bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of natural disaster victims' health and recovery 1 and 3 years later
Authors: Murphy Shirley A.
Published: April 2007

Bereaved, property loss, and control groups (N = 155) studied 11 months following the 1980 volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens were recontacted 35 months postdisaster to test the hypotheses that the greater the loss experienced, the higher the stress, and the poorer the health. In general, the hypotheses were suppored. Even though mental distress decreased between the two data collection periods the mental health of the bereaved group remained poorer than both the property loss and control groups. At 3 years postdisaster, only 4% of the study participants repored complete recovery from disaster loss. Findings are compared with those of other recent disasters and clinical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Nurses and physicians must interact for valid clinical research
Authors: Kirchhoff Karin T.
Published: April 2007

The results of clinical research provide information for improving patient care. Seldom can one profession conduct research in the clinical setting without communicating with other professionals affected by the research protocol. When informed consent is obtained from the patient, an investigator may think that sufficient communication to all parties affected by a study has occurred. To conceptualize interactions observed between two professions, (i.e., nursing and medicine), five patterns are proposed: blocking research, hidden research, dumping research, negotiated research, and collaborative research.

The patterns are associated with various amounts or types of communication about research. Each description of a pattern contains (a) an example of the interactions possible in that model, (b) a set of assumptions that underlie those interactions, and (c) a number of potential outcomes. The interactions described are real occurrences with some details changed to prevent identification of individuals or institutions. These examples of research interactions occurred at several institutions. The outcomes listed are not all possible at the same time, but are a compilation of a number of outcomes that could occur.
Instrumentation to describe subjective sleep characteristics in healthy subjects
Authors: Snyder‐Halpern Rita , Verran Joyce A.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the Verran and Snyder‐Halpern (VSH) Sleep Scale, an instrument to subjectively measure sleep characteristics. Four major sleep factors and their associated characteristics were proposed for the Sleep Scale. Subjects completed three randomly ordered sleep questionnaires on three consecutive weekday mornings within the first two hours after arising. Scales included the VSH Sleep Scale, a sleep questionnaire and a sleep log. The VSH Sleep Scale had a reliability coefficient of .82 (theta). Construct validity was examined by factor analysis and correlations between Sleep Scale items and corresponding items on the two other study instruments. Scale validity also was assessed by the known groups method. Beginning support for the validity of the VSH Sleep Scale is provided.
The effect of progressive relaxation on valsalva response in healthy adults
Authors: Herman Joanne
Published: April 2007

The purpose of the study was to determine if the tensing portion of progressive relaxation initiates the Valsalva response in order to establish the safety of the procedure for acutely ill cardiovascular patients. Sixty healthy adult volunteers performed fist, chest, and abdominal tensing and relaxation while their heart rate was continuously monitored. Occurrence of the Valsalva response was determined by dividing peak tachycardia during tensing by maximum bradycardia during releasing the tension. A Valsalva ratio greater than 1.5 indicated presence of the Valsalva response. Forty‐three percent of the sample exhibited the Valsalva response. Thus, progressive relaxation should not be used with acutely ill cardiovascular patients.
The derivation and validation of six multidimensional health locus of control scale clusters
Authors: Rock Daniel L. , Meyerowitz Beth E. , Maisto Stephen A. , Wallston Kenneth A.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this research was twofold. First, to determine if eight Multidimensional Health Locus of Control types hypothesized by Wallston and Wallston (1982) existed. Second, to assess the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the control types. Two investigations were conducted based on research procedures designed for the discovery of clusters. The first study involved the derivation and replication of MHLC clusters with a sample of 400 healthy undergraduate men and women. The results of Study 1 suggested the existence of six MHLC clusters: (a) pure internal; (b) double external; (c) pure chance; (d) yea sayer; (e) nay sayer, and (f) believer in control. The sample for Study 2 consisted of 90 female undergraduate and graduate students. The six‐cluster solution was replicated in this second cross‐validation study. Furthermore, construct validity of the clusters was established through computer simulation. Finally, relationships between clusters and the Krantz Health Opinion Survey suggested the clusters have a theoretical as well as a empirical foundation. The implications of these findings for clinical practice, for the development of the health locus of control construct, and for future research on the MHLC Scale are discussed.
Nurses' job satisfaction: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Blegen Mary A. , Mueller Charles W.
Published: April 2007

A causal model of nurses' job satisfaction was tested using longitudinal analysis of 13 causal determinants and five correlates measured at Time 1, and job satisfaction measured at Time 2. Data were collected from 370 registered nurses at five hospitals using questionnaires mailed eight months apart. Four different models were analyzed using the LISREL maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the path coefficients. Variables reaching statistically significant levels included, in order of importance, routinization, promotional opportunity, distributive justice, age, day shift, workload, kinship responsibility, and opportunity for jobs outside the employing hospital. With the prior level of job satisfaction controlled, only the effects of day shift remained significant.
Subjective stress, job satisfaction, and job performance of hospital nurses
Authors: Packard John S. , Motowidlo Stephan J.
Published: April 2007

This research concerns the relationship of subjective stress, job satisfaction, and job performance in hospital nurses. Obtained were self reports from 366 nurses, and performance ratings from 165 supervisors and 139 co‐workers nominated by the original respondents. Reported are the results of exploratory path analyses, based on a general model, whereby standardized beta coefficients were used to estimate paths. The findings are that stress and job satisfaction are not directly related, and that stress, primarily acting through depression, is associated with lower levels of job performance. Job satisfaction is unrelated to job performance, and is based on depression and hostility which are affected by stress and personal characteristics.
Psychological and spiritual well‐being in college students
Authors: Fehring Richard J. , Brennan Patricia Flatley , Keller Mary L.
Published: April 2007

Two separate correlational studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between spirituality and psychological mood states in response to life change. In the first study a spiritual well‐being index, a spiritual‐maturity scale, a life‐change index, and a depression scale were administered to 95 freshman nursing students. The spiritual well‐being index was composed of two sub‐scales; a religious well‐being and an existential well‐being scale. In the second study a spiritual‐outlook scale and the Profile of Mood State index was added to the above tests and administered to 75 randomly selected college students. The results demonstrated a weak positive relationship between life change and depression. Unlike a previous study, spiritual well‐being, existential well‐being, and spiritual outlook showed strong inverse relationships with negative moods suggesting that spiritual variables may influence psychological well‐being.
Gender differences in variables associated with psychosocial adjustment to a burn injury
Authors: Brown Barbara , Roberts Jacqueline , Browne Gina , Byrne Carolyn , Love Barbara , Streiner David
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether variables associated with psychosocial adjustment to a burn injury vary by gender. Male and female burned subjects (N = 260) were compared on their functional disability, disfigurement, coping responses, social resources, and psychosocial adjustment to a burn injury. Both men and women had adjusted psychosocially to their burn injury. Less functional disability (r = .57, p<.001) for men and greater problem‐solving (r = .57, p<.001) for women were the most important variables in explaining psychosocial adjustment to a burn injury. In the future, researchers need to be cognizant of gender differences and consider men and women as separate populations.
Further exploration of maternal and paternal fetal attachment
Authors: Mercer Ramona T. , Ferketich Sandra , May Katharyn , DeJoseph Jeanne , Sollid Deanna
Published: April 2007

Fetal attachment of four groups of expectant parents were studied during the 24th to 34th weeks of pregnancy: 153 high‐risk women hospitalized for a complication, 75 high‐risk women's mates, 218 low‐risk women, and 147 low‐risk women's mates. No differences in fetal attachment scores were observed between high‐ or low‐risk women or their mates; women scored significantly higher than their mates. Very little variance (7% to 14%) in fetal attachment was explained by the test of causal models except for high‐risk women's mates for whom 31% of the variance was explained.
Self‐management of hypertension: Predictors of success in diastolic blood pressure reduction
Authors: Nakagawa‐Kogan Helen , Garber Annabaker , Jarrett Monica , Egan Kelly J. , Hendershot Susan
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine which borderline hypertension subjects could succeed in self‐regulating blood pressure, and to distinguish the psychologic and physiologic variables that predicted success. Thirty‐four white, male, unmedicated, borderline hypertensive subjects participated in a 14‐session biofeedback/cognitive selfmanagement training program. Of these, 22 exited with diastolic pressure below 90 mm Hg; 12 exited equal to or above 90 mm Hg. Both groups exited with scores markedly lower on the Symptoms Checklist‐90 (SCL‐90). The successful group began and ended on all cognitive/affective subscales at a lower level than the unsuccessful group. A discriminant analysis revealed that lower scores on the SCL‐90, lower systolic blood pressures, and higher heart rates during a mental task at the beginning of treatment distinguished those who succeeded in self‐regulation from those who could not succeed. The possible mechanisms for blood pressure control/change as a consequence of biofeedback are discussed.
Stress and impairment among nursing students
Authors: Haack Mary R.
Published: April 2007

This exploration of stress‐related disorders among nursing students employed a longitudinal cohort design over a period of two academic years. High depressive symptoms were reported by 55% of the sample. A majority of students experienced an increase in burnout symptoms and an increase in frequency of alcohol use during their educational years. These behaviors were related to a lack of social support and external attribution style.
Outcomes of coronary care in the acute care setting
Authors: Edwardson Sandra R.
Published: April 2007

A prospective descriptive study of 151 myocardial infarction patients in five hospitals, shortly after the implementation of prospective payment, showed them to be in stable physical condition and generally free of physical and emotional symptoms at the time of discharge. They did, however, have major deficits in their knowledge of continued selfcare and treatment prescriptions. Multivariate analysis showed age to be more closely associated with outcome at discharge than were severity of illness, comorbidity, complications or the intensity of medical treatment. The findings suggest that strategies for preparing patients (especially older patients) for continued self‐care may need to be adjusted to the current short lengths of stay in the acute care hospital.
Asymptomatic chlamydia during pregnancy
Authors: Abel Elizabeth , Unwerth Lynn Von
Published: April 2007

Data were collected by certified nurse midwives during routine antepartum visits for 111 low‐income women. There was a significant difference between the incidence of chlamydia n = 25 (22.5%) and gonorrhea n = 2 (1.8%), Z‐score = 4.7; p < .01. If current practices for selective screening were used 19 of the 25 women who had a positive chlamydia would not have been tested. Given the complications associated with chlamydia for women and their offspring, early detection, treatment, and education programs are justified.
A model for forecasting intermittent skilled home nursing needs
Authors: Johansen Sonja , Bowles Sharon , Haney Glenna
Published: April 2007

The problem of forecasting the need and the cost for post‐discharge skilled home nursing services is addressed by a simple statistical model. The model, assumptions, and simple calculations are described. Use of the model is illustrated with 7598 cancer patients and 2337 myocardial infarction patients. Simulation of the impact of changes in the health care delivery system toward greater and lesser severity of hospitalized patients is carried out. Two key projections illustrating the model's output are the number of patients with these diseases who will need care and the cost of that care.
Collaborative practice: A critical theory perspective
Authors: McLain Barbara R.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this critical theory study was to investigate the observed failure of nurses and physicians to collaborate, and the underlying meaning behind this failure. Using a phenomenological and participatory approach, 18 family nurse practitioners and physicians in joint practice were interviewed separately and together about their practice relationships. Transcribed interviews and data summaries were returned to the participants for review and validation. Emergent themes were analyzed using the critical theory of Jürgen Habermas. Results demonstrated that distorted communication and nonmeaningful interactions were promoted by both nurses and physicians. Elements identified as contributing to more successful collaborative practices included a willingness to move beyond basic information exchange in nurse/physician interactions, the willingness and ability to challenge distortions and assumptions in the relationship, and a belief system based on critical self‐reflection.
Instructional Information and Breast Self‐Examination Practice
Authors: Lauver Diane
Published: April 2007

The effects of four interventions on frequency and thoroughness of breast self‐examination (BSE) were compared. The interventions provided different types of information, as derived from a self‐regulation framework, to promote BSE practice. Women seeking BSE instruction (N = 204) were randomly assigned to interventions. No intervention effects on frequency were observed. However, exam frequency increased from pre‐ to postintervention and remained constant over 3 and 6 months follow‐up. Interaction effects observed on thoroughness suggested that a positive effect of sensory information about the breast was. conditional upon having had prior experience with BSE. Implications for research, theory, and practice are drawn.
An Explanatory Model of Recovery from Disaster Loss
Authors: Murphy Shirley A.
Published: April 2007

The development and testing of an explanatory model of recovery from disaster loss are described. The sample consisted of 155 persons at Time1 – 1981, 101 persons at Time2–1983, and represented five magnitudes of disaster loss: bereaved of disaster victims presumed dead; bereaved of disaster victims confirmed dead; persons whose permanent homes were destroyed; persons whose recreational property was destroyed; and a no disaster–loss comparison group. Data tested in the model were collected 1 and 3 years following the volcanic eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 on eight variables: magnitude of loss, mass media coverage, negative rating of change, change in income, self‐efficacy, social support, satisfaction with financial settlement, and mental distress. Path analysis was selected to estimate the magnitude of hypothesized direct and indirect linkages between variables presumed as causes of variables treated as effects. Results showed an improvement of goodness of fit by testing the model with the 1981 data, respecifying the model, and testing it again with the 1983 data. The greatest explanatory effects on mental distress 3 years postdisaster were mental distress reported 1 year postdisaster and negative ratings of change associated with disaster loss.
Stress‐coping strategies identified from school age children's perspective
Authors: Ryan Nancy Muir
Published: April 2007

School age children, 8 to 12 years old (N = 103), reported on the strategies they use to help them deal with stressors. Individual questionnaires contained 518 coping strategies that were sorted into 13 categories inductively derived from the content of the behaviors. Girls named significantly more social support and emotional behaviors than boys, while boys named significantly more physical exercise activities than girls. Examination of the data by age revealed significant differences in the frequency with which all categories of strategies were used except for aggressive motor and spiritual activities. The data also revealed particular strategies that were used in different stages of the coping process, and strategies that the children perceived to be helpful versus not helpful to them.
Interfacing bioinstruments with computers for data collection in nursing research
Authors: Harrison Lynda Law
Published: April 2007

Nurse researchers gain many advantages over manual collection and recording of data when they interface bioinstruments with computer technology for data collection. This article describes both the advantages and disadvantages of such technology, and uses examples from a study evaluating the effects of parent touch on preterm infants to illustrate strategies to overcome potential disadvantages.
Personality hardiness, occupational stress, and burnout in critical care nurses
Authors: Topf Margaret
Published: April 2007

Personality hardiness, occupational stress, and burnout were investigated in 100 critical care nurses. Hardiness was predictive of occupational stress and burnout. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that one of the three dimensions of hardiness, commitment to work, was the only variable to account for significant amounts of variance (up to 24%) across three of four measures of burnout. The study did not provide support for the stress buffering effect of hardiness. That is, an interaction term, hardiness × occupational stress, was not convincingly predictive of burnout in nurses. The findings are discussed in terms of other research on burnout in critical care nurses and recent issues on the conceptualization of hardiness.
Evaluating hospital postnatal nursing care: Development of the instruments
Authors: Watters Nancy E. , Kristiansen Connie M.
Published: April 2007

Measures of the quality of hospital postnatal nursing care were developed for an evaluative study of the benefits of combined mother‐infant versus traditional separate staffing patterns. Two hundred mothers completed instruments designed to measure maternal competence, patient satisfaction, establishment of breastfeeding in hospital and breast‐feeding success at 6 weeks, and 28 nursing staff completed measures of staff satisfaction. The internal consistency and test‐retest reliability of scales were supported by alpha coefficients of .60 to .89 and correlation coefficients of .74 to .80. A 90% participation rate and a 97% completion rate were achieved for the maternal sample. Evidence is presented for instrument content, construct, and predictive validity.
Stress and social support in high‐risk pregnancy
Authors: Kemp Virginia H. , Hatmaker Debra D.
Published: April 2007

Relationships of stress, social support, and risk in pregnancy were tested in low‐income women receiving outpatient antepartal care. Nineteen high‐risk and 20 low‐risk women completed the State Anxiety Inventory and Brown's Support Behavior Inventory. Urinary catecholamine levels from a single morning urine sample, determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography, were used as the indicator of physiological stress. There was a significant difference between the groups in epinephrine level, but not in norepinephrine level, anxiety, or social support scores. In the high‐risk group, norepinephrine level and partner support were negatively correlated; there were no other significant correlations. In the low‐risk group, epinephrine level was positively correlated with norepinephrine level and age; anxiety was negatively correlated with partner support and age.
Activation—a predictor of need fulfillment in couples
Authors: Hoskins Carol Noll
Published: April 2007

Circadian periodicities in activation were studied in relation to married partners' interactional‐emotional need fulfillment. Activation was defined as the phenomenological awareness of general bodily energy state or readiness to respond. It was hypothesized that differences in activation would be related to dissatisfaction with need fulfillment. Activation was measured at four designated times of day by alternate forms of the Activation Checklist (Thayer, 1967) and need fulfillment by parallel forms of the Partner Relationship Inventory (Hoskins, 1988). Five couples completed data series that ranged between 27 and 29 days, providing 67 to 106 pairs of data. Cosine curves were fitted to the data for each subject to test for significant circadian periodicities in each variable. A desynchrony score in activation was calculated for the couple at each measurement time and correlated with the interactional‐emotional need scores. The data supported the hypothesis for three subjects. Theoretical interpretations and methodological issues are presented.
Ethnic Differences in Physiological Responses Associated with the Valsalva Maneuver
Authors: Lu Zxy‐Yann , Metzger Bonnie L. , Therrien Barbara
Published: April 2007

Ethnic differences in cardiovascular indices at rest and across the Valsalva maneuver (VM) were studied in 30 Asian, 86 Caucasian, and 12 Black healthy men and women aged 30 to 55 years. Subjects simulated the VM by blowing into an aneroid pressure‐gauge meter to 40 mmHg for 10 seconds. Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in Blacks than in Asians or Caucasians. During the strain phase of the VM, the fall in SBP from baseline was significantly greater in Asians and Blacks than in Caucasians. Further, Asians had the greatest overshoot of SBP above baseline. Although resting heart rate was significantly higher in Asians compared to Caucasians, there were no differences in heart rate responses to the VM. Reduction in carotid artery blood flow velocity during strain was significantly less in Blacks. We conclude that there are ethnic differences in cardiovascular indices at rest and across the VM.
Responses of elderly spouse caregivers
Authors: Given Barbara , Stommel Manfred , Collins Clare , King Sharon , Given Charles W.
Published: April 2007

In this paper three categories of variables were identified to predict spouses' reactions to caregiving roles: patient characteristics, the caregiving environment, and characteristics of the caregiver. Measures of these variables were administered to 159 spouse caregivers. Four domains of caregivers' responses were identified: negative emotional reactions, feelings of responsibility for the patient, feelings of abandonment by family, and impact of caregiving on daily schedules. These domains were influenced most by patient negative behaviors, physical health, and age, and by caregiver age, employment, and emotional status. Amount of assistance, affective support, and hours of care also were predictive of spouse responses.
Depression and anxiety among chronically ill heart patients: Age differences in risk and predictors
Authors: Nickel Jennie T. , Brown Kay J. , Smith Barbara A.
Published: April 2007

Anxiety and depression for 399 survivors of a 1,102‐member heart disease cohort were assessed 8 to 9 years post‐hospitalization. Approximately one‐third reported symptoms of emotional distress and one‐fourth were on anti‐anxiety drugs. Predictors of anxiety and depression were analyzed through logistic regression. Subjects age 65 and over were less likely than younger patients to report anxiety or depression and also reported less heart‐associated disability, the strongest predictor of distress for both age groups. Other significant predictors included a previous history of distress, low income, female sex, and beta blocker use.
Relationship of hope, coping styles, concurrent losses, and setting to grief resolution in the Elderly Widow(er)
Authors: Herth Kaye
Published: April 2007

This descriptive study was based on Dimond's Bereavement Adaptation Model; investigation was made of the relationship between hope, concurrent losses, coping style, setting (hospital, hospice, nursing home), and grief resolution. Seventy‐five elderly persons who had been widowed 12–18 months completed the Herth Hope Scale, the Jalowiec Coping Scale, and the Grief Resolution Index by mail. A significant positive relationship was found between effective grief resolution and a high hope level; 0–1 concurrent losses; the use of confrontive, optimistic, palliative, supportant, and self‐reliant coping styles; and the death of the spouse within a hospice setting. The importance of the type of setting, hope level, and specific coping styles on grief resolution in the elderly widow(er) is suggested by the findings.
Supplemental‐information‐seeking behavior of cardiovascular nurses
Authors: Corcoran‐Perry Sheila , Graves Judith
Published: April 2007

The Krikelas model was used as a framework for investigating supplemental‐information‐seeking behavior of cardiovascular nurses. (Supplemental information is that which is not available from memory and could be made available by computer.) One hundred seventy‐five instances of supplemental‐information‐seeking behavior were collected from 46 cardiovascular nurses in three metropolitan hospitals. Self‐report and observation‐interview methods were used. Findings indicated that the nurses sought patient‐specific data most frequently, followed by institution‐specific data and domain knowledge. They needed a surprisingly large portion of the information to track people, equipment, medications, and reports. The findings have implications for nursing information system design.
Social support for women during chronic illness: The relationship among sources and types to adjustment
Authors: Primomo Janet , Yates Bernice C. , Woods Nancy F.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore who in the network provided what type of support in relation to psychosocial adjustment for women experiencing chronic illness. The Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire was administered to 125 chronically ill women, along with measures of depression (CES‐D), family illness demands (Demands of Illness Inventory), marital quality (Spanier Dyadic Adjustment Scale), and family functioning (FACES‐II). Repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to examine the average amount of support from four main sources: partner, family, friends, and others. Women perceived more support from the partner than from any other source. Family members provided more affective support than friends or others. Friends provided more affirmation than family or others. After the partner, women reported confiding about their illness more to health care providers, counselors, or religious personnel than family or friends. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed for the amount of support from each source and the measures of individual, dyadic, or family adjustment. In general, affect, affirmation, and reciprocity from both the partner and family were associated with less depression, higher marital quality, and better family functioning.
Running addiction and dyadic adjustment
Authors: Rudy Ellen B. , Estok Patricia J.
Published: April 2007

Running motivated by an addictive mechanism may overpower the sensible, beneficial approach to exercise. Neglect of family responsibilities and relationships may occur as a result of this addiction. Thirty‐five marathon runners and their spouses were studied; 22 of the runners were women and 13 were men. Each runner and spouse completed the dyadic adjustment (DAS) and running addiction (RAS) scales; the spouses were asked to rate their own dyadic adjustment and the runners' addiction. Findings indicated little relationship between the runners' RAS and DAS scores; however, there was a significant negative relationship between spouses' rating of the runners' RAS and their own DAS, (r=‐.59, p < .001). The relationship between higher perceived levels of running addiction in the spouse and lower DAS scores was stronger in those spouses who did not run; (r=‐.61, p < .01) and for male spouses of female runners; (r=‐.67, p < .01).
The health self‐determinism index for children
Authors: Cox Cheryl L. , Cowell Julia M. , Marion Lucy N. , Miller Elaine H.
Published: April 2007

A convenience sample of 501 children 7 to 13 years old completed the newly developed Health Self‐Determinism Index for Children (HSDI‐C), a measure of intrinsic motivation in health behavior. Construct validity was supported through the factorial isolation of four theory‐consistent subscales, and the correlation of the total HSDI‐C (r=.36, p ≤ .009) with a general measure of intrinsic motivation. Alpha coefficients in three separate trials ranged between .79 and .88 for the total scale, and .78 to .88, .87 to .92, .78 to .86, and .63 to .77 on the respective subscales. Test‐retest reliability for the total scale was .83 at 2 weeks and .48 at 1 year. A nominated population of 21 third‐ through seventh‐grade children known to practice positive health promotion behaviors had an HSDI‐C mean score of 106.5 versus 76.5 in the general sample of children.
The influence of registered nurse staffing on the quality of nursing home care
Authors: Munroe Donna J.
Published: April 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which registered nurse (RN) staffing patterns influenced nursing home quality. Based upon extensive literature review, a model for nursing home quality was developed. Using data from reports of 455 Medicare‐certified skilled nursing facilities, structural, process, and outcome factors thought to influence quality were entered into the model and analyzed using ordinary least squares regression. A small, though statistically significant, proportion of the variance in quality nursing home care was explained by the equation. A positive, significant relationship existed between nursing home quality and the ratio of RN hours to licensed vocational nurse (LVN) hours per resident day.
Depression, stress, mastery, and social resources in four ethnocultural women's groups
Authors: Franks Ferne , Faux Sandra A.
Published: April 2007

This descriptive study was designed to examine the interrelationships of depression, stress, mastery, and social resources in four ethnocultural women's groups. The random sample (N=212) was comprised of Chinese (n=60), Vietnamese (n=46), Portuguese (n=56), and Latin American (n=50) immigrant women. Using the CES–D, high depressive symptoms were reported by all groups. Collectively, the major correlates and predictors of depression were perceived stress and mastery. Group‐specific analyses revealed different models for predicting depression in each ethnic group. The findings underscore the need for observation of the indicators of depression in immigrant women—regardless of their phase of resettlement—and a flexible, individualized approach to ethnic women's psychological health care.
The process of rater training for observational instruments: Implications for interrater reliability
Authors: Castorr Alexandria H. , Thompson Kathleen O. , Ryan Judith W. , Phillips Carol Y. , Prescott Patricia A. , Soeken Karen L.
Published: April 2007

Although the process of rater training is important for establishing interrater reliability of observational instruments, there is little information available in current literature to guide the researcher. In this article, principles and procedures that can be used when rater performance is a critical element of reliability assessment are described. Three phases of the process of rater training are presented: (a) training raters to use the instrument; (b) evaluating rater performance at the end of training; and (c) determining the extent to which rater training is maintained during a reliability study. An example is presented to illustrate how these phases were incorporated in a study to examine the reliability of a measure of patient intensity called the Patient Intensity for Nursing Index (PINI).
Mutuality and preparedness as predictors of caregiver role strain
Authors: Archbold Patricia G. , Stewart Barbara J. , Greenlick Merwyn R. , Harvath Theresa
Published: April 2007

Data from 78 older persons and their family caregivers were obtained at 6 weeks and 9 months after hospital discharge. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine whether mutuality and preparedness for caregiving were related to lower levels of caregiver role strain. The results indicated that, after controlling for five other variables commonly found to be related to caregiver role strain, mutuality and preparedness ameliorated some but not all aspects of role strain.
Independent regulatory agencies in Turkey: are they really autonomous?
Authors: Sezen Seri̇ye
Published: April 2007

This article examines the autonomy of independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) in Turkey. It explores, first, the different factors that have led to the creation of IRAs and second, the legislative basis of their formal or de jure autonomy. Thereafter, the article assesses the extent to which this formal autonomy is really put in practice and how it is perceived by board members. The enquiry was conducted through a survey comprising interviews and a questionnaire applied to the same. It concludes that although formal autonomy is satisfactorily provided for by law, government tends to limit this autonomy through secondary legislation. Consequently, there are some constraints on the actual use of autonomy. Concerning de facto autonomy, survey findings show that boards are exposed to external and internal pressures and interference in their deliberations. Thus, the assumption that ‘the greater the autonomy the more efficient the management’ is questioned. The main sources of pressure on board members are from the regulated sectors themselves. These findings have an important bearing on democracy and the political–administrative interface, as it is confronted by market forces. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpenetrating polymeric network hydrogels for potential gastrointestinal drug release
Authors: Ekici Sema , Saraydin Dursun
Published: April 2007

New interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogels based on chitosan (C), poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc), crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (G) and N,N‘‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), were prepared and investigated for potential gastrointestinal drug delivery vehicles utilizing a model drug, amoxicillin. IPN hydrogels were synthesized by simultaneous polymerization/crosslinking of acrylic acid monomer in the presence of another polymer (C) and crosslinker (G, MBA). Three different concentrations of glutaraldehyde were used (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 w/w) to control the overall porosity of the hydrogels, named C‐P‐AAc/0.5, C‐P‐AAc/1.0 and C‐P‐AAc/2.0, respectively. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and thermomechanical analysis were performed for IPN characterization. Equilibrium swelling studies were conducted for pH and temperature response behavior. Swelling studies were also carried out in simulated gastric fluid of pH = 1.1 and simulated intestinal fluid of pH = 7.4 to investigate possible site‐specific drug delivery. It was found that the release behavior of the drug from these IPN hydrogels was dependent on the pH of the medium and the proportion of crosslinker in the IPN. It was observed that amoxicillin release at pH = 7.4 was higher than at pH = 1.1. The analysis of the drug release showed that amoxicillin was released from these hydrogels through a non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Establishing a three‐dimensional diagram with solubility parameter representing the general behavior of crystallization for amorphous poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)
Authors: Ma Weiming , Zhai Wentao , Yu Jian , He Jiasong
Published: April 2007

Supercritical fluids having different solubility parameters were obtained by changing the parameters of supercritical CO2 and adding a cosolvent (methanol). The crystallization behavior of amorphous poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) in these supercritical fluids covering a wide range of solubility parameter was investigated using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. A three‐dimensional diagram of crystallization versus temperature, pressure and solubility parameter (i.e. solvent concentration) was established to represent the general behavior of crystallization for amorphous PEN. Supercritical fluids with a higher overall solubility parameter plasticized the PEN chains more effectively and thus provided moderate conditions to induce the crystallization of amorphous PEN. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of whole saliva: A new tool for rheumatic diseases – the example of Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Giusti Laura , Baldini Chiara , Bazzichi Laura , Ciregia Federica , Tonazzini Ilaria , Mascia Giovanni , Giannaccini Gino , Bombardieri Stefano , Lucacchini Antonio
Published: April 2007

Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic disease that affects salivary glands directly, and is therefore expected to influence the composition of human whole saliva (WS) fluid. The aim of this study was to characterize the WS proteins of pSS patients using a proteomic approach to assess a valid procedure to examine the global changes of the salivary protein profiles in connective tissue disorders. The WS proteins expressed in patients affected by pSS and healthy volunteers were analyzed using the 2‐DE technique. The WS protein pattern was altered in pSS patients compared to controls, with a decrease in some of the typical salivary proteins. Particularly, a remarkable alteration of carbonic anhydrase VI was observed. Moreover, a comparison of WS protein profile of pSS patients with the one obtained from controls revealed a set of differentially expressed proteins. These proteins were related to acute and chronic inflammation while some others were involved in oxidative stress injury. These findings are in line with the systemic immunoinflammatory aspects of pSS and open the possibility for a systematic search of diagnostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention in pSS.
An improved strategy for selective and efficient enrichment of integral plasma membrane proteins of mycobacteria
Authors: Mattow Jens , Siejak Frank , Hagens Kristine , Schmidt Frank , Koehler Christian , Treumann Achim , Schaible Ulrich E. , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: April 2007

Mycobacterial plasma membrane proteins play essential roles in many cellular processes, yet their comprehensive proteomic profiling remains challenging. This is mainly due to obstacles related to their extraction and solubilization. To tackle this problem, we have developed a novel procedure to selectively enrich mycobacterial plasma membrane proteins based on alkaline sodium carbonate washing of crude membranes followed by Triton X‐114 phase partitioning. The present study assesses the efficiency of this method by proteome analysis of plasma membrane proteins from Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Extracted proteins were separated in parallel by 1‐D SDS‐PAGE and 2‐DE and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS and MALDI‐MS/MS. Our study revealed 125 proteins, of which 54 contained 1–14 predicted transmembrane domains (TMD) including nine novel proteins. The 1‐D SDS‐PAGE‐based proteome analysis identified 81 proteins, of which 49 (60.5%) harbored TMD. This approach also revealed many hydrophobic membrane‐associated/periplasmic proteins lacking TMD, but only few soluble proteins. The identified proteins were characterized with regard to biological functions and physicochemical properties providing further evidence for the high efficiency of the prefractionation method described herein.
Flame retardant epoxy resins based on diglycidyl ether of (2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)diphenyl phosphine oxide
Authors: Spontón M. , Ronda J. C. , Galià M. , Cádiz V.
Published: April 2007

Phosphine oxide‐containing epoxy resins were prepared from diglycidyl ether of (2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)diphenyl phosphine oxide and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A by crosslinking with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane. Several (2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)diphenyl phosphine oxide/diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A molar ratios were used to obtain materials with different phosphorus content. The properties of the thermosetting materials were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and limiting oxygen index and related to the phosphorus content. Thermal and thermooxidative degradation was studied by GC/MS, 31P MAS NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Limiting oxygen index values indicate good flame retardant properties that are related to the formation of a protective phosphorus‐rich layer that slowed down the degradation and prevented it from being total. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2142–2151, 2007
Chemical surface modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers by aminolysis and grafting of carbohydrates
Authors: Bech Loïc , Meylheuc Thierry , Lepoittevin Bénédicte , Roger Philippe
Published: April 2007

PET is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polyester used in many fields. For a variety of applications, however, it is necessary to impart desired properties by introducing specific functional groups on the surface. Aminolysis of PET fibers with diamines (1,2‐diaminoethane, 1,6‐diaminohexane, 3,6‐dioxa‐1,8‐diaminooctane, and 4,9‐dioxa‐1,12‐diaminododecane) gives amino functional groups on the surface. The effects of temperature, reaction time, diamine concentration, and solvent employed for the grafting were studied. The graft yield was observed to increase with temperature, reaction time, and diamine concentration. Aminolysis affects greatly the geometry and surface morphology of PET fibers as observed by scanning electronic microscopy and atomic force microscopy in tapping mode. A decrease of fibers diameter and an increase of surface heterogeneity and roughness due to chemical degradation is observed. Amino groups on the surface were used to prepare glycosylated fibers by reductive amination or amidation with different carbohydrates as maltose, maltotriose, and maltohexaose. The study reveals that the yield is dependent on the initial amino groups' surface concentration and the molar mass of the carbohydrate. These surfaces could benefit to a wide range of applications in the biomedical field. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2172–2183, 2007
The role of excess nitroxide in the SG1 (N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐[1‐diethylphosphono‐(2,2‐dimethylpropyl)] nitroxide)‐mediated polymerization of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Mchale Ronan , Aldabbagh Fawaz , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: April 2007

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerizations have been conducted in the presence of large excesses of N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐[1‐diethylphosphono‐(2,2‐dimethylpropyl) nitroxide] (SG1) at 110°C. It is demonstrated that such a protocol does not improve control/livingness in the nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) of this monomer, instead substantial levels of disproportionation between the nitroxide and propagating radical (PMMA•) results. The extent of the disproportionation reaction increased with the SG1 concentration, eventually becoming the sole end forming event. Significant disproportionation between SG1 and PMMA• was also observed at substantially lower temperatures (45°C) in the presence of large excesses of SG1. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2194–2203, 2007
Atom‐transfer radical polymerization of styrene with bifunctional and monofunctional initiators: Experimental and mathematical modeling results
Authors: Al‐Harthi Mamdouh , Cheng Long Shun , Soares João B. P. , Simon Leonardo C.
Published: April 2007

Bulk atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene was carried out at 110 °C using benzal bromide as bifunctional initiator and 1‐bromoethyl benzene as monofunctional initiator. CuBr/2,2′‐bipyridyl was used as the ATRP catalyst. The polymerization kinetic data for styrene with both initiators was measured and compared with a mathematical model based on the method of moments and another one using Monte Carlo simulation. An empirical correlation was incorporated into the model to account for diffusion‐controlled termination reactions. Both models can predict monomer conversion, polymer molecular weight averages, and polydispersity index. In addition, the Monte Carlo model can also predict the full molecular weight distribution of the polymer. Our experimental results agree with our model predictions that bifunctional initiators can produce polymers with higher molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than monofunctional initiators. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2212–2224, 2007
Correlation of tracheal smooth muscle function with structure and protein expression during early development
Authors: Cullen Aaron B. , Cooke Peter H. , Driska Steven P. , Wolfson Marla R. , Shaffer Thomas H.
Published: April 2007

With increased survival of premature infants, understanding the impact of development on airway function and structure is imperative. Airway smooth muscle plays a primary role in the modulation of airway function. The purpose of this study is to correlate the functional maturation of airway smooth muscle during the perinatal period with structural alterations at the cellular, ultrastructural, and molecular levels. Length‐tension and dose‐response analyses were performed on tracheal rings acquired from preterm and term newborn lambs. Subsequent structural analyses included isolated airway smooth muscle cell length, electron microscopy, and myosin heavy chain isoform expression measurements. Functionally the compliance, contractility, and agonist sensitivity of the tracheal rings matured during preterm to term development. Structurally, isolated cell lengths and electron microscopic ultrastructure were not significantly altered during perinatal development. However, expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms increased significantly across the age range analyzed, correlating with the maturational increase in smooth muscle contractility. In conclusion, the developmental alterations in tracheal function appear due, in part, to enhanced smooth muscle myosin heavy chain expression. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:421–432. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.