bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of electrochemical degradation products of sulphonated azo dyes using high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Vaněrková Dana , Sakalis Anastasios , Holčapek Michal , Jandera Pavel , Voulgaropoulos Anastasios
Published: August 2006

Electrochemical treatment of wastewaters containing azo dyes in the textile industry is a promising approach for their degradation. The monitoring of the course of the decomposition of azo dyes in wastewaters is essential due to the environmental impact of their degradation products. In this work, aqueous solutions of a simple azo dye with a low molecular weight (C.I. Acid Yellow 9) and more complex commercial dye (C.I. Reactive Black 5) were electrochemically treated in a laboratory‐scale electrolytic cell in sodium chloride or ammonium acetate as supporting electrolytes. Ion‐pairing reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with negative‐ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is applied for the identification of electrochemical degradation products. In addition to simple inorganic salts, the formation of aromatic degradation products obtained due to the cleavage of azo bonds and further degradation reactions is shown, as well as chlorination where sodium chloride is the supporting electrolyte. Degradation mechanisms are suggested for the treatment with sodium chloride as the supporting electrolyte. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid characterization of the sucrose esters from oriental tobacco using liquid chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Li , Xie Fuwei , Zhao Mingyue , Xie Jianping , Xu Guowang
Published: August 2006

Sucrose esters (SEs) from oriental tobacco are normally characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after a long saponification and derivatization procedure. To simplify the process, a rapid method has been developed by using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MSn). Using the characteristic fragmentation behavior of abundant SEs identified by GC/MS after purification by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) from cuticular waxes of green oriental tobacco leaf, two types of SEs from green and cured oriental tobacco were identified by MSn analysis. The first is one of three types reported formerly and has 13 SE homologues. However, the presence of unsaturation in one of the acyl substituents of this first type gave rise to a new series with three homologues. The other was found to be a new type and had three homologues. The proposed method enables the rapid and sensitive characterization of SEs from oriental tobacco. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of fluorotelomer alcohols by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in water
Authors: Szostek Bogdan , Prickett Keith B. , Buck Robert C.
Published: August 2006

Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are important polyfluorinated raw materials that belong to the general category of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, have recently attracted considerable attention because they are persistent and found globally in the environment. FTOHs are precursors that may degrade in the environment to PFCAs. The development of analytical methods for determination FTOHs in environmental samples is necessary to determine the environmental presence of FTOHs. This work presents the development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination of FTOHs (6‐2, 8‐2, 10‐2) in aqueous samples. Chromatographic conditions were optimized in order to obtain focused FTOH chromatographic peaks. The mobile phase and mass spectrometric conditions were optimized to enable formation of deprotonated FTOH molecules in the negative ion electrospray mode. Two extraction methods were investigated using acetonitrile and methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE). These methods were validated for a range of environmental water samples fortified with FTOHs at three different levels. Both extraction methods resulted in recoveries from 70 to 120%. Detection limits of FTOHs were estimated to be approximately 0.09 ng/mL for LC/MS/MS detection. An LC/MS method was also developed for FTOH determination with an estimated 1.2 ng/mL limit of detection. Various sample storage scenarios were investigated. It was determined that the aqueous samples of FTOHs are best preserved by storing them frozen in sealed vials with aluminum foil lined septa. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using δ15N values to characterise the nitrogen nutrient pathways from intensive animal units
Authors: Skinner R. A. , Ineson P. , Jones H. , Sleep D. , Rank R.
Published: August 2006

Previous studies on foliar δ15N values, in certain bryophytes, have indicated signature similarities to source pollutants. The object of this study was to investigate the effect further, by examining the mechanisms whereby isotopic fractionation occurs in systems such as atmospheric ammonia (NH3), throughfall, vegetation and soil. Measurements taken in and around point emission sources will then be used to characterise the various fractionation effects associated with these N transformations, as well as to demonstrate some of the issues associated with using δ15N values as pollution indicators. The atmospheric dispersion model UK‐ADMS has also been used to model atmospheric δ15NH3 emissions, with signatures exhibiting marked negative shifts immediately downwind of an agricultural NH3 source. Similar dispersion patterns were mapped for NH3 concentration data illustrating the link between these two forms of measurement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Niche width revisited: organizational scope, behavior and performance
Authors: Sorenson Olav , Mcevily Susan , Ren Charlotte Rongrong , Roy Raja
Published: August 2006

Although strategy research typically regards firm scope as a positional characteristic associated with performance differences, we propose that broad contemporary scope also provides insight into the routines that govern firm behavior. To attain broad scope, firms must repeatedly explore outside the boundaries of their current niche. Firms with broad niches therefore operate under a set of routines that repeatedly propel them into new market segments, expanding their niche. These niche expansions, however, involve risky organizational changes, behavior that disadvantages generalists relative to specialists, despite the positional value of broad scope. Empirical analyses of machine tool manufacturers and computer workstation manufacturers support this conjecture: (i) generalists introduce new products at a higher than optimal rate, thereby increasing their exit rates; and (ii) generalists also more frequently launch new models with novel features or targeted at new consumer segments rather than improving only incrementally on existing products, further accelerating their odds of failure. After adjusting for these behavioral differences, broad niche widths reduce exit rates, suggesting that they provide positional advantages. The paper discusses how this phenomenon may help to explain the diversification and multi‐nationality discounts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference data representative of normal findings at three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound examination of the cervix from 17 to 41 gestational weeks
Authors: Rovas L. , Sladkevicius P. , Strobel E. , Valentin L.
Published: August 2006

Objectives

To develop normal reference ranges for cervical volume and vascular indices using three‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasonography from 17 to 41 gestational weeks.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 352 nulliparous and 291 parous women who delivered at term and underwent transvaginal 3D power Doppler ultrasound examination of the cervix once at 17 to 41 weeks' gestation. We examined approximately 25 women in each gestational week. Cervical volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated.

Results

There was no change in cervical volume between 17 and 40 weeks' gestation. At 41 weeks cervical volume was slightly smaller than it was at 17–40 weeks (P = 0.03 for nulliparous women and P = 0.08 for parous women). The cervical volume was larger in parous than it was in nulliparous women (median 38 cm3 vs. 32 cm3 at 17–40 weeks, P < 0.0001; median 31 cm3 vs. 22 cm3 at 41 gestational weeks, P = 0.288). FI did not differ between nulliparous and parous women and remained unchanged between 17 and 41 weeks' gestation (median 30.6, range 21.2–55.2). VI and VFI did not change consistently from 17 to 41 weeks, but the values were higher in parous than they were in nulliparous women at 17–30 weeks (median VI 5.3% vs. 3.1%, P < 0.0001; median VFI 1.6 vs. 0.9, P < 0.0001). At 31–41 gestational weeks the median VI for all women irrespective of parity was 4.9% and the median VFI was 1.4.

Conclusion

Reference values for cervical volume and blood flow indices as assessed by 3D power Doppler ultrasonography have been established for the second half of pregnancy. These lay the basis for studies of pathological conditions. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic‐aware routing for real‐time communications in wireless multi‐hop networks
Authors: Yin Shouyi , Xiong Yongqiang , Zhang Qian , Lin Xiaokang
Published: August 2006

In this paper, we propose a novel traffic‐aware routing metric for real‐time communications (RTC) in wireless multi‐hop networks. Our routing metric, path predicted transmission time (PPTT), is designed to choose a high‐quality path for RTC flow between a source and a destination. PPTT can serve as both single‐radio and multi‐radio routing metric for RTC flow.

RTC has critical quality of service (QoS) requirements in terms of delay, bandwidth and so on. Traditional measurement‐based routing schemes ignore the interference from the coming RTC flow itself (i.e. self‐traffic), so they may choose the inefficient path to serve the coming RTC flow due to the inaccurate quality estimation of the transmission path. PPTT takes explicit consideration of both self‐traffic and neighbouring traffic interfering with the RTC flow, and thus offers an accurate estimation of path transmission delay. Through differentiating the links by the wireless channel/radio they are using, PPTT has the capability to choose a high‐quality path for the coming RTC flow in both single‐radio and multi‐radio networks.

To evaluate the performance, we implement PPTT scheme and study its performance in a wireless multi‐hop testbed consisting of 32 nodes equipped with two IEEE 802.11a/b/g combo cards, and we also conduct extensive simulations with different random topologies in network simulator NS‐2 for a more comprehensive comparison. The results of simulation and experiment show that this routing metric outperforms other non‐traffic‐aware one such as expected transmission count (ETX) and weighted cumulative expected transmission time (WCETT) in terms of delay and goodput in both single‐radio and multi‐radio wireless networks. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distributed medium access control for wireless mesh networks
Authors: Cheng Ho Ting , Jiang Hai , Zhuang Weihua
Published: August 2006

Wireless mesh networking is an emerging technology for future broadband wireless access. The ad hoc manner of wireless mesh networks (WMNs) determines that distributed medium access control (MAC) protocols are desired. Multimedia traffic with heterogeneous quality of service (QoS) requirements is expected to be supported in small‐, medium‐, and large‐scale WMNs. Wireless mesh routers in WMNs are located in fixed sites with low (or no) mobility and no power constraints, thus comprising a robust and reliable wireless mesh backbone. Different networking characteristics between the mesh backbone and various mesh client networks give rise to the demand of heterogeneous MAC design. Due to new design purposes and new networking structures, existing MAC protocols designed for mobile ad hoc networks may not be effective or efficient for multi‐purpose WMNs. This paper provides an overview of distributed MAC protocols based on their underlying design objectives and methodology, discusses their features and suitability for WMNs, and identifies potential challenges and open research issues. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Bluetooth MAC layer on the performance of TCP traffic
Authors: Mišić Jelena , Chan Ka Lok , Mišić Vojislav B.
Published: August 2006

Recent updates of the Bluetooth specification have introduced significant changes in the Bluetooth protocol stack, including optional flow control. When the Bluetooth piconet is used to carry TCP traffic, complex interactions between TCP congestion control mechanisms and data link layer controls of Bluetooth will occur. In this paper, we model the performance of the piconet with TCP traffic, expressed through segment loss probability, round‐trip time, and goodput, through both probabilistic analysis and discrete‐event simulations. We show that satisfactory performance for TCP traffic may be obtained through proper dimensioning of the Bluetooth architecture parameters. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of background components in wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Verkhovodov Petro O.
Published: August 2006

Three components of the background have been investigated: first, characteristic radiation of the lamellas of the collimator excited by secondary x‐ray beam; second, secondary x‐ray beam scattered by the lamellas of the collimator; third, diffusive and incoherent scattering of the secondary x‐ray beam by the focusing crystal. The relationships between chemical content of the specimen and the intensity of the first and the second components were determined by a wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometer that has an energy‐dispersive x‐ray detector. The intensity of the third component was very low. It was not found in this experiment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological control: lessons from a study of California red scale
Authors: Murdoch William W. , Swarbrick Susan L. , Briggs Cherie J.
Published: August 2006

A 20‐year study of suppression of California red scale, a world‐wide pest of citrus, by the parasitoid Aphytismelinus has established that the interaction is dynamically stable and that the mechanisms leading to control and stability operate at a local scale: spatial processes are not important. Key features appear to be an invulnerable class in the pest and rapid development of the parasitoid compared with the pest, as well as the fact that the parasitoid is an in situ specialist on the pest. Although another parasitoid species and two predator species are also present, they play at most a negligible role in pest control. These features—long‐term persistence, suppression by a single natural enemy, an invulnerable stage in the pest and rapid development in the natural enemy—appear to be common in other coccid pest systems. By contrast, in temporary crops where the pest and enemy populations are open (i.e., sustained over the long run mainly by immigration) and non‐persistent locally, as is frequently found in aphid pests, we expect that multiple generalist enemies are required for control and, of course, that spatial processes are important. There are very few well‐studied examples of such systems, but these support our expectations. In these cases, it also appears that neither rapid enemy development nor an invulnerable pest stage is important for successful control.
Overgrazing and soil carbon dynamics in eastern Inner Mongolia of China
Authors: Zou Chunjing , Wang Kaiyun , Wang Tianhou , Xu Wenduo
Published: August 2006

Eastern Inner Mongolia of China is a typical ecotone between sandy forests and steppe. Little is known about the effect of overgrazing on carbon loss from soil in semiarid steppe and sandy forests of the north of China. The soil carbon parameters were measured in a 10,000 ha natural reserve in eastern Inner Mongolia of China (43°30′–43°36′N, 117°06′–117°16′E). Three situations were compared: primary protected (PP), moderately protected (MP) and highly degraded (HD). Soil and litter samples were recovered in spring and summer. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and CO2–C values decreased from the PP (9.23 kg m−2and 157 g m−2) to the HD (1.69 kg m−2and 57 g m−2) sites whereas the C mineralization rate increased toward the less restored sites (1.06–2.37). Surface‐litter C was different in both sites under protection (PP 648 and MP 408 g m−2), an was low at the HD site (17 g m−2). Leaves from woody species dominated the surface litter at the PP site, whereas grass material was predominant at the MP site. During summer, both CO2–C and SOC decreased, whereas the C mineralization rate increased. We calculated that C loss since the introduction of cattle into the forest was 77 M g ha−1, reaching a total of 1.1×1015g for eastern Inner Mongolia. These values are higher than those caused by the conversion of steppe and other ecosystems into agriculture or cultivated pastures. The amount of C fixed at the PP site (650 g ha−1year−1) indicates that the sandy soils have a significant potential as atmospheric carbon sinks.
Spatial patterns of foliar stable carbon isotope compositions of C3 plant species in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zheng Shuxia , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: August 2006

The spatial pattern of foliar stable carbon isotope compositions (δ13C) of dominant species and their relationships with environmental factors in seven sites, Yangling, Yongshou, Tongchuan, Fuxian, Ansai, Mizhi and Shenmu, standing from south to north in the Loess Plateau of China, was studied. The results showed that in the 121 C3 plant samples collected from the Loess Plateau, the foliar δ13C value ranged from −22.66‰ to −30.70‰, averaging −27.04‰. The foliar δ13C value varied significantly (P<0.01) among the seven sites, and the average δ13C value increased by about 1.69‰ from Yangling in the south to Shenmu in the north as climatic drought increased. There was a significant difference in foliar δ13C value among three life‐forms categorized from all the plant samples in the Loess Plateau (P<0.001). The trees (−26.74‰) and shrubs (−26.68‰) had similar mean δ13C values, both significantly (P<0.05) higher than the mean δ13C value of herbages (−27.69‰). It was shown that the trees and shrubs had higher WUEs and employed more conservative water‐use patterns to survive drier habitats in the Loess Plateau. Of all the C3 species in the Loess Plateau, the foliar δ13C values were significantly and negatively correlated with the mean annual rainfall (P<0.001) and mean annual temperature (P<0.05), while being significantly and positively correlated with the latitude (P<0.001) and the annual solar radiation (P<0.01). In general, the foliar δ13C values increased as the latitude and solar radiation increased and the rainfall and temperature decreased. The annual rainfall as the main influencing factor could explain 13.3% of the spatial variations in foliar δ13C value. A 100 mm increment in annual rainfall would result in a decrease by 0.88‰ in foliar δ13C values.
Identification of the new UV filter compound cysteine‐l‐3‐hydroxykynurenine O‐β‐d‐glucoside in human lenses
Authors: Hains Peter G. , Mizdrak Jasminka , Streete Isla M. , Jamie Joanne F. , Truscott Roger J.W.
Published: August 2006

UV filters protect the human lens and retina from UV light‐induced damage. Here, we report the identification of a new UV filter, cysteine‐l‐3‐hydroxykynurenine O‐β‐d‐glucoside, which is present in older normal human lenses. Its structure was confirmed by independent synthesis. It is likely this novel UV filter is formed in the lens by nucleophilic attack of cysteine on the unsaturated ketone derived from deamination of 3‐hydroxykynurenine O‐β‐d‐glucoside. Quantitation studies revealed considerable variation in normal lens levels that may be traced to the marked instability of the cysteine adduct. The novel UV filter was not detected in advanced nuclear cataract lenses.
Light‐responsive transcriptional regulation of the suf promoters involved in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Fe–S cluster biogenesis
Authors: Seki Asako , Nakano Takayuki , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Koji , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Tanaka Kan
Published: August 2006

The widely conserved SUF system is involved in Fe–S cluster repair and biogenesis. In cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, transcription of the sufBCDS operon encoding the Suf complex is negatively regulated by the upstream sufR gene encoded by the complementary strand. In this report, two promoters for the sufBCDS operon (P1 and P2) and another promoter for sufR (PsufR) was identified, and it was shown that P1 was activated by a shift to high light conditions. We also showed that Thermosynechococcus SufR negatively regulated P1 and PsufR but not P2, in a reconstituted in vitro transcription system using His6‐tagged RNA polymerase.
Mapping of barley α‐amylases and outer subsite mutants reveals dynamic high‐affinity subsites and barriers in the long substrate binding cleft
Authors: Kandra Lili , Hachem Maher Abou , Gyémánt Gyöngyi , Kramhøft Birte , Svensson Birte
Published: August 2006

Subsite affinity maps of long substrate binding clefts in barley α‐amylases, obtained using a series of maltooligosaccharides of degree of polymerization of 3–12, revealed unfavorable binding energies at the internal subsites −3 and −5 and at subsites −8 and +3/+4 defining these subsites as binding barriers. Barley α‐amylase 1 mutants Y105A and T212Y at subsite −6 and +4 resulted in release or anchoring of bound substrate, thus modifying the affinities of other high‐affinity subsites (−2 and +2) and barriers. The double mutant Y105A‐T212Y displayed a hybrid subsite affinity profile, converting barriers to binding areas. These findings highlight the dynamic binding energy distribution and the versatility of long maltooligosaccharide derivatives in mapping extended binding clefts in α‐amylases.
How T lymphocytes recognize lipid antigens
Authors: De Libero Gennaro , Mori Lucia
Published: August 2006

Recognition of lipid antigens by T lymphocytes is well established. Lipids are recognized by T cells when presented in association with CD1 antigen‐presenting molecules. Both microbial and self lipids stimulate specific T lymphocytes, thus participating in immune reactions during infections and autoimmune diseases. The immune system uses a variety of strategies to solubilise lipid antigens, to facilitate their internalization, processing, and loading on CD1 molecules. Recent studies in the field of lipid antigen presentation have revealed new mechanisms which allow the immune system to sense lipids as stimulatory antigens.
Different relevance of inactivation and F468 residue in the mechanisms of hEag1 channel blockage by astemizole, imipramine and dofetilide
Authors: Gómez-Varela David , Contreras-Jurado Constanza , Furini Simone , García-Ferreiro Rafael , Stühmer Walter , Pardo Luis A.
Published: August 2006

The relevance of a point mutation at the C‐terminal end of the S6 helix (F468) and the introduction of C‐type inactivation in the blockage of hEag1 channels by astemizole, imipramine and dofetilide was tested. C‐type inactivation decreased block by astemizole and dofetilide but not imipramine, suggesting different binding sites in the channel. F468C mutation increased IC50for astemizole and imipramine but in contrast to HERG channels, only slightly for dofetilide. Together with measurements on recovery of blocking, our observations indicate that the mechanism of hEag1 blockage by each of these drugs is different, and suggest relevant structural differences between hEag1 and HERG channels.
Zinc ions stimulate the cooperative RNA binding of hordeiviral γb protein
Authors: Rakitina Daria V. , Yelina Natalia E. , Kalinina Natalia O.
Published: August 2006

A small regulatory γb protein of the Poa semilatent hordeivirus (PSLV) contains two zinc finger‐like motifs separated by a basic motif in the N‐terminal part and a C‐terminal coiled‐coil motif. Interactions of the recombinant PSLV γb protein and its mutants with various RNAs (ssRNA, dsRNA, ssRNA oligonucleotides) and ssDNA were studied in gel‐shift assays. The results demonstrated that zinc ions are essential for effective nucleic‐acid‐binding activity of the γb protein, suggesting the important role of zinc finger motifs in these interactions. Deletion of the C‐proximal coiled‐coil region did not affect highly cooperative RNA–protein binding, indicating that the N‐terminal part of the protein contributes to the protein–protein interactions needed for the protein–RNA cooperativity.
FRET analysis reveals a critical conformational change within the Na,K‐ATPase α1 subunit N‐terminus during GPCR‐dependent endocytosis
Authors: Efendiev Riad , Cinelli Angel R. , Leibiger Ingo B. , Bertorello Alejandro M. , Pedemonte Carlos H.
Published: August 2006

Dopamine is a major regulator of sodium reabsorption in proximal tubule epithelia. It induces the endocytosis of plasma membrane Na,K‐ATPase molecules, and this results in a reduced capacity of the cells to transport sodium. Dopamine induces the phosphorylation of Ser‐18 in the α1‐subunit of Na,K‐ATPase. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis of cells expressing YFP‐α1 and β1‐CFP reveals that treatment of the cells with dopamine increases energy transfer between CFP and YFP. This is consistent with a protein conformational change that results in the N‐terminal end of α1 moving closer to the internal face of the plasma membrane.
Antibodies with amylase activity from the sera of autoimmune‐prone MRL/MpJ‐lpr mice
Authors: Andryushkova Alexandra A. , Kuznetsova Irina A. , Orlovskaya Irina A. , Buneva Valentina N. , Nevinsky Georgy A.
Published: August 2006

Animals spontaneously developing lupus‐like autoimmune pathology (SLE) are very promising models to study the mechanisms of natural abzymes (Abzs) generation and their role in etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, but Abzs from the sera of animals remain virtually unstudied. In this work, electrophoretically homogeneous IgGs were isolated from the sera of MRL/MpJ‐lpr mice. It was shown for the first time that amylase activity is an intrinsic property of antibodies (Abs) and their isolated heavy and light chains. Various markers of SLE pathology (proteinuria, enhanced concentration of anti‐DNA Abs) increased with spontaneous development of SLE and especially after animal immunization, correlating with the increase in Abz relative amylase activity. The highest amylase activity was found in the sera Abs of healthy mice after delivery and at the beginning of lactation; this was not correlated with markers of mouse SLE but supports the idea that pregnancy could “activate” or “trigger” autoimmune‐like manifestations and Abzs production in healthy mammals. The possible differences in mechanisms of Abzs production in lactating mice and animals developing SLE are discussed.
Hypospadias Repair in the 1990s
Authors: Ellsworth P. , Cendron M. , Ritland D. , McCullough M.
Published: August 2006

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly in which the urethral meatus is abnormally located anywhere from the glans to the perineum. Refinements in pediatric anesthesia, surgical technique and instrumentation, and a greater understanding of the psychologic and emotional issues related to hypospadias repair have led to this procedure being performed at an earlier age. The goal of reconstruction is to bring the urethral meatus to the tip of the penis, to correct associated penile curvature if present, to create a conical‐shaped glans, and to achieve cosmetically acceptable penile shaft skin coverage. The surgical technique employed varies with the penile anatomy and surgeon's preference. Complications may occur both immediately and long after the surgical procedure, and thus follow‐up is necessary. AORN J 69 (Jan 1999) 148–161.
Taking the Mystery Out of Ureteroscopy
Authors: Brownlee Nancy
Published: August 2006

Ureteroscopy can be one of the more challenging procedures performed in the urology department. For perioperative nurses who rotate through the urology department and are not familiar with the various stents, wires, baskets, and other specialty equipment, the procedure is not only challenging, but also mysterious. This article enhances nurses' knowledge of urology by describing the steps and equipment of ureteroscopy, including access (ie, using wires, ureteral catheters, and specialty catheters); dilation (ie, using balloons, self‐dilating scopes, and sequential and coaxial dilation); manipulation (ie, using baskets, graspers, biopsy devices, and intracorporeal lithotripsy equipment); and stenting (ie, using multilength or pigtail stents). Knowledge of these factors can help clear up the mystery of ureteroscopy, allowing nurses to better understand the procedure and better manage its complex inventory. AORN J 69 (Jan 1999) 162–171.
Electrocautery as a Factor in Seroma Formation Following Mastectomy
Authors: Reichert Amy L.
Published: August 2006

ELECTROCAUTERY AS A FACTOR IN SEROMA FORMATION FOLLOWING MASTECTOMY, K Porter, The American Journal of Surgery, 176, July 1998, 8–11
Multiskilled Health Care Workers
Authors: Foltz Kathryn A.
Published: August 2006

MULTISKILLED HEALTH CARE WORKERS, By Sherry Makely 1998, 271 pp $34.95 paperback
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy
Authors: Gill Kuljit S. , Sitbon Jean‐Robert R. , Trocmé Stefan D.
Published: August 2006

The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the 193‐nm excimer laser for the treatment of superficial corneal pathology and surface irregularities—a procedure called phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Indications for PTK include corneal dystrophies, degenerations, and scars that impair corneal transparency, thus compromising visual acuity. In some cases, PTK may offer a better treatment modality than corneal transplant surgery. This article reviews the basic fundamentals of PTK, including indications for surgery, the surgical procedure, preoperative and postoperative patient evaluation and care, and possible complications. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 242–252.
Surgical Treatment of Dacryocystitis
Authors: McEwen Donna R.
Published: August 2006

Dacryocystitis is a common infection of the lacrimal sac. In adults, dacryocystitis results from an obstruction (ie, dacryostenosis) of the nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystitis can be either an acute or chronic infection, and both forms usually are unilateral in nature. The hallmark symptom of both forms of dacryocystitis is epiphora (ie, excessive tearing). An obstruction of the lacrimal duct also can cause dacryocystitis. This article discusses the surgical treatment of dacryocystitis and provides a case study that illustrates perioperative nursing care of a patient who required surgical treatment of this lacrimal duct disorder. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 268–280.
New Instrumentation Allows for Removal of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions
Authors: Boshaw Doris L.
Published: August 2006

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Approximately 90% of breast cancer is curable if it is diagnosed and treated early. Increasingly, women are participating in mammographic screenings, which result in earlier detection of non‐palpable lesions. In the past, surgical removal was not an option for small lesions, and frequent mammographic monitoring was required until patients' lesions were large enough for needle core biopsies or needle localization for open surgical biopsies. Technology now has combined stereotactic imaging with a minimally invasive biopsy system for removal of these nonpalpable lesions. This capability for accurate early diagnosis and intervention is essential in improving patients' survival rates. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 296–302.
Computerization in the OR
Authors: Bird Lavern J.
Published: August 2006

This article highlights the process of establishing a computerized scheduling and materials management system in a surgical department. The following facets of the computerization process are discussed: options staff members should consider when choosing a computer system, the importance of scheduling and inventory control, cost savings, how computer systems work when using electronic data interchange and bar coding, and case studies. AORN J 66 (Aug 1997) 312–317.
Instrument Design and Cross‐Infection
Authors: Muscarella Lawrence F.
Published: August 2006

This article reviews recently reported patient‐to‐patient trans‐mission of disease during endoscopic procedures and discusses several important instrument reprocessing issues. In addition, the author offers several infection control recommendations to minimize the risk of patient infection during endoscopic procedures. AORN J 67 (March 1998) 552–556.
Improving Telephone Followup after Ambulatory Surgery
Authors: Graling Paula R.
Published: August 2006

Improving Telephone Followup after Ambulatory Surgery, RM Kleinpell, Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, Vol 12, October 1997, 336–340
Impact of Liver Transplantation on Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Perspective
Authors: Leske Jane S.
Published: August 2006

Impact of Liver Transplantation on Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Perspective, G LoBiondo‐Wood, Applied Nursing Research, Vol 10, February 1997, 27–32
Association Between Latex Sensitization and Repeated Latex Exposure in Children
Authors: Steelman Victoria M.
Published: August 2006

Association Between Latex Sensitization and Repeated Latex Exposure in Children, F Porri, Anesthesiology, Vol 86, April 1997, 599–602
Epidemiology for Public Health Practice
Authors: Ellis‐Stoll Cynthia C.
Published: August 2006

Epidemiology for Public Health Practice Robert H. Friis Thomas A. Sellers 1996 430 pp $39 paperback
Mobile Surgical Transport Team
Authors: Wick J.M. , Wade J. , Datena S.J. , Long W.B.
Published: August 2006

The “golden hour” of trauma is based on the principle that severely injured patients are more likely to survive with rapid, appropriate resuscitation and treatment. An inequality exists between sophisticated urban trauma centers and rural/community hospitals in their efforts and abilities to treat severely injured patients. A level I trauma center developed a unique program in an attempt to equalize this inequality—a mobile surgical transport team (MSTT). This article explains the origin of the MSTT, how and why the MSTT is activated, and the roles and responsibility of MSTT members. To further explain the MSTT, two contrasting case studies on trauma patients are presented. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 346–354.
Clinical Pathways—A Perioperative Application
Authors: Isozaki Lauren F. Fujihara , Fahndrick Julie
Published: August 2006

The application of clinical pathways as a means of streamlining health care and tracking outcome data for continuous quality improvement has been evolving continually since the late 1980s. In order for the clinical pathway process to be effective, it must be collaborative, multidisciplinary, and have administrative support and institutional congruency. Members of a multidisciplinary work group at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center have developed a perioperative clinical pathway for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The process of developing a perioperative clinical pathway involved extensive preliminary preparation before actually designing the pathway and identifying outcome data. Ongoing reevaluation of pathway components is essential and future opportunities for expansion are apparent. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 376–392.
Review of Chemical, Medication, and Anesthesia Toxicity in the OR
Authors: Fiedler Michael A. , Biddle Chuck
Published: August 2006

A host of toxic substances exist in the OR. The toxicity of prep‐solutions, cleaning chemicals, common medications, and trace anesthetic gases varies greatly. Nurses use, direct others in the use of, or administer potential toxins while breathing air that may be contaminated to some degree with anesthetic vapors. Often, the OR nurse is the neighborhood resource when questions about the toxicity of common chemicals and drugs arise. A general knowledge of the toxicity of these substances improves the nurse's ability to assess the risk from trace anesthetic gases, prevent injury to patients, provide first aid when potentially dangerous exposure occurs, and direct others in the safe use of OR chemicals. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 398–411.
How to Thrive in Merger Mania
Authors: McConnell Edwina A.
Published: August 2006

Mergers, consolidations, and amalgamations are common in today's health care environment. Such changes and transitions affect everyone and threaten organizational cultures and beliefs. To help you thrive, this article differentiates change from transition, reviews the phases of planned change, and explains the emotional components of the transition stages. Equally important, this article offers strategies, tips, and interventions for both staff member nurses and managers to facilitate the transition process and help themselves emerge victorious. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 412–419.
Perioperative Assistants Are a New Resource
Authors: Speers Alice T. , Ziolkowski Linda
Published: August 2006

In the current health care environment, buzzwords such as redesign, reengineering, restructuring, right‐sizing, customer service, diversity, quality, multiskilled workers, and unlicensed assistive personnel conjure up many notions about how perioperative nurses can meet the needs and wants of their patients. Unlicensed assistive personnel are becoming commonplace in our hospitals and have assumed a variety of positions and functions. This article describes a project that one hospital undertook to create unlicensed, multi‐skilled workers in the perioperative area. AORN J 67 (Feb 1998) 420–427.
The second individuation process in handicapped adolescents
Authors: Shulman Shmuel , Rubinroit Carl I.
Published: August 2006

Blos has conceptualized adolescence as the stage when a second process of separation individuation takes place. It is assumed that maturational processes like physical and sexual development combined with higher levels of thinking play a dominant role in this process enabling the disengagement of the adolescent from the family. Various handicapping conditions may force the adolescent to stay closer to his/her family and hence interfere with the adolescent's separation‐individuation. It is suggested that the nature of the interference will vary depending on whether the handicap is physical or cognitive. Both conditions appear to have differential effects on the separation individuation process. The influences of various parental attitudes are also discussed.
An analysis of mental health research with American Indian youth
Authors: McShane Damian
Published: August 2006

A comprehensive search and review of literature, documents, publications and other material written since 1970, relevant to American Indian mental health research, was completed in order to generate a list of research and of training needs. A content analysis of this literature enabled a synthesis which describes important biopsychosocial issues faced by American Indian communities, gaps in past and current research efforts, specific problems in past research, and recommendations in each of these areas with regards to future research possibilities and needs. The portion of the analysis presented in this paper deals with American Indian infants, preschoolers, children and adolescents. In order of presentation, the specific issue domains dealt with include: otitis media, fetal alcohol syndrome, abuse and neglect, failure‐to‐thrive/autism/enuresis, which are examined together (early development) in terms of research gaps; and neurosensory disorders/developmental disabilities/handicapping conditions/school‐related problems, foster care and adoption, self‐concept/identity, conduct disorders/delinquency, drug and alcohol use, and suicide and depression, which are examined (school‐age children and adolescents) in relation to research gaps and needs.
Incidence of schizophrenia and other psychoses in ethnic minority groups: results from the MRC AESOP Study
Authors: FEARON PAUL , KIRKBRIDE JAMES B. , MORGAN CRAIG , DAZZAN PAOLA , MORGAN KEVIN , LLOYD TUHINA , HUTCHINSON GERARD , TARRANT JANE , LUN ALAN FUNG WAI , HOLLOWAY JOHN , MALLETT ROSEMARIE , HARRISON GLYNN , LEFF JULIAN , JONES PETER B. , MURRAY ROBIN M.
Published: August 2006

Background. The incidence of schizophrenia in the African-Caribbean population in England is reported to be raised. We sought to clarify whether (a) the rates of other psychotic disorders are increased, (b) whether psychosis is increased in other ethnic minority groups, and (c) whether particular age or gender groups are especially at risk.

Method. We identified all people (n=568) aged 16–64 years presenting to secondary services with their first psychotic symptoms in three well-defined English areas (over a 2-year period in Southeast London and Nottingham and a 9-month period in Bristol). Standardized incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR) for all major psychosis syndromes for all main ethnic groups were calculated.

Results. We found remarkably high IRRs for both schizophrenia and manic psychosis in both African-Caribbeans (schizophrenia 9·1, manic psychosis 8·0) and Black Africans (schizophrenia 5·8, manic psychosis 6·2) in men and women. IRRs in other ethnic minority groups were modestly increased as were rates for depressive psychosis and other psychoses in all minority groups. These raised rates were evident in all age groups in our study.

Conclusions. Ethnic minority groups are at increased risk for all psychotic illnesses but African-Caribbeans and Black Africans appear to be at especially high risk for both schizophrenia and mania. These findings suggest that (a) either additional risk factors are operating in African-Caribbeans and Black Africans or that these factors are particularly prevalent in these groups, and that (b) such factors increase risk for schizophrenia and mania in these groups.
A risk index for 12-month suicide attempts in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)
Authors: BORGES GUILHERME , ANGST JULES , NOCK MATTHEW K. , RUSCIO AYELET MERON , WALTERS ELLEN E. , KESSLER RONALD C.
Published: August 2006

Background. Clinical judgments about the likelihood of suicide attempt would be aided by an index of risk factors that could be quickly assessed in diverse settings. We sought to develop such a risk index for 12-month suicide attempts among suicide ideators.

Method. The National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a household survey of adults aged 18+, assessed the 12-month occurrence of suicide ideation, plans and attempts in a subsample of 5692 respondents. Retrospectively assessed correlates include history of prior suicidality, sociodemographics, parental psychopathology and 12-month DSM-IV disorders.

Results. Twelve-month prevalence estimates of suicide ideation, plans and attempts are 2·6, 0·7 and 0·4% respectively. Although ideators with a plan are more likely to make an attempt (31·9%) than those without a plan (9·6%), 43% of attempts were described as unplanned. History of prior attempts is the strongest correlate of 12-month attempts. Other significant correlates include shorter duration of ideation, presence of a suicide plan, and several sociodemographic and parental psychopathology variables. Twelve-month disorders are not powerful correlates. A four-category summary index of correlates is strongly related to attempts among ideators [area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC)=0·88]. The distribution (conditional probability of attempt) of the risk index is: 19·0% very low (0·0%), 51·1% low (3·5%), 16·2% intermediate (21·3%), and 13·7% high (78·1%). Two-thirds (67·1%) of attempts were made by ideators in the high-risk category.

Conclusions. A short, preliminary risk index based on retrospectively reported responses to fully structured questions is strongly correlated with 12-month suicide attempts among ideators, with a high concentration of attempts among high-risk ideators.
Autobiographical memory in non-amnesic alcohol-dependent patients
Authors: D'ARGEMBEAU ARNAUD , VAN DER LINDEN MARTIAL , VERBANCK PAUL , NOËL XAVIER
Published: August 2006

Background. Chronic alcohol abuse is associated with a wide range of cognitive deficits. However, little is known about memory for real-life events (autobiographical memory) in non-amnesic alcoholic patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate (a) non-amnesic alcoholics' ability to recall specific autobiographical memories and (b) their subjective experience when they access specific memories.

Method. Twenty non-amnesic (without Korsakoff syndrome) recently detoxified alcoholics and 20 healthy controls completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), which assesses the frequency of specific (versus general) memories recalled in response to cue words, and the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire (MCQ), which assesses subjective experience (e.g. the amount of sensory and contextual details experienced) when remembering specific events.

Results. Alcoholic patients recalled specific memories less frequently and general memories more frequently than healthy controls. Nevertheless, when a specific past event was accessed, alcoholic patients subjectively experienced as many sensory and contextual details as controls.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that non-amnesic alcoholics have difficulties strategically accessing event-specific autobiographical knowledge, which might result from changes in frontal lobe function that are associated with alcoholism.
Antidepressant‐like activity of CGP 36742 and CGP 51176, selective GABAB receptor antagonists, in rodents
Authors: Nowak G , Partyka A , Pałucha A , Szewczyk B , Wierońska J M , Dybała M , Metz M , Librowski T , Froestl W , Papp M , Pilc A
Published: August 2006

Background and purpose:

A crucial role for the GABAB receptor in depression was proposed several years ago, but there are limited data to support this proposition. Therefore we decided to investigate the antidepressant‐like activity of the selective GABAB receptor antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176, and a selective agonist CGP 44532 in models of depression in rats and mice.

Experimental approach:

Effects of CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 as well as the agonist CGP 44532 were assessed in the forced swim test in mice. Both antagonists were also investigated in an olfactory bulbectomy (OB) model of depression in rats, while CGP 51176 was also investigated in the chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model of depression. The density of GABAB receptors in the mouse hippocampus after chronic administration of CGP 51176 was also investigated.

Key results:

The GABAB receptor antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 exhibited antidepressant‐like activity in the forced swim test in mice. The GABAB receptor agonist CGP 44532 was not effective in this test, however, it counteracted the antidepressant‐like effects of CGP 51176. The antagonists CGP 36742 and CGP 51176 were effective in an OB model of depression in rats. CGP 51176 was also effective in the CMS rat model of depression. Administration of CGP 51176 increased the density of GABAB receptors in the mouse hippocampus.

Conclusions and Implications:

These data suggest that selective GABAB receptor antagonists may be useful in treatment of depression, and support an important role for GABA‐ergic transmission in this disorder.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 581–590. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706845