bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome analysis of childhood low‐grade astrocytomas
Authors: Fisher Paul G. , Tihan Tarik , Goldthwaite Patricia T. , Wharam Moody D. , Carson Benjamin S. , Weingart Jon D. , Repka Michael X. , Cohen Kenneth J. , Burger Peter C.
Published: April 2008

Background

We aimed to determine the long‐term natural history of low‐grade astrocytomas (LGA) in children, with respect to pathology, and to evaluate influence of treatment on survival.

Patients and Methods

A consecutive cohort of patients ≤21 years with surgically confirmed LGA from 1965 to 1996 was assembled. All available pathology specimens were reviewed, masked to original diagnosis, patient data, and neuroimaging.

Results

Two hundred seventy‐eight children (160 males; mean age 9.1 years; tumor location: 77 cerebrum, 62 cerebellum, 51 hypothalamic, 30 thalamus, 9 ventricle, 40 brainstem, and 9 spine) were assessed. Among 246 specimens reviewed, diagnoses were 135 pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), 27 diffuse astrocytoma (DA), 75 unclassifiable well‐differentiated astrocytoma (NOS), and 9 subependymal giant cell astrocytoma. At 5 and 10 years from initial surgery, for all LGA overall survival (OS) was 87% and 83%, while progression‐free survival (PFS) was 55% and 42%, respectively. Original pathology diagnoses did not predict PFS (P = 0.47), but reviewed diagnoses were significantly associated with PFS (P = 0.007). Reviewed diagnoses were highly associated with OS (P < 0.0001), with 5‐year OS for PA 96%, DA 48%, and NOS 86%; these differences remained significant when stratified by location or extent of resection. Among patients with residual tumor after surgery, 5‐year PFS was 48% with observation alone (n = 114), no different (P = 0.32) from that achieved with immediate irradiation (n = 86).

Conclusion

LGA, particularly PA, have excellent long‐term OS. While tumor location and resection extent affect outcome, pathologic diagnosis when carefully interpreted significantly influences long‐term survival. Immediate postoperative irradiation does not confer an advantage in delaying first progression in children with residual PA. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:245–250. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting school achievement in boys and girls
Authors: Freudenthaler H. Harald , Spinath Birgit , Neubauer Aljoscha C.
Published: April 2008

This study investigates the extent to which girls' better school attainment is associated with sex differences in intelligence, personality and school‐related motivation. In a sample of 1353 Austrian pupils (mean age 13.74 years), intelligence, the Big Five of personality, self‐esteem, school anxiety, school‐related intrinsic motivation and achievement goals were assessed as predictors and GPA as achievement criterion. Most predictors yielded significant mean differences between sexes and some of the variables predicted school achievement only for boys or only for girls. Intelligence and self‐esteem were the strongest predictors of GPA for both sexes, and school‐related intrinsic motivation, school anxiety and performance‐avoidance goals explained additional variance in GPA only for boys, whereas work avoidance did so only for girls. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Engaging students at school and with learning: A relevant construct for all students
Authors: Furlong Michael J. , Christenson Sandra L.
Published: April 2008

No anstract.
Student engagement with school: Critical conceptual and methodological issues of the construct
Authors: Appleton James J. , Christenson Sandra L. , Furlong Michael J.
Published: April 2008

Research supports the connection between engagement, achievement, and school behavior across levels of economic and social advantage and disadvantage. Despite increasing interest and scientific findings, a number of interrelated conceptual and methodological issues must be addressed to advance this construct, particularly for designing data‐supported interventions that promote school completion and enhanced educational outcomes for all students. Of particular concern is the need to (a) develop consensus on the name of the construct, (b) identify reliable measures of the dimensions of the construct, and (c) complete the construct validation studies needed to move research and intervention forward. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engagement as flourishing: The contribution of positive emotions and coping to adolescents' engagement at school and with learning
Authors: Reschly Amy L. , Huebner E. Scott , Appleton James J. , Antaramian Susan
Published: April 2008

Fredrickson's (1998, 2001) broaden and build theory postulates that the experience of frequent positive emotions serves to broaden humans' thoughts and behaviors, resulting in accrual of resources, including coping resources, which catalyze upward spirals toward future well‐being. Initial research supports the tenets of broaden and build; however, few if any, studies have examined this theory with children or adolescents, particularly in the context of school experiences. This study explored the role of positive emotions during school, coping, and student engagement among a sample of 293 students in grades 7 to 10. As expected, frequent positive emotions during school were associated with higher levels of student engagement and negative emotions with lower levels of engagement. Positive emotions, but not negative emotions, were associated with adaptive coping, which was then associated with student engagement. The association between positive emotions and engagement was partially mediated by adaptive coping. Results support the broaden and build theory and the role of positive emotions in students' engagement at school and with learning. Implications and future directions for research are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploration of the normal human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid proteome
Authors: Chen Jinzhi , Ryu Soyoung , Gharib Sina A. , Goodlett David R. , Schnapp Lynn M.
Published: April 2008

We obtained insight into normal lung function by proteome analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from six normal human subjects using a “Lyse‐N‐Go' shotgun proteomic protocol. Intra‐sample variation was calculated using three different label‐free methods, (i) protein sequence coverage; (ii) peptide spectral counts and (iii) peptide single‐ion current areas (PICA), which generates protein expression data by summation of the area under the curve for a given peptide single‐ion current trace and then adding values for all peptides from that same parent protein. PICA gave the least intra‐subject variability and was used to calculate differences in protein expression between the six subjects. We observed an average threefold inter‐sample variability, which affects analysis of changes in protein expression that occur in different diseases. We detected 167 unique proteins with >100 proteins detected in each of the six individual BAL samples, 42 of which were common to all six subjects. Gene ontology analysis demonstrated enrichment of several biological processes in the lung, reflecting its expected role in gas exchange and host defense as an immune organ. The same biological processes were enriched compared to either plasma or total genome proteome, suggesting an active enrichment of plasma proteins in the lung rather than passive capillary leak.
Exploratory assessment of dose proportionality: review of current approaches and proposal for a practical criterion
Authors: Hummel Jürgen , McKendrick Sue , Brindley Charlie , French Raymond
Published: April 2008

This article reviews currently used approaches for establishing dose proportionality in Phase I dose escalation studies. A review of relevant literature between 2002 and 2006 found that the power model was the preferred choice for assessing dose proportionality in about one‐third of the articles. This article promotes the use of the power model and a conceptually appealing extension, i.e. a criterion based on comparing the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of predicted mean values from the extremes of the dose range (Rdnm) to pre‐defined equivalence criterion (ϑL,ϑU). The choice of bioequivalence default values of ϑL=0.8 and ϑU=1.25 seems reasonable for dose levels only a doubling apart but are impractically strict when applied over the complete dose range. Power calculations are used to show that this prescribed criterion lacks power to conclude dose proportionality in typical Phase I dose‐escalation studies. A more lenient criterion with values ϑL=0.5 and ϑU=2 is proposed for exploratory dose proportionality assessments across the complete dose range. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tanshinone IIB, a primary active constituent from Salvia miltiorrhiza, exerts neuroprotective effect via inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Yu Xue‐Qing , Xue Charlie Changli , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Li Chun‐Guang , Zhou Shu‐Feng
Published: April 2008

Tanshinone IIB (TSB) is a major active constituent of the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) widely used in the treatment of stroke and coronary heart disease in Asian countries. This study investigated the in vitro neuroprotective effects of TSB and the underlying mechanism. Co‐treatment with TSB significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of rat cortical neurons induced by staurosporine in a concentration‐dependent manner. Consistently, TSB significantly reduced the DNA laddering caused by staurosporine in a concentration‐dependent manner. TSB also suppressed the elevated Bax protein and decreased bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 proteins induced by staurosporine in rat cortical neurons. These findings indicated that TSB had a neuroprotective effect via inhibition of apoptosis. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of other apoptosis‐related signaling proteins and reperfusion‐related mechanisms in the protective effect of TSB on neurons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of various parts of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula: isolation of active principles from the leaves and the berries
Authors: Faizi Shaheen , Khan Rashid Ali , Mughal Najma Rasool , Malik Mariam Shafique , Sajjadi Kaneez‐e‐Sayyeda , Ahmad Aqeel
Published: April 2008

Methanol extracts of leaves, stem, twigs, green berries, flowers, roots, root‐wood and root‐bark of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula, were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal potentials. Bioassay monitored isolation work on the methanol extract of leaves and berries which possess promising antibacterial activity led to the isolation of seven clerodane diterpenoids, 16(R and S)‐hydroxy‐cleroda‐3,13(14)Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide (1), 16‐oxo‐cleroda‐3,13(14)E‐dien‐15‐oic acid (2), methyl‐16‐oxo‐cleroda‐3,13(14)E‐dien‐15‐oate (3), 2‐oxo‐kolavenic acid (4), 16 (R and S)‐hydroxy‐cleroda‐3,13(14)Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide‐2‐one (5), (4→2)‐abeo‐16(R and S)‐hydroxy‐cleroda‐2,13(14)Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide‐3‐al (6), 3β,16α‐dihydroxy‐cleroda‐4(18), 13(14)Z‐dien‐15,16‐olide (7), while kolavenic acid (8) and solidagonal acid (9) were obtained from the root‐wood. Diterpenoids 1 and 8 were also obtained from the root‐bark. It is the first report of the isolation of 7 and 9 from this source, and clerodane 3 was obtained as a natural product for the first time.

Clerodanes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 were found to be active antimicrobial agents with MIC values ranging between 7.8 and 500 µg/mL. Diterpenoid 1 emerged as the most active antimicrobial agent. The acetyl derivative (10) of 1 and the methyl derivative (3) of 2 were found to be less active than the parent compounds. A complex of allantoin was also obtained from the berries, which on hydrolysis furnished pure allantoin (11). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of linoleic and α‐linolenic acids as COX‐1 and ‐2 inhibitors in rose hip
Authors: Jäger A. K. , Petersen K. N. , Thomasen G. , Christensen S. Brøgger
Published: April 2008

Rose hip has previously shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis, and organic solvent extracts of rose hip have showed inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2. A petroleum ether extract of rose hip was fractioned by VLC on silica; on a C‐18 column and by HPLC. Each step was COX‐1/2 activity‐guided. The bioassay‐guided fractionation led to the isolation of linoleic acid (the IC50 for COX‐1 was 85 µm and 0.6 µm for COX‐2) and α‐linolenic acid (the IC50 for COX‐1 was 52 µm and 12 µm for COX‐2). The COX‐2/COX‐1 ratio was 0.007 for linoleic acid and 0.2 for α‐linolenic acid. Linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid contribute to the COX‐1 and ‐2 inhibitory activity of rose hip. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of multiply charged atomic ions for isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Hotchkis Michael A. C. , Button David , Waring Chris L.
Published: April 2008

We have investigated the use of multiply charged atomic ions for the measurement of isotopic ratios of gaseous and vapour samples. We use a mass spectrometer system incorporating an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source for this purpose. In the cases of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, the selection of the 2+ atomic species is found to be the most effective for obtaining reliable isotopic ratios. Using samples of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, air and water vapour, we have demonstrated the determination of the isotopic ratios 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 17O/16O and 18O/16O. For oxygen, this technique offers an alternative to the equilibration or purification methods normally required to obtain isotopic ratios of water or other oxygen‐containing samples. In particular, 17O/16O can be measured directly without isobaric interference from OH+. With typical ionization efficiencies of greater than 10%, ECR ion sources have the potential to enable measurements on very small samples. In addition to those evaluated in the present work, there is scope for application of this method to other sample types, to a variety of sampling methods, and to other elements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust P‐value for treatment effect in meta‐analysis with publication bias
Authors: Copas John B. , Malley Paul F.
Published: April 2008

Publication bias is a major and intractable problem in meta‐analysis. There have been several attempts in the literature to adapt methods to allow for such bias, but these are only possible if we are prepared to make strong assumptions about the underlying selection mechanism. We discuss the assumption that the probability that a paper is published may depend in some unspecified way on the P‐value being claimed by that study. We suggest a new robust P‐value for the overall treatment effect, which turns out to be closely related to the correlation of the associated radial plot. Properties of the method are discussed and illustrated in two examples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Study of the Starch Digestibility of Araucaria angustifolia and Araucaria araucana Seed Flour
Authors: Conforti Paula A. , Lupano Cecilia E.
Published: April 2008

Araucaria angustifolia and Araucaria araucana are South American conifers; the former grows in southern and south‐eastern Brazil and north‐eastern Argentina and the latter grows in mountainous region of southern Argentina and Chile. The seeds of the conifers have been consumed by the natives for a long time. Araucaria seed flour is used to prepare traditional dishes such as “alfajores”. In this work, the characteristics, proximate composition and in vitro starch digestibility of both seeds were studied. The main component of the seed is starch, with starch content higher in A. angustifolia. The disruption and collapse of the starch granules after boiling the seeds was much more evident in A. angustifolia, probably due to their lower fibre content. This can explain the higher digestibility of A. angustifolia starch with respect to A. araucana.
Defining changeability: Reconciling flexibility, adaptability, scalability, modifiability, and robustness for maintaining system lifecycle value
Authors: Ross Adam M. , Rhodes Donna H. , Hastings Daniel E.
Published: April 2008

Designing and maintaining systems in a dynamic contemporary environment requires a rethinking of how systems provide value to stakeholders over time. Developing either changeable or classically robust systems are approaches to promoting value sustainment. But ambiguity in definitions across system domains has resulted in an inability to specify, design, and verify to ilities that promote value sustainment. In order to develop domain‐neutral constructs for improved system design, the definitions of flexibility, adaptability, scalability, modifiability, and robustness are shown to relate to the core concept of “changeability,” described by three aspects: change agents, change effects, and change mechanisms. In terms of system form or function parameter changes, flexibility and adaptability reflect the location of the change agent—system boundary external or internal respectively. Scalability, modifiability, and robustness relate to change effects, which are quantified differences in system parameters before and after a change has occurred. The extent of changeability is determined using a tradespace network formulation, counting the number of possible and decision‐maker acceptable change mechanisms available to a system, quantified as the filtered outdegree. Designing changeable systems allows for the possibility of maintaining value delivery over a system lifecycle, in spite of changes in contexts, thereby achieving value robustness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Expanded adipose tissue: ‘out of breath’ and inflamed
Authors: Sell Henrike , Eckel Juergen
Published: April 2008

The study of hypoxia in adipose tissue in relation to obesity is timely, since some very recent studies have put these topics in a physiological context.
Retained knife blades in the ear, nose and throat: three cases
Authors: van Lierop A C , Raynham O , Basson O , Lubbe D E
Published: April 2008

Objective:

To discuss the management and to review the literature regarding retained knife blades in the head and neck.

Case report:

We present three cases in which patients presented with retained knife blades in the head and neck region; in two of these, the diagnosis was delayed by more than eight weeks. In all patients, the retained knife blade was removed through the pathway of insertion, without significant sequelae.

Discussion:

The methods of removal, appropriate radiological investigations and patient profiles are discussed.

Conclusions:

We propose that radiography be performed on all patients presenting with facial stab injuries which are anything more than superficial. We further suggest that the direct extraction of sharp objects through the pathway of insertion is safe if radiological studies show no risk of vascular injury.
Complications after type one thyroplasty: is day-case surgery feasible?
Authors: Bray D , Young J P , Harries M L
Published: April 2008

Objectives and hypothesis:

Isshiki type one medialisation thyroplasty is an accepted treatment for a unilateral immobile vocal fold. It can also be performed simultaneously as a bilateral procedure in patients with severe bowing of the vocal folds (e.g. presbyphonia). The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence and timing of post-operative complications, and to evaluate whether patients undergoing this operation could, in future, be treated as day cases.

Study design and methods:

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 57 consecutive patients who had undergone a type one thyroplasty (52 unilateral and five bilateral) at a tertiary referral centre between April 2003 and April 2006. Post-operative improvement in the voice (measured subjectively, perceptually and quantitatively) was considered to constitute a successful outcome. Any complications were documented.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients who had undergone laryngeal framework surgery were recruited from the study database. All of these patients had undergone either unilateral or bilateral type one medialisation thyroplasty but no arytenoid surgery. Thirty-seven were male (65 per cent) and 20 female (35 per cent), and there was left-sided predominance (74 per cent). All patients were discharged the morning following afternoon surgery (i.e. within 24 hours). Complications occurred in four patients (7 per cent). One patient, who was taking warfarin, developed a post-operative haematoma which resolved with conservative treatment. Two patients (both of whom had undergone revision thyroplasty) developed a wound infection three days post-operatively, which resolved with antibiotics. One patient returned with hoarseness five months post-operatively, after an initially successful result. This patient had previously received radiotherapy for early glottic carcinoma, and the Silastic® implant was eroding through the mucosa. This was subsequently removed under general anaesthesia. No patients developed complications leading to airway compromise.

Conclusion:

The only complications in this series were in patients taking anticoagulation medication, undergoing revision surgery, or in whom the laryngeal tissue was atrophic or absent. Careful patient selection to exclude any of the above should reduce the risk of complications. The authors would therefore advocate type one thyroplasty for unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis as a suitable procedure for day-case surgery within our department.
Teaching and assessing L2 pragmatics: What can we expect from learners?
Authors: Cohen Andrew D.
Published: April 2008

This paper starts by giving a rationale for why there is value in explicitly teaching second-language (L2) learners pragmatics in the target language. The importance of a research basis for choosing pragmatic materials to teach is underscored, and the focus is put on sources for materials on pragmatics and the means of data collection. Issues in the teaching of pragmatics are considered, including determining which material to teach, how to prepare teachers to teach it, and the role of teachers in facilitating the learning of pragmatics. Next, L2 pragmatics is viewed from the learners' perspective, in terms of the learning and performance of pragmatics, as well as approaches to assessing what it is that learners are able to do in a pragmatically appropriate way. Finally, consideration is given to the role of technology in making pragmatics accessible to learners, with reference to a website for teachers and curriculum writers and to websites designed for learners of specific languages such as Japanese and Spanish. Recent work on virtual environments for practicing Spanish pragmatics is discussed and preliminary findings from a small-scale study of this effort are reported.
Review of doctoral research in second-language teaching and learning in Australia (2003–2006)
Authors: Burns Anne , Paltridge Brian , Wigglesworth Gillian
Published: April 2008

This article reviews recent doctoral research in Australian universities in the area of language teaching and learning. Doctoral work in three main areas of research concentration is described: language teaching, language learning, and writing. The authors whose studies are reviewed are graduates of the Australian National University, Griffith University, Macquarie University, the University of Technology, Sydney, the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, the University of Melbourne, Monash University, La Trobe University, Deakin University and Murdoch University.
Stable contour-following control of wheeled mobile robots
Authors: Toibero Juan Marcos , Roberti Flavio , Carelli Ricardo
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a continuous wall-following controller for wheeled mobile robots based on odometry and distance information. The reference for this controller is the desired distance from the robot to the wall and allows the robot to follow straight wall contour as well as smoothly varying wall contours by including the curvature of the wall into the controller. The asymptotic stability of the control system is proved using a Lyapunov analysis. The controller is designed so as to avoid saturation of the angular velocity command to the robot. A novel switching scheme is also proposed that allows the robot to follow discontinuous contours allowing the robotic system to deal with typical problems of continuous wall-following controllers such as open corners and possible collisions. This strategy overcomes these instances by switching between dedicated behavior-based controllers. The stability of the switching control system is discussed by considering Lyapunov concepts. The proposed control systems are verified experimentally in laboratory and office environments to show the feasibility and good performance of the control algorithms.
Nursing home performance in resident care in the United States: is it only a matter of for-profit versus not-for-profit?
Authors: DECKER FREDERIC H.
Published: April 2008

Poorer resident care in US for-profit relative to not-for-profit nursing homes is usually blamed on the profit motive. But US nursing home performance may relate to Medicaid public financing in a manner qualifying the relationship between ownership and quality. We investigated effects of Medicaid resident census, Medicaid payment, and occupancy on performance. Resource dependence theory implies these predictors may affect discretion in resources invested in resident care across for-profit and not-for-profit facilities. Models on physical restraint use and registered nurse (RN) staffing were studied using generalized estimating equations with panel data derived from certification inspections of nursing homes. Restraint use increased and RN staffing levels decreased among for-profit and not-for-profit facilities when the Medicaid census increased and Medicaid payment decreased. Interaction effects supported a theory that performance relates to available discretion in resource allocation. Effects of occupancy appear contingent on the dependence on Medicaid. Poorer performance among US for-profit nursing homes may relate to for-profit homes having lower occupancy, higher Medicaid census, and operating in US states with lower Medicaid payments compared to not-for-profit homes. Understanding the complexity of factors affecting resources expended on resident care may further our understanding of the production of quality in nursing homes, whether in the US or elsewhere.
Development and Applications of New Measures of Life Stressors, Social Resources, and Coping Responses 1Presented at the 23rd International Congress of Applied Psychology in Madrid, Spain, July 1994. Preparation of the manuscript was supported by NIAAA Grants AA06699 and AA02863 and by Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Service funds.
Authors: Moos Rudolf H.
Published: April 2008

The paper begins by presenting a conceptual framework that focuses on how personal and social resources aid people in confronting acute and chronic stressors. It then describes the Life Stressors and Social Resources Inventory (LISRES), which assesses stressors and resources in eight life domains, and the Coping Responses Inventory (CRI), which assesses eight sets of approach and avoidance coping responses. To illustrate how such measures can help to address important issues in stress and coping, examples are presented from longitudinal studies of adaptation among distressed and healthy adults. Finally, implications of the work for practitioners and program evaluators are examined and directions for future research are considered.
Loneliness Among Young Egyptian Adults: Affective Dimensions of Loneliness
Authors: Ginter Earl J. , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Scalise Joseph J.
Published: April 2008

A sample of 417 young adults from Egypt participated in the present study. Participants completed an Arabic version of the Loneliness Rating Scale. The current study hypothesized that loneliness is multidimensional in nature. It was also hypothesized that given the unique cultural environment of Egypt one of the affective dimensions uncovered would have a strong “social” theme and that the remaining dimension or dimensions would reflect themes that denote a sense of dejection and depletion. The 40 affective items comprising the revised scale were analyzed via factor analysis. A two-factor solution was retained as the most statistically sound solution; one factor was labeled Intrapersonal Loneliness and the other Interpersonal Loneliness. The results support the hypotheses.
Cross-Cultural Validation of Item Complexity in a LLTM-Calibrated Spatial Ability Test
Authors: Tanzer Norbert K. , Gittler Georg , Ellis Barbara B.
Published: April 2008

In the “Linear Logistic Test Model” (LLTM; Fischer, 1983 ), item difficulties of intelligence/ability test items can be modeled in terms of hypothesized facets of complexity. This feature of the LLTM makes it possible to classify cross-cultural bias on a conceptual level that is beyond simple detection of DIF items. In the present study, a spatial ability test, the “Three-Dimensional Cube Comparison Test” (3DC; Gittler, 1990 ), was administered to university students, 384 from the United States and 307 from Austria. Compared to subjects from Austria, US students worked faster but scored considerably lower overall. It is suggested that these differences in test-taking behavior were probably caused by motivational factors. After differences in motivation were accounted for, responses were analyzed using the LLTM and no cross-cultural differences were found in the hypothesized complexity facets of the 3DC items. However, a sufficient number of warm-up items is crucial to ensure the cross-cultural equivalence of the 3DC test.
A Partial Test of Hulin's Psychometric Theory of Measurement Equivalence in Translated Tests
Authors: Ellis Barbara B.
Published: April 2008

Hulin (1987) suggested that the a and b parameters of item characteristic curves (ICCs) for test items that function differentially when translated for use in another culture (i.e., DIF items) may provide useful information about the source of DIF. Hulin hypothesized that a-parameter differences and b-parameter differences “have much different linguistic and measurement implications.” He proposed that DIF due to b-parameter differences is due to translation error; DIF due to a-parameter differences is indicative of more “profound cultural bias.” The 118-item Trier Personality Inventory was administered (in German) shortly after reunification to 300 East and 298 West Germans. Thus, the source of any DIF discovered could not be due to translation error. IRT analysis revealed two significant DIF items and two items with DIF indices that approached significance. In disagreement with Hulin, there were large differences in the b parameters along with modest differences in the a parameters for three out of four DIF items. Likewise, examination of ICCs for DIF items failed to provide empirical support for Hulin's hypothesis. Implications of these findings for test translators are discussed.
Cross-Cultural Bias in Likert-Type Inventories: Perfect Matching Factor Structures and Still Biased?
Authors: Tanzer Norbert K.
Published: April 2008

The academic self-concept, measured by the Reading self-concept scale and the Math self-concept scale of the “Self-Description-Questionnaire I” (SDQ-I; Marsh, 1988 ), of Singaporean Chinese sixth-graders (600 boys and 600 girls) was compared to those of a sample of 1200 Australian students of the same age and gender composition drawn from the SDQ-I calibration sample. As the Singaporeans were fluent in English, the original English scale was used so as to avoid possible translation bias. Each scale consists of four interest items, two competence items, and two task-easiness items. Subjects answered all items on a five-point rating scale ranging from “false” to “true.” Although the factor structure of the Singaporean Chinese resembled closely those of their Australian counterparts, substantial cross-cultural bias emerged between interest items and competence/easiness items when treated as a single scale. This is because Singaporean students as compared to the Australians were more reluctant to agree to items with self-praise connotation. In addition, cross-cultural differences were found in the psychological meaning of the rating categories.
Test Qualifications and Test Use in the UK: The Competence Approach
Authors: Bartram Dave
Published: April 2008

The paper describes the current British Psychological Society (BPS) approach to the development of professional test user qualifications through the use of a competence-based approach to the certification of test users. The rationale is described and contrasted with previous mechanisms for controlling standards in test use. The overall strategy is to develop more competent test users and to provide better information for them about tests. The latter is being accomplished through the establishment of a Register of Test Users with its associated journal Selection and Development Review; and the publication by BPS Books of regular test reviews and updates. To date, a Certification process has been implemented relating to psychological test use in occupational assessment settings. This comprises qualifications at two levels: “Level A” (tests of ability and aptitude) and “Level B” (personality assessment). The design and implementation of this system has raised many problems - theoretical, practical, political, and commercial. The focus of the new approach represents a radical change from past practice. It emphasises the competence of test users - rather than the means by which competence is attained. Standards have been defined and mechanisms established for assessing competence and for verifying and monitoring the quality of the assessment process.
Classroom Interaction Evaluation Through Sequential Analysis of Observational Data
Authors: Tójar Juan-Carlos
Published: April 2008

In this paper, an example of research in which interaction within the classroom is evaluated using a technique of sequential analysis starting from log-linear and logit models is presented. The research was carried out among students in their last year of secondary school (17-18 year olds). The general aim was to improve the teaching-learning environment through evaluating interaction. The context of study, the categorization process, the records and the observational sampling carried out and the records obtained and briefly described, are sequentially analyzed using log-linear and especially logit models, and by placing special emphasis on the concordance of the observational measurement . From the chosen model, a set of aspects of great interest is studied in depth to examine the interpretation of the results (mainly the adjusted residuals and the -ers estimated from the model). Finally, there is a discussion about a series of considerations relating to the choice of the logit models and to the usefulness and applicability of the sequential analysis in the evaluation of interaction in educational contexts.
Innovation and Intelligence Testing: The Curious Case of the Dog that Didn't Bark
Authors: Sternberg Robert J. , Kaufman James C.
Published: April 2008

We argue that intelligence testing has been painfully slow to evolve, and that, arguably, it shows the slowest rate of evolution of any major technology. We consider a number of reasons for this glacial pace of evolution, and suggest what might be done to speed it up. The major obstacles to evolution seem to have been (a) the belief on the part of test developers that their tests are satisfactory as is, (b) the cost of developing new tests, (c) the validation of new tests against old ones, reinforcing the trend toward new tests that look like old ones, (d) failure fully to consider implicit theories of intelligence, and (e) test constructors who do test construction because they do well on and value existing instruments.
Examining a Model of Stress Reactions of Bank Directors
Authors: Seegers Gerard , van Elderen Thérèse
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate to what level work-related and environmental/personality characteristics explain individual differences in psychological and physical well-being, and absenteeism. The Michigan model, as developed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, was used as a base for further analyses. A number of 376 bank directors was included in the study. Using the LISREL program for testing causal assumptions, a model resulted that explained substantial amounts of variance for psychological and physical well-being. The model, however, was not effective to explain absenteeism.
The Factor Structure of the Problem Solving Inventory
Authors: Maydeu-Olivares Albert , D'Zurilla Thomas J.
Published: April 2008

Heppner and Petersen (1982) derived a three-dimensional structure for the items of the Problem Solving Inventory using principal components analysis. D'Zurilla and Maydeu-Olivares (1995) pointed out the lack of any clear link of the scales of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) to social problem-solving theory, which impairs the interpretation of any empirical results obtained with the use of this inventory. To address this issue, we used maximum likelihood factor analysis to investigate the dimensional structure of this inventory. We found that an unrestricted three-dimensional model adequately fit this data but did not match Heppner and Petersen's structure, nor could it be interpreted substantively. Neither four- nor five-dimensional models could be interpreted regardless of the rotation procedure used. Although a two-factor model did not fit the data adequately either, a careful content analysis of the PSI items revealed only two interpretable clusters of items in this inventory, measuring problem-solving self-efficacy and problem solving skills, respectively. In addition, there is also a heterogeneous cluster of items responsible for the residual third dimension appearing in Heppner and Petersen's as well as in the current analyses. Using a theory-guided item-selection procedure we constructed two new PSI scales measuring the two interpretable constructs. The items composing these scales are shown to fit an independent clusters two-dimensional solution.
Psychological Testing in South Africa: Perspectives Regarding Ethical and Fair Practices
Authors: Foxcroft Cheryl D.
Published: April 2008

It is argued in this paper that the practice of psychological testing in South Africa needs to be understood in terms of the impact that past apartheid political policies have had on test development and use. I first reflect on the past and then present and discuss current issues that threaten the fair and ethical use of tests. Finally, I propose two ways of enhancing the ethical use of tests in South Africa, that is, the development of a Code of Fair Testing Practice as well as a national test development agenda.
A secondary ionization mass spectrometry calibration of Cibicidoides pachyderma Mg/Ca with temperature
Authors: Curry W. B. , Marchitto T. M.
Published: April 2008

An evaluation of C. pachyderma Mg/Ca using a new suite of warm water multicores from the Florida Straits shows that the slope of Mg/Ca with temperature is shallower than previously thought. Using secondary ionization mass spectrometry, we have documented that the distribution of magnesium within the polished walls of foraminiferal tests is Gaussian, suggesting that the Mg/Ca in these samples is not affected by the addition of a secondary high‐magnesium calcite in the walls. The Mg/Ca within a typical C. pachyderma test varies by about ±20% (1σ/μ · 100), and the variability increases slightly in tests with higher Mg/Ca. The regression of C. pachyderma Mg/Ca with temperature has a slope of 0.13 ± 0.05 mmol mol−1 per °C, indistinguishable from the slope observed in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry measurements from a different subset of the same multicores, but about one half the slope of previously published calibrations. The largest differences between the calibrations comes at the warm water end of the regression, where previously published C. pachyderma Mg/Ca values from Little Bahama Bank are at least 3 mmol mol−1 higher than observed in these new cores. The reasons for this difference are not fully known but are most likely related to diagenesis at Little Bahama Bank.
Multifrequency geoacoustic imaging of fluid escape structures offshore Costa Rica: Implications for the quantification of seep processes
Authors: Klaucke Ingo , Masson Douglas G. , Petersen C. Jörg , Weinrebe Wilhelm , Ranero César R.
Published: April 2008

Quantification of fluid fluxes from cold seeps depends on accurate estimates of the spatial validity of flux measurements. These estimates are strongly influenced by the choice of geoacoustic mapping tools. Multibeam bathymetry, side‐scan sonar, and Chirp subbottom profiler data of several mound‐shaped cold seeps offshore central Costa Rica show great variety in morphology and structure although the features are only a few kilometers apart. Mound 11 (a 35 m high and 1000 m in diameter structure), situated in the SE of the study area, has an irregular morphology but a smooth surface on side‐scan sonar data, while mound 12 (30 m high, 600 m across) is a cone of more regular outline but with a rough surface, and mound Grillo (5 m high, 500 m across) shows the same rough surface as mound 12 but without relief. Video observations and sediment cores indicate that the structures are formed by the precipitation of authigenic carbonates and indications for extensive mud extrusion are absent, except for one possible mudflow at mound 11. Different sonar frequencies result in variable estimates of the extent of these mounds with low frequencies suggesting much wider cold seeps, consequently overestimating fluid fluxes. The absence of mud volcanism compared to accretionary prisms where mud volcanism occurs is related to different tectonic styles: strong sediment overpressure and thrust faulting in typical accretionary prisms can generate mud volcanism, while subduction erosion and normal faulting (extension) of the overriding plate at the Costa Rican margin result in fluid venting driven by only slight fluid overpressures.
Nonvolcanic tremor observed in the Mexican subduction zone
Authors: Payero Juan S. , Kostoglodov Vladimir , Shapiro Nikolai , Mikumo Takeshi , Iglesias Arturo , Pérez‐Campos Xyoli , Clayton Robert W.
Published: April 2008

Nonvolcanic tremor (NVT) activity is revealed as episodes of higher spectral amplitude at 1–8 Hz in daily spectrograms from the continuous seismological records in Guerrero, Mexico. The analyzed data cover a period of 2001–2007 when in 2001–2002 a large slow slip event (SSE) had occurred in the Guerrero‐Oaxaca region, and then a new large SSE occurred in 2006. The tremor burst is dominated by S‐waves. More than 100 strong NVT bursts were recorded in the narrow band of ∼40 × 150 km2 to the south of Iguala City and parallel to the coastline. Depths of NVT hypocenters are mostly scattered in the continental crust between 5 and 40 km depth. Tremor activity is higher during the 2001–2002 and 2006 SSE compared with that for the “quiet” period of 2003–2005. While resistivity pattern in Guerrero does not correlate directly with the NVT distribution, gravity and magnetic anomaly modeling favors a hypothesis that the NVT is apparently related to the dehydration and serpentinization processes.
Interactions between boreal wildfire and urban emissions
Authors: Bein Keith J. , Zhao Yongjing , Johnston Murray V. , Wexler Anthony S.
Published: April 2008

A suite of particulate, gaseous and meteorological measurements during the Pittsburgh Supersite experiment were used to characterize the impact of the 2002 Quebec wildfires on pollutant concentrations and physical and chemical processes dominant in the region. Temporal trends in the number distribution of wildfire particles (isolated using Rapid Single‐ultrafine‐particle Mass Spectrometry data) combined with CO, NOx and O3 mixing ratios identified two separate periods (Periods I and II) when the measurement site was directly impacted by plumes of relatively unprocessed wildfire emissions; i.e., increases in primary ultrafine wildfire particles, CO and NOx concomitant with a decrease in O3 from intraplume NOx titration. Carbonaceous particle number distributions predominantly associated with vehicular emissions, PM2.5 sulfate mass concentration and SO2 mixing ratio resolved individual components of local and regional sources. Single particle signatures indicated a period of intense atmospheric processing following Period II that caused rapid growth of the ultrafine mode due to simultaneous sulfate and secondary organic mass accumulation, resulting in significant changes to particle physical and chemical properties. Particle growth was concurrent with large increases in O3 and maxima in incoming solar radiation and ambient temperature and is posited to have occurred in situ as the air mass, containing a mixture of urban and wildfire emissions, was advected past the site. In total, the current work demonstrates significant added severity for pollution episodes in an area already burdened by large anthropogenic emission rates due to the impact of the 2002 Quebec wildfires. High levels of atmospheric processing increased sulfate accumulation and SOA formation and brought PM2.5 mass concentrations close to, and O3 mixing ratios in excess of, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Projections of increasing wildfire activity under a warming climate may increase the frequency and severity of such events.
Western Canadian glaciers advance in concert with climate change circa 4.2 ka
Authors: Menounos Brian , Clague John J. , Osborn Gerald , Luckman Brian H. , Lakeman Thomas R. , Minkus Ryan
Published: April 2008

Disparate climate proxies from the Northern Hemisphere record a climate event at 4.2–3.8 ka. Here we show that glaciers throughout the mountain ranges of western Canada advanced at about this time. This conclusion is based on (1) new and previously reported radiocarbon ages on in situ stumps, logs, branches, and soils exposed by recent retreat in glacier forefields and (2) clastic‐rich sediment intervals in cores retrieved from four montane lakes. These glacier and lacustrine data indicate a period of several decades to century length when climate conditions (cool summers, wet winters or both) favoured glacier nourishment and advance across western Canada.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (tgf-&946;1) induces angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor (vegf)-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Ferrari Giovanni , Cook B , Terushkin Vitaly , Pintucci Giuseppe , Mignatti Paolo
Published: April 2008

VEGF and TGF-[beta]1 induce angiogenesis but have opposing effects on endothelial cells. VEGF protects endothelial cells from apoptosis; TGF-[beta]1 induces apoptosis. We have previously shown that VEGF / VEGF receptor-2 (flk-1) signaling mediates TGF-[beta]1 induction of apoptosis. This finding raised an important question: Does this mechanism stimulate or inhibit angiogenesis? Here we report that VEGF-mediated apoptosis is required for TGF-[beta]1 induction of angiogenesis. In vitro the apoptotic effect of TGF-[beta]1 on endothelial cells is rapid and followed by a long period in which the cells are refractory to apoptosis induction by TGF-[beta]1. Inhibition of VEGF / flk-1 signaling abrogates formation of vessel-like structures by TGF-[beta]1 with an effect comparable to that of z-VAD, an apoptosis inhibitor. Similarly, genetic deficiency of VEGF abolishes TGF-[beta]1 upregulation of endothelial cell differentiation and formation of vascular structures in embryoid bodies. In vivo TGF-[beta]1 induces endothelial cell apoptosis as rapidly as in vitro. Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-[beta]1 induction of both apoptosis and angiogenesis, an effect similar to that of z-VAD. Thus, TGF-[beta]1 induction of angiogenesis requires rapid and transient endothelial cell apoptosis mediated by VEGF/flk-1. This novel, unexpected role of VEGF and flk-1 indicates VEGF-mediated apoptosis as a potential target to control angiogenesis.