bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achievement Results for Second and Third Graders Using the Standards-Based Curriculum Everyday Mathematics
Authors: Fuson Karen C. , Caroll William M. , Drueck Jane V.
Published: May 2006

Students using Everyday Mathematics (EM), developed to incorporate ideas from the NCTM Standards, were at normative U.S. levels on multidigit addition and subtraction symbolic computation on traditional, reform-based, and EM-specific test items. Heterogeneous EM 2nd graders scored higher than middle- to upper-middle-class U.S. traditional students on 2 number sense items, matched them on others, and were equivalent to a middle-class Japanese group. On a computation test, the EM 2nd graders outperformed the U.S. traditional students on 3 items involving 3-digit numbers and were outperformed on the 6 most difficult test items by the Japanese children. EM 3rd graders outscored traditional U.S. students on place value and numeration, reasoning, geometry, data, and number-story items.
Fast‐scale bifurcation in power‐factor‐correction buck‐boost converters and effects of incompatible periodicities
Authors: Zou Jianlong , Ma Xikui , Tse Chi K. , Dai Dong
Published: May 2006

In this paper, we derive the discrete‐time model for the power‐factor‐correction (PFC) buck‐boost converter in terms of a stroboscopic switching map. Fast‐scale instability is analysed through a fold diagram, which exposes the periodicity of the operation as well as the locations of the critical phase angles of the line voltage at which instability begins to occur along a half‐line cycle. The asymmetrical locations of the critical phase angles along a half‐line cycle is explained in terms of ‘under‐developed’ bifurcation. Border collision bifurcations are observed and analysed in detail. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iminodiacetic acid derivatized porous silicon as a matrix support for sample pretreatment and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Xu Songyun , Zhou Houjiang , Pan Chensong , Fu Yu , Zhang Yu , Li Xin , Ye Mingliang , Zou Hanfa
Published: May 2006

Iminodiacetic acid (IDA)‐1,2‐epoxy‐9‐decene has been synthesized and covalently linked to the surface of porous silicon wafer through a photochemical reaction. The negatively charged carboxylic acid groups on the porous silicon wafer are capable of binding oppositely charged species from sample solutions through electrostatic interactions. This allows the removal of contaminants prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) by simply washing the porous silicon surface. The carboxylic acid end groups on porous silicon can be used to selectively bind and concentrate target species in sample solutions. Furthermore, Fe3+‐IDA‐derivatized porous silicon was prepared to specifically and effectively concentrate phosphopeptides from the tryptic digests of phosphoproteins, followed by MALDI‐MS analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical study of triterpenoid resinous materials in archaeological findings by means of direct exposure electron ionisation mass spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Modugno Francesca , Ribechini Erika , Colombini Maria Perla
Published: May 2006

A systematic study of standard triterpenes (α‐amyrine, oleanolic acid, betulin, lupeol, betulinic acid and lupenone) and of raw resinous materials (frankincense resin, mastic resin and birch bark pitch) was performed using direct exposure electron ionisation mass spectrometry (DE‐MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). DE‐MS provides a mass spectral fingerprint of organic materials in a few minutes which highlights the compounds that are the main components in the sample. The application of principal component analysis (PCA) on DE‐MS data in the mass ranges m/z 181–260 and m/z 331–500, corresponding to the fragmentation of triterpenoid molecules, enabled us to distinguish between different triterpenoid materials such as mastic resin, frankincense resin and birch bark pitch, and to graphically plot the resinous substances in three separate clusters, retaining 89% of the total variance. GC/MS analysis of the same materials has permitted us to elucidate in detail the molecular composition and to identify minor components and species that act as markers of the degradation undergone by the materials. The paper also reports the results for the organic residues contained in an Egyptian censer (5th–7th century AD) which was recovered in the excavation of the Necropolis of Antinoe (Egypt), and for the hafting material found on a Palaeolithic tool recovered at the site of Campitello (Arezzo, Tuscany), dating back to the Mid‐Pleistocene period. Although DE‐MS was found to be a fast analytical tool, it failed to give any information on the presence of less abundant compounds when applied to mixtures of different materials: only mastic resin was found in the residues from the Roman censer, whereas GC/MS analysis identified the presence of a vegetable oil from Brassicaceae seeds and Pinaceae resin. Birch bark pitch as a pure material was identified in the sample from the Palaeolithic flint flake using both procedures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometry of proton adducts of fucosylated N‐glycans: fucose transfer between antennae gives rise to misleading fragments
Authors: Wuhrer Manfred , Koeleman Carolien A. M. , Hokke Cornelis H. , Deelder André M.
Published: May 2006

Fragmentation behavior of fucosylated N‐glycans in both protonated and sodiated form was studied by low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation with an ion trap mass spectrometer as well as by laser‐induced dissociation with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS). Diantennary, core‐(α1–6)‐fucosylated N‐glycans with Lewis X (Gal(β1–4)[Fuc(α1–3)]GlcNAcβ1‐) and/or fucosylated LacdiNAc antennae (GalNAc(β1–4)[Fuc(α1–3)]GlcNAcβ1‐) were obtained from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni and used as model substances, after labeling with 2‐aminobenzamide, or as native reducing glycans. While fragment spectra of sodiated as well as protonated species obtained in both mass spectrometers resulted in B‐ and Y‐type ions, fragmentation of proton adducts additionally gave rise to various fragment ions which had acquired fucose residues from other parts of the molecule. In particular, fucose was transferred efficiently to the Lewis X antennae suggesting the occurrence of difucosylated antennae, which could erroneously be interpreted as Lewis Y epitopes. By studying two additional model substances, this fucose gain was shown to occur by transfer of fucose between the antennae, but not by transfer of a core‐(α1–6)‐fucose. Despite the drastically different lifetimes of the ions, protonated species analyzed on the ion trap (millisecond range) and by MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS (microsecond range) showed similar rearrangement patterns, suggesting that the fucose mobility goes hand in hand with decomposition. Notably, permethylation of the model N‐glycans seemed to completely preclude fucose migration. This study indicates that caution should be applied with the interpretation of tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) data of protonated glycoconjugates, including glycopeptides, because of the potential occurrence of fucose rearrangements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SECULAR TRENDS IN TWINNING RATES
Authors: D'ADDATO AGATA V.
Published: May 2006

Based on national data from civil birth registration systems, this paper provides an overview of trends in the twinning birth rates in fifteen developed countries. Patterns and differentials in such rates across populations are described, and trends over time are given. The evolution of the twinning rate in industrialized countries over the last century follows broadly the same pattern. One exception is the period around World War I, with a peak in the twinning rate being observed during the war, or just after it, although this was not registered in all countries. Since the mid-1970s twinning rates have increased in many developed countries in response to a growing use of fertility-stimulating treatments such as in vitro fertilization.
The Larynxane ST® intralaryngeal endoprosthesis for laryngotracheal pathologies
Authors: Chambres O , Schultz P , Debry C
Published: May 2006

Objectives: The authors present their experience of a new intralaryngeal silicone prosthesis used to manage laryngotracheal pathologies associated with severe deglutition and respiratory disorders.

Study design: This retrospective study, conducted in the head and neck surgery department of the Strasbourg University Hospital, France, included 10 patients (12 prostheses inserted) and was conducted from November 2000 to November 2003.

Methods: A pre-operative clinical examination and a computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance scan assessed patients' laryngeal function. Two different semirigid laryngotracheal prostheses were used, inserted under general anaesthetic into the region from the supraglottic area to the first tracheal cartilages including the vocal folds and the ventricles. In group one (n = 5), patients presented with laryngeal stenosis with preserved deglutition function, and patent prostheses were used to restore laryngeal patency. In group two (n = 5), patients suffered from severe deglutition disorders and were in poor general condition and so required a cuffed tracheostomy tube, therefore obstructed prostheses were inserted to stop aspirations and to suppress the cuff of the tracheostomy tube. The study was performed under the authorization of the Biomedical Research Patients' Protection Committee of Alsace I, France.

Results: The mean implantation duration was six months. The prosthesis used in the first group restored laryngeal patency without further complications such as aspiration or prosthesis (mucous) obstruction. The prosthesis used in group two prevented aspiration and allowed to change a cuff by an uncuffed tracheostomy tube.

Conclusions: The intralaryngeal prosthesis used in group one constituted a reversible and effective method of treating laryngotracheal stenoses. The intralaryngeal prosthesis used in group two constituted an alternative to classical larynx exclusion techniques. The insertion is performed in few minutes under general anaesthetic through an endoscopic procedure. This reversible technique aimed to treat patients rapidly to reduce complications and post-operative morbidity.
Changes in expression of p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and bcl-2 in recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy
Authors: Lee B-J , Wang S-G , Roh H-J , Goh E-K , Chon K-M , Park D-Y
Published: May 2006

The biological changes in recurrent laryngeal cancer following radiotherapy are not fully understood. The authors investigated differences in the expression of p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bcl-2 in laryngeal cancer specimens before radiotherapy and in recurrent laryngeal cancer specimens following radiotherapy in the same patients. The authors investigated the expression of p53, PCNA and bcl-2 by immunohistochemical stain in 30 specimens from 15 patients with primary laryngeal cancer and recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy.

The expression of p53 protein was significantly different in laryngeal cancer before radiotherapy (4/15, 26.7 per cent) compared with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy (8/15, 53.3 per cent) (p < 0.05). The PCNA index was also significantly different in laryngeal cancer specimens before radiotherapy (mean, 11.9 per cent) compared with recurrent laryngeal cancer after radiotherapy (mean, 18.0 per cent) (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant alteration of bcl-2 expression in primary compared with recurrent laryngeal cancer. The expression of p53 and PCNA increased in recurrent laryngeal cancers after radiotherapy, compared with that in laryngeal cancers before radiotherapy. Recurrent laryngeal cancers arising following radiotherapy became biologically aggressive.
Multiagent cooperation based entertainment robot
Authors: Yanwen Huang , Qixin Cao , Jingliang Zhou , Yi Huang , Lewis Frank L.
Published: May 2006

In recent years, cooperation of heterogeneous multiagents (HMAs) has achieved formidable results and gained an increasing attention by researchers. This paper presents an entertainment robot system based on the HMAs' cooperation. This robot is used to distinguish the basic information of a person from the audience and entertain him in the exhibition hall. The main agents include the Arbitration System (AS), the Face Recognition System (FRS), the Position Cognition System (PCS), and the Behavior Planner (BP), which are carved up according to their respective functions. Each agent completes its own task independently and the robot finishes the whole mission through their cooperation. The hybrid control architecture and the data-fusion algorithm based on Bayesian Belief Network are also discussed in this paper.
Factors influencing the control of post-operative pain in older people
Authors: Brown Donna N , McCormack Brendan G , McGarvey Helen
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this review is to discuss how healthcare professionals, and particularly nursing practice, impact upon pain management with older people (65 years and over), following surgery. The review commences with an introduction presenting why this is an important area to consider. Current available literature and findings from an ethnographic study which was designed to examine peri-operative pain-management practices with older people will then be discussed to highlight the key issues of pain assessment and management. Three overarching themes; (1) pain assessment (2) knowledge/strategies to cope with pain and (3) organization of care (culture and context), will guide the discussion. It is suggested that comprehensive pain assessment, proficient communication and multidisciplinary working, are essential to improve pain-management practices. The paper demonstrates some of the multiple and complex factors that affect the older person's pain experience and identifies possible developmental work in this field.
Two sets of HLA Class II DRB and DQB1 alleles co‐segregate among family members in a single maternal haplotype
Authors: Crowley J. , Hagan R. , Clancy D. , Rooney G. , Dunne C. , Lawlor E. , Hayden P. , Little A.‐M. , Soteriou B. , Marsh S.G.E. , Madrigal J.A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  HLA class II typing by sequence specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOP) on the family of a Burkit's Lymphoma patient produced hybridization patterns indicating the presence of two DRB1, and two linked DQB1 genes on the same maternal chromosome. DRB and DQB1 exon 2 amplification products associated with the novel maternal haplotype were identified by DNA typing techniques: These products corresponded to DRB1*0101, DRB1*1501, DRB5*01, DQB1*0501 and DQB1*0602 alleles. These alleles were seen to co‐segregate among siblings sharing the same maternal haplotype. The patient, his mother and two of his siblings each appeared to possess elements of three DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 genes. HLA DNA typing results indicated that a DNA sequence of approximately 100 Kb, spanning the region between, and including, DRB1 and DQB1 genes was inserted into the maternal haplotype. Serological typing on EBV transformed B lymphocytes obtained from the patient's mother showed three expressed DRB1 antigens. Serology on EBV transformed patient's cells also indicated multiple DRB1 antigen expression. The expression of three DRB1 and DQB1 genes on the cells of this patient would make it virtually impossible to obtain a suitably matched unrelated stem cell donor.
The road from Santa Rosalia: A faster tempo of evolution in tropical climates
Authors: Wright Shane , Keeling Jeannette , Gillman Len
Published: May 2006

Using an appropriately designed and replicated study of a latitudinal influence on rates of evolution, we test the prediction by K. Rohde [(1992)
Oikos
65, 514–527] that the tempo of molecular evolution in the tropics is greater than at higher latitudes. Consistent with this prediction we found tropical plant species had more than twice the rate of molecular evolution as closely related temperate congeners. Rohde’s climate-speciation hypothesis constitutes one explanation for the cause of that relationship. This hypothesis suggests that mutagenesis occurs more frequently as productivity and metabolic rates increase toward the equator. More rapid mutagenesis was then proposed as the mechanism that increases evolutionary tempo and rates of speciation. A second possible explanation is that faster rates of molecular evolution result from higher tropical speciation rates [e.g., Bromham, L. & Cardillo, M. (2003)
J. Evol. Biol.
16, 200–207]. However, we found the relationship continued to hold for genera with the same number of, or more, species in temperate latitudes. This finding suggests that greater rates of speciation in the tropics do not cause higher rates of molecular evolution. A third explanation is that more rapid genetic drift might have occurred in smaller tropical species populations [Stevens, G. C. (1989)
Am. Nat.
133, 240–256]. However, we targeted common species to limit the influence of genetic drift, and many of the tropical species we used, despite occurring in abundant populations, had much higher rates of molecular evolution. Nonetheless, this issue is not completely resolved by that precaution and requires further examination.
Characteristics of primiparous women who are not reached by parental education classes after childbirth in Sweden
Authors: Fabian Helena M. , Rådestad Ingela J. , Waldenström Ulla
Published: May 2006

Background: Parental education classes are part of the national child health promotion programme of the Swedish Child Health Clinics (CHC). Aim: To investigate attendance at parental education classes during the infant's first year, and to identify factors associated with non‐attendance in primiparous women. Methods: Swedish‐speaking women were recruited from 97% of all antenatal clinics in Sweden during 3 wk, evenly spread over 1 y from 1999 to 2000. Questionnaires were mailed in early pregnancy, and at 2 mo and 1 y after the birth. Two thousand, four hundred and forty women answered the main outcome question about class attendance asked in the third questionnaire, and 1076 of these were first‐time mothers. Results: Seventy‐eight per cent of the primiparas attended classes and 31% of the multiparas. Factors associated with non‐attendance in primiparas were: native language other than Swedish, a low level of education, smoking during pregnancy, inconvenient timing of pregnancy, feelings of loneliness and isolation, maternal hospital admission, and infant health problems. Three per cent of the primiparas did not attend classes either during pregnancy or after the birth, and this group seemed to constitute an even less privileged group.

Conclusion: Parental education classes organized by the CHCs did not reach women who were more disadvantaged in terms of socio‐demographic background, maternal and infant health, and social network.
Glu257 in GroEL is a sensor involved in coupling polypeptide substrate binding to stimulation of ATP hydrolysis
Authors: Danziger Oded , Shimon Liat , Horovitz Amnon
Published: May 2006

The ATPase activity of many types of molecular chaperones is stimulated by polypeptide substrate binding via molecular mechanisms that are, for the most part, unknown. Here, we report that such stimulation of the ATPase activity of GroEL is abolished when its conserved apical domain residue Glu257 is replaced by alanine. This mutation is also found to convert the ATPase profile of GroEL, a group I chaperonin, into one that is characteristic of group II chaperonins. Steady‐state and transient kinetic analysis indicate that both effects are due, at least in part, to a reduction of the affinity of GroEL for ADP. This finding indicates that nonfolded proteins stimulate ATP hydrolysis by accelerating the off‐rate of the ADP formed, thereby allowing more rapid cycles of ATP binding and hydrolysis.
Exploring the benefits of a subjective approach in qualitative nursing research
Authors: Schutz Susan E
Published: May 2006

The increasing credibility of qualitative approaches for research in nursing has opened up new debates about methodology and rigour Traditionally, qualitative methods have been scrutinized using some criteria that are more pertinent for quantitative research The transition to a more subjective, reflexive approach to nursing research may be painful, but brings benefits With the loss of scientific rigour comes the gain of eliciting true meaning, by recreating the experiences of others through co‐operative enquiry An openly subjective approach allows the researcher to be a real partner with informants, and to openly use her own experiences and reflections in order to uncover valuable meaning and to find a different type of objectivity This paper explores some of the issues that are of concern and some of the benefits that may result from an openly subjective approach in qualitative nursing research
Two approaches to the study of experiences of health and old age: the thematic interview and the narrative method
Authors: Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Heikkinen Riitta‐Liisa
Published: May 2006

This paper discusses two methods of data collection for the study of experienced health and old age the thematic interview and the narrative method, both of which represent the interpretive research paradigm Two applications of the method are described the thematic interview was used in a study of patient experiences of health and nursing, and the narrative method in a study of experiences of ageing The role and utility of the methods are discussed from the point of view of nursing research
Stroke nursing care and management in the community: a survey of district nurses’perceived contribution in one health district in England
Authors: Gibbon Bernard
Published: May 2006

Little appears to have been written about how district nurses perceive their role in relation to the care and management of stroke patients in the community despite the high number of stroke patients on their case loads A qualitative study using a semi‐structured interview was undertaken with a convenience sample of 30 district nurses representing each locality in one health district in England Findings suggest that district nurses do not have a major role in the rehabilitation of stroke patients in the community and generally become involved in their care once the patient's chromcity has reached the point of inability to meet self‐care demand, or the carer is unable to cope
Discontent without focus? An analysis of nurse management and activity on a psychiatric in‐patient facility using a ‘soft systems’ approach
Authors: G John S
Published: May 2006

Psychiatric nursing in the United Kingdom is undergoing major change as a consequence of the policy of community care Whilst much has been written about the role of the community psychiatric nurse (CPN), less has been said about the preparedness of nurses in in‐patient facilities to adapt to the changes Checkland's (1981) ‘soft systems’ methodology was used to analyse the situational environment on an acute admissions unit It was found that an increased sense of accountability, combined with the demands of the Mental Health Act 1983, led the ward manager to develop a system, particularly in relation to discharge planning, in which his role was central This left the ward staff feeling unrecognized and insufficiently experienced in a vital aspect of patient care Lack of support from the college of nursing and inadequate staff development programmes were also found to have played a part in the situation The use of reflection in action is recommended as a way of initiating changes in structure, processes and attitudes Wider inferences are drawn concerning the competence of registered mental nurses (RMNs) practising in in‐patient facilities, and the role of the colleges of nursing in operating effectively in the new care and market paradigms
A preliminary study of users' and nursing students' views of the role of the mental health nurse
Authors: Edwards Keith
Published: May 2006

This paper is a preliminary study, part of a larger project which is endeavouring to ascertain the views of both users of mental health services and those of mental health branch students as to their perceived and desired role of the mental health nurse Four groups of users (n = 28) and four groups of students (n=44) were contacted, and recorded group discussions took place in gaining qualitative data that would feed into the main body of research The views expressed by both users and students are interestingly convergent, but much concern was expressed as to the needed changes in the provision of the service and the danger for students on qualifying to become quickly incorporated into the prevailing dominant culture
Patients' experiences of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Engberg Ingegerd Bergbom , Grondahl Gun‐Britt , Thibom Kerstin
Published: May 2006

The purpose of the study was to investigate retrospectively whether patients (n= 73) who had suffered another disease and/or experienced psychosocial stress at the time of the onset of herpes zoster had experienced a more severe clinical course of herpes zoster, and were more subject to the development of postherpetic neuralgia than other patients (n=45) with herpes zoster The interview questionnaire included questions about changes in the patients' daily lives due to neuralgia, and their current living circumstances Significantly more of the patients who had had another disease and/or psychosocial stress at the time of the onset of herpes zoster reported severe pain during the acute phase of herpes zoster They also reported pain to a greater extent at the time of the interview and mentioned that their lives had changed owing to postherpetic neuralgia More of these patients reported that their habits and activities had been negatively affected and they also experienced their current situation as unsatisfactory These results must, however, be interpreted with caution as the patients' recollection of other diseases and/or psychosocial stress and the patients' current mood due to postherpetic neuralgia at the time of the interview may have influenced the memory and the answers
The phenomenon of stress as perceived by Project 2000 student nurses: a case study
Authors: Hamill Conal
Published: May 2006

This case study was undertaken at a college of nursing in Northern Ireland with its first cohort of Project 2000 student nurses The aim was to investigate perceived stress on the course A qualitative approach was adopted utilizing Cox's (1991) transactional model of stress as the guiding theoretical framework Data were collected through questionnaires and in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and analysed using a grounded theory methodology Findings reveal that stress is perceived in relation to non‐integration with tertiary education and non‐integration with the ward team This stress results from a tension between dependence and the quest for independence in the pursuit of academic freedom and clinical competence The dependence/independence continuum has been identified as the core variable underpinning student‐reported stress Valuable insights have been gained in relation to how student nurses perceive and cope with stress associated with the introduction of the new Project 20000 curriculum, especially at this time of flux in nurse education It is concluded that student stress could be minimized if tutors acknowledged its presence and reflected the course philosophy in their practice Better liaison between the college and clinical areas may resolve some of the ward staff's negative attitudes and misunderstanding of the course aims Finally, students have a need to develop clinical skills much earlier in the course than at present, in order to feel valued, to contribute to patient care and to integrate with the ward team
An investigation into the application and maintenance of Hamilton Russell traction on three orthopaedic wards
Authors: Draper Janet , Scott Fiona
Published: May 2006

This study is concerned with the application and maintenance of Hamilton Russell traction, a form of vectored skin traction It may be used in the treatment of fractures of the femur for the purposes of immobilization and for pain relief prior to surgery A preliminary questionnaire demonstrated a poor level of knowledge in nurses working in an orthopaedic area It was therefore speculated that application and maintenance of the traction would be inaccurate The angles making up the resultant traction force were measured in 11 systems The theoretical traction force was established using mathematics The actual force was measured using a goniometer A comparison was then made The results in all 11 systems demonstrated a highly statistically significant difference between the theoretical and actual positions of the traction force (P > 0 0005) The practical implications of this are discussed and recommendations for a protocol of application and maintenance suggested Areas for further research are identified
Using the diffusion of innovation model to influence practice: a case study
Authors: Pearcey Pat , Draper Peter
Published: May 2006

There continue to be suggestions within the nursing literature that research findings are not being utilized in clinical practice The reasons for this are well documented However, less emphasis is given to ways to facilitate utilization It seemed possible that non‐utilization could be due not only to lack of knowledge, but also to the method of implementing change towards research‐based practice The ‘top‐down’, authoritarian, approach to dissemination of information within the NHS may have been a block to research use Could staff be motivated to consider research‐based change through use of a different approach? An ‘action research’ approach seemed a possible way to attempt to facilitate research‐based practice Within this study one ward was used with all staff as the participants The staff identified the area to be studied (devising a protocol for preoperative information‐giving) The instruments used were semi‐structured interviews and informal discussions and field notes Rogers' diffusion of innovation model was used to organize data collection and to analyse results Although the results may not be generalizable, the use of this model provides a useful framework for others interested in an alternative approach to achieving research‐based practice
Functional health status and instrumental activities of daily living performance in noninstitutionalized elderly people
Authors: Whittle Heather , Goldenberg Dolly
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationship between functional health status and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in a group of noninstitutionalized elderly people A convenience sample of 47 subjects who were 70 years of age or older participated by completing three questionnaires the Health Status Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Functional Assessment IADL Scale and a demographic questionnaire Lawton's (1985) theoretical model of person‐environment interaction provided the conceptual framework for the study Three functional status variables reached statistical significance (0 001) with IADL performance social functioning (r=–0 6045), health perception (r=‐0.6984), and physical functioning (r=–0 6635) suggesting that these are important indicators of overall health status, and that a decline in each could contribute to increased IADL dependency The LADLs of housekeeping, shopping, and transportation correlated significantly (0 001) with functional health status, implying that, as health declines in elderly people, they may require more assistance with LADLs, in order to remain more independent in the community The results have implications for nursing administrators and nursing educators with regard to developing health promotion strategies related to independence of elderly people, community health and social policy
Cultural perspectives of grief: an expanded concept analysis
Authors: Cowles Kathleen V
Published: May 2006

The concept of human grief has been of interest to scholars and practitioners for many years However, there are many aspects of grief about which little is known One of these is the role that cultural heritage plays in influencing the individual, intrapersonal experience of grief Through the use of six focus groups, each consisting of persons from a specific cultural background, the investigator explored the concept of grief The data were thematically analysed and the findings then compared to the findings from a previous concept analysis of grief drawn from professional literature The findings indicated that individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds whose knowledge of grief was derived primarily from their personal experiences defined grief in much the same way as had the authors of the professional literature Most importantly, the findings also clearly indicated that although cultural differences are perceived to exist in mourning rituals, traditions and behavioural expressions of grief, there are no particular differences in the individual, intrapersonal experience of grief that can be attributed to cultural heritage or ethnicity alone Implications for future research and considerations for practising nurses as they pertain to the highly individual and pervasive nature of grief are presented
The similarities and differences between nurses with different career choice profiles: findings of an interview survey
Authors: Barriball K Louise , While Alison E
Published: May 2006

This paper explores differences and similarities between participants who had selected nursing as an occupational choice from childhood and those for whom nursing was not a childhood occupational choice The implications of the findings are discussed
The changing role and work of British nurse tutors: a study within two demonstration Project 2000 districts
Authors: Camiah Sada
Published: May 2006

This study was designed to describe the main changes in the role and work of nurse tutors brought about by Project 2000 initiatives, with a view to exploring what the work of nurse tutors would be in the future It was centred upon two demonstration Project 2000 districts, chosen to provide contrasts Data were collected over a 15‐month period from a range of stake‐holders, but with the priority on nurse tutors themselves, using semi‐structured individual and group interviews The results showed that, in future, the role and work of nurse tutors would adapt to reflect the integration into a higher educational environment The main changes expected include alternative approaches to teaching and learning, for example student‐centred teaching and open modes of study, greater subject specialization, more teaching across ‘schools’, larger class involvement, more effective educational organization and management, closer liaison with the service provider units, and more effective time management The study found that nurse tutors would be required to diversify their work through new initiatives, to undertake consultancy and research and to compete more for resources — developments which were not universally welcomed
The use of different research methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of programmes to improve the care of patients in postoperative pain
Authors: Allcock Nick
Published: May 2006

Much research has supported the conclusion of the report from The Royal College of Surgeons and College of Anaesthetists (1990), London, England, that the relief of postoperative pain is in many cases unsatisfactory and calls for more research on the effectiveness of educational programmes A prime aim of nursing research is to influence and to improve practice In relation to postoperative pain Sofaer's (1985) study was an example of the use of a quasi‐experimental approach to improve postoperative pain relief through nurse education Sofaer suggests that although positive effects were demonstrated they may not have been sustained in the long term Further, Sofaer suggests that action research may have produced a more sustainable change This paper critically discusses the use of these two research methods in relation to this problem
British National Health Service trust chief executives on nurse education: corporate instrumentalism and doubts on quasi‐market structure
Authors: Humphreys John
Published: May 2006

The funding of nurse education through Working Paper 10 arrangements is susceptible to analysis as a‘quasi‐market’in which regional purchasers (in England) commission education and training services on behalf of National Health Service (NHS) trusts In this context, some regions have developed ways of managing the demand side of the market in such a way as to enable NHS trust involvement in purchasing decisions, sometimes through consortium configurations This paper reports the findings of an empirical study of the views of NHS trust chief executives on nurse education The investigation was conducted to provide the information base for a consortium development reported earlier in the Journal of Advanced Nursing The consensus views of chief executives revealed an ideological stance, referred to as corporate instrumentalism This was shown to be derived from the position of trusts as newly corporate organizations undergoing considerable change in a volatile and competitive environment Education was seen as potentially capable of contributing significantly to both health service quality and organizational change Chief executives described an ideal of collaboration in which college providers are highly responsive to their needs, but doubted that the current quasi‐market arrangements can in fact deliver this A comparison of chief executive and senior executive nurse views revealed some significant differences of emphasis, and a mechanism is provisionally suggested by which educational innovation could be suppressed Finally the education quasi‐market was analysed in terms of both its implications for the professional status of nurses and its potential to facilitate NHS reform
‘Transparency’: the missing link in nurse education reform in the United Kingdom
Authors: Payne Sue , Addo Michael K
Published: May 2006

Recent changes to nurse education within the United Kingdom (UK) have proved to be a source of great confusion in many respects, much of which is based on a manifest lack of appreciation of the nature and basis of the changes which are in fact driven by the requirements of European integration This paper argues that the lack of clarity and publicity,‘transparency’, in the process of transposing the requirements of European policy relating to nurse education into UK domestic policy can be blamed for aspects of the lingering confusion within the profession
Identification of a new allele, HLA‐DRB5*0113, through three different molecular biology techniques†
Authors: Garino E. , Berrino M. , Bertinetto F. , Caropreso P. , Chidichimo R. , Dametto E. , Fasano M. E. , Frisaldi E. , Mazzola G. , Tondat F. , Boccadoro M. , Bruno B. , Amoroso A.
Published: May 2006

A new HLA‐DRB5 allele, HLA‐DRB5*0113, has been identified in an Italian patient during routine HLA typing in order to activate a bone marrow donor search. HLA typing was performed by different molecular biology techniques, and the results showed that the HLA‐DRB5*0113 allele differs from HLA‐DRB5*010101 allele for three nucleotide substitutions at codons 57 (GAC→GAT; Asp) and 58 (GCT→GAG; Ala→Glu) of exon 2.
Blockade of the translocation and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) signaling attenuates neuronal damage during later ischemia–reperfusion
Authors: Zhang Qing‐Xiu , Pei Dong‐Sheng , Guan Qiu‐Hua , Sun Ya‐Feng , Liu Xiao‐Mei , Zhang Guang‐Yi
Published: May 2006

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), as an upstream activator of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), plays a critical role in response to cellular stresses and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the subcellular localization and activation of MKK4 in response to global cerebral ischemia. Our results indicated that MKK4 had two activation peaks in both the cytosol and the nucleus, and translocated from the cytosol to the nucleus at 30 min and 6 h of reperfusion. We also detected the interaction of JNK‐interacting protein 3 (JIP3) and MKK4, which reached a maximum at 6 h of reperfusion. To elucidate the mechanism of translocation and activation, we administered N‐acetylcysteine, an antioxidant reagent, and a glutamate receptor 6 C‐terminus‐containing peptide (Tat‐GluR6‐9c) to rats. The data showed that N‐acetylcysteine limited the translocation and activation at 30 min of reperfusion; however, the peptide perturbed the subcellular localization and activation at 6 h of reperfusion, and subsequently provided a protective role against delayed neuronal cell death. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the translocation and activation of MKK4 during early reperfusion are closely associated with reactive oxygen species, whereas, at late reperfusion, MKK4 activation may be involved in brain ischemic injury.
Two‐stage metamorphic evolution of the Bemarivo Belt of northern Madagascar: constraints from reaction textures and in situ monazite dating
Authors: JÖNS N. , SCHENK V. , APPEL P. , RAZAKAMANANA T.
Published: May 2006

New results on the pressure–temperature–time evolution, deduced from conventional geothermobarometry and in situ U‐Th‐total Pb dating of monazite, are presented for the Bemarivo Belt in northern Madagascar. The belt is subdivided into a northern part consisting of low‐grade metamorphic epicontinental series and a southern part made up of granulite facies metapelites. The prograde metamorphic stage of the latter unit is preserved by kyanite inclusions in garnet, which is in agreement with results of the garnet (core)‐alumosilicate‐quartz‐plagioclase (inclusions in garnet; GASP) equilibrium. The peak metamorphic stage is characterized by ultrahigh temperatures of ∼900–950 °C and pressures of ∼9 kbar, deduced from GASP equilibria and feldspar thermometry. In proximity to charnockite bodies, garnet‐sillimanite‐bearing metapelites contain aluminous orthopyroxene (max. 8.0 wt% Al2O3) pointing to even higher temperatures of ∼970 °C. Peak metamorphism is followed by near‐isothermal decompression to pressures of 5–7 kbar and subsequent near‐isobaric cooling, which is demonstrated by the extensive late‐stage formation of cordierite around garnet. Internal textures and differences in chemistry of metapelitic monazite point to a polyphasic growth history. Monazite with magmatically zoned cores is rarely preserved, and gives an age of c. 737 ± 19 Ma, interpreted as the maximum age of sedimentation. Two metamorphic stages are dated: M1 monazite cores range from 563 ± 28 Ma to 532 ± 23 Ma, representing the collisional event, and M2 monazite rims (521 ± 25 Ma to 513 ± 14 Ma), interpreted as grown during peak metamorphic temperatures. These are among the youngest ages reported for high‐grade metamorphism in Madagascar, and are supposed to reflect the Pan‐African attachment of the Bemarivo Belt to the Gondwana supercontinent during its final amalgamation stage. In the course of this, the southern Bemarivo Belt was buried to a depth of >25 km. Approximately 25–30 Myr later, the rocks underwent heating, interpreted to be due to magmatic underplating, and uplift. Presumably, the northern part of the belt was also affected by this tectonism, but buried to a lower depth, and therefore metamorphosed to lower grades.
Social Exchange as a Framework for Client‐Nurse Interaction During Public Health Nursing Maternal‐Child Home Visits
Authors: Byrd Mary E.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this paper was to develop a nursing‐focused use of social exchange theory within the context of maternal‐child home visiting. The nature of social exchange theory, its application to client‐nurse interaction, and its fit with an existing data set from a field research investigation were examined. Resources exchanged between the nurse and clients were categorized and compared across the patterns of home visiting, nursing strategies based on exchange notions were identified, and variations in exchange were linked with client outcomes. The nurse provided resources within the categories of information, status, service, and goods. Clients provided time, access to the home, space within the home to conduct the visit, opportunities to observe maternal‐child interaction, access to the infant, and information. The ease and breadth of resource exchange varied across the patterns of home visiting. The social exchange perspective was useful in categorizing resources, specifying and uncovering new resource categories, understanding nursing strategies to initiate and maintain the client‐nurse relationship, and linking client‐nurse interactive phenomena with client outcomes. Social exchange theory is potentially useful for understanding client‐nurse interaction in the context of maternal‐child home visits.
Update on the Role of Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata in the Regulation of Seizures
Authors: Velíšková Jana , Moshé Solomon L.
Published: May 2006

The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) represents an endogenous seizure suppressing system, which may be targeted to develop treatments for generalized or multifocal epilepsies. This review summarizes the region-, age-, and sex-specific features of the SNR-based seizure-controlling network.
Genetic Variants in Absence Epilepsy: A Contextual Consideration of Calcium Current Kinetics
Authors: Lagrange Andre
Published: May 2006

Functional Characterization and Neuronal Modeling of the Effects of Childhood Absence Epilepsy Variants of Cacna1h, a T-Type Calcium Channel

Vitko I, Chen Y, Arias JM, Shen Y, Wu XR, Perez-Reyes E

J Neurosci 2005;25(19):4844-4855

Sequencing of the T-type Ca2+ channel gene CACNA1H revealed 12 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were found only in childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) patients. One SNP, G773D, was found in two patients. The present study reports the finding of a third patient with this SNP, as well as analysis of their parents. Because of the role of T-channels in determining the intrinsic firing patterns of neurons involved in absence seizures, it was suggested that these SNPs might alter channel function. The goal of the present study was to test this hypothesis by introducing these polymorphisms into a human Cav3.2a cDNA and then study alterations in channel behavior using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. Eleven SNPs altered some aspect of channel gating. Computer simulations predict that seven of the SNPs would increase firing of neurons, with three of them inducing oscillations at similar frequencies, as observed during absence seizures. Three SNPs were predicted to decrease firing. Some CAE-specific SNPs (e.g., G773D) coexist with SNPs also found in controls (R788C); therefore, the effect of these polymorphisms were studied. The R788C SNP altered activity in a manner that would also lead to enhanced burst firing of neurons. The G773D–R788C combination displayed different behavior than either single SNP. Therefore, common polymorphisms can alter the effect of CAE-specific SNPs, highlighting the importance of sequence background. These results suggest that CACNA1H is a susceptibility gene that contributes to the development of polygenic disorders characterized by thalamocortical dysrhythmia, such as CAE.