bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative imaging of the Dorsal nuclear gradient reveals limitations to threshold-dependent patterning in
Drosophila
Authors: Liberman Louisa M. , Reeves Gregory T. , Stathopoulos Angelike
Published: December 2009

The NF-κB-related transcription factor, Dorsal, forms a nuclear concentration gradient in the early
Drosophila
embryo, patterning the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis to specify mesoderm, neurogenic ectoderm, and dorsal ectoderm cell fates. The concentration of nuclear Dorsal is thought to determine these patterning events; however, the levels of nuclear Dorsal have not been quantified previously. Furthermore, existing models of Dorsal-dependent germ layer specification and patterning consider steady-state levels of Dorsal relative to target gene expression patterns, yet both Dorsal gradient formation and gene expression are dynamic. We devised a quantitative imaging method to measure the Dorsal nuclear gradient while simultaneously examining Dorsal target gene expression along the DV axis. Unlike observations from other insects such as
Tribolium
, we find the Dorsal gradient maintains a constant bell-shaped distribution during embryogenesis. We also find that some classical Dorsal target genes are located outside the region of graded Dorsal nuclear localization, raising the question of whether these genes are direct Dorsal targets. Additionally, we show that Dorsal levels change in time during embryogenesis such that a steady state is not reached. These results suggest that the multiple gene expression outputs observed along the DV axis do not simply reflect a steady-state Dorsal nuclear gradient. Instead, we propose that the Dorsal gradient supplies positional information throughout nuclear cycles 10-14, providing additional evidence for the idea that compensatory combinatorial interactions between Dorsal and other factors effect differential gene expression along the DV axis.
Rotational dynamics of confined C
60
from near-infrared Raman studies under high pressure
Authors: Zou Yonggang , Liu Bingbing , Wang Liancheng , Liu Dedi , Yu Shidan , Wang Peng , Wang Tianyi , Yao Mingguang , Li Quanjun , Zou Bo , Cui Tian , Zou Guangtian , Wågberg Thomas , Sundqvist Bertil , Mao Ho-Kwang
Published: December 2009

Peapods present a model system for studying the properties of dimensionally constrained crystal structures, whose dynamical properties are very important. We have recently studied the rotational dynamics of C
60
molecules confined inside single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) by analyzing the intermediate frequency mode lattice vibrations using near-infrared Raman spectroscopy. The rotation of C
60
was tuned to a known state by applying high pressure, at which condition C
60
first forms dimers at low pressure and then forms a single-chain, nonrotating, polymer structure at high pressure. In the latter state the molecules form chains with a 2-fold symmetry. We propose that the C
60
molecules in SWNT exhibit an unusual type of ratcheted rotation due to the interaction between C
60
and SWNT in the “hexagon orientation,” and the characteristic vibrations of ratcheted rotation becomes more obvious with decreasing temperature.
PPARγ activation in adipocytes is sufficient for systemic insulin sensitization
Authors: Sugii Shigeki , Olson Peter , Sears Dorothy D. , Saberi Maziyar , Atkins Annette R. , Barish Grant D. , Hong Suk-Hyun , Castro Glenda L. , Yin Yun-Qiang , Nelson Michael C. , Hsiao Gene , Greaves David R. , Downes Michael , Yu Ruth T. , Olefsky Jerrold M. , Evans Ronald M.
Published: December 2009

Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes, how its activation in individual tissues contributes to TZD's therapeutic action remains controversial. As TZDs are known to have receptor-independent effects, we sought to establish gain-of-function animal models to delineate the receptor's insulin-sensitizing actions. Unexpectedly, we find that selective activation of PPARγ in adipocytes, but not in macrophages, is sufficient for whole-body insulin sensitization equivalent to systemic TZD treatment. In addition to improved adipokine, inflammatory, and lipid profiles, PPARγ activation in mature adipocytes normalizes serum insulin without increased adipogenesis. Co-culture studies indicated that PPARγ-activated adipocytes broadly suppress induction of inflammatory cytokines and C-X-C family chemokines in macrophages. Collectively, these data describe an “adipocentric” model in which adipose activation of PPARγ is sufficient for complete insulin sensitization and suggest a specific application for fat selective PPARγ modulators in diabetic therapy.
GRASP and IPCEF Promote ARF-to-Rac Signaling and Cell Migration by Coordinating the Association of ARNO/cytohesin 2 with Dock180
Authors: White David T. , McShea Katie M. , Attar Myriam A. , Santy Lorraine C.
Published: December 2009

ARFs are small GTPases that regulate vesicular trafficking, cell shape, and movement. ARFs are subject to extensive regulation by a large number of accessory proteins. The many different accessory proteins are likely specialized to regulate ARF signaling during particular processes. ARNO/cytohesin 2 is an ARF-activating protein that promotes cell migration and cell shape changes. We report here that protein–protein interactions mediated by the coiled-coil domain of ARNO are required for ARNO induced motility. ARNO lacking the coiled-coil domain does not promote migration and does not induce ARF-dependent Rac activation. We find that the coiled-coil domain promotes the assembly of a multiprotein complex containing both ARNO and the Rac-activating protein Dock180. Knockdown of either GRASP/Tamalin or IPCEF, two proteins known to bind to the coiled-coil of ARNO, prevents the association of ARNO and Dock180 and prevents ARNO-induced Rac activation. These data suggest that scaffold proteins can regulate ARF dependent processes by biasing ARF signaling toward particular outputs.
Mixture-model based estimation of gene expression variance from public database improves identification of differentially expressed genes in small sized microarray data
Authors: Kim Mingoo , Cho Sung Bum , Kim Ju Han
Published: December 2009

Motivation: The small number of samples in many microarray experiments is a challenge for the correct identification of differentially expressed gens (DEGs) by conventional statistical means. Information from public microarray databases can help more efficient identification of DEGs. To model various experimental conditions of a public microarray database, we applied Gaussian mixture model and extracted bi- or tri-modal distributions of gene expression. Prior variance of Baldi's Bayesian framework was estimate for the analysis of the small sample-sized datasets.

Results: First, we estimated the prior variance of a gene expression by pooling variances obtained from mixture modeling of large samples in the public microarray database. Then, using the prior variance, we identified DEGs in small sample-sized test datasets using the Baldi's framework. For benchmark study, we generated test datasets having several samples from relatively large datasets. Our proposed method outperformed other benchmark methods in terms of detecting gold-standard DEGs from the test datasets. The results may be a challenging evidence for usage of public microarray databases in microarray data analysis.

Availability:  Supplementary data are available at http://www.snubi.org/publication/MixBayes

Contact:  juhan@snu.ac.kr
r2cat: synteny plots and comparative assembly
Authors: Husemann Peter , Stoye Jens
Published: December 2009

Summary: Recent parallel pyrosequencing methods and the increasing number of finished genomes encourage the sequencing and investigation of closely related strains. Although the sequencing itself becomes easier and cheaper with each machine generation, the finishing of the genomes remains difficult. Instead of the desired whole genomic sequence, a set of contigs is the result of the assembly. In this applications note, we present the tool r2cat (related reference contig arrangement tool) that helps in the task of comparative assembly and also provides an interactive visualization for synteny inspection.

Availability:  http://bibiserv.techfak.uni-bielefeld.de/r2cat

Contact:  peter.husemann@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de
Traditional Medicine to Modern Pharmacogenomics: AyurvedaPrakritiType and CYP2C19 Gene Polymorphism Associated with the Metabolic Variability
Authors: Ghodke Yogita , Joshi Kalpana , Patwardhan Bhushan
Published: December 2009

Traditional Indian medicine—Ayurveda—classifies the human population into three major constituents orPrakritiknown asVata, PittaandKaphatypes. Earlier, we have demonstrated a proof of concept to support genetic basis forPrakriti. The descriptions in Ayurveda indicate that individuals withPitta Prakritiare fast metabolizers while those ofKapha Prakritiare slow metabolizers. We hypothesized that differentPrakritimay have different drug metabolism rates associated with drug metabolizing enzyme (DME) polymorphism. We didCYP2C19(Phase I DME) genotyping in 132 unrelated healthy subjects of either sex by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique. We observed significant association betweenCYP2C19genotype and major classes ofPrakrititypes. The extensive metabolizer (EM) genotype (*1/*1, *1/*2, *1/*3) was found to be predominant inPitta Prakriti(91%). Genotype (*1/*3) specific for EM group was present only inPitta Prakriti.Poor metabolizer (PM) genotype (*2/*2, *2/*3, *3/*3) was highest (31%) inKapha Prakritiwhen compared withVata(12%) andPitta Prakriti(9%). Genotype (*2/*3) which is typical for PM group was significant inKapha Prakriti(odds ratio = 3.5,P=  .008).We observed interesting correlations betweenCYP2C19genotypes andPrakritiwith fast and slow metabolism being one of the major distinguishing and differentiating characteristics. These observations are likely to have significant impact on phenotype‐genotype correlation, drug discovery, pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine.
Separate but Equal: Complementary Influences of the Mother and Father on the Narrator's Development in Proust's
A la recherche du temps perdu
Authors: Grenet Julie
Published: December 2009

This article aims to show how, notwithstanding the tendency in Proustian criticism to focus on maternal influence, in
A la recherche du temps perdu
both parents contribute to the narrator's artistic development. In a sort of reversed Aristotelian paradigm, the mother is associated with culture, igniting the narrator's passion for art and reading, whilst the father is associated with nature and sensual experiences that stimulate the imagination. The ‘maternal’ Venice the narrator visits with his mother in
Albertine disparue
, the Venice of perennial monuments to which he relates as receptor, is contrasted with the ‘paternal’ Venice of
Combray
to which he relates as creator and which is a pure product of his imagination, composed of floral imagery that grows out of the father's announcement of vacation plans. The father's Venice connects the present to an as-yet unrealized future, emphasizing the diachronic passage of time in a process similar to that of creating a narrative that links him to writing. It is the ostensible counterpart to the mother's Venice, which, in
Le Temps retrouvé
, connects past and present in the resuscitated image of a bygone synchronous moment captured by involuntary memory. Liminal figures illustrate that Proust does not simply reverse the mother-nature/father-culture paradigm. Paternal aunt Léonie, integrating the maternal and the paternal, is a caricatural portrait of the artist underscoring their complementary influence on artistic creation.
Masochisme, hétérologie et passion dans
Le Mort
de Georges Bataille
Authors: Berney Patricia
Published: December 2009

En 1931, Georges Bataille emploie pour la première fois le terme ‘hétérologie’. Ce néologisme décrit l'expression
impossible
d'un phénomène qui nie l'ordre du langage: l'hétérogène. Cet article a pour but d'aborder l'expression de l'hétérologie bataillienne en tant que réponse à l'appropriation de l'œuvre de Sade par les surréalistes, et par André Breton en premier lieu, telle qu'elle est pratiquée dans un court récit,
Le Mort
. Prenant comme point d'entrée les personnages de Marie et du comte, l'article explore la relation entre le masochisme et la pratique scripturale de l'hétérologie. Il aborde aussi la signification des allusions faites par Bataille dans ce récit à la passion du Christ et au rituel catholique du chemin de croix.

Lire
Le Mort
comme exemple de l'hétérologie bataillienne nous permet de répondre à plusieurs questions importantes. Est-il possible d'exprimer l'hétérogène dans le contexte littéraire? Pourquoi l'hétérologie se manifeste-t-elle de manière violente, blasphématoire et masochiste dans
Le Mort
? Y a-t-il un lien entre l'hétérologie du
Mort
et la tradition sadienne à laquelle ce texte fait allusion? Enfin,
Le Mort
constitue-t-il une réponse à la lecture du ‘divin marquis’ faite par les surréalistes?
Perioperative Intravenous Amiodarone Does Not Reduce the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valvular Surgery
Authors: Beaulieu Yanick , Denault André Y. , Couture Pierre , Roy Denis , Talajic Mario , O'Meara Eileen , Carrier Michel , Pagé Pierre , Levesque Sylvie , Lambert Jean , Tardif Jean-Claude
Published: December 2009

Background

Atrial fibrillation is a common complication after cardiac surgery. Postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality, and, therefore, preventive strategies using oral amiodarone have been developed but are often unpractical. Intravenous amiodarone administered after the induction of anesthesia and continued postoperatively for 48 h could represent an effective strategy to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac valvular surgery.

Methods

Single-center, double-blinded, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing valvular surgery. Patients received either an intravenous loading dose of 300 mg of amiodarone or placebo in the operating room, followed by a perfusion of 15 mg . kg(-1) . 24 h(-1) for 2 days. The primary endpoint was the development of atrial fibrillation occurring at any time within the postoperative period.

Results

One hundred twenty patients were randomly assigned (mean age was 65 +/- 11 yr). Overall atrial fibrillation occurred more frequently in the perioperative intravenous amiodarone group compared with the placebo group (59.3 vs. 40.0%; P = 0.035). Four preoperative factors were found to be independently associated with a higher risk of developing postoperative atrial fibrillation: older age (P = 0.0003), recent myocardial infarction (<6 months; P = 0.026), preoperative angina (P = 0.0326), and use of a calcium channel blocker preoperatively (P = 0.0078) when controlling for groups.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing cardiac valvular surgery, a strategy using intravenous amiodarone for 48 h is not efficacious in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation during cardiac valvular surgery.
Oral Gancyclovir Therapy for Immunocompetent Infants With Cytomegalovirus‐associated Hemorrhagic or Intractable Enterocolitis
Authors: Nigro Giovanni , Pietrobattista Andrea , Divito Simonetta , Gambarara Manuela
Published: December 2009

Three infants, who had prenatal or immediately postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection associated with persistently severe enterocolitis requiring total parenteral or nasal gastric feeding, were treated with gancyclovir. The intestinal CMV involvement was shown by the detection of CMV‐DNA in the stools of all 3 infants and in the enteral sample from 1 of 2 biopsied infants. Gancyclovir, when given intravenously to the infants, was not followed by CMV clearance or stable clinical improvement. On the contrary, oral gancyclovir that was given for 1‐ to 2‐month courses at the dosage of 70 mg/kg, was associated with clinical improvement or recovery and reintroduction of oral feeding. Cytomegalovirus‐DNA detection became persistently negative in the stools of the infants within 17 months after starting oral gancyclovir. Each child showed normal growth and sensorial, mental, and motor development at the age of 4.7 to 6 years. Oral gancyclovir may be suggested for treatment of CMV‐associated chronic hemorrhagic or intractable enterocolitis.
Inheritance of nesting behaviour across natural environmental variation in a turtle with temperature-dependent sex determination
Authors: McGaugh Suzanne E. , Schwanz Lisa E. , Bowden Rachel M. , Gonzalez Julie E. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: December 2009

Nesting behaviour is critical for reproductive success in oviparous organisms with no parental care. In organisms where sex is determined by incubation temperature, nesting behaviour may be a prime target of selection in response to unbalanced sex ratios. To produce an evolutionary change in response to sex-ratio selection, components of nesting behaviour must be heritable. We estimated the field heritability of two key components of nesting behaviour in a population of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) with temperature-dependent sex determination by applying the ‘animal model’ to a pedigree reconstructed from genotype data. We obtained estimates of low to non-detectable heritability using repeated records across all environments. We then determined environment-specific heritability by grouping records with similar temperatures for the winter preceding the nesting season, a variable known to be highly associated with our two traits of interest, nest vegetation cover and Julian date of nesting. The heritability estimates of nest vegetation cover and Julian date of nesting were qualitatively highest and significant, or nearly so, after hot winters. Additive genetic variance for these traits was not detectable after cold winters. Our analysis suggests that the potential for evolutionary change of nesting behaviour may be dependent on the thermal conditions of the preceding winter, a season that is predicted to be especially subject to climate change.
Selective biodegradation of keratin matrix in feather rachis reveals classic bioengineering
Authors: Lingham-Soliar Theagarten , Bonser Richard H. C. , Wesley-Smith James
Published: December 2009

Flight necessitates that the feather rachis is extremely tough and light. Yet, the crucial filamentous hierarchy of the rachis is unknown—study hindered by the tight chemical bonding between the filaments and matrix. We used novel microbial biodegradation to delineate the fibres of the rachidial cortexin situ. It revealed the thickest keratin filaments known to date (factor >10), approximately 6 µm thick, extending predominantly axially but with a small outer circumferential component. Near-periodic thickened nodes of the fibres are staggered with those in adjacent fibres in two- and three-dimensional planes, creating a fibre–matrix texture with high attributes for crack stopping and resistance to transverse cutting. Close association of the fibre layer with the underlying ‘spongy’ medulloid pith indicates the potential for higher buckling loads and greater elastic recoil. Strikingly, the fibres are similar in dimensions and form to the free filaments of the feather vane and plumulaceous and embryonic down, the syncitial barbules, but, identified for the first time in 140+ years of study in a new location—as a major structural component of the rachis. Early in feather evolution, syncitial barbules were consolidated in a robust central rachis, definitively characterizing the avian lineage of keratin.
Apyrase (Nucleoside Triphosphate-Diphosphohydrolase) and Extracellular Nucleotides Regulate Cotton Fiber Elongation in Cultured Ovules
Authors: Clark Greg , Torres Jonathan , Finlayson Scott , Guan Xueying , Handley Craig , Lee Jinsuk , Kays Julia E. , Chen Z. Jeffery , Roux Stanley J.
Published: December 2009

Ectoapyrase enzymes remove the terminal phosphate from extracellular nucleoside tri- and diphosphates. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), two ectoapyrases, AtAPY1 and AtAPY2, have been implicated as key modulators of growth. In fibers of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), transcript levels for GhAPY1 and GhAPY2, two closely related ectoapyrases that have high sequence similarity to AtAPY1 and AtAPY2, are up-regulated when fibers enter their rapid growth phase. In an ovule culture system, fibers release ATP as they grow, and when their ectoapyrase activity is blocked by the addition of polyclonal anti-apyrase antibodies or by two different small molecule inhibitors, the medium ATP level rises and fiber growth is suppressed. High concentrations of the poorly hydrolyzable nucleotides ATPγS and ADPβS applied to the medium inhibit fiber growth, and low concentrations of them stimulate growth, but treatment with adenosine 5′-O-thiomonophosphate causes no change in the growth rate. Both the inhibition and stimulation of growth by applied nucleotides can be blocked by an antagonist that blocks purinoceptors in animal cells, and by adenosine. Treatment of cotton ovule cultures with ATPγS induces increased levels of ethylene, and two ethylene antagonists, aminovinylglycine and silver nitrate, block both the growth stimulatory and growth inhibitory effects of applied nucleotides. In addition, the ethylene precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, lowers the concentration of nucleotide needed to promote fiber growth. These data indicate that ectoapyrases and extracellular nucleotides play a significant role in regulating cotton fiber growth and that ethylene is a likely downstream component of the signaling pathway.
Automated least-squares molecular overlay withouta prioriatomic correspondence or connectivity information
Authors: Bond Andrew D.
Published: December 2009

A method is described for automated least-squares molecular overlay withouta prioriatomic correspondence and without the requirement to establish connectivity information. The method is intended to be useful for automated structure comparison where it might be difficult to establish consistent descriptions of molecular connectivity, and for unconstrained molecular overlay. The general assignment algorithm of Munkres [J. Soc. Ind. Appl. Math.(1957),5, 32–38] is utilized to obtain the least-squares pairwise atomic correspondence for two molecules in a given relative orientation, and this step is alternated with analytical least-squares overlay using the established pairwise correspondence. Optional constraints for matching only atoms of the same type or same chemical connectivity can be applied by partitioning the molecule into corresponding groups during each Munkres match. The optimization cycle converges on a local minimum and a grid-search procedure is implemented to identify the global minimum. The method is validated and used to compare crystallographically distinct molecules in 18 941 single-component molecular crystal structures taken from the Cambridge Structural Database.
X-ray diffraction study of a pseudo single crystal prepared from a crystal belonging to point group 2
Authors: Kimura Fumiko , Kimura Tsunehisa , Oshima Wataru , Maeyama Masataka , Aburaya Kazuaki
Published: December 2009

A pseudo single crystal (a composite of matrix resin and powder crystallites, wherein the individual crystallites are aligned three-dimensionally) was prepared from a powder of sucrose, and its X-ray diffraction pattern was studied. A powder of sucrose crystals suspended in a UV-curable resin precursor was subjected to magnetic alignment in order to align the individual crystallites three-dimensionally, and then the resin precursor was photopolymerized to maintain this orientation. The pseudo single crystal thus obtained produced a well resolved X-ray diffraction profile that is similar to that produced by a twin crystal. The origin of the twin orientation was explained in terms of the interplay between the symmetry of magnetic susceptibility axes and the crystal symmetry (point group 2) of sucrose. The crystal structure of sucrose solved using the pseudo single crystal was in excellent agreement with that solved using a single crystal.
EXTRAX: anImageJplug-in for electron diffraction intensity extraction
Authors: Dorcet V. , Larose X. , Fermin C. , Bissey M. , Boullay P.
Published: December 2009

A plug-in (EXTRAX) has been developed forImageJ– a public domain Java-based program widely used for image processing and analysis in microscopy. This plug-in allows the extraction and measurement of intensities from electron diffraction spot patterns with a semi-automatic peak location based on a two-dimensional lattice given by the user. It is also possible to take into account supplementary spots originating from high-order Laue zones and/or the existence of a modulation vector.
Safety considerations with top-loading cryostats, involving `icing-up' of the sample space with solid air
Authors: Swainson Ian Peter , Cranswick Lachlan Michael David
Published: December 2009

Safety considerations involving `icing-up' with solid air of the sample space of top-loading cryostat equipment are discussed, where uncontrolled de-icing may cause a flash-to-gas, leading to trapped volumes being placed under high pressure. Methods of prevention and resolution of freeze-ups are elaborated, and a case is made for using a helium leak detector as part of sample changing and a heating wire wrapped around the sample stick for de-icing.
An approach for eliminating chemically unreasonable structure models with overlapping atoms as implemented within theGESTsoftware
Authors: Feng Zhen Jie , Jia Rong Rong , Dong Cheng , Cao Shi Xun , Zhang Jin Cang
Published: December 2009

A close-contact penalty factor has been added to theGESTstructure solution from powder diffraction data software to differentiate chemically unreasonable structure models from potentially correct models. In order to eliminate the chemically unreasonable structures, the penalty factor is added to the BraggRfactor. This has proved to be an effective approach.
Drawing of single-crystal and glass-clad lithium tantalate fibers by the laser-heated pedestal growth method
Authors: Pei S. C. , Ho T. S. , Tai T. M. , Lee L. M. , Chen J. C. , Kung A. H. , Kao F. J. , Huang S. L.
Published: December 2009

Lithium tantalate (LT) single-crystalline fibers with various growth conditions were obtained using the laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) method. The fibers can be produced with a diameter down to 70 µm and tens of centimetres in length by using different pulling rates. Preliminary experiments also showed that the LT fibers can be electrically poled for quasi-phase matching. To facilitate wave propagation with low loss, glass-clad LT fibers were fabricated by a co-drawing LHPG method for the first time. A vacuum apparatus was developed to eliminate the bubbles from incongruent evaporation of lithium oxide during the drawing of the glass-clad LT fibers. The glass-clad fibers are classified into two different categories by the measurements of refractive index profiles. One is a step-index fiber and the other is a graded-index fiber. Both fiber types are multimode at present, but single-mode LT fibers could be fabricated with the high-precision control of the LHPG systems.
Censusing large mammals in Kibale National Park: evaluation of the intensity of sampling required to determine change
Authors: Wanyama Fredrick , Muhabwe Richard , Plumptre Andrew J. , Chapman Colin A. , Rothman Jessica M.
Published: December 2009

Monitoring programmes are essential for management of large mammal populations because they can detect population change. It is vital that we have the means to evaluate the effectiveness of protected areas. Kibale National Park is a stronghold for large mammal conservation in Uganda. Past wildlife surveys in Kibale focused on specific taxa or areas, but our large mammal survey covered the entire protected area and we evaluated the intensity of sampling required to determine population change. Using line transect sampling, we found that the distribution of large mammals was nonrandom and related to habitat‐type. However, confidence intervals of population estimates revealed that much more intensive sampling was required to detect changes in population density at a time scale reasonable for management. For many species, populations would have to decline by 40–60% for this method to detect population change. Post‐stratification decreased confidence intervals of density estimates slightly, increasing our ability to detect change. However, confidence intervals of estimates were still too large to detect a meaningful population change on a time scale that would allow management to take action. Most incidences of illegal activity were about 5 km from the park boundary; however, animal densities were not lower in this area.
Dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) is a recurring abnormality in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia associated with aggressive disease
Authors: Woyach Jennifer A. , Heerema Nyla A. , Zhao John , McFaddin Andrew , Stark Amy , Lin Thomas S. , Andritsos Leslie A. , Blum Kristie A. , Flynn Joseph M. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Byrd John C.
Published: December 2009

Interphase cytogenetics are commonly used to identify clonal abnormalities in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients but fail to identify recurrent translocations that ultimately can direct more focused molecular characterization. Given the importance of del(17p13.1) in CLL outcome, we performed an extensive review of 1213 patients undergoing metaphase cytogenetics at our institution and identified 16 (1·3%) with a recurrent unbalanced translocation between the p arms of chromosomes 17 and 18 that results in a dicentric chromosome with loss of much of 17p and 18p. The dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) was associated with a complex (three or more unrelated cytogenetic abnormalities) karyotype in 12 patients (75%) at the time that the abnormality was first identified, and eventually associated with a complex karyotype in 94% of patients. IGHV mutational analysis was un‐mutated in 88% of cases where evaluation was possible. Except for one patient who was diagnosed with CLL incidentally during a workup for metastatic tonsillar cancer, all patients identified with dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) met criteria for disease treatment, with a median time from diagnosis to first treatment of 15 months. Our data demonstrate that dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) is a novel recurrent cytogenetic abnormality in CLL associated with early age at diagnosis and accelerated disease progression. Future efforts to identify genes disrupted by this translocation are warranted and ongoing.
The optimal mode of delivery for the haemophilia carrier expecting an affected infant is caesarean delivery
Authors: JAMES A. H. , HOOTS K.
Published: December 2009

Summary.  While a majority of affected infants of haemophilia carriers who deliver vaginally do not suffer a head bleed, the outcome of labour cannot be predicted. A planned vaginal delivery puts a woman at risk of an abnormal labour and operative vaginal delivery, both of which predispose to intracranial haemorrhage. Furthermore, vaginal delivery does not eliminate the risk to the haemophilia carrier herself. Overall, maternal morbidity and mortality from planned vaginal delivery are not significantly different from those from planned caesarean delivery. Caesarean delivery is recommended or elected now in conditions other than haemophilia carriage, where the potential benefits are not nearly as great. Additionally, vaginal delivery of the haemophilia carrier poses medical/legal risks if the infant is born with cephalohaematoma or intracranial haemorrhage. Caesarean delivery allows for a planned, controlled delivery. Caesarean delivery reduces the risk of intracranial haemorrhage by an estimated 85% and the risk can be nearly eliminated by performing elective caesarean delivery before labour. Therefore, after a discussion of the maternal and foetal risks with planned vaginal delivery versus planned caesarean delivery, haemophilia carriers should be offered the option of an elective caesarean delivery.
Validating nurses’ and nursing assistants’ report of assessing pain in older people with dementia
Authors: Chen Yi‐Heng , Lin Li‐Chan , Watson Roger
Published: December 2009

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the usefulness of registered nurses’ (RNs) and nursing assistants’ (NAs) pain report among 304 institutional older people with dementia and elucidate the factors influencing the agreement of pain reports within dyadic assessors.

Background.  Using informant reports has been suggested as an effective strategy to solve the dilemma of pain assessment in people with dementia. However, the validity of pain information provided by institutional caregivers is still under‐investigated.

Design.  A prospective study was undertaken in six dementia special care units in Northern Taiwan.

Methods.  Both the four‐item pain inventory and Doloplus‐2 scale were used to investigate different raters’ pain reports.

Results.  Across pain variables, fair to moderate agreement was noted in RNs’ assessment (Kappa = 0·29–0·42), but poor agreement in NAs assessment (Kappa = 0·11–0·24). Comparing mean scores on intensity, frequency of pain and Doloplus‐2, statistically systematic bias existed in most pairs, but the greater bias occurred in NAs’ assessment. In logistic regression analysis, when pain was assessed by the pain inventory, residents’ cognitive impairment level and caregiver’s age were associated with the agreement of pain presence perceived in either resident‐nurse or resident‐NA pairs. Nevertheless, when pain was rated by the Doloplus‐2 scale, only residents’ physical function influenced the agreement of pain report for both research assistants (RAs)–nurse and RAs–NA pairs.

Conclusions.  Nurses’ pain report across pain variables may be more reliable than NAs. Furthermore, factors influencing the agreement of pain assessed by self‐report measurement or behavioural observations may be different, needing further investigation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Pain inquiry and behavioural observation should be performed routinely as the fifth vital sign for developing effective care plans. Institutional caregivers should be used as alternative or complementary informants for assessing pain in older people with dementia.
A systematic review of what factors attract and retain nurses in aged and dementia care
Authors: Chenoweth Lynn , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Merlyn Teri , Brodaty Henry
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To present evidence‐based factors for the recruitment and retention of licensed nurses caring for older people and persons with dementia.

Background.  The international nurse shortage crisis is intensified in the aged and dementia care sector. Strategies to address this crisis rely on qualitative, quasi‐experimental, anecdotal and unsubstantiated literature.

Design.  Systematic literature review.

Method.  Search terms ‘nurse’‘nurses’‘nursing’‘clinical supervision’‘staff’‘staffing’‘staff mix’‘staff levels’‘recruitment’‘retention’‘aged care’‘gerontology’‘gerontological’‘dementia care’‘residential’‘nursing home,’ were used in all possible combinations and applied in a wide range of relevant academic databases, with secondary hand searches of selected bibliographies.

Results.  Two hundred and twenty‐six papers were retrieved and scanned, with 105 chosen for closer examination that were relevant to recruitment and retention strategies for dementia and aged care nursing. Twenty‐five of the papers chosen for review were rated at level 2++ to 3, according to the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (The NICE Guidelines Manual, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, London). The 25 critically reviewed papers are organised as promising strategies for (1) nurse recruitment and (2) nurse retention.

Conclusions.  The intrinsic rewards of the caring role attract nurses to dementia and aged care. Essential strategies linking recruitment with retention are: careful selection of student nurse clinical placements and their ongoing supervision and education, training for skills, leadership and teamwork for new and existing nurses, increased staffing levels, pay parity across different health settings and family friendly policies.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A family‐friendly, learning environment that values and nurtures its nursing staff, in the same way as nurses are expected to value and care for their patients and residents, is critical in ensuring their retention in dementia and aged care.
A theory of meaning of caregiving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan, a qualitative study
Authors: Yen Wen‐Jiuan , Teng Ching‐Hwa , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Ma Wei‐Fen , Lee Sheuan , Tseng Hsiu‐Chih
Published: December 2009

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study is to generate a theory of meaning of care‐giving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan.

Background.  Studies indicate that the meaning of care‐giving plays an important role in the psychological adjustment of care‐givers to care‐giving. With a positive meaning of care‐giving, care‐givers can accept their roles and adapt to them more readily.

Design.  The research employs the qualitative method of grounded theory, the inquiry is based on symbolic interactionism.

Methods.  Twenty parental care‐givers of children with schizophrenia were recruited at a private hospital in central Taiwan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted. A comparative method was used to analyse the text and field notes.

Results.  Responsibility (zeren) emerges as the core category or concept. Responsibility expresses broadly the behavioural principles that are culturally prescribed and centred on familial ethics and values. Related concepts and principles that influence caregiver actions and affections include a return of karma, challenges from local gods and fate. By maintaining their culturally prescribed interpretations of care‐giving, parents hope to give care indefinitely without complaints.

Conclusions.  The findings clearly suggest that the meaning of care‐giving is determined through a process of internal debate that is shaped by culturally specific concepts. The paper attempts to explain some of these culturally specific determinants and explanations of care‐giving behaviour.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The theory contributes knowledge about the meaning of care‐giving for parents of mentally ill children in Taiwan. It should be useful reference for mental health professionals, who provide counselling services to ethnically Taiwanese care‐givers.
Nurses’ perception of the use of computerised information systems in practice: questionnaire development
Authors: Oroviogoicoechea Cristina , Watson Roger , Beortegui Elena , Remirez Silvia
Published: December 2009

Aim.  To develop and validate a questionnaire to explore the perceptions of nurses about the implementation of a computerised information system in clinical practice.

Background.  A growing interest in understanding nurses’ experience of developing and implementing clinically relevant Information Technology systems and the lack of measurement tools in this area, justifies further research into the development of instruments to provide an insight into nurses’ experience.

Design.  Survey and questionnaire development.

Method.  An initial draft of the questionnaire was developed based on the literature and expert opinion. The questionnaire was piloted by ten nurses to check face validity, reliability and test‐retest reliability. A revised version of the questionnaire was distributed to nurses working in the in‐patient area of a university hospital in Spain (n = 227). Principal components analysis with oblique rotation was carried out to test theoretically developed underlying dimensions and to test construct validity. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine internal consistency.

Results.  Cronbach’s alpha for all the items included in the different scales was 0·88 in the pilot questionnaire and test‐retest reliability was adequate. Principal components analysis of items related to mechanisms produced a three‐component structure (‘IT support’, ‘usability’ and ‘information characteristics’). The three factors explained 48·6% of the total variance and Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0·66–0·79. Principal components analysis of items related to outcomes produced a three factor solution (‘impact on patient care’, ‘impact on communication’ and ‘image profile’). The factors explained 65·9% of the total variance and Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0·64–0·85.

Conclusion.  The study provides a detailed description and justification of an instrument development process. The instrument is valid and reliable for the setting where it has been used.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The instrument could provide insight into nurses’ experience of IT implementation that will guide further development of systems to enhance clinical practice.
A systematic review of nursing rehabilitation of stroke patients with aphasia
Authors: Poslawsky Irina E , Schuurmans Marieke J , Lindeman Eline , Hafsteinsdóttir Thóra B
Published: December 2009

Aim and objectives.  To explore the evidence on rehabilitation of stroke patients with aphasia in relation to nursing care, focusing on the following themes: (1) the identification of aphasia, (2) the effectiveness of speech‐language interventions.

Background.  Patients with poststroke aphasia have higher mortality rates and worse functional outcome than patients without aphasia. Nurses are well aware of aphasia and the associated problems for patients with stroke because they have daily contact with them. The challenge is to provide evidence‐based care directed at the aphasia. Although rehabilitation stroke guidelines are available, they do not address the caregiving of nurses to patients with aphasia.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  Published studies were reviewed, focusing on identification and treatment of aphasic patients after stroke in terms of the consequences for nursing care. Also, data concerning effective speech‐language interventions were extrapolated into nursing practice with respect to the classification of nursing interventions.

Results.  Intensive speech‐language therapy, which was initiated in the acute stage post stroke, showed the best rehabilitation outcomes. Trained persons other than speech‐language therapists provided effective speech‐language interventions. Speech‐language therapy included several types of intervention that met nursing intervention classifications.

Conclusion.  The contribution of nursing to the rehabilitation of patients with aphasia is relevant. The use of screening instruments by nurses can increase early detection of aphasia, a precondition for initiating timely speech‐language therapy. Collaboration between speech‐language therapists and nurses is of the utmost importance for increasing the intensity and functionality of speech‐language exercises, which may enhance the quality of treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study can be used to develop nursing rehabilitation guidelines for stroke patients with aphasia. Further research is necessary to explore the feasibility of using such guidelines in clinical nursing practice and to examine the experiences of patients with nursing interventions directed at aphasia.
‘To Swim or Not To Swim’: the impact of jellyfish stings causing Irukandji Syndrome in Tropical Queensland
Authors: Sando Jennifer J , Usher Kim , Buettner Petra
Published: December 2009

Aim.  This manuscript presents both demographic and descriptive data related to a distressing clinical condition known as Irukandji syndrome. Chart audit and observation data were collected to explore trends in patient characteristics and to review the current practices surrounding the management of the syndrome by advanced practice ED nurses.

Background.  Irukandji syndrome, a known health emergency in northern Australia, causes severe symptoms such as muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, headache and chest pain causing clinical challenges for emergency nurses. Little is written about this condition from a nursing perspective.

Design.  A mixed methods case study approach.

Methods.  Data were collected by observation and chart audit from 186 patients diagnosed with Irukandji syndrome between 2001–2007.

Results.  Of the 186 patients, 44·1% were local residents and 58·6% were men. Median age of the patients was 27 years (range 16–77). There was a time trend with a greater number of stings occurring out at the Great Barrier Reef than at mainland beaches (p < 0·001). Important results were found regarding waiting times for pain management and intuitive rather than documented assessment practices of advanced practice nursing staff.

Conclusion.  Irukandji syndrome causes severe emotional distress and acute pain, however, people continue to swim in marine sting environments and fail to make use of available protective clothing such as body suits. Local residents continue to be stung regardless of the educational information available suggesting a review of the current public education campaign is required.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses failed to document assessment processes limiting adequately the ability to assess trends in the patient’s condition effectively and treat symptoms efficiently. It is, therefore, timely to review the critical role that assessment plays in clinical care.
Factors that influence health quotient in Chinese college undergraduates
Authors: Guo Jia , Whittemore Robin , He Guo‐Ping
Published: December 2009

Aim and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to describe the health quotient of Chinese undergraduates, to discern whether socio‐demographic characteristics, academic achievements and perceived health status significantly affect the health quotient of Chinese college students and to identify the predictable factors of health quotient in undergraduates.

Background.  Rapidly increasing enrollment in higher education in China in recent years has brought growing concern about undergraduate health and lifestyle. The Health Quotient profile questionnaire, which assesses self‐reported holistic health, provides opportunity to study the health of Chinese undergraduates.

Design.  A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  The study was conducted with 1874 Chinese undergraduates aged 15–28  from eight colleges in Changsha. Students were recruited by a multistage cluster stratified random sampling method.

Results.  The mean score of the Health Quotient questionnaire indicated a positive health quotient; however, 32·1% of the sample scored below the criterion score for a positive health quotient. Undergraduates scored low on knowledge of health. Gender, residence before university, father’s educational background, self‐rated health, college category, achievement in study and status as student chief significantly predicted health quotient scores.

Conclusions.  Holistic health of college students is important and implies positive health behaviours and a focus on health promotion. The overall holistic health of the subjects was good, and students appear capable of managing their own health. Poor health knowledge may be an important factor in college students’ future health status. Risk factors associated with health quotient of undergraduates should be considered in college health care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The health quotient is one instrument that can be used to assess college students’ holistic health and target health promotion interventions. Health knowledge dissemination could be a core task for Chinese college nurses. Further, international research that examines the relationship of student characteristics, college location, culture, health behaviours, health status and holistic health is indicated.