bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric-pressure plasma-jet from micronozzle array and its biological effects on living cells for cancer therapy
Authors: Kim Kangil , Choi Jae Duk , Hong Yong Cheol , Kim Geunyoung , Noh Eun Joo , Lee Jong-Soo , Yang Sang Sik
Published: February 2011

We propose a plasma-jet device with a micrometer-sized nozzle array for use in a cancer therapy. Also, we show the biological effects of atmospheric-pressure plasma on living cells. Nitrogen-plasma activated a surrogate DNA damage signal transduction pathway, called the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-checkpoint kinase 2 pathway, suggesting that the nitrogen-plasma generates DNA double-strand breaks. Phosphorylation of H2AX and p53 was detected in the plasma-treated cells, leading to apoptotic cell death. Thus, an effect for the nitrogen plasma in the control of apoptotic cell death provides insight into the how biological effects of the nitrogen-plasma can be applied to the control of cell survival, a finding with potential therapeutic implications.
Experimental evidence of thermonuclear neutrons in a modified plasma focus
Authors: Klir D. , Kubes P. , Paduch M. , Pisarczyk T. , Chodukowski T. , Scholz M. , Kalinowska Z. , Zielinska E. , Bienkowska B. , Hitschfel J. , Jednorog S. , Karpinski L. , Kortanek J. , Kravarik J. , Rezac K. , Ivanova-Stanik I. , Tomaszewski K.
Published: February 2011

The PF-1000 plasma focus was modified by adding the cathode disk 3 cm in front of the anode. This modification facilitated the evaluation of neutron energy spectra. Two neutron pulses were distinguishable. As regards the first neutron pulse, it lasted 40 ns during the plasma stagnation and it demonstrated high isotropy of neutron emission. A peak neutron energy detected upstream was 2.46±0.02 MeV. The full width of neutron energy spectra of 90±20 keV enabled to calculate an ion temperature of 1.2 keV. These parameters and a neutron yield of 109 corresponded to theoretical predictions for thermonuclear neutrons.
The infrared spectra of C2H4+ and C2H3 trapped in solid neon
Authors: Jacox Marilyn E. , Thompson Warren E.
Published: February 2011

When a mixture of ethylene in a large excess of neon is codeposited at 4.3 K with a beam of neon atoms that have been excited in a microwave discharge, two groups of product absorptions appear in the infrared spectrum of the deposit. Similar studies using C2H4-1-13C and C2D4 aid in product identification. The first group of absorptions arises from a cation product which possesses two identical carbon atoms, giving the first infrared identification of two fundamentals of C2H4+ and three of C2D4+, as well as a tentative identification of ν9 of C2H4+. The positions of these absorptions are consistent with the results of density functional calculations and of earlier photoelectron studies. All of the members of the second group of product absorptions possess two inequivalent carbon atoms. They are assigned to the vinyl radical, C2H3, and to C2D3, in agreement with other recent infrared assignments for those species.
Template-assisted Synthesis of Polymer - Li Composites with Fractal Patterns
Authors: Tan Li , Wang Ge , Dong Wenjun , Yang Mu , Shan Jingning , Li Shasha
Published: February 2011

A facile route for the synthesis of polymer–lithium halide composites with fractal patterns ranging from the nano- to microscale has been developed by employing a two-step template-assisted approach at room temperature. First, polydimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA) is synthesized through the controlled polymerization of the monomers inside the interlayers of montmorillonite (MMT). Subsequently, the PDDA-MMT is used as a template to react with LiCl/THF solution. The polymer segments were separated from the MMT interlayer space by employing a reverse ion-exchange process. It was found that the morphology of the fractal patterns can be controlled by varying the polymerization concentration of the monomer. It is concluded that the limited polymerization of PDDA and the reverse ion-exchange process produce the non-equilibrium conditions that serve as the critical factors in forming the fractal patterns. The mechanism for the formation of the fractal structure is proposed and discussed in detail.
Copper(II) Complexes with cis-Epoxysuccinate Ligand: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Fang Shao-Ming , Sañudo E. Carolina , Hu Min , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Li-Ming , Liu Chun-Sen
Published: February 2011

Three CuII complexes with cis-epoxysuccinate ligand were synthesized and structurally characterized: [Cu(ces)(phen)]2 (1), [Cu(ces)(bpy)]2 (2), and {[Cu2(ces)(pp)2(CH3OH)]}∞ (3), (ces = cis-epoxysuccinate, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and pp = 3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole with pyrazolyl N-donor deprotonated). Structural analysis reveals that both 1 and 2 have the very similar dinuclear units that are extended by the intermolecular supramolecular interactions, such as C–H⋯O, C–H⋯π, and aromatic π⋯π stacking interactions, to give rise to the higher-dimensional frameworks. Complex 3 has a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure that is further assembled to form a three-dimensional framework by the inter-layer C–H⋯O hydrogen-bonding and C–H⋯π interactions. A structural comparison with those of our previous work in the absence of auxiliary co-ligand suggests that the introduction of 2,2′-bipyridyl-like molecules plays an important role in constructing the final structures of 1–3. Magnetic measurements demonstrate that 1 and 2 exhibit ferromagnetic coupling with the corresponding J values of 1.8 cm–1 for 1 and 1.5 cm–1 for 2, whereas 3 shows more complicated magnetic coupling.
Solving structure in the CP29 light harvesting complex with polarization-phased 2D electronic spectroscopy
Authors: Ginsberg Naomi S. , Davis Jeffrey A. , Ballottari Matteo , Cheng Yuan-Chung , Bassi Roberto , Fleming Graham R.
Published: February 2011

The CP29 light harvesting complex from green plants is a pigment-protein complex believed to collect, conduct, and quench electronic excitation energy in photosynthesis. We have spectroscopically determined the relative angle between electronic transition dipole moments of its chlorophyll excitation energy transfer pairs in their local protein environments without relying on simulations or an X-ray crystal structure. To do so, we measure a basis set of polarized 2D electronic spectra and isolate their absorptive components on account of the tensor relation between the light polarization sequences used to obtain them. This broadly applicable advance further enhances the acuity of polarized 2D electronic spectroscopy and provides a general means to initiate or feed back on the structural modeling of electronically-coupled chromophores in condensed phase systems, tightening the inferred relations between the spatial and electronic landscapes of ultrafast energy flow. We also discuss the pigment composition of CP29 in the context of light harvesting, energy channeling, and photoprotection within photosystem II.
Reprogramming of the paternal genome upon fertilization involves genome-wide oxidation of 5-methylcytosine
Authors: Iqbal Khursheed , Jin Seung-Gi , Pfeifer Gerd P. , Szabó Piroska E.
Published: February 2011

Genome-wide erasure of DNA cytosine-5 methylation has been reported to occur along the paternal pronucleus in fertilized oocytes in an apparently replication-independent manner, but the mechanism of this reprogramming process has remained enigmatic. Recently, considerable amounts of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), most likely derived from enzymatic oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) by TET proteins, have been detected in certain mammalian tissues. 5hmC has been proposed as a potential intermediate in active DNA demethylation. Here, we show that in advanced pronuclear-stage zygotes the paternal pronucleus contains substantial amounts of 5hmC but lacks 5mC. The converse is true for the maternal pronucleus, which retains 5mC but shows little or no 5hmC signal. Importantly, 5hmC persists into mitotic one-cell, two-cell, and later cleavage-stage embryos, suggesting that 5mC oxidation is not followed immediately by genome-wide removal of 5hmC through excision repair pathways or other mechanisms. This conclusion is supported by bisulfite sequencing data, which shows only limited conversion of modified cytosines to cytosines at several gene loci. It is likely that 5mC oxidation is carried out by the Tet3 oxidase.
Tet3
, but not
Tet1
or
Tet2
, was expressed at high levels in oocytes and zygotes, with rapidly declining levels at the two-cell stage. Our results show that 5mC oxidation is part of the early life cycle of mammals.
Bisubstrate specificity in histidine/tryptophan biosynthesis isomerase from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
by active site metamorphosis
Authors: Due Anne V. , Kuper Jochen , Geerlof Arie , Kries Jens Peter von , Wilmanns Matthias
Published: February 2011

In histidine and tryptophan biosynthesis, two related isomerization reactions are generally catalyzed by two specific single-substrate enzymes (HisA and TrpF), sharing a similar (
β
/
α
)
8
-barrel scaffold. However, in some actinobacteria, one of the two encoding genes (
trpF
) is missing and the two reactions are instead catalyzed by one bisubstrate enzyme (PriA). To unravel the unknown mechanism of bisubstrate specificity, we used the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
PriA enzyme as a model. Comparative structural analysis of the active site of the enzyme showed that PriA undergoes a reaction-specific and substrate-induced metamorphosis of the active site architecture, demonstrating its unique ability to essentially form two different substrate-specific actives sites. Furthermore, we found that one of the two catalytic residues in PriA, which are identical in both isomerization reactions, is recruited by a substrate-dependent mechanism into the active site to allow its involvement in catalysis. Comparison of the structural data from PriA with one of the two single-substrate enzymes (TrpF) revealed substantial differences in the active site architecture, suggesting independent evolution. To support these observations, we identified six small molecule compounds that inhibited both PriA-catalyzed isomerization reactions but had no effect on TrpF activity. Our data demonstrate an opportunity for organism-specific inhibition of enzymatic catalysis by taking advantage of the distinct ability for bisubstrate catalysis in the
M. tuberculosis
enzyme.
Purkinje cell-specific males absent on the first (
mMof
) gene deletion results in an ataxia-telangiectasia-like neurological phenotype and backward walking in mice
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Hunt Clayton R. , Gupta Arun , Nannepaga Suraj , Pandita Raj K. , Shay Jerry W. , Bachoo Robert , Ludwig Thomas , Burns Dennis K. , Pandita Tej K.
Published: February 2011

The brains of ataxia telangiectasia (AT) patients display an aberrant loss of Purkinje cells (PCs) that is postulated to contribute to the observed deficits in motor coordination as well as in learning and cognitive function. AT patients have mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (
ATM
) gene [Savitsky et al. (1995)
Science
268:1749–1753]. However, in
Atm
-deficient mice, the neurological defects are limited, and the PCs are not deformed or lost as observed in AT patients [Barlow et al. (1996)
Cell
86:159–171]. Here we report that PC-specific deletion of the mouse males absent on the first (
mMof
) gene (
Cre

−

), which encodes a protein that specifically acetylates histone H4 at lysine 16 (H4K16ac) and influences ATM function, is critical for PC longevity. Mice deficient for PC-specific Mof display impaired motor coordination, ataxia, a backward-walking phenotype, and a reduced life span. Treatment of
Mof
F/F
/
Pcp2-Cre
+
mice with histone deacetylase inhibitors modestly prolongs PC survival and delays death. Therefore, Mof expression and H4K16 acetylation are essential for PC survival and function, and their absence leads to PC loss and cerebellar dysfunction similar to that observed in AT patients.
Alloreactivity is limited by the endogenous peptide repertoire
Authors: Morris Gerald P. , Ni Peggy P. , Allen Paul M.
Published: February 2011

A significant portion of the naive T-cell repertoire is capable of responding to allogeneic MHC, violating the paradigm of self-MHC restriction. Recent studies have demonstrated convincing evidence for germ-line affinity of T-cell receptors (TCR) for MHC, providing explanation for recognition of MHC not encountered during thymic development. However, although germ-line affinity proposes all TCR have inherent affinity for MHC, most T cells are not alloreactive to a given MHC. We propose that specific recognition of endogenous presented peptides, rather than inability to interact with allogeneic MHC molecules, is the primary determinant of alloreactivity. Here, we demonstrate that alloreactive and nonalloreactive TCR differ specifically in the CDR3 sequences responsible primarily for the peptide specificity of T-cell recognition. Limitations on alloreactivity imposed by a requirement for recognition of presented peptides are directly demonstrated by expansion of the alloreactive T-cell repertoire through the addition of peptide mimotopes enabling response to two distinct allogeneic MHC by otherwise nonalloreactive T cells. Responses to peptide mimotopes were specific and depended on TCR interaction with MHC. These results demonstrate that recognition of presented endogenous peptides, and not the inability to interact with allogeneic MHC, is the primary limiter on alloreactivity. This observation reconciles the concept of an inherently MHC-reactive TCR repertoire with observed frequencies of T cells responding to allogeneic stimulation and underscores the fundamental nature of TCR recognition of ligands, where both MHC and presented peptides contribute critically to T-cell recognition.
Interleukin 6 signaling promotes anti-aquaporin 4 autoantibody production from plasmablasts in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Chihara Norio , Aranami Toshimasa , Sato Wakiro , Miyazaki Yusei , Miyake Sachiko , Okamoto Tomoko , Ogawa Masafumi , Toda Tatsushi , Yamamura Takashi
Published: February 2011

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease affecting the optic nerve and spinal cord, in which autoantibodies against aquaporin 4 (AQP4) water channel protein probably play a pathogenic role. Here we show that a B-cell subpopulation, exhibiting the CD19
int
CD27
high
CD38
high
CD180
−
phenotype, is selectively increased in the peripheral blood of NMO patients and that anti-AQP4 antibodies (AQP4-Abs) are mainly produced by these cells in the blood of these patients. These B cells showed the morphological as well as the phenotypical characteristics of plasmablasts (PB) and were further expanded during NMO relapse. We also demonstrate that interleukin 6 (IL-6), shown to be increased in NMO, enhanced the survival of PB as well as their AQP4-Ab secretion, whereas the blockade of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) signaling by anti–IL-6R antibody reduced the survival of PB in vitro. These results indicate that the IL-6–dependent B-cell subpopulation is involved in the pathogenesis of NMO, thereby providing a therapeutic strategy for targeting IL-6R signaling.
Nucleoid occlusion factor SlmA is a DNA-activated FtsZ polymerization antagonist
Authors: Cho Hongbaek , McManus Heather R. , Dove Simon L. , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: February 2011

The tubulin-like FtsZ protein initiates assembly of the bacterial cytokinetic machinery by polymerizing into a ring structure, the Z ring, at the prospective site of division. To block Z-ring formation over the nucleoid and help coordinate cell division with chromosome segregation,
Escherichia coli
employs the nucleoid-associated division inhibitor, SlmA. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which SlmA regulates FtsZ assembly. We show that SlmA disassembles FtsZ polymers in vitro. In addition, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we identified 24 SlmA-binding sequences (SBSs) on the chromosome. Remarkably, SlmA binding to SBSs dramatically enhanced its ability to interfere with FtsZ polymerization, and ChIP studies indicate that SlmA regulates FtsZ assembly at these sites in vivo. Because of the dynamic and highly organized nature of the chromosome, coupling SlmA activation to specific DNA binding provides a mechanism for the precise spatiotemporal control of its anti-FtsZ activity within the cell.
Neuronal assembly dynamics in the beta1 frequency range permits short-term memory
Authors: Kopell N. , Whittington M. A. , Kramer M. A.
Published: February 2011

Cell assemblies have long been thought to be associated with brain rhythms, notably the gamma rhythm. Here, we use a computational model to show that the beta1 frequency band, as found in rat association cortex, has properties complementary to the gamma band for the creation and manipulation of cell assemblies. We focus on the ability of the beta1 rhythm to respond differently to familiar and novel stimuli, and to provide a framework for combining the two. Simulations predict that assemblies of superficial layer pyramidal cells can be maintained in the absence of continuing input or synaptic plasticity. Instead, the formation of these assemblies relies on the nesting of activity within a beta1 rhythm. In addition, cells receiving further input after assembly formation produce coexistent spiking activity, unlike the competitive spiking activity characteristic of assembly formation with gamma rhythms.
Association of IL28B gene variations with mathematical modeling of viral kinetics in chronic hepatitis C patients with IFN plus ribavirin therapy
Authors: Hsu Ching-Sheng , Hsu Shih-Jer , Chen Hung-Chia , Tseng Tai-Chung , Liu Chen-Hua , Niu Wei-Fang , Jeng Jenher , Liu Chun-Jen , Lai Ming-Yang , Chen Pei-Jer , Kao Jia-Horng , Chen Ding-Shinn
Published: February 2011

Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are known to have better virological responses to pegylated (Peg) IFN-based therapy than Western patients. Although IL28B gene polymorphisms may contribute to this difference, whether favorable hepatitis C virus (HCV) kinetics during treatment plays a role remains unclear. We enrolled 145 consecutive Taiwanese patients with CHC receiving Peg-IFN α-2a plus ribavirin for the study. Blood samples were taken more frequently at defined intervals in the first 3 d. Peg-IFN was administered at week 1. It was then administered weekly in combination with daily ribavirin for 24 or 48 wk. A mathematical model fitted to the observed HCV kinetics was constructed, which could interpret the transient HCV titer elevation after Peg-IFN treatment. The results demonstrated a comparable viral clearance rate (c = 3.45 ± 3.73) (day−1, mean ± SD) but lower daily viral production rate (P= 106–1012) in our patients than those reported previously in Western patients. Of 110 patients with a sustained virological response (SVR), 47 (43%) had a transient elevation of viral titer within 12 h (proportion of 12 h/3 d: 44% in non-SVR vs. 70% in SVR;P= 0.029). Among 91 patients with available rs8099917 data, patients with the TT genotype had an early surge of viral titer after therapy and a higher SVR and viral clearance rate than those with the GT genotype. In conclusion, Taiwanese patients with CHC receiving Peg-IFN plus ribavirin therapy have a lower daily viral production rate than Western patients, and the rs8099917 TT genotype may contribute to the increased viral clearance rate and better virological responses in these patients.
Endothelial focal adhesion kinase mediates cancer cell homing to discrete regions of the lungs via E-selectin up-regulation
Authors: Hiratsuka Sachie , Goel Shom , Kamoun Walid S. , Maru Yoshiro , Fukumura Dai , Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh K.
Published: February 2011

Primary tumors secrete factors that alter the microenvironment of distant organs, rendering those organs as fertile soil for subsequent metastatic cancer cell colonization. Although the lungs are exposed to these factors ubiquitously, lung metastases usually develop as a series of discrete lesions. The underlining molecular mechanisms of the formation of these discrete lesions are not understood. Here we show that primary tumors induce formation of discrete foci of vascular hyperpermeability in premetastatic lungs. This is mediated by endothelial cell-focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which up-regulates E-selectin, leading to preferential homing of metastatic cancer cells to these foci. Suppression of endothelial-FAK or E-selectin activity attenuates the number of cancer cells homing to these foci. Thus, localized activation of endothelial FAK and E-selectin in the lung vasculature mediates the initial homing of metastatic cancer cells to specific foci in the lungs.
Sphingosine kinases and their metabolites modulate endolysosomal trafficking in photoreceptors
Authors: Yonamine Ikuko , Bamba Takeshi , Nirala Niraj K. , Jesmin Nahid , Kosakowska-Cholody Teresa , Nagashima Kunio , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Acharya Jairaj K. , Acharya Usha
Published: February 2011

Internalized membrane proteins are either transported to late endosomes and lysosomes for degradation or recycled to the plasma membrane. Although proteins involved in trafficking and sorting have been well studied, far less is known about the lipid molecules that regulate the intracellular trafficking of membrane proteins. We studied the function of sphingosine kinases and their metabolites in endosomal trafficking using Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors as a model system. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses show that sphingosine kinases affect trafficking of the G protein–coupled receptor Rhodopsin and the light-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channel by modulating the levels of dihydrosphingosine 1 phosphate (DHS1P) and sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P). An increase in DHS1P levels relative to S1P leads to the enhanced lysosomal degradation of Rhodopsin and TRP and retinal degeneration in wild-type photoreceptors. Our results suggest that sphingosine kinases and their metabolites modulate photoreceptor homeostasis by influencing endolysosomal trafficking of Rhodopsin and TRP.
Xenopus HJURP and condensin II are required for CENP-A assembly
Authors: Bernad Rafael , Sánchez Patricia , Rivera Teresa , Rodríguez-Corsino Miriam , Boyarchuk Ekaterina , Vassias Isabelle , Ray-Gallet Dominique , Arnaoutov Alexei , Dasso Mary , Almouzni Geneviève , Losada Ana
Published: February 2011

Centromeric protein A (CENP-A) is the epigenetic mark of centromeres. CENP-A replenishment is necessary in each cell cycle to compensate for the dilution associated to DNA replication, but how this is achieved mechanistically is largely unknown. We have developed an assay using Xenopus egg extracts that can recapitulate the spatial and temporal specificity of CENP-A deposition observed in human cells, providing us with a robust in vitro system amenable to molecular dissection. Here we show that this deposition depends on Xenopus Holliday junction–recognizing protein (xHJURP), a member of the HJURP/Scm3 family recently identified in yeast and human cells, further supporting the essential role of these chaperones in CENP-A loading. Despite little sequence homology, human HJURP can substitute for xHJURP. We also report that condensin II, but not condensin I, is required for CENP-A assembly and contributes to retention of centromeric CENP-A nucleosomes both in mitosis and interphase. We propose that the chromatin structure imposed by condensin II at centromeres enables CENP-A incorporation initiated by xHJURP.
A revision of daily egg production estimation methods, with application to Atlanto-Iberian sardine. 1. Daily spawning synchronicity and estimates of egg mortality
Authors: Bernal Miguel , Stratoudakis Yorgos , Wood Simon , Ibaibarriaga Leire , Uriarte Andres , Valdés Luis , Borchers David
Published: February 2011

Bernal, M., Stratoudakis, Y., Wood, S., Ibaibarriaga, L., Uriarte, A., Valdés, L., and Borchers, D. 2011. A revision of daily egg production estimation methods, with application to Atlanto-Iberian sardine. 1. Daily spawning synchronicity and estimates of egg mortality. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . Assumptions of daily spawning synchronicity and estimation of egg mortality for Atlanto-Iberian sardine are revised in the context of daily estimators of egg production. An extensive database of ichthyoplankton surveys from 1985 to 2008, aggregated at different levels, is used, a set of mortality models is derived, and a comparison among them is carried out using standard statistical techniques. Analysis of the database shows Atlanto-Iberian sardine to be a late-evening spawner, in agreement with previous knowledge, but suggests a lengthier daily period of spawning. Comparison among the set of mortality models used suggests that estimates of mortality from single surveys for Atlanto-Iberian sardine are often unreliable, and that the mean estimates obtained after aggregating data from various years are statistically significant, more robust, and in line with existing information gathered from the literature.
A revision of daily egg production estimation methods, with application to Atlanto-Iberian sardine. 2. Spatially and environmentally explicit estimates of egg production
Authors: Bernal Miguel , Stratoudakis Yorgos , Wood Simon , Ibaibarriaga Leire , Valdés Luis , Borchers David
Published: February 2011

Bernal, M., Stratoudakis, Y., Wood, S., Ibaibarriaga, L., Uriarte, A., Valdés, L., and Borchers, D. 2011. A revision of daily egg production estimation methods, with application to Atlanto-Iberian sardine. 2. Spatially and environmentally explicit estimates of egg production. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . A spatially and environmentally explicit egg production model is developed to accommodate a number of assumptions about the relationship between egg production and mortality and associated environmental variables. The general model was tested under different assumptions for Atlanto-Iberian sardine. It provides a flexible estimator of egg production, in which a range of assumptions and hypotheses can be tested in a structured manner within a well-defined statistical framework. Application of the model to Atlanto-Iberian sardine increased the precision of the egg production time-series, and allowed improvements to be made in understanding the spatio-temporal variability in egg production, as well as implications for ecology and stock assessment.
Integration of biological, economic, and sociological knowledge by Bayesian belief networks: the interdisciplinary evaluation of potential management plans for Baltic salmon
Authors: Levontin Polina , Kulmala Soile , Haapasaari Päivi , Kuikka Sakari
Published: February 2011

Levontin, P., Kulmala, S., Haapasaari, P., and Kuikka, S. 2011. Integration of biological, economic, and sociological knowledge by Bayesian belief networks: the interdisciplinary evaluation of potential management plans for Baltic salmon. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . There is a growing need to evaluate fisheries management plans in a comprehensive interdisciplinary context involving stakeholders. The use of a probabilistic management model to evaluate potential management plans for Baltic salmon fisheries is demonstrated. The analysis draws on several scientific studies: a biological stock assessment with integrated economic analysis of the commercial fisheries, an evaluation of recreational fisheries, and a sociological study aimed at understanding stakeholder perspectives and potential commitment to alternative management plans. A Bayesian belief network is used to synthesize the findings from these separate studies and to evaluate the robustness of management decisions to different priorities and various sources of uncertainty. In particular, the importance of sociological studies in quantifying uncertainty about the commitment of fishers to management plans is highlighted by modelling the link between commitment and implementation success. Such analyses, relying on prior knowledge, can forewarn of the consequences of management choices before they are implemented.
Regulation of Seed Germination in the Close Arabidopsis RelativeLepidium sativum: A Global Tissue-Specific Transcript Analysis
Authors: Morris Karl , Linkies Ada , Müller Kerstin , Oracz Krystyna , Wang Xiaofeng , Lynn James R. , Leubner-Metzger Gerhard , Finch-Savage William E.
Published: February 2011

The completion of germination in Lepidium sativum and other endospermic seeds (e.g. Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis thaliana]) is regulated by two opposing forces, the growth potential of the radicle (RAD) and the resistance to this growth from the micropylar endosperm cap (CAP) surrounding it. We show by puncture force measurement that the CAP progressively weakens during germination, and we have conducted a time-course transcript analysis of RAD and CAP tissues throughout this process. We have also used specific inhibitors to investigate the importance of transcription, translation, and posttranslation levels of regulation of endosperm weakening in isolated CAPs. Although the impact of inhibiting translation is greater, both transcription and translation are required for the completion of endosperm weakening in the whole seed population. The majority of genes expressed during this process occur in both tissues, but where they are uniquely expressed, or significantly differentially expressed between tissues, this relates to the functions of the RAD as growing tissue and the CAP as a regulator of germination through weakening. More detailed analysis showed that putative orthologs of cell wall-remodeling genes are expressed in a complex manner during CAP weakening, suggesting distinct roles in the RAD and CAP. Expression patterns are also consistent with the CAP being a receptor for environmental signals influencing germination. Inhibitors of the aspartic, serine, and cysteine proteases reduced the number of isolated CAPs in which weakening developed, and inhibition of the 26S proteasome resulted in its complete cessation. This indicates that targeted protein degradation is a major control point for endosperm weakening.
Quantitative trait loci for clinical mastitis on chromosomes 2, 6, 14 and 20 in Norwegian Red cattle
Authors: Sodeland M. , Kent M. P. , Olsen H. G. , Opsal M. A. , Svendsen M. , Sehested E. , Hayes B. J. , Lien S.
Published: February 2011

Mastitis is the most frequent and costly disease in dairy production and solutions leading to a reduction in the incidence of mastitis are highly demanded. Here a genome‐wide association study was performed to identify polymorphisms affecting susceptibility to mastitis. Genotypes for 17 349 SNPs distributed across the 29 bovine autosomal chromosomes from a total of 2589 sires with 1 389 776 daughters with records on clinical mastitis were included in the analysis. Records of occurrence of clinical mastitis were divided into seven time periods in the first three lactations in order to identify quantitative trait loci affecting mastitis susceptibility in particular phases of lactation. The most convincing results from the association mapping were followed up and validated by a combined linkage disequilibrium and linkage analysis. The study revealed quantitative trait loci affecting occurrence of clinical mastitis in the periparturient period on chromosomes 2, 6 and 20 and a quantitative trait locus affecting occurrence of clinical mastitis in late lactation on chromosome 14. None of the quantitative trait loci for clinical mastitis detected in the study seemed to affect lactation average of somatic cell score. The SNPs highly associated with clinical mastitis lie near both the gene encoding interleukin 8 on chromosome 6 and the genes encoding the two interleukin 8 receptors on chromosome 2.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with atherogenic changes in lipoprotein particle number and size independent of body weight
Authors: Sidhwani Seema , Scoccia Bert , Sunghay Shwetha , Stephens‐Archer Chantale N. , Mazzone Theodore , Sam Susan
Published: February 2011

Objective  Adverse changes in lipoprotein particle number and size are common with insulin resistance and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Comprehensive information regarding lipoprotein particle number and size, and how these parameters relate to body weight, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia is lacking in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We tested the hypothesis that PCOS is associated with atherogenic changes in lipoprotein profile independent of body weight and examined the role of insulin resistance and androgens in these atherogenic changes.

Design  Case–control study performed at Clinical Research Center at an Academic Medical Center in the United States.

Patients and measurements  Fasting blood was obtained from 25 PCOS and 25 control women of similar age and body mass index (BMI). Lipoprotein particle number and size was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance and compared between the groups.

Results  The mean BMI for both groups was <30 kg/m2 (P = 0·33). Women with PCOS had an increase in very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particle number (P = 0·005), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particle number (P = 0·02) and a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) size (P = 0·04). LDL size was borderline decreased (P = 0·09). These differences persisted after adjustment for ethnicity, alcohol and tobacco intake and exercise. In stepwise regression models, bioavailable testosterone was the only predictor of LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL and LDL particle number. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was the only predictor of LDL and HDL size.

Conclusions  Independent of body weight, PCOS was associated with changes in lipoprotein profile that increases risk for cardiovascular disease. These changes were present in a mostly nonobese group of women and were more closely related to androgens than fasting insulin.
Intent to stay in nursing: internal and external migration in Hungary
Authors: Ujvarine Adrienn S , Zrinyi Miklos , Toth Helga , Zekanyne Ilona R , Szogedi Ildiko , Betlehem Jozsef
Published: February 2011

Aims.  To estimate the proportion of nurses in Hungary who intend to change their profession or want to migrate abroad; to compare the proportion of nurses who intend to leave nursing in Hungary and in selected European countries; and to describe factors that predict nurses’ intent to work in their current job another year.

Design.  An exploratory research design with subsequent comparison was used, and a cross‐sectional mail survey was implemented.

Methods.  Measures of intent to leave, to work another year as well as indicators of push and pull factors were identified and adopted from a literature review. One thousand nurses were randomly selected and mailed a questionnaire. Comparison was made with the results from the NEXT study. For statistical analyses, linear and logistic regression was used to predict nurses’ intention to leave and proportional z‐test for making comparisons.

Results.  Nurses (n = 754) responded the questionnaire. Approximately half of the sample did not consider changing to another health care job or leaving the profession. Compared with Hungary, the proportion of nurses who intended to leave nursing was significantly lower in Belgium and the Netherlands but was greater or the same in the rest of the European countries. Speaking a foreign language was the most significant predictor of working abroad for Hungarian nurses. Number of shifts, satisfaction with flexible scheduling and managerial support were all relevant predictors of working another year as a nurse.

Conclusions.  Both the intent to leave nursing and migrating abroad were prevalent issues in Hungary. Working conditions and social/managerial support were key factors identified as strong predictors of stay in the same job for another year. Compared with other European countries, Hungary was not in a worse position in the proportion of nurses wanting to leave nursing.

Relevance to clinical practice.  All hospital managers and head nurses should be aware of their role in keeping nurses in the clinical practice and avoid staff nurses migration from the Hungarian health care system.
Music therapy for patients receiving spine surgery
Authors: Lin Pi‐Chu , Lin Man‐Ling , Huang Li‐Ching , Hsu Hsiu‐Chu , Lin Chiong‐Chu
Published: February 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of music therapy on anxiety, postoperative pain and physiological reactions to emotional and physical distress in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Background.  Surgery‐related anxiety and pain are the greatest concern of surgical patients, especially for those undergoing major procedures.

Design.  A quasi‐experimental study design was conducted in a medical centre in Taiwan from April–July 2006.

Methods.  Sixty patients were recruited. The study group listened to selected music from the evening before surgery to the second day after surgery. The control group did not listen to music. Patients’ levels of anxiety and pain were measured with visual analogue scales (VAS). Physiological measures, including heart rate, blood pressure and 24‐hour urinalysis, were performed.

Results.  The average age of the 60 patients was 62·18 (SD 18·76) years. The mean VAS score for degree of anxiety in the study group was 0·8–2·0, compared with 2·1–5·1 in the control group. The mean VAS score for degree of pain in the study group was 1·7–3·0, compared with 4·4–6·0 in the control group. The differences between the two groups in VAS scores for both anxiety (p = 0·018–0·001) and pain (p = 0·001) were statistically significant. One hour after surgery, the mean blood pressure was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p = 0·014), but no significant differences were found between the two groups in urine cortisol (p = 0·145–0·495), norepinephrine (p = 0·228–0·626) or epinephrine values (p = 0·074–0·619).

Conclusions.  Music therapy has some positive effects on levels of anxiety and pain in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Complementary music therapy can alleviate pain and anxiety in patients before and after spinal surgery.
Self‐preservation in abortion care: a grounded theory study
Authors: Lipp Allyson
Published: February 2011

Aim.  To seek an explanation as to why nurses concede and conceal their judgements towards women having an abortion.

Background.  Recent advances in abortion techniques and pharmacology have resulted in a greater proportion of medical abortions occurring at a lower gestation than previously. As this technique demands more of nurses, it becomes important to ask whether they are equipped to deal with this greater involvement.

Design.  A grounded theory approach using a recognised framework was used. Theoretical sampling was used in this study to increase the depth of focus from a previous study of nurses who were found to concede and conceal their judgement in abortion care.

Findings.  Several important aspects of abortion care were elucidated as to why nurses concealed and conceded their judgements. Lower gestation of abortions was central in determining greater involvement of nurses in the abortion process. It was found that some nurses treated women the same and some treated women differently, but all strived for equitable care. Self‐preservation in the form of ‘switching off’ or ‘getting on with it’ was employed by nurses when they encountered the foetus or women who were blasé. Self‐preservation was found to be a key phenomenon and a major reason why nurses conceded and then concealed their judgement.

Conclusions.  In rapidly advancing abortion care, there needs to be positive ways of ensuring self‐preservation in nurses without compromising care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Abortion care demands specific skills of nurses, and this is likely to increase in the near future. Self‐preservation needs to be embedded into nurses’ professional development by the use of positive strategies such as guided reflection in providing a productive woman‐centred service.
Why is pain still not being assessed adequately? Results of a pain prevalence study in a university hospital in Sweden
Authors: Wadensten Barbro , Fröjd Camilla , Swenne Christine L , Gordh Torsten , Gunningberg Lena
Published: February 2011

Aim.  The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pain and pain assessment among inpatients in a university hospital.

Background.  Pain management could be considered an indicator of quality of care. Few studies report on prevalence measures including all inpatients.

Design.  Quantitative and explorative.

Method.  Survey.

Results.  Of the inpatients at the hospital who answered the survey, 494 (65%) reported having experienced pain during the preceding 24 hours. Of the patients who reported having experienced pain during the preceding 24 hours, 81% rated their pain >3 and 42·1% rated their pain >7. Of the patients who reported having experienced pain during the preceding 24 hours, 38·7% had been asked to self‐assess their pain using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); 29·6% of the patients were completely satisfied, and 11·5% were not at all satisfied with their participation in pain management.

Conclusions.  The result showed that too many patients are still suffering from pain and that the NRS is not used to the extent it should be. Efforts to overcome under‐implementation of pain assessment are required, particularly on wards where pain is not obvious, e.g., wards that do not deal with surgery patients. Work to improve pain management must be carried out through collaboration across professional groups.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Using a pain assessment tool such as the NRS could help patients express their pain and improve communication between nurses and patients in relation to pain as well as allow patients to participate in their own care. Carrying out prevalence pain measures similar to those used here could be helpful in performing quality improvement work in the area of pain management.
A review of pain management interventions in bone marrow biopsy
Authors: Watmough Sarah , Flynn Maria
Published: February 2011

Aims.  This review was designed to evaluate the evidence relating to pain management interventions for patients having bone marrow biopsy.

Background.  Bone marrow biopsy is an invasive procedure causing considerable pain and anxiety for adult patients, yet there are no guidelines to inform effective nursing care. Although this is an under‐researched area, a range of pain interventions have been tested on this patient group, but this evidence has not been synthesised.

Design.  Structured evidence review.

Method.  The Cochrane Library and databases Medline, Scopus and Cinahl were searched for original research reports. Reference lists of retrieved papers were hand‐searched and researchers in the field were contacted. Retrieved papers were analysed using the CASP framework. A narrative data synthesis considered the strengths and limitations of included studies and findings were collated and interpreted.

Results.  No systematic reviews of evidence have been undertaken and the search strategy identified twelve research studies eligible for inclusion in the review. Hand‐searching did not identify any additional studies, and emails to researchers confirmed this is an under‐researched field. Analysis shows three main interventions, intravenous midazolam, premedication with analgesia and/or anxiolysis and the use of Entonox™ are used to manage the pain experience for patients undergoing a bone marrow biopsy.

Conclusions.  Evidence is inconclusive and provides little guidance for practice. There is an urgent need for research into effective interventions for pain management in bone marrow biopsy and in understanding the patient experience.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses have a central role to play in the assessment and management of the pain and anxiety associated with bone marrow biopsy. There is little evidence to guide this aspect of care, but it is important that nurses involved with bone marrow biopsy are aware of the best evidence to facilitate the most effective management of their patients’ pain.
Dignity in care in the hospital setting from patients’ perspectives in Taiwan: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Lin Yea‐Pyng , Tsai Yun‐Fang , Chen Hsiu‐Fang
Published: February 2011

Aim.  The aim of this study was to explore dignity in care from patients’ perspectives in Taiwan.

Background.  Dignity is a core element of nursing care. In nurses’ clinical practice, maintaining the dignity of patients is an important issue because a lack of dignity in care can affect the health and recovery of patients. In Western countries, patient dignity has been well researched, but only one study has examined this topic in an Asian country.

Design.  Descriptive qualitative methods were used in this study.

Methods.  Interviews were conducted with 40 patients purposively sampled at a teaching hospital in eastern Taiwan from May–August 2009. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data in transcripts were coded and analysed by content analysis.

Results.  The major findings revealed that many hospitalised patients were satisfied with the maintenance of their dignity. Six themes that contribute to the preservation of their dignity were identified: sense of control and autonomy, being respected as a person, avoidance of body exposure, caring from the nursing staff, confidentiality of disease information and prompt response to needs.

Conclusions.  The findings can help nurses better understand dignity in care because it is described from the patient viewpoint.

Relevance to clinical practice.  By identifying the most important factors from patients’ perspectives that contribute to dignity, nursing interventions in clinical practice can be further developed and improved.
The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program: desirable knowledge, skills and attitudes from the perspective of nurses
Authors: Happell Brenda , Palmer Christine , Tennent Rebeka
Published: February 2011

Aim.  To enhance the understanding of the skills and attitudes of mental health nurses working in the Australian Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program.

Background.  The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program places qualified mental health nurses alongside community‐based general practitioners, private psychiatric practices and other appropriate organisations to provide clients with mental health conditions with a more integrated treatment plan.

Design.  An exploratory, qualitative approach was undertaken, given the paucity of relevant research in this area.

Methods.  Exploratory individual interviews were conducted with ten mental health nurses working in this scheme. Data analysis was organised and managed using QSR NVivo qualitative analysis software.

Results.  Respondents identified specific skills and attitudes required for practice under the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program. Eight areas of skill and attitude were identified as essential for mental health nurses working in this field. This study highlights that many of these skills and attitudes are specific to the setting where mental health nurses are working.

Conclusion.  Mental health nurses working under this programme have a role to play in the dissemination of knowledge about their practice. More needs to be done by governments and other institutions to ensure that general practitioners and other health professionals understand the role played by mental health nurses in the provision of care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The extent to which the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program becomes a sustainable strategy to promote quality and accessible mental health care will depend to some degree on the capacity to identify the skills and attitudes necessary for practice. The findings presented in this paper provide a significant contribution to articulating the essential characteristics required for this area of practice.