bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphase evolution of the East Gobi basin: sedimentary and structural records of Mesozoic–Cenozoic intraplate deformation in Mongolia
Authors: Johnson Cari L.
Published: February 2004

Mapping and correlation of 2D seismic reflection data define the overall subsurface structure of the East Gobi basin (EGB), and reflect Jurassic–Cretaceous intracontinental rift evolution through deposition of at least five distinct stratigraphic sequences. Three major northeast–southwest‐trending fault zones divide the basin, including the North Zuunbayan (NZB) fault zone, a major strike‐slip fault separating the Unegt and Zuunbayan subbasins. The left‐lateral NZB fault cuts and deforms post‐rift strata, implying some post‐middle‐Cretaceous movement. This fault likely also had an earlier history, based on its apparent role as a basin‐bounding normal or transtensional fault controlling deposition of the Jurassic–Cretaceous synrift sequence, in addition to radiometric data suggesting a Late Triassic (206–209 Ma) age of deformation at the Tavan Har locality. Deposits of the Unegt subbasin record an early history of basin subsidence beginning ∼155 Ma, with deposition of the Upper Jurassic Sharilyn and Lower Cretaceous Tsagantsav Formations (synrift sequences 1–3). Continued Lower Cretaceous synrift deposition is best recorded by thick deposits of the Zuunbayan Formation in the Zuunbayan subbasin, including newly defined synrift sequences 4–5. Geohistory modelling supports an extensional origin for the EGB, and preliminary thermal maturation studies suggest that a history of variable, moderately high heat flow characterized the Jurassic–Cretaceous rift period. These models predict early to peak oil window conditions for Type 1 or Type 2 kerogen source units in the Upper Tsagantsav/Lower Zuunbayan Formations (Synrift Sequences 3–4). Higher levels of maturity could be generated from distal depocentres with greater overburden accumulation, and this could also account for the observed difference in maturity between oil samples from the Tsagan Els and Zuunbayan fields.
Anatomy and evolution of a Mediterranean‐type fault bounded basin: the Lower Pliocene of the northern Crotone Basin (Southern Italy)
Authors: Zecchin Massimo , Massari Francesco , Mellere Donatella , Prosser Giacomo
Published: February 2004

The complex development of the northern Crotone Basin, a forearc basin of the Calabrian Arc (Southern Italy), has been documented by sedimentological, stratigraphic and structural analyses. This Mediterranean‐type fault bounded basin consists of small depocentres commonly characterized by a mix of facies that grades from continental to shallow marine. The lower Pliocene infill of the Crotone Basin consists of offshore marls (Cavalieri Marl) that grade upwards into a shallow‐marine to continental succession up to 850 m thick (Zinga Formation). The succession is subdivided into three main stratal units: Zinga 1, Zinga 2, Zinga 3 bounded by major unconformities. The Zinga 1 stratal unit grades from the Cavalieri Marl to deltaic and shoreface deposits, the latter organized into several stacked progradational wedges that show spectacular thickness changes and progressive unconformities related to salt‐cored NE‐trending growth folds and listric normal faults. The Zinga 2 stratal unit records a progressive and moderate deepening of the area, marked by fluvial sedimentation at the base, followed by lagoonal deposits and by a stacking of mixed bioclastic and siliciclastic shoreface units, organized into metre‐scale high‐frequency cycles. Deposition was controlled by NE‐trending synsedimentary normal faults that dissected the basin into a series of half‐grabens. Hangingwall stratigraphic expansion was compensated by footwall condensed sedimentation. The extensional tectonic regime continued during sedimentation of the Zinga 3 stratal unit. Deposition confined within structural lows during a generalized transgressive phase led to local enhancement of tidal flows and development of sand‐wave trains. The tectonic setting testifies the generalized structural domain of a forearc region. The angular unconformity at the top of the Zinga 3 stratal unit is regional, and marks the activation of a large‐scale tectonic phase linked to strike‐slip movements.
Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 in toluene diisocyanate‐induced asthma
Authors: Lee K. S. , Jin S. M. , Lee H. , Lee Y. C.
Published: February 2004

Background
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by airway remodelling due, at least in part, to an excess of extracellular matrix deposition in the airway wall. The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) may be a marker of the balance between airway tissue destruction and repair.

Objective
We determined whether an imbalance of the MMP‐9 : TIMP‐1 molar ratio is present before and/or after challenge with TDI.

Methods
We used a murine model of TDI‐induced asthma to evaluate the MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 balance in the lung.

Results
The expression of MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 mRNAs and proteins in the lungs increased at 7 h after TDI inhalation and continued for up to 72 h. Immunohistochemical and immunocytological analyses in the lungs of TDI‐exposed mice revealed increases of immunoreactive MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1. There were significant correlations between the levels of MMP‐9 or TIMP‐1 and the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, or eosinophils. The molar ratio of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 significantly decreased at 7 h after TDI inhalation and continued up to 72 h.

Conclusion
These data suggest that TDI‐induced asthma may be associated with an imbalance between MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1, which could be useful as a marker of airway inflammation and airway remodelling in this disease.
Maternal breast milk long‐chain n‐3 fatty acids are associated with increased risk of atopy in breastfed infants
Authors: Stoney R. M. , Woods R. K. , Hosking C. S. , Hill D. J. , Abramson M. J. , Thien F. C. K.
Published: February 2004

Background
Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates internationally of allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema. Atopy is one hallmark for the development of allergic disease and predisposes to allergic inflammation in the target organs. ω‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids (FAs) are thought to act as precursors to the formation of less active inflammatory mediators, with the potential to reduce inflammation.

Objective
To investigate whether increased n‐3 FA levels in maternal breast milk are associated with a lower risk of developing atopy in infancy.

Methods
Subjects were part of the prospective Melbourne atopy cohort study, which involved 620 children born into families where at least one first‐degree relative had an atopic disease. Some 224 women (mean age 31.4±4.2 (SD) years, with 73.2% (n=164) having self‐reported atopy) provided either a colostrum (n=194) or 3‐month expressed breast milk (EBM) sample (n=118). Maternal colostrum and 3‐month EBM samples were analysed for FA content by gas chromatography. Skin prick tests (SPTs) to six common allergens were performed on infants at 6, 12 and 24 months of age and on mothers who agreed at study entry.

Results
For infants sensitized to foods at 6 months (n=29), the total n‐3 FA level in the colostrum was significantly higher (P=0.004) as were levels of individual long‐chain n‐3 FAs, docosoapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5, P=0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, P=0.002) than in non‐sensitized infants. Infants with aero‐allergen sensitization at 24 months (n=30) had higher levels of the n‐3 FA, DPA (P=0.002) and DHA (P=0.007), and similarly higher total n‐3 FA (P=0.009) in maternal colostrum than those infants who were not sensitized.

Conclusion
Higher n‐3 FA levels in the colostrum do not appear to confer protection against, but may be a risk factor for, the eventual development of atopy in high‐risk breastfed infants.
Atopic disorders and risk of childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes in individuals
Authors: Stene L. C. , Joner G. ,   the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Study Group
Published: February 2004

Background
Data on the relationship between Th2‐biased atopic disorders and Th1‐biased autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes are conflicting. Many studies have not defined the time sequence of disease appearance, and few have investigated the role of candidate risk factors.

Objective
The objective was to investigate whether the presence of parents' report of physician‐diagnosed atopic disorders is lower among cases of type 1 diabetes before diagnosis, as compared with population‐based control subjects, and whether this may be explained by candidate risk factors such as day‐care attendance, breastfeeding habits, and perinatal factors.

Methods
We designed a population‐based case–control study in Norway with 545 cases of childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes and 1668 control subjects. Families were contacted by mail, and they completed a questionnaire on physician‐diagnosed atopic eczema, allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis and asthma, and other relevant factors. Data on birth order, maternal age at delivery, birth weight, gestational age, pre‐eclampsia, and caesarean section were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway by record linkage.

Results
Atopic eczema was inversely associated with risk of type 1 diabetes, odds ratio=0.55 (95% confidence interval 0.35–0.87) after adjustment for age, sex, maternal education, day‐care attendance, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and perinatal factors. Allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis and asthma were not significantly associated with type 1 diabetes.

Conclusions
Atopic eczema was associated with a lower risk of type 1 diabetes, independent of a number of candidate risk factors, suggesting that it may confer partial protection against type 1 diabetes.
Characterization of allergens secreted by Anisakis simplex parasite: clinical relevance in comparison with somatic allergens
Authors: Baeza M. L. , Rodríguez A. , Matheu V. , Rubio M. , Tornero P. , De Barrio M. , Herrero T. , Santaolalla M. , Zubeldia J.M.
Published: February 2004

Background
Diagnostic methods for the study of allergic reactions to Anisakis simplex (A.s.) based on whole‐body extracts of the larva are clearly insufficient.

Objectives
To study the allergenicity of the proteins secreted by the parasite. Comparison with somatic antigens and determination of their clinical importance in allergic patients were also addressed.

Methods
An excretory/secretory (E/S) extract was produced by culturing third‐stage A.s. larvae. It was used to perform immediate skin tests and to determine specific IgE in 10 patients diagnosed with allergy to A.s. Both tests were compared with the results obtained with the whole‐body extract (somatic (S)). The molecular weight (MW) of their allergens was determined by immunoblotting, and a single‐blind placebo‐controlled oral challenge with E/S proteins was performed. Finally, allergens' resistance to gastric pepsin and acid pH was explored.

Results
A.s. larvae secreted allergens more potent than those present in the S extract. The skin prick test wheal area produced by E/S molecules and the absorbance obtained in the determination of specific IgE with these allergens (ELISA) were 5.8 times bigger than those obtained with S extract. MW allergens of 72 and 56 kDa in E/S extracts and those of 56, 48 and 43 kDa in S extract were recognized by more than 50% of the patients. Partial cross‐reactivity between them was revealed by immunoblotting inhibition studies. Oral challenge with E/S extract (up to 479 μg) was negative in all the patients. Treatment of E/S proteins with gastric pepsin inhibited the binding of the E/S allergens for specific IgE. The acid pH did not affect the overall binding of IgE to E/S extract. It decreased by 15.23% and 19.96% at pH 4 and 2, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion
A.s. secretes allergens more potent than somatic antigens and should be used in the diagnostic procedures. These allergens are inactivated by the pepsin, which supports the theory that live larva is necessary to induce an allergic reaction in most of the patients.
Allergen‐loaded biodegradable poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid nanoparticles down‐regulate an ongoing Th2 response in the BALB/c mouse model
Authors: Schöll I. , Weissenböck A. , Förster‐Waldl E. , Untersmayr E. , Walter F. , Willheim M. , Boltz‐Nitulescu G. , Scheiner O. , Gabor F. , Jensen‐Jarolim E.
Published: February 2004

Background and objective
Biocompatible and biodegradable microparticles have gained interest as antigen delivery systems during the recent years. We investigated whether biodegradable poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanospheres could be used as allergen vehicles for few‐shot therapy of type I allergy.

Methods
The major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 was encapsulated in PLGA nanospheres (PLGA‐Bet v 1). We examined the antigenicity and the immune response to PLGA‐Bet v 1 in a BALB/c mouse model.

Results
The antigenicity of Bet v 1 was largely unaffected by PLGA entrapment. When BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with PLGA‐Bet v 1, they formed allergen‐specific IgG antibodies, but did not develop hypersensitivity to Bet v 1, as shown by type I skin tests. To evaluate their therapeutic potential, PLGA‐Bet v 1 with or without Al(OH)3 or non‐entrapped Bet v 1 with Al(OH)3 were used for single‐shot treatment of sensitized mice. Both groups treated with PLGA‐Bet v 1 developed high levels of Bet v 1‐specific IgG2a antibodies (P<0.01), whereas IgG1 levels decreased significantly (P<0.01). Moreover, T cells from mice treated with PLGA‐Bet v 1 showed IFN‐γ and IL‐10 production. The synthesis of these cytokines was enhanced in the groups where Al(OH)3 had been added to the vaccine formulation.

Conclusion
Allergen‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles modulate an ongoing Th2 response in the BALB/c mouse model, as demonstrated by down‐regulation of IgG1 and production of IFN‐γ and IL‐10. Our data strongly suggest that PLGA nanospheres can advantageously be used for formulations of allergen extracts or allergen derivatives for the few‐shot treatment of type I allergy.
Aging changes in the human brain: A histochemical and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Mohanty Sambit K , Radotra Bishan D , Banerjee Ashru K
Published: February 2004

There are very few studies on neuropathological changes of aging in the Indian population. In the present study, the incidence of aging changes in 20 non‐demented elderly humans above the age of 55 years were observed. The incidence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) increased from 20% in 50–55‐year‐olds to 80% in 55‐year‐olds and over. Senile plaques (SP) increased  from 20% in 50–55‐year‐olds to 80% in 55–60‐year‐olds and 40% in 60‐year‐olds and over. The results of immunohistochemistry to label the NFT (Tau) and SP (β‐amyloid) were comparable to the Bielchowsky's modified silver methanamine method. The incidence of age related changes and their antigenic character in the limited sample studied from north‐west India appear to be comparable to those from the southern part of India and Western hemisphere.
Coexistence of CJD and Alzheimer's disease: An autopsy case showing typical clinical features of CJD
Authors: Tsuchiya Kuniaki , Yagishita Saburo , Ikeda Kenji , Sano Michio , Taki Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Keisuke , Watabiki Sadakiyo , Mizusawa Hidehiro
Published: February 2004

The present report concerns an autopsy case of CJD showing typical clinical features of CJD. The patient was a Japanese woman without hereditary burden or dementing disorder anamnesis who was 70‐years‐old at the time of death. She developed gait disturbance at age 68, followed by memory impairment, visual disturbance, and myoclonus. A neurological examination approximately 2 months after the disease onset revealed akinetic mutism, in addition to periodic synchronous discharges on electroencephalogram. Serial neuroradiological examinations disclosed progressive atrophy of the brain. She died of bronchopneumonia 25 months after the disease onset. The brain weighed 560 g (cerebrum 490 g, brainstem with cerebellum 70 g). Macroscopically, neuropathological examination showed prominent atrophy of the cerebrum, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum, in addition to necrosis of the cerebral white matter, compatible with panencephalopathic CJD. Histologically, there was neuronal loss with or without spongiform change in the cerebral cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, striatum, pallidum, thalamus, pontine nucleus, and cerebellar granule cells, in addition to diffuse synaptic‐type prion staining in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Furthermore, senile plaques, compatible with definite Consortium to establish a registry for Alzheimer's disease rank Alzheimer's disease, and neurofibrillary changes of the limbic system, consistent with stage IV of Braak's classification, were found. Based on these clinicopathological findings and a review of the published literature, it is concluded that there were two forms of coexistence of CJD and Alzheimer's disease in the same patient.
Benign cysts in the central nervous system: Neuropathological observations of the cyst walls
Authors: Hirano Asao , Hirano Michio
Published: February 2004

A diverse variety of benign cysts exist in the CNS. Advances in diagnostic radiology have facilitated diagnoses and surgical intervention in many patients with CNS cysts. However, a fundamental understanding of the pathological features of these lesions is clinically vital. From an etiological point of view, the cysts can be divided into two groups. The first includes lesions that arise from within the CNS and may be static structures such as cavities arising from infarcts and other destructive processes while other lesions such as arachnoid cysts, ependymal cysts, cystic hemangioblastoma, cystic cerebellar astrocytoma and infectious processes, are progressive. The second group of cysts arise from the intrusion of non‐nervous system tissue into the neuroaxis and are usually midline. They are frequently expanding congenital lesions although some become symptomatic only in adults. Examples include teratomas, dermoid cysts, epidermoid cysts, craniopharyngiomas, Rathke's cleft cysts, and other epithelial cysts presumably derived from the upper respiratory or intestinal tract. Chick embryos exposed to lead have been used as a model of cyst formation.
CADASIL or CADVaSIL?
Authors: Rafalowska Janina , Fidzianska Anna , Dziewulska Dorota , Podlecka Aleksandra , Szpak Grazyna Maria , Kwiecinski Hubert
Published: February 2004

In the present study, morphological examination of patients from two unrelated Polish families with CADASIL was performed. Using light microscopy, there were evident changes characteristic to the disease. On electron microscopy, deposits of granular osmiophillic material (GOM) were found not only in cerebral arteries and veins but also in cerebral capillaries and vessels of the internal organs. These findings indicate that pathological process in CADASIL is generalized and involves also small vessels devoid of smooth muscle cells. Therefore, we propose to consider a replacement for the name CADASIL that better reflects the morphological picture of the disease like, for example, cerebral autosomal dominant vasculopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADVaSIL) or, to preserve the commonly known acronym, cerebral autosomal dominant angiopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy.
Supracallosal longitudinal fiber bundle: Heterotopic cingulum, dorsal fornix or Probst bundle?
Authors: Hori Akira , Stan Alexandru C.
Published: February 2004

A thick longitudinal fiber bundle found within the dorsal corpus callosum in two unrelated adults (in a micrencephalic female patient and incidentally in another male patient) is considered to be a congenital aberrant cingulum. Agenesis or apparent hypoplasia of the indusium griseum of the limbic‐cingular system as an accompanying finding in the present cases may support this hypothesis. The dorsal fornix and Probst bundle are discussed in terms of differential diagnosis, although there was no further support for this possibility. The hyperplastic dorsocallosal gray substance is excluded.
Glial localization of four‐repeat tau in atypical progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Motoi Yumiko , Takanashi Masashi , Itaya Masako , Ikeda Kazuhiko , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Mori Hideo
Published: February 2004

In the present case, a patient in whom limb apraxia and asymmetrical parkinsonism developed suggesting corticobasal degeneration, is reported. Neuropathologic examination revealed numerous tufted astrocytes in the precentral cortex in addition to the characteristic pathologic findings of PSP. Therefore, on the basis of clinicopathologic features, atypical progressive supranuclear palsy was diagnosed. In addition, the brain tissue of the present patient was investigated with an antibody specific for four‐repeat tau (4R‐tau). In the precentral cortex, numerous tau‐positive tufted astrocytes, pretangles, and threads were positive for 4R‐tau. Using a confocal microscopy we demonstrated that tufted astrocytes positive for 4R‐tau were adjacent to astrocytes positive for GFAP. The present findings suggest that accumulation of four‐repeat tau in astrocytes is a degenerative process rather than a reactive process.
Dementia with Lewy bodies: Reclassification of pathological subtypes and boundary with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Iseki Eizo
Published: February 2004

The present study is an attempt to reclassify the pathological subtypes of DLB based on both Lewy pathology and Alzheimer pathology, and to clarify the pathological boundary between DLB and Parkinson's disease (PD) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) in autopsied cases, using pathological and immunohistochemical methods. Dementia with Lewy bodies was classified into the limbic type and neocortical type according to the degree of Lewy pathology, including Lewy bodies (LB) and LB‐related neurites, by our staging and was classified into the pure form, common form and AD form according to the degree of Alzheimer pathology including NFT and amyloid deposits by Braak staging. These combined subtypes were lined up on a spectrum not only with Lewy pathology but also with other DLB‐related pathologies including Alzheimer pathology, neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, spongiform change in the transentorhinal cortex and LB‐related neurites in the CA2‐3 region. There were some similarities in both Lewy pathology and other DLB‐related pathologies between PD and DLB, although Lewy pathology of PD was below the lowest stage of Lewy pathology. In contrast, AD did not meet the stages of Lewy pathology, and there were also no similarities in other DLB‐related pathologies between AD and DLB. In addition, LB of AD showed the characteristics different from those of DLB on the coexistence of LB with NFT. These present findings suggest that DLB has pathological continuity with PD, but can be pathologically differentiated from AD. The present study clarified the pathological entity of DLB, compared with PD and AD.
Pathological heterogeneity in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration
Authors: Wakabayashi Koichi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: February 2004

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are sporadic neurodegenerative disorders of late adult life. Focal asymmetric cortical atrophy with ballooned neurons, nigral degeneration, and tau‐positive neuronal and glial lesions in both the gray and white matter, especially astrocytic plaques in the affected cerebral cortex, are characteristic features of CBD. While cortical involvement may occur in PSP, ballooned neurons are sparse and limited to the limbic system, and tufted astrocytes are abundant in the precentral gyrus and striatum. The present findings suggest that PSP and CBD are distinct pathological entities. However, there exist ‘atypical’ cases of PSP and CBD. Severe cortical involvement or asymmetric cortical atrophy can be seen in PSP. Ballooned neurons are sparse or difficult to detect in some cases of CBD, in spite of typical cortical tau pathology. Cortical symptoms are absent or only mild in ‘minimal change’ CBD. Moreover, several neurodegenerative disorders can underlie CBD. This pathological heterogeneity leads to difficulty in the clinical and pathological diagnosis of both disorders.
Motor control and sequencing of boys with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during computer game play
Authors: Houghton Stephen , Milner Nikki , West John , Douglas Graham , Lawrence Vivienne , Whiting Ken , Tannock Rosemary , Durkin Kevin
Published: February 2004

The motor control of 49 unmedicated boys clinically diagnosed with ADHD, case‐matched with 49 non‐ADHD boys, was assessed while playing Crash Bandicoot I, a SonyTM Playstation platform computer video game. In Crash Bandicoot participants control the movements of a small‐animated figure through a hazardous jungle environment. Operationally defined measures of motor control were designated by (1) the stage of the game completed (ie, the number of obstacles successfully passed) before losing the figure's ‘life’, (2) the level of complexity that the stage represented and (3) the time taken to get to that point during the video game play. These measures were assessed under contrasting conditions of low or high working memory and distracter loads. Four tasks were administered (totalling 12 trials), incorporating both with and without distracter conditions. For those trials with the distracter, a segment of the television show The Simpsons was simultaneously played on a television screen adjacent to the computer game monitor. A 5‐way MANOVA revealed that ADHD boys took less time to complete their trials under the direct condition (ie, no working memory load) on Crash Bandicoot, compared to their matched non‐ADHD peers. When the task required additional working memory, however, the ADHD boys took significantly longer. Cumulative frequency plots of game performance revealed that in terms of the number of obstacles completed, the control participants successfully navigated more obstacles on the low working memory load task than the ADHD participants, but that the performance of the two groups was less distinguishable on the high working memory load task. The findings have implications for assessment and management of children with ADHD.
Project Factors Influencing Conflict Intensity and Handling Styles in Collaborative NPD
Authors: Lam Ping‐Kit , Chin Kwai‐Sang
Published: February 2004

Conflict and conflict management are critical research issues in client‐supplier collaborative new product development (NPD). A recent study found that conflict intensity and conflict‐handling styles affect collaborative NPD performance. In this paper, we explore the relationships of four NPD project factors, namely product technical complexity, product certainty, task interdependence and the relative power of supplier, to conflict intensity and suppliers’ adoption of integrating and dominating conflict‐handling styles. Research findings based on survey data collected from 193 suppliers provide a clear insight into the conflict intensity and suppliers’ adoption of conflict‐handling styles for NPD projects of various characteristics, which enables better planning for conflict management and helps improve NPD performance.
Plate 480. Pieris formosa var. forrestii ‘Wakehurst’Ericaceae
Authors: Schilling Tony
Published: February 2004

The history of the introduction of the ‘Wakehurst’ clone of Pieris formosa var. forrestii (Harrow) Airy Shaw is discussed, and related forms are described. An illustration and description are provided.
Plate 481. Hyacinthoides non‐scripta Hyacinthaceae
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: February 2004

The ecology, distribution and taxonomic history of the common English Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non‐scripta (L.) Chouard ex Rothm. are described, and the relationship of Hyacinthoides to related genera is discussed. The wild species is illustrated and hybrid cultivated bluebells, H. × massartiana Geerinck, are also shown.
Plate 482. Anacamptis laxifloraOrchidaceae
Authors: Wood Jeffrey , Ramsay Margaret
Published: February 2004

Anacamptis laxiflora(Lam.) R.M. Bateman, Pridgeon & M.W. Chase from Europe and Cyprus is illustrated. Its taxonomy, relationships, and distribution are discussed. A full description is given and a brief history of the genus is also provided. Propagation from seed and establishment into wild conditions are described.
Plate 483. Camassia leichtlinii ‘Lady Eva Price’Liliaceae sens. lat.
Authors: Mathew Brian
Published: February 2004

The history, ecology, and distribution of Camassia leichtlinii are given and particularly the deep violet cultivar of subsp. suksdorfii‘Lady Eva Price’, which is illustrated. The position of Camassia within the Liliaceae sens. lat. is discussed in the light of recent DNA studies.
Plate 484. Euphorbia donii ‘Amjillasa’Euphorbiaceae
Authors: Sinnott Mike
Published: February 2004

The Himalayan Euphorbia donii Oudejans is illustrated. A full description of the species and its taxonomy and relationships are discussed and recommendations on its successful cultivation provided. In addition, the application of the cultivar name ‘Amjillasa’ is explained.
Plate 485. Berberidopsis beckleri Berberidopsidaceae
Authors: Rix Martyn , Jackson Andy
Published: February 2004

The ecology, distribution and taxonomic history of the Australian Berberidopsis beckleri (F. Muell.) J.F. Veldkamp are described and an illustration is provided.
Plate 486. Hypericum kouytchense Clusiaceae
Authors: Robson Norman
Published: February 2004

Hypericum kouytchense H. Léveillé is a native of Guizhou province in south‐west China, which is the origin of its name. It has been grown under several invalid or misapplied names, and its name has been used in cultivation for two other species. Its relationships and garden requirements are discussed, and a description and illustration are provided.
Plate 487. Betula lenta forma uber Betulaceae
Authors: McAllister Hugh , Ashburner Kenneth
Published: February 2004

Betula uber (Ashe) Fernald, the Virginia Round‐Leaf Birch, has been treated as the rarest of the forty or so species of birch and is the subject of a major conservation effort in the USA. However, despite its distinct appearance, there is much evidence, especially from its breeding behaviour, that it is no more than a forma of B. lenta L., albeit a very distinct one, with no intermediates between it and the normal form of B. lenta. An illustration and description are provided.
Plate 488. Wahlenbergia hederacea Campanulaceae
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: February 2004

The ecology, distribution and taxonomic history of Ivy‐Leaved Bellflower, Wahlenbergia hederacea (L.) Rchb. are discussed, and the species is illustrated.
Plate 489. Nothofagus moorei Fagaceae
Authors: Rix Martyn , Jackson Andy
Published: February 2004

The distribution, ecology and history of Nothofagus moorei (F. Muell.) Krasser are described, and the plant is illustrated. Its cultivation in the British Isles is discussed.
Class, Attitudes and the Welfare State: Sweden in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Svallfors Stefan
Published: February 2004

One of the most important arenas for contemporary class politics is the welfare state. In this article, attitudes towards welfare policies among different classes in Sweden are compared with other Western countries and over time. In the first part of the article, attitudes towards state intervention among different classes are compared across four Western countries: Sweden, Germany, Britain and the USA. The data come from the 1996 survey on “The Role of Government” conducted within the International Social Survey Programme. In the second part of the article, more detailed national data sets are used in order to track developments within Sweden from the early 1980s until 2002. Attitudes towards welfare spending, financing of welfare policies and service delivery are used to track developments of class differences in attitudes over time. It is concluded (a) that class differences are particularly large in Sweden, and (b) that changes over time indicate stability in overall class differences, combined with changes in attitudes among non‐manual employees. The implications of the results for recent arguments about the restructuring of class relations and the impact of welfare policies on stratification are discussed.
The Choice Revolution: Privatization of Swedish Welfare Services in the 1990s
Authors: Blomqvist Paula
Published: February 2004

During the 1990s, the Swedish welfare state was declared by some to be in a “crisis”, due to both financial strain and loss of political support. Others have argued that the spending cuts and reforms undertaken during this period did slow down the previous increase in social spending, but left the system basically intact. The main argument put forward in this article is that the Swedish welfare state has been and is still undergoing a transforming process whereby it risks losing one of its main characteristics, namely the belief in and institutional support for social egalitarianism. During the 1990s, the public welfare service sector opened up to competing private actors. As a result, the share of private provision grew, both within the health‐care and primary education systems as well as within social service provision. This resulted in a socially segregating dynamic, prompted by the introduction of “consumer choice”. As will be shown in the article, the gradual privatization and market‐orientation of the welfare services undermine previous Swedish notions of a “people's home”, where uniform, high‐quality services are provided by the state to all citizens, regardless of income, social background or cultural orientation.
Denmark: Universal or Not So Universal Welfare State
Authors: Greve Bent
Published: February 2004

This article questions whether or not Denmark is still a universal welfare state. It does so by first offering a comparative‐based analysis of the Nordic countries on central welfare state parameters. Second, the article utilizes a case‐based analysis in respect of three core areas of the Danish welfare state—pensions, unemployment and early retirement benefit—to assess the distinctiveness of the Danish model. The article concludes that, notwithstanding the Danish model is more mixed today than it used to be, it continues to be distinct in areas such as equality, full employment, a high level of spending on social security and an active labour market policy.
Nordic Disability Policies in a Changing Europe: Is There Still a Distinct Nordic Model?
Authors: Hvinden Bjørn
Published: February 2004

Nordic welfare states have usually been characterized by encompassing or institutional systems of public provisions, both in general and for people with impairment in particular. Provisions have been perceived as being more universalistic in coverage, more generous in terms of benefit levels and availability of services, and with a greater emphasis on prevention and coordination, than provisions in other Western countries. Yet the success of the Nordic system of disability protection has recently been questioned on various grounds. These criticisms have resulted in a number of reforms recently introduced or about to be implemented. This reorientation is likely to reduce the prominence of some characteristics of the Nordic model in this particular area. Under the ongoing influence of European integration, we will probably see a shift of emphasis away from redistributive provisions—especially income transfers—to regulative provisions, meant to ensure accessibility and combat discrimination.
Institutional Development of Sickness Cash‐benefit Programmes in 18 OECD Countries
Authors: Kangas Olli
Published: February 2004

This article traces past and present trends in the institutional development of sickness daily allowance schemes in eighteen OECD countries. We are interested whether there still are—or if there ever have been—distinctive models in sickness benefits. The historical part of the study inspects the development of coverage and generosity benefits. Thereafter the extent to which sickness benefits have been targets for retrenchment will be analysed. The study shows that up until 1985 the Nordic programmes guaranteed better benefits than corporatist schemes, but the situation has since changed, and the Nordic countries do not any longer provide higher compensations. In this respect, these two groups of countries have clearly converged and simultaneously their distance from the countries with basic security or targeted schemes has increased. When it comes to coverage, the Scandinavian schemes have to a great extent preserved their universality, whereas the other groups of countries have lost a bit in their coverage. Thus, in this dimension at least, we can still depict a clear Scandinavian pattern. However, there are indications of convergence towards the corporatist or labour market‐based model.
The Path‐dependency of an Idea: Why Scandinavian Welfare States Remain Distinct
Authors: Cox Robert
Published: February 2004

Examining reforms that have taken place in the 1990s, this article explores the hypothesis that the most distinctive characteristic of the Scandinavian model today is the “stickiness” of its reputation, rather than the institutions and policies that make up the model. Borrowing the concept of path‐dependency from institutional analysis, the article argues that because there is a strong commitment to the idea of a Scandinavian model, there is a tendency to expand conceptions of the model so that policy changes appear to be consistent with it.
What Constitutes Agency and Empowerment for Women in Later Life?
Authors: Wray Sharon
Published: February 2004

Ageing ‘successfully’ in western society has often been associated with material issues relating to declining health, social care and welfare. Indeed, it has been suggested that these topics have dominated the study of ageing leading to overly pessimistic accounts of later life ( Phillipson, 1998 ). It is also the case that the concepts used to measure agency and empowerment, such as autonomy and in/dependence, are often uncritically understood and applied from a Western (British/American) standpoint. Here success is associated with individual potential, or the ability to adapt to the ‘challenges’ of growing older. Ultimately, this means that culturally diverse interpretations and experiences of what constitutes agency and empowerment, that may challenge such an account, are rendered invisible. In response, this paper examines and reflects upon the meanings that older women from different ethnic backgrounds give to agency and empowerment in later life. The empirical accounts discussed in the paper suggest that the meanings attached to autonomy, independence and agency and empowerment are contextually based.
Cosmopolitan Knowledge and the Production and Consumption of Sexualized Space: Manchester's Gay Village
Authors: Binnie Jon , Skeggs Beverley
Published: February 2004

According to }i~ek (1997) the logic of late capitalism offers opportunities for the incorporation of previously marginalised groups, whilst simultaneously dividing them at the same time. These possibilities for incorporation create divisions on the basis of gender, race, sexuality and class. Here, we examine how the capitalist desire for opening new markets for leisure consumption with new forms of branding, alongside the desire for the territorialisation of space by campaigning gay and lesbian groups, has led to the formation of a ‘gay space’ marketed as a cosmopolitan spectacle, in which the central issue becomes a matter of access and knowledge: who can use, consume and be consumed in gay space? We also ask what is the radical political impetus of sexual politics when commodified as cosmopolitan and incorporated spatially? The paper grounds the examination of the politics of cosmopolitanism within a specific locality drawing upon research undertaken on the contested use of space within Manchester's gay village. The paper is organised into four sections. The first examines competing definitions of cosmopolitanism, exploring how sexuality and class are framed as conceptual limits. The second describes how Manchester's gay village is imagined and branded as cosmopolitan. The third considers the navigation and negotiation of difference within this space. The final section evaluates the exclusions from cosmopolitan space and pursues the significance of this for arguments about incorporation in late capitalism.
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Amiable Allies or Phony Friends?
Authors: Popham W. James
Published: February 2004

Specialists in curriculum, instruction, and assessment typically work with colleagues in their own field. It is argued that such isolationism is educationally harmful, especially during today's era of heightened accountability for educators. To diminish excessive specialization by curriculum, instruction, and assessment personnel, amelioration proposals are made regarding both the university and state departments of education.
Classroom Assessment: Tensions and Intersections in Theory and Practice
Authors: Brookhart Susan M.
Published: February 2004

The practice of classroom assessment occurs at the intersection of three teaching functions: instruction, classroom management, and assessment. Theory relevant to studying classroom assessment comes from several different areas: the study of individual differences (e.g., educational psychology, theories of learning and motivation), the study of groups (e.g., social learning theory, sociology), and the study of measurement (e.g., validity and reliability theory, formative and summative assessment theory). This article explores how intersections of these areas have played out in the classroom assessment literature over the last 20 years. Some literature has emphasized one practical function or theoretical tradition; some literature has blended several. Overlapping theoretical traditions are opportunities both for richness of understanding and for tensions and conflicts.
Potential and Limitations of Multicultural Education in Conflict-Ridden Areas: Bilingual Palestinian-Jewish Schools in Israel
Authors: Bekerman Zvi
Published: February 2004

In recent years, a new integrative bilingual multicultural educational initiative has been developed in Israel. Its main purpose is to offer dignity and equality to the two Israeli groups who have for the last 100 years denied each other's humanity: Palestinians and Jews. The research examines this attempt at encouraging each group to take pride in their own cultural heritage while respecting and experiencing the heritage of the other. Through the ethnographic analysis of data gathered at four ceremonial events held at two of the three currently functioning integrated schools in Israel, the study inquires into the potential of school ritual events to support this endeavor. Probing into the ways in which these efforts may shape individual and group perspectives and help to overcome intergroup tensions and conflict, I expect this research to shed some light on the potential and limitations of multicultural education in conflict ridden areas. In focusing on the treatment of special ceremonial events in these schools I wish to explore the fruit of multicultural educational approaches and to question how these are shaped by contextual conditions specific to conflict-ridden areas. If multicultural education is to alleviate interethnic tension, it must offer options to refashion teachers’, parents’, and students’ understandings of cultural borders and their positions and relations within the different cultural arenas.
Anti‐dumping: What are the Numbers to Discuss at Doha?
Authors: Zanardi Maurizio
Published: February 2004

While tariff barriers have decreased worldwide through various GATT rounds, anti‐dumping has surged to play a crucial role as the most important non‐tariff barrier. After much debate and opposition, anti‐dumping is on the agenda of the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations and it is one of the most important issues, especially for developing countries as they are the main targets of this policy instrument. With this prospect, it is important to assess the relevance of anti‐dumping not only by focusing on traditional users but by analysing the experience of new users, which are now major players in the field. This paper improves upon existing studies by providing a comprehensive assessment on the use of anti‐dumping. First, data on the time pattern of worldwide implementations of anti‐dumping laws are presented. This time profile shows interesting relationships with legal developments in GATT and WTO dispositions. Second, usual sources of data are complemented with various other sources. This allows the inclusion of recent heavy users like China, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine, which are ignored in similar studies but important for their trade volumes. This enlarged and updated dataset shows that new users are even more important than previously thought, with implications for the Doha negotiations.
Literacy in the early years: a follow‐up study
Authors: Raban Bridie , Coates Hamish
Published: February 2004

In one Australian state, a concerted effort has been made to impact the literacy achievement of students during the early years of schooling, especially those students attending primary schools in identified least‐advantaged areas. While these initiatives have been successful, their impact has been enhanced by the development of print‐enriched play environments during the pre‐school years. Data are reported here from the Preschool Literacy Project (PLP) that followed approximately 1000 students, in treatment and control groups, through into their first two years in school. The analysis of residual gain scores identifies the reciprocal relationship between spoken and written language, also the increasing Text Level achievement for students who entered school with enhanced conceptual development in relation to literacy.
UK data from 197 undergraduates for the Nelson Denny Reading Test
Authors: Masterson Jackie , Hayes Maureen
Published: February 2004

The Nelson Denny Reading Test (Brown, Fishco & Hanna, 1993) provides measures of comprehension, reading rate and vocabulary. It is widely used in research studies with high school and undergraduate students and for assessment purposes in the USA. No widely used test of this kind exists for adults in the UK. The present paper reports data from 197 undergraduates from the University of Essex on the Nelson Denny test. Analyses were carried out of the data in terms of degree type and year of study. The scores obtained with the present sample were higher than those reported in the manual of the Nelson Denny test for a subset of the standardisation sample. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed. Overall, the results suggest that the Nelson Denny test is suitable for use with UK undergraduate students.
The importance of letter knowledge in the relationship between phonological awareness and reading
Authors: Blaiklock Ken E.
Published: February 2004

Previous correlational and experimental research has found a positive association between phonological awareness and reading skills. This paper provides an overview of studies in this area and shows that many studies have neglected to control for extraneous variables such as ability, phonological memory, pre‐existing reading skills and letter knowledge. The paper reports on the results of a longitudinal study that took account of these variables when examining the relationship between phonological awareness and reading for a group of children during their first two years at school. Children showed rhyme awareness before they began to read but were unable to perform a phoneme deletion task until after they had developed word‐reading skills. Concurrent and predictive correlations between phonological awareness scores and later reading were often significant and remained so after adjusting for verbal ability or phonological memory. Controlling for letter knowledge, however, reduced most correlations to nonsignificant levels.