bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of Hierarchical Surface Networks from Bilinear Surface Patches
Authors: Schneider Bernhard
Published: March 2005

Surface networks capture the topological relations between passes of a continuous surface, the paths of steepest descent and ascent starting at the passes, and the pits and peaks where the steepest paths end. Surface networks represent the topology of surfaces in a compressed form and allow fast investigation of the surfaces' convex and concave shapes. They are applied, for instance, for enhancing algorithms for surface analysis, for surface model simplification, and for surfaces visualization. Furthermore, they are themselves subjects of analysis as they are closely coupled to the intrinsic geometrical concepts and rules of continuous surfaces.

This article extends the topology of surface networks in four ways: (i) objects at the edge of the surface model are introduced; (ii) intersections between valley and ridge lines are found to be possible, and such intersections are incorporated into the topology; (iii) horizontal areas may represent passes, pits, or peaks, and therefore must be detected and explicitly incorporated; and (iv) valley and ridge line hierarchies are recognized as inherent components of the surface network. They are extracted and explicitly represented.

To ensure consistency and completeness of the surface network, a zero‐order continuous surface is specified from the raster data prior to the extraction. This article presents a method to represent and derive valley and ridge line hierarchies. The results are illustrated with two examples. The extracted networks are found to be consistent and complete. However, the extraction method tends to produce spurious pits, peaks, and passes, which form a drawback if the surface data are affected by noise.
Physical activity and self‐perception in school children assessed with the Children and Youth – Physical Self‐Perception Profile
Authors: Raustorp Anders , Ståhle Agneta , Gudasic Helena , Kinnunen Anneli , Mattsson Eva
Published: March 2005

Aim: This study validated the Swedish translation of the Children and Youth – Physical Self‐Perception Profile (CY – PSPP) scale and examined the relation between physical self‐Perception and daily physical activity as well as the relationship between physical self‐perception and body mass index (BMI) among Swedish school children.

Methods: Forty‐eight children aged 11–12 years completed the CY – PSPP twice with 2 weeks in between. Test–retest reliability, concurrent and content validity were calculated. Five hundred and one children, aged 10–14 years, were measured for height and weight and perceived physical self‐perception. Activity levels were analyzed using pedometers for 4 consecutive days.

Results: Good validity concerning concurrent and content validity was found. Test–retest reliability over a 2‐week period was acceptable. In boys a fair and in girls a poor correlation between the sub‐domains of the CY – PSPP and physical activity were found and a fair negative correlation between the sub‐domains and BMI except for Physical Strength.

Conclusion: The CY – PSPP distinguishes between children with low and high physical self‐perception. The information is of importance when designing physical activity programs reachable for children with low physical self‐esteem. According to the findings it is important to form physical activity programs that support and develop Sport Competence, Physical Condition and sense of Body Attractiveness among children.
AMP kinase activation with AICAR simultaneously increases fatty acid and glucose oxidation in resting rat soleus muscle
Authors: Smith Angela C. , Bruce Clinton R. , Dyck David J.
Published: March 2005

5‐Amino‐4‐imidazolecarboxamide riboside (AICAR), a pharmacological activator of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), acutely stimulates glucose uptake and fatty acid (FA) oxidation in skeletal muscle. However, it is not fully understood whether AICAR‐induced changes in glucose oxidation are secondary to changes in FA oxidation (i.e. glucose fatty acid cycle), or what role AMPK may be playing in the regulation of intramuscular triacylglycerol (TAG) esterification and hydrolysis. We examined the acute (60 min) effects of AICAR (2 mm) on FA metabolism, glucose oxidation and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activation in isolated resting rat soleus muscle strips exposed to two different FA concentrations (low fatty acid, LFA, 0.2 mm; high fatty acid, HFA, 1 mm). AICAR significantly increased AMPK α2 activity (+192%; P < 0.05) over 60 min, and simultaneously increased both FA (LFA: +33%, P < 0.05; HFA: +36%, P < 0.05) and glucose (LFA: +105%, P < 0.05; HFA: +170, P < 0.001) oxidation regardless of FA availability. While there were no changes in TAG esterification, AICAR did increase the ratio of FA partitioned to oxidation relative to TAG esterification (LFA: +15%, P < 0.05; HFA: +49%, P < 0.05). AICAR had no effect on endogenous TAG hydrolysis and oxidation in resting soleus. The stimulation of glucose oxidation with AICAR was associated with an increase in PDH activation (+126%; P < 0.05) but was without effect on pyruvate, an allosteric activator of the PDH complex, suggesting that AMPK may stimulate PDH directly. In conclusion, AMPK appears to be an important regulator of both FA metabolism and glucose oxidation in resting skeletal muscle.
Synaptic facilitation and enhanced neuronal excitability in the submucosal plexus during experimental colitis in guinea‐pig
Authors: Lomax Alan E. , Mawe Gary M. , Sharkey Keith A.
Published: March 2005

Intestinal secretion is regulated by submucosal neurones of the enteric nervous system. Inflammation of the intestines leads to aberrant secretory activity; therefore we hypothesized that the synaptic and electrical behaviours of submucosal neurones are altered during colitis. To test this hypothesis, we used intracellular microelectrode recording to compare the excitability and synaptic properties of submucosal neurones from normal and trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐inflamed guinea‐pig colons. Inflammation differentially affected the electrophysiological characteristics of the two functional classes of submucosal neurones. AH neurones from inflamed colons were more excitable, had shorter action potential durations and reduced afterhyperpolarizations. Stimulus‐evoked fast and slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in S neurones were larger during colitis, and the incidence of spontaneous fast EPSPs was increased. In control preparations, fast EPSPs were almost completely blocked by the nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium, whereas fast EPSPs in inflamed S neurones were only partially inhibited by hexamethonium. In inflamed tissues, components of the fast EPSP in S neurones were sensitive to blockade of P2X and 5‐HT3 receptors while these antagonists had little effect in control preparations. Control and inflamed S neurones were equally sensitive to brief application of acetylcholine, ATP and 5‐HT, suggesting that synaptic facilitation was due to a presynaptic mechanism. Immunoreactivity for 5‐HT in the submucosal plexus was unchanged by inflammation; this indicates that altered synaptic transmission was not due to anatomical remodelling of submucosal nerve terminals. This is the first demonstration of alterations in synaptic pharmacology in the enteric nervous system during inflammation.
Developmental programming of aortic and renal structure in offspring of rats fed fat‐rich diets in pregnancy
Authors: Armitage James A. , Lakasing Lorin , Taylor Paul D. , Balachandran Aswini A. , Jensen Runa I. , Dekou Vasia , Ashton Nick , Nyengaard Jens R. , Poston Lucilla
Published: March 2005

Evidence from human and animal studies suggests that maternal nutrition can induce developmental programming of adult hypertension in offspring. We have previously described a model of maternal dietary imbalance in Sprague‐Dawley rats whereby administration of a maternal diet rich in animal lard programmes the development of increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, obesity and mesenteric artery endothelial dysfunction in adult offspring. To further characterize the mechanism of hypertension in this model we have examined vascular and renal structure in adult offspring of Sprague‐Dawley rats fed a control diet (OC) or lard‐rich diet (OHF) during pregnancy and suckling followed by a control diet post‐weaning. To gain further insight, we assessed aortic reactivity and elasticity in an organ bath preparation and renal renin and Na+,K+‐ATPase activity. Plasma aldosterone concentration was also measured. Stereological examination of the aorta in OHF demonstrated reduced endothelial cell volume and smooth muscle cell number compared with OC. Adult OHF animals showed increased aortic stiffness and reduced endothelium‐dependent relaxation. Renal stereology showed no differences in kidney weight, glomerular number or volume in OHF compared with OC, but renin and Na+,K+‐ATPase activity were significantly reduced in OHF compared with controls. Programmed alterations to aortic structure and function are consistent with previous observations that exposure to maternal high fat diets produces systemic vascular changes in the offspring. Despite normal renal stereology, altered renal Na+,K+‐ATPase and renin activity offers further insight into the mechanism underlying the increased blood pressure characteristic of this model.
Endothelial vasodilator production by ovine uterine and systemic arteries: ovarian steroid and pregnancy control of ERα and ERβ levels
Authors: Byers Michael J. , Zangl Amy , Phernetton Terrance M. , Lopez Gladys , Chen Dong‐bao , Magness Ronald R.
Published: March 2005

Pregnancy and the follicular phase are physiological states of elevated oestrogen levels and rises in uterine blood flow (UBF). The dramatic increase in utero‐placental blood flow during gestation is required for normal fetal growth and development. Oestrogen exerts its vasodilatory effect by binding to its specific oestrogen receptors (ER) in target cells, resulting in increased expression and activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to relax vascular smooth muscle (VSM). However, the regulation of endothelial versus VSM ERα and ERβ expression in uterine arteries (UAs) during the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and with exogenous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are currently unknown. ER mRNA and protein localization was determined by in situ hybridization (ISH) using 35S‐labelled riboprobes and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. UA endothelial (UAendo), UA VSM, omental artery endothelium (OA endo), and OA VSM proteins were isolated and ERα and ERβ protein expression was determined by Western analysis. We observed by ISH and IHC that ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein were localized in both UAendo and UA VSM. Immunoblot data demonstrated ovarian hormone specific regulation of ERα and ERβ protein in UAendo and UA VSM. Compared to luteal phase sheep, both ERα and ERβ levels in UAendo were elevated in follicular phase sheep. Whereas ERβ was elevated by pregnancy in UAendo and UA VSM, ERα was not appreciably altered. eNOS was increased in UAendo from follicular and pregnant sheep. Ovariectomized ewes (OVEX) had substantially reduced UAendo ERβ, but not UAendo ERα or OAendo ERα and ERβ. In contrast, OVEX increased UA VSM ERα and ERβ and decreased OA VSM ERα and ERβ. Treatment with oestradiol‐17β (E2β), but not progesterone or their combination, increased UAendo ERα levels. The reduced ERβ in UAendo from OVEX ewes was reversed by E2β and progesterone treatment. While ERα and eNOS were not elevated in any other reproductive or non‐reproductive endothelia tested, ERβ was augmented by pregnancy in uterine, mammary, placenta, and coronary artery endothelia. ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein are expressed in UA endothelium with expression levels depending on the endocrine status of the animal, indicating UA endothelium is a target for oestrogen action in vivo, and that the two receptors appear to be differentially regulated in a spatial and temporal fashion with regard to the reproductive status or HRT.
A Mitotic Septin Scaffold Required for Mammalian Chromosome Congression and Segregation
Authors: Spiliotis Elias T. , Kinoshita Makoto , Nelson W. James
Published: March 2005

Coordination of cytokinesis with chromosome congression and segregation is critical for proper cell division, but the mechanism is unknown. Here, septins, a conserved family of polymerizing guanosine triphosphate–binding proteins, localized to the metaphase plate during mitosis. Septin depletion resulted in chromosome loss from the metaphase plate, lack of chromosome segregation and spindle elongation, and incomplete cytokinesis upon delayed mitotic exit. These defects correlated with loss of the mitotic motor and the checkpoint regulator centromere-associated protein E (CENP-E) from the kinetochores of congressing chromosomes. Mammalian septins may thus form a mitotic scaffold for CENP-E and other effectors to coordinate cytokinesis with chromosome congression and segregation.
DESIGNING CATALYSTS FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGY, GREEN CHEMISTRY, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Meurig Thomas John , Raja Robert
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  There is a pressing need for cleaner fuels (free or aromatics and of minimal sulfur content) or ones that convert chemical energy directly to electricity, silently and without production of noxious oxides and particulates; chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical processes that may be conducted in a one-step, solvent-free manner and that use air as the preferred oxidant; and industrial processes that minimize consumption of energy, production of waste, or the use of corrosive, explosive, volatile, and nonbiodegradable materials. All these needs and other desiderata, such as the in situ production and containment of aggressive and hazardous reagents, and the avoidance of use of ecologically harmful elements, may be achieved by designing the appropriate heterogeneous inorganic catalyst, which ideally should be cheap, readily preparable and fully characterizable, preferably under in situ reaction conditions. A range of nanoporous and nanoparticle catalysts that meet most of the stringent demands of sustainable development and responsible (clean) technology is described. Specific examples that are highlighted include the production of adipic acid (precursor of polyamides and urethanes) without the use of concentrated nitric acid nor the production of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide; the production of caprolactam (precursor of nylon) without the use of oleum and hydroxylamine sulfate; and the terminal oxyfunctionalization of linear alkanes in air. The topic of biocatalysis and sustainable development is also briefly discussed for the epoxidation of terpenes and fatty acid methyl esters; for the generation of polymers, polylactides, and polyesters; and for the production of 1,3-propanediol from corn.
GROWTH AND SURVIVAL SIGNALS CONTROLLING SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Glebova Natalia O. , Ginty David D.
Published: March 2005

The precise coordination of the many events in nervous system development is absolutely critical for the correct establishment of functional circuits. The postganglionic sympathetic neuron has been an amenable model for studying peripheral nervous system formation. Factors that control several developmental events, including multiple stages of axon extension, neuron survival and death, dendritogenesis, synaptogenesis, and establishment of functional diversity, have been identified in this neuron type. This knowledge allows us to integrate the various intricate processes involved in the formation of a functional sympathetic nervous system and thereby create a paradigm for understanding neuronal development in general.
The Biology of Phytophthora infestans at Its Center of Origin
Authors: Grünwald Niklaus J. , Flier Wilbert G.
Published: March 2005

The central highlands of Mexico are considered to be a center of genetic diversity for both the potato late blight pathogen and for tuber-bearing Solanum spp. Recent work conducted in Mexico and South America sheds new light on the biology and evolution of Phytophthora infestans and other related Phytophthora pathogens. It now appears that Mexican Solanum species, which coevolved with P. infestans and were previously known for providing a source of R-genes, also provide a source of quantitative, rate-reducing resistance that is highly effective, stable, and durable. It is now apparent that Mexico is the center of origin not only of the potato late blight pathogen P. infestans, but also of several related Phytophthora species including P. mirabilis, P. ipomoeae, and possibly P. phaseoli. We close with the hypothesis that these Phytophthora species evolved sympatrically from one ancestral host through adaptive radiation onto their respective four host families.
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 Expression Is Required for Hematopoietic but not Endothelial Cell Development
Authors: Magnusson Peetra Ulrica , Ronca Roberto , Dell’Era Patrizia , Carlstedt Pia , Jakobsson Lars , Partanen Juha , Dimberg Anna , Claesson-Welsh Lena
Published: March 2005

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and FGF receptors (FGFRs) in hematopoietic/endothelial development.

Methods and Results—

Using several different FGFR-1–specific antibodies and FGFR-1 promoter-driven LacZ activity, we show that FGFR-1 is expressed and active as a tyrosine kinase in a subpopulation of endothelial cells (≈20% of the endothelial pool) during development in embryoid bodies. In agreement, in stem cell-derived teratomas, expression of FGFR-1 was detected in some but not all vessels. The FGFR-1 expressing endothelial cells were mitogenically active in the absence and presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Expression of FGFR-1 in endothelial cell precursors was not required for vascular development, and vascularization was enhanced in FGFR-1–deficient embryoid bodies compared with wild-type stem cells. In contrast, hematopoietic development was severely disturbed, with reduced expression of markers for primitive and definitive hematopoiesis.

Conclusions—

Our data show that FGFR-1 is expressed in early hematopoietic/endothelial precursor cells, as well as in a subpool of endothelial cells in tumor vessels, and that it is critical for hematopoietic but not for vascular development.
A Critical Appraisal of the Performance, Reporting, and Interpretation of Studies Comparing Carotid Plaque Imaging With Histology
Authors: Lovett J.K. , Redgrave J.N.E. , Rothwell P.M.
Published: March 2005

Background and Purpose—

Carotid plaque instability is an important determinant of stroke risk. There are now a number of different imaging techniques that provide information on carotid plaque morphology. However, it is unclear how they compare with one another or whether they can reliably assess plaque instability. Studies comparing imaging with pathology have shown highly variable results, even for similar imaging techniques. This may be because of variable pathology techniques rather than differences in imaging.

Methods—

We performed a systematic review of studies that compared carotid imaging with histology of the excised plaque published between January 1995 and September 2004. We assessed the quality and comparability of these studies. In particular, we determined which histology methods were used and whether observer reproducibility of the histology assessment was reported.

Results—

Among 73 eligible studies, histological methods were poorly reported and highly variable; 23% reported reproducibility data for imaging and only 12% reported reproducibility data for histology. Of 29 studies that reported quantitative results of blinded comparisons, there were methodological deficiencies and the results were highly variable. No study considered the extent to which the lack of reproducibility influenced the imaging-pathological correlations reported.

Conclusions—

Pathological correlation in studies of carotid plaque imaging cannot be reliably interpreted or compared because of incomparable and poorly reported histology methods. We make recommendations for the performance, reporting, and interpretation of imaging–pathological correlation studies and highlight the need for consensus guidelines.
The Collapse of East European Communism and the Repercussions within the Soviet Union (Part 3)
Authors: Kramer Mark
Published: March 2005

This is the concluding part of a three-part article that discusses the transformation of Soviet-East European relations in the late 1980s and the impact of the sweeping changes in Eastern Europe on the Soviet Union. This final segment is divided into two main parts: First, it provides an extended analysis of the bitter public debate that erupted in the Soviet Union in 1990 and 1991 about the “loss” of Eastern Europe and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. The debate roiled the Soviet political system and fueled the hardline backlash against Mikhail Gorbachev. Second, this part of the article offers a concluding section that highlights the theoretical implications of the article as a whole. The article, as the conclusion shows, sheds light on recent literature concerning the diffusion of political innovations and the external context of democratization and political change.
The Marshall Plan as Tragedy
Authors: Trachtenberg Marc
Published: March 2005

Five distinguished scholars offer separate commentaries on the article by Michael Cox and Caroline Kennedy-Pipe. All of the commentators reject the broad interpretation and many of the specific arguments put forth by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe. They point out several crucial issues that are omitted from the article and raise questions about the authors' sources, use of evidence, and selective invocation of secondary literature. They regret that Cox and Kennedy Pipe seem to dwell on a large number of the same matters that preoccupied radical revisionist historians in the 1960s. They argue that although Cox and Kennedy-Pipe offer a more sophisticated version of revisionism, their article suffers from many of the same shortcomings. Most of the commentators believe that the Marshall Plan merely reflected a division of Europe that was already well under way rather than being the precipitating cause. In that sense, the debate on the origins of the Cold War needs to go well beyond the issues raised by Cox and Kennedy-Pipe.
Counterterrorism
Authors: M. Daniel G. Arce , Sandler Todd
Published: March 2005

This article establishes the prevalence of deterrence over preemption when targeted governments can choose between either policies or employ both. There is a similar proclivity to favor defensive counter-terrorist measures over proactive policies. Unfortunately, this predisposition results in an equilibrium with socially inferior payoffs when compared with proactive responses. Proactive policies tend to provide purely public benefits to all potential targets and are usually undersupplied, whereas defensive policies tend to yield a strong share of provider-specific benefits and are often oversupplied. When terrorists direct a disproportionate number of attacks at one government, its reliance on defensive measures can disappear. Ironically, terrorists can assist governments in addressing coordination dilemmas associated with some antiterrorist policies by targeting some countries more often than others.
Role of molecular mimicry to HIV-1 peptides in HIV-1–related immunologic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Li Zongdong , Nardi Michael A. , Karpatkin Simon
Published: March 2005

Patients with early HIV-1 infection develop an autoimmune thrombocytopenia in which antibody is directed against an immunodominant epitope of the β3 (glycoprotein IIIa [GPIIIa]) integrin, GPIIIa49-66. This antibody induces thrombocytopenia by a novel complement-independent mechanism in which platelets are fragmented by antibody-induced generation of H2O2 derived from the interaction of platelet nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and 12-lipoxygenase. To examine whether sharing of epitope between host and parasite may be responsible for this immunodominant epitope, we screened for antibody-reactive peptides capable of inhibiting platelet lysis and oxidation in vitro, using a filamentous phage display 7-mer peptide library. Fourteen of these phage-peptide clones were identified. Five shared close sequence similarity with GPIIIa49-66, as expected. Ten were molecular mimics with close sequence similarity to HIV-1 proteins nef, gag, env, and pol. Seven were synthesized as 10-mers from their known HIV-1 sequence and found to inhibit anti–GPIIIa49-66–induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro. Three rabbit antibodies raised against these peptides induced platelet oxidation/fragmentation in vitro and thrombocytopenia in vivo when passively transferred into mice. One of the peptides shared a known epitope region with HIV-1 protein nef and was derived from a variant region of the protein. These data provide strong support for molecular mimicry in HIV-1-immunologic thrombocytopenia within polymorphic regions of HIV-1 proteins. A known epitope of nef is particularly incriminated.
SNPHunter: a bioinformatic software for single nucleotide polymorphism data acquisition and management
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Simin , Niu Tianhua , Xu Xin
Published: March 2005

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) provide an important tool in pinpointing susceptibility genes for complex diseases and in unveiling human molecular evolution. Selection and retrieval of an optimal SNP set from publicly available databases have emerged as the foremost bottlenecks in designing large-scale linkage disequilibrium studies, particularly in case-control settings.

Results

We describe the architectural structure and implementations of a novel software program, SNPHunter, which allows for both ad hoc-mode and batch-mode SNP search, automatic SNP filtering, and retrieval of SNP data, including physical position, function class, flanking sequences at user-defined lengths, and heterozygosity from NCBI dbSNP. The SNP data extracted from dbSNP via SNPHunter can be exported and saved in plain text format for further down-stream analyses. As an illustration, we applied SNPHunter for selecting SNPs for 10 major candidate genes for type 2 diabetes, including CAPN10, FABP4, IL6, NOS3, PPARG, TNF, UCP2, CRP, ESR1, and AR.

Conclusion

SNPHunter constitutes an efficient and user-friendly tool for SNP screening, selection, and acquisition. The executable and user's manual are available at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ppg/software.htm.
Phospholipase D (PLD) gene expression in human neutrophils and HL-60 differentiation
Authors: Di Fulvio Mauricio , Gomez-Cambronero Julian
Published: March 2005

Human neutrophils exhibit a regulated phospholipase D (PLD) activity that can be measured biochemically in vitro. However, the precise expression pattern of PLD isoforms and their specific biological role(s) are not well understood. Neutrophil mRNA is intrinsically difficult to isolate as a result of the extremely high content of lytic enzymes in the cell's lysosomal granules. Reverse transcription coupled to polymerase chain reaction indicated that pure populations of human neutrophils had the CD16b+/CD115−/CD20−/CD3ζ−/interleukin-5 receptor α− phenotype. These cells expressed the following splice variants of the PLD1 isoform: PLD1a, PLD1b, PLD1a2, and PLD1b2. As for the PLD2 isoform, neutrophils expressed the PLD2a but not the PLD2b mRNA variant. The relative amount of PLD1/PLD2 transcripts exists in an approximate 4:1 ratio. The expression of PLD isoforms varies during granulocytic differentiation, as demonstrated in the promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cell line. Further, the pattern of mRNA expression is dependent on the differentiation-inducing agent, 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide causes a dramatic increase in PLD2a and PLD1b transcripts, and 300 nM all-trans-retinoic acid induced PLD1a expression. These results demonstrate for the first time that human neutrophils express five PLD transcripts and that the PLD genes undergo qualitative changes in transcription regulation during granulocytic differentiation.
Stakeholders’ conflicting aims undermine the washback function of a high-stakes test
Authors: Luxia Qi
Published: March 2005

High-stakes tests are often used as agents for change, but ‘attempts to introduce change in the classroom are often not as effective as their designers hoped they would be’ (Wall, 1996: 334). The National Matriculation English Test (NMET) in China is such a case. Apart from its primary function of selecting candidates for institutions of higher education, the NMET was designed specifically to promote changes in ELT (English language teaching) in schools. Unfortunately, it has fallen short of the goal. This study set out to examine the reasons why the NMET failed to bring about the intended changes or washback effects. For this purpose, data were collected through interview and questionnaire from 8 NMET constructors, 6 English inspectors, 388 teachers and 986 students. The results show that the most important reason for the test failing to achieve the intended washback is that its two major functions - the selection function and the function of promoting change - are in many ways in conflict with each other, making it a powerful trigger for teaching to the test but an ineffective agent for changing teaching and learning in the way intended by its constructors and the policymakers.
Dark alleys and blind bends: testing the language of learning
Authors: Broadfoot Patricia M.
Published: March 2005

This article presents a revised version of the author’s Samuel Messick Memorial lecture in 2003. Messick’s emphasis on consequential validity is used to identify some of the negative effects of current practices as they affect the quality of students’ learning and motivation. It suggests that there have been many ‘dark alleys’ in which poorly understood assessment technologies have been used thoughtlessly or have been located on ‘blind bends’ in which a lack of sufficient preparation and knowledge has resulted in assessment practices that are dangerous and, potentially, very damaging to learners.

In the light of these problems the article argues for a more constructive approach to assessment. Taking the particular context of language learning, the article describes a new assessment tool, The Effective Lifelong Learning Inventory (ELLI), which has a very different purpose: the identification of an individual’s power to learn. It argues the need to replace the conventional lexicon of testing with a focus on key learning dimensions such as confidence, collaboration, critical curiosity and creativity - the feelings and dispositions that are argued to be central to learning.
Osteosarcoma: A Randomized, Prospective Trial of the Addition of Ifosfamide and/or Muramyl Tripeptide to Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and High-Dose Methotrexate
Authors: Meyers Paul A. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Krailo Mark , Kleinerman Eugenie S. , Betcher Donna , Bernstein Mark L. , Conrad Ernest , Ferguson William , Gebhardt Mark , Goorin Allen M. , Harris Michael B. , Healey John , Huvos Andrew , Link Michael , Montebello Joseph , Nadel Helen , Nieder Michael , Sato Judith , Siegal Gene , Weiner Michael , Wells Robert , Wold Lester , Womer Richard , Grier Holcombe
Published: March 2005

Purpose

To determine whether the addition of ifosfamide and/or muramyl tripeptide (MTP) encapsulated in liposomes to cisplatin, doxorubicin, and high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) could improve the probability for event-free survival (EFS) in newly diagnosed patients with osteosarcoma (OS).

Patients and Methods

Six hundred seventy-seven patients with OS without clinically detectable metastatic disease were treated with one of four prospectively randomized treatments. All patients received identical cumulative doses of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and HDMTX and underwent definitive surgical resection of the primary tumor. Patients were randomly assigned to receive or not to receive ifosfamide and/or MTP in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The primary end point for analysis was EFS.

Results

Patients treated with the standard arm of therapy had a 3-year EFS of 71%. We could not analyze the results by factorial design because we observed an interaction between the addition of ifosfamide and the addition of MTP. The addition of MTP to standard chemotherapy achieved a 3-year EFS rate of 68%. The addition of ifosfamide to standard chemotherapy achieved a 3-year EFS rate of 61%. The addition of both ifosfamide and MTP resulted in a 3-year EFS rate of 78%.

Conclusion

The addition of ifosfamide in this dose schedule to standard chemotherapy did not enhance EFS. The addition of MTP to chemotherapy might improve EFS, but additional clinical and laboratory investigation will be necessary to explain the interaction between ifosfamide and MTP.
Corepressor Binding to Progesterone and Glucocorticoid Receptors Involves the Activation Function-1 Domain and Is Inhibited by Molybdate
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Simons S. Stoney
Published: March 2005

Corepressors are known to interact via their receptor interaction domains (RIDs) with the ligand binding domain in the carboxyl terminal half of steroid/nuclear receptors. We now report that a portion of the activation function-1 domain of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and progesterone receptors (PRs), which is the major transactivation sequence, is necessary but not sufficient for corepressor [nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) and silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT)] RID binding to GRs and PRs in both mammalian two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays. Importantly, these two receptor sequences are functionally interchangeable in the context of GR for transactivation, corepressor binding, and corepressor modulatory activity assays. This suggests that corepressors may act in part by physically blocking portions of receptor activation function-1 domains. However, differences exist in corepressor binding to GRs and PRs. The C-terminal domain of PRs has a higher affinity for corepressor than that of GRs. The ability of some segments of the coactivator TIF2 to competitively inhibit corepressor binding to receptors is different for GRs and PRs. With each receptor, the cell-free binding of corepressors to ligand-free receptor is prevented by sodium molybdate, which is a well-known inhibitor of receptor activation to the DNA-binding state. This suggests that receptor activation precedes binding to corepressors. Collectively, these results indicate that corepressor binding to GRs and PRs involve both N- and C-terminal sequences of activated receptors but differ in ways that may contribute to the unique biological responses of each receptor in intact cells.
Mood state and gambling: Using mobile telephones to track emotions
Authors: Gee Philip , Coventry Kenny R. , Birkenhead David
Published: March 2005

Mobile telephones were used to collect data on the relationship between gambling and mood state from gamblers in the field. Seventeen gamblers called an interactive voice response system running on a computer before, during and after a gambling episode. Measures taken in this way included self‐reports of anxiety/arousal, the amount of money gambled, whether the result was a win or loss, the amount won or lost, and the type of gambling engaged in. Other measures were taken during an initial briefing session using conventional questionnaires that included self‐reports of anxiety/arousal taken in a non‐gambling situation, dissociation during gambling, and a measure of degree of impairment of control. The results showed that subjective anxiety/arousal levels were significantly higher during and after gambling than during the urge to gamble or at baselines. Losing was associated with increased subjective anxiety/arousal after play, and winning was associated with a decrease in subjective anxiety/arousal. This suggests that gambling may be a cause of increased subjective anxiety/arousal, rather than functioning to relieve it. A cluster of variables associated with impaired control and subjective anxiety/arousal levels was also identified. The method of collecting data using mobile telephones appears to be a valuable development.
An application of an extended health belief model to the prediction of breast self‐examination among women with a family history of breast cancer
Authors: Norman Paul , Brain Kate
Published: March 2005

Objectives. This study reports an application of the health belief model (HBM) to the prediction of breast self‐examination (BSE) among women with a family history of breast cancer. The study also considered the influence of breast cancer worries and past behaviour.

Methods. Eight hundred and thirty‐three women completed questionnaires, based on the HBM, to assess their beliefs about breast cancer and BSE. Of these women, 567 were followed‐up at 9 months when BSE frequency was assessed.

Results. Discriminant function analysis was employed to discriminate among infrequent, appropriate and excessive BSE. Two functions were calculated which were predictive of group membership. The first function maximally discriminated between the infrequent BSE group and the other two groups, with infrequent self‐examiners reporting a greater number of self‐efficacy and emotion barriers, fewer benefits and less frequent BSE at Time 1. The second function maximally discriminated between the excessive BSE group and the appropriate BSE group, with excessive self‐examiners reporting higher levels of breast cancer worries and perceived severity and fewer self‐efficacy barriers.

Conclusions. The results highlight the importance of focusing on excessive as well as infrequent BSE. Interventions designed to enhance women's confidence in their ability to perform BSE, coupled with attempts to reduce breast cancer worries, may encourage more appropriate and effective BSE.
Retraction Notice:Pathogenesis of Macrophage Tropic HIV-1
Authors: Gorry Paul R. , Churchill Melissa , Crowe Suzanne M. , Cunningham Anthony L. , Gabuzda Dana
Published: March 2005

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED
Microemulsions
Authors: Klier John
Published: March 2005

Microemulsions are true, thermodynamically equilibrated liquids that contain a surfactant and/or other amphiphile(s); one or more nonpolar components, such as hydrocarbons; water; and, frequently, inorganic salt (s). The surfactant(s) may be nonionic, ionic, or amphoteric; but most ionic surfactants also require a nonionic cosurfactant or amphiphile to suppress formation of liquid crystals. Microemulsions are distinct from (macro) emulsions, which are thermodynamically unstable dispersions of macroscopic droplets of one or more liquid and/or liquid crystalline phases in a continuous liquid. However, a microemulsion may be one of the phases of an emulsion. The microemulsion may appear as one of three phase, eg, a middle phase in simultaneous equilibrium with a top or upper oleic phase, and a bottom or lower aqueous phase. Because the three phases are close to a tricritical point (where all three phases simultaneously become a single phase), the interfacial tensions among the three phases are several orders of magnitude less than the tensions produced by conventional micellar solutions. Moreover, by suitable changes of temperature, salinity, or other compositional variable, the composition of the middle phase can be made to vary continuously between that of the bottom and top phases. Current or potential industrial uses of microemulsions include agrochemicals, biotechnology, catalysis, cosmetics, detergency, dyeing, enhanced oil recovery, foods, pharmaceuticals,in situremediation of pollutants, separations, and synthesis of nanomaterials. Annual U.S. consumption of surfactants is ∼3.4 billion kg.
Emulsions prepared by two‐stage ceramic membrane jet‐flow emulsification
Authors: Jing Wenheng , Wu Jun , Xing Weihong , Jin Wanqin , Xu Nanping
Published: March 2005

To solve the paradox between the flux and droplet size in conventional membrane emulsification, a process including a two‐stage ceramic membrane emulsification under jet flow was proposed. An apparatus integrating slurry reactor and membrane emulsification was used in this investigation. In the first stage, a ZrO2 ceramic membrane, with a nominal pore size of 0.16 μm, was used. The flux of the membrane was 150 L m−2 h−1 at a pressure of 0.35 MPa and a temperature of 20°C, and the droplet size of the emulsion was 54.69 μm. To obtain monodispersed emulsions with a small droplet size, a second ceramic membrane jet‐flow emulsification was used. An α‐Al2O3 ceramic membrane with a nominal pore size of 1.5 μm was selected as the emulsification medium. The flux was attained at 454 L m−2 h−1 at a pressure of 0.2 MPa, and the monodispersed emulsion with droplet size (D50) of 2.29 μm could be obtained. The effects of pressure, stirring speed, and emulsifier concentration on the second stage of the process were discussed in detail. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Moderne Elektronenstrahltechnologien zum Fügen und zur Randschichtbehandlung. Modern Electron Beam Technologies for Soldering and Surface Treatment
Authors: Zenker Rolf , Buchwalder Anja , Frenkler Norbert , Thiemer Sven
Published: March 2005

Eine neue Generation der Strahlablenktechnik ermöglicht die Entwicklung von Elektronenstrahl(EB)‐Technologien, die mit konventionellen Mitteln nicht realisierbar sind.

Eine hochfrequente 3 Strahlablenkung ist die Basis für Elektronenstrahl‐Mehrfeld‐, Mehrbad‐ und Mehrprozesstechnologien zum Schweißen und zur Randschichtbehandlung, mit denen eine deutlich höhere Produktivität erreichbar ist und mit denen sich neuartige Eigenschaftskombinationen einstellen lassen.
Depression and health‐related quality of life in elderly patients suffering from heart failure and their spouses: a comparative study
Authors: Pihl Emma , Jacobsson Anna , Fridlund Bengt , Strömberg Anna , Måtensson Jan
Published: March 2005

Background

Little is known about the factors that influence the health outcome of elderly patients suffering from heart failure or the health of their spouses. The aim of this comparative study was to determine if older patients suffering from heart failure and their spouses experience similar levels of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and depression. The aim was also to identify those factors that contribute to HRQOL and depression in patient–spouse pairs.

Methods

Data were collected from 47 couples, using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires.

Results

Patients suffering from heart failure and their spouses differed significantly in their experience of the physical, but not the mental, health‐related quality of life, with patients experiencing significantly worse physical functioning. Physical symptoms of heart failure seemed to dominate the experience of the patient and was positively related to mental health and inversely related to the New York Heart Association classification (NYHA class) and patients' depression. Depressive symptoms as reflected in SDS showed no significant difference between patients and spouses. Patients' depression was positively related to high NYHA class, while spouse depression was positively related with higher age of the patient.

Conclusion

Physical symptoms seem to dominate the experience of heart failure.
Falun Gong: The End of Days. By MARIA HSIA CHANG. [New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 188 pp. $25.00; £16.99. ISBN 0-300-10227-5.]
Authors: Palmer David A.
Published: March 2005

Since 1999, falun gong has been one of the most burning and sensitive political and religious issues in China, brought to the attention of the public around the world by demonstrations and media reports. Until Maria Hsia Chang's book, Falun Gong: The End of Days, was released this spring, no balanced book-length account of the facts surrounding falun gong was available. Chang's book provides the general public with an informative summary of the development of falun gong, its basic beliefs, the history of its repression by the Chinese state, and its connection with millenarian and sectarian traditions in Chinese religious history. However, the journalistic style and sources of the book underline the need for a thorough academic study of the phenomenon.

Chapter one, “A religious sect defies the state,” outlines the story of falun gong from its foundation in 1992 to its continued repression today following the Zhongnanhai demonstration of 1999. In chapter two, “Chinese religions and millenarian movements,” Chang summarizes the history of Chinese religions, secret societies, and millennial and apocalyptic movements, including the Eight Trigram, Taiping and Boxer rebellions, and argues that the Chinese Communists tapped into China's millenarian tradition in order to gain power. She then stresses that falun gong, contrary to its claims that it is not a religion, draws heavily from Chinese religion, and particularly its millennial and apocalyptic strands. Falun gong teachings are described in chapter three, “Beliefs and practices,” in which falun gong's cosmology, theology and eschatology are outlined with ample reference to the writings of Li Hongzhi. The next chapter, “The state vs. falun gong,” goes through the Chinese state's charges against falun gong. Chapter five, “The persecution of other faiths,” begins with a critique of the “rule of law” purportedly called on by the CCP to deal with falun gong, and argues that the accusations made against falun gong could just as well be made against the CCP itself. It then discusses the vast social dislocations in contemporary China that create a fertile soil for the emergence of apocalyptic movements such as falun gong, and describes how the persecution of falun gong is part of a larger policy to eradicate underground religious groups, several of which are presented. Finally, Chang concludes that, in the face of widespread social dissatisfaction, the fear of millenarian uprisings is the main motivation for the CCP's fierce suppression of falun gong – but its intolerance of “heterodox” faiths only reinforces their politicization into oppositional movements, increasing the likelihood of the CCP “reaping the fate” it so dreads.