bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the efficiency of pharmacokinetic sample procurement, preparation and analysis by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Villa Josephine S. , Cass Robert T. , Karr Dane E. , Adams Stacy M. , Shaw Jeng‐Pyng , Schmidt Donald E.
Published: April 2004

The movement towards a 96‐well format has greatly increased productivity and throughput in bioanalytical laboratories. Improvements in automated sample preparation and analytical methods have further contributed to increased productivity. We have focused on sample collection and transfer to the bioanalyst and have found improvements to the current available methods. The problem of manual transfers and plasma clotting issues can be overcome with the use of microtainers. Specifically, for illustrative purposes, three proprietary Theravance compounds were tested for stability, non‐specific binding, and electrospray ion suppression in microtainers. There were no issues with stability, non‐specific binding or ion suppression for the above compounds even after leaving plasma samples in the microtainers over long periods of time. The microtainers are robot‐compatible and the resulting plasma can be transferred without clotting issues. To date, all in‐house compounds successfully analyzed and tested using the microtainers have mass ranges between 200 and 1800 Da, pKa ranges between 3.8 and 10.3, and logD ranges between −1.7 and 4.2. Once samples are transferred into 96‐well plates, flexibility in preparation and analysis is available. Together with automated sample preparation and the use of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) as an analytical tool, the use of microtainers as sample collection tubes and for sample storage saved considerable time, cost and effort in both of our pharmacokinetic (PK) and bioanalytical groups. This in turn has led to an increased efficiency and overall throughput in support of our drug discovery effort. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of in vitro metabolites of rutaecarpine in rat liver microsomes using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Sang Kyu , Lee Jaeick , Lee Eung‐Seok , Jahng Yurngdong , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Jeong Tae Cheon
Published: April 2004

Following incubation of rutaecarpine, a new cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor, with rat liver microsomes, the structures of the metabolites were characterized by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Nine metabolites corresponding to mono‐ or dihydroxylated rutaecarpine were formed. Characteristic product ions for the identification of rutaecarpine metabolites were observed at m/z 136, 158 and 286. The loss of water led to the fragment ion at m/z 286, indicating the hydroxylation of the aliphatic ring. The fragment ion at m/z 136 indicated the hydroxylated form of the phenyl group of the quinazolinone moiety, while that at m/z 158 indicated the hydroxylated form of the aromatic ring of the indole moiety. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring contraction reactions of 2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐1,3‐oxazin‐4‐ones under electrospray ionization conditions
Authors: Ma Yuan , Liu Wei , Chen Yi , Zhao Yufen
Published: April 2004

The mass spectral behavior of 2,3‐dihydro‐4H‐1,3‐oxazin‐4‐ones has been investigated using electrospray ionization multi‐stage mass spectrometry (ESI‐MSn). All compounds showed a predominant retro‐Diels‐Alder (RDA) fragmentation pathway, and a novel ring contraction reaction by loss of isocynates was also found. The fragmentation mechanisms proposed for 4H‐1,3‐oxazin‐4‐ones are supported by ESI‐MS/MS/MS spectra. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of electrospray deposition in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry sample preparation for synthetic polymers
Authors: Wetzel Stephanie J. , Guttman Charles M. , Flynn Kathleen M.
Published: April 2004

Although electrospray sample deposition in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) sample preparation increases the repeatability of both the MALDI signal intensity and the measured molecular mass distribution (MMD), the electrospray sample deposition method may influence the apparent MMD of a synthetic polymer. The MMDs of three polymers of differing thermal stability, polystyrene (PS), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), were studied by MALDI time‐of‐flight (TOF) MS as the electrospray deposition voltage was varied. The MMDs obtained using the electrospray deposition method were compared with those obtained for hand‐spotted samples. No change was observed in the measured polymer MMD when the electrospray deposition voltage was varied in the analysis of PS, but those of PEG and PPG changed at higher electrospray voltages due to increased ion fragmentation. It was also shown that the fragmentation in the hand‐spotted samples is dependent on the matrix used in sample preparation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of mergers on firms' product‐mix strategies
Authors: Krishnan Ranjani A. , Joshi Satish , Krishnan Hema
Published: April 2004

This study draws on the institutional and resource‐based theories of the firm and examines whether multi‐product firms use mergers as a strategic tool to reconfigure their product‐mix toward high‐profit products. We propose that mergers facilitate product‐mix reconfiguration by relaxing institutional and organizational constraints on resource redeployment. Analysis of data from the U.S. hospital industry reveals that, relative to non‐merging hospitals, merging hospitals increased their presence in profitable, insured services but did not shift away from low‐profit services used by the uninsured. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scalability of mobile, base‐station‐oriented RF networks
Authors: Thakkar Sohil , Chandrashekar Karthikeyan , Milner Stuart D.
Published: April 2004

The performance and scalability of mobile, base‐station‐oriented wireless networks with respect to routing and mobility models is addressed in this paper. Using systems‐oriented, large‐scale discrete event simulation, both performance scalability and complexity scalability are analyzed. Performance scalability addresses the effect of network size on system performance. Complexity scalability, in this case, consists of communication complexity (i.e. amount of control information exchanged to create and maintain network connectivity). Results confirmed the scalability of base‐station‐oriented networks using the routing, and mobility models, using over 2000 fully dynamic hosts and routers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of dynamic addressing techniques in mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Sun Yuan , Belding‐Royer Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2004

Dynamic address assignment enables nodes in mobile ad hoc networks to obtain a routable address without the need for any explicit configuration. It provides a means for nodes to communicate without any centralized infrastructure and provides a mechanism for dynamic network membership. Recently, a considerable number of dynamic addressing protocols have been proposed. While these approaches bear some similarities to each other, they also differ in some important characteristics. To understand the benefits of these different approaches, it is necessary to test the protocols in a wide range of network conditions so that their performance and suitability can be predicted. This paper studies existing solutions by categorizing and qualitatively analyzing the scalability and other performance properties of the approaches. We also introduce a new addressing approach that provides both quick and efficient unique address assignment. We then compare selected protocols through quantitative analysis based on extensive simulations. Based on the simulation results, we point out the applicability of the protocols and offer suggestions to improve protocol performance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved capacity bounds for wireless networks
Authors: Agarwal Ashish , Kumar P. R.
Published: April 2004

We obtain improved upper and lower bounds on the best case and random case transport capacities of wireless networks under the Protocol Model of communication in Reference [1]. These results bracket the best case transport capacity to within a factor of $\sqrt8$ for wireless networks on a disk. This is done by identifying larger exclusion regions for receivers. The general result on exclusion regions can also be applied to arbitrary wireless footprints, including those arising from directional antennas, thus obtaining superior bounds for such technologies too. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential expression of cytokines in the rat heart in response to sustained volume overload
Authors: Dai R.P. , Dheen S.T. , He B.P. , Tay S.S.W.
Published: April 2004

Objective:

The present study aimed to investigate whether sustained volume overload is capable of inducing persistent upregulation of cardiac cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, interleukin (IL)‐6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1.

Methods and Results:

Volume overload‐induced heart hypertrophy in rats was established by aortacaval fistula, and the cardiac cytokines were measured in the myocardium from 1 to 4 weeks after operation. In the post‐fistula rats, cardiac IL‐1β and IL‐6 gene and protein levels were upregulated throughout the time of measurement. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that IL‐1β and IL‐6 immunoreactive cells were widely distributed in the myocardium in the earlier time intervals, and mainly localized in the regions close to the endocardium in the later time intervals. The cardiac IL‐1β immunoreactive cells were mainly localized in the blood vessels whereas the IL‐6 positive cells were composed of non‐myocytes and cardiomyocytes. TGF‐β1 positive staining was increased in the myocardium up to 3 weeks after aortacaval fistula and then decreased to basal levels thereafter. In contrast to the activation of cardiac IL‐1β and IL‐6 in response to volume overload, TNF‐α expression appeared unaltered in response to sustained volume overload in the transcription and protein levels.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study indicate that sustained volume overload is capable of inducing persistent upregulation of some cardiac cytokines. In addition, the differential expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 suggest that the induction of IL‐6 and IL‐1β is independent of TNF‐α mediated pathways in this animal model.
Duplication 15q14 → pter: a rare chromosomal abnormality underlying bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Reif Andreas , Kress Wolfgang , Wurm Karl , Benninghoff Jens , Pfuhlmann Bruno , Lesch Klaus-Peter
Published: April 2004

We have followed up a patient with 8q24.2 → qter and 15q14 → pter duplication due to a maternal reciprocal translocation, a condition related to Prader-Willi Syndrome. Apart from dysmorphic features, the patient suffered from recurring episodes of bipolar psychosis. Interestingly, PET scanning revealed revealed prominent bilateral hypometabolism in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes as well as in the cerebellum. Possible implications of this rare chromosomal abnormality with regards to psychiatric disorders are discussed, with emphasis on recent evidence suggesting chromosome 15q13-15 as a susceptiblity locus for psychosis.
Reshaping the folding energy landscape by chloride salt: impact on molten‐globule formation and aggregation behavior of carbonic anhydrase
Authors: Borén Kristina , Grankvist Hannah , Hammarström Per , Carlsson Uno
Published: April 2004

During chemical denaturation different intermediate states are populated or suppressed due to the nature of the denaturant used. Chemical denaturation by guanidine–HCl (GuHCl) of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) leads to a three‐state unfolding process (C
m,NI=1.0 and C
m,IU=1.9 M GuHCl) with formation of an equilibrium molten‐globule intermediate that is stable at moderate concentrations of the denaturant (1–2 M) with a maximum at 1.5 M GuHCl. On the contrary, urea denaturation gives rise to an apparent two‐state unfolding transition (C
m=4.4 M urea). However, 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) binding and decreased refolding capacity revealed the presence of the molten globule in the middle of the unfolding transition zone, although to a lesser extent than in GuHCl. Cross‐linking studies showed the formation of moderate oligomer sized (300 kDa) and large soluble aggregates (>1000 kDa). Inclusion of 1.5 M NaCl to the urea denaturant to mimic the ionic character of GuHCl leads to a three‐state unfolding behavior (C
m,NI=3.0 and C
m,IU=6.4 M urea) with a significantly stabilized molten‐globule intermediate by the chloride salt. Comparisons between NaCl and LiCl of the impact on the stability of the various states of HCA II in urea showed that the effects followed what could be expected from the Hofmeister series, where Li+ is a chaotropic ion leading to decreased stability of the native state. Salt addition to the completely urea unfolded HCA II also led to an aggregation prone unfolded state, that has not been observed before for carbonic anhydrase. Refolding from this state only provided low recoveries of native enzyme.
The promoter of brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1‐associated protein 4 drives developmentally targeted transgene expression mainly in adult cerebral cortex and hippocampus
Authors: Kim Mi-Young , Ahn Kyu Youn , Lee Seon Min , Koh Jeong Tae , Chun Byeong Jo , Bae Choon Sang , Lee Kee Sook , Kim Kyung Keun
Published: April 2004

Restricting transgene expression to specific cell types and maintaining long‐term expression are major goals for gene therapy. Previously, we cloned brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1‐associated protein 4 (BAI1‐AP4), a novel brain‐specific protein that interacts with BAI1, and found that it was developmentally upregulated in the adult brain. In this report, we isolated 5 kb of the 5′ upstream sequence of the mouse BAI1‐AP4 gene and analyzed its promoter activity. Functional analyses demonstrated that an Sp1 site was the enhancer, and the region containing the transcription initiation site and an AP2‐binding site was the basal promoter. We examined the ability of the BAI1‐AP4 promoter to drive adult brain‐specific expression by using it to drive lacZ expression in transgenic (TG) mice. Northern blot analyses showed a unique pattern of β‐galactosidase expression in TG brain, peaking at 1 month after birth, like endogenous BAI1‐AP4. Histological analyses demonstrated the same localization and developmental expression of β‐galactosidase and BAI1‐AP4 in most neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Our data indicate that TG mice carrying the BAI1‐AP4 promoter could be a valuable model system for region‐specific brain diseases.
Regulating eukaryotic gene expression with aptamers
Authors: Toulmé Jean-Jacques , Di Primo Carmelo , Boucard David
Published: April 2004

Aptamers are RNA or DNA oligonucleotides identified within a randomly synthesized library, through an in vitro selection procedure. The selected candidates display a pre‐determined property of interest with respect to a given target. Successful selection has been carried out against targets ranging from small (amino acids, antibiotics) to macro‐molecules (proteins, nucleic acids). They generally show an affinity in the nanomolar range and a high specificity of target recognition. Interestingly, aptamers selected against purified targets in the test tube retain their properties within cells. RNA aptamers can be generated in situ from an appropriate DNA construct or delivered as nuclease‐resistant oligonucleotide analogues. For example, aptamers recognizing RNA structure through loop–loop interactions modulate the trans‐activation of in vitro transcription mediated by the TAR RNA element of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Consequently, they constitute both exquisite tools for functional genomics analysis and promising prototypes of therapeutic agents. Natural aptameric motifs have been identified within mRNA sequences, which upon binding to a metabolite control the expression of the encoded gene, which is generally involved in the biosynthesis of this particular metabolite.
Expression of Bax in yeast affects not only the mitochondria but also vacuolar integrity and intracellular protein traffic
Authors: Dimitrova Irina , Toby Garabet G. , Tili Esmerina , Strich Randy , Kampranis Sotirios C. , Makris Antonios M.
Published: April 2004

Bax‐induced lethality in yeast is accompanied by morphological changes in mitochondria, giving rise to a reduced number of swollen tubules. Although these changes are completely abolished upon coexpression of the Bax inhibitor, Bcl‐2, coexpression of Bax with Bax inhibiting‐glutathione S‐transferase (BI‐GST) leads to aggregation, but not fusion of the mitochondria. In addition, Bax affects the integrity of yeast vacuoles, resulting in the disintegration and eventual loss of the organelles, and the disruption of intracellular protein traffic. While Bcl‐2 coexpression only partially corrects this phenotype, coexpression of BI‐GST fully restores the organelles, indicating a different mode of protection exerted by Bcl‐2 and BI‐GST.
The homozygous M712T mutation of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase results in reduced enzyme activities but not in altered overall cellular sialylation in hereditary inclusion body myopathy
Authors: Hinderlich Stephan , Salama Ilan , Eisenberg Iris , Potikha Tamara , Mantey Lars R. , Yarema Kevin J. , Horstkorte Rüdiger , Argov Zohar , Sadeh Menachem , Reutter Werner , Mitrani-Rosenbaum Stella
Published: April 2004

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy (HIBM) is a neuromuscular disorder, caused by mutations in UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase, the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis. In Middle Eastern patients a single homozygous mutation occurs, converting methionine‐712 to threonine. Recombinant expression of the mutated enzyme revealed slightly reduced N‐acetylmannosamine kinase activity, in agreement with the localization of the mutation within the kinase domain. B lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from patients expressing the mutated enzyme also display reduced UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase activity. Nevertheless, no reduced cellular sialylation was found in those cells by colorimetric assays and lectin analysis, indicating that HIBM is not directly caused by an altered overall expression of sialic acids.
The renovation ritual in a south Indian temple: the 1995 kumbha¯bhiseka in the Mi¯na¯ksi¯ Temple, Madurai
Authors: FULLER C. J.
Published: April 2004

This article is a description and analysis of the twelve-day renovation ritual or kumbha¯bhiseka (‘water-pot bathing ritual’) celebrated in the Mi¯na¯ksi¯ Temple in the south Indian city of Madurai in 1995. After briefly discussing the historical background, the article describes the priests' division of labour at the kumbha¯bhiseka, the preliminary rituals—including the transfer of the deities' power from their images into water-pots—and the most crucial rituals: the series of ya¯gapu¯ja¯ (‘sacrifice-worship’) rituals, which mainly consisted of fire-sacrifices to enhance the power in the water-pots, and the culmination of the entire event, when the pots were emptied over the Temple's towers and images, so that the power flowed back in. The article concludes that despite its extreme elaborateness, the kumbha¯bhiseka's symbolic logic and purpose, especially as displayed in the spectacular destruction of the fire-sacrifices and then the final water-pouring, are unusually transparent compared to many other temple rituals.
Glimpses into Zhong Hong's educational background, with remarks on manifestations of the Zhouyi in his writings
Authors: FUEHRER BERNHARD
Published: April 2004

This article attempts to shed new light on the significance of the Zhouyi (Changes of Zhou or Book of Changes) in Zhong Hong's intellectual biography, and sets forth insights into the way in which intellectual influences of philosophical strata are interwoven in the Shipin (Kriterion Poietikon), one of the major contributions to Chinese literary criticism during the Nanbeichao period. Departing from comments made by Zhong Hong's biographers about his expertise on the Zhouyi, the intricate textual fabric of his writings is explored in the light of the intellectual discourse of his day. The Shipin is read as a complex blend of scholarly traditions and original insights, a number of its underlying structural principles are interpreted as allusions closely linked to conceptual kernels which originate from the Zhouyi and its exegetical literature.
Morphological responses of woody species to simulated twig-browsing in Botswana
Authors: Rooke Tuulikki , Bergström Roger , Skarpe Christina , Danell Kjell
Published: April 2004

Increased shoot growth has recurrently been recorded following real or simulated shoot browsing, although responses may vary between different woody species. We investigated morphological responses to simulated dry-season browsing on Colophospermum mopane, Acacia tortilis, Grewia flava, Peltophorum africanum and Ziziphus mucronata, which differ in growth rate, occurrence of spines and use by mammalian herbivores. Treatment groups included a control, four clipping intensities and cutting at ground level. Responses were monitored during the following growth season on three annual shoots, located in the bottom, middle and top height interval, on each sapling. All five species showed compensatory growth responses, although no obvious relation was found between the strength of responses and growth rate or natural browsing pressure. The general pattern was an increased shoot length, shoot diameter, number of lateral shoots and shoot biomass with increased clipping intensity. These responses are probably an effect of the reduction of competing growing points and disrupted apical dominance. Growth responses were stronger in shoots with higher location on the sapling, which may reflect the pressure on saplings to attain a certain height to avoid browsing, reproduce and increase resistance to fire. We found no evidence of the number of spines being an induced defence in either of the two spinescent species studied.
Patterns of long-term woody vegetation change in a sandstone-plateau savanna woodland, Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Sharp Ben R. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: April 2004

Aerial photographs were used to assess changes in woody vegetation cover at 122 locations within a sandstone-plateau savanna woodland in the Victoria River region, Northern Territory, Australia. Despite locally variable vegetation responses, there has been little change in total woody vegetation cover since 1948. Thirty-three locations were also surveyed on the ground. It was found that sites for which vegetation cover had changed over the 50-y period were not significantly different from stable sites in terms of floristic composition, recent fire history, demographic stability among the dominant tree species, or edaphic setting. However, two of the dominant overstorey tree species – Eucalyptus tetrodonta and Eucalyptus phoenicea – showed significantly higher mortality on sites that had experienced vegetation cover decline since 1948. We suggest that observed changes in woody vegetation cover are a consequence of natural cycles of die-back and recovery of at least these two species in response to spatially heterogenous variables such as dry-season moisture stress. Although the widespread decline of fire-sensitive Callitris intratropica populations clearly indicates a historical shift from lower- to higher-intensity burning conditions within the study area, we reject the hypothesis of a landscape-wide process such as changing fire regimes or climatic change as the driving factor behind large-scale vegetation changes detected by aerial photographic analysis.
Diurnal home range and roosting trees of a maternity colony of Pteropus vampyrus natunae (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Sedilu, Sarawak
Authors: Gumal Melvin Terry
Published: April 2004

Field data on the roosting ecology of a maternity colony of Pteropus vampyrus natunae in a peat swamp forest in Sarawak were collected for 19 mo. The colony moved between 10 roost sites and the diurnal home range (comprising only day-roost sites) was about 1120 ha. Two movement phases were observed within the diurnal home range. The first phase consisted of continuous movement between roost sites each month (August 1998 to January 1999, and August to November 1999), and this coincided with the months in which late pregnancies and pups dependent on mothers were seen. The second phase had almost zero or restricted movement each month (February to July 1999, and December 1999 to March 2000). Throughout the diurnal home range, the colony roosted in 20 families of trees (27 genera and 31 species). The bats tended to roost in certain species and sizes of trees.
SHORT COMMUNICATION Cordia gerascanthus (Boraginaceae) produces stem domatia
Authors: Tillberg Chadwick V.
Published: April 2004

The production of domatia is a crucial step in the evolution of myrmecophytism (Fiala – Maschwitz 1992). Current models for the evolution of domatia predict that the ancestral state is one in which domatia production occurs later in a plant's ontogeny, while more derived ant-plants produce precocial domatia (Brouat – McKey 2000). I report that the neotropical tree Cordia gerascanthus L. represents a case of the former, in which domatia appear in mature trees. Through field and herbarium investigations, I have discovered that some C. gerascanthus individuals produce swollen, hollow, stem cavities that are ant-inhabited, while other C. gerascanthus individuals produce only solid stems. I suggest that C. gerascanthus, a species that produces domatia later in ontogeny, is an ideal system in which to investigate the basis of domatia evolution.
A Constructivist approach to the analysis of electronic music and audio art – between instruments and faktura
Authors: BATTIER MARC
Published: April 2004

As the techniques used in creating audio art and electronic music become more diversified and increasingly use some sort of computer-oriented notation, the question of analysis of this wide repertoire is revisited. While there are still many obstacles in its study, this topic attracts more attention today than in the recent past. In this article, I emphasise the need to consider that, when analysing audio art and electronic music, technology, technique and musical style are to be taken in account. To this end, I introduce concepts put forth by the Russian Constructivists as a basis for reflection.
Compound or phrase? English noun-plus-noun constructions and the stress criterion
Authors: GIEGERICH HEINZ J.
Published: April 2004

This article argues that English noun-plus-noun constructions (‘NNs’) originate both in the lexicon and in the syntax. It distinguishes between complement–head and attribute–head NNs, as well as between fore-stressed and end-stressed NNs. It argues that complement-head NNs are fore-stressed and originate in the lexicon while attribute–head NNs typically have end-stress and syntactic provenance. The latter are, however, potentially subject to diachronic lexicalization, which may moreover involve the adoption of fore-stress. Hence, lexical NNs may be fore-stressed or end-stressed while phrasal NNs must be end-stressed. Although further potential sources of irregularity are identified, it is demonstrated that the model's predictive power is fairly robust and that, where it fails to predict firm stress patterns, it predicts their variability.
Subjectivity and the English progressive
Authors: KILLIE KRISTIN
Published: April 2004

According to Wright (1994a), subjectivity in the English progressive is typically associated with specific linguistic features. In particular, subjective progressives are said normally to occur in main clauses and to involve an adverb(ial) of the type always, a first- or second-person pronominal subject and a private or cognitive verb in the present tense. This study tests Wright's claim against a corpus of Early Modern English prose. The focus is on the kind of subjective progressives that are claimed by Wright to be most subjective of all, namely collocations of the progressive with adverbs such as always. It is shown that the ‘always progressives’ in the corpus are typically found in a subclause, in collocation with an activity verb, and that they commonly occur with different types of subjects and tense/mood combinations. The conclusion is therefore that Wright's predictions concerning typical linguistic contexts for subjective progressives are not borne out.
Apriorität, Erfahrung und das Projekt der Psychologie
Authors: Brandtstädter Jochen , Sturm Thomas
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Die Unterscheidung zwischen empirischen Hypothesen und nichtempirischen Annahmen, ist nicht nur für die Methodologie, sondern auch für die Ontologie und das Selbstverständnis der Psychologie von zentraler Bedeutung; nichtempirische Annahmen sind konstitutiv für die Bestimmung des Forschungsgegenstandes und für die Formulierung und Prüfung empirischer Hypothesen. Die Unterscheidung berührt sich mit der klassischen Differenzierung zwischen analytischen und synthetischen Sätzen, die innerhalb der Philosophie seit Quines radikaler Kritik kontrovers diskutiert wird, und die in jüngerer Zeit auch innerhalb der Psychologie zu kontroversen Debatten geführt hat. Die vorliegende Studie geht den Implikationen dieses Problems mit Blick auf verschiedene psychologische Forschungsbereiche nach, wie z. B. die Beziehung zwischen Kognitionen und Emotionen, die Entwicklung moralischer Kompetenzen und die Erklärung von Handlungen. Auch auf der Grundlage eines “relativierten” Apriori bleibt die Unterscheidung zwischen begrifflichen Verwirrungen und überraschenden empirischen Befunden ein wichtiges methodisches Desiderat psychologischer Forschung.
Zum Einsatz stationärer Rechner, Notebooks und PDAs bei der Datenerhebung im Feld
Authors: Schneid Michael
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: In der Umfrageforschung werden Computer schon seit langem bei der Datenerhebung eingesetzt. Nahezu jede Telefonumfrage wird als CATI-Studie (“Computer Assisted Telephone Interview”) durchgeführt und viele Institute verwenden tragbare Computer bei der Durchführung persönlich-mündlicher Befragungen (“Computer Assisted Personal Interview”). In diesem Artikel werden die computergestützten Datenerhebungsmethoden sowie deren Vor- und auch Nachteile beschrieben. Taschencomputer, oft auch “persönliche digitale Assistenten” (PDAs) genannt, die vornehmlich der Organisation persönlicher Informationen dienen, können aber auch mit der entsprechenden Software für Befragungen und Experimente eingesetzt werden. Darauf soll ebenfalls in diesem Beitrag eingegangen werden.
Interessen und Freizeit- beschäftigungen hochbegabter (Grundschul-)Kinder
Authors: Pruisken Christiane
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Das Interesse an Hochbegabung und an speziellen Freizeitangeboten für Hochbegabte steigt. Bei der Auswahl der Inhalte entsprechender Kurse wird der wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisstand zu den Interessen Hochbegabter - wenn überhaupt - nur selektiv zu Rate gezogen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird die Forschungslage zu den Interessen und Freizeitbeschäftigungen Hochbegabter vorgestellt. Nach einem Überblick über Interessen und Hobbys von Kindern im Grundschulalter und zu Beginn der weiterführenden Schule wird zunächst auf die in Ratgebern und Checklisten weit verbreitete Vorstellung der Existenz einer “besonderen” Interessenlage Hochbegabter eingegangen. Im Anschluss werden Defizite bisheriger empirischer Arbeiten im Bereich “Hochbegabung” diskutiert und Ergebnisse zu den Interessen Hochbegabter verschiedener Altersgruppen dargestellt. Eine Übersicht über die vorhandenen Studien zum Grundschulalter zeigt, wie defizitär die bisherige Forschungslage ist. Die Schlussfolgerung, Hochbegabte bevorzugten “besondere” Interessen und Beschäftigungen, ist aufgrund der Forschungslage nicht gerechtfertigt. Weiterführende Aussagen erfordern methodisch sorgfältig geplante und durchgeführte empirische Studien.
Fachspezifische Selbstkonzepte und Schulleistungen im dimensionalen Vergleich
Authors: Rost Detlef H. , Dickhäuser Oliver , Sparfeldt Jörn R. , Schilling Susanne R.
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Obwohl schulische Leistungen deutlich positiv korrelieren, zeigen sich zwischen fachspezifischen Selbstkonzepten schulischer Leistungen und Fähigkeiten häufig weitaus geringere Korrelationen. Das “Internal/External Frame of Reference-Modell” (I/E-Modell) erklärt dies: Soziale Vergleichsprozesse und dimensionale Vergleichsprozesse sind konfundiert. Eine aus dem I/E-Modell ableitbare Annahme ist bislang kaum überprüft worden: Dimensionale Vergleichsprozesse haben vor allem bei Unterschiedlichkeit von Leistungen Effekte auf die Selbstkonzepte und spielen bei Leistungsgleichheit keine nennenswerte Rolle. Anhand einer Stichprobe von rund 1500 Schülern der 7. und 8. Jahrgangsstufe wird bei vier Fächern gezeigt, dass nur bei unterschiedlichen Noten die entsprechenden Selbstkonzepte gering korrelieren. Fallen die Noten in verschiedenen Fächern dagegen gleich aus, reduzieren sich die Effekte internaler (d.h. dimensionale) Vergleichsprozesse, kontrastierende Effekte verringern sich, so dass auch die zugeordneten Selbstkonzepte deutlich positiv zusammenhängen.
Das Verständnis metaphorischer Sprache bei Grundschulkindern
Authors: Schaunig Ines , Willinger Ulrike , Formann Anton K.
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung: Die vorliegende Studie beschäftigt sich mit einem wichtigen Teilaspekt der Sprachentwicklung, dem Metaphernverständnis von Kindern im Grundschulalter und dessen Bedeutung für die Pädagogische Psychologie. In diesem Sinne wurden Altersunterschiede unter Einbeziehung der Variablen “Intelligenz”, “Sprachkompetenz” und “kognitive Entwicklung” im Verständnis metaphorischer Sprache in Form sprichwörtlicher Redensarten anhand von insgesamt 124 Kindern der 2., 3. und 4.Klassenstufe untersucht. Zwölf sprichwörtliche Redensarten wurden als Multiple-Choice- bzw. Paraphrasieraufgaben vorgelegt; Intelligenz, Sprache und kognitive Entwicklung wurden durch gebräuchliche standardisierte Testverfahren operationalisiert. Anhand einer Kovarianzanalyse mit der Variable “Alter” und den Kovariaten “verbale” und “nonverbale Intelligenz”, “kognitive Entwicklung nach Piaget” und “Bekanntheit der sprichwörtlichen Redensarten” konnte ein signifikanter Altersanstieg nachgewiesen werden. Weiters zeigt sich, dass die verbale Intelligenz eines Kindes sein Verständnis sprichwörtlicher Redensarten wesentlich beeinflusst. Hinsichtlich der sprachlichen Kompetenz erweist sich das Verständnis von Wortbedeutungen relevant, wie mittels multipler Regression nachgewiesen wurde.
Formen der Lebensbewältigung älterer Menschen aus Sicht ihrer erwachsenen Kinder und die Qualität der Eltern-Kind-Beziehung:
Authors: Mayer Anne-Kathrin , Filipp Sigrun-Heide , Aymanns Peter
Published: April 2004

Zusammenfassung. Im Rahmen einer Fragebogenstudie (N = 299; M = 45.3 Jahre) wurde untersucht, wie Personen im mittleren Erwachsenenalter die Versuche ihrer Eltern, den Anforderungen des Älterwerdens zu begegnen, wahrnehmen und welche Zusammenhänge diese perzipierten Formen elterlicher Lebensbewältigung mit Indikatoren der Beziehungsqualität aufweisen. Im Einzelnen hatten die erwachsenen Kinder zu beurteilen, wie typisch bestimmte Formen der Lebensbewältigung für ihre Mutter resp. ihren Vater sind. Auf der Grundlage dieser Urteile konnten clusteranalytisch sechs Gruppen von Eltern identifiziert werden, die sich hinsichtlich des seitens ihrer Kinder wahrgenommenen Bewältigungsverhaltens systematisch unterscheiden. Die Clusterzugehörigkeit erwies sich als weitgehend unabhängig von soziodemografischen Merkmalen der Eltern und Kinder, sie klärte jedoch zwischen 18 und 26 Prozent der Varianz in verschiedenen Indikatoren der Qualität der Eltern-Kind-Beziehung auf. Mit einer besonders geringen Beziehungsqualität ging (auch bei statistischer Kontrolle u.a. des elterlichen Funktionsstatus) ein als klagsam-leugnend wahrgenommenes Bewältigungsmuster einher, während ein aus Sicht des Kindes offensives Bewältigungsmuster mit einer guten (u.a. als konfliktarm wahrgenommenen) Beziehung einherging. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Blick auf die Lebensbewältigung im Alter im Kontext filialer Verantwortlichkeit und die Notwendigkeit differenzierter Konzeptualisierungen von Beziehungsqualität und Bewältigung diskutiert.
Simultaneous mesosphere/lower thermosphere and thermospheric F region observations during geomagnetic storms
Authors: Balan N. , Kawamura S. , Nakamura T. , Yamamoto M. , Fukao S. , Igarashi K. , Maruyama T. , Shiokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Ogawa T. , Alleyne H. , Watanabe S. , Murayama Y.
Published: April 2004

Simultaneous mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) and thermospheric F region observations made during geomagnetic storms are presented using the MU radar (35°N, 136°E) in alternate meteor and incoherent scatter (IS) modes, MF radar (45°N, 136°E), optical mesosphere thermosphere imagers (OMTI) (35°N, 136°E) and over 1000 GPS receivers in Japan. The observations were made during one of the MTEC‐S (mesosphere‐thermosphere experiments for coupling studies) campaigns conducted during 23 March to 2 April 2001 when a major storm with Dst reaching −358 nT and a moderate storm with Dst reaching −112 nT occurred and solar activity varied from high to very high (F10.7 = 220 to 270). The campaign has provided zonal and meridional wind velocities at MLT altitudes (80–95 km) over the MU and MF radars; meridional wind velocity in the upper thermosphere (220–450 km) and ionospheric electron density (150–600 km), peak height and plasma drift velocity over the MU radar; all‐sky airglow intensities at 557.7 nm, 630.0 nm, and 777.4 nm wavelengths over the MU radar location; and vertical GPS‐TEC all over Japan. Study of the data indicates that following the major storm, the meridional wind in the upper thermosphere over the MU radar (35°N) becomes weak (less poleward) during daytime and its diurnal amplitude reduces. The winds and tides at MLT altitudes show changes during both nonstorm times and storm times, but this study is not able to confirm any statistically significant changes related to the storms. In the ionosphere, following the onset of the major morning storm, the electron density increases at altitudes near and above the ionospheric peak, which after about 5 hours is followed by large increase in density at all altitudes above about 200 km. On the following night, though the density is generally low, there is a large increase in density in the bottomside for about 3 hours centered at 0230 LT. During this time, a rare intense optical activity has occurred at all wavelengths (557.7 nm, 630 nm, and 777.4 nm) over the low midlatitude location (35°N), and an associated large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbance (LSTID) has propagated from north to south at F region altitudes.
Quantification of the spreading effect of auroral proton precipitation
Authors: Fang Xiaohua , Liemohn Michael W. , Kozyra Janet U. , Solomon Stanley C.
Published: April 2004

A three‐dimensional Monte Carlo model has been developed to study the transverse beam spreading effect of incident energetic auroral protons during their precipitation in the Earth's upper atmosphere. Energetic protons with an isotropic angular distribution are injected at 700 km altitude. Two types of incident energy spectra, a monoenergetic and a Maxwellian distribution, are considered. Interaction of fast particles with a three‐species atmosphere (O, N2, and O2) is included through charge exchange, electron stripping, ionization, excitation, and elastic scattering collisions. A uniform geomagnetic field is assumed in the model. The spreading effect is simulated for both a fine proton beam and a proton arc of longitudinal and latitudinal extent. It is found that the main dispersion region for a fine proton beam is located in the altitude range of around 250–450 km, where the first few charge exchange collisions play a significant role. In the spreading study for a proton arc, we compare the numerical results with previous studies and give a convincing explanation by analyzing atmospheric scale heights and cross‐section data. For the purpose of the model validity check, we make a comparison of the Monte Carlo simulation with observations and the results from other models.
Effects of sea ice dynamics on the Antarctic sea ice distribution in a coupled ocean atmosphere model
Authors: Ogura T. , Abe‐Ouchi A. , Hasumi H.
Published: April 2004

Impact of sea ice dynamics on the Southern Ocean sea ice distribution is investigated using a coupled ocean‐sea ice‐atmosphere general circulation model (OAGCM) and a separate offline sea ice model driven by monthly mean climatological boundary conditions. Sea ice dynamics considerably affects sea ice distribution of the OAGCM as well as of the offline model. When sea ice dynamics (advection) is turned on, summer ice extent and winter ice thickness decrease in both models. Results of the OAGCM indicate that variation of clouds plays an important role when sea surface energy budget responds to the sea ice dynamics in summer. Surface wind field in summer responds to the sea ice dynamics so that northerly wind anomaly is directed to where sea ice retreats and air temperature is kept higher, leading to a positive feedback. In addition, meridional ocean circulation and upward ocean heat flux to the sea surface appear to be sensitive to the sea ice dynamics, which contributes to the response of winter sea ice thickness. Results obtained in the present study underline the importance of atmosphere‐sea ice‐ocean interaction when discussing the impact of sea ice dynamics on sea ice distribution.
Retesting Committee Composition Hypotheses for the U.S. Congress
Authors: Espino Rodolfo , Franz Michael M.
Published: April 2004

This study replicates and extends Groseclose's (1994) tests of Congressional committee composition hypotheses for the 99th Congress. Alternative hypotheses pit partisan explanations of committee organization against the informational roles committees can play in producing “good” public policy. Other hypotheses explore the likelihood that committees reflect (rather than diverge from) floor preferences. Predictably, empirical tests of such hypotheses have produced no scholarly consensus. Groseclose (1994) enters the debate by using Monte Carlo simulations to test alternative hypotheses of Congressional committee organization, and in so doing, he makes few assumptions (and specifically avoids problematic ones) about the ideological distribution of committee and floor members. For example, difference of means tests, often used to evaluate the significance of floorcommittee divergence, assume that preferences are distributed normally and that the mean scores of a committee and floor are the correct test statistics. Groseclose asserts that the normality assumption is less convincing for small committees and that the median score is more appropriate.
Quality of Life in Treatment of Acute Rhinosinusitis with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Authors: Rechtweg Jay S. , Moinuddin Rizwan , Houser Steven M. , Mamikoglu Bulent , Corey Jacquelynne P.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: Clarithromycin and amoxicillin/clavulanate (A/C) are first line antibiotics used to treat uncomplicated acute rhinosinusitis (ARS). This study examined the efficacy of clarithromycin and A/C for the treatment of ARS relative to the patient's quality of life (QOL).

Study Design: Twenty‐two patients with uncomplicated ARS were randomly assigned treatment (single blinded relative to the investigator) using clarithromycin or A/C. Patients underwent assessment to confirm the diagnosis and treatment outcome at the initial screening and on completion of antibiotics (diagnosis + 14 days and 28 days). QOL was evaluated using the Allergy Outcomes Survey (AOS), the Rhinoconjunctivitis QOL Questionnaire (RQLQ), the Short Form 36 survey (SF‐36), an instantaneous six‐item Symptom Severity Survey (SSS‐6), and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Surveys were completed at the time of diagnosis, on completion of antibiotics, and at 28 days after diagnosis.

Results: Twenty patients completed the study. The SSS‐6 and the RQLQ demonstrated significant improvement for all patients at week 4 (P = .002 and P = .003, respectively). The SSS‐6 demonstrated significant improvement for clarithromycin at 14 days (P = .02) and at 28 days (P = .029), whereas A/C patients demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms only at 28 days (P = .046). The RQLQ, which reflects the previous 2 weeks, demonstrated significant improvement for the A/C patients at 28 days (P = .01). The Allergy Survey, the SF‐36, and the VAS failed to demonstrate significant improvement in the combined data analysis.

Conclusions: Clarithromycin and A/C were equally effective in treating ARS. The clarithromycin patients felt better more rapidly (at 14 days), but both groups of patients had long‐term improvement in symptoms at 28 days.
Treatment of Benign Positional Vertigo in the Elderly: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Salvinelli Fabrizio , Trivelli Maurizio , Casale Manuele , Firrisi Luca , Di Peco Valerio , D'Ascanio Luca , Greco Fabio , Miele Angela , Petitti Tommaso , Bernabei Roberto
Published: April 2004

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of three therapeutic strategies (Semont maneuver, flunarizine, and no treatment) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Study Design: Randomized prospective trial.

Methods: One hundred fifty‐six consecutive patients older than 60 years of age who were affected by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal were enrolled. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the history of recurrent sudden crisis of vertigo and positional‐induced typical nystagmus after Dix‐Hallpike positioning maneuver. Patients were randomly allocated to receive Semont liberatory maneuver (intended as a statoconia‐detachment maneuver), flunarizine, or no treatment. A post‐treatment negative Dix‐Hallpike test result was considered as a proof of vertigo resolution.

Results: Cure rates with Semont maneuver were significantly higher (94.2%) than those obtained with flunarizine (57.7%) and no treatment (36.4%) (P < .001). Within a 6‐month follow‐up, relapse rates were lower among patients treated with Semont maneuver (3.8%) than those obtained with flunarizine (5.8%) and no treatment (21.1%). All patients with resolution of symptoms and negative Dix‐Hallpike test results showed a great improvement in daily activities and quality of life (P < .001).

Conclusion: Semont liberatory maneuver is the most successful therapy for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and improves patients' quality of life. Diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers are easy to perform and should be part of the medical knowledge of every general practitioner and geriatrician.