bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immediate and long‐term nitrogen oxide emissions from tropical forest soils exposed to elevated nitrogen input
Authors: KOEHLER BIRGIT , CORRE MARIFE D. , VELDKAMP EDZO , WULLAERT HANS , WRIGHT S. JOSEPH 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTropical nitrogen (N) deposition is projected to increase substantially within the coming decades. Increases in soil emissions of the climate‐relevant trace gases NO and N2O are expected, but few studies address this possibility. We used N addition experiments to achieve N‐enriched conditions in contrasting montane and lowland forests and assessed changes in the timing and magnitude of soil N‐oxide emissions. We evaluated transitory effects, which occurred immediately after N addition, and long‐term effects measured at least 6 weeks after N addition. In the montane forest where stem growth was N limited, the first‐time N additions caused rapid increases in soil N‐oxide emissions. During the first 2 years of N addition, annual N‐oxide emissions were five times (transitory effect) and two times (long‐term effect) larger than controls. This contradicts the current assumption that N‐limited tropical montane forests will respond to N additions with only small and delayed increases in soil N‐oxide emissions. We attribute this fast and large response of soil N‐oxide emissions to the presence of an organic layer (a characteristic feature of this forest type) in which nitrification increased substantially following N addition. In the lowland forest where stem growth was neither N nor phosphorus (P) limited, the first‐time N additions caused only gradual and minimal increases in soil N‐oxide emissions. These first N additions were completed at the beginning of the wet season, and low soil water content may have limited nitrification. In contrast, the 9‐ and 10‐year N‐addition plots displayed instantaneous and large soil N‐oxide emissions. Annual N‐oxide emissions under chronic N addition were seven times (transitory effect) and four times (long‐term effect) larger than controls. Seasonal changes in soil water content also caused seasonal changes in soil N‐oxide emissions from the 9‐ and 10‐year N‐addition plots. This suggests that climate change scenarios, where rainfall quantity and seasonality change, will alter the relative importance of soil NO and N2O emissions from tropical forests exposed to elevated N deposition.
Wine cluster formation in New Zealand: operation, evolution and impact
Authors: Dana Leo P. , Winstone Kate E. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis paper analyses the Waipara wine cluster, located in the South Island of New Zealand, in relation to formation, operation, evolution and impact. The unique methodological approach of this research is that it analyses the current and desired future state of the cluster and secondly examines the cluster in relation to both the domestic and international markets. Key findings from the research include a greater understanding of the relationships between cluster members, the operation of cluster, problems within the cluster and how the cluster operates for both domestic and international markets. The research lends itself to a new definition of internationalisation –‘direct and indirect methods of increasing the likelihood of international sales’– and also provides new insights for cluster theory, wine clusters and the wine industry in general. Some of the practices detailed have use in the wider wine community of the world, making the paper of interest to a wide audience.
Cross‐cultural factors in disclosure of intimate partner violence: an integrated review
Authors: Montalvo‐Liendo Nora 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTitle. Cross‐cultural factors in disclosure of intimate partner violence: an integrated review.Aim. This paper is a report of an integrated review to identify cross‐cultural factors that have an impact on women’s disclosure of intimate partner violence, specifically related to Mexican‐American women.Background. Intimate partner violence was once recognized as a private matter. Disclosure is a complex concept; furthermore in our multi‐cultural society, a woman’s decision whether or not to disclose abuse can be attributed to several factors influenced by her culture.Data sources. The World Wide Web and multiple databases including Academic Premier, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychArticles, PsychInfo, Medline, Eric, MedicLatina, and Psychology and Behavioral Science Collection were searched for studies published between 1996 and 2007.Methods. A search was conducted using databases including the CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC and MedicLatina. Both qualitative and quantitative studies published between May 1996 and July 2007 were included. Forty‐two studies were included in the review. Appraisal of study quality was not undertaken.Results. Fear was the most common cross‐cultural factor interfering with disclosure. Most of the literature examines factors influencing and interfering with disclosure of abuse among white and African‐American women. Only one study was found to include a sample of Mexican‐American women.Conclusion. Increased efforts are needed to understand disclosure of intimate partner violence in minority women so that service providers can tailor services and ways to encourage disclosure with appropriate strategies based on women’s culture. Further research is needed to understand the lived experiences of minority women, including Mexican‐American women living in intimate partner violence.
Being a personal preceptor for nursing students: Registered Nurses’ experiences before and after introduction of a preceptor model
Authors: Hallin Karin , Danielson Ella 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTitle.  Being a personal preceptor for nursing students: Registered Nurses’ experiences before and after introduction of a preceptor model. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to compare Registered Nurses’ experiences of acting as personal preceptors for nursing students in the year 2000 with the year 2006 and explores relationships between preceptors’ experiences and personal/clinical characteristics.Background.  Preceptoring is experienced as stressful and challenging. How successful preceptors are in this role depends largely on the support they receive. Knowledge about preceptors’ experiences over time and in relation to a preceptor model is limited.Method.  Data were collected by questionnaire in 2000 (n = 113) and 2006 (n = 109) with preceptor groups in a hospital in Sweden before and after introduction of a preceptor model. Data were analysed with descriptive and correlational statistics using parametric and non‐parametric methods.Findings.  Statistically significant improvements were noted in preceptors’ experiences between 2000 and 2006. Statistically significantly more preceptors in 2006 reported that they felt prepared for their role and felt support from teachers, colleagues, chief nurses and enrolled nurses. Least improvement was seen in relation to the questionnaire items workload, constructive feedback and support in linking research results to practice. A strong positive relationship existed between preceptors’ experiences of the preceptor role and the level of interest in preceptoring.Conclusion.  The preceptor model offers a way to support and facilitate preceptors and to develop co‐operation between university and hospital. Future research should focus on students’ experiences, experiences of first‐time preceptors, head preceptors and teachers from a longitudinal perspective.
An fMRI investigation of working memory and sadness in females with bipolar disorder: a brief report
Authors: Deckersbach Thilo , Rauch Scott L , Buhlmann Ulrike , Ostacher Michael J , Beucke Jan‐Carl , Nierenberg Andrew A , Sachs Gary , Dougherty Darin D 
Published: November 2008

Objective: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have documented abnormalities in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex in bipolar disorder in the context of working memory tasks. It is increasingly recognized that DLPFC regions play a role in mood regulation and the integration of emotion and cognition. The purpose of the present study was to investigate with fMRI the interaction between acute sadness and working memory functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.Methods: Nine depressed individuals with DSM‐IV bipolar I disorder (BP‐I) and 17 healthy control participants matched for age, gender, education, and IQ completed a 2‐back working memory paradigm under no mood induction, neutral state, or acute sadness conditions while undergoing fMRI scanning. Functional MRI data were analyzed with SPM2 using a random‐effects model.Results: Behaviorally, BP‐I subjects performed equally well as control participants on the 2‐back working memory paradigm. Compared to control participants, individuals with BP‐I were characterized by more sadness‐specific activation increases in the left DLPFC (BA 9/46) and left dorsal anterior cingulate (dACC).Conclusions: Our study documents sadness‐specific abnormalities in the left DLPFC and dACC in bipolar disorder that suggest difficulties in the integration of emotion (sadness) and cognition. These preliminary findings require further corroboration with larger sample sizes of medication‐free subjects.
Neuropsychological and electrophysiological indices of neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar II disorder
Authors: Andersson Stein , Barder Helene E , Hellvin Tone , Løvdahl Hans , Malt Ulrik F 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  There are conflicting findings regarding the nature and degree of neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar II disorder (BD II). The aim of this study was to describe different levels of neurocognitive functioning in BD II by combining behavior‐based methods (neuropsychological testing) and event‐related potentials (ERP).Methods:  Twenty‐five consecutively referred outpatients fulfilling DSM‐IV criteria for BD II and 28 matched controls performed a neuropsychological test battery targeting working memory/attention, executive functions, verbal and visual memory, and psychomotor speed. In addition, ERPs for measuring early and controlled stages of information processing were recorded using a duration mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm and a three‐tone auditory oddball paradigm.Results:  Compared to controls, BD II patients’ performance was significantly impaired on all neuropsychological measures, except for phonemic verbal fluency, with moderate to strong effect sizes ranging from 0.62 to 1.34. The ERP results indicate dysfunctions in early stages of information processing, showing a significant MMN latency increase and attenuated frontal amplitudes in BD II patients. Female patients showed increased P3a latency compared to female controls, but no group differences were found for P3b latency or amplitude, the ERP component expressing controlled information processing.Conclusions:  The functional significance of neuropsychological impairment is discussed. Differences regarding some aspects of executive function may be related to psychomotor speed, and not primarily to dysexecutive functioning. ERP results must be interpreted with caution, but the differences found in MMN latency and amplitudes may be related to fronto‐temporal circuitry underlying pre‐attentive stimulus change detection as measured by MMN, and are discussed in relation to previous research on MMN in other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Cognitive functioning in euthymic bipolar I and bipolar II patients
Authors: Dittmann Sandra , Hennig‐Fast Kristina , Gerber Sonja , Seemüller Florian , Riedel Michael , Emanuel Severus W , Langosch Jens , Engel Rolf R , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Grunze Heinz C 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  There is growing evidence of cognitive impairment as a trait factor in bipolar disorder. The generalizability of this finding is limited because previous studies have either focussed exclusively on bipolar I disorder or have analysed mixed patient groups. Thus, it is still largely unknown whether bipolar II patients perform differently from bipolar I patients on measures of cognitive functioning.Methodology:  A total of 65 patients with bipolar I disorder, 38 with bipolar II disorder, and 62 healthy controls participated in the study. Patients had to be euthymic for at least one month. Clinical and demographic variables were collected in a clinical interview and with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Cognitive functioning was assessed using a neuropsychological battery. Univariate and multivariate analyses of variance were conducted for analyzing possible differences between the groups.Results:  The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated overall differences in neuropsychological performance between the three groups (Pillai Spur: F 1.96, p = 0.003). Post hoc comparisons revealed that patients with bipolar I disorder showed significantly lower scores in psychomotor speed, working memory, verbal learning, delayed memory, and executive functions than healthy controls. Patients with bipolar II disorder showed significant deficits in psychomotor speed, working memory, visual/constructional abilities, and executive functions compared to controls, but not on verbal learning and delayed memory. The two patient groups did not differ significantly from each other on any domain tested.Conclusion:  These results support a similar pattern of cognitive deficits in both subtypes of bipolar disorder.
Codeposition of dNTPs Detection for Rapid LAMP‐based Sexing of Bovine Embryos
Authors: Zhang Z‐P , Zhang Y , Liu J‐P , Zhang J‐T , An Z‐X , Quan F‐S , Zhang L , Cai X , Pu SWJ 
Published: November 2008

ContentsLoop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid amplification method with high specificity and rapidity under isothermal conditions. According to the LAMP method, a rapid and simple detection system was established for bovine embryo sexing. Two sets of primers were designed by targeting the bovine male‐specific sequence and bovine common sequence respectively. The reaction condition of the detection system was optimized within 60 min under isothermal conditions of 65°C by detection of the reaction mixture on agarose gel. Especially, the primers F2 and B2 could replace the F3 and B3 as outer primers, making the primer design simpler and the amplification efficiency higher. Additionally, codeposition of dNTPs was firstly performed to detect the reaction products by addition of 1 μl 0.1 mm CuSO4, the visible ring‐shaped deposit was found in the middle of the reaction tube with negative mixture. It could be employed as an alternative method in the detection of the reaction products in place of the time‐consuming electrophoresis or the turbidity meter. Furthermore, the embryo sexing system was carried out in the embryo transfer and achieved 98% of efficiency and 99.5% of accuracy.
Expression of Interferon‐tau mRNA in Bovine Embryos Derived from Different Procedures
Authors: Yao N , Wan P‐C , Hao Z‐D , Gao F‐F , Yang L , Cui M‐S , Wu Y , Liu J‐H , Liu S , Chen H , Zeng S‐M 
Published: November 2008

ContentsInterferon‐tau (IFN‐τ) is a secreted conceptus protein which plays a critical role in the establishment of ruminant pregnancy by its antiluteolytic and antiviral effects. In the present study, we hypothesized that IFN‐τ expression was temporally and spatially regulated in different pre‐implantation embryos and the levels of IFN‐τ expression were different among bovine embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). By using in situ hybridization with Digoxingenin (DIG)‐labelled IFN‐τ cDNA as a probe, we detected IFN‐τ mRNA in bovine embryos from days 3 to 9 in culture. However, the timing of the initiation of IFN‐τ mRNA expression was different among PA, IVF and SCNT embryos. Interferon‐τ mRNA was first expressed in 16‐cell stage IVF embryos on day 4, in SCNT morula on day 5 and early PA blastocyst on day 6. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of IFN‐τ mRNA did not differ significantly among IVF, SCNT and PA embryos on day 7. In addition, freezing and thawing did not have a major impact either on IFN‐τ mRNA expression in IVF or in vivo‐produced bovine blastocysts.
Formation of Corpora Lutea and Central Luteal Cavities and Their Relationship with Plasma Progesterone Levels and Other Metabolic Parameters in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Perez‐Marin C 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe corpus luteum (CL) may be looked upon as a compact or cavitary structure. A number of papers have addressed the relationship between CL type and parameters such as fertility or progesterone levels. The present study assessed the morphological and functional sequence observed in cows with different CL types, comparing pre‐ovulatory follicle size, progesterone levels, luteal tissue formation and some blood biochemical parameters (calcium, albumin, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, magnesium, copper and zinc), oestrus cycle length and oestrus expression, as a function of CL type. Twenty‐eight lactating dairy cows from two commercial dairy farms in southern Spain were studied. Oestrus detection was performed by monitoring daily oestrus behaviour, and artificial insemination (AI) was perfomed using the AM/PM rule. Ovaries and uterus were sonographically examined and blood samples were collected to measure progesterone and various biochemical parameters. There was a slight tendency towards the appearance of luteal cavities when pre‐ovulatory follicles were larger (1.9 ± 0.2 vs 1.7 ± 03; p = 0.074). Fertility was not affected by cavity presence (cavity = 42.9% and compact = 57.1%; n.s.). Luteal tissue and function were not modified as a function of CL type. Cows with luteal cavities displayed significantly higher levels of albumin, suggesting a possible metabolic influence on the formation of these structures, although specific research is required to confirm this observation.
Transcriptional regulatory defects in the first intron of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase
Authors: Shin Dong‐Min , Jo Eun‐Kyeong , Kanegane Hirokazu , Futatani Takeshi , Zhao Meina , Song Chang‐Hwa , Yamagishi Atsushi , Miyawaki Toshio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), characterized by the early onset of recurrent bacterial infections, profound hypogammaglobulinemia, and a markedly diminished number of peripheral B lymphocytes, is caused by mutations in the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene. The >600 unique mutations identified to date include single base pair substitutions, small insertions or deletions, and gross deletions. A few cases, however, have been found to have no mutations in the coding region even with reduced BTK mRNA or protein expression. Mutations in intron 1 positions +5 (G→A) and +6 (T→G) of the BTK gene have been identified, and these changes were associated with reduced transcriptional activity.Methods: In the present study a novel mutation in intron 1 position +5 (G→T) was identified in a Japanese patient with XLA. The reporter constructs containing these mutations were made, and the reporter activities were measured using a luciferase assay.Results: All the mutant constructs were demonstrated to have reduced transcriptional activity.Conclusions: Positions +5 and +6 in intron 1 of the BTK gene are critical for transcriptional activity, and defects in these regions cause XLA.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate: Outcome according to the prostate size in a series of 102 Japanese patients
Authors: Nomura Hiroyuki , Seki Narihito , Yamaguchi Akito , Naito Seiji 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:  To identify the efficacy and safety of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in relation to the prostate size in subjects with benign prostatic enlargement.Methods:  The prospective study included 102 Japanese patients who underwent PVP. The efficacy and morbidity following PVP were compared in groups classified according to the baseline prostate size: prostates <40 cm3 (group 1, n = 25), 40 cm3 ≤ prostates <80 cm3 (group 2, n = 53), and 80 cm3 ≤ prostates (group 3, n = 24). Each subgroup was assessed for the treatment efficacy in terms of peak urinary flow rate, post‐void residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, and quality‐of‐life score at 3, 6 and 12 months after PVP.Results:  Except for a difference in International Prostate Symptom Score (group 2 vs 3) and peak urinary flow rate (groups 1 vs 3) at 6 months after PVP, no significant differences were observed among the groups in the level of improvement in each outcome variable. The efficacy of vaporization was significantly lower in group 1 (P < 0.05, group 1 vs 2 or 3). The hemoglobin loss after PVP did not differ substantially among the groups. No statistically significant difference was found among the three groups regarding the total incidence of adverse events.Conclusions:  PVP appears to be a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic enlargement, irrespective of the prostate size.
Preliminary findings from a new animal model for Peyronie’s disease involving extracorporeal shock waves
Authors: Andrade Enrico , Cortez Italo , Claro Joaquim , Pompeu Eduardo , Leite Katia , Paranhos Mario , Borra Priscila , Marmo Lucon Antonio , Srougi Miguel 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo develop an experimental model in rabbits to analyse the efficiency of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for Peyronie’s disease.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe used 15 adult male rabbits divided into three equal groups. In group 1 (no penile ESWT) rabbits had three sessions of ESWT with 2000 shocks each (15 kV), but a rubber mat was placed between the shock head and rabbit to protect the penis; the rabbits were killed at 7 days after the last session of ESWT. In group 2 the rabbits had three sessions of ESWT using the same parameters, and were killed immediately after the last session to analyse the penis. In group 3 the rabbits had three sessions of ESWT as before but were killed at 7 days after the last session, and the penile tissue analysed macroscopically and histologically.RESULTSThe results showed clearly that the model was efficient, creating a similar situation to that when applying ESWT in the human penis. All of the rabbits in groups 2 and 3 had haematomas and diffuse petechiae after ESWT, and only four had urethral and penile bleeding. Almost all macroscopic changes disappeared after 48 h and only one rabbit in group 3 after 7 days had a haematoma on the dorsal penile surface. The histology (assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining) of the cavernous body of the penis showed: unchanged histology in group 1; in group 2 there was a dilated and congested vascular space in the cavernous body, with interstitial extensive bleeding in the dermis; and in group 3 there was an increase in interstitial fibrous tissue in the cavernous septum, with deposition of collagen fibres and thickening of the tunica albuginea.CONCLUSIONThe present model was efficient in producing tissue injury in the normal penis when treated with ESWT, suggesting that this promising model should be considered for use future studies of Peyronie’s disease.