bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the occurrence of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) larvae in the northern Gulf of Mexico: building a classification model from archival data
Authors: MUHLING BARBARA A. , LAMKIN JOHN T. , ROFFER MITCHELL A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAlthough bluefin tuna are found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, spawning in the western Atlantic has been recorded predominantly in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) in spring. Larval bluefin tuna abundances from the northern GOM are formulated into an index used to tune the adult stock assessment, and the variability of this index is currently high. This study investigated whether some of the variability in larval bluefin tuna abundances was related to environmental conditions, by defining associations between larval bluefin tuna catch locations, and a suite of environmental variables. We hypothesized that certain habitat types, as defined by environmental variables, would be more likely to contain bluefin tuna larvae. Favorable habitat for bluefin tuna larvae was defined using a classification tree approach. Habitat within the Loop Current was generally less favorable, as were warm‐core rings, and cooler waters on the continental shelf. The location and size of favorable habitat was highly variable among years, which was reflected in the locations of larval bluefin tuna catches. The model successfully placed bluefin tuna larvae in favorable habitat with nearly 90% accuracy, but many negative stations were also located within theoretically favorable habitat. The probability of collecting larval bluefin tuna in favorable habitat was nearly twice the probability of collecting bluefin tuna larvae across all habitats (35.5 versus 21.0%). This model is a useful addition to knowledge of larval bluefin tuna distributions; however, the incorporation of variables describing finer‐scale features, such as thermal fronts, may significantly improve the model’s predictive power.
Functional characterization of pheromone receptors in the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens
Authors: Wang G. , Vásquez G. M. , Schal C. , Zwiebel L. J. , Gould F. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFunctional analyses of candidate Heliothis virescens pheromone odorant receptors (HvORs) were conducted using heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. HvOR6 was found to be highly tuned to Z9‐14:Ald, while HvOR13, HvOR14 and HvOR16 showed specificity for Z11‐16:Ald, Z11‐16:OAc and Z11‐16:OH, respectively. HvOR15, which had been considered a candidate receptor for Z9‐14:Ald did not respond to any of the pheromone compounds tested, nor to 50 other general odorants. Thus, while HvOR15 is specifically expressed in H. virescens male antennae, its role in pheromone reception remains unknown. Based on our results and previous research we can now assign pheromone receptors in H. virescens males to each of the critical H. virescens agonistic pheromone compounds and two antagonistic compounds produced by heterospecific females.
Conventional progesterone receptors (PR) B and PRA are expressed in human spermatozoa and may be involved in the pathophysiology of varicocoele: a role for progesterone in metabolism
Authors: De Amicis F. , Guido C. , Perrotta I. , Avena P. , Panza S. , Andò S. , Aquila S. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe physiological roles of intracellular progesterone (PRG) receptors (PRs) have been studied intensively in female mammals, while their functions in male are scarce. Conventional PRs were evidenced in our study by Western blotting, concomitantly in healthy spermatozoa and in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic samples without and with varicocoele. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of the PRs on the membrane as well as in the nucleus, mitochondria and flagellum. A reduced expression of the PRs was observed only in varicocoele spermatozoa. Responses to PRG treatment on cholesterol efflux, tyrosine phosphorylation, src and Akt activities, acrosin activity and acrosome reaction in varicocoele spermatozoa were reduced or absent. To further investigate PRG significance in human male gamete, we focused its action on lipid and glucose metabolism. The evaluation of the triglycerides content, lipase and acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activities suggests that PRG through the PRs exerts a lipolytic effect on human spermatozoa. An increase in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity was also obtained, evidencing a role for PRG on glucose metabolism. In ‘varicocoele’ spermatozoa, the PRG did not induce energy consumption. The action of PRs on sperm metabolism is a novel finding that renews the importance of PRG in male fertility. Our results showed that varicocoele may lead to male factor infertility by a mechanism involving a decreased PR expression in human spermatozoa that evidences a detrimental effect on spermatozoa at the molecular level, going beyond the abnormal sperm morphology described to date.
Nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning in higher education
Authors: Moule Pam , Ward Rod , Lockyer Lesley 
Published: October 2010

moule p., ward r. & lockyer l. (2010) Nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning in higher education. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(12), 2785–2795.AbstractAim.  This paper presents research on nursing and healthcare students’ experiences and use of e‐learning.Background.  The inception of e‐learning in higher education is supported by a policy background and technological developments, yet little is known of student experience and use in the United Kingdom.Methods.  Conducted in 2007 and 2008, this study employed a mixed methods approach. An initial quantitative questionnaire was completed by 25 Higher Education Institutions and nine case study sites were visited. In the sites 41 students took part in focus groups and 35 staff were interviewed.Findings.  Twenty‐four Higher Education Institutions used a virtual learning environment and all respondents used e‐learning to enable access to course materials and web‐based learning resources. Three main themes were identified from student interviews, ‘Pedagogic use’; ‘Factors inhibiting use’ and ‘Facilitating factors to engagement’. Student’s main engagement with e‐learning was at an instructivist level and as a support to existing face‐to‐face modes of delivery. Student use of Web 2.0 was limited, although a number were using social software at home. Limited computer access, computing skills, technical issues and poor peer commitment affected use. Motivation and relevance to the course and practice, in addition to an appreciation of the potential for student‐centred and flexible learning, facilitated use.Conclusion.  There is scope to broaden the use of e‐learning that would engage students in the social construction of knowledge. In addition, experiences of e‐learning use could be improved if factors adversely affecting engagement were addressed.
The nature and impact of collaboration and integrated service delivery for pregnant women, children and families
Authors: Schmied Virginia , Mills Annie , Kruske Sue , Kemp Lynn , Fowler Cathrine , Homer Caroline 
Published: October 2010

Aim.  This paper explores the impact of models of integrated services for pregnant women, children and families and the nature of collaboration between midwives, child and family health nurses and general practitioners.Background.  Increasingly, maternity and child health services are establishing integrated service models to meet the needs of pregnant women, children and families particularly those vulnerable to poor outcomes. Little is known about the nature of collaboration between professionals or the impact of service integration across universal health services.Design.  Discursive paper.Methods.  A literature search was conducted using a range of databases and combinations of relevant keywords to identify papers reporting the process, and/or outcomes of collaboration and integrated models of care.Results.  There is limited literature describing models of collaboration or reporting outcomes. Several whole‐of‐government and community‐based integrated service models have been trialled with varying success. Effective communication mechanisms and professional relationships and boundaries are key concerns. Liaison positions, multidisciplinary teams and service co‐location have been adopted to communicate information, facilitate transition of care from one service or professional to another and to build working relationships.Conclusions.  Currently, collaboration between universal health services predominantly reflects initiatives to move services from the level of coexistence to models of cooperation and coordination.Relevance to clinical practice.  Integrated service models are changing the way professionals are working. Collaboration requires knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of colleagues and skill in communicating effectively with a diverse range of professionals to establish care pathways with referral and feedback mechanisms that generate collegial respect and trust.
Investigating factors associated with functional constipation of primary school children in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Chan Yuk Ling 
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To examine what factors were associated with functional constipation amongst primary school students.Background.  Constipation in school‐age children has also been brought to the attention of health care researchers because this requires long‐term therapy. The prognosis of functional constipation is vague because it has many causative factors. In fact, the focus on constipation in the health care system is always placed on medical management, rather than prevention.Design.  A descriptive survey.Method.  The survey was conducted on March 2008 at one primary school in Hong Kong; 383 children who are studying in primary 3–5 aged from 8–10 completed a questionnaire. Three main outcome variables were employed in the study: demographic, constipation assessment scale and dietary and environmental factors.Results.  There were 7·3% students with functional constipation. Students who were age ∼10 (p < 0·001), with a total daily fluid intake (200 ml/cup) of 3–4 cups (p < 0·001) or +5 cups (p < 0·001) and preference for eating fruit and vegetables (p < 0·001) were less likely to have functional constipation.Conclusion.  The findings should aid paediatric health care professionals and parents to gain a more profound understanding of the nature and prevention of functional constipation. To help primary school students and their parents to cope with functional constipation, greater familiarity with its prevalence and the characteristics of its contributory factors is needed. It is hoped that this could providing a better understanding and awareness of this issue and that it will encourage setting up strategies to decrease the morbidity and diminish the negative consequences of functional constipation for primary school students.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can act as advocators for primary school students, parents and school teachers in understanding and preventing functional constipation.
GYNOTEL: telephone advice to gynaecological surgical patients after discharge
Authors: Caljouw Monique AA , Hogendorf‐Burgers Marja EHJ 
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  To investigate in surgical gynaecological patients the types of health problems arising or persisting up to six weeks after discharge and the effectiveness of telephone advice.Background.  The decreasing length of hospital stay has increased the need for specific instructions about the postdischarge period. Telephone advice could be a valuable tool to address this problem. To our knowledge, postdischarge health problems and the value of telephone advice have not been investigated among gynaecological patients.Design.  Randomised controlled trial.Methods.  Gynaecological patients expected to stay in the ward longer than 24 hour were invited to participate. A pilot study showed that wound healing, pain, mobility, urination, defecation and vaginal bleeding were the most common health problems postdischarge. Based on that information, guidelines were formulated that were used by trained nurses to give telephone advice to the intervention group (n = 235), in addition to the usual care. The control group of gynaecological patients (n = 233) received usual care only.Results.  Of all 468 participants, about 50% were operated for general gynaecology. At discharge, wound pain (56%), mobility problems (54%) and constipation (27%) were the most frequently mentioned problems in both groups. Participants who completely followed the advice with regard to wound healing (p = 0·02), pain (p = 0·01), vaginal bleeding (p = 0·03) and mobility (p = 0·04) experienced greater improvement than participants who did not follow, or only partly followed, the advice.Conclusions.  The telephone advice appears to make a significant contribution to help gynaecological surgical patients to solve or reduce their postdischarge health problems.Relevance to clinical practice.  The positive effect of such advice can be interpreted as an improvement in the quality of life of the postoperative gynaecological patient.
Concurrent analysis: towards generalisable qualitative research
Authors: Snowden Austyn , Martin Colin R 
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study develops an original method of qualitative analysis coherent with its interpretivist principles. The objective is to increase the likelihood of achieving generalisability and so improve the chance of the findings being translated into practice.Background.  Good qualitative research depends on coherent analysis of different types of data. The limitations of existing methodologies are first discussed to justify the need for a novel approach. To illustrate this approach, primary evidence is presented using the new methodology. The primary evidence consists of a constructivist grounded theory of how mental health nurses with prescribing authority integrate prescribing into practice. This theory is built concurrently from interviews, reflective accounts and case study data from the literature.Design.  Concurrent analysis.Method.  Ten research articles and 13 semi‐structured interviews were sampled purposively and then theoretically and analysed concurrently using constructivist grounded theory.Results.  A theory of the process of becoming competent in mental health nurse prescribing was generated through this process. This theory was validated by 32 practising mental health nurse prescribers as an accurate representation of their experience.Conclusions.  The methodology generated a coherent and generalisable theory. It is therefore claimed that concurrent analysis engenders consistent and iterative treatment of different sources of qualitative data in a manageable manner. This process supports facilitation of the highest standard of qualitative research.Relevance to clinical practice.  Concurrent analysis removes the artificial delineation of relevant literature from other forms of constructed data. This gives researchers clear direction to treat qualitative data consistently raising the chances of generalisability of the findings. Raising the generalisability of qualitative research will increase its chances of informing clinical practice.
Contemporary cosmetic surgery: the potential risks and relevance for practice
Authors: Gilmartin Jo 
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  To examine and critique the risks of cosmetic surgery and consider implications for practice.Background.  Cosmetic surgery is a growing industry with a significant global phenomenon. Feminists have been critical of aesthetic surgery practice, offering a range of representations in regard to ‘identity’, ‘normality’, ‘cultural and social pressures’, ‘agency’ and ‘self‐enhancement’. Discourses around minimising risk information acknowledge deficits in not supplying patients with full risk information. The results are usually devastating and lead to serious health complications that incisively diminish well‐being for patients and increase health costs.Design.  Critical review.Method.  This paper represents a critical review of risks associated with cosmetic surgery. A Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline) and British Nursing Index (BNI) search with relevant key words were undertaken and selected exemplary articles and research describing and/or evaluating cosmetic surgery risk. Only papers in the English language from 1982–2009 were reviewed. The papers examined were mainly empirical studies; some opinion papers, policy documents, textbooks and websites were examined too.Conclusion.  The literature revealed that several factors influence consumer risks including regulation vagaries, medicalisation processes, fear of ageing discrimination, wanting to avoid ethnic prejudice and media pressure. Government strategies in the United Kingdom (UK) have attempted to improve clinical standards; however, little attempt has been made globally to raise institutional and professional awareness of the huge impact of cultural and social pressures on consumers.Relevance to clinical practice.  Avoiding shattering complications by improving the provision of risk information for patients is a worthwhile goal. Therefore, health professionals need to consider consumer rights and autonomy more carefully, facilitate rigorous screening and develop knowledge in regard to relational autonomy and alternative interventions.
FtsK – a bacterial cell division checkpoint?
Authors: Grainge Ian 
Published: October 2010

SummaryFtsK is a multifunctional, multidomain protein that acts to co‐ordinate chromosome unlinking, segregation and cell division. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, the report by Dubarry et al. reveals new insight into the surprisingly complex relationship between the different activities of FtsK. The new study makes extensive use of fusion proteins to highlight the role of the FtsK ‘linker’ domain in helping to co‐ordinate these processes. This, taken together with previous studies, suggests that FtsK is intimately involved in septum constriction, physically contacting several other divisome proteins. Further, it is attractive to speculate that FtsK can regulate the late stages of septation to act as a checkpoint to ensure DNA is fully cleared from the septum before it is allowed to close, as well as being the driving force to unlink the chromosomes and segregate the DNA away from the septum.
Molecular recognition determinants for type IV secretion of diverse families of conjugative relaxases
Authors: Lang Silvia , Gruber Karl , Mihajlovic Sanja , Arnold Roland , Gruber Christian J. , Steinlechner Sonja , Jehl Marc‐Andre , Rattei Thomas , Fröhlich Kai‐Uwe , Zechner Ellen L. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryIn preparation for transfer conjugative type IV secretion systems (T4SS) produce a nucleoprotein adduct containing a relaxase enzyme covalently linked to the 5′ end of single‐stranded plasmid DNA. The bound relaxase is expected to present features necessary for selective recognition by the type IV coupling protein (T4CP), which controls substrate entry to the envelope spanning secretion machinery. We prove that the IncF plasmid R1 relaxase TraI is translocated to the recipient cells. Using a Cre recombinase assay (CRAfT) we mapped two internally positioned translocation signals (TS) on F‐like TraI proteins that independently mediate efficient recognition and secretion. Tertiary structure predictions for the TS matched best helicase RecD2 from Deinococcus radiodurans. The TS is widely conserved in MOBF and MOBQ families of relaxases. Structure/function relationships within the TS were identified by mutation. A key residue in specific recognition by T4CP TraD was revealed by a fidelity switch phenotype for an F to plasmid R1 exchange L626H mutation. Finally, we show that physical linkage of the relaxase catalytic domain to a TraI TS is necessary for efficient conjugative transfer.
Review: Leucocyte–endothelial cell crosstalk at the blood–brain barrier: A prerequisite for successful immune cell entry to the brain
Authors: Greenwood J. , Heasman S. J. , Alvarez J. I. , Prat A. , Lyck R. , Engelhardt B. 
Published: October 2010

J. Greenwood, S. J. Heasman, J. I. Alvarez, A. Prat, R. Lyck and B. Engelhardt (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 24–39 Leucocyte–endothelial cell crosstalk at the blood–brain barrier: A prerequisite for successful immune cell entry to the brainLeucocyte migration into the central nervous system is a key stage in the development of multiple sclerosis. While much has been learnt regarding the sequential steps of leucocyte capture, adhesion and migration across the vasculature, the molecular basis of leucocyte extravasation is only just being unravelled. It is now recognized that bidirectional crosstalk between the immune cell and endothelium is an essential element in mediating diapedesis during both normal immune surveillance and under inflammatory conditions. The induction of various signalling networks, through engagement of cell surface molecules such as integrins on the leucocyte and immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules on the endothelial cell, play a major role in determining the pattern and route of leucocyte emigration. In this review we discuss the extent of our knowledge regarding leucocyte migration across the blood–brain barrier and in particular the endothelial cell signalling pathways contributing to this process.
Glycinebetaine protects plants against abiotic stress: mechanisms and biotechnological applications
Authors: CHEN TONY H. H. , MURATA NORIO 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTVarious compatible solutes enable plants to tolerate abiotic stress, and glycinebetaine (GB) is one of the most‐studied among such solutes. Early research on GB focused on the maintenance of cellular osmotic potential in plant cells. Subsequent genetically engineered synthesis of GB‐biosynthetic enzymes and studies of transgenic plants demonstrated that accumulation of GB increases tolerance of plants to various abiotic stresses at all stages of their life cycle. Such GB‐accumulating plants exhibit various advantageous traits, such as enlarged fruits and flowers and/or increased seed number under non‐stress conditions. However, levels of GB in transgenic GB‐accumulating plants are relatively low being, generally, in the millimolar range. Nonetheless, these low levels of GB confer considerable tolerance to various stresses, without necessarily contributing significantly to cellular osmotic potential. Moreover, low levels of GB, applied exogenously or generated by transgenes for GB biosynthesis, can induce the expression of certain stress‐responsive genes, including those for enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species. Thus, transgenic approaches that increase tolerance to abiotic stress have enhanced our understanding of mechanisms that protect plants against such stress.