bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We Saw It All Along
Authors: Bernstein Daniel M. , Atance Cristina , Loftus Geoffrey R. , Meltzoff Andrew
Published: March 2004

We traced the developmental origins and trajectory of the hindsight bias. Three-, 4-, and 5-year-old children and adults identified gradually clarifying images of degraded common objects on a computer. Half the time, observers did not know in advance what the object would become. The rest of the time, observers knew the object's identity in advance and estimated when a naive same-age peer would identify the clarifying object. In two experiments, children and adults demonstrated hindsight bias by using advance knowledge to overestimate their same-age peers' ability to identify the objects. The magnitude of this bias declined across age in one experiment, but remained relatively stable over age in the other experiment. These findings link developmental psychology and adult cognitive science.
Photosynthetic activity of US biomes: responses to the spatial variability and seasonality of precipitation and temperature
Authors: Xiao Jingfeng , Moody Aaron
Published: March 2004

We examined the response of the normalized difference vegetation index, integrated over the growing season (gNDVI) to mean precipitation, maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin) over an 11‐year period (1990–2000) for six biomes in the conterminous United States. We focused on within‐ and across‐biome variance in long‐term average gNDVI, emphasizing the degree to which this variance is explained by spatial gradients in long‐term average seasonal climate. Since direct measurements of ecosystem function are unavailable at the spatial and temporal scales studied, we used the satellite‐based gNDVI as a proxy for net photosynthetic activity.

Forested and nonforested biomes differed sharply in their response to spatial gradients in temperature and precipitation. Gradients in mean spring and fall precipitation totals explained much of the variance in mean annual gNDVI within arid biomes. For forested biomes, mean annual gNDVI was positively associated with mean annual and seasonal Tmin and Tmax. These trends highlight the importance of the seasonal components of precipitation and temperature regimes in controlling productivity, and reflect the influence of these climatic components on water balance and growing‐season length. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2001) increases in temperature minima and fall precipitation have contributed the dominant components of US increases in temperature and precipitation, respectively. Within the range of conditions observed over the study region, our results suggest that these trends have particularly significant consequences for above‐ground plant productivity, especially for Grassland, Open Shrubland, and Evergreen Needleleaf Forest. If historical climatic trends and the biotic responses suggested in this analysis continue to hold, we can anticipate further increases in productivity for both forested and nonforested ecoregions in the conterminous US, with associated implications for carbon budgets and woody proliferation.
Postoperative pain assessment tools in day surgery: literature review
Authors: Coll Anne Marie , Ameen Jamal R.M. , Mead Donna
Published: March 2004

Background.  Postoperative pain is an expected phenomenon. However, its passage beyond acceptable limits is a common and costly experience. This is particularly the case in day surgery, partly because of the increasing demand to reduce waiting lists for elective surgery, and partly because of lack of knowledge about patients’ experiences of postoperative pain and relevant published research. The latter is mainly concerned with different interpretations of the phenomenon of pain that appear to have led to a variety of often inappropriate pain measurement tools.

Aim.  This paper critically reviews some of the available objective and subjective measures of pain and establishes the suitability of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring the intensity of pain after day surgery.

Method.  Nursing and health care papers published since 1983 were sought using the keywords: postoperative pain, day surgery, ambulatory surgery, rating scales, VAS, severity, assessment, tool, nursing, validity, sensitivity, reliability and their various combinations. The databases used were Medline, CINAHL, Nursing Collection, Embase, Healthstar, BMJ and several on‐line Internet journals, specifically Ambulatory Surgery. The search included only papers published in the English language.

Findings.  A range of interpretations of pain have led to the development of various measurement tools that address different components of pain. This inconsistency has led to ineffective pain management. Based on established criteria, the VAS was found to be methodologically sound, conceptually simple, easy to administer and unobtrusive to the respondent. On these grounds, the VAS seems to be most suitable for measuring intensity of pain after day surgery.

Conclusions.  Common guidelines on the definition and measurement of pain are needed. In day surgery, the availability of a unified and reliable measure of pain that can address its sensory component, such as the VAS, will provide more reliable information about the pain experience and, hence, improve its overall management.
International educational partnership for practice: Brazil and the United Kingdom
Authors: Girot Elizabeth A , Enders Bertha C.
Published: March 2004

Background.  To enhance healthcare globally, successful academic partnerships between institutes of higher education are crucial to strengthen collaboration between countries and identify new ways of working. The desire to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity among childbearing women in north‐east Brazil urged professional nurses to seek new ways of working through such a partnership. Reflections on the success of the link identify the key qualities uniting the partnership.

Aims.  This paper explores the key qualities of a higher education partnership between the United Kingdom and north‐east Brazil. These qualities can act as a guide to other faculties engaged in such links to facilitate successful collaborative working for gains on both sides.

Results.  Critical reflections from both partners revealed that the key qualities identified are effective communication, deep commitment and the need for both partners to understand each other's context of care.

Conclusions.  Examination of each of these qualities illustrates that the shared perspectives, mutual respect and enriched educational experience are valuable and essential to successful partnership working. This critical reflection illustrates the process of success and how others can benefit from the lessons learned, whatever the nature of partnership. Understanding the nature of collaborative working has strengthened each education and practice community, encouraged them to take risks, and remain committed to collective success.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and nursing
Authors: Kearney Penelope M. , Pryor Julie
Published: March 2004

Background.  Nursing conceptualizes disability from largely medical and individual perspectives that do not consider its social dimensions. Disabled people are critical of this paradigm and its impact on their health care.

Aim.  The aims of this paper are to review the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including its history and the theoretical models upon which it is based and to discuss its relevance as a conceptual framework for nursing.

Method.  The paper presents a critical overview of concepts of disability and their implications for nursing and argues that a broader view is necessary. It examines ICF and its relationship to changing paradigms of disability and presents some applications for nursing.

Conclusion.  The ICF, with its acknowledgement of the interaction between people and their environments in health and disability, is a useful conceptual framework for nursing education, practice and research. It has the potential to expand nurses’ thinking and practice by increasing awareness of the social, political and cultural dimensions of disability.
Functional and self‐efficacy changes of patients admitted to a Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit
Authors: McCloskey Rose
Published: March 2004

Background.  Geriatric Rehabilitation Units (GRUs) have been established to restore functional abilities of older hospitalized patients. Although considerable health care resources have been allocated to these units, few outcome‐based research studies have been reported on Canadian GRUs.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a study examining the effect of admission to a GRU on changes in patients’ functional ability and self‐efficacy in performing everyday activities at home.

Methods.  Following Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from 40 patients age 65–101 years (mean 83·8, sd 6·57) admitted to a 21‐bed interdisciplinary GRUs over a 7‐month period. All were living independently prior to hospital admission. Data were collected on admission to the unit and on discharge using two instruments: the Functional Independence Measure and Falls Efficacy Scale.

Results.  Statistically significant improvements were found in functional ability and self‐efficacy following admission to the GRUs.

Conclusions.  Although functional level and feelings of self‐efficacy on admission to the unit were at levels which may have prevented participants from returning home, the majority were discharged to the community. Results suggest that admission to a GRU helps prepare patients to return to community living.
Systemic plant signal triggers genome instability
Authors: Filkowski Jody , Yeoman Allan , Kovalchuk Olga , Kovalchuk Igor
Published: March 2004

Previously, we have shown that infection of tobacco plants with a viral pathogen triggers local and systemic induction of homologous recombination (HR). Here, we have tested the hypothesis of whether free radicals are potentially involved in the induction of the systemic effect. We report a significant induction of HR in tobacco plants treated with radical‐generating agents, UVC or rose Bengal (RB). Importantly, the recombination increase was observed in local (treated) as well as systemic (non‐treated) tissue. The systemic increase in recombination implies the existence of a signal that is transmitted to non‐treated tissue. Several sets of grafting experiments proved the generation of said signal by both RB and UVC exposure. A statistically significant increase in HR was observed in tissue that received a systemic signal via a grafted leaf. Similar data were obtained from transgenic plants naphthalene degrading salicylate 1‐hydroxylase (NahG) unable to accumulate salicylic acid (SA). Interestingly, pre‐treatment of plants with the radical‐scavenging compound N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) led to a significantly lower recombination increase upon grafting after treatment with UVC and RB. Moreover, leaves taken for grafting from NAC‐pre‐treated plants exhibited a lower level of oxidized organic compounds. Our data suggest the involvement of free radical production in either generation or maintenance of the recombination signal. We discuss potential mechanisms for generation of the signal and possible adaptive advantages of enhanced genomic flexibility following exposure to DNA‐damaging agents.
Co‐expression of three MEP pathway genes and geraniol 10‐hydroxylase in internal phloem parenchyma of Catharanthus roseus implicates multicellular translocation of intermediates during the biosynthesis of monoterpene indole alkaloids and isoprenoid‐derived primary metabolites
Authors: Burlat Vincent , Oudin Audrey , Courtois Martine , Rideau Marc , St‐Pierre Benoit
Published: March 2004

In higher plants, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) is synthesised both from the plastidic 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) and from the cytosolic mevalonate (MVA) pathways. Primary metabolites, such as phytol group of chlorophylls, carotenoids and the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GAs) are derived directly from the MEP pathway. Many secondary metabolites, such as monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) in Catharanthus roseus, are also synthesised from this source of IPP. Using Northern blot and in situ hybridisation experiments, we show that three MEP pathway genes (1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase (DXS), 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) and 2C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 2,4‐cyclodiphosphate synthase (MECS)) and the gene encoding geraniol 10‐hydroxylase (G10H), a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in the first committed step in the formation of iridoid monoterpenoids display identical cell‐specific expression patterns. The co‐localisation of these four transcripts to internal phloem parenchyma of young aerial organs of C. roseus adds a new level of complexity to the multicellular nature of MIA biosynthesis. We predict the translocation of pathway intermediates from the internal phloem parenchyma to the epidermis and, ultimately, to laticifers and idioblasts during MIA biosynthesis. Similarly, the translocation of intermediates from the phloem parenchyma is probably also required during the biosynthesis of hormones and photosynthetic primary metabolites derived from the MEP pathway.
The clinical application of three screening tools for recognizing post‐partum depression
Authors: Hanna Barbara , Jarman Heather , Savage Sally
Published: March 2004

Postnatal depression is a major health issue for childbearing women world‐wide, as it is not always identified early. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of three screening instruments for the early recognition of post‐partum depression, the Postpartum Depression Prediction Inventory, the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and to examine nurse interventions following use of the instruments. Data were collected at two points, at 28 weeks prenatal (107 women) and eight weeks postnatal (84 women). Results showed that 17% of the women scored significant symptoms of post‐partum depression and 10–15% had a positive screen for major postnatal depression. There was a statistically significant correlation between the total score on the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Of those eight women identified as being at risk, seven had received anticipatory guidance and five had received counselling by the nurses. The Postpartum Depression Prediction Inventory enabled nurses to identify women at risk of post‐partum depression and offer interventions.
Laminin and fibronectin concentrations of the follicular fluid correlate with granulosa cell luteinization and oocyte quality
Authors: Honda Tetsuro , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Yoshioka Shinya , Yamada Shigetoshi , Nakayama Takahiro , Egawa Miho , Nishioka Yoshihiro , Takahashi Akira , Fujii Shingo
Published: March 2004

Background and Aims:  Progesterone production of human cultured luteinizing granulosa cells was reported to be modified by extracellular matrix, suggesting that extracellular matrix regulates luteinization of granulosa cells after ovulation. In the present study, the relationship among laminin, fibronectin, progesterone and estradiol in follicular fluid along with oocyte quality was analyzed to estimate the physiological role of extracellular matrix in follicular luteinization and oocyte quality during ovulation.

Methods and Results:  Follicular fluid was collected at oocyte pick‐up from the patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The concentrations of laminin, fibronectin, progesterone and estradiol in the follicular fluid were measured by enzyme immunoassay and radioimmunoassay. The morphology of oocytes were also assessed during the procedure of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and was classified into normal and abnormal groups. The fibronectin concentration was higher in the normal ooplasm group than in the abnormal group, but it did not correlate with estradiol or progesterone concentration. However, laminin concentration significantly correlated with that of progesterone, but not with cytoplasm morphology of oocytes. There was no difference in estradiol or progesterone concentration between the normal and abnormal groups.

Conclusion:  These findings suggest that extracellular matrix plays some roles in regulating human granulosa cell luteinization and oocyte quality during ovulation. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 43–49)
Clinical significance of the soluble interleukin‐2 receptor as a putative systemic nutritional index in the elderly*
Authors: Kikuchi Motoo , Inagaki Toshiaki , Shinagawa Nagao , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: March 2004

Background:  The clinical significance of a slight increase in serum soluble interleukin‐2 receptor (sIL2R) concentration in the stable elderly was investigated.

Methods:  The subjects consisted of 35 residents of nursing homes with physical impairment as a sequela to cerebral infarctions, who had no inflammatory conditions, and were not receiving anodyne or immunological treatment. They were divided into two groups: 24 subjects without overt or suspected malignancy (NC) and 11 with a history of malignancy (CA). Serological screening with measurement of sIL2R concentrations was performed and numbers of lymphocytes with CD4 and CD8 markers were determined. The NC group was subdivided into control subjects (n = 15, sIL2R < = 883 U/mL) and subjects demonstrating elevated concentrations of sIL2R (n = 9, NH), as in a previous study.

Results:  Between the NH and control groups, differences were found in serum concentrations of albumin, blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol concentration, Pettigrew's prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and activities of daily living score, but not in age or sex. Factor analysis in the NC group showed serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations to be correlated positively, and serum albumin, total cholesterol concentrations, activities of daily living score, and PNI to be correlated negatively with sIL2R. Differences were found in sIL2R, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, β‐lipoprotein and PNI between the CA and control groups, but no correlations among these parameters were found in the CA group. There was no difference in the rate of positive test results for rheumatoid factor between the NC and CA, or control and NH groups. The survival rate of control subjects over 24 months was better than that of NH subjects, but not that of CA subjects.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that a slight increase in the concentration of sIL2R is related to subclinical systemic deterioration, especially regarding nutrition, with a plausible connection to prognosis, in stable elderly patients without malignancy.
The Women at Peterloo: The Impact of Female Reform on the Manchester Meeting of 16 August 1819
Authors: Bush M. L.
Published: March 2004

Central to the Peterloo Massacre in 1819 was the high public profile of working‐class women who attended the parliamentary reform meeting that preceded it in all‐female contingents, carrying their own flags, distinctively dressed in white and with their own women leaders prominently displayed on the speakers’ platform. In the circumstances, the military's brutal attack on the crowd appeared to be incited, among other things, by a sense of manhood under serious threat from this provocative female presence. As well as studying what happened to the women and why, this article examines the motivation behind their commitment to reform. In a novel manner, the women challenged the traditional relationship between gender and politics by insisting upon a political organization of their own; yet they were also ready to accept the Radical Reform programme even though it excluded them from the vote. Arguably the politicization of women evident at Peterloo caused a transformation of the political system, by ensuring that in future the cause of reform would be distinguished by a dynamic female engagement. As a result, British politics came to be radically altered by women long before feminism made its mark.
From Symbol of Division to Cold War Asset: Lyndon Johnson and the Achievement of Hawaiian Statehood in 1959
Authors: Scott‐Smith Giles
Published: March 2004

After its annexation in 1898, Hawaii remained a territory of the United States, lacking full democratic representation in Washington, DC for sixty‐one years. While there were various factors that led to this delay, the overwhelming reason was the consistent opposition of the Southern Democrats to the admission of a new state with an integrated mixed‐race population. By the early 1950s the statehood question was largely being fought out in the United States Senate where the close balance of power between the Democrats and the Republicans made the expected political identity of future Hawaiian Congressmen seem like a decisive issue. It was Lyndon Johnson who was able to break that deadlock, and a significant reason for Hawaii's admission into the Union in 1959 was Johnson's switch from opponent to advocate in the mid‐1950s. Aware of changing conditions both domestically and internationally, Johnson realized the need not only to keep the Southerners of his own party under greater control but also to project a more favourable international image of the United States in the context of increasing decolonization around the world. The achievement of Hawaiian statehood was at the centre of both these initiatives.
A History of the Use of Groups in Probation Work: Part Two – From Negotiated Treatment to Evidence‐Based Practice in an Accountable Service
Authors: Vanstone Maurice
Published: March 2004

Abstract: This article completes a two‐part history of groupwork in probation during the 20th Century. The first part traced the development of this aspect of probation work as an important part of the theory and practice of supervising probationers in the community. This second part purports to show the burgeoning significance and relevance of work with groups, and how it encouraged a more collaborative approach focused more specifically on the offence. More particularly, it explores its contribution to, on the one hand evidence‐based practice and on the other, increased governance both of probationers and of probation policy and practice.
Out‐of‐Hospital Death: Advance Care Planning, Decedent Symptoms, and Caregiver Burden
Authors: Tilden Virginia P. , Tolle Susan W. , Drach Linda L. , Perrin Nancy A.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To examine the end‐of‐life experiences of elderly decedents dying out of the hospital and their family caregivers in a state in which the vast majority of Medicare deaths occur in community settings.

Design: Telephone survey of family caregivers 2 to 5 months after decedents' deaths.

Setting: Statewide (Oregon) random sample of death certificates.

Participants: One thousand one hundred eighty‐nine family caregivers of decedents aged 65 and older who died of natural deaths in community settings between 2000 and 2002.

Measurements: A 69‐item telephone questionnaire with single‐item indicators and embedded scales that indexed advance directives, use of life‐sustaining treatments, hospice enrollment, decedent symptom experience and perceived distress, family financial hardship, out‐of‐pocket expenses, and caregiver strain.

Results: Most decedents had advance directives (78.3%) and were enrolled in hospice (62.4%). Although perceived decedent symptom distress was low overall, certain symptoms (e.g., pain, dyspnea, constipation) were distressing for approximately half of decedents experiencing them. Financial hardship, out‐of‐pocket expenses, and caregiver strain were frequently reported. American Indian race and younger age were associated with decedent symptom distress. Greater perceived decedent symptom distress, hospice enrollment, more caregiver involvement, and more financial burden were associated with greater caregiver strain.

Conclusion: Despite high rates of advance directives and hospice enrollment, perceived symptom distress was high for a subset of decedents, and caregiver strain was common. As location of death increasingly shifts nationwide from hospital to community, unmet decedent and family needs require new clinical skills and healthcare policies.
Religion, Spirituality, and Health in Medically Ill Hospitalized Older Patients
Authors: Koenig Harold G. , George Linda K. , Titus Patricia
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To examine the effect of religion and spirituality on social support, psychological functioning, and physical health in medically ill hospitalized older adults.

Design: Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting: Duke University Medical Center.

Participants: A research nurse interviewed 838 consecutively admitted patients aged 50 and older to a general medical service.

Measurements: Measures of religion included organizational religious activity (ORA), nonorganizational religious activity, intrinsic religiosity (IR), self‐rated religiousness, and observer‐rated religiousness (ORR). Measures of spirituality were self‐rated spirituality, observer‐rated spirituality (ORS), and daily spiritual experiences. Social support, depressive symptoms, cognitive status, cooperativeness, and physical health (self‐rated and observer‐rated) were the dependent variables. Regression models controlled for age, sex, race, and education.

Results: Religiousness and spirituality consistently predicted greater social support, fewer depressive symptoms, better cognitive function, and greater cooperativeness (P<.01 to P<.0001). Relationships with physical health were weaker, although similar in direction. ORA predicted better physical functioning and observer‐rated health and less‐severe illness. IR tended to be associated with better physical functioning, and ORR and ORS with less‐severe illness and less medical comorbidity (all P<.05). Patients categorizing themselves as neither spiritual nor religious tended to have worse self‐rated and observer‐rated health and greater medical comorbidity. In contrast, religious television or radio was associated with worse physical functioning and greater medical comorbidity.

Conclusion: Religious activities, attitudes, and spiritual experiences are prevalent in older hospitalized patients and are associated with greater social support, better psychological health, and to some extent, better physical health. Awareness of these relationships may improve health care.
Stair Performance in People Aged 75 and Older
Authors: Hamel Kathryn A. , Cavanagh Peter R.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To examine specific behaviors used by older adults while ascending and descending stairs and to assess the relationships between confidence and stair performance.

Design: Cross‐sectional.

Setting: Center for Locomotion Studies, The Pennsylvania State University.

Participants: Sixteen male (mean age=82.7, range= 77–89) and 16 female (mean age=82.2, range=77–87) community‐dwelling adults.

Measurements: A stair self‐efficacy (SSE) test was created to assess individuals' confidence in their safety on stairs. Observational stair performance measures, measures of walking speed on stairs, and the total SSE score were examined for differences due to sex, and the relationships between SSE and specific stair behaviors were assessed.

Results: There was a significant relationship between SSE and the safety precautions taken during stair negotiation. Those with lower SSE were more likely to ascend and descend the stairs at a slower speed, use the handrail to a greater extent, and position themselves closer to the rail. The women had lower domain‐specific SSE and tended to use the handrail to a greater extent than men even though there were no sex differences in self‐reported functional ability or general falls and mobility confidence. A small group of subjects exhibited characteristics of instability, particularly during stair descent, yet most of this group had high SSE scores and failed to use the handrail.

Conclusion: It appears that confidence related to stair negotiation plays a major role in determining risk‐taking propensity during stair use in older adults.
Nursing Home Quality and Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management Practices
Authors: Wipke‐Tevis Deidre D. , Williams Donna A. , Rantz Marilyn J. , Popejoy Lori L. , Madsen Richard W. , Petroski Gregory F. , Vogelsmeier Amy A.
Published: March 2004

Objectives: To measure pressure ulcer quality indicator (QI) scores and to describe the self‐reported skin integrity assessment, pressure ulcer risk assessment, and pressure ulcer prevention and treatment practices in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs).

Design: Retrospective analysis of a large data set and comparative survey.

Setting: LTCFs in Missouri.

Participants: Three hundred sixty‐two LTCFs participated in the survey. Three hundred twenty‐one facilities had pressure ulcer QI scores between April 1 and September 30, 1999.

Measurements: Pressure ulcer QI scores, Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Treatment Practices Survey.

Results: The mean±standard deviation pressure ulcer QI score was 10.9±6.2%, with a risk‐adjusted score of 15.7±8.9% for high‐risk residents and 3.1±3.6% for low‐risk residents. Minimizing head‐of‐bed elevation to less than 30° was used by fewer than 20% of facilities. More than 40% of facilities used a risk assessment tool that was not evidence based. Fewer than 13% of facilities used the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines. No relationship was found between the number of prevention strategies (P=.892) or the number of treatment strategies (P=.921) and the pressure ulcer QI scores.

Conclusion: Valid and reliable pressure ulcer risk assessment tools are seriously underused. Evidence‐based pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guidelines appear to be rarely implemented. This study provides a basis for developing educational and quality improvement programs and future research related to pressure ulcer prevention and treatment in LTCFs.
Significance of human neutrophil antigen‐2a (NB1) expression and neutrophil number in pregnancy
Authors: Taniguchi Kikuyo , Nagata Hideaki , Katsuki Takafumi , Nakashima Chiyoko , Onodera Rie , Hiraoka Asako , Takata Noboru , Kobayashi Masao , Kambe Masayuki
Published: March 2004

BACKGROUND: Expression of human neutrophil antigen‐2a (HNA‐2a) is greater in women than in men. The size of the HNA‐2a‐positive neutrophil population increases with pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: T he relationship between HNA‐2a expression on neutrophils and monocytes, and their relative numbers, was investigated. HNA‐2a expression shown as the size of the HNA‐2a‐positive cell population and the fluorescence intensity on the cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. This investigation was done among 165 pregnant women during pregnancy and postpartum.

RESULTS: In normal pregnancy, numbers of neutrophils and monocytes changed in relation to HNA‐2a expres‐ sion. HNA‐2a was also expressed intensively on monocytes from some pregnant women in the first and second trimesters. HNA‐2a expression and the number of cells markedly decreased postpartum. In threatened premature labor, the number of neutrophils decreased earlier than in normal pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: HNA‐2a expression may increase soon after fertilization. In this study, the results indicate that the change in the number of neutrophils and monocytes is related to HNA‐2a expression.
Neutrophil and platelet dynamics at organ level after cardiopulmonary bypass: An in vivo study in neonatal pigs
Authors: BRIX‐CHRISTENSEN V. , RHELING M. , FLØ C. , RAVN H. , HJORTDAL V. , MARQVERSEN J. , ANDERSEN N. , TØNNESEN E.
Published: March 2004

The aim was to investigate if organ dysfunction is a consequence of cell accumulation in the tissue and whether this accumulation is caused by the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure.

Twenty‐six piglets were used in the sham group (sternotomy, n=12) or in the CPB group (sternotomy, CPB, n=14). Isotope‐labeled autologous 99mTc‐neutrophils (PMNs) and 111In‐platelets were infused and dynamically followed at organ level with a gamma camera before, during, and 4 h after termination of CPB. The CPB group showed a 49% increase in 99m Tc‐PMNs in the kidneys in the postoperative period compared to a decrease of 2% in the sham group. A less marked decrease was observed in the lungs and peripheral blood between the two groups. The increased radioactivity at organ level post‐CPB could be due to changes in flow, extraction in the organ or accumulation of cells, especially in the kidneys and lungs, and might contribute to temporary organ dysfunction postoperatively.
Familial neuroblastoma – different histological manifestations in a family with three affected individuals
Authors: ZIMLING ZARAH G. , RECHNITZER CATHERINE , RASMUSSEN MARIANNE , PETERSEN BODIL L.
Published: March 2004

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in childhood. These tumours represent a heterogeneous group both in terms of clinical course and histological appearance, ranging from benign, slowly growing, often asymptomatic ganglioneuromas to malignant, highly aggressive neuroblastomas. Most cases occur sporadically, but in rare cases several individuals in the same family present with ganglioneuroblastomatous tumours. We report a case of familial neuroblastoma, occurring in a mother and her two daughters, with very different clinical presentation, outcome and tumour histology. The mother had recurrent, fully mature, benign ganglioneuromas, predominantly located in the retroperitoneum. The two daughters both developed malignant abdominal neuroblastomas, at the age of 2 and 8 years, respectively. Both died in spite of intensive therapy. Hereditary neuroblastoma appears to be as heterogeneous as the sporadic form of the disease. Since no consistent predisposition gene has been located in affected families, several different genetic or epigenetic events may account for the different histological and clinical presentations.
Viral diseases of the Ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)
Authors: COOPER Ross Gordon , HORBANCZUK Jaroslaw Olav , FUJIHARA Noboru
Published: March 2004

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries. A significant threat to this industry is losses from diseases. Newcastle disease is a notifiable, highly contagious viral infection of ostriches. Avian influenza may be transmitted from waterfowl, shorebirds and gulls to ostriches. Borna disease virus is a viral neurotropic infection spread mainly by rodents and felines. Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted by Hyalomma ticks to humans. Avipoxvirus afflicts ostrich chicks and is transmitted by mosquitoes or by direct contact with a pox lesion. Maintenance of a healthy and profitable enterprise requires the implementation, with assistance from the local veterinary authority, of comprehensive, practical and effective methods of health management and preventative medicine.
Developmental competence and glutathione content of maternally heat‐stressed mouse oocytes and zygotes
Authors: MATSUZUKA Takaya , OZAWA Manabu , HIRABAYASHI Miho , USHITANI Atsuko , KANAI Yukio
Published: March 2004

The loss of developmental competence and the glutathione (GSH) content of maternally heat‐stressed mouse oocytes and zygotes were determined. In experiment 1, zygotes were collected from female mice that were heat‐stressed at 35°C for 10 h after hCG injection (oocyte maturation stage), or for 12 h on Day 1 of pregnancy (zygote stage), followed by in vitro culture. To minimize the effects of heat stress on the fertilization process, heat‐stressed oocytes that were fertilized in vitro were also included in this experiment. In experiment 2, heat‐stressed oocytes and zygotes were assayed for GSH content. The application of heat stress to the oocytes resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of zygotes that developed to morulae or blastocysts, both for naturally fertilized oocytes (56.9% for heat‐stressed vs 85.4% for control) or in vitro‐fertilized oocytes (54.5%vs 73.6%). In the heat‐stressed zygotes, the disruption of embryonic development was more drastic (24.3%vs 90.3%), with the majority of zygotes being arrested at the two‐cell stage. In contrast, the GSH content decreased significantly in heat‐stressed zygotes, but not in heat‐stressed oocytes. These results demonstrate that the loss of developmental competence of early embryos is associated with a decrease in the GSH content of maternally heat‐stressed zygotes, but not of maternally heat‐stressed oocytes.
Meiotic competence of mouse oocytes reconstructed by replacing the germinal vesicle with a male pronucleus and somatic nucleus
Authors: LIU Honglin , AOKI Fugaku
Published: March 2004

The present study examines the contribution of the nucleus to meiotic competence in mouse oocytes that were reconstructed using nuclear transfer. Three types of reconstructed oocytes were produced: MP‐GV, by transplanting the male pronucleus (MP) into germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes; 3T3‐GV, by transplanting the nucleus of a National Institute of Health (NIH) 3T3 cell into a GV stage oocyte; and 3T3‐MII, by transplanting the nucleus of an NIH 3T3 cell into a metaphase II (MII) stage oocyte. The fusion rates differed, but not significantly, in the MP‐GV, 3T3‐GV, and 3T3‐MII groups (77, 63, 56%, respectively). Then, meiotic competence was compared in MP‐GV, 3T3‐GV and non‐manipulated GV stage oocytes as a control. Nuclear envelope breakdown occurred in all the reconstructed oocytes, as well as the control ones. The percentage of first polar body extrusion differed between the MP‐GV (100%), 3T3‐GV (72%), and control (67%) groups. DNA staining with Hoechst 33342 revealed that in the MP‐GV‐group oocytes that had reached MII stage, the chromosomes were condensed and aligned in a regular array similar to the normal metaphase plate. By contrast, in 3T3‐GV group oocytes, the condensed chromosomes were irregularly scattered in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the donor nucleus affects meiotic competence in reconstructed oocytes.
Effects of Peroxide Plasma Cleaning on Engineering Materials Designated for Adhesion Experiments on the Surface of Mars
Authors: Hecht Michael H. , Feldman Jason
Published: March 2004

Samples of four materials (Herculite 80, SSM 3084, FRAS 140, and Teflon), designated for a soil analysis instrument designed for a Mars Surveyor Program lander, were exposed to a peroxide plasma and immediately sealed in sterile bags. The purpose of this surface analysis was to evaluate the effect of cleaning procedures mandated for biological sterilization, in accordance with international treaties. Comparison of XPS measurements was made with as-received samples. Herculite is a plastic-coated weave, SSM 3084 is a sandwich of two polymers and a silver film, and FRAS 140 is a flexible, transparent polymer film.
A Mineral TiO2(001) Anatase Crystal Examined by XPS
Authors: Silversmit Geert , De Doncker Geert , De Gryse Roger
Published: March 2004

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements with Al Kα radiation of the Ti 2p, Ti 3p, O 1s, and O 2s core levels of a mineral anatase TiO2(001) crystal are presented. The weak Ti 3p and O 2s photopeaks were measured with two resolutions. The valence band is also presented.
Sodium Hypophosphite Hydrate (NaH2PO2⋅0.8H2O) by XPS
Authors: Gaskell Karen J. , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: March 2004

We report the XPS spectra of sodium hypophosphite. XPS spectra were collected with a VSW HA150 x-ray photoelectron spectrometer using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. Monochromatic radiation provides a distinct clarity to the rich peak structure in the valence band of sodium hypophosphite due to the abscence of interfering x-ray satellites from the intense O 2s region. The features seen in the valence band are unique to the (H2PO2) − ion and therefore provide a means for distinguishing this compound from chemically similar compounds such as other phosphates. The valence band, survey, Na 1s, O 1 s, C 1s, P 2p, and Na 2s levels are reported.
Sodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate (Na3PO4⋅12H2O) by XPS
Authors: Gaskell Karen J. , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: March 2004

We report the XPS spectra of sodium phosphate. XPS spectra were collected with a VSW HA150 x-ray photoelectron spectrometer using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. Monochromatic radiation provides a distinct clarity to the rich peak structure in the valence band of sodium phosphate due to the absence of interfering x-ray satellites from the intense O 2s region. The features seen in the valence band are unique to the phosphate ion. The valence band, survey, Na 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2s, P 2p, and Na 2s levels are reported.
Vanadyl (IV) Hydrogen Phosphate Hemihydrate (VOHPO4⋅0.5H2O) by XPS
Authors: Asunskis Daniel J. , Sherwood Peter M.A.
Published: March 2004

The XPS spectra of vanadyl hydrogen phosphate were collected with a VSW HA150 using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. The valence band region is determined by the features of the HPO42− ion which shows subtle but significant differences from the valence band region of the orthophosphate ion (PO43−). The valence band, survey, V 2p, V 3p, O 1s, P 2p, P 2s, and C 1s are reported.
Vanadyl (IV) Dihydrogen Phosphate (VO(H2PO4)2) by XPS
Authors: Asunskis Daniel J. , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: March 2004

The XPS spectra of vanadyl dihydrogenphosphate were collected with a VSW HA150 using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. The valence band region is determined by the features of the HPO4− ion which shows subtle but significant differences from the valence band region of the orthophosphate ion (PO43−). The valence band, survey, V 2p, V 3p, O 1s, P 2p, P 2s, and C 1s are reported.
Sodium Pyrophosphate Decahydrate (Na4P2O7⋅10H2O) by XPS
Authors: Gaskell Karen J. , Asunskis Amy L. , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: March 2004

We report the XPS spectra of sodium pyrophosphate. XPS spectra were collected with a VSW HA150 x-ray photoelectron spectrometer using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. Monochromatic radiation provides a distinct clarity to the rich peak structure in the valence band of sodium pyrophosphate due to the absence of interfering x-ray satellites from the intense O 2s region. The features seen in the valence band are unique to the (P2O7)4− ion and therefore provide a means for distinguishing this compound from chemically similar compounds such as other phosphates. The valence band, survey, Na 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2s, P 2p, and Na 2s levels are reported.
Sodium Polyphosphate (Na4P4O12) by XPS
Authors: Gaskell Karen J. , Asunskis Amy L. , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: March 2004

We report the XPS spectra of sodium polyphosphate. XPS spectra were collected with a VSW HA150 x-ray photoelectron spectrometer using monochromatic Al Kα x-radiation. Monochromatic radiation provides a distinct clarity to the rich peak structure in the valence band of sodium polyphosphate due to the absence of interfering x-ray satellites from the intense O 2s region. The features seen in the valence band are unique to the (P4O12)4− ion and therefore provide a means for distinguishing this compound from chemically similar compounds such as other phosphates. The valence band, survey, Na 1s, O 1s, C 1s, P 2s, P 2p, and Na 2s levels are reported.
Analysis of 5-chloro-8-methoxy-2-(bromomethyl)quinoline by XPS
Authors: Thomson Jeff , Stoker Josh , Bunker Jared , Agbonkonkon Nosa , Iyer Gayathri , Todd Bronson R. , Savage Paul B. , Linford Matthew R. , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: March 2004

Macrocyclic ethers are used extensively for their ability to form strong and selective interactions with charged species. It has been shown that the incorporation of heterocyclic groups into macrocylclic ethers increase rigidity and interaction with certain ions. Alkylation of these azacrowns with benzylic halides can attach fluorionophoric substituents onto the ring. One of the molecules used for this alkylation is 5-chloro-8-methoxy-2-(bromomethyl)quinoline. Azacrowns with this alkyl ligand have displayed interesting ion complexation properties.
Fe10Cr and Fe15Cr as Standards for Stainless Steel Surface Characterization, by XPS
Authors: Addari Danilo , Atzei Davide , Elsener Bernhard , Rossi Antonella
Published: March 2004

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterize thin oxide/hydroxide films present on the surface of stainless steels after mechanical polishing and electrochemical polarization. In this work the XPS spectra of Fe10Cr and Fe15Cr were collected after mechanical polishing and sputtering in order to determine the fitting parameters of the two major alloy elements, i.e., iron and chromium.
Egg Drop Competition Involving Only Toothpicks and Glue
Authors: Houpt Stephen
Published: March 2004

The Winston Science Egg Drop Competition is held annually in November, one of a large group of science competitions organized by Lehman Marks of the Winston School in Dallas, TX. The rules for the competition state that the egg package may be constructed of toothpicks and glue only, with a mass limit of 50 g, not including the egg. Once the egg is placed inside the package, it is dropped from a height of 8 m. The winning entry is the one that makes impact in the least amount of time while still protecting the egg. Timing is electronic.
Variations on the Frictionless Inclined Plane Problem
Authors: McCall Richard P.
Published: March 2004

Most introductory physics texts1 describe the motion of an object moving down an inclined plane. Different types of objects such as blocks sliding, balls or cylinders rolling,2 or boxes tumbling3 down the incline have been investigated in depth. One study4 looked at a block sliding down an inclined plane with the plane resting on a frictionless surface. Another study5 shows a calculation of the maximum horizontal speed of a ball rolling down an incline as a function of the angle of inclination of the plane. In this paper we present calculations of the time required for an object to slide down a frictionless inclined plane as a function of the angle of inclination. In addition, we include variations of this problem in which the length of the incline is changed.
Analysis of a Projectile Motion Problem in a Free-Fall Frame
Authors: Smith Daniel M.
Published: March 2004

Recently a problem in projectile motion was posed by Hewitt1 and later analyzed by Pratt2 in this journal. Briefly stated, the problem is as follows: At what angle should a spring-loaded gun at P (see Fig. 1) be aimed to hit a target at position 0 if one has previously fired the gun directly at the target and missed it by a distance y below the target? Pratt's analysis of the problem can be greatly simplified by considering the problem in a free-fall (or free-float) frame,3 like that attached to a freely falling elevator.
Floating Magnets as Two-Dimensional Atomic Models
Authors: Riveros Héctor G. , Cabrera Enrique , Fujioka Jorge
Published: March 2004

The equilibrium configurations (ECs) of any mechanical system made up of interacting parts (when the interactions are due to conservative forces) always correspond to configurations for which the potential energy of the system reaches an extremum (usually a minimum). This idea, although very simple, is extremely useful in understanding a variety of processes that are physically important. The formation of small (and not so small) clusters of atoms is predicted and explained by means of sophisticated algorithms designed to calculate very rapidly the minimum energy configuration of the system.1 In crystal growth, the early stages of nucleation are understood by minimum energy considerations. The structure of molecules is also calculated with programs that minimize the potential energy.2 The crystalline structure of solids is also shown to correspond to minimum energy configurations.