bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A geostatistical framework for incorporating transport information in estimating the distribution of a groundwater contaminant plume
Authors: Shlomi Shahar , Michalak Anna M.
Published: March 2007

The goal of groundwater contaminant plume interpolation is to provide an accurate representation of the spatial distribution of the plume given the data limitations associated with sparse monitoring networks with irregular geometries. Currently available methods for plume estimation cannot fully take advantage of prior knowledge of flow and transport information or the location of a contaminant source. This paper presents two new geostatistical tools for incorporating transport information in estimating the spatial distribution of groundwater contaminant plumes. The methods account for the spatial/temporal covariance of the contaminant plume in defining a best estimate of the plume distribution and its associated uncertainty. Overall, the methods require that the estimated plume distribution be physically feasible given both the available concentration measurements and the flow and transport in the affected aquifer. Sample applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous formations are presented. Even with relatively few observations, the new methods yield results that are superior to those obtained by kriging, with a better reproduction of the true plume shape and lower uncertainty.
Nighttime transpiration observed over a larch forest in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kobayashi N. , Hiyama T. , Fukushima Y. , Lopez M. L. , Hirano T. , Fujinuma Y.
Published: March 2007

Nighttime transpiration in a larch forest in northern Japan was investigated using concurrent measurements of the energy budget below and above the canopy and sap flow velocities. Upward latent heat flux (lE) above the canopy was observed on ∼20% of nights during the growing season. Nighttime lE was ∼7% of daily totals during the dry season (September–October) and averaged ∼3% over the entire growing season. A relatively low contribution of the understory to lE (<30%) and strong synchronicity between larch sap flow rates and lE on two warm windy nights indicated nighttime lE, occurring when warm dry air intruded from above, was largely due to transpiration from the larch overstory. High canopy conductance on some nights relative to reported maximum cuticular conductance and a strong correlation between canopy conductance and air humidity on these nights indicate the stomata of the larch trees did not close tightly at night.
Photonic reagent control of dynamically homologous quantum systems
Authors: Beltrani Vincent , Dominy Jason , Ho Tak-San , Rabitz Herschel
Published: March 2007

The general objective of quantum control is the manipulation of atomic scale physical and chemical phenomena through the application of external control fields. These tailored fields, or photonic reagents, exhibit systematic properties analogous to those of ordinary laboratory reagents. This analogous behavior is explored further here by considering the controlled response of a family of homologous quantum systems to a single common photonic reagent. A level set of dynamically homologous quantum systems is defined as the family that produces the same value(s) for a target physical observable(s) when controlled by a common photonic reagent. This paper investigates the scope of homologous quantum system control using the level set exploration technique (L-SET). L-SET enables the identification of continuous families of dynamically homologous quantum systems. Each quantum system is specified by a point in a hypercube whose edges are labeled by Hamiltonian matrix elements. Numerical examples are presented with simple finite level systems to illustrate the L-SET concepts. Both connected and disconnected families of dynamically homologous systems are shown to exist.
Induced thermal dynamics in the melt of glycerol and aerosil dispersions
Authors: Sharma Dipti , Iannacchione Germano S.
Published: March 2007

A high-resolution calorimetric spectroscopy study has been performed on pure glycerol and colloidal dispersions of an aerosil gel in glycerol covering a wide range of temperatures from 300to380K, deep in the liquid phase of glycerol. The colloidal glycerol+aerosil samples with 0.07, 0.14, and 0.32g of silica per cm3 of glycerol reveal activated energy (thermal) dynamics at temperatures well above the Tg of the pure glycerol. The onset of these dynamics appears to be due to the frustration or pinning imposed by the silica gel on the glycerol liquid and is apparently a long-range, cooperative phenomena. Since this behavior begins to manifest itself at relatively low silica densities (large mean void length compared to the size of a glycerol molecule) and speeds up with increasing density, these induced dynamics are likely due to a coupling between the flexible aerosil gel and large groups of glycerol molecules mediated by mutual hydrogen bonding. This is supported by the lack of such thermal dynamics in pure aerosil gels, pure glycerol, or aerosil gels dispersed in a non-glass-forming, non-hydrogen-bonding, liquid crystal under nearly identical experimental conditions. The study of such frustrated colloids may provide a unique avenue for illuminating the physics of glasses.
Electronic structure of Li-intercalated oligopyridines: A comparative study by photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Doherty Walter J. , Friedlein Rainer , Renouard Thierry , Mathis Claude , Salaneck William R.
Published: March 2007

The role of nitrogen in the charge transfer and storage capacity of lithium-intercalated heterocyclic oligophenylenes was investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy. The development of new occupied states at low binding energies in the valence band region, as well as core level chemical shifts at both carbon and nitrogen sites, demonstrates partial charge transfer from lithium atoms to the organic component during formation of the intercalated compound. In small compounds, i.e., biphenyl and bipyridine derivatives, the position of the nitrogen heteroatom significantly affects the spacing between gap states in the Li-intercalated film; yet it has minimal effects on the charge storage capacity. In larger, branched systems, the presence of nitrogen in the aromatic system significantly enhances the charge storage capacity while the Li–N bond strength at high intercalation levels is significantly weakened relative to the nitrogen-free derivative. These observations have strong implications towards improved deintercalation processes in organic electrodes in lithium-ion batteries.
The Effect of Rotation on Configural Encoding in a Face-Matching Task
Authors: Edmonds Andrew J , Lewis Michael B
Published: March 2007

Inversion disrupts encoding of faces because of the disruption of configural encoding as evident in the Thatcher illusion (Thompson 1980, Perception9 483–484). Here we consider the effect of rotation on the loss of configural encoding in a same/different matching paradigm. Participants decided whether two faces were of the same type (both normal or both Thatcherised) or not, at five angles of rotation (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°). When the faces were both of the same person, the disruption due to rotation for ‘same-type’ judgments was linear and approximately equal for normal and Thatcherised face pairs. In experiment 2, with different-person face pairs, the effect of rotation was much greater for Thatcherised face pairs than for normal face pairs. These findings are in contrast to those reported by Boutsen and Humphreys (2003, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology A56 955–975), and reasons for these differences, along with implications, are discussed.
Changing Viewpoints during Dynamic Events
Authors: Garsoffky Bärbel , Huff Markus , Schwan Stephan
Published: March 2007

The connection of various viewpoints of a visual dynamic scene can be realised in different ways. We examined if various presentation modes influence scene recognition and cognitive representation type. In the learning phase, participants saw clips of basketball scenes from (a) a single, unvaried viewpoint, or with a change of viewpoint during the scene, whereby the connection was realised (b) by an abrupt cut, or (c) by a continuous camera move. In the test phase, participants had to recognise video stills presenting basketball scenes from the same or differing viewpoints. As expected, cuts led to lower recognition accuracy than a fixed unvaried viewpoint, whereas this was not the case for moves. However, the kind of connection between two viewpoints had no influence on the viewpoint dependence of the cognitive representation. Additionally, it was found that the amount of viewpoint deviation seemed to influence the overall conservativeness of participants' reactions.
TORC1 is a calcium- and cAMP-sensitive coincidence detector involved in hippocampal long-term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Kovács Krisztián A. , Steullet Pascal , Steinmann Myriam , Do Kim Q. , Magistretti Pierre J. , Halfon Olivier , Cardinaux Jean-René
Published: March 2007

A key feature of memory processes is to link different input signals by association and to preserve this coupling at the level of synaptic connections. Late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity thought to encode long-term memory, requires gene transcription and protein synthesis. In this study, we report that a recently cloned coactivator of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), called transducer of regulated CREB activity 1 (TORC1), contributes to this process by sensing the coincidence of calcium and cAMP signals in neurons and by converting it into a transcriptional response that leads to the synthesis of factors required for enhanced synaptic transmission. We provide evidence that TORC1 is involved in L-LTP maintenance at the Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapses in the hippocampus.
Identification of
Abcc6
as the major causal gene for dystrophic cardiac calcification in mice through integrative genomics
Authors: Meng Haijin , Vera Iset , Che Nam , Wang Xuping , Wang Susanna S. , Ingram-Drake Leslie , Schadt Eric E. , Drake Thomas A. , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: March 2007

The genetic factors contributing to the complex disorder of myocardial calcification are largely unknown. Using a mouse model, we fine-mapped the major locus (
Dyscalc1
) contributing to the dystrophic cardiac calcification (DCC) to an 840-kb interval containing 38 genes. We then identified the causal gene by using an approach integrating genetic segregation and expression array analyses to identify, on a global scale, cis-acting DNA variations that perturb gene expression. By studying two intercrosses, in which the DCC trait segregates, a single candidate gene (encoding the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCC6) was identified. Transgenic complementation confirmed
Abcc6
as the underlying causal gene for
Dyscalc1
. We demonstrate that in the cross, the expression of
Abcc6
is highly correlated with the local mineralization regulatory system and the BMP2-Wnt signaling pathway known to be involved in the systemic regulation of calcification, suggesting potential pathways for the action of
Abcc6
in DCC. Our results demonstrate the power of the integrative genomics in discovering causal genes and pathways underlying complex traits.
Accumulation of prion protein in the brain that is not associated with transmissible disease
Authors: Piccardo Pedro , Manson Jean C. , King Declan , Ghetti Bernardino , Barron Rona M.
Published: March 2007

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterized histopathologically by the accumulation of prion protein (PrP) ranging from diffuse deposits to amyloid plaques. Moreover, pathologic PrP isoforms (PrP
Sc
) are detected by immunoblot analysis and used both as diagnostic markers of disease and as indicators of the presence of infectivity in tissues. It is not known which forms of PrP are associated with infectivity. To address this question, we performed bioassays using human brain extracts from two cases with phenotypically distinct forms of familial prion disease (Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker P102L). Both cases had PrP accumulations in the brain, but each had different PrP
Sc
isoforms. Only one of the brains had spongiform degeneration. Tissue from this case transmitted disease efficiently to transgenic mice (Tg PrP101LL), resulting in spongiform encephalopathy. In contrast, inoculation of tissue from the case with no spongiform degeneration resulted in almost complete absence of disease transmission but elicited striking PrP-amyloid deposition in several recipient mouse brains. Brains of these mice failed to transmit any neurological disease on passage, but PrP-amyloid deposition was again observed in the brains of recipient mice. These data suggest the possible isolation of an infectious agent that promotes PrP amyloidogenesis in the absence of a spongiform encephalopathy. Alternatively, the infectious agent may be rendered nonpathogenic by sequestration in amyloid plaques, or PrP amyloid can seed amyloid accumulation in the brain, causing a proteinopathy that is unrelated to prion disease. Formation of PrP amyloid may therefore not necessarily be a reliable marker of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy infectivity.
Nonlinear scaling of space use in human hunter–gatherers
Authors: Hamilton Marcus J. , Milne Bruce T. , Walker Robert S. , Brown James H.
Published: March 2007

Use of space by both humans and other mammals should reflect underlying physiological, ecological, and behavioral processes. In particular, the space used by an individual for its normal activities should reflect the interplay of three constraints: (i) metabolic resource demand, (ii) environmental resource supply, and (iii) social behaviors that determine the extent to which space is used exclusively or shared with other individuals. In wild mammals, there is an allometric scaling relation between the home range of an individual and its body size: Larger mammals require more space per individual, but this relation is additionally modified by productivity of the environment, trophic niche, sociality, and ability to defend a territory [Kelt DA, Van Vuren D (1999)Ecology80: 337–340; Kelt DA, Van Vuren D (2001)Am Nat157:637–645; Haskell JP, Ritchie ME, Olff H (2002)Nature418:527–530; Damuth J (1987)Biol J Linn Soc31:193–246; Damuth J (1981)Nature290:699–700; and other previously published work]. In this paper we show how similar factors affect use of space by human hunter–gatherers, resulting in a nonlinear scaling relation between area used per individual and population size. The scaling exponent is less than one, so the area required by an average individual decreases with increasing population size, because social networks of material and information exchange introduce an economy of scale.
Loss of Aire-dependent thymic expression of a peripheral tissue antigen renders it a target of autoimmunity
Authors: Gavanescu Irina , Kessler Benedikt , Ploegh Hidde , Benoist Christophe , Mathis Diane
Published: March 2007

Both humans and mice with a mutation in the autoimmune regulator (aire) gene develop multiorgan autoimmune disease. Aire was shown to exert its critical function in medullary epithelial cells of the thymus by promoting ectopic expression of peripheral tissue antigens. It was hypothesized that the widespread autoimmunity of Aire-deficient individuals reflects a lack of tolerance induction to the repertoire of peripheral tissue antigens expressed in the thymus of normal individuals. Here, we substantiate this hypothesis by identifying Mucin 6 as a stomach-specific antigen targeted by autoantibodies in gastritis-prone mice lacking thymic expression ofaireand demonstrate that transcription of the Mucin 6 gene in thymic medullary epithelial cells is indeed Aire-dependent.
Triptolide is a traditional Chinese medicine-derived inhibitor of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Leuenroth Stephanie J. , Okuhara Dayne , Shotwell Joseph D. , Markowitz Glen S. , Yu Zhiheng , Somlo Stefan , Crews Craig M.
Published: March 2007

During kidney organogenesis, tubular epithelial cells proliferate until a functional tubule is formed as sensed by cilia bending in response to fluid flow. This flow-induced ciliary mechanosensation opens the calcium (Ca
2+
) channel polycystin-2 (PC2), resulting in a calcium flux-mediated cell cycle arrest. Loss or mutation of either PC2 or its regulatory protein polycystin-1 (PC1) results in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), characterized by cyst formation and growth and often leading to renal failure and death. Here we show that triptolide, the active diterpene in the traditional Chinese medicine
Lei Gong Teng
, induces Ca
2+
release by a PC2-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, in a murine model of ADPKD, triptolide arrests cellular proliferation and attenuates overall cyst formation by restoring Ca
2+
signaling in these cells. We anticipate that small molecule induction of PC2-dependent calcium release is likely to be a valid therapeutic strategy for ADPKD.
A Ser/Thr Kinase Required for Membrane-associated Assembly of the Major Sperm Protein Motility Apparatus in the Amoeboid Sperm of Ascaris
Authors: Yi Kexi , Buttery Shawnna M. , Stewart Murray , Roberts Thomas M.
Published: March 2007

Leading edge protrusion in the amoeboid sperm of Ascaris suum is driven by the localized assembly of the major sperm protein (MSP) cytoskeleton in the same way that actin assembly powers protrusion in other types of crawling cell. Reconstitution of this process in vitro led to the identification of two accessory proteins required for MSP polymerization: an integral membrane phosphoprotein, MSP polymerization–organizing protein (MPOP), and a cytosolic component, MSP fiber protein 2 (MFP2). Here, we identify and characterize a 34-kDa cytosolic protein, MSP polymerization–activating kinase (MPAK) that links the activities of MPOP and MFP2. Depletion/add-back assays of sperm extracts showed that MPAK, which is a member of the casein kinase 1 family of Ser/Thr protein kinases, is required for motility. MPOP and MPAK comigrated by native gel electrophoresis, coimmunoprecipitated, and colocalized by immunofluorescence, indicating that MPOP binds to and recruits MPAK to the membrane surface. MPAK, in turn, phosphorylated MFP2 on threonine residues, resulting in incorporation of MFP2 into the cytoskeleton. Beads coated with MPAK assembled a surrounding cloud of MSP filaments when incubated in MPAK-depleted sperm extract, but only when supplemented with detergent-solubilized MPOP. Our results suggest that interactions involving MPOP, MPAK, and MFP2 focus MSP polymerization to the plasma membrane at the leading edge of the cell thereby generating protrusion and minimizing nonproductive filament formation elsewhere.
Andante: reducing side-chain rotamer search space during comparative modeling using environment-specific substitution probabilities
Authors: Smith Richard E. , Lovell Simon C. , Burke David F. , Montalvao Rinaldo W. , Blundell Tom L.
Published: March 2007

Motivation: The accurate placement of side chains in computational protein modeling and design involves the searching of vast numbers of rotamer combinations.

Results: We have applied the information contained within structurally aligned homologous families, in the form of conserved χ angle conservation rules, to the problem of the comparative modeling. This allows the accurate borrowing of entire side-chain conformations and/or the restriction to high probability rotamer bins. The application of these rules consistently reduces the number of rotamer combinations that need to be searched to trivial values and also reduces the overall side-chain root mean square deviation (rmsd) of the final model. The approach is complementary to current side-chain placement algorithms that use the decomposition of interacting clusters to increase the speed of the placement process.

Contact:  res50@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GAPWM: a genetic algorithm method for optimizing a position weight matrix
Authors: Li Leping , Liang Yu , Bass Robert L.
Published: March 2007

Motivation: Position weight matrices (PMWs) are simple models commonly used in motif-finding algorithms to identify short functional elements, such as cis-regulatory motifs, on genes. When few experimentally verified motifs are available, estimation of the PWM may be poor. The resultant PWM may not reliably discriminate a true motif from a false one. While experimentally identifying such motifs remains time-consuming and expensive, low-resolution binding data from techniques such as ChIP-on-chip and ChIP-PET have become available. We propose a novel but simple method to improve a poorly estimated PWM using ChIP data.

Methodology: Starting from an existing PWM, a set of ChIP sequences, and a set of background sequences, our method, GAPWM, derives an improved PWM via a genetic algorithm that maximizes the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. GAPWM can easily incorporate prior information such as base conservation. We tested our method on two PMWs (Oct4/Sox2 and p53) using three recently published ChIP data sets (human Oct4, mouse Oct4 and human p53).

Results: GAPWM substantially increased the sensitivity/specificity of a poorly estimated PWM and further improved the quality of a good PWM. Furthermore, it still functioned when the starting PWM contained a major error. The ROC performance of GAPWM compared favorably with that of MEME and others. With increasing availability of ChIP data, our method provides an alternative for obtaining high-quality PWMs for genome-wide identification of transcription factor binding sites.

Availability: The C source code and all data used in this report are available at http://dir.niehs.nih.gov/dirbb/gapwm

Contact:  li3@niehs.nih.gov

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Drosophila GAGA factor directs histone H3.3 replacement that prevents the heterochromatin spreading
Authors: Nakayama Takahiro , Nishioka Kenichi , Dong Yi-Xin , Shimojima Tsukasa , Hirose Susumu
Published: March 2007

Epigenetic maintenance of the expression state of the genome is critical for development. Drosophila GAGA factor interacts with FACT and modulates chromatin structure for the maintenance of gene expression. Here we show that the GAGA factor–FACT complex and its binding site just downstream from the white gene are crucial for position effect variegation. Interestingly there is a dip of histone H3 Lys 9 methylation and a peak of H3 Lys 4 methylation at this site. The GAGA factor and FACT direct replacement of histone H3 by H3.3 through association of HIRA at this site, and maintain white expression under the heterochromatin environment. Based on these findings we propose that the GAGA factor and FACT-dependent replacement of Lys 9-methylated histone H3 by H3.3 counteracts the spreading of silent chromatin.
Dynamic regulation of miRNA expression in ordered stages of cellular development
Authors: Neilson Joel R. , Zheng Grace X.Y. , Burge Christopher B. , Sharp Phillip A.
Published: March 2007

Short RNA expression in several distinct stages of T-lymphocyte development was comprehensively profiled. The total number of microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed per cell at different stages of development varies over nearly an order of magnitude in parallel with changes in total cellular RNA content, suggesting that global miRNA levels are coregulated with the translational capacity of the cell. However, individual miRNAs were dynamically regulated during T-cell development, with at least one miRNA or miRNA family overrepresented at each developmental stage. miRNA regulation in this developmental pathway is characterized by analog rather than switch-like behavior, with temporal enrichments at distinct stages of development observed against a background of constant, basal expression of the miRNA. Enrichments of these miRNAs are temporally correlated with depletions of the transcript levels of targets containing seed matches to the specific miRNAs, and may have specific functional consequences. miR-181a, which is specifically enriched at the CD4+CD8+(DP) stage of thymocyte development, can repress the expression of Bcl-2, CD69, and the T-cell receptor, all of which are coordinately involved in positive selection.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in haemophiliacs: incidence and relation to use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: EYSTER M. E. , ASAAD S. M. , GOLD B. D. , COHN S. E. , GOEDERT J. J. ,   THE SECOND MULTICENTER HEMOPHILIA STUDY GROUP
Published: March 2007

Summary.  This multicentre study sought to estimate the incidence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding in haemophiliacs and its relationship to use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Cox models were used to estimate relative hazards (RH) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for postulated risk factors. Conditional logistic regression and stored sera were used to assess UGI bleeding risk with Heliobacter pylori seropositivity in cases compared with closely matched controls. During a mean of 17.4 months (range 2–34), 2285 participants, ages 13–89 (mean 36.5) were followed for 3309 person‐years (py). Forty‐two experienced a UGI bleeding event (incidence 1.3 per 100 py), most from ulcer (11), gastritis (four), varices (five) and Mallory Weiss tears (eight). RH was significantly increased with traditional NSAID use for <1 month (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.1–11.9), but not with coxibs use. RH was significantly and independently increased with age >46 years (3.5; 95% CI: 1.1–10.6) and hepatic decompensation (4.4; 95% CI: 1.7–11.6). Likelihood of bleeding was substantially but not significantly increased (OR: 4.6; 95% CI: 0.3–83.9) with H. pylori seropositivity. These findings suggest that coxibs are a safer alternative than traditional NSAIDs in the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy.
Effect of reactive oxygen intermediaries on the viability and infectivity of Mycobacterium lepraemurium
Authors: Wek‐Rodriguez Kendy , Silva‐Miranda Mayra , Arce‐Paredes Patricia , Rojas‐Espinosa Oscar
Published: March 2007

Murine leprosy is a natural disease of the mouse, the most popular model animal used in biomedical research; the disease is caused by Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM), a successful parasite of macrophages. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that MLM survives within macrophages because it highly resists the toxic effects of the reactive oxygen intermediaries produced by these cells in response to infection by the microorganism. MLM cells were incubated in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRPO)–H2O2–halide for several periods of time. The peroxidative effect of this system was investigated by assessing the changes occurred in (a) lipid composition; (b) viability; and (c) infectivity of the microorganism. Changes in the lipid composition of peroxidated‐ vs. intact‐MLM were analysed by thin layer chromatography. The effect of the peroxidative system on the viability and infectivity of MLM was measured by the alamar blue reduction assay and by its ability to produce an infection in the mouse, respectively. Peroxidation of MLM produced drastic changes in the lipid envelope of the microorganism, killed the bacteria and abolished their ability to produce an in vivo infection in the mouse. In vitro, MLM is highly susceptible to the noxious effects of the HRPO–H2O2–halide system. Although the lipid envelope of MLM might protect the microorganism from the peroxidative substances produced at ‘physiological’ concentrations in vivo, the success of MLM as a parasite of macrophages might rather obey for other reasons. The ability of MLM to enter macrophages without triggering these cells’ oxidative response and the lack of granular MPO in mature macrophages might better explain its success as an intracellular parasite of these cells.
Taking leave from work: the impact of culture on Japanese female nurses
Authors: Mizuno‐Lewis Satomi , McAllister Margaret
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  This paper provides an overview of nurses’ working conditions in Japan, exploring tensions between nurses’ rights to take leave from work to fulfil family and personal needs and their actual ability to take such leave. It also considers possible effects of being restricted from taking such leave.

Background.  Little has been written on the specific needs of nurses who are mothers in the Japanese work environment. Research has focussed on the effects of heavy, stressful workloads and long working hours leading to burnout, death from overwork and suicides in Japanese culture. However, research that considers unique cultural and female issues in Japan affecting nursing work has not been published.

Method.  Discursive.

Conclusion.  The paper shows that there are many overlapping, complex issues affecting nurses working in Japan and their needs need to be considered and addressed in order to promote a healthier work environment, as well as a more humanistic environment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Workplace issues are relevant to recruitment and retention and better conditions are likely to improve hospital functioning.
Making sense of epistemic categories. Analysing students' use of categories of progressive inquiry in computer mediated collaborative activities
Authors: Arnseth H.C. , Säljö R.
Published: March 2007

Abstract  The topic of this article concerns how students make sense of categories of progressive inquiry made available to them through a discussion and inquiry type of software called Future Learning Environments 2 (FLE2). The idea behind tools of this kind is to induce approaches to school‐work that build on the metaphor of learning as research. By pursuing a socio‐cultural perspective on the topic of categories and categorization, we analyse in detail how students make sense of these categories, including how their sense‐making relates to other concerns they have to manage when engaged in the institutional practices of studying. We demonstrate that students encounter significant challenges when engaged in the categorization work required by FLE2 and its underlying pedagogical model of progressive inquiry. Therefore, we conclude that to develop educational practices similar to the scientific practices on which such tools rely is more complex than merely following a step‐by‐step model of inquiry. To be able to evaluate truth claims and factuality involves the mastery of a whole range of historically developed skills and knowledge, and it is therefore not surprising that the students find it difficult to make adequate interpretations of what the categories entail, and how they should be used.
Noradrenaline Release in the Medial Preoptic Area During the Rat Oestrous Cycle: Temporal Relationship with Plasma Secretory Surges of Prolactin and Luteinising Hormone
Authors: Szawka R. E. , Franci C. R. , Anselmo‐Franci J. A.
Published: March 2007

During the rat oestrous cycle, the afternoon of pro‐oestrous is characterised by preovulatory surges of luteinising hormone (LH) and prolactin. On the afternoon of oestrous, a secretory surge of prolactin has also been reported. Because the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is known to regulate prolactin and LH secretory surges and noradrenaline has been demonstrated to stimulate these hormones release, we evaluated whether noradrenaline release in the MPOA was temporally associated with plasma prolactin and LH surges in cycling rats. During the 4 days of oestrous cycle, noradrenaline concentrations were determined in microdialysates from the MPOA, collected at 30‐min intervals from 10.30 h to 19.00 h. Plasma prolactin and LH levels were measured in blood samples withdrawn hourly from 14.00 h to 19.00 h on pro‐oestrous and from 13.00 h to 18.00 h on the other days of the cycle. On the afternoons of both pro‐oestrous and oestrous, noradrenaline levels increased at 14.00 h and remained elevated until 16.30 h. Conversely, they were low and constant throughout metoestrous and dioestrous. Correlating with noradrenaline release in the MPOA, plasma prolactin surges occurred during the afternoons of both pro‐oestrous and oestrous. On pro‐oestrous, the afternoon LH surge was also preceded by the increase in MPOA noradrenaline whereas, during oestrous, LH secretion was low and unaltered. A temporal association between noradrenaline release and prolactin secretion suggests that noradrenergic neurotransmission in the MPOA regulates prolactin surges in female rats. Moreover, our data also suggest that MPOA noradrenaline requires specific conditions to physiologically regulate LH secretion, which seems to occur during the afternoon of pro‐oestrous.
The Effects of GABA Agonists on Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase, GABA‐Transaminase, Activin, Salmon Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone and Tyrosine Hydroxylase mRNA in the Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Neuroendocrine Brain
Authors: Martyniuk C. J. , Chang J. P. , Trudeau V. L.
Published: March 2007

GABA plays a pivotal role in reproduction by regulating luteinising hormone (LH) release from the anterior pituitary. Current evidence indicates that there is a prominent stimulatory effect of GABA on LH release in teleost fish which results from enhanced gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release and decreased dopamine turnover in the brain and pituitary. We hypothesised that there may be additional mechanisms underlying LH release in goldfish and investigated the relative mRNA levels of GABA synthesising enzymes (GAD65 and GAD67), degrading enzyme (GABA‐T), activin βa and βb, salmon GnRH (sGnRH), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) with the real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction after GABA agonist treatment. Sexually regressed female goldfish were i.p. injected with either the GABAA agonist muscimol (1 µg/g body weight) or the GABAB agonist baclofen (10 µg/g body weight). Both agonists significantly increased serum LH after 6 h. Muscimol decreased GAD65 (approximately ten‐fold), GABA‐T (approximately 15‐fold) and TH (approximately three‐fold) mRNA in the telencephalon. Baclofen significantly reduced GAD67 (approximately two‐fold) and GABA‐T (approximately two‐fold) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus. Activin βa, but not activin βb, steady‐state mRNA was increased approximately three‐ to four‐fold in both the hypothalamus and telencephalon after baclofen treatment. There was no change in sGnRH mRNA levels in either tissue after GABA agonist treatment. We show that the GABAA and GABAB receptor agonists have differing and rapid effects on gene transcription in the goldfish neuroendocrine brain and, by affecting specific targets, we identify putative genomic mechanisms underlying GABA‐stimulated LH release in fish.
Mental health and debt: challenges for knowledge, practice and identity
Authors: FITCH C. , SIMPSON A. , COLLARD S. , TEASDALE M.
Published: March 2007

People with mental health problems (MHPs) in Britain are nearly three times more likely to report debt compared with individuals without similar conditions. With one‐in‐four respondents with MHPs reporting personal debt, this may be equivalent to eight or nine clients in the recommended national community mental health nurses' (CMHNs) caseload of 35. Although client debt is not a new problem for CMHNs, it can pose significant difficulties for client well‐being and nursing practice. This paper reviews the published literature on debt and mental health, then considers three of the challenges that client debt can present to: (1) nursing knowledge – moving away from understandings of client debt based on crisis, and towards those focused on process and prevention; (2) nursing practice – reworking the collaborative relationship between CMHNs and external debt advice agencies; and (3) nursing identity – managing the role conflicts that engaging with client debt can bring. The paper concludes by contending that nurses should raise and monitor debt issues among clients, but cannot be expected to become proxy ‘debt advisors’, with CMHNs being encouraged to increasingly collaborate with debt advisors (rather than simply referring on clients).
Hope and interpersonal psychiatric/mental health nursing: a systematic review of the literature – part one
Authors: KOEHN C. V. , CUTCLIFFE J. R.
Published: March 2007

Psychiatric/mental health (P/MH) nursing is inherently an interpersonal endeavour; one that includes a broad range of ‘helping activities’. The interpersonal activities and skills are enshrined in our underpinning philosophy, explored and learned in our curricula (all around the world) and enacted in our everyday clinical practice. Within this interpersonal context and framework, it is heartening to see that understated, abstract and yet‐lasting concepts such as hope are gaining more acknowledgement, recognition and subsequently attention. While it is recognized that hope in mental health care is increasingly becoming the focal point of disciplined inquiry, the authors believe it is perhaps necessary and timely to re‐examine these two concepts, namely: interpersonal P/MH nursing and hope/inspiring hope in people with mental health problems. Accordingly, this two‐part article reports on a systematic review of the literature that focuses on hope (inspiring hope) within interpersonal (counselling) focused P/MH nursing. Part one focuses on the method used and the results, indicating that a total of 57 articles were included in the review: 39 were categorized as empirical studies involving either a quantitative or qualitative methodological design, and 18 were considered theoretical/clinical/review articles. Though not a product of an empirical investigation per se, it was clear that many of the articles shared and covered common ground. Thus, these were arranged into six ‘loose’ thematic groupings. The first three of these areas, schizophrenia, suicidality and depression form the remainder of part one of this article, and the remaining areas are included in part two.
Hope and interpersonal psychiatric/mental health nursing: a systematic review of the literature – part two
Authors: CUTCLIFFE J. R. , KOEHN C. V.
Published: March 2007

This is the second of a two‐part article which reports on a systematic review of the literature that focuses on hope (inspiring hope) within interpersonal (counselling) focused psychiatric/mental health (P/MH) nursing. Part one focused on the first three substantive areas, whereas this article focuses on the remaining areas and the discussion points arising out of the review. The discussion points arising are: (1) despite the increasing attention to hope over the last three decades, there remains a distinct paucity of research pertaining to P/MH nurses and hope, hoping and hopelessness; (2) the research that has been undertaken thus far lacks a cumulative, sequential progressive focus and has more of a sporadic, disparate look to it; (3) there is a dearth of empirical work to underpin specific interventions; (4) this relative absence of empirical work means that P/MH nurses often have to look to allied and/or related disciplines for their hope‐related research; (5) there appears to be a disparity between the alleged importance of hope and the subsequent research activity; and (6) the research that does exist across different substantive areas appears to indicate that there might be common or shared basic psychosocial processes of hope inspiration, and thus the probability of a formal grounded theory; and this allows for idiosyncratic psychosocial processes for each substantive area. As a result of this review, the authors tentatively suggest that the inspiration of hope in P/MH nursing is grounded in the relationship established between nurse and person in need of hope, an emerging empirical finding that has obvious congruence and synchronicity with the philosophy and theory of a Peplauvian‐based approach to P/MH nursing.
Adolescents coping with mood disorder: a grounded theory study
Authors: MEADUS R. J.
Published: March 2007

A grounded theory methodology was used to explore the phenomenon of coping as experienced by adolescents with a mood disorder. Mood disorders among children and adolescents are more persistent than previously thought and have numerous negative associated features, including further episodes of depression, impaired social, academic and vocational relationships, use of alcohol and other drugs, and an increased risk of suicide. Current literature offered little awareness of how adolescents cope with a mood disorder, as well as their perspective of how such an illness impacts their lives. A substantive theory regarding the process of coping for adolescents with a mood disorder was generated from the data collected from one male and eight female adolescents. Using grounded theory coding procedures, a four‐phase coping theory identified by the categories feeling different, cutting off connections, facing the challenge/reconnecting, and learning from the experience was developed. The core category identified in this research was An Unplanned Journey: Coping Through Connections. Implications identified for nursing practice, research and education included greater attention on the prevention of adolescent mood disorder, and the education of adolescents about the development and enhancement of healthy coping skills.
New insight into the evolution of large‐volume turbidity currents: comparison of turbidite shape and previous modelling results
Authors: TALLING PETER J. , AMY LAWRENCE A. , WYNN RUSSELL B.
Published: March 2007

The Marnoso Arenacea Formation provides the most extensive correlation of individual flow deposits (beds) yet documented in an ancient turbidite system. These correlations provide unusually detailed constraints on bed shape, which is used to deduce flow evolution and assess the validity of numerical and laboratory models. Bed volumes have an approximately log‐normal frequency distribution; a small number of flows dominated sediment supply to this non‐channelized basin plain. Turbidite sandstone within small‐volume (<0·7 km3) beds thins downflow in an approximately exponential fashion. This shape is a property of spatially depletive flows, and has been reproduced by previous mathematical models and laboratory experiments. Sandstone intervals in larger‐volume (0·7–7 km3) beds have a broad thickness maximum in their proximal part. Grain‐size trends within this broad thickness maximum indicate spatially near‐uniform flow for distances of ∼30 km, although the flow was temporally unsteady. Previous mathematical models and laboratory experiments have not reproduced this type of deposit shape. This may be because models fail to simulate the way in which near bed sediment concentration tends towards a constant value (saturates) in powerful flows. Alternatively, the discrepancy may be the result of relatively high ratios of flow thickness and sediment settling velocity in submarine flows, together with very gradual changes in sea‐floor gradient. Intra‐bed erosion, temporally varying discharge, and reworking of suspension fallout as bedload could also help to explain the discrepancy in deposit shape. Most large‐volume beds contain an internal erosion surface underlain by inversely graded sandstone, recording waxing and waning flow. It has been inferred previously that these characteristics are diagnostic of turbidites generated by hyperpycnal flood discharge. These turbidites are too voluminous to have been formed by hyperpycnal flows, unless such flows are capable of eroding cubic kilometres of sea‐floor sediment. It is more likely that these flows originated from submarine slope failure. Two beds comprise multiple sandstone intervals separated only by turbidite mudstone. These features suggest that the submarine slope failures occurred as either a waxing and waning event, or in a number of stages.
Congenital lipoblastoma in a neonate calf: first report in veterinary literature
Authors: Saifzadeh Siamak , Derakhshanfar Amin , Hadian Mojtaba
Published: March 2007

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumour of adipose tissue that usually occurs in young children. Although around 100 cases of lipoblastoma have been reported in humans, no report has been previously described in animals. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of a congenital lipoblastoma located at the tail base of a 2‐day‐old male calf. Grossly, the mass was pink with a partly ulcerated and haemorrhagic surface. The calf showed no neurological deficits. Radiographs of the vertebral column revealed no abnormalities, and surgical excision was performed. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with lipoblastoma. The calf was followed up for 13 months and found to be healthy with no signs of recurrence. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of lipoblastoma in the veterinary literature. Lipoblastoma should thus be considered in the differential diagnosis list for congenital adipose tissue tumours in animals.
Pilot study: prevalence of positive aeroallergen reactions in 10 cats with small‐airway disease without concurrent skin disease
Authors: Moriello Karen A. , Stepien Rebecca L. , Henik Rosemary A. , Wenholz Lisa J.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive allergen reactions in cats with small‐airway disease (i.e. ‘feline asthma’, ‘feline allergic bronchitis’, ‘feline bronchial disease’). Intradermal skin tests (IDT) and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests were performed in 10 cats with idiopathic small‐airway disease and in 10 normal cats without a history of respiratory disease. None of the cats had a history of skin disease or clinical signs of skin disease at the time of testing. Significantly more individual positive allergen reactions were found on serum IgE tests than on IDT in both groups of cats. Affected cats had significantly more individual positive allergen reactions on both tests than unaffected cats. Both IDT and serum IgE tests resulted in more individual positive allergen reactions to weeds, trees, grasses, and/or moulds in affected cats than in normal cats. Significantly more positive allergen reactions to house dust mites were found in affected compared to non‐affected cats by IDT but not by serum IgE testing. One unexpected obstacle to inclusion of more affected cats in the study was the concurrent presence or history of suspect or known allergic skin disease. Concurrent allergic skin disease has not been reported in association with small‐airway disease in cats. The increased prevalence of individual positive allergen reactions in affected cats may be due to increased immunological reactivity in these cats. Further studies are needed to answer this question and to determine what role, if any, aeroallergens have in the pathogenesis of this complex feline disease.