensmo H.
Published: June 2007

The frontier electronic structures of Ru(tcterpy)(NCS)3 [black dye (BD)] and Ru(dcbpy)2(NCS)2 (N719) have been investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (RPES). N1s XAS has been used to probe the nitrogen contribution in the unoccupied density of states, and PES, together with RPES over the N1s edge, has been used to delineate the character of the occupied density of states. The experimental findings of the frontier electron structure are compared to calculations of the partial density of states for the nitrogens in the different ligands (NCS and terpyridine/bipyridine) and for Ru4d. The result indicates large similarities between the two complexes. Specifically, the valence level spectra show two well separated structures at low binding energy. The experimental results indicate that the outermost structure in the valence region largely has a Ru4d character but with a substantial character also from the NCS ligand. Interestingly, the second lowest structure also has a significant Ru4d character mixed into the structure otherwise dominated by NCS. Comparing the two complexes the BD valence structures lowest in binding energy contains a large contribution from the NCS ligands but almost no contribution from the terpyridine ligands, while for N719 also some contribution from the bipyridine ligands is mixed into the energy levels.
ZnO nanoparticle growth on single-walled carbon nanotubes by atomic layer deposition and a consequent lifetime elongation of nanotube field emission
Authors: Min Yo-Sep , Bae Eun Ju , Park Jong Bong , Kim Un Jeong , Park Wanjun , Song Jaewon , Hwang Cheol Seong , Park Noejung
Published: June 2007

ZnO nanoparticles were grown on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by atomic layer deposition using diethylzinc (DEZ) and water. The athors discuss that, because of chemical inertness of nanotubes to DEZ and water molecules, such nanoparticles are not likely to grow on the wall of clean and perfect nanotubes. Rather, the growth of ZnO nanoparticles should be attributed to imperfection of nanotubes, such as defects and carbonaceous impurities. Lifetime of field emission from SWNTs with the ZnO nanoparticles is 2.5 times longer than that from the as-grown nanotubes. It is thought that the protection of the defects or impurities by ZnO nanoparticles mainly contributed to the improvement of the field emission lifetime from SWNTs.
Evaluating Complex, Collaborative Programmes: The Partnership Project as a Case Study
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Herrman Helen , Schweitzer Isaac , Yung Alison , Grigg Margaret , Burgess Philip
Published: June 2007

Objective: In Australia, mental health services are delivered by a complex web of publicand private-sector providers. There is a growing recognition that linkages between these groups are not optimal, and a concern that this may lead to poor outcomes. This paper illustrates a conceptual framework for developing, implementing and evaluating programmes concerned with linkages.

Method: Drawing on theoretical and practical literature, this paper identifies different levels of integration, issues in evaluating programmes to address poor linkages, and features of useful evaluations. Within this context, it describes the method by which the Public and Private Partnerships in Mental Health Project (Partnership Project) is being evaluated. Conducted by St Vincent's Mental Health Service and The Melbourne Clinic, this is one of several Demonstration Projects in Integrated Mental Health Care funded under the National Mental Health Strategy.

Results: Collaboration is hard to conceptualize and collaborative programmes usually have many players and components, and tend to operate within already-complex systems. This creates difficulties for evaluation, in terms of what to measure, how to measure it, and how to interpret findings. In spite of these difficulties, the illustrative example demonstrates a model for evaluating collaborative programmes that is currently working well because it is strongly conceptualized, descriptive, comparative, constructively sceptical, positioned from the bottom up, and collaborative.

Conclusions: This model, or aspects of it, could be extended to the evaluation of other mental health programmes and services that have collaborative elements.
Development of a Brief form of the Life Skills Profile: The LSP-20
Authors: Rosen Alan , Trauer Tom , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan , Parker Gordon
Published: June 2007

Objective: To develop a brief form of the Life Skills Profile (LSP) that incorporates all five subscales of the full form.

Method: A new short form of the LSP (LSP-20) was developed to incorporate all five subscales of the full form. The LSP-20 development was based on a reanalysis of data from previously published studies. These data sets were also reanalysed to determine any differential effects of numbers and percentages of items in the LSP-39, LSP-16 and LSP-20, comparability of scores of the different forms, of test–retest and interrater reliability, and validity of the LSP-20 by comparison with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: A twenty-item short form of the LSP-39 (LSP-20) is described whichretains 16 items of an earlier short form but which also reproduces the subscale concerned with disability associated with positive psychotic phenomena. The subscales correlated highly with their counterparts in the full form, interrater and test–retest reliabilities were comparable, and concurrent validity was good.

Conclusions: The LSP-20 is a brief form of a widely used instrument that offers equivalent coverage to the full form with sound empirical properties, though unlike the LSP-39, it can be scored in the direction of impairments or strengths. Therefore the LSP-20 may be more suited to routine service disability and aggregated outcome assessments, but less suited than the LSP-39 to detailed research, or to interactive use as part of service user's individual care planning and review.
Special Educational Needs: the relationship between teacher assessment, test scores and classroom behaviour
Authors: Moses Diana
Published: June 2007

Junior school teachers' own assessments of pupils with special educational needs were compared with the children's performance on standardised tests. On the basis of test score and teacher opinion a selection of children was chosen for observation using a schedule designed specifically for this purpose. There would appear to be a pattern of pupil behaviour in the classroom that teachers tend to regard as more typical of the slow‐learning child, though not exclusive to him. Where there is a divergence between teacher assessment and standardised test scores this discrepancy may possibly be accounted for in terms of the ‘slow‐learner behaviour pattern’ influencing teacher opinion. Teachers do appear to be aware of the behaviour problems of quiet, withdrawn children and seem to make a clear distinction between behaviour that is problematic to the child and behaviour that creates a discipline problem for the teacher.
Meta‐analysis: an explication
Authors: Fitz‐Gibbon C. T.
Published: June 2007

Meta‐analysis, as developed over the last few years by Glass and others, is a quantitative method for synthesising research results. Its use is illustrated here by means of examples ranging from irreproachable to dubious. Being simple to use and easily understood, meta‐analysis will undoubtedly become popular and this increasing use may well bring about some notable changes. The well‐controlled, small‐scale experiment is likely to become more important and better use will be made of many existing research reports, reports which can now be dusted off and incorporated into meta‐analyses. Because meta‐analysis focuses on how much difference something makes (the magnitude of an effect) and not on whether or not the difference was statistically significant at a pre‐specified level, its use encourages a more scientific approach to the interpretation of quantitative results. It also offers some hope that we might eventually have a clearer idea of the conditions under which research findings can be generalised. Progress in this direction will require mutual support between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Persistent Absence from School and Exclusion from School: the predictive power of school and community variables
Authors: Galloway David , Martin Richard , Wilcox Brian
Published: June 2007

The study investigated the association between two dependent variables, and 58 other variables, in 33 Sheffield secondary schools. The dependent variables were persistent absenteeism and exclusion for disciplinary reasons. Of the other variables, 22 described the schools' catchment area, with the remainder describing structural and organisational aspects of the schools themselves. There was no significant relationship between the two dependent variables. Results suggested that poor school attendance is strongly associated with socio‐economic disadvantage, but not to the same extent with structural or organisational aspects of the school. In contrast no model was found which could satisfactorily account for exclusion rates. This was taken as evidence that policy on exclusion is largely idiosyncratic to each school.
Elementary School Mathematics Productivity in Twelve Countries
Authors: Walberg Herbert J. , Harnisch Delwyn L. , Tsai Shiow‐ling
Published: June 2007

The mathematics achievement scores of 28,274 students in 1443 Australian, Belgian, English, Finish, French, German, Israeli, Japanese, Dutch, Scotch, Swedish, and U.S. elementary schools were correlated with, and regressed on socioe‐conomic status, highest math course taken, weekly hours of homework, interest in mathematics, and several other variables with both individuals and schools within each country as units of analysis. The results corroborate recent syntheses of small‐scale studies of productive factors in academic learning as well as regression analyses of large‐scale surveys. Among directly alterable variables, the amount and the quality or vigour of instruction including homework most strongly influence achievement.
Task‐setting in a Seminar: a theory‐of‐action perspective
Authors: Fleming W. G. , Rutherford R. J. D.
Published: June 2007

This paper reports, through a case study, an initial attempt to use the theory‐of‐action perspective of Argyris & Schon to analyse student/teacher task‐setting in a seminar. A brief outline is given of the theoretical concepts employed and a transcription from a video recording of part of an undergraduate seminar is then analysed using the theory‐of‐action concepts. The teacher's theory‐in‐use is predominantly Model 1. This is compared with a more impressionistic analysis of the video recording and with student responses to a questionnaire. These provide corroborative support for the theory‐of‐action analysis.
Home—School Communication by Means of Reading Cards
Authors: Hannon Peter , Weinberger Jo , Page Beryl , Jackson Angela
Published: June 2007

Despite the acknowledged importance of the home in children's education, and increasing interest in parental involvement, there has been comparatively little research into home‐school communication. A method of written communication, developed to increase parental involvement in the teaching of reading in a primary school in a disadvantaged area, is described and evaluated. Parents were encouraged to hear their children read at home, and teachers and parents communicated with each other daily by means of reading cards carried by children between home and school with their reading books. The frequency of comments in the cards of 76 children over a three year period was investigated. A content analysis of a random sample of cards found that comments were concerned with procedures for hearing children read, the evaluation of children's performance, and teaching observations and methods. Teachers' and parents' views on the value of the cards are discussed. It is concluded that the method was valuable and that it has potential for further development.
Language and Literacy Relationships: some reflections
Authors: Raban Bridie
Published: June 2007

Three explanations are explored for the lack of relationship between oral language development and reading ability. The first points to the inappropriate‐ness of the measures used in previous studies, the second explanation focuses on the differences between spoken and written language and the third dwells on the distinction between receptive and productive aspects of the two modes of language. Data are presented which provide evidence for all three sources of explanation, in particular drawing attention to the developmental aspects which cannot be ignored during the early stages of literacy development.
Curriculum Discontinuity: a study of a secondary school and its feeder primary schools
Authors: Williams Michael , Howley Roger
Published: June 2007

Curriculum continuity is a key concept within current discussions about school curricula. This paper focuses on continuity in the geography curricula of a single secondary school and its feeder primary schools, with particular reference to pupils aged eight to 13. Data were collected from documentary sources, from formal interviews and from classroom observation. Continuity in curricular aims, content, teaching, methods and modes of assessment is examined in detail. It was clear that geography had not received priority attention in inter‐school liaison activities and there were marked differences in geography curricula between the schools. We pinpoint the difficulties likely to be encountered in attempting to establish agreement across the primary‐secondary divide.
Graded Assessment and Learning Hierarchies in Mathematics
Authors: Noss Richard , Goldstein Harvey , Hoyles Celia
Published: June 2007

The Graded Assessment in Mathematics (GAIM) project has sought legitimation, at least in part, by appealing to notions of child‐centred learning. At the same time, in order to gain acceptance, it has attached itself to a certification procedure, namely the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). This paper argues that the demands imposed by the needs of certification are irreconcilable with a requirement for child‐focused ‘diagnostic’ style assessment, and have led to serious internal contradictions. The paper also offers a critique of some of the research concerned with establishing hierarchies of mathematics learning.
Graded Assessment and Learning Hierarchies in Mathematics ‐ an alternative view
Authors: Brown Margaret
Published: June 2007

Noss, Goldstein & Hoyles raise questions relating to the validity of the Graded Assessment in Mathematics (GAIM) project, on psychological, educational and technical grounds. This paper argues, with reference to relevant research, that even those concerns expressed which are theoretically justifiable are not serious in practice and are thus unlikely to outweigh the positive benefits of the scheme. In particular there would seem to be no necessary contradiction between the use of levels as part of a definition of a descriptive framework for mathematical achievement and the results of existing research on developmental hierarchies of mathematics learning. The importance of linking summative and formative assessment is also urged.
Having it Both Ways: hierarchical focusing as research interview method
Authors: Tomlinson Peter
Published: June 2007

The increased use of interviewing in social and educational research has been accompanied and influenced by wide acceptance of a constructivist view of persons in recent social science. The present paper notes major sources of this viewpoint and highlights, amongst its implications for research interviewing, a validity dilemma concerning the relative roles of interviewer and interviewee. Aspects of this issue are illustrated by reference to two contrasting approaches in the recent study of social values. The strategy of hierarchical focusing is proposed as a systematic approach to the resolution of the dilemma. This approach to the design, conduct and analysis of interviews is illustrated in some detail by reference to a recent research application.
Differences between the Written Work of Boys and Girls
Authors: Spear Margaret Goddard
Published: June 2007

Most teachers recognise differences between the written work of girls and boys. When asked to list features that they consider to be typical of the written work of each sex, 85% of a sample of science teachers responded. Furthermore, nearly three‐quarters of them claimed that they can generally distinguish between the written work of girls and boys. Nearly all the teachers who listed differences commented that girls' work tends to be neat and well presented, while that of boys is often untidy and poorly presented. The quality of the work produced by each sex was mentioned by approximately half of the respondents. The findings suggest that either substantial differences do exist between the work of boys and girls, or that popular cultural stereotypes concerning the characteristics of boys and girls and their work are accepted by most teachers.
Alternative Perspectives of the Nature of Mathematics and their Influence on the Teaching of Mathematics
Authors: Lerman Stephen
Published: June 2007

This article reports on a doctoral dissertation that examined the current state in the philosophy of mathematics, with a view to identifying possible connections with, and influences upon, mathematics education. Recent work in the sociology of knowledge, proposing a strong case for a fallibilist epistemology, can be seen as one perspective, counterposed against absolutist epistemologies. It is proposed that these two views are reflected in the practice of mathematics education, in teaching, research and attitudes to current issues. A field study was carried out, not to provide empirical support but to examine some of the consequences of the theoretical framework proposed, and part of this is described. Finally, some implications of the research are discussed.
Parents' and Teachers' Perspectives on Preschool Literacy Development
Authors: Hannon Peter , James Sue
Published: June 2007

Parents of 40 three to four year‐olds attending nursery classes in schools in one English local education authority and their children's teachers were interviewed about the teaching of reading and writing. Parents were interviewed at home, and teachers were interviewed in school, about the children's literacy experiences in both settings. A very high level of parental interest in literacy was found, centred on books and print‐related activities. Teachers, however, placed more emphasis on developing what they saw as pre‐reading and pre‐writing skills. Teachers felt that parental involvement in preschool literacy could lead to children being put under too much pressure and being taught by the wrong methods. Parents saw their involvement as productive, would have welcomed help from teachers, and were unsure about the place of literacy in the nursery curriculum.