bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Actin-Binding Protein, LlLIM1, Mediates Calcium and Hydrogen Regulation of Actin Dynamics in Pollen Tubes
Authors: Wang Huei-Jing , Wan Ai-Ru , Jauh Guang-Yuh 
Published: May 2008

AbstractActin microfilaments are crucial for polar cell tip growth, and their configurations and dynamics are regulated by the actions of various actin-binding proteins (ABPs). We explored the function of a lily (Lilium longiflorum) pollen-enriched LIM domain-containing protein, LlLIM1, in regulating the actin dynamics in elongating pollen tube. Cytological and biochemical assays verified LlLIM1 functioning as an ABP, promoting filamentous actin (F-actin) bundle assembly and protecting F-actin against latrunculin B-mediated depolymerization. Overexpressed LlLIM1 significantly disturbed pollen tube growth and morphology, with multiple tubes protruding from one pollen grain and coaggregation of FM4-64-labeled vesicles and Golgi apparatuses at the subapex of the tube tip. Moderate expression of LlLIM1 induced an oscillatory formation of asterisk-shaped F-actin aggregates that oscillated with growth period but in different phases at the subapical region. These results suggest that the formation of LlLIM1-mediated overstabilized F-actin bundles interfered with endomembrane trafficking to result in growth retardation. Cosedimentation assays revealed that the binding affinity of LlLIM1 to F-actin was simultaneously regulated by both pH and Ca2+: LlLIM1 showed a preference for F-actin binding under low pH and low Ca2+ concentration. The potential functions of LlLIM1 as an ABP sensitive to pH and calcium in integrating endomembrane trafficking, oscillatory pH, and calcium circumstances to regulate tip-focused pollen tube growth are discussed.
Interleukin‐6 induces proliferation in adult spinal cord‐derived neural progenitors via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway with EGF‐induced MAPK phosphorylation
Authors: Kang M. K. , Kang S. K. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  Introduction: In a previous study, we observed cell proliferation 3 days after spinal cord injury, and levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) had significantly increased in the region of the injury. Objectives: The purpose of the new study described here was to evaluate the roles of IL‐6 and EGF after traumatic damage to the spinal cord having isolated neural progenitor cells (NPC) from adult mice. Methods and results: Evidence provided by the trypan blue dye exclusion assay, 5‐bromodeoxyuridine immunoreactivity and Western blot analysis indicated that IL‐6 and EGF induced proliferation of these spinal cord‐derived NPCs via phosphorylation of Janus‐activated kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), respectively. Combined treatment with IL‐6 and EGF accelerated proliferation of cells synergistically and phosphorylation of STAT3 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2). Furthermore, AG490 and AG1478, JAK2 inhibitor and EGFR inhibitor, respectively, prevented the IL‐6‐ and EGF‐induced proliferation of the cells. Interestingly, IL‐6‐activated MAPKs but EGF did not influence JAK2/STAT3 activation; AG490 specifically inhibited IL‐6‐induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation without affecting IL‐6‐induced phosphorylation of Raf and MEK1/2. These results indicate that IL‐6 is directly involved in Erk1/2 activation via JAK2 and that Erk1/2 provides a signal bridge between the IL‐6‐induced JAK2/STAT3 pathway and EGF‐induced MAPK pathway. Conclusions: Our study is the first demonstration of IL‐6‐ and EGF‐stimulated proliferation of spinal cord progenitor cells via JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK signalling pathways. These pathways play key roles in repopulation and regeneration of spinal cord tissue after injury. It may represent novel therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention in central nervous system disease, including spinal cord injury.
Toilet training in Turkey: the factors that affect timing and duration in different sociocultural groups
Authors: Koc I. , Camurdan A. D. , Beyazova U. , Ilhan M. N. , Sahin F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  The aim of the present study was to determine the patterns of toilet training and the factors that may be related to its timing and duration and the approaches of different sociocultural groups within a developing country.Methods  This cross‐sectional survey was performed on 745 children who live in three different sociocultural settlements. The factors that might have affected initiation and completion age and duration of toilet training were assessed with t‐test, ANOVA and logistic regression analysis.Results  Mean initiation and completion ages were 22.05 ± 6.73, 28.05 ± 8.40 months respectively. The families living in rural and semi‐urban settlements, mothers educated for less than 5 years, unoccupied mothers, children living in houses which do not have a toilet inside, families who use washable diapers, who use Turkish style toilets and who use punishment methods started training earlier. In the infants whose mothers had an education over 12 years, completion age was later than others and the earliest completion age was seen in families who used punishment method. Mean duration needed to complete toilet training was 6.84 ± 7.16 months. The duration of training was longer in families living in rural and semi‐urban settlements, mothers educated for less than 5 years, unoccupied mothers, children living in houses which do not have a toilet inside, families who use washable diapers and when the initiation was before the child was 18 months old.Conclusion  Toilet training shows differences among cultures. The age of initiation may be increased as the parents are educated better and a child‐orientated approach becomes more popular than the parent‐orientated approach.
Transition pathways for young people with complex disabilities: exploring the economic consequences
Authors: Knapp M. , Perkins M. , Beecham Jennifer , Dhanasiri S. , Rustin C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Disabled young people with complex needs face particular challenges when they reach adulthood and seek to move from school to employment or further education. There are potentially substantial personal and social costs arising from these challenges.Methods  We sought evidence from recent UK research, policy and related literatures; undertook exploratory statistical analyses of birth cohort data; and analysed information provided by 30 disabled young people requiring high levels of practical and communication support.Results  The personal, family and social costs that result from unsuccessful transition are substantial and wide‐ranging. Health service and local authority expenditure are important elements, but do not allow young people to achieve the educational or employment goals to which they aspire, resulting in considerable costs for the state, whether through missing opportunities to contribute to the economy or through dependence on welfare benefits.Conclusions  The considerable sums currently spent on disabled children and young people are clearly not enough, or not deployed appropriately, to enable those who reach adulthood to fulfil their ambitions, or to meet government policy intentions for young people to achieve economic well‐being.
A model for predicting the emergence of dragonflies in a changing climate
Authors: RICHTER OTTO , SUHLING FRANK , MÜLLER OLE , KERN DIETRICH 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. Precise models for the phenology of different species are essential for predicting the potential effects of any temporal mismatch of life cycles with environmental parameters under different climate change scenarios. Here we investigated the effects of ambient water temperature on the onset and synchrony of emergence for a widespread European riverine dragonfly, Gomphus vulgatissimus.2. Long‐term field data on the annual emergence from two rivers in northern Germany, and additional data from a laboratory experiment with different temperature regimes, were used to develop a model that predicted the onset of emergence by using mainly the temperature sum (degree days) as a parameter.3. Model predictions of the onset of emergence fitted the observations well and could be transferred between localities. This was particularly so when weighting early winter temperature data by using a day length and a temperature‐response function, implying potential additional control mechanisms for the onset of emergence.4. We simulated effects of different winter temperature regimes on the emergence curves in order to predict the effects of climate change. These indicated an acceleration of emergence by 6–7 days per 1 °C temperature increase, which is corroborated by the laboratory data and is in the upper range of data published for other dragonflies.
Estimation of nitrogen concentration and in vitro dry matter digestibility of herbage of warm‐season grass pastures from canopy hyperspectral reflectance measurements
Authors: Starks P. J. , Zhao D. , Brown M. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRemote sensing of nitrogen (N) concentration and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in herbage can help livestock managers make timely decisions for adjusting stocking rate and managing pastures during the grazing season. Traditional laboratory analyses of N and IVDMD are time‐consuming and costly. Non‐destructive measurements of canopy hyperspectral reflectance of pasture may provide a rapid and inexpensive means of estimating these measures of nutritive value. Using a portable spectroradiometer, canopy reflectance was measured in eight warm‐season grass pastures in the USA in June and July in 2002 and 2003 to develop and validate algorithms for estimating N concentration and IVDMD of herbage. Nitrogen concentration of herbage was linearly correlated (r = 0·82; P < 0·001) with a ratio of reflectance in the 705‐ and 1685‐nm wavebands (R705/R1685) and IVDMD was correlated with R705/R535 (r = 0·74; P < 0·001). Compared with simple linear regressions of N concentration and IVDMD in herbage with two‐waveband reflectance ratios, multiple regression, using maximum r2 improvement, band‐depth analysis with step‐wise regression, and partial least‐squares regression enhanced the correlation between N concentration and IVDMD of herbage and canopy reflectance values (0·81 ≤ |r| ≤ 0·90; P < 0·001). Validation of the prediction equations indicated that multiple regression only slightly improved accuracy of a model for predicting N concentration and IVDMD of herbage compared with simple linear regression of reflectance ratios. Results suggest that the N concentration and IVDMD of herbage of warm‐season grass pastures can be rapidly and non‐destructively estimated during the grazing season using canopy reflectance in a few narrow wavebands.
Effect of temperature regime on germination of seed of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Authors: Shen J. B. , Xu L. Y. , Jin X. Q. , Chen J. H. , Lu H. F. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is one of the most valuable temperate pasture grasses in the world. Understanding seed germination in response to temperature can help determine its optimal seeding times. Germination tests for two cultivars of perennial ryegrass (cv. ‘Turfstar’ and cv. ‘Transtar’) were conducted by applying thirty‐six constant and alternating temperature regimes, ranging from 5 to 40°C (16 h night/8 h day). Responses in germination rate to these temperature regimes were then used to construct a quadratic response surface, giving estimated germination rates with confidence intervals at P ≤ 0·05 for both cultivars. Optimum germination rate occurred over a range of regimes: 15/25, 20/25, 20/30 and 25/30°C. Furthermore, a wide range in diurnal alternating temperatures resulted in maximum seed germination rate for cv. ‘Transtar’, while no constant temperature regime supported maximum germination rate for cv. ‘Turfstar’. A temperature‐dependent germination rate function for perennial ryegrass was developed which could be used in the future to predict location‐specific optimum seeding times when national or regional monthly temperature data are available.
Leptin and varicocele‐related spermatogenesis dysfunction: animal experiment and clinical study
Authors: Chen Bin , Guo Jian‐Hua , Lu Yong‐Ning , Ying Xiao‐Lu , Hu Kai , Xiang Zu‐Qiong , Wang Yi‐Xin , Chen Pei , Huang Yi‐Ran 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe objective of this study was to explore the relationships between varicocele‐related spermatogenesis dysfunction and the expression of leptin and leptin receptors. In rats with experimental varicocele, the function of spermatogenesis, the expression of leptin and leptin receptors in testes were analysed; and in patients with varicocele‐related male infertility, serum and seminal plasma levels of leptin, gonadal hormones and semen parameters were evaluated. In the testes of rats, leptin was expressed in seminiferous tubules and intersitium, leptin receptor was predominantly expressed in interstitium. The expression of leptin and its receptor in the testis of rats was not related to the weight of rat, but was inversely related to the weight of testis (r = −0.408, p = 0.009 and r = −0.433, p = 0.005, respectively), the Johnsen scores (r = −0.916, p = 0.000 and r = −0.863, p = 0.000, respectively), the seminiferous tubules diameter (r = −0.853, p = 0.000 and r = −0.870, p = 0.000, respectively) and the thickness of seminiferous epithelium (r = −0.929, p = 0.000 and r = −0.948, p = 0.000, respectively). In varicocele patients (N = 40), the sperm concentration and motility were significantly lower (p = 0.000) than those in the control group (N = 25), and the leptin level in seminal plasma was significantly higher (p = 0.000) than that in the control group. The leptin in serum and seminal plasma was positively related (r = 0.223, p = 0.002). The seminal plasma leptin level was inversely related to sperm concentration (r = −0.632, p = 0.000) and motility (r = −0.635, p = 0.000). There was no significant relation between serum leptin and seminal parameters and between leptin and gonadal hormone values. The dysfunction of spermatogenesis in varicocele‐related infertile male is associated with increase in leptin and leptin receptors. Leptin may have local effects on the function of testis and spermatogenesis.
A unique practice model for Nurse Practitioners in long‐term care homes
Authors: McAiney Carrie A. , Haughton Dilys , Jennings Jane , Farr Dave , Hillier Loretta , Morden Pat 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  A unique practice model for Nurse Practitioners in long‐term care homes Aim.  This paper is a report of a study examining a practice model for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) working in long‐term care (LTC) homes and its impact on staff confidence, preventing hospital admission, and promoting early hospital discharge.Background.  The recent introduction of NPs in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, provided an opportunity to explore unique practice models. In a pilot project, two full‐time equivalent NPs provided primary care to a consortium of 22 homes serving approximately 2900 residents. The practice model was based on the specific needs of the homes and residents.Methods.  The NPs working in this project prospectively collected data (from July 2003 until June 2004) on their clinical activities and resident outcomes. Directors of Care (n = 18) of the participating homes completed a questionnaire (March 2004) assessing the impact on prevention of hospitalization and staff confidence.Findings.  The NPs had 2315 clinical contacts in the 1‐year period; the majority (64%) were follow‐up contacts. Many contacts were for uncomplicated medical problems or more complex but straightforward medical issues, and had positive outcomes. Hospital admission was prevented in 39–43% of cases. NPs had a positive impact on improving staff confidence, but no impact on facilitating early discharge from hospital.Conclusion.  Practice models designed to meet the distinctive needs of LTC homes and residents can enhance quality of care, even with low NP:resident ratios. Participation of key stakeholders in the identification of care priorities and planning contributed to the success of this model.
The Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS): a cross‐national comparative study
Authors: Duxbury Joy , Hahn Sabine , Needham Ian , Pulsford Dave 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  The Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale (MAVAS): a cross‐national comparative study. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to determine the transferability of the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale to European mental health inpatient settings.Background.  Incidents of patient aggression and violence are common in psychiatric in‐patient facilities, and nurses’ attitudes may play a part in how they are managed.Methods.  Nursing staff from acute psychiatric in‐patient units in Switzerland and the United Kingdom completed the Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale. Data were collected in the UK in 2001 and Switzerland in 2003. The Swiss sample comprised 75 respondents: 45 female, mean age 36·24, mean experience 7·35 years, 60 Registered Nurses. The United Kingdom sample was 75 respondents: 58 female, mean age 32, mean experience 5·25 years, 48 Registered Nurses. T‐tests identified differences between the groups in their responses to each Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale statement.Results.  There was 66% concordance of views between the groups. Swiss nurses were, however, more likely to regard factors internal to the patient as contributory to aggression while United Kingdom nurses perceived environmental factors to be more important. Both groups endorsed physical means of aggression management, Swiss nurses more so.Conclusion.  There are both commonalities and differences between the attitudes of Swiss and United Kingdom nursing staff regarding patient aggression. Differences may relate to rates of aggression, variations in management approaches, training and policy. The Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale is a potentially effective tool for making comparisons about perspectives on patient aggression.
The meaning of assisted feeding for people living with spinal cord injury: a phenomenological study
Authors: Martinsen Bente , Harder Ingegerd , Biering‐Sorensen Fin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTitle.  The meaning of assisted feeding for people living with spinal cord injury: a phenomenological study Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the meaning of assisted feeding through the experiences of people with high cervical spinal cord injury.Background.  Eating difficulties are known to affect a person’s self‐image and transform social lives. Little is known about the experience of assisted feeding as a permanent situation.Method.  Sixteen people with high cervical spinal cord injury were interviewed twice within a period of 18 months in 2005–2006. The second interview was combined with observation. Transcriptions of interviews and notes from the observations were analysed using the phenomenological guidelines by Dahlberg and colleagues.Findings.  The essence of the phenomenon assisted feeding was described as a constructed pattern based on coordinated attention between the person with high cervical spinal cord injury and the helper. The constituents of the essence were: paralysis as a condition of life, facing the altered meal, reconciling with diminished bodily anchoring, sensitive cooperation between self and helper, realization of own values around meals, balanced use of meal‐related devices and negotiating relationship with helpers.Conclusion.  Assisted feeding should be adjusted to each individual person. Fixed procedures or routines should be avoided and assistive devices used with care. We recommend that continuity in the cooperation between the parties involved in assisted feeding is given priority, and that personal standard and social norms around meals are acknowledged.
Neoliberalism and human services: threat and innovation
Authors: Swenson S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  The turn to neoliberalism in welfare policy suggests that human services need to be based on a market approach. The problem with this suggestion is that it presupposes marketing information such that service providers can market their services for identified client needs. In the field of intellectual disability (ID) services this type of information is not available.Method  The method is a reflective analysis of the key presupposition of a market‐orientated approach to disability services, namely that service providers know who needs what. Using insights from marketing theory the paper engages in a reflective thought experiment to lay out the intricacies of this presupposition.Results  The analysis results in an argument regarding the validation of a market‐based approach to disability services. First, this approach has its limits in view of the question of whether the specific and atypical needs of people with ID, as well as their financial position as potential consumers constitute a market. Second, the approach has limited validity both in view of the ability of people with ID to act as consumers, and of the restrictions imposed upon them by the eligibility criteria for welfare and support programmes.Conclusions  A market‐based approach to disability services and supports can be helpful to spur innovation and further political and philosophical inquiry in human services, but the neoliberal optimism about the market as the only successful mechanism for service distribution is misplaced.
A redundancy of processes that cause replication fork stalling enhances recombination at two distinct sites in yeast rDNA
Authors: Mayán‐Santos M. D. , Martínez‐Robles M. L. , Hernández P. , Schvartzman J. B. , Krimer D. B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryDNA recombination was investigated by monitoring integration at the rDNA of a circular minichromosome containing a 35S minigene and a replication fork barrier (RFB). The effects of replication fork stalling on integration were studied in wild‐type, FOB1Δ, SIR2Δ and the double mutant FOB1ΔSIR2Δ cells. The results obtained confirmed that Sir2p represses and replication fork stalling enhances integration of the minichromosome. This integration, however, only took place at two distinct sites: the RFB and the 3′ end of the 35S gene. For integration to take place at the 35S gene, replication fork stalling must occur at the 3′ end of the gene in both the minichromosome and the chromosomal repeats. Integration at the RFB, on the other hand, occurred readily in FOB1Δ cells, indicating that more than a single mechanism triggers homologous recombination at this site. Altogether, these observations strongly suggest that the main role for replication fork stalling at the rDNA locus is to promote homologous recombination rather than just to prevent head‐on collision of transcription and replication as originally thought.