bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable harvesting of non‐timber forest products based on ecological and economic criteria
Authors: Hernández‐Barrios Juan C. , Anten Niels P. R. , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel
Published: December 2014

Harvesting of highly valuable non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) has been considered a win‐win strategy where local people profit while conserving forest biodiversity ecosystem services. Nevertheless the sustainability ofNTFPharvesting has been debated as the nature ofNTFPs harvesting regimes scale of commercialization are highly heterogeneous, few studies have evaluated the cumulative ecological economic effects of such regimes. Here we assessed the medium‐term (10 years) sustainability ofNTFPharvesting usingChamaedoreapalm leaves a majorNTFPfrom Mesoamerica that is highly valued in the international floral industry as a case study.

We used an experimental ecological study and an economic assessment to analyse the sustainability of leaf harvesting inC. ernesti‐augustii. A 4‐year leaf removal experiment was conducted to assess effects of increasing levels of defoliation (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% leaf removal, biannually) on palm survivorship, leaf production and leaf quality. Results of this experiment were combined with estimations of harvest economic value to make projections of the availability of leaves and profit per unit area. Finally, we determined harvesting regimes that maximize profit while maintaining medium‐term viability of exploited populations.

Palms tolerated up to 50% chronic defoliation, but higher defoliation levels reduced survivorship, leaf production and leaf quality. In the long term, this 50% defoliation level maximized harvest volume and profit without significantly affecting palm survival and leaf quality. Our results show that harvesters face the dilemma of either maximizing short‐term income leading to rapid exhaustion of stocks, or maintaining exploited populations but maximizing income in the long term.

Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that intermediate harvesting levels (≤50% leaf removal) are needed to achieve long‐term sustainability ofChamaedoreapalm leaves. Results of this study have an immediate application for the amendment of the official Mexican law, which enables higher harvesting intensities ofChamaedorealeaves, and for the design of sustainable management strategies. Applications of such strategies should consider community‐based management, fair markets, regulating norms, as well as a thorough communication among stakeholders.
Smooth brome invasion increases rare soil bacterial species prevalence, bacterial species richness and evenness
Authors: Piper Candace L. , Siciliano Steven D. , Winsley Tristrom , Lamb Eric G.
Published: December 2014

Plant and soil communities are tightly linked, but the mechanisms by which the invasion of an exotic plant and the resulting shifts in plant diversity and productivity influence soil bacterial community structure remain poorly understood.

We investigated the effects of invasive smooth brome (Bromus inermis) on grassland soil bacterial community structure using massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to determine bacterial community richness, evenness, composition and beta diversity (UniFrac indices) of soils collected along a gradient of smooth brome abundance. We evaluated several hypotheses including: (a) that the declines in native plant diversity associated with smooth brome invasion would cause declines in bacterial community diversity and (b) that mechanisms driving smooth brome effects on bacterial community structure involved altered soil edaphic properties rather than preferential invasion in areas of high soil nitrogen and distinct soil microbial communities.

Smooth brome invasion led to increased soil nitrogen, soil carbon and root biomass. Bacterial evenness and bacterial richness increased with increasing smooth brome cover, while bacterial beta diversity declined. We found no evidence of a dominant direct link between the alteration of soil edaphic properties by brome and the changes in the soil bacterial community. Rather, the main controls on the soil bacterial community were direct effects of pH and smooth brome that could not be linked to the edaphic changes. The most important effect of brome on the bacterial community was the selective suppression of dominant bacterial species, which allowed rarer bacteria to increase in relative abundance.

Synthesis. Here, we show that plant community composition influences bacterial community structure at a very fine scale, but that these changes are not due to altered soil total nitrogen or carbon content. The dominant direct effect of smooth brome invasion on soil communities suggests non‐edaphic, that is inter‐ and intratrophic, interactions among smooth brome and non‐bacterial components of the soil ecosystem are key drivers of soil community structure.
Nursing Diagnoses in Inpatient Psychiatry
Authors: Frauenfelder Fritz , van Achterberg Theo , Needham Ian , Müller Staub Maria
Published: December 2014

Purpose

This study explored how well NANDA‐I covers the reality of adult inpatient psychiatric nursing care.

Methods

Patient observations documented by registered nurses in records were analyzed using content analysis and mapped with the classification NANDA‐I.

Findings

A total of 1,818 notes were examined and contained 46 different patient responses. Twenty‐nine patient responses were recognizable as NANDA‐I diagnoses at the level of definitions, 15 as diagnoses‐related factors, and 12 did not match with any NANDA‐I diagnosis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that NANDA‐I describes the adult inpatient psychiatric nursing care to a large extent. Nevertheless, further development of the classification is important.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The results of this study will spur nursing research and further classification development.
Red cell transfusion and the immune system
Authors: Hart S. , Cserti‐Gazdewich C. M. , McCluskey S. A.
Published: December 2014

Understanding the complex immunological consequences of red cell transfusion is essential if we are to use this valuable resource wisely and safely. The decision to transfuse red cells should be made after serious considerations of the associated risks and benefits. Immunological risks of transfusion include major incompatibility reactions and transfusion‐related acute lung injury, while other immunological insults such as transfusion‐related immunomodulation are relatively underappreciated. Red cell transfusions should be acknowledged as immunological exposures, with consequences weighed against expected benefits. This article reviews immunological consequences and the emerging evidence that may inform risk‐benefit considerations in clinical practice.
Management of peri‐operative anti‐thrombotic therapy
Authors: van Veen J. J. , Makris M.
Published: December 2014

The management of antithrombotic therapy in the peri‐operative setting is a common problem, balancing haemorrhagic risk with continued treatment and thrombotic risk when discontinued. High‐quality evidence is lacking regarding the optimal approach for patients on oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. This review discusses the available evidence for the management of patients on warfarin, non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs, and antiplatelet therapy in the peri‐operative setting. Bridging therapy for patients on warfarin should be considered for those at highest risk of thrombosis, whereas it may not be necessary for those on non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant drugs given the reduced time off anticoagulation and their more predictable pharmacokinetics. Aspirin can be continued for most procedures. Dual antiplatelet agents for patients with a recently inserted coronary artery stent should be continued if possible but decisions should be individualised and taken after multidisciplinary discussion.
Management of traumatic haemorrhage – the European perspective
Authors: Schöchl H. , Voelckel W. , Schlimp C. J.
Published: December 2014

Trauma‐induced coagulopathy represents a life‐threatening complication in severely injured patients. To avoid exsanguination, rapid surgical bleeding control coupled with immediate and aggressive haemostatic treatment is mandatory. In most trauma centres, coagulation therapy is established with transfusion of high volumes of fresh frozen plasma. Due to logistic issues, only busy trauma facilities store pre‐thawed plasma ready for immediate transfusion. Thus, substantial time delays have been reported between the first unit of red blood cells transfused and the administration of fresh frozen plasma. An alternative for rapid improvement of haemostatic capacity is purified coagulation factor concentrates. They contain a well‐defined concentration of coagulation proteins, carry a low risk for transfusion‐related lung injury and virus transmission, and are available for immediate use without the need for blood group matching. In some European trauma centres, treatment algorithms have been developed for the administration of coagulation factor concentrates based on visco‐elastic test results.
Effects of dietary star anise (Illicium verum Hook f) supplementation during gestation and lactation on the performance of lactating multiparous sows and nursing piglets
Authors: Wang Gong Ying , Yang ChongWu , Yang Zaibin , Yang Weiren , Jiang Shuzhen , Zhang Guiguo , Guo Yixuan , Wei Maolian
Published: December 2014

Thirty‐two sows were allocated to four treatments to evaluate the effect of dietary star anise (SA) supplementation during gestation and lactation on the lactational performance of sows. At 85 days of gestation, sows were randomly allotted to one of two diets supplemented with 0.5% SA or basal diet. After farrowing, sows were further allotted to one of two lactation diets supplemented with 0.5% SA or basal diet. On a weekly basis, body weight (BW) of sows and piglets was measured. Blood and milk samples were obtained from the sows and piglets. Number of days from weaning to estrus, milk yield and feed intake were also recorded. Weight gain of piglets from sows fed the SA‐supplemented diet during lactation was greater between days 7 and 14, days 14 and 21 and the overall experimental period compared with control groups. Supplementation of SA during lactation improved weaning weight of piglets, milk yield and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows. The SA diet increased concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) in ordinary milk and prolactin (PRL) in serum of sows. In conclusion, this study has indicated the beneficial effects of dietary SA addition in improving the lactation performance of sows.
Effects of nitrate addition to a diet on fermentation and microbial populations in the rumen of goats, with special reference to Selenomonas ruminantium having the ability to reduce nitrate and nitrite
Authors: Asanuma Narito , Yokoyama Shota , Hino Tsuneo
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the effects of dietary nitrate addition on ruminal fermentation characteristics and microbial populations in goats. The involvement of Selenomonas ruminantium in nitrate and nitrite reduction in the rumen was also examined. As the result of nitrate feeding, the total concentration of ruminal volatile fatty acids decreased, whereas the acetate : propionate ratio and the concentrations of ammonia and lactate increased. Populations of methanogens, protozoa and fungi, as estimated by real‐time PCR, were greatly decreased as a result of nitrate inclusion in the diet. There was modest or little impact of nitrate on the populations of prevailing species or genus of bacteria in the rumen, whereas Streptococcus bovis and S. ruminantium significantly increased. Both the activities of nitrate reductase (NaR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) per total mass of ruminal bacteria were increased by nitrate feeding. Quantification of the genes encoding NaR and NiR by real‐time PCR with primers specific for S. ruminantium showed that these genes were increased by feeding nitrate, suggesting that the growth of nitrate‐ and nitrite‐reducing S. ruminantium is stimulated by nitrate addition. Thus, S. ruminantium is likely to play a major role in nitrate and nitrite reduction in the rumen.
A comparative study of zinc protoporphyrin IX‐forming properties of animal by‐products as sources for improving the color of meat products
Authors: Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Murakami Naoko , Nishimura Takanori
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to obtain fundamental data for improving the color of meat products by using animal by‐products. We investigated zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP)‐forming properties of various internal organs from pigs and chickens. ZnPP was formed in the liver, heart and kidney, whereas the porcine spleen and bile, which are involved in the metabolism of heme, did not have ZnPP‐forming properties. The optimum pH values were different among the internal organs and the ZnPP‐forming properties of porcine organs were better than those of chicken organs. The porcine liver showed the greatest ZnPP‐forming properties among all of the internal organs investigated in this study. The optimum pH value for ZnPP formation in the liver was lower than that of skeletal muscle. Oxygen did not inhibit the formation of ZnPP in the liver, unlike in skeletal muscle. Animal by‐products such as the liver have good ability for the formation of ZnPP and might be useful for improving the color of meat products.
The mussel filter–pump – present understanding, with a re‐examination of gill preparations
Authors: Riisgård Hans Ulrik , Funch Peter , Larsen Poul S.
Published: December 2014

Filter feeding in mussels is a secondary adaptation where the gills have become W‐shaped and greatly enlarged, acting as the mussel filter–pump. Water pumping and particle capture in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, have been studied over many years. Here, we give a short status of the present understanding of ciliary structure and function of the mussel filter–pump, supplemented with new photo‐microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures of gill preparations. Pumping rate (filtration) and pressure to maintain flow have been extensively studied so the power delivered by the mussel pump to the water flow is known (1.1% of total respiratory power), but the actual cost based on gill respiration is much higher (19%), implying that the cost of maintaining of the large gill pump is considerable and that only relatively little energy can be saved by stopping or reducing the activity of the water‐pumping cilia so that continuous feeding with a ‘minimal scaled’ pump is cheaper than discontinuous feeding with a correspondingly larger pump. According to the present view, the pump proper is the beating lateral cilia (lc) on the gill filaments and particle capture is accomplished by the action of laterofrontal cirri (lfc) transferring particles from the main water current to the frontal gill filament currents driven by frontal cilia (fc). Unexplained aspects include retention efficiency according to particle size and the role of pro‐laterofrontal cilia (p‐lfc) placed between the lfc and fc. The structure of cilia and the mode of ciliary beating have been re‐examined in this study by new high‐resolution light and scanning electron microscopy of isolated gill preparations exposed to serotonin (5‐HT) stimulation which can activate the lc and lfc at low concentrations (10−6 M), but removes the lfc from the interfilament canals at higher concentrations (10−5 M).
In Rasmussen Encephalitis, Hemichannels Associated with Microglial Activation are linked to Cortical Pyramidal Neuron Coupling: A Possible Mechanism for Cellular Hyperexcitability
Authors: Cepeda Carlos , Chang Julia W. , Owens Geoffrey C. , Huynh My N. , Chen Jane Y. , Tran Conny , Vinters Harry V. , Levine Michael S. , Mathern Gary W.
Published: December 2014

Aims

Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a rare but devastating condition, mainly in children, characterized by sustained brain inflammation, atrophy of one cerebral hemisphere, epilepsy, and progressive cognitive deterioration. The etiology of RE‐induced seizures associated with the inflammatory process remains unknown.

Methods

Cortical tissue samples from children undergoing surgical resections for the treatment of RE (n = 16) and non‐RE (n = 12) were compared using electrophysiological, morphological, and immunohistochemical techniques to examine neuronal properties and the relationship with microglial activation using the specific microglia/macrophage calcium‐binding protein, IBA1 in conjunction with connexins and pannexin expression.

Results

Compared with non‐RE cases, pyramidal neurons from RE cases displayed increased cell capacitance and reduced input resistance. However, neuronal somatic areas were not increased in size. Instead, intracellular injection of biocytin led to increased dye coupling between neurons from RE cases. By Western blot, expression of IBA1 and pannexin was increased while connexin 32 was decreased in RE cases compared with non‐RE cases. IBA1 immunostaining overlapped with pannexin and connexin 36 in RE cases.

Conclusions

In RE, these results support the notion that a possible mechanism for cellular hyperexcitability may be related to increased intercellular coupling from pannexin linked to increased microglial activation. Such findings suggest that a possible antiseizure treatment for RE may involve the use of gap junction blockers.
A Tale of Two Factions: Why and When Factional Demographic Faultlines Hurt Board Performance
Authors: Veltrop Dennis B. , Hermes Niels , Postma Theo J. B. M. , de Haan Jakob
Published: December 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

The authors posit that to understand the effects of board demographic diversity on board performance, it is critical to recognize that board members often do not come to a board as independent entities but rather as delegates of specific interest groups so that the board has factions. The authors propose that demographic differences between these factions are likely to negatively affect board performance through social categorization processes.

Research Findings/Insight

A study of 318 Dutch pension fund boards shows that factional demographic faultlines negatively affect board performance, measured as perceived board effectiveness, and financial return on investment, through the perception of board members that the board is split into factional subgroups (i.e., faultline activation). At the same time, the disruptive effects from factional demographic faultlines are found to be reduced by board reflexivity.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Based on social categorization theory, this study shows that demographic faultlines between factions affect board performance to the extent that the faultlines are activated. If unnoticed by board members, demographic faultlines are unlikely to influence board behavior. The attenuating effect of board reflexivity underlines the importance of insight into the factors that drive social categorization within boards.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Practitioners should be aware that although factional demographic faultlines can be disruptive, there are ways to reduce these negative aspects. By overtly reflecting on board processes, board members can prevent factional demographic faultlines from resulting in social categorization within boards.
Packet randomized experiments for eliminating classes of confounders
Authors: Pavela Greg , Wiener Howard , Fontaine Kevin R. , Fields David A. , Voss Jameson D. , Allison David B.
Published: December 2014

Background

Although randomization is considered essential for causal inference, it is often not possible to randomize in nutrition and obesity research. To address this, we develop a framework for an experimental design—packet randomized experiments (PREs), which improves causal inferences when randomization on a single treatment variable is not possible. This situation arises when subjects are randomly assigned to a condition (such as a new roommate) which varies in one characteristic of interest (such as weight), but also varies across many others. There has been no general discussion of this experimental design, including its strengths, limitations, and statistical properties. As such, researchers are left to develop and apply PREs on an ad hoc basis, limiting its potential to improve causal inferences among nutrition and obesity researchers.

Methods

We introduce PREs as an intermediary design between randomized controlled trials and observational studies. We review previous research that used the PRE design and describe its application in obesity‐related research, including random roommate assignments, heterochronic parabiosis, and the quasi‐random assignment of subjects to geographic areas. We then provide a statistical framework to control for potential packet‐level confounders not accounted for by randomization.

Results

Packet randomized experiments have successfully been used to improve causal estimates of the effect of roommates, altitude, and breastfeeding on weight outcomes. When certain assumptions are met, PREs can asymptotically control for packet‐level characteristics. This has the potential to statistically estimate the effect of a single treatment even when randomization to a single treatment did not occur.

Conclusions

Applying PREs to obesity‐related research will improve decisions about clinical, public health, and policy actions insofar as it offers researchers new insight into cause and effect relationships among variables.
Dark diversity in dry calcareous grasslands is determined by dispersal ability and stress‐tolerance
Authors: Riibak Kersti , Reitalu Triin , Tamme Riin , Helm Aveliina , Gerhold Pille , Znamenskiy Sergey , Bengtsson Karin , Rosén Ejvind , Prentice Honor C. , Pärtel Meelis
Published: December 2014

Temperate calcareous grasslands are characterized by high levels of species richness at small spatial scales. Nevertheless, many species from a habitat‐specific regional species pool may be absent from local communities and represent the ‘dark diversity’ of these sites. Here we investigate dry calcareous grasslands in northern Europe to determine what proportion of the habitat‐specific species pool is realized at small scales (i.e. how the community completeness varies) and which mechanisms may be contributing to the relative sizes of the observed and dark diversity. We test whether the absence of particular species in potentially suitable grassland sites is a consequence of dispersal limitation and/or a low ability to tolerate stress (e.g. drought and grazing).

We analysed a total of 1223 vegetation plots (1 × 1 m) from dry calcareous grasslands in Sweden, Estonia and western Russia. The species co‐occurrence approach was used to estimate the dark diversity for each plot. We calculated the maximum dispersal distance for each of the 291 species in our dataset by using simple plant traits (dispersal syndrome, growth form and seed characteristics). Large seed size was used as proxy for small seed number; tall plant height and low S‐strategy type scores were used to characterise low stress‐tolerance.

Levels of small‐scale community completeness were relatively low (more species were absent than present) and varied between the grasslands in different geographic areas. Species in the dark diversity were generally characterized by shorter dispersal distances and greater seed weight (fewer seeds) than species in the observed diversity. Species within the dark diversity were generally taller and had a lower tolerance of stressful conditions.

We conclude that, even if temperate grasslands have high levels of small‐scale plant diversity, the majority of potentially suitable species in the regional species pool may be absent as a result of dispersal limitation and low stress‐tolerance.
Influence of melaleuca and copaiba oils on Candida albicans adhesion
Authors: Tobouti Priscila Lie , Mussi Maria Carolina Martins , Rossi Diego Conrado Pereira , Pigatti Fernanda Mombrini , Taborda Carlos Pelleschi , de Assis Taveira Luiz Antônio , de Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado
Published: December 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Melaleuca alternifolia and Copaifera officinalis in inhibiting the adhesion of Candida albicans biofilm.

Background

Over 65% of denture wearers suffer from denture stomatitis, which is one of the most prevalent forms of oral candidiasis. This disease is characterised by the inflammation of the oral mucosa in contact with the contaminated denture. The contaminated denture contributes to the switch of C. albicans from yeast to its pathogenic hyphal form. Candida albicans adheres and colonises the polymethylmethacrylate resin surfaces and thus contributes to the development of denture stomatitis.

Materials and methods

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of M. alternifolia and Co. officinalis was assessed by the agar dilution method. Sixty‐six thermopolymerised acrylic resin squares were used and treated with phosphate‐buffered saline, sodium hypochlorite 1%, melaleuca 0.75%, melaleuca 0.375%, melaleuca 0.188% and copaiba 10%. For adherence and biofilm formation, the treated squares were placed in six‐well tissue culture plates containing 1 × 107 cells/ml of ATCC1023 or SC5314 in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, and after 12 h, the planktonic cells were counted.

Results

Copaiba oil did not inhibit C. albicans growth. However, melaleuca oil showed an MIC value of 0.375% (3.4 mg/ml) for ATCC10231 and 0.093% (0.84 mg/ml) for SC5314.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that M. alternifolia oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans. Moreover, both oils promoted significant adhesion reduction in the tested strains. These findings suggest the possibility of using these oils in prophylaxes against candidiasis.
Up‐regulation of HP1γ expression during neuronal maturation promotes axonal and dendritic development in mouse embryonic neocortex
Authors: Oshiro Hiroaki , Hirabayashi Yusuke , Furuta Yasuhide , Okabe Shigeo , Gotoh Yukiko
Published: December 2014

Immature neurons undergo morphological and physiological changes including axonal and dendritic development to establish neuronal networks. As the transcriptional status changes at a large number of genes during neuronal maturation, global changes in chromatin modifiers may take place in this process. We now show that the amount of heterochromatin protein 1γ (HP1γ) increases during neuronal maturation in the mouse neocortex. Knockdown of HP1γ suppressed axonal and dendritic development in mouse embryonic neocortical neurons in culture, and either knockdown or knockout of HP1γ impaired the projection of callosal axons of superficial layer neurons to the contralateral hemisphere in the developing neocortex. Conversely, forced expression of HP1γ facilitated axonal and dendritic development, suggesting that the increase of HP1γ is a rate limiting step in neuronal maturation. These results together show an important role for HP1γ in promoting axonal and dendritic development in maturing neurons.
Big Data: A Big Mistake?
Authors: Harford Tim
Published: December 2014

Economist, journalist and broadcaster Tim Harford delivered the 2014 Significance lecture at the Royal Statistical Society International Conference. In this article, republished from the Financial Times, Harford warns us not to forget the statistical lessons of the past as we rush to embrace the big data future
High Transparency Nd: Y2O3 Ceramics Prepared with La2O3 and ZrO2 Additives
Authors: Zhang Lei , Huang Zuocai , Pan Wei
Published: December 2014

High transparency Nd: Y2O3 ceramics were prepared by vacuum sintering with La2O3 and ZrO2 sintering additives. The optimum in‐line transmittance of the sintered Nd: Y2O3 is 80.98% at the wavelength of 1100 nm, for which the content of La2O3 and ZrO2 are 10.0 and 3.0 at.%, respectively. This specimen demonstrates homogeneous microstructure with the average grain size of 8.3 μm. The mechanism of sintering with La2O3 and ZrO2 aids and the optical properties was discussed. The absorption, emission cross section, and fluorescence lifetime have been estimated as 1.62 × 10−20 cm2, 5.13 × 10−20 cm2, and 232 μs, respectively. Vickers hardness and the fracture toughness were measured of 9.18 GPa and 1.03 Mpa·m1/2, respectively. All the results indicate that Nd: Y2O3 transparent ceramic is a promising candidate for laser material.
The rhetoric of patient and family centred care: an institutional ethnography into what actually happens
Authors: Rankin Janet M.
Published: December 2014

Aims

This paper uses Dorothy Smith's institutional ethnography to examine technological advances designed to improve nurses’ work. The analysis interrogates how nurses’ work is coordinated, in disquieting ways, in an apparent commitment to ‘patient and family centred care’.

Background

The discussion is part of a larger programme of research that focuses ethnographic attention on nurses’ activating technological managerial improvement strategies.

Design

This discussion paper describes suboptimal hospital experiences to show how they were organized. The institutional ethnographic analysis addresses discrepancies that arise between the different organizational standpoints. Overall the discussion focuses on how institutional ethnographers enquire into people's everyday activities to discover and make understandable, in the material world, what actually happens that shapes them.

Data sources

Data include observations and interviews with nurses, nurse managers, patients and families. It also includes screenshots of computer fields and other documents being used by nurses.

Implications for nursing

Nursing work is methodically being oriented to interests that undermine nurses’ capacity to contribute their knowledgeable activity to intervene in people's health and well‐being.

Conclusion

Nurses’ work is overwhelmed with the imperative to discharge patients. This happens with an ideological construction of patient centred care that obscures what is actually happening.
On feeling good at work: the role of regulatory mode and passion in psychological adjustment
Authors: Bélanger Jocelyn J. , Pierro Antonio , Kruglanski Arie W. , Vallerand Robert J. , De Carlo Nicola , Falco Alessandra
Published: December 2014

The major postulate of this work is that regulatory modes influence the type of passion people experience with regard to an activity, which in turn influences their psychological adjustment. Integrating regulatory mode theory and the dualistic model of passion, we hypothesized that locomotion—associated with intrinsic and autonomous motivations—would positively predict harmonious passion, which in turn would enhance workers' psychological adjustment. In contrast, we hypothesized that assessment—associated with extrinsic and non‐autonomous motivations—would positively predict obsessive passion, which in turn would reduce workers' psychological adjustment. Two field studies supported these hypotheses with psychological adjustment measures of stress (Study 1) and burnout (Study 2) in different work contexts.
Methods to calibrate and scale axial distances in confocal microscopy as a function of refractive index
Authors: BESSELING T.H. , JOSE J. , BLAADEREN A. VAN
Published: December 2014

Accurate distance measurement in 3D confocal microscopy is important for quantitative analysis, volume visualization and image restoration. However, axial distances can be distorted by both the point spread function (PSF) and by a refractive‐index mismatch between the sample and immersion liquid, which are difficult to separate. Additionally, accurate calibration of the axial distances in confocal microscopy remains cumbersome, although several high‐end methods exist. In this paper we present two methods to calibrate axial distances in 3D confocal microscopy that are both accurate and easily implemented. With these methods, we measured axial scaling factors as a function of refractive‐index mismatch for high‐aperture confocal microscopy imaging. We found that our scaling factors are almost completely linearly dependent on refractive index and that they were in good agreement with theoretical predictions that take the full vectorial properties of light into account. There was however a strong deviation with the theoretical predictions using (high‐angle) geometrical optics, which predict much lower scaling factors. As an illustration, we measured the PSF of a correctly calibrated point‐scanning confocal microscope and showed that a nearly index‐matched, micron‐sized spherical object is still significantly elongated due to this PSF, which signifies that care has to be taken when determining axial calibration or axial scaling using such particles.
Quantitative positron emission tomography of mGluR5 in rat brain with [18F]PSS232 at minimal invasiveness and reduced model complexity
Authors: Müller Herde Adrienne , Keller Claudia , Milicevic Sephton Selena , Mu Linjing , Schibli Roger , Ametamey Simon M. , Krämer Stefanie D.
Published: December 2014

Imaging the density of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in brain by positron emission tomography (PET) is of interest in relation to several brain disorders. We have recently introduced [18F]PSS232, an F‐18‐labeled analog of the mGluR5‐targeting [11C]ABP688. Quantitative PET requires kinetic modeling with an input function (IF) or an appropriate reference tissue model. We aimed at minimizing invasiveness of IF recording in rat and employing this protocol for mGluR5 quantitative PET with [18F]PSS232. We further aimed at defining models of low complexity for quantitative PET with [18F]PSS232. The IF was recorded in an arterio‐venous shunt applied by minimally invasive cannulation. PET data were analyzed with a modified two‐tissue compartment model including a single variable for radiometabolite correction in brain. We further evaluated a simple reference tissue model. Receptor‐dependent accumulation was similar to [11C]ABP688 at lower unspecific accumulation of unchanged [18F]PSS232, in agreement with its higher plasma protein binding and lower lipophilicity. The minimally invasive protocol revealed similar results as the invasive shunt method and parameters calculated with the modified two‐tissue compartment model were similar to those calculated with the standard model. The simple area under the curve ratios agreed with the Logan reference method. [18F]PSS232 is a promising radioligand for mGluR5 quantification.

image

Methods were evaluated to quantify mGluR5 in rat brain by PET with [18F]PSS232. We present a minimally invasive protocol for input function recording. A two‐tissue compartment model correcting for radiometabolites at reduced complexity is compared with the standard model. Finally, we demonstrate and explain why for [18F]PSS232 the area‐under‐the‐curve ratio is a valid alternative to the Logan reference tissue analysis.
Sigma receptor 1 activation attenuates release of inflammatory cytokines MIP1γ, MIP2, MIP3α, and IL12 (p40/p70) by retinal Müller glial cells
Authors: Shanmugam Arul , Wang Jing , Markand Shanu , Perry Richard L. , Tawfik Amany , Zorrilla Eric , Ganapathy Vadivel , Smith Sylvia B.
Published: December 2014

The high‐affinity sigma receptor 1 (σR1) ligand (+)‐pentazocine ((+)‐PTZ) affords profound retinal neuroprotection in vitro and in vivo by a yet‐unknown mechanism. A common feature of retinal disease is Müller cell reactive gliosis, which includes cytokine release. Here, we investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates cytokine release by primary mouse Müller cells and whether (+)‐PTZ alters release. Using a highly sensitive inflammatory antibody array we observed significant release of macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP1γ, MIP2, MIP3α) and interleukin‐12 (IL12 (p40/p70)) in LPS‐treated cells compared to controls, and a significant decrease in secretion upon (+)‐PTZ treatment. Müller cells from σR1 knockout mice demonstrated increased MIP1γ, MIP2, MIP3α and IL12 (p40/p70) secretion when exposed to LPS compared to LPS‐stimulated WT cells. We investigated whether cytokine secretion was accompanied by cytosolic‐to‐nuclear NFκB translocation and whether endothelial cell adhesion/migration was altered by released cytokines. Cells exposed to LPS demonstrated increased NFκB nuclear location, which was reduced significantly in (+)‐PTZ‐treated cells. Media conditioned by LPS‐stimulated‐Müller cells induced leukocyte‐endothelial cell adhesion and endothelial cell migration, which was attenuated by (+)‐PTZ treatment. The findings suggest that release of certain inflammatory cytokines by Müller cells can be attenuated by σR1 ligands providing insights into the retinal neuroprotective role of this receptor.

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A common feature of retinal disease is Müller cell reactive gliosis, which includes cytokine release. To understand how sigma receptor 1 (σR1) mediates neuroprotection, we examined the effects of a high‐affinity σR1 ligand, (+)‐pentazocine, on LPS‐stimulated cytokine release in primary mouse retinal Müller glial cells. Under basal conditions, cytokine release was minimal. LPS stimulation markedly increased secretion of the cytokines MIP1γ, MIP2, MIP3α, IL12 (p40/p70), which was accompanied by a significant translocation of NFκB from cytoplasm to the nucleus. LPS‐treatment in the presence of (+)‐pentazocine markedly decreased cytokine release accompanied by a significant decrease in NFκB localized to the nucleus. IL, interleukin; MIP, macrophage inflammatory proteins.
Anatomy of nasal complex in the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis (Cetacea, Mysticeti)
Authors: Buono Mónica R. , Fernández Marta S. , Fordyce R. Ewan , Reidenberg Joy S.
Published: December 2014

The nasal region of the skull has undergone dramatic changes during the course of cetacean evolution. In particular, mysticetes (baleen whales) conserve the nasal mammalian pattern associated with the secondary function of olfaction, and lack the sound‐producing specializations present in odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises). To improve our understanding of the morphology of the nasal region of mysticetes, we investigate the nasal anatomy, osteology and myology of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, and make comparisons with other mysticetes. In E. australis external deflection surfaces around the blowholes appear to divert water off the head, and differ in appearance from those observed in balaenopterids, eschrichtiids and cetotherids. In E. australis the blowholes are placed above hypertrophied nasal soft tissues formed by fat and nasal muscles, a pattern also observed in balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes) and a cetotherid (pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata). Blowhole movements are due to the action of five nasofacial muscles: dilator naris superficialis, dilator naris profundus, depressor alae nasi, constrictor naris, and retractor alae nasi. The dilator naris profundus found in E. australis has not been previously reported in balaenopterids. The other nasofacial muscles have a similar arrangement in balaenopterids, with minor differences. A novel structure, not reported previously in any mysticete, is the presence of a vascular tissue (rete mirabile) covering the lower nasal passage. This vascular tissue could play a role in warming inspired air, or may engorge to accommodate loss of respiratory space volume due to gas compression from increased pressure during diving.
Estimation of skull table thickness with clinical CT and validation with microCT
Authors: Lillie Elizabeth M. , Urban Jillian E. , Weaver Ashley A. , Powers Alexander K. , Stitzel Joel D.
Published: December 2014

Brain injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes (MVC) are extremely common yet the details of the mechanism of injury remain to be well characterized. Skull deformation is believed to be a contributing factor to some types of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding biomechanical contributors to skull deformation would provide further insight into the mechanism of head injury resulting from blunt trauma. In particular, skull thickness is thought be a very important factor governing deformation of the skull and its propensity for fracture. Current computed tomography (CT) technology is limited in its ability to accurately measure cortical thickness using standard techniques. A method to evaluate cortical thickness using cortical density measured from CT data has been developed previously. This effort validates this technique for measurement of skull table thickness in clinical head CT scans using two postmortem human specimens. Bone samples were harvested from the skulls of two cadavers and scanned with microCT to evaluate the accuracy of the estimated cortical thickness measured from clinical CT. Clinical scans were collected at 0.488 and 0.625 mm in plane resolution with 0.625 mm thickness. The overall cortical thickness error was determined to be 0.078 ± 0.58 mm for cortical samples thinner than 4 mm. It was determined that 91.3% of these differences fell within the scanner resolution. Color maps of clinical CT thickness estimations are comparable to color maps of microCT thickness measurements, indicating good quantitative agreement. These data confirm that the cortical density algorithm successfully estimates skull table thickness from clinical CT scans. The application of this technique to clinical CT scans enables evaluation of cortical thickness in population‐based studies.
Youth Walking and Biking Rates Vary by Environments Around 5 Louisiana Schools
Authors: Gustat Jeanette , Richards Katherine , Rice Janet , Andersen Lori , Parker‐Karst Kathryn , Cole Shalanda
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity in children is high, and many do not meet physical activity recommendations. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program encourages school‐aged children to walk and bike to school. We assessed the condition of the walking/biking environment around schools in Louisiana prior to the state's first SRTS program.

METHODS

Assessments were made at the neighborhood level with the Pedestrian Environmental Data Scan (PEDS) instrument, and at the school and individual levels using the National SRTS Center's teacher tallies and parent surveys. PEDS scores were developed to rate conduciveness to walking/bicycling of proposed SRTS routes. Sites' scores were compared with the percentage of students who walk/bike to school. Five schools in Louisiana were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, more students walked (range: 2.4‐17.4%) than biked (range: 0.3‐4.5%) to school with more students walking home than to school. Predictors of walking/biking to school include distance from school, speed of traffic, school encouragement, and if a student asked permission. Sites with the highest PEDS score had the highest percentage of students who walked/biked to school.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a role and a need for the SRTS program. The environment and other factors influence biking and walking to school.
Finding the hotspots within a biodiversity hotspot: fine‐scale biological predictions within a submarine canyon using high‐resolution acoustic mapping techniques
Authors: Robert Katleen , Jones Daniel O.B. , Tyler Paul A. , Van Rooij David , Huvenne Veerle A.I.
Published: December 2014

Submarine canyons are complex geomorphological features that have been suggested as potential hotspots for biodiversity. However, few canyons have been mapped and studied at high resolution (tens of m). In this study, the four main branches of Whittard Canyon, Northeast Atlantic, were mapped using multibeam and sidescan sonars to examine which environmental variables were most useful in predicting regions of higher biodiversity. The acoustic maps obtained were ground truthed by 13 remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video transects at depths ranging from 650 to 4000 m. Over 100 h of video were collected, and used to identify and georeference megabenthic invertebrate species present within specific areas of the canyon. Both general additive models (GAMs) and random forest (RF) were used to build predictive maps for megafaunal abundance, species richness and biodiversity. Vertical walls had the highest diversity of organisms, particularly when colonized by cold‐water corals such as Lophelia pertusa and Solenosmilia variabilis. GAMs and RF gave different predictive maps and external assessment of predictions indicated that the most adequate technique varied based on the response variable considered. By using ensemble mapping approaches, results from more than one model were combined to identify vertical walls most likely to harbour a high biodiversity of organisms or cold‐water corals. Such vertical structures were estimated to represent less than 0.1% of the canyon's surface. The approach developed provides a cost‐effective strategy to facilitate the location of rare biological communities of conservation importance and guide further sampling efforts to help ensure that appropriate monitoring can be implemented.
The first use of Fulton's K for assessing and comparing the conditions of inter‐tidal fish populations
Authors: Barrett Chris J. , Johnson Magnus L. , Hall Nicola J. , Hull Sue L.
Published: December 2014

Fulton's K condition factor was applied, for the first time, to inter‐tidal specimens of the shanny (Lipophrys pholis) and long‐spined scorpion fish (Taurulus bubalis) from two English rocky shore and two Welsh rocky shore sites during summer 2010 and winter 2011. As both species contribute to the diet of commercial species such as cod (Gadus morhua) and near‐threatened species such as the European otter (Lutra lutra), their condition may affect that of these predators. Fulton's K found that inter‐tidal Welsh fish maintained a ‘good’ condition between seasons, whereas the inter‐tidal English fish were in a poorer condition during winter. Although condition also changed amongst the sites on each coast, further studies are needed into fish morphologies, environmental parameters, prey availabilities and abundances, and fish specimen sex and maturities.
A novel three‐component system‐based regulatory model for d‐xylose sensing and transport in Clostridium beijerinckii
Authors: Sun Zhe , Chen Yixiong , Yang Chen , Yang Sheng , Gu Yang , Jiang Weihong
Published: December 2014

d‐Xylose is the most abundant fermentable pentose in nature and can serve as a carbon source for many bacterial species. Since d‐xylose constitutes the major component of hemicellulose, its metabolism is important for lignocellulosic biomass utilization. Here, we report a six‐protein module for d‐xylose signaling, uptake and regulation in solvent‐producing Clostridium beijerinckii. This module consists of a novel ‘three‐component system’ (a putative periplasmic ABC transporter substrate‐binding protein XylFII and a two‐component system LytS/YesN) and an ABC‐type d‐xylose transporter XylFGH. Interestingly, we demonstrate that, although XylFII harbors a transmembrane domain, it is not involved in d‐xylose transport. Instead, XylFII acts as a signal sensor to assist the response of LytS/YesN to extracellular d‐xylose, thus enabling LytS/YesN to directly activate the transcription of the adjacent xylFGH genes and thereby promote the uptake of d‐xylose. To our knowledge, XylFII is a novel single transmembrane sensor that assists two‐component system to respond to extracellular sugar molecules. Also of significance, this ‘three‐component system’ is widely distributed in Firmicutes, indicating that it may play a broad role in this bacterial phylum. The results reported here provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of d‐xylose sensing and transport in bacteria.