bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax with video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Freixinet J , Canalis E , Rivas JJ , Rodriguez de Castro F , Torres J , Gimferrer JM , Sanchez-Lloret J
Published: March 2003

We report the results of our experience using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to treat primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) from January 1992 until December 1994 in a multicentered co-operative study. A total of 132 patients (110 males and 22 females, aged 13-38 yrs, mean age 26 yrs) were treated by VATS to deal with the PSP that they presented with. A standard VATS technique was used. Apical bullae were always removed, and mechanical pleural abrasion was performed, leaving a pleural drainage tube. In two cases (1.5%), a switch to thoracotomy was necessary. In eight cases (6%), air leakage persisted for 5 days after surgery, which resolved with pleural drainage. There were eight postoperative relapses (6%), which were treated with pleural drainage (n = 4), VATS (n = 3) or axillar thoracotomy (n = 1). The average postoperative stay was 5.6 days (range 2-15 days). We conclude that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a viable alternative for the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. There is, however, a high relapse rate, and in a number of cases air leakage persists in the postoperative period.
Variation in nebulizer aerosol output and weight output from the Mefar dosimeter: implications for multicentre studies
Authors: Chinn S , Arossa WA , Jarvis DL , Luczynska CM , Burney PG
Published: March 2003

The active aerosol component of nebulizers is less than 100% of output by weight, and may vary between nebulizers in different batches from the same manufacturer. A measure of bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, which can overcome this problem, is required. One hundred and sixty nebulizers from 21 centres in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) were calibrated for aerosol and weight output. Methacholine challenge data were obtained for 1,021 subjects in three English centres of the ECRHS. The dose producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD20), and log-slope, the regression slope of percentage decline in FEV1 with log (dose), were calculated, with and without calibration of nebulizers by weight. Within-centre variation in nebulizer percentage aerosol output had a coefficient of variation of less than 10%. Unlike PD20, log-slope is unaffected by constant percentage overestimation of nebulizer output. Variation in output by weight of nebulizers of 10% had little affect on log-slope. It is, however, affected by the scheduled range of doses. Log-slope shows advantages in analysis, and is less affected by variation in nebulizer output. It can be used for multicentre comparisons, with restriction to a common dose protocol.
Mini-Wright peak flow meters are reliable after 5 years use. Dutch CNSLD Study Group
Authors: Douma WR , van der Mark TW , Folgering HT , Kort E , Kerstjens HA , Koeter GH , Postma DS
Published: March 2003

In studies with a long-term follow-up, peak expiratory flow (PEF) meters are often used to assess bronchial obstruction. The question arises whether data obtained with these frequently used meters are still reliable after several years of use, and whether the old meters should be renewed after a certain period. In the present study, we tested the reliability of PEF values measured with mini-Wright PEF meters that had been used frequently for 5 yrs. The values obtained with these meters were compared with values measured with identical but new meters, in 50 patients with obstructive airways disease. Though statistically significant, there was no clinically significant difference in mean PEF measured with the old and new meters in most patients (mean difference 10.2 L.min-1). However, on an individual basis, the differences between old and new meters could be large (upper and lower limits of agreement (mean +/- 2 SD) being 63.6 and -43.2 L.min-1, respectively). We conclude that mean peak expiratory flow values measured with frequently used mini-Wright peak expiratory flow meters are still reliable after 5 yrs. In long-term studies, renewal of peak expiratory flow meters should be restricted to cases of obvious malfunction.
Diagnostic principles in pleural disease
Authors: Light RW
Published: March 2003

When a patient with an undiagnosed pleural effusion is evaluated, the first question to answer is whether the patient has a transudate or an exudate. This is best done using Light's criteria, but these criteria occasionally misidentify a transudate as an exudate. If the patient's pleural fluid meets exudative criteria, but the patient appears clinically to have a transudative effusion, then the serum-pleural fluid albumin gradient should be measured. If this is greater than 1.2 g-dL-1, the patient probably does have a transudative effusion. If the patient has an exudative pleural effusion, additional tests are indicated to determine the aetiology of the effusion. The gross appearance and the odour of the pleural fluid should be noted and samples of all exudates should be sent for bacterial cultures. Laboratory tests that are useful in the differential diagnosis of exudative pleural effusions include: differential white cell count of the pleural fluid; cytology of the pleural fluid; and levels of adenosine deaminase, glucose, amylase and lactate dehydrogenase in the pleural fluid. If pleural tuberculosis is suspected, a needle biopsy of the pleura is indicated. Thoracoscopy is very efficient at diagnosing malignant pleural effusion and tuberculosis pleuritis, but rarely establishes any other diagnosis.
Endobronchial lesions in a non-AIDS patient with disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection
Authors: Shih JY , Wang HC , Chiang IP , Yang PC , Luh KT
Published: March 2003

A 34 year old female developed Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection with generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary infiltration, pleural effusion and endobronchial polypoid lesions. M. avium-intracellulare was identified by means of sputum cultures, pleural effusion culture and lymph node culture. The anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody was negative. The CD4+ cell count was normal. Bronchoscopic examination revealed multiple polypoid lesions, which had nearly occluded the right main bronchus, right middle lobe and left lower lobe bronchi. Neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd-YAG) laser and antimycobacterial therapy were used effectively to relieve the airway obstruction. The clinical symptoms and signs responded favourably to antimycobacterial therapy.
Landscape legacies of the African diaspora in Brazil
Authors: Carney Judith A. , Voeks Robert A.
Published: March 2003

Geographers have been reticent on the role of the African diaspora in the contouring of Brazil's biological and cultural landscapes. Whereas paradigm shifts have occurred in regards to environmental stability in the tropical realm and the pristine nature of pre-Columbian landscapes, these have not translated to a rigorous reassessment of the geographical position of Africans and their descendants as active agents in landscape evolution. In this article, we briefly examine the historical development of black diaspora scholarship outside of geography. We review the contributions of geographers and others to understanding the floristic homogenization of the Atlantic world set in motion by European exploration and colonization. Finally, by highlighting recent findings on the dynamic role of forced African immigrants in the process of landscape transformation, we hope to stimulate further geographical inquiry, improve pedagogical materials and advance in a modest way a recovery of the African contribution to the making of the Americas.
The Naval Intelligence Handbooks: a monument in geographical writing
Authors: Clout Hugh , Gosme Cyril
Published: March 2003

The Naval Intelligence Handbooks produced by British academics between 1941 and 1946 form the largest single body of geographical writing ever published. Two teams of authors based at Oxford and Cambridge completed 31 titles (58 volumes) before financial constraints required many titles to be cancelled. Speed and accuracy were absolutely essential in preparation of the Handbooks since lives might well depend on the quality of the information presented. This wartime experience served as a springboard into university careers for some British geographers, and in several instances peacetime publications were stimulated by research previously undertaken as part of the Naval Intelligence project. Sixty years later the economic and social information in the Handbooks appears seriously outdated, but historical, geological and topographic accounts retain their validity, especially those relating to parts of the world distant from Europe.
The digital economy challenge facing peripheral rural areas
Authors: Grimes Seamus
Published: March 2003

While there is little dispute that rural SMEs have much to gain from an effective engagement with e-commerce, the experience to date, particularly for firms operating in remote locations, points to considerable barriers to their involvement in the digital economy in the short term. Despite the considerable effort being made by the European Union to heighten the awareness of the need for peripherally located rural SMEs to become more involved in exploiting the economic potential of the digital economy, among the major barriers preventing such an involvement by rural SMEs is the difficulty of obtaining affordable high-speed internet access in remote locations in this era of liberalized telecommunications markets.
Consulting the poor in Thailand: enlightenment or delusion?
Authors: Parnwell Michael J.G.
Published: March 2003

This paper aims to set the World Bank’s recent ‘Consultations with the Poor’ (CWP) exercise within the context of the broadening of definitions of poverty and ill-being and the current predilection for participatory research. The CWP exercise was intended to provide a nuanced understanding of poverty, and is supposed to reflect a fresh approach by the World Bank and other international agencies to the identification and rectification of the problems of the South, and the targeting of the poor. Using the consultations with the poor report for Thailand, the paper seeks to sift rhetoric from reality in examining the extent to which the exercise represents a serious departure from previous practice for the World Bank.
Poverty, violence and livelihood security in urban Colombia and Guatemala
Authors: McIlwaine Cathy , Moser Caroline
Published: March 2003

Set within the context of re-conceptualizing poverty to emphasize its multidimensionality, this paper argues for the need to extend existing debates on livelihood security to incorporate notions of physical and personal security, manifest in the form of violence and conflict. In turn, it suggests that research on security should continue its shift in focus towards human security, especially at the micro-level. These arguments are based on primary research conducted in Colombia and Guatemala, using inductive participatory urban appraisal (PUA) methodologies. These data highlight how both violence and physical safety are major concerns for the poor, often dominating their lives to a greater extent than income poverty. However, the paper also illustrates how violence, security and poverty interrelate in the eyes of the poor, often in causal ways. This ties in with recent theorizing on violence that emphasizes the need to identify multiple causality in explaining how and why violence emerges.
NGOs and poverty reduction in a globalizing world: perspectives from Ghana
Authors: Porter Gina
Published: March 2003

This paper is concerned with the factors that influence and constrain NGO contributions to poverty reduction in a globalizing world, focusing on their role as transmitters of grounded knowledge about poverty in very poor countries. Interviews with staff in 33 NGOs in Ghana, a country where the NGO sector is heavily dependent on overseas funding, indicate that local understandings about poverty are being overridden by so-called programmes of partnership support that erode local confidence in home-grown ideas about poverty and how to combat it. This is illustrated by reference to the common donor preference for working with groups and for ‘Asian’ development approaches.
Civil society responses to poverty reduction strategies in Nicaragua
Authors: Bradshaw Sarah , Linneker Brian
Published: March 2003

This paper considers the recent experience of civil society organizations in Nicaragua within the Poverty Reduction Strategies Papers (PRSP) process. The focus of the paper is not the poverty reduction strategy itself but rather civil society responses to this initiative in Nicaragua. It highlights the problems beginning to emerge within this process in relation to the World Bank-IMF, the national government and organized civil society. Fundamental to the conceptualization and design of PRSP is the idea of ‘national ownership’ facilitated by wide consultation and participation of civil society in the formulation and evaluation of individual country strategies. This paper uses Nicaragua’s PRSP process to examine the extent to which organized civil society can really influence PRSP formulation. It highlights the differences that exist in how poverty is defined and discussed by the key actors and examines civil society’s response to government proposals and the strategies they have adopted to promote an ‘alternative’ people-centred development perspective.
Enhancing pro-poor governance in Eastern India: participation, politics and action research
Authors: Williams Glyn , Srivastava Manoj , Corbridge Stuart , Véron René
Published: March 2003

This paper uses the experience of a recent programme of action research in Eastern India to reflect on the use of participatory ideals within governance reform. In a situation where there are profound difficulties in local governance, it assesses the potential for participatory forms of stakeholder engagement to begin a process of reform. It criticizes views of reform put forward by both the World Bank and Robert Chambers, and argues instead that critical self-reflection and the construction of alliances among a variety of reform-minded actors are important first steps in building political capabilities to challenge structural blockages to pro-poor governance.
High Sensitive and Prompt Discrimination of Luminescent Europium β-Diketonates Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kurata Shoji , Nagai Masatoshi
Published: April 2003

Europium complexes with six types of tris β-diketones in the absence and presence of 1,10-phenanthroline were accurately analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using both infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and fluorescence spectrometry (FL), which is usually used as the analytical method. Detection limits for compounds extracted with acetonitrile were 1–100ppb corresponding to those by FL.
Oxidation of Dicarboxylic Acids in Supercritical Water
Authors: Jin Fangming , Cao Jianxun , Enomoto Heiji , Moriya Takehiko
Published: March 2003

Sebacic and azelaic acids were oxidized in a batch reactor at 400 °C to study the oxidation pathways and mechanisms of dicarboxylic acids in supercritical water. The reaction of dicarboxylic acids proceeds with the consecutive oxidation of higher to lower molecular weight dicarboxylic acids through α-, β- and γ-oxidations, as do monocarboxylic acids. The oxidation of dicarboxylic acids is also accompanied by decarboxylation, leading to the formation of monocarboxylic acids. Decarboxylation occurred only when some oxygen was supplied.
Preparation of Visible Light-Activated Titania Photocatalyst by Mechanochemical Method
Authors: Yin Shu , Zhang Qiwu , Saito Fumio , Sato Tsugio
Published: March 2003

Nitrogen-doped yellowish rutile titania prepared by high energy ball milling of P-25 titania - 5% HMT (Hexamethylenetetramine, C6H12N4) mixed powders followed by calcination in air at 400 °C possessed two absorption edges around 400 and 540 nm and showed excellent photocatalytic ability for nitrogen monoxide oxidization under irradiation of the visible light of wavelength >510 nm.
Synthesis and Reactions of the First Allenyl Azo Compounds
Authors: Banert Klaus , Hagedorn Manfred , Schlott Jana
Published: March 2003

Several propargylhydrazines were prepared and then oxidized by manganese dioxide to generate short-lived 1,1-diazenes, which produced novel allenyl azo compounds (8) through [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement. Isomerization of 8 or nucleophilic addition to the title compounds lead to hydrazones as well as pyrazole derivatives.
Synthesis of Highly Ordered Mesoporous Silicon Oxynitride with High Nitrogen Content
Authors: Wan Keshu , Liu Qian , Zhang Cunman
Published: March 2003

Mesoporous silicon oxynitride materials, which were highly ordered and had high nitrogen content, were prepared by heat treatment of fresh SBA15 precursors in flowing ammonium at high temperatures.
Photocatalytic Activity of S-doped TiO2 Photocatalyst under Visible Light
Authors: Ohno Teruhisa , Mitsui Takahiro , Matsumura Michio
Published: March 2003

In order to effectively utilize visible light in photocatalytic reactions, we have developed S-doped TiO2 particles. They show strong absorption for visible light and high activities for degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under irradiation at wavelengths longer than 440 nm. The oxidation state of the S atoms incorporated into the TiO2 particles is determined to be S6+ from the XPS spectra.
Zinc Tetrafluoroborate-Catalyzed Efficient Conversion of Aldehydes to Geminal Diacetates and Cyanoacetates
Authors: Ranu Brindaban C , Dutta Jyotirmoy , Das Arijit
Published: March 2003

A trace of an aqueous solution of zinc tetrafluoroborate was demonstrated to catalyze the conversion of an aldehyde to its 1,1-diacetate by acetic anhydride without any solvent. A similar reaction of an aldehyde with a mixture of potassium cyanide and acetic anhydride in methylene chloride was also catalyzed by Zn(BF4)2 to provide the corresponding geminal cyanoacetate.
Anomalous Temperature Dependence of the Magnetic Susceptibility of a Ni(II) Cyclam Complex with Iodide
Authors: Yamauchi Jun , Tsuji Hideyuki , Sakai Naoko , Kawamura Yoshiko
Published: March 2003

Magnetic susceptibility was studied on a Ni(II) cyclam complex with iodide, which exhibited an anomalous temperature variation. A diamagnetic spin state at room temperature made a transition into a paramagnetic state below ca. 50 K, and the magnetic susceptibility increased continuously toward a liquid helium temperature. An ESR observation was in good agreement with this magnetic behavior. This finding is unusual in spin crossover phenomena in transition metal ions.
Sutureless thyroidectomy using electrothermal system: a new technique
Authors: Dror Ashkenazi , Salim Mazzawi , Yoseph Rakover
Published: March 2003

Bleeding is a dangerous complication of thyroid surgery. We describe a new technique of vessel and tissue sealing and bleeding control using an electrothermal sealer. The technique has some potential advantages over the current methods used for this purpose.
Primary middle-ear lymphoma in a child
Authors: Lang Emer E. , Walsh Rory M. , Leader Mary
Published: March 2003

The case of a five year old boy who presented with a lower motor neurone facial nerve palsy secondary to primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) of the middle ear is discussed. Any child who presents with a facial nerve palsy and conductive hearing loss requires thorough evaluation to exclude the possibility of temporal bone malignancy.
Recognition of acceptor-stem structure of tRNAAsp by Escherichia coli aspartyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: CHOI HYUNSIC , GABRIEL KAY , SCHNEIDER JAY , OTTEN SHAREE , McCLAIN WILLIAM H.
Published: March 2003

Protein–RNA recognition between aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and tRNA is highly specific and essential for cell viability. We investigated the structure–function relationships involved in the interaction of the Escherichia coli tRNAAsp acceptor stem with aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The goal was to isolate functionally active mutants and interpret them in terms of the crystal structure of the synthetase-tRNAAsp complex. Mutants were derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae tRNAAsp, which is inactive with E. coli aspartyl-tRNA synthetase, allowing a genetic selection of active tRNAs in a tRNAAsp knockout strain of E. coli. The mutants were obtained by directed mutagenesis or library selections that targeted the acceptor stem of the yeast tRNAAsp gene. The mutants provide a rich source of tRNAAsp sequences, which show that the sequence of the acceptor stem can be extensively altered while allowing the tRNA to retain substantial aminoacylation and cell-growth functions. The predominance of tRNA backbone-mediated interactions observed between the synthetase and the acceptor stem of the tRNA in the crystal and the mutability of the acceptor stem suggest that many of the corresponding wild-type bases are replaceable by alternative sequences, so long as they preserve the initial backbone structure of the tRNA. Backbone interactions emerge as an important functional component of the tRNA-synthetase interaction.
SsrA-mediated trans-translation plays a role in mRNA quality control by facilitating degradation of truncated mRNAs
Authors: YAMAMOTO YASUFUMI , SUNOHARA TAKAFUMI , JOJIMA KAORU , INADA TOSHIFUMI , AIBA HIROJI
Published: March 2003

An important unsolved question regarding the bacterial SsrA system is the fate of target mRNAs replaced by SsrA RNA during trans-translation. The aim of the present study is to address the potential role of SsrA system in mRNA quality control, focusing on truncated mRNAs that are expected to arise from 3′-to-5′ exonucleolytic attack. We found that significant amounts of truncated mRNAs and polypeptides were produced from genes lacking a ρ-independent terminator in SsrA-deficient cells. These truncated mRNAs, hence truncated polypeptides, were no longer observed in the presence of SsrA RNA. The data indicate that the SsrA system facilitates degradation of “nonstop” mRNAs by presumably removing the stalled ribosomes. Furthermore, analysis of affinity-purified proteins indicated that truncated polypeptides could be produced even from a gene with an intact ρ-independent terminator, although less efficiently, implying that C-terminally truncated proteins and 3′-truncated mRNA may be produced from virtually all protein-coding genes. We conclude that the SsrA system not only promotes the degradation of incomplete polypeptides but also minimizes the synthesis of incomplete polypeptides by facilitating the degradation of truncated mRNAs that are produced in cells.
Sequence and structural requirements for optimal guide RNA-directed insertional editing within Leishmania tarentolae
Authors: PAI RAJ D. , OPPEGARD LISA M. , CONNELL GREGORY J.
Published: March 2003

The coding sequence of several mitochondrial mRNAs of the trypanosomatid family of protozoa is created by the guide RNA-directed insertion and deletion of uridylates (Us). Selection–amplification was used to explore the sequence and structure of the guide RNA and mRNA required for efficient insertional editing within a mitochondrial extract prepared from Leishmania tarentolae. This study identifies several novel features of the editing reaction in addition to several that are consistent with the previous mutagenesis and phylogenetic analysis of the reaction in Trypanosoma brucei, a distantly related trypanosomatid. Specifically, there is a strong bias against cytidines 5′ of the editing sites and guanosines immediately 3′ of guiding nucleotides. U insertions are directed both 5′ and 3′ of a genomically encoded U, which was previously assumed not to occur. Base pairing immediately flanking an editing site can significantly stimulate the editing reaction and affect the reaction fidelity but is not essential. Likewise, single-stranded RNA in the region upstream of the editing site, not necessarily immediately adjacent, can facilitate editing but is also not essential. The editing of an RNA containing many of the optimal features is linear with increasing quantities of extract permitting specific activity measurements to be made that are not possible with previously described T. brucei and L. tarentolae assays. The reaction catalyzed by the L. tarentolae extract can be highly accurate, which does not support a proposed model for editing that was based largely on the inaccuracy of an earlier in vitro reaction.
Efficient transcription of the EBER2 gene depends on the structural integrity of the RNA
Authors: DÜMPELMANN EDDA , MITTENDORF HENDRIK , BENECKE BERND-JOACHIM
Published: March 2003

A 3′-truncated EBER2 RNA gene, although containing all previously identified promoter elements, revealed drastically reduced transcription rates in vitro and in vivo when fused to a heterologous terminator sequence. Inactivations were also observed with double point mutations affecting 5′- or 3′-end sequences of the EBER2 gene. However, wild-type activity of these mutants could be restored by compensatory mutations of the opposite strand of the EBER2 RNA sequence. A similar rescue was achieved with the 3′-truncated EBER2 gene, if the heterologous terminator was adapted for complementarity to the initiator element of the construct. Yet, double-strandedness alone of the RNA ends was not sufficient for high transcriptional activity of these gene constructs. Rather, the use of a nonrefoldable spacer, separating the 5′- and 3′-stem–loop structures, demonstrated that spatial proximity of the ends of EBER2 RNA was required. Furthermore, decay kinetics of wild-type and mutant RNA synthesized in vitro indicated that the effects observed could not be explained by altered transcript stability. Finally, single-round transcription confirmed that the reduced expression of mutant genes was not caused by decreased primary initiation reactions. In addition, differential sarcosyl concentrations demonstrated that the rate of reinitiation clearly was affected with the mutant EBER2 genes. Together, these results indicate that the secondary structure of this viral RNA represents a major determinant for efficient transcription of the EBER2 gene by host cell RNA polymerase III.
A twisted tRNA intermediate sets the threshold for decoding: FIGURE 1.
Authors: YARUS MICHAEL , VALLE MIKEL , FRANK JOACHIM
Published: March 2003

Putting together consistent cryo-EM structure, transient kinetic and mutant tRNA suppressor data, it appears that a deformed or waggling aminoacyl-tRNA is the critical transitional structure examined by the ribosome during decoding at the A site. The unusual conformation may be required for effective proofreading of the codon–anticodon complex.
‘Most advanced, yet acceptable’: Typicality and novelty as joint predictors of aesthetic preference in industrial design
Authors: Hekkert Paul , Snelders Dirk , Van Wieringen Piet C. W.
Published: March 2003

Typicality and novelty have often been shown to be related to aesthetic preference of human artefacts. Since a typical product is rarely new and, conversely, a novel product will not often be designated as typical, the positive effects of both features seem incompatible. In three studies it was shown that typicality (operationalized as ‘goodness of example’) and novelty are jointly and equally effective in explaining the aesthetic preference of consumer products, but that they suppress each other's effect. Direct correlations between both variables and aesthetic preference were not significant, but each relationship became highly significant when the influence of the other variable was partialed out. In Study 2, it was furthermore demonstrated that the expertise level of observers did not affect the relative contribution of novelty and typicality. It was finally shown (Study 3) that a more ‘objective’ measure of typicality, central tendency — operationalized as an exemplar's average similarity to all other members of the category — yielded the same effect of typicality on aesthetic preference. In sum, all three studies showed that people prefer novel designs as long as the novelty does not affect typicality, or, phrased differently, they prefer typicality given that this is not to the detriment of novelty. Preferred are products with an optimal combination of both aspects.
Coping and caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Kneebone Ian I. , Martin Paul R.
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To critically review the research based on Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress and coping model, in respect to the coping of those caring for persons with dementia in the community, in an attempt to establish its implications for interventions aimed at improving caregiver adjustment.

Method: Published material on the coping of caregivers of persons with dementia was identified through computerized literature searches (Med‐line, Psych‐Info) to December 1999, employing search terms including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, caregiving, caregiver burden, adaptation, psychological, coping, and stress. Studies were chosen to be considered in detail, based on the reviewer's opinion that they would contribute to an understanding of the current state of the research and its clinical implications. This material was then critically reviewed against the tenets of Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) model.

Results: Sixteen studies were selected to be included in the review, 12 cross‐sectional and 4 longitudinal. Seven of the studies did not incorporate coping measures specific to caregiving and/or assess coping in respect of specific caregiver problems. Nine of the studies did do this. The research suggests that a general tendency towards problemsolving and acceptance styles of coping is likely to be advantageous to caregivers of people with dementia.

Conclusions: Despite this finding, it is concluded that the ability of the research to inform the clinician is severely limited. It is proposed that while longitudinal studies considered specific caregiver problems which incorporate coping measures specific to the caregiving task may improve understanding, a substantial revision of methodology and perspective may be required to produce findings that are likely to influence practice.
Relationships between personality, an extended theory of planned behaviour model and exercise behaviour
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , Courneya Kerry S.
Published: March 2003

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the theory of planned behaviour's (TPB) mediating hypothesis between the five‐factor model of personality and exercise behaviour using an extended TPB model including concepts of affective and instrumental attitude, injunctive and descriptive norm, controllability, and selfefficacy. It was hypothesized that extraversion's activity facet would have a significant direct effect on exercise behaviour while controlling for the TPB, based on the presupposition that activity may represent a disposition that predicts exercise beyond planned behaviour.

Design: To test the replicability of these findings, we examined this research question with undergraduate students prospectively and cancer survivors, using a cross‐sectional design.

Results: Using structural equation modelling, the results indicated that activity had a significant effect (p < .05) on exercise behaviour (study 1 = .20; study 2 = .31) while controlling for the TPB.

Conclusions: This study suggests the importance of extraversion's activity facet on exercise behaviour, even when controlling for a TPB model with additional socialcognitive concepts and disparate population samples.
The expectancy‐value muddle in the theory of planned behaviour — and some proposed solutions
Authors: French David P. , Hankins Matthew
Published: March 2003

The authors of the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour recommended a method for statistically analysing the relationships between beliefs and the Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioural Control constructs. This method has been used in the overwhelming majority of studies using these theories. However, there is a growing awareness that this method yields statistically uninterpretable results (Evans, 1991). Despite this, the use of this method is continuing, as is uninformed interpretation of this problematic research literature. This is probably due to the lack of a simple account of where the problem lies, and the large number of alternatives available. This paper therefore summarizes the problem as simply as possible, gives consideration to the conclusions that can be validly drawn from studies that contain this problem, and critically reviews the many alternatives that have been proposed to address this problem. Different techniques are identified as being suitable, according to the purpose of the specific research project.
Nutritional supplementation in older adults: Pleasantness, preference and selection of sip‐feeds
Authors: McAlpine S. J. , Harper J. , McMurdo M. E. T. , Bolton‐Smith C. , Hetherington M. M.
Published: March 2003

Objectives: Malnourishment is common in older adults, and nutritional supplementation is used to improve body weight and well‐being. Clinical reports suggest, however, that patients routinely reject sip‐feeds. The present study examined the following questions: whether sip‐feeds are less preferred and less likely to be selected than other energy‐dense foods in healthy elders; and whether eating alone further reduces intake relative to eating in a social setting.

Methods: Twenty‐one healthy older adults (aged 60‐79 years) attended the laboratory on three occasions. Subjects rated six different flavours of sip‐feed and then rated the pleasantness of the taste of the favoured flavour against five other energy‐dense familiar foods/drinks. Intake of these foods was measured when subjects ate alone or in a group of familiar others.

Results: Favourite flavour of sip‐feed compared well with other more familiar foods and was selected as part of a snack. Snack intake increased by 60% when consumed in a group setting compared with eating alone.

Conclusions: The study suggests that sip‐feeds are rated as pleasant and selected by free‐living elders. Rejection of sip‐feeds in hospitalized elders may relate more to loss of appetite than to the taste preference for sip‐feeds, and that eating alone rather than in groups of familiar others is likely to compound eating problems.
Predicting adherence to eye patching in children with amblyopia: An application of protection motivation theory
Authors: Norman Paul , Searle Aidan , Harrad Richard , Vedhara Kav
Published: March 2003

Objectives: This study reports an application of protection motivation theory (PMT) to the prediction of parental adherence to eye patching recommendations for children with amblyopia over a 2‐month period. The study also considered the role of past behaviour in PMT.

Design and methods: A total of 151 parents of children with amblyopia who were attending follow‐up appointments for orthoptic treatment participated. They completed questionnaires based on PMT to assess their beliefs about amblyopia and eye patching. Of the parents, 105 were contacted again at 2‐month follow‐up to obtain a measure of adherence to the recommended treatment for their child.

Results: PMT was found to be predictive of adherence intentions and behaviour at 2‐month follow‐up. Regression analyses revealed perceived vulnerability, response efficacy and self‐efficacy to be significant predictors of protection motivation, whereas perceived vulnerability and response costs were significant predictors of adherence behaviour. Past adherence behaviour was found to have a direct effect on future adherence behaviour over and above the influence of PMT.

Conclusions: The results are discussed in relation to the sufficiency of PMTas a model of adherence behaviour. The practical implications for attempts to increase adherence to eye patching among children with amblyopia are outlined.
A contemporary validation of the Reeder Stress Inventory
Authors: Metcalfe Chris , Smith George Davey , Wadsworth Emma , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Heslop Pauline , Macleod John , Smith Andrew
Published: March 2003

Objectives: To examine the construct validity of the RSI in a contemporary cohort. Design. A cross‐sectional investigation of 1,717 employed individuals who responded to the second stage of a study of occupational stress.

Methods: Scores on the RSI are compared to smoking and drinking habits, social class, and two measures of health (number of days sick leave, and number of visits to a GP during the previous year). The RSI was compared to three questionnaires measuring concepts related to stress: the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Karasek Job Strain Questionnaire.

Results: Higher levels of stress, as measured by the RSI, were associated with smoking a greater number of cigarettes, and, if the respondent drank alcohol, greater consumption of alcoholic drinks. High levels of stress were also associated with having taken more days sick leave, having made more frequent visits to a GP, and, somewhat unexpectedly, with being a teetotaller, and with holding a non‐manual occupation. Of the questionnaire measures, the strongest association was between the RSI and HADS anxiety subscale, consistent with an overlap between the concepts of stress and anxiety.

Conclusions: This study supports the construct validity of the RSI in a sample of employed individuals.
How sleep is related to fatigue
Authors: Lavidor Michal , Weller Aron , Babkoff Harvey
Published: March 2003

Objectives: It is evident that sleep patterns have direct effects on fatigue. However, the multidimensionality of fatigue may imply that complex patterns of relationships exist between fatigue and sleep characteristics. We aimed to study the correlations between fatigue and quantitative and qualitative sleep measurements, while taking into consideration depression and somatization which are known to affect both sleep and fatigue. We predicted that sleep quality, unattained by the effects of somatization and depression, would affect perceived fatigue more than the quantitative characteristics of sleep.

Design: Employing a cross‐sectional design, hypotheses were addressed using multiple hierarchical regression analyses according to established methods.

Methods: Data were gathered from a targeted, randomly selected adult sample (N = 278) by means of subjective sleep reports, a mental health inventory, somatization inventory, several fatigue questionnaires and a demographic questionnaire.

Results: Fatigue was significantly predicted by depression scores, somatization levels and subjective sleep quality, but not quantitative sleep characteristics such as sleep latency, nocturnal awakenings and early morning arousals. Depression levels were positively and significantly related to all aspects of fatigue except physical fatigue and fatigue that responds to rest and sleep. Physical fatigue was correlated with somatization, but not depression.

Conclusions: The data further our understanding of the multifaceted nature of human fatigue and underline the greater importance of perceived sleep quality, compared to other sleep characteristics, in predicting fatigue.
Evidence for the independence of positive and negative well‐being: Implications for quality of life assessment
Authors: Huppert Felicia A. , Whittington Joyce E.
Published: March 2003

Objectives: Evidence is accumulating that positive mental states are more than the absence of symptoms, and may play an independent role in health outcomes. The aim of this study is to compare the characteristics and determinants of positive and negative mental states in a population sample.

Design: A novel analysis of data was undertaken from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐30) which was completed by 6,317 participants in the Health and Lifestyle Survey at Time 1 and 3,778 at Time 2, 7 years later.

Methods: We derived a positive well‐being scale (POS‐GHQ) based on positive responses to the positive items of the GHQ‐30, and compared it to a standard symptom measure (CGHQ). Discriminant function analyses were performed to establish which demographic, health and social variables best accounted for scores on each scale.

Results: The distributional properties of the two scales, together with the results of the discriminant analyses, demonstrate a degree of independence between positive and negative well‐being. Over one third of the sample obtained either low scores on both positive and negative well‐being measures or high scores on both measures. Disability and lack of social roles were important determinants of psychological symptoms, but had less influence on positive well‐being. Having paid employment was an important determinant of positive well‐being but had less influence on psychological symptoms. We also found that 7‐year mortality was predicted more strongly by the absence of positive well‐being than by the presence of psychological symptoms.

Conclusions: These findings point to the need to include measures of positive well‐being in studies of health outcomes and quality of life assessment.
Rethinking Noble Cause Corruption
Authors: Kleinig John
Published: March 2003

The historical background to and use of the expression ‘noble cause corruption’ to characterise certain types of police behaviour is explored. One account, in which it is understood to provide a mantle of respectability for certain kinds of police corruption is contrasted with another in which it describes a kind of corruption that is not ameliorated by its motivation. This divergence, however, points to some deeper problems and complexities in police decision-making that have not been fully acknowledged or explored in police work. These are most acute when general rules do not adequately accommodate the complexities of real-life situations.
Interviewing Child Witnesses: Past and Future
Authors: Bull Ray , Corran Eleanor
Published: March 2003

Much of the improvement in child witness interviewing in England and Wales has been based on the findings of psychological research concerning memory and language. However, relatively little research has been conducted on the possible influence of interviewer style or manner. This article reviews the limited previous research on this topic and presents a new study. It seems that an authoritative interviewing style may increase children's errors to suggestive questions.
How Efficiently Can We Target Prolific Offenders?
Authors: Townsley Mike , Pease Ken
Published: March 2003

This report looks at the magnitude of crime perpetrated by the most active offenders in a particular police area and places it in the context of a research programme which seeks to integrate and render locally useful the major findings of applied criminology. The results are contrasting. In terms of all crime, the group of offenders nominated did not appear to contribute substantially to levels of crime. The level of burglary did not bear any relationship to the availability of nominated burglars. The volume of vehicle-related crime (unlawful taking, theft of and theft from a motor vehicle) did vary according to the number of nominated offenders available.

Breaking down to neighbourhood level, only one area displayed a relationship between levels of vehicle crime and the availability of nominated offenders to commit crime. Furthermore, there was some evidence that this group accounted for a component of other crime types, namely burglary and criminal damage. Two areas failed to produce any meaningful relationship between nominated offenders and crime levels.

The results have major implications for the mechanism used to nominate prolific offenders and the resources used to target such individuals. It is argued that refinement and local application of the kinds of analysis described here would be of great utility in shaping offender-targeting practices.
Unreliable Confessions and Miscarriages of Justice in Britain
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: March 2003

Miscarriages of justice are sometimes caused by confessions, which are coerced by the police or result from suspects' psychological vulnerabilities during custody and interrogation. In recent years there has been considerable research into police interviewing, psychological vulnerability, and false confessions. This paper summarises the salient British research and reviews briefly 23 high-profile murder cases where convictions based on confession evidence have been quashed on appeal between 1989 and 2002. In over half the cases the appellant's psychological vulnerability, rather than coercive or oppressive interviewing, rendered the confession unreliable. The review of the cases demonstrates that relevant psychological research and expert testimony in cases of disputed confessions have had profound influence on the practice and ruling of the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords. The cases presented in this paper show that it is wrong to assume that only persons with learning disability or those who are mentally ill make unreliable or false confessions. Personality factors are often important in rendering a confession unreliable.
The Relationship of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to Crime and Delinquency: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pratt Travis C. , Cullen Francis T. , Blevins Kristie R. , Daigle Leah , Unnever James D.
Published: March 2003

In recent years, criminologists have begun to focus more closely on how certain biosocial and/or neuropsychological factors may influence criminal and delinquent behaviour. One factor that is emerging as a potentially important correlate of such behaviour is Attention Deficit — often combined with hyperactivity — Disorder (ADD and/or ADHD). The results of the growing body of empirical literature assessing this link are, however, inconsistent. The present study subjects this body of research to a ‘meta-analysis' — or, ‘quantitative synthesis' — to establish both the overall effect of ADHD on crime and delinquency and the degree to which this relationship is conditioned by methodological factors across empirical studies. The analyses reveal a fairly strong association between measures of ADHD and criminal/delinquent behaviour. Nevertheless, these effects are not invariant across certain salient methodological characteristics. The implications for criminological theory and correctional policy are discussed.
Challenges of Materials Technology for low Consumption Vehicle Concepts
Authors: Friedrich H.E.
Published: March 2003

The material strategy in the automobile industry is geared towards product features such as consumption reduction (lightweight design), performance gain in the powertrain, safety, improved comfort and enhanced driving pleasure, or towards new functions and effects achievable using materials, surfaces and layers. All of these features are required to meet the criteria of low‐cost and environmentally‐friendly producibility and resources recovery. Lightweight design has a key role to play in the development of vehicles with low consumption and emissions. Some examples and current trends are reviewed in this article.
Non‐Additive Effects in the Elastic Behavior of Dental Composites
Authors: Wissler M. , Lusti H.R. , Oberson C. , Widmann‐Schupak A.H. , Zappini G. , Gusev A.A.
Published: March 2003

The effective stiffness of dental composites consisting of a polymer and two fillers of different particle size is not predicted correctly by an additive approach (i.e. predicting the stiffness of a polymer and one‐filler system first). Better accordance with the experimental behavior is reached using a direct finite‐element calculation, which has been applied to this type of problem for the first time here.
Fracture Resistant Structures Based on Topological Interlocking with Non‐planar Contacts
Authors: Dyskin A.V. , Estrin Y. , Pasternak E. , Khor H.C. , Kanel‐Belov A.J.
Published: March 2003

Topological interlocking of elements based on matching of curved contact surfaces (see Figure) offers flexible structures highly tolerant to local failures. Unlike structures based on interlocking polyhedra, they form continuous layers to be used, e.g., for surface protection. The structures are especially promising with brittle materials, since in contrast to solid structures, failure of individual blocks does not lead to global failure.