bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1 Introduction: From the Washington Consensus Towards a New Gobal Governance
Authors: Serra Narcís , Spiegel Shari , Stiglitz Joseph E.
Published: May 2008

The point of departure for this book is the Washington Consensus — the set of views about effective development strategies that have come to be associated with the Washington-based institutions: the IMF, the World Bank, and the US Treasury. This introductory chapter briefly discusses the origins of the Washington Consensus and how its meaning has changed and been interpreted. It then goes on to outline the chapters in the book.
15 Growth Diagnostics
Authors: Hausmann Ricardo , Rodrik Dani , Velasco Andrés
Published: May 2008

Most well-trained economists would agree that the standard policy reforms included in the ‘Washington Consensus’ have the potential to be growth-promoting. What the experience of the last fifteen years has shown, however, is that the impact of these reforms is heavily dependent on circumstances. This chapter argues that this calls for an approach to reform that is much more contingent on the economic environment. It is possible to develop a unified framework for analyzing and formulating ‘growth strategies’ which is both operational and based on solid economic reasoning. The key step is to develop a better understanding of how the nature of the binding constraints on economic activity differs from setting to setting. This understanding can then be used to derive policy priorities accordingly, in a way that would use the scarce political capital of reformers efficiently. The methodology that it proposed here can be conceptualized as a decision tree. The first questions concern what keeps the level of domestic investment and entrepreneurship low. At each node of the decision tree, the kind of evidence that would help answer the question one way or another is discussed. The chapter draws on the experience of three specific countries: El Salvador, Brazil, and Dominican Republic. Aside from providing a useful manual for policy makers, this approach has the advantage that it is broad enough to embed all existing development strategies as special cases. It can therefore unify the literature and help settle prevailing controversies.
Depression in Primary Care
Authors: Kendrick Tony , Simon Chantal
Published: May 2008

Around 2.3 million people suffer from depression in UK at any time. One in five seeking help in primary care have psychological problems; one in 10 suffer from depression and women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men.
Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the myostatin (GDF8) gene have significant association with muscle depth of commercial Charollais sheep
Authors: Hadjipavlou G. , Matika O. , Clop A. , Bishop S. C.
Published: May 2008

To assess whether the same mutation(s) were responsible for similar phenotypes attributed to ovine chromosome 2 (OAR2) quantitative trait loci (QTL) in different sheep breeds, Suffolk, Texel and Charollais rams from British commercial flocks were genotyped for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the myostatin (GDF8) region of OAR2, previously detected in progeny of Belgian Texel rams exhibiting muscular hypertrophy. The first SNP (g.−2449G>C) was located upstream from the transcription start site and the second SNP (g.+6723G>A) in the 3′ UTR of GDF8. The g.−2449C and g.+6723A alleles were absent in the Suffolk sires sampled, almost fixed in the Texel and segregating in the Charollais sires. Mixed model association analyses using SNP data on 338 Charollais lambs from 17 paternal half‐sib families and phenotype and pedigree data on 56 500 lambs revealed that both SNPs had a significant association with muscle depth (P < 0.001). The SNPs were segregating at intermediate frequencies (p = 0.3) and exhibited strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.90). Animals with the g.+6723AA genotype had significantly greater muscle depth than those with either the g.+6723GG or the g.+6723AG genotypes (P < 0.002), with the g.+6723A allele, the likely causative mutation, having an additive effect of 1.20 (±0.30) mm and a dominance effect of −0.73 (±0.36) mm. Based on estimated allelic effects and sample allele frequencies, the g.+6723G>A SNP explained 14% of the additive genetic variance of muscle depth. The maximum genetic variance for the trait (38%) attributed to the SNP would be attained at a g.+6723A allele frequency of 0.7. Our findings indicate that marker‐assisted selection using these two GDF8 SNPs would be beneficial for the Charollais breed.
Amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity
Authors: Ernawati Desak Ketut , Stafford Leanne , Hughes Jeffery David
Published: May 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• A number of factors have been hypothesized to increase the risk of amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT), although there remains some controversy in the literature as to their relative significance.

• This study aimed to clarify this situation to permit better characterization of patients at risk of AIPT and thus guide the development of guidelines for the monitoring for AIPT in patients receiving the drug.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Via compilation and analysis of a database of 237 AIPT cases, it was demonstrated that only patient age and duration of therapy significantly affected the risk of AIPT.

• A small cohort of hospital AIPT patients demonstrated these ‘at‐risk’ characteristics, suggesting that targeted monitoring of patients aged >60 years and those on amiodarone for 6–12 months may enhance the safety of these patients and minimize their risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to AIPT.

AIMS

A number of factors have been hypothesized to increase the risk of amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity (AIPT). This study aimed to confirm these risk factors and determine whether a cohort of tertiary hospital patients diagnosed with AIPT demonstrated comparable characteristics.

METHODS

Phase I of this study involved compilation of a database of adverse reactions to amiodarone reported to the Australian and US drug agencies, and identification of risk factors for AIPT using logistic regression analysis. In Phase II, AIPT cases were identified via a retrospective review of medical records of patients discharged from Fremantle Hospital and Health Service, Western Australia (FHHS) between 2000 and 2005 with diagnosed interstitial lung disease. Data were collected regarding these patients’ risk factors for AIPT and compared with those previously identified in Phase I.

RESULTS

A total of 237 cases of AIPT were identified from agency data. Patients aged > 60 years and those on amiodarone for 6–12 months (odds ratio 18.28, 95% confidence interval 6.42, 52.04) were determined to be at the highest risk of AIPT. Australian data also suggested increased risk in patients who had received cumulative doses of 101–150 g. The seven AIPT cases identified among the FHHS patients were all at high risk of AIPT based on their age and duration of amiodarone therapy.

CONCLUSION

Contrary to previous findings, only patient age and the duration of amiodarone therapy were confirmed as significant risk factors for AIPT. Targeted monitoring of these patients may facilitate early identification and management of AIPT.
MDR1 genotypes do not influence the absorption of a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir in healthy Chinese Han ethnic males
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiang Xue‐Hua , Hu Yu‐Qin , Li Zhi‐Ru , Su Lan , Wang Zhan‐Guo , Ma Guo
Published: May 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The absorption of valacyclovir presents a highly negative correlation with the level of P‐glycoprotein expression.

• It has been confirmed that a polymorphism of the MDR1 gene in exon 26 is related to the level of P‐glycoprotein expression in intestine.

• This study was conducted to find the relationship between polymorphism of MDR1 gene and absorption of valacyclovir.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Linkage disequilibrium exists between G2677T/A in exon 21 and C3435T in exon 26, between C1236T in exon 12 and C3435T, but not between C1236T and G2677T/A of MDR1 gene in the Chinese Han ethnic population.

• Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of MDR1 gene do not influence the absorption of valacyclovir in the healthy Chinese Han ethnic population.

AIMS

To investigate the influence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 12 (C1236T), exon 21 (G2677T/A) and exon 26 (C3435T) of MDR1 gene on the absorption of valacyclovir after a single oral administration in the Chinese Han ethnic population.

METHODS

Two hundred healthy Chinese subjects were genotyped for the SNPs of C1236T, G2677T/A and C3435T in the MDR1 gene using allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was analysed. Twenty‐four subjects derived from a large random sample (n = 200) received a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir. Plasma concentrations of acyclovir were determined up to 14 h after administration to obtain a pharmacokinetic profile.

RESULTS

LD existed between G2677T/A in exon 21 and C3435T in exon 26 (P < 0.001), between C1236T in exon 12 and C3435T (P < 0.001), but not between C1236T and G2677T/A (P > 0.05). Cmax, AUC0–1.5 h and AUC0–∞ were used as indices of valacyclovir absorption. AUC0–∞ for the 2677TA genotype was 17.45 ± 2.40 µg × h/ml, which was much higher compared with the 2677GG, GA and TT genotypes of 10.44 ± 1.00, 11.84 ± 2.83, 11.34 ± 2.32 µg × h/ml, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, a statistically significant difference of AUC0–∞ was also observed for different linked genotypes at position 2677 vs. 3435, and 1236 vs. 3435 (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in valacyclovir absorptive pharmacokinetics between carriers and noncarriers of different haplotypes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Three SNPs of MDR1 gene did not influence the absorption of a single oral dose of 600 mg valacyclovir in healthy Chinese Han ethnic subjects.
Prediction of cure and risk of hypothyroidism in patients receiving 131I for hyperthyroidism
Authors: Boelaert K. , Syed A. A. , Manji N. , Sheppard M. C. , Holder R. L. , Gough S. C. , Franklyn J. A.
Published: May 2008

Context  There is little consensus regarding the most appropriate dose of radioiodine (131I) to be administered to patients with hyperthyroidism.

Objective  To compare the efficacy of fixed dose regimens of 131I in curing hyperthyroidism and to define simple clinical and biochemical factors that predict outcome in individual patients.

Design  Consecutive series of hyperthyroid subjects treated with 131I.

Setting  Single Secondary/Tertiary Care Hospital Clinic.

Participants  A total of 1278 patients (1013 females and 262 males, mean age 49·7 years) presenting with hyperthyroidism between 1984 and 2006.

Intervention  Treatment with 131I using a fixed dose regimen.

Main outcome measures  Probability of cure and risk of development of hypothyroidism following a single dose of 131I.

Results  Patients given a single dose of 131I of 600 MBq (n = 485) had a higher cure rate (84·1%) compared with those receiving either 370 MBq (74·9%, P < 0·001) or those given 185 Bq (63%, P < 0·001). An increased incidence of hypothyroidism by 1 year was evident with higher doses (600 MBq: 60·4%; 370 MBq: 49·2%, P = 0·001; 185 Bq: 38·1%, P < 0·001). Binary logistic regression analysis identified a 600 Bq dose of 131I [adjusted odds ratio, AOR 3·33 (2·28–4·85), P < 0·001], female gender [AOR 1·75 (1·23–2·47), P = 0·002], lower presenting serum free T4 concentration [AOR 1·01 (1·01–1·02), P < 0·001] and absence of a palpable goitre [AOR 3·33 (2·00–5·56), P < 0·001] to be independent predictors of cure. Similarly, a 600 MBq dose [AOR 3·79 (2·66–5·38), P < 0·001], female gender [AOR 1·46 (1·05–2·02), P = 0·02], younger age [AOR 1·03 (1·02–1·04), P < 0·001], absence of a palpable goitre [AOR 3·85 (2·38–5·88), P < 0·001] and presence of ophthalmopathy [AOR 1·57 (1·06–2·31), P = 0·02] were identified as independent factors predicting the probability of development of hypothyroidism at one year. Based on these findings, formulae to indicate probability of cure and risk of hypothyroidism for application to individual patients were derived.

Conclusions  Simple clinical/biochemical criteria can be used to predict outcome after 131I treatment. These factors determine that males, those with severe biochemical hyperthyroidism, and those with a palpable goitre require larger doses (600 MBq) in order to achieve cure.
Regulating mineral N release and greenhouse gas emissions by mixing groundnut residues and rice straw under field conditions
Authors: Kaewpradit W. , Toomsan B. , Vityakon P. , Limpinuntana V. , Saenjan P. , Jogloy S. , Patanothai A. , Cadisch G.
Published: May 2008

Groundnut as a pre‐rice crop is usually harvested 1–2 months before rice transplanting, during which much of legume residue N released could be lost. Our objectives were to investigate the effect of mixing groundnut residues (GN, 5 Mg ha−1) with rice straw (RS) in different proportions on: (i) regulating N dynamics, (ii) potential microbial interactions during decomposition, and (iii) associated nitrous oxide and methane emissions at weekly intervals during the lag phase until rice transplanting (i, ii) or harvest (iii). Decomposition was fastest in groundnut residues (64% N lost) with a negative interaction for N loss when mixed 1:1 with rice straw. Adding groundnut residues increased mineral N initially, while added rice straw led to initial microbial N immobilization. Mineral N in mixed residue treatments was significantly greatest at the beginning of rice transplanting. Soil microbial N and apparent efficiency were higher, while absolute and relative microbial C were often lowest in groundnut and mixed treatments. Microbial C:N ratio increased with increasing proportion of added rice straw. N2O losses were largest in the groundnut treatment (12.2 mg N2O‐N m−2 day−1) in the first week after residue incorporation and reduced by adding rice straw. N2O‐N emissions till rice harvest amounted to 0.73 g N2O‐N m−2 in the groundnut treatment. CH4 emissions were largest in mixed treatments (e.g. 155.9 g CH4 m−2, 1:1 treatment). Mixing residues resulted in a significant interaction in that observed gaseous losses were greater than predicted from a purely additive effect. It appears possible to regulate N dynamics by mixing rice straw with groundnut residues; however, at a trade‐off of increased CH4 emissions.
Carbon, part 2: diamond
Authors: King R.J.
Published: May 2008

In Part 1 (Minerals explained 43, Geology Today 2006, v.22, no.2, pp.71–77) graphite was examined, the polymorph of carbon that is stable over a wide temperature range, but only at relatively low pressures. The other principal polymorph of carbon, diamond, is dealt with here in Part 2. Diamond has a very large stability range over both temperatures and pressures, although it is created at similar depths in the Earth's crust, probably in the mantle (Fig. 1). It would probably have remained there unsuspected, had it not been brought to the Earth's surface by volcanic mechanisms. This will be looked at in detail in the section on the genesis of diamond below, as will the apparently anomalous stability of diamond at NTP.

Pressure/temperature phase diagram for diamond.

image
Acute uriticaria‐like lesions in allergen‐unexposed cutaneous tissues in a mouse model of late allergic rhinitis
Authors: Hayashi Toshiharu , Fujii Taeko
Published: May 2008

The mechanisms of distant manifestation after a local allergic reaction are largely unknown. This study examined the development of cutaneous lesions in a mouse model of late allergic rhinitis (LAR). BALB/c mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneally two times (on days 0 and 10) and challenged by OVA intranasally on day 14. Four days after OVA challenge, nasal and cutaneous lesions including helper T (Th) responses, expression of adhesion molecules and presence of OVA and IgE were examined, and compared with unsensitized and unchallenged (control) mice. Compared with the control group, the LAR group developed LAR characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils, increased IgE values and increased productions of IL‐4 and IL‐5, but not IFN‐γ. A dominant infiltration of eosinophils and increase in mast cells, attachment of eosinophils to endothelium, intense expression of VCAM‐1 on endothelium in venules and VLA‐4 expression on eosinophils and mast cells were recognized in the cutaneous tissues. There were no differences in the expression of ICAM‐1 on vascular endothelium and LFA‐1 on infiltrated leucocytes between the two groups. CLA expression on lymphocytes was not detected, and the binding of OVA and IgE on mast cells and eosinophils was found in the cutaneous lesions in the LAR group, but not in the control group. This study suggests that acute uriticaria‐like lesions in OVA‐unexposed cutaneous tissues may be induced by immediate allergic reaction due to the systemic development of Th2‐type response in a mouse model of LAR.
High variation and very low differentiation in wide ranging plains zebra (Equus quagga): insights from mtDNA and microsatellites
Authors: LORENZEN ELINE D. , ARCTANDER PETER , SIEGISMUND HANS R.
Published: May 2008

Patterns of genetic differentiation in the plains zebra (Equus quagga) were analysed using mitochondrial DNA control region variation and seven microsatellites. The six morphologically defined subspecies of plains zebra lacked the population genetic structure indicative of distinct evolutionary units. Both marker sets showed high levels of genetic variation and very low levels of differentiation. There was no geographical structuring of mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in the phylogenetic tree, and the plains zebra showed the lowest overall differentiation recorded in any African ungulate studied so far. Arid‐adapted African ungulates have shown significant regional genetic structuring in support of the Pleistocene refuge theory. This was not the case in the zebra, and the data are discussed in relation to the impact of Pleistocene climate change on a nonbovid member of the savannah ungulate community. The only other species showing a similar absence of genetic structuring is the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), but this taxon lacks the high levels of morphological variation present in the plains zebra.
Gene flow between sexual and facultatively asexual lineages of an aphid species and the maintenance of reproductive mode variation
Authors: HALKETT F. , PLANTEGENEST M. , BONHOMME J. , SIMON J.‐C.
Published: May 2008

Many organisms considered as strictly clonal may in fact experience some rare events of sexual reproduction with their sexual relatives. However, the rate of sexual–asexual gene flow has rarely been assessed mainly because its evaluation is difficult to achieve in the field. In the cyclically parthenogenetic aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, two main sets of lineages, differing in their investment in sexual reproduction and in their genetic attributes, co‐exist even at a very fine scale: the ‘sexual’ lineages which have a full commitment to the sexual reproduction, and the ‘facultatively asexual’ lineages, which allocate investment in the sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction. This system offers a unique opportunity to tackle the genetic interactions between two contrasting reproductive modes. Here, we provide evidence that gene flow occurred between sexual and facultatively asexual lineages of R. padi. We carefully examined the shuffling in phenotypic and genotypic variation following a sexual reproduction event that took place in the field. Combining genotypic data and phenotypic measurements showed that this gene mixing led to the production of a wide array of reproductive modes, including strictly asexual lineages. Finally, we discuss the central role played by facultatively asexual lineages on the maintenance of reproductive mode variation.
The Schizosaccharomyces pombe endo‐1,3‐β‐glucanase Eng1 contains a novel carbohydrate binding module required for septum localization
Authors: Martín‐Cuadrado Ana Belén , Del Dedo Javier Encinar , De Medina‐Redondo María , Fontaine Thierry , Del Rey Francisco , Latgé Jean Paul , De Aldana Carlos R. Vázquez
Published: May 2008

Cell separation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe is achieved through the concerted action of the Eng1 endo‐β‐1,3‐glucanase and the Agn1 endo‐α‐1,3‐glucanase, which are transported to the septum and localize to a ring‐like structure that surrounds the septum. Correct localization of these hydrolases requires the presence of both the septins and the exocyst. In this work, we show that the glucanase Eng1 contains a region at the C‐terminus that acts as a carbohydrate‐binding module (CBM) and that it is not present in other members of glycoside hydrolases family 81 (GH81). In vitro, the purified CBM has affinity for β‐1,3‐glucan chains with a minimum degree of polymerization of 30 glucose units. Deletion of the CBM results in a protein that is largely defective in complementing the separation defect of eng1Δ mutants. This defect is due to a reduction in the catalytic activity against insoluble substrates and to a defect in targeting of Eng1 to the septum, as the truncated protein localizes to the lateral cell wall of the cell. Thus, the targeting of Eng1 to the primary septum requires not only trans‐factors (septins and the exocyst complex) but also a cis‐element localized to the C‐terminus of the protein.
An endocytic mechanism for haemoglobin‐iron acquisition in Candida albicans
Authors: Weissman Ziva , Shemer Revital , Conibear Elizabeth , Kornitzer Daniel
Published: May 2008

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is able to utilize haemin and haemoglobin as iron sources. Haem‐iron utilization is facilitated by Rbt5, an extracellular, glycosylphophatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored, haemin‐ and haemoglobin‐binding protein. Here, we show that Rbt5 and its close homologue Rbt51 are short‐lived plasma membrane proteins, degradation of which depends on vacuolar activity. Rbt5 facilitates the rapid endocytosis of haemoglobin into the C.  albicans vacuole. We relied on recapitulation of the Rbt51‐dependent haem‐iron utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify mutants defective in haemoglobin utilization. Homologues of representative mutants in S. cerevisiae were deleted in C. albicans and tested for haemoglobin‐iron utilization and haemoglobin uptake. These mutants define a novel endocytosis‐mediated haemoglobin utilization mechanism that depends on acidification of the lumen of the late secretory pathway, on a type I myosin and on the activity of the ESCRT pathway.
Do flowers wave to attract pollinators? A case study with Silene maritima
Authors: WARREN J. , JAMES P.
Published: May 2008

To answer the question whether flowers wave to attract pollinators, we determine: (1) the heritability of floral mobility; (2) whether wavy flowers attract more insects; (3) does the duration of pollination affect seed set; and (4) the relationship between seed set and floral mobility. The pollination ecology of Silene maritima was investigated. Flowers on stalks of different waviness were used to investigate the effect of floral movement on pollinator visits. There is heritable variation in both direct and indirect estimates of floral mobility. The highest insect total visitation times were associated with medium length thin stalks that were visited more frequently and by more insect species. Although mean individual visit durations were less than those of less mobile flowers, this was compensated for by increased visits. Observations of controlled pollinations show that when the visit times are low, so is seed set and therefore low and high mobility flowers might suffer from reduced fitness. Combining these observations provides a mechanism that could be driving stabilizing selection for flower stalk traits, with a trade‐off applying between waving to attract pollinators and not being too mobile as to prevent effective pollination. Further evidence for stabilizing selection is provided by the relationship observed in the field between seed set and floral mobility where the highest levels of fitness was associated with intermediate levels of floral waving.
Effects of malaria double infection in birds: one plus one is not two
Authors: MARZAL A. , BENSCH S. , REVIRIEGO M. , BALBONTIN J. , DE LOPE F.
Published: May 2008

Avian malaria parasites are supposed to exert negative effects on host fitness because these intracellular parasites affect host metabolism. Recent advances in molecular genotyping and microscopy have revealed that coinfections with multiple parasites are frequent in bird–malaria parasite systems. However, studies of the fitness consequences of such double infections are scarce and inconclusive. We tested if the infection with two malaria parasite lineages has more negative effects than single infection using 6 years of data from a natural population of house martins. Survival was negatively affected by both types of infections. We found an additive cost from single to double infection in body condition, but not in reproductive parameters (double‐infected had higher reproductive success). These results demonstrate that malaria infections decrease survival, but also have different consequences on the breeding performance of single‐ and double‐infected wild birds.
Roles assessment in families of children with chronic renal failure on peritoneal dialysis
Authors: De Paula Érica S , Nascimento Lucila C , Rocha Semiramis MM
Published: May 2008

Families with a child on chronic peritoneal dialysis have to assume a significant burden of care, intensifying the demands and the reorganization of roles in the families of children. The purpose of this study is to describe the implications of role changes in families of children with chronic renal disease on peritoneal dialysis. This is a case study of four families of children with chronic renal disease on peritoneal dialysis. Fourteen family members participate in the study. After the child's chronic kidney failure and the start of treatment, each relative's ways, acts and functions are changed, maintained or adapted to the new family dynamics, imposed by the child's treatment conditions. Appropriate role assessment provides the nurse and the families of children with chronic renal failure on peritoneal dialysis with insight regarding current and potential health problems and aids in identifying the needs of the families.
Professional nurses' opinion on research and research utilization for promoting quality nursing care in selected teaching hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Ofi Bola , Sowunmi Lanre , Edet Dele , Anarado Nonye
Published: May 2008

The study investigated nurses' knowledge base for research conduct, attitudes towards research and perceived barriers to research utilization. Data for this descriptive survey were collected through a 41‐item‐structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of 500 nurses purposively selected from three tertiary hospitals in the Southern part of Nigeria. Results show that 73.4% of the respondents received instruction on research methodology, 48.6% attended research workshop previously, 68.0% have conducted research, and 27.6% have collaborated with others. Educational level has a significant effect on knowledge base (P < 0.05). Significant difference (P < 0.05) was found between the hospitals with respect to conducting research and collaboration. Fifty per cent of the respondents held positive attitudes towards research conduct and utilization, and 40.8% reported utilizing findings frequently. Inability to understand research reports and statistics were identified as barriers. Nursing services managers and educators should promote better research education focusing on practitioners' knowledge/experience and attitudes towards research.
A reflective discussion: Questions about globalization and multiculturalism in nursing as revealed during a student/staff exchange programme
Authors: Graham Iain , Norman Linda
Published: May 2008

The purpose of this paper is to present elements of a discussion on the discipline of nursing that arose from a student–faculty exchange programme, as a reflection of the experiences the students and faculty had during the 3‐year exchange. It suggests that the globalization of health and the international migration of nurses might prove to be an opportunity for nurses to learn more about nursing practice. It became apparent to the participants that the phenomenon of nursing, although understood by them all, was not easy to describe, and words used in Swedish, Finnish or British or American English were often not easy to interpret or explain. These reflections were noted by the authors when the group came together to plan the programme and design experiences for the participants. We were concerned how nursing could contribute to health‐care improvement globally if it wasn't universally understood within the four countries concerned.
Perceptions of nurses, families, and residents in nursing homes concerning residents' needs
Authors: Ben Natan Merav
Published: May 2008

This study examined the congruence between needs identified as significant by older adults in comparison with caregivers (nurses) and elders' families. The study involved 44 patients, 94 nurses and 44 families from the Shoham Geriatric Center in Pardes Hanna, Israel. The findings are based on data gathered through questionnaires distributed at the nursing home. The findings indicate a discrepancy between residents' needs as identified by the staff, the families and the elderly residents themselves. An analysis based on primary needs showed that in comparison with the residents and their families, the nurses attributed greater significance to values and personal outlook of the residents, provision of proficient physical care, skilled mental support, social life and institutional requirements. Families attributed the most significance to the provision of information and family involvement, and in contrast, according to the residents, the most important area was skilled mental/emotional support. Also discussed are the research and practical implications of these findings.
Jordanian nursing students' knowledge of osteoporosis
Authors: Amre Huda , Safadi Reema , Jarrah Samiha , Al‐Amer Rasmieh , Froelicher Erika S
Published: May 2008

The aim of this study was to explore baccalaureate nursing students' knowledge of osteoporosis for beginning practice in the community. A cross‐sectional study design was used. Students were selected by convenience sampling (n = 85) from one University in Jordan in the final of 4 years. Students were asked to complete a 23‐item‐knowledge questionnaire based on two earlier published studies of osteoporosis. Results indicated poor level of knowledge of osteoporosis on all dimensions: prevention (11 items) 62.6%; SD 14.2; general (5 items) 59.5%; SD 20.6; and the pathophysiology (7 items) 39.6%; SD 15.6, and an overall mean grade of 54.9%; SD 10.3. This result provides information that graduating nursing students have limited knowledge to undertake the role of health promotion and disease prevention in the community.
Effects of exendin‐4 on islets from type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Lupi R. , Mancarella R. , Del Guerra S. , Bugliani M. , Del Prato S. , Boggi U. , Mosca F. , Filipponi F. , Marchetti P.
Published: May 2008

Exendin‐4 is a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV)‐resistant glucagon‐like peptide1 (GLP‐1) mimetic and its synthetic counterpart, exenatide, is being used in the therapy of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). No information, however, is currently available as for the direct action of exendin‐4 on human T2DM islets. In the present study, we exposed pancreatic islets prepared from non‐diabetic and T2DM subjects to exendin‐4 for 48 h and found that the compound had several, direct beneficial actions on insulin secretion and the expression of genes involved in beta‐cell function and differentiation.
Fluid milk consumption in urban Qingdao, China*
Authors: Bai Junfei , Wahl Thomas I. , McCluskey Jill J.
Published: May 2008

This study relates the social‐demographic characteristics of urban Chinese consumers to their consumption of fluid milk. A Tobit model is estimated drawing on individual consumer survey data collected in urban Qingdao in China in 2005. The major results of this study indicate that fluid milk consumption in urban Qingdao is much higher compared to China's national level. The effect of increased income on milk consumption is positive, as expected. The expansion of modern food retailers also appears to play a positive role by facilitating consumers’ fluid milk consumption and influencing their food shopping patterns. The young and old consume significantly more fluid milk than the middle‐aged. Health consciousness of the elderly and the openness of youth to new foods appear to be fuelling these consumption patterns. If the findings of this study apply to other urban regions in China, then as urbanisation continues so also will the trend of increasing fluid milk consumption in China.
Removing border protection on wheat and rice: effects on rural income and food self‐sufficiency in China*
Authors: Mai Yinhua
Published: May 2008

In this paper, I use the Monash Multi‐Country model – a dynamic Computable General Equilibrium model of China, Australia and the Rest of the World – to analyse the effects of removing border protection on wheat and rice in China. The analysis points to the possibility that removing border protection on wheat and rice may lead to an increase in rural income in China. This is mainly due to the following two factors. First, removing border protection on wheat and rice not only leads to a contraction in agricultural activities, but also leads to an expansion in manufacturing and services activities. Second, on average, rural households in China obtain over half of their income from manufacturing and services activities.
Should farmers invest in financial assets as a risk management strategy? Some evidence from New Zealand*
Authors: Nartea Gilbert , Webster Paul
Published: May 2008

This study explores the potential for risk reduction by New Zealand farmers through the diversification of their farm asset portfolios to include financial investments such as ordinary industrial shares, government bonds and bank bills. Low correlations between rates of return on farm and these financial assets suggest that significant reduction of income variability might follow their inclusion in farmers’ portfolios. Stochastic efficiency analysis is used to analyse alternative portfolios of ordinary shares, government bonds and bank bills and New Zealand farmland, using coefficients of absolute risk aversion derived from a negative exponential utility function. The results suggest that those farmers showing high degrees of risk aversion would gain utility by including financial assets in their portfolios. Deregulation of the New Zealand economy in the 1980s appeared to reduce the potential gains from diversification. Bonds rather than ordinary shares are the main contributors to portfolios which maximise utility for individuals classified as ‘somewhat’ risk averse.
Making Message Recipients “Feel Right”
Authors: Cesario Joseph , Higgins E. Tory
Published: May 2008

Nonverbal cues are an inherent component of most persuasive appeals. We use regulatory-fit theory as a framework for understanding the effect of nonverbal cues on a message's effectiveness, and as a foundation for developing a new persuasion technique. We propose that when the nonverbal cues of a message source sustain the motivational orientation of the recipient, the recipient experiences regulatory fit and feels right, and that this experience influences the message's effectiveness. Experimental results support these predictions. Participants experiencing regulatory fit (promotion-focus participants viewing messages delivered in an eager nonverbal style, prevention-focus participants viewing messages delivered in a vigilant nonverbal style) had more positive attitudes toward a message's topic and greater intentions to behave in accordance with its recommendation than did participants experiencing nonfit. Feeling right was also greater for participants experiencing fit than for those experiencing nonfit and was associated with greater message effectiveness. Regulatory-fit theory provides a framework for making precise predictions about when and for whom a nonverbal cue will affect persuasion.
Is the Sky 2? Contextual Priming in Grapheme-Color Synaesthesia
Authors: Brang D. , Edwards L. , Ramachandran V.S. , Coulson S.
Published: May 2008

Grapheme-color synaesthesia is a neurological phenomenon in which particular graphemes, such as the numeral 9, automatically induce the simultaneous perception of a particular color, such as the color red. To test whether the concurrent color sensations in grapheme-color synaesthesia are treated as meaningful stimuli, we recorded event-related brain potentials as 8 synaesthetes and 8 matched control subjects read sentences such as “Looking very clear, the lake was the most beautiful hue of 7.” In synaesthetes, but not control subjects, congruous graphemes, compared with incongruous graphemes, elicited a more negative N1 component, a less positive P2 component, and a less negative N400 component. Thus, contextual congruity of synaesthetically induced colors altered the brain response to achromatic graphemes beginning 100 ms postonset, affecting pattern-recognition, perceptual, and meaning-integration processes. The results suggest that grapheme-color synaesthesia is automatic and perceptual in nature and also suggest that the connections between colors and numbers are bidirectional.
Approach-Motivated Positive Affect Reduces Breadth of Attention
Authors: Gable Philip A. , Harmon-Jones Eddie
Published: May 2008

Research has found that positive affect broadens attention. However, these studies have manipulated positive affect that is low in approach motivation. Positive affect that is high in approach motivation should reduce the breadth of attention, as organisms shut out irrelevant stimuli as they approach desired objects. Four studies examined the attentional consequences of approach-motivated positive-affect states. Results were consistent with predictions. Participants showed less global attentional focus after viewing high-approach-motivating positive stimuli than after viewing low-approach-motivating positive stimuli (Study 1) or neutral stimuli (Study 2). Study 3 found that greater trait approach motivation resulted in less global attentional focus after participants viewed approach-motivating positive stimuli. Study 4 manipulated affect and approach motivation independently. Greater approach-motivated positive affect caused lower global focus. High-approach-motivated positive affect reduces global attentional focus, whereas low-approach-motivated positive affect increases global attentional focus. Incorporating the intensity of approach motivation into models of positive affect broadens understanding of the consequences of positive affect.
Patient experiences with treatment in private practice compared with public mental health services
Authors: BJØRNGAARD JOHAN HÅKON , GARRATT ANDREW , GRÅWE ROLF W. , BJERTNÆS ØYVIND ANDRESEN , RUUD TORLEIF
Published: May 2008

The study compared patient experiences with psychiatric treatment provided by private practitioners and public outpatient clinics. Questionnaires were completed by 642 outpatients in private practice and 6,677 outpatients in public clinics. The questionnaire included a measure of patient experiences comprising six items: treatment outcome, enough time for contact and dialogue with clinician, clinicians’ understanding of patient's situation, suitability of therapy and treatment, clinician follow‐up of planned actions, and influence on treatment. Patients in private practice had generally better experiences than patients in public outpatient treatment. The difference between private and public patients was largest for patients with poor self‐evaluated mental health or those who had just one consultation in the previous three months. Private practitioners appear to have an important role in mental health services delivery, and patients have relatively good experiences with services. Further studies that assess the patient – clinician interaction in different mental health services may give further insights into potential service improvements.
Seating arrangements that promote positive academic and behavioural outcomes: a review of empirical research
Authors: WANNARKA RACHEL , RUHL KATHY
Published: May 2008

Seating arrangements are important classroom setting events because they have the potential to help prevent problem behaviours that decrease student attention and diminish available instructional time. The purpose of this synthesis of empirical literature is to determine which arrangements of desks best facilitate positive academic and behavioural outcomes for primary through secondary high school students with a range of characteristics. Eight studies that investigated at least two of three common arrangements (i.e., rows, groups or semi‐circles) were considered. Results indicate that teachers should let the nature of the task dictate seating arrangements. Evidence supports the idea that students display higher levels of appropriate behaviour during individual tasks when they are seated in rows, with disruptive students benefiting the most.
Diagnostics for Multivariate Imputations
Authors: Abayomi Kobi , Gelman Andrew , Levy Marc
Published: May 2008

We consider three sorts of diagnostics for random imputations: displays of the completed data, which are intended to reveal unusual patterns that might suggest problems with the imputations, comparisons of the distributions of observed and imputed data values and checks of the fit of observed data to the model that is used to create the imputations. We formulate these methods in terms of sequential regression multivariate imputation, which is an iterative procedure in which the missing values of each variable are randomly imputed conditionally on all the other variables in the completed data matrix. We also consider a recalibration procedure for sequential regression imputations. We apply these methods to the 2002 environmental sustainability index, which is a linear aggregation of 64 environmental variables on 142 countries.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Handwriting Evidence: Likelihood Ratio for Authorship
Authors: Bozza Silvia , Taroni Franco , Marquis Raymond , Schmittbuhl Matthieu
Published: May 2008

The evaluation of handwritten characters that are selected from an anonymous letter and written material from a suspect is an open problem in forensic science. The individualization of handwriting is largely dependent on examiners who evaluate the characteristics in a qualitative and subjective way. Precise individual characterization of the shape of handwritten characters is possible through Fourier analysis: each handwritten character can be described through a set of variables such as the surface and harmonics as demonstrated by Marquis and co-workers in 2005. The assessment of the value of the evidence is performed through the derivation of a likelihood ratio for multivariate data. The methodology allows the forensic scientist to take into account the correlation between variables, and the non-constant variability within sources (i.e. individuals). Numerical procedures are implemented to handle the complexity and to compute the marginal likelihood under competing propositions.
Are Venture Capitalists a Catalyst for Innovation?
Authors: Caselli Stefano , Gatti Stefano , Perrini Francesco
Published: May 2008

In this paper we test two hypotheses concerning the presence of innovation in venture capital investments and the growth of innovative venture backed firms. To examine these hypotheses we considered sample of 37 Italian venture backed firms that went public on the Italian Stock Exchange between 1995 and 2004 and by a statistical matching procedure we picked 37 twin firms among the non‐venture backed IPOs for the same period. Our evidence shows that innovation is an important factor during the selection phase but once the investment is made, the company does not promote continued innovation and concentrates all efforts to improve other economic and managerial aspects.
The Dark Side of International Cross‐Listing: Effects on Rival Firms at Home
Authors: Melvin Michael , Valero Magali
Published: May 2008

We analyse the stock price impact of firms' US cross‐listing on home‐market rival firms. Using an empirical event study approach we find negative cumulative average abnormal returns for the rival firms around both the listing and announcement of listing dates. The evidence suggests both positive and negative spillover effects on rival firms, where the dominant effect is that investors see rivals at a relative disadvantage to the cross‐listing firm. As firms cross‐list in the US and commit to the increased disclosure and investor protection associated with the US listing, they are better able to take advantage of growth opportunities relative to their non cross‐listing counterparts, and this results in negative spillover effects on rival firms. Our results are consistent with the idea that firms cross‐list as a means to reduce agency costs of controlling shareholders and thus are able to exploit growth opportunities as they have better access to external finance.
PIP Transactions, Price Improvement, Informed Trades and Order Execution Quality
Authors: Khoury Nabil , Perrakis Stylianos , Savor Marko
Published: May 2008

This study focuses on innovations in order execution processes within the context of the Boston Option Exchange (BOX). More specifically, it examines the impact of the Price Improvement Process (PIP) on options quoted, effective and realised proportional spreads. We consider the PIP as a mechanism that allows the market maker to ‘internalise’ the transaction. We show that PIP transactions are associated with wider bid/ask proportional quoted spreads than non‐PIP transactions, in spite of the temporary narrowing of the effective proportional spread during PIP. We identify informed traders by focusing on the direction of trade. Using an original data set, we show that PIP transactions follow signals in the form of buy/sell orders by informed traders. We also show that PIP is a mechanism that allows the market maker to internalise a position in the same direction as that of the informed trader. We conclude that PIP does not improve the efficiency of the market but simply allows the market maker to benefit at the expense of uninformed traders.
THE ROLE OF RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE IN THE EMPLOYMENT BEHAVIOR OF OLDER MEN*
Authors: Blau David M. , Gilleskie Donna B.
Published: May 2008

Using data from the Health and Retirement Survey, we estimate preference and expectations parameters of a structural model of the employment and medical care decisions of older men in order to evaluate the role of health insurance. The budget constraint incorporates detailed cost‐sharing characteristics of private health insurance and Medicare as well as rules and requirements associated with Social Security and private pensions. Simulations imply that changes in health insurance, including access and restrictions to retiree health insurance and Medicare, have a modest impact on employment behavior among older males, with the greatest effect on men in bad health.
TRADEMARK SALES, ENTRY, AND THE VALUE OF REPUTATION*
Authors: Marvel Howard P. , Ye Lixin
Published: May 2008

We develop an infinite‐horizon, overlapping‐generations model of reputation in which consumers base willingness to pay for agent services on past performance summarized by a trademark. We show that when trademarks can be sold, successful firms capture the full value of their reputations upon sale but receive smaller premia for good performance while active as service providers. With discounting, all agents are worse off with trademark trade. Taking entry cost into account, we show that trademark trade typically reduces entry. When entry costs are high, welfare is increased by prohibiting such trade.