bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptidomic analysis establishes a major role for prohormone convertase‐2 in neuropeptide biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Pan Hui , Peng Bonnie , Steiner Donald F. , Pintar John E. , Fricker Lloyd D.
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1168–1179.

Prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) functions in the generation of neuropeptides from their precursors. A quantitative peptidomics approach was used to evaluate the role of PC2 in the processing of peptides in a variety of brain regions. Altogether, 115 neuropeptides or other peptides derived from secretory pathway proteins were identified. These peptides arise from 28 distinct secretory pathway proteins, including proenkephalin, proopiomelanocortin, prodynorphin, protachykinin A and B, procholecystokinin, and many others. Forty one of the peptides found in wild‐type (WT) mice were not detectable in any of the brain regions of PC2 knockout mice, and another 24 peptides were present at levels ranging from 20% to 79% of WT levels. Most of the other peptides were not substantially affected by the mutation, with levels ranging from 80% to 120% of WT levels, and only three peptides were found to increase in one or more brain regions of PC2 knockout mice. Taken together, these results are consistent with a broad role for PC2 in neuropeptide processing, but with functional redundancy for many of the cleavages. Comparison of the cleavage sites affected by the absence of PC2 confirms previous suggestions that sequences with a Trp, Tyr, and/or Pro in the P1′ or P2′ position are preferentially cleaved by PC2 and not by other enzymes present in the secretory pathway.
Moving methods: constructing emotionally poignant geographies of HIV in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Myers Jason
Published: December 2009

As we strive to fully understand the meanings different people create and attach to places, we need methods that allow multiple and subjective experiences of place to be critically uncovered and understood. This paper reflects on the employment of photography and caption‐writing in research with HIV‐positive men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men in Auckland, New Zealand. These methods contributed in constructing an argument that the acquisition of HIV affected experiences of both literal place as well as place‐in‐the‐world for the research participants. With the ability to move with participants (both physically and emotionally), the methods helped to illustrate a range of (re)negotiations of self and place beyond diagnosis. Moreover, engagement with these methods resulted in personal gain for many of the participants in the research. It is concluded that the continued (re)development of creative (ethically sound) qualitative methods can add rigour to our attempts at representing the complexities inherent in the relationships between people and the places they occupy.
Should parental prohibition of adolescents' peer relationships be prohibited?
Authors: SOENENS BART , VANSTEENKISTE MAARTEN , NIEMIEC CHRISTOPHER P.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Research has revealed inconsistent associations between parents' prohibition of peer relationships and adolescents' deviant peer affiliation. This cross‐sectional study examined parents' styles of prohibition to test the hypothesis that an autonomy‐supportive style would relate negatively, whereas a controlling style would relate positively, to deviant peer affiliation. Such relations were expected because of the differential relations of styles of prohibition to adolescents' internalization of parental rules for friendships. Structural equation modeling provided support for the hypotheses in a sample of 234 Belgian midadolescents (Mage = 16.45 years; 65% female), as the differential relations of autonomy‐supportive and controlling styles of prohibition to deviant peer affiliation were mediated by their differential relations to internalization. Implications for research on parental peer management are discussed.
Accuracy and bias in perceptions of emotionally supportive communication in marriage
Authors: PRIEM JENNIFER S. , SOLOMON DENISE HAUNANI , STEUBER KELI RYAN
Published: December 2009

Abstract

This study examined accuracy and bias within people's perceptions of a spouse's emotionally supportive behavior in the United States. Hypotheses stated that people's self‐reported supportiveness, their marital satisfaction, and outside observers' ratings of their partner's support predict people's perceptions of their partner's supportiveness. Married dyads (N = 100) completed measures of marital satisfaction, engaged in a discussion about personal stressors, and rated their own and their spouse's emotional support during the interaction. Third‐party observers also provided a rating of each partner's emotionally supportive behavior. For husbands and wives, perceptions of partner support were positively associated with their own supportiveness and the partner's observable supportive communication. Marital satisfaction predicted greater perception of partner support for wives, but not for husbands.
The experiences of remarried stepfathers who pay child support
Authors: HANS JASON D. , COLEMAN MARILYN
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Remarried stepfathers' experiences paying child support for nonresidential children were explored using a multiple‐interview phenomenological approach with 11 fathers in the United States. Circumstances that negatively affected satisfaction with paying child support were seldom related to money, per se. Rather, the pervasive phenomenon that emerged was attempts at managing competing interests among themselves, their children, and their new families. Remarriage magnified feelings of disempowerment and introduced additional complexities to existing child support arrangements. Although generally satisfied with their child support obligations at divorce, fairness concerns arose over time and are situated within equity theory. Nonetheless, identity conceptualizations were more salient than exchange principles, and identity theory therefore frames a discussion on the centrality of a provider mentality among these fathers.
Relational closeness: Comparing undergraduate college students' geographically close and long‐distance friendships
Authors: JOHNSON AMY JANAN , HAIGH MICHEL M. , CRAIG ELIZABETH A. , BECKER JENNIFER A. H.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

As interpersonal relationships change with the advent of new technology, researchers need to reexamine their theoretical constructs (R. G. Adams, 1998). This study uses survey methodology to examine college undergraduates from the United States. It explores the concept of relational closeness by comparing how geographically close and long‐distance friends define closeness in their relationships. It assesses prior methods of defining and measuring closeness in interpersonal relationships for the impact of physical distance between the friends. Differences illustrate factors that are important in understanding relational closeness in general and in long‐distance relationships in particular.
Marital adjustment in post‐Soviet Eastern Europe: A focus on Lithuania
Authors: BABARSKIENE JURGITA , TWEED ROGER G.
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Seventy‐five married female and 43 married male residents of Lithuania participated in a questionnaire study of their marital adjustment and marital chore division. The participants reported their marital chore division, beliefs about gender appropriateness for a list of chores, and the number of hours per week they spend on these chores. They also completed the Marital Adjustment Test (H. J. Locke & K. M. Wallace, 1959). Egalitarian chore practices were positively correlated with marital adjustment for women, but egalitarian chore beliefs were positively correlated with marital adjustment for men. The results are consistent with speculation that chore division may be particularly relevant to marital adjustment in a post‐Soviet context that has a tendency toward egalitarianism in the workplace, but not in the home.
Cambodia's forests and climate change: Mitigating drivers of deforestation
Authors: Poffenberger Mark
Published: December 2009

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is exploring a mechanism to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) to address global warming. This represents a major expansion of earlier forest‐oriented initiatives under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) that focused on afforestation and reforestation activities. While the scope of REDD projects is still being defined, potential categories include conservation, stock enhancement, and sustainable management, creating a range of new opportunities for forest‐related climate projects. The core concept behind REDD is that deforestation trends can be slowed, halted, or even reversed conserving billions of tons of carbon that would otherwise be emitted. To succeed, REDD projects will need to control powerful drivers of deforestation and forest degradation operating at multiple levels and carried‐out by a variety of actors, from rural people to political and economic elites. This case study of a REDD pilot project in northwest Cambodia explores how drivers might be contained under a project scenario and how the future international articulation of project design parameters could enable or constrain a global REDD strategy. The paper concludes that to be successful REDD projects will require a hybrid approach in which local drivers are controlled by communities and national drivers are mitigated through policy actions necessitating strong partnerships between diverse institutions.
Vulnerability and adaptation to climate change and variability in semi‐arid rural southeastern Arizona, USA
Authors: Coles Ashley R. , Scott Christopher A.
Published: December 2009

Agricultural and livestock producers experiencing climate change and variability are simultaneously subject to other sources of environmental vulnerability, as well as political, social, and economic uncertainty. Producers' adaptive decision making takes into account short‐term seasonal factors, while seeking to preserve livelihood stability over the long term. This study identifies multiple sources of vulnerability for farmers and ranchers in southeastern Arizona, and the adaptive strategies they have adopted including the use of information such as seasonal climate forecasts (SCFs). Interviews with producers and extension agents in Pima and Cochise Counties reveal that the principal climatic risks are drought, floods and frosts, and that groundwater use remains a crucial strategy despite increasing pumping costs. Low risk tolerance and uncertainty of seasonal production and marketing conditions diminish the utility of SCFs as a decision‐making tool. Instead, farmers and ranchers continue to rely on past experience and short‐range forecasts, hedging each year instead of taking significant risks. By examining the role of climate information in complex production decisions, the study shows that access to information is not the principal limitation to improving decision making. Comparison to other regions reaffirms common vulnerabilities among producers and highlights research and communication needs that have global relevance.
Reconstruction of the White Sea Basin during the late Younger Dryas
Authors: PASANEN ANTTI , LUNKKA JUHA PEKKA , PUTKINEN NIKO
Published: December 2009

Pasanen, A., Lunkka, J. P. & Putkinen, N. 2009: Reconstruction of the White Sea Basin during the late Younger Dryas. Boreas, 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00128.x. ISSN 0300‐9483

The Weichselian Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) in the White Sea Basin retreated from its maximum position to the Kalevala end moraine between 17 000 and 11 500 years ago. Even though the deglaciation history is relatively well known, the palaeoenvironments in front of the ice sheet are still poorly understood and partly controversial. In the present paper, we use geomorphological, sedimentological and ground‐penetrating radar survey methods to study glaciofluvial plains and shorelines at the Kalevala end moraine. These data are used to define the shoreline gradient for the area and to numerically reconstruct the palaeotopography and the area and volume of the water body in the White Sea Basin during the late Younger Dryas 11 500 years ago. The results indicate that at three sites glaciofluvial plains represent Gilbert deltas deposited to the same water level next to the ice margin. Using the shoreline gradient of 0.42 m/km, it is shown that the water body in the White Sea Basin was extensive and relatively deep, inundating large, currently onshore, areas on the western side of the White Sea and the Arkhangelsk area to the east. The ice margin terminated in the White Sea, which was connected to the Barents Sea via the Gorlo Strait and separated from the Baltic drainage basin to the south.
Selection of two lines of mice based on latency to onset of methionine sulfoximine seizures
Authors: Cloix Jean‐François , Tahi Zahir , Martin Benoît , Hévor Tobias
Published: December 2009

Purpose: In various animals methionine sulfoximine (MSO) induces tonic–clonic seizures resembling the most striking form of human epilepsies. The aim of the present study was to select two lines of mice based upon differences in their latency to MSO‐dependent seizures, in order to characterize them.

Methods: Random crosses involving eight inbred mice strains were used to generate the starting population in which the first MSO challenge (75 mg/kg, i.p.) was performed. Two groups of 16 breeding pairs were established by mating mice having the shortest (MSO‐Fast) and the longest (MSO‐Slow) convulsion latencies. Mating and selection by latency to MSO (75 mg/kg, i.p.) was carried out over six generations.

Results: MSO‐Fast mice presented a significantly shorter MSO latency, and were more susceptible to MSO than MSO‐Slow ones were. Electroencephalography (EEG) alterations were observed during the preconvulsive period when MSO‐Fast mice were submitted to 75 mg/kg of MSO, and MSO‐Slow ones to 200 mg/kg. Using another convulsant, kainic acid, the latency to convulse of MSO‐Fast mice was significantly shorter than that of the MSO‐Slow ones, whereas no difference was observed in response to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). MSO‐dependent convulsions were completely antagonized by MK‐801, and partially by valproic acid, suggesting a preferential involvement of glutamatergic pathways.

Discussion: The model that we have developed for MSO “sensitive” and “resistant” mice could allow for a better understanding of MSO mechanisms of epileptogenesis, and it may also constitute a useful approach for therapeutic actions of drugs.
Spatiotemporal patterns of electrocorticographic very fast oscillations (>80 Hz) consistent with a network model based on electrical coupling between principal neurons
Authors: Traub Roger D. , Duncan Roderick , Russell Aline J.C. , Baldeweg Torsten , Tu Yuhai , Cunningham Mark O. , Whittington Miles A.
Published: December 2009

Purpose:  We sought to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of electrocorticography (ECoG) very fast oscillations (> ∼80 Hz, VFOs) prior to seizures in human frontotemporal neocortex, and to develop a testable network model of these patterns.

Methods:  ECoG data were recorded with subdural grids from two preoperative patients with seizures of frontal lobe onset in an epilepsy monitoring unit. VFOs were recorded from rat neocortical slices. A “cellular automaton” model of network oscillations was developed, extending ideas of Traub et al. (Neuroscience, 92, 1999, 407) and Lewis & Rinzel (Network: Comput Neural Syst, 11, 2000, 299); this model is based on postulated electrical coupling between pyramidal cell axons.

Results:  Layer 5 of rat neocortex, in vitro, can generate VFOs when chemical synapses are blocked. Human epileptic neocortex, in situ, produces preseizure VFOs characterized by the sudden appearance of “blobs” of activity that evolve into spreading wavefronts. When wavefronts meet, they coalesce and propagate perpendicularly but never pass through each other. This type of pattern has been described by Lewis & Rinzel in cellular automaton models with spatially localized connectivity, and is demonstrated here with 120,000‐ to 5,760,000‐cell models. We provide a formula for estimating VFO period from structural parameters and estimate the spatial scale of the connectivity.

Discussion:  These data provide further evidence, albeit indirect, that preseizure VFOs are generated by networks of pyramidal neurons coupled by gap junctions, each predominantly confined to pairs of neurons having somata separated by < ∼1–2 mm. Plausible antiepileptic targets are tissue mechanisms, such as pH regulation, that influence gap‐junction conductance.
Beliefs on Mandatory Influenza Vaccination of Health Care Workers in Nursing Homes: A Questionnaire Study from the Netherlands
Authors: Looijmans‐van den Akker Ingrid , Marsaoui Badyr , Hak Eelko , Van Delden Johannes J. M.
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether nursing homes (NHs) made organizational improvements to increase influenza vaccination rates in healthcare workers (HCWs) and to quantify the beliefs of NH administrators on the arguments used in favor of implementation of mandatory influenza vaccination of HCWs.

DESIGN: Anonymous questionnaire study.

SETTING: Dutch NHs.

PARTICIPANTS: Dutch NH administrators.

MEASUREMENTS: Influenza vaccination rates in NH residents and NH HCWs, organizational aspects of influenza vaccination of HCWs, and agreement of respondents with arguments in favor of implementation of mandatory influenza vaccination in HCWs.

RESULTS: Of the 310 distributed questionnaires, 185 were returned (response rate 59.7%). The average vaccination rate in NH HCWs was 18.8% and in NH residents was 91.6%. In all, 126 (68.1%) NHs had a written policy, 161 (87.0%) actively requested that their employees be immunized, and 161 (87.0%) offered information to HCWs in any way. Despite the fact that the majority of NH administrators (>69%) agreed with all arguments in favor of implementation of mandatory influenza vaccination, only a minority (24.3%) agreed that mandatory vaccination should be implemented if voluntary vaccination fails to reach sufficient vaccination rates.

CONCLUSION: Despite the low vaccination rate of NH HCWs, most NH administrators did not support mandatory influenza vaccination of NH HCWs.
Evaluation of a Transcondylar Toggle System for Stabilization of the Cranial Cruciate Deficient Stifle in Small Dogs and Cats
Authors: KUNKEL KEVIN A. R. , BASINGER R. RANDY , SUBER JONATHAN T. , GERARD PATRICK D.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To evaluate use of a transcondylar toggle system (TCTS) for stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle in small dogs and cats.

Study Design—Prospective clinical study.

Animals—Small dogs (<7 kg; n=14) and cats (2) with CrCL‐associated lameness of <3 months duration and a tibial plateau angle <32°.

Methods—Affected animals had an extracapsular CrCL repair using the TCTS. Lameness score, muscle atrophy, osteoarthritis (OA) score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 7–10 months postoperatively.

Results—Operative time was 75 ± 16 minutes. Fifty‐six percent required >1 bone tunnel attempts. One dog required revision at 2 weeks because of suture loosening. All stifles were stable at 6 weeks postoperatively. Fifteen animals were available for follow‐up (7–10 months). Lameness improved significantly at 6 weeks (P<.0001), whereas muscle atrophy was worse at 6 weeks (P=.008) but improved at 7–10 months (P<.0001). OA scores were unchanged at 6 weeks (P=.08) but were significantly worse at 7–10 months (P<.0001). ROM remained unchanged at 6 weeks (P=1) and 7–10 months (P=.6).

Conclusions—The medially placed toggle provides a reliable short‐term proximal anchor for the extracapsular suture with outcomes similar to other extracapsular techniques. The aiming device and drill bit are not recommended in their current form.

Clinical Relevance—The TCTS appears to be a well‐tolerated technique for proximal suture anchoring in extracapsular CrCL repair in small dogs and cats where instrumentation and anatomic constraints preclude other techniques.
Biomechanical Analysis of Stacked Plating Techniques to Stabilize Distal Radial Fractures in Small Dogs
Authors: ROSE BRIAN W. , PLUHAR G. ELIZABETH , NOVO ROBERTO E. , LUNOS SCOTT
Published: December 2009

Objective—To evaluate the fatigue life of partially stacked and fully stacked (1.5/2.0 and 2.0/2.7 mm) veterinary cuttable plates (VCP) in a fracture gap model of the distal aspect of the radius.

Study Design—In vitro biomechanical study.

Methods—Constructs (n=4/group) were assembled for each of 8 groups using 8‐hole plates (1.5/2.0 and 2.0/2.7 mm VCP) in the following configurations: unstacked; 2‐hole stacked centered over the gap (COG); 4‐hole stacked COG; and fully stacked. Plate(s) were secured to 2 separate polyvinylchloride pipe lengths, mounted to a mechanical testing system with a custom jig, and were loaded in axial compression for 106cycles at 10 Hz or until failure at 6–60 N for the 1.5/2.0 mm VCP and 10–100 N for the 2.0/2.7 mm VCP. Differences in number of cycles, stiffness, and failure mode were recorded.

Results—All construct failures occurred through a screw hole adjacent to the gap. Fully stacked and 4‐hole stacked 1.5/2.0 and 2.0/2.7 mm VCP withstood 106cycles. Fatigue life and stiffness of the 1.5/2.0 or 2.0/2.7 mm unstacked constructs were significantly less than the other constructs. Differences were identified in stiffness among the 1.5/2.0 mm stacked constructs and in fatigue life among the 2.0/2.7 mm VCP stacked constructs.

Conclusion—Four‐hole partially stacked VCP (either 1.5/2.0 or 2.0/2.7 mm) have comparable mechanical properties to fully stacked VCP.

Clinical Relevance—Partial stacking of 2 holes of VCP on both sides of the fracture gap may provide sufficient strength for healing, but this premise must be tested in vivo.
Treatment of Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis by Arthrodesis in 12 Horses
Authors: BARBER SPENCER M. , PANIZZI LUCA , LANG HAYLEY M.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To evaluate arthrodesis as a treatment for carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (CMC‐OA).

Study Design—Case series.

Animals—Horses (n=12) with CMC‐OA.

Methods—Arthrodesis was facilitated by insertion and fanning of a drill bit into the CMC joint at several (3–5) locations in 15 limbs. Follow‐up radiographs were obtained for 7 horses (9 limbs). Outcome was determined by telephone survey of owners based on postoperative pain, return to use, appearance of the limb, and success of treatment.

Results—Postoperative pain was slight or moderate in 10 of 12 (83%) horses during the first 30 days, and 11 of 12 (92%) horses were markedly improved by 6 months and capable of returning to work. Radiographically 6 CMC joints had a bony ankylosis at follow‐up whereas 3 did not (mean 8.7 months). On long‐term follow‐up (mean 28.6 months) all horses had reduced severity of lameness, 10 of 12 (83%) were considered “sound,” 8 (67%) returned to their original activity, and all owners considered arthrodesis highly successful as a treatment.

Conclusion—A drilling technique that produced CMC arthrodesis, allowed most horses to return to their original activity and was considered successful by all clients.

Clinical Relevance—Arthrodesis of the CMC joint should be considered a treatment option for CMC‐OA.
Comparison of Three Drilling Techniques for Carpometacarpal Joint Arthrodesis in Horses
Authors: LANG HAYLEY M. , PANIZZI LUCA , ALLEN ANDREW L. , WOODBURY MURRAY R. , BARBER SPENCER M.
Published: December 2009

Objective:To evaluate 3 drilling techniques for arthrodesis of the equine carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

Study Design:Experimental study.

Sample Population:Cadaveric equine forelimbs (n=15).

Methods:Limbs were divided into 3 groups (5 limbs each) to evaluate 3 drilling techniques: (1) use of a 4.5 mm drill bit inserted into the joint through 4 entry points and moved in a fanning motion; (2) a 5.5 mm drill bit inserted through 2 entry points to create 3 nonfanned drill tracts (3 drill technique); and (3) a 4.5 mm drill bit used in a 3 drill technique. The CMC joint was disarticulated after drilling, and cartilage and subchondral bone damage evaluated visually and by gross and microradiographic examination using planimetry.

Results:Technique 1 produced significantly more damage of the proximal surface, but significantly less to the subchondral bone of the distal surface. Technique 1 produced the most damage to both the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of the total CMC joint than either of the 3 drill tract techniques; however, the difference between techniques 1 and 2 was not significant. Damage from technique 3 was significantly less than that with techniques 1 or 2.

Conclusions:Techniques 1 and 2 produced the most cartilage and subchondral bone damage with technique 2 changes more equally distributed between proximal and distal joint surfaces.

Clinical Relevance:Technique 1 (fanning) and 2 (5.5 mm 3 drill tracts) may be preferable to achieve arthrodesis of the CMC joint. Morbidity and efficacy of these arthrodesis techniques need to be evaluated in vivo.
Use of Propofol–Xylazine and the Anderson Sling Suspension System for Recovery of Horses from Desflurane Anesthesia
Authors: STEFFEY EUGENE P. , BROSNAN ROBERT J. , GALUPPO LARRY D. , MAMA KHURSHEED R. , IMAI AYAKO , MAXWELL LARA K. , COLE CYNTHIA A. , STANLEY SCOTT D.
Published: December 2009

Objective—To characterize the behavior of horses recovering in the Anderson Sling Suspension System after 4 hours of desflurane anesthesia and postdesflurane intravenous (IV) administration of propofol and xylazine.

Study Design—Experimental study.

Animals—Healthy horses (n=6), mean±SEM age 12.3±1.8 years; mean weight 556±27 kg.

Methods—Each horse was anesthetized with xylazine, diazepam, and ketamine IV and anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in O2. At the end of 4 hours of desflurane, each horse was positioned in the sling suspension system and administered propofol–xylazine IV. Recovery events were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Venous blood was obtained before and after anesthesia for biochemical and propofol analyses.

Results—Anesthetic induction and maintenance were without incident. Apnea commonly accompanied propofol administration. All horses had consistent recovery behavior characterized by a smooth, careful, atraumatic return to a standing posture.

Conclusions—Results of this study support careful, selective clinical use of desflurane, propofol–xylazine, and the Anderson Sling Suspension System to atraumatically transition horses with high anesthetic recovery risk to a wakeful standing posture.

Clinical Relevance—Technique choices to facilitate individualized, atraumatic recovery of horses from general anesthesia are desirable. Use of IV propofol and xylazine to transition horses from desflurane anesthesia during sling recovery to standing posture may facilitate improved recovery management of high‐injury risk equine patients requiring general anesthesia.
A Hymnal's Theological Significance
Authors: Westermeyer Paul
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  A hymnal is a synthetic theological manual, which is a cue card to the church's sounding form. It lives in a stream with a soundscape, expresses a theological orientation, and stands as an ethical check and balance with a prophetic voice against the empire's addictions and entrapments.
Using Screen‐Based Simulation to Improve Performance During Pediatric Resuscitation
Authors: Biese Kevin J. , Moro‐Sutherland Donna , Furberg Robert D. , Downing Brian , Glickman Larry , Murphy Alison , Jackson Cheryl L. , Snyder Graham , Hobgood Cherri
Published: December 2009

Objectives:  To assess the ability of a screen‐based simulation‐training program to improve emergency medicine and pediatric resident performance in critical pediatric resuscitation knowledge, confidence, and skills.

Methods:  A pre–post, interventional design was used. Three measures of performance were created and assessed before and after intervention: a written pre‐course knowledge examination, a self–efficacy confidence score, and a skills‐based high‐fidelity simulation code scenario. For the high‐fidelity skills assessment, independent physician raters recorded and reviewed subject performance. The intervention consisted of eight screen‐based pediatric resuscitation scenarios that subjects had 4 weeks to complete. Upon completion of the scenarios, all three measures were repeated. For the confidence assessment, summary pre‐ and post‐test summary confidence scores were compared using a t‐test, and for the skills assessment, pre‐scores were compared with post‐test measures for each individual using McNemar’s chi‐square test for paired samples.

Results:  Twenty‐six of 35 (71.3%) enrolled subjects completed the institutional review board–approved study. Increases were observed in written test scores, confidence, and some critical interventions in high‐fidelity simulation. The mean improvement in cumulative confidence scores for all residents was 10.1 (SD ±4.9; range 0–19; p < 0.001), with no resident feeling less confident after the intervention. Although overall performance in simulated codes did not change significantly, with average scores of 6.65 (±1.76) to 7.04 (±1.37) out of 9 possible points (p = 0.58), improvement was seen in the administering of appropriate amounts of IV fluids (59–89%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions:  In this study, improvements in resident knowledge, confidence, and performance of certain skills in simulated pediatric cardiac arrest scenarios suggest that screen‐based simulations may be an effective way to enhance resuscitation skills of pediatric providers. These results should be confirmed using a randomized design with an appropriate control group.
Emergency Medicine Residency Applicant Views on the Interview Day Process
Authors: DeIorio Nicole M. , Yarris Lalena M. , Gaines Sarah A.
Published: December 2009

Objectives:  Emergency medicine (EM) residency programs spend significant time and money offering an interview day experience for their applicants. The day may include a range of activities, although which are most important from the applicants’ point of view are not known.

Methods:  An anonymous web‐based survey was sent to all applicants to an EM residency program from the 2006/07 cycle. The study assessed factors about the interview day that were most helpful to applicants in assessing goodness of fit and preparing their rank list of programs.

Results:  When considering whether a program was a good fit for them, the respondents chose (from most to least important) how happy the residents seem, faculty–resident relationships, how well the residents work together, resident and faculty values match my own, the residents spend time together outside of the residency, and the residents share my outside interests.

Applicants most value assessing program “personality,” informal off‐campus gatherings with residents, and interviewing with the program director as ways to decide where a program will reside on their rank list. Touring off‐campus emergency departments and off‐service facilities received the lowest rating averages.

Conclusions:  Residency programs have the opportunity to control two of the three most important ways in which applicants use the interview day to assess programs by offering off‐campus gatherings with residents and ensuring that every candidate interviews with the program director. Residency programs may use this knowledge to optimize interview day resources.
Overexpression of connexin26 in the basal keratinocytes reduces sensitivity to tumor promoter TPA
Authors: Wang Xiao , Ramirez Angel , Budunova Irina
Published: December 2009

Please cite this paper as: Overexpression of connexin26 in the basal keratinocytes reduces sensitivity to tumor promoter TPA. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 633–640.

Abstract:  Connexin 26 is important in keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation and skin pathologies. Cx26 is barely expressed in normal adult epidermis, but its expression is induced during wound healing, psoriasis, and skin hyperplasia stimulated by tumor promoters. In hyperplastic proliferating epidermis, Cx26 is co‐expressed with Cx43 typical for basal and suprabasal keratinocytes. As Cx26 and Cx43 can not form permeable gap junctions, their co‐expression may alter the gap junctional communication between keratinocytes and induce proliferation. To test the effect of persistent co‐expression of Cx26 and Cx43 in epidermis, we generated transgenic mice using keratin5 promoter to target Cx26 to basal Cx43‐positive keratinocytes. We evaluated the effect of ectopic Cx26 on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in normal and 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐treated skin. The ectopic Cx26 expression in epidermis did not significantly affect skin development, keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation in newborn and adult skin. Unexpectedly, the proliferative effect of tumor promoter TPA was strongly decreased in epidermis of K5.Cx26 transgenics. This correlated with significant down‐regulation of TPA‐induced activity of protein kinase C (PKC) in K5.Cx26 mice.
The Impact of the African Youth Alliance Program on the Sexual Behavior of Young People in Uganda
Authors: Karim Ali Mehryar , Williams Timothy , Patykewich Leslie , Ali Disha , Colvin Charlotte E. , Posner Jessica , Rutaremwa Gideon
Published: December 2009

This study evaluates the impact of the African Youth Alliance (AYA) program on the sexual behavior of young people aged 17–22 in Uganda. Between 2000 and 2005, the comprehensive multicomponent AYA program implemented behavior‐change communication and youth‐friendly clinical services, and it coordinated policy and advocacy. The program provided institutional capacity building and established coordination mechanisms between agencies that implemented programs for young people. The analysis of findings from both a self‐reported exposure design and a static group comparison design indicated that AYA had a positive impact on sexual behavior among young females but not among young males. AYA‐exposed girls were at least 13 percentage points more likely to report having used a condom at last sex, at least 10 percentage points more likely to report that they had consistently used condoms with their current partner, at least 10 percentage points more likely to have used contraceptives at last sex, and 13 percentage points more likely to have had fewer sex partners during the past 12 months, compared with girls who were not exposed to the AYA program. Scaling up the AYA program in Uganda could, therefore, be expected to improve significantly the sexual and reproductive health of young women. Effective strategies for promoting safer sexual behaviors among boys and young men must be identified, however.
Risk and Protective Effects of Sibling Relationships Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Soli Anna R. , McHale Susan M. , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: December 2009

This study investigated associations between sibling relationships and adjustment among 179 African American adolescent siblings (controlling for family factors) and tested moderating effects of familism values and birth order. Two‐level random intercept models revealed that familism values moderated sibling relationship‐adjustment linkages, suggesting that youth who reported both strong familism values and harmonious sibling relationships showed the most positive outcomes. These effects were more consistent for older than for younger siblings. Findings highlight the role of cultural values and birth order in shaping sibling influence processes.
Patterns and Predictors of Adoption Openness and Contact: 14 Years Postadoption
Authors: Crea Thomas M. , Barth Richard P.
Published: December 2009

Increased attention is being paid to open adoption arrangements between birth parents and adopted children and families. This study examines openness and contact among 469 adoptions at 14 years postadoption from the fourth wave of the California Long‐Range Adoption Study (CLAS) and 378 adoptions matched across all waves. The proportion of families reporting contact declined from Wave 3 (1997) to Wave 4 (2003) although contacts increased within open adoptions. Positive ratings of the contact's effect on the family increased the likelihood of contact between adoptive and birth families, although greater levels of overall satisfaction lowered the likelihood of openness over time. At any point in time, public agency adoptions were less likely to be open. Findings suggest that increased attention should be paid within agencies to how open arrangements are pursued for adoptive placements.
Attachment, Perceived Conflict, and Couple Satisfaction: Test of a Mediational Dyadic Model
Authors: Brassard Audrey , Lussier Yvan , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: December 2009

Attachment insecurities (anxiety and avoidance) are often associated with relationship dissatisfaction, but the mediators have been unclear. We examined the mediating role of perceived conflict in 274 French‐Canadian couples who completed measures of attachment insecurities, perception of conflict, and relationship satisfaction. Partners' own attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted their experience of conflict. In addition, women's anxiety predicted men's experience of conflict, and men's avoidance predicted women's experience of conflict. The associations between attachment insecurities and relationship dissatisfaction were partially mediated by conflict.
Functions and cellular localization of cysteine desulfurase and selenocysteine lyase in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Poliak Pavel , Van Hoewyk Douglas , Oborník Miroslav , Zíková Alena , Stuart Kenneth D. , Tachezy Jan , Pilon Marinus , Lukeš Julius
Published: December 2009

Nfs‐like proteins have cysteine desulfurase (CysD) activity, which removes sulfur (S) from cysteine, and provides S for iron–sulfur cluster assembly and the thiolation of tRNAs. These proteins also have selenocysteine lyase activity in vitro, and cleave selenocysteine into alanine and elemental selenium (Se). It was shown previously that the Nfs‐like protein called Nfs from the parasitic protist Trypanosoma brucei is a genuine CysD. A second Nfs‐like protein is encoded in the nuclear genome of T. brucei. We called this protein selenocysteine lyase (SCL) because phylogenetic analysis reveals that it is monophyletic with known eukaryotic selenocysteine lyases. The Nfs protein is located in the mitochondrion, whereas the SCL protein seems to be present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Unexpectedly, downregulation of either Nfs or SCL protein leads to a dramatic decrease in both CysD and selenocysteine lyase activities concurrently in the mitochondrion and the cytosolic fractions. Because loss of Nfs causes a growth phenotype but loss of SCL does not, we propose that Nfs can fully complement SCL, whereas SCL can only partially replace Nfs under our growth conditions.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7298305: NFS (uniprotkb:Q386Y7) and PHB1 (uniprotkb:Q57UX1) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradients (MI:0029)

MINT‐7298357: SCL (uniprotkb:Q38DC4) and Enolase (uniprotkb:Q38BV6) colocalize (MI:0403) by cosedimentation through density gradients (MI:0029)
Fruit Traits in Baboon Diet: A Comparison with Plant Species Characteristics in West Africa
Authors: Kunz Britta K. , Linsenmair Karl Eduard
Published: December 2009

Primate fruit choice among plant species has been attributed to different morphological plant and fruit characteristics. Despite a high abundance of animal‐dispersed plant species in the savanna–forest mosaic of West Africa, few data are available on the interplay between morphological fruit traits and primate fruit consumers in this ecosystem. We tested whether olive baboons (Papio anubis) at Comoé National Park, north‐eastern Ivory Coast, prefer fruit species with particular characteristics relative to the availability of these traits among the woody plant species at the study site. Specifically we were interested in the suites of traits that best predict fruit choice and seed handling by baboons. The baboons ate fruit/seeds from 74 identified plant species, representing 25 percent of the regional pool of woody plant species. They preferred trees to shrubs and lianas as fruit sources. Otherwise, baboons seemed to consume whatever fruit type, color, and size of fruit and seeds available, though they especially included larger fruit into their diet. Against expectations from the African bird–monkey fruit syndrome of brightly colored drupes and berries, baboons ate mostly species having large, dull‐colored fruit. Fruit type and color best described whether baboons included a species into their diet, whereas fruit type and seed size best predicted whether baboons predated upon the seeds of their food plant species. As most plant species at the study site had medium‐sized to large fruits and seeds, large frugivores like baboons might be particularly important for plant fitness and plant community dynamics in West African savanna–forest ecosystems.
Microhabitat Selection of three Forest Understory Birds in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Authors: Hansbauer Miriam M. , Végvári Zsolt , Storch Ilse , Borntraeger Robert , Hettich Ulf , Pimentel Rafael G. , Metzger Jean Paul
Published: December 2009

When assessing fragmentation effects on species, not only habitat preferences on the landscape scale, but also microhabitat selection is an important factor to consider, as microhabitat is also affected by habitat disturbance, but nevertheless essential for species for foraging, nesting and sheltering. In the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil we examined microhabitat selection of sixPyriglena leucoptera(white‐shouldered fire‐eye), 10Sclerurus scansor(rufous‐breasted leaftosser), and 30Chiroxiphia caudata(blue manakin). We radio‐tracked the individuals between May 2004 and February 2005 to gain home ranges based on individual fixed kernels. Vegetation structures in core plots and fringe plots were compared. InC. caudata, we additionally assessed the influence of behavioural traits on microhabitat selection. Further, we compared microhabitat structures in the fragmented forest with those in the contiguous, and contrasted the results with the birds' preferences.Pyriglena leucopterapreferred liana tangles that were more common in the fragmented forest, whereasS. scansorpreferred woody debris, open forest floor (up to 0.5 m), and a thin closed leaf litter cover which all occurred significantly more often in the contiguous forest. Significant differences were detected inC. caudatafor vegetation densities in the different strata; the distance of core plots to the nearest lek site was significantly influenced by sex and age. However, core sites ofC. caudatain fragmented and contiguous forests showed no significant differences in structure. Exploring microhabitat selection and behavior may greatly support the understanding of habitat selection of species and their susceptibility to fragmentation on the landscape scale.
CHEMICAL CLEANING OF REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE FOULED BY APPLE JUICE
Authors: MADAENI S.S. , SASANIHOMA A. , ZERESHKI S.
Published: December 2009

The effects of several chemical agents on cleaning of RO BW30 membrane fouled by apple juice were investigated. Resistance removal (RR) and flux recovery (FR) were calculated for all the seven chemical cleaning agents (HCl, HNO3, NH3, NaOH, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA], cetyl three methyl ammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate[SDS]) which were used at 1% (w/v) concentration. For high cleaning efficiency agents, the effect of chemical factors (pH and concentration) and physical factors (velocity, temperature and time) were studied. SDS showed the highest (about 90%) cleaning efficiency. EDTA and NH3 were also quite effective in reacting with organic foulants. The treatment of fouled membrane by distilled water as cleaning agent showed high cleaning efficiency. Investigations of the chemical and physical factors on membrane cleaning indicate that the cleaning efficiency is dependent on these parameters. Increasing the pH of 1.5% SDS solution up to 11.8 showed the highest cleaning efficiency, i.e., approximately 100%.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Reverse osmosis (RO) is a very useful technology in fruit juice concentration due to maintaining the taste and fresh juice flavors. In contrast, the conventional processes applied for this concentration, e.g., evaporation, have the disadvantage of adding a cooking taste to the product and lowering itsquality, in addition to the high energy consumption. However, fouling by carbohydrate components is the most important problem associated with the RO application. Finding high efficiency cleaning agents for regeneration of membranes is one of the industrial interests, which is proceeded in this work.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND NON‐ENZYMATIC BROWNING COMPOUNDS OF THAI HONEY: A KINETIC STUDY
Authors: BOONCHIANGMA SUTHASINEE , CHANTHAI SAKSIT , SRIJARANAI SOMKIAT , SRIJARANAI SUPALAX
Published: December 2009

Chemical composition (reducing sugar and amino acid contents and hydroxymethylfurfural [HMF] level) and physicochemical properties (water, color and pH) were determined in floral Thai honeys (seven samples): longan (Euphoria longana L.), Siam weed (Eupotorium odortum L.) and multifloral varieties. The kinetics of the Maillard reaction occurring in honey was also investigated by monitoring the quantity of reactants (sugars and amino acids) and product (HMF) at high temperature (25−85C) in short time periods (0−14 days) under different storage conditions (light and dark). The results revealed that temperature and storage time strongly affected the Maillard reaction, more than light conditions. The first order rate constant (k), activation energy (Ea) and frequency factor (A) for amino acid degradation were deduced from the data, supporting a first order reaction with activation energy of 78.3−79.1 kJ/mol and frequency factor of 4.83 × 1010−5.90 × 1010 day−1. HMF formation exhibited zero order kinetics with activation energy of 135.4−139.6 kJ/mol and frequency factor of 3.47 × 1022−17.17 × 1022 g%day−1.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Honey is one of the export products of Thailand. The European Union uses hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content as a chemical marker for quality control, so controlling the amount of HMF is important. This research studied the effects of temperature and light on HMF content of several floral Thai honeys. The kinetic data are interpreted in terms of reaction orders, rate constant (k), activation energy (Ea) and frequency factor (A). Moreover, the methods for chemical composition determination in honey are described andthe data on the quality of Thai honey are compared with literature reports on other varieties.
THE EFFECT OF PULSED MAGNETIC FIELD ON HORSERADISH PEROXIDASE
Authors: MA HAILE , HUANG LIURONG , ZHU CHUNMEI
Published: December 2009

The effect of pulsed magnetic field (PMF) on the activity and structure of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in buffer solution was investigated. HRP was inactivated when exposed to PMF at field strengths of 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 tesla (T) for 5 to 40 pulses. The maximum inactivation of HRP was achieved at 4.0 T for 40 pulses, in which 67.67% of the enzyme activity was lost. Further experiments showed that the activity of HRP was not significantly affected by either storage time at 4C or the heat produced during lower intensity PMF (from 1.0 to 3.0 T). The inactivation data were adjusted to the Bigelow, Hülsheger and Weibull models. Results showed that the Weibull model successfully described the relationship between residual activity of HRP and pulse strength as well as pulse number. Ultraviolet and intrinsic fluorescence spectra analysis proved that the PMF‐induced inactivation correlated with alteration of the tertiary structure of HRP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

As a kind of enzyme present in many foods, when peroxidase (POD) is exposed to air, it will catalyze some reactions which have a negative effect on sensorial and nutritional qualities of the food. In this article, pulsed magnetic field was proved to be a potential processing method to inactivate POD without destroying the sensorial and nutritional qualities. The kinetic models also offer some parameters for designing methods to prolong shelf life of agricultural products.