Human apolipoprotein B: structure of carboxyl-terminal domains, sites of gene expression, and chromosomal localization.

Apolipoprotein (apo-) B is the ligand responsible for the receptor-mediated catabolism of low density lipoproteins, the principal cholesterol-transporting lipoproteins in plasma. The primary structure of the carboxyl-terminal 30 percent (1455 amino acids) of human apo-B (apo-B100) has been deduced from the nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA. Portions of the protein structure that may relate to its receptor binding function and lipid binding properties have been identified. The apo-B100 messenger RNA is about 19 kilobases in length. The apo-B100 gene is expressed primarily in liver and, to a lesser extent, in small intestine, but in no other tissues. The gene for apo-B100 is located in the p24 region (near the tip of the short arm) of chromosome 2.

A semantic differential for external comparison of conceptual nursing models.

A semantic differential using conceptual nursing models as concepts to be rated and scales chosen from the theory literature was used by 78 master's degree students to evaluate the King, Orem, Rogers, Roy, and Wiedenbach models. The tool appeared capable of detecting reliable, plausible differences among models as shown by inspection of models' mean ratings on individual scales and by factor analysis. Six factors (sophistication-dynamism, clarity-usefulness, focus, utility, scope, and scientific rigor) accounted for from 49% to 56% of the total variance of the models. All scales loaded on some factor for at least one model. Tool development is continuing.

Stresses and coping strategies of neonatal intensive care unit nurses.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the nature of the psychological stresses experienced by neonatal intensive care unit nurses and to describe the coping strategies they reported using to alleviate them. Sixty nurses from eight hospitals participated. Ten categories of stressful experiences were identified. A coping scale using short-story problem situations as stimuli was constructed. Factor analysis of the mean ratings of 13 coping strategies produced three factors: Cognitive Processing, Using Personal Skills, and Escape. Analysis of variance using these ratings and stress levels of the stories showed a significant main effect for stress level and a significant interaction between coping factors and stress levels. No significant differences in coping strategies were found by hospital or by the nurse variables of tenure (length of time) in the unit, education, or experience.

Computer anxiety among nursing students, educators, staff, and administrators.

This article reports the results of a study of computer anxiety among a large (n = 638), diverse sample of nurses (undergraduate and graduate students, educators, staff nurses, and nurse managers). Data were collected using the Oetting Computer Anxiety Scale (COMPAS). Although there was significant variability within and between groups, most nurses exhibited only "mild" computer anxiety and expected to be using computers within three years. Correlates of computer anxiety are also discussed.

Satisfying and stressful experiences of first-time federal grantees.

A survey of 34 first-time federal grantees about the satisfying and stressful experiences related to administration and non-scientific aspects of their projects resulted in four major categories of satisfaction (Personal-Social, Material-Career, Impact on School and University, Clinical) and seven categories of stress (Budget, Personnel, Equipment, Access to subjects, Fatigue, Inadequate administrative and peer support, and the Grant cycle itself). Satisfiers were more enduring and profound than the stressors, and their effects often reached beyond the investigator to the university, clinical site and profession. Useful information for new investigators and doctoral students was identified.

A faculty case management practice: integrating teaching, service, and research.

Like many other schools, the faculty of the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing (OUCN) recently revised its baccalaureate and master's curricula to prepare students better for the evolving changes in the nursing profession and the health care job market. Our personal visions of needed changes, reviews of the literature, and feedback from nursing leaders and community employers supported the need for four significant changes. First, students needed more experiences in the community and clients' homes, with the aged, the chronically ill, and the disabled in all age brackets. Second, students needed greater familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care, and more active involvement in the wise use of limited resources. Third, they needed more experience with interdisciplinary teams and with the management of care across sites and levels of acuity. Fourth, there was a need for more consistent integration of health promotion and research content into student learning related to emerging trends in health care and nursing practice.

Diabetes research in an American Indian community.

PURPOSE: To describe field experiences of a nurse-led team conducting collaborative research on diabetes with an American Indian community. Diabetes is of epidemic proportions among Indians. Methodological reports can assist nurse researchers to make important contributions to Indian health and diabetes care. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK: Wax's stages of fieldwork: Initiation, fieldwork, post-field work. SCOPE AND METHOD: Report of key research experiences from all phases of a study with an Indian community (1988-1996). Based on review of classic literature, field notes, and team meetings. FINDINGS: Methodological literature on research with Indians and cultural tutelage by Indians were helpful but neither sufficient nor infallible. A long period of investigator presence in the community before beginning the research was extremely useful. The need for researchers to explain their presence and the contribution of research to the community was ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Wax's conception of field work as a dialectic process was supported. A collaborative, community focus and willingness to spend much time acquiring cultural knowledge can facilitate successful research on Indian health.