Sequence Diagram

[bundy115]

This is a newbie question so I'll apologize in advance if I'm missing the point here.

I'm reading a book in an effort to learn the UML.  The book is based on UML version 1.4 and at the moment I'm interested in sequence diagrams.

The book makes reference to several items that don't appear to be available in EA sequence diagrams (or at least I can't find them).

The items that I can't find are...
1. Branching (for messages)
2. Alternative flows (for objects)
3. Object states
4. Time changes

Am I missing the point or is there an easy explanation for what I'm seeing (or not as the case may be).  Perhaps the reference I'm using is not correct.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks