bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of substance misuse: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Meier Petra S. , Barrowclough Christine , Donmall Michael C.
Published: February 2005

Background  In the past two decades, a number of studies investigating the role of the therapeutic alliance in drug treatment have been published and it is timely that their findings are brought together in a comprehensive review.

Aims  This paper has two principal aims: (1) to assess the degree to which the relationship between drug user and counsellor predicts treatment outcome and (2) to examine critically the evidence on determinants of the quality of the alliance.

Methods  Peer‐reviewed research located through the literature databases Medline, PsycInfo and Ovid Full Text Mental Health Journals using predefined search‐terms and published in the past 20 years is considered. Further papers were identified from the bibliographies of relevant publications.

Findings  A key finding is that the early therapeutic alliance appears to be a consistent predictor of engagement and retention in drug treatment. With regard to other treatment outcomes, the early alliance appears to influence early improvements during treatment, but it is an inconsistent predictor of post‐treatment outcomes. There is relatively little research on the determinants of the alliance. In studies that are available, clients’ demographic or diagnostic pre‐treatment characteristics did not appear to predict the therapeutic alliance, whereas modest but consistent relationships were reported for motivation, treatment readiness and positive previous treatment experiences.

Conclusions  The therapeutic alliance plays an important role in predicting drug treatment process outcomes, but too little is known about what determines the quality of the relationship between drug users and counsellors.
High‐dose glucose‐insulin‐potassium treatment reduces myocardial apoptosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhang L. , Li Y. H. , Zhang H. Y. , Chen M. L. , Gao M.‐M. , Hu A. H. , Yang H. S. , Yang H. S.
Published: February 2005

Background  Several clinical trials have suggested that a metabolic cocktail of glucose‐insulin‐potassium (GIK) decreases mortality rates in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has also been reported that Fas‐mediated apoptosis plays an important role in ischaemic/reperfusion injury in the rat model. This study was designed to evaluate the interaction of ischaemic/reperfusion and reperfusion therapy coadministered with high‐dose GIK treatment on soluble Fas/APO‐1 (sFas) and Fas ligand (sFasL) plasma concentration in patients with AMI.

Materials and methods  Seventy‐four patients presenting with AMI who underwent reperfusion therapy were randomized into a GIK group (n = 35) receiving high‐dose GIK for 24 h or a vehicle group (n = 39). Thirty‐four control subjects were also enrolled in the present study. Strepavidin‐biotin ELISA was used to determine the soluble sFas and sFasL plasma concentration at baseline, 24 h (h), 3 day (d), 7 d and 14 d.

Results  Soluble Fas and sFas‐L serum concentrations ([sFas] and [sFas‐L]) of patients with AMI were significantly elevated at baseline as compared with normal controls (NCs; P < 0·01 vs. NC). The sFas in the GIK and vehicle groups markedly decreased 24 h after the GIK infusion (10·7→5·9 ng mL−1 and 9·7→6·5 ng mL−1; P < 0·01 vs. baseline) and then increased during the 3–7‐d period (5·9→12·1 ng mL−1 and 6·5→11·1 ng mL−1; P < 0·01 vs. 24 h). The GIK group demonstrated reduced sFas (12·1→5·9 ng mL−1) at 14 d (P < 0·01 vs. 7 d), with no concomitant changes in the vehicle group. The sFas‐L in the GIK and vehicle groups was not significant different during the 14‐d period.

Conclusions  These results indicate that the sFas and sFasL in patients with AMI increased significantly compared with NC. Owing to the cardioprotective effects reported here and by others, a high‐dose GIK infusion co‐administered with the timely re‐establishment of nutritive perfusion should be strongly considered as a treatment of choice for AMI. Additionally, sFas may be a valuable marker of the physiological response to ischaemic/reperfusion injury and reperfusion associated with high‐dose GIK treatment.
Tissue‐specific regulation of lipoprotein lipase in humans: effects of fasting
Authors: Ruge T. , Svensson M. , Eriksson J. W. , Olivecrona G.
Published: February 2005

Background  We have previously reported that the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) measured in postheparin plasma from humans fasted for 30 h is increased relative to the fed state. This is in contrast to laboratory animals, where the strong down‐regulation of LPL in their adipose tissue on fasting is reflected in decreased levels of LPL activity in postheparin plasma.

Materials and methods  To search for the tissue source of the increase in LPL activity on fasting of humans, young, healthy subjects were fasted for 10, 20 or 30 h, and LPL was measured in plasma (pre‐ and postheparin) and in biopsies from subcutaneous adipose tissue (abdominal) and from a skeletal muscle (tibialis anterior). Both LPL activity and LPL protein mass were measured in the tissue homogenates. Values after fasting were compared with values from postprandial samples obtained 2 h after a meal.

Results  Fasting for up to 30 h did not alter LPL activity in basal plasma (preheparin). LPL activity in postheparin plasma remained unchanged after 10 and 20 h of fasting, but was increased by 50% after 30 h (P < 0·05). Ten hours of fasting caused a 25% (P < 0·05) decrease in LPL activity in subcutaneous adipose tissue, while LPL activity in skeletal muscle remained unchanged. After 30 h of fasting, both LPL activity and mass had decreased by approximately 50% (P < 0·05) in adipose tissue, but had increased by approximately 100% (P < 0·05) in muscle.

Conclusions  The increase in postheparin plasma LPL activity after 30 h of total food deprivation of healthy human subjects seemed to reflect an increased activity and mass of LPL in skeletal muscle.
Molecular mechanisms activating muscle protein degradation in chronic kidney disease and other catabolic conditions
Authors: Du J. , Hu Z. , Mitch W. E.
Published: February 2005

Muscle atrophy is a prominent feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is frequent in other catabolic conditions. Results from animal models of these conditions as well as patients indicate that atrophy is mainly owing to accelerated muscle proteolysis in the ubiquitin‐proteasome (Ub‐P'some) proteolytic system. The Ub‐P'some system, however, rapidly degrades actin or myosin but cannot breakdown actomyosin or myofibrils. Consequently, another protease must initially cleave the complex structure of muscle. We identified caspase‐3 as an initial and potentially rate‐limiting proteolytic step that cleaves actomyosin/myofibrils to produce substrates degraded by the Ub‐P'some system. In rodent models of CKD and other catabolic conditions, we find that caspase‐3 is activated and cleaves actomyosin to actin, myosin and their fragments. This initial proteolytic step in muscle leaves a characteristic footprint, a 14‐kDa actin band, providing a potential diagnostic tool to detect muscle catabolism. We also found that stimulation of caspase‐3 activity depends on inhibition of IRS‐1‐associated phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) activity; inhibiting PI3K in muscle cells also leads to expression of a critical E3‐ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme involved in muscle protein breakdown: atrogin‐1/MAFbx. Thus, protein breakdown by caspase‐3 and the ubiquitin‐proteasome system in muscle are stimulated by the same signal: a low PI3K activity. These responses could yield therapeutic strategies to block muscle atrophy.
Improvement of portal hypertension and hepatic blood flow in cirrhotic rats by oestrogen
Authors: Sakamoto M. , Ueno T. , Nakamura T. , Sakata R. , Hasimoto O. , Torimura T. , Sata M.
Published: February 2005

Background  In this study, we investigated the effects of oestrogen on nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide production using the cirrhotic rat liver.

Material and methods  Cirrhosis was induced by dimethylnitrosamine. Estradiol valerate was subcutaneously injected twice at week 4 after dimethylnitrosamine treatment. Furthermore, subcutaneous injection of an oestrogen receptor antagonist, ICI‐182·780, was performed 2 days before administration of estradiol valerate. Portal pressure and hepatic blood flow were measured. Nitric oxide synthase activity was assessed by l‐citrulline generation. Sinusoidal endothelial cells were isolated from the cirrhotic rat liver and cultured. The cells were incubated with estradiol and/or ICI‐182·780 for 24 h. Images for nitric oxide in sinusoidal endothelial cells were obtained using diaminofluorescein‐2 diacetate.

Results  Cirrhotic rats treated with estradiol valerate showed a significant decrease in portal pressure and a significant increase in hepatic blood flow compared with those of control cirrhosis rats. However, in cirrhotic rats treated with ICI‐182·780, the reduction of portal pressure and elevation of hepatic blood flow were completely inhibited. In cirrhotic rats treated with estradiol valerate, nitric oxide synthase activity was increased compared with that in control cirrhotic rats. The fluorescent level of intracellular nitric oxide in estradiol‐stimulated, cultured, sinusoidal endothelial cells was higher than that in nontreated sinusoidal endothelial cells.

Conclusions  The present study indicated that oestrogen plays an important role in the enhancement of nitric oxide production in sinusoidal endothelial cells of cirrhotic liver and reduces the portal pressure in cirrhotic rats.
A randomized trial comparing alternative approaches to prenatal diagnosis counseling in advanced maternal age patients
Authors: Hunter AGW , Cappelli M , Humphreys L , Allanson JE , Chiu TT , Peeters C , Moher D , Zimak A
Published: February 2005

Prenatal diagnosis (PND) is offered routinely as part of pregnancy care to a large number of women at increased risk of fetal anomalies. Despite an extraordinary growth in the use of PND and significant resource allocation, few studies have examined outcomes of PND counseling, and virtually no research has evaluated the relative efficacy of various approaches to genetic counseling. This study was a randomized trial that compared which counseling methods – individual, group, and use of a decision aid – are effective in PND counseling for women of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) and their partners. Three hundred and fifty‐two women and 225 partners completed pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires assessing changes in knowledge, decisional conflict, state anxiety, satisfaction, use of PND, and pregnancy outcomes. All participants showed a significant increase in knowledge and a decrease in decisional conflict post intervention. Those in the group intervention showed a significantly greater increase in knowledge than those in the individual counseling intervention. While high levels of satisfaction were reported by all, those in individual counseling were significantly more satisfied than those receiving group counseling or the decision aid. This study has shown unique benefits with each type of intervention such that women and their partners preferred individual genetic counseling, while they learned best in group‐counseling sessions, and experienced the least decisional conflict regarding genetic testing with a decision aid.
LARALink: a web application for cytogenetic linkage analysis
Authors: Fayz B , Moldenhauer JS , Wang D , Zhao C , Yao B , Liu D , Weinsheimer S , Gardner L , Johnson A , Womble DD , Krawetz SA
Published: February 2005

Genomic and expression data have increased dramatically over the last several years. This is primarily due to the completion of the human genome project as well as an upsurge in the use of various high‐throughput technologies. Recent attempts to correlate genomic and expression data have stimulated the scientific community to determine how this data can be used within a clinical setting (P Khatri et al., Genomics 2002: 79: 266; LJ van't Veer et al., Nature 2002: 415: 530). LARALink (Loci Analysis for Rearrangements Link) is a database‐driven web application that utilizes several public datasets to analyze clinical cytogenetic data to identify candidate genes. LARALink allows UniGene clusters or single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be queried for multiple patients by cytoband, chromosome marker, or base pair. The results can be further refined with the use of an anatomical site, developmental stage, pathology, or cell‐type expression filter. Once a set of UniGene clusters (expressed genes) has been identified either for a single patient or for a shared region among multiple patients, the expression‐distribution profile, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), or online mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM) entries are displayed. The utility of this tool is shown by its application to both research and clinical medicine. LARALink is a public resource available at: http://www.laralink.bioinformatics.wayne.edu:8080/unigene.
The ZIC gene family in development and disease
Authors: Grinberg I , Millen KJ
Published: February 2005

The human ZIC gene family is comprised of five members encoding zinc‐finger transcription factors, which are the vertebrate homologs of the Drosophila odd‐paired gene. Mutations in ZIC genes in humans have recently been implicated in a wide variety of congenital malformations, including Dandy‐Walker malformation, holoprosencephaly, neural tube defects, and heterotaxy. Mutant analysis of these genes in mice has underscored the conserved developmental roles of these genes. Further, this analysis has begun to elucidate the molecular and developmental mechanisms underlying these important birth defects.
Correlations between Ontogenetic Change in Color Pattern and Antipredator Behavior in the Racer, Coluber constrictor
Authors: Creer Douglas A.
Published: February 2005

Differences in snake color pattern have been demonstrated to affect behaviors involved in antipredator defense. Snakes with blotched or banded color patterns are concealed when not moving, and tend to rely on concealment and aggression for defense. In contrast, snakes with uniform or striped color patterns are easily seen when stationary, but their speed and direction are difficult to track when moving. They tend to rely on flight for protection. Some snake taxa exhibit ontogenetic change in color pattern, but the behavioral consequences of this change have not been investigated. I present results of a behavioral study in the racer, Coluber constrictor, which has a blotched juvenile color pattern but is uniformly colored as an adult. Hatchling racers were significantly more likely than adults to show aggressive behavior when confronted with a model predator, whereas adults were more likely to flee. This supports the hypothesis that changes in behavior and color pattern are correlated in this species to provide effective antipredator defense at different stages of life history. I also examined sprint speed, which may be an important factor in antipredator defense. Juvenile and adult racers showed a similar relationship between length and speed, a pattern also seen in other species that lack color change. This result suggests that sprint speed is not a causal factor in the evolution of ontogenetic color change.
Regulation and Non‐Toxicity of the Spit from the Pale Spitting Spider Scytodes Pallida (Araneae: Scytodidae)
Authors: Clements Reuben , Li Daiqin
Published: February 2005

The pale spitting spider Scytodes pallida (Aranae: Scytodidae) has a unique habit of spitting a glue‐like and possibly toxic substance at its prey to render them immobile prior to envenomation. Quantitative behavioural studies involving the spit, a first for S. pallida, demonstrate that the spider regulates its spit expenditure when offered prey of variable sizes and struggling intensities. This behaviour interestingly mirrors the regulation of venom expenditure according to prey sizes and difficulties exhibited in other non‐spitting spiders. The spit, however, did not appear to have any toxic effects on different prey types exposed to the spit, opposing the long‐standing belief that the spit from scytodids can poison prey.
Delay of myelin formation in arylsulphatase A‐deficient mice
Authors: Yaghootfam Afshin , Gieselmann Volkmar , Eckhardt Matthias
Published: February 2005

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of arylsulphatase A (ASA). This leads to the accumulation of the sphingolipid 3‐O‐sulphogalactosylceramide (sulphatide) and progressive demyelination in the nervous system of MLD patients. The mechanisms and development of pathology in the disease are still largely unknown. In this study we investigate how the inability to degrade sulphatide affects the formation of myelin in ASA‐deficient (ASA–/–) mice. In mice at 2 weeks of age there was a substantial reduction in myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA and protein. This was confirmed by an immunohistochemical analysis. MBP mRNA and protein, however, reach normal levels at 3 weeks of age. Proteolipid protein (PLP) and MAL mRNA were also reduced in ASA–/– mice at 2 weeks of age; whereas the level of PLP mRNA was normal at 26 weeks of age, MAL mRNA expression remained reduced up to this age. In situ hybridization revealed no significant changes in the number of myelinating oligodendrocytes or oligodendrocyte precursor cells in ASA–/– mice. These results suggest that oligodendrocyte differentiation was normal in ASA–/– mice. No differences were found in the expression of the sulphatide synthesizing enzymes cerebroside sulphotransferase and UDP‐galactose : ceramide galactosyltransferase. Our data demonstrate a delay in myelin formation in ASA–/– mice. This raises the possibility that similar alterations in MLD patients may contribute to the pathology of the disease.
Novel transcription factor Satb2 interacts with matrix attachment region DNA elements in a tissue‐specific manner and demonstrates cell‐type‐dependent expression in the developing mouse CNS
Authors: Britanova Olga , Akopov Sergey , Lukyanov Sergey , Gruss Peter , Tarabykin Victor
Published: February 2005

Satb1 is a first cell‐type‐specific transcription factor of a novel type that functions as a regulator of the transcription of large chromatin domains. We identified a close homologue of Satb1, Satb2, in a cDNA subtraction screening in a search for genes controlling neural differentiation. Satb2 showed 61% amino‐acid homology to Satb1. Satb2 and Satb1 expression was detected in different cell subpopulations of developing mouse CNS in a mutually exclusive manner. In the electrophoretic mobility shift assay we demonstrate that nuclear extracts from the embryonic day 18.5 mouse developing neocortex, in contrast to basal ganglia, contain a protein complex interacting with matrix attachment region DNA elements (MARs) with high affinity. Endogenous Satb2 protein is a part of this complex. In the developing neocortex Satb2 was detected largely in the superficial layers. In the developing spinal cord Satb2 expression marks a subpopulation of Lbx1‐positive neurons dorsally and a subgroup of Isl1‐positive neurons ventrally. In the Lbx1 mutants Satb2 expression is greatly reduced. We suggest that Satb2 may regulate differentiation of subsets of neurons at the level of higher order chromatin structure via binding to MARs.
Low doses of bromo‐ and iododeoxyuridine produce near‐saturation labeling of adult proliferative populations in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Burns Kevin A. , Kuan Chia‐Yi
Published: February 2005

Cell proliferation can be detected by the incorporation of tritiated thymidine (3H‐dT) or halopyrimidines during DNA synthesis in progenitor cells. Administration of two thymidine analogues at different times can further determine the cell‐cycle kinetics of proliferating cells. Traditionally, this was done by combining bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocytochemistry and 3H‐dT autoradiography, or by BrdU and iododeoxyuridine (IdU) double‐labeling using two mouse antibodies. However, these methods either require lengthy exposure time or involve complicated histological procedures for differentiating between two antibodies of the same species. Here we report a simple and reliable method of distinguishing BrdU‐ and IdU‐labeled cells by immunofluorescence. This method uses a mouse monoclonal antibody that recognizes both BrdU and IdU and a rat anti‐BrdU antibody that has no cross‐reactivity with IdU. When combined with species‐specific secondary antibodies that are conjugated to different fluorophores, this method identifies BrdU‐ and IdU‐incorporation as doubly and singly labeled cells, respectively. This method has broad applications. First, we demonstrate that this method can distinguish mouse cortical neurons generated on different embryonic days. Second, by administering IdU and BrdU at varying intervals, we used this method to calculate that the length of S‐phase of neural progenitor cells in the adult mouse dentate gyrus is approximately 6 h. Finally, we show that a six‐fold higher concentration of IdU detects only 10% more cells than the standard dose of BrdU (50 mg/kg) using the double‐labeling method. These results suggest that the standard dose of BrdU is sufficient to label the majority of proliferative populations in the S‐phase in pulse labeling experiments.
Neuromedin‐U is regulated by the circadian clock in the SCN of the mouse
Authors: Graham E. Scott , Littlewood Pauline , Turnbull Yvonne , Mercer Julian G. , Morgan Peter J. , Barrett Perry
Published: February 2005

Neuromedin‐U (NMU) has been reported to drive several physiological or behavioural responses following i.c.v. injection of the peptide into the third ventricle of rodent brains. Many of these responses are mediated through a change in corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) output from the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). A number of the physiological or behavioural responses are regulated in a circadian manner, e.g. feeding. We have previously reported NMU gene expression in the suprachiasmatci nucleus (SCN) and NMU‐2 receptor expression in the PVN, dorsal medial hypothalamus (DMH) and other regions of the mouse brain. We therefore hypothesized that NMU would be regulated by the circadian clock and may consequently drive a circadian rhythm of CRF expression in the PVN. Here we report that NMU is regulated in a circadian manner with peak expression during the light phase of a light–dark cycle. In C3H mice held in constant darkness, the NMU rhythm free runs with a period predicted by the free running period of locomotor activity in this mouse. The NMU mRNA transcript colocalizes with cells expressing AVP in the SCN and shows a coincident rhythm of expression with AVP. On the other hand, CRF did not express a circadian rhythm of expression in a light–dark cycle, although a rhythm was evident in constant darkness with a peak of expression prior to the rise of NMU in the same conditions. This would suggest that the circadian rhythm in NMU expression in the SCN does not drive a circadian rhythm in CRF in the PVN to be translated into physiological and behavioural responses mediated by NMU.
Ecosystem consequences of diversity depend on food chain length in estuarine vegetation
Authors: Emmett Duffy J. , Paul Richardson J. , France Kristin E.
Published: February 2005

Biodiversity and food chain length each can strongly influence ecosystem functioning, yet their interactions rarely have been tested. We manipulated grazer diversity in seagrass mesocosms with and without a generalist predator and monitored community development. Changing food chain length altered biodiversity effects: higher grazer diversity enhanced secondary production, epiphyte grazing, and seagrass biomass only with predators present. Conversely, changing diversity altered top‐down control: predator impacts on grazer and seagrass biomass were weaker in mixed‐grazer assemblages. These interactions resulted in part from among‐species trade‐offs between predation resistance and competitive ability. Despite weak impact on grazer abundance at high diversity, predators nevertheless enhanced algal biomass through a behaviourally mediated trophic cascade. Moreover, predators influenced every measured variable except total plant biomass, suggesting that the latter is an insensitive metric of ecosystem functioning. Thus, biodiversity and trophic structure interactively influence ecosystem functioning, and neither factor's impact is predictable in isolation.
Introduced species as evolutionary traps
Authors: Schlaepfer Martin A. , Sherman Paul W. , Blossey Bernd , Runge Michael C.
Published: February 2005

Invasive species can alter environments in such a way that normal behavioural decision‐making rules of native species are no longer adaptive. The evolutionary trap concept provides a useful framework for predicting and managing the impact of harmful invasive species. We discuss how native species can respond to changes in their selective regime via evolution or learning. We also propose novel management strategies to promote the long‐term co‐existence of native and introduced species in cases where the eradication of the latter is either economically or biologically unrealistic.
Motivation and ability: which students use online learning and what influence does it have on their achievement?
Authors: Hoskins Sherria L. , Van Hooff Johanna C.
Published: February 2005

There has been much recent research examining online learning in universities, but two questions seem to have been largely overlooked in this context: (1) Which students voluntarily utilise web‐based learning; and (2) Does this use influence their academic achievement? The current study aimed to determine whether the approaches to studying, ability, age, and gender of 110 undergraduates in the second year of a psychology degree predicted the extent to which they utilised online learning using Web Course Tools (WebCT) in support of a core Biological Psychology unit. Data were obtained from WebCT's student tracking system, Entwistle and Ramsden's 18‐item Approaches to Studying Inventory (1983) and academic records. Multiple linear regressions and discriminant function analysis were used to examine whether individual differences predicted WebCT use, while analysis of covariance determined whether web use influenced academic achievement. The number of hits, length of access, and use of the bulletin board was predicted by age, with older students using WebCT more. These factors were also influenced by ability and achievement orientation. The degree of participation in self‐assessment was not predicted by student variables, but, of those that repeated an online quiz, improvement was more likely in those with lower achievement orientation. Only bulletin board use influenced achievement, with those posting messages outperforming those not using, or passively using bulletin boards. However, because individual differences will determine the extent to which students utilise this facility, it is suggested that future research should focus on developing online learning environments that incorporate activities with both a beneficial influence on learning and appeal to a wide student population.
User dyads in software testing: bypassing the need for expert observers
Authors: Foster Geoff
Published: February 2005

This paper arises out of a research study into the online help facilities provided in popular software applications such as word processors. Its particular focus is on experimental methods of evaluating the effectiveness and usability of those facilities.

Focus groups, questionnaires, and online surveys had already been used in other phases of the study, but it was judged that these approaches would be unsuitable for measuring effectiveness and usability because they are susceptible to respondents’ subjectivity.

Direct observation of people working on set word‐processing tasks was ruled out initially because of a lack of trained observers; it would have taken too long for the investigator to observe a large enough sample by himself. Automatic recording of users’ actions was also rejected, as it would have demanded equipment and/or software that was not available and seemed too expensive to acquire.

The approach and techniques described here were an attempt to overcome these difficulties by using observers drawn from the same population of students that provided the test subjects; as a by‐product, this may also have enhanced the acceptability (and hence possibly the validity) of the experiments by reducing the “exam pressure” perceived by participants.
An instructional model for web‐based e‐learning education with a blended learning process approach
Authors: Alonso Fernando , López Genoveva , Manrique Daniel , Viñes José M.
Published: February 2005

Web‐based e‐learning education research and development now focuses on the inclusion of new technological features and the exploration of software standards. However, far less effort is going into finding solutions to psychopedagogical problems in this new educational category. This paper proposes a psychopedagogical instructional model based on content structure, the latest research into information processing psychology and social contructivism, and defines a blended approach to the learning process. Technologically speaking, the instructional model is supported by learning objects, a concept inherited from the object‐oriented paradigm.
Using the Internet in teaching: the views of practitioners (A survey of the views of secondary school teachers in Sheffield, UK)
Authors: Madden Andrew , Ford Nigel , Miller David , Levy Philippa
Published: February 2005

A questionnaire was generated from the results of a series of interviews at The City School one of  the  27  state  secondary  schools  in  Sheffield.  In  October  2002,  it  was  sent out to 499 Heads of Department at the remaining 26 state secondary schools. Responses were received from 188 teachers, ranging in age from 24 to 60 years old. The purpose of the questionnaire was to gain information about teachers’ views of the Internet and its usefulness as an educational tool.

Nearly 85% of teachers acquired their Internet skills informally (self‐taught, learned from friends/colleagues, etc), rather than on a taught course. Despite this, most of the respondents were confident of their ability to use the Internet, with the most confident users being young teachers of technical subjects. However, there was a widespread perception (particularly amongst women teachers) that students are more competent users of the Internet than are teachers. Older teachers were more likely to feel under pressure to use the Internet than their younger colleagues.

Only about a third of teachers agreed with the statement “I often use the Internet with classes.” Responses varied significantly according to school and subject. There was strong support, however, for the suggestion that the Internet is a valuable source of learning and teaching materials.
THE CHRISTIAN VIRTUE OF MERCY: AQUINAS' TRANSFORMATION OF ARISTOTELIAN PITY
Authors: Keaty Anthony
Published: February 2005

In his discussion of the virtue of mercy (ST, II‐II.30), Thomas Aquinas draws upon two seemingly opposed sources. On the one hand, Thomas takes Aristotle as an authority on the subject of compassion. Aristotle maintains in his discussion of pity in the Rhetoric that pity is felt for those who suffer undeservedly since we do not pity but rather blame those who suffer as a result of their own wicked actions. On the other hand, Jesus in Matthew's gospel feels pity for the crowds. ‘At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them for they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd’ (Matt.9:36). In his commentary on this text from Matthew, Thomas identifies two possible interpretations for the troubled and abandoned condition of the crowd. The crowd is said to be troubled in so far as it is vexed by demons and abandoned in so far as it lies prostrate because of infirmities. The crowd can also be said to be troubled in so far as it is vexed by errors and to be abandoned in so far as it is fallen because of sin.1 Jesus, then, according to Thomas and contrary to Aristotle's claim, feels pity for the crowds as a result of the crowd's misery brought on by their own sinful deeds.

In this paper, I examine how Thomas harmonizes these conflicting sources. More specifically, I hope to show both how Thomas uses Aristotle's observations on pity and at the same time transforms those observations in light of Christ's mercy on sinners. Thomas' use and transformation of Aristotle's account of pity provides an enlightening perspective from which to interpret Thomas' initially troubling claim that God feels no pity over the suffering of creatures, which we will consider briefly by way of a conclusion to this paper.
Microbial diversity associated with a Paralvinella sulfincola tube and the adjacent substratum on an active deep‐sea vent chimney
Authors: PAGÉ A. , JUNIPER S. K. , OLAGNON M. , ALAIN K. , DESROSIERS G. , QUÉRELLOU J. , CAMBON‐BONAVITA M.‐A.
Published: February 2005

An extensive survey of the bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic diversity associated with a Paralvinella sulfincola tube and the adjacent substratum was conducted. Phylogenetic groups characterized by anaerobic and/or microaerophilic mesophiles dominated the bacterial 16S rDNA libraries (ɛ‐group F, Sulfurospirillum‐group, δ‐Proteobacteria). The two libraries also contained groups with thermophilic lifestyles (ɛ‐group D, Caldithrix‐group), groups comprising species with various phenotypes (ɛ‐group B, green non‐sulfur bacteria), and a group without cultured representative (ɛ‐group C). Archaeal 16S rDNA libraries from both samples were dominated by the novel lineage DHVE 9, and contained members of the uncultured group DHVE 3, as well as anaerobic hyperthermophiles from the families Thermofilaceae and Thermococcaceae. These results suggest the presence of mostly mesophilic and low oxygen conditions on the chimney surface, which is in accordance with descriptions of P. sulfincola's habitat conditions. Although limited by the lack of replicates, our data on the P. sulfincola tube were compared to available data on the microbial communities associated with secretions from other deep‐sea vent polychaetes.
STAINING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL GLASS FROM MANGANESE‐RICH ENVIRONMENTS*
Authors: WATKINSON D. , WEBER L. , ANHEUSER K.
Published: February 2005

It has been suggested that both internal and external sources of manganese may produce the black or brown staining that often occurs in buried archaeological glass. Modern potash glass of a manganese‐free medieval composition was scratched, etched and immersed in an aqueous solution containing dissolved manganese. After several weeks, immersion samples were sectioned and examined by SEM–EDX. Manganese was shown to be present in fissures and cracks within in the glass, where alkali had been depleted. Manganese from an external source is capable of blackening buried medieval potash glass.
GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM DESERT LOESS IN THE NAZCA–PALPA REGION, SOUTHERN PERU: PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON PRE‐COLUMBIAN CULTURES*
Authors: EITEL B. , HECHT S. , MÄCHTLE B. , SCHUKRAFT G. , KADEREIT A. , WAGNER G. A. , KROMER B. , UNKEL I. , REINDEL M.
Published: February 2005

The paper presents proxies from an interdisciplinary geoarchaeological working group. Sediment analyses and geomorphological studies, radiocarbon ages of snail shells and luminescence dating of loess allow a preliminary chronology of the environmental evolution of the eastern Atacama desert, Nazca–Palpa region (southern Peru). Until now, typical desert loess was unknown from the arid western flank of the Andes (southern Peru). The loess points to periods of more humid conditions with open grasslands at the eastern Atacama desert margin in the early and middle Holocene. In the footzone of the Andes, aridification set in before the Paracas Culture (c. 800–200 bc) evolved, but the Cordillera Occidental remained semi‐arid. A second push of increasing aridity started at the latest in the Middle Nazca Period (after ad 250). During this time, the Nazca settlement centres moved upstream through the river oasis, following the eastward‐shifting desert margin. It is possible that culminating aridity after ad 600 caused the collapse of the Nazca civilization. During the Late Intermediate Period (ad 1000–1400), more humid conditions favoured the massive reoccupation of the eastern Atacama up to a distance of about 40 km from the Pacific coast. Since the 14th and 15th centuries, the Palpa region has again been part of the hyper‐arid Atacama. The study shows that in the Nazca–Ica region, the deep cultural changes of Pre‐Columbian civilizations were not caused by catastrophic run‐off of El Niño events, but by a shifting eastern desert margin due to the changing monsoonal influence.
What is TRIZ? From Conceptual Basics to a Framework for Research
Authors: Moehrle Martin G.
Published: February 2005

This paper introduces six aspects of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), from conceptual basics to a framework for interdisciplinary research, and explains some of the specific terminology, such as inventive principles, standard solutions, substance‐field‐systems or contradictions. The conceptual approach of TRIZ comprises the way from a concrete problem over an abstract problem to an abstract solution and from there to a concrete solution. This is supported by a toolkit, which helps the problem‐solver analysing and solving problems in different perspectives. The ‘power supply for notebook computers’ example demonstrates a problem‐solving process with TRIZ using contradiction thinking, the contradiction matrix and the inventive principles as tools. The TRIZ tools may be combined within a comprehensive process model such as ARIS or WOIS, which are briefly discussed. A framework for further research suggests five fields: the tools and their combination as the core, inspiration by new knowledge domains, adaptation to new fields of usage, psycho‐ and sociological contingency and integration with other creativity tools. The paper concludes with an overview of cornerstones in the history of TRIZ and suggests some introductory books and informative websites.
Putting Biology into TRIZ: A Database of Biological Effects
Authors: Vincent Julian F.V. , Bogatyreva Olga , Pahl Anja‐Karina , Bogatyrev Nikolay , Bowyer Adrian
Published: February 2005

Our goal is to make biological information available for engineers via a ‘biological patents’ database in TRIZ. However, biological functions need to be co‐ordinated simultaneously at many levels of organization – from cell organelle to population to ecosystem. Each function has links with other functions on different organizational levels. To account for this, we made auxiliary 5D ‘conflict’ matrices for biological structures and environments, and for causes and limits of actions; these allow us to resolve data about organisms into engineering‐like chunks of information and cover the primary TRIZ constituents of ‘function’, ‘effect’ and ‘conflict’. In this way we can also provide a framework for the rationalization and quantification of bionics.
Caregivers' Utilization of Health Services: Results from the Medicare Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration, Illinois Site
Authors: Shelton Paul , Schraeder Cheryl , Dworak Donna , Fraser Cynthia , Sager Mark A.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Medicare Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration and Evaluation (MADDE) conducted in Illinois on the use of health services and Medicare expenditures by caregivers of persons with dementia.

DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial.

SETTING: The MADDE (1989–1994), Illinois site.

PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 412 Medicare‐eligible caregivers of persons with dementia.

MEASUREMENTS: Medicare claims files provided data on the number of hospitalizations, hospital bed days, emergency department visits, and total Medicare Part A expenditures.

RESULTS: After adjustment for baseline variables, the caregivers in the treatment group, when compared with those in the comparison group, had a lower likelihood of any hospitalization during the study period (odds ratio 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.35–0.97), P = .037) and a reduced, but not significant, likelihood of emergency department use (odds ratio 0.66 (95% CI = 0.40–1.08), P = .095). For those who were hospitalized, there were no significant differences between the treatment and comparison group caregivers in the number of hospitalizations, hospital length of stay, or Medicare payments.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that enhanced chronic illness case management directed at persons with dementia and their caregivers can reduce the need for acute hospital care.
Efficacy and Safety of Ciprofloxacin Oral Suspension Versus Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole Oral Suspension for Treatment of Older Women with Acute Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Gomolin Irving H. , Siami Paul F. , Reuning‐Scherer Jonathan , Haverstock Daniel C. , Heyd Allen , The Oral Suspension Study Group
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin (CIP) oral suspension to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) oral suspension among older women with acute urinary tract infections (UTIs).

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, open‐label, multicenter study of older women (age 65 and older).

SETTING: Community and nursing home.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 261 older women were evaluable for safety. Of these, 172 (86 community, 86 nursing home) were evaluable for clinical and bacteriological efficacy.

INTERVENTION: Patients were randomized to a 10‐day regimen of either CIP (250mg/5mL twice daily) or TMP/SMX (160/800mg/20mL twice daily).

MEASUREMENTS: Clinical response 4 to 10 days posttherapy.

RESULTS: For the efficacy‐valid population, posttherapy clinical resolution was statistically superior following CIP (97%) versus TMP/SMX (85%) (95% CI = 2.0–21.3; P = .009). Eradication of pretreatment bacterial isolates posttherapy was also higher following CIP (95%) versus TMP/SMX (84%) (95% CI = 2.7–21.3; P = .019). For the intent‐to‐treat population, posttherapy clinical resolution was significantly higher in the CIP group (96%) than in the TMP/SMX group (87%) (95% CI = 0.2–16.7; P = .025). Safety was assessed in the intent‐to‐treat population and the incidence of drug‐related adverse events were significantly lower following CIP (17%) than following TMP/SMX (27%) (P = .047). Premature discontinuation due to these events was also less prevalent with CIP than with TMP/SMX (2% vs 11%, respectively) (P = .004).

CONCLUSION: CIP suspension showed higher clinical success and bacteriological eradication rates than did TMP/SMX for both community‐based and nursing home–residing older women with acute UTIs. Furthermore, CIP suspension was associated with significantly lower rates of adverse events and premature discontinuations compared with TMP/SMX suspension.
A Comparison of Longitudinal Changes in Aerobic Fitness in Older Endurance Athletes and Sedentary Men
Authors: Katzel Leslie I. , Sorkin John D. , Fleg Jerome L.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: To compare the longitudinal changes in maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) in healthy middle aged and older athletes and sedentary men.

DESIGN: A cohort study with mean follow‐up of 8.7 years (range 4.0–12.8).

SETTING: Outpatient research at a tertiary hospital.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐two healthy, middle aged, and older athletes (initial age 64 ± 1 year) and 47 healthy sedentary men of comparable age recruited for research studies.

MEASUREMENTS: VO2max during a maximal treadmill test.

RESULTS: At baseline, the cross‐sectional rates of decline in VO2max with age (slope) were virtually identical in the athletes and sedentary men (−0.42 versus −0.43 mL·kg−1· min−1·year−1). At follow‐up, the VO2max had declined by 11.9 ± 1.1 mL·kg−1·min−1 (22%) in the athletes, a crude average rate of −1.4 ± 0.14 mL·kg−1·min−1·year−1. By comparison, the VO2max declined by 4.4 ± 0.6 mL·kg−1· min−1 (14%) in the sedentary men, a crude average rate of change of −0.48 ± 0.07 mL·kg−1·min−1·year−1. Therefore, the observed absolute rate of longitudinal decline in VO2max in the athletes was triple that of the sedentary men (P = .001) and significantly greater than the decline predicted by their baseline cross‐sectional data (P = .001). Post hoc analyses of the longitudinal data in the athletes based on the training regimens over the follow‐up period demonstrated that the seven individuals who continued to train vigorously (“high training”) had no significant decline in VO2max (0.28% change in VO2max per year). By contrast, the VO2max declined by 2.6% per year in the “moderate training” group (N = 21), 4.6% per year in the “low training” group (N = 13), and 4.7% per year in the two individuals who developed cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION: The longitudinal decline in VO2max in older male endurance athletes is highly dependent upon the continued magnitude of the training stimulus. The majority of the athletes reduced their training levels over time, resulting in longitudinal reductions in VO2max two to three times as large as those predicted by cross‐sectional analyses or those observed longitudinally in their sedentary peers.
Chronic Benzodiazepine Use in Nursing Homes: Effects of Federal Guidelines, Resident Mix, and Nurse Staffing
Authors: Svarstad Bonnie L. , Mount Jeanine K.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: To assess the overall prescribing and chronic use of benzodiazepines (BZs) in nursing homes before and after implementation of BZ guidelines by the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA). A second aim was to identify facility predictors of BZ prescribing and chronic use after guideline implementation.

DESIGN: Nonexperimental, observational study design.

SETTING: Drug use was assessed in 16 randomly selected skilled nursing facilities in Wisconsin before 1990 and again in 1993–1994.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand one hundred eighty‐one Medicaid‐funded residents at baseline and 1,650 Medicaid‐funded residents at follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS: Drug use measures included percentage of residents with prescribed BZs and percentage of residents with chronic BZ use (defined as ≥4 months of continuous use). A 4‐month cutoff was used because HCFA guidelines consider this length of continuous use to be potentially excessive. Facility predictors of drug use included resident demographic and diagnostic mix, size, ownership, Medicaid per diem, and nurse staffing.

RESULTS: Before 1990, one‐fourth of all residents were prescribed a BZ and nearly one‐tenth of all residents had chronic BZ use. Federal guidelines had nonsignificant effects on these measures; BZ prescribing declined only 3.6% (26.4–22.8%) and chronic use declined only 1.3% (9.2–7.9%). Regression results showed that overall prescribing at follow‐up was higher in facilities with more female residents (β = .52, P = .018) and residents with psychiatric disorders (β = .41, P = .045). However, nurse staffing was the only significant predictor of chronic BZ use. As expected, better nurse staffing was associated with lower rates of chronic use (β = −0.46, P = .037).

CONCLUSION: Efforts to improve BZ use in nursing homes must address the need for better nurse staffing and better assessment and management of psychiatric disorders that can trigger BZ prescribing.