bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A categorization approach to automated ontological function annotation
Authors: Verspoor Karin , Cohn Judith , Mniszewski Susan , Joslyn Cliff
Published: May 2006

Automated function prediction (AFP) methods increasingly use knowledge discovery algorithms to map sequence, structure, literature, and/or pathway information about proteins whose functions are unknown into functional ontologies, typically (a portion of) the Gene Ontology (GO). While there are a growing number of methods within this paradigm, the general problem of assessing the accuracy of such prediction algorithms has not been seriously addressed. We present first an application for function prediction from protein sequences using the POSet Ontology Categorizer (POSOC) to produce new annotations by analyzing collections of GO nodes derived from annotations of protein BLAST neighborhoods. We then also present hierarchical precision and hierarchical recall as new evaluation metrics for assessing the accuracy of any predictions in hierarchical ontologies, and discuss results on a test set of protein sequences. We show that our method provides substantially improved hierarchical precision (measure of predictions made that are correct) when applied to the nearest BLAST neighbors of target proteins, as compared with simply imputing that neighborhood's annotations to the target. Moreover, when our method is applied to a broader BLAST neighborhood, hierarchical precision is enhanced even further. In all cases, such increased hierarchical precision performance is purchased at a modest expense of hierarchical recall (measure of all annotations that get predicted at all).
Functional annotation prediction: All for one and one for all
Authors: Sasson Ori , Kaplan Noam , Linial Michal
Published: May 2006

In an era of rapid genome sequencing and high‐throughput technology, automatic function prediction for a novel sequence is of utter importance in bioinformatics. While automatic annotation methods based on local alignment searches can be simple and straightforward, they suffer from several drawbacks, including relatively low sensitivity and assignment of incorrect annotations that are not associated with the region of similarity. ProtoNet is a hierarchical organization of the protein sequences in the UniProt database. Although the hierarchy is constructed in an unsupervised automatic manner, it has been shown to be coherent with several biological data sources. We extend the ProtoNet system in order to assign functional annotations automatically. By leveraging on the scaffold of the hierarchical classification, the method is able to overcome some frequent annotation pitfalls.
The effect of exercise in reducing desire to smoke and cigarette withdrawal symptoms is not caused by distraction
Authors: Daniel James Z. , Cropley Mark , Fife‐Schaw Chris
Published: May 2006

Aims and design  Moderate‐intensity exercise has been shown to reduce common smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke in acutely abstinent smokers. The aim of the present study was to determine if this was caused by distraction. A secondary aim was to determine whether exercise‐related changes in affect were related to a reduction in symptoms.

Methods  Forty ‘sedentary’ participants who had smoked at least 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least 3 years were assigned randomly to one of two groups. They completed either 10 minutes of moderate‐intensity exercise on a stationary bicycle ergometer or 10 minutes of a cognitive distraction task (paced visual serial addition task, PVSAT) after 11–15 hours of smoking abstinence. Participants rated smoking withdrawal symptoms and desire to smoke using standard scales at 10, 5 and 0 minutes before the experimental intervention, then at 5 and 10 minutes after the start of the intervention and 5 and 10 minutes after its completion.

Findings  Significant group × time interactions were observed for ratings of desire to smoke and several withdrawal symptoms (irritability, depression, restlessness, difficulty concentrating and stress). There was a reduction in ratings during and immediately following exercise that was not observed with cognitive distraction. Also it was found the effects were not mediated by changes in affect observed in the exercise condition.

Conclusions  A brief bout of moderate‐intensity exercise can lead to a rapid reduction in desire to smoke and withdrawal discomfort, which is not due to the distracting effect of exercise or the effects of mood. These findings support recommendations to smokers to use exercise as a means of helping cope with the difficulties encountered when they try to stop.
Communication skills in blind children: a preliminary investigation
Authors: James D. M. , Stojanovik V.
Published: May 2006

Background  There are anecdotal reports that blind children sometimes use language inappropriately, but there has been no recent systematic investigation of the communication skills of children with congenital blindness. The aim of the present study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the communication skills of a group of children with congenital blindness.

Methods  The parents of eight congenitally blind children completed the Children’s Communication Checklist‐2.

Results  The checklist ratings showed that the communication profiles of a large proportion of the group warranted clinical investigation or were indicative of a communication disorder.

Conclusions  The results from this preliminary investigation support the need for a larger study on the communication skills of children with congenital blindness.
Non conservation of the meiotic function of the Ski8/Rec103 homolog in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jolivet Sylvie , Vezon Daniel , Froger Nicole , Mercier Raphaël
Published: May 2006

Meiotic recombination involves the formation and repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB). One of the genes required for DSB formation in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ski8/Rec103, is intriguing because it also plays a role in cytoplasmic RNA metabolism, a function difficult to relate to DSB formation. The meiotic role of Ski8 is conserved in several fungi, but has not been investigated outside this kingdom. We identified the Ski8 homolog in Arabidopsis thaliana and isolated two mutants. We showed that the Arabidopsis Ski8 homolog was required for normal plant development and growth, suggesting a conserved somatic function, but that it was not required for meiotic recombination or progression. The data presented here provide strong evidence that the meiotic role of Ski8 is not conserved in Arabidopsis and sequence analysis suggests that this may also be the case in a range of other species.
The influence of volume, type of irrigant and flushing method on removing artificially placed dentine debris from the apical root canal during passive ultrasonic irrigation
Authors: Van Der Sluis L. W. M. , Gambarini G. , Wu M. K. , Wesselink P. R.
Published: May 2006

Aim  To determine the influence of volume, irrigant and method of flushing on the removal of artificially‐placed dentine debris from the apical part of root canals during passive ultrasonic irrigation.

Methodology  Access cavities were prepared in 15 canine teeth and their root canals instrumented to size 20, 0.10 taper. Each root was split longitudinally, forming two halves. A groove was cut in the canal wall 2–6 mm from the apex in each half which was then filled with dentine debris prior to the roots being reassembled. All canals were ultrasonically irrigated, using a size 15, 0.02 taper smooth wire to a length of 21 mm that was placed in the canal to the apical foramen. In group 1 the canal was flushed with a continuous flow of 50 mL 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). In group 2 the continuous flow was not used but the canal was flushed with 12 mL 2% NaOCl, at a rate of 2 mL 30 s−1 using a syringe. Group 3 was treated in the same way as group 2 but the canal was flushed with 6 mL 2% NaOCl, at a rate of 2 mL min−1. Group 4 was treated in the same way as group 1 but water was used as the irrigant. Before and after irrigation, images of the grooves were captured and stored. The quantity of dentine debris in the groove was evaluated. The differences in debris scores between the experimental groups were analysed with the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The level of significance was set at P = 0.05.

Results  The difference between all groups was statistically significant (K–W test P < 0.001).Groups 1, 2 and 3 differed significantly from group 4 (P < 0.001); there was no significant difference between groups 1, 2 and 3 (P = 0.550).

Conclusions  Syringe delivery of 2% NaOCl (6 and 12 mL) was as effective as a continuous flow of 2% NaOCl (50 mL). Water was not effective in removing dentine debris from grooves in the apical portion of root canals.
A sociological approach to health promotion for nurses in an institutional setting
Authors: Caraher Martin
Published: May 2006

This paper sets out to examine health promotion practice in hospital settings from a sociological viewpoint It starts by tracing the development of health promotion among hospital and community nurses The influences that professional and institutional structures and agendas have in health promotion are explored and a model of operation is proposed The main emphasis is that health promotion is not an activity relying solely on skills acquisition by the nurse, but one that requires recognition of where power and control are located A model of working is proposed which takes account of the institutional and professional agendas and the need to balance these with the needs and rights of the patient
HIV and AIDS: a survey of nurse education in the United Kingdom
Authors: McHaffie Hazel E
Published: May 2006

A survey conducted throughout the United Kingdom examined the current provision being made to train nurses to care safely and sensitively for patients with HIV and AIDS Problems relating to intolerance and prejudice are still commonly encountered The study recommends that HIV and AIDS should be set into a wider context of sexuality, death and infection control rather than singled out for special attention Nurses, both students and qualified staff, need to gain insight into their own values and prejudices if these are not to inhibit the giving of good quality care Teaching in this subject area requires special skills and there is concern that nursing is not equipped to deal with it The involvement of clinical specialists in educating nurses is perceived to have a strongly positive effect, helping to bridge a credibility gap and compensating for the lack of clinical experience amongst the teachers Providing opportunities for nurses to meet with people whose lives have been profoundly affected by the virus is also a powerful form of learning There is, however, a great need for support in this stressful area of practice
The health needs of gay men: a discussion of the literature and implications for nursing
Authors: Taylor Ian , Robertson Anne
Published: May 2006

Although there is a general dearth of nursing literature on health issues specific to gay (homosexual) men, the literature reviewed shows that gay men have particular concerns related to anti‐homosexual feelings anticipated and experienced from health professionals The effects of homophobia in wider society may cause high levels of emotional distress in some gay men, which is associated with a higher incidence of substance misuse, parasuicide, bipolar psychiatric disorders and depression Gay men also have specific needs with regard to general medical problems, including hepatitis, HIV infection and some other sexually transmitted diseases Gay men may also present to health services for a wide range of general medical, surgical and mental health problems Some specific health needs are discussed general health, sexual health and bereavement counselling These issues may affect individuals differently through various stages in the lifespan, and nurses should be cognizant of them during their assessment of client needs Minimum counselling skills, together with appropriate training about gay issues, are required if nurses are to deal effectively with clients’needs
A comparison of the stressors experienced by parents of intubated and non‐intubated children
Authors: Haines Caroline , Perger Christine , Nagy Sue
Published: May 2006

When children are ill enough to require admission to paediatric intensive care, parents may become distressed about their child's medical condition and this distress may be compounded by the unfamiliar nature of the highly technological environment Parents of children who are sick enough to warrant intubation are particularly likely to be exposed to a frightening array of technological equipment Seventy‐one parents of intubated and non‐intubated children completed the Parental Stressor Scale Paediatnc Intensive Care Unit (PSS PICU) Overall the findings suggest that parents were most distressed (a) by the painful procedures to which their children were subjected, (b) by the sights and sounds of the intensive care unit and (c) by their children's reactions to intensive care The behaviour of staff towards parents and the way that staff communicated with them caused the least distress When the levels of stress reported by parents of intubated children were compared with those reported by parents of non‐intubated children, different patterns of stress were found Painful procedures were a source of greater stress to parents of intubated children whereas the behaviour of staff and the children's reactions to the intensive care experience caused greater stress to the parents of the non‐intubated children In general the findings suggest that the needs of parents of non‐intubated children are being overlooked, with staff focusing more of their attention on the parents of intubated children
The concept of cogitation
Authors: Nyström Anne EM
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this paper is to define the concept of cogitation in order to promote theoretical clarity in research focusing on elderly nursing home patients A concept analysis was undertaken, using the method described by Schwartz‐Barcott & Kim (1986) After extensive dictionary searches, reviews of literature and a fieldwork phase, tentative criteria and a preliminary definition of the concept of cogitation were formulated, antecedents and consequences were defined, and demonstration cases presented
Nursing skill mix substitutions and quality of care: an exploration of assumptions from the research literature
Authors: McKenna Hugh P
Published: May 2006

A comprehensive search of the research literature was undertaken to explore the relationship between skill substitution and quality of care It was possible to identify three central assumptions based upon the studies reviewed The first suggests that a rich skill mix of mostly qualified nurses is often an ineffective and inefficient way of providing health care The second assumption is based on research which appears to indicate that a skill mix of mostly unqualified staff is an inneffective approach to health care provision Finally, there is a plethora of research findings which suggest that the most effective and efficient way to provide health care lies in the employment of high numbers of qualified staff This paper examines the evidence for each of these positions and highlights the inherent limitations of the underlying studies
Decision‐making models of Finnish nurses and public health nurses
Authors: Lauri Sirkka , Salanterà Sanna
Published: May 2006

This study described nursing decision‐making models and variables related to these models For this purpose a 56‐item Likert‐type questionnaire was constructed according to the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition as applied to nursing by Benner and information processing theory The target group consisted of 100 registered nurses working in inpatient clinics and 100 public health nurses working in preventive health care The decision‐making variables explored were nurses' experience, education and knowledge as well as the nature of the nursing task and context The results revealed four different types of decision‐making (a) unquestioning/questioning decision‐making, (b) creative—diversive decision‐making, (c) patient/nurse‐oriented decision‐making, and (d) rule‐ and situation‐based decision‐making The most important factors related to decision‐making were experience and the nature of the nursing task and context
Career aspirations, job satisfaction and gender identity in female student nurses
Authors: Muldoon Orla T , Kremer John M D
Published: May 2006

This study examines the gender‐role orientation, gender‐role conflict, job commitment and work motivation of female student nurses in the Republic of Ireland Career aspirations, year of nurse training and geographical area of upbringing were examined as potential concomitants of these dependent measures Subjects completed self‐report measures of job involvement, work motivation, gender‐role orientation and gender‐role conflict Results obtained showed that aspiring towards a traditionally female career area of nursing was associated with higher levels of work motivation and lower levels of gender‐role conflict Higher levels of job commitment amongst final year students were also significantly related to traditionally female career aspirations Year of training had a significant and negative influence on work motivation and job commitment Finally, nurses from rural areas aspiring towards a traditionally female area of nursing had significantly more feminine gender‐role orientations than either their urban counterparts or rural colleagues with non‐traditional career aspirations The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed
The shortfall in published research: a study of nurses' research and publication activities
Authors: Hicks Carolyn
Published: May 2006

Although in recent years there has been increasing pressure on nurses to become more research minded, available evidence still suggests that there is a significant shortfall in published nursing research To date, it has not been clear whether this lack of output is a function of nurses' failure either to conduct research in the first place or to get it published It is self‐evident that if patient care is to be enhanced through research, then the reasons for the low output must be investigated systematically in order to understand the precise nature of the problem Therefore, a national survey of 230 nurses was undertaken in order to ascertain the reasons underpinning the low publication rate A questionnaire, comprising sections on biographical information, research activities and attitudes to research was distributed to a random sample of nurses and the results were analysed using techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics The results suggest that the observed shortfall in published research is not a product of nurses' failure to conduct research projects but rather of their reluctance to submit their findings for publication This reluctance seemed for the majority of respondents to be the result of a pronounced lack of confidence The findings from this survey are discussed with reference to future professional development programmes
From research to practice: one organizational model for promoting research‐based practice
Authors: Kitson Alison , Ahmed Laila Bana , Harvey Gillian , Seers Kate , Thompson David R
Published: May 2006

This paper describes a framework used by the National Institute for Nursing in Oxford to integrate research, development and practice With the increasing attention given to the topic of how research findings are implemented into clinical practice, it was felt important to share the challenges that have arisen in attempting to combine traditional research activities with more practice‐based development work The emerging conceptual framework, structures and functions are described, highlighting the variety of partnerships to be established in order to achieve the goal of integrating research into practice While the underpinning principles of the framework—generating knowledge, implementing research into practice and evaluating the effectiveness of programmes—are not new, it is the way they have been combined within an organizational structure that could be helpful to others considering such a strategy Both the strengths and weaknesses of the framework are discussed, a number of conclusions drawn as to its robustness and consideration given to its replication
The organization of clinical supervision within the nursing profession: a review of the literature
Authors: Fowler John
Published: May 2006

The organization of clinical supervision within the nursing profession: a review of the literature There is a considerable amount of literature available on the subject of supervision within the nursing profession However, there appears to be little structure regarding how this subject is organized within the professional literature Thus, although the subject of supervision appears within the nursing literature as a fairly consistent theme, there has been little or no attempt by the profession to give structure to either its underpinning theory or its practice It is apparent that the term ‘supervision’ within the nursing profession has different meanings for different individuals and groups In an attempt to explore the literature relating to the United Kingdom, the author has developed a structure for the review, based upon his reading of the literature and his own experience within the profession The review covers five areas The first area is that of examining the need for clinical supervision within the practice of nursing The second area of the review identifies the various ways in which the concept of supervision is used in practice, particularly identifying the variety of terminology The third area of the review is that of the profession's perception of good practice regarding supervision The fourth area of the review seeks to identify various models of supervision as they are used within the nursing profession Lastly, the preparation and training for the role of supervisor is reviewed
Critical care nurse satisfaction with levels of involvement in clinical decisions
Authors: Bucknall Tracey , Thomas Shane
Published: May 2006

This research reports the results of a survey of 230 Australian critical care nurses The respondents were asked to rate how frequently they were involved in 10 common critical care decisions and their levels of satisfaction with their involvement for each decision task It was found that level of task satisfaction was positively correlated with level of task involvement, thus supporting the hypothesis that nurse task decision autonomy is associated with nurse task satisfaction The paper argues for the importance of differentiation between task satisfaction and work satisfaction in research of these issues
New meanings: a qualitative study of change in nursing education
Authors: Stew Graham
Published: May 2006

This paper reports on the experiences of teachers in one college of nursing and midwifery in South East England during a period of profound and complex change Personal perceptions and reactions are studied in the context of professional and organizational influences A phenomenological approach was used to identify and portray the personal perspectives and meanings of the respondents Fifty semi‐structured interviews with a purposeful sample of the college staff were supplemented with participant observation and documentary analysis The data were analysed inductively, and emergent categories were confirmed and clarified through respondent validation Findings relating to organizational, professional and personal perceptions are presented alongside the major themes of belonging, knowing and controlling The conclusions and implications of this exploratory study are discussed, together with aspects of the researcher's role and areas for future research
An exploration of the influence of managerial factors on research utilization in district nursing practice
Authors: Kenrick Maria , Luker Karen A
Published: May 2006

This paper reports a small study which explored the management arrangements of the providers of community services in five health districts and the influence these had on the way research findings were utilized by nurses in their clinical practice Insights were sought into the nature of the organizations in which district nurses worked With the co‐operation of the service managers, all the nurses had previously been involved in testing a model of dissemination of research information The study reported here arose from that original research and explored the links between management arrangements and research utilization in clinical practice Interviews using a semi‐structured schedule are reported from 22 service managers in the five health districts Data on managers'professional roles and backgrounds, the organizational structures and processes and external social and political factors were collected and analysed A selection of findings is discussed in relation to influence on research utilization in clinical practice
A critical analysis of nursing: meeting the spiritual needs of patients
Authors: Oldnall Andrew
Published: May 2006

Nursing, over the past 2 decades, has been concerned with the development of theories which will inform practice and help to establish nursing as an emerging discipline The view that the individual is a biopsychosocial being has occupied a prominent position in the existing catalogue of nursing theories The literature reveals that, although some existing theories do acknowledge that humans do have the advantage of a spiritual dimension, very little significant work appears to have been done in this area This paper explores some of the difficulties in arriving at a definition of spirituality and goes on to examine the extent to which nursing theories incorporate the concept of spirituality Additionally, nurse education does not appear to prepare practitioners adequately to meet the spiritual needs of patients The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential for meeting the spiritual needs of patients in the context of the changes occurring in the British National Health Service
In vivo drafting of single‐chain antibodies for regulatory duty on the σ54‐promoter Pu of the TOL plasmid
Authors: Jurado Paola , Fernández Luis Angel , De Lorenzo Víctor
Published: May 2006

The identification of single‐chain antibodies (scFvs) that interfere in vivo with the building of the complex that activate the prokaryotic, σ54‐dependent promoter Pu of the catabolic TOL plasmid pWW0 is reported. To this end, a phage M13 library of scFvs was raised against the cognate prokaryotic enhancer‐binding activator, XylR. The scFv pool was then expressed intracellularly in a reporter Pu–lacZ strain of Escherichia coli designed to permit formation of intramolecular disulphide bonds in cytoplasmic proteins. This strain allowed the assembly of functional scFvs and the direct testing of their activity on the Pu promoter in vivo. Specifically, genetic screening for lacZ‐minus colonies yielded a number of scFvs able to downregulate transcriptional output in live cells. Two antibody clones were purified and shown to inhibit the activity of the same promoter in vitro as well. These scFvs targeted the DNA‐binding domain of XylR and its ATP binding site respectively. This work provides a proof of principle that mimetic regulatory factors can be derived from an antibody repertoire that specifically interact with given transcriptional activators. As assembly of initiation complexes is stimulated or inhibited by regulatory proteins we argue that anti‐XylR scFvs operate as bona fide transcriptional inhibitors of the Pu promoter.
(p)ppGpp regulates type 1 fimbriation of Escherichia coli by modulating the expression of the site‐specific recombinase FimB
Authors: Åberg Anna , Shingler Victoria , Balsalobre Carlos
Published: May 2006

In this report we have examined the role of the regulatory alarmone (p)ppGpp on expression of virulence determinants of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. The ability to form biofilms is shown to be markedly diminished in (p)ppGpp‐deficient strains. We present evidence (i) that (p)ppGpp tightly regulates expression of the type 1 fimbriae in both commensal and pathogenic E. coli isolates by increasing the subpopulation of cells that express the type 1 fimbriae; and (ii) that the effect of (p)ppGpp on the number of fimbrial expressing cells can ultimately be traced to its role in transcription of the fimB recombinase gene, whose product mediates inversion of the fim promoter to the productive (ON) orientation. Primer extension analysis suggests that the effect of (p)ppGpp on transcription of fimB occurs by altering the activity of only one of the two fimB promoters. Furthermore, spontaneous mutants with properties characteristic of ppGpp0 suppressors restore fimB transcription and consequent downstream effects in the absence of (p)ppGpp. Consistently, the rpoB3770 allele also fully restores transcription of fimB in a ppGpp0 strain and artificially elevated levels of FimB bypass the need for (p)ppGpp for type 1 fimbriation. Our findings suggest that the (p)ppGpp‐stimulated expression of type 1 fimbriae may be relevant during the interaction of pathogenic E. coli with the host.
Gene expression profiles of Arabidopsis Cvi seeds during dormancy cycling indicate a common underlying dormancy control mechanism
Authors: Cadman Cassandra S.C. , Toorop Peter E. , Hilhorst Henk W.M. , Finch‐Savage William E.
Published: May 2006

Physiologically dormant seeds, like those of Arabidopsis, will cycle through dormant states as seasons change until the environment is favourable for seedling establishment. This phenomenon is widespread in the plant kingdom, but has not been studied at the molecular level. Full‐genome microarrays were used for a global transcript analysis ofArabidopsis thaliana(accession Cvi) seeds in a range of dormant and dry after‐ripened states during cycling. Principal component analysis of the expression patterns observed showed that they differed in newly imbibed primary dormant seeds, as commonly used in experimental studies, compared with those in the maintained primary and secondary dormant states that exist during cycling. Dormant and after‐ripened seeds appear to have equally active although distinct gene expression programmes, dormant seeds having greatly reduced gene expression associated with protein synthesis, potentially controlling the completion of germination. A core set of 442 genes were identified that had higher expression in all dormant states compared with after‐ripened states. Abscisic acid (ABA) responsive elements were significantly over‐represented in this set of genes the expression of which was enhanced when multiple copies of the elements were present. ABA regulation of dormancy was further supported by expression patterns of key genes in ABA synthesis/catabolism, and dormancy loss in the presence of fluridone. The data support an ABA–gibberelic acid hormone balance mechanism controlling cycling through dormant states that depends on synthetic and catabolic pathways of both hormones. Many of the most highly expressed genes in dormant states were stress‐related even in the absence of abiotic stress, indicating that ABA, stress and dormancy responses overlap significantly at the transcriptome level.
Evaluation of three different histamine concentrations in intradermal testing of normal cats and attempted determination of ‘irritant’ threshold concentrations for 48 allergens
Authors: Austel Michaela , Hensel Patrick , Jackson Dawn , Vidyashankar Anand , Zhao Ying , Medleau Linda
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal histamine concentration and ‘irritant’ allergen threshold concentrations in intradermal testing (IDT) in normal cats. Thirty healthy cats were tested with three different histamine concentrations and four different concentrations of each allergen. The optimal histamine concentration was determined to be 1: 50 000 w/v (0.05 mg mL−1). Using this histamine concentration, the ‘irritant’ threshold concentration for most allergens was above the highest concentrations tested (4000 PNU mL−1 for 41 allergens and 700 PNU mL−1 for human dander). The ‘irritant’ threshold concentration for flea antigen was determined to be 1:750 w/v. More than 10% of the tested cats showed positive reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, housefly, mosquito and moth at every allergen concentration, which suggests that the ‘irritant’ threshold concentration for these allergens is below 1000 PNU mL−1, the lowest allergen concentration tested. Our results confirm previous studies in indicating that allergen and histamine concentrations used in feline IDT may need to be revised.
Spatial and temporal patterns of Lolium rigidum–Avena sterilis mixed populations in a cereal field
Authors: BLANCO‐MORENO J M , CHAMORRO L , SANS F X
Published: May 2006

Through a detailed case study of a two‐species (Lolium rigidum and Avena sterilis) weed community at contrasting scales, this paper examined factors that affect weed distribution across space and time in a commercial wheat field in north‐east Spain. A. sterilis showed relatively stable spatial distribution and spatial structure of its population over time at large scale, with well‐defined patches, although weed density rose quickly. L. rigidum showed poorly defined patches that were not stable across time. Interaction between species could explain to some degree the spatial distribution at large scale: a negative relationship was detected between the spatial structures of both weed populations. At fine scale, both species showed a clear interaction effect from primary dispersal (more important in A. sterilis) and secondary dispersal from combine harvesting (more important in L. rigidum).
Practical experiences with a system for site‐specific weed control in arable crops using real‐time image analysis and GPS‐controlled patch spraying
Authors: GERHARDS R , OEBEL H
Published: May 2006

Information on temporal and spatial variation in weed seedling populations within agricultural fields is very important for weed population assessment and management. Primarily, spatial information allows a potential reduction in herbicide use, when post‐emergent herbicides are only applied to field sections with high weed infestation levels. This paper presents a system for site‐specific weed control in sugar beet, maize, winter wheat, winter barley, winter rape and spring barley. The system includes on‐line weed detection using digital image analysis, computer‐based decision making and Global Positioning System‐controlled patch spraying. In a 2‐year study, herbicide use with this map‐based approach was reduced in winter cereals by 6–81% for herbicides against broad leaved weeds and 20–79% for grass weed herbicides. Highest savings were achieved in cereals followed by sugar beet, maize and winter rape. The efficacy of weed control varied from 85% to 98%, indicating that site‐specific weed management will not result in higher infestation levels in the following crops.
Clinical behavior of multiple sclerosis is modulated by the MHC class I‐chain‐related gene A
Authors: Fdez‐Morera J. L. , Tunon A. , Rodriguez‐Rodero S. , Rodrigo L. , Martinez‐Borra J. , Gonzalez S. , Lopez‐Vazquez A. , Lahoz C. H. , Lopez‐Larrea C.
Published: May 2006

It is well known that certain HLA class II alleles confer an increased risk for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent studies have suggested HLA class I as a region that may also contribute to the development of MS. In this study, we investigated the association between HLA‐DR, HLA‐B alleles, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐chain‐related gene A (MICA) transmembrane (MICA‐TM) polymorphisms and disease progression in 104 MS patients and 116 healthy controls. DR1 was found to be decreased in patients when compared with controls (pc = 0.012). Neither HLA‐B nor HLA‐DR alleles were found to be associated with MS susceptibility. Furthermore, the prevalence of MICA‐A5 in patients with relapsing MS was 9% while the prevalence in progressive forms was 42% (pc = 0.0015). The extended haplotypes related to MICA‐TM5 that were found in our population were DR7‐MICA5‐B64 (EH 64.1, Δs = 0.38), DR4‐MICA5‐B62 (EH 62.1, Δs = 0.28), and DR11‐MICA5‐B35 (EH35.1, Δs = 0.10), but none of them were found to be associated to MS susceptibility or disease progression. Our data could indicate a possible role of MICA‐TM in MS prognosis.
Guanosine promotes the up‐regulation of inward rectifier potassium current mediated by Kir4.1 in cultured rat cortical astrocytes
Authors: Benfenati Valentina , Caprini Marco , Nobile Mario , Rapisarda Carmela , Ferroni Stefano
Published: May 2006

Guanosine (Guo) is an endogenous neuroprotective molecule of the CNS, which has various acute and long‐term effects on both neurones and astroglial cells. Whether Guo also modulates the activity/expression of ion channels involved in homeostatic control of extracellular potassium by the astrocytic syncytium is still unknown. Here we provide electrophysiological evidence that chronic exposure (48 h) to Guo (500 μm) promotes the functional expression of an inward rectifier K+ (Kir) conductance in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Molecular screening indicated that Guo promotes the up‐regulation of the Kir4.1 channel, the major component of the Kir current in astroglia in vivo. Furthermore, the properties of astrocytic Kir current overlapped those of the recombinant Kir4.1 channel expressed in a heterologous system, strongly suggesting that the Guo‐induced Kir conductance is mainly gated by Kir4.1. In contrast, the expression levels of two other Kir channel proteins were either unchanged (Kir2.1) or decreased (Kir5.1). Finally, we showed that inhibition of translational process, but not depression of transcription, prevents the Guo‐induced up‐regulation of Kir4.1, indicating that this nucleoside acts through de novo protein synthesis. Because accumulating data indicate that down‐regulation of astroglial Kir current contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases associated with dysregulation of extracellular K+ homeostasis, these results support the notion that Guo might be a molecule of therapeutic interest for counteracting the detrimental effect of K+‐buffering impairment of the astroglial syncytium that occurs in pathological conditions.
Protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in the liver of rats exposed to cold stress
Authors: Ates Burhan , Ilker Dogru M. , Gul Mehmet , Erdogan Ali , Dogru Arzu Kocagun , Yilmaz Ismet , Yurekli Muhittin , Esrefoglu Mukaddes
Published: May 2006

Cold exposure can induce a form of environmental stress. Cold stress (CS) alters homeostasis, results in the creation of reactive oxygen species and leads to alterations in the antioxidant defense system. The caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, has an antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effect of CS on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system and the possible protective effect of CAPE in rat liver tissue. Twenty‐four female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, CAPE‐treated, CS, and CAPE‐treated CS (CS + CAPE) group. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. In addition, histological changes in liver tissue were examined by light microscopy. SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities and total GSH level were significantly declined in the CS group. In the CS + CAPE group, the activities of these three enzymes and GSH level significantly raised with regard to the CS group. MDA levels increased in the CS group and decreased in the CS + CAPE group. The tissues of the CS group showed some histopathological changes such as necrosis, hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, hemorrhage and vascular congestion and dilatation. In the CS + CAPE group, the histopathological evidence of hepatic damage was markedly reduced. Histological parameters were consistent with biochemical parameters. In this study, CS increased oxidative stress in liver tissue. CAPE regulated antioxidant enzymes, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced hepatic damage.
Development of the Public Health Nursing Competency Instrument
Authors: Cross Sharon , Block Derryl , Josten LaVohn , Reckinger Dawn , Olson Keller Linda , Strohschein Sue , Rippke Mary , Savik Kay
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
This paper describes the development and initial testing of an instrument to measure population‐based public health nursing competencies. Although multiple lists of public health competencies exist, literature review did not elicit a valid instrument that could measure changes in public health nursing competency over time. The public health nursing competency instrument, consisting of 195 measurable activities organized in the framework of the nursing process, was developed. Competency scores of practicing public health nurses significantly increased after a continuing education series, and the instrument was confirmed by experts to be a valid reflection of public health nursing practice. The time required for instrument development exceeded expectations because of the multiple stages of delineating competencies and validating data with national experts.
Developing Population Health Competencies Among Public Health Nurses in Georgia
Authors: Jakeway Carole C. , Cantrell Elizabeth E. , Cason Jackie B. , Talley Brenda S.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
As part of a new vision for public health in Georgia, the role of the public health nurse (PHN) is shifting from a predominantly individual and clinic‐based care model to a population health practice model. Based on focus groups conducted with management and frontline PHNs in 2001, nurses in Georgia were unprepared for this transition and lacked a strong understanding of population health concepts and competencies. To prepare nurses for their new and expanded responsibilities, an online population health course was developed specifically for currently employed PHNs. The Quad Council PHN Competencies (2003) provided the roadmap in identifying the population health online course and continuing education training program priority competencies for PHNs in Georgia. Along with incorporating the competencies into case studies and didactic learning, the required projects served as evidence of competency application. The population health online course was offered from fall 2000 to spring 2005 in collaboration with Georgia schools of nursing and has enabled a cohort of nurses to lead the way as Georgia transitions into a new public health model. Nurses who completed the course reported greater experience with and an understanding of population health competencies.
Use of Health Fairs to Develop Public Health Nursing Competencies
Authors: Maltby Hendrika
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
This paper describes a community–campus partnership for health education established through the effort of faculty, students, and the community. Health fairs designed to address issues of concern to a community agency were originally conducted with nursing students. This partnership between nursing and a community was expanded to include social work, physical therapy, and medical students. A shared learning experience was structured through the presentation of health fairs in collaboration with agencies in Burlington, Vermont. One goal of nursing education is to produce professionals who have the beginning competencies of public health nursing. Reflection on the process, relationships, and outcomes of the health fairs revealed that students attained these beginning competencies in all eight public health nursing competency domains. Combining community–campus partnerships and an interdisciplinary focus enabled nursing students to become more responsive to community needs and to learn to work collaboratively toward creating healthier communities, thus building skills required for public health nursing.
Key Informants' Perceptions of Health Care for Elders at the U.S.‐Mexico Border
Authors: Guo Guifang , Phillips Linda
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective: This study was part of a systematic assessment to gain an understanding of aging in a rural community along the U.S.‐Mexico border in Arizona.

Design: It used a participatory action research design. Interviews were conducted among key informants (n=29), including health and social services providers and community leaders. Content analysis focused on identifying common themes and concerns related to elders.

Results: Major themes identified were (1) social infrastructure issues, (2) community awareness of health problems, (3) socioeconomic problems, (4) cultural influences on health beliefs, practice, and use of services, (5) image of aging, (6) border issues, and (7) educational needs for service providers.

Conclusion: Elders living at the border are a particularly vulnerable population with strong cultural affiliations and health disparities. Although the population of elders has been growing at the border, the traditional focus on the health care needs of youth and children has contributed to the neglect of issues facing elders. This study provided community key informants' perspective of aging to community members, policy makers, service agencies, and health care providers for community development. A conceptual framework was developed for educational programs and research projects for health professionals who care for elders at the border.
Disordered Migration of Interneurons within Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Kapur Jaideep
Published: May 2006

Dysfunction of Synaptic Inhibition in Epilepsy Associated with Focal Cortical Dysplasia

Calcagnotto ME, Paredes MF, Tihan T, Barbaro NM, Baraban SC

J Neurosci 2005;25(42):9649–9657

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a common and important cause of medically intractable epilepsy. In patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and in several animal models, compromised neuronal inhibition, mediated by GABA, contributes to seizure genesis. Although reduction in GABAergic interneuron density has been reported in FCD tissue samples, there is little available information on the resulting physiological changes in synaptic inhibition and the potential contribution of these changes to epileptogenesis in the dysplastic human brain. Using visualized whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from identified neurons in tissue slices obtained from patients with FCD, we demonstrate that GABAA-receptor-mediated inhibition is substantially altered in regions of dysplasia. These alterations include a significant reduction in IPSC frequency and a potentially compensatory decrease in transporter-mediated GABA reuptake function; the latter is marked by a significant increase in the decay-time constant for evoked and spontaneous IPSCs and a lack of effect of the GABA transportinhibitor 1-[2 ([(diphenylmethylene)imino]oxy)ethyl]-1,2,5, 6-tetrahydro-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid hydrochloride on IPSC kinetics. Immunohistochemical staining revealed a scattering of GABAergic interneurons across dysplastic cortex and striking reductions in GABA transporter expression. Together, these results suggest that profound alterations in GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition play an essential role in the process of epileptogenesis in patients with FCD.
A Note on Walter Block’s Defending the Undefendable
Authors: Murphy Robert P.
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  Walter Block’s amusing and popular Defending the Undefendable offers an intentionally shocking collection of short chapters, each praising a different “rogue” of modern society—including the pimp, slumlord, and corrupt cop—from a libertarian viewpoint. However, Block’s defense of the “heroic” counterfeiter is based on faulty economic analysis and is hence completely unwarranted.