bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between affect, vigilance, and sleepiness following sleep deprivation
Authors: FRANZEN PETER L. , SIEGLE GREG J. , BUYSSE DANIEL J.
Published: February 2008

This pilot study examined the relationships between the effects of sleep deprivation on subjective and objective measures of sleepiness and affect, and psychomotor vigilance performance. Following an adaptation night in the laboratory, healthy young adults were randomly assigned to either a night of total sleep deprivation (SD group; n = 15) or to a night of normal sleep (non‐SD group; n = 14) under controlled laboratory conditions. The following day, subjective reports of mood and sleepiness, objective sleepiness (Multiple Sleep Latency Test and spontaneous oscillations in pupil diameter, PUI), affective reactivity/regulation (pupil dilation responses to emotional pictures), and psychomotor vigilance performance (PVT) were measured. Sleep deprivation had a significant impact on all three domains (affect, sleepiness, and vigilance), with significant group differences for eight of the nine outcome measures. Exploratory factor analyses performed across the entire sample and within the SD group alone revealed that the outcomes clustered on three orthogonal dimensions reflecting the method of measurement: physiological measures of sleepiness and affective reactivity/regulation, subjective measures of sleepiness and mood, and vigilance performance. Sleepiness and affective responses to sleep deprivation were associated (although separately for objective and subjective measures). PVT performance was also independent of the sleepiness and affect outcomes. These findings suggest that objective and subjective measures represent distinct entities that should not be assumed to be equivalent. By including affective outcomes in experimental sleep deprivation research, the impact of sleep loss on affective function and their relationship to other neurobehavioral domains can be assessed.
Methane‐related microbial gypsum calcitization in stromatolites of a marine evaporative setting (Münder Formation, Upper Jurassic, Hils Syncline, north Germany)
Authors: ARP GERNOT , OSTERTAG‐HENNING CHRISTIAN , YÜCEKENT SELÇÜK , REITNER JOACHIM , THIEL VOLKER
Published: February 2008

Fossil stromatolites may reveal information about their hydrochemical palaeoenvironment, provided that assignment to a specific microbial community and a corresponding biogeochemical mechanism of formation can be made. Tithonian stromatolites of the Münder Formation at Thüste, north Germany, have traditionally been considered as formed by intertidal cyanobacterial communities. However, thin sections of the stromatolites show elongated angular traces of former gypsum crystals in a dense arrangement, but no algal or cyanobacterial filament traces. Moreover, high Fe2+ and Mn2+ contents, oxygen‐isotope and sulphur‐isotope ratios of carbonate‐bound sulphates, and sulphurized hydrocarbon biomarkers of the stromatolitic carbonate indicate that CaCO3 precipitation occurred near the oxic–anoxic interface as a result of intensive bacterial sulphur cycling rather than photosynthetic activity. Furthermore, anaerobic oxidation of methane by Archaea may have driven CaCO3 precipitation in deeper parts of the biofilm community, as reflected by high concentrations of squalane with a strongly negative δ13C in conjunction with evaporite pseudomorphs showing extremely low δ13CCarb ratios. Consequently, the Thüste stromatolites are now interpreted as having initially formed by gypsum impregnation of biofilms. Subsequently, early Mg‐calcitic calcitization within the biofilms occurred because of combined bacterial iron, manganese and sulphate reduction, with an increasing contribution of anaerobic oxidation of methane with depth. This model plausibly explains the prominent preservation of signals derived from oxygen‐independent metabolic pathways, whereas virtually no geochemical record exists for an aerobic community that may, nevertheless, have prevailed at the stromatolite surface. Photic‐zone stromatolites with a prominent signal of anaerobic oxidation of methane may be common in, and indicative of, oxygen‐depleted sulphate‐bearing environments with high rates of methane production, conditions that possibly were fulfilled at the Archaean to Proterozoic transition.
The AT‐hook‐containing proteins SOB3/AHL29 and ESC/AHL27 are negative modulators of hypocotyl growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Street Ian H. , Shah Purvi K. , Smith Alison M. , Avery Nathan , Neff Michael M.
Published: February 2008

SOB3, which encodes a plant‐specific AT‐hook motif containing protein, was identified from an activation‐tagging screen for suppressors of the long‐hypocotyl phenotype of a weak phyB allele, phyB‐4. sob3‐D (suppressor of phyB‐4#3 dominant) overexpressing seedlings have shorter hypocotyls, and as adults develop larger flowers and leaves, and are delayed in senescence compared with wild‐type plants. At the nucleotide level, SOB3 is closely related to ESCAROLA (ESC), which was identified in an independent activation‐tagging screen. ESC overexpression also suppresses the phyB‐4 long‐hypocotyl phenotype, and confers an adult morphology similar to sob3‐D, suggesting similar functions. Analysis of transgenic plants harboring SOB3:SOB3‐GUS or ESC:ESC‐GUS translational fusions, driven by their endogenous promoter regions, showed GUS activity in the hypocotyl and vasculature tissue in light‐ and dark‐grown seedlings. A loss‐of‐function SOB3 allele (sob3‐4) was generated through an ethyl methanesulfonate intragenic suppressor screen of sob3‐D phyB‐4 plants, and this allele was combined with a predicted null allele, disrupting ESC (esc‐8), to examine potential genetic interactions. The sob3‐4 esc‐8 double mutant had a long hypocotyl in multiple fluence rates of continuous white, far‐red, red and blue light. sob3‐4 esc‐8 phyB‐9 and sob3‐4 esc‐8 cry‐103 triple mutants also had longer hypocotyls than photoreceptor single mutants. In contrast, the sob3‐4 esc‐8 phyA‐211 triple mutant was the same length as phyA‐211 single mutants. Taken together, these data indicate that SOB3 and ESC act redundantly to modulate hypocotyl growth inhibition in response to light.
Degradation of the auxin response factor ARF1
Authors: Salmon Jemma , Ramos Jason , Callis Judy
Published: February 2008

Auxin‐mediated gene expression is largely controlled through a family of DNA‐binding proteins known as auxin response factors (ARF). Previous studies on the role of proteolytic regulation in auxin signaling have focused on degradation of their interacting partner, the Aux/IAA proteins. Aux/IAA family members with domain II sequences are rapidly degraded, show auxin‐enhanced degradation rates, and interact with the related F‐box proteins TIR1 and AFB1‐3, which indicates that they are ubiquitylated by a CUL1‐dependent E3 ligase. To date, limited data have been generated regarding degradation of ARFs. Here, we focus on the degradation rate of one ARF family member, Arabidopsis thaliana ARF1, and find that the half‐lives of N‐terminally HA‐tagged ARF1 and C‐terminally luciferase‐tagged ARF1 are both approximately 3–4 h. This half‐life appears to be conferred by a component of the middle region (MR), and degradation of the luciferase fusion with the MR is more rapid when the fusion includes an additional nuclear localization signal. ARF1 degradation is proteasome‐dependent and rates are not altered in a CUL1 mutant background, suggesting that this ARF is targeted for proteasomal degradation via an alternative set of machinery to that used for Aux/IAA degradation. Consistent with this, exogenous indole acetic acid does not affect the degradation of ARF1. Given increasing evidence that the relative ratio of Aux/IAAs to ARFs rather than the absolute quantity within the cell appears to be the mode through which auxin signaling is modulated, this half‐life is likely to be biologically relevant.
Partial demethylation of oligogalacturonides by pectin methyl esterase 1 is required for eliciting defence responses in wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
Authors: Osorio Sonia , Castillejo Cristina , Quesada Miguel A. , Medina‐Escobar Nieves , Brownsey Geoff J. , Suau Rafael , Heredia Antonio , Botella Miguel A. , Valpuesta Victoriano
Published: February 2008

In addition to the role of the cell wall as a physical barrier against pathogens, some of its constituents, such as pectin‐derived oligogalacturonides (OGA), are essential components for elicitation of defence responses. To investigate how modifications of pectin alter defence responses, we expressed the fruit‐specific Fragaria × ananassa pectin methyl esterase FaPE1 in the wild strawberry Fragaria vesca. Pectin from transgenic ripe fruits differed from the wild‐type with regard to the degree and pattern of methyl esterification, as well as the average size of pectin polymers. Purified oligogalacturonides from the transgenic fruits showed a reduced degree of esterification compared to oligogalacturonides from wild‐type fruits. This reduced esterification is necessary to elicit defence responses in strawberry. The transgenic F. vesca lines had constitutively activated pathogen defence responses, resulting in higher resistance to the necrotropic fungus Botrytis cinerea. Further studies in F. vesca and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves showed that the elicitation capacity of the oligogalacturonides is more specific than previously envisaged.
Public perceptions of communicating information about bowel cancer screening
Authors: Woodrow Chris , Watson Eila , Rozmovits Linda , Parker Ronald , Austoker Joan
Published: February 2008

Objectives  The National Health Service has recently begun the introduction of a Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP), offering biennial screening to men and women aged 60–69 years. This study aimed to explore public perceptions regarding the communication of information designed to facilitate informed choice in relation to this new screening programme.

Methods  Fourteen single sex focus groups were conducted in England with 86 individuals aged 60–69 years. Focus groups were conducted either with individuals who had participated in the pilot phase of the BCSP, or with members of the public living outside the pilot areas.

Results  The majority of participants expressed positive attitudes towards bowel cancer screening, identifying items highlighting the benefits of the programme as important for others to know. Whilst some believed it was appropriate for information regarding the potentially negative aspects of the programme to be communicated at the outset, others expressed concerns about the generation of anxiety and potential for decreased participation. A number of participants questioned the concept of informed choice, arguing that once in place, a screening programme should be vigorously promoted.

Conclusions  There is some variation in the type of information favoured by those eligible for bowel cancer screening. This may present challenges for the provision of information aiming to facilitate informed choice in the BCSP. Flexible approaches to information provision that recognize the perceptions of patients may be required.
Analysis of basophil activation by flow cytometry in pediatric house dust mite allergy
Authors: González‐Muñoz Miguel , Villota Julian , Moneo Ignacio
Published: February 2008

Detection of allergen‐induced basophil activation by flow cytometry has been shown to be a useful tool for allergy diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of this technique for the diagnosis of pediatric house dust mite allergy. Quantification of total and specific IgE and basophil activation test were performed to evaluate mite allergic (n = 24), atopic (n = 23), and non‐allergic children (n = 9). Allergen‐induced basophil activation was detected as a CD63‐upregulation. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to calculate the optimal cut‐off value of activated basophils discriminating mite allergic and non‐allergic children. ROC curve analysis yielded a threshold value of 18% activated basophils when mite‐sensitized and atopic children were studied [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–1.01, p < 0.001] with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% for 16 μg/ml mite extract. Analysis of the data obtained with 1.6 μg/ml mite extract defined a cut‐off value of 8% activated basophils (AUC = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91–1.01; p < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 100%. Comparison between mite allergic and non‐allergic children produced a cut‐off of 8% activated basophils (AUC = 1.0) with 16 μg/ml allergen extract and a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The same threshold and specificity values were obtained with 1.6 μg/ml extract (AUC = 97%, 95% CI = 0.92–1.02; p < 0.001) but sensitivity decreased to 83%. Two atopic children showed negative skin prick and basophil activation tests and high specific IgE (>43 kU/l) values for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen. They also showed positive prick (wheal diameter >1.0 cm) and basophil activation (>87%) tests and high specific IgE (>100 kU/l) with shrimp allergen. Shrimp sensitization was demonstrated by high levels of Pen a 1‐specific IgE (>100 kU/l). Cross‐reactivity between mite and shrimp was confirmed by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA‐CAP) inhibition study in these two cases. This study demonstrated that the analysis of allergen‐induced CD63 upregulation by flow cytometry is a reliable tool for diagnosis of mite allergy in pediatric patients, with sensitivity similar to routine diagnostic tests and a higher specificity. Furthermore, this method can provide additional information in case of disagreement between in vivo and in vitro test results.
Children with absent surfactant protein D in bronchoalveolar lavage have more frequently pneumonia
Authors: Griese M. , Steinecker M. , Schumacher S. , Braun A. , Lohse P. , Heinrich S.
Published: February 2008

Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is an important component of the pulmonary host defense system. We hypothesized that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) SP‐D levels are lower in children presenting with recurrent bronchitis, providing evidence for a role of SP‐D in human respiratory diseases. SP‐D levels in BAL were measured in 45 children, who suffered from recurrent bronchitis for an average of 2–3 yr. Clinical outcome was assessed 2 yr after BAL. For comparison, BAL fluids from 15 control children without respiratory symptoms were evaluated. Among the 45 children with recurrent bronchitis, 12 had no SP‐D in their BAL at the time of investigation. These SP‐D‐deficient patients had more frequently pneumonias and their long‐term outcome was worse than that of the children with detectable SP‐D. No genetic cause could be identified for the SP‐D deficiency. Among the children with recurrent bronchitis and SP‐D clearly detectable in BAL, those with the diagnosis of allergic asthma had threefold elevated levels compared with controls. In accordance with animal and in vitro data, elevated SP‐D concentrations in BAL may represent an up‐regulation due to allergic airway inflammation. In contrast, SP‐D deficiency due to consumption or failure to up‐regulate SP‐D may be linked to pulmonary morbidity in children.
Breastfeeding and the risk of wheeze and asthma in Japanese infants: The Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Miyake Y. , Tanaka K. , Sasaki S. , Kiyohara C. , Ohya Y. , Fukushima W. , Yokoyama T. , Hirota Y. ,   for the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study Group
Published: February 2008

Epidemiological evidence for an effect of breastfeeding on asthma continues to be inconclusive. The present prospective study examined the relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of wheeze and asthma in Japanese infants. A birth cohort of 763 infants was followed. The first survey during pregnancy and the second survey between 2 and 9 months postpartum collected information on potential confounding factors. Data on breastfeeding, wheeze, and asthma were obtained from questionnaires in the third survey from 16 to 24 months postpartum. Adjustment was made for maternal age, maternal and paternal history of asthma, atopic eczema, and allergic rhinitis, indoor domestic pets (cats, dogs, birds, or hamsters), family income, maternal and paternal education, maternal smoking during pregnancy, baby’s sex, baby’s older siblings, household smoking in the same room as the infant, and time of delivery before the third survey. By the third survey, the cumulative incidence of wheeze and asthma was 22.1% and 4.3%, respectively. Neither exclusive breastfeeding for 4 months or more nor partial breastfeeding for 6 months or more were materially related to the risk of wheeze. No measurable association was observed between exclusive breastfeeding for 4 months or more and the risk of asthma. Partial breastfeeding for 6 months or more was inversely related to the risk of asthma although the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was not statistically significant. When infants were stratified according to whether there was a negative or positive allergic history in at least 1 parent, a nearly 40% and 60% decrease, respectively, in the ORs were found for exclusive and partial breastfeeding only in infants without a parental allergic history, although the ORs were not statistically significant. The present prospective study showed no statistically significant relationship between breastfeeding duration and the risk of wheeze or asthma in Japanese infants.
The association of pet keeping at home with symptoms in airways, nose and skin among Bulgarian children
Authors: Naydenov Kiril , Popov Todor , Mustakov Tihomir , Melikov Arsen , Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf , Sundell Jan
Published: February 2008

The role of pet exposure in early childhood for allergy/ asthma later in life is still controversial. Recently it was shown that ‘avoidance behaviour’ is an important factor for the pet distribution in the population. The aim of the present work is to study the association between self‐reported pet keeping at home and symptoms in airways, nose and skin among children 2–7 years of age, in a country where primary prevention strategies regarding allergies are not common. A cross‐sectional survey on the association between allergy and asthma symptoms and home enviromental factors was conducted in two towns in Bulgaria in spring 2004 (the ALLHOME‐1 study). Data for 4479 out of 12982 children was obtained. 21.3% of the parents reported having pets at the time of the questionnaire, and 23.3% for pet keeping at index child's birth. Parents of 3.3% of the children got rid of some of the pets and 10.6% refrained from having pets, due in both cases to allergic illness in the family. Keeping dogs or cats at the time of the survey or during the child's first years was associated with most of the symptoms (aOR 1.1–2.2).
Pre‐treatment of dietary plant feedstuffs with phytase and its effect on growth and mineral concentration in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Nwanna L. C. , Kolahsa M. , Eisenreich R. , Schwarz F. J.
Published: February 2008

Effect of phytase pre‐treatment of dietary plant feed stuffs (PF) on growth and mineral concentration in common carp (C. carpio L.) was investigated. Diets used were: C0, diet with no supplement; CI, diet with incubated PF; CP0, diet supplemented with 3 g P/kg; CPI, diet with incubated PF supplemented with 3 g P/kg; Phyt0, diet fortified with 4000 U phytase/kg; PhytI, diet with PF incubated with 4000 U phytase/kg. Mean weight gain, SGR and FCR were the same (p < 0.05) in fish fed CP0, CPI or PhytI but less (p < 0.05) in other fish. Bone P was similar in fish fed CP0 (74.9), CPI (75.9) or PhytI (71.5 mg/g DM) but higher (p < 0.05) than in fish fed C0. Bone Ca and Mg were similar in fish fed CP0, CPI or PhytI but less (p < 0.05) in other fish. Bone Zn in fish fed C0, Phyt0 or PhytI was higher (p < 0.05) than that in fish fed CP0 or CPI. In conclusion, CP0, CPI and PhytI had the same effect, suggesting phytase pre‐treatment as the most effective method. CPI did not have any advantage over CP0. Phytase increased mineral availability and utilization, which would minimize cost of mineral supplementation and discharges into the environment.
Dietary green tea polyphenols do not affect vitamin E status, antioxidant capacity and meat quality of growing pigs
Authors: Augustin K. , Blank R. , Boesch‐Saadatmandi C. , Frank J. , Wolffram S. , Rimbach G.
Published: February 2008

Supplementation of pigs with vitamin E, the most important lipid‐soluble antioxidant, has been shown to improve meat quality and animal health. Previous studies in cultured cells and laboratory animals indicate synergistic effects between polyphenols and vitamin E. The present feeding trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary green tea polyphenols (GTP) on vitamin E status, antioxidative capacity and parameters of meat quality in growing pigs. Eighteen castrated, crossbred, male pigs received a flavonoid‐poor diet based on corn starch, caseinate and rapeseed oil with a total vitamin E content of 17 IU/kg diet over a period of 5 weeks. This basal diet was supplemented with green tea extract to provide daily doses of 0 (control), 10 and 100 mg GTP/kg body weight. Dietary supplementation of growing pigs with GTP did not affect serum, liver, lung and muscle vitamin E (α‐ and γ‐tocopherol) concentrations, plasma antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) or parameters of meat quality including meat temperature, pH, conductivity, colour and drip loss. In conclusion, supplementation of pig diets with green tea catechins is not associated with improved antioxidant status and meat quality under practice‐oriented conditions.
Mineral content of hay harvested in Bavarian and Swiss horse farms. Predictive value of cutting time, number of cut, botanical composition, origin and fertilization
Authors: Kienzle E. , Möllmann F. , Nater S. , Wanner M. , Wichert B.
Published: February 2008

Hay samples from 29 horse farms in Southern Upper Bavaria and 31 horse farms in Switzerland were taken and analysed for minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. The content of herbs and legumes in the hay was determined and the Weende analysis was performed. Comparison between Bavaria and Switzerland resulted in comparable calcium contents of approximately 4 g Ca/kg dry matter (DM) in grass hay. Hay with more than 10% of herbs and legumes found only in Switzerland showed higher Ca contents of >7 g Ca/kg DM in hay. The mineral contents of phosphorus and potassium were lower in hay from Switzerland (P: 1.8 ± 0.7 g/kg DM, K: 15.4 ± 5.1 g/kg DM) than from Bavaria (P: 3.8 ± 0.6 g/kg DM, K: 20.0 ± 6.0 DM), whereas the magnesium content of the hay showed no difference between the regions (∼1.5 g Mg/kg DM). Very late first grass hay cuts showed low magnesium and calcium (<4 g/kg DM) contents. Further minerals in the hay for horses differed from those in dairy cattle in the same region. Fertilization showed only small effects on the mineral contents of the hay produced for horses. Therefore, in calculation of ration and production of supplements for horses, these differences should be taken into account.
Prediction of plant species distributions across six millennia
Authors: Pearman Peter B. , Randin Christophe F. , Broennimann Olivier , Vittoz Pascal , Knaap Willem O. van der , Engler Robin , Lay Gwenaelle Le , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Guisan Antoine
Published: February 2008

The usefulness of species distribution models (SDMs) in predicting impacts of climate change on biodiversity is difficult to assess because changes in species ranges may take decades or centuries to occur. One alternative way to evaluate the predictive ability of SDMs across time is to compare their predictions with data on past species distributions. We use data on plant distributions, fossil pollen and current and mid‐Holocene climate to test the ability of SDMs to predict past climate‐change impacts. We find that species showing little change in the estimated position of their realized niche, with resulting good model performance, tend to be dominant competitors for light. Different mechanisms appear to be responsible for among‐species differences in model performance. Confidence in predictions of the impacts of climate change could be improved by selecting species with characteristics that suggest little change is expected in the relationships between species occurrence and climate patterns.
Changing skewness: an early warning signal of regime shifts in ecosystems
Authors: Guttal Vishwesha , Jayaprakash Ciriyam
Published: February 2008

Empirical evidence for large‐scale abrupt changes in ecosystems such as lakes and vegetation of semi‐arid regions is growing. Such changes, called regime shifts, can lead to degradation of ecological services. We study simple ecological models that show a catastrophic transition as a control parameter is varied and propose a novel early warning signal that exploits two ubiquitous features of ecological systems: nonlinearity and large external fluctuations. Either reduced resilience or increased external fluctuations can tip ecosystems to an alternative stable state. It is shown that changes in asymmetry in the distribution of time series data, quantified by changing skewness, is a model‐independent and reliable early warning signal for both routes to regime shifts. Furthermore, using model simulations that mimic field measurements and a simple analysis of real data from abrupt climate change in the Sahara, we study the feasibility of skewness calculations using data available from routine monitoring.
Contraceptive methods with male participation: a perspective of Brazilian couples
Authors: Marchi N.M. , De Alvarenga A.T. , Osis M.J.D. , Bahamondes L.
Published: February 2008

Objective:  To assess the perspectives of couples who requested vasectomy in a public health service on the use of male participation contraceptive methods available in Brazil: male condoms, natural family planning/calendar, coitus interruptus and vasectomy.

Methods:  A qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews was held with 20 couples who had requested vasectomy at the Human Reproduction Unit of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil. Data analysis was carried out through thematic content analysis.

Findings:  The couples did not, in general, know any effective contraceptive options for use by men and/or participating in their use, except for vasectomy. The few methods with male participation that they knew of were perceived to interfere in spontaneity and in pleasure of intercourse. Men accepted that condom use in extra‐conjugal relations offered them protection from sexually transmitted diseases; that their wives might also participate in extra‐marital relationships was not considered.

Discussion:  The few contraceptive options with male participation lead to difficulty in sharing responsibilities between men and women. On the basis of perceived gender roles, women took the responsibility for contraception until the moment when the situation became untenable, and they faced the unavoidable necessity of sterilization.

Conclusions:  Specific actions are necessary for men to achieve integral participation in relation to reproductive sexual health. These include education and discussions on gender roles, leading to greater awareness in men of the realities of sexual and reproductive health.
Orthopaedic patients' experience of motor vehicle accident in Singapore
Authors: Tan K.L. , Lim L.M. , Chiu L.H.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  The purpose of this paper is to present a study that explored the experiences of orthopaedic patients injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), from the time of the accident until 6 months after being discharged from hospital.

Background:  Trauma injuries from MVAs are increasing, with the number of deaths from such injuries continuing to rise. Victims often sustain open fractures to more than one part of their body and need rehabilitation and support to adjust to long‐term chronic or permanent disability. In the last decade, research pertaining to trauma nursing has concentrated on neurologically injured patients. Although there is a paucity of research on the nursing perspective of psychological care for non‐neurologically injured patients, the majority of studies located were mainly quantitative in nature and did not analyse the personal experiences of orthopaedic patients.

Method:  A qualitative naturalistic inquiry approach was used, which provided a first‐hand account of the traumatic MVA event experienced by six orthopaedic participants in Singapore. Data were collected from face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews. Participants were voluntarily recruited through purposeful sampling and ‘snowballing’. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim in preparation for analysis.

Findings:  The analysis of information explicated four main themes: the experience of the event, the effect of hospitalization, surviving the event and self‐transformation.

Conclusion:  The study provided an understanding of orthopaedic patients' experience of MVA in Singapore. The findings of the study have the potential to contribute to the limited qualitative research available concerning victims' experiences of MVAs and nurses caring for MVA victims.
Burnout in hospital nurses: a comparison of internal, surgery, psychiatry and burns wards
Authors: Sahraian A. , Fazelzadeh A. , Mehdizadeh A.R. , Toobaee S.H.
Published: February 2008

Introduction:  Burnout is a phenomenon in which the cumulative effects of a stressful work environment gradually overwhelm the defenses of staff members, forcing them to withdraw psychologically. This study compared the levels of burnout among nurses in different nursing specialties.

Materials and methods:  The sample of the study consisted of all the nurses working in all public hospitals in Shiraz, Iran who were graduates of either technological educational institutions or universities and had experienced clinical nursing practice for at least 1 year. Using Maslach Burnout Inventory and General Health Questionnaire (28‐item version), we identified the psychiatric morbidity and burnout among nurses.

Results:  Study results indicated that nurses of psychiatry wards showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization in comparison with nurses working in other wards, and burn wards nurses showed significantly higher levels of personal accomplishment. Also, nurses who were single were more emotionally exhausted.

Conclusion:  Different clinical working environments appear to have an impact on the development of nurses' burnout.
Factors affecting patients' rights practice: the lived experiences of Iranian nurses and physicians
Authors: Joolaee S. , Tschudin V. , Nikbakht‐Nasrabadi A. , Parsa‐Yekta Z.
Published: February 2008

Background:  The Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education published a ‘Patient’s Bill of Rights' in 2001.

Aim:  To gain insight into the perception and practice of patients' rights in Iran. This paper reports on Iranian nurses' and physicians' perceptions and lived experiences of respecting patients' rights.

Methods:  A purposeful sample of eight nurses and five physicians working in a central teaching hospital in Tehran were interviewed during 2005–2006 for a qualitative study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings:  The emerging themes were categorized as ‘barriers to patients’ rights practice' and ‘facilitators of patients’ rights practice'. Under these themes three subgroups were discussed: awareness, resources and accountability.

Conclusion:  Healthcare professionals' lived experiences are an important source of data if managers and policy makers are to make changes and legislate for protecting and promoting patients' rights.
The SARS crisis: reflections of Hong Kong nurses
Authors: Holroyd E. , McNaught C.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) exerted a massive toll on Hong Kong's healthcare system in 2003.

Aim:  This research examines front‐line nurses' reflections on the time of SARS in Hong Kong in order to articulate: (1) the nature and complexity of their experience, and (2) what lessons can be learned for future disease crises.

Methods:  Personal reflective essays written in 2004 by seven senior nurses studying a part‐time Masters in Nursing degree at a Hong Kong university were analysed using a form of content analysis.

Findings:  The nurses' stories report immense personal costs on nurses, on their families and on the wider community. The analysis of the narratives was used to build a model, indicating how nurses' personal lives were ‘sandwiched’ between, on the one hand, their commitment to families and local community and, on the other hand, their professional commitment to the needs of a health system in crisis.

Conclusion:  In dealing with future health crises, it is imperative that a multilevel approach be taken.
Residents' awareness and behaviour regarding typhoon evacuation advice in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Nozawa M. , Watanabe T. , Katada N. , Minami H. , Yamamoto A.
Published: February 2008

Background:  When residents are confronted with disaster, it is often difficult for them to realize the danger and take protective action. In 2004, an evacuation advisory alert was issued on the approach of the season's 23rd typhoon in Japan, but only 5.1% of the residents actually evacuated. Therefore, we felt it necessary to elucidate the awareness and behaviours of residents during the period.

Aims:  To clarify the awareness, behaviour and related factors of residents who were issued an evacuation advisory alert for the 2004 season's 23rd typhoon.

Methods:  One questionnaire per one household was distributed to 2818 households in the area where the evacuation advisory alert was issued.

Findings:  A total of 481 responses were returned (a response rate of 17.1%). Residents who evacuated made their decision because they felt the situation was dangerous; they recognized the extent of the danger. There was a pattern of agreement that it had been wise to do so. For those who didn't evacuate, many cited as the reason for their behaviour that their houses didn't flood. Non‐evacuees also felt it was all right to stay at home and valued the merits of staying home. Related factors were housing structures, routine disaster‐preparedness, a sense of personal danger and the impact of mass media news.

Conclusions:  Although the participation rate was only 17.1%, this study was successful in uncovering aspects of awareness and behaviour of residents in the designated area. It also provided insight into what is needed for future disaster‐preparedness, equipment and education.
Health care and nursing in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldossary A. , While A. , Barriball L.
Published: February 2008

Aim:  This paper reviews healthcare provision in Saudi Arabia and the development of nursing together with its current challenges.

Background:  Health care in Saudi Arabia is developing fast with multiple governmental and independent service providers. Economic growth has impacted upon health needs through population and health behaviour change. The development of the indigenous nursing workforce has been slow resulting in much nursing care being delivered by migrant nurses.

Conclusion:  There is a need to increase the proportion of indigenous nurses so that culturally appropriate holistic care can be delivered. Without shared culture and language, it will be difficult to deliver effective health education within nursing care to Saudis.
A critical review of appropriate conceptual models for use by coronary care nurses
Authors: Timmins F.
Published: February 2008

Background:  There is little evidence of the extent of conceptual model use within cardiovascular nursing. Concern exists within nursing that nursing theory and conceptual model use within practice is less than optimal. It is further suggested that there is little evidence of nursing theory occupying its true position as the central tenet of nursing practice and cardiovascular nurses have been challenged to reconsider this aspect of practice.

Aim:  The aim of this review is to explore the effectiveness of conceptual models used within cardiovascular nursing to further explore their potential benefit.

Methods:  Using key terms, a search was conducted using electronic databases CINAHL and PUBMED; yielding seven papers that fulfilled selection criteria.

Findings:  Few papers related to research studies in the area. However, of those identified significant examination and testing of concepts emerged within the studies. Rather than merely using concepts as an organizing framework or a component of the study, theories alluded to were scrutinized and consistently applied. Although studies identified mostly referred to specific testing and examination of aspects of conceptual models, the notion of self‐care and support for clients emerges as a strong theme within the review. The relationship between nurse and client seemed to be pivotal in any noted improvements.

Conclusions:  The findings have limited application to practice. In the absence of large‐scale longitudinal studies, only selected aspects of conceptual models or theory were scrutinized. Further research is required in this area to identify conceptual models of nursing that are most appropriate for cardiovascular nursing care.
Applying the transtheoretical model to cervical cancer screening in Vietnamese‐American women
Authors: Tung W.‐C. , Nguyen D.H.T. , Tran D.N.
Published: February 2008

Background:  Low levels of Papanicolaou (Pap) screening participation in Vietnamese‐American women remain a significant public health problem. The transtheoretical model (TTM) suggests that individuals adopting Pap smear behaviour move through a series of stages of readiness to change. Determining a woman's level of readiness for regular Pap testing and identifying the screening behaviour that an individual already performs is important in the development of successful intervention programmes that address the specific needs of Vietnamese‐American women in different stages.

Aims:  To describe Pap smear screening behaviours of Vietnamese‐American women, and to examine whether constructs (stages of change, self‐efficacy and perceived benefits/barriers) from the TTM are applicable to Vietnamese‐American women relative to Pap testing.

Methods:  A descriptive, cross‐sectional design with snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. A total of 80 Vietnamese‐American women completed the self‐administered questionnaire.

Results:  Most respondents (62.5%) reported previous Pap testing and only 46.3% receiving regular Pap testing. Compared with those in the pre‐contemplation stage of the TTM, participants in maintenance reported significantly less self‐efficacy (F (3, 73) = 4.85, P = 0.00), a lower level of perceived barriers (F (3, 75) = 5.99, P = 0.00) and a higher level of perceived benefits (F (3, 76) = 3.91, P = 0.01) relative to Pap smear.

Conclusions:  The results support some of the assumptions of the TTM but raise questions about the predicted relationships between stages of change and self‐efficacy. Continued research is needed to identify the most effective theory‐based interventions for evidence‐based nursing practice in this population.
Jordanian nurses' job stressors and social support
Authors: Hamaideh S.H. , Mrayyan M.T. , Mudallal R. , Faouri I.G. , Khasawneh N.A.
Published: February 2008

Purpose:  This study describes stressors of Jordanian nurses and the social support they received to decrease the influence of these stressors. The relationships between the two concepts, and each with the sample's demographics were assessed. Predictors of nurses' stressors as well as social supportive behaviours were also studied.

Methods:  A descriptive correlational research design was used. The Nursing Stress Scale and the Inventory of Social Supportive Behaviours were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 464 Jordanian nurses who were working in 13 Jordanian hospitals.

Results:  Workload and dealing with issues of death and dying were the most prevalent stressors among Jordanian nurses. Emotional support was the most supportive social behaviour Jordanian nurses reported that they usually receive. Significant correlations were found between nurses' stressors and social supportive behaviours, as well as between nurses' stressors and shift worked, level of education, and model of nursing care provision. Additionally, significant correlations were found between social supportive behaviours and commitment for work and units' decision‐making style. Shift worked, nurses' educational level and model of nursing care provision were the best predictors of the nurses' stressors. Shift worked, model of the nursing care provision, marital status and unit's organizational structure were the best predictors of the social supportive behaviour.

Conclusions:  Nursing interventions are needed to decrease nurses' stressors; these will help nurses to perform safely their jobs. Various types of social support are needed, particularly emotional support.
Real options for precautionary fisheries management
Authors: Fenichel Eli P , Tsao Jean I , Jones Michael L , Hickling Graham J
Published: February 2008

The 1996 Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) ‘Guidelines on the Precautionary Approach to Fisheries and Species Introduction’ raise important issues for fisheries managers, but fail to prescribe an approach for risk management. The distinguishing characteristics of the ‘precautionary approach’ are the inclusion of uncertainty and ‘an elaboration on the burden of proof’. The FAO precautionary approach emphasizes that managers should be risk‐averse, but does not provide tools for determining the appropriate degree of risk aversion. Consequently, application of the precautionary approach often leads to decision‐making based onad hocsafety margins. These safety margins are seldom chosen with explicit consideration of trade‐offs. If the emphasis was shifted to choosing between competing uncertainties, then managers could manage risk. By attempting to avoid risk, managers may gain exposure to other risks and perhaps miss valuable opportunities. We place fishery management problems within the rubric of ‘real investment’ problems, and compare and contrast the consideration of risk by alternative investment frameworks. We show that traditional investment frameworks are inappropriate for fishery management, and furthermore, that traditional precautionary approaches are arbitrary and without basis in decision theory. Quantitative decision‐making techniques, such as formal decision analysis (FDA), enable integration of competing hypotheses that help alleviate burden‐of‐proof issues. These techniques help analysts consider sources of uncertainty. FDA, however, can still be subject to arbitrary safety margins because such analyses often focus on determining which strategies best achieve, or avoid, targets that have been established without complete consideration of trade‐offs. A managerial finance approach, real options analysis (ROA), is an alternative and complementary decision‐making technique that enables managers to compute precautionary adjustments that couple the size of the ‘safety margin’ with the amount of uncertainty, thereby optimizing risk exposure and avoiding the need for arbitrary safety margins. We illustrate the advantages of an approach that combines FDA and ROA, using a heuristic example about a decision to re‐introduce Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) into Lake Ontario. Finally, we provide guidance on applying ROA to other fishery problems. The precautionary approach requires that managers consider risk, but considering risk is not the same as managing it. Here ROA is useful.
Pricing and Mispricing Effects of SFAS 131
Authors: Hope Ole‐Kristian , Kang Tony , Thomas Wayne B. , Vasvari Florin
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We investigate the effects of the introduction of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (SFAS 131) on the market's valuation of foreign earnings. Thomas (1999) documents that investors discount the value of foreign earnings for US multinational companies. He conjectures but does not test the possibility that this finding is due to poor disclosure related to foreign operations. We find strong evidence that the introduction of the standard is positively associated with the pricing of foreign earnings. In addition, we use both the Mishkin (1983) test and a zero‐investment hedge portfolio test and find that investors' mispricing of foreign earnings lessens (and in fact disappears) after SFAS 131. This study is one of the first attempts to show that improved disclosure reduces mispricing.
Shortcomings of Composite Resins in Class V Restorations
Authors: Davidson C. L. , Kemp‐Scholte C. M.
Published: February 2008

Apart from the esthetic characteristics of the Class V restoration, the adhesive marginal integrity requires full attention. Due to the inherent curing contraction of the restoratives, cervical dislodgment of the restoration that causes overhang and leakage is very likely to occur. Application of materials with a certain strain capacity will reduce the problems.
Dentin Bonding Systems: The Latest Generation
Authors: Gwinnett A. John
Published: February 2008

Several points should be kept in mind regarding the content of this paper. First, laboratory data may not be an accurate predictor of clinical success, particularly with regard to dentin bonding agents. Methods to evaluate bond strength and bond integrity through marginal leakage studies are not conducted on comparable models. Bond strength is measured on a one‐dimensional model, whereas leakage is assessed on a three‐dimensional model. A system may show creditable bond strength values, but may allow leakage. The problem does not necessarily lie in the model, but in the current resin formulations. It has been shown that shrinkage of the resin during polymerization may not disrupt the dentin‐resin bond in a one dimensional physical test model, but may be of significant magnitude to do so in a three‐dimensional one. The latter is similar to that encountered in the clinical situation and may help to explain the lack of clinical success with earlier systems. These systems showed creditable bond strength data, but all exhibited gap formation and leakage when three‐dimensional preparations were evaluated. Insufficient data are available in the area to draw any conclusions regarding the latest generation of bonding agents, which produce greater bond strengths and may resist disruption from polymerization shrinkage.

The second point to be made is that laboratory investigations have seldom taken into account the physiologic status of dentin encountered clinically. This tissue together with the pulp are morphologically and physiologically inseparable. Of special interest is the role of dentinal fluid and the hydration state of dentin. Only recently have models been developed to study the influence of dentinal fluid flow on adhesion to dentin. The hydration state of collagen significantly affects its cohesive strength. Such influences may have been underestimated. It may be particularly pertinent with this latest generation of bonding agents since pretreatment opens tubules and would consequently increase fluid flow.

The third point relates to the integrity of the dentin‐resin bond and, indeed, the integrity of the hard‐ and soft‐tissue tooth complexes as a whole. Laboratory tests may involve thermal cycling to stress the integrity of a bond, but very seldom has cyclical physical stress been introduced. Class V erosion lesions may provide the ultimate challenge to a bonded restoration for the lesion itself is believed to be the result of tissue degradation through localized stress concentration. More research is needed in this important area. The dental tissues deform microscopically under load, a property important to their survival, for example, cusps flex. It may seem a noble idea to bond a bulk of resin to enamel and dentin in order to strengthen the anatomic unit, but it must be remembered that the physical properties of current restorative materials do not match those of dentin and enamel, which differ even between themselves. There is much research, both laboratory and clinical, yet to be done.