bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure-based discovery of β
2
-adrenergic receptor ligands
Authors: Kolb Peter , Rosenbaum Daniel M. , Irwin John J. , Fung Juan José , Kobilka Brian K. , Shoichet Brian K.
Published: April 2009

Aminergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been a major focus of pharmaceutical research for many years. Due partly to the lack of reliable receptor structures, drug discovery efforts have been largely ligand-based. The recently determined X-ray structure of the β
2
-adrenergic receptor offers an opportunity to investigate the advantages and limitations inherent in a structure-based approach to ligand discovery against this and related GPCR targets. Approximately 1 million commercially available, “lead-like” molecules were docked against the β
2
-adrenergic receptor structure. On testing of 25 high-ranking molecules, 6 were active with binding affinities <4 μM, with the best molecule binding with a

K
i

of 9 nM (95% confidence interval 7–10 nM). Five of these molecules were inverse agonists. The high hit rate, the high affinity of the most potent molecule, the discovery of unprecedented chemotypes among the new inhibitors, and the apparent bias toward inverse agonists among the docking hits, have implications for structure-based approaches against GPCRs that recognize small organic molecules.
Disruption of NMDAR-dependent burst firing by dopamine neurons provides selective assessment of phasic dopamine-dependent behavior
Authors: Zweifel Larry S. , Parker Jones G. , Lobb Collin J. , Rainwater Aundrea , Wall Valerie Z. , Fadok Jonathan P. , Darvas Martin , Kim Min J. , Mizumori Sheri J. Y. , Paladini Carlos A. , Phillips Paul E. M. , Palmiter Richard D.
Published: April 2009

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons fire in 2 characteristic modes, tonic and phasic, which are thought to modulate distinct aspects of behavior. However, the inability to selectively disrupt these patterns of activity has hampered the precise definition of the function of these modes of signaling. Here, we addressed the role of phasic DA in learning and other DA-dependent behaviors by attenuating DA neuron burst firing and subsequent DA release, without altering tonic neural activity. Disruption of phasic DA was achieved by selective genetic inactivation of NMDA-type, ionotropic glutamate receptors in DA neurons. Disruption of phasic DA neuron activity impaired the acquisition of numerous conditioned behavioral responses, and dramatically attenuated learning about cues that predicted rewarding and aversive events while leaving many other DA-dependent behaviors unaffected.
Dissection of the high rate constant for the binding of a ribotoxin to the ribosome
Authors: Qin Sanbo , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: April 2009

Restrictocin belongs to a family of site-specific ribonucleases that kill cells by inactivating the ribosome. The restrictocin–ribosome binding rate constant was observed to exceed 10
10
M
−1
s
−1
. We have developed a transient-complex theory to model the binding rates of protein–protein and protein–RNA complexes. The theory predicts the rate constant as
k
a
=
k
a0
exp(−Δ
G
el
*/
k
B
T
), where
k
a0
is the basal rate constant for reaching the transient complex, located at the outer boundary of the bound state, by random diffusion, and Δ
G
el
* is the average electrostatic interaction free energy of the transient complex. Here, we applied the transient-complex theory to dissect the high restrictocin–ribosome binding rate constant. We found that the binding rate of restrictocin to the isolated sarcin/ricin loop is electrostatically enhanced by ≈300-fold, similar to results found in other protein–protein and protein–RNA complexes. The ribosome provides an additional 10,000-fold rate enhancement because of two synergistic mechanisms afforded by the distal regions of the ribosome. First, they provide additional electrostatic attraction with restrictocin. Second, they reposition the transient complex into a region where local electrostatic interactions of restrictocin with the sarcin/ricin loop are particularly favorable. Our calculations rationalize a host of experimental observations and identify a strategy for designing proteins that bind their targets with high speed.
The assembled structure of a complete tripartite bacterial multidrug efflux pump
Authors: Symmons Martyn F. , Bokma Evert , Koronakis Eva , Hughes Colin , Koronakis Vassilis
Published: April 2009

Bacteria like
Escherichia coli
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
expel drugs via tripartite multidrug efflux pumps spanning both inner and outer membranes and the intervening periplasm. In these pumps a periplasmic adaptor protein connects a substrate-binding inner membrane transporter to an outer membrane-anchored TolC-type exit duct. High-resolution structures of all 3 components are available, but a pump model has been precluded by the incomplete adaptor structure, because of the apparent disorder of its N and C termini. We reveal that the adaptor termini assemble a β-roll structure forming the final domain adjacent to the inner membrane. The completed structure enabled in vivo cross-linking to map intermolecular contacts between the adaptor AcrA and the transporter AcrB, defining a periplasmic interface between several transporter subdomains and the contiguous β-roll, β-barrel, and lipoyl domains of the adaptor. With short and long cross-links expressed as distance restraints, the flexible linear topology of the adaptor allowed a multidomain docking approach to model the transporter–adaptor complex, revealing that the adaptor docks to a transporter region of comparative stability distinct from those key to the proposed rotatory pump mechanism, putative drug-binding pockets, and the binding site of inhibitory DARPins. Finally, we combined this docking with our previous resolution of the AcrA hairpin–TolC interaction to develop a model of the assembled tripartite complex, satisfying all of the experimentally-derived distance constraints. This AcrA
3
-AcrB
3
-TolC
3
model presents a 610,000-Da, 270-Å-long efflux pump crossing the entire bacterial cell envelope.
Negotiating textual talk: Conversation analysis, pedagogy and the organisation of online asynchronous discourse
Authors: Gibson Will
Published: April 2009

This paper uses Conversation Analysis to investigate the ways in which participants in an online asynchronous postgraduate reading group managed and negotiated their contributions within the discussion. Using the conversation analytic concerns with sequential organisation, adjacency pairs and topicality, this article shows the analytic insights that this perspective can bring to the examination of written asynchronous discourse. The paper shows that in the section of the discussion analysed here, the discourse displayed remarkable similarities to the ways in which face‐to‐face conversation has been seen to operate in terms of the organisation of conversational turns, the application of specific interactional rights, the lineal development of topics of conversation and the structural use of question‐answer turn pairs. The paper concludes by showing how this form of analysis can relate to the formation of reflexive pedagogy in which course design can be created to take account of such findings. It shows how a detailed understanding of how pedagogy is played out in interaction is fundamental for reflecting on the relationship between pedagogic aims and educational practice.
Alcoholism in Older Women Religious
Authors: McKechnie Josie , Hill Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2009

The specific risk factors for addiction within religious community members remain poorly understood and undefined. This paper presents data on the characteristics of chemically dependent women Religious (nuns) in order to understand the etiology and treatment needs of this special group. This study contrasts a group of Roman Catholic women Religious who are in treatment for chemical dependency with a volunteer, nonalcoholic, comparison group from similar religious communities. The treatment group had higher levels of mental health symptoms and past history of childhood trauma (parental separation or divorce, early loss of mother), compared to the volunteer sample. Family history of alcoholism did not differ, however, and prevalence of sexual abuse was more common for the volunteers than for those in treatment. Women Religious in this study resemble the classification of “negative affect” alcoholism (Cloninger Type I, Babor Type A), which is characterized by lower severity, prevalence of environmental over genetic risk factors, and less severe legal or social consequences. Implications for health screening and treatment of women Religious are addressed.
Alcohol-Related Problems among Younger Drinkers who Misuse Prescription Drugs: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
Authors: Hermos J. , Winter M. , Heeren T. , Hingson R.
Published: April 2009

The authors determined whether lifetime prescription drug misuse (PDM) associated with increased risks for alcohol-related problems among 18- to 34-year-old, NESARC respondents. Among 8222 “ever-drinkers,” 15.4% reported ever “ misusing sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers or stimulants … as prescriptions or from indirect sources.” Outcomes were within two alcohol-related problem domains, “risk-taking behaviors,” including driving while drinking, fights, injuries, and arrests, and “interpersonal troubles,” including problems with jobs, family, or friends. Among all drinkers and among alcohol-dependent and cannabis-using subsamples, those reporting PDM were significantly more likely to report alcohol-related “risk-taking behaviors” or “interpersonal troubles” than were those without PDM. In adjusted analysis, young age drinking onsets, and heavy and dependent drinking independently increased these risks. Results of this cross-sectional analysis support the need for longitudinal data to more clearly define the association between drinking problems and PDM, and which can support prevention, treatment, and harm-reduction efforts for younger, multisubstance users.
Prevalence of At-Risk Drinking among a National Sample of Medical Students
Authors: Shah Ameet Arvind , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad , Lindstrom Richard W. , Wolf Kenneth E.
Published: April 2009

As limited research exists on medical students’ substance use patterns, including over-consumption of alcohol, the objective of this study was to determine prevalence and correlates of at-risk drinking among a national sample of medical students, using a cross-sectional, anonymous, Web-based survey. A total of 2710 medical students from 36 U.S. medical schools (1st to 4th year) completed the survey. Included in the instruments was a 10-item scale (AUDIT) to assess at-risk drinking behaviors within the last 12 months. Over 15% of the subjects ( n = 412) scored positive for at-risk drinking (≥ 8). Multivariate analysis of the data revealed the following independent predictors were statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.05) for at-risk drinking: being of younger age, male, unmarried, using illicit drugs, smoking tobacco products within the last 30 days, having low perception of risk, showing impulsive behavior, being depressed, and having gambling problems. Findings from this study provides initial data for investigating further associations between risky drinking behavior, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors, as well as effectiveness of curriculum or campus-wide policy interventions to reduce over-consumption of drinking among this population.
Factors Affecting Continuation of Smoking by Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women
Authors: Ortendahl Monica , Näsman Per
Published: April 2009

The objective of this study was to test a framework based upon the value and the probability of outcomes related to smoking. Over a 2-week period, 80 women were asked to perform judgments of value and probability of the outcome for smoking-related consequences. Subgroups were formed by the two variables of pregnancy and intent to quit smoking. Judgments were performed given the conditions of quitting and not quitting smoking. The intent to quit or not quit smoking had an impact on expected utility of smoking. Moreover, there was a difference between expected utility given the conditions of not quitting smoking and quitting smoking. A framework based upon values and beliefs appears to be useful in describing the addictive behavior of smoking and can be applied in developing smoking-cessation education.
Prevalence of Substance Abuse among Patients in General Medical Facilities in Kenya
Authors: Ndetei David M. , Khasakhala Lincoln I. , Ongecha-Owuor Francisca A. , Kuria Mary W. , Mutiso Victoria , Kokonya Donald A.
Published: April 2009

Alcoholism and other substance abuse continue to be a problem among younger and older populations. The prevalence of substance abuse has only been studied among outpatients and in limited samples of inpatients in Kenya. This study therefore aimed to establish patterns of substance abuse in patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) were used to measure the prevalence of substance abuse among patients in 10 medical facilities in Kenya. Data were collected over a 4-week period in November 2005. The overall alcohol user rate using the two instruments was 25.1% and 25.5%, respectively. All the patients who used alcohol exhibited pathological use, which bordered from harmful use to dependence. Apart from alcohol, other abused substances included tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines/ khat, and sedatives. The clinicians’ pick rate for substance use in general hospitals was negligible. These findings suggest the need for specific enquiry for substance abuse in patients in general medical facilities.
A Low‐Cost Anthropometric Walking Robot for Reproducing Gait Lab Data
Authors: da Silva Santana Rogério Eduardo , de Toledo Fleury Agenor , Menegaldo Luciano Luporini
Published: April 2009

Human gait analysis is one of the resources that may be used in the study and treatment of pathologies of the locomotive system. This paper deals with the modelling and control aspects of the design, construction and testing of a biped walking robot conceived to, in limited extents, reproduce the human gait. Robot dimensions have been chosen in order to guarantee anthropomorphic proportions and then to help health professionals in gait studies. The robot has been assembled with low‐cost components and can reproduce, in an assisted way, real‐gait patterns generated from data previously acquired in gait laboratories. Part of the simulated and experimental results are addressed to demonstrate the ability of the biped robot in reproducing normal and pathological human gait.
Behaviour Generation in Humanoids by Learning Potential‐Based Policies from Constrained Motion
Authors: Howard Matthew , Klanke Stefan , Gienger Michael , Goerick Christian , Vijayakumar Sethu
Published: April 2009

Movement generation that is consistent with observed or demonstrated behaviour is an efficient way to seed movement planning in complex, high‐dimensional movement systems like humanoid robots. We present a method for learning potential‐based policies from constrained motion data. In contrast to previous approaches to direct policy learning, our method can combine observations from a variety of contexts where different constraints are in force, to learn the underlying unconstrained policy in form of its potential function. This allows us to generalise and predict behaviour where novel constraints apply. We demonstrate our approach on systems of varying complexity, including kinematic data from the ASIMO humanoid robot with 22 degrees of freedom.
HIGHLY EDUCATED BUT IN THE WRONG FIELD?
Authors: Reimer David , Steinmetz Stephanie
Published: April 2009

This paper investigates the impact of gender differences in tertiary education, i.e., field of study and level of tertiary degree, on two selected labour market risks: unemployment and low-status jobs. Using Labour Force Survey data from the year 2000, results of the logistic regression models and non-linear decomposition analyses generally confirm our expectation that the field of study explains a sizable portion of the gender gap in unemployment and low-status jobs in both countries. However, the level of tertiary degree earned explains only part of the female disadvantage behind holding a low-status job in Spain. The analyses also show that compared to men, women with a degree in a predominantly male field of study seem to be systematically disadvantaged in both Germany and Spain, particularly with respect to unemployment. Overall, the analyses reveal that gender differentiation in tertiary education leads to similar outcomes in two very different institutional contexts.
miR-8 microRNAs regulate the response to osmotic stress in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Flynt Alex S. , Thatcher Elizabeth J. , Burkewitz Kristopher , Li Nan , Liu Yinzi , Patton James G.
Published: April 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved small RNAs that act as translational regulators of gene expression, exerting their influence by selectively targeting mRNAs bearing complementary sequence elements. These RNAs function in diverse aspects of animal development and physiology. Because of an ability to act as rapid responders at the level of translation, miRNAs may also influence stress response. In this study, we show that the miR-8 family of miRNAs regulates osmoregulation in zebrafish embryos. Ionocytes, which are a specialized cell type scattered throughout the epidermis, are responsible for pH and ion homeostasis during early development before gill formation. The highly conserved miR-8 family is expressed in ionocytes and enables precise control of ion transport by modulating the expression of Nherf1, which is a regulator of apical trafficking of transmembrane ion transporters. Ultimately, disruption of miR-8 family member function leads to an inability to respond to osmotic stress and blocks the ability to properly traffic and/or cluster transmembrane glycoproteins at the apical surface of ionocytes.
Strabismus regulates asymmetric cell divisions and cell fate determination in the mouse brain
Authors: Lake Blue B. , Sokol Sergei Y.
Published: April 2009

The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway organizes the cytoskeleton and polarizes cells within embryonic tissue. We investigate the relationship between PCP signaling and cell fate determination during asymmetric division of neural progenitors (NPs) in mouse embryos. The cortex of Lp/Lp (Loop-tail) mice deficient in the essential PCP mediator Vangl2, homologue of Drosophila melanogaster Strabismus (Stbm), revealed precocious differentiation of neural progenitors into early-born neurons at the expense of late-born neurons and glia. Although Lp/Lp NPs were easily maintained in vitro, they showed premature differentiation and loss of asymmetric distribution of Leu-Gly-Asn–enriched protein (LGN)/partner of inscuteable (Pins), a regulator of mitotic spindle orientation. Furthermore, we observed a decreased frequency in asymmetric distribution of the LGN target nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMa) in Lp/Lp cortical progenitors in vivo. This was accompanied by an increase in the number of vertical cleavage planes typically associated with equal daughter cell identities. These findings suggest that Stbm/Vangl2 functions to maintain cortical progenitors and regulates mitotic spindle orientation during asymmetric divisions in the vertebrate brain.
Angiogenin cleaves tRNA and promotes stress-induced translational repression
Authors: Yamasaki Satoshi , Ivanov Pavel , Hu Guo-fu , Anderson Paul
Published: April 2009

Stress-induced phosphorylation of eIF2α inhibits global protein synthesis to conserve energy for repair of stress-induced damage. Stress-induced translational arrest is observed in cells expressing a nonphosphorylatable eIF2α mutant (S51A), which indicates the existence of an alternative pathway of translational control. In this paper, we show that arsenite, heat shock, or ultraviolet irradiation promotes transfer RNA (tRNA) cleavage and accumulation of tRNA-derived, stress-induced small RNAs (tiRNAs). We show that angiogenin, a secreted ribonuclease, is required for stress-induced production of tiRNAs. Knockdown of angiogenin, but not related ribonucleases, inhibits arsenite-induced tiRNA production and translational arrest. In contrast, knockdown of the angiogenin inhibitor RNH1 enhances tiRNA production and promotes arsenite-induced translational arrest. Moreover, recombinant angiogenin, but not RNase 4 or RNase A, induces tiRNA production and inhibits protein synthesis in the absence of exogenous stress. Finally, transfection of angiogenin-induced tiRNAs promotes phospho-eIF2α–independent translational arrest. Our results introduce angiogenin and tiRNAs as components of a phospho-eIF2α–independent stress response program.
The RNase Rny1p cleaves tRNAs and promotes cell death during oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Thompson Debrah M. , Parker Roy
Published: April 2009

The cellular response to stress conditions involves a decision between survival or cell death when damage is severe. A conserved stress response in eukaryotes involves endonucleolytic cleavage of transfer RNAs (tRNAs). The mechanism and significance of such tRNA cleavage is unknown. We show that in yeast, tRNAs are cleaved by the RNase T2 family member Rny1p, which is released from the vacuole into the cytosol during oxidative stress. Rny1p modulates yeast cell survival during oxidative stress independently of its catalytic ability. This suggests that upon release to the cytosol, Rny1p promotes cell death by direct interactions with downstream components. Thus, detection of Rny1p, and possibly its orthologues, in the cytosol may be a conserved mechanism for assessing cellular damage and determining cell survival, analogous to the role of cytochrome c as a marker for mitochondrial damage.
Impact of Finger Rings on Transmission of Bacteria During Hand Contact
Authors: Fagernes Mette , Lingaas Egil
Published: April 2009

Objective.

To investigate the impact of finger rings on the transmission of bacteria from the hands of healthcare workers and the impact on the microflora on the hands of healthcare workers in clinical practice.

Design.

Our study had a nonequivalent control group posttest-only design (pre-experimental). Healthcare workers who wore finger ring(s) on 1 hand and no ring on the other hand (n = 100) and a control group of healthcare workers who did not wear any rings (n = 100) exchanged standardized hand shakes with an investigator wearing sterile gloves. Samples from the gloved hands of the investigators and the bare hands of the healthcare workers were thereafter obtained by the glove juice technique.

Setting.

Two Norwegian acute care hospitals.

Participants.

Healthcare workers (n = 200) during ordinary clinical work.

Results.

A significantly higher bacterial load (odds ratio, 2.63 [95% confidence interval, 1.28-5.43]; P = .009) and a significantly higher number of bacteria transmitted (odds ratio, 2.43 [95% confidence interval, 1.44-4.13]; P = .001) were associated with ringed hands, compared with control hands. However, a multiple analysis of covariance revealed no statistically significant effect of rings alone. The prevalence of nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria (42% vs 26%) and Enterobacteriaceae (26% vs 13%) was also significantly higher among persons who wore rings than among persons who did not wear rings. However, no statistically significant differences in the incidence of transmission of these pathogens were detected after hand contact. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and incidence of transmission of S. aureus were the same in both groups.

Conclusions.

Wearing finger rings increases the carriage rate of nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae on the hands of healthcare workers. However, no statistically significant differences in the incidence of transmission of nonfermentative gram-negative bacteria or Enterobacteriaceae were detected between the healthcare workers who wore rings and those who did not.
Diel changes in acoustic and catch estimates of krill biomass
Authors: Simard Yvan , Sourisseau Marc
Published: April 2009

Simard, Y., and Sourisseau, M. 2009. Diel changes in acoustic and catch estimates of krill biomass. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1318–1325. Krill-biomass estimates can be compromised by diel variabilities in acoustic backscatter and the catch efficiencies of various nets. This paper describes an effort to quantify these variabilities at fine temporal and spatial scales during a three-day experiment at a fixed location, using high-resolution, stratified Bioness samples and echo-integration, and assuming a fixed distribution of krill orientations. Night-time catches in the krill scattering layer (SL) were 15 times the acoustic estimates. The situation was reversed during daytime, when the acoustic estimates in the SL were 5 times larger than the catches. This collectively resulted in a ±10‐dB gradual diel cycle in the difference of vertically integrated biomass from both sampling methods. Use of a strobe light on the Bioness reduced avoidance of the net by krill and significantly increased (×10) daytime catches in the SL, but had no significant effect on night-time catches. The difference in volume-backscattering strength at 120 and 38 kHz (ΔSv120–38) in the densest parts of the SL agreed with predictions using a target-strength (TS) model and an assumed normal distribution of tilt (mean θ = 11°; s.d. = 4°). The ΔSv120–38 was smaller for lower densities and during night-time. It appears that the θ and, therefore, TS distributions of krill significantly change during their diel vertical migrations. At twilight and at night, when they are feeding and swimming vertically, they exhibit lower mean TS and ΔSv120–38 and react less to strong strobe-light pulses, in contrast to daytime. Diel patterns in TS and net avoidance should be taken into account in krill-biomass assessments that use round the clock acoustic-survey data and multi-frequency TS models for target classification.
Resolving the effect of climate change on fish populations
Authors: Rijnsdorp Adriaan D. , Peck Myron A. , Engelhard Georg H. , Möllmann Christian , Pinnegar John K.
Published: April 2009

Rijnsdorp, A. D., Peck, M. A., Engelhard, G. H., Möllmann, C., and Pinnegar, J. K. 2009. Resolving the effect of climate change on fish populations. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1570–1583. This paper develops a framework for the study of climate on fish populations based on first principles of physiology, ecology, and available observations. Environmental variables and oceanographic features that are relevant to fish and that are likely to be affected by climate change are reviewed. Working hypotheses are derived from the differences in the expected response of different species groups. A review of published data on Northeast Atlantic fish species representing different biogeographic affinities, habitats, and body size lends support to the hypothesis that global warming results in a shift in abundance and distribution (in patterns of occurrence with latitude and depth) of fish species. Pelagic species exhibit clear changes in seasonal migration patterns related to climate-induced changes in zooplankton productivity. Lusitanian species have increased in recent decades (sprat, anchovy, and horse mackerel), especially at the northern limit of their distribution areas, while Boreal species decreased at the southern limit of their distribution range (cod and plaice), but increased at the northern limit (cod). Although the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain, available evidence suggests climate-related changes in recruitment success to be the key process, stemming from either higher production or survival in the pelagic egg or larval stage, or owing to changes in the quality/quantity of nursery habitats.
The relative frequency response derived from individually separated targets of northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), saithe (Pollachius virens), and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii)
Authors: Pedersen Geir , Korneliussen Rolf J.
Published: April 2009

Pedersen, G., and Korneliussen, R. J. 2009. The relative frequency response derived from individually separated targets of northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), saithe (Pollachius virens), and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1149–1154. The concept of relative frequency response r(f) of fish is an important feature used to characterize acoustic targets. It is defined as the volume-backscattering coefficient at a specific frequency f relative to that of a reference frequency. When based on volume backscattering, r(f) reliably distinguishes several acoustic categories if the insonified volumes are reasonably comparable between the frequencies, and that enough samples and targets are measured to constrain stochastic variations in the data within acceptable limits. Therefore, r(f) distinguishes different fish species with swimbladders poorly if they appear as single targets. Using target-strength (TS) data, the acoustic measurements are more spatially comparable, and averaging the TS over an echotrace of a single fish improves the ability to distinguish between different species. Frequency response was estimated using TS data from in situ measurements, collected using Simrad EK60 echosounders with split-beam transducers transmitting simultaneously at 18, 38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz. Selected series with nearly pure catches of northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua), saithe (Pollachius virens), and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii) were analysed using a target-tracking algorithm. The frequency response of northeast Arctic cod and saithe did not differ significantly, but at high frequencies, the response of both northeast Arctic cod and saithe differed from that of Norway pout. However, in the latter case, northeast Arctic cod and saithe could be separated, because of their different TS magnitudes.
Mixed parentage in Neolamprologus pulcher groups
Authors: Stiver K. A. , Fitzpatrick J. L. , Desjardins J. K. , Balshine S.
Published: April 2009

Genetic data collected on co‐operatively breeding Neolamprologus pulcher groups from Lake Tanganyika revealed mixed parentage in 80% of the groups examined. A case (1/11) of shared maternity was detected where a subordinate female bred alongside the dominant female in a social group. Extra‐pair paternity was assigned to other dominant males who held their own social groups, but subordinate males were not found to father young in any group (0/9).
Complete mitochondrial control region sequences indicate a distinct variety of brown trout Salmo trutta in the Aral Sea
Authors: Griffiths A. M. , Bright D. , Stevens J. R.
Published: April 2009

Complete sequencing of the mtDNA control region (CR) from five specimens of brown trout Salmo trutta from the Amu Darya River identified two novel haplotypes belonging to the Danubian lineage. This finding supports the long‐standing hypothesis that brown trout in the Aral Sea represent a distinct genetic stock and also illustrates the benefits that complete sequencing of the CR can provide for elucidating phylogeographic relationships.
Modulation of muramyl dipeptide stimulation of cytokine production by blood components
Authors: van Der Meer J H M , Netea M G , Dinarello C A
Published: April 2009

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) is the minimal active fragment of peptidoglycan of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria, with potential beneficial effects as a vaccine adjuvant. Peptidoglycans and MDP are recognized by the intracellular receptor NOD2 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2), leading to production of proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, it is shown that, despite stimulatory effects on isolated human mononuclear cells, MDP does not stimulate production of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β or interleukin-6 in a whole-blood assay. However, MDP retains synergistic effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokines in whole blood. Screening tests of NOD2 function based on whole-blood stimulation should therefore employ strategies based on the synergistic effects of MDP on Toll-like receptor-induced cytokine production. Plasma was not responsible for the inhibition of MDP in whole blood. The inhibition of MDP stimulation was dependent upon cellular components, with erythrocyte-derived haemoglobin and neutrophils collaborating in the inhibition of MDP effects in whole blood.
A continent under stress: interactions, feedbacks and risks associated with impact of modified land cover on Australia's climate
Authors: MCALPINE C. A. , SYKTUS J. , RYAN J. G. , DEO R. C. , MCKEON G. M. , MCGOWAN H. A. , PHINN S. R.
Published: April 2009

Global climate change is the major and most urgent global environmental issue. Australia is already experiencing climate change as evidenced by higher temperatures and more frequent and severe droughts. These impacts are compounded by increasing land use pressures on natural resources and native ecosystems. This paper provides a synthesis of the interactions, feedbacks and risks of natural climate variability, climate change and land use/land cover change (LUCC) impacting on the Australian continent and how they vary regionally. We review evidence of climate change and underlying processes resulting from interactions between global warming caused by increased concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases and modification of the land surface. The consequences of ignoring the effect of LUCC on current and future droughts in Australia could have catastrophic consequences for the nation's environment, economy and communities. We highlight the need for more integrated, long‐term and adaptive policies and regional natural resource management strategies that restore the beneficial feedbacks between native vegetation cover and local‐regional climate, to help ameliorate the impact of global warming.
Driving forces of soil organic carbon evolution at the landscape and regional scale using data from a stratified soil monitoring
Authors: GOIDTS ESTHER , WESEMAEL BAS van , Van OOST KRISTOF
Published: April 2009

Soil monitoring programmes face significant challenges as there is an important trade‐off between detecting significant changes in soil properties on the one hand (which can be achieved by minimizing variability by higher sampling density or stratification approaches), and identifying the driving forces responsible for these changes on the other hand (which requires enough variability). This study aims to reconcile these two objectives by identifying the driving forces of soil organic carbon (SOC) evolution over a long period, based on an extensive but stratified soil monitoring programme. Data at both the finest level (questionnaires to the farmers) and the large scale (agricultural census, climate and soil databases for southern Belgium) were used in a cluster analysis, multiple linear regressions and mixed odels in order to discriminate between the driving forces involved. Results indicated that the negative ‘baseline effect’ (i.e. the inversely proportional effect of the initial SOC content on the SOC evolution) was responsible for an important part of the SOC variability. Consequently, the systems are not at steady state when starting the observations, although this assumption is used by most SOC dynamic models. Moreover, the baseline effect resulted in a trend of the soils to converge towards a regional SOC stock which significantly differed according to land use (36.4 t C ha−1 for the plough depth of cropland and 92.2 t C ha−1 for the 0–30 cm layer of grassland). Despite this strong effect, the main driving forces of the SOC decrease of cropland (−0.2 t C ha−1 yr−1) and SOC increase of grassland (+0.2 t C ha−1 yr−1) over a period of 50 years were discriminated. The agricultural management (cropland) and the clay content (grassland), together with the change in precipitation (to a lesser degree for cropland) were highlighted as the predominant factors involved in SOC evolution, when land use change is excluded. The use of questionnaires allowed to better understanding the impact of an intensive agricultural management on the SOC content, as the lowest SOC stocks were associated to the most intensively managed fields. The mixed models partly succeeded in predicting SOC evolution as they presented still large uncertainties after validation (mean error from 3% to 25%, root mean square error of prediction from 21% to 242%). While SOC monitoring schemes are increasingly being implemented, our results will likely apply to those using a similar design. It was shown that this strategy succeeded to reconcile both the SOC change detection and the distinction of the driving forces involved at the regional scale.
Bone mineral density and perceived menopausal symptoms: factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal women
Authors: Ahn Sukhee , Song Rhayun
Published: April 2009

Title.  Bone mineral density and perceived menopausal symptoms: factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal women.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the relationships between the factors influencing low back pain in postmenopausal women (i.e. menopausal symptoms, bone mineral density, duration of menopause, hormonal therapy, obesity, inactivity during leisure time, parity, osteoarthritis and drinking coffee).

Background.  Previous studies have shown that low back pain in postmenopausal women is associated with bone mineral density, menopausal symptoms and lifestyle factors, yet the factors influencing low back pain are not clear and vary with ethnicity.

Method.  A survey was conducted with postmenopausal women (n = 134) in Korea in 2006. Bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, back pain status, menopausal symptoms and health habits were assessed.

Results.  Participants’ mean age was 59 years. About 70% experienced back pain on more than 1 day during the week prior to the survey and 35% suffered back pain daily. Women with back pain reported more severe menopausal symptoms than those without back pain. Based on bone mineral density scores, 26·9% of the women were considered to be at risk of osteoporosis. However, there was no association between back pain status and fracture risk status. Based on a multiple logistic regression model, menopausal symptoms, drinking coffee and inactivity during leisure time were statistically significant influencing factors for low back pain in this sample.

Conclusion.  The prevalence of low back pain in postmenopausal women should be recognized in association with menopausal symptoms and health habits. Further research is needed to develop interventions for the management of low back pain in postmenopausal women.
Hospital discharge planning for frail older people and their family. Are we delivering best practice? A review of the evidence
Authors: Bauer Michael , Fitzgerald Les , Haesler Emily , Manfrin Mara
Published: April 2009

Aims and objectives.  This paper examined the available evidence concerning hospital discharge practices for frail older people and their family caregivers and what practices were most beneficial for this group.

Background.  Hospital discharge practices are placing an increasing burden of care on the family caregiver. Discharge planning and execution is significant for older patients where inadequate practices can be linked to adverse outcomes and an increased risk of readmission.

Design.  Literature review.

Methods.  A review of English language literature published after 1995 on hospital discharge of frail older people and family carer’s experiences.

Results.  Numerous factors impact on the hospital discharge planning of the frail older person and their family carer’s that when categorised focus on the role that discharge planning plays in bridging the gap between the care provided in hospital and the care needed in the community, its potential to reduce the length of hospital stay, the impact of the discharge process on family carer’s and the need for a coordinated health professional approach that includes dissemination of information, clear communication and active support.

Conclusion.  The current evidence indicates that hospital discharge planning for frail older people can be improved if interventions address family inclusion and education, communication between health care workers and family, interdisciplinary communication and ongoing support after discharge. Interventions should commence well before discharge.

Relevance to clinical practice.  An awareness of how the execution of the hospital discharge plan is perceived by the principal family carer of a frail older person, will allow nurses and others involved with the discharge process to better reconcile the family caregivers’ needs and expectations with the discharge process offered by their facility. The research shows there is a direct correlation between the quality of discharge planning and readmission to hospital.
A modified Mini Nutritional Assessment without BMI can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients
Authors: Tsai Alan C , Chou Yuan‐Ti , Chang Tsui‐Lan , Chang‐Lee Shu‐Nu , Tsay Shwu‐Feng
Published: April 2009

Aim and objectives.  To determine whether a modified version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) without body mass index (BMI) can effectively identify individuals at risk of malnutrition among patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Background.  Neuropsychiatric patients have an additional risk of nutritional disorder due to functional impairments and drug effects. However, their nutritional status is generally neglected. It is important to find a tool that is simple, easy to use and non‐invasive.

Design.  The study involved 105 patients in the acute phase of confirmed neuropsychiatric disorders in an area hospital. All subjects were cognitively able to have effective verbal communication.

Method.  The study included serum biochemical and anthropometric measurements and an on‐site, in‐person interview using a structured questionnaire to elicit personal data, health condition and answers to questions in the MNA. Subjects’ nutritional statuses were graded with a MNA that adopted population‐specific anthropometric cut‐off points or one further with the BMI question removed and its assigned score redistributed to other anthropometric questions.

Results.  Both versions of the modified MNA effectively graded the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and showed good correlations with the major nutritional indicators such as BMI, calf circumference and the length of hospital stay.

Conclusions.  The MNA can effectively assess the nutritional status of neuropsychiatric patients and enhance timely detection and intervention of their nutritional disorders. A modified MNA without the BMI question can maintain the full functionality of the tool. The version does not require weight and height measurements and thus will enhance the usefulness of the instrument.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Neuropsychiatric patients are a high‐risk group of nutritional disorders. The MNA, especially the one without BMI, has the potential to improve professional efficiency of the primary care workers.
Depressive symptoms increase risk of rehospitalisation in heart failure patients with preserved systolic function
Authors: Song Eun Kyeung , Lennie Terry A , Moser Debra K
Published: April 2009

Aims.  To examine the impact of depressive symptoms on rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbation in patients with preserved systolic function.

Background.  Depressive symptoms associated with higher risk of rehospitalisation have been primarily demonstrated in heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%) and the factors influencing rehospitalisation of patients with preserved systolic function (ejection fraction ≥40%) remain unclear.

Design.  A prospective, descriptive study design was used.

Methods.  The following baseline data were collected from 165 patients with preserved systolic function during an index hospitalisation for heart failure in South Korea: age, gender, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class, the ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus, comorbidities, history of prior admission and depressive symptoms. Patients were followed monthly for six months after discharge to collect date on all rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbation. Hierarchical Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of rehospitalisation. Kaplan–Meier survival curves with log‐rank test were used to determine differences in time to rehospitalisation according to severity of depressive symptoms.

Results.  Almost half of the patients (48%) had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (hazard ratio = 1·06, 95% confidence interval = 1·02–1·10) and depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1·05, 95% confidence interval = 1·02–1·08) independently predicted rehospitalisation after controlling for other risk factors. Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were associated with both a higher rate and shorter time to rehospitalisation.

Conclusions.  Moderate to severe depressive symptoms predict early rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbations in patients with preserved systolic function.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses should assess for depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure and refer those with depressive symptoms for treatment to improve outcomes.
The manual handling of the aggressive patient: a review of the risk of injury to nurses
Authors: STUBBS B.
Published: April 2009

Staff are injured more frequently than patients during the implementation of physical interventions. In essence the application of physical interventions is a form of manual handling, where the aggressive patient is the ‘load’. In the non‐mental healthcare environment, manual handling contributes to a large chunk of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Applying physical interventions against an agitated and aggressive human load is a risk factor for injuries being sustained. This paper discusses physical interventions as a manual handling procedure as a possible explanation of injuries sustained to nursing staff from being in a team applying physical interventions. Possible strategies to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders from physical interventions are discussed.
Fostering a culture of engagement: an evaluation of a 2‐day training in solution‐focused brief therapy for mental health workers
Authors: FERRAZ H. , WELLMAN N.
Published: April 2009

The focus of mental health care has changed considerably in recent years, from an almost exclusive inpatient system of care to one where the majority of care is being delivered within the community. Arguably this has contributed to a reduction in the length of inpatient admissions. Therefore, there is a need to understand the ramifications that shorter admissions have on inpatient care and nursing practice. This paper reports on a study designed to test the knowledge and skill acquisition and self‐reported application of solution‐focused brief therapy by staff following a 2‐day training. The study adopted a repeated measures design where participants' baseline knowledge was measured prior to the 2‐day training and then at 3 and 6 months post‐training. This study has demonstrated that the 2‐day training was effective in increasing participants' reported knowledge and understanding of solution‐focused brief therapy and their self‐reported use of the techniques in routine clinical practice. In conclusion, this study has established that staff from a variety of professional and non‐professional backgrounds can make good skill acquisition from a fairly modest training. Additionally, the current study has also highlighted the need for well‐conducted large‐scale trials of this potentially important technology.