bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unprecedented accurate abundances: signatures of other Earths?
Authors: Meléndez Jorge , Asplund Martin , Gustafsson Bengt , Yong David , Ramírez Iván 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFor more than 140 years the chemical composition of our Sun has been considered typical of solar-type stars. Our highly differential elemental abundance analysis of unprecedented accuracy (~0.01 dex) of the Sun relative to solar twins, shows that the Sun has a peculiar chemical composition with a ≈20% depletion of refractory elements relative to the volatile elements in comparison with solar twins. The abundance differences correlate strongly with the condensation temperatures of the elements. A similar study of solar analogs from planet surveys shows that this peculiarity also holds in comparisons with solar analogs known to have close-in giant planets while the majority of solar analogs without detected giant planets show the solar abundance pattern. The peculiarities in the solar chemical composition can be explained as signatures of the formation of terrestrial planets like our own Earth.
Evolution of the abundance of biomolecules in the interstellar medium at the gas phase
Authors: Penteado Eduardo M. , Rocha-Pinto Helio J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractInterstellar clouds are the sites where many molecules believed important for the early life are produced. The collapse of such clouds may give birth to stars hosting planetary systems. During the formation of such systems, molecules formed in the molecular cloud, aggregated into grains, can be incorporated in protoplanets, influencing the chemical evolution of the environment, probably affecting the chances for appearance of life on rocky planets located at the stellar habitable zones. Moreover, small bodies, like comets, can carry some of these molecules to inner planets of their systems. Using astrochemical equations, we describe the evolution of the abundance of such molecules at the gas phase from several initial interstellar compositions. These varying initial chemical compositions consider the change of the elemental abundances predicted by a self-consistent model of the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. A system of first order differential equations that describes the abundances of each molecule is solved numerically. This poster describes an innovative attempt to link the astrochemistry equations with the Galactic chemical evolution.
Two millennia of North Atlantic seasonality and implications for Norse colonies
Authors: Patterson William P. , Dietrich Kristin A. , Holmden Chris , Andrews John T. 
Published: March 2010

δ
18
O values of mollusks recovered from near-shore marine cores in northwest Iceland quantify significant variation in seasonal temperature over the period from ∼360 B.C. to ∼A.D. 1660. Twenty-six aragonitic bivalve specimens were selected to represent intervals of climatic interest by using core sedimentological characteristics. Carbonate powder was sequentially micromilled from shell surfaces concordant with growth banding and analyzed for stable oxygen (
δ
18
O) and carbon (
δ
13
C) isotope values. Because
δ
18
O values record subseasonal temperature variation over the lifetime of the bivalves, these data provide the first 2,000-year secular record of North Atlantic seasonality from
ca.
360 cal yr B.C. to cal yr A.D. 1660. Notable cold periods (360 B.C. to 240 B.C.; A.D. 410; and A.D. 1380 to 1420) and warm periods (230 B.C. to A.D. 140 and A.D. 640 to 760) are resolved in terms of contrast between summer and winter temperatures and seasonal temperature variability. Literature from the Viking Age (
ca.
790 to 1070) during the establishment of Norse colonies (and later) in Iceland and Greenland permits comparisons between the
δ
18
O temperature record and historical records, thereby demonstrating the impact of seasonal climatic extremes on the establishment, development, and, in some cases, collapse of societies in the North Atlantic.
Intercalation as a means to suppress cyclization and promote polymerization of base-pairing oligonucleotides in a prebiotic world
Authors: Horowitz Eric D. , Engelhart Aaron E. , Chen Michael C. , Quarles Kaycee A. , Smith Michael W. , Lynn David G. , Hud Nicholas V. 
Published: March 2010

The RNA world hypothesis proposes that nucleic acids were once responsible for both information storage and chemical catalysis, before the advent of coded protein synthesis. However, it is difficult to imagine how nucleic acid polymers first appeared, as the abiotic chemical formation of long nucleic acid polymers from mononucleotides or short oligonucleotides remains elusive, and barriers to achieving this goal are substantial. One specific obstacle to abiotic nucleic acid polymerization is strand cyclization. Chemically activated short oligonucleotides cyclize efficiently, which severely impairs polymer growth. We show that intercalation, which stabilizes and rigidifies nucleic acid duplexes, almost totally eliminates strand cyclization, allowing for chemical ligation of tetranucleotides into duplex polymers of up to 100 base pairs in length. In contrast, when these reactions are performed in the absence of intercalators, almost exclusively cyclic tetra- and octanucleotides are produced. Intercalator-free polymerization is not observed, even at tetranucleotide concentrations > 10,000-fold greater than those at which intercalators enable polymerization. We also demonstrate that intercalation-mediated polymerization is most favored if the size of the intercalator matches that of the base pair; intercalators that bind to Watson–Crick base pairs promote the polymerization of oligonucleotides that form these base pairs. Additionally, we demonstrate that intercalation-mediated polymerization is possible with an alternative, non-Watson–Crick-paired duplex that selectively binds a complementary intercalator. These results support the hypothesis that intercalators (acting as ‘molecular midwives’) could have facilitated the polymerization of the first nucleic acids and possibly helped select the first base pairs, even if only trace amounts of suitable oligomers were available.
Feeding patterns of sitatunga (Tragelaphus Speki) in the Rushebeya‐Kanyabaha wetland, south western Uganda
Authors: Tweheyo Mnason , Amanya Bruce Kacebonaho , Turyahabwe Nelson 
Published: March 2010

AbstractFeeding patterns and habits of sitatunga were assessed in Rushebeya‐Kanyabaha wetland between June 2006 and July 2007. Sixty transects were cut at intervals of 250 m along which sitatunga dung piles, habitats used and diet were identified from feeding signs or plant damage. Household interviews were also conducted in villages adjacent to the wetland to understand plants and crops known to be fed on by sitatunga, type of damage, frequency of sitatunga farm visits and their methods to control crop raiding. Sitatunga mostly fed on leaves (60%) and in the wetland edge (WE) habitat (49%). Forty plant species were recorded to be eaten with herbs as majority (33%) and of crops sweet potatoes were most raided. Sitatungas are basically solitary species with 73% of the sightings being of a single individual. They had mornings and late evenings as their movement peaks and preferred to feed on broad leaved plants. There were significant relationships between both habitat use and food preferences with seasons. We predict that because of seasonal food variations, crop raiding would increase and may result into more negative attitudes by farmers to sitatunga. More research on farmers’ sensitization, population census, behaviours and ecotourism are necessary for this species conservation.
Wound infiltration for surgery
Authors: Scott N. B. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryWound infiltration with local anaesthetics is a simple, effective and inexpensive means of providing good analgesia for a variety of surgical procedures without any major side‐effects. In particular, local anaesthetic toxicity, wound infection and healing do not appear to be major considerations. The purpose of this review is to outline the existing literature on a procedure‐specific basis and to encourage a more widespread acceptance of the technique, ensuring that all layers are infiltrated in a controlled and meticulous manner.
Upper limb blocks
Authors: Russon K. , Pickworth T. , Harrop‐Griffiths W. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThis article discusses recent innovations and changes in practice in upper limb regional anaesthesia, dividing the blocks into those performed above the clavicle, those performed in the area of the clavicle and those performed below it. It offers a critical appraisal of the current status with regard to the use of ultrasound nerve location for upper limb regional anaesthesia and, while accepting that the use of ultrasound in this way has many theoretical advantages and will therefore continue to grow, concludes that there is currently insufficient published evidence to determine conclusively that the use of this technique is associated with nerve blocks that are more successful or safer.
Randomized trial of two schedules of low‐dose gemtuzumab ozogamicin as induction monotherapy for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia in older patients not considered candidates for intensive chemotherapy. A phase II study of the EORTC and GIMEMA leukaemia groups (AML‐19)
Authors: Amadori Sergio , Suciu Stefan , Selleslag Dominik , Stasi Roberto , Alimena Giuliana , Baila Liliana , Rizzoli Vittorio , Borlenghi Erika , Gaidano Gianluca , Magro Domenico , Torelli Giuseppe , Muus Petra , Venditti Adriano , Cacciola Emma , Lauria Francesco , Vignetti Marco , De Witte Theo 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThis study compared two schedules of low‐dose gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) as induction monotherapy for untreated acute myeloid leukaemia in older patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy, to identify the more promising regimen for further study. Patients were randomized to receive either best supportive care or a course of GO according to one of two schedules: 3 mg/m2 on days 1, 3 and 5 (arm A), or GO 6 mg/m2 on day 1 and 3 mg/m2 on day 8 (arm B). Primary endpoint was the rate of disease non‐progression (DnP), defined as the proportion of patients either achieving a response or maintaining a stable disease following GO induction in each arm. Fifty‐six patients were randomized in the two GO arms (A, n = 29; B, n = 27). The rate of DnP was 38% [90% confidence interval (CI), 23–55] in arm A, and 63% (90% CI, 45–78) in arm B. Peripheral cytopenias were the most common adverse events for both regimens. The all‐cause early mortality rate was 14% in arm A and 11% in arm B. The day 1 + 8 schedule, which was associated with the highest rate of DnP, met the statistical criteria to be selected as the preferred regimen for phase III comparison with best supportive care.
The impact of a complex care clinic in a children's hospital
Authors: Cohen E. , Friedman J. N. , Mahant S. , Adams S. , Jovcevska V. , Rosenbaum P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground  The number of medically complex and fragile children (MCFC) cared for in children's hospitals is growing, necessitating the need for optimal care co‐ordination. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of a nurse practitioner/paediatrician‐run complex care clinic in a tertiary care hospital on healthcare utilization, parental and primary care provider (PCP) perceptions of care and parental quality of life.Methods  MCFC and their parents were recruited for ambulatory follow‐up by the hospital team to complement care provided by the PCP in this mixed methods single centre pre‐ or post‐evaluative study. Parents participated in semi‐structured interviews within 48 h of discharge; further data were collected at 6 and 12 months. Healthcare utilization was compared with equal time periods pre‐enrolment. Parental health was assessed with the SF‐36; parental perceptions of care were assessed using the Larsen's Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Measure of Processes of Care; PCPs completed a questionnaire at 12 months. Parental and PCP comments were elicited. Comparisons were made with baseline data.Results  Twenty‐six children and their parental caregivers attended the complex care clinic. The number of days that children were admitted to hospital decreased from a median of 43 to 15 days, and outpatient visits increased from 2 to 8. Mean standardized scores on the SF‐36 increased (improved) for three domains related to mental health. A total of 24 PCPs responded to the questionnaire (92% response); most found the clinic helpful for MCFC and their families. Parents reported improvements in continuity of care, family‐centredness of care, comprehensiveness and thoroughness of care, but still experienced frustrations with access to services and miscommunication with the team.Conclusion  A collaborative medical home focused on integrating community‐ and hospital‐based services for MCFC is a promising service delivery model for future controlled evaluative studies.
The Lifestyle Behaviour Checklist: evaluation of the factor structure
Authors: West F. , Morawska A. , Joughin K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective  Childhood overweight and obesity have been identified as a significant global health problem, and have multiple health and socio‐emotional sequelae. The family context and parenting behaviours in particular play an important role in childhood overweight and obesity; however, limited research has explored the relationship between parenting and child obesity. The aim of this research was to refine the content of a tool designed to assess child lifestyle behaviour problems and parents' confidence in managing these behaviours.Design  Content revisions of the Lifestyle Behaviour Checklist (LBC) were undertaken, and the psychometric properties were examined.Subjects  One hundred and fifty‐six parents of an overweight or obese child completed the LBC, as well as questionnaires regarding child behaviour in general and parenting practices.Results  The results of this study support the validity of the revised LBC as a measure of parental concerns about weight‐related problem behaviour, and provide evidence for a four‐factor structure and strong internal consistency.
Nurses’ perceptions of individualized care
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Gustafsson Marja‐Liisa , Katajisto Jouko , Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: March 2010

suhonen r., gustafsson m.‐l., katajisto j., välimäki m. & leino‐kilpi h. (2010) Nurses’ perceptions of individualized care. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1035–1046.AbstractTitle.  Nurses’ perceptions of individualized care. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of nurses’ perceptions of individualized care, the factors associated with these perceptions, and nurses’ perceptions of the provision of individualized care in different types of healthcare organization.Background.  Although individualized care has been an internationally‐challenging and long‐standing research topic in nursing, the current literature on individualized care from the perspective of nurses is limited.Methods.  A cross‐sectional, descriptive and exploratory design using a questionnaire (Individualised Care Scale–Nurse) was employed to survey a stratified sample of 544 nurses (response rate 59%) working as Registered or Enrolled Nurses in one hospital district in Finland in 2008. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (General Linear Model, one‐way analysis of variance) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for reliability analysis.Results.  Nurses perceived that they supported patient individuality well and that the care they provided took into account patient individuality. Based on the General Linear Model, nurses’ background variables were not associated with their perceptions of individualized care delivery. However, between‐organization differences were found in all study variables: mental health ward nurses had the most positive perceptions, and nurses working in primary health centre long‐term care wards the lowest.Conclusion.  Healthcare organizations and work environments need to be evaluated as they may have an influence on individualized care provision. The Individualised Care Nurse instrument is sensitive to healthcare working environments and can be used in evaluating nurses’ perceptions of individualized care.
Socio‐demographic factors related to functional limitations and care dependency among older Egyptians
Authors: Boggatz Thomas , Farid Tamer , Mohammedin Ahmed , Dijkstra Ate , Lohrmann Christa , Dassen Theo 
Published: March 2010

boggatz t., farid t., mohammedin a., dijkstra a., lohrmann c. & dassen t. (2010) Socio‐demographic factors related to functional limitations and care dependency among older Egyptians. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(5), 1047–1058.AbstractTitle.  Socio‐demographic factors related to functional limitations and care dependency among older Egyptians. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study determining the relationship of socio‐demographic factors to functional limitations and care dependency among older care recipients and non‐care recipients in Egypt.Background.  The population is ageing in Egypt and age‐related functional limitations are increasing. Age and gender influence this phenomenon, but its relationship to socio‐economic status has not yet been demonstrated for Egypt. Functional limitations are an antecedent to care dependency, which also may be associated with these socio‐demographic factors.Method.  A cross‐sectional study with a two‐group comparative design was conducted in Greater Cairo. The sample was composed of 267 non‐care recipients and 344 care recipients. Path analysis was used to determine the relationship between variables. Age, gender and acceptance of care were covariates in the multiple regressions. Analyses were conducted separately for care recipients and non‐care recipients.Results.  Among non‐care recipients, lower socio‐economic status was related to more functional limitations and higher care dependency. This relationship was not found among care recipients.Conclusion.  Older persons from low income groups are more likely to become care dependent but are less able to pay for required care. Currently, untrained volunteer groups of religious organizations try to support these older people in the poorer strata of Egyptian society. Training in the basics of care might help to make their work more effective.
NOD2/CARD15 genotype, cardiovascular disease and cancer in 43 600 individuals from the general population
Authors: Yazdanyar S. , Nordestgaard B. G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract.  Yazdanyar S, Nordestgaard BG (Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen; and Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen; Herlev, Denmark). NOD2/CARD15 genotype, cardiovascular disease and cancer in 43 600 individuals from the general population. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 162–170.Objectives.  The NOD2/CARD15 gene is involved in the innate immune response, and thus in inflammation. Three polymorphisms in this gene (Arg702Trp rs2066844, Gly908Arg rs2066845 and Leu1007fsinsC rs5743293) have been associated with increased risk of the inflammatory bowel disease, the Crohn’s disease. We tested whether these polymorphisms are also associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, in which the innate immune system and inflammation may influence pathogenesis.Design, setting and subjects.  We genotyped 43 596 white individuals from two large Danish general population cohorts followed for 31 years: the Copenhagen City Heart Study (n = 10 597) and the Copenhagen General Population Study (n = 32 999). We examined the risk of cardiovascular disease (2743 and 3890, respectively, in the two studies) and cancer (2144 and 3241, respectively) by NOD2/CARD15 genotype using Cox and logistic regressions in both studies. To maximize statistical power, the three NOD2/CARD15 genetic variants were analysed together as follows: noncarriers for all three variants, heterozygotes for one of the three variants and homozygotes for one of the three variants pooled with compound heterozygotes for two variants.Results.  Multifactorially adjusted hazard ratios for cardiovascular disease and cancer in NOD2/CARD15 heterozygotes or homozygotes/compound heterozygotes versus noncarries did not differ from 1.0 in the Copenhagen City Heart Study or in the Copenhagen General Population Study. The corresponding multifactorially adjusted odds ratios likewise did not differ from 1.0 in either study.Conclusions.  The NOD2/CARD15 Arg702Trp, Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC polymorphisms were not associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer in the Danish general population.
Can small wildlife conservancies maintain genetically stable populations of large mammals? Evidence for increased genetic drift in geographically restricted populations of Cape buffalo in East Africa
Authors: HELLER R. , OKELLO J. B. A. , SIEGISMUND H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) is one of the dominant and most widespread herbivores in sub‐Saharan Africa. High levels of genetic diversity and exceptionally low levels of population differentiation have been found in the Cape buffalo compared to other African savannah ungulates. Patterns of genetic variation reveal large effective population sizes and indicate that Cape buffalos have historically been interbreeding across considerable distances. Throughout much of its range, the Cape buffalo is now largely confined to protected areas due to habitat fragmentation and increasing human population densities, possibly resulting in genetic erosion. Ten buffalo populations in Kenya and Uganda were examined using seventeen microsatellite markers to assess the regional genetic structure and the effect of protected area size on measures of genetic diversity. Two nested levels of genetic structure were identified: a higher level partitioning populations into two clusters separated by the Victoria Nile and a lower level distinguishing seven genetic clusters, each defined by one or two study populations. Although relatively small geographic distances separate most of the study populations, the level of genetic differentiation found here is comparable to that among pan‐African populations. Overall, correlations between conservancy area and indices of genetic diversity suggest buffalo populations inhabiting small parks are showing signs of genetic erosion, stressing the need for more active management of such populations. Our findings raise concerns about the future of other African savannah ungulates with lower population sizes and inferior dispersal capabilities compared with the buffalo.