bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural reclamation policy and environmental changes in the northwest China during the Qing dynasty
Authors: Zhen Zhao
Published: May 2006

Northwest China, including the provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, and a small part of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, was not only one of the earliest developed areas in history, but also one of the most ecologically fragile belts. The traditionally sustainable land reclamation and cultivation policies for the development of an agricultural economy adopted and implemented in administrations during different periods of the Qing dynasty, greatly raised farming and stock production. However, this led to imbalances in the originally fragile ecological environment. The negative effects such as rapidly expanding desertification, worsening water and soil erosions, increased cost of production, enlarged investment, vicious cycles and failing economy can serve as a lesson for contemporary development.
On the non-existence of steady confined flows of a barotropic fluid in a gravitational field
Authors: Arendt Steve
Published: May 2006

We consider a semi-infinite (bounded above) plane-parallel layer of barotropic fluid in a constant gravitational field. We present a proof that flows of such a fluid cannot be time-independent in a reference frame wherein the flow's velocity field falls off asymptotically faster than the inverse of the radial distance, R. This includes all flows of finite kinetic energy as such flows must fall off faster than R−1.5. The unsteadiness is due in part to the dynamical expansion of a compressible fluid in motion; this expansion leads to a density deficit so that in the presence of gravity the flow rises buoyantly and cannot be steady in time. The non-existence of certain classes of steady uniform-fluid flows is also discussed.
Physical separation of HLA‐A alleles by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Etokebe G.E. , Opsahl M. , Tveter A.K. , Lie B.A. , Thorsby E. , Vartdal F. , Spurkland A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Genomic typing of polymorphic loci may be hampered by ambiguous typing results. Moreover, robust methods for simultaneous sequencing of two alleles present in a given sample may be difficult to establish. We used denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) for physical separation of HLA‐A alleles before sequence‐based genomic typing (SBT). Physical separation was achieved by resolution of heteroduplexes between the sample alleles and a modified reference probe by DHPLC followed by selective reamplification of the sample alleles present in heteroduplexes. Complementary strands of the reference probe and sample alleles for heteroduplex induction were obtained by λ‐exonuclease digestion. HLA‐A genotyping of 101 individuals using DHPLC‐SBT yielded better typing resolution compared with serological typing and genotyping by the sequence‐specific primer‐polymerase chain reaction (SSP‐PCR) method. Physical separation of alleles using a modified reference probe allows for development of fully automated methods for genomic typing of highly polymorphic loci such as HLA.
Modeling of possible subunit arrangements in the eukaryotic chaperonin TRiC
Authors: Miller Erik J. , Meyer Anne S. , Frydman Judith
Published: May 2006

The eukaryotic cytosolic chaperonin TRiC (TCP‐1 Ring Complex), also known as CCT (Cytosolic Chaperonin containing TCP‐1), is a hetero‐oligomeric complex consisting of two back‐to‐back rings of eight different subunits each. The general architecture of the complex has been determined, but the arrangement of the subunits within the complex remains an open question. By assuming that the subunits have a defined arrangement within each ring, we constructed a simple model of TRiC that analyzes the possible arrangements of individual subunits in the complex. By applying the model to existing data, we find that there are only four subunit arrangements consistent with previous observations. Our analysis provides a framework for the interpretation and design of experiments to elucidate the quaternary structure of TRiC/CCT. This in turn will aid in the understanding of substrate binding and allosteric properties of this chaperonin.
Recurrent use of evolutionary importance for functional annotation of proteins based on local structural similarity
Authors: Kristensen David M. , Chen Brian Y. , Fofanov Viacheslav Y. , Ward R. Matthew , Lisewski Andreas Martin , Kimmel Marek , Kavraki Lydia E. , Lichtarge Olivier
Published: May 2006

The annotation of protein function has not kept pace with the exponential growth of raw sequence and structure data. An emerging solution to this problem is to identify 3D motifs or templates in protein structures that are necessary and sufficient determinants of function. Here, we demonstrate the recurrent use of evolutionary trace information to construct such 3D templates for enzymes, search for them in other structures, and distinguish true from spurious matches. Serine protease templates built from evolutionarily important residues distinguish between proteases and other proteins nearly as well as the classic Ser‐His‐Asp catalytic triad. In 53 enzymes spanning 33 distinct functions, an automated pipeline identifies functionally related proteins with an average positive predictive power of 62%, including correct matches to proteins with the same function but with low sequence identity (the average identity for some templates is only 17%). Although these template building, searching, and match classification strategies are not yet optimized, their sequential implementation demonstrates a functional annotation pipeline which does not require experimental information, but only local molecular mimicry among a small number of evolutionarily important residues.
Repetition of overdose: a retrospective 5‐year study*
Authors: Boyes Ann P
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the number, timing and disposal (admission or discharge)of patients repeating an overdose who attended the accident and emergency departmentof a district general hospital during a 5‐year period There was a total of 1958 overdoses by 1597 individuals over the 5‐year period Overdoses were repeated by 12% (n =191) of patients and accounted for 552 of the total overdoses (representing 361 repeats) First repeats were found to occur more frequently in the 3 months following theoriginal overdose for 43% of patients, 70% of repetitions occurring within a year The distribution of first repeats showed a similar pattern for males and females During the 5‐year period 49% of all repetitions occurred within 3 months Almost one‐fifthof repeaters were discharged, irrespective of whether it was the patient's‘index’(first overdose within the study period) or a repeat overdose Within the repeater population, 31% of overdoses occurred on a Friday, Saturday and on, or immediately prior to, a Bank Holiday Since there was no on‐site psychiatric service available at such times, those patients had to wait until the next working day for assessment The study recommends that all overdose patients should receive psychiatric assessment, andtherefore on‐site psychiatric services should be available for accident and emergency patients
The development of an instrument to measure self‐consistency
Authors: Zhan Lin , Shen Ce
Published: May 2006

The maintenance of self‐consistency is a task that engages elderly people, and it can be viewed as an indicator of how well a person can cope with stress in the ageing process However, there is no reliable and valid instrument to date that measures this phenomenon To help elderly people to accomplish the task warrants the necessity to develop an instrument to measure self‐consistency The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to measure self‐consistency in elderly people with chronic conditions The Self‐Consistency Scale (SCS) was designed and administered to hearing‐impaired elderly people (n= 130) in the north‐east part of the USA Psychometric properties of the SCS were evaluated and the results indicated a promising psychometric integrity The obtained alpha coefficient for the SCS total scale was 089, with a score range of 51–104 and a mean total score of 85 10 (SD = 11.04) Convergent validity of the SCS was established by correlating the SCS to a Visual Analogue Scale—A Sense of Self (VAS), r= 0.60 (P< 0.01) Divergent validity with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was established, r= ‐0.57 (P< 0.01) Maximum likelihood factor analysis with oblimin rotation resulted in a two‐factor solution Factor I, self‐knowledge, and Factor II, stability of self‐concept
Determinants of changes in nurses' behaviour after continuing education: a literature review
Authors: Francke AL , Garssen B , Abu‐Saad H Huijer
Published: May 2006

Nursing continuing‐education programmes may differ in the extent to which they affect nursing practice Differences may be explained by characteristics of the participants' background, the programme itself, teacher(s), relationship between participants, relationship between participants and teacher(s), physical environment during the programme, participants' social system, knowledge, skills and attitudes, and intention to change In this literature review, a model is presented which integrates these variables and which may be used to explain why continuing‐education programmes have no, little or considerable effect On the basis of current scientific knowledge, colleagues' and superiors' support emerges as the most important determinant of behavioural changes in nursing practice
A holistic exploration of barriers to theory utilization
Authors: Jacono Brenda J , Jacono John J
Published: May 2006

The nursing profession must frequently grapple with the reluctance of nurses to adopt particular nursing theory/theoretical frameworks as a guide for practice This paper explores some possible perceptions by nurses not previously considered in the literature which may be at the root of their reluctance to use theory Newman's concept of pattern recognition was particularly useful in the identification of these heretofore unidentified perceptions
Client views on periodic health examinations: opinions and personal experience
Authors: Nupponen Ritva
Published: May 2006

Clients' views on periodic health examinations (PHEs) were examined in a questionnaire study in Tampere, Finland A sample of 240 clients aged 45 years looked back at their recent experiences of PHE screening and counselling sessions with a public health nurse According to the clients' accounts, the discussions and counselling had dealt with living habits and, to a lesser extent, diseases, symptoms and the prevention of illness The vast majority of the respondents appreciated the friendly and considerate manner in which the nurse dealt with the situation About half of them felt that the discussion was personally important to them Virtually all respondents saw the PHE programme as beneficial for everyone Opinions were more divided on the benefits of the health examination sessions compared with medical help from a physician or with laboratory tests The dimensions of client opinions were extracted by means of factor analysis One of the factors emerging in the analysis demanded access to health examinations from the vantage point of individual rights or entitlement In women, a factor emphasizing self‐care was also discerned The interpretation of the factors was based on the social tradition of community‐based health services in Finland by means of the concept of social representation
An investigation into nurses' perceptions of secluding patients on closed psychiatric wards
Authors: Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: May 2006

Seclusion continues to be used in the care of acutely disturbed psychiatric patients despite often emotionally charged debate about its appropriateness within mental health services Powerful legal and moral arguments about the use of seclusion emphasize an urgent need to critically examine its role in the care of mentally ill people This paper examines the use of seclusion on closed psychiatric wards in the management of acutely disturbed patients Seven psychiatric nurses working in two closed wards in an Australian teaching hospital were interviewed in relation to their perceptions of the role of seclusion Data were analysed using grounded theory methodology revealing the core conceptual category ‘controlling’ and two sub‐categories ‘watching out for’ and ‘watching over’ Seclusion was found to be used as an adjunctive treatment in the care of individuals considered to be ‘out of control’ Clinicians expressed comfort with the use of seclusion, citing a strict protocol that provided parameters for its use Whilst expert therapeutic interventions were described by clinicians, they are contextuahzed within a framework of power and control—a framework that stands in stark contrast to contemporary philosophies of nursing care, providing impetus for a reconsideration of the use of constraining practices in the care of mentally ill people
Postgraduate education in nursing: a case study
Authors: Boore Jennifer RP
Published: May 2006

This paper describes the integrated postgraduate programme recently introduced by the University of Ulster which includes the first Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) programme in Europe It has three exit points with a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing or Midwifery, a Master of Science in Advanced Nursing or Midwifery or the DNSc It aims to develop nurses who have the necessary knowledge and skills to function as advanced practitioners and, concurrently, to prepare nurses able to undertake high quality research which will contribute to the knowledge and theoretical base of nursing Some of the issues which influenced the planning are discussed and demographic characteristics, expectations of the course, and comments of the first two cohorts of students are presented Anticipated benefits for nursing knowledge and practice as well as potential difficulties with such a programme are identified
The subculture of adolescence: beliefs about care, health and individuation within Leininger's theory
Authors: Rosenbaum Janet N , Carty Laurie
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this ethnonursing investigation, which was part of a larger study, was to describe and explain the meanings and experiences of adolescents in relation to their care and health within their peer subculture and family contexts Data were collected using observation‐participation and interviews with adolescents in southwestern Ontario, Canada Interviews were tape recorded, coded and entered on to a computer The following themes were abstracted from the verbatim descriptors and patterns (a) Care for adolescents meant ‘being there’ for listening in confidence, helping, gift giving, humour and demonstrating love in time of need (b) Health for adolescents meant well‐being, absence of illness, being fit, dealing with problems, and taking responsibility (c) The adolescents valued family, friends, education, money, sports, and honesty (d) Clothes, hair and music were metaphors for adolescents' emerging identities
Understanding the needs of relatives of patients within a special hospital for mentally disordered offenders: a basis for improved services
Authors: McCann Ged , McKeown Mick , Porter Ian
Published: May 2006

This paper outlines one component of a major research study, which will forn the basis for a new service for relatives of schizophrenia sufferers within a special hospital The aim of this initial component has been twofold firstly to identify and understand the needs of relatives in terms of their present knowledge and understanding of schizophrenia, and secondly to establish what stress the relatives are presently experiencing in maintaining contact with patients and whether this stress may have an impact on the management of schizophrenia at the hospital A purposive sample of 17 relatives were interviewed using two semi‐structured interview protocols All interviews were audio‐taped and later transcribed for analysis The data have provided an illuminating insight into the thoughts and feelings of relatives and indicate many ways in which a service for relatives could be tailored It is apparent that many relatives are currently not being supported, involved or allowed to contribute to the care of their family member at Ashworth Hospital This present situation is stressful for relatives and is likely to have a detrimental effect on the course of schizophrenia in patients at Ashworth Hospital
Is the professional code still the cornerstone of clinical nursing practice?*
Authors: Esterhuizen Philip
Published: May 2006

Although codes of practice for those concerned with the health care of others have always been inherent in the structure of societies, they have been institutionalized within the nursing discipline since the end of the last century Up until the early 1970s they promulgated subservience to the medical discipline As a result of the processes of emancipation and professionalization, the philosophy of the nurse has come to contain concepts of autonomy, accountability and patient‐advocacy, based on a personal and individualized care system Research in recent years has shown that nurses are making morally sound and ethically acceptable choices based on their own decision‐making abilities, whilst having little or no active knowledge of the existing professional codes Based on the literature, the author discusses ethical codes in relation to their perception by nurses in the clinical situation The influence of the code in the areas of moral decision making, administration and management, and education are likewise discussed and the conclusion is reached that codes remain the cornerstone of nursing practice
A comparison of the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque: implications for nursing practice
Authors: Pearson Linda Susan
Published: May 2006

This study aimed to assess the impact which the use of a toothbrush and the use of foam swabs had on the removal of dental plaque over a 6‐day period Three experiments were completed and duplicated using the author's mouth and one of these experiments was completed a third time on a volunteer's mouth A plaque scoring system which quantified the amount of plaque on teeth in areas adjacent to periodontal tissue, and therefore capable of initiating inflammation, was used after plaque had been disclosed Plaque at the gum/tooth margin (gingival crevice plaque) and plaque between teeth (approximal plaque) was measured At the end of each 6‐day period, which commenced with all tooth surfaces clean, the ability of the toothbrush to remove plaque was consistently better than that of swabs, and usually achieved complete visible plaque removal from all sites In contrast, plaque remained in all sites which had been cleaned using foam swabs (after using a ‘swabbing’or ‘scrubbing’technique) However, it was possible to remove plaque from a number of gingival crevice sites with a swab when a varied‘any technique’was used on the visible disclosed plaque The plaque in all approximal sites still remained after this technique An experiment to measure the effect of using foam swabs on plaque which had been allowed to accumulate over a 6 day period produced similar results The results from this study suggest that the success of a toothbrush in removing plaque is affected by user technique (total visible plaque removal was not achievable), and that foam swabs are not able to remove plaque from some ‘sheltered’areas of teeth (total visible plaque removal was not achievable) The implications of these findings to nursing practice are discussed
Population structure of Solanum carolinense along the Takano River in Kyoto, Japan as determined by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis
Authors: IMAIZUMI T , KUROKAWA S , ITO M , AULD B , WANG G X
Published: May 2006

Areas infested with Solanum carolinense, an introduced perennial weed, have increased quickly in Japan. The genetic structure of a S. carolinense population along the Takano River in Kyoto, Japan was investigated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis to reveal how introductions and local spread have contributed to the development of this population. Along a terrace beside the river and an adjacent roadside, we defined a cluster of above‐ground shoots in the population as a subpopulation and 60 subpopulations were identified. Seventeen of these were selected and 165 shoots were analyzed by AFLP analysis using three primer pairs. The AFLP profiles revealed 69 genotypes and the presence of several clones, i.e. genotypes that were present in more than one individual. In total, 19 clones, comprising 2–34 identical genotypes, could be identified in the population. Each of these clones, except one, was allocated within each of the subpopulations. Clustering of the subpopulations was supported by high bootstrap values in all cases. Therefore, introductions from distant regions have mainly contributed to the development of this population, and local spread by seed or vegetative reproduction has rarely been important. The most likely introduction route of S. carolinense to this population was via planting associated with construction works.
Physiological basis for antagonism induced by mixtures of quizalofop‐ethyl and bromoxynil in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: KIM J S , WON T J , LEE B H , YU J H , LEE C W
Published: May 2006

In this study, the physiological basis for antagonism induced by mixtures of quizalofop‐ethyl and bromoxynil was investigated in maize seedlings. In sequential applications, antagonism was observed when bromoxynil was applied before quizalofop‐ethyl or in a mixture with quizalofop‐ethyl, but was minimal when bromoxynil was applied afterwards. The degree of antagonism differed with application rates of bromoxynil and with the timing of the treatment. When test herbicides were applied locally to the second leaf, the inhibition of photosystem II (PS‐II) in the herbicide‐treated leaf was higher with the mixture than with bromoxynil or quizalofop‐ethyl alone. Subsequent growth of the untreated third leaf inhibited by quizalofop‐ethyl alone then recovered, depending on the dose of bromoxynil. There was no evidence that bromoxynil affected absorption of quizalofop‐ethyl. In local applications at different positions on the second leaf, antagonism was only observed when quizalofop‐ethyl was applied to the distal part of the leaf and bromoxynil applied to the proximal part. The antagonism of bromoxynil + quizalofop‐ethyl did not occur at the level of acetyl CoA carboxylase and Hill reaction, as revealed by in vitro assays. These results suggest that bromoxynil inhibits the phloem transport of quizalofop‐ethyl and thus antagonises its whole‐plant activity in maize.
The effect of varying levels of sodium bicarbonate on polychlorinated biphenyl dechlorination in Hudson River sediment cultures
Authors: Yan Tao , LaPara Timothy M. , Novak Paige J.
Published: May 2006

The addition of different concentrations of sodium bicarbonate had a profound effect on 2,3,4,5‐chlorobiphenyl (2,3,4,5‐CB) dechlorination in Hudson River sediment cultures. The most extensive dechlorination was observed in cultures to which 100 mg l−1 bicarbonate was added. Cultures amended with 1000 mg l−1 bicarbonate had the least extensive dechlorination, with 2,4‐CB and 2,5‐CB as predominant end‐products. A significant loss of total chlorinated biphenyl mass was observed in cultures to which ≤ 500 mg l−1 bicarbonate was added, suggesting that degradation beyond chlorinated biphenyls occurred. The dynamics of acetate formation were different among the treatments, with high acetate concentrations detected throughout the 303‐day experiment in cultures to which 1000 mg l−1 bicarbonate had been added. Sodium bicarbonate addition also had a significant impact on bacterial community structure as detected by polymerase chain reaction‐denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) of 16S rRNA gene fragments. Three putative polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) dechlorinators were identified; one Dehalococcoides‐like population was detected in all enrichment cultures, whereas two Dehalobacter‐like populations were only detected in the enrichment cultures with the most extensive dechlorination. These results suggest that the availability of bicarbonate, and potentially sodium, may affect PCB dechlorination in Hudson River sediment and thus need to be taken into consideration when assessing the fate of PCBs or implementing bioremediation.
HISTORY AS ORIENTATION: RÜSEN ON HISTORICAL CULTURE AND NARRATION
Authors: Carr David
Published: May 2006

Geschichte im Kulturprozeß. By Jörn Rüsen

History: Narration, Interpretation, Orientation. By Jörn Rüsen
An Analysis Paradigm for Investigating Multi‐locus Effects in Complex Disease: Examination of Three GABAA Receptor Subunit Genes on 15q11‐q13 as Risk Factors for Autistic Disorder.
Authors: Ashley‐Koch A. E. , Mei H. , Jaworski J. , Ma D. Q. , Ritchie M. D. , Menold M. M. , Delong G. R. , Abramson R. K. , Wright H. H. , Hussman J. P. , Cuccaro M. L. , Gilbert J. R. , Martin E. R. , Pericak‐Vance M. A.
Published: May 2006

Gene‐gene interactions are likely involved in many complex genetic disorders and new statistical approaches for detecting such interactions are needed. We propose a multi‐analytic paradigm, relying on convergence of evidence across multiple analysis tools. Our paradigm tests for main and interactive effects, through allele, genotype and haplotype association. We applied our paradigm to genotype data from three GABAA receptor subunit genes (GABRB3, GABRA5, and GABRG3) on chromosome 15 in 470 Caucasian autism families. Previously implicated in autism, we hypothesized these genes interact to contribute to risk. We detected no evidence of main effects by allelic (PDT, FBAT) or genotypic (genotype‐PDT) association at individual markers. However, three two‐marker haplotypes in GABRG3 were significant (HBAT). We detected no significant multi‐locus associations using genotype‐PDT analysis or the EMDR data reduction program. However, consistent with the haplotype findings, the best single locus EMDR model selected a GABRG3 marker. Further, the best pairwise genotype‐PDT result involved GABRB3 and GABRG3, and all multi‐locus EMDR models also selected GABRB3 and GABRG3 markers. GABA receptor subunit genes do not significantly interact to contribute to autism risk in our overall data set. However, the consistency of results across analyses suggests that we have defined a useful framework for evaluating gene‐gene interactions.
Matching a Graduate Curriculum in Public/Community Health Nursing to Practice Competencies: The Rush University Experience
Authors: Swider Susan , Levin Pamela , Ailey Sarah , Breakwell Susan , Cowell Julia , McNaughton Diane , O'Rourke Marilyn
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
An evidence‐based approach to Public/Community Health Nursing (P/CHN) requires that P/CHN educators prepare practitioners with the relevant skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Such education should be competency‐based and have measurable outcomes to demonstrate student preparation. In 2003, the Quad Council competencies were developed to be applied at two levels of public health nursing practice: the staff nurse/generalist role and the manager/specialist/consultant role. This paper describes a process for evaluation and revision of a graduate curriculum to prepare Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) in P/CHN, to ensure that the educational program addresses and develops knowledge and proficiency in all relevant competencies. This paper documents the process of integrating the competencies throughout the P/CHN graduate curriculum at varying levels, guiding students to achieve proficiency in each competency by the end of the program. Measurement of achievement in these competencies will be discussed, and examples provided. Advanced Practice Public Health Nurses educated via this competency‐based approach will be prepared to sit for national certification as a CNS in Public/Community Health, and to assume leadership roles in public health nursing.
Assisting Women to Learn Myocardial Infarction Symptoms
Authors: McDonald Deborah Dillon , Goncalves Patricia Herrera , Almario Vivian E. , Krajewski Aleksandra L. , Cervera Patricia L. , Kaeser Donna M. , Lillvik Cherylynn A. , Sajkowicz Tammy L. , Moose Priscilla E.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to test how teaching format (factual versus storytelling) and restructuring the social norm of caring for others to caring for self affects how women learn to identify and respond to myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms.

Design: The study was a randomized pretest posttest full factorial experiment.

Sample: One hundred and thirteen women participated.

Measures: Before and after reading the intervention pamphlet, the women wrote all the MI symptoms that they knew and rated their intention to call 911 if symptoms occurred.

Intervention: The women read one of the four MI pamphlets corresponding to the four conditions.

Results: No significant effects for learning MI symptoms resulted from teaching format or social norms. Women learned three additional MI symptoms. All responded with high intention to call 911 if MI symptoms occurred.

Conclusions: Women can learn additional MI symptoms from reading a brief pamphlet about MI symptoms. Use of a storytelling format and the social norm of caring for self might not impact how many MI symptoms women learn. Studies using audiovisuals and larger samples are needed to clarify whether storytelling format and the social norm of caring for self‐impact learning MI symptoms.
Fit or Fat? A Review of the Debate on Deaths Attributable to Obesity
Authors: McHugh Matthew D.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
Scientific debate surrounding the burden of obesity on the population's health has escalated in recent months following the release of differing reports on the population attributable fraction of obesity mortality. Differing views on statistical methodology for estimating the number of deaths attributable to being overweight and obese were widely reported in the popular media. There was concern that the public was left unsure of how to perceive the health information about obesity. Furthermore, food industry groups exploited this moment of scientific development to generate support in corporate interests in the name of “consumer freedom.” This review examines the state of the debate on deaths attributable to obesity. Public health nurses can use this information to work collaboratively with their service populations to ensure that accurate public health information is disseminated regarding obesity and mortality. This paper also highlights areas of obesity‐related public health research that have been emphasized by this debate. Nurses should be actively engaged in such research in an effort to understand the epidemic of obesity and develop programs and influence policy to curb the determinants of obesity.
The Nurse Midwives' Story, An Allegory
Authors: Abrams Sarah E.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT
This is an excerpt from a fictional account of a nurse midwifery student on the verge of graduation from the Maternity Center Association (MCA) School of Nurse Midwifery. The original article was written by 6 students at MCA about nurse midwifery and published in the original Public Health Nursing in 1952. After graduation, 4 of the authors served in mission groups in Saudi Arabia, Formosa, and the Philippines, and the others were employed in California and New York. The story conveys the hopes and limitations perceived by the midwifery students and serves as an allegory for those who push the boundaries of accepted practice.
Social Networks and the Emergence of the New Entrepreneurial Ventures in Russia: 1987–2000
Authors: Rogers Nathalia
Published: May 2006

Abstract.  This article examines the use of social networks by Russia’s new entrepreneurs during venture start‐up. After outlining the general historical context of economic transformation in Russia, I describe four patterns of transition to private enterprise ownership by individuals with different professional skills, different amounts of initial financial capital, and different types and extent of social networks. This description is based on an original set of data I collected during interviews with owners of small‐ and medium‐size businesses in Russia in the late 1990s. I conclude with a discussion of how such factors as access to the initial financial capital, history of past employment, and extent and type of personal social networks mediate the risks of starting a new venture.
Cytokine accumulation in photochemically treated and gamma‐irradiated platelet concentrates during storage
Authors: Apelseth Torunn O. , Hervig Tor A. , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Bruserud Øystein
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  Photochemical treatment (PCT) for pathogen reduction of platelet concentrates (PCs) affects all cells containing DNA and/or RNA. Soluble mediators, which may cause transfusion reactions, are determined by the balance between secretion and/or cell destruction and binding and/or degradation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Ten double‐dose single‐donor leukoreduced PCs were split in two identical units. Two study arms were created: Study Arm A consisting of five PCT PCs with corresponding untreated control PCs and Study Arm B consisting of five PCT PCs with corresponding gamma‐irradiated control PCs. PCs that had added PAS‐III (Intersol) were treated with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light. Corresponding controls PCs, to which PAS‐II (T‐sol) were added, received no treatment or were gamma‐irradiated before storage. Platelet (PLT)‐derived (CCL5/RANTES, CXCL4/PF4, CCL3/MIP‐1α, transforming growth factor [TGF]‐β, CXCL8/interleukin [IL]‐8, IL‐1β) as well as white blood cell (WBC)‐associated (IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐11, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor, interferon‐γ) cytokines were investigated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and cytometric bead array during storage for up to 12 days.

RESULTS:  Independent of previous treatment we observed that all concentrates showed low levels of WBC‐associated cytokines. PLT‐derived cytokines were detected at higher levels and showed significant increase during storage. Statistical analysis showed lower PLT content per unit in PCT PCs, higher levels of activation variables in PCT PCs, and higher levels and accumulation rate of CCL5, CXCL4, TGF‐β, and CXCL8 in PCT PCs.

CONCLUSION:  PLTs are the main source of released cytokines during storage of untreated, gamma‐irradiated, and PCT PCs. PCT may affect the level of PLT‐derived cytokines in PCs. No additional reduction of WBC‐associated cytokines were observed after PCT in prestorage leukoreduced PCs.
Post‐transplant reactivation of hepatitis C virus: lymphocyte infiltration and the expression of adhesion molecules and their ligands in liver allografts
Authors: LIPSON KATRI , LAPPALAINEN MAIJA , HÖCKERSTEDT KRISTER , LAUTENSCHLAGER IRMELI
Published: May 2006

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation has been associated with chronic rejection. Biopsies from 10 patients with post‐transplant HCV were examined for expression of adhesion molecules ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and ELAM‐1, number of lymphocytes positive for their ligands LFA‐1, VLA‐4, and SLeX, and activation markers MHC class II antigens and IL2‐R by immunohistochemistry. The phenotypes of the graft‐infiltrating lymphocytes were determined. Results were compared to those for patients with normal graft function or rejection. Five recipients with HCV reactivation and one with de novo HCV had a biopsy available showing induction of ICAM‐1 in sinusoidal endothelium (p<0.05) and hepatocytes (p<0.01), and Class II antigens in hepatocytes (p<0.01), compared to normal controls. Lymphocytes in the graft infiltrate expressed LFA‐1, VLA‐4, and Class II antigens, but IL2‐R was not significantly expressed. CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells were observed. In our study, HCV recurrence was not associated with acute or chronic rejection, and the inflammation was due to the viral infection.
Mutational analysis of proapoptotic caspase‐9 gene in common human carcinomas
Authors: SOUNG YOUNG HWA , LEE JONG WOO , KIM SU YOUNG , PARK WON SANG , NAM SUK WOO , LEE JUNG YOUNG , YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: May 2006

Mounting evidence indicates that deregulation of apoptosis is involved in the mechanisms of cancer development. Caspase‐9 plays a crucial role in the initiation phase of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. To explore the possibility that the genetic alterations of caspase‐9 might be involved in the development of human cancers, we analyzed the entire coding region and all splice sites of the human caspase‐9 gene for the detection of somatic mutations in a series of 353 cancers, including 180 gastric, 104 colorectal and 69 lung adenocarcinomas. Overall, we detected three somatic mutations of caspase‐9, but all of the mutations were silent mutations. The mutations were observed in 2 of 104 colorectal carcinomas and 1 of 180 gastric carcinomas. These data indicate that the caspase‐9 gene is rarely mutated in gastric, colorectal and lung adenocarcinomas, and suggest that caspase‐9 gene mutation may not contribute to the pathogenesis of these cancers.
On the formation of amelogenin microribbons
Authors: Moradian‐Oldak Janet , Du Chang , Falini Giuseppe
Published: May 2006

We recently reported the remarkable spontaneous self‐assembly and hierarchical organization of amelogenin ‘microribbons’ and their ability to facilitate oriented growth of apatite crystals in vitro. In a letter of correction we communicated the finding that the X‐ray diffraction pattern reported in our original report was that of cellulose contaminant and not amelogenin microribbon. We have re‐evaluated our data and confirmed the protein nature of the microribbons using Fourier transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy. Some microribbons were remarkably similar in their morphology to that of cellulose fibers. The size distribution of amelogenin microribbons was wider, particularly in width and length, and generally smaller than those originally reported. Here we present additional detailed information on the formation of a series of intermediate hierarchical structures of amelogenin assemblies prior to the formation of microribbon. The most significant finding was that full‐length amelogenin nanospheres had a tendency to assemble into collinear arrays whose function is assumed to be critical at the initial stage of enamel mineral deposition. The present data gives an insight into the step‐by‐step assembly process of amelogenin from nanometer scale molecules to micrometer scale organized structures that can be used as templates for controlled and oriented growth of apatite mineralization in vitro.
Comparison of body weight and gene expression in amelogenin null and wild‐type mice
Authors: Li Yong , Yuan Zhi‐An , Aragon Melissa A. , Kulkarni Ashok B. , Gibson Carolyn W.
Published: May 2006

Amelogenin (AmelX) null mice develop hypomineralized enamel lacking normal prism structure, but are healthy and fertile. Because these mice are smaller than wild‐type mice prior to weaning, we undertook a detailed analysis of the weight of mice and analyzed AmelX expression in non‐dental tissues. Wild‐type mice had a greater average weight each day within the 3‐wk period. Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), products of ≈ 200 bp in size were generated from wild‐type teeth, brain, eye, and calvariae. DNA sequence analysis of RT–PCR products from calvariae indicated that the small amelogenin leucine‐rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP), both with and without exon 4, was expressed. No products were obtained from any of the samples from the AmelX null mice. We also isolated mRNAs that included AmelX exons 8 and 9, and identified a duplication within the murine AmelX gene with 91% homology. Our results add additional support to the hypothesis that amelogenins are multifunctional proteins, with potential roles in non‐ameloblasts and in non‐mineralizing tissues during development. The smaller size of AmelX null mice could potentially be explained by the lack of LRAP expression in some of these tissues, leading to a delay in development.
Using the yeast two‐hybrid assay to discover protein partners for the leucine‐rich amelogenin peptide and for tuftelin‐interacting protein 11
Authors: Wang Hong‐Jun , Tannukit Sissada , Wen Xin , Shapiro Jason L. , Snead Malcolm L. , Paine Michael L.
Published: May 2006

The established structural proteins of the enamel matrix are amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin. Historically, tuftelin and tuftelin‐interacting protein 11 (TFIP11) have also been discussed as possible enamel proteins. Protein complexes are achieved by protein–protein interactions, and it is protein complexes that control biomineralization. The purpose of our recent studies was to catalog protein partners for these proteins that are, or have been, implicated in tooth formation. We used the sensitive yeast two‐hybrid assay to identify proteins that interact directly with amelogenin, ameloblastin, enamelin, the leucine‐rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) and TFIP11. In this manuscript we refer to, or document, potential protein partners for the proteins listed above. The yeast two‐hybrid assay may ultimately prove to be a valuable proteomics methodology for using to decipher molecular events that ultimately result in enamel biomineralization.
Selective inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis growth by a factor Xa inhibitor, DX‐9065a
Authors: Matsushita Kenji , Imamura Takahisa , Tancharoen Salunya , Tatsuyama Syouko , Tomikawa Munehiro , Travis James , Potempa Jan , Torii Mitsuo , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: May 2006

Background:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a causative bacterium of adult periodontitis. However, there is no drug specific for P. gingivalis and for its virulence factor.

Objectives:  The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a new selective inhibitor of activated factor X, DX‐9065a, on growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and other periodontopathic bacteria.

Methods:  We incubated P. gingivalis and other periodontopathic bacteria in the presence or absence of DX‐9065a and examined the effect of DX‐9065a on bacterial growth and trypsin‐like activity in its cultures. We also examined the effects of DX9065a on amidolytic activity of purified trypsin‐like proteinases (gingipains RgpA and RgpB), from P. gingivalis and on trypsin‐like activity in gingival crevicular fluids from patients with adult periodontitis.

Results:  DX‐9065a selectively inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, and its effect on P. gingivalis was bactericidal. Trypsin‐like proteinase activity was detected in P. gingivalis, and the activity was strongly inhibited by DX‐9065a. DX‐9065a even inhibited amidolytic activity of RgpA and RgpB from P. gingivalis. Furthermore, trypsin‐like proteinase activity in gingival crevicular fluids was strongly inhibited by DX‐9065a.

Conclusions:  DX‐9065a inhibits P. gingivalis growth in part through to its ability to inhibit the trypsin‐like proteinase activity in P. gingivalis and may be useful for a new drug for treatment of adult periodontitis.
1140915445 Increased numbers of FoxP3+ cells in vaginal mucus from normal pregnant mice suggest early antigen‐specific tolerance mechanism during pregnancy
Authors: Thuere C , Leber J , Schumacher A , Zenclussen ML , Volk HD , Zenclussen AC
Published: May 2006

The fetal survival within the maternal uterus is thought to be due to a transient immunological tolerance, being CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) crucial players. Former studies confirmed diminished total numbers of this unique population in abortion‐prone mice (DBA/2J‐mated CBA/J females) as compared to a control with normal pregnancy outcome (BALB/c‐mated CBA/J females) and suggested that Tregs act in an antigen‐specific fashion. This hypothesis led us to investigate the kinetics of Tregs during pregnancy (day 0, 2, 5, 8, 10 or 12 of pregnancy) in abortion‐prone mice and the control group. Our data confirmed diminished number of Tregs in immunological relevant organs such as lymph nodes and thymus within the abortion‐prone mice. The enormous augmentation in the number of FoxP3+ cells in vaginal mucus already on day 0.5 after conception, followed by increased Tregs levels at early pregnancy stages, suggest, that Tregs need to be activated by male antigens for being protective. Notably, the abortion‐prone mice displayed again a lower total amount of Tregs as compared to the control. Similar progesterone levels in spite of different pregnancy outcome reinforce the theory of antigen specificity of pregnancy‐induced Tregs. The antigen presentation would take place in the periphery e.g. in vaginal mucus, the first site of contact with paternal antigens, directly after insemination. Interestingly the transfer of Tregs from normal pregnant mice at this time point prevented fetal rejection. Our results suggest the crucial role of Tregs already shortly after conception.
1141101609 Beta endorphin regulates NK and NKT cell functions via distinct pathways
Authors: Ota I , Hayakawa S , Karasaki‐Suzuki M , Aizawa S , Chisima F , Yamamoto T
Published: May 2006

Problem:  Opioid induced regulation of the mucosal immune system has been reported. We examined effects of β‐endorphin on large granular lymphocyte cell lines to investigate regulatory roles of placenta derived β‐endorphin on local immune system.

Materials and Methods:  Large granular lymphocyte cell lines KHYG‐1 (NK) and MOTN‐1 (NKT) were maintained in RPMI1640 supplemented with 10% FCS. IFN‐γ1 production was evaluated by ELISPOT assay under stimulation with IL‐2 (100 IU/mL) and/or IL‐12 (10 IU/mL). Various concentrations of β‐endorphin were added into culture media with and without opioid antagonist naloxone.

Results:  MOTN‐1 expressed opioid receptor κ and constitutively produced IFN‐γ1. Production was up‐regulated by IL‐2 and/or IL‐12. β‐endorphin suppressed constitutive and IL‐2 induced IFN‐γ1 production while it showed no effects on IL‐12 induced IFN‐γ1 production. Suppression was completely abrogated by simultaneous naloxone treatment. KHYG‐1 expressed none of 3 opioid receptors and showed non‐constitutive IFN‐γ1 secretion. β‐endorphin up‐regulated production in low concentrations while down‐regulated production at high concentrations. This regulation was not affected by naloxone.

Conclusion:  β‐endorphin suppress IL‐2/STAT5 induced signaling of large granular NKT lymphocyte cell line MOTN‐1 while it affects large granular NK lymphocyte cell line KHYG‐1 via opioid receptor independent pathways.