bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verb inflection in Ancient Greek and Sanskrit and auxiliation patterns in French and Italian
Authors: La Fauci Nunzio , Tronci Liana
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with the complex interaction between form and function in the verb morphosyntax of four Indo-European languages (French, Italian, Ancient Greek and Sanskrit). Beyond the difference in form, auxiliation patterns in French and Italian, and verb inflections in Ancient Greek and Sanskrit correlate, thanks to the agreement for number and person, to the expression of the relationship with the Subject. The different auxiliation patterns (sum and habeo) and the different inflections (middle and active) correlate to different properties of the Subject. In particular, these forms depend on the syntactic opposition between middle and non-middle. The ways of this dependency are regulated and systematic, although they appear fuzzy and chaotic, not only if the four languages are compared to each other, but also if different morphosyntactic combinations, inside the same language, are concerned.
Pour un traitement unitaire de l’assignation du datif en français
Authors: Tayalati Fayssal , Van Peteghem Marleen
Published: September 2009

The aim of this paper is to propose a unified account of dative assignment for both verbs and adjectives in French. We will show that both types of predicates assign dative case to their second internal argument, provided that this argument is situated in a higher position in the thematic hierarchy than the first internal argument. This hypothesis, which considers the dative in French as a structural rather than a semantic case, can easily account for all three-argument verbs, for most two-argument verbs and even for adjunct datives. As for the adjectival predicates, we will show that only ergative adjectives, whose first argument is an internal argument, can assign dative to their second internal argument. The few exceptions to this hypothesis can be explained by the fact that, although the dative is not a semantic case, it is associated with certain semantic roles, given that its semantic role is situated in the thematic hierarchy between the role of the external argument and the role of the first internal argument.
Les noms d’activité parmi les noms abstraits
Authors: Heyd Sophie , Knittel Marie Laurence
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with nouns morphologically and/or semantically paired with verbs denoting activities. We show that (contra N. Flaux & D. Van de Velde 2000) such nouns are not to be divided in three subclasses. Based on their distribution and interpretation (particularly the well-established count/mass distinction), we suggest that they denote either activities or occurrences. We provide a comparison with simple (i.e. non deverbal) nouns exhibiting the same behaviour when occurring in light verb constructions.
Natural History of Colonization with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecium
Authors: Montecalvo Marisa A. , de Lencastre Herminia , Carraher Margaret , Gedris Cheryl , Chung Marilyn , VanHorn Ken , Wormser Gary P.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To determine the incidence, duration, and genetic diversity of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF).

Setting:

Oncology unit of a 650-bed university hospital.

Methods:

Surveillance perianal swab cultures were performed on admission and weekly. The molecular relatedness of VREF isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and by the hybridization pattern of the vanA resistance determinant.

Results:

During 8 months of surveillance, the VREF colonization rate was 16.6 patients per 1,000 patient-hospital days, which was 10.6 times greater than the VREF infection rate. Eighty-six patients with VREF colonization were identified. Colonization persisted for at least 7 weeks in the majority of patients. Of 36 colonized patients discharged from the hospital and then readmitted, an average of 2½ weeks later, 22 (61%) patients still were colonized with VREF. Of the 14 patients who were VREF-negative at readmission, only three patients remained culture-negative throughout hospitalizations. PFGE demonstrated that colonization with the same VREF isolate may persist for at least 1 year, and patients may be colonized with more than one strain of VREF.

Conclusion:

VREF colonization is at least 10-fold more prevalent than infection among oncology patients. Colonization often persists throughout lengthy hospitalizations and may continue for long periods following hospitalization.
Nosocomial Tuberculosis: An Outbreak of a Strain Resistant to Seven Drugs
Authors: Ikeda Robin M. , Birkhead Guthrie S. , DiFerdinando George T. , Bornstein Donald L. , Dooley Samuel W. , Kubica George P. , Morse Dale L.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To evaluate nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB).

Design:

Outbreak investigation: review of infection control practices and skin test results of healthcare workers (HCWs); medical records of hospitalized TB patients and mycobacteriology reports; submission of specimens for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing; and an assessment of the air-handling system.

Setting:

A teaching hospital in upstate New York.

Results:

Skin-test conversions occurred among 46 (6.6%) of 696 HCWs tested from August through October 1991. Rates were highest on two units (29% and 20%); HCWs primarily assigned to these units had a higher risk for conversion compared with HCWs tested following previous incidents of exposure to TB (relative risk [RR] = 53.4, 95% confidence interval [CI95] =6.9 to 411.1; and RR=37.4, CI95= 5.0 to 277.3, respectively). The likely source patient was the only TB patient hospitalized on both units during the probable exposure period. This patient appeared clinically infectious, was associated with a higher risk of conversion among HCWs providing direct care (RR = 2.37; CI95 = 1.05 to 5.34), and was a prison inmate with TB resistant to seven antituberculosis agents. The MDR-TB strain isolated from this patient also was isolated from other inmate and noninmate patients, and a prison correctional officer exposed in the hospital. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from all of these patients had matching RFLP patterns. Infection control practices closely followed established guidelines; however, several rooms housing TB patients had marginal negative pressure with variable numbers of air changes per hour, and directional airflow was disrupted easily.

Conclusions:

These data strongly suggest nosocomial transmission of MDR-TB to HCWs, patients, and a prison correctional officer working in the hospital. Factors contributing to transmission apparently included prolonged infectiousness of the likely source patient and inadequate environmental controls. Continued urgent attention to TB infection control is needed.
The Future of the Hospital Epidemiologist in the 1990s: Presidential Address, SHEA Annual Meeting, April 1994
Authors: Gross Peter A.
Published: September 2009

While the Democrats and the Republicans debate the Health Care Reform Bill and how we are going to pay for universal coverage, a revolution in healthcare delivery already is taking place right under our eyes. Even if the federal government doesn't pass legislation on healthcare this term, the healthcare delivery system will have been changed so dramatically that it will be unrecognizable from what we knew just a couple of years ago. Consolidation of hospitals, cost reduction, and the quality of care are themes that will be evident in medical delivery for the next few years. Among these three, cost reduction is and will be the engine of change.
Randomized Prospective Study of the Impact of Three Needleless Intravenous Systems on Needlestick Injury Rates
Authors: L'Ecuyer Paul B. , Schwab Elizabeth Owens , Iademarco Elizabeth , Barr Norma , Aton Elizabeth A. , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To determine the impact of three needleless intravenous systems on needlestick injury rates.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

1,000-bed tertiary-care Midwestern hospital.

Participants:

Nursing personnel from general medical, general surgical, and intensive-care units.

Interventions:

From June 1992 through March 1994, a metal blunt cannula (MBC), two-way valve (2-way), and plastic blunt cannula (PBC) were introduced into three study areas, and needlestick injury rates were compared to three control areas using traditional needled devices.

Results:

24 and 29 needlestick injuries were reported in study and control areas. Intravenous-therapy-related injuries comprised 45.8% and 57.1% of injuries in each area. Thirty-seven percent and 20.7% of study and control area needlestick injuries were considered to pose a high risk of bloodborne infection. The 2-way group had similar rates of total and intravenous-related needlestick injuries compared to control groups. The PBC group had lower rates of total and intravenous-related needlestick injuries per 1,000 patient-days (rate ratios [RR], 0.32 and 0.24; 95°% confidence intervals [CI95], 0.12-0.81 and 0.09-0.61; P=.02 and P=.003, respectively) and per 1,000 productive hours worked (RR, 0.11 and 0.08; CI95, 0.01-0.92 and 0.010.69; P=.03 and P=.005, respectively) compared to controls.

Conclusions:

Needlestick injuries continued in study areas despite the introduction of needleless devices, and risks of bloodborne pathogen transmission were similar to control areas. The PBC device group noted lower rates of needlestick injuries compared to controls, but there were problems with product acceptance, correct product use, and continued traditional device use in study areas. Low needlestick injury rates make interpretations difficult. Further studies of safety devices are needed and should attempt greater control of worker behavior to aid interpretation.
Nasal and Cutaneous Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in Hemodialysis Patients: The Effect of Nasal Mupirocin
Authors: Boelaert Johan R. , Van Landuyt Herman W. , Gordts Bart Z. , De Baere Yvan A. , Messer Shawn A. , Herwaldt Loreen A.
Published: September 2009

Fifteen of 20 hemodialysis patients who carried Staphylococcus aureus in their nares also carried the organism on their hands; 2 of 20 patients who did not carry S aureus in their nares carried S aureus on their hands (P<.001). Eightyseven percent of patients who carried S aureus in their nares and on their hands carried the same strain at both sites. Intranasal mupirocin eliminated S aureus from both sites.
Antimicrobial Use in Long-Term–Care Facilities
Authors: Nicolle L.E. , Bentley D. , Garibaldi R. , Neuhaus E. , Smith P. ,   SHEA Long-Term–Care Committee
Published: September 2009

There is intense antimicrobial use in long-term–care facilities (LTCF), and studies repeatedly document that much of this use is inappropriate. The current crisis in antimicrobial resistance, which encompasses the LTCF, heightens concerns of antimicrobial use. Attempts to improve antimicrobial use in the LTCF are complicated by characteristics of the patient population, limited availability of diagnostic tests, and virtual absence of relevant clinical trials. This article recommends approaches to management of common LTCF infections and proposes minimal standards for an antimicrobial review program. In developing these recommendations, the article acknowledges the unique aspects of provision of care in the LTCF.
Unrecognized HIV-1 Infection in Inner-City Hospital Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Nagachinta Tippavan , Gold Claudia R. , Cheng Fenny , Heseltine Peter N.R. , Kerndt Peter R.
Published: September 2009

To determine the prevalence of unrecognized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infections in patients presenting to an inner-city hospital emergency department, medical records were reviewed from 1,945 patients diagnosed with diseases not related to HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The overall seroprevalence was 2.1% (40):1.8% (11) in nontrauma versus 3.0% (29) in trauma patients. The highest prevalence was found in black, male, uninsured patients.
Nosocomial Infection Caused by Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms in the Intensive-Care Unit
Authors: Flaherty John P. , Weinstein Robert A.
Published: September 2009

Resistance to antimicrobial agents is an evolving process, driven by the selective pressure of heavy antibiotic use in individuals living in close proximity to others. The intensive care unit (ICU), crowded with debilitated patients who are receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics and being cared for by busy physicians, nurses, and technicians, serves as an ideal environment for the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Problem pathogens presently include multiply resistant gram-negative bacilli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and the recently emerged vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The prevention of antimicrobial resistance in ICUs should focus on recognition via routine unit-based sur veillance, improved compliance with handwashing and barrier precautions, and antibiotic-use policies tailored to individual units within hospitals.
American Society of Anesthesiology Scoring Discrepancies Affecting the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System Surgical-Site–Infection Risk Index Rates
Authors: Salemi Charles , Anderson Diana , Flores Douglas
Published: September 2009

The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scoring was performed for the National Nosocomial Infection Sur veillance (NNIS) System surgical-site–infection (SSI) risk indexing in 250 prosthetic-joint surgeries. There were ASA scoring discrepancies in 59% of 116 ASA-3 surgeries and 2 out of 10 ASA-3 SSI. The original ASA scoring led to an uncorrected SSI rate of 5.8 per 100 surgeries in the NNIS risk group 0; with corrected ASA scores, the rate was 4.5 per 100 surgeries.
Community-Acquired Notifiable Infectious Diseases in a Pediatric Hospital Effect on Infection Control Work Load
Authors: Shears Paul , Hughes Julie , Brown Doreen H. , Wright Anne G.
Published: September 2009

In a study of the impact of notifiable communicable disease admissions on infection control work load, we found notifiable disease cases to be responsible for less than 10% of admissions but 27% of infection control ward visits and to require extensive community liaison. Measures of work load based on nosocomial infections alone will underestimate infection control activity considerably.
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America Joint Committee on the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance Guidelines for the Prevention of Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospitals
Authors: Shlaes David M. , Gerding Dale N. , John Joseph F. , Craig William A. , Bornstein Donald L. , Duncan Robert A. , Eckman Mark R. , Farrer William E. , Greene William H. , Lorian Victor , Levy Stuart , McGowan John E. , Paul Sindy M. , Ruskin Joel , Tenover Fred C. , Watanakunakorn Chatrchai
Published: September 2009

Antimicrobial resistance results in increased morbidity, mortality, and costs of health care. Prevention of the emergence of resistance and the dissemination of resistant microorganisms will reduce these adverse effects and their attendant costs. Appropriate antimicrobial stewardship that includes optimal selection, dose, and duration of treatment, as well as control of antibiotic use, will prevent or slow the emergence of resistance among microorganisms. A comprehensively applied infection control program will interdict the dissemination of resistant strains
Risk Factors for Surgical-Wound Infection in General Surgery A Prospective Study
Authors: Lizán-García Maxima , García-Caballero Juan , Asensio-Vegas Angel
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To quantify surgical-infection rate, to assess adherence with the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol, and to identify independent factors associated with surgical-wound infection (SWI).

Methods:

We carried out a prospective study of a cohort of 2,237 general surgery patients with postsurgery stays of more than 48 hours. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression.

Setting:

A 1,300-bed, university-affiliated, tertiarycare hospital in Madrid, Spain.

Results:

254 patients developed SWI. The rate of adherence to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol was 63.5%. Eight factors were independently associated with risk of SWI: age (OR=1.2 for every 10 years of age); wound classification (clean-contaminated, OR=6.4; contaminated, OR=3.7; dirty or infected, OR=9.3); antimicrobial prophylaxis (OR=0.5); stay prior to surgery (OR=1.1 for every 3 days); duration of operation (OR=1.5 for every 60 minutes); malignant neoplasm (OR=1.7); emergency procedure (OR=1.99); intensive-care unit stay prior to surgery (OR=2.6); and antimicrobial prophylaxis administered 2 or more hours before operation (OR=5.3).

Conclusion:

In general, antimicrobial prophylaxis protects against SWI (OR=0.5); however, administration 2 hours or more before the operation increases the risk of SWI by a factor of 5.3. Therefore, measures should be taken to ensure the correct timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Colonization With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Comparison of a Long-Term–Care Unit With an Acute-Care Hospital
Authors: Bonilla Hector F. , Zervos Marcus A. , Lyons Michael J. , Bradley Suzanne F. , Hedderwick Sara A. , Ramsey Mary A. , Paul Laura K. , Kauffman Carol A.
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To compare the epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) in a longterm–care unit and an acute-care hospital.

Design:

Point-prevalence surveys for VRE rectal colonization of patients were carried out over a 21-month period in patients in a long-term–care unit and an acutecare hospital (medical ward and intensive-care units). The environment and hands of healthcare workers also were sampled for VRE. Contour-clamped homogeneous electric field (CHEF) electrophoresis was used to evaluate possible transmission among roommates and the relatedness of patient strains to those in the environment and on the hands of healthcare workers.

Setting:

A 200-bed Veterans Affairs Medical Center with an attached 90-bed long-term–care unit.

Results:

From December 1994 to January 1996, rectal VRE colonization of patients in the long-term–care unit increased significantly from 9% to 22%. In contrast, patients on the medical ward rarely were colonized after the first survey in December 1994, and only two intensivecare–unit patients were found to be colonized during the four surveys. The environment was contaminated persistently in the long-term–care unit. In the four surveys, carriage of VRE on hands of healthcare workers varied from 13% to 41%; 65% of healthcare workers with VRE found on their hands worked in the long-term–care unit.

Seven different strains were identified by CHEF typing. Although the initial survey found only vanA strains, subsequent surveys showed vanB strains also were present.

Conclusions:

Residents of a long-term–care unit frequently were colonized with VRE, but infections were uncommon in this population. The environment of the long-term–care unit was contaminated with VRE, and VRE was found frequently on the hands of healthcare workers in this unit. Both vanA and vanB genotypes were found in this setting.
Basics of Surveillance—An Overview
Authors: Pottinger Jean M. , Perl Trish M.
Published: September 2009

Surveillance of nosocomial infections is the foundation of an infection control program. This article describes components of a surveillance system, methods for surveillance, methods for case-finding, and data sources. We encourage the epidemiology team to use this background information as they design surveillance systems that meet the goals of their individual institution's infection control program.
Females prefer to associate with males with longer intromittent organs in mosquitofish
Authors: Kahn Andrew T. , Mautz Brian , Jennions Michael D.
Published: September 2009

Sexual selection is a major force behind the rapid evolution of male genital morphology among species. Most within-species studies have focused on sexual selection on male genital traits owing to events during or after copulation that increase a male's share of paternity. Very little attention has been given to whether genitalia are visual signals that cause males to vary in their attractiveness to females and are therefore under pre-copulatory sexual selection. Here we show that, on average, female eastern mosquitofish
Gambusia holbrooki
spent more time in association with males who received only a slight reduction in the length of the intromittent organ (‘gonopodium’) than males that received a greater reduction. This preference was, however, only expressed when females chose between two large males; for small males, there was no effect of genital size on female association time.
Rowers' high: behavioural synchrony is correlated with elevated pain thresholds
Authors: Cohen Emma E. A. , Ejsmond-Frey Robin , Knight Nicola , Dunbar R. I. M.
Published: September 2009

Physical exercise is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, creating a mild sense of euphoria that has rewarding properties. Using pain tolerance (a conventional non-invasive assay for endorphin release), we show that synchronized training in a college rowing crew creates a heightened endorphin surge compared with a similar training regime carried out alone. This heightened effect from synchronized activity may explain the sense of euphoria experienced during other social activities (such as laughter, music-making and dancing) that are involved in social bonding in humans and possibly other vertebrates.
Insect tricks: two-phasic foot pad secretion prevents slipping
Authors: Dirks Jan-Henning , Clemente Christofer J. , Federle Walter
Published: September 2009

Many insects cling to vertical and inverted surfaces with pads that adhere by nanometre-thin films of liquid secretion. This fluid is an emulsion, consisting of watery droplets in an oily continuous phase. The detailed function of its two-phasic nature has remained unclear. Here we show that the pad emulsion provides a mechanism that prevents insects from slipping on smooth substrates. We discovered that it is possible to manipulate the adhesive secretionin vivousing smooth polyimide substrates that selectively absorb its watery component. While thick layers of polyimide spin-coated onto glass removed all visible hydrophilic droplets, thin coatings left the emulsion in its typical form. Force measurements of stick insect pads sliding on these substrates demonstrated that the reduction of the watery phase resulted in a significant decrease in friction forces. Artificial control pads made of polydimethylsiloxane showed no difference when tested on the same substrates, confirming that the effect is caused by the insects’ fluid-based adhesive system. Our findings suggest that insect adhesive pads use emulsions with non-Newtonian properties, which may have been optimized by natural selection. Emulsions as adhesive secretions combine the benefits of ‘wet’ adhesion and resistance against shear forces.
MicroRNAs resolve an apparent conflict between annelid systematics and their fossil record
Authors: Sperling Erik A. , Vinther Jakob , Moy Vanessa N. , Wheeler Benjamin M. , Sémon Marie , Briggs Derek E. G. , Peterson Kevin J.
Published: September 2009

Both the monophyly and inter-relationships of the major annelid groups have remained uncertain, despite intensive research on both morphology and molecular sequences. Morphological cladistic analyses indicate that Annelida is monophyletic and consists of two monophyletic groups, the clitellates and polychaetes, whereas molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest that polychaetes are paraphyletic and that sipunculans are crown-group annelids. Both the monophyly of polychaetes and the placement of sipunculans within annelids are in conflict with the annelid fossil record—the former because Cambrian stem taxa are similar to modern polychaetes in possessing biramous parapodia, suggesting that clitellates are derived from polychaetes; the latter because although fossil sipunculans are known from the Early Cambrian, crown-group annelids do not appear until the latest Cambrian. Here we apply a different data source, the presence versus absence of specific microRNAs—genes that encode approximately 22 nucleotide non-coding regulatory RNAs—to the problem of annelid phylogenetics. We show that annelids are monophyletic with respect to sipunculans, and polychaetes are paraphyletic with respect to the clitellate
Lumbricus
, conclusions that are consistent with the fossil record. Further, sipunculans resolve as the sister group of the annelids, rooting the annelid tree, and revealing the polarity of the morphological change within this diverse lineage of animals.
MicroRNA dynamics in the stages of tumorigenesis correlate with hallmark capabilities of cancer
Authors: Olson Peter , Lu Jun , Zhang Hao , Shai Anny , Chun Matthew G. , Wang Yucheng , Libutti Steven K. , Nakakura Eric K. , Golub Todd R. , Hanahan Douglas
Published: September 2009

While altered expression of microRNAs (miRs) in tumors has been well documented, it remains unclear how the miR transcriptome intersects neoplastic progression. By profiling the miR transcriptome we identified miR expression signatures associated with steps in tumorigenesis and the acquisition of hallmark capabilities in a prototypical mouse model of cancer. Metastases and a rare subset of primary tumors shared a distinct miR signature, implicating a discrete lineage for metastatic tumors. The miR-200 family is strongly down-regulated in metastases and met-like primary tumors, thereby relieving repression of the mesenchymal transcription factor Zeb1, which in turn suppresses E-cadherin. Treatment with a clinically approved angiogenesis inhibitor normalized angiogenic signature miRs in primary tumors, while altering expression of metastatic signature miRs similarly to liver metastases, suggesting their involvement in adaptive resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy via enhanced metastasis. Many of the miR changes associated with specific stages and hallmark capabilities in the mouse model are similarly altered in human tumors, including cognate pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, implying a generality.
Contextual extracellular cues promote tumor cell EMT and metastasis by regulating miR-200 family expression
Authors: Gibbons Don L. , Lin Wei , Creighton Chad J. , Rizvi Zain H. , Gregory Philip A. , Goodall Gregory J. , Thilaganathan Nishan , Du Liqin , Zhang Yiqun , Pertsemlidis Alexander , Kurie Jonathan M.
Published: September 2009

Metastatic disease is a primary cause of cancer-related death, and factors governing tumor cell metastasis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we address this question by using tumor cell lines derived from mice that develop metastatic lung adenocarcinoma owing to expression of mutant K-ras and p53. Despite having widespread somatic genetic alterations, the metastasis-prone tumor cells retained a marked plasticity. They transited reversibly between epithelial and mesenchymal states, forming highly polarized epithelial spheres in three-dimensional culture that underwent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) following treatment with transforming growth factor-β or injection into syngeneic mice. This transition was entirely dependent on the microRNA (miR)-200 family, which decreased during EMT. Forced expression of miR-200 abrogated the capacity of these tumor cells to undergo EMT, invade, and metastasize, and conferred transcriptional features of metastasis-incompetent tumor cells. We conclude that tumor cell metastasis is regulated by miR-200 expression, which changes in response to contextual extracellular cues.
TBP2 is essential for germ cell development by regulating transcription and chromatin condensation in the oocyte
Authors: Gazdag Emese , Santenard Angèle , Ziegler-Birling Céline , Altobelli Gioia , Poch Olivier , Tora Làszlò , Torres-Padilla Maria-Elena
Published: September 2009

Development of the germline requires consecutive differentiation events. Regulation of these has been associated with germ cell-specific and pluripotency-associated transcription factors, but the role of general transcription factors (GTFs) remains elusive. TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a GTF involved in transcription by all RNA polymerases. During ovarian folliculogenesis in mice the vertebrate-specific member of the TBP family, TBP2/TRF3, is expressed exclusively in oocytes. To determine TBP2 function in vivo, we generated TBP2-deficient mice. We found that Tbp2−/− mice are viable with no apparent phenotype. However, females lacking TBP2 are sterile due to defective folliculogenesis, altered chromatin organization, and transcriptional misregulation of key oocyte-specific genes. TBP2 binds to promoters of misregulated genes, suggesting that TBP2 directly regulates their expression. In contrast, TBP ablation in the female germline results in normal ovulation and fertilization, indicating that in these cells TBP is dispensable. We demonstrate that TBP2 is essential for the differentiation of female germ cells, and show the mutually exclusive functions of these key core promoter-binding factors, TBP and TBP2, in the mouse.
Ternary fluorides BaMF4 (M = Zn, Mg and Mn) at low temperatures
Authors: Posse Jose Maria , Grzechnik Andrzej , Friese Karen
Published: September 2009

Ternary fluorides BaMF4 (M = Zn, Mg, Mn) have been studied in the temperature range from 300 to 10 K using synchrotron and laboratory powder and single-crystal diffraction. The first two compounds are stable down to 10 K, while the third one undergoes a phase transition to an incommensurately modulated structure at approximately 250 K. The modulated phase is stable down to 10 K. The magnetic anomalies at 45 and 27 K observed previously in BaMnF4 are exclusively reflected in the behavior of the γ component of the q vector, which assumes an irrational value of approximately 0.395 Å−1 at the temperature corresponding to the onset of the magnetic ordering and then stays constant down to 10 K. Mn—Mn distances do not indicate any structural response to the magnetic ordering. The formation of the modulated phase can be explained on the basis of simple geometrical criteria. The incorporation of the large Mn cation in the octahedral sheets implies an increase of the cavity in which the Ba ion is incorporated. This leads to the formation of the modulated structure to adapt the coordination sphere around Ba in such a way that the bond-valence sums can be kept close to the ideal value of two. With further lowering of the temperature, the charge balance around the Ba ion requires an increasingly anharmonic character of the modulation function of Ba, until finally at 10 K a crenel-like shape is assumed for the modulation of this atom.
Superspace description of the modulated structure of the metal-salt-hybrid Bi7 − δNi2Br5 − 2δ (δ = 1/9)
Authors: Wahl B. , Ruck M.
Published: September 2009

The compound Bi7 − δNi2Br5 − 2δ = (Bi3Ni)2[Bi1 − δBr4]Br1 −2δ (δ = 1/9) is a sub-bromide of the intermetallic phase Bi3Ni. Its crystal structure contains metallic rods, ^1_{\infty}[Bi3Ni], which are embedded in a salt-like matrix of bromido-bismuthate(III) and bromide anions. The non-stoichiometry originates from the variation of the number n of trans edge-sharing octahedra in the [Bi
n
Br4n + 2](n + 2)− oligomers (3 ≤ n ≤ 5), as well as from vacancies on the sites of the isolated Br atoms. The simplified structure is described in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with a = 4.0660 (4), b = 23.305 (3), c = 17.130 (2) Å. It shows a statistical distribution of vacancies and orientational disorder of the concatenated octahedra. By choosing the modulation vector q = a*/9 + b*/2, the additional weak reflections of the diffraction pattern can be indexed. In the [3 + 1]-dimensional superspace group Pmnm(α½0)000, an ordered structure model is achieved. The modulated crystal structure bears a strong resemblance to the somewhat higher oxidized sub-bromide Bi7 − δNi2Br5 (δ = 1/9).
The Impact of Affirmative Action: Black Employment in Six Southern Cities*
Authors: Button James W. , Rienzo Barbara A.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. There have been numerous claims about the current role and impact of affirmative action, one of the most controversial public policies. The purpose of this research is to examine data on affirmative action and black employment in six representative Florida cities.

Methods. Data were gathered on 167 randomly selected businesses through personal interviews with employers. OLS regression analysis was performed to explore the independent effects of affirmative action in a multivariate path model of employment‐related predictors.

Results. Employer support for affirmative action has a significant and positive influence on black employment, particularly at higher job levels.

Conclusions. Affirmative action has developed a constituency among employers who value diversity in employment due to demographic changes that have altered labor and consumer markets.
Chemical Accidents in the United States, 1990–1996*
Authors: Derezinski Daniel D. , Lacy Michael G. , Stretesky Paul B.
Published: September 2009

Objective. Much of the empirical work on environmental justice centers on the geographic distribution of potential chronic health risks (e.g., planned toxic releases or treatment storage and disposal facilities). Far less attention has been devoted to the geographic distribution of acute health risks that cause immediate harm. The purpose of this work is to examine environmental justice in terms of potential acute health risks by examining the distribution of serious chemical accidents across diverse subpopulations.

Methods. We draw upon 1990 census data for the United States to study the relationship between the racial, ethnic, and economic characteristics of census block groups (N=226,398) and the presence or absence of chemical accidents that caused at least one injury, death, or evacuation for the time period of 1990–1996. The data used to map the location of the chemical accidents were obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency's Accidental Release Information Program (ARIP) database.

Results. Our results indicate that the acute risk associated with chemical accidents at fixed facilities is greater for individuals living in low‐income census block groups, especially when comparisons are made within the counties where the chemical accidents occur. Our results concerning race and ethnicity are less consistent and somewhat weaker.

Conclusions. Although these results do not show large and dramatic effects, as have often been found in the study of the social distribution of chronic environmental risk, they do stand as one of a relatively few social analyses of social variation in exposure to acute environmental risk.
Equivalent whole‐body concentrations of 11‐ketotestosterone in female and male coral goby Gobiodon erythrospilus, a bidirectional sex‐changing fish
Authors: Kroon F.J. , Munday P.L. , Westcott D.A.
Published: September 2009

The relationship between whole‐body concentrations of 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT) and sexual function was examined in the coral goby Gobiodon erythrospilus, a bi‐directional sex‐changing fish. 11‐KT occurred in both female and male G. erythrospilus, but levels were not always higher in males than in females within heterosexual pairs, and were not related to the stage of gonadal development of individual fish. These results suggest that comparable 11‐KT levels in both sexes may allow serial adult sex change to take place in bi‐directional sex‐changing species, such as Gobiodon spp.
Social context, competitive interactions and the dynamic nature of antipredator responses of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Brown G. E. , Harvey M. C. , Leduc A. O. H. C. , Ferrari M. C. O. , Chivers D. P.
Published: September 2009

The effects of food ration and social context, as well as possible interactions, on the antipredator behaviour of juvenile rainbow trout Onchorhynchus mykiss were investigated in a pair of laboratory studies. In experiment 1, pairs of dominant and subordinate O. mykiss were exposed to conspecific alarm cues when maintained under high or low food rations. Under high food rations, dominant individuals responded to predation risk, whereas subordinates used the opportunity to feed. Under low food ration, however, the opposite pattern was observed, where subordinates responded to predation cues and dominants did not. Experiment 2 consisted of performing the same experiment, however separating the dominant and subordinate O. mykiss 3 h before testing. When tested separately, dominant and subordinate individuals did not differ in their responses to alarm cues, regardless of food ration. These results demonstrate that there is a complex interaction between current energy status and social context on decision making by prey animals.
Increased accuracy of batch fecundity estimates using oocyte stage ratios in Plectropomus leopardus
Authors: Carter A.B. , Williams A.J. , Russ G.R.
Published: September 2009

Using the ratio of the number of migratory nuclei to hydrated oocytes to estimate batch fecundity of common coral trout Plectropomus leopardus increases the time over which samples can be collected and, therefore, increases the sample size available and reduces biases in batch fecundity estimates.
Effects of Sp1 overexpression on cultured human corneal stromal cells
Authors: Shen Xiang , Park Jeong‐Seok , Qiu Ye , Sugar Joel , Yue Beatrice Y J T
Published: September 2009

Sp1, a transcription factor, is upregulated in keratoconus, a cornea‐thinning disease. Keratoconus corneas have also been shown to contain increased levels of degradative enzymes such as cathepsin B and decreased proteinase inhibitors such as α1‐proteinase inhibitor (α1‐PI). We transfected cultured human corneal stromal cells to overexpress Sp1. The resulting effects on cathepsin B and α1‐PI levels as well as the cellular proliferative and apoptotic activities were examined by Western blotting and cytochemical staining. It was found that the Sp1 transfected cells contained a greater amount of cathepsin B than did mock transfected controls. The activity of cathepsin B was also increased. By contrast, the protein level of α1‐PI was lowered in corneal stromal cells upon Sp1 overexpression. The Sp1‐induced alterations thus mimicked closely those observed in keratoconus, supporting the notion that Sp1 upregulation may be a key factor contributing directly to the disease development. Furthermore, the apoptotic activity was unaffected in Sp1 transfectants but the proliferation was inhibited, consistent with the idea that Sp1 may play a role in differentiation of corneal cells.
Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students’ self‐evaluation of core competencies
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ling , Hsieh Suh‐Ing
Published: September 2009

Title. Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students’ self‐evaluation of core competencies.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to test the psychometric properties of the Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale for baccalaureate nursing students.

Background. Baccalaureate nursing students receive basic nursing education and continue to build competency in practice settings after graduation. Nursing students today face great challenges. Society demands analytic, critical, reflective and transformative attitudes from graduates. It also demands that institutions of higher education take the responsibility to encourage students, through academic work, to acquire knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the modern workplace, which favours highly skilled and qualified workers.

Methods. A survey of 802 senior nursing students in their last semester at college or university was conducted in Taiwan in 2007 using the Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale. Half of the participants were randomly assigned either to principal components analysis with varimax rotation or confirmatory factor analysis.

Results. Principal components analysis revealed two components of core competencies that were named as humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. The initial model of confirmatory factor analysis was then converged to an acceptable solution but did not show a good fit; however, the final model of confirmatory factor analysis was converged to an acceptable solution with acceptable fit. The final model has two components, namely humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. Both components have four indicators. In addition, six indicators have their correlated measurement errors.

Conclusion. Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale could be used to assess the core competencies of undergraduate nursing students. In addition, it should be used as a teaching guide to increase students’ competencies to ensure quality patient care in hospitals.
Reliability of maximum bite force measurements in age‐varying populations
Authors: ROLDÁN S. , BUSCHANG P. H. , ISAZA SALDARRIAGA J. F. , THROCKMORTON G.
Published: September 2009

Summary  In order for bite forces to be used clinically, they must be reliable. While bite force transducers are accurate and precise during bench tests, widely varying reliabilities of intra‐oral bite forces have been reported when measured in human subjects. Because few studies have reported total reliability, the clinical use of intra‐oral bite forces measurements remains questionable. The purposes of this study were to (i) estimate total reliability, including both within‐ and between‐session reliabilities, of repeated maximum incisor and molar bite force measurements and (ii) demonstrate how extraneous variation affects reliability by comparing estimates for which the effects of age have and have not been controlled. A sample of 28 healthy subjects with Class I normal occlusion (seven subjects in each of four age groups: 5, 8, 11 and 14 years) performed two sessions approximately 90 min apart. Each session consisted of three maximum voluntary bites at three bite positions (incisor and right and left molars). For each bite position, between‐subject variance (true variance), between‐session variance and within‐session variance were calculated using Multilevel modelling procedures. The variances were used to estimate between‐session reliabilities, within‐session reliabilities and total reliabilities. Within‐session reliabilities were substantially higher than between‐session reliabilities, which in turn was higher than total reliabilities at all bite positions. Reliabilities were highest at the incisor bite position. Not controlling for age effects substantially overestimated total reliability at all bite positions. After controlling for age effects, total reliabilities of repeated maximum bite forces were low to moderate.
Survey of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in Kyoto Prefecture from 2003 to 2007
Authors: Ito Hisato , Osamura Toshio , Nakajima Fumiaki , Fujiwara Daisuke , Kuwabara Yasumichi , Yamamoto Toru , Yasuno Tetsuya , Komatsu Hiroshi , Kizaki Zenrou , Kishida Kenji , Akiyama Yuichi , Oomae Tadaki , Nakajima Kouji , Nakamura Akitoshi , Kiyosawa Nobuyuki , Nisikomori Ryuta
Published: September 2009

Background:  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants can develop into a severe condition.

Methods:  A survey of patients with severe RSV infection in hospitals in Kyoto Prefecture was performed from 2003 to 2007. Patients requiring intubation and those with cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival (CPAOA) were considered to have severe RSV infection.

Results:  Twenty‐five patients with severe infection were identified and detailed data were available for 21 patients, of whom 18 required intubation and three had CPAOA. The male/female ratio was 12/9 and age ranged from 8 days to 19 years (average, 5.2 months; median: 2 months). At admission white blood cell count, lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05), and blood glucose (P < 0.01) were higher and Na was lower (P < 0.01) in the 18 patients with severe infection (excluding the CPAOA cases) compared to 18 sex‐ and age‐matched patients with mild RSV infection. The incidence of bacterial infection was also higher in severe cases (P < 0.05). The outcome was death in four patients (19.0%, including two sudden deaths), aftereffects in two (9.5%), hospital discharge with improvement in 14 (66.7%), and an unclear outcome in one patient. Excluding the two sudden death cases, 14 of 19 patients (73.7%) were extubated within 2 weeks. The period of intubation was longer in older patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Because severe RSV infection led to sudden death in two cases, detection of RSV is important at admission for an infant with CPAOA. Fourteen patients (66.7%), however, had good outcomes and most patients were extubated within 2 weeks.
Environmental determinants correlated to Vibrio harveyi‐mediated death of marine gastropods
Authors: Fukui Youhei , Saitoh Sei‐Ichi , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: September 2009

Vibrio harveyi is an emerging pathogen that causes mass mortality in a wide variety of marine animal species; however, it is still unclear which environmental determinants correlate V. harveyi dynamics and the bacterium‐mediated death of marine animal life. We conducted a correlation analysis over a 5‐year period (2003–2007) analysing the following data: V. harveyi abundance, marine animal mortality and environmental variables (seawater temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll a, rainfall and total viable bacterial counts). The samples were collected from a coastal area in northern Japan, where deaths of a marine gastropod species (Haliotis discus hannai) have been reported. Our analysis revealed significant positive correlations between average seawater temperature and average V. harveyi abundance (R = 0.955; P < 0.05), and between average seawater temperature and V. harveyi‐mediated abalone death (R = 0.931; P < 0.05). Based on the regression model, n°C rise in seawater temperature gave rise to a 21n‐fold increase in the risk of mortality caused by V. harveyi infection. This is the first report providing evidence of the strong positive correlation between seawater temperature and V. harveyi‐mediated death of marine species.
Weight and blood pressure response to weight management and sibutramine in diabetic and non‐diabetic high‐risk patients: an analysis from the 6‐week lead‐in period of the sibutramine cardiovascular outcomes (SCOUT) trial
Authors: Van Gaal L. F. , Caterson I. D. , Coutinho W. , Finer N. , Maggioni A. P. , Sharma A. M. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Ge H. , Moran S. A. , Shepherd G. M. , James W. P. T. ,   on behalf of the SCOUT Investigators
Published: September 2009

Objective: To assess treatment responses to sibutramine and weight management in diabetic patients during the lead‐in period of the Sibutramine Cardiovascular OUTcomes (SCOUT) trial.

Methods: SCOUT is an ongoing, prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled outcome trial in cardiovascular high‐risk overweight/obese patients. A total of 10 742 patients received single‐blind sibutramine and individualized weight management during the 6‐week lead‐in period; 84% had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and additional co‐morbidities. Post‐hoc analyses assessed anthropomorphic and vital sign responses between patients with and without diabetes.

Results: Concomitant antidiabetic medication use was reported by 86% of the diabetic patients (approximately 30% required insulin–alone or in combination). Body weight and waist circumference decreased in diabetic patients: median 2.1 kg; 2.0 cm (both men and women); for those on insulin: 1.9 kg; 1.5/2.0 cm (men/women); without insulin: 2.3 kg; 2.0 cm (both men and women); blood pressure (BP) was also reduced (median systolic/diastolic 3.5/1.0 mmHg) with larger reductions in diabetic patients who were hypertensive and/or lost the most weight (>5%). In diabetic patients who entered with BP at target (<130/<85 mmHg) but did not lose weight (N = 245), increases of 3.5/2.0 mmHg were observed. Non‐diabetic patients had greater weight losses (2.5 kg) but smaller reductions in BP (systolic/diastolic −2.5/−0.5 mmHg). Pulse rate increases were less in diabetic vs. non‐diabetic patients (1.5 vs. 2.0 bpm).

Conclusion: In these high‐risk diabetic patients, sibutramine and lifestyle modifications for 6 weeks resulted in small, but clinically relevant, median reductions in body weight, waist circumference and BP. A small median increase in pulse rate was recorded.