bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Perceived Social Support, Spiritual Well-being, Health Literacy, and Resilience on Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Hassani Fatemeh , Zarea Kourosh , Gholamzadeh Jofreh Maryam , Dashtebozorgi Zahra , Chan Sally Wai-Chi
Published: April 2022

Background: Spiritual well-being, social support, health literacy, and resilience may affect the quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of perceived social support, spiritual well-being, health literacy, and resilience on the QOL in patients under hemodialysis. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectioanl study randomly included 260 patients from three educational hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Data were collected using a 36-item QOL questionnaire, Spiritual Health Questionnaire (SHQ), Perceived Social Support (PSS) Questionnaire, Resilience Questionnaire, and Montazeri et al.’s Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) Questionnaire. Stata software version 14 was used for data analysis. The results were evaluated using descriptive statistics and a structural equation model (SEM). Results: In this study, a total of 260 patients (male: 138 vs. female: 122; mean age: 51.73 ± 15.32 years) undergoing hemodialysis were included. Most of the patients were married (76.9%) and had at least one comorbid disease (59.2%). Findings showed that health literacy, spiritual well-being, and social support had a significant correlation with the QOL (P < 0.001). However, resilience was not significantly related to the patients’ QOL (P > 0.58). Conclusions: To improve the QOL of patients undergoing hemodialysis, health care providers need to improve patients’ health literacy, social relationships, and spiritual well-being.
Enfoque de la imago Dei centrado en la mente. Una construcción dinámica en De Trinitate 14
Authors: Dupont Anthony , Yam Cheuk Yin , Eguiarte B. Enrique A. ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: April 2022

The article deals with the dynamism of imago Dei in book 14, and puts forward the thesis that the dynamism should be interpreted from the mind-centered approach as a dynamic in epistemological sense. It argues that the mind-centered approach in imago Dei's dynamism can also serve as an example of an entwinement between philosophy and theology.
Agustín de Hipona, intérprete de Pablo sobre la predestinación. Dificultades de la recepción agustiniana
Authors: Grossi Vittorino , Anoz José ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: April 2022

The article presents a review of St. Augustine’s doctrine of predestination and the reception of it, departing from the polemic with the monks in the Galias, presenting the difficult interpretation of that doctrine during the Reformation and finally the possible reinterpretation of Augustine’s works about predestination nowadays.
Agustín y Juliano: la qualitas aristotélica, en la controversia cristológica
Authors: Lam Cong Quy Joseph , Eguiarte B. Enrique A. ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: April 2022

This article examines Augustine’s reaction against Julian’s use of Aristotle’s Categories in the Christological controversy focusing on the use of the category qualitas, and the different interpretations of it.
New species of belytine and diapriine wasps (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) from Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: Brazidec Manuel , Vilhelmsen Lars
Published: April 2022

The fossil diversity of Diapriidae in Baltic amber, dated Upper Eocene, has been poorly investigated. However, some studies suggest that this family was already diversified at this time. This is supported by our present study of the Baltic amber collection of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, from which we describe and figure ten new species belonging to the subfamilies Belytinae: Belyta knudhoejgaardi sp. nov., Cinetus breviscapus sp. nov., Cinetus elongatus sp. nov., Pantoclis globosa sp. nov., Pantolyta augustinusii sp. nov., Pantolyta chemyrevae sp. nov., Pantolyta similis sp. nov.; and Diapriinae: Basalys villumi sp. nov., Doliopria baltica sp. nov. and Spilomicrus succinalis sp. nov. The diversity of extant genera observed leads us to propose an origin in the early Cenozoic for these taxa. The fossil record of the Diapriidae in Baltic amber is also summarized.
Dolgoročni rezultati po anatomski korekciji D-transpozicije velikih arterij – izkušnja enega centra
Authors: Koželj Mirta , Weiss Miha , Šebeštjen Miran , Berden Pavel
Published: April 2022

Izhodišča: Anatomska korekcija (ASO) je zdravljenje izbire za D-transpozicijo velikih arterij (D-TGA). Namen raziskave je bil oceniti dolgoročno uspešnost anatomske kirurške korekcije.

Metode: Delno retrospektivno smo pregledali dokumentacijo ali ponovno ocenili zdravstveno stanje 38 bolnikov (30 moških, 8 žensk) v času tranzicije mladostnikov v odraslo dobo (starost ob zadnjem kliničnem pregledu 17,1 ± 1,4 let), ki so bili rojeni od leta 2000 do leta 2005 z D-TGA in so imeli ASO. Ocenili smo: funkcijski razred po NYHA, spremembe, ki so ostale, na neoaorti in neoaortni zaklopki, neopulmonalni zaklopki in pljučnih arterijah, funkcijo desnega in levega prekata, telesno zmogljivost in znake ishemije miokarda.

Rezultati: Nihče v skupini ni umrl (interval zaupanja (0,00-0,09). 32 bolnikov (84,2 %) je bilo v NYHA I, 6 bolnikov (15,7 %) je bilo v NYHA II. Pri 83,3 % bolnikov se je bulbus aorte razširil (20,9 ± 2,8 mm/m2, max. 27,7 mm/m2). Pri 27 bolnikih (90 %) je bila prisotna regurgitacija neoaortne zaklopke. Med skupinami brez, z blago ali zmerno neoaortno regurgitacijo ni bilo razlik v širini bulbusa, normaliziranih na telesno površino (p = 0,6). Regurgitacija neopulmonalne zaklopke je bila prisotna pri 58,1 % bolnikov. Zaradi obstrukcije v iztoku iz desnega prekata je bila potrebna ponovna operacija v enem primeru in perkutana dilatacija neopulmonalne zaklopke v enem primeru. Zaradi zapletov na koronarnih arterijah je bil potreben le en kirurški poseg zaradi miokardnega infarkta med naporom.

Zaključek: Pozni rezultati po anatomski korekciji D-TGA so dobri in primerljivi z večjimi centri. Nihče ni umrl, večina bolnikov je bila brez simptomov, z normalno sistolično funkcijo obeh prekatov in z normalno telesno zmogljivostjo. Ponovne operacije in perkutani posegi so bili dokaj redki, toda dolgoročno uspešni.
Rezultati vitrektomije pri bolnikih z regmatogenim odstopom mrežnice
Authors: Zaletel Benda Polona , Vergot Katarina , Lumi Anila , Lumi Xhevat
Published: April 2022

Izhodišča: Ovrednotili smo anatomski in funkcionalni izid zdravljenja kompleksnega regmatogenega odstopa mrežnice z vitrektomijo pars plana (PPV).

Metode: V retrospektivno raziskavo smo vključili 88 oči 88 bolnikov, ki so bili zaradi kompleksnega regmatogenega odstopa mrežnice zdravljeni s PPV. Določili smo anatomski uspeh in funkcionalni izid na podlagi korigirane vidne ostrine (VO) v celotni skupini bolnikov in v skupinah glede na status očesne leče, rumene pege in prisotnosti proliferativne vitreoretinopatije (PVR) stopnje ≥ C1. Z optično koherenčno tomografijo (OCT) rumene pege smo vsaj 6 mesecev po PPV ovrednotili prisotnost prekinitev elipsoidne cone, cistoidnega makularnega edema (CME), epiretinalne membrane (ERM) ali makularne luknje.

Rezultati: Anatomski uspeh je bil po primarni PPV 93,2 %. Končni anatomski uspeh je bil dosežen pri vseh 88 bolnikih (100 %). Korigirana VO se je statistično značilno izboljšala iz VO 1,7 ± 1,2 SD logMAR pred operacijo na VO 0,6 ± 0,7 SD logMAR po operaciji (p=0,01). Med skupinama bolnikov je glede na prisotnost PVR izstopal slabši anatomski izid v skupini s PVR stopnje ≥ C1 (89,7 %). Korigirana VO se je po operaciji izboljšala pri vseh skupinah bolnikov, vendar po analizi glede na skupine statistično značilno le v skupini fakih (p=0,019), z odstopom rumene pege, (p=0,016) in s prisotnim PVR stopnje ≥ C1 (p=0,028). Končna VO je bila boljša v skupini psevdofakih (0,75 ± 1,06), v skupini bolnikov z ležečo rumeno pego (0,78 ± 1,30) in pri bolnikih brez PVR (0,80 ± 1,15 logMAR). Analiza OCT rumene pege po operaciji je pokazala prisotnost prekinitev elipsoidne cone v 39 %, CME v 15 %, ERM v 2 % in makularne luknje v 2 %. Primerjava spremenljivk OCT glede na skupine na podlagi statusa očesne leče, rumene pege in prisotnosti PVR stopnje ≥ C1 je pokazala največji delež prekinitev elipsoidne cone v skupini oči s prisotnim PVR stopnje ≥ C1 (58,6 %).

Zaključek: Ugotovili smo visoko stopnjo anatomske in funkcionalne uspešnosti zdravljenja kompleksnega regmatogenega odstopa mrežnice z vitrektomijo. Funkcionalni izid je bil boljši pri bolnikih z umetno znotrajočesno lečo, pri bolnikih z ležečo rumeno pego in pri bolnikih brez PVR. Največji delež bolnikov s prekinjeno elipsoidno cono je bil v skupini bolnikov s predoperativno PVR.
Research progress of surface atomic manipulation and physical property regulation of low-dimensional structures
Authors: Han Xiang-He , Huang Zi-Hao , Fan Peng , Zhu Shi-Yu , Shen Cheng-Min , Chen Hui , Gao Hong-Jun ,   Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   CAS Center for Excellence in Topological Quantum Computation, Beijing 100190, China,   Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, Dongguan 523808, China
Published: April 2022

Atomic manipulation technique with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to control the structural and physical properties of materials at an atomic level. Recently, this technique has been extended to modifying the physical properties of low-dimensional materials. Unlike conventional single atom lateral manipulation, the STM manipulation technique in the study of low-dimensional materials has additional manipulation modes and focuses on the modification of physical properties. In this review paper, we introduce the recent experimental progress of tuning the physical properties of low-dimensional materials through STM atomic manipulation technique. There are mainly four manipulation modes: 1) tip-induced local electric field; 2) controlled tip approach or retract; 3) tip-induced non-destructive geometry manipulation; 4) tip-induced kirigami and lithography. Through using these manipulation modes, the STM tip effectively introduces the attractive force or repulsive force, local electronic field or magnetic field and local strain, which results in the atomically precise modification of physical properties including charge density wave, Kondo effect, inelastic tunneling effect, Majorana bound states, and edge states.
Coherent electrical control of a single electron spin in diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers
Authors: Wu Jian-Dong  , Cheng Zhi  , Ye Xiang-Yu  , Li Zhao-Kai  , Wang Peng-Fei  , Tian Chang-Lin  , Cheng Hong-Wei  ,   1) (Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology,Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China),   2) (The High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031, China),   3) (Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China),   4) (The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technolgy of China, Hefei 230026, China),   5) (Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technolgy of China, Hefei 230026, China)
Published: April 2022

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color center quantum system in diamond has shown great application potential in the fields of solid-state quantum computing and quantum precision measurement because of its unique advantages such as single-spin addressing and manipulation and long quantum coherence time at room temperature. The precise manipulation technology of single spin is particularly important for the development of the application of NV center. The common spin manipulation methods used in NV center quantum system are to drive and manipulate the electron spin by resonant alternating magnetic field. In recent years, the electrical control of quantum spin has attracted extensive attention. In this paper, the use of alternating electric field to control the electron spin of NV center has been studied. The alternating electric field generated by the electrode successfully drives the Rabi oscillation of the NV center spin between the $\Delta m_s=\pm2$ magnetic-dipole forbidden energy levels of $|m_s=-1\rangle$ and $|m_s=+1\rangle$. Further studies show that the frequency of the electrically driven Rabi oscillation is controlled by the power of the driven electric field and independent of the resonant frequency of the electric field. The combination of spin electric control and magnetic control technology can realize the full manipulation of the direct transition between the three spin energy levels of NV center, thus promoting the development of the research and applications of NV quantum system in the fields of quantum simulation, quantum computing, precision measurement of electromagnetic field and so on.
Information retrieval and criticality in high-dimensional parity-time-symmetric systems
Authors: Qu Deng-Ke  , Fan Yi  , Xue Peng  ,   1) (Department of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China),   2) (Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100084, China),   3) (The Army Infantry Academy of PLA, Shijiangzhuang 050083, China)
Published: April 2022

Recently, impressive progress has been made in the study of non-Hermitian systems with parity-time symmetry, such as observations of topological properties of physical systems and criticality at exceptional points. A crucial aspect of parity-time symmetric nonunitary dynamics is the information flow between the system and the environment. In this paper, we use the physical quantity, distinguishability between quantum states, to uniformly quantify the information flow between low-dimensional and high-dimensional parity-time symmetric non-Hermitian systems and environments. The numerical results show that the oscillation of quantum state distinguishability and complete information retrieval and can be obtained in the parity-time-unbroken phase. However, the information decays exponentially in the paritytime-broken phase. The exceptional point marks the criticality between reversibility and irreversibility of information flow, and the distinguishability between quantum states exhibits the behavior of power-law decay. Understanding these unique phenomena in nonunitary quantum dynamics provides an important perspective for the study of open quantum systems and contributes to their application in quantum information.
Hippocampal-hypothalamic circuit controls context-dependent innate defensive responses
Authors: Bang Jee Yoon , Sunstrum Julia Kathryn , Garand Danielle , Parfitt Gustavo Morrone , Woodin Melanie , Inoue Wataru , Kim Junchul
Published: April 2022

Preys use their memory – where they sensed a predatory threat and whether a safe shelter is nearby – to dynamically control their survival instinct to avoid harm and reach safety. However, it remains unknown which brain regions are involved, and how such top-down control of innate behavior is implemented at the circuit level. Here, using adult male mice, we show that the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHN) is best positioned to control this task as an exclusive target of the hippocampus (HPC) within the medial hypothalamic defense system. Selective optogenetic stimulation and inhibition of hippocampal inputs to the AHN revealed that the HPC→AHN pathway not only mediates the contextual memory of predator threats but also controls the goal-directed escape by transmitting information about the surrounding environment. These results reveal a new mechanism for experience-dependent, top-down control of innate defensive behaviors.
When dreams don’t come true
Authors: Dumitrescu Adna
Published: April 2022

As she closes the door on her time in academia, a neuroscientist faces unexpected grief.
Evaluation of Medial Compartment Decompression by Fibular Osteotomy to Treat Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Gupta Pallav , Singh Manish , Singh Gagandeep
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a debilitating old age disease causing pain and restriction in movement. Proximal Fibular Osteotomy (PFO) can be a novel surgical technique which may provide an increase in the joint space and balance the load bearing of the knee joint. The present study was conducted to determine the outcomes of this surgical technique in patients with OA of the knee. The findings may motivate many practicing orthopaedicians to undertake this surgical technique and thereby impart better quality of life to such patients. Aim: To assess the outcome in terms of medial joint space, lateral joint space, tibiofemoral angle and range of movement of medial compartment decompression by fibular osteotomy in medial compartment knee OA. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Jammu, India, from November 2018 to October 2019, on 30 adult patients (both sex) aged 40-60 years who had moderate-to-severe symptomatic medial compartment knee OA. Patients who had rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, congenital lower extremities defects, infections in joints, presence of ligament/meniscus injury, and those with abnormality in the lateral compartment were excluded. Preoperatively and postoperatively, medial joint space, lateral joint space, tibiofemoral angle and range of movement were assessed and compared. The p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study, 18(60%) were male, and 12 (40%) were female. Compared to preoperative values, postoperatively there was a significant increase in medial joint space (1.3±0.7 vs 5.2±0.9 mm, p-value<0.01), significant decrease in lateral joint space (6.9±0.3 mm vs 5.7±0.2 mm, p-value<0.01), significant decrease in tibiofemoral angle (180.7±1.02 vs. 178.13±0.97, p-value<0.01) and significant increase in range of movement (135.36±1.06 degrees vs 137.6±1.02 degrees postoperatively, p-value<0.01). The median duration of follow-up for the patients were 6 months. Conclusion: Proximal fibular osteotomy can be suitably applied in the clinical practice for OA of the knee joint and it can give prolonged beneficial outcomes for the patients.
Performance of Groundnut under Broad Bed Furrow Method in Buldana District of Maharashtra
Authors: Borde S. A. , Rajput U. U. , Umale S. M.
Published: April 2022

The Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on groundnut were carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jalgaon Jamod, Buldana district of Maharashtra during the summer season of 2015-16 to 2016-17 in fields of 50 farmers at different villages of Buldana district. Farmers were randomly selected. The result of the present study showed that sowing irrigated groundnut crops on broad bed furrows in demo plots recorded higher yields than conventional farmers' farming practices. The average pod yield in the broad bed furrow seed drill sowing method was 23.79 q/ha. The technological gap range was found 1.26 q/ha to 3.17 q/ha.  The technology index varied from 4.85 percent to 12.19 percent with an average of 8.52 percent over the study period, which showed the effectiveness of technological interventions. The average highest gross return of FLDs plots was Rs 57,548/- per hectare i.e. more than 26 percent higher compared to the conventional practices and average the benefit-cost ratio was 2.24. Groundnut productivity was considerably increased by conducting cluster frontline demonstration of better variety with intervention methods using proven technologies in farmers’ fields and improving the livelihood of the farming community.
Best practice model for outpatient psychiatric pharmacy practice, part 1: Development of initial attribute statements
Authors: Silvia Richard J. , Lee Kelly C. , Payne Gregory H. , Ho Jessica , Cobb Carla , Ansara Elayne D. , Ross Clint A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

A 2019 survey identified significant variability of practice characteristics among outpatient psychiatric pharmacists (OPPs). No published model establishes which attributes constitute best practice for OPPs. By developing a consensus for best practice model attributes, OPPs can work toward consistent, effective patient care. This project aimed to develop attribute statements for a best practice model for OPPs providing direct patient care.

Methods

Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists and American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) members were questioned using a 5-phase (P1-P5) survey and summit approach. The phases were: P1, broad ideation survey; P2, 10-person summit to develop draft statements; P3, survey of the draft statements for acceptance; P4, summit to resolve review feedback; and P5, survey of AAPP membership to confirm the finalized statements.

Results

P1 survey results generated a list of 143 possible attributes that informed the P2 summit, which were refined to 28 statements. P3 survey results confirmed at least 70% agreement with each statement. The P4 summit evaluated all P3 survey results and made significant modifications to 4 statements. Informal feedback was sought with other stakeholders, and supporting narratives and references were developed to provide clarity regarding the intent of each statement. Finalized statements and supporting narratives were confirmed in the P5 survey.

Discussion

The 28 attribute statements were developed over 18 months by gathering input and consensus through multiple modalities, including 3 surveys, 2 summit meetings, and numerous informal feedback requests. The agreement on the attribute statements was consistently high across all phases. The final attribute statements are presented elsewhere in this issue.
Expression, purification and subunit‐binding properties of cohesins 2 and 3 of the Clostridium thermocellum cellulosome
Authors: Yaron Sima , Morag Ely , Bayer Edward A , Lamed Raphael , Shoham Yuval
Published: July 2002

The enzymatic subunits of the cellulosome of Clostridium thermocellum are integrated into the complex by a major non‐catalytic polypeptide, called scaffoldin. Its numerous functional domains include a single cellulose‐binding domain (CBD) and nine subunit‐binding domains, or cohesin domains. Two of the cohesin domains, together with the adjacent CBD, have been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant constructs were purified by affinity chromatography on a cellulosic matrix. Both cohesin domains, which differ by about 30% in their primary structure, showed a similar binding profile to the cellulosomal subunits. Calcium ions enhanced dramatically this binding. Under the conditions of the assay, only one major catalytic subunit of the cellulosome failed to bind to either cohesin domain. The results indicate a lack of selectivity in the binding of cohesin domains to the catalytic subunits and also suggest that additional mechanisms may be involved in cellulosome assembly.
In vitro glucuronidation of kaempferol and quercetin by human UGT‐1A9 microsomes
Authors: Oliveira E.J , Watson D.G
Published: July 2002

Flavonoids are important polyphenolic substances with widespread occurrence in plants and therefore in the human diet. Although considerable work has been done on the pharmacology of flavonoids, the understanding of their metabolism is still incomplete. In this work, the in vitro glucuronidation of the common dietary flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol by human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase microsomes (UGT‐1A9) was investigated using HPLC and LC–MS. The two flavonoids were extensively metabolised by this enzyme with four monoglucuronides of quercetin and two of kaempferol being detected after incubation. The presence of a quercetin monoglucuronide in the urine of a volunteer after consumption of Ginkgo biloba tablets was demonstrated.
Production planning and control for remanufacturing: industry practice and research needs
Authors: Guide V.Daniel R
Published: July 2002

Remanufacturing represents a higher form of reuse by focusing on value‐added recovery, rather than materials recovery (i.e., recycling). Remanufacturing systems are widespread in the United States and are profitable. However, the management of production planning and control activities can differ greatly from management activities in traditional manufacturing. We report on managerial remanufacturing practices via a survey of production planning and control activities at remanufacturing firms in the United States. Production planning and control activities are more complex for remanufacturing firms due to uncertainties from stochastic product returns, imbalances in return and demand rates, and the unknown condition of returned products. We identify and discuss seven complicating characteristics that require significant changes in production planning and control activities. We also describe the research opportunities that exist for each of the complicating characteristics.
A Quantitative Approach to Characterizing Cell Lysis Caused by Mechanical Agitation of Streptomyces clavuligerus
Authors: Roubos Johannes A. , Krabben Preben , Luiten Ruud G. M. , Verbruggen Henk B. , Heijnen Joseph. J.
Published: July 2002

Streptomyces clavuligerusis a commercially important actinomycete that is used to produce clavulanic acid, a β‐lactamase inhibitor. Observations during 10 batch cultivations with S. clavuligerus on defined media have led to the finding that the organism is very sensitive to shear when grown in batch cultures with increasing stirrer speed. The stirrer speed was increased to keep the dissolved oxygen level above 50% air saturation. A quantitative approach based on the calculation of elemental balances and a simple mathematical model is proposed to characterize the biomass lysis. Finally, a linear relation between biomass yield and observed specific growth rate is determined. Results show that cell lysis occurs at a high degradation rate, e.g., μmax = 0.16 h−1 and kd = 0.07 h−1, when the gassed power input increases above 1.1, 1.7, or 2.0 kW/m3, respectively, depending on the medium composition. The overall biomass yield on substrate is dramatically reduced in all experiments (>30%).
Quantitative Screening of Yeast Surface‐Displayed Polypeptide Libraries by Magnetic Bead Capture
Authors: Yeung Yik A. , Wittrup K. Dane
Published: July 2002

Magnetic bead capture is demonstrated here to be a feasible alternative for quantitative screening of favorable mutants from a cell‐displayed polypeptide library. Flow cytometric sorting with fluorescent probes has been employed previously for high throughput screening for either novel binders or improved mutants. However, many laboratories do not have ready access to this technology as a result of the limited availability and high cost of cytometers, restricting the use of cell‐displayed libraries. Using streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads and biotinylated ligands, an alternative approach to cell‐based library screening for improved mutants was developed. Magnetic bead capture probability of labeled cells is shown to be closely correlated with the surface ligand density. A single‐pass enrichment ratio of 9400 ± 1800‐fold, at the expense of 85 ± 6% binder losses, is achieved from screening a library that contains one antibody‐displaying cell (binder) in 1.1 × 105 nondisplaying cells. Additionally, kinetic screening for an initial high affinity to low affinity (7.7‐fold lower) mutant ratio of 1:95,000, the magnetic bead capture method attains a single‐pass enrichment ratio of 600 ± 200‐fold with a 75 ± 24% probability of loss for the higher affinity mutant. The observed high loss probabilities can be straightforwardly compensated for by library oversampling, given the inherently parallel nature of the screen. Overall, these results demonstrate that magnetic beads are capable of quantitatively screening for novel binders and improved mutants. The described methods are directly analogous to procedures in common use for phage display and should lower the barriers to entry for use of cell surface display libraries.
A role for spermidine in the bolting and flowering of Arabidopsis
Authors: Applewhite Philip B. , Kaur‐Sawhney Ravindar , Galston Arthur W.
Published: July 2002

Several lines of experimental evidence indicate a close connection between polyamines (PAs) and reproductive development in Arabidopsis thaliana. (l) Measurement of the titers of endogenous spermidine (SPD) and putrescine (PUT), extracted from various organs of two ecotypes and a genetic line of Arabidopsis, revealed that flowers had the highest titers of both PAs, with SPD predominating. (2) In aseptic cultures of whole plants of the ecotype Columbia, the application of appropriate enzyme inhibitors lowered SPD titer while almost completely preventing bolting and flowering. When the plants were removed to an inhibitor‐free medium, bolting and flowering resumed. (3) SPD added to the medium of aseptically cultured plants of Columbia growing under short‐day (SD) conditions, where flowering is naturally delayed, increased the SPD titer and augmented the rate and extent of flowering. Under long‐day (LD) conditions, where flowering is already rapid and abundant, it did not promote flowering any further. (4) Enzyme inhibitors of SPD synthesis given shortly before the transition from SD conditions to LD conditions prevented flowering. (5) In a delayed‐flowering mutant (CS 3123), the addition of SPD significantly accelerated flowering.
Abundance of harbour porpoise and other cetaceans in the North Sea and adjacent waters
Authors: Hammond P.S. , Berggren P. , Benke H. , Borchers D.L. , Collet A. , Heide‐Jørgensen M.P. , Heimlich S. , Hiby A.R. , Leopold M.F. , Øien N.
Published: July 2002

The status of small cetaceans in the North Sea and adjacent waters has been of concern for many years. Shipboard and aerial line transect surveys were conducted to provide accurate and precise estimates of abundance as a basis for conservation strategy in European waters.

The survey, known as SCANS (Small Cetacean Abundance in the North Sea), was conducted in summer 1994 and designed to generate precise and unbiased abundance estimates. Thus the intensity of survey was high, and data collection and analysis methods allowed for the probability of detection of animals on the transect line being less than unity and, for shipboard surveys, also allowed for animal movement in response to the survey platform.

Shipboard transects covered 20 000 km in an area of 890 000 km2. Aerial transects covered 7000 km in an area of 150 000 km2.

Three species dominated the data. Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena were encountered throughout the survey area except in the Channel and the southern North Sea. Whitebeaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris and minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata were found mainly in the north‐western North Sea.

Phocoena phocoena abundance for the entire survey area was estimated as 341 366 [coefficient of variation (CV) = 0·14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 260 000–449 000]. The estimated number of B. acutorostrata was 8445 (CV = 0·24; 95% CI 5000–13 500). The estimate for L. albirostris based on confirmed sightings of this species was 7856 (CV = 0·30; 95% CI = 4000–13 000). When Atlantic whitesided dolphin Lagenorhynchusacutus and Lagenorhynchus spp. sightings were included, this estimate increased to 11 760 (CV = 0·26; 95% CI 5900–18 500).

Shortbeaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis were found almost exclusively in the Celtic Sea. Abundance was estimated as 75 450 (CV = 0·67; 95% CI = 23 000–149 000).

Current assessments and recommendations by international fora concerning the impact on P. phocoena of bycatch in gillnet fisheries in the North Sea and adjacent waters are based on these estimates.
An electromyographic investigation of masticatory muscles symmetry in normo‐occlusion subjects
Authors: Ferrario V. F. , Sforza C. , Colombo A. , Ciusa V.
Published: July 2002

The influence of occlusal conditions on stomatognathic function can be assessed by electromyography. Electromyographic activity of left and right temporal and masseter muscles was recorded in 30 young healthy adults with a normal occlusion during: (1) a 3‐s maximum voluntary clench on cotton rolls positioned on the posterior teeth (standardization recording); (2) a 3‐s maximum voluntary clench in intercuspal position; and (3) a 3‐s alternate ‘maximum’ voluntary contraction and relaxation with a 1 Hz frequency. All potentials were standardized as a percentage of the maximum potential of test 1. Waveforms of paired muscles were compared by computing a percentage overlapping coefficient (ratio between each 50‐ms overlapped areas and the total areas, up to 100% for symmetric muscles). Waveforms were also analysed for a laterodeviating effect on the mandible given by unbalanced muscular couples, and a torque coefficient (up to 100% for a significant laterodeviating couple on the mandible) was computed. In all subjects, both tests were performed with symmetric muscular patterns (more than 88%) and with negligible laterodeviating couples on the mandible (lower than 10%). The two coefficients allow an assessment of muscular asymmetry during static and dynamic clenching tests, and, together with the standardization of the potentials, could be a useful tool to detect functionally altered occlusal conditions, i.e. conditions where an apparent good morphological situation is not related to a correct neuromuscular status.
The Use of Standard Aggression Testing Methods to Predict Combat Behaviour and Contest Outcome in Rivulus marmoratus Dyads (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)
Authors: Earley Ryan L. , Hsu Yuying , Wolf Larry L.
Published: July 2002

Aggression plays an important role in animal contests, but the extent to which aggression correlates with dominance has been a topic of much debate. The relationship between aggression and dominance ability in the hermaphroditic fish, Rivulus marmoratus, was investigated using three standard protocols, the mirror test (Mi), model test (Mo), and standard opponent test (So). In each, display latency, attack latency, and biting frequency were quantified for a test individual towards its opponent. The general rank‐order for eliciting strength of the three different stimuli was Mi > So > Mo. The relationships between the individual indices from the standard tests and three dyadic contest variables, initiator of display, initiator of attack, and winner, were analysed in contests between previously tested pairs to ascertain how well the standard protocols predicted dyadic contest behaviour/outcome. Display and attack latencies in the standard tests did not predict the level of analogous combat behaviour. Biting frequency differences between individuals in a pair in the So and Mo tests as well as display latency differences in the Mi test contributed to predictions of contest outcome. The individual that scored higher, relative to its opponent, won a significantly greater proportion of the bouts. These findings demonstrate the importance of relative differences in aggression in determining dominance. However, the predictive value of standard test behaviour is test‐specific and, based on the available literature, depends on both the species used and the context in which they are employed.
Soil Aeration under Different Soil Surface Conditions
Authors: Khan A. R. , Chandra D. , Quraishi S. , Sinha R. K.
Published: July 2002

The assessment of the importance of soil aeration for various plant characteristics and environmental conditions is necessary to evaluate the oxygen relations to the crops. The root environment as a solid‐liquid matrix depends upon soil structure and moisture condition. A limited oxygen supply restricts the root development and also reduces the nitrogen fixation in peanuts. Soil surface conditions can be altered by mulching and plays a significant role in protecting the plants against deficient aeration during critical periods of growth phases. The effects of eight mulching treatments (rice husk, rice husk‐incorporated, paddy straw, sawdust, water mulch, clear polyethylene, black polyethylene and control) on the soil oxygen diffusion rate (ODR) during the various growth phases of peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L.) were investigated on a lateritic sandy loam soil (ultisols). These experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons. ODR values were higher in mulched plots. With the progress of growth stages and also in deeper soil depths, the differences between the values of ODR among treatments narrowed down. The influence of mulches on other physical edaphic properties like bulk density, aeration (noncapillary) porosity and soil temperature were also studied. Mulches reduced the surface crusting and thereby soil bulk density; and increased the aeration porosity and ODR. Soil temperature was higher under plastic mulches whereas vegetative mulches suppressed it.
The need for psychiatric nursing: towards a multidimensional theory of caring
Authors: Barker Phil , Jackson Sue , Stevenson Chris
Published: July 2002

Contemporary developments in health care have encouraged a review of the professional status of psychiatric nursing. Although research has documented psychiatric nursing activity, little study has been made of the ‘need’ for psychiatric nursing within a multidisciplinary service. Employing adapted grounded theory methodology, substantive theory was developed concerning the expressed need for psychiatric nursing, by patients, their carers and mental health professionals. The study was based on six sites from England, Eire and Northern Ireland. The study found some consensus across both recipients and providers of mental health care, that the essential feature of nursing (the core category) involved a complex of relationships: ‘knowing you, knowing me’. Within that complex, nurses either elected, or were required, to move — or ‘toggle’ — between three discrete domains of relating: the Ordinary Me (OM); the Pseudo‐ordinary or Engineered Me (POEM); and the Professional Me (PM). Four internal dimensions involving the nurses’ depth of knowing, power, use of time and use of translation distinguished these domains. The emergent theory extends current awareness of the importance of interpersonal relations in nursing. To what extent current health care policy, which emphasizes the promotion of alternative roles for nurses, will challenge this essential focus remains unclear.
The management of men with acute urinary retention
Authors: Pickard  , Emberton  , Neal on behalf of the National Prostatectomy Audit Steering
Published: July 2002

Objectives

 To determine the outcome of men with acute urinary retention undergoing prostatectomy and to assess whether discharge with a catheter before subsequent planned re‐admission for prostatectomy had an adverse effect on outcome.

Patients and methods

 A prospective cohort study was conducted of all men undergoing prostatectomy in five health care regions over a 6‐month period in 56 hospitals where prostatectomies were performed under the care of 103 surgeons. The study included 3966 men undergoing prostatectomy, of whom 1242 presented with acute urinary retention; the complication rates and symptomatic outcome were assessed.

Results

 Compared with those who underwent elective prostatectomy for symptoms alone, men presenting with acute retention had an excess risk of death at 30 days (relative risk [RR], 26.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5–204.5) and at 90 days after operation (RR 4.4, 95% CI 2.5–7.6), and an increased risk of peri‐operative complications. Although men with retention were older, had larger glands and had more comorbidity, these factors did not totally explain the excess risk. The final symptomatic outcome of men with acute retention was no different from that of men presenting for elective treatment. Men with retention who were managed by initial catheterization, sent home and subsequently re‐admitted for planned operation had similar pretreatment characteristics, post‐operative complications and outcomes to those who were kept in hospital throughout, although the men kept in hospital had a total increased length of stay.

Conclusions

 Men with acute retention have a high risk of developing complications after undergoing prostatectomy. We were unable to confirm that a short‐ term period of catheter drainage at home before re‐admission for planned surgery carried increased risks of peri‐operative complications.
Epididymectomy in the management of intrascrotal disease:
Authors: Sweeney  , Tan  , Butler  , Mcdermott  , Grainger  , Thornhill
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To assess the outcome of epididymectomy as a method of treating epididymal pathology.

Patients and methods

 Forty‐one patients who underwent epididymectomy between 1990 and 1995 were analysed retrospectively; their clinical records were reviewed and their satisfaction with the outcome and relief of symptoms assessed using a questionnaire and/or telephone interview.

Results

 Twenty‐nine patients with pain were subdivided into three categories depending on the indication for epididymectomy, i.e. post‐vasectomy epididymal engorgement (eight patients), complex cystic disease (11) or ‘chronic epididymitis’ (10). The outcome was satisfactory in 27 of the 29 patients. The best results were obtained in the group who underwent epididymectomy after vasectomy, where seven of eight improved after the procedure. Those with chronic epididymitis had the least favourable outcome, with only seven reporting any improvement in symptoms.

Conclusions

 Epididymectomy has a valuable role in the management of epididymal pathology in appropriately selected patients.
Principles and practice of HIV‐protease inhibitor pharmacoenhancement
Authors: Moyle GJ , Back D
Published: July 2002

Continually maintaining maximally suppressive drug concentrations represents a key defence against the emergence of resistance. If drug levels fall and replication occurs, the opportunity for mutant virus to be selected occurs. It has been increasingly recognized that variability in the pharmacokinetics of antiretrovirals, particularly protease inhibitors (PIs), means that drug exposure is not always optimal, giving the virus a chance to replicate.

A significant number of patients receiving PIs two or three times daily will have trough (Ctrough or Cmin) plasma concentrations, which are close to, or below, the plasma protein binding‐corrected inhibitory concentration (IC50 or IC95) during the dosing interval. It is primarily in this context that therapeutic drug monitoring of PIs has been proposed as an aid to patient management, to ensure that patients maintain adequate drug concentrations throughout the dosing interval. Ideally, an antiretroviral drug will have a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile that maintains drug levels well above the viral inhibitory concentration throughout the entire dosing interval.

Beneficial drug–drug interactions have been shown to improve PI pharmacokinetics. Ritonavir (RTV) inhibits the key enzymes that limit the bioavailability or speed the metabolism of other PIs. It is therefore increasingly used for boosting and maintaining PI plasma concentrations. At low (100 mg twice a day) doses it acts as a pharmacoenhancer of indinavir (IDV), amprenavir, saquinavir, lopinavir and to a more limited degree nelfinavir. Using a pharmacoenhancer with a PI results in increased exposure to the PI, higher Cmin levels, and in most cases prolonged elimination half‐lives.

The long‐term clinical benefits of PK enhancing are unknown as are the long‐term toxicities, although the incidence of nephrolithiasis with IDV appears increased when IDV is combined with low‐dose RTV in HIV‐infected patients. Head‐to‐head clinical comparisons of boosted PI regimens will help answer some of the questions that remain with regard to PK enhancement.
Neuropeptide Y Cotransmission with Norepinephrine in the Sympathetic Nerve—Macrophage Interplay
Authors: Straub Rainer H. , Schaller Thomas , Miller Luitpold E. , Hörsten Stephan von , Jessop David S. , Falk Werner , Schölmerich Jürgen
Published: July 2002

Abstract: The CNS modulates immune cells by direct synaptic‐likecontacts in the brain and at peripheral sites, such as lymphoid organs. Tostudy the nerve‐macrophage communication, a superfusion method was used toinvestigate cotransmission of neuropeptide Y (NPY) with norepinephrine (NE),with interleukin (IL)‐6 secretion used as the macrophage read‐out parameter.Spleen tissue slices spontaneously released NE, NPY, and IL‐6 leading to asuperfusate concentration at 3‐4 h of 1 nM, 10 pM, and 120pg/ml, respectively. Under these conditions, NPY dose‐dependently inhibitedIL‐6 secretion with a maximum effect at 10‐10M(p = 0.012) and 10‐9M (p < 0.001).Simultaneous addition of NPY at 10‐9M and theα‐2‐adrenergic agonist p‐aminoclonidine further inhibited IL‐6secretion (p < 0.05). However, simultaneous administration of NPYat 10‐9M and the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenolat 10‐6M or NE at 10‐6Msignificantly increased IL‐6 secretion (p < 0.005). To objectifythese differential effects of NPY, electrical field stimulation of spleenslices was applied to release endogenous NPY and NE. Electrical fieldstimulation markedly reduced IL‐6 secretion, which was attenuated by the NPYY1 receptor antagonist BIBP 3226 (10‐7M, p = 0.039;10‐8M, p = 0.035). This indicates that NPY increases theinhibitory effect of endogenous NE, which is mediated at low NE concentrationsvia α‐adrenoceptors. Blockade of α‐adrenoceptors attenuatedelectrically induced inhibition of IL‐6 secretion (p < 0.001),which was dose‐dependently abrogated by BIBP 3226. This indicates that underblockade of α‐adrenoceptors endogenous NPY supports the stimulatingeffect of endogenous NE via β‐adrenoceptors. These experimentsdemonstrate the ambiguity of NPY, which functions as a cotransmitter of NE inthe nerve‐macrophage interplay.
Hippocampal Volume and Glucose Metabolism in Temporal Lobe Epileptic Foci
Authors: Theodore William H. , Gaillard William D. , De Carli Charles , Bhatia Sanjiv , Hatta Junko
Published: July 2002

Summary:  Purpose: Reports conflict on the relation of glucose metabolism to hippocampal volume in temporal lobe foci. Previous studies usually have used side‐side ratios rather than regional metabolic rates.

Methods: We measured hippocampal volume and glucose metabolism in 37 patients with temporal epileptogenic zones identified by ictal video‐EEG telemetry. Metabolic rates were normalized to global brain mean.

Results: Both 18‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose‐PET and volumetric MRI lateralized the epileptic focus determined by ictal video‐EEG. There were significant correlations between left‐right metabolic asymmetry and hippocampal formation volume left‐right ratios. Comparisons between normalized metabolism and hippocampal formation volume, ignoring the side of the epileptic focus, showed significant relations between left hippocampal volume and left inferior lateral temporal metabolism, right hippocampus and right inferior mesial temporal, and left hippocampus and left inferior mesial temporal metabolism. In contrast, when normalized metabolism was compared with hippocampal volume in the epileptic focus, no relation was found.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that the relation between hippocampal volume and glucose metabolism breaks down in epileptic foci and that hypometabolism is not dependent on neuronal loss. It is consistent with data suggesting that hypometabolism is an independent predictor of surgical outcome.