bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charisma and social movements: Errico Malatesta and Italian anarchism
Authors: Levy Carl
Published: April 2008

This article examines the role of charismatic leadership in the Italian anarchist and socialist movements in the period up to the biennio rosso. It focuses on the activities of Errico Malatesta (1853–1932) in 1920 after his return from exile in London. Italian anarchism may have relied upon the informal prestige of leaders such as Malatesta to keep the sinews of its organizations together, however even if Malatesta drew enormous crowds on his return, his oratory was far less demagogic than his maximalist socialist competitors. Malatesta's charisma was a product of the supercharged atmosphere of 1920 and his reputation as the ‘socialist Garibaldi’ or the ‘Lenin of Italy’. In fact his Socratic approach, demonstrated in his written and spoken interventions, was rather closer to the educationalism of Mazzini.
‘Fields of Death’: Malaria in Italy, 1861–1962
Authors: Snowden Frank M.
Published: April 2008

For the century following Unification, malaria was the principal Italian public health problem. This article seeks to explain this high incidence and explores its impact both on the sufferer and on society. An eradication campaign began after Unification; gathered momentum at the turn of the century; and achieved victory following the Second World War. Important themes are the growing understanding of malaria; the search for weapons to combat it; and the contrasting approaches of the Liberal and Fascist regimes. Italy was the classic country to eradicate malaria by a national campaign and it is important to relate its success to the ongoing global debate surrounding malaria control and eradication.
Cape Verdean Women on the Move: ‘Immigration Shopping’ in Italy and Europe
Authors: Andall Jacqueline
Published: April 2008

The central theme of this article is the notion that migrants ‘shop’ for opportunities of work, income and social advantages in different countries. Taking the case of Cape Verdean women migrants, the research is based on 25 in-depth interviews carried out with domestic workers in Rome and Rotterdam. I explore ways in which these women have negotiated mobility, employment and family and household responsibilities within the context of a largely independent female migration which is well established from Cape Verde. Italy has a nodal role in channelling mobility from Cape Verde to various destinations in the global Cape Verdean diaspora. But while opportunities for stable employment as domestic workers in Italy have been a constant factor encouraging Cape Verdean women to migrate to Italy, difficulties over pay, working conditions, welfare and family reunion have led to much onward movement to the Netherlands and elsewhere.
Influences on the First-Perspective Alignment Effect from Text Route Descriptions
Authors: Wildbur Diane J. , Wilson Paul N.
Published: April 2008

Four experiments investigated the more efficient recall of routes learned from text descriptions when the imagined orientation at test was in alignment with the first experienced perspective. Experiments 1 and 2 replicated the effect, but found little evidence for the influence of an external frame of reference provided either by describing a salient landmark external to the route, or by employing cardinal directions in the descriptions. In Experiment 3, the first-perspective alignment (FPA) effect was relatively unaffected by elaboration of spatial information or more experience of reading the text. Experiment 4 found attenuation of the FPA effect when participants made active spatial judgements from imagined key locations while learning. The results are discussed in relation to theories of spatial reference frames and the influence of location salience.
On Some Limits of Hypothetical Thinking
Authors: Elqayam Shira , Handley Simon J. , Evans Jonathan St. B. T. , Bacon Alison M.
Published: April 2008

Faced with extreme demands, hypothetical thinking runs the danger of total failure. Paradoxical propositions such as the Liar (“I am lying”) provide an opportunity to test it to its limits, while the Liar's nonparadoxical counterpart, the Truthteller (“I am telling the truth”), provides a useful comparison. Two experiments are reported, one with abstract materials (“If I am a knave then I live in Emerald City”) and one with belief-laden materials (a judge says: “If I am a knave then I enjoy pop music”). In both experiments, conditionals with Truthteller-type antecedents were “collapsed” to responses of conditional probability closely resembling estimates of control items. Liar-type antecedents, in contrast, dramatically weakened belief in conditionals in which they were embedded. The results are discussed in the framework of the theory of hypothetical thinking.
Can the Irrelevant Speech Effect Turn into a Stimulus Suffix Effect?
Authors: Schlittmeier Sabine J. , Hellbrück Jürgen , Klatte Maria
Published: April 2008

The irrelevant sound effect (ISE) and the stimulus suffix effect (SSE) are two qualitatively different phenomena, although in both paradigms irrelevant auditory material is played while a verbal serial recall task is being performed. Jones, Macken, and Nicholls (2004) have proposed the effect of irrelevant speech on auditory serial recall to switch from an ISE to an SSE mechanism, if the auditory-perceptive similarity of relevant and irrelevant material is maximized. The experiment reported here ( n = 36) tested this hypothesis by exploring auditory serial recall performance both under irrelevant speech and under speech suffix conditions. These speech materials were spoken either by the same voice as the auditory items to be recalled or by a different voice. The experimental conditions were such that the likelihood of obtaining an SSE was maximized. The results, however, show that irrelevant speech—in contrast to speech suffixes—affects auditory serial recall independently of its perceptive similarity to the items to be recalled and thus in terms of an ISE mechanism that crucially extends to recency. The ISE thus cannot turn into an SSE.
Sex Differences in Mental Rotation with Polygons of Different Complexity: Do Men Utilize Holistic Processes whereas Women Prefer Piecemeal Ones?
Authors: Heil Martin , Jansen-Osmann Petra
Published: April 2008

Sex differences in mental rotation were investigated as a function of stimulus complexity with a sample size of N = 72. Replicating earlier findings with polygons, mental rotation was faster for males than for females, and reaction time increased with more complex polygons. Additionally, sex differences increased for complex polygons. Most importantly, however, mental rotation speed decreased with increasing complexity for women but did not change for men. Thus, the sex effects reflect a difference in strategy, with women mentally rotating the polygons in an analytic, piecemeal fashion and men using a holistic mode of mental rotation.
Mapping spatial variation in demersal fish species diversity and composition in the North Sea: accounting for species- and size-related catchability in survey trawls
Authors: Fraser Helen M. , Greenstreet Simon P. R. , Fryer Rob J. , Piet Gerjan J.
Published: April 2008

Fraser, H. M., Greenstreet, S. P. R., Fryer, R. J., and Piet, G. J. 2008. Mapping spatial variation in demersal fish species diversity and composition in the North Sea: accounting for species- and size-related catchability in survey trawls. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 531–538. The paper maps spatial patterns of groundfish species diversity. It considers how the catchability of different fish species in two different types of bottom trawls, the IBTS GOV and the 8-m beam trawl, influences the estimates of species diversity. Maps of groundfish species diversity derived from these two survey trawls are compared to determine the extent to which the maps of spatial variation in groundfish species diversity are influenced by gear type. Catchability-at-length coefficients were applied to the IBTS data to raise the observed catches to estimates of “actual” numbers of fish present in the path of the trawl, which are then used to produce maps of “actual” species diversity across the North Sea. Finally, these raised maps of “actual” groundfish species diversity are shown to be more explainable based on physical environmental parameters such as depth. We suggest that species diversity maps that take account of catchability provide more reliable information on which to base management decisions than “gear-biased” views. The implications for management are discussed, with particular emphasis on using closed areas to conserve marine biodiversity.
Structure refinement: some background theory and practical strategies
Authors: Watkin David
Published: April 2008

Most modern small-molecule refinement programs are based on similar algorithms. Details of these methods are scattered through the literature, sometimes in books that are no longer in print and usually in mathematical detail that makes them unattractive to nonprogrammers. This paper aims to discuss these well established algorithms in nonmathematical language, with the intention of enabling crystallographers to use their favourite programs effectively.
Ab initiophasing of proteins with heavy atoms at non-atomic resolution: pushing the size limit of solvable structures up to 7890 non-H atoms in the asymmetric unit
Authors: Caliandro Rocco , Carrozzini Benedetta , Cascarano Giovanni Luca , De Caro Liberato , Giacovazzo Carmelo , Mazzone Annamaria , Siliqi Dritan
Published: April 2008

The success of theab initiophasing process mainly depends on two parameters: data resolution and structural complexity. In agreement with the Sheldrick rule, the presence of heavy atoms can also play a nonnegligible role in the success of direct methods. The increased efficiency of the Patterson methods and the advent of new phasing techniques based on extrapolated reflections have changed the state of the art. In particular, it is not clear how much the resolution limit and the structural complexity may be pushed in the presence of heavy atoms. In this paper, it is shown that the limits fixed by the Sheldrick rule may be relaxed if the structure contains heavy atoms and thatab initiotechniques can succeed even when the data resolution is about 2 Å, a limit unthinkable a few years ago. The method is successful in solving a structure with 7890 non-H atoms in the asymmetric unit at a resolution of 1.65 Å, a considerable advance on the previous record of 6319 atoms at atomic resolution.
Fibronectin bridges monocytes and reticulocytes via integrin α4β1
Authors: Brittain Julia E. , Knoll Christine M. , Ataga Kenneth I. , Orringer Eugene P. , Parise Leslie V.
Published: April 2008

Leucocytes are emerging as critical determinants in the severity of the pathology associated with sickle cell disease (SCD) and recent studies have shown that they can bind to sickle red blood cells (SS RBCs). However, the mechanism of this interaction is unclear. The α4β1 integrin on monocytes and SS reticulocytes was found to mediate the interaction of these cells in in‐vitro adhesion assays and in the blood of SCD patients. Plasma fibronectin (Fn), a ligand for α4β1, could link SS RBCs to monocytes, as peptides derived from both the Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (RGDS) and CS‐1 site in Fn disrupted the reticulocyte/monocyte interaction. It was further shown in whole blood that 70% of the interacting monocytes were also bound to platelets, suggesting the existence of multi‐cellular aggregates in SCD. Platelet inclusion in these aggregates was mediated by a P‐selectin/P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 interaction, which has been demonstrated to activate the monocyte. These results suggest a new model for understanding the mechanism of attachment of SS RBCs to monocytes and implicate the platelet as a component and contributor to potentially occlusive aggregates that circulate in the blood of SCD patients.
Field and experimental evidence of the effect of Jenynsia multidentata, a small omnivorous–planktivorous fish, on the size distribution of zooplankton in subtropical lakes
Authors: IGLESIAS CARLOS , MAZZEO NÉSTOR , GOYENOLA GUILLERMO , FOSALBA CLAUDIA , TEIXEIRA DE MELLO FRANCO , GARCÍA SOLEDAD , JEPPESEN ERIK
Published: April 2008

1. Small cladocerans, copepod nauplii and rotifers often dominate the zooplankton community in tropical and subtropical lakes. This is probably because of high predation pressure by small omnivorous–planktivorous fish, but experimental evidence is scarce.

2. This study used two approaches to test the effect of the small omnivorous–planktivorous fish species Jenynsia multidentata, which is frequently abundant in (sub)tropical eutrophic lakes in South America, on the size distribution of zooplankton. In Lake Blanca (Uruguay), which lacks any piscivores, we sampled seasonally for both fish and zooplankton. We also conducted an outdoor mesocosm experiment with treatments containing or lacking J. multidentata.

3. Together, the empirical and experimental data suggest that J. multidentata predation plays an important role in modulating the size structure of the zooplankton community in subtropical lakes. In the absence of J. multidentata, stocked large‐sized zooplankters like Daphnia obtusa were abundant in the experiments, while small‐sized zooplankton dominated in the presence of fish, as they did in the lake itself from spring to the end of the season.
Morphological classification and definition of benign, preneoplastic and non‐invasive neoplastic lesions of the urinary bladder
Authors: Montironi R , Lopez‐Beltran A , Scarpelli M , Mazzucchelli R , Cheng L
Published: April 2008

The morphological classification used in this essay has been based on the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumours of the urinary system (i.e. 2004 WHO classification). It includes epithelial abnormalities and metaplasias as well as dysplasias and carcinomas in situ. The lesions are broadly subdivided into two major groups: benign, preneoplastic and non‐invasive neoplastic lesions of the urothelium; and benign, preneoplastic and non‐invasive neoplastic bladder lesions other than urothelial. Each of these lesions is defined with strict morphological criteria to provide more accurate information to urologists and oncologists in managing patients. There is still debate in the literature as to whether the 2004 WHO system should be the only one to be used and whether the 1973 WHO system should be abandoned.
Assessment of a HER2 scoring system for gastric cancer: results from a validation study
Authors: Hofmann M , Stoss O , Shi D , Büttner R , Van De Vijver M , Kim W , Ochiai A , Rüschoff J , Henkel T
Published: April 2008

Aims:  Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression/amplification is implicated in the development of various solid tumour types. Validated methods and scoring systems for evaluating HER2 status exist in breast cancer, but not in gastric cancer. The aim was to establish a HER2 scoring system for gastric cancer to identify suitable patients for enrolment in a trial of trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in advanced metastatic gastric cancer.

Methods and results:  Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded gastric cancer samples were tested for HER2 status using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) pharmDx™ kit (Dako Denmark A/S). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using the HercepTest™ (Dako). Concordance between FISH and IHC was 93.5% in 168 evaluable samples. Eleven samples were scored as FISH+ but IHC− or equivocal.

Conclusions:  IHC/FISH discrepancies were attributed to basolateral membranous immunoreactivity of glandular cells resulting in incomplete membranous reactivity and/or a higher rate of tumour heterogeneity in gastric cancer compared with breast cancer. With modifications to the IHC scoring system, the HercepTest™ is considered valid for the identification of HER2+ gastric tumours for this clinical trial. Correlation of HER2 scores with clinical outcomes will be needed to determine which patients might benefit from trastuzumab therapy.
Toll‐like receptor 4 mediates cross‐talk between peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and nuclear factor‐κB in macrophages
Authors: Necela Brian M. , Su Weidong , Thompson E. Aubrey
Published: April 2008

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is expressed in macrophages and plays an important role in suppressing the inflammatory response. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which activate Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), reduced PPARγ expression and function in peritoneal macrophages and macrophage cell lines. Moreover, pretreatment with the synthetic PPARγ ligand, rosiglitazone did not prevent LPS‐mediated downregulation of PPARγ. Inhibition of PPARγ expression was not blocked by cycloheximide, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is not required for LPS‐mediated suppression of PPARγ. Destabilization of PPARγ messenger RNA (mRNA) was not observed in LPS‐stimulated macrophages, suggesting that LPS regulates the synthesis of PPARγ mRNA. LPS had no effect on PPARγ expression in macrophages from TLR4 knockout mice, whereas LPS inhibited PPARγ expression in cells that had been reconstituted to express functional TLR4. Targeting the TLR4 pathway with inhibitors of MEK1/2, p38, JNK and AP‐1 had no effect on PPARγ downregulation by LPS. However, inhibitors that target NEMO, IκB and NF‐κB abolished LPS‐mediated downregulation of PPARγ in LPS‐stimulated macrophages. Our data indicate that activation of TLR4 inhibits PPARγ mRNA synthesis by an NF‐κB‐dependent mechanism. Low‐density genomic profiling of macrophage‐specific PPARγ knockout cells indicated that PPARγ suppresses inflammation under basal conditions, and that loss of PPARγ expression is sufficient to induce a proinflammatory state. Our data reveal a regulatory feedback loop in which PPARγ represses NF‐κB‐mediated inflammatory signalling in unstimulated macrophages; however, upon activation of TLR4, NF‐κB drives down PPARγ expression and thereby obviates any potential anti‐inflammatory effects of PPARγ in LPS‐stimulated macrophages.
Short‐ and long‐term impact of critical illness on relatives: literature review
Authors: Paul Fiona , Rattray Janice
Published: April 2008

Title.  Short‐ and long‐term impact of critical illness on relatives: literature review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a literature review undertaken to identify the short‐ and long‐term impact of critical illness on relatives.

Background.  Patients in intensive care can experience physical and psychological consequences, and their relatives may also experience such effects. Although it is recognized that relatives have specific needs, it is not clear whether these needs are always met and whether further support is required, particularly after intensive care.

Data sources.  The following databases were searched for the period 1950–2007: Medline, British Nursing Index and Archive, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and EMB Reviews – Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials.

Search methods.  Search terms focused on adult relatives of critically ill adult patients during and after intensive care. Recurrent topics were categorized to structure the review, i.e. ‘relatives needs’, ‘meeting relatives’ needs’, ‘interventions’, ‘satisfaction’, ‘psychological outcomes’ and ‘coping’.

Results.  Studies have mainly identified relatives’ immediate needs using the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory. There are few studies of interventions to meet relatives’ needs and the short‐ and long‐term effects of critical illness on relatives.

Conclusion.  Despite widespread use of the Critical Care Family Needs Inventory, factors such as local or cultural differences may influence relatives’ needs. Relatives may also have unidentified needs, and these needs should be explored. Limited research has been carried out into interventions to meet relatives’ needs and the effects of critical illness on their well‐being, yet some relatives may experience negative psychological consequences far beyond the acute phase of the illness.
‘Veiling sexualities’: a grounded theory of mental health nurses responses to issues of sexuality
Authors: Higgins Agnes , Barker Phil , Begley Cecily M.
Published: April 2008

Title.  ‘Veiling sexualities’: a grounded theory of mental health nurses responses to issues of sexuality.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to develop a grounded theory explaining how mental health nurses respond to issues of sexuality in clinical practice.

Background.  The history of sexuality and people with mental health problems has largely been a history shrouded in misunderstanding, stigma, myth and negativity. However, individuals with mental health problems may experience sexuality and relationship difficulties related to their life experiences, mental illness, or its treatment.

Methods.  Grounded theory was the methodology used for the study. Interviews were conducted in 2005–2006 with 27 mental health nurses working an urban area in the Republic of Ireland. Data were analysed using the concurrent processes of constant comparative analysis, data collection, theoretical sampling and memo writing.

Findings.  The core category to emerge from the data was ‘veiling sexualities’. This refers to participants’ accounts of how they responded to the sexuality dimension of clients’ lives. Participants’ main concerns about sexuality were related to feelings of personal and professional vulnerability, due to a lack of competence, comfort and confidence in this area. The theory highlights the manner in which nurses perpetuate practices that marginalize, discriminate and socially exclude clients as ‘sexual citizens’.

Conclusion.  The theory of Veiled Sexualities may facilitate acknowledgement of the presence of sexuality in all nurse–client encounters, and promote a discourse on the sexual rights of people experiencing mental distress among mental health nurses and all involved in the delivery of mental health services.
Concept synthesis of the art of nursing
Authors: Finfgeld‐Connett Deborah
Published: April 2008

Title.  Concept synthesis of the art of nursing.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to add clarity to the concept art of nursing.

Background.  Nurses have attempted to explicate the art of nursing since the time of Florence Nightingale. Despite these efforts, the concept remains obscure. A clearer conceptualization of nursing art is needed to help guide practice and research.

Method.  Fifty‐nine English‐language narratives (e.g. editorials, letters, anecdotes, brief items, etc.) that discuss the art of nursing were located using the Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (1982–2006). Qualitative analysis and synthesis of these documents was completed using an adaptation of Walker and Avant’s concept synthesis method.

Findings.  The art of nursing consists of expert use and adaptation of empirical and metaphysical knowledge and values. It involves sensitively adapting care to meet the needs of individual patients, and in the face of uncertainty, the discretionary use of creativity. The art of nursing provides for enhanced mental and physical well‐being among patients. It also results in professional satisfaction and personal growth among nurses.

Conclusion.  Results from this investigation substantiate existing knowledge related to the art of nursing. In addition, the findings extend that knowledge by more clearly identifying the antecedents, attributes and outcomes of nursing art. Specifically, the epistemological and ontological components are more clearly identified. Clarity of this type is important in terms of future development of discipline‐specific practice and research.
Night duty as an opportunity for learning
Authors: Campbell Ann‐Mari , Nilsson Kerstin , Pilhammar Andersson Ewa
Published: April 2008

Title.  Night duty as an opportunity for learning.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine what opportunities night nurses have to learn in terms of being able to distinguish variations in the patients’ conditions.

Background.  Night nurses often lack access to the formalized in‐service training offered to day nurses. As every clinical experience can be seen as an opportunity for learning, learning takes place even at night. However, the learning of night nurses has not been studied previously.

Method.  This study is based on interviews with a convenience sample of 10 night nurses at a medium‐sized Swedish hospital in 2001. These interviews were reanalysed in 2006 concerning learning situations. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and examined using latent content analysis.

Findings.  There are certain opportunities for learning during the night shift, and three learning situations come to the fore: (1) the report situation, (2) the personal assessment round, where the nurses form their own picture of the patient, (3) in assessment prior to contact with the doctor on duty. Nurses learn from variations in patients’ conditions and when they have to report their experience verbally. Learning does take place at night and gestalt psychology is a helpful tool for understanding how former knowledge and experience affect night nurses’ learning.

Conclusion.  Knowledge developed during the night shift is a neglected field. There is a need for further investigations of what night nurses learn, and this knowledge ought to be integrated in the body of nursing knowledge.
Do mosquitoes filter the access of Plasmodium cytochrome b lineages to an avian host?
Authors: GAGER ANDREA B. , DEL ROSARIO LOAIZA JOSÉ , DEARBORN DONALD C. , BERMINGHAM ELDREDGE
Published: April 2008

Many parasites show fidelity to a set of hosts in ecological time but not evolutionary time and the determinants of this pattern are poorly understood. Malarial parasites use vertebrate hosts for the asexual stage of their life cycle but use Dipteran hosts for the sexual stage. Despite the potential evolutionary importance of Dipteran hosts, little is known of their role in determining a parasite's access to vertebrate hosts. Here, we use an avian malarial system in Panama to explore whether mosquitoes act as an access filter that limits the range of vertebrate hosts used by particular parasite lineages. We amplified and sequenced Plasmodium mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from Turdus grayi (clay‐coloured robin) and from mosquitoes at the same study site. We trapped and identified to species 123 141 female mosquitoes and completed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for Plasmodium parasites in 435 pools of 20 mosquitoes per pool (8700 individuals total) spanning the 11 most common mosquito species. Our primers amplified nine Plasmodium lineages, whose sequences differed by 1.72%–10.0%. Phylogenetic analyses revealed partial clustering of lineages that co‐occurred in mosquito hosts. However PAN3 and PAN6, the two primary parasite lineages of T. grayi, exhibited sequence divergence of 8.59% and did not cluster in the phylogeny. We detected these two lineages exclusively in mosquitoes from different genera — PAN3 was found only in Culex (Melanoconion) ocossa, and PAN6 was found only in Aedeomyia squamipennis. Furthermore, each of these two parasite lineages co‐occurred in mosquitoes with other Plasmodium lineages that were not found in the vertebrate host T. grayi. Together, this evidence suggests that parasite–mosquito associations do not restrict the access of parasites to birds but instead may actually facilitate the switching of vertebrate hosts that occurs over evolutionary time.
Clinical assessment of nasal decongestion test by VAS in adolescents
Authors: Marseglia Gian Luigi , Cirillo Ignazio , Klersy Catherine , Caimmi Davide , Caimmi Silvia , Castellazzi Anna Maria , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: April 2008

Nasal airflow, as measured by rhinomanometry, is frequently impaired in allergic rhinitis (AR). The decongestion test evaluates whether the application of an intranasal vasoconstrictor drug increases nasal airflow. The aim of this study was to verify the suitability of the use of the visual analogue scales (VAS) as a surrogate for rhinomanometry in the decongestion test assessment in adolescents with atopic rhinitis. Forty adolescents [16 males and 24 females, mean age 15 (s.d. 2) yr] with AR were studied. Nasal symptoms, VAS, rhinomanometry, and nasal decongestion test were assessed in all patients. A significant association was observed between VAS and nasal airflow after performing the decongestion test (Spearman’s r is −51.7%, p < 0.001). The associated sensitivity and specificity were 84.8 (95% confidence interval, CI 68.1–94.8) and 85.7 (95% CI 42.2–97.6), respectively. The corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.67–0.93) indicated a good discriminating ability for the decongestion measured on the VAS scale. In conclusion, the use of VAS appears as clinically relevant, in that it allows, with a fair reliability, to perform the decongestion test in the absence of rhinomanometry.
Enzymatic characterization of peroxisomal and cytosolic betaine aldehyde dehydrogenases in barley
Authors: Fujiwara Takashi , Hori Kazuya , Ozaki Keiko , Yokota Yuka , Mitsuya Shiro , Ichiyanagi Tsuyoshi , Hattori Tasuku , Takabe Tetsuko
Published: April 2008

Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH; EC 1.2.1.8) is an important enzyme that catalyzes the last step in the synthesis of glycine betaine, a compatible solute accumulated by many plants under various abiotic stresses. In barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), we reported previously the existence of two BADH genes (BBD1 and BBD2) and their corresponding proteins, peroxisomal BADH (BBD1) and cytosolic BADH (BBD2). To investigate their enzymatic properties, we expressed them in Escherichia coli and purified both proteins. Enzymatic analysis indicated that the affinity of BBD2 for betaine aldehyde was reasonable as other plant BADHs, but BBD1 showed extremely low affinity for betaine aldehyde with apparent Km of 18.9 μM and 19.9 mM, respectively. In addition, Vmax/Km with betaine aldehyde of BBD2 was about 2000‐fold higher than that of BBD1, suggesting that BBD2 plays a main role in glycine betaine synthesis in barley plants. However, BBD1 catalyzed the oxidation of ω‐aminoaldehydes such as 4‐aminobutyraldehyde and 3‐aminopropionaldehyde as efficiently as BBD2. We also found that both BBDs oxidized 4‐N‐trimethylaminobutyraldehyde and 3‐N‐trimethylaminopropionaldehyde.
Role of angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphisms in children with sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Cogulu Ozgur , Onay Huseyin , Uzunkaya Demet , Gunduz Cumhur , Pehlivan Sacide , Vardar Fadil , Atlihan Fusun , Ozkinay Cihangir , Ozkinay Ferda
Published: April 2008

Background: Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response. Its development and outcome are associated with host defense, pathogenicity of the microorganism and genetic polymorphisms. Genetic polymorphisms of the immune system genes have been shown to have a close relationship with the clinical outcomes of sepsis. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) plays a major role in the host defense against invading pathogens. It is therefore likely that polymorphisms in the ACE gene may have an important effect on determining the development and the outcome of sepsis.

Methods: Ninety‐eight children diagnosed as having sepsis and 287 healthy children were included in the study. Insertion/deletion polymorphisms were analyzed using reverse‐hybridization assay.

Results: The carriers of I allele (D/I genotype and I/I genotype) were found to have an increased risk of developing sepsis compared to the controls.

Conclusion: DD genotype may play a positive role against the development of sepsis in healthy children.
Estimation of measles vaccine coverage needed to prevent transmission in schools
Authors: Mori Nobuo , Ohkusa Yasushi , Ohyama Takaaki , Tanaka‐Taya Keiko , Taniguchi Kiyosu , Kobayashi John M. , Doy Mikio , Okabe Nobuhiko
Published: April 2008

Background:The aim of the present study was to produce the first estimation in Japan of the basic reproduction number (R0) and the minimum level of vaccine coverage needed to prevent measles outbreaks (Pc).

Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted during two measles outbreaks among 12–15‐year‐old middle school students in one prefecture in spring, from the end of February to the beginning of May 2002, and a stochastic mathematical model was constructed to calculate vaccine effectiveness (VE) and the basic reproduction number (R0). Pcwas calculated from R0and VE.

Results:In outbreak 1 (school A), 62 (94%) of 66 patients responded to the questionnaire. Of a total of 601 students, 534 (88.9%) responded. Of these, 82.6% (441/534) had previously received measles vaccine. In outbreak 2 (school B), 20 (99%) of 21 patients responded. Of a total of 375 students, 373 (99.5%) responded. Of these, 317 (85.0%) received measles immunization. Mathematical analysis was as follows: in outbreak 1 R0was 7.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.36–7.44) and VE was 76.55% (95%CI: 53.24–87.54). In outbreak 2, R0was 18.89 (95%CI: 18.88–18.90) and VE was 98.54% (95%CI: 94.89–99.73). Consequently, Pcwas 112.97% (95%CI: 92.29–145.52) in outbreak 1 and 96.11% (95%CI: 93.81–98.53) in outbreak 2.

Conclusion:Because of the lower VE in outbreak 1, measles virus transmission could not have been stopped even if all students received a single dose of vaccine. In outbreak 2, with higher VE, the outbreak could have been prevented by increasing the proportion of students who had been vaccinated.
Relationship between SP1 polymorphism and osteoporosis in β‐thalassemia major patients
Authors: Guzeloglu‐Kayisli Ozlem , Cetin Zafer , Keser Ibrahim , Ozturk Zeynep , Tuncer Tiraje , Canatan Duran , Luleci Guven
Published: April 2008

Background: β‐Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by defective β‐globin chain production. Osteoporosis is an important cause of morbidity in patients with β‐thalassemia major. The pathogenesis of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is multifactorial. A range of genetics factors have been implicated in other populations of patients with osteoporosis. Polymorphism at the Sp1 binding site of the collagen type I A1 (COLIA1) gene is thought to be an important factor in the development of osteoporosis.

Methods: Alleles S and s, detected by presence of a G or T nucleotide, respectively in a regulatory site of the COLIA1 gene were investigated in 37 β‐thalassemia major patients with osteoporosis and 92 controls without osteoporosis or osteopenia using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results: Fifteen and nine β‐thalassemia major patients displayed SS and Ss genotypes, respectively, whereas 13 were found to have an ss genotype. The mean BMD of the β‐thalassemia major patients with ss genotype was similar to those with the Ss and SS genotypes. In the control group, 77 and 15 subjects had SS and Ss genotypes, respectively, with no ss genotype. Allelic and genotypic distribution in patients were significantly different from controls.

Conclusion: Determining base substitutions at the Sp1 binding site on the COLIA1 gene in early years may be important in preventing osteoporosis in children with β‐thalassemia major.
Regulation of hyperactivation of hamster spermatozoa by progesterone
Authors: NOGUCHI TAKAO , FUJINOKI MASAKATSU , KITAZAWA MASAFUMI , INABA NORIYUKI
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Although it is accepted that progesterone (P) induces acrosome reaction through non‐genomic regulation, it is not well known if P also affects hyperactivation of sperm.

Methods:  Hamster spermatozoa were hyperactivated by incubation for 4 h on modified Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium and recorded on a DVD via a charge‐coupled device camera attached to a microscope with phase‐contrast illumination and a small CO2 incubator. Phosphorylation of proteins was detected by western blotting using antiphosphotyrosine antibodies.

Results:  Sperm hyperactivation was significantly increased and accelerated by a non‐genomic signal of P. Although acceleration of motility of hyperactivated sperm occurred with 10, 20 and 40 ng/mL P, the most effective concentration was 20 ng/mL. Progesterone also significantly increased 80‐kDa tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins. Both extracellular Ca2+ and albumin were essential for sperm hyperactivation, and the former was also essential for maintaining sperm flagellar movement. Moreover, phospholipase C (PLC) was associated with the regulation of hyperactivation by P.

Conclusion:  It is likely that P regulates sperm hyperactivation by a non‐genomic signal in relation to tyrosine phosphorylation and PLC. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 63–74)
The Qiongshan Earthquake of July 1605
Authors: JICHU JIN , HONGZHEN WANG
Published: April 2008

In 1605 a destructive earthquake affected the northern region of Hainan Island and adjacent parts of the Chinese mainland. Based on a detailed analysis of contemporary chronicles, the authors present a revision of the effects of the earthquake, and show that a sequence of strong shocks throughout 1605 caused cumulative damage and relatively heavy loss of life in Qiongshan. The subsidence of large areas of coast round Puqian Bay and Dongzhai Port is shown to be due to a combination of liquefaction caused by the shock, the occurrence of a typhoon associated with flooding and exacerbated by a high surge tide, as well as a long‐term process of active tectonic movement in the area; the subsidence was not caused by downthrow of the earth's crust during the shock. Topographical changes in the area, traced from historical maps, suggest that subsidence is continuing, but a survey of the long‐term seismicity of Hainan Island indicates that it is not an area of exceptional seismic risk.
Concentration of the UK Stock Market
Authors: Chelley‐Steeley Patricia
Published: April 2008

Abstract: During 1999 and 2000 a large number of articles appeared in the financial press which argued that the concentration of the FTSE 100 had increased. Many of these reports suggested that stock market volatility in the UK had risen, because the concentration of its stock markets had increased. This study undertakes a comprehensive measurement of stock market concentration using the FTSE 100 index. We find that during 1999, 2000 and 2001 stock market concentration was noticeably higher than at any other time since the index was introduced. When we measure the volatility of the FTSE 100 index we do not find an association between concentration and its volatility. When we examine the variances and covariance's of the FTSE 100 constituents we find that security volatility appears to be positively related to concentration changes but concentration and the size of security covariances appear to be negatively related. We simulate the variance of four versions of the FTSE 100 index; in each version of the index the weighting structure reflects either an equally weighted index, or one with levels of low, intermediate or high concentration. We find that moving from low to high concentration has very little impact on the volatility of the index. To complete the study we estimate the minimum variance portfolio for the FTSE 100, we then compare concentration levels of this index to those formed on the basis of market weighting. We find that realised FTSE index weightings are higher than for the minimum variance index.
Underpricing, Overhang, and the Cost of Going Public to Preexisting Shareholders
Authors: Dolvin Steven D. , Jordan Bradford D.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  IPO underpricing has been extensively studied; however, its impact on the wealth of preexisting shareholders has not been closely examined. We address the question of whether or not periods of high underpricing adversely affect preexisting shareholders. We find that high levels of underpricing are associated with increased share retention, which effectively offsets much of the potential cost. Overall, we find that the percentage of shareholder wealth lost is surprisingly stable over time, unlike underpricing itself. We also find that many factors known to be related to underpricing are not significant determinants of the cost of going public to preexisting owners.
Spin‐offs in an Environment of Bank Debt
Authors: Murray Louis
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  An assessment of the wealth impact of spin‐offs involving UK firms is of interest, as they tend to access debt through banks rather than capital markets. Banks will have a different relationship with shareholders, so the distribution of returns may differ from that previously observed. The short and long‐term impact on both parent and spin‐off shareholders is investigated. Possible reasons for a positive returns response, including an anticipated acquisition premium, and management focus related gains, are considered. Annual financial ratios offer a further evaluation of operating performance and assess the impact on levels of leverage in parents and spin‐offs.
The validity of the Jessen formula in overnight orthokeratology: a retrospective study
Authors: Chan Ben , Cho Pauline , Mountford John
Published: April 2008

Purpose:  To investigate the validity of the Jessen formula, with a compression factor of 0.75, in determining the back optic zone radius (BOZR) of an orthokeratology (ortho‐k) lens for myopic reduction [i.e. BOZR = flattest K− (target reduction + 0.75)].

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐three consecutive ortho‐k patient files from the Optometry Clinic of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University were reviewed. Pertinent data at the preliminary visit and at the morning visit after 2 weeks of lens wear for 63 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were retrieved for analysis. All patients were either fitted with DreimLens (DreimLens Taiwan, Taiwan Macro Vision Group, Taiwan, China) or eLens (E&E Optics Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, China) designs. Only data from the right eye were analysed. The validity of the Jessen formula was evaluated by comparing the equation of the plot of myopic reduction attempted (based on the Jessen formula) and myopic reduction achieved (based on subjective refraction).

Results:  The Jessen formula was found to underestimate the intended target of myopic reduction following ortho‐k. The results suggested that the formula should be revised to BOZR = flattest K− (1.23 target reduction + 1.27).

Conclusion:  If the intention is to overcorrect the ortho‐k patient by 0.75 D to allow for regression during the daytime, the Jessen formula with a compression factor of 0.75 is not valid to determine the BOZR of the ortho‐k lens designs.
Optimal spherical focus in the peripheral retina
Authors: Charman W. N. , Atchison D. A.
Published: April 2008

It is well known that, in most eyes, astigmatism increases with the field angle. A simple reduced‐eye model is used to demonstrate that, for point imagery in the peripheral retina, the combination of oblique astigmatism with elliptical entrance and exit pupils means that the retinal image with the optimal rotational symmetry is not necessarily at a focus corresponding to a ‘best‐sphere’ correction. Equations are derived for the position of focus at which a circularly symmetric blur patch is obtained and for the dimensions of the patch in this and other image planes. Ray tracing through a wide‐angle schematic eye is used to explore the validity of the simple model. It is shown that although the latter gives good predictions of retinal imagery for very small entrance pupils, it becomes less valid for larger, more realistic pupil diameters, due to the increasing importance of the effects of higher‐order aberrations. Nevertheless, the simple model can still yield useful insights into through‐focus, peripheral optical imagery.
Performance of colour‐deficient people on the Holmes–Wright lantern (type A): consistency of occupational colour vision standards in aviation
Authors: Birch Jennifer
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  The Holmes–Wright lantern type A (H‐W A) is an occupational colour vision test used by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and approved by Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR) to select aircrew. Pass, to obtain a CAA Class 1 Aviation medical certificate, can be achieved at three stages of the examination. The Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) recommends that the Falant pass criteria are used with all approved lanterns. A pass to obtain CIE Colour Vision Standard 2 can be achieved at two stages of the examination. This study examines the consistency of these pass criteria.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty‐five men with red–green colour deficiency were examined. All subjects completed three runs of the nine colour pairs shown on the H‐W A at high brightness, in photopic and scotopic viewing.

Results:  Ten of 78 deuteranomalous trichromats examined passed to obtain a CAA Class 1 Aviation medical certificate at the first stage of the examination but only two of these subjects were successful at all three stages. Seventeen deuteranomalous trichromats passed to obtain CIE Colour Vision Standard 2 in photopic viewing and 20 subjects (one protanope and 19 deuteranomalous trichromats) passed in scotopic viewing. Only 50% of subjects who passed at the first stage of the examination were also successful at the second stage in either viewing condition. Ten deuteranomalous trichromats passed to obtain CIE Colour Vision Standard 2 in both photopic and scotopic viewing. Forty‐three per cent of subjects made red–green errors and 79% made red–white errors at some stage of the examination.

Conclusions:  The staged pass criteria used by the CAA and the CIE lack internal consistency when applied to the H‐W A. Colour‐deficient people who pass to a standard at the first stage of the examination are unlikely to be successful if the examination is continued. The staged pass criteria do not identify individuals with superior colour discrimination ability and it is difficult to justify selection of personnel for high risk occupations in aviation on this basis.
Therapeutic relationships in critical care nursing: a reflection on practice
Authors: O’Connell Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

Aims:  The aim of this paper is to gain a greater understanding of the emotional intelligence required to form therapeutic nurse‐patient relationships in the context of critical care nursing.

Context:  There is currently a demand for patient‐centred nursing in all aspects of health care to improve both quality of care and consumer satisfaction. Central to patient‐centred care is the presence of a therapeutic nurse‐patient relationships, but the development of these relationships present a challenge in the acute and technological world of critical care nursing.

Theoretical Framework:  Using Titchen’s Skilled Companionship Model as a guide as well as empirical and theoretical knowledge on nurse‐patient relationships, this paper presents a reflection on a relationship that the author developed with a patient and his family encountered in her practice as a critical care nurse.

Reflective Conclusions:  Engaging in therapeutic nurse‐patient relationships can expose nurses to emotional pain in the context of critical care nursing. The process of reflection can facilitate critical care nurses in the development of the emotional intelligence required to develop and maintain these relationships and this enhances the care of critically ill patients and their families.