bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silsesquioxane‐based nanocomposite dendrimers with photo‐luminescent and charge transport properties
Authors: Lo Mee Yoon , Ueno Kazunori , Tanabe Hiroshi , Sellinger Alan
Published: June 2006

The synthesis and characterization of octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS)‐based nanocomposite dendrimers with luminescent and charge transport properties are reported. The nanocomposite dendrimers were prepared in high yield using mild Heck chemistry of mono‐haloaromatic compounds with the peripheral vinylsilane groups of OVS. Attachment of 2‐naphthalene, 2‐(9,9‐dimethyl)fluorene, and 2‐(4‐phenyl)‐5‐(1‐naphthyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole resulted in materials with blue‐violet emission (360–380 nm) and photo‐luminescent quantum efficiencies (PLQEs) from 1 to 26%. Blue‐green emission was observed for attachment of 1‐pyrene, 9‐anthracene, and N1‐(4‐phenyl)‐N1,N4,N4‐triphenylbenzene‐1,4‐diamine with PLQEs ranging from 23 to 50%. Despite the planar characteristics of the organic dendrons, the nanocomposite dendrimers are completely amorphous and have high glass transition temperatures (Tg) ranging from 115 to 186°C with decomposition temperatures (Td) exceeding 450°C. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight shows that unlike traditional Heck chemistry, haloaromatic compounds are adding twice across the vinylsilane groups. Finally, organic light emitting diodes using the aromatic amine‐based dendrimer as hole injection layers show 55% improvement in device efficiency over traditional materials (5.16 vs. 3.24 cd A−1) with brightness levels exceeding 40,000 cd m−2. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 157–168; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20080
Postsurgical Infections are Reduced with Specialized Nutrition Support
Authors: Waitzberg Dan L. , Saito Hideaki , Plank Lindsay D. , Jamieson Glyn G. , Jagannath Palepu , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Mijares Juan M. , Bihari David
Published: June 2006

Objective

The objective was to examine the relationship between pre‐, peri‐, and postoperative specialized nutritional support with immune‐modulating nutrients and postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, review article bibliographies, and abstracts and proceedings of scientific meetings. All randomized clinical trials in which patients were supplemented by the IMPACT formula before and/or after elective surgery and the clinical outcomes reported were included in the meta‐analysis. Seventeen studies (n = 2,305), 14 published (n = 2,102), and 3 unpublished (n = 203), fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Ten studies (n = 1,392) examined the efficacy of pre‐ or perioperative IMPACT supplementation in patients undergoing elective surgery, whereas 7 (n = 913) assessed postoperative efficacy. Fourteen of the studies (n = 2,083) involved gastrointestinal (GI) surgical patients. Postoperative complications, mortality, and length of stay in hospital (LOS) were major outcomes of interest.

Results

IMPACT supplementation, in general, was associated with significant (39%–61%) reductions in postoperative infectious complications and a significant decrease in LOS in hospital by an average of 2 days. The greatest improvement in postoperative outcomes was observed in patients receiving specialized nutrition support as part of their preoperative treatment. In GI surgical patients, anastomotic leaks were 46% less prevalent when IMPACT supplementation was part of the preoperative treatment.

Conclusion

This study identifies a dosage (0.5–1 l/day) and duration (supplementation for 5–7 days before surgery) of IMPACT that contributes to improved outcomes of morbidity in elective surgery patients, particularly those undergoing GI surgical procedures. The cost effectiveness of such practice is supported by recent health economic analysis. Findings suggest preoperative IMPACT use for the prophylaxis of postoperative complications in elective surgical patients.
Partial Median Sternotomy: An Attractive Approach to Mediastinal Parathyroid Disease
Authors: Gold Jason S. , Donovan Patricia I. , Udelsman Robert
Published: June 2006

Background

Parathyroid exploration through a standard cervical approach is adequate for the resection of most mediastinal parathyroid glands. A subset of mediastinal parathyroid glands causing hyperparathyroidism, however, cannot be removed in this manner.

Study Design

We reviewed our experience with the use of partial median sternotomy in the treatment of these patients.

Results

Over a 14‐year period, all but 10 of 937 (1.1%) consecutive patients explored for hyperparathyroidism by a single endocrine surgeon were treated by a cervical approach. Partial median sternotomy was performed in 10 cases and was successful in seven cases (70%), with conversion to a complete sternotomy being required in three cases. Six of these seven patients had failed a previous parathyroid exploration (86%), including one patient who had a previous complete sternotomy. Cure of hyperparathyroidism was achieved in all seven patients undergoing partial median sternotomy. In five patients a mediastinal parathyroid gland was removed (71%), and in one patient a parathyroid adenoma in the carotid sheath was eventually found, and the location of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland in one patient was never determined although the patient was cured. The mean length of hospital stay after a partial median sternotomy was 2.6 days. One patient sustained a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury at the time of a repeat cervical exploration and partial median sternotomy.

Conclusions

Rarely, mediastinal parathyroid glands cannot be resected through a cervical approach. In these cases the use of partial median sternotomy is an attractive technique in achieving cure of hyperparathyroidism and is associated with minimal morbidity and a short length of hospital stay.
Clinical Trial Results Applied to Management of the Individual Cancer Patient
Authors: Jatoi Ismail , Proschan Michael A.
Published: June 2006

The application of clinical trial results to the management of the individual cancer patient is not always straightforward. The results of a clinical trial indicate the “average” effect of an intervention, often expressed in terms of an absolute risk reduction, which is an estimate of the likelihood of benefit for a particular patient. However, within any clinical trial, there might be differences between groups of patients in underlying pathology, genetics, or biology, and some patients might benefit more from a new treatment than others. Thus, within a clinical trial, it might also be useful to group together patients with similar characteristics, and test for subgroup interaction. The test for interaction will indicate whether the magnitude of benefit differs from one prognostic subgroup to the next (a quantitative interaction). Much less common are qualitative interactions, in which a new treatment is beneficial in one subgroup but harmful in another. If the test for subgroup interaction is significant, then the effects of treatment may indeed differ between subgroups of patients, but this should be confirmed in other trials before a treatment is implemented in clinical practice.
Tidal and diurnal variations in larval fish abundance in an estuarine inlet in Ariake Bay, Japan: implication for selective tidal stream transport
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Hibino Manabu , Tanaka Masaru
Published: June 2006

We have conducted a preliminary study of tidal and diurnal variations in the distribution of dominant larval and juvenile fishes in the Chikugo River inlet (Ariake Bay, Kyushu, Japan) to determine whether selective tidal stream transport (STST) occurs. Larval and juvenile fish were collected from the mesohaline zone of the Chikugo River inlet during spring 2002. Temperature, salinity, depth, and current velocity were measured. Larval and juvenile abundance were compared among four tidal conditions, flooding tide, high tide, ebbing tide, and low tide, and between day and night. A total of 12 families, 15 species, and 5,577 individuals were collected. Temperature did not vary significantly with tidal conditions whereas salinity, depth, and current velocity varied significantly. Salinity also was correlated significantly and positively with depth. The abundance of most of the fishes was correlated positively and significantly with salinity and depth. Lateolabrax japonicus, Trachidermus fasciatus, Acanthogobius hasta, and other gobiid larvae (Gobiidae spp.) were significantly more abundant during high tide; in contrast, Coilia nasus and Neosalanx reganius were most abundant during low tide. The abundance of most of the fishes was higher during high tides at night than during the day, indicating the existence of STST, which may be strategically associated with ascending progress to upstream nursery areas.
Comorbidity of low back pain: Representative outcomes of a national health study in the Federal Republic of Germany
Authors: Schneider Sven , Mohnen Sigrid M. , Schiltenwolf Marcus , Rau Christoph
Published: June 2006

Background:Unlike other biopsychosocial risk factors, the role of comorbidity in low back pain is largely unknown.

Aims:The purpose is (1) to generate prevalence data on back pain in the total adult population and (2) to identify the most common physical comorbidities in subjects with back pain. This paper also (3) analyses the gender‐specific and age‐specific comorbidity structure.

Methods:The National German Health Survey is the first study to provide the basis for a representative nationwide analysis of back pain prevalence and the associated comorbidities. The net sample comprises a total of 7124 Germans aged 18–79.

Results:One in three Germans (34%) experienced back pain during the seven days prior to being interviewed. The one‐year prevalence rate is 59%. All the morbidities investigated by us are more common in subjects with back pain than in individuals without back pain. The most common comorbidities associated with back pain are musculoskeletal disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, followed by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusions:The present study investigating 31 physical diseases is the most extensive analysis to date on the topic of back pain and comorbidity. This is an attempt to cast light on the tangled relationships involved in developing and coping with back pain. In view of the large percentage of unspecific back pain, we believe it is important for physicians treating back pain to extend their history and diagnostic analysis skills to embrace comorbidities related to the back pain.
Proteasomal degradation of the multifunctional regulator YB‐1 is mediated by an F‐Box protein induced during programmed cell death
Authors: Lutz Marcus , Wempe Frank , Bahr Inke , Zopf Dieter , von Melchner Harald
Published: June 2006

F‐Box proteins (FBPs) are variable adaptor proteins that earmark protein substrates for ubiquination and destruction by the proteasome. Through their N‐terminal F‐box motif, they couple specific protein substrates to a catalytic machinery known as SCF (Skp‐1/Cul1/F‐Box) E3‐ubiquitin ligase. Typical FBPs bind the specific substrates in a phosphorylation dependent manner via their C‐termini using either leucine rich repeats (LRR) or tryptophan‐aspartic acid (WD40) domains for substrate recognition. By using a gene trap strategy that selects for genes induced during programmed cell death, we have isolated the mouse homolog of the hypothetical human F‐Box protein 33 (FBX33). Here we identify FBX33 as a component of an SCF E3‐ubiquitin ligase that targets the multifunctional regulator Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1)/dbpB/p50 for polyubiquitination and destruction by the proteasome. By targeting YB‐1 for proteasomal degradation, FBX33 negatively interferes with YB‐1 mediated functions. In contrast to typical FBPs, FBX33 has no C‐terminal LRR or WD40 domains and associates with YB‐1 via its N‐terminus. The present study confirms the existence of a formerly hypothetical F‐Box protein in living cells and describes one of its substrates.
Mouse adenovirus type 1 attachment is not mediated by the coxsackie‐adenovirus receptor
Authors: Lenaerts L. , Daelemans D. , Geukens N. , De Clercq E. , Naesens L.
Published: June 2006

Common human adenovirus (Ad) vectors are derived from serotype 2 or 5, which use the coxsackie‐adenovirus receptor (CAR) as their primary cell receptor. We investigated the receptor usage of mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV‐1), which in vivo is characterized by a pronounced endothelial cell tropism. Alignment of the fiber knob sequences of MAV‐1 and those of CAR‐using adenoviruses, revealed that amino acid residues, critical for interaction with CAR, are not conserved in the MAV‐1 fiber knob. Attachment of MAV‐1 to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was not increased by stable transfection with mouse CAR, whereas the binding efficiency of Ad2 was 20‐fold higher in the mouse CAR‐transfectant compared to the wild type cells. Also, purified fiber knob of Ad5, which is interchangeable with the Ad2 fiber knob, did not compete with MAV‐1 for receptor binding, indicating that MAV‐1 binds to a receptor different from CAR. These results support further exploration of an MAV‐1‐derived vector as a potential vehicle for gene delivery to cell types which are not efficiently transduced by human adenovirus vectors.
Prior exposure to restraint stress enhances 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced DNA damage in rats
Authors: Muqbil Irfana , Azmi Asfar S. , Banu Naheed
Published: June 2006

Over the years, several lines of evidence have emerged supporting the role of stress in the development and progression of cancer. Stress can cause an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease in the in vivo antioxidant defense systems. A ROS‐induced DNA damage in peripheral lymphocytes, liver and skin cells may be revealed by Comet assay. To test whether DNA is damaged by stress/DMBA/stress and DMBA, rats were exposed to multiple doses of DMBA in the presence and absence of restraint stress, and DNA damage was evaluated. Insignificant differences were detected in all the three cells tested (peripheral lymphocytes, liver and skin cells) between control and stress treatment in terms of frequencies of damaged DNA. The extent of DNA migration was enhanced in DMBA treated rats in a dose dependent manner. Pre‐stress DMBA treatment showed still higher frequencies of damage in comparison with control, stress alone or DMBA alone groups. Thus, prior exposure to stress clearly enhanced the DMBA induced DNA damage, especially so in the skin cells (target organ of the carcinogen application) than liver and peripheral lymphocytes as observed on the basis of the extent of DNA migration (tail DNA) during single cell gel electrophoresis.
Discrimination between the activity of protein kinase CK2 holoenzyme and its catalytic subunits
Authors: Salvi Mauro , Sarno Stefania , Marin Oriano , Meggio Flavio , Itarte Emilio , Pinna Lorenzo A.
Published: June 2006

The acronym CK2 denotes a highly pleiotropic Ser/Thr protein kinase whose over‐expression correlates with neoplastic growth. A vexed question about the enigmatic regulation of CK2 concerns the actual existence in living cells of the catalytic (α and/or α′) and regulatory β‐subunits of CK2 not assembled into the regular heterotetrameric holoenzyme. Here we take advantage of novel reagents, namely a peptide substrate and an inhibitor which discriminate between the holoenzyme and the catalytic subunits, to show that CK2 activity in CHO cells is entirely accounted for by the holoenzyme. Transfection with individual subunits moreover does not give rise to holoenzyme formation unless the catalytic and regulatory subunits are co‐transfected together, arguing against the existence of free subunits in CHO cells.
Development of glutathione‐coupled cantilever for the single‐molecule force measurement by scanning force microscopy
Authors: Yoshimura Shige H. , Takahashi Hirohide , Otsuka Shotaro , Takeyasu Kunio
Published: June 2006

The accuracy and the fidelity of a single‐molecule force measurement largely rely on how the molecule of interest is attached to the solid substrate surface (bead, cantilever, cover glass and etc.). A site‐specific attachment of a protein without affecting its structure and enzymatic function has been a major concern. Here, we established a glutathione‐coupled cantilever to which any glutathione S‐transferase (GST)‐fused proteins can be attached in a desired direction. The rupture force between glutathione and GST was ∼100 pN on average. By using this cantilever, we succeeded in measuring the interaction force between importin α and importin β.
Introgression of a novel salt‐tolerant L‐myo‐inositol 1‐phosphate synthase from Porteresia coarctata (Roxb.) Tateoka (PcINO1) confers salt tolerance to evolutionary diverse organisms
Authors: Das-Chatterjee Aparajita , Goswami Lily , Maitra Susmita , Dastidar Krishnarup Ghosh , Ray Sudipta , Majumder Arun Lahiri
Published: June 2006

We have previously demonstrated that introgression of PcINO1 gene from Porteresia coarctata (Roxb.) Tateoka, coding for a novel salt‐tolerant L‐myo‐inositol 1‐phosphate synthase (MIPS) protein, confers salt tolerance to transgenic tobacco plants (Majee, M., Maitra, S., Dastidar, K.G., Pattnaik, S., Chatterjee, A., Hait, N.C., Das, K.P. and Majumder, A.L. (2004) A novel salt‐tolerant L‐myo‐inositol‐1‐phosphate synthase from Porteresia coarctata (Roxb.) Tateoka, a halophytic wild rice: molecular cloning, bacterial overexpression, characterization, and functional introgression into tobacco‐conferring salt‐tolerance phenotype. J. Biol. Chem. 279, 28539–28552). In this communication we have shown that functional introgression of the PcINO1 gene confers salt‐tolerance to evolutionary diverse organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes including crop plants albeit to a variable extent. A direct correlation between unabated increased synthesis of inositol under salinity stress by the PcINO1 gene product and salt tolerance has been demonstrated for all the systems pointing towards the universality of the application across evolutionary divergent taxa.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β increases CTRP1 expression in adipose tissue
Authors: Kim Kun-yong , Kim Hwa Young , Kim Jae Hyeong , Lee Chul-Ho , Kim Do-Hyung , Lee Young Ho , Han Seung Hyun , Lim Jong-Seok , Cho Dae Ho , Lee Myeong-Sok , Yoon Sukjoon , Kim Keun Il , Yoon Do-Young , Yang Young
Published: June 2006

CTRP1, a member of the CTRP superfamily, consists of an N‐terminal signal peptide sequence followed by a variable region, a collagen repeat domain, and a C‐terminal globular domain. CTRP1 is expressed at high levels in adipose tissues of LPS‐stimulated Sprague‐Dawley rats. The LPS‐induced increase in CTRP1 gene expression was found to be mediated by TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Also, a high level of expression of CTRP1 mRNA was observed in adipose tissues of Zucker diabetic fatty (fa/fa) rats, compared to Sprague‐Dawley rats in the absence of LPS stimulation. These findings indicate that CTRP1 expression may be associated with a low‐grade chronic inflammation status in adipose tissues.
Modelling Caspian sturgeon population dynamics: a new paradigm and new technology
Authors: Karayev Robert A.
Published: June 2006

Currently, many problems beset sustainable management of Caspian sturgeon stocks, some outside the traditional theory of fishery management. Successfully solving such problems requires different models of population dynamics, reflecting the phenomenological properties of sturgeon stocks, the consequences of their overexploitation, and issues relating to environmental pressure on the ecosystem in which they live. Of the many analytical tools available to address the various questions, problem-orientated models are few. Their development demands a new approach, a new modelling paradigm, and new modelling tools that meet the modern ideas of ecosystem analysis and cognitive theory. This paper offers one such new paradigm and describes a knowledge-based modelling technique that may provide realization of this paradigm. A problem-orientated version of knowledge-based models is described, the applicability of such models in attempting to solve the practical issues of sturgeon fisheries management is reviewed, and an example of model implementation is given.
Modelling discard ogives from Irish demersal fisheries
Authors: Borges Lisa , Zuur Alain F. , Rogan Emer , Officer Rick
Published: June 2006

Annual discard ogives were estimated using generalized additive models (GAMs) for four demersal fish species: whiting, haddock, megrim, and plaice. The analysis was based on data collected on board commercial vessels and at Irish fishing ports from 1995 to 2003. For all species the most important factors influencing annual discard ogives were fleet (combination of gear, fishing ground, and targeted species), mean length of the catch and year, and, for megrim, also minimum landing size. The length at which fish are discarded has increased since 2000 for haddock, whiting, and plaice. In contrast, discarded length has decreased for megrim, accompanying a reduction in minimum landing size in 2000.
Testing the potential effects of shellfish farming on swimming activity and spatial distribution of sole (Solea solea) in a mesocosm
Authors: Laffargue P. , Bégout M-L. , Lagardère F.
Published: June 2006

Restructuring coastal fish nursery habitats by extensive shellfish farming in the French part of the Bay of Biscay could influence fish physiology and behaviour and affect the ecological performance of the species. The influence of oyster-trestle cultivation installations on sole (Solea solea) swimming behaviour was investigated using an experimental pond mesocosm. A pen was constructed with three interconnected zones (two with bags of live oysters or oyster shells on trestles, and one free zone). Water renewal depended on the tide. Environmental variables were recorded continuously (temperature, oxygen, pH, meteorological data), every 3–5 days (salinity, samples taken for water analysis and estimation of sedimentation rate) or intermittently (illumination). Sediment cores were taken in each zone before and after the experiment, for sediment redox and water content, plus an evaluation of potential prey. Fish movements (nine sole collected in the wild and tagged with electronic transmitters) were registered during three fortnight-long sessions in spring 2002. In addition to shading from the oyster trestles, water and sediment properties changed significantly in the live oyster zone. Environmental changes and sole swimming behaviour were linked by direct or indirect effects: swimming activity for eight of nine sole followed a diel cycle, with greater travelling distance by night. All the environmental variables modulated swimming activity, but temperature increase, water renewal, and climatic events were associated with key changes between sessions or individual sole. A multilinear regression analysis suggested strongest links with oxygen, atmospheric pressure, light level, water column height, and pH. All sole moved around the enclosure at night, probably to forage. By day, except during gale-force wind, sole returned to the same resting zones. Under the oyster-rearing structures appeared to be the most attractive resting sites. Sole seemingly can occupy an entire nursery in a shellfish farming basin that has moderate habitat changes.
Moderating effects of information access on project management behavior, performance and perceptions
Authors: Bendoly Elliot , Swink Morgan
Published: June 2006

Effective project management relies on the timely exchange of information regarding appropriate resource availability, associated scheduling options, and related costs and benefits. At the same time, such information, or lack thereof, can also impact the behavior of project managers in ways that do not directly focus on work objectives but nevertheless affect performance. The research developed in this paper is primarily focused on demonstrating both direct and moderating effects that information can have on decision makers’ actions and perceptions in an environment where multiple projects are pursued simultaneously. In order to study these linkages we designed and executed a controlled experiment designed to simulate aspects common to a multi‐party project management environment. Our findings suggest that greater visibility of situational information in this environment impacts project outcomes mainly by affecting a project manager's actions and perceptions regarding both the behavior of others and the priority given to his/her task. The study extends existing information processing theory by developing and examining notions of informed rationality and reciprocity, as well as examining the effect of information on post‐task sense making. Insights from the study suggest a set of behavioral issues that should be considered in future information processing and project management research.
Density effects in harmonic emission from intense laser interactions with overdense plasmas
Authors: BOYD T. J. M. , ONDARZA-ROVIRA R.
Published: June 2006

Although the harmonics generated when intense laser light interacts with solid targets are broadly understood in terms of their dependence on the incident intensity, less attention has been paid to the ways in which their behaviour depends on plasma density. In this paper the conversion efficiencies of the odd harmonics generated when light is incident normally on the target surface are shown to be strongly resonant in character. The number of resonances is governed by harmonic order and their behaviour with density is further complicated by Langmuir wave emission at the corresponding plasma resonant densities for successive harmonic orders. Only at densities well above these resonances does the emission decay monotonically with density. The density dependence predicted by theory is confirmed by particle-in-cell simulations.
Does marital status and marital status change predict physical health in older adults?
Authors: BENNETT KATE M.
Published: June 2006

Background. Evidence for the effects of marital status and marital status change on physical health is equivocal.

Method. Structural equation models examined whether marital status predicted physical health. Six groups were examined simultaneously: married (M); widowed (W); divorced (D); never married (NM); newly widowed (NW); and newly divorced (ND). There were four annual measures (T1–T4). Both NW and ND were married at T1, but had lost their partners by T2. Four physical health variables were examined: Problems, Limitations, Service use, and Self-rated health (SRH). Age and gender were included.

Results. Previous health predicted future for all measures and for all groups. However, the specific strengths and time-courses varied between marital status groups and between health measures. The most marked patterns were associated with marital status change. Service use was influenced most strongly by NW, whilst Limitations was influenced by ND. Problems distinguished NW and ND from stable marital status groups but also from each other. SRH was influenced by W and not by recent marital status change. The effects of age and gender were modest and restricted to specific health variables and specific marital statuses.

Conclusions. The results demonstrate that marital status and marital status change, in particular, influence health longitudinally. The impact of a change to divorced or to widowed status is not the same. No two health variables responded in the same way, suggesting that marital status has a differential effect on health.
Schoeck's ‘Penthesilea’
Authors: Palmer Peter
Published: June 2006

SCHOECK: Penthesilea, op. 39. Yvonne Naef (mezzosop), Renate Behle (sop), Susanne Reinhard (sop), Ute Trekel-Burkhardt (con), James Johnson (bar), Stuart Kale (ten), Cheyne Davidson (bar), Imke Büchel (speaker). Czech Philharmonic Choir Brno, Basle Symphony Orchestra c. Mario Venzago. Musiques Suisses MGB CD 6232 (2-CD set).
Channel 4
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: June 2006

Channel 4: Judith Weir's ‘Armida’
Benefits of local residents visiting La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
Authors: MOORMAN RANDALL S.
Published: June 2006

Many conservation organizations have attempted to reduce local threats to protected areas (PAs) by providing environmental education programmes in neighbouring communities. There is a great need to understand the effectiveness of these programmes in promoting support for PAs and ultimately reducing threats to biodiversity. La Selva Biological Station, a private PA in Costa Rica, has become increasingly threatened by illegal hunting in the PA and deforestation and land degradation in surrounding areas. The Station has responded with several outreach projects including an annual free visiting day. This study used a survey instrument to evaluate the benefits of local residents visiting La Selva. Specifically, three questions were asked: (1) is there a difference in ecological knowledge of local residents among residents who have visited the Station and those that have not; (2) does an increase in knowledge relate to a perceived benefit from the PA; and (3) does recognition of a perceived benefit among local people result in fewer residents admitting to hunting or desiring to hunt in the PA? This study showed that those residents who had visited the station had a greater understanding of ecological concepts than those residents that had never been to the station, suggesting that such visits provided educational opportunities. Men also had greater ecological knowledge than women. Additionally, residents were more likely to value the PA if they had a greater knowledge of local ecology and conservation. Increased knowledge and recognition of perceived benefit however, do not necessarily translate into lifestyle changes that benefit conservation; no relationship was detected between residents who stated they benefited from the PA and those who said they did not have a desire to hunt, but younger respondents were more likely to express an interest in hunting than older respondents. The results presented here suggest that protected areas generally may benefit from visitation by local residents. However, further study is needed to determine if such outreach activities actually decrease local threats to conservation efforts, such as hunting.
Physical activity in modern society: is there also an environmental benefit?
Authors: PRETTY JULES
Published: June 2006

Higgins (2005) has shown that increased human physical activity in the USA could lead to both improvements in physical health and reductions in oil consumption by motor vehicles, thereby also reducing carbon emissions. It is an intriguing idea and, as the health costs of obesity are so high, the potential health and environmental savings could be vast. These questions deserve wider attention, as all the trends suggest that consumption of both fossil fuels and food calories (combined with more sedentary lifestyles) will continue to rise in the coming years.
Language selectivity is the exception, not the rule: Arguments against a fixed locus of language selection in bilingual speech
Authors: KROLL JUDITH F. , BOBB SUSAN C. , WODNIECKA ZOFIA
Published: June 2006

Bilingual speech requires that the language of utterances be selected prior to articulation. Past research has debated whether the language of speaking can be determined in advance of speech planning and, if not, the level at which it is eventually selected. We argue that the reason that it has been difficult to come to an agreement about language selection is that there is not a single locus of selection. Rather, language selection depends on a set of factors that vary according to the experience of the bilinguals, the demands of the production task, and the degree of activity of the nontarget language. We demonstrate that it is possible to identify some conditions that restrict speech planning to one language alone and others that open the process to cross-language influences. We conclude that the presence of language nonselectivity at all levels of planning spoken utterances renders the system itself fundamentally nonselective.
The dynamics of bilingual lexical access
Authors: COSTA ALBERT , HEIJ WIDO LA , NAVARRETE EDUARDO
Published: June 2006

In this article we discuss different views about how information flows through the lexical system in bilingual speech production. In the first part, we focus on some of the experimental evidence often quoted in favor of the parallel activation of the bilinguals' two languages from the semantic system in the course of language production. We argue that such evidence does not require us to embrace the existence of parallel activation of the two languages of a bilingual. In the second part of the article, we discuss the possibility that the language-not-in-use (or the non-response language) is activated via feedback from the sublexical representations and we devise some experimental procedures to assess the validity of such an assumption.
Language control in bilinguals: Monolingual tasks and simultaneous interpreting
Authors: DE GROOT ANNETTE M. B. , CHRISTOFFELS INGRID K.
Published: June 2006

The typical speech of (fluent) bilinguals in monolingual settings contains few switches into the non-target language. Apparently, bilinguals can control what language they output. This article discusses views on how bilinguals exert control over their two languages in monolingual tasks, where participants only have to implicate one of their languages in performing the task, and in translation and, especially, simultaneous interpreting, tasks that can only be performed if both languages are addressed. A distinction is made between “global” control, where control involves the activation and/or inhibition of complete language systems, and “local” control, where control impacts on a restricted set of memory representations. A number of studies suggest that bilingual control is a special case of the control of action in general. This insight suggests an opportunity to incorporate relevant work in the field of translation studies in the study of bilingual control, embedding it in the same theoretical framework.
Natural codeswitching knocks on the laboratory door
Authors: MYERS-SCOTTON CAROL
Published: June 2006

This contribution discusses findings and hypotheses from empirical data of naturally-occurring codeswitching. The discussion is framed by some comparisons of the approaches of contact linguists and psycholinguists to bilingual production data. However, it emphasizes the relevance of naturally-occurring codeswitching to the theoretical questions asked by psycholinguists. To accomplish this, relevant grammatical structures in codeswitching are exemplified and analyzed. Analysis largely follows the Matrix Language Frame (MLF) model, but differing approaches are mentioned.
Supplementary Prescribing in Wales
Authors: Hinchliffe Anne L
Published: June 2006

Summary

Approximately 160 nurses and pharmacists are currently enrolled on a ‘All Wales’ Supplementary Prescribing training course

The course is multi-professional and requires 15 days attendance plus additional self-directed learning utilising ‘All Wales’ distance learning materials

Each designated supervising medical practitioner must attend a one day training event in preparation for the role

Those in training come from a broad spectrum of nursing and pharmacy practice which will enable the value of supplementary Prescribing to be tested in a range of situations
Basal cell carcinoma: update on management
Authors: Buchanan Polly
Published: June 2006

Summary

Skin cancer represents a significant health problem in the white adult population. Nurses have a responsibility in health promotion and disease prevention for patients at risk of developing the most common form of skin cancer, the basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

BCC is managed using a combination of primary and secondary disease prevention strategies. These are education and screening of at-risk individuals in the community. Self-screening within the home, as well as opportunistic screening by health professionals, is deemed the most cost-effective strategy in the UK. Nurses, therefore, have a responsibility to educate patients about sun awareness, sun protection and early recognition of cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions. A number of treatment options are available for basal cell carcinoma with the decision to treat based on clinical appearance, histological examination, previous medical history and patient choice. Nurse, through the use of patient group directions and prescribing, can help to ensure the most appropriate treatment for individual patients.
Electronic database searching skills for nurse prescribers
Authors: Stokes Peter , Hons BA
Published: June 2006

Summary

The increased emphasis on evidence-based practice within healthcare has compelled nurses to obtain up to date research information to assist them in clinical decision-making. Electronic databases are a crucial resource for finding this information, but a successful search strategy is vital if relevant information is not to be missed. This article highlights the key steps in the searching process with examples from three databases on the OVID and Dialog Datastar platforms.
Monitoring skills – Asthma
Authors: Weller Trisha
Published: June 2006

Summary

Asthma is a common respiratory disease in the UK with over 5 million sufferers. It a reversible airways disease characterised by bronchoconstriction, inflammation, oedema and mucus production. There is a wide spectrum of severity and asthma can be controlled effectively by pharmacotherapy. The British Guideline on the Management of Asthma provides the framework for treatment. Primary care nurses have been involved in the management of asthma for many years and a large number have undertaken asthma training courses. The asthma guidelines recognise the benefit of trained asthma nurses in the provision of care.

The revised General Medical Services contract rewards practices who provide asthma care under the Quality Indicators framework. Supplementary nurse prescribing allows nurses with appropriate training to prescribe asthma medication, providing the diagnosis of asthma is confirmed by a medical practitioner and a clinical management plan is used. Community pharmacists have an important role in the care of patients with asthma as well and some pharmacists have become supplementary prescribers. Their role will become more evident in the future.

The main asthma medications are bronchodilators and inhaled steroids, which should be used at the lowest dose to control symptoms. Caution should be exercised in young children where many asthma medications are used ‘off-label’. Their use can be justified when it is the most appropriate medication and is supported by evidence such as asthma guidelines.

All patients on asthma medicines should be monitored closely, not only to ensure control of symptoms but to monitor for adverse side effects. Sufficient knowledge of appropriate pharmacology is required by those involved in asthma management. Regular asthma review should be structured and include issues of adherence to medication, appropriate use, inhaler technique, current symptoms and effects on lifestyle. All patients should have an asthma action plan so they know how to manage their asthma. This action plan is agreed with the patient and the health professional. Appropriate asthma management and supplementary prescribing will enhance patient care.
Implementing nurse prescribing – the challenges
Authors: Ring Mary
Published: June 2006

Summary

There are many responsibilities and challenges organisations need to address to ensure the selection of nurses for extended/supplementary prescribing occurs within an environment which guarantees success and fits the long-term objectives of the organisation in terms of role re-design and service delivery. As a local lead it is important to recognise the challenges influencing the development, implementation and effectiveness of nurse prescribing. This article considers some of those challenges and shares the experience of Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust. The article provides some food for thought for nurses wanting to become prescribers, organisations and Higher Educational Institutes.
Evidence-based prescribing [cite this article?]
Authors: Granby Trudy
Published: June 2006

Summary

The discipline of evidence-based prescribing is relatively new to nurses and other non-medical prescribers. The introduction of clinical governance, which emphasises accountability, quality and efficiency, means that it is no longer acceptable to base clinical decisions on personal opinion. Prescribing itself is just one stage in making a rational treatment decision, which requires a fully structured approach. This article will highlight some of the considerations that the prescriber has to take into account, including: the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of treatment options, how to check the evidence, the benefits or harms of a treatment and, the patient's own involvement in the treatment plan.
Non-medical prescribing education provision: How do we meet the needs of the diverse nursing specialisms? [cite this article?]
Authors: Hemingway S. , Davies J.
Published: June 2006

Abstract

This article discusses the challenging question of facilitating the educational requirements of students who enter the extended/supplementary prescribing programmes from diverse clinical backgrounds. Data emerging from a survey of mental health nurses (MHNs) by one of the authors (S.H.) and specifically what they perceive as the educational providers role in helping them develop as prescribers is presented. Secondly, the second author (J.D.) then discusses the implications of responding to student's expectations and importantly facilitating competence for the student for the differing contexts of where they will prescribe.
Supplementary prescribing for rheumatology patients: an evaluation [cite this article?]
Authors: Hennell Sheena , Spark Eileen , Wood Barbara , Gibson Sarah , George E.
Published: June 2006

Abstract

This paper evaluates the benefit and value of supplementary prescribing for rheumatology patients, and the teams who manage their care. Problems and challenges are highlighted as the paper also reviews implementation into practice and discusses audit results in terms of patient and service outcomes.
Effects of Provocation on Emotions and Aggression: An Experimental Study with Aggressive Children
Authors: Stadler Christina , Rohrmann Sonja , Steuber Sibylle , Poustka Fritz
Published: June 2006

In this study, the effects of an experimental-induced provocation on emotions and aggression were examined in 34 aggressive conduct-disordered children using a competitive reaction time paradigm. Two experimental conditions were created, an increasing provocation and a low constant provocation condition. Self-rated anger was assessed directly after provocation on a 5-point-visual scale. In addition, negative and positive emotions as well as physiological measures (heart rate and skin conductance level) were measured at baseline and after provocation. Results revealed that participants’ aggressive behaviour and subjective emotions differed as a function of the opponent’s level of provocation. Concerning physiological parameters, no significant differences were found between the experimental conditions. These results suggest that affective, but not physiological variables characterize reactive aggression in conduct-disordered children.
Perceived Rape Myth Acceptance of Others Predicts Rape Proclivity: Social Norm or Judgmental Anchoring?
Authors: Eyssel Friederike , Bohner Gerd , Siebler Frank
Published: June 2006

Previous research has shown that information about others’ rape myth acceptance (RMA) affects men’s rape proclivity ( Bohner, Siebler, & Schmelcher, 2006 ). By varying both the level (low vs. high) and format (norm vs. anchor) of such information, different explanations for this effect were investigated. After reporting their own RMA, 117 male participants either read about others’ allegedly low vs. high RMA responses (norm conditions), or estimated if others’ responses were higher or lower than an “arbitrary” low vs. high value (anchor conditions). Later, participants indicated their rape proclivity (RP). Results show that the level of others’ RMA significantly affected participants’ self-reported RP, independent of information format. Furthermore, self-reported RMA and RP were positively correlated. Implications for future research are discussed.
Self-Disclosure, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Horesh Netta , Apter Alan
Published: June 2006

The objectives of this paper were to examine the personality variable of self-disclosure, or the tendency to share feelings with others, and its relationship to depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Of the 87 adolescents who were assessed, 53 had made a suicide attempt and 34 had never shown any suicidal behavior during their lifetime. There was a significant relationship between suicidality and low levels of self-disclosure, which appears to be mediated by anxiety and depression. This sharing difficulty was most significantly marked between the adolescent and his/her family and seemed to be mediated by feelings of depression and anxiety.
Media Guidelines on the Reporting of Suicide
Authors: Pirkis Jane , Blood R. Warwick , Beautrais Annette , Burgess Philip , Skehan Jaelea
Published: June 2006

There is strong evidence for the existence of the Werther effect, or the phenomenon of an observer copying suicidal behavior he or she has seen modelled in the media. As a consequence, a number of countries have developed guidelines that promote responsible reporting of suicide. Using nine such guidelines as examples, this paper demonstrates that they tend to have similar content (emphasizing, for example, that suicide should not be glamorized or sensationalized and that explicit descriptions should be avoided, and stressing the importance of providing information about help services), but differ in the way in which they have been developed (e.g., the extent to which media professionals have been involved) and implemented (e.g., whether their “roll-out” has involved a considered dissemination strategy). The paper also reviews the evidence from evaluations of media guidelines, and concludes that it is too limited to determine whether the guidelines have had an impact on the behavior of media professionals or on completed and attempted suicide rates. It makes recommendations for further evaluative work, and suggests that the lessons from well-designed evaluations should be shared.