bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High dependency care in an obstetric setting in the UK
Authors: Saravanakumar K. , Davies L. , Lewis M. , Cooper G. M.
Published: September 2008

Our objective was to establish the utilisation and pattern of high dependency care in a tertiary referral obstetric unit. Data of pregnant or recently pregnant women admitted to the obstetric high dependency unit from 1984 to 2007 were included to evaluate the admission rate. Four years’ information of an ongoing prospective audit was collated to identify the indications for admission, maternal monitoring, transfers to intensive care unit, and location of the baby. The overall high dependency unit admission rate is 2.67%, but increased to 5.01% in the most recent 4 years. Massive obstetric haemorrhage is now the most common reason for admission. Invasive monitoring was undertaken in 30% of women. Two‐thirds of neonates (66.3%) stayed with their critically ill mothers in the high dependency unit. Transfer to the intensive care unit was needed in 1.4 per 1000 deliveries conducted. We conclude that obstetric high dependency care provides holistic care from midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists while retaining the opportunity of early bonding with babies for critically ill mothers.
The role of T‐regulatory cells and Toll‐like receptors in the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Himmel Megan E. , Hardenberg Gijs , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Steiner Theodore S. , Levings Megan K.
Published: September 2008

Two related chronic inflammatory diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are together often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Current treatment options are not curative, and patients face lifelong therapy and debilitation. IBD is thought to be the product of a combination of genetic and environmental factors that result in the abnormal regulation of immune responses. Experimental models have demonstrated that normal CD4+ T‐regulatory (Treg) cell responses and commensal bacteria are required for the maintenance of gut immune homeostasis. Recent evidence that CD4+ T cells express Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and respond directly to TLR ligands, suggests that signals from commensal bacteria may directly affect T‐cell responses in the gut. In this review, we focus on evidence that defects in Treg cells may underlie IBD in humans. In addition, we discuss evidence that direct signaling via TLRs to T cells can affect IBD and that T‐cell‐dependent responses to bacterial proteins, such as flagellin, are central to the aetiology of this disease.
Nurses’ responses to ethical dilemmas in nursing practice: meta‐analysis
Authors: De Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Izumi Shigeko , Godfrey Nelda S. , Denhaerynck Kris
Published: September 2008

Title.  Nurses’ responses to ethical dilemmas in nursing practice: meta‐analysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore nurses’ responses to ethical dilemmas in daily nursing practice.

Background.  Concern about nurses’ ethical competence is growing. Most nurses perceived that there were barriers in their work environment to ethical practice, compromising their ability to perform ethically. Since most research focuses on contextual barriers to nurses’ ethical practice, little is known about how nurses involve themselves in ethical decision‐making and action in daily care.

Method.  A meta‐analysis of nurses’ ethical behaviour was conducted using data from nine studies in four countries (n = 1592 registered nurses). In all studies, the Ethical Behaviour Test was used to measure nurses’ ethical responses, based on an adapted version of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Data were analysed using random‐intercept regression analysis.

Findings.  All groups, except the expert group, displayed a uniform pattern of conventional ethical reasoning and practice. When nurses were faced with ethical dilemmas, they tended to use conventions as their predominant decision‐guiding criteria rather than patients’ personal needs and well‐being.

Conclusion.  Conformist practice (following conventions rather than pursuing good for the patient) constitutes a major barrier for nurses to take the appropriate ethical actions, as creativity and critical reflection are absent. There is an urgent need to find ways to promote nurses’ ethical development from conventional to postconventional ethical practice. More research is needed to strengthen existing empirical evidence.
The immediate lived experience of the 2004 tsunami disaster by Swedish tourists
Authors: Råholm Maj‐Britt , Arman Maria , Rehnsfeldt Arne
Published: September 2008

Title.  The immediate lived experience of the 2004 tsunami disaster by Swedish tourists.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the immediate lived experiences of victims and relatives of the 2004 tsunami disaster.

Background.  Disasters serve to remind us of our frailty and vulnerability and raise existential questions. From the perspective of caring sciences, suffering is regarded as a natural source for change in patients’ understanding of the world and the meaningfulness of their lives.

Method.  A phenomenological hermeneutic study was conducted, using in‐depth interviews with a convenience sample of 19 informants in 2006–2007. Ricoeur’s theory of interpretation served as a guiding principle for interpreting the interview texts.

Findings.  The immediate lived experiences of the tsunami survivors and their relatives revealed a comprehensive picture, described as different acts of the drama. These acts were: ‘experiencing the very core of existence’, ‘a changed understanding of life’ and ‘the power of communion’. Confronting our frailty and vulnerability makes us more authentic to ourselves, to our relatives and to life itself. The first step towards progression involves an act where the suffering is seen and validated by another person. Reshaping the suffering together with the family adds a valuable dimension to life. Availability and presence by the family opened up for communion.

Conclusion.  The immediate lived experiences of the tsunami disaster from an existential and ontological perspective constitute an important aspect of understanding the whole phenomenon. Concepts such as communion, understanding life and progression of suffering can help us construct an image of this previously unresearched dimension.
Making patients safer: nurses’ responses to patient safety alerts
Authors: Lankshear Annette , Lowson Karen , Harden Jane , Lowson Paula , Saxby Ruth C
Published: September 2008

Title.  Making patients safer: nurses’ responses to patient safety alerts.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine whether action required by patient safety alerts was effectively taken.

Background.  Over the last 10 years, there has been a growing awareness of the number of patients unintentionally harmed in the course of their treatment. Safety alerts are designed to reduce the incidence of adverse events by removing these predisposing factors.

Method.  A multi‐method study was carried out in 20 acute, two mental health, four ambulance and 15 primary care provider organizations in the United Kingdom in 2006–2007 using surveys, interviews with senior managers and front‐line staff, collection of documentary evidence and equipment audit. The implementation of three safety alerts for nursing action is reported.

Findings.  Most staff were aware of the dangers posed by gloves to staff with latex allergy, but only 20% were aware of the types of common equipment that posed a danger to sensitive patients. Almost 40% of nurses were unable to give a correct acidity value to allow nasogastric feeding to commence. One alert, on needle‐free intravascular connectors, was distributed in only a few organizations as the term used was unfamiliar at all levels of the organization.

Conclusion.  Healthcare providers have succeeded in setting up successful systems to disseminate alerts to middle management level, but there is evidence that implementation of recommendations by nurses is sub‐optimal.
Adherence: a concept analysis
Authors: Bissonnette Janice M.
Published: September 2008

Title. Adherence: a concept analysis.

Aim. This paper is a report of an analysis of the concept of adherence.

Background. The transition in terminology from compliance to adherence, and more recently to concordance, requires re‐clarification of ‘adherence’ as a concept in nursing practice. Differences exist in the use of the term adherence and how or if it differs from compliance or concordance.

Data sources. Using the Medical Subject Headings terms adherence, non‐adherence and treatment refusal, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, PsychINFO and Cochrane library databases were searched for publications between 1970 and 2007.

Method. The evolutionary analytic method was used to identify and explore transitions in the concept of adherence over time and across healthcare disciplines. A representative sample of papers was identified from the disciplines of nursing, medicine, psychology and pharmacy.

Results. We identified 114 papers: 27 from nursing, 39 from psychology, 33 from general medicine and 15 from pharmacology sources. The final sample included eight from pharmacy and 15 from mental health, medicine and nursing. We found no distinct differentiation between adherence and compliance. The surrogate terms serving as manifestations of adherence are concordance, agreement, cooperation and partnership. The most common definition found was as follows: ‘Adherence can be defined as the extent to which patients follow the instructions they are given for prescribed treatments’. No definition of adherence exists that reflects a patient‐centred approach, the dynamic nature of adherence behaviour and the power imbalance implied by these terms.

Conclusion. This concept analysis of adherence is a preliminary step towards broadening nurses’ appreciation of the complexity of patient adherence behaviour.
Getting it from the Web: why and how online resources are used by independent undergraduate learners
Authors: Kirkwood A.
Published: September 2008

Abstract  Undergraduate students access the Internet for a range of purposes, many unrelated to their studies. Increasingly, learners are using the Internet to find information and resources for coursework, whether or not this is promoted or endorsed by their teachers. This article reports an interview study that investigated why and how independent learners use Web‐based resources, exploring not only the academic context of the courses studied, but also any relevant personal, domestic and employment‐related circumstances. Factors were identified, which enhanced or competed with study activities, acting as incentives or disincentives for learners. The findings suggest that it is not technologies per se, but a combination of various contextual factors, that determine students' use of Web resources for learning. Of the academic factors that emerged from the interviews, assessment requirements and pedagogic approach were particularly important.
Triptolide Inhibits the Differentiation of Th17 cells and Suppresses Collagen‐induced Arthritis
Authors: Wang Y. , Jia L. , Wu C.‐y.
Published: September 2008

Triptolide, a diterpenoid isolated from the Chinese herbTripterygium wilfordiiHook F, has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases. T helper type 17 (Th17) cells represent a novel subset of CD4+T cells involved in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Currently, the effects of triptolide on the differentiation of Th17 cells remain unclear. Here, we found that triptolide significantly inhibited the generation of Th17 cells from murine splenocytes and purified CD4+T cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The suppressive effects of triptolide were persistent even after it had been removed from cell cultures. Importantly, triptolide inhibited the transcription of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) mRNA and IL‐6‐induced phosphorylation of STAT3, a key signalling molecule involved in the development of Th17 cells. Moreover, these suppressive effects of triptolide on Th17 differentiation were not due to cytotoxicity of triptolide because the numbers of viable cells had no significant difference between triptolide‐treated and non‐triptolide‐treated cells.In vivostudies demonstrated that the treatment of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice with triptolide reduced arthritis scores and swollen degree of joints. At the same time, the levels of collagen type II (CII)‐specific IL‐17 production and the percentages of CII‐specific IL‐17+CD4+T cells in the cells from draining lymph nodes and spleens were significantly reduced in CIA mice treated with triptolide. These results suggested that triptolide displayed an immunosuppressive effect on CIA by down‐regulating CII‐specific Th17 cells. Taken together, our results may provide a new light on the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory effects of triptolid.
Autoinhibition of IL‐15 Expression in KC Cells is ERK1/2 and PI3K Dependent
Authors: Zhang S.‐Q. , Luo X. , Yang S. , Liu J.‐L. , Yang C.‐J. , Yin X.‐Y. , Huang H.‐L. , Zhang X.‐J.
Published: September 2008

Interleukin (IL)‐15 is a proinflammatory cytokine and plays a key role in many diseases, including psoriasis. Although its signal transduction pathways in keratinocytes (KC) have been partially elucidated, the effects of IL‐15 on expression of IL‐15, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in KC are unknown. We have investigated the effects of IL‐15 on the expression of the three genes in primary culture of KC by the real‐time PCR, Western blot and ELISA. We observed that exogenous IL‐15 suppressed the endogenous expression of IL‐15, decreased the expression of IL‐6 at mRNA and protein levels in KC. The inhibition was blocked by anti‐IL‐15 monoclonal antibody and by inactive IL‐15, I50D mutant IL‐15. In contrast, IL‐15 increased TNF‐α transcription in these cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the auto‐regulation of IL‐15 expression was dependent on activity of ERK1/2 and PI3K. Our studies suggest that there is an auto‐inhibitory mechanism controlling cellular IL‐15 levels.
Autoantibody Response to Chromatographic Fractions from Oxidized LDL in Unstable Angina Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Ketelhuth D. F. J. , Tonini G. C. , Carvalho M. D. T. , Ramos R. F. , Boschcov P. , Gidlund M.
Published: September 2008

Levels of autoantibodies to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) have been correlated to atherosclerosis; however, contradictory results have been shown. To better understand the role of autoantibodies to oxLDL in atherogenesis, and their potential to predict risk of developing coronary artery disease we investigated the antibody response of unstable angina (UA) patients and healthy controls against chromatographic separated fractions of oxLDL. Five major peaks were detected after chromatographic separation of oxLDL and 10 fractions were collected. Surprisingly, when the response to high molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed a significant increase in the levels of autoantibodies in controls compared to UA. In contrast, when the autoantibody response to intermediate and low molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed that the UA group showed consistently higher levels compared with controls. Our data demonstrates that within oxLDL there are major fractions that can be recognized by autoantibodies from either UA patients or healthy individuals, and that the use of total oxLDL as an antigen pool may mask the presence of some antigenic molecules and their corresponding antibodies. Further studies are needed, but the analysis of antibody profiles may indeed open up a novel approach for evaluation and prevention against atherosclerosis.
Differential Dependence of the Ingestion of Necrotic Cells and TNF‐α / IL‐1β Production by Murine Macrophages on Lipid Rafts
Authors: Acosta‐Pérez G. , Maximina Bertha Moreno‐Altamirano M. , Rodríguez‐Luna G. , Javier Sánchez‐Garcia F.
Published: September 2008

Monocytes and macrophages may encounter both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory signals during their lifetime, in the form of micro‐organisms or their products or as cytokines. In addition, macrophages are also exposed to apoptotic and necrotic cells. Apoptosis or ‘programmed cell death’ is thought to be the physiological end of developing or maturing cells, whereas necrosis is regarded as ‘accidental death’ or injury‐associated cell death. Apoptotic cells are cleared from tissues by phagocytic cells without eliciting an inflammatory response, while necrotic cells elicit inflammation. Several cell membrane molecules from apoptotic and necrotic, as well as from phagocytic cells, have been shown to participate in the process of endocytosis of dying and potentially harmful cells. Apart from an array of cell surface receptors, it is also known that lipid rafts are key components of cell–cell communication and signalling. By using the interaction of BALB/c mice thymus‐derived apoptotic or necrotic cells with murine macrophages of the J774 cell line as a model system, we provide evidence that endocytosis of apoptotic but not of necrotic cells is inhibited by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, a cholesterol sequestering agent, able to disrupt lipid rafts. However, necrotic but not apoptotic cells co‐localize with lipid rafts within macrophages. Interestingly, necrotic cell‐induced secretion of TNF‐α and IL‐1β was also inhibited by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, thus suggesting a role for lipid rafts in the signalling of this particular inflammatory response. Taken together, our results argue in favour of differential macrophage recognition of apoptotic and necrotic cells at the level of lipid rafts, and endocytosis versus signalling for TNF‐α and IL‐1β synthesis.
Effects of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on Immunity, Infection and Cancer
Authors: Hetland G. , Johnson E. , Lyberg T. , Bernardshaw S. , Tryggestad A. M. A. , Grinde B.
Published: September 2008

Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) is an edible, medicinal mushroom of Brazilian origin. It is used traditionally against a range of diseases, including cancer and chronic hepatitis, and has been cultivated commercially for the health food market. AbM has recently been shown to have strong immunomodulating properties, which has led to increasing scientific interest. In this article, we review current knowledge as to the immunological properties of AbM, and its possible clinical use in connection with infections and cancer. We also present some novel findings, which point to highly different biological potency between AbM extracts of different source and manufacturing.
Dynamic Expression of the Signal Regulatory Protein α and CD18 on Porcine PBMC During Acute Endotoxaemia
Authors: Ebdrup L. , Krog J. , Granfeldt A. , Tønnesen E. , Hokland M.
Published: September 2008

Endotoxaemia elicits a massive inflammatory insult affecting the β2 integrin CD18. Being an adhesion molecule, CD18 is pivotal in inflammation and, moreover, exiting data suggest that CD18 is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor. Early LPS‐induced inflammation is regulated by the signal regulatory protein (SIRPα), which is identical to the porcine panmyelocytic marker swine CD workshop 3 (SWC3), and LPS‐induced downregulation of SIRPα has been described in vitro. The dynamic SIRPα/SWC3 and CD18 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vivo during LPS‐induced inflammation is the focus of this study. Pigs were randomized into LPS (n = 12) or control (n = 6) groups. At start 0 min, LPS infusion was stepwise (2.5–15 μg/kg/h, 30 min) followed by maintenance infusion (2.5 μg/kg/h, 330 min). PBMC were isolated at 0, 60, 240 and 360 min, and two‐colour flow cytometry was performed using monoclonal antibodies identifying SWC3 and CD18. Viability was tested using 7‐amino‐actinomycin D. LPS dramatically changed the relative distribution of circulating myeloid cells. At 60 min monocytes disappeared. This was followed by reappearance of a distinct population with low CD18 and SIRPα/SWC3 expression. Cell sorting showed that the appearing population comprised band neutrophils and apoptotic/dead cells. The remaining monocytes expressed less CD18 at 360 min than the controls (P = 0.03). The appearance of a distinct cell population comprising apoptotic cells and band neutrophils consistent with LPS‐induced apoptosis, and decreased CD18 expression on monocytes suggests that early CD18 downregulation is profitable for the host in a situation with an intense LPS stimulus.
A Rationalized Set of Default Postulates that Permit a Coherent Description of the Immune System Amenable to Computer Modeling
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: September 2008

This discussion delineates and rationalizes a set of postulates that permit a coherent understanding of immune function. Although analytical tools such as mathematics and computer modeling have become very popular, simulation and data mining in the absence of a conceptual framework cannot increase understanding. The goal of this essay is to provide the foundation for a discussion that has as its goal the formulation of an agreed upon set of default postulates. Such a set is required to guide the algorithms needed to analyze complex immune behavior.
Backward Intergenerational Goods and Endogenous Fertility
Authors: HATFIELD JOHN WILLIAM
Published: September 2008

This paper characterizes the consequences of introducing the public provision of intergenerational goods to the elderly in a model with endogenous fertility. With exogenous fertility, it has been shown that the government can mandate the first‐best outcome by simply imposing the socially optimal transfer. By contrast, with endogenous fertility, the government can no longer enforce this outcome. This is due, in part, to the effects of mandatory provision on the birth rate. However, taxes may still have a salubrious effect on social welfare as they can eliminate particularly bad equilibria.
Modesty May Pay!
Authors: FINUS MICHAEL , MAUS STEFAN
Published: September 2008

Most noncooperative game theoretic models of international environmental agreements (IEAs) draw a pessimistic picture of the prospective of successful cooperation. In this paper, we consider the possibility that countries agree on modest instead of ambitious abatement targets. It is shown that this can be an explanation for higher participation and more successful treaties. Thus, modesty may well pay, though the first‐best optimum cannot be achieved. It is also demonstrated that our model extension makes it easier to relate the stylized model to actual negotiations.
Living Standard, Social Welfare, and the Redistribution of Income in a Heterogeneous Population
Authors: EBERT UDO
Published: September 2008

The paper considers the redistribution of income in a population of households which may differ by type. The redistribution is based on (differences in) living standard and a principle of between‐type‐progressive transfers (BTPT). We characterize the relationship between a social welfare ordering satisfying the BTPT principle and the concept of living standard the principle is based on. It turns out that there is a close link: The ordering of living standard can be derived from the social welfare ordering. Conversely, the class of welfare orderings fulfilling the BTPT principle for a given concept of living standard can be completely described.
Playing for Your Own Audience: Extremism in Two‐Party Elections
Authors: VIRÁG GÁBOR
Published: September 2008

This paper considers a two‐party election with a single‐dimensional policy space. We assume that each voter has a higher probability of observing the position of the party he is affiliated with than the position of the other party, an assumption that is consistent with the National Election Studies (NES) electoral data set. In equilibrium, the two parties locate away from the median, because the voters who dislike a party's platform observe its policy choice with a lower probability, and its own audience like policy choices that cater to its taste. As the asymmetry in voter information or the cost of voting increases, the parties adopt more extreme platforms, while if there are fewer extreme voters the opposite effect occurs. Making voters more symmetrically informed about the two parties' platforms increases the welfare of society, while asymmetric information acquisition by the voters is worse than no information acquisition at all.
Investment in Health Technologies in a Competitive Model with Real Options
Authors: PERTILE PAOLO
Published: September 2008

This paper adopts a real options approach to study the optimal timing of investment in new technologies by health care providers competing for patients and the role of alternative payment systems in the adoption decision. The innovative technology provides a better health outcome, thus attracting a larger number of patients. On the other hand, at the early stages of innovation it is assumed to involve a larger degree of uncertainty and higher costs. The role of the payment system turns out not always to be intuitive. In particular, it is shown that a more generous scheme does not always induce earlier investment. By comparing the competitive solution with the social optimal timing, some policy implications are finally discussed.
THE TRADING OF ANCIENT GLASS BEADS: NEW ANALYTICAL DATA FROM SOUTH ASIAN AND EAST AFRICAN SODA–ALUMINA GLASS BEADS*
Authors: DUSSUBIEUX L. , KUSIMBA C. M. , GOGTE V. , KUSIMBA S. B. , GRATUZE B. , OKA R.
Published: September 2008

The occurrence of similar glass beads at archaeological sites in Africa and Asia bears witness to the trade relationship between the two continents. This paper reports elemental analysis results from a recent in‐depth laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) study of a group of archaeological glass beads with a specific alumina‐rich composition from East Africa, India and Sri Lanka. Based on the concentrations of the trace elements, two different subgroups were identified. One subgroup occurs at early periods (fourth century bce to fifth century ace) in South India and Sri Lanka. The second subgroup appears at later dates in Africa and was identified at different Kenyan sites dated from the ninth to the 19th century ace, and at the contemporaneous site of Chaul in western India.
Can a Lineup Procedure Designed for Child Witnesses Work for Adults? Comparing Simultaneous, Sequential, and Elimination Lineup Procedures
Authors: Pozzulo Joanna D. , Dempsey Julie , Corey Shevaun , Girardi Alberta , Lawandi Alex , Aston Cory
Published: September 2008

A study (N = 165) was conducted to examine whether the elimination lineup, an identification procedure developed for children to reduce their false‐positive responding, was effective for adult witnesses. Although the sequential lineup is available to help reduce adults’ false‐positive identifications, having different procedures for child and adult witnesses poses difficulty for the police and justice system. One procedure for all witnesses would be ideal. Simultaneous, sequential, and elimination procedures were compared. The elimination procedure produced a comparable correct rejection rate to the sequential procedure. Both the elimination and sequential procedure produced a higher correct rejection rate than did the simultaneous procedure. Correct identification rates were comparable across the 3 lineup procedures.
Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Recidivism: The Role of Personal Norm in Predicting Behavioral Intentions of Re‐Offending1
Authors: Kiriakidis Stavros P.
Published: September 2008

The study is a partial application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to the prediction of young offenders’ behavioral intentions to re‐offend. Participants were 152 young offenders who were randomly selected and who completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing the sociocognitive determinants of the TPB and personal norm. It was found that attitudes and perceived behavioral control are necessary factors for the prediction of intentions to re‐offend; while personal norm contributed significantly, yet marginally. The TPB provides a parsimonious way to predict behavioral intentions to re‐offend. Personal norm could be a variable that expands the model when it is applied to the prediction of young offenders’ behavioral intentions to re‐offend.
A Test of Coworkers' Influence on Organizational Cynicism, Badmouthing, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Wilkerson James M. , Evans W. Randy , Davis Walter D.
Published: September 2008

Basing hypotheses on social information processing theory, we tested for evidence of coworkers' social influence on employees' organizational cynicism, badmouthing, and supervisor assessments of employees' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). A significant positive relationship was found between (a) close coworkers' badmouthing behavior and focal employee organizational cynicism; and (b) focal employee organizational cynicism and focal employee badmouthing behavior. A hypothesized negative relationship between organizational cynicism and OCB was not supported. Future research directions are also considered.
Relative Deprivation and Social Identity in Times of Dramatic Social Change: The Case of Nurses1
Authors: De La Sablonnière Roxane , Tougas Francine
Published: September 2008

In the present study, an integration of relative deprivation theory and social identity theory is proposed to account for people's reactions to dramatic changes affecting their daily lives. Data collected among nurses (n = 108) indicate that feelings of relative deprivation are influenced by different perceptions of organizational change. Path analysis shows that feelings of social relative deprivation derive from negative changes that are numerous, and that temporal relative deprivation is experienced as a result of negative changes that are rapid. In terms of the link between social identity and relative deprivation, 2 contrasting approaches were tested. Analyses support the view that in‐group identification acts as a precursor, rather than as a consequence, of relative deprivation.
The Combined Effect of Political Skill and Political Decision Making on Job Satisfaction1
Authors: Gallagher Vickie Coleman , Laird Mary Dana
Published: September 2008

The current study examined the interactive effects of an environment high in political decision making and political skill on job satisfaction. We predicted that as perceptions of political decision making increase, the satisfaction of individuals low in political skill would decrease. Conversely, the negative effects of political decision making on job satisfaction would be minimized among individuals high in political skill. Data were gathered from 105 managerial employees of a financial‐services organization. Results provided strong support for the hypothesized political decision‐making/political‐skill relationship. Implications, strengths and limitations, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Queuing Among U2 Fans: Reactions to Social Norm Violations1
Authors: Helweg‐Larsen Marie , LoMonaco Barbara L.
Published: September 2008

Two experiments examined reactions to line‐intrusion scenarios among fans of the rock group U2 waiting in overnight lines to obtain desirable concert floor spots. Commitment to the goal, time investment, and ambiguity of the line‐intrusion scenario were examined. Results showed that the queue is a social system influenced by norms of procedural justice (first‐come, first‐served). Violations of these norms were upsetting, even when the consequences did not directly influence personal outcomes (when line intrusions occurred behind a subject). Greater commitment to the goal led to more severe reactions to norm violations, whether the commitment was proximal (having waited in the line for awhile) or distal (being a committed fan). We discuss research on social norm violations.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Effect of Oxidative Environment on Immunosuppressive Properties of Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: Badia Roger , Iborra Antoni , Palacio José Ramón , Antich Marta , Martínez Paz
Published: September 2008

Problem Human seminal plasma (SP) has an important immunosuppressive function that enables sperm survival in the female reproductive tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate how oxidized proteins, by oxidative stress, may influence seminal plasma immunosuppressive properties in male infertility.

Method of study Human SP immunosuppressive ability was evaluated by a lymphocyte proliferation assay. We used phytohemagglutinin mitogen to induce lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of human SP from infertile and fertile men, and under in vitro oxidizing conditions. Human SP‐oxidized proteins (MDA‐protein) were determined by the thiobarbituric acid test.

Results Significant high levels of oxidized proteins were found in SP from asthenozoospermic patients. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of SP from normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic group compared to the fertile donor group. Oxidized human SP in vitro allows for higher lymphocyte proliferation than non‐oxidized SP.

Conclusion Human SP proteins have an inhibitory ability on lymphocyte proliferation, but under oxidative stress conditions, these proteins lose their immunosuppressive function.
On Postponement and Birth Intervals
Authors: Timæus Ian M. , Moultrie Tom A.
Published: September 2008

Much of the literature on fertility transition presumes that birth control is practiced either to limit family size or to space births. This article argues that women also use birth control to postpone pregnancy. Postponement is not synonymous with spacing. It arises when women delay their next birth for indefinite periods for reasons unrelated to the age of their youngest child, but without deciding not to have any more children. Postponement has a distinctive impact on the shape of birth‐interval distributions that differs from the impacts of family size limitation, birth spacing, or a mixture of the two behaviors. Some populations, such as that in South Africa, have developed fertility regimes characterized by birth intervals far longer than can be accounted for by birth spacing. Postponement of further childbearing that eventually becomes permanent may be an important driver of the transition to lower fertility in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Global Demographic Convergence? A Reconsideration of Changing Intercountry Inequality in Fertility
Authors: Dorius Shawn F.
Published: September 2008

This research challenges the notion that the second half of the twentieth century was a period of global demographic convergence. To be sure, fertility rates fell substantially during the period, but with considerable un‐evenness. The declines in total fertility across population‐weighted countries were sufficiently disproportionate that intercountry fertility inequality, estimated using standard measures of inequality, did not begin to decline until at least 1995. Regression analysis also shows that only very recently did lagging countries begin to catch up with countries that began the transition to low fertility earlier. Contrary to findings on changing intercountry health inequality, sub‐Saharan Africa has had a greater impact on changes in fertility inequality than China. The trend in fertility inequality, where convergence is a relatively new phenomenon, stands in contrast to trends in inequality in other domains, such as income, education, and health.
Are Ireland's Immigrants Integrating into Its Labor Market?
Authors: Barrett Alan , Duffy David
Published: September 2008

Ireland has experienced a remarkable change in its migratory patterns in recent years and has moved from experiencing large-scale emigration to receiving significant inflows. In this paper, we use data from a nationally representative sample of immigrants and natives drawn in 2005 to assess the occupational attainment of immigrants in Ireland relative to natives. It is found that immigrants, on average, are less likely to be in high-level occupations controlling for factors such as age and education. When looked at by year of arrival, it appears as if immigrants who arrived more recently have lower occupational attainment relative to earlier arrivals, thereby suggesting a process of integration. However, a closer analysis shows that the observation of better occupational attainment for earlier arrivals can be explained by a change in the national origin mix of Ireland's immigrants, with immigrants from the New Member States of the European Union having the lowest occupational attainment. Within national groups there is generally no clear evidence of improved occupational attainment over time.
Emigration and Schooling among Second-Generation Mexican-American Children
Authors: Rendall Michael S. , Torr Berna M.
Published: September 2008

In this Research Note, we investigate the prevalence and patterns of second-generation Mexican-American children's migration to and return from Mexico during childhood and consider the consequences of this migration for their schooling. Around one in ten second-generation Mexican-American children live in Mexico for some of their childhood. Strong patterns of return to the U.S. through childhood argue for their being considered as part of the Mexican-American second generation even when in Mexico. Their rates of school enrollment in Mexico are much lower than for second-generation Mexican-American children remaining in the U.S. and cannot be explained by their weakly negative selection into emigration. We conclude that country of residence is a far more important determinant of schooling outcome than is migrant status in that country.
Interactions between TIME and PIN could play a role in the system that controls the duration of diapause development and synchronization with seasonal cycles in the silkworm Bombyx mori*
Authors: KAI Hidenori , TANI Naoki , ISOBE Minoru
Published: September 2008

The significance of winter cold in the termination of diapause was investigated with regards to TIME and PIN in eggs of the silkworm Bombyx mori. TIME (time interval measuring enzyme) is an ATPase that can measure time intervals by exhibiting a transitory burst of activation of the enzyme in accordance with diapause development, which requires cold for resumption of embryonic development in the silkworm. The possible timer function of TIME comprises a built‐in mechanism in the protein structure. TIME is a metallo‐glycoprotein consisting of 156 amino acid residues with a unique sequence in the N‐terminal region to which a sugar chain is attached. PIN (peptidyl inhibitory needle) inhibits the ATPase activity of TIME. PIN is not a simple enzyme inhibitor, but holds the timer by forming a time‐regulatory complex with TIME. The carbohydrate moiety of TIME is essential for the assembly of a high‐affinity PIN‐binding site within the timer motif of the TIME structure. The binding interaction between TIME and PIN was much tighter (nearly 1000 times) at 25°C than that at 4°C, as measured by fluorescence polarization. Because the logEC50 at 4°C was approximately 7 nmol/L, PIN must dissociate from TIME at the physiological concentration of TIME in eggs in the winter cold. Based on the results of our study, we propose that the dissociation of the TIME–PIN complex in the winter cold cues a series of conformational changes of TIME, ultimately reaching the active form of ATPase which in turn causes the completion of diapause development and initiates new developmental programs.
Characterization of alanyl aminopeptidase from insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of Musca domestica L.
Authors: AHMED Sohail , WAKIL Waqas , MANTLE David , WILKINS Richard M. , KWON Yong Jung
Published: September 2008

To investigate the high activity of intracellular proteases in insecticide resistant strains of Musca domestica L., purification by anion‐exchange chromatography and gel filtration of one of the enzymes, alanyl aminopeptidase (Ala AP), in three strains of Musca domestica was carried out. The fractions collected by gel filtration of soluble homogenates of the three strains (571ab, 17bb and Cooper) showed a single peak of Ala AP activity. Partially purified Ala AP of the three strains showed high activity at pH 7.5. The presence or absence of Ca2+ in the assay medium did not produce any difference in activity of Ala AP in the 571ab and Cooper strains, but there was a significant difference in the 17bb strain. The activity of Ala AP in all three strains was essentially unaltered in the presence of inhibitors of serine (PMSF), cysteine (E‐64) proteases and carboxypeptidases (pepstatin). Ala AP hydrolyzed alanine amino methylcoumarin (Ala‐AMC) maximally, followed by phenyl alanine amino methylcoumarin (Phe‐AMC), leucyl amino methylcoumarin (Leu‐AMC) and ornithine amino methylcoumarin (Orn‐AMC). Ala AP from the three strains showed differential activity towards various substrates. The comparison of alanyl aminopeptidase's activity from different sources is discussed.
Allantus luctifer(Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), a candidate agent for the biological control ofRumexspp.
Authors: PARK Jinyoung , LEE In‐Yong , PARK Jae‐Eup , KWON Ohseok
Published: September 2008

The dock plant (Rumexspp.) is one of the most problematic pasture weeds worldwide.Allantus luctiferwas selected as a potential biological control agent forRumexspp. Continuous rearing ofA. luctiferwas carried out from 2005 to 2006, and its general biology is presented in this report. The preliminary host specificity test showed a promising result for usingA. luctiferto controlRumexspp.
Larval pupation site preference on fruit in different species of Drosophila
Authors: VANDAL Nakul B. , SIDDALINGAMURTHY Gudadappa S. , SHIVANNA Nanjaiah
Published: September 2008

Larval pupation site preference (PSP) of different species of Drosophila was analyzed on fruit in the laboratory. The larvae of D. melanogaster, D. ananassae, D. virilis, D. novamexicana and D. hydei pupated on the surface of glass vials; D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. mauritiana and D. malerkotliana pupated in/on fruit; and D. rajasekari pupated on cotton plugs in all experiments. D. bipectinata larvae changed their preference from fruit in the control to glass surface for all of the fruits tested. The statistical analysis of PSP (glass and fruit) found a significant result in that compared to other species, D. mauritiana and D. ananassae preferred to pupate on cotton compared to the control.
Microstructure of the adhesive pad in the millipedeOrthomorphella pekuensis(Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: CHUNG Kyung‐Hwun , MOON Myung‐Jin
Published: September 2008

Secondary sexual structures in millipedes have evolved to improve the efficiency with which spermatophores are transferred from males to females. Here, we demonstrate the microstructural characteristics of the sexual dimorphism in the leg adhesive pads of the millipedeOrthomorphella pekuensis, using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The adult male of this millipede has developed typical adhesive pads on the legs as a secondary sexual character: these help the male hold on to the female during mating. The adhesive pads are located on the ventral surface of the tarsus in the form of numerous filamentous bristles with horizontal striation. There are approximately 300 bristles, each with an average length of approximately 60 µm, on each tarsus. Each bristle has a round socket on the surface of the tarsus and an acuminate tip. The striation appears only on the distal half of each bristle, typically.
Three species of the family Noctuidae (Lepidoptera) new to China
Authors: HAN Hui‐Lin , DUAN Zhao‐Yao , FENG Zhi‐Wei
Published: September 2008

Three species of the family Noctuidae –Phlogophora striatovirens (Moore, 1867), Usbeca kulmburgi (Rebel, 1918) and Feliniopsis leucostigma (Moore, 1867) – are reported for the first time from China. Photographs of adults and genital characteristics are provided.
A new genus and a new species of Akicerinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Pamphagidae) from Libya
Authors: USMANI Mohammad Kamil
Published: September 2008

A new genus, Neotmethis gen. n., with a new species, Neotmethis bidentatus sp. n., from the Fezzan Province of Libya is described and illustrated. A key to the Libyan genera of the subfamily Akicerinae is provided. Some additional characters of female genitalia at generic and species level are also provided.
ICSH guidelines for the standardization of bone marrow specimens and reports
Authors: LEE S.‐H. , ERBER W. N. , PORWIT A. , TOMONAGA M. , PETERSON L. C. ,   International Councilfor Standardization In Hematology
Published: September 2008

The bone marrow examination is an essential investigation for the diagnosis and management of many disorders of the blood and bone marrow. The aspirate and trephine biopsy specimens are complementary and when both are obtained, they provide a comprehensive evaluation of the bone marrow. The final interpretation requires the integration of peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy findings, together with the results of supplementary tests such as immunophenotyping, cytogenetic analysis and molecular genetic studies as appropriate, in the context of clinical and other diagnostic findings. Methods for the preparation, processing and reporting of bone marrow aspirates and trephine biopsy specimens can vary considerably. These differences may result in inconsistencies in disease diagnosis or classification that may affect treatment and clinical outcomes. In recognition of the need for standardization in this area, an international Working Party for the Standardization of Bone Marrow Specimens and Reports was formed by the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) to prepare a set of guidelines based on preferred best practices. The guidelines were discussed at the ICSH General Assemblies and reviewed by an international panel of experts to achieve further consensus.
Kinematic Constraints on Glacier Contributions to 21st-Century Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Pfeffer W. T. , Harper J. T. , O'Neel S.
Published: September 2008

On the basis of climate modeling and analogies with past conditions, the potential for multimeter increases in sea level by the end of the 21st century has been proposed. We consider glaciological conditions required for large sea-level rise to occur by 2100 and conclude that increases in excess of 2 meters are physically untenable. We find that a total sea-level rise of about 2 meters by 2100 could occur under physically possible glaciological conditions but only if all variables are quickly accelerated to extremely high limits. More plausible but still accelerated conditions lead to total sea-level rise by 2100 of about 0.8 meter. These roughly constrained scenarios provide a “most likely” starting point for refinements in sea-level forecasts that include ice flow dynamics.
Experimental Test of Self-Shielding in Vacuum Ultraviolet Photodissociation of CO
Authors: Chakraborty Subrata , Ahmed Musahid , Jackson Teresa L. , Thiemens Mark H.
Published: September 2008

Self-shielding of carbon monoxide (CO) within the nebular disk has been proposed as the source of isotopically anomalous oxygen in the solar reservoir and the source of meteoritic oxygen isotopic compositions. A series of CO photodissociation experiments at the Advanced Light Source show that vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodissociation of CO produces large wavelength-dependent isotopic fractionation. An anomalously enriched atomic oxygen reservoir can thus be generated through CO photodissociation without self-shielding. In the presence of optical self-shielding of VUV light, the fractionation associated with CO dissociation dominates over self-shielding. These results indicate the potential role of photochemistry in early solar system formation and may help in the understanding of oxygen isotopic variations in Genesis solar-wind samples.