bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone morphogenetic protein‐6 is a neurotrophic factor for calbindin‐positive striatal neurons
Authors: Gratacòs E. , Gavaldà N. , Alberch J.
Published: November 2002

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a set of members of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily recently described as promoting the differentiation of several neuronal populations within the basal ganglia. This study examined whether a member of this family, BMP‐6, could exert neurotrophic effects on the neurons of the striatum, in which BMP‐6 mRNA had been previously detected during development. Here we show that BMP‐6 increases the number and differentiation of calbindin‐positive neurons in vitro. Indeed, BMP‐6 increased the total area, the perimeter, and the degree of arborization of this neuronal population. This trophic factor promoted dendritic growth without modifying axonal length or soma area. Furthermore, BMP‐6 increased the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive cells while decreasing the number of nestin‐positive cells. The suppression of cell proliferation or glial development by the antimitotic fluorodeoxyuridine removed the effects on striatal neurons, suggesting the involvement of astroglial cells in the differentiation induced by BMP‐6. The current results confirm the relevance of BMPs in the development of the striatum and emphasize the crucial importance of the trophic interaction between glial and neuronal cells. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of c‐Jun concentration in neuronal cell death
Authors: Rössler Oliver G. , Steinmüller Lars , Giehl Klaus M. , Thiel Gerald
Published: November 2002

A dimer of the basic region leucine zipper proteins c‐Jun and c‐Fos constitutes the classical activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) transcription factor. c‐Jun is thought to play essential roles in many important cellular pathways, including the control of proliferation and cell death. To investigate the roles of c‐Jun and c‐Fos concentrations in the regulation of neuronal cell death, we generated conditional alleles by fusing c‐Jun and c‐Fos to the ligand binding domain of the murine estrogen receptor (ER), with the aim of controlling the biological activities of c‐Jun and c‐Fos by the synthetic ligand 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT). Transient transfection experiments revealed an increase in AP‐1 activity following transfection of an expression vector encoding a c‐Jun/estrogen receptor fusion protein (c‐JunER) and stimulation with 4OHT. In contrast, a c‐Fos/estrogen receptor fusion protein (c‐FosER) was only weakly active in HT22 immortalized hippocampal cells and in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Highest levels of AP‐1 activity were obtained by cotransfection of c‐FosER and c‐JunER and stimulation with 4OHT. Using retroviral gene transfer, we generated HT22 and PC12 cells expressing either c‐JunER or c‐FosER. The AP‐1 activity was moderately increased in 4OHT‐treated HT22 and PC12 cells expressing c‐JunER, whereas no biological activity was observed in cells expressing c‐FosER. We tested the influcence of 4OHT‐activated c‐JunER or c‐FosER upon cell survival and cell death by quantification of mitochondrial reduction capacity of 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide to formazan dye crystals. We did not observe any 4OHT‐dependent decrease in cell survival in cells expressing c‐JunER or c‐FosER. Likewise, the number of pycnic nuclei did not increase in HT22 or PC12 cells expressing c‐JunER or c‐FosER. We conclude that an increase in the c‐Jun concentration is not sufficient to trigger neuronal cell death. We propose that it is not the concentration of c‐Jun that is critical for cell survival but rather the concentration of active, i.e., phosphorylated c‐Jun. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fragile X mental retardation protein in plasticity and disease
Authors: Todd Peter K. , Malter James S.
Published: November 2002

Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of mental retardation known to be inherited. The syndrome results from the suppressed expression of a single protein, the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Understanding the function and regulation of FMRP can, therefore, offer insights into both the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome and the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. We provide an overview of current concepts of how FMRP functions in the nervous system, with special emphasis on recent evidence that FMRP has a role in metabotropic glutamate receptor‐activated protein translation and synaptic plasticity. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association and colocalization of G protein α subunits and Purkinje cell protein 2 (Pcp2) in mammalian cerebellum
Authors: Redd Kacy J. , Oberdick John , McCoy John , Denker Bradley M. , Luo Yuan
Published: November 2002

Previously, we have demonstrated a novel interaction between Gαo protein and Purkinje cell protein‐2 (Pcp2, also known as L7) in vitro and in transfected cells (Luo and Denker [1999] J. Biol. Chem. 274:10685–10688). Pcp2 is uniquely expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells and in retinal bipolar neurons, and it may function as a cell‐type specific modulator for G protein‐mediated cell signaling. This interaction has been further evaluated in the present studies. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments reveal that Pcp2 associates with Gαo in vivo in mouse cerebellum and eye extract. Pcp2 also associate with Gαi2 in the cerebellum. No detectable associations of Pcp2 with Gαz and Gαq subunits are observed. The association of Gαo and Pcp2 is detected at postnatal day 1 (P1), and the association remains stable from day 3 (P3) until adulthood. Further, immunofluorescent double labeling and confocal microscopy suggest that Pcp2 and Gαo are colocalized in the distal processes of cerebellar Purkinje cells including axonal endings and dendritic spines. Taken together, these findings indicate colocalization and association of Gαo and Pcp2 in cerebellum and suggest a functional role in regions of synaptic activity. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A chronology for the long pollen record from Lake Wangoom, western Victoria (Australia) as derived from uranium/thorium disequilibrium dating
Authors: Harle K. J. , Heijnis H. , Chisari R. , Kershaw A. P. , Zoppi U. , Jacobsen G.
Published: November 2002

The chronology of a long pollen record from Lake Wangoom, one of the few long palaeoenvironmental records from southeastern Australia, is discussed in light of the acquisition of new uranium/thorium disequilibrium (UTD) dates. Of crucial importance has been the estimation of ages for two major pre‐Holocene phases of forest expansion recorded in the sequence, with implications for the timing of periods of high effective precipitation in the region. The new UTD ages indicate that the oldest forest phase falls within the Penultimate Interglacial whereas the later phase corresponds with the Last Interglacial. This is older than indicated by previously reported UTD and radiocarbon dates, but confirms a chronology based on direct correlation with the pollen record from marine core E55‐6. The new chronology of the Lake Wangoom sequence provides evidence that phases of sustained forest development in southeast Australia relate to interglacial periods. In comparison, interstadial periods appear to be characterised by only minor arboreal development. Marked differences in the pattern of vegetation development evident in each of the interglacials are thought to reflect varying climatic and anthropogenic influences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic evidence for late Pleistocene to middle Holocene climatic fluctuations in the interior of southern Africa
Authors: Smith Jeannette M. , Lee‐Thorp Julia A. , Sealy Judith C.
Published: November 2002

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of ungulate grazers from four archaeological sites located in different environs within the Caledon River Valley have provided a relatively well‐dated proxy palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic sequence for the period between 16 000 and 6000 calendar (cal.) yr BP. Within the overall trend towards hot mid‐Holocene temperatures and a summer rainfall pattern, stable carbon isotope results show that there were three periods when growth season temperatures were cool enough for C3 grasses to be present: 16 000–14 000; 10 200–9600, and 8400–8000 cal. yr BP. Similar trends were recorded in stable oxygen isotope values, reflecting shifts in either temperature or available moisture. Although having a similar pattern to that of the lower altitude site, sites situated in foothills and montane portions of the valley consistently maintained lower temperatures until the mid‐Holocene altithermal. At this time growth season temperatures warmed sufficiently for a 100% C4 grassland to expand in altitude from the warmer low lying localities. In relation to present understanding of synoptic and global climatic patterning, these findings suggest that the early to middle Holocene transition was not a gradual warming trend, but rather it was marked by a series of climatic fluctuations. Of particular note is the possible global, rather than regional, occurrence of the 8200 cal. yr BP ‘event’. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene vegetation and climate change in southern New Zealand: linkages between forest composition and quantitative surface moisture reconstructions from an ombrogenous bog
Authors: Wilmshurst Janet M. , McGlone Matt S. , Charman Dan J.
Published: November 2002

This paper presents a Holocene pollen record from an ombrotrophic bog in Southland, New Zealand, together with multiproxy data (testate amoebae, peat humification and plant macrofossils) from the same core to establish an independent semiquantitative record of peatland surface moisture. Linkages between reconstructed peatland surface moisture and regional forest composition are investigated using redundancy analysis of the forest pollen data constrained with predicted bog water‐table depths. Over 32% of the pollen data variance can be explained by surface moisture changes in the bog, suggesting a common cause of water‐table and regional vegetation change. Water tables were higher during the early to mid‐Holocene when the forest was dominated by podocarp taxa. Water tables lowered after about 3300 cal. yr BP coevally with the expansion of Nothofagus species, culminating with the dominance of Nothofagus subgenus Fuscospora in the past 1200 cal. yr BP. This is in apparent opposition to the warm/dry to cool/wet trend suggested by subjective interpretation of pollen data alone, from this and other studies. We suggest that during the late Holocene, drier summers associated with shifts in solar insolation caused reduced surface wetness and summer humidity, which together with a trend to cooler winters, apparently favoured the regeneration of Nothofagus species. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amino‐acid geochronology and the British Pleistocene: secure stratigraphical framework or a case of circular reasoning?
Authors: McCarroll Danny
Published: November 2002

Aminostratigraphy is central to the recently revised correlation of Quaternary deposits in the British Isles, providing a link between terrestrial deposits and marine Oxygen Isotope Stages. The central tenet of British aminostratigraphy, however, that shells from the same interglacial yield very similar ratios, so that the characteristic ratios from different interglacials are distinct, remains uncertain. The data available suggest that amino‐acid ratios from different interglacials do not fall into discrete groups, but overlap considerably. It is therefore not valid to assign individual shells to Oxygen Isotope Stages simply on the basis of their amino‐acid ratios, which means that filtering data to remove high or low values, on the assumption that they represent reworked shells, is unacceptable. The range of ‘characteristic ratios’ assigned to British warm stages may have been underestimated and the degree of separation between them overestimated. Amino‐acid ratios should be treated as sample data that are naturally variable. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Late‐glacial and Holocene history of the dry forest area in the south Colombian Cauca Valley
Authors: Berrío Juan Carlos , Hooghiemstra Henry , Marchant Robert , Rangel Orlando
Published: November 2002

Two sedimentary cores with pollen, charcoal and radiocarbon data are presented. These records document the Late‐glacial and Holocene dry forest vegetation, fire and environmental history of the southern Cauca Valley in Colombia (1020 m). Core Quilichao‐1 (640 cm; 3° 6′N, 76° 31′W) represents the periods of 13 150–7720 14C yr BP and, following a hiatus, from 2880 14C yr BP to modern. Core La Teta‐2 (250 cm; 3° 5′N, 76° 32′W) provides a continuous record from 8700 14C yr BP to modern.

Around 13 150 14C yr BP core Quilichao‐1 shows an active Late‐glacial drainage system and presence of dry forest. From 11 465 to 10 520 14C yr BP dry forest consists mainly of Crotalaria, Moraceae/Urticaceae, Melastomataceae/Combretaceae, Piper and low stature trees, such as Acalypha, Alchornea, Cecropia and Celtis. At higher elevation Andean forest comprising Alnus, Hedyosmum, Quercus and Myrica was common. After 10 520 14C yr BP the floral composition of dry forest changed, with extensive open grass vegetation indicative of dry climatic conditions. This event may coincide with the change to cool and dry conditions in the second part of the El Abra stadial, an equivalent to the Younger Dryas. From 8850 14C yr BP the record from La Teta indicates dry climatic conditions relative to the present, these prevailing up to 2880 14C yr BP at Quilichao and to 2720 14C yr BP at La Teta. Severe dryness reached maxima at 7500 14C yr BP and 4300 14C yr BP, when dry forest reached maximum expansion. Dry forest was gradually replaced by grassy vegetation, reaching maximum expansion around 2300 14C yr BP. After 2300 14C yr BP grassy vegetation remains abundant. Presence of crop taxa (a.o. Zea mays), disturbance indicators (Cecropia) and an increase in charcoal point to the presence of pre‐Columbian people since 2300 14C yr BP. After 950 14C yr BP, expansion of secondary forest taxa may indicate depopulation and abandonment of previously cultivated land. After 400 14C yr BP, possibly related to the Spanish conquest, secondary forest expanded and charcoal concentrations increased, possibly indicating further reduction of cultivated land. During the past century, Heliotropium and Didymopanax became abundant in an increasingly degraded landscape. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Summary findings of the fourth international radiocarbon intercomparison (FIRI)(1998–2001)
Authors: Boaretto Elisabetta , Bryant Charlotte , Carmi Israel , Cook Gordon , Gulliksen Steinar , Harkness Doug , Heinemeier Jan , McClure John , McGee Edward , Naysmith Philip , Possnert Goran , Scott Marian , van der Plicht Hans , van Strydonck Mark
Published: November 2002

Interlaboratory comparisons have been widely used in applied radiocarbon science. These are an important part of ongoing quality assurance (QA) programmes, which are vital to the appropriate interpretation of the evidence provided by the 14C record in Quaternary applications (including climate change and environmental reconstruction). International comparisons of laboratory performance are an essential component of the quality assurance process in radiocarbon dating. If the user community is to have confidence in radiocarbon results, it needs to be assured that laboratories world wide are producing measurements that are reliable and in accordance with ‘good practice’. The findings from the most recent (completed in 2001) and extensive (more than 90 participating laboratories) radiocarbon intercomparison (FIRI) are reported here. This study was designed (i) to assess comparability, or otherwise, of the results from different laboratories and (ii) to quantify the extent and possible causes of any interlaboratory variation. The results demonstrate that there are no significant differences amongst the main measurement techniques (gas proportional counting, liquid scintillation counting and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS)) but there is evidence of small laboratory offsets relative to known age samples for some laboratories. There is also evidence in some cases of underestimation of measurement precision. Approximately 10% of all results were classified as extreme (outliers) and these results were generated by 14% of the laboratories. Overall, the evidence supports the fact that radiocarbon laboratories are generally accurate and precise but that, notwithstanding internal QA procedures, some problems still occur, which can best be detected by participation in independent intercomparisons such as FIRI, where the results allow individual laboratories to assess their performance and to take remedial measures where necessary. The results from FIRI are significant in that they show a broad measure of agreement between measurements made in different laboratories on a wide range of materials and they also demonstrate no statistically significant difference between measurements made by radiometric or AMS techniques. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of chironomids to late quaternary environmental change in the Taitao Peninsula, southern Chile Julieta Massaferro and Stephen J. Brooks. Journal of Quaternary Science Vol 17 No 2 2002, pages 101–111.
Authors: Massaferro Julieta , Brooks Stephen J.
Published: November 2002

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of Quaternary Science Vol 17 No 2 2002, pages 101–111 Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiproxy evidence of an early Holocene (8.2 kyr) climate oscillation in central Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Spooner Ian , Douglas Marianne S. V. , Terrusi Lisa
Published: November 2002

An early Holocene lake sediment record from central Nova Scotia contains a minerogenic oscillation that is closely correlative with the 8.2 kyr event (ca. 8200 cal. yr BP), an event that has not been reported elsewhere in Atlantic Canada. A variety of biological and sedimentological indicators have been examined to characterise autochthonous and allochthonous changes that occurred during this time. The minerogenic upper oscillation (UO, ca. 8400 cal. yr BP) is marked by an increase in the chrysophyte:diatom ratio. Following the oscillation, the diatom community reflects a shift to more productive, less acidic conditions. The pollen record shows no major response to this short‐lived event. Lithostratigraphic analyses indicates that the UO is characterised by an increase in clastic content, magnetic susceptibility and mean sediment grain size, all indicators of changing environmental conditions, most likely the result of regional cooling. The Taylor Lake record adds to a growing body of evidence for a widespread, hemispheric climate oscillation at 8.2 kyr. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new rank correlation coefficient with application to the consensus ranking problem
Authors: Emond Edward J. , Mason David W.
Published: November 2002

The consensus ranking problem has received much attention in the statistical literature. Given m rankings of n objects the objective is to determine a consensus ranking. The input rankings may contain ties, be incomplete, and may be weighted. Two solution concepts are discussed, the first maximizing the average weighted rank correlation of the solution ranking with the input rankings and the second minimizing the average weighted Kemeny–Snell distance. A new rank correlation coefficient called τx is presented which is shown to be the unique rank correlation coefficient which is equivalent to the Kemeny‐Snell distance metric. The new rank correlation coefficient is closely related to Kendall's tau but differs from it in the way ties are handled. It will be demonstrated that Kendall's τb is flawed as a measure of agreement between weak orderings and should no longer be used as a rank correlation coefficient. The use of τx in the consensus ranking problem provides a more mathematically tractable solution than the Kemeny–Snell distance metric because all the ranking information can be summarized in a single matrix. The methods described in this paper allow analysts to accommodate the fully general consensus ranking problem with weights, ties, and partial inputs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using assignment examples to infer category limits for the ELECTRE TRI method
Authors: The An Ngo , Mousseau Vincent
Published: November 2002

Given a finite set of alternatives, the sorting (or assignment) problem consists in the assignment of each alternative to one of the predefined categories. In this paper, we are interested in multiple criteria sorting problems and, more precisely, in the existing method ELECTRE TRI. This method requires the elicitation of preferential parameters (importance coefficients, thresholds, profiles, etc.) in order to construct the decision‐maker's (DM) preference model.

A direct elicitation of these parameters being sometimes difficult, Mousseau and Slowinski proposed an interactive aggregation–disaggregation approach that infer ELECTRE TRI parameters indirectly from holistic information, i.e. assignment examples. In this approach, the determination of ELECTRE TRI parameters that best restore the assignment examples is formulated through a non‐linear optimization program. Also in this direction, Mousseau et al. considered the subproblem of the determination of the importance coefficients only (the thresholds and category limits being fixed). This subproblem leads to solve a linear program (rather that non‐linear in the global inference model).

We pursue the idea of partial inference model by considering the complementary subproblem which determines the category limits (the importance coefficients being fixed). With some simplification, it also leads to solve a linear program. Together with the result of Mousseau et al., we have a couple of complementary models which can be combined in an interactive approach inferring the parameters of an ELECTRE TRI model from assignment examples. In each interaction, the DM can revise his/her assignment examples, to give additional information and to choose which parameters to fix before the optimization phase restarts. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting local convexity on the pareto surface
Authors: Fadel Georges , Li Yusheng , Konda Suman , Wiecek Margaret M. , Ruzika Stefan
Published: November 2002

Recent regain in interest in multi‐criteria optimization approaches to provide a designer with multiple solutions to select from and support decisions has led to various methodologies to generate such solutions and possibly approximate the Pareto set. This paper introduces the notions of H‐ and w‐convexities, and develops a simple method to identify local convexity of Pareto hyper‐surfaces since their shape can dictate the choice of the method to use to obtain Pareto solutions and possibly to build an approximation of that set. The method is based on comparing the results from the weighting method to those of the Tchebycheff method at any point on the Pareto hyper‐surface. If, under some conditions, the points obtained from the two methods are identical or not, a local convexity or its lack can be assumed at that location and in its immediate neighbourhood. A numerical example is included. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practice and principles of pharmacodynamic determination of HISS‐dependent and HISS‐independent insulin action: Methods to quantitate mechanisms of insulin resistance
Authors: Lautt W. Wayne
Published: November 2002

Injection of insulin causes release of HISS (hepatic insulin sensitizing substance) from the liver in the fed state. HISS action accounts for 50–60% of the glucose disposal produced by a wide range of insulin doses (5–100 mU/kg). Although the chemical nature of HISS is unknown, precluding pharmacokinetic studies, the pharmacodynamics of HISS has advanced because of the use of the rapid insulin sensitivity test (RIST) which is a transient euglycemic clamp used following a bolus of insulin. HISS action can be blocked by hepatic denervation and restored by intraportal but not intravenous infusion of acetylcholine or a nitric oxide donor. HISS release is prevented by blockade of hepatic muscarinic receptors, nitric oxide synthase blockers, indomethacin, and animal models of insulin resistance, including chronic liver disease, sucrose feeding, hypertension, aging, obesity, and fetal alcohol exposure. HISS acts on skeletal muscle but not liver, gut, or adipose tissue. HISS is released by insulin in the fed state but decreases to insignificance after 24‐hr fasting in rats. Cats and dogs appear to require a longer period of fasting to prevent HISS action. Lack of HISS action is suggested to be the cause of post‐meal hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in type 2 diabetes and other disease states with similar metabolic dysfunction. The RIST can be carried out up to six times in the same animal, is not affected by pentobarbital anesthesia, and can readily differentiate HISS‐dependent and HISS‐independent insulin action. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 23, No. 1, 1–14, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10022
Structure–function relationships of vitamin D including ligand recognition by the vitamin D receptor
Authors: Yamada Sachiko , Shimizu Masato , Yamamoto Keiko
Published: November 2002

First, the general structure and function of nuclear receptors (NRs) are described briefly to help our understanding of the mechanism of action of vitamin D mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the NRs. Then we discuss the structure–function relationship (SFR) of vitamin D on the basis of ligand structures and the interaction of the ligand with the VDR. The SFR of vitamin D side chain analogs is discussed extensively in terms of our active space group concept, which was derived from conformational analyses of the side chains of vitamin D analogs and from studies with conformationally restricted 22‐methyl‐1,25‐(OH)2D3 isomers. The mobile area of the side chain of vitamin D can be grouped into five regions (E, G, EA, EG, and F), and the SFR has been analyzed in terms of these spatial regions. The SFR of ligand/VDR interaction is discussed on the basis of the crystal structure of VDR‐LBD(Δ165–215), docking of various vitamin D ligands into the ligand binding pocket (LBP) of the VDR, and functional analysis of amino acids lining the LBP. Finally, we discuss total SFR, combining the results of the two approaches, and future aspects of structure‐based design of vitamin D analogs. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 23, No. 1, 89–115, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10023
Recent development in the design of sialyltransferase inhibitors
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Li‐He , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: November 2002

Sialylation at the non‐reducing end of glycoconjugates is an important biological process in cellular recognitions, tumor metastases, and immune responses, which are mediated by a family of enzymes known as sialyltransferases. Inhibition of sialyltransferases may prove useful in elucidating the biological functions of sialylation and may have therapeutic applications. This review summarizes the recent development in this field with particular focus on the strategies used for the design of carbohydrate mimetics and the structure‐activity relationships of substrate‐based sialyltransferase inhibitors. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 23, No. 1, 32–47, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/med.10030
Psychosocial outcomes of vaginal and cesarean births in Taiwanese primiparas
Authors: Chen Chung‐Hey , Wang Shing‐Yaw
Published: November 2002

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in psychosocial outcomes between primiparas experiencing vaginal deliveries and primiparas experiencing cesarean deliveries. One hundred and ninety‐four vaginal delivery primiparas and 81 cesarean delivery primiparas from the Kaohsiung city area in Taiwan were recruited at 6 weeks postpartum to participate in this study. Using two‐sample t tests, we found no significant differences in perceived stress, self‐esteem, or depression between vaginal and cesarean delivery primiparas. However, the cesarean delivery primiparas showed a significantly higher level of perceived social support than vaginal delivery primiparas. Types of cesarean (planned vs. unplanned) and types of anesthesia (general vs. epidural) were not significant factors influencing psychosocial outcomes for cesarean delivery primiparas. The lack of substantial differences between the groups may be a result of the normalizing effect of the high cesarean birthrate and greater social support given to this method of childbirth. Cultural concerns of offspring gender and choosing an auspicious time for delivery may also have ameliorative effects on the occurrence of psychosocial difficulties with a cesarean delivery in Taiwan. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:452–458, 2002.
Testing equivalence of Spanish and English versions: The LaMonica–Oberst (revised) patient satisfaction with nursing care scale
Authors: Lange Jean W.
Published: November 2002

Despite recent emphasis on outcome measurement and an increasing proportion of Spanish speakers in the United States, most patient satisfaction studies exclude Spanish‐speaking participants because Spanish versions of instruments are not available. A Spanish translation of the 15‐item LaMonica–Oberst Patient Satisfaction Scale, completed by 64 Spanish‐speaking patients living in the northeast and of predominantly Puerto Rican ancestry, produced two factors explaining 86.3% of score variation (α=.94 and .58). Evidence for equivalence to the English version and concurrent validity is presented. Generalizability and decision studies indicate that four additional items are needed on the dissatisfaction subscale to attain an acceptable dependability coefficient. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:438–451, 2002.
Psychometric properties of the self‐control schedule: Thai version
Authors: Boonpongmanee Chayanin , Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Boonpongmanee Somprak
Published: November 2002

The psychometric properties of the Thai version of the Self‐Control Schedule (SCS), a measure of learned resourcefulness, were examined. Data were collected from 77 pregnant women who were HIV positive and 103 pregnant women who were HIV negative. Back‐translation was completed, and agreement between the two content experts as determined by the Content Validity Index was 86%. To assure the equivalence of the translated SCS, English and Thai versions were completed by 16 bilinguals, and the two versions were found to correlate highly (r=.95; p<.01). Internal consistency reliability for the Thai version of the SCS was .81. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish construct validity. The results suggest that the Thai version of the SCS has promise for use with pregnant Thai women; however, modification of some items would improve its understandability and cross‐cultural applicability. Further psychometric testing in larger and more diverse samples is recommended. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:471–478, 2002.
Theory building through mixed‐method evaluation of a dementia special care unit
Authors: Morgan Debra G. , Stewart Norma J.
Published: November 2002

The purpose of this article is to describe how the use of quantitative (quasi‐experimental) and qualitative (grounded‐theory) methods in an evaluation of new dementia special care units led to a better understanding of how the nursing home environment affects residents with dementia, which in turn helped to advance theory development in person–environment interaction. The environmental intervention involved changes in social density (size of resident group), spatial density (space per person), and privacy. A second aim of the article is to illustrate that applied research cannot be perfectly preplanned; rather, it is a process that involves ongoing decisions and management of unexpected events. We describe the sequence of key methodological decisions made during the planning, implementation, and integration phases of the study, which was conducted over a 21‐month period. Results of this study highlight the benefits of mixed‐method designs for evaluation research. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:479–488, 2002.
Patterns of mental distress following the violent death of a child and predictors of change over time
Authors: Murphy Shirley A. , Chung Ick‐Joong , Johnson L. Clark
Published: November 2002

We observed 173 parents bereaved by the violent death of an adolescent or young adult child. Data were collected 4, 12, 24, and 60 months postdeath. Using latent growth modeling, we examined how initial levels of mental distress and the rate of change over time are influenced by nine predictors: parents' gender, self‐esteem, three coping strategies, perceived social support, negative life stressors, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and an intervention offered in the early bereavement period. The results support a multiple‐risk and –protective factor model of loss accommodation. Parents' gender, self‐esteem, and affective and repressive coping were predictive of changes in mental distress over time. Although parents' initial levels of PTSD were the best predictor of baseline mental distress, they did not predict reductions in distress 5 years later. Theoretical, empirical, and clinical implications are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:425–437, 2002.
Effects of two types of social support and education on adaptation to early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Samarel Nelda , Tulman Lorraine , Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: November 2002

A Roy adaptation model–based support and education intervention for women with early‐stage breast cancer was tested in a three‐group, three‐phase randomized clinical trial of a sample of 125 women. The experimental group received 13 months of combined individual telephone and in‐person group support and education, Control Group 1 received 13 months of telephone‐only individual support and education, and Control Group 2 received one‐time mailed educational information. The experimental group and Control Group 1 reported less mood disturbance at the end of all three phases, less loneliness at the end of Phases II and III, and a higher‐quality relationship with a significant other at the end of Phase II than did Control Group 2. No group differences were found for cancer‐related worry or well‐being. The findings suggest that individual telephone support may provide an effective alternative to in‐person support groups. Further study of telephone interventions is recommended using ethnically and economically heterogeneous samples. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 25:459–470, 2002.
Prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with pure partial trisomy 1q32‐44 due to a familial balanced rearrangement
Authors: Kímya Yalçın , Yakut Tahsin , Egelí Ünal , Özerkan Kemal
Published: November 2002

We diagnosed a pure partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 1 in a fetus with multiple malformations detected prenatally. The father was a carrier of a balanced rearrangement involving 46,XY,inv(1)(qter→p36::q32→qter::p36→q32). The fetus had preaxial polydactyly, low‐set ears, macrocephaly, a prominent forehead, a broad and flat nasal bridge, a small mouth, an arched palate, micrognathia and unilateral renal agenesis. The couple had previously an infant with the same phenotypic abnormalities. The aberration was initially detected on amniocentesis with GTG banding and was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our case and other published pure trisomy 1q32‐44 cases showed similarities, which allowed the further delineation of the trisomy 1q syndrome. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal bradycardia in the first trimester: an unusual presentation of atrial extrasystoles
Authors: Wong S. F. , Chau K. T. , Ho L. C.
Published: November 2002

We report a fetus with fetal bradycardia at 13 weeks of gestation secondary to atrial extrasystoles. The fetus subsequently developed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and hydrops fetalis. The cardiac arrhythmia recovered spontaneously without any medical intervention. This case illustrates that atrial ectopic beats can present in the first trimester with fetal bradycardia. Rapidly evolving hydrops fetalis secondary to supraventricular tachycardia can develop, warranting close monitoring with weekly heart rate assessment. Fetal bradycardia secondary to atrial extrasystole should be differentiated from first trimester sinus bradycardia and those associated with major structural cardiac abnormality, which have a high fetal loss rate. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal capillary haemangioblastoma: an exceptional tumour. A review of the literature
Authors: Diguet Alain , Laquerrière Annie , Eurin Danielle , Chanavaz‐Lacheray Isabella , Magdeleine Ruchoux Marie , Rossi Annick , Marpeau Loïc
Published: November 2002

We report a case of a fetal haemangioblastoma located in the cerebellopontine angle. On prenatal ultrasonographic examination a hyperechogenic and heterogeneous mass with a major vascularization on colour Doppler imaging was observed. It increased progressively and laminated the cerebellum. A neoplastic tumour was suspected but its extent into the cerebral peduncle was unclear. Diagnosis was made at autopsy using histological, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric evaluation. Haemangioblastoma is an exceptional congenital tumour, which is either sporadic or integrated in von Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHLD). We discuss the obstetrical management of prenatal brain tumours and the genetic counselling of haemangioblastoma. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perinatal management and outcome of prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a 1995–2000 series in Rennes University Hospital
Authors: Bétrémieux Pierre , Lionnais Stéphanie , Beuchée Alain , Pladys Patrick , Le Bouar Gwénaelle , Pasquier Laurent , Loeuillet‐Olivo Laurence , Azzis Olivier , Milon Joelle , Wodey Eric , Frémond Benjamin , Odent Sylvie , Poulain Patrice
Published: November 2002

Objectives

To assess the prognosis of prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) during the years 1995–2000 in order to improve prenatal counselling.

Methods

Retrospective study of all 31 cases of women with prenatally diagnosed CDH.

Results

Nine pregnancies (29%) were terminated and two fetuses (6%) were stillborn. Ten fetuses (32%) had associated anomalies (four Fryns' syndrome) and four (13%) had underlying chromosomal anomalies. Twenty pregnancies were continued. Seven babies died before surgery either immediately in the delivery room (five between 1 and 45 min), or during the ‘stabilisation period’ (two babies, 7 and 21 h). Three babies presented with trisomy 18, Fryns' syndrome or transposition of the great arteries with microdeletion 22q11. Thirteen babies had the defect repaired (median 18 h, range 4–72 h) and 12 survived. Mechanical ventilation was required for a median of 12 days. One survivor has cerebral palsy.

Conclusion

Of 31 prenatally diagnosed CDH cases 38% are alive, of 20 ongoing pregnancies 60% are alive, and of 13 babies who underwent surgery 92% are alive. No baby with associated malformations survived. These numbers need to be known by each member of the counselling team in order to give parents adequate information to make their decision. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of ductus venosus agenesis and its association with cytogenetic/congenital anomalies
Authors: Volpe Paolo , Marasini Maurizio , Caruso Gilda , Lituania Mario , Marzullo Andrea , Volpe Gennaro , Gentile Mattia
Published: November 2002

Objectives

We present an observational study of 12 cases of anomalies of the umbilical and portal vein systems associated with absence of the ductus venosus (DV) diagnosed over the past 5 years. The hemodynamic implications of each pattern of umbilico‐portal system anomalies associated with absence of the DV have been investigated, as well as the frequency and types of associated anomalies and their embryological origin.

Methods

In all cases ultrasound, color Doppler, and cytogenetic investigations were performed.

Results

Four main patterns of abnormal venous circulation were documented: (1) the umbilical vein (UV) bypasses the liver and drains into the right atrium directly or through a dilated coronary sinus (three cases); (2) the UV bypasses the liver, with an infrahepatic or suprahepatic connection directly to the inferior vena cava (IVC) (two cases); (3) the UV bypasses the liver and drains directly into the iliac or renal veins (four cases); and (4) the UV drains directly into the portal veins (three cases). Among seven cases with other associated anomalies (58%), there were three cases of Turner's and Noonan's syndromes. Two fetuses and two neonates died and there were two terminations of pregnancy (TOP).

Conclusions

In utero diagnosis of ultrasound patterns associated with DV anomalies is feasible. Fetal karyotyping should be considered, serial ultrasound examinations recommended and, in the presence of heart failure, delivery can be anticipated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of the Hunter syndrome and the introduction of a new fluorimetric enzyme assay
Authors: Keulemans J. L. M. , Sinigerska I. , Garritsen V. H. , Huijmans J. G. M. , Voznyi Y. V. , van Diggelen O. P. , Kleijer W. J.
Published: November 2002

Prenatal diagnosis of the Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II; MPS II) is preferably achieved by the assay of iduronate‐2‐sulphate sulphatase (IDS) in uncultured chorionic villi (CV) as this allows early (12th week), rapid (2–3 days) and reliable results. We summarize the results of 174 prenatal analyses in the past 30 years, using various methods such as radiolabelled sulphate incorporation in amniotic fluid (AF) cells, glycosaminoglycan (GAG)‐electrophoresis in AF and IDS assay in CV, CV‐cells, AF and AF‐cells. Twenty‐seven fetuses with MPS II were diagnosed after finding clearly abnormal results in pregnancies with a male fetus; very low IDS activity has also been measured in some pregnancies with a (heterozygous) female fetus, emphasizing the need to combine enzyme assay with fetal sex determination. IDS activity has until recently been assessed by a cumbersome radioactive enzyme assay. Here we describe the use of a novel fluorigenic 4‐methylumbelliferyl substrate, which allows a sensitive, rapid and convenient assay of IDS activity and reliable early prenatal diagnosis. This novel IDS assay was validated in retrospective analyses of 14 CV, CV‐cell, AF and AF‐cell samples from affected pregnancies in addition to prospective prenatal diagnosis in eight pregnancies at risk with one MPS II‐affected fetus. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ivemark syndrome with agenesis of the corpus callosum: a case report with a review of the literature
Authors: Noack F. , Sayk F. , Ressel A. , Berg C. , Gembruch U. , Reusche E.
Published: November 2002

Asplenia associated with situs ambiguus, symmetric liver, bilateral trilobulated lungs, and a complex heart defect was diagnosed on autopsy in a 14‐day‐old infant. Furthermore, examination of the brain displayed agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) with pachygyria and hydrocephalus. The characteristic association of asplenia with visceroatrial heterotaxia is traditionally named after the Swedish pediatrician, Ivemark. Although exceptional, association of Ivemark syndrome with callosal agenesis has been reported recently. The concept of ‘developmental fields’ describes morphogenetically reactive units of the embryo determining and controlling the development of complex structures in a hierarchical manner. Lateralization defects such as situs inversus, asplenia or polysplenia due to defective left–right axis development, as well as decussation defects such as ACC, are considered as defects of the primary developmental field. Therefore, additional callosal agenesis in Ivemark syndrome may be a coherent and synchronic defect in the primary developmental field rather than a causally independent malformation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degree of fetal umbilical venous constriction at the abdominal wall in a low‐risk population at 20–40 weeks of gestation
Authors: Skulstad Svein Magne , Kiserud Torvid , Rasmussen Svein
Published: November 2002

Objectives

To determine the degree of constriction of the umbilical vein at the abdominal wall in the second half of pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 283 low‐risk singleton pregnancies were recruited for a cross‐sectional study, and examined once at 20–40 weeks of gestation. Two sets of ultrasound measurements of the umbilical vein were taken: one at the fetal end of the umbilical cord and another at the inlet through the abdominal wall, the umbilical ring. The diameter was determined as an average of ≥5 repeat measurements. The blood velocity was recorded at the same site.

Results

The time‐averaged maximum venous blood velocity in the cord was low (mean 13–19 cm/s during 20–40 weeks of gestation), and the corresponding mean diameter 3.6–8.2 mm. In contrast, the mean of the venous blood velocity at the umbilical ring was 34–41 cm/s and the diameter was 2.8–5.9 mm during the same period. Of 191 pairs of observations, 41 (21%) had a velocity increment of ≥300 %, which corresponds to a diameter reduction to half or more at the umbilical ring.

Conclusion

Constriction of the umbilical ring is a common phenomenon in the second half of pregnancy. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type II single umbilical artery (persistent vitelline artery) in an otherwise normal fetus
Authors: Gamzu Ronni , Zalel Yaron , Jacobson Jeffrey M. , Screiber Leticia , Achiron Reuven
Published: November 2002

A single umbilical artery resulting from absence of the umbilical arteries and persistence of the vitelline artery that arises directly from the abdominal aorta has been described only in malformed fetuses with sirenomelia or caudal regression. Such an aberrant artery was suggested to be the etiology of sirenomelia caused by a ‘steal’ mechanism of blood flow from the caudal end of the embryo. We present a case in which prenatal ultrasound showed a similar aberrant single artery arising from the abdominal aorta in an otherwise normal fetus with a normal course of pregnancy. This vessel, a continuation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), corresponds to a persistent vitelline artery assuming the function of the umbilical arteries. The etiology of such a finding and its possible consequences are discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.