bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic enhancement of the exchange bias training effect
Authors: Sahoo S. , Polisetty S. , Binek Ch. , Berger A.
Published: March 2007

Exchange bias in coupled magnetic thin films and its accompanying training effect are fundamental interface phenomena with significant impact in spintronic applications. Both effects are well known in heterosystems of ferro- and antiferromagnetic thin films. Here, we report on the dynamic enhancement of the training effect in an exchange coupled bilayer of soft and hard ferromagnetic materials. Training is referred to as a gradual change of the bias field, which evolves upon cycling the soft layer through consecutive hysteresis loops. Its dynamic enhancement is observed with increasing sweep rate of the applied magnetic field from quasistatic to the fully dynamic range. A dynamically generalized theory based on triggered relaxation is in excellent agreement with the training data. Additionally, we evidence the remarkable universality of our theoretical approach when applying it to the dynamically altered training effect of a conventional exchange bias system involving an antiferromagnetic pinning layer.
Stability of gravity-driven free-surface flow past a deformable solid at zero and finite Reynolds number
Authors: Gaurav  , Shankar V.
Published: March 2007

The linear stability of Newtonian liquid flow down an inclined plane lined with a deformable elastic solid layer is analyzed at zero and finite Reynolds number. There are two qualitatively different interfacial modes in this composite system: the free-surface or gas-liquid (“GL”) mode which becomes unstable at low wave numbers and nonzero Reynolds number in flow down a rigid plane, and the liquid-solid (“LS”) mode which could become unstable even in the absence of inertia at finite wave numbers when the solid layer is deformable. The objectives of this work are to examine the effect of solid layer deformability on the GL and LS modes at zero and finite inertia, and to critically assess prior predictions concerning GL mode instability suppression at finite inertia obtained using the linear elastic model by comparison with the more rigorous neo-Hookean model for the solid. In the creeping-flow limit where the GL mode instability is absent in a rigid incline, we show that for both solid models, the GL and LS modes become unstable at finite wavelengths when the solid layer becomes sufficiently soft. At finite wavelengths, the labeling of the two interfacial modes as GL and LS becomes arbitrary because these two modes get “switched” when the solid layer becomes sufficiently deformable. The critical strain required for instability becomes independent of the solid thickness (at high enough values of thickness) for both GL and LS modes in the linear elastic solid, while it decreases with the thickness of the neo-Hookean solid. At finite Reynolds number, it is shown for both the solid models that the free-surface instability in flow down a rigid plane can be suppressed at all wavelengths by the deformability of the solid layer. The neutral curves associated with this instability suppression are identical for both linear elastic and neo-Hookean models. When the solid becomes even more deformable, both the GL and LS modes become unstable for finite wave numbers at nonzero inertia, but the corresponding neutral curves obtained from the two solid models differ significantly in detail. At finite inertia, for both the solid models, there is a significant window in the shear modulus of the solid for moderate values of solid thickness where both the GL and LS modes are stable at all wave numbers. Thus, using the neo-Hookean model, the present study reaffirms the prediction that soft elastomeric coatings offer a passive route to suppress and control interfacial instabilities.
Flow instability of fluid-metal layer generated by laser pulse on an inclined metal surface: Experiments and simulation
Authors: Lugomer Stjepan , Maksimović Aleksandar , Peto Gabor , Karacs Albert
Published: March 2007

The authors have shown that nanosecond laser-matter interaction with metal surface under an angle causes the formation of nonlinear micron-scale waves and localized structures resembling the gravitationally caused flow structures on the inclined plate. Juxtaposition of experimentally generated and numerically simulated structures on the basis of the equation derived by Frenkel and Indireshkumar [Phys. Rev. E 55, 1174 (1997)] shows a very good qualitative agreement; the experiments confirmed the dependence of the structure evolution on the laser power profile and on the irradiation angle. Dispersion of ordered long-range structures into chaotic ones was observed for the irradiation angle of θ=20°.
WD40 protein Mda1 is purified with Dnm1 and forms a dividing ring for mitochondria before Dnm1 in
Cyanidioschyzon merolae
Authors: Nishida Keiji , Yagisawa Fumi , Kuroiwa Haruko , Yoshida Yamato , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi
Published: March 2007

Mitochondria are not produced
de novo
but are maintained by division. Mitochondrial division is a coordinated process of positioning and constriction of the division site and fission of double membranes, in which dynamin-related protein is believed to mediate outer membrane fission. Part of the mitochondrial division machinery was purified from M phase-arrested
Cyanidioschyzon merolae
cells through biochemical fractionation. The dynamin-related protein Dnm1 was one of the two major proteins in the purified fraction and was accompanied by a newly identified protein CMR185C, named Mda1. Mda1 contained a predictable coiled-coil region and WD40 repeats, similarly to Mdv1 and Caf4 in yeasts. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy showed that Mda1 localizes as a medial belt or ring on the mitochondrial outer surface throughout the division. The ring formation of Mda1 followed the plane of the ring of FtsZ, a protein that resides in the matrix. Dnm1 consistently colocalized with Mda1 only in the late stages of division. Mda1 protein was expressed through S to M phases and was phosphorylated specifically in M phase when Mda1 transformed from belt into foci and became colocalizing with Dnm1. Dephosphorylation of Mda1
in vitro
increased its sedimentation coefficient, suggesting conformational changes of the macromolecule. Disassembly of the purified mitochondrial division machinery was performed by adding GTP to independently release Dnm1, suggesting that Mda1 forms a stable homo-oligomer by itself as a core structure of the mitochondrial division machinery.
Diverse Cytopathologies in Mitochondrial Disease Are Caused by AMP-activated Protein Kinase Signaling
Authors: Bokko Paul B. , Francione Lisa , Bandala-Sanchez Esther , Ahmed Afsar U. , Annesley Sarah J. , Huang Xiuli , Khurana Taruna , Kimmel Alan R. , Fisher Paul R.
Published: March 2007

The complex cytopathology of mitochondrial diseases is usually attributed to insufficient ATP. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly sensitive cellular energy sensor that is stimulated by ATP-depleting stresses. By antisense-inhibiting chaperonin 60 expression, we produced mitochondrially diseased strains with gene dose-dependent defects in phototaxis, growth, and multicellular morphogenesis. Mitochondrial disease was phenocopied in a gene dose-dependent manner by overexpressing a constitutively active AMPK α subunit (AMPKαT). The aberrant phenotypes in mitochondrially diseased strains were suppressed completely by antisense-inhibiting AMPKα expression. Phagocytosis and macropinocytosis, although energy consuming, were unaffected by mitochondrial disease and AMPKα expression levels. Consistent with the role of AMPK in energy homeostasis, mitochondrial “mass” and ATP levels were reduced by AMPKα antisense inhibition and increased by AMPKαT overexpression, but they were near normal in mitochondrially diseased cells. We also found that 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside, a pharmacological AMPK activator in mammalian cells, mimics mitochondrial disease in impairing Dictyostelium phototaxis and that AMPKα antisense-inhibited cells were resistant to this effect. The results show that diverse cytopathologies in Dictyostelium mitochondrial disease are caused by chronic AMPK signaling not by insufficient ATP.
From attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder to medical stimulant use to the diversion of prescribed stimulants to non‐medical stimulant use: connecting the dots
Authors: Poulin Christiane
Published: March 2007

Aims  To describe the connections among the likelihood of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medical and non‐medical methylphenidate and amphetamine use and the diversion of prescribed methylphenidate in the general adolescent population.

Design  Cross‐sectional self‐reported anonymous data from the 2002 Student Drug Use Survey in the Atlantic Provinces.

Setting  The Atlantic provinces of Canada.

Participants  A total of 12 990 students participated.

Measurements  The outcomes were a positive ADHD screening test, medical and non‐medical use of methylphenidate, medical and non‐medical use of amphetamine and the giving and selling of methylphenidate medication by students with a prescription. The Ontario Child Health Study Hyperactivity Scale was used to screen for ADHD.

Findings  The prevalence of a positive ADHD screening test was 6% with no significant gender difference. The prevalence of medical and non‐medical methylphenidate use and medical and non‐medical amphetamine use was 2.0%, 6.6%, 1.2% and 8.7%, respectively. A positive ADHD screening test was independently predictive of these four patterns of use. About 26% of students with prescribed methylphenidate gave or sold some of their medication. Students in a class where at least one student had given or sold some of their prescribed pills had a 1.52‐fold increased risk of non‐medical methylphenidate use than their counterparts in classes where no giving or selling had taken place.

Conclusions  Connections were demonstrated at the population level between ADHD, medical methylphenidate use, the diversion of prescribed methylphenidate and the non‐medical use of methylphenidate. The appropriate assessment and management of ADHD are essential to minimize both the risk of diversion and of substance use associated with unrecognized or untreated ADHD.
The transition from injection to non‐injection drug use: long‐term outcomes among heroin and cocaine users in New York City
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Arasteh Kamyar , Perlis Theresa , Hagan Holly , Heckathorn Douglas D. , Mcknight Courtney , Bramson Heidi , Friedman Samuel R.
Published: March 2007

Aims  To characterize heroin and cocaine users in New York City who have changed from injection to non‐injection drug administration and to identify factors associated with long‐term non‐injection use.

Design  Two cross‐sectional studies of heroin and cocaine users in New York City.

Settings and participants  New admissions were recruited at drug abuse treatment programs (2000–04) and respondent‐driven sampling was used to recruit drug users from the community (2004). Both injecting and non‐injecting drug users participated in each study. ‘Former injectors’ were defined operationally as people who had used heroin and/or cocaine in the 6 months prior to the interview and who had injected illicit drugs in the past, but whose most recent injection was more than 6 months before the study interview. ‘Current’ injectors were defined as people who had injected heroin and/or cocaine in the 6 months prior to the interview.

Measurements  A structured interview on drug use history was administered, and a serum sample was collected and tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Findings  A total of 104 former injectors was recruited for the drug abuse treatment program study, and 229 current injectors were recruited for the community recruitment study; 160 former injectors and 1731 current injectors were recruited from the drug abuse treatment study. Compared with the current injectors, former injectors were older and more likely to be African American. The former injectors reported long intervals since their most recent injection, a mean of 8 years in the drug abuse treatment program study and a mean of 12 years in the community recruitment study. The most common reasons for stopping injection drug use included concerns about health, social stigmatization and self‐image, and preference for intranasal use as a route of drug administration. The results were highly consistent across the two studies.

Conclusions  The transition from injection to non‐injection use appears to be relatively stable behavior change for many former injectors, who report a decade or more without injecting. Developing a greater understanding of the transition from injection to stable non‐injection drug use may provide insights into the natural histories of drug use and addiction.
Impact of contractual financial incentives on the ascertainment and management of smoking in primary care
Authors: Coleman Tim , Lewis Sarah , Hubbard Richard , Smith Christopher
Published: March 2007

Background  The April 2004 contract for UK general practitioners (GPs) is an ambitious attempt to produce substantial changes in clinical practice. We investigated the impact of this on delivery of primary care smoking cessation interventions.

Methods  We analysed data from patients' medical records that were held within a large database called The Health Improvement Network (THIN). We calculated for each year between 1990 and 2005 and for each quarter‐year from 2003 the incidence of recording of smoking status in medical records and, in smokers, the receipt of GPs' smoking cessation advice and prescriptions for nicotine addiction treatments.

Findings  Recording of smoking status increased temporarily around 1993–4 and then rose gradually from the year 2000. This rise was more marked from 2003, with an 88% increase between the first quarters of 2003 and 2004. The latter quarter was just prior to the introduction of the GP contract and higher rates of recording smoking status were sustained for the subsequent year. In smokers, there was a broadly similar pattern for the proportion recorded as having received brief cessation advice. However, while there was a sharp increase in prescriptions for nicotine addiction treatments from 2000, no comparable acceleration in this trend from 2003 was apparent.

Interpretation  The 2004 GP contract increased primary care rates of smoking status ascertainment and recording of advice against smoking. The public health impact of this contract could be maximized if it also improved GPs' prescribing of nicotine addiction treatments.
Effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion and its metabolites
Authors: Turpeinen Miia , Koivuviita Niina , Tolonen Ari , Reponen Petri , Lundgren Stefan , Miettunen Jouko , Metsärinne Kaj , Rane Anders , Pelkonen Olavi , Laine Kari
Published: March 2007

What is already known about this subject

• There is an ongoing debate regarding the effect of renal impairment on CYP related metabolic activities.

• The possible effect of renal impairment on hepatic CYP2B6 activity, or on bupropion pharmacokinetics in renally impaired subjects without dialysis treatment has not yet been investigated.

What this study adds

• Bupropion clearance was found to be significantly decreased in patients with renal impairment.

• This study provides further evidence for interplay between the role of the kidney and liver in drug disposition, and opens novel lines of research with respect to the regulation of CYP2B6.

Aims

To investigate the effect of kidney disease on bupropion pharmacokinetics and on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 activity as measured by bupropion hydroxylation.

Methods

In an open parallel group study, 17 healthy, nonsmoking subjects and 10 patients with impaired kidney function received a single 150 mg oral dose of sustained release bupropion. Plasma concentrations of bupropion and its metabolites were measured for up to 72 h. Subjects were genotyped for theCYP2B6SNPs 1459 C>T, 785 A>G and 516 G>T.

Results

Bupropion AUC was 126% higher (P < 0.0001, 95% CI +72%, +180%),Cmax86% higher (P = 0.001, 95% CI +40%, +131%), CL/F63% lower (P = 0.001, 95% CI −29%, −96%), andt1/2140% longer (P = 0.001, 95% CI +76%, +204%) in renally impaired patients. However, only minor changes were detected in the concentrations of the metabolites. In renally impaired subjects the hydroxybupropion : bupropion AUC ratio was decreased by 66% (P = < 0.0001, 95% CI −19%, −114%) and the hydrobupropion : bupropion AUC ratio by 69% (P = 0.001, 95% CI +8%, −146%) compared with controls.

Conclusions

The CL/Fof bupropion was significantly lower in subjects with renal impairment. Because the principal metabolites of bupropion possess similar pharmacological activity to the parent compound, dosage recommendations for patients with renal impairment cannot be given. A direct effect of renal impairment on CYP2B6 activity could not be demonstrated by the present study design.
The associations between air quality and the number of hospital admissions for acute pain and sickle‐cell disease in an urban environment
Authors: Yallop Deborah , Duncan Edward R. , Norris Elizabeth , Fuller Gary W. , Thomas Nikki , Walters Joan , Dick Moira C. , Height Susan E. , Thein Swee L. , Rees David C.
Published: March 2007

Sumamry

The clinical severity of sickle‐cell disease (SCD) is dependent on genetic and environmental variables. Environmental factors have been poorly studied. We have investigated possible links between air pollution and acute pain in SCD. We retrospectively studied the numbers of daily admissions with acute sickle‐cell pain to King's College Hospital, London, in relation to local daily air quality measurements. We analysed 1047 admissions over 1400 d (1st January 1998–31st October 2001). Time series analysis was performed using the cross‐correlation function (CCF). CCF showed a significant association between increased numbers of admissions and low levels of nitric oxide (NO), low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and high levels of ozone (O3). There was no association with sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide or PM10 (dust). The significant results were further examined using quartile analysis. This confirmed that high levels of O3 and low levels of CO were associated with increased numbers of hospital admissions. Low NO levels were also associated with increased admissions but did not reach statistical significance on quartile analysis. Our study suggests air quality has a significant effect on acute pain in SCD and that patients should be counselled accordingly. The potential beneficial effect of CO and NO is intriguing and requires further investigation.
Immune anaemias in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab – incidence and predictors
Authors: Borthakur Gautam , O'Brien Susan , Wierda William G. , Thomas Deborah A. , Cortes Jorge E. , Giles Francis J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Lerner Susan , Keating Michael J.
Published: March 2007

Immune anaemias (IA) [auto‐immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)] are complications of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Fludarabine has been associated with AIHA, whereas both rituximab and cyclophosphamide have been used to treat this condition. Combining these agents with fludarabine may reduce the likelihood of AIHA. We report on the incidence, outcome and pretreatment predictors of IA in 300 patients treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR). Nineteen patients (6·5%) developed IA [AIHA (5·8%), PRCA (0·7%)] on or after treatment with FCR. Most patients (82·4%) with AIHA had a negative direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Additional markers of haemolysis (indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, reticulocytosis, low haptoglobin and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels) confirmed the presence of AIHA in these patients. The majority of patients responded to therapies including steroids, ciclosporin, i.v. immunoglobulin, etc. High pretreatment levels of beta‐2 microglobulin predicted for development of IA. No haemolytic crisis was observed during FCR therapy in eight patients with AIHA prior to FCR. Thus, the incidence of IA among CLL patients treated with FCR was comparable with historical rates. The diagnosis of AIHA can be considered even if the DAT is negative. Pre‐existing AIHA need not preclude front‐line FCR therapy.
Invasive alien plants and South African rivers: a proposed approach to the prioritization of control operations
Authors: VAN WILGEN B. W. , NEL J. L. , ROUGET M.
Published: March 2007

1. A number of parallel initiatives in South Africa have been addressing the prioritization and management of invasive alien plant species, the prioritization of rivers for the conservation of biodiversity, and broad‐scale planning for water resource management. This paper has combined aspects of these approaches to develop a composite index of prioritization of quaternary catchments for alien plant control purposes.

2. We calculated, for each quaternary catchment, a simple composite index that combined estimates of (i) the number of invasive alien plant species present; (ii) the potential number of invasive alien plant species that would be present if they occupied the full range as determined by climatic envelope models; (iii) the degree of habitat loss in rivers; and (iv) the degree of water stress. Each of the four components contributed between one and four to the combined index, which had a range of values between four and 16.

3. We used a geographic information system to map the distribution of priority catchments for invasive alien plant control. Of the 1911 quaternary catchments in South Africa and Lesotho, just over one‐third (650) were in the highest priority category with an index of 13 or more. A relatively small proportion (273, or 14%) of the catchments had the maximum scores of 15 or 16.

4. The approach identified priority areas that have not currently been identified as such, and should provide decision makers with an objective and transparent method with which to prioritize areas for the control of invasive alien plants. We anticipate debate about the way in which components of the index are calculated, and the weight given to the different components, and that this will lead to the transparent evolution of the index. Improvements would also come about through the addition of a more comprehensive list of species, and through the addition of further components.
A strategy to assess river restoration success
Authors: WOOLSEY SHARON , CAPELLI FLORENCE , GONSER TOM , HOEHN EDUARD , HOSTMANN MARKUS , JUNKER BERIT , PAETZOLD ACHIM , ROULIER CHRISTIAN , SCHWEIZER STEFFEN , TIEGS SCOTT D. , TOCKNER KLEMENT , WEBER CHRISTINE , PETER ARMIN
Published: March 2007

1. Elaborate restoration attempts are underway worldwide to return human‐impacted rivers to more natural conditions. Assessing the outcome of river restoration projects is vital for adaptive management, evaluating project efficiency, optimising future programmes and gaining public acceptance. An important reason why assessment is often omitted is lack of appropriate guidelines.

2. Here we present guidelines for assessing river restoration success. They are based on a total of 49 indicators and 13 specific objectives elaborated for the restoration of low‐ to mid‐order rivers in Switzerland. Most of these objectives relate to ecological attributes of rivers, but socio‐economic aspects are also considered.

3. A strategy is proposed according to which a set of indicators is selected from the total of 49 indicators to ensure that indicators match restoration objectives and measures, and that the required effort for survey and analysis of indicators is appropriate to the project budget.

4. Indicator values are determined according to methods described in detailed method sheets. Restoration success is evaluated by comparing indicator values before and after restoration measures have been undertaken. To this end, values are first standardised on a dimensionless scale ranging from 0 to 1, then averaged across different indicators for a given project objective, and finally assigned to one of five overall success categories.

5. To illustrate the application of this scheme, a case study on the Thur River, Switzerland, is presented. Seven indicators were selected to meet a total of five project objectives. The project was successful in achieving ‘provision of high recreational value’, ‘lateral connectivity’ and ‘vertical connectivity’ but failed to meet the objectives ‘morphological and hydraulic variability’ and ‘near natural abundance and diversity of fauna’. Results from this assessment allowed us to identify potential deficits and gaps in the restoration project. To gain information on the sensitivity of the assessment scheme would require a set of complementary indicators for each restoration objective.
Exploring determinants for quality of life among older people in pain and in need of help for daily living
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm , Westergren Albert
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of life and related factors among older people who are in pain and in need of help to manage daily living.

Background. To intervene against the low quality of life in nursing care knowledge about factors affecting it is needed and this is especially important for vulnerable people such as those who suffer from pain and who are in need of help to manage daily living.

Methods. Five hundred and twenty‐six people, aged 75–102 years participated in this study.

Results. Those in pain reported a significantly higher degree of all complaints and lower quality of life in all measures compared with those not in pain. Overall quality of life was associated with mobility problems, sleeping problems and depressed mood, while health‐related quality of life was associated with living in special accommodations, walking problems, mobility problems and fatigue.

Conclusions. Those in need of help to manage daily living and in pain seem to be at higher risk of lowered quality of life than those not in pain and the lower quality of life among those in pain is probably caused by the complex of complaints rather than painper se.

Relevance to clinical practice. Daily nursing care should identify and treat the complex of complaints related to pain as well as pain itself, to improve everyday life and quality of life for older people in pain.
Emergency nurses’ knowledge of perceived barriers in pain management in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Feng‐Ching , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Chien Chih‐Cheng , Lin Chia‐Chin
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  To explore knowledge of and perceived barriers to pain management among emergency nurses in Taiwan.

Background.  Pain is the most common patient complaint in emergency departments. Quality care of these patients depends on the pain knowledge and pain management skills of emergency nurses. However, no studies have explored emergency nurses’ knowledge of and perceived barriers to pain management in Taiwan.

Design and methods.  Nurse subjects (n = 249) were recruited from nine hospitals chosen by stratified sampling across Taiwan. Data were collected using the Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey‐Taiwanese version, a scale to assess perceived barriers to pain management and a background information form.

Results.  The overall average correct response rate for the knowledge scale was 49·2%, with a range of 4·8–89·2% for each survey question. The top barrier to managing pain was identified by these nurses as ‘the responsibility of caring for other acutely ill patients in addition to a patient with pain. Knowledge of pain management had a significant, negative relationship with perceived barriers to pain management and a significant, positive relationship with extent of clinical care experience and total hours of prior pain management education. In addition, scores for knowledge and perceived barriers differed significantly by the nursing clinical ladder. Perceived barriers also differed significantly by hospital accreditation category.

Conclusions.  Our results indicate an urgent need to strengthen pain education for emergency nurses in Taiwan.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The pain education should target knowledge deficits and barriers to changing pain management approaches for Taiwanese emergency nurses.
Meta‐synthesis of caring in nursing
Authors: Finfgeld‐Connett Deborah
Published: March 2007

Aim. The aim of this investigation was to enhance the understanding of the concept of caring.

Background. Despite many analyses and studies of caring, the concept is not fully understood. This lack of clarity is unsettling given that caring is suggested to be the essence of nursing and a component of nursing's guiding paradigm. Meta‐synthesis methods offer a way to push the understanding of caring forward using existing research findings.

Design. Qualitative meta‐synthesis.

Method. Meta‐synthesis and grounded theory strategies were adapted to synthesize findings from 49 qualitative reports and six concept analyses of caring.

Results. Results from this work indicate that caring is a context‐specific interpersonal process that is characterized by expert nursing practice, interpersonal sensitivity and intimate relationships. It is preceded by a recipient's need for and openness to caring, and the nurse's professional maturity and moral foundations. In addition, a working environment that is conducive to caring is necessary. Consequences include enhanced mental well‐being among nurses and patients, and improvements in patients’ physical well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice. It appears that caring has the potential to improve the well‐being of patients and nurses. It is recommended that healthcare agencies and educational institutions devote more resources to cultivate the caring among employees and students.

Conclusions. The findings explicate a cohesive process of caring. They provide insight into the human attributes and clinical milieu that are necessary for caring to emerge. They also offer clarity regarding the therapeutic benefits of caring.
A European survey of enteral nutrition practices and procedures in adult intensive care units
Authors: Fulbrook Paul , Bongers Anke , Albarran John W
Published: March 2007

Aims.  The aim of this survey was to gain an overview of enteral nutrition practices and procedures of European adult intensive care units and to describe current trends.

Background.  Currently, little is known about nutritional practices in European intensive care units and whether they match existing guidelines.

Design.  Survey.

Methods.  A 51‐item questionnaire about nutritional assessment and enteral feeding was distributed to 383 intensive care units in 20 countries.

Results.  A total of 380 (99·2%) questionnaires were returned. Most intensive care units (86·5%, n = 320/370) did not use a nutritional risk score and 35·8% (n = 133/371) conducted daily assessments of nutritional status; body weight and serum albumin were the commonest measures. Checking the position of the feeding tube using auscultation of injected air was widespread (72·6%, n = 275/373). Most units used a clinical protocol and under half were supported by a nutritional support team.

Conclusion.  There are some variations in enteral nutrition practices across European intensive care units. Involvement of nurses in performing nutritional assessments or developing clinical protocols was minimal. The use of outdated procedures for checking feeding tube placement is a concern. There is scope for further development of nutrition guidelines in European units.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study is relevant to all nurses working in critical care areas. The findings suggest that when an intensive care unit is supported by a nutritional support team it is more likely that a nutritional score will be used and nutritional assessments will be made daily. Many intensive care practices do not conform to international guidelines for enteral feeding. Nutritional assessment and the use of nutritional risk scores are areas that would benefit from further application in intensive care. This study may provide an impetus for intensive care units to review their nutrition assessment practices and to advance evidence‐based guidelines, developed by multi‐professional teams, which ensure the safe and effective management of patients receiving enteral nutrition.
A review of the evidence for suboptimal compliance of healthcare practitioners to standard/universal infection control precautions
Authors: Gammon John , Morgan‐Samuel Heulwen , Gould Dinah
Published: March 2007

Aims.  The review examines from international research: the extent to which practitioners comply with infection control precautions; the pertinent issues that are considered influential in compliance; what strategies have been evaluated to instigate positive behaviour changes amongst practitioners and the effect of these interventions.

Background.  Internationally, standard/universal precautions (UP) are regarded as fundamental in the prevention and control of infection, and effective in protecting practitioners and patients. However, adherence has been problematic and the practice of standard/UPs is globally suboptimal.

Design and methods.  Literature review where relevant evidence was identified using several electronic databases, from 1994 to 2006, with number of key terms utilized. Data were extracted by using key headings, which facilitated analysis.

Results.  Thirty‐seven studies were appraised. Twenty‐four related to measuring practitioner compliance and 13 studies that evaluated the effect of a research intervention on compliance. In addition, other studies were included which examined the specific reasons for suboptimal compliance, or discussed infection control precautions generally.

Conclusions.  Compliance to infection control precautions is internationally suboptimal. The evidence confirms that compliance to specific aspects of standard/UPs varies, and practitioners are selective in their application of recommended practice. Compliance does improve following a structured intervention; however, research fails to indicate for how long the intervention affects practitioner compliance, or whether compliance after a period of time returns to the norm. Several reasons for non‐compliance are discussed, and recommendations for future research are suggested.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Suboptimal compliance has significant implications for staff safety, patient protection and the care environment. Infection control teams and researchers need to consider the reasons for non‐compliance and provide a supportive environment that is conducive to the routine, long‐term application of standard precautions.
Diagnostic approach and significance of inducible nitric oxide positivity in human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by leishmania tropica
Authors: Atık Esin , Kuk Salih , İnandi Tacettin
Published: March 2007

Aim  To determine the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and to emphasize the importance of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS).

Materials and methods  Twenty‐nine patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed according to clinical criteria who live in rural areas of Antakya‐Hatay/Turkey were included in this study. Twenty‐five patients free of leishmaniasis were accepted as a control group. Punch biopsies and smears were obtained from lesions of the patients in the study group. Half of each punch biopsy specimen was processed in routine tissue processing. After routine tissue processing hematoxylin‐eosin and iNOS immunohistochemical staining were applied. The remaining half of the biopsy specimens was studied by PCR method. INOS‐positive stained macrophages were determined.

Results  The positive detection rates in 29 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were 96.5% by PCR, 86.2% by direct microscopic evaluation of biopsy and 58.6% by direct visualization of smear in this study. iNOS reaction was mildly positive in three cases, moderately positive in six cases and strongly positive in 20 cases.

Conclusion  iNOS yielded positive reaction in all cases but this positivity showed differences with respect to the age of the lesions or the effect of iNOS on the immune mechanism. This reveals an inverse correlation between iNOS reactivity and duration of lesion (Spearman correlation r = −0.53, P = 0.003). There was no correlation between iNOS reactivity and patient age (Spearman correlation: r = 0.13, P = 0.5). In terms of gender, there was no association with iNOS.
Addition and omission analogs of the 13‐residue antibacterial and hemolytic peptide PKLLKTFLSKWIG: structural preferences, model membrane binding and biological activities
Authors: Bikshapathy E. , Sitaram N. , Nagaraj R.
Published: March 2007

The consequences of selective addition or deletion of polar amino acids in a 13‐residue antibacterial peptide PKLLKTFLSKWIG on structure, membrane binding and biological activities have been investigated. The variants generated are (a) S and T residues replaced by K, (b) S and T residues deleted individually and together, (c) introduction of two additional K and (d) deletion of L and L with T. In the aqueous environment all the peptides were unordered. In trifluoroethanol, the spectra of peptides belonging to groups (a‐c) suggest distorted helical conformation. Peptides in group (d) appear to adopt β‐sheet conformation. The peptides bind to zwitterionic and negatively charged lipid vesicles, although to different extents. With the exception of peptides in group (d), all the other peptides exhibited comparable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, the changes made in the peptides in groups (a‐c) resulted in reduction of hemolytic activity compared to the parent peptide. Extent of binding to lipid vesicles composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol appears to correlate with hemolytic activity. It appears that polar and charged residues play a major role in modulating the biological activities of the 13‐residue peptide PKLLKTFLSKWIG. The 11‐residue peptide‐like PKLLKFLKWIG has selective antibacterial activity. Thus, by judicious engineering it should be possible to generate short peptides with selective antibacterial activity.
First case of hepatitis C virus transmission by a red blood cell concentrate after introduction of nucleic acid amplification technique screening in Germany: a comparative study with various assays
Authors: Kretzschmar E. , Chudy M. , Nübling C. M. , Ross R. S. , Kruse F. , Trobisch H.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objectives  Pooled nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) and donor screening for anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) have reduced the diagnostic window period of HCV infection in the blood donor population from about 12 to 1 or 2 weeks. During that time, HCV RNA is hardly detectable by pooled or individual donation NAT. Here we describe a case of transfusion‐acquired HCV infection from an extremely low‐titre donation. After a repeat donor tested positive for HCV, a look‐back procedure was initiated. A recipient of a red cell concentrate from the previous donation was identified and found to be infected with HCV as well. We compared several commercial NAT systems for their ability to detect the viraemic plasma.

Materials and Methods  Molecular analyses of HCV in donor and recipient samples were performed. The HCV‐transmitting plasma was tested using different commercially available qualitative and quantitative NAT assays.

Results  HCV transmission was verified by molecular analyses and was assigned to genotype 2b. NAT with various commercial HCV assays detected the infection erratically in individual donations. However, the detection rate was not directly related to the claimed sensitivity of some HCV NATs.

Conclusions  HCV transmission can be caused by donations that escape NAT detection even when tested in an individual donation. Comparison of different assays led to results that did not necessarily reflect the expected sensitivities. The need for standard materials representing further HCV genotypes is discussed.
Reference materials for the evaluation of pre‐mortem variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease diagnostic assays
Authors: Cooper J. K. , Ladhani K. , Minor P. D.
Published: March 2007

Background and Objectives  A standard panel of materials is needed for the evaluation of assays being developed for the diagnosis of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease.

Materials and Methods  Tissues from human and animals incubating transmissible spongiform encephalopathy disease have been prepared, aliquoted and where possible characterized by in vitro methods.

Results  A standardized preparation of materials has been generated.

Conclusions  Large‐scale preparations of tissues and blood fractions can be used to directly compare the sensitivities of assays using different formats.
Micropaleontological and seismic observations for early developmental stage of the southwestern Ulleung Basin, East Sea (Japan Sea)
Authors: Yun Hyesu , Yi Songsuk , Oh Jinyong , Byun Hyunsook , Shin Kooksun
Published: March 2007

Abstract The Ulleung Basin is located in the southwestern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea) and contains thick Neogene sediment. Detailed examination of the stratigraphic distribution of dinoflagellates was carried out on samples from the onshore Pohang Basin (E well) and two wells (Gorae I and Dolgorae VII) in the southwestern Ulleung Basin, to investigate the early evolution of the basin. The results show that thick syn‐rift sediments mainly consist of terrestrial deposits and are widespread over the basin. This supports an extensional tectonic origin for the basin. The initiation of the deposits dates back to 17–16.4 Ma. Furthermore, well‐preserved Eocene to Oligocene dinoflagellate taxa found in Miocene deposits of wells implies that the age of initial rifting might be Oligocene or earlier. Our results provide constraints for understanding the opening process of the East Sea.
Use of airborne multispectral imagery to discriminate and map weed infestations in a citrus orchard
Authors: YE XUJUN , SAKAI KENSHI , ASADA SHIN‐ICHI , SASAO AKIRA
Published: March 2007

Reliable information on weed abundance and distribution within fields is essential for weed management in agricultural systems. Such information is necessary to adopt localized and variable rates of herbicide spraying, thus reducing chemical waste, crop damage, and environmental pollution. This paper examined the potential of airborne multispectral imagery to discriminate and map weed infestations in an experimental citrus orchard in Japan. Using an airborne digital sensor, multispectral imagery was acquired over the study site on 10 April 2003. The obtained reflectance imagery was analyzed using an image object‐based approach in eCognition. After creating image objects on the image, the spectral information for weeds and citrus, represented by corresponding selected sample image objects, was extracted. Significant differences in the spectral characteristics between weeds and citrus were observed in each of the red, green, and blue wavebands. The simple average values of these wavebands were used to classify image objects with the nearest neighbor algorithm. Maps were generated with different classes or levels of class groups. A subsequent accuracy assessment demonstrated that the weeds were successfully discriminated from other image objects with a classification accuracy of 99.07%. Therefore, maps generated based on the classification result could provide valuable information for developing a site‐specific weed management program for the study orchard.
Effect of cropping systems on cereal stemborers in the cool‐wet and semi‐arid ecozones of the Amhara region of Ethiopia
Authors: Wale M. , Schulthess F. , Kairu Eunice W. , Omwega Charles O.
Published: March 2007

1 Field experiments were conducted on maize and sorghum at three locations in the Amhara state of Ethiopia to determine the effects of mixed cropping on stemborer infestation, borer natural enemies and grain yields. In the cool‐wet ecozone of western Amhara, sole maize was compared with maize intercropped with faba bean, mustard, potatoes and cowpea. In the semi‐arid ecozone of eastern Amhara, the trial was conducted on both maize and sorghum with the companion crops haricot bean, sesame, cowpea and sweet potatoes.

2 The results showed that the predominant borer species in western and eastern Amhara were, respectively, Busseola fusca and Chilo partellus. In Addis Zemen, western Amhara, maize intercropped with mustard and potatoes had significantly lower pest numbers and percent tunnelling than other intercrops and the maize monocrop during the vegetative stage. In eastern Amhara, the cropping system did not significantly affect pest densities but damage to stem, ear or heads tended to be greatest when cereals were intercropped with sweet potatoes.

3 Parasitism of C. partellus by the braconid Cotesia flavipes was greater on maize than sorghum, and on maize it was greater with sweet potatoes than in other intercrops or sole maize. Cocoon mass number per plant did not vary significantly between treatments.

4 There were significant differences between treatments in yields of both sorghum and maize (per plant and per unit area) with the lowest yields observed when they were intercropped with a tuber crop.

5 The results suggest that simultaneous planting of the crop species selected has little advantage over monocropped maize.
The Role of Moral Emotions in Predicting Support for Political Actions in Post‐War Iraq
Authors: Pagano Sabrina J. , Huo Yuen J.
Published: March 2007

A web‐based study of 393 undergraduates at a public university in the United States was conducted to examine the relationship between moral emotions (i.e., emotions that motivate prosocial tendencies) and support for political actions to assist Iraqi citizens after the Second Gulf War (2003–2004). Previous work on emotions and prosocial tendencies has focused on empathy. In the context of post‐war Iraq, we found that while empathy predicted support for a number of different political actions that have the potential to advance the welfare of the Iraqi people (humanitarian action in particular), guilt over the U.S. invasion was an important predictor of support for reparative actions (i.e., restoring damage created by the U.S. military), and moral outrage toward Saddam Hussein and his regime was the best predictor of support for political actions to prevent future harm to the Iraqi people and to punish the perpetrators. Our findings demonstrate the utility of an emotion‐specific framework for understanding why and what type of political actions individuals will support. And in contrast to the traditional view that emotions are an impediment to rationality, our findings suggest that they can serve as a potentially powerful vehicle for motivating political engagement among the citizenry.