bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Amerrrika ist wunderrrbarrr’: promotion of Germany through Radio Goethe’s cultural export of German popular music to North America
Authors: Krause Till
Published: May 2008

Much has been written about the cultural, social and political impact of German popular music within the country, but the role of German popular music outside of Germany has not been sufficiently examined. The research presented here is designed to investigate an example of Germany’s export of contemporary popular music as state-sponsored promotion of its national (pop) culture. San Francisco’s weekly radio programme Radio Goethe – The German Voice, which distributes popular music from German-speaking countries to English-speaking audiences, is explored. The main purposes of this programme are to portray a modern Germany to a foreign audience and to arouse interest in the country. The weekly 60-minute series began airing in 1996 and is sponsored by the German federal government. Radio Goethe is carried by over thirty college radio stations in the USA, Canada and New Zealand, and in 2004 the German creator and host of the series received a Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz) for his intercultural work. This article briefly documents the history of the series and critically examines the presentation, style and language of the music. The results of qualitative research on the meanings that listeners assign to the music – based on questionnaires and focus group interviews with American members of the show’s audience – are presented. This case study is framed within existing debates about the relationships between popular music, national identity, cultural representation, and state-supported music export. Data from interviews with the founder of the show and the cultural ambassador of Germany in San Francisco are analysed to clarify the goals of and assumptions behind the radio series.
New Zealand popular music, government policy, and cultural identity
Authors: Shuker Roy
Published: May 2008

The New Zealand popular music industry has recently undergone impressive growth, and is poised to make a significant international impact. Two aspects of this newly privileged position are examined. First, broadly sketching twenty years of developments, I argue that Government willingness to get behind the local industry, especially the role of the post-2000 Labour Government, is a crucial determinant of the present success story. Secondly, I consider the debated relationship between local music and New Zealand cultural identity, with particular reference to two prominent musical styles: Kiwi ‘garage’ rock, and Polynesian-dominated local rap, reggae and hip-hop-inflected music. I argue that the local must not be overly valorised, and that it is necessary to distinguish between ‘local music’ as a cultural signifier and locally made music, with both worthy of support.
The networked state: New Zealand on Air and New Zealand’s pop renaissance
Authors: Scott Michael
Published: May 2008

When New Zealand’s ‘third-way’ Labour government came to power in 1999 it placed a greater policy and funding emphasis on the arts and culture. Like other ‘promotional states’ (Cloonan 1999) the Labour government sought to support the domestic popular music industry through a voluntary radio quota. Drawing on qualitative research, this article describes the ways in which the state, through New Zealand on Air, negotiates and leverages domestic popular music artists onto commercial radio. In this process, state agents mobilise social networks to ‘join-up’ commercially appropriate artists to radio programmers. The success of this programme is based upon state agents developing an institutional isomorphism with existing music industry practices. Even so, popular music makers contest New Zealand on Air’s sympathetic policy settings by citing forms of institutional exclusion.
Schmerzmanagement bei Patienten mit kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen: ein Forschungsanwendungsprojekt
Authors: Lagger Veronika , Mahrer Imhof Romy , Imhof Lorenz
Published: May 2008

Menschen mit kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen sind aufgrund ihrer Erkrankung und der damit verbundenen eingeschränkten Kommunikationsmöglichkeit eine vulnerable Patientengruppe. Sie sind besonders gefährdet, dass ihre Schmerzen nicht erkannt und somit häufig nicht adäquat behandelt werden. Ein inadäquates Schmerzmanagement hat Auswirkung auf die physische und psychische Verfassung sowie die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen. Ziel dieses Forschungsanwendungsprojektes war, dass Patienten mit kognitiver Beeinträchtigung auf der Bettenstation der Unfallchirurgie ein angemessenes systematisches Schmerzmanagement erhalten, welches auf die kognitive Beeinträchtigung abgestimmt ist. Nach einer Literaturreview wurden ein Qualitätsstandard und ein Algorithmus entwickelt und mit dem Fremdeinschätzungsinstrument «Beurteilung von Schmerzen bei Demenz» (BESD) auf einer unfallchirurgischen Station eines öffentlichen Zentrumsspitals eingeführt. Die Evaluation erfolgte mittels Pflegedokumentationsanalyse und Befragung der Pflegefachpersonen. Zehn Patienten konnten in das Projekt eingeschlossen werden. Die ersten Resultate zeigten, dass die Schmerzen bei den Patienten individuell nach Beeinträchtigung in jeder Arbeitsschicht eingestuft wurden und die Schmerzbehandlung medikamentös und nichtmedikamentös erfolgte. Pflegefachpersonen zeigten eine erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit für die Schmerzerfassung und erlangten Sicherheit mit einem strukturierten Assessment bei Patienten mit schwerer kognitiver Beeinträchtigung. Wir empfehlen daher, den Qualitätsstandard und das Einschätzungsinstrument BESD bei Patienten mit kognitiver Beeinträchtigung anzuwenden.
Entlassungsvorbereitung im Krankenhaus aus der Sicht älterer, pflegebedürftiger Patienten
Authors: Hartwig Jör , Janzen Petra , Waller Heiko
Published: May 2008

Der folgende Artikel beruht auf einer standardisierten Erhebung der Wahrnehmung von älteren, pflegebedürftigen Patienten/innen, die die Vorbereitung ihrer Entlassung aus dem Krankenhaus betrifft. Unter Entlassungsvorbereitung wurden alle Aktivitäten verstanden, die im Krankenhaus durchgeführt werden und sich auf den Übergang bzw. auf die Vorbereitung auf eine gegebenenfalls notwendige weitere nachstationäre Versorgung (Behandlung, Pflege, Betreuung) beziehen. Insgesamt wurden 63 ältere Patienten/innen der Abteilung für Innere Medizin eines niedersächsischen Allgemeinkrankenhauses mithilfe eines standardisierten Fragebogens befragt. Die Ergebnisse der Querschnittsstudie belegen, dass sich ein großer Teil der Befragten in Bezug auf ihre Entlassung weder ausreichend informiert fühlte, noch praktische Fähigkeiten erlernt hatte, die für die Zeit nach der Entlassung wichtig und hilfreich sein könnten. Ein Viertel aller Befragten nehmen weder eine Einbeziehung ihrer selbst noch ihrer Angehörigen in die Planung notwendig erscheinender nachstationärer Maßnahmen wahr. Es zeigte sich, dass das Maß der wahrgenommenen Beteiligung einen großen Einfluss auf die Zufriedenheit mit der Vorbereitung auf die Entlassung, wie auch mit der Versorgung im Krankenhaus insgesamt hat.
IDAK – Interprofessionelle Dokumentation der Aufklärung im Krankenhaus. Die Auswirkungen einer berufgruppenübergreifenden Dokumentation des Aufklärungszustandes von Bronchialkarzinom-Patienten auf die Anwesenheit des Pflegepersonals im Patientenzimmer
Authors: Luderer Christiane , Behrens Johann
Published: May 2008

Die Abkürzung IDAK steht für eine Erweiterung bestehender Patientendokumentationen um einen vom medizinischen und pflegerischen Personal gleichermaßen verantworteten Vermerk zur Interprofessionellen Dokumentation des Aufklärungszustandes der Patienten im Krankenhaus (IDAK-Bogen). Die Dokumentation soll dazu beitragen, dass sich die Sicherheit des Pflegepersonals in der Kommunikation mit Patienten, bei denen die Diagnose Bronchialkarzinom oder der Verdacht darauf ausgesprochen wurde, erhöht. Entsprechend der Operationalisierung des Konstrukts «Unsicherheit» wurden zur Wirksamkeitsüberprüfung des Bogens die Kontaktzeiten zwischen Pflegenden und Bronchialkarzinom-Patienten – gewichtet nach Pflegeaufwand und Patientenzahl im Zimmer – im Rahmen einer duozentrischen Studie im Bereich der pulmonologisch-onkologischen Pflege erhoben. Die Daten wurden nach der deskriptiven Betrachtung einer explorativen Analyse unterzogen. Im Interventionsbereich wurden n = 76 und im Kontrollbereich n = 69 Tagesprofile der Kontaktzeiten zwischen Personal und Patienten in den Patientenzimmern erfasst. Es konnten keine Unterschiede in den Zeiten der Aufenthalte des Pflegepersonals im Patientenzimmer im Tagesverlauf zwischen Interventions- und Kontrollbereich nachgewiesen werden. Deutlich ist jedoch, dass in der Interventionsgruppe die durchschnittliche Verweildauer der Pflegenden beim Patienten pro Gespräch höher ist (Interventionsbereich 2:46 min; SD 1:05; SE 0:07, Kontrollbereich 2:19 min; SD 0:40; SE 0:04; Mann-Whitney: p0.05 = 0.016). Da in den Untersuchungsgruppen neben der Dokumentation weitere Einflussgrößen außerhalb der erfassten Organisationsmerkmale vorgelegen haben können und die erhobenen Zeitunterschiede für die Praxis eine untergeordnete Bedeutung haben, ist die Wirksamkeit des IDAK-Bogens mit der Variable «Kontaktzeit der Pflegenden zu den Patienten» nicht nachweisbar.
Erhebung der Patientenzufriedenheit im Notfallzentrum eines Schweizer Universitätsspitals: Vorkommen von Angst, Unsicherheit, Belastung, Schmerz, Atemnot, Übelkeit, Durst und Hunger sowie Zusammenhänge zur Patientenzufriedenheit (Teil 2)
Authors: Müller-Staub Maria , Meer Ruth , Briner Gabi , Probst Marie-Therese , Needham Ian
Published: May 2008

Der Artikel beschreibt den zweiten Teil einer Studie zur Patientenzufriedenheit ambulanter Patientinnen eines Schweizer Notfallzentrums. Mittels Fragebogen wurden 114 Patientinnen zur Patientenzufriedenheit mit der erhaltenen Pflege befragt. Zugleich wurden Vorkommen und Intensität von Angst, Unsicherheit, Belastung, Schmerz, Atemnot, Übelkeit, Durst und Hunger erhoben. Die Patientinnen beurteilten, ob entsprechende, wirksame Pflegemaßnahmen durchgeführt wurden. Die Patientinnen litten unter folgenden Störungen/Zuständen: Schmerzen (70%) Durst (45%), Unsicherheit (44%), Angst (38%), Hunger (24%), Übelkeit (14%). Obwohl diese Störungen/Zustände auftraten, gaben nicht alle Patientinnen an, entsprechende Pflegemaßnahmen erhalten zu haben. Zu Atemnot und Schmerzen erhielten die Patientinnen wirksame Pflegemaßnahmen. Angst, Unsicherheit, Übelkeit, Durst und Hunger wurden von den Pflegenden nicht gut wahrgenommen, und die Patientinnen bezeichneten viele der durchgeführten Pflegemaßnahmen als nicht wirksam. Diese Resultate wurden mit den durch das Messinstrument «Patientenzufriedenheit mit der erhaltenen Pflege» erhobenen Ergebnissen in Beziehung gesetzt und mittels Korrelationen und Varianzanalysen analysiert. Patientinnen, bei denen oben beschriebene Zustände vorkamen und bei denen die entsprechenden Pflegemaßnahmen nicht wirksam waren, gaben in der Patientenzufriedenheit signifikant tiefere Werte an als solche, bei denen diese Zustände nicht vorkamen. Zwischen Belastung, Schmerz, Angst und Patientenzufriedenheit wurden signifikante Zusammenhänge gefunden. Die Ergebnisse beider Studien werden diskutiert, Schlussfolgerungen gezogen und Hinweise für Praxis und Forschung gegeben (Müller-Staub, Meer, Briner, Probst & Needham, 2008).
Role of upwelling hydrothermal fluids in the development of alteration patterns at fast spreading ridges: Evidence from the sheeted dike complex at Pito Deep
Authors: Heft Kerri L. , Gillis Kathryn M. , Pollock Megan A. , Karson Jeffery A. , Klein Emily M.
Published: May 2008

Alteration of sheeted dikes exposed along submarine escarpments at the Pito Deep Rift (NE edge of the Easter microplate) provides constraints on the crustal component of axial hydrothermal systems at fast spreading mid‐ocean ridges. Samples from vertical transects through the upper crust constrain the temporal and spatial scales of hydrothermal fluid flow and fluid‐rock reaction. The dikes are relatively fresh (average extent of alteration is 27%), with the extent of alteration ranging from 0 to >80%. Alteration is heterogeneous on scales of tens to hundreds of meters and displays few systematic spatial trends. Background alteration is amphibole‐dominated, with chlorite‐rich dikes sporadically distributed throughout the dike complex, indicating that peak temperatures ranged from <300°C to >450°C and did not vary systematically with depth. Dikes locally show substantial metal mobility, with Zn and Cu depletion and Mn enrichment. Amphibole and chlorite fill fractures throughout the dike complex, whereas quartz‐filled fractures and faults are only locally present. Regional variability in alteration characteristics is found on a scale of <1–2 km, illustrating the diversity of fluid‐rock interaction that can be expected in fast spreading crust. We propose that much of the alteration in sheeted dike complexes develops within broad, hot upwelling zones, as the inferred conditions of alteration cannot be achieved in downwelling zones, particularly in the shallow dikes. Migration of circulating cells along rides axes and local evolution of fluid compositions produce sections of the upper crust with a distinctive character of alteration, on a scale of <1–2 km and <5–20 ka.
Spatial and temporal variability of sea ice in the southern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf: 1980–2004
Authors: Galley R. J. , Key E. , Barber D. G. , Hwang B. J. , Ehn J. K.
Published: May 2008

Changing extent, location, and motion of the Arctic perennial pack affect the annual evolution of seasonal ice zones. Canadian Ice Service digital ice charts covering the southern Beaufort Sea and Amundsen Gulf are used to illustrate summer and winter conditions and trends between 1980 and 2004 for several sea ice stages of development. Results illustrate average sea ice conditions within the region in summer and winter for predominant sea ice types and changes in the relative concentration of sea ice types in summer and winter. In summer, a trend toward increased old sea ice concentration occurred near the mouth of Amundsen Gulf, with a trend toward decreasing summer first‐year sea ice farther west. In winter, increasing thick first‐year sea ice extent appears to be replacing young sea ice within the flaw lead system in the region. The dynamically driven breakup of sea ice in spring in the Amundsen Gulf is a highly variable event taking anywhere between 2 and 22 weeks to completely remove ice from the gulf. The timing and duration of the open water season depends upon the extent and timing of old ice influx. Freezeup occurs very quickly, proceeding from west to east with little temporal variability. The results of this paper are used to set the context for the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study (CASES) in terms of sea ice dynamic and thermodynamic processes.
Observations of nighttime new particle formation in the troposphere
Authors: Lee Shan‐Hu , Young Li‐Hao , Benson David R. , Suni Tanja , Kulmala Markku , Junninen Heikki , Campos Teresa L. , Rogers David C. , Jensen Jorgen
Published: May 2008

We present atmospheric observations which indicate efficient new particle formation during the nighttime in the troposphere under low condensation sinks, in contrast to the current prevailing assumption that aerosol nucleation takes place only during the daytime and typically from sulfuric acid. High concentrations of ultrafine particles with diameters from 4 to 9 nm (∼1000 cm−3) were measured from the three days of nighttime observations in the upper troposphere during the NSF/NCAR GV Progressive Science Missions. Long‐term ground‐based observations of charged and neutral clusters and aerosols made in Tumbarumba, Australia, also showed surprisingly high frequency of nighttime new particle formation (30%) with low condensation sinks. Nighttime nucleation can be significant for global aerosol load and cloud condensation nuclei productions and thus needs to be included in global climate models. Future studies are required to understand the nighttime nucleation mechanisms.
Variations of tropical upper tropospheric clouds with sea surface temperature and implications for radiative effects
Authors: Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H. , Gu Yu , Neelin J. David , Kahn Brian H. , Feldman Daniel , Yung Yuk L. , Waters Joe W. , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Santee Michelle L. , Read William G.
Published: May 2008

The variations of tropical upper tropospheric (UT) clouds with sea surface temperature (SST) are analyzed using effective cloud fraction from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on Aqua and ice water content (IWC) from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on Aura. The analyses are limited to UT clouds above 300 hPa. Our analyses do not suggest a negative correlation of tropical‐mean UT cloud fraction with the cloud‐weighted SST (CWT). Instead, both tropical‐mean UT cloud fraction and IWC are found to increase with CWT, although their correlations with CWT are rather weak. The rate of increase of UT cloud fraction with CWT is comparable to that of precipitation, while the UT IWC and ice water path (IWP) increase more strongly with CWT. The radiative effect of UT clouds is investigated, and they are shown to provide a net warming at the top of the atmosphere. An increase of IWP with SST yields an increase of net warming that corresponds to a positive feedback, until the UT IWP exceeds a value about 50% greater than presently observed by MLS. Further increases of the UT IWP would favor the shortwave cooling effect, causing a negative feedback. Sensitivities of UT cloud forcing to the uncertainties in UT CFR and IWC measurements are discussed.
Rotating solar coronal holes and periodic modulation of the upper atmosphere
Authors: Lei Jiuhou , Thayer Jeffrey P. , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Sutton Eric K. , Nerem R. Steven
Published: May 2008

We report discovery of a solar‐terrestrial connection between rotating solar coronal holes and density variations in Earth's thermosphere. Specifically, during 2005, a 9‐day recurrence of fast streams in the solar wind exists due to solar coronal holes distributed roughly 120 degrees apart in longitude; this periodicity is transmitted to the geospace environment where it modulates geomagnetic activity and thermospheric densities derived from accelerometer measurements on the CHAMP satellite. Our discovery demonstrates a solar‐terrestrial connection that has not been appreciated before, and by its nature is characterized by an element of predictability. Its potential predictability has practical relevance for collision avoidance and other applications affected by density variability in the terrestrial space environment.
Feast or famine: the global regulator DasR links nutrient stress to antibiotic production by Streptomyces
Authors: Rigali Sébastien , Titgemeyer Fritz , Barends Sharief , Mulder Suzanne , Thomae Andreas W , Hopwood David A , van Wezel Gilles P
Published: May 2008

Members of the soil‐dwelling prokaryotic genus Streptomyces produce many secondary metabolites, including antibiotics and anti‐tumour agents. Their formation is coupled with the onset of development, which is triggered by the nutrient status of the habitat. We propose the first complete signalling cascade from nutrient sensing to development and antibiotic biosynthesis. We show that a high concentration of N‐acetylglucosamine—perhaps mimicking the accumulation of N‐acetylglucosamine after autolytic degradation of the vegetative mycelium—is a major checkpoint for the onset of secondary metabolism. The response is transmitted to antibiotic pathway‐specific activators through the pleiotropic transcriptional repressor DasR, the regulon of which also includes all N‐acetylglucosamine‐related catabolic genes. The results allowed us to devise a new strategy for activating pathways for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Such ‘cryptic’ pathways are abundant in actinomycete genomes, thereby offering new prospects in the fight against multiple drug‐resistant pathogens and cancers.
Control of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) anterior pituitary-gonadal axis with analogues of GnRH
Authors: Allen Camryn D. , Burridge Michelle , Chafer Mandy L. , Nicolson Vere N. , Jago Sophia C. , Booth Rosemary J. , Fraser Grant , Ensabella Traza-Jade , Zee Yeng Peng , Lundie-Jenkins Geoff , Holt William V. , Lisle Allan T. , Carrick Frank N. , Curlewis Jonathan D. , Occhio Michael J. D' , Johnston Stephen D.
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine whether analogues of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) could be used to both induce an acute testosterone response and suppress anterior pituitary function in male koalas, and induce a luteal phase in female koalas. Experiment 1 characterised the steroidogenic response of male koalas to administration of 30 μg (4.3 μg kg–1) natural-sequence GnRH. Intra-muscular injection of natural-sequence GnRH induced the release of LH and testosterone with peak concentrations at 30 min (3.7 ± 1.9 ng mL–1) and 2 h (5.4 ± 0.5 ng mL–1), respectively. In Experiment 2, a single injection of the GnRH antagonist acyline (100 μg (14.3 μg kg–1) or 500 μg (71.4 μg kg–1)) did not influence the testosterone response to subsequent injections of natural-sequence GnRH. In Experiment 3, 4 μg (~0.67 μg kg–1) of the GnRH agonist buserelin induced a luteal phase in five female koalas based on a LH surge, secretion of progestogen, and a normal-length oestrous cycle. The findings have shown that (1) natural-sequence GnRH can be used to test gonadotroph cell function and determine the testosterone-secreting capacity of male koalas, (2) the GnRH antagonist, acyline, at the dose rates used, does not suppress the pituitary-testis axis in male koalas, and (3) the GnRH agonist, buserelin, induces a normal luteal phase in female koalas.
Effects of insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor and cysteamine on the in vitro maturation and development of oocytes collected from 6- to 8-week-old Merino lambs
Authors: Kelly Jennifer M. , Kleemann David O. , Maxwell W. M. Chis , Walker Simon K.
Published: May 2008

To improve the viability of embryos produced in vitro from lamb oocytes, maturation medium was supplemented with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), epidermal growth factor (EGF), cysteamine, and combinations thereof. Experiment 1 examined the effects of IGF-I supplementation and duration of oocyte maturation on nuclear maturation and embryo development while Experiments 2 and 3 examined the effects of cysteamine and EGF supplementation respectively on embryo development. In Experiment 4, embryo development was examined after maturation with various combinations of supplements. IGF-I supplementation increased cleavage rate (P < 0.05) but its effect on the rate of blastocyst production from original oocytes was variable. Supplementation with IGF-I increased (P < 0.01) the proportion of oocytes at Metaphase II (MII) after 18 h of maturation but not at later times. EGF either alone or combined with IGF-I significantly (P < 0.05) increased cleavage rates compared with other treatment groups but EGF consistently failed to improve blastocyst production rates. Cysteamine improved hatching rates but only when supplemented alone. Maturation of lamb oocytes for 22 h in medium supplemented with 100 ng mL–1 IGF-I and 100 μm cysteamine resulted in the production of 16.0 lambs per donor lamb after embryos were transferred to recipient ewes. It is concluded that EGF and, to a lesser extent, IGF-I, whilst beneficial to initial cleavage, can adversely influence subsequent embryo development. Improvements in embryo viability may more likely be obtained by addressing issues that influence fetal oocyte quality than by modifying in vitro methodology.
Mitochondrial activity and forward scatter vary in necrotic, apoptotic and membrane-intact spermatozoan subpopulations
Authors: Martínez-Pastor F. , Fernández-Santos M. R. , del Olmo E. , Domínguez-Rebolledo A. E. , Esteso M. C. , Montoro V. , Garde J. J.
Published: May 2008

In the present study, we have related mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and forward scatter (FSC) to apoptotic-related changes in spermatozoa. Thawed red deer spermatozoa were incubated in synthetic oviductal fluid medium (37°C, 5% CO2), with or without antioxidant (100 μm Trolox). At 0, 3, 6 and 9 h, aliquots were assessed for motility and were stained with a combination of Hoechst 33342, propidium ioide (PI), YO-PRO-1 and Mitotracker Deep Red for flow cytometry. The proportion of spermatozoa YO-PRO-1+ and PI+ (indicating a damaged plasmalemma; DEAD) increased, whereas that of YO-PRO-1– and PI– (INTACT) spermatozoa decreased. The proportion of YO-PRO-1+ and PI– spermatozoa (altered plasmalemma; APOPTOTIC) did not change. Both DEAD and APOPTOTIC spermatozoa had low ΔΨm. Most high-ΔΨm spermatozoa were INTACT, and their proportion decreased with time. The FSC signal also differed between different groups of spermatozoa, in the order APOPTOTIC > DEAD > INTACT/low ΔΨm > INTACT/high ΔΨm; however, the actual meaning of this difference is not clear. APOPTOTIC spermatozoa seemed motile at 0 h, but lost motility with time. Trolox only slightly improved the percentage of INTACT spermatozoa (P < 0.05). The population of APOPTOTIC spermatozoa in the present study may be dying cells, possibly with activated cell death pathways (loss of ΔΨm). We propose that the sequence of spermatozoon death here would be: (1) loss of ΔΨm; (2) membrane changes (YO-PRO-1+ and PI–); and (3) membrane damage (PI+). INTACT spermatozoa with low ΔΨm or altered FSC may be compromised cells. The present study is the first that directly relates membrane integrity, apoptotic markers and mitochondrial status in spermatozoa. The results of the present study may help us understand the mechanisms leading to loss of spermatozoon viability after thawing.
Putative imprinted gene expression in uniparental bovine embryo models
Authors: Cruz Nancy T. D' , Wilson Katrina J. , Cooney Melissa A. , Tecirlioglu R. Tayfur , Lagutina Irina , Galli Cesare , Holland Michael K. , French Andrew J.
Published: May 2008

Altered patterns of gene expression and the imprinted status of genes have a profound effect on cell physiology and can markedly alter embryonic and fetal development. Failure to maintain correct imprinting patterns can lead to abnormal growth and behavioural problems, or to early pregnancy loss. Recently, it has been reported that the Igf2R and Grb10 genes are biallelically expressed in sheep blastocysts, but monoallelically expressed at Day 21 of development. The present study investigated the imprinting status of 17 genes in in vivo, parthenogenetic and androgenetic bovine blastocysts in order to determine the prevalence of this unique phenomenon. Specifically, the putatively imprinted genes Ata3, Impact, L3Mbtl, Magel2, Mkrn3, Peg3, Snrpn, Ube3a and Zac1 were investigated for the first time in bovine in vitro fertilised embryos. Ata3 was the only gene not detected. The results of the present study revealed that all genes, except Xist, failed to display monoallelic expression patterns in bovine embryos and support recent results reported for ovine embryos. Collectively, the data suggest that monoallelic expression may not be required for most imprinted genes during preimplantation development, especially in ruminants. The research also suggests that monoallelic expression of genes may develop in a gene- and time-dependent manner.
Coevolution at protein complex interfaces can be detected by the complementarity trace with important impact for predictive docking
Authors: Madaoui Hocine , Guerois Raphaël
Published: May 2008

Protein surfaces are under significant selection pressure to maintain interactions with their partners throughout evolution. Capturing how selection pressure acts at the interfaces of protein–protein complexes is a fundamental issue with high interest for the structural prediction of macromolecular assemblies. We tackled this issue under the assumption that, throughout evolution, mutations should minimally disrupt the physicochemical compatibility between specific clusters of interacting residues. This constraint drove the development of the so-called Surface COmplementarity Trace in Complex History score (SCOTCH), which was found to discriminate with high efficiency the structure of biological complexes. SCOTCH performances were assessed not only with respect to other evolution-based approaches, such as conservation and coevolution analyses, but also with respect to statistically based scoring methods. Validated on a set of 129 complexes of known structure exhibiting both permanent and transient intermolecular interactions, SCOTCH appears as a robust strategy to guide the prediction of protein–protein complex structures. Of particular interest, it also provides a basic framework to efficiently track how protein surfaces could evolve while keeping their partners in contact.
Thiolate-bridged dinuclear iron(tris-carbonyl)–nickel complexes relevant to the active site of [NiFe] hydrogenase
Authors: Ohki Yasuhiro , Yasumura Kazunari , Kuge Katsuaki , Tanino Soichiro , Ando Masaru , Li Zilong , Tatsumi Kazuyuki
Published: May 2008

The reaction of NiBr2(EtOH)4with a 1:2–3 mixture of FeBr2(CO)4and Na(SPh) generated a linear trinuclear Fe–Ni–Fe cluster (CO)3Fe(μ-SPh)3Ni(μ-SPh)3Fe(CO)3, 1, whereas the analogous reaction system FeBr2(CO)4/Na(StBu)/NiBr2(EtOH)4(1:2–3:1) gave rise to a linear tetranuclear Fe–Ni–Ni–Fe cluster [(CO)3Fe(μ-StBu)3Ni(μ-Br)]2, 2. By using this tetranuclear cluster 2 as the precursor, we have developed a new synthetic route to a series of thiolate-bridged dinuclear Fe(CO)3–Ni complexes, the structures of which mimic [NiFe] hydrogenase active sites. The reactions of 2 with SC(NMe2)2(tmtu), Na{S(CH2)2SMe} andortho-NaS(C6H4)SR (R = Me,tBu) led to isolation of (CO)3Fe(μ-StBu)3NiBr(tmtu), 3, (CO)3Fe(StBu)(μ-StBu)2Ni{S(CH2)2SMe}, 4, and (CO)3Fe(StBu)(μ-StBu)2Ni{S(C6H4)SR}, 5a (R = Me) and 5b (R =tBu), respectively. On the other hand, treatment of 2 with 2-methylthio-phenolate (ortho-O(C6H4)SMe) in methanol resulted in (CO)3Fe(μ-StBu)3Ni(MeOH){O(C6H4)SMe}, 6a. The methanol molecule bound to Ni is labile and is readily released under reduced pressure to afford (CO)3Fe(StBu)(μ-StBu)2Ni{O(C6H4)SMe}, 6b, and the coordination geometry of nickel changes from octahedral to square planar. Likewise, the reaction of 2 with NaOAc in methanol followed by crystallization from THF gave (CO)3Fe(μ-StBu)3Ni(THF)(OAc), 7. The dinuclear complexes, 3-7, are thermally unstable, and a key to their successful isolation is to carry out the reactions and manipulations at −40°C.
Lithium monoxide anion: A ground-state triplet with the strongest base to date
Authors: Tian Zhixin , Chan Bun , Sullivan Michael B. , Radom Leo , Kass Steven R.
Published: May 2008

Lithium monoxide anion (LiO
−
) has been generated in the gas phase and is found to be a stronger base than methyl anion (CH
3
−
). This makes LiO
−
the strongest base currently known, and it will be a challenge to produce a singly charged or multiply charged anion that is more basic. The experimental acidity of lithium hydroxide is Δ
H
°
acid
= 425.7 ± 6.1 kcal·mol
−1
(1 kcal = 4.184 kJ) and, when combined with results of high-level computations, leads to our best estimate for the acidity of 426 ± 2 kcal·mol
−1
.
Effect of an Infection Control Program on the Frequency of Nosocomial Viral Respiratory Infections
Authors: Gómez-Villa Ramiro J. , Comas-García Andreu , López-Rojas Vicente , Pérez-González Luis F. , Sánchez-Alvarado Josefina , Salazar-Zaragoza Rocío , Ruiz-González Juana M. , Alpuche-Solís Ángel G. , Noyola Daniel E.
Published: May 2008

We determined the rate of nosocomial viral respiratory infection in infants and the effect of an infection control program during 4 winter seasons. The rate of nosocomial viral respiratory infection decreased from 6.09 episodes per 100 patients admitted during the first study year to 1.46 episodes per 100 patients admitted during the last study year.
Intensive Care Unit Outbreak of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae Controlled by Cohorting Patients and Reinforcing Infection Control Measures
Authors: Laurent C. , Rodriguez-Villalobos H. , Rost F. , Strale H. , Vincent J.-L. , Deplano A. , Struelens M. J. , Byl B.
Published: May 2008

Objective.

To describe an outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intensive care units (ICUs) of a hospital and the impact of routine and reinforced infection control measures on interrupting nosocomial transmission.

Design.

Outbreak report.

Setting.

A 31-bed intensive care department (composed of 4 ICUs) in a university hospital in Belgium.

Intervention.

After routine infection control measures (based on biweekly surveillance cultures and contact precautions) failed to interrupt a 2-month outbreak of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, reinforced infection control measures were implemented. The frequency of surveillance cultures was increased to daily sampling. Colonized patients were moved to a dedicated 6-bed ICU, where they received cohorted care with the support of additional nurses. Two beds were closed to new admissions in the intensive care department. Meetings between the ICU and infection control teams were held every day. Postdischarge disinfection of rooms was enforced. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use was discouraged.

Results.

Compared with a baseline rate of 0.44 cases per 1,000 patient-days for nosocomial transmission, the incidence peaked at 11.57 cases per 1,000 patient-days (October and November 2005; rate ratio for peak vs baseline, 25.46). The outbreak involved 30 patients, of whom 9 developed an infection. Bacterial genotyping disclosed that the outbreak was polyclonal, with 1 predominant genotype. Reinforced infection control measures lasted for 50 days. After the implementation of these measures, the incidence fell to 0.08 cases per 1,000 patient-days (rate ratio for after the outbreak vs during the outbreak, 0.11).

Conclusion.

These data indicate that, in an intensive care department in which routine screening and contact precautions failed to prevent and interrupt an outbreak of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, reinforced infection control measures controlled the outbreak without major disruption of medical care.
Time-Series Analysis of the Impact of Bed Occupancy Rates on the Incidence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Overcrowded General Wards
Authors: Borg Michael A. , Suda David , Scicluna Elizabeth
Published: May 2008

Objective.

We investigated the impact of bed occupancy, particularly overcrowding, on the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in general ward settings.

Methods.

We performed a time-series and mixed-model analysis of variance of monthly incidence of MRSA infection and corresponding bed occupancy rates, over 65 months, in the medicine and surgical wards within St. Luke's Hospital, a 900-bed tertiary care facility in Malta.

Results.

In the medicine wards, significant periodic fluctuations in bed demand were evident during the study period, with peaks of occupancy greater than 120% during the winter months. Cross-correlation analysis between the rate of bed occupancy and the rate of MRSA infection displayed an oscillatory configuration, with a periodicity of 12, similar to the periodicity evident in the autocorrelation bed-occupancy pattern. Further statistical analysis by means of analysis of variance confirmed that the months with excessive overcrowding tended to coincide with a significant increase in the rate of MRSA infection, occurring after a lag of approximately 2 months. Identical analysis of equivalent data from the surgical wards also revealed significant fluctuation in the rate of bed occupancy; however, occupancy never exceeded 100%. No cross-correlational relationship with MRSA infection incidence was present.

Conclusion.

The study data suggest that, in our setting, simple fluctuations in the rate of bed occupancy did not have a direct impact on the incidence of MRSA infection as long as the rate of bed occupancy was within designated levels. Rather, it was episodes of significant overcrowding, with occupancy levels in excess of designated numbers, that triggered increases in infection incidence rates.
Decreased Rates of Nosocomial Endometritis and Urinary Tract Infection After Vaginal Delivery in a French Surveillance Network, 1997–2003
Authors: Ayzac Louis , Caillat-Vallet Emmanuelle , Girard Raphaële , Chapuis Catherine , Depaix Florence , Dumas Anne-Marie , Gignoux Chantal , Haond Catherine , Lafarge-Leboucher Joëlle , Launay Carine , Tissot-Guerraz Françoise , Vincent Agnès , Fabry Jacques ,   Mater Sud-Est Study Group
Published: May 2008

Objectives.

To identify independent risk factors for endometritis and urinary tract infection (UTI) after vaginal delivery, and to monitor changes in nosocomial infection rates and derive benchmarks for prevention.

Design.

Prospective study.

Methods.

We analyzed routine surveillance data for all vaginal deliveries between January 1997 and December 2003 at 66 maternity units participating in the Mater Sud-Est surveillance network. Adjusted odds ratios for risk of endometritis or UTI were obtained using a logistic regression model.

Results.

The overall incidence rates were 0.5% for endometritis and 0.3% for UTI. There was a significant decrease in the incidence and risk of endometritis but not of UTI during the 7-year period. Significant risk factors for endometritis were fever during labor, parity of 1, and instrumental delivery and/or manual removal of the placenta. Significant risk factors for UTI were urinary infection on admission, premature rupture of membranes (more than 12 hours before admission), blood loss of more than 800 mL, parity of 1, instrumental delivery, and receipt of more than 5 vaginal digital examinations. Each maternity unit received a poster showing graphs of the number of expected and observed cases of UTI and endometritis associated with vaginal deliveries, which enabled each maternity unit to determine their rank within the network and to initiate prevention programs.

Conclusions.

Although routine surveillance means additional work for maternity units, our results demonstrate the usefulness of regular targeted monitoring of risk factors and of the most common nosocomial infections in obstetrics. Most of the information needed for monitoring is already present in the patients' records.
Correlation Between Respiratory Colonization With Gram-Negative Bacteria and Development of Gram-Negative Bacterial Infection After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Sreeramoju Pranavi V. , Garcia-Houchins Sylvia , Bova Judith , Kelly Cynthia C. , Patterson Jan E. , Weber Stephen G.
Published: May 2008

This pilot, observational study involving 286 patients who underwent cardiac surgery found that patients who had endotracheal colonization with gram-negative bacteria at 1 week after surgery were more likely to develop subsequent infection compared to those without colonization (8 of 23 vs. 4 of 40; relative risk 2.3 [95% confidence interval, 1.3–4.1;Pvalue < .05]).
Highly Effective Regimen for Decolonization of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusCarriers
Authors: Buehlmann M. , Frei R. , Fenner L. , Dangel M. , Fluckiger U. , Widmer A. F.
Published: May 2008

Objective.

To evaluate the efficacy of a standardized regimen for decolonization of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) carriers and to identify factors influencing decolonization treatment failure.

Design.

Prospective cohort study from January 2002 to April 2007, with a mean follow-up period of 36 months.

Setting.

University hospital with 750 beds and 27,000 admissions/year.

Patients.

Of 94 consecutive hospitalized patients with MRSA colonization or infection, 32 were excluded because of spontaneous loss of MRSA, contraindications, death, or refusal to participate. In 62 patients, decolonization treatment was completed. At least 6 body sites were screened for MRSA (including by use of rectal swabs) before the start of treatment.

Interventions.

Standardized decolonization treatment consisted of mupirocin nasal ointment, chlorhexidine mouth rinse, and full-body wash with chlorhexidine soap for 5 days. Intestinal and urinary-tract colonization were treated with oral vancomycin and cotrimoxazole, respectively. Vaginal colonization was treated with povidone-iodine or, alternatively, with chlorhexidine ovula or octenidine solution. Other antibiotics were added to the regimen if treatment failed. Successful decolonization was considered to have been achieved if results were negative for 3 consecutive sets of cultures of more than 6 screening sites.

Results.

The mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) age of the 62 patients was 66.2 ± 19 years. The most frequent locations of MRSA colonization were the nose (42 patients [68%]), the throat (33 [53%]), perianal area (33 [53%]), rectum (36 [58%]), and inguinal area (30 [49%]). Decolonization was completed in 87% of patients after a mean (±SD) of 2.1 ± 1.8 decolonization cycles (range, 1-10 cycles). Sixty-five percent of patients ultimately required peroral antibiotic treatment (vancomycin, 52%; cotrimoxazole, 27%; rifampin and fusidic acid, 18%). Decolonization was successful in 54 (87%) of the patients in the intent-to-treat analysis and in 51 (98%) of 52 patients in the on-treatment analysis.

Conclusion.

This standardized regimen for MRSA decolonization was highly effective in patients who completed the full decolonization treatment course.
CellTrack: an open-source software for cell tracking and motility analysis
Authors: Sacan Ahmet , Ferhatosmanoglu Hakan , Coskun Huseyin
Published: May 2008

Motivation: Cell motility is a critical part of many important biological processes. Automated and sensitive cell tracking is essential to cell motility studies where the tracking results can be used for diagnostic or curative decisions and where mathematical models can be developed to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cell motility.

Results: We have developed CellTrack: a self-contained, extensible, and cross-platform software package for cell tracking and motility analysis. Besides the general purpose image enhancement, object segmentation and tracking algorithms, we have implemented a novel edge-based method for sensitive tracking of the cell boundaries, and constructed an ensemble of methods that achieves refined tracking results even under large displacements or deformations of the cells.

Availability: CellTrack is an Open Source project and is freely available at http://db.cse.ohio-state.edu/CellTrack

Contact:  sacan@cse.ohio-state.edu
Brachial Neuritis With Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis Following Herpes Zoster: A Case Report
Authors: Hoque Romy , Schwendimann Robert N , Liendo Cesar , Chesson Andrew L
Published: May 2008

We present a case of supine respiratory failure due to a bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis associated with brachial neuritis secondary to thoracic herpes zoster. Fluoroscopy in both the standing and supine positions revealed bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis accentuated in the supine position. To our knowledge, this is the first case of thoracic herpes zoster associated with brachial neuritis and bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.
Morphea Profunda Presenting As a Neuromuscular Mimic
Authors: Voermans N C , Pillen S , de Jong E M , Creemers M CW , Lammens M , van Alfen N
Published: May 2008

Localized scleroderma is characterized by idiopathic fibrosis of the skin and adjacent structures, and muscle involvement occurs predominantly in deep morphea. We report a patient with linear scleroderma who presented with slowly progressive atrophy, muscle weakness, and loss of function of her right arm, mimicking a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle biopsy eventually revealed zones of myositis, compatible with morphea profunda. Morphea profunda may thus present as a neuromuscular mimic, even in case of nonprogressive skin sclerosis.

Myositis in morphea profunda is generally limited to one region, whereas inflammatory myopathies generally cause diffuse proximal muscle weakness and atrophy. Furthermore, skin changes in morphea profunda differ from those seen in dermatomyositis, and histological features of muscle biopsy can further distinguish between morphea profunda and inflammatory myopathies. Muscle biopsy in morphea profunda implies the risk of sampling error, whereas results of electromyography and muscle imaging might better represent the extent of muscle inflammation.
A coalescent framework for comparing alternative models of population structure with genetic data: evolution of Celebes toads
Authors: Evans Ben J , McGuire Jimmy A , Brown Rafe M , Andayani Noviar , Supriatna Jatna
Published: May 2008

Isolation of populations eventually leads to divergence by genetic drift, but if connectivity varies over time, its impact on diversification may be difficult to discern. Even when the habitat patches of multiple species overlap, differences in their demographic parameters, molecular evolution and stochastic events contribute to differences in the magnitude and distribution of their genetic variation. The Indonesian island of Sulawesi, for example, harbours a suite of endemic species whose intraspecific differentiation or interspecific divergence may have been catalysed by habitat fragmentation. To further test this hypothesis, we have performed phylogenetic and coalescent-based analyses on molecular variation in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of the Celebes toad (Bufo celebensis). Results support a role for habitat fragmentation that led to a population structure in these toads that closely matches distributions of Sulawesi macaque monkeys. Habitat fragmentation, therefore, may also have affected other groups on this island.
Repertoire sharing by the individual and the pair: Insights into duet function and development in the plain wren Thryothorus modestus
Authors: Marshall‐Ball Lorraine , Slater Peter J. B.
Published: May 2008

Although both repertoire sharing and individual variation have been studied widely in male solo song, few studies have investigated these aspects of song in a species that performs complex duets. This study examined song repertoires of both males and females of the plain wren (canebrake subspecies, Thryothorus modestus zeledoni), which performs antiphonal duets, and tested for patterns of repertoire sharing at the level of the individual and of the pair. We suggest that both males and females of the plain wren develop their phrase repertoires by direct imitation from other individuals of their sex, but that males, who may exist for a period as ‘floaters’ after dispersal, learn their songs from a wider pool of tutors than do females. In contrast to considerable individual repertoire sharing, whole duet types were very rarely shared between pairs, despite the potential for this to occur. This suggests that duet types are developed within the pair without reference to other pairs and the implications of this for duet functions are discussed.
Genetic differentiation of theChlorospingus ophthalmicuscomplex in Mexico and Central America
Authors: Bonaccorso Elisa , Navarro‐Sigüenza Adolfo G. , Sánchez‐González Luis A. , Townsend Peterson A. , García‐Moreno Jaime
Published: May 2008

Genetic variation in the common bush‐tanagerChlorospingus ophthalmicuscomplex in Mesoamerica was studied. An 800‐bp mitochondrial DNA fragment, including a portion of COII, full tRNA‐Lys, ATP8, and partial ATP6, was sequenced and analyzed for 96 individuals of the species and related taxa, resulting in a detailed framework of genetic differentiation in the northern half of the distribution of the complex. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian optimality criteria found deep divergence between South American and Mesoamerican isolates, and seven differentiated populations corresponding to clear geographic breaks across the highlands of Mesoamerica. These distinct populations coincide with geographic structure found in previous analyses of morphological and molecular data forChlorospingusophthalmicus, as well as in previous phylogeographic studies of other taxa in the region. Species status for these populations is discussed under the evolutionary and biological species concepts.