bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sedimentary microscopic charcoal particle records in a small lake with dendrochronological data: evidence for the local origin of microscopic charcoal produced by forest fires of low intensity in eastern Finland
Authors: Pitkänen Aki , Lehtonen Hannu , Huttunen Pertti
Published: April 2004

Dendrochronological data and microscopic charcoal particle series from annually laminated lake sediment covering the past 520 years were compared. Slash-and-burn cultivation had been practised in the area (63°109N, 30°589E) for about 300 years during this period, causing a considerable increase in the number of forest fires. The fire years based on fire-scar data coincided with peaks in the microscopic charcoal series, suggesting that a significant proportion of charcoal particles usually counted on pollen slides can originate from local fires or fires within a few kilometres of the sampling point. Thus, contrary to the theories of charcoal particle transport, the abundance of microscopic charcoal may indicate, in some cases, fires at close quarters better than at a regional or broader spatial scale. Regional sources contribute to the microscopic charcoal records, but an increase in the proportion of largest particles and a decrease in particle size c., 10 mmin diameter suggest local burning. The result may be due to fires of a low-intensity in the area. The particles collected during an experimental low-intensity burn supported the results obtained from the sediment samples. The majority of the particles collected were of the same sizes that are most abundant on pollen slides.
Twentieth-century summer warmth in northern Yakutia in a 600-year context
Authors: Hughes M. K. , Vaganov E. A. , Shiyatov S. , Touchan R. , Funkhouser G.
Published: April 2004

We report unusual twentieth-century early-summer warmth recorded by larch tree-rings at the north ern tree-line in far northeastern Eurasia (Yakutia). The tree-ring series are strongly replicated and well suited to the detection of fluctuations on interannual to century timescales. They are strongly correlated with local instrumental temperature data. Mean early-summer temperature in the twentieth century significantly exceeds that of any period of the same length since ad 1400. A century-scale trend, which commences in the midnineteenth century, is superimposed on interannual and decadal fluctuations, for example a marked cooling since 1978. While many of the 20 coolest early summers in the reconstruction occur within a few years after major explosive volcanic eruptions from low-latitude volcanoes, several of the 20 warmest early summers followed major explosive eruptions from high-latitude volcanoes.
Palaeohydrological modelling of Ace Lake, Vestfold Hills, Antarctica
Authors: Roberts Donna , Roberts Jason L. , Gibson John A.E. , McMinn Andrew , Heijnis Hendrik
Published: April 2004

The major influences on the salinity and water level of an Antarctic lake are parameterized and a palaeohydrological model linking the palaeosalinity of an Antarctic lake to the palaeohydrology of the lake is developed. Climatic change in this lake is recorded in the evaporative loss trend reconstructed from water level and lakewater salinity estimates. A decrease in salinity betweeñ700 and 200 years BP corresponds with c. 5 m increase in water level over the same time period. Both water level and lakewater salinity then stabilize in the last ~200 years BP. The palaeohydrological model derived from the changes inferred in salinity and water level shows that there is no significant change in evaporation for the last ~700 years but that a lower evaporation period is evident at ~150–200 years BP suggestive of a mild ‘Little Ice Age’ event in the Vestfold Hills.
Early-Holocene aridity in tropical northern Australia
Authors: Nott Jonathan , Bryant Edward , Price David
Published: April 2004

Thermoluminescence ages from a longitudinal dunefield in tropical northern Australia suggest that complete dune activation occurred here either continuously or sporadically between approximately 8.2 ka and 5.9 ka. This period, in Australia, is normally ascribed to one of increasingly warm and wet conditions towards the Holocene Climatic Optimum. However, elsewhere, this time (~8 ka) coincides with a brief period of global climate change recognized in 18O records from Antarctica, methane records of the Greenland Summit ice cores, changes to deep-sea benthic foraminferal composition and atmospheric 14C variations. In tropical Africa two distinct phases of aridity have been dated at approximately 8 ka and 6 ka. The coincidence of aeolian reactivation episodes in this north Australian dunefield with brief phases of early-Holocene climate change elsewhere suggests possible global climatic teleconnections at this time.
Bi-polar ocean linkages: evidence from late-Holocene Antarctic marine and Greenland ice-core records
Authors: Domack E. W. , Mayewski P. A.
Published: April 2004

A continuous, 14C dated palaeoenvironmental (4000-year) proxy from the Antarctic Peninsula glacial marine record demonstrates pronounced cycles of elevated palaeoproductivity (warm events) that recur every 200 years. Superimposed upon this are longer-term reductions in palaeoproductivity (cooling events) that correspond with the‘Little Ice Age’ and an event at ~2500 radiocarbon years BP. Comparison of the Antarctic marine record with that obtained from the GISP2 ice-core record (Greenland Ice Sheet) demonstrates some agreement at both millennial and multicentury frequencies. We correlate a pronounced‘Little Ice Age’ event and six warm intervals within the preceding 2000 years. Before this time the correlation is less coherent, in part, because of diagenetic changes in the marine sediment core and uncertainty in correcting radiocarbon ages from Antarctica. Correct phasing of the events hinges on a calibration for Antarctic radiocarbon ages. These data illustrate a common linkage between palaeoclimate for the North Atlantic and maritime (Pacific) Antarctic during the late Holocene and suggest that linkages between the two systems may be best examined by a focus on the Drake Passage and associated marginal basins.
Holocene humidity changes in northern Finnish Lapland inferred from lake sediments and submerged Scots pines dated by tree-rings
Authors: Eronen Matti , Hyvärinen Hannu , Zetterberg Pentti
Published: April 2004

Conclusive evidence for a rise in water levels has been found in connection with lake-sediment studies undertaken partly in collaboration with the pine megafossil sampling and dendrochronological work in northern Finnish Lapland. The change in lake-level stands is shown by slow sedimentation rate in the early to mid-Holocene and an increase thereafter. These data indicate a regional rise in water levels during the latter part of the Holocene following a relatively dry period between 8000 and 4000 BP. Synchronous changes, also indicating rising water levels, have been observed in the diatom and cladoceran assemblages of the sediment cores. Subfossil Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris, L.) have been preserved in large quantities in small lakes in Lapland, because in many cases the rising water level has inundated the trunks after death. The position of the subfossil trunks and stumps often indicates that the pines have been growing on dry land at the sides of the lakes in which they are now submerged. Traces of a bark beetle (Tomicus minor, Hart.) have been detected in a few old pine logs found far outside the present distribution area of this insect. A total of 1722 samples of pine subfossils have been collected in the forest-tundra ecotone region of Lapland to build a continuous pine ring-width chronology over 7000 years long. The long chronology is almost finished, but its two parts are still separated by a short discontinuity around 250 bc. An absolutely dated, year-by-year chronology over 2000 years long extends from the present close to that time. The older, over 5000 years long continuous floating chronology is fixed to the timescale by several radiocarbon dates. A total of 1212 samples of pine wood have been dated and assembled within the chronologies by tree-ring cross-matching. These substantial data indicate a gradual retreat of pine tree and forest limits with some marked regional differences during the past 5000 years. According to the preliminary interpretations of the tree-ring data the variability of Holocene summer temperatures has increased towards the present time. Shifts in climatic development leading to cooler and more unstable conditions seem to have occurred in mid-Holocene time, and between 2500 and 2000 BP. The increase in humidity is probably in association with these changes in the high-frequency variability of temperature.
Comparison of Fulvestrant Versus Tamoxifen for the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women Previously Untreated With Endocrine Therapy: A Multinational, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Howell Anthony , Robertson John F.R. , Abram Paul , Lichinitser Mikhail R. , Elledge Richard , Bajetta Emilio , Watanabe Toru , Morris Charles , Webster Alan , Dimery Isaiah , Osborne C. Kent
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fulvestrant (Faslodex; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE), a new estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist that downregulates ER and has no agonist effects, versus tamoxifen, an antiestrogen with agonist and antagonist effects, for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Patients and Methods

In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial, patients with metastatic/locally advanced breast cancer previously untreated for advanced disease were randomly assigned to receive either fulvestrant (250 mg, via intramuscular injection, once monthly; n = 313) or tamoxifen (20 mg, orally, once daily; n = 274). Patients' tumors were positive for ER (ER+) and/or progesterone receptor (PgR+), or had an unknown receptor status.

Results

At a median follow-up of 14.5 months, there was no significant difference between fulvestrant and tamoxifen for the primary end point of time to progression (TTP; median TTP, 6.8 months and 8.3 months, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.44; P = .088). In a prospectively planned subset analysis of patients with known ER+ and/or PgR+ tumors (∼78%), median TTP was 8.2 months for fulvestrant and 8.3 months for tamoxifen (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.36; P = .39). The objective response rate for the overall population was 31.6% with fulvestrant and 33.9% with tamoxifen, and 33.2% and 31.1%, respectively, in the known hormone receptor–positive subgroup. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

In the overall population, between-group differences in efficacy end points favored tamoxifen, and statistical noninferiority of fulvestrant could not be demonstrated. However, in patients with hormone receptor–positive tumors, fulvestrant had similar efficacy to tamoxifen and was well tolerated.
Use of the Humanized Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody h-R3 in Combination With Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Crombet Tania , Osorio Marta , Cruz Teresa , Roca Carlos , del Castillo Ramón , Mon Rosa , Iznaga-Escobar Normando , Figueredo René , Koropatnick James , Renginfo Enrique , Fernández Eduardo , Alvárez Daniel , Torres Olga , Ramos Mayra , Leonard Idrissa , Pérez Rolando , Lage Agustín
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To evaluate safety and preliminary efficacy of the humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody h-R3 in combination with radiotherapy (RT) in unresectable head and neck cancer patients. Secondary end points were the measurement of h-R3 serum levels and the assessment of the potential mechanisms of antitumor effect on patient biopsies. Anti-idiotypic response to h-R3 was assessed. To predict pharmacologic effect, a mathematical model for antibodies recognizing antigens expressed in tumors and normal tissues was built.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-four patients with advanced carcinomas of the head and neck received six once-weekly infusions of h-R3 at four dose levels in combination with RT. Pretreatment tumor biopsies were obtained to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor expression as an enrollment criterion. Second biopsies were taken to evaluate the proliferative activity and angiogenesis in comparison with the pretreatment samples. Patient serum samples were collected to measure h-R3 levels and anti-idiotypic response.

Results

The combination of h-R3 and RT was well tolerated. Antibody-related adverse events consisted in infusion reactions. No skin or allergic toxicity appeared. Overall survival significantly increased after the use of the higher antibody doses. Immunohistochemistry studies of tumor specimens before and after treatment revealed that antitumor response correlated with antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effect. One patient developed antibodies to h-R3. The mathematical model predicted that the maximum difference between the area under the curve in tumors and normal tissues is reached when the antibody has intermediate affinity.

Conclusion

h-R3 is a well-tolerated drug that may enhance radiocurability of unresectable head and neck neoplasms.
Randomized Clinical Trial of the Effectiveness of a Self-Care Intervention to Improve Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Miaskowski Christine , Dodd Marylin , West Claudia , Schumacher Karen , Paul Steven M. , Tripathy Debu , Koo Peter
Published: April 2004

Purpose

This randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of the PRO-SELF Pain Control Program compared with standard care in decreasing pain intensity scores, increasing appropriate analgesic prescriptions, and increasing analgesic intake in oncology outpatients with pain from bone metastasis.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to the PRO-SELF intervention (n = 93) or standard care (n = 81). Patients in the standard care arm were seen by a research nurse three times and were called three times by phone between the home visits. PRO-SELF group patients were seen by specially trained intervention nurses and received a psychoeducational intervention, were taught how to use a pillbox, and were given written instructions on how to communicate with their physician about unrelieved pain and the need for changes in their analgesic prescriptions. Patients were coached during two follow-up home visits and three phone calls on how to improve their cancer pain management.

Results

Pain intensity scores decreased significantly from baseline (all P < .0001) in the PRO-SELF group (ie, least pain, 28.4%; average pain, 32.5%; and worst pain, 27.0%) compared with the standard care group (ie, least increased by 14.6%, average increased by 1.9%, and worst decreased by 1.2%). The percentage of patients in the PRO-SELF group with the most appropriate type of analgesic prescription increased significantly from 28.3% to 37.0% (P = .008) compared with a change from 29.6% to 32.5% in the standard care group.

Conclusion

The use of a psychoeducational intervention that incorporates nurse coaching within the framework of self-care can improve the management of cancer pain.
Investigations into the antinociceptive activity of Sapindus trifoliatus in various pain models
Authors: Arulmozhi D. K. , Veeranjaneyulu A. , Bodhankar S. L. , Arora S. K.
Published: April 2004

The effect of the aqueous extract of Sapindus trifoliatus (ST) on chemical, thermal-induced pain, nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia and pain on inflamed tissue was investigated. The extract (20 and 100 mg kg−1, i.p.) significantly inhibited acetic-acid-induced abdominal constrictions, formalin-induced pain licking and hotplate-induced pain in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly increased the response latencies of nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia by the tail-flick method and mechanical pain on carrageenan-induced inflamed paw in rats. The data suggest that ST has an inhibitory activity on both peripheral and central pain mechanisms and has a modulatory role in NO-mediated nociceptive transmission.
Effects of protein-calorie malnutrition on the pharmacokinetics of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, in rats
Authors: Bae Soo Kyung , Lee Shin Jung , Kwon Jong Won , Kim Won Bae , Lee Myung Gull
Published: April 2004

The pharmacokinetic parameters of DA-7867, a new oxazolidinone, were compared after intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10mg kg−1 to control rats and rats with protein-calorie malnutrition (rats with PCM). After intravenous administration of 10mg kg−1 DA-7867 to rats, metabolism of the drug was not considerable and after 14 days approximately 85.0% of the dose was recovered as unchanged drug from urine and faeces. After intravenous administration to rats with PCM, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC) was significantly smaller (10800 vs 6990μg min mL−1) compared with control rats. This may have been due to significantly faster total body clearance (CL, 0.930 vs 1.44mL min−1 kg−1). The faster CL in PCM rats could have been due to significantly faster non-renal clearance (0.842 vs 1.39mL min−1 kg−1 due to significantly greater gastrointestinal (including biliary) excretion; the amount of unchanged DA-7867 recovered from the entire gastrointestinal tract at 24h was significantly greater (1.19 vs 4.28% of intravenous dose)) because the renal clearance was significantly slower in PCM rats (0.0874 vs 0.0553mL min−1 kg−1). After oral administration to PCM rats, the AUC was significantly smaller compared with control rats (7900 vs 4310μgmin mL−1). This could have been due to a decrease in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Bupivacaine hydrochloride complexation with some α- and β-cyclodextrins studied by potentiometry with membrane electrodes
Authors: Kopecký František , Vojteková Mária , Kaclík Pavol , Demko Marek , Bieliková Zuzana
Published: April 2004

Membrane electrodes selective to bupivacaine cations were developed and those with PVC-dibutylphthalate membrane containing sparingly soluble bupivacaine phosphotungstate appeared to be the most suitable. Inclusion complexation of bupivacaine cations with cyclodextrins was studied by potentiometric measurements of the free bupivacaine cation concentration in aqueous solutions of bupivacaine hydrochloride with cyclodextrin using the prepared electrodes. Native α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), as well as their random-substituted derivatives hydroxypropyl-α-cyclodextrin (HP-α-CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD), were chosen for the study. The measured potentiometric data processed both by a linear and nonlinear regression corroborated the formation of weak 1:1 bupivacaine cation-cyclodextrin complexes and the corresponding complexation constants K11 ∼50–155m−1 were evaluated by the non-linear least-squares method. The mutual order of K11 values, especially α-CD > β-CD, suggested that the bupivacaine butyl group was mainly responsible for the inclusion complexation; the highest K11 was exhibited by M-β-CD followed by α-CD. The observed complexation may substantially modify properties of bupivacaine hydrochloride dosage forms with sufficient concentration of cyclodextrin but bupivacaine cations are readily released from the weak cyclodextrin complexes by dilution.
Melissa officinalis L. essential oil: antitumoral and antioxidant activities
Authors: de Sousa Allyne Carvalho , Alviano Daniela Sales , Blank Arie Fitzgerald , Alves Péricles Barreto , Alviano Celuta Sales , Gattass Cerli Rocha
Published: April 2004

Melissa officinalis L (lemon balm) is a traditional herbal medicine used widely as a mild sedative, spasmolytic and antibacterial agent. This paper focuses on the analysis of the chemical composition and the biological activities of M. officinalis essential oil obtained under controlled harvesting and drying conditions. An in-vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT indicated that this oil was very effective against a series of human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, Caco-2, HL-60, K562) and a mouse cell line (B16F10). This oil possessed antioxidant activity, as evidenced by reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). These results pointed to the potential use of M. officinalis essential oil as an antitumoral agent.
The plasma glucose lowering action of tetrandrine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Chen Wang-Chuan , Hayakawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Huang Lee-Wen , Liu I.-Min , Cheng Juei-Tang
Published: April 2004

The effect of tetrandrine, an active principle of Stephaniae tetrandrae, on the plasma glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats) was investigated. A single intravenous injection of tetrandrine decreased the plasma glucose in a dose-dependent manner in STZ-diabetic rats. Moreover, tetrandrine (1.0 mg kg−1) significantly attenuated the rise in plasma glucose induced by the intravenous glucose challenge test in normal rats. A stimulatory effect of tetrandrine on glucose uptake was obtained in soleus muscles isolated from STZ-diabetic rats with a concentration-dependent manner from 0.01 to 10.0 μmol L−1. The increase in glucose utilization by tetrandrine was further characterized using the enhancement of glycogen synthesis in the hepatocytes of STZ-diabetic rats. These results suggest that tetrandrine has the ability to enhance glucose utilization in peripheral tissue, resulting in the lowering of plasma glucose in diabetic rats lacking insulin.
On the stability of Insulin delivered through a new glucose-responsive polymeric composite membrane
Authors: Zhang Kai , Quan Changling , Huang Huiyu , Taulier Nicolas , Wu Xiao Yu
Published: April 2004

A new glucose-responsive polymeric composite membrane that provided pulsatile insulin release was developed in our laboratory previously. To develop a clinically useful insulin delivery system, this study was designed to investigate factors influencing insulin stability during delivery by this membrane. The effects of stirring, release duration, insulin concentration and surfactant on insulin stability were studied under both incubation and delivery conditions in a buffer solution at 37°C. The structural change of insulin was characterized by reverse-phase HPLC and circular dichroism. Hydrophobicity of various contact surfaces was determined by contact angle measurement. The results indicated that insulin concentration played an important role in the insulin stability, followed by stirring. Treating the membrane with a non-ionic surfactant prevented insulin denaturation during delivery through the membrane.
Absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein as a model across the mesenteric surface in rats to determine the drug absorption route after intraperitoneal administration
Authors: Nishida Koyo , Nose Seiichi , Kuma Akiko , Mukai Takahiro , Nakashima Mikiro , Sasaki Hitoshi , Nakamura Junzo
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this study was to clarify the absorption characteristics of a drug across the mesenteric surface, which occupies a large area of absorption in the peritoneal cavity, in order to determine the drug absorption route after intraperitoneal administration. Absorption of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) as a model after application to the mesenteric surface was investigated in rats by employing a cylindrical diffusion cell attached to the mesentery with or without blood vessels. PSP was absorbed from the rat mesenteric surface, followed by its appearance in the plasma and bile, regardless of blood vessel existence. The absorption ratios of PSP in 6 h were calculated to be 92.1 and 83.6% from the mesenteric surface with and without blood vessels, respectively. We then employed an experimental system in which a polyethylene (PE) cap was stuck on the surface of the other side to exclude the influence of absorption of the drug from the other organ surfaces that penetrated across the mesentery. The PE cap decreased the appearance of PSP in the plasma from the mesenteric surface with blood vessels and eliminated the PSP absorption completely from the mesenteric surface without blood vessels. Accordingly, blood vessels on the mesenteric surface must actually play an important role in drug absorption, but the contribution of the mesenteric surface to drug absorption from the peritoneal cavity is unlikely to be significant because there is a small effective area of blood vessels.
Ca2+, calpain and 3-phosphorylated phosphatidyl inositides; decision-making signals in neutrophils as potential targets for therapeutics
Authors: Tian Wei , Dewitt Sharon , Laffafian Iraj , Hallett Maurice B.
Published: April 2004

The chemical signals within neutrophils that control their behaviour are complex and these signals control the complex activity of neutrophils with precision. Failure of neutrophils to reform their antibacterial activity would lead to infection, while over-activity of neutrophils may lead to tissue damage and inflammatory disease. The identity of some of the intracellular signals is becoming clear and insights into the potential for interplay between them are being sought. Although it is well established that cytosolic free Ca2+ plays a role, it is only recently that the importance of intracellular protease, calpain, and the 3-position phosphorylated phosphatidyl inositides is becoming recognised. In this review these three key signals are discussed as potential therapeutic targets for the modulation of neutrophil activity.
Liberalising trends in welfare reform: inside the Dutch miracle
Authors: Cox Robert Henry
Published: April 2004

English

One of the most dramatic changes in the character of welfare states is the shift from public programmes that provide benefits for specific categories of need or entitlement, to programmes that encourage individuals to place part of their income in special savings accounts. This article argues that in countries where the welfare state has historically been defined in collectivist terms, the impact of the new savings schemes creates the potential for moral hazard. Focusing on recent reforms in The Netherlands, the article demonstrates how the new schemes provide greater advantage to high-income earners than to low-income earners and encourage egoistic behaviour among those who make use of the schemes. Take-up rates for the Dutch programmes have exceeded the government’s expectations and demonstrate how such liberalising reforms have altered the character of a welfare state that once was believed to be predicated on collectivist principles.
Predicting curriculum and test performance at age 7 years from pupil background, baseline skills and phonological awareness at age 5
Authors: Savage Robert , Carless Sue
Published: April 2004

Background: Phonological awareness tests are known to be amongst the best predictors of literacy; however their predictive validity alongside current school screening practice (baseline assessment, pupil background data) and to National Curricular outcome measures is unknown.

Aim: We explored the validity of phonological awareness and orthographic measures, the Infant Index baseline assessment (Desforges & Lindsay, 1995), gender, free school dinners, and SEN status taken at age 5 in the prediction of English, Maths, and Science performance in Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum in England.

Sample: 435 children from nine schools in one Local Educational Authority (LEA) were screened at entry aged 4 or 5, and at 5:8, and age 7.

Method: We trained schools Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to administer orthographic and phonological awareness measures. Teachers collected data on all baseline and Key Stage 1 performance measures.

Results: A series of 13 logistic regression analyses revealed that phonological awareness and orthographic knowledge best predicted 12 of 13 measures of performance at Key Stage 1. Additional variance was nearly always explained by SEN status. In 11 analyses the Infant Index baseline score predicted performance at age 7 and was the best predictor of maths test performance. Gender was an occasional additional predictor.

Conclusion: School LSAs can be readily trained to administer phonological awareness measures to cohorts of 5‐year‐old children. Such measures used in conjunction with baseline measures significantly enhance prediction of Key Stage 1 performance. Deploying LSAs in this fashion significantly enhances a school's capacity to identify young children for whom additional support may be necessary.
Can reading accuracy and comprehension be separated in the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability?
Authors: Spooner Alice L. R. , Baddeley Alan D. , Gathercole Susan E.
Published: April 2004

Background: The Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA) (Neale, 1997) is widely used in education and research. It provides measures of reading accuracy (decoding) and comprehension, which are frequently interpreted separately.

Aims: Three studies were conducted to investigate the degree to which the NARA measures could be separated.

Samples: British 7‐ and 8‐year‐olds participated in Study 1 (N=114) and Study 2 (N=212). In Study 3, 16 skilled and less‐skilled comprehenders were identified from the Study 2 sample.

Methods: Study 1: By investigating their contribution to silent reading comprehension, the independence of NARA decoding and comprehension scores was determined. Study 2: Decoding groups matched for listening comprehension were compared on the NARA comprehension measure, and population performance was compared across listening comprehension and NARA reading comprehension. Study 3: Comprehension groups were compared on ability to answer open‐ended and forcedchoice questions.

Results: Firstly, NARA comprehension performance depended on decoding, to the extent that children with high listening comprehension ability but low decoding ability attained low NARA comprehension scores. Secondly, 32% of children who attained low NARA comprehension scores exhibited high listening comprehension. Thirdly, comprehension groups differed when assessed with open‐ended questions but not when assessed with forced‐choice questions.

Conclusions: The NARA can underestimate the comprehension ability of children with weak decoding skills and children who have some difficulty with open‐ended questions. The decoding and comprehension measures of the NARA cannot be separated. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of the measures provided by the NARA, in education and research.
Teachers' task demands, students' test expectations, and actual test content
Authors: Broekkamp Hein , Van Hout‐Wolters Bernadette H. A. M. , Van den Bergh Huub , Rijlaarsdam Gert
Published: April 2004

Background: Previous studies on instructional importance show that individual students and their teachers differ in the topics that they consider important in the context of an upcoming teacher‐made test.

Aims: This study aimed to examine whether such differences between students' test expectations and teachers' intended task demands can be explained by the actual test content.

Samples: Participants were history teachers (N=19) and their 11th‐grade students (N=388).

Method: Teachers and students rated the importance of text sections that would be tested in the near future. By means of multilevel analysis, ratings were compared with the occurrence of sections in the tests.

Results: Although teachers considered a majority of sections as important and tested only a minority of the sections, their tests still included sections rated as unimportant. The number of such discrepancies, however, was relatively small. Sections the teachers rated important had a much higher probability of being included in the test than sections rated unimportant. For students, a similar but lower degree of correspondence between ratings and test content was found. Interestingly, for sections that teachers considered important, students more often gave a higher rating when these sections appeared in the test than when they did not. The same holds for sections that teachers considered unimportant.

Conclusions: For both teachers and students there is a limited correspondence between perceived task demands and test content. Furthermore, students' perceptions of task demands show a compensation for some of the differences between their teachers' intended task demands and the test demands.
Promoting mental health after childbirth: A controlled trial of primary prevention of postnatal depression
Authors: Elliott Sandra A. , Leverton Teresa J. , Sanjack Marion , Turner Helen , Cowmeadow Pauline , Hopkins Jane , Bushnell Diane
Published: April 2004

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention for the prevention of postnatal depression.

Design. A controlled trial.

Method. Women expecting their first or second child and designated as ‘more vulnerable’ by the Leverton Questionnaire (LQ) or Crown Crisp Experiential Index (CCEI) were allocated to a preventive intervention (N = 47) or control group (N = 52) by expected date of delivery to provide groups expecting their babies around the same time. Women were assessed at 3 months postnatal. An additional group of women designated as ‘less vulnerable’ (N = 88) were assessed to confirm the validity of the LQ as a vulnerability measure.

Results. Questionnaire measures of mood in first‐time mothers invited to the Preparation for Parenthood groups revealed significantly more positive mood than in the group receiving routine care. The median Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score for those invited was 3, compared to 8 for those not invited (p < .005). The diagnosis of depression using the Present State Examination revealed differences for both groups, though it reached statistical significance only with the first‐time mothers. Only 19 of the ‘more vulnerable’ invited first‐time mothers were ‘borderline’ or ‘cases’ at any time in the first 3 months postnatally compared to 39 of those not invited. The Surviving Parenthood groups for second‐time mothers were not successful.

Conclusion. Some depressions following childbirth can be prevented by brief interventions that can be incorporated with existing systems of antenatal classes and postnatal support groups.
Compliance and psychological reactance in schizophrenia
Authors: Moore Antonia , Sellwood William , Stirling John
Published: April 2004

Objectives. Non‐compliance with neuroleptic medication in schizophrenia is a major cause of relapse. A number of sociodemographic variables, and illness, attitudinal and treatment variables, have been demonstrated to be associated with non‐compliance. The present study examined a range of these variables and their predictive value in determining past and current compliance.

Methods. Thirty‐nine patients suffering from schizophrenia and three patients suffering from schizoaffective disorder completed a series of questionnaires assessing psychological reactance, insight, subjective response to medication, perceived threat to freedom of choice, and degree of current and past compliance. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which factors best predicted past and current compliance.

Results. Psychological reactance and age were found to be the best predictors of past compliance, with an interaction between reactance and perceived threat to freedom of choice posed by treatment provision also making a significant contribution. Past compliance behaviour and subjective response to medication predicted current compliance most significantly.

Conclusions. Reactance is an important predictor of compliance history especially when patients perceive treatment to be a threat to freedom of choice. Subjective response to neuroleptics is most important in predicting current compliance. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Sexual maturation and control issues among sexually abused and non‐abused anorexia patients
Authors: Walsh James , Burns Fiona
Published: April 2004

Objectives. To assess the relative salience of the maintenance of control and the avoidance of sexual maturation as sources of motivation for maintaining pathological eating behaviours among sexually abused anorexic patients.

Design/methods. A two‐factor mixed experimental design was employed. Three independent groups (sexually abused anorexics (N = 12); non‐abused anorexics (N = 9); non‐anorexic/non‐abused controls (N = 12)) constituted the between subjects factor. Allocation to abuse/non‐abuse group was dependent upon replies to a questionnaire‐based measure of unwanted sexual experience. The within subjects factor comprised three conditions in which words of various colours were presented to participants for colour‐naming (Stroop, 1935). The conditions were represented by lists of neutral words, sexual maturation words, and control‐related words. Two trials were carried out in each condition and mean response times were measured.

Results. Within‐group analyses revealed that interference was greater from sexual maturation words than from control‐related words among the sexually‐abused anorexics, but of equal magnitude among non‐abused counterparts. Between groups analyses found that abused patients experienced marginally greater cognitive interference from sexual maturation words than the non‐abused patients.

Conclusion. Theoretically, support is offered for elaborated schematic models of cognitive processing. Clinically, treatment interventions may need to pay particular attention to issues of sexual maturation among sexually abused anorexic patients.
The influence of document presentation order and number of documents judged on users' judgments of relevance
Authors: Huang Mu‐hsuan , Wang Hui‐yu
Published: April 2004

This article attempts to verify the hypothesis of the document presentation order by an empirical, two‐stage experiment. It aims to identify the relationship between number of documents judged and order effect. The results indicate that significant order effect takes place when 15 and 30 documents are presented. Sets with 45 and 60 documents still reveal the order effect. However, subjects are not influenced by order of presentation when the set of documents has 5 and 75 members, respectively.
Robust Core‐Shell Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Cationic Vesicles and Ring‐Shaped {Mo154} Polyoxomolybdate Nanoclusters: Template‐Directed Synthesis and Characterizations
Authors: Jin Yongdong , Bi Lihua , Shao Yong , Dong Shaojun
Published: April 2004

Substantial progress has been made recently in extending the supramolecular assembly of biomimetic structures to vesicle‐based sophisticated nanocomposites and mesostructures. We report herein the successful preparation of unilamellar surfactant vesicles coated with a monolayer of ring‐shaped {Mo154} polyoxometalate (POM) nanoclusters, (NH4)28[Mo154(NO)14O448H14(H2O)70]⋅≈350 H2O, by coulomb attractions using preformed didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) surfactant vesicles as templates. The resultant vesicle‐templated supramolecular assemblies are robust (they do not disintegrate upon dehydration) both at room‐temperature ambient and vacuum conditions, as characterized by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The flexibility of the complex soft assemblies was also revealed by AFM measurements. The effect of POM‐vesicle coulomb attractions on the dimensions of the templating vesicles was also investigated by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Although origins of the structure stability of the as‐prepared supramolecular assemblies are not clear yet, the nanometer scale cavities and the related properties of macroions of the POM clusters may play an important role in it.
Novel Supramolecular Isomerism in Coordination Polymer Synthesis from Unsymmetrical Bridging Ligands: Solvent Influence on the Ligand Placement Orientation and Final Network Structure
Authors: Lee In Su , Shin Dong Mok , Chung Young Keun
Published: April 2004

The assembly of Co(NCS)2 with 1‐methyl‐1′‐(3‐pyridyl)‐2‐(4‐pyridyl)ethene (L1) exhibits a novel supramolecular isomerism of [Co(L1)2(NCS)2]∞ caused by different placement orientation of L1 around metal centers. The reaction in MeOH/H2O and EtOH/H2O resulted in a double chain structure of 1, and that in EtOH/CH3NO2 led to an open framework structure of 2. The reaction in MeOH/CH3NO2 solvent system concomitantly afforded 1 and 2. The assemblies of 1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐2‐(4‐pyrimidyl)ethene (L2) with Co(NCS)2 created the water‐coordinated complexes of Co(L2)2(H2O)2(NCS)2 (3 and 4), an MeOH coordinated complex of Co(L2)2(H2O)2(NCS)2 (5), and an open framework coordination polymer of [Co(L1)2(NCS)2]∞ (6) depending on the reaction solvent system. From these observations, it is suggested that in the formation of 1, the solvent‐coordinated intermediate species would be generated first and its trans coordination configuration should define the placement orientation of L1 in the resulting polymer of 1. On the other hand, it is presumed that the solvent‐coordinated intermediate would not be produced during the formation of 2 due to the weaker coordination ability of EtOH and CH3NO2 molecules. The open framework coordination polymers of 2 and 6 are converted in the solid state into the isomeric coordination polymer of 1 and hydrogen bonded network structure of 3, respectively.
A Novel Scandium Fluoride, [C2N2H10]0.5[ScF4], with an Unprecedented Tungsten Bronze‐Related Layer Structure.
Authors: Stephens Nicholas F. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Lightfoot Philip
Published: April 2004

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
The 773 K Isothermal Section of the Ho—Fe—Sb Ternary System.
Authors: Zeng Lingming , Zhao Hongquan
Published: April 2004

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Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric 1,6‐Addition of Aryltitanates to Enynones Giving Axially Chiral Allenes.
Authors: Hayashi Tamio , Tokunaga Norihito , Inoue Kazuya
Published: April 2004

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Benzofuranyl‐pyran‐2‐ones, ‐pyridazines, and ‐pyridones from Naturally Occurring Furochromones (Visnagin and Khellin).
Authors: Keshk Eman M.
Published: April 2004

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A New Type of Phase‐Transfer Catalysis via Continuous Transfer of Fluoride Anions to the Organic Phase in the Form of Potassium Difluorotriphenylstannate.
Authors: Makosza Mieczyslaw , Bujok Robert
Published: April 2004

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A Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of α‐Fluoro‐α,β‐unsaturated Esters from Alkoxycarbonylmethyltriphenylphosphonium Bromides.
Authors: Suzuki Yumiko , Sato Masayuki
Published: April 2004

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Synthesis and Competency of a Novel Dicationic Phase‐Transfer Catalyst.
Authors: Kowtoniuk Walter E. , Rueffer Michelle E. , MacFarland Darren K.
Published: April 2004

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Formation of β‐Hydroxy‐dihydropyrroles from Metal‐Catalyzed Cyclizations of γ‐Ynyl‐β‐hydroxy‐α‐amino Esters.
Authors: Knight David W. , Sharland Christopher M.
Published: April 2004

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Applications of Baylis—Hillman Acetates: One‐Pot, Facile and Convenient Synthesis of Substituted γ‐Lactams.
Authors: Basavaiah Deevi , Rao Jamjanam Srivardhana
Published: April 2004

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Synthesis of 2‐Oxa‐4,6,8‐triazabicyclo[3.3.0]octanes.
Authors: Kakanejadifard A. , Kargar K. , Farnia M. F. , Ziabari M. Bahrami , Todaro L. J.
Published: April 2004

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Indium‐Mediated Reductive Intermolecular Coupling Reaction of 2‐Nitroaniline with Aromatic Aldehydes to Benzimidazoles.
Authors: Kim Byeong Hyo , Han Rongbi , Kim Ji Sook , Jun Young Moo , Baik Woonphil , Lee Byung Min
Published: April 2004

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Formation of Substituted 6‐Hydroxy‐5‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydrobenzo[c][2,7]naphthyridine upon Photochemical Transformation of Nifedipine.
Authors: Krivopalov V. P. , Sedova V. F. , Shkurko O. P.
Published: April 2004

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A Versatile Synthesis of 6‐Oxo‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydro‐pyrazine‐2‐carboxylic Acid Methyl Esters via MCR Chemistry.
Authors: Illgen Katrin , Nerdinger Sven , Fuchs Thilo , Friedrich Corina , Weber Lutz , Herdtweck Eberhardt
Published: April 2004

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Stereoselective Synthesis of Stannyl Enones via Palladium‐Catalyzed and Free Radical Hydrostannation of Alkynyl Ketones with Trineophyltin Hydride.
Authors: Dodero Veronica I. , Koll Liliana C. , Faraoni M. Belen , Mitchell Terence N. , Podesta Julio C.
Published: April 2004

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Syntheses and Reactions of Optically Active α‐Aminoallenylstannanes.
Authors: Ranslow Peter B. D. , Hegedus Louis S. , de los Rios Cristobal
Published: April 2004

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Michael Addition of Amines and Thiols to Dehydroalanine Amides: A Remarkable Rate Acceleration in Water.
Authors: Naidu B. Narasimhulu , Sorenson Margaret E. , Connolly Timothy P. , Ueda Yasutsugu
Published: April 2004

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4‐Thio‐5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine: Chemical Synthesis and Therapeutic Potential of UVA‐Induced DNA Damage.
Authors: Xu Yao‐Zhong , Zhang Xiaohui , Wu Hai‐Chen , Massey Andrew , Karran Peter
Published: April 2004

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Chemical Self‐Assembly Approach to Nanoscale Architectures
Authors: Karthaeuser Silvia
Published: April 2004

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Study on Active Forms of Naturally Occurring Vitamin D Analogues
Authors: Tachibana Youji , Tsuji Masahiro , Okano Toshio
Published: April 2004

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In Search of Asymmetric Propargylic Substitution Reactions Mediated by Optically Active Indenyl‐ruthenium(II) Allenylidene Complexes
Authors: Cadierno V. , Conejero S. , Gamasa M. P. , Gimeno J.
Published: April 2004

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Ionic Liquids as Solvents for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Sethi A. R. , Smith P. , Srinivasan N. , Welton T.
Published: April 2004

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Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Amino Acids by Chiral Phase‐Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Ooi Takashi , Maruoka Keiji
Published: April 2004

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The Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Mannich Reaction
Authors: Cordova Armando
Published: April 2004

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New Antithrombin‐Based Anticoagulants
Authors: Desai Umesh R.
Published: April 2004

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Chemistry and Biochemistry of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ross Stuart A. , Gulve Eric A. , Wang Minghan
Published: April 2004

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Verweilzeitverhalten in Mikrokanälen als Voraussetzung für den Bau sequenziell arbeitender Syntheseautomaten
Authors: Kursawe A. , Golbig K. , Hohmann M. , Schwalbe T.
Published: April 2004

No abstracts.