bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information needs before hospital discharge of myocardial infarction patients: a comparative, descriptive study
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Liles Clive 
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives.  To explore the information needs of patients who have received treatment for a myocardial infarction before their discharge home from an acute hospital.What is known about the topic.  Providing information for myocardial infarction patients is an important nursing function and is part of the role of health‐care professionals delivering cardiac rehabilitation. It is essential to acknowledge and incorporate the self‐perceived needs of patients into the information they receive. Hospital stays are becoming shorter, reducing the opportunities for nurses to provide predischarge information to patients. This highlights the challenge of adequately assessing and meeting patients’ information needs.Design.  A comparative, descriptive survey.Methods.  A Patient Learning Needs Scale questionnaire was completed by 20 myocardial infarction patients within 72 hours of their intended discharge. Quantitative descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.Results.  Patients indicated how important it was to know about each of 40 information items before discharge from hospital. Items related to medications, complications and physical activities were rated highly. Responses to an open question revealed that driving, returning to work and sources of support were issues of concern. Non‐parametric Mann–Whitney U‐tests showed that retired and older patients desired more information than their employed and younger counterparts, especially concerning community support.What the study adds to the topic.  Previous research shows little examination of age and employment status in relation to the information needs of myocardial infarction patients. This study suggests that older and retired people may want more information than younger and employed patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  Older people are under represented in postdischarge cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Since these patients may need different information when discharged from younger individuals, nurses must decide how they can best meet their needs for information and continuing support.
A host monoterpene influences Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) responses to its aggregation pheromone
Authors: Erbilgin Nadir , Krokene Paal , Kvamme Torstein , Christiansen Erik 
Published: March 2007

Abstract1 Host tree terpenes can influence attraction of conifer‐infesting bark beetles to their aggregation pheromones, and both synergistic and inhibitory effects have been reported.2 We tested a gradient of ratios of (–)‐α‐pinene, the predominant monoterpene in Norway spruce, to the pheromone of Ips typographus, a major pest of Norway spruce.3 Attraction of I. typographus increased as the release rate of (–)‐α‐pinene increased. The two highest (–)‐α‐pinene : pheromone ratios (526 : 1 and 2595 : 1) attracted twice as many I. typographus as pheromone alone, whereas low to intermediate ratios (56 : 1, 274 : 1) did not differ from pheromone alone.4 Our results are in agreement with a proposed model, which suggests that bark beetles display unique response profiles to host terpenes depending on the physiological condition of the host trees that they typically colonize. Ips typographus, which is an aggressive species capable of colonizing and killing healthy trees, showed an increased attraction to monoterpene : pheromone ratios, and this may be high enough to inhibit attraction of less aggressive beetle species typically colonizing dead, dying or stressed trees.5 Attraction of associates of I. typographus was also modified by (–)‐α‐pinene. Ips duplicatus, a competitor of I. typographus, showed increased attraction to the pheromone of I. typographus across all concentrations of (–)‐α‐pinene.
Aphid colony turn‐over influences the spatial distribution of the grain aphidSitobion avenaeover the wheat growing season
Authors: Fievet Virgil , Dedryver Charles‐Antoine , Plantegenest Manuel , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Outreman Yannick 
Published: March 2007

Abstract1 Temporary habitats are characterized by the appearance and disappearance of patches in which resources are available for a limited period only. Organisms living in those environments usually exhibit adaptive traits, such as a high ability to find and exploit new patches. Among them are phytophagous insects, such as crop pests living in agroecosystems. Understanding how phytophagous insects invade a new patch is of great agricultural importance.2 Here, we investigated how aphids colonize a wheat field by studying the spatial and temporal dynamics of their populations at large (field) and fine (group of host plants) scales.3 The sampling design consisted of counting and locating aphid colonies within 30 0.25 m2squares randomly spaced in a 1.5‐ha winter wheat field over 2 months. All colonies were precisely located within the squares and their composition in terms of morphs was determined.4 We show that: (i) immigration of winged aphids was a major factor driving the aphid population dynamics during a large part of the season and (ii) within the field, populations established late in the growing season. Aggregated, populations of aphids became progressively homogeneously distributed at the field scale. At the scale of a 0.25 m2square, infested plants were clustered in randomly distributed small patches, and aphid colonies experienced high extinction rates, suggesting failure in population establishment.5 Because immigration may considerably influence both population dynamics and spatial distribution, our study suggests that future predictive models should give a greater weight to spring immigrants.
Type 2 transglutaminase differentially modulates striatal cell death in the presence of wild type or mutant huntingtin
Authors: Ruan Qingmin , Quintanilla Rodrigo A. , Johnson Gail V. W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractHuntington’s disease (HD), which is caused by an expanded polyglutamine tract in huntingtin (htt), is characterized by extensive loss of striatal neurons. The dysregulation of type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis in HD as TG2 is up‐regulated in HD brain and knocking out TG2 in mouse models of HD ameliorates the disease process. To understand the role of TG2 in the pathogenesis of HD, immortalized striatal cells established from mice in which mutant htt with a polyglutamine stretch of 111 Gln had been knocked‐in and wild type (WT) littermates, were stably transfected with human TG2 in a tetracycline inducible vector. Overexpression of TG2 in the WT striatal cells resulted in significantly greater cell death under basal conditions as well as in response to thapsigargin treatment, which causes increased intracellular calcium concentrations. Furthermore, in WT striatal cells TG2 overexpression potentiated mitochondrial membrane depolarization, intracellular reactive oxygen species production, and apoptotic cell death in response to thapsigargin. In contrast, in mutant striatal cells, TG2 overexpression did not increase cell death, nor did it potentiate thapsigargin‐induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization or intracellular reactive oxygen species production. Instead, TG2 overexpression in mutant striatal cells attenuated the thapsigargin‐activated apoptosis. Whenin situtransglutaminase activity was quantitatively analyzed in these cell lines, we found that in response to thapsigargin treatment TG2 was activated in WT, but not mutant striatal cells. These data suggest that mutant htt alters the activation of TG2 in response to certain stimuli and therefore differentially modulates how TG2 contributes to cell death processes.
Effects of the monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar Aβ42 peptides on the proliferation and differentiation of adult neural stem cells from subventricular zone
Authors: Heo Chaejeong , Chang Keun‐A , Choi Hee Soon , Kim Hye‐Sun , Kim Seonghan , Liew Hyunjeong , Kim Jeong a , Yu Eunah , Ma Jie , Suh Yoo‐Hun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe incidence of amyloid plaques, composed mainly of β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ), does not correlate well with the severity of neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The effects of Aβ42 on neurons or neural stem cells (NSCs) in terms of the aggregated form remain controversial. We prepared three forms of oligomeric, fibrillar, and monomeric Aβ42 peptides and investigated their effects on the proliferation and neural differentiation of adult NSCs, according to the degree of aggregation or concentration. A low micromolar concentration (1 μmol/L) of oligomeric Aβ42 increased the proliferation of adult NSCs remarkably in a neurosphere assay. It also enhanced the neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs and their ability to migrate. These results provide us with valuable information regarding the effects of Aβ42 on NSCs in the brains of patients with AD.
Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 and TLR‐4 regulate inflammation, gliosis, and myelin sparing after spinal cord injury
Authors: Kigerl Kristina A. , Lai Wenmin , Rivest Serge , Hart Ronald P. , Satoskar Abhay R. , Popovich Phillip G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractActivation of macrophages via toll‐like receptors (TLRs) is important for inflammation and host defense against pathogens. Recent data suggest that non‐pathogenic molecules released by trauma also can trigger inflammation via TLR2 and TLR4. Here, we tested whether TLRs are regulated after sterile spinal cord injury (SCI) and examined their effects on functional and anatomical recovery. We show that mRNA for TLR1, 2, 4, 5, and 7 are increased after SCI as are molecules associated with TLR signaling (e.g. MyD88, NFκB). The significance of in vivo TLR2 and TLR4 signaling was evident in SCI TLR4 mutant (C3H/HeJ) and TLR2 knockout (TLR2−/−) mice. In C3H/HeJ mice, sustained locomotor deficits were observed relative to SCI wild‐type control mice and were associated with increased demyelination, astrogliosis, and macrophage activation. These changes were preceded by reduced intraspinal expression of interleukin‐1β mRNA. In TLR2−/− mice, locomotor recovery also was impaired relative to SCI wild‐type controls and novel patterns of myelin pathology existed within ventromedial white matter – an area important for overground locomotion. Together, these data suggest that in the absence of pathogens, TLR2 and TLR4 are important for coordinating post‐injury sequelae and perhaps in regulating inflammation and gliosis after SCI.
Heat‐shock protein 105 interacts with and suppresses aggregation of mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase: clues to a possible strategy for treating ALS
Authors: Yamashita Hirofumi , Kawamata Jun , Okawa Katsuya , Kanki Rie , Nakamizo Tomoki , Hatayama Takumi , Yamanaka Koji , Takahashi Ryosuke , Shimohama Shun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA dominant mutation in the gene for copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is the most frequent cause of the inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mutant SOD1 provokes progressive degeneration of motor neurons by an unidentified acquired toxicity. Exploiting both affinity purification and mass spectrometry, we identified a novel interaction between heat‐shock protein 105 (Hsp105) and mutant SOD1. We detected this interaction both in spinal cord extracts of mutant SOD1G93A transgenic mice and in cultured neuroblastoma cells. Expression of Hsp105, which is found in mouse motor neurons, was depressed in the spinal cords of SOD1G93A mice as disease progressed, while levels of expression of two other heat‐shock proteins, Hsp70 and Hsp27, were elevated. Moreover, Hsp105 suppressed the formation of mutant SOD1‐containing aggregates in cultured cells. These results suggest that techniques that raise levels of Hsp105 might be promising tools for alleviation of the mutant SOD1 toxicity.
Sphingolipid signalling and liver diseases
Authors: Marí Montserrat , Fernández‐Checa José C. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractSphingolipids (SLs) comprise a class of lipids with important structural functions and increasing relevance in cellular signalling. In particular, ceramide has attracted considerable attention owing to its role as a second messenger modulating several cell functions such as proliferation, gene expression, differentiation, cell cycle arrest and cell death. Increasing evidence documents the role of SLs in stress and death ligand‐induced hepatocellular death, which contributes to the progression of several liver diseases including steatohepatitis, ischaemia‐reperfusion liver injury or hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, recent data indicate that the accumulation of SLs in specific cell subcompartments, characteristic of many sphingolipidoses, contributes to the hepatic dysfunctions that accompany these inherited diseases. Hence, the regulation of the cell biology and metabolism of SLs may open up a novel therapeutic avenue in the treatment of liver diseases.
The Myth of “Security Moms” and “NASCAR Dads”: Parenthood, Political Stereotypes, and the 2004 Election*
Authors: Elder Laurel , Greene Steven 
Published: March 2007

Objective. The objective of this article is to explore the impact of being a parent on political views and to test the accuracy of the “Security Mom” and “NASCAR Dad” labels that were pervasively applied in the context of the 2004 presidential election.Methods. The methods we employed consist of using data primarily from the 2004 National Election Study to determine whether parents differ from nonparents in terms of their political attitudes on a wide range of issues. We argue that parenthood affects women and men differently, so we analyze the sexes separately.Results. Mothers have important political distinctions from women without children, mostly in the case of social welfare issues. They do not, however, appear to be “Security Moms” in the post‐9/11 world. As for fathers, for the most part it makes little sense to talk about dads as a distinct voting bloc, as in very few cases do their political attitudes differ from men without children.Conclusions. The media's use of the labels “NASCAR Dad” and Security Mom” promoted an inaccurate understanding of the political preferences of parents. Beyond debunking these media myths, our results provide one of the first comprehensive looks at the impact of parenthood on political attitudes, an overlooked area in the adult socialization literature.
Branded: The Economic Geographies of Streets Named in Honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.*
Authors: Mitchelson Matthew L. , Alderman Derek H. , Popke E. Jeffrey 
Published: March 2007

Objectives. We investigate the economic geographies of streets named for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK Streets), which are an increasingly common means by which various community members across the United States are attempting to commemorate the slain civil rights leader. It is our intent to characterize these negatively “branded” spaces in order to challenge some of the common perceptions about them and inform current and future MLK Street naming debates.Methods. We statistically analyze nonresidential establishments located on streets named for King in terms of scale (as measured by annual sales and employment) and industrial classification. To our knowledge, this is the first such analysis conducted at the national level.Results. Establishments located on MLK Streets do not systematically exhibit economic marginality. Establishments located on these streets do systematically exhibit unique local functions and industrial composition.Conclusion. In the absence of empirically‐driven research, the negative stereotypes that surround MLK Streets have gone unchallenged and are proliferating. The research reported here calls into question a number of these stereotypes and should inform the public, city councils, and other local policymakers, who are increasingly being faced with contentious MLK Street naming debates.
Does Higher Socioeconomic Status Increase Contact Between Minorities and Whites? An Examination of Interracial Romantic Relationships Among Adolescents*
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Kao Grace 
Published: March 2007

Objectives. We examine how socioeconomic status of white, black, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents affects their likelihood of dating across racial lines and the racial characteristics of their romantic partners.Methods. We analyze data nationally representative sample of adolescents in 1994–1995 using logistic regression models.Results. Socioeconomic status has little effect on whether adolescents choose an interracial partner except in the case of Hispanics. However, higher socioeconomic status blacks and Asians who interracially date are more likely to have white partners than their SES counterparts.Conclusion. Although social class does not increase the odds of interracial contact, it does increase contact with whites compared to other groups for blacks and Asians.
Psychoeconomic Approaches to the Study of Hostile Attitudes Toward Minority Groups: A Study Among Israeli Jews*
Authors: Halperin Eran , Pedahzur Ami , Canetti‐Nisim Daphna 
Published: March 2007

Objective. We aspired to reexamine the well‐established assumption according to which low socioeconomic status, as a comprehensive concept, leads to prejudice and hostile attitudes toward minorities. Hence, we focused on examining the differential effect of each component of SES on one of the most important behavioral aspects of hostile attitudes—social distance. Just as importantly, we examined the assumption according to which threat perception mediates the influence of SES factors on those attitudes.Methods. In field research that took place in Israel in May 2003, attitudes of 383 participants toward three distinct minority groups were tested according to their ascription to four different “socioeconomic status” groups.Results. Contrary to most previous findings, we found that employment status and relative income have very little influence on social distance toward minorities. On the other hand, we found that level of education has a significant effect on social distance and that this effect is mostly mediated by the perception of cultural and economic threat.Conclusions. The subjective perception of threat was found to be a critical mediating “junction” in the evolutionary process of the influence of socioeconomic factors on hostile attitudes. Therefore, only specific SES components that influence the perception of threat have an effect on hostile attitudes toward minorities.
Email Effects on the Structure of Local Associations: A Social Network Analysis*
Authors: Weare Christopher , Loges William E. , Oztas Nail 
Published: March 2007

Objectives. This article explores the impact of email on the network structure of small, voluntary associations. By focusing on the density and centralization of associations, we illuminate how the Internet affects their cohesiveness and democratic character.Methods. Based on network data collected from 41 community‐based associations that are comparable on a variety of factors known to influence network structure, we employ multiple regression techniques to explore the impact of increased email use on group‐ and individual‐level network measures.Results. We find that the technological nature of email as well as the background, interests, and intentions of its users interact to influence density and centralization. Individuals employ electronic mail differently from other communication modes such as phone and face‐to‐face communication. Network density increases, and network centralization either increases or decreases, depending on the distribution of email use in the association.Conclusions. These effects on associational structure are likely to have significant long‐run impacts on the cohesion, efficacy, and democratic character of voluntary associations.
Predicting the Comparative Strengths of National Football Teams*
Authors: Gelade Garry A. , Dobson Paul 
Published: March 2007

Objectives. The aim of this study was to identify the chief social and economic factors predicting the strength of national Association Football (soccer) teams.Methods. A theoretical model was developed to establish an appropriate functional form for the relationship between team strength and the number of individuals available for selection. OLS regression was used to predict the performance ratings of 201 national teams.Results. The results showed that the strength of a nation's football team depends on the number of men who regularly play football, the length of its football tradition, the wealth of its population, the percentage of expatriate players in the national team, and climatic conditions. These factors explain 70 percent of the variance in international team ratings.Conclusions. Many of the factors that determine team strength are structural and cannot be manipulated by policymakers. Nations could, however, strengthen their teams by encouraging wider participation in the sport. Poorer nations could develop stronger teams by encouraging their best players to play professional club football abroad, although this might have negative consequences for domestic football.
Genetic diversity of longtail macaques (Macaca fascicularis) on the island of Mauritius: an assessment of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms
Authors: Kawamoto Y. , Kawamoto S. , Matsubayashi K. , Nozawa K. , Watanabe T. , Stanley M.‐A. , Perwitasari‐Farajallah D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground  Individuals from an introduced population of longtail macaques on Mauritius have been extensively used in recent research. This population has low MHC gene diversity, and is thus regarded as a valuable resource for research.Methods  We investigated the genetic diversity of this population using multiple molecular markers located in mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite DNA loci on the autosomes and the Y chromosome. We tested samples from 82 individuals taken from seven study sites.Results and conclusions  We found this population to be panmictic, with a low degree of genetic variability. On the basis of an mtDNA phylogeny, we inferred that these macaques’ ancestors originated from Java in Asia. Weak gametic disequilibrium was observed, suggesting decay of non‐random associations between genomic genes at the time of founding. The results suggest that macaques bred in Mauritius are valuable as model animals for biomedical research because of their genetic homogeneity.