bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expatriate failure: time to abandon the concept?
Authors: Harzing Anne‐Wil , Christensen Claus
Published: November 2004

This article reviews the established understanding of the concept of expatriate failure, discusses its associated problems and presents a more sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of the concept. The article argues that it might well be time to abandon the concept of expatriate failure altogether and instead draw on the general human resource literature to analyse problems related to turnover and performance management in an expatriate context..
Intuition and pharmaceutical research: the case of AstraZeneca
Authors: Sundgren Mats , Styhre Alexander
Published: November 2004

The role of intuition receives little attention in the literature on organizational creativity. This paper describes a study of the role of intuition and its implications for organizational creativity within pharmaceutical research. The study applies French philosopher Bergson's philosophy of intuition. The study is based on a series of interviews with employees in pre‐clinical research (discovery) in a major pharmaceutical company; in this context, creativity is defined as an organization's ability to bring forth a new candidate drug in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular therapy areas. This paper concludes that intuition is a resource that facilitates new drug development. Pharmaceutical researchers perceive the roles of intuition and creativity as intertwined in ground‐breaking innovations. However intuition is a controversial phenomenon in the organization because it opposes reductionistic and analytical forms of thinking, which are highly prized in new drug development. Bergson's philosophy may form a fruitful foundation from which intuition and its relevance for organizational creativity can be exploited.
Experiences from a student programme designed to examine the role of the accountant in corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Authors: Holland Leigh
Published: November 2004

This paper investigates how one course – a final year undergraduate module – has been developed and implemented to inform students about corporate social responsibility from an accounting perspective. It takes as its core the notion of accounting and accountability, and is delivered by accounting lecturers to business students following a range of business programmes. It has an interdisciplinary approach to allow a variety of topics to be addressed and to encourage students to read literature they would otherwise not come across. The course has been running for several years and has been amended as experiences – such as the need for assimilation of current topics and the development of a more critical approach to accounting – are assimilated, and as knowledge is built up. What follows is a study of the course, its content and approach, the barriers to developing an effective critique of the subject, and some thoughts on its further development.
Integrative visualisation and knowledge‐enabled value creation
Authors: Lindseth Bygdås Arne , Røyrvik Emil , Gjerde Bjørn
Published: November 2004

Performance measurement and management in firms where knowledge is the central strategic resource provide composite challenges. Not only are the knowledge resources tacit, collective, complex, deeply rooted in culture and hard to imitate and transfer, but the processes of value creation and their outputs are also of a more or less intangible nature. This paper is an attempt to give an alternative activity‐based entrance to the field of intellectual capital and performance management. On the basis of three case studies the paper illustrates the development and utilisation of a new method for linking intellectual capital and value creation based on the three phases of modelling, measuring, and action. In parallel the concepts of resolution, elevation and conveyance are developed and explored as notions giving guidance and evaluation in the process of developing and using a measurement system for intellectual capital management.
Distribution of the Asiatic cyprinid Pseudorasbora parva in Serbia and Montenegro
Authors: Cakic P. , Lenhardt M. , Kolarevic J. , Mickovic B. , Hegedis A.
Published: November 2004

The first record of Pseudorasbora parva in the Balkan region was in 1977 in Sasko Lake, Montenegro and in 1978 it was found in Serbia. Since then, this species has spread to almost all lowland rivers and has become a permanent member of the ichthyofauna in Serbia and Montenegro.
The effect of inorganic and organic pollutants on sperm motility of some freshwater teleosts
Authors: Lahnsteiner F. , Mansour N. , Berger B.
Published: November 2004

Using four different sperm types from brown trout Salmo trutta fario(Salmonidae), chub Leuciscus cephalus(Cyprinidae), burbot Lota lota(Gadidae) and African catfish Clarias gariepinus(Clariidae) the effect of inorganic (cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, zinc and nitrite) and organic (cyclohexane and 2,4‐dichlorophenol) environmental pollutants on sperm motility was investigated. Spermatozoa were activated in double distilled water containing the different test substances and the motility was compared to controls of similar pH. From the investigated motility variables the sperm motility rate and swimming velocity reacted most to the environmental pollutants whereby the changes depended on the species and on the test substance. African catfish spermatozoa were the most resistant, chub and burbot spermatozoa showed medium resistance and brown trout spermatozoa were the most sensitive to the pollutants. With exception of 2,4‐dichlorophenol and zinc the effective concentrations of the tested pollutants exceeded the recommendation for surface waters 100–10·000‐fold and were in a range lethal for the fish themselves. Therefore, it was concluded that fish sperm motility is not a suitable marker for risk assessment of environmental pollutants.
Water‐based measurement of rainbow trout melatonin
Authors: James J. D. , Ellis T. , Scott A. P.
Published: November 2004

Melatonin (MLT) was isolated from water samples using solid phase extraction cartridges and measured by radioimmunoassay. In tanks of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, concentrations of MLT in water increased rapidly from <0·1 ng l−1 in the light phase to 0·7 ng l−1 in the dark giving calculated release rates of <1 ng kg−1 h−1 and 15 ng kg−1 h−1, respectively. This cycle in water MLT values corresponds to reported changes in plasma MLT concentrations. The colour of the tanks and a daytime acute handling stress did not affect concentrations of MLT in either the light or dark phase.
Diel activity patterns of juvenile Atlantic salmon in rivers with summer water temperature near the temperature‐dependent suppression of diurnal activity
Authors: Johnston P. , Bergeron N. E. , Dodson J. J.
Published: November 2004

Direct day and night underwater observations of juvenile Atlantic salmon Salmo salar during summer and autumn showed a duality in response to temperature between 7 and 11° C for young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Atlantic salmon. They were predominantly diurnal in early summer and nocturnal in late summer although water temperatures were similar. Post‐YOY Atlantic salmon did not show a strong response to temperature as they were mostly nocturnal during the study period. It is suggested that the difference in activity patterns between YOY and post‐YOY Atlantic salmon can be explained by size‐dependent trade‐off between growth and predation risk.
Fish drift in a Danube sidearm‐system: I. Site‐, inter‐ and intraspecific patterns
Authors: Zitek A. , Schmutz S. , Unfer G. , Ploner A.
Published: November 2004

A total of 10 649 larval and juvenile fishes of 24 species were caught in the drift at Marchfeldkanal, a man‐made side branch of the Danube River near Vienna, Austria, with tubenose goby Proterorhinus marmoratus being the dominant species. Distinct differences in inter‐ and intraspecific drift patterns among different sampling stations along the course of the channel were found. The percentage of the rheophilic and rheoparous ecological guild was highest at the inlet of the channel, where it is directly fed with water from the Danube. For individual species, significant differences in drift densities among sites were found for tubenose goby, barbel Barbus barbus, ide Leuciscus idus, roach Rutilus rutilus and for the two most abundant percids, the pike‐perch Sander lucioperca and zingel Zingel zingel combined. The occurrence of larval and juvenile fishes in the drift was related to certain developmental stages and differed between species and sites. Most species (common bream Abramis brama, bleak Alburnus alburnus, gudgeon species Gobio spp., chub Leuciscus cephalus, ide and roach) occurred with highest densities at the earliest developmental larval stage, but some species (e.g. common bream and roach) were also found abundantly in drift at later developmental stages. Application of Ivlev‘s index of electivity as a drift index describing the propensity of the different species to drift, yielded the highest indices for the gudgeon species, common bream and bleak and the lowest for perch Perca fluviatilis, Prussian carp Carassius auratus gibelio and rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus.
Density‐dependent growth in hatchery‐reared brown trout released into a natural stream
Authors: Sundström L. F. , Bohlin T. , Johnsson J. I.
Published: November 2004

Hatchery‐reared brown troutSalmo truttastocked in a natural stream in addition to resident wild brown trout grew more slowly than those stocked with an experimentally reduced density of brown wild trout. In both cases, hatchery‐reared brown trout grew more slowly than resident wild fish in control sections. Mortality and movements did not differ among the three categories of fish. The results showed that growth of stocked hatchery‐reared brown trout parr was density‐dependent, most likely as a consequence of increased competition. Thus, supplementary release of hatchery‐reared fish did not necessarily increase biomass.
Osteology and morphology of the characiform fish Alestes stuhlmanniiPfeffer, 1896(Alestidae) from the Rufiji River basin, East Africa
Authors: Murray A. M.
Published: November 2004

The osteology of a population of the characiform fish Alestes stuhlmannii, from the Rufiji River basin of Tanzania, is described, and meristic and morphometric data from over 100 specimens, ranging from 15·5 to 218 mm standard length are given. Two allometric changes occur during growth of this fish: both the number of gill rakers and the interorbital width relative to the head length increase with size. There are also changes in tooth form associated with growth in A. stuhlmannii, with the unicuspid teeth of juveniles becoming almost molariform in adults. This change in dentition with age, and therefore size, may have implications for recognizing taxa, some of which (the fossil genera Sindacharax and Bunocharax, and the living dwarf petersiines) have been distinguished by jaw or dental characters.
Ethnic differences in the formation of small LDL particles in Asians: a comparison of Koreans, Japanese and Mongolians
Authors: Anuurad E. , Shiwaku K. , Enkhmaa B. , Nogi A. , Kitajima K. , Yamasaki M. , Yamane Y.
Published: November 2004

Background  The presence of small, dense LDL particles has been recognized as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) but is not directly representative of CHD mortality rate beyond any given population. We investigated whether such inconsistency between three Asian ethnic groups might have arisen from anthropometric and metabolic factors.

Design  We conducted a cross‐sectional survey among adult Koreans (412), Japanese (453) and Mongolians (253).

Results  The prevalence of small LDL particles was 36% in the Koreans, 21% in the Japanese and 7% in the Mongolians. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed plasma triglyceride (TG) levels to be the strongest determinant of small LDL particle size in all three groups, with sex, HDL‐cholesterol and non‐HDL‐C being other ethnic‐specific significant determinants. Body mass index (BMI), FFA and insulin resistance were not significant factors in the regression analysis. Of the subjects with low TG levels (< 133 mg dL−1), 25% of the Koreans and 10% of the Japanese, but no Mongolians, had small LDL particles.

Conclusions  Results of the present study suggest that traditionally, high‐carbohydrate diets in Korea and Japan possibly contribute to higher TG‐levels compared with BMI‐matched Mongolians, and to the formation of small LDL particles, even in instances of low TG levels.
Weight reduction, but not a moderate intake of fish oil, lowers concentrations of inflammatory markers and PAI‐1 antigen in obese men during the fasting and postprandial state
Authors: Jellema A. , Plat J. , Mensink R. P.
Published: November 2004

Background  In obese subjects, chronic low‐grade inflammation contributes to an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, which are reversed by weight loss. Sustained weight loss, however, is difficult to achieve and more insight into dietary approaches on anti‐inflammatory responses in obese subjects is needed. In this respect, fish oil deserves attention.

Material and methods  Eleven obese men (BMI: 30–35 kg m−2) received daily fish oil (1·35 g n‐3 fatty acids) or placebo capsules in random order for 6 weeks. Eight subjects continued with a weight reduction study that lasted 8 weeks. Mean weight loss was 9·4 kg. At the end of each experimental period a postprandial study was performed.

Results  Relative to fasting concentrations, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels increased by 75% 2 h and by 118% 4 h after the meal (P < 0·001), when subjects consumed the control capsules. In contrast, C‐reactive protein (C‐RP) concentrations decreased slightly by 0·7% and 6·6% (P = 0·046), and those of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) antigen by, respectively, 26% and 53% (P < 0·001). Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α; P = 0·330) and soluble TNF‐receptor concentrations (sTNF‐R55 and sTNF‐R75; P = 0·451 and P = 0·108, respectively) did not change. Changes relative to fasting concentrations were not significantly affected by either fish oil or weight reduction. Absolute IL‐6, C‐RP, sTNF‐R55, sTNF‐R75, and PAI‐1 antigen concentrations, however, were consistently lower after weight reduction, but not after fish oil consumption.

Conclusion  For slightly obese subjects a moderate intake of fish oil does not have the same favourable effects on markers for a low‐grade inflammatory state as weight reduction.
Treatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor increases interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist levels during engraftment following allogeneic stem‐cell transplantation
Authors: Schwabe M. , Hartert A.‐M. , Bertz H. , Finke J.
Published: November 2004

Background  The effect of treatment with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) on interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) plasma concentrations as well as the role of IL‐1ra on leucocyte recovery and parameters of infection within the first 30 days after haematopietic stem‐cell transplantation (HSCT) are not well known.

Material and methods  Twenty‐seven patients undergoing myeloablative therapy followed by allogeneic SCT for various haematological disorders were either treated with (n = 18) or without (n = 9) G‐CSF. IL‐1ra plasma levels were serially determined by ELISA starting at day − 1 and continued until patients were engrafted.

Results  Patients receiving G‐CSF had significantly shorter neutropenic periods and significantly lower mean C‐reactive protein serum levels during the first 3 weeks succeeding bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Importantly, starting at day + 11 and paralleling the rise of peripheral blood leucocytes, increasing IL‐1ra plasma concentrations were observed in both treatment groups. However, the magnitude of the IL‐1ra surge was far greater in the G‐CSF treatment group. Peak IL‐1ra plasma level observed on day + 19 was 882·3 ± 879·2 pg mL−1 (mean ± SD) in patients receiving G‐CSF compared with 285·8 ± 175·2 pg mL−1 (mean ± SD) in patients not receiving G‐CSF (P = 0·0130). Furthermore, a direct correlation of IL‐1ra with peripheral blood leucocytes was verified by the Spearman rank test (P = 0·0025).

Conclusion  Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐mediated acceleration of neutrophil recovery following myeloablative therapy correlated with increased IL‐1ra plasma concentrations. Our data suggest that IL‐1ra constitutes an intrinsic component of the anti‐inflammatory and neutrophil differentiating efficacy of G‐CSF and, thus, IL‐1ra may be required for the in vivo activity of G‐CSF.
Down‐regulation of sarcolipin mRNA expression in chronic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Uemura N. , Ohkusa T. , Hamano K. , Nakagome M. , Hori H. , Shimizu M. , Matsuzaki M. , Mochizuki S. , Minamisawa S. , Ishikawa Y.
Published: November 2004

Background  Abnormal intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is an important modulator of chronic atrial fibrillation. Sarcolipin, a homologue of phospholamban, is specifically expressed in the atria, and may play an important role in modulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in the atria. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of sarcolipin mRNA in the atrial myocardium of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.

Methods  We analyzed the expression of sarcolipin, phospholamban, cardiac calsequestrin and sodium calcium exchanger mRNAs in the right atrial myocardium from nine patients with mitral valvular disease with atrial fibrillation (MVD/AF), nine patients with MVD who had normal sinus rhythm (MVD/NSR), and 10 control patients with normal sinus rhythm who received open heart surgery (controls). The expression of mRNA was measured using the ABI PRISM 7700 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA).

Results  Relative expression levels of sarcolipin mRNA were significantly lower in MVD/AF (0·60 ± 0·11) than in either MVD/NSR (1·28 ± 0·17, P < 0·01) or controls (1·10 ± 0·10, P < 0·05). The expression levels of sarcolipin mRNA were significantly lower in the group with high values for right atrial pressure. The expression levels of phospholamban, cardiac calsequestrin and sodium calcium exchanger mRNAs were comparable among all three groups.

Conclusions  Chronic electrical and mechanical overload decreased the expression of sarcolipin mRNA in the right atrial myocardium in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Down‐regulation of sarcolipin mRNA may be part of atrial fibrillation‐induced atrial remodelling.
Altered body image: appearance‐related concerns of people with visible disfigurement
Authors: Rumsey Nichola , Clarke Alex , White Paul , Wyn‐Williams Menna , Garlick Wendy
Published: November 2004

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a study to establish the extent and type of psychosocial needs of outpatients attending for treatment of a wide range of disfiguring conditions.

Background.  Visible disfigurements can be associated with extensive psychosocial difficulties. The majority of research to date has been carried out with people identified by themselves or others as experiencing difficulties. Little is known about levels of distress in the broader population of patients receiving treatment for a range of disfiguring conditions.

Methods.  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, with a convenience sample. Participants (n = 458) drawn from 15 outpatient clinics completed standardized measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), social anxiety and avoidance (Derriford Appearance Scale short‐form) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale). A semi‐structured interview was used to generate further quantitative and qualitative data about individual concerns, and satisfaction with the provision of care. Staff views about levels of psychosocial distress were elicited through group discussions.

Results.  The results revealed high levels of psychological distress in the sample, compared with normative values. The majority of difficulties related to problems experienced in social situations. Patient satisfaction with care was generally high; however, and 71% of participants expressed a moderate to strong desire for a health care professional with training to deal with their appearance‐related concerns. Nursing staff felt unable to address patients’ appearance‐related difficulties because of time constraints, lack of an environment conducive to the discussion of patients’ concerns, and lack of appropriate knowledge and training.

Conclusion.  A significant proportion of participants experienced psychosocial distress in relation to their visible difference. Psychosocial needs were poorly met in current outpatient care provision, and a range of options could be considered to address these more effectively.
Factors affecting quality of oral care in intensive care units
Authors: Allen Furr L. , Binkley Catherine J. , McCurren Cynthia , Carrico Ruth
Published: November 2004

Aims.  This paper presents a study to assess to nurses’ attitudes and practices concerning oral care and to determine predictors of the quality of oral care in intensive care units.

Background.  The oropharynx of critically ill patients becomes colonized with potential respiratory pathogens; oral care has been shown to reduce oropharyngeal bacteria and ventilator‐associated pneumonia.

Methods.  In April 2002, a random and national sample of 420 intensive care unit directors was asked to participate in the survey. Of invited directors, 126 (30%) agreed to participate and were sent questionnaires to be completed anonymously by their staff, and 102 institutions returned 556 surveys. This gave a response rate of 83% of those who consented to participate.

Results.  The path model shows that nurses’ oral care education, having sufficient time to provide care, prioritizing oral care, and not viewing oral care as unpleasant had direct effects on the quality of provided care. Intensive care unit experience, oral care education, and having sufficient time had indirect effects.

Conclusion.  Improving the quality of oral care in intensive care units is a multi‐layered task. Reinforcing proper oral care in education programmes, de‐sensitizing nurses to the often‐perceived unpleasantness of cleaning oral cavities, and working with hospital managers to allow sufficient time to attend to oral care are recommended.
Relationship between two anxiety instruments in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support
Authors: Chlan Linda L.
Published: November 2004

Aims.  The primary aim of this paper is to discuss the relationship between the Visual Analog Scale‐Anxiety (VAS‐A) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. A secondary aim is to provide suggestions for the nurse‐researcher to consider when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety.

Background.  Anxiety is a common experience for critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. It is a challenge, however, for nurse‐researcher to select an instrument to measure anxiety that is valid and reliable yet does not cause great response burden for participants. Visual analog scales may reduce response burden, but lack sound validation in research participants receiving mechanical ventilatory support.

Methods.  This study used a correlational design. A convenience sample of critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support (n = 200) were asked to rate their current level of anxiety on the 20‐item Spielberger SAI and a 100‐mm VAS‐A.

Results.  Eight participants were unable to complete the Spielberger SAI; 100% completed the VAS‐A. The two instruments were found to be significantly correlated at r = 0·50; P = 0·01.

Conclusion.  The VAS‐A was found to be less burdensome for research participants than the Spielberger SAI, resulting in no missing data on the VAS‐A. Findings from this study provide initial validation of the VAS‐A as a justifiable instrument to measure anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support. Researchers are advised to balance reliability and validity properties with response burden when selecting an instrument to measure anxiety in patients with communication challenges and energy limitations.
Chronic illness self‐management: locating the ‘self’
Authors: Koch Tina , Jenkin Peter , Kralik Debbie
Published: November 2004

Aim.  In this paper, we present the findings of a recent research project in which we explored self‐ management with older people who were diagnosed with asthma.

Background.  Asthma self‐management literature has focused on the need for the patient to ‘adhere’ to prescribed therapies, in particular the taking of medications, monitoring of respiratory function or recognizing and avoiding triggers.

Method.  Data were generated during a period of 9 months from three sources; in‐depth interviews with 24 older participants, an open‐ended questionnaire and two mixed‐gender participatory action research groups.

Findings.  Based on current literature, our previous research findings which have ‘unpacked’ what is ‘self’‐management, and data generated in this project, we propose that three asthma management models are in operation: Medical Model of Self‐management, Collaborative Model of Self‐management and Self‐Agency Model of Self‐management. Locating the ‘self’ in self‐management means acknowledging that many people living with a chronic condition are already self‐determining and their expertise should be acknowledged as such.

Conclusion.  Health care professionals can best facilitate people toward self‐agency by embracing new understandings of self‐management in long‐term illness. This process is enhanced when the expertise a person brings to the management of their condition is given the respect it deserves. There needs to be a focus on providing people with the means to grow and learn in a participative relationship that cannot be fully realized with ‘off the shelf’ self‐management solutions.
Case of recalcitrant necrobiotic xanthogranuloma
Authors: Wells Jillian , Gillespie Rod , Zardawi Ibrahim
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY A 53‐year‐old woman with necrobiotic xanthogranuloma presented as infiltrated eyelid plaques, with later development of arm and thigh lesions. Clinical features, including association with immunoglobulin G‐κ paraprotein, and pathological findings were typical of this disorder. Treatment for 15 months with varying combinations of prednisone and multiple chemotherapeutic agents (melphalan, cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil) has led to minimal or no improvement in the clinical lesions or paraprotein. The case demonstrates some of the difficulties in managing this unusual disorder.
Case of the Brooke–Spiegler syndrome
Authors: Ly Hoang , Black Martin M , Robson Alistair
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY A 36‐year‐old woman presented with lesions on her scalp, face and trunk. Histopathological examination of these lesions demonstrated facial trichoepithelioma, and scalp cylindroma. A solitary nodule on the trunk had features of cylindroma, spiradenoma and trichoepithelioma, a previously unreported occurrence. Based on the clinical picture, the diagnosis of Brooke–Spiegler syndrome was established. Genetic studies confirmed the diagnosis, demonstrating a splice site mutation, designated 1518+2T>C, on the CYLD1 gene of chromosome 16q12–q13.
Monitoring and assessment of restoration of a rainforest remnant at Wingham Brush, NSW
Authors: Harden Gwen J. , Fox Marilyn D. , Fox Barry J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Wingham Brush is a 9‐ha remnant of lowland subtropical rainforest, on mid‐north coast New South Wales, Australia, with high floristic diversity (about 200 species, more than 70 endemic trees and 27 endemic vines). A history of disturbance, environmental mismanagement and flooding from the Manning River resulted in many exotic species vigorously invading the rainforest. By the late 1970s weeds blanketed large sections of the forest, preventing regeneration of native species and destroying the canopy. By 1978 rainforest ecologists thought it ‘doubtful whether the rainforest could be saved from extinction.’ In 1980 a restoration program funded by the National Trust of Australia (NSW), used the Bradley Method of bush regeneration. However, this method did not consider the unique character of the rainforest community, which required the highest priority to be restoring the canopy. The National Herbarium of New South Wales became involved in 1984 as an independent agency to monitor the progress of the regeneration and assess the techniques being used, in particular the use of glyphosate. Monitoring provided evidence of beneficial change, showed how it occurred and has since been used as a basis for planning, documenting and assessing progress in rainforest regeneration. Reformation of the canopy allowed the forest floor to stabilize under a more constant microclimate, encouraging germination of shade‐loving rainforest species. Maximum and minimum temperature values demonstrated the buffering effect of the closed rainforest canopy. After 20 years, Wingham Brush has changed from a degraded forest, dominated by exotic vines, with many large gaps in the canopy, to a rainforest with an intact canopy, enlarged core forest area and reduced edge effect, that supports the diversity and structure of a healthy subtropical rainforest. Techniques developed in the ‘Wingham Brush Method’, have become the basis for restoration programs in other rainforest areas. The principles are: be canopy‐focused, be flexible, assess each site individually, and use techniques appropriate to problems encountered and goals of the long‐term program.
Exotic plant invasions in an endemic‐rich habitat: The spread of an introduced Australian grass, Agrostis avenacea J. F. Gmel., in California vernal pools
Authors: Zedler Paul H. , Black Charles
Published: November 2004

Abstract  The present abundance and historical spread of an exotic grass, Agrostis avenacea, is documented for California, USA, and for the vernal pools of San Diego County in particular. Agrostis avenacea is native to Australia where it is a common grass of ephemeral and fluctuating wetlands. California vernal pools, by reason of their extreme variability and high endemism, have been thought to be relatively resistant to invasion. The recent expansion of A. avenacea in San Diego County demonstrates, however, that the alleged resistance is probably a function of a relatively small pool of invaders and a low probability of targeted dispersal. Although A. avenacea is now abundant in pools with little current disturbance, human disturbance appears to have been a major factor that facilitated its initial establishment. This specific instance adds to the mounting evidence that there are probably few, if any, habitats immune to invasion.
Estrogen receptor beta is expressed in human embryonic brain cells and is regulated by 17β‐estradiol
Authors: Fried G. , Andersson E. , Csöregh L. , Enmark E. , Gustafsson J.‐Å. , Aanesen A. , Österlund C.
Published: November 2004

In order to study estrogen effects on developing human neurons, we have established primary cultures of neurons and glia from 8–13‐week human embryo cortex and spinal cord. The neuronal identity of the cultures was verified using the neuronal synaptic vesicle and neuronal endosomal membrane markers synaptotagmin, synapsin and synaptophysin, and the glial contribution to the mixed glial–neuronal cultures was verified using the glial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We here report expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in these cells using RT‐PCR and sequencing, RNAse protection assay, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. We found that both neuronal and mixed glial–neuronal cultures expressed ERβ. Treatment with 17β‐estradiol gave an increased expression of ERβ in both types of cultures. These results suggest that ERβ is expressed in fetal brain and thus may mediate effects of estrogen in the developing nervous system. Furthermore, the results suggest that expression of ERβ in fetal brain may be regulated by estrogen.
NGF and GDNF differentially regulate TRPV1 expression that contributes to development of inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia
Authors: Amaya Fumimasa , Shimosato Goshun , Nagano Masatoshi , Ueda Masashi , Hashimoto Satoru , Tanaka Yoshifumi , Suzuki Hidenori , Tanaka Masaki
Published: November 2004

The transient receptor potential ion channel, TRPV1 plays an essential role in the development of inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia. We investigated the dependence of inflammatory TRPV1 induction on neurotrophic factor. Rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons were classified according to immunostaining for trk‐A and IB4 and the effects of antibodies against NGF or GDNF on TRPV1 expression within the groups were then analysed by immunohistochemical means. The data were compared with the time course of trophic factor expression and the effects of their antibodies on thermal hyperalgesia against radiant heat after inflammation. Although the levels of both NGF and GDNF were increased by inflammation, NGF rapidly and transiently increased whereas GDNF increased gradually over a period of approximately one week. TRPV1 expression was increased within both trk‐A positive and IB4 positive neurons after inflammation. Increased TRPV1 expression within trk‐A positive neurons was prevented by anti‐NGF but not by anti‐GDNF, whereas TRPV1 induction within the IB4 positive group was blocked by anti‐GDNF but not by anti‐NGF. Both antibodies prevented the short latency of withdrawing an inflamed paw from radiant heat. These results suggest that inflammation differentially increases both NGF and GDNF, which facilitate TRPV1 expression within distinctive neurons to induce thermal hyperalgesia.
Isolation of an mRNA binding protein homologue that is expressed in nociceptors
Authors: Eilers Helge , Trilk Sharon L. , Lee Sook Young , Xue Qing , Jong Beverly E. , Moff Irene , Levine Jon D. , Schumacher Mark A.
Published: November 2004

The peripheral detection of painful stimuli requires the activation of small‐diameter primary afferent neurons known as nociceptors. We have exploited two features of nociceptor biology, expression of the high affinity receptor for nerve growth factor (TrkA) and sensitivity to capsaicin, to isolate novel proteins using a differential display cloning scheme. A resulting ∼4.3‐kb cDNA was isolated and sequence analysis inferred a ∼157‐kDa protein containing a signal/mitochondrial targeting peptide sequence. Due to its molecular weight and significant amino acid identity with ‘human leucine‐rich protein 130’[leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide motif containing (LRPPRC)], we termed the cDNA candidate leucine‐rich protein 157 (rLRP157). Western blot analysis of HEK293 cells over‐expressing the candidate cDNA showed a single protein product of similar size to that found in rat dorsal root ganglion as well as in other neuronal tissues and cell lines. Although expressed in a wide variety of tissues, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in dorsal root ganglion revealed that rLRP157 expression was restricted to the small‐diameter neurons. Sequence identity with previously characterized mRNA binding proteins and its subcellular localization in sensory neurons suggest that rLRP157 is associated with mitochondrial function. Moreover, the genetic basis of French‐Canadian Leigh syndrome, which confers a loss of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase and is characterized by neurodegeneration, was recently mapped to a mutation in the LRPPRC gene. Taken together with its expression in small‐diameter sensory neurons, we hypothesize that rLRP157, the rat orthologue of the human LRPPRC, may play a role in the modulation of peripheral pain transduction and serve as a novel marker for nociceptor subtypes.
The human perirhinal cortex and semantic memory
Authors: Davies R. R. , Graham Kim S. , Xuereb John H. , Williams Guy B. , Hodges John R.
Published: November 2004

Studies in macaque monkeys indicate that the perirhinal cortex in the temporal lobe participates in object memory. This function may be analogous to aspects of human semantic memory (knowledge of objects, concepts, faces and words). To date, the status of perirhinal cortex has not specifically been investigated in patients with semantic deficits as seen in semantic dementia, the temporal lobe variant of frontotemporal dementia. High‐resolution three‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in subjects with semantic dementia and Alzheimer's disease (characterized in its early stages by selective episodic memory impairment) and in healthy age‐matched controls. Hippocampal, perirhinal, temporopolar and entorhinal cortex volumes were measured by outlining areas on successive scan slices according to recognized landmarks. The entorhinal and hippocampal regions were further subdivided into anterior and posterior parts. In keeping with the hypothesized contribution of the perirhinal cortex to semantic memory function, we found greater involvement of this region, together with the temporopolar and anterior entorhinal cortices, in semantic dementia than in either Alzheimer's disease patients or control subjects. Performance on a range of semantic tests also correlated with perirhinal volume. Bilateral reduction in hippocampal volume compared with controls was seen in Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, atrophy of the human perirhinal cortex, and of directly connected areas, was associated with semantic memory impairment but not episodic memory impairment, as predicted from the primate work.
Dynamic or inert metabolism? Turnover of N‐acetyl aspartate and glutathione from d‐[1‐13C]glucose in the rat brain in vivo
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Gruetter Rolf
Published: November 2004

The rate of 13C‐label incorporation into both aspartyl (NAA C3) and acetyl (NAA C6) groups of N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA) was simultaneously measured in the rat brain in vivo for up to 19 h of [1‐13C]glucose infusion (n = 8). Label incorporation was detected in NAA C6 approximately 1.5 h earlier than in NAA C3 because of the delayed labeling of the precursor of NAA C3, aspartate, compared to that of NAA C6, glucose. The time courses of NAA were fitted using a mathematical model assuming synthesis of NAA in one kinetic compartment with the respective precursor pools of aspartate and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA). The turnover rates of NAA C6 and C3 were 0.7 ± 0.1 and 0.6 ± 0.1 µmol/(g h) with the time constants 14 ± 2 and 13 ± 2 h, respectively, with an estimated pool size of 8 µmol/g. The results suggest that complete label turnover of NAA from glucose occurs in approximately 70 h. Several hours after starting the glucose infusion, label incorporation into glutathione (GSH) was also detected. The turnover rate of GSH was 0.06 ± 0.02 µmol/(g h) with a time constant of 13 ± 2 h. The estimated pool size of GSH was 0.8 µmol/g, comparable to the cortical glutathione concentration. We conclude that NAA and GSH are completely turned over and that the metabolism is extremely slow (< 0.05% of the glucose metabolic rate).
Molecular modeling of human MT2 melatonin receptor: the role of Val204, Leu272 and Tyr298 in ligand binding
Authors: Mazna Petr , Obsilova Veronika , Jelinkova Irena , Balik Ales , Berka Karel , Sovova Zofie , Ettrich Rüdiger , Svoboda Petr , Obsil Tomas , Teisinger Jan
Published: November 2004

A model of the helical part of the human MT2 melatonin (hMT2) receptor, a member of the G protein‐coupled receptors superfamily has been generated, based on the structure of bovine rhodopsin. Modeling has been combined with site‐directed mutagenesis to investigate the role of the specific amino acid residues within the transmembrane domains (TM) numbers V, VI and VII of hMT2 receptor in the interaction with 2‐iodomelatonin. Saturation binding assays with 2‐iodomelatonin demonstrated that the substitution V204A (TMV) resulted in total loss of binding while the mutation V205A had no effect. The replacement of F209 with alanine led to a significant decrease in the Bmax value of receptor binding while mutations V205A and F209A also within TM V did not significantly change binding properties of the hMT2 receptor. In the case of TM VI, the substitution G271T caused substantial decrease in 2‐iodomelatonin binding to the hMT2 receptor. The change L272A (TM VI) as well as mutation Y298A within TM VII completely abolished ligand binding to the receptor. These data suggest that several new amino acid residues within TM V, VI and VII are involved in ligand–MT2 receptor interaction.
Adenosine receptor‐mediated modulation of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens depends on glutamate neurotransmission and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor stimulation
Authors: Quarta Davide , Borycz Janusz , Solinas Marcello , Patkar Kshitij , Hockemeyer Jörg , Ciruela Francisco , Lluis Carme , Franco Rafael , Woods Amina S. , Goldberg Steven R. , Ferré Sergi
Published: November 2004

Adenosine, by acting on adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, exerts opposite modulatory roles on striatal extracellular levels of glutamate and dopamine, with activation of A1 inhibiting and activation of A2A receptors stimulating glutamate and dopamine release. Adenosine‐mediated modulation of striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission could be secondary to changes in glutamate neurotransmission, in view of evidence for a preferential colocalization of A1 and A2A receptors in glutamatergic nerve terminals. By using in vivo microdialysis techniques, local perfusion of NMDA (3, 10 µm), the selective A2A receptor agonist 2‐p‐(2‐carboxyethyl)phenethylamino‐5′‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680; 3, 10 µm), the selective A1 receptor antagonist 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dimethylxanthine (CPT; 300, 1000 µm), or the non‐selective A1‐A2A receptor antagonist in vitro caffeine (300, 1000 µm) elicited significant increases in extracellular levels of dopamine in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Significant glutamate release was also observed with local perfusion of CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine, but not NMDA. Co‐perfusion with the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist dl‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (APV; 100 µm) counteracted dopamine release induced by NMDA, CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine. Co‐perfusion with the selective A2A receptor antagonist MSX‐3 (1 µm) counteracted dopamine and glutamate release induced by CGS 21680, CPT and caffeine and did not modify dopamine release induced by NMDA. These results indicate that modulation of dopamine release in the shell of the NAc by A1 and A2A receptors is mostly secondary to their opposite modulatory role on glutamatergic neurotransmission and depends on stimulation of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, these results underscore the role of A1 vs. A2A receptor antagonism in the central effects of caffeine.
NGFI‐B (Nurr77/Nr4a1) orphan nuclear receptor in rat pinealocytes: circadian expression involves an adrenergic‐cyclic AMP mechanism
Authors: Humphries Ann , Weller Joan , Klein David , Baler Ruben , Carter David A.
Published: November 2004

NGFI‐B (Nur77/Nr4a1) is a member of a nuclear steroid receptor subgroup that includes the related factors Nurr1 (Nr4a2) and NOR‐1 (Nr4a3). These proteins do not have recognized ligands and in fact function independently as orphan receptors with transcriptional regulatory activity. In the present study, expression of the NGFI‐B gene in the rat pineal gland was found to exhibit a robust circadian rhythm, with elevated levels of NGFI‐B mRNA occurring at night. The rhythm of NGFI‐B mRNA is translated into a circadian rhythm of NGFI‐B protein, which accumulates in the nucleus of pinealocytes. In addition, there is a parallel marked nocturnal increase in pineal DNA binding activity to a NGFI‐B response element (NBRE, AAAGGTCA). Pharmacological studies indicate that NGFI‐B mRNA and protein levels are elevated via activation of adrenergic receptors. NGFI‐B protein levels are also elevated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, as in other systems. In the pineal gland, regulation of NGFI‐B expression also involves the AP‐1 protein Fra‐2, based on studies with a transgenic Fra‐2 knockdown rat, in which pineal NGFI‐B expression increases. This set of observations extends the number of pineal genes that are known to be regulated by Fra‐2, and also provides the first indication that a member of the NGFI‐B group of nuclear receptors is involved in controlling gene expression in the pineal gland.
Amyloid Aβ1−40preconditions non‐apoptotic signalsin vivoand protects fetal rat brain from intrauterine ischemic stress
Authors: Kuperstein Faina , Brand Annette , Yavin Ephraim
Published: November 2004

The dualistic activities of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide as a pro‐oxidant and ubiquitous constituent of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer's disease plaques and as an antioxidant of purported physiological function has been suggested but the mechanisms are far from being understood. In this report we measure several oxidative stress parameters and signaling cascades in brains of fetal rats subjected to global ischemia in order to evaluate the putative bifunctional properties of the Aβ1−40peptide. Intraperitoneal injection of 6 µg Aβ1−40into 18‐days‐old rat fetuses (approximately 3 g body weight) resulted after 24 h in the appearance of the peptide in various fetal organs including brain where it enhanced the levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and stimulated the levels of pro‐survival signaling activities such as Akt serine/threonine kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase C enzymes. Moreover, pretreatment with Aβ1−40reversed the consequences of a transient hypovolemic/hypotensive oxidative stress by restoring GSH levels via its recycling enzymes and by lowering the production of lipid peroxides presumably by activating the aforementioned pro‐survival signaling cascades. It also caused a reduction in the number of DAPI‐enhanced reactive cells and a decrease in p38 kinase phosphorylation and caspase‐9 and ‐3 activity. These data suggest that pre‐exposure to Aβ1−40stimulates fetal tolerance to ischemia via regulation of GSH metabolism and as such may be considered as neuroprotective.
Microarray analysis of gene expression in the rat vestibular nucleus complex following unilateral vestibular deafferentation
Authors: Horii Arata , Masumura Chisako , Smith Paul F. , Darlington Cynthia L. , Kitahara Tadashi , Uno Atsuhiko , Mitani Kenji , Kubo Takeshi
Published: November 2004

To investigate the molecular background of vestibular compensation, a model of lesion‐induced plasticity, we used a microarray analysis to examine genes that show asymmetrical expression between the bilateral vestibular nucleus complexes (VNCs) 6 h following unilateral vestibular deafferentation (UVD). Asymmetrical gene expression was then validated by a real‐time quantitative PCR. Among the 88 genes for which the ipsilateral (ipsi) : contralateral (contra) was > 1.35, the number of known genes was 33 (38%), and the number of expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences was 55 (62%). Among the 130 genes for which the contra : ipsi was > 1.35, the number of known genes was 55 (42%), and the number of EST sequences was 75 (58%). Changes in some of the genes were consistent with previous studies; however, we found several new genes which could be functionally related to the molecular basis of the electrophysiological asymmetry between the VNCs following UVD. Ipsi > contra genes included the GABAA receptor rho subunit, regulatory proteins of G protein signaling, calcium signaling related molecules such as the voltage‐dependent calcium channel α2/δ subunit 1, calcineurin subunit Aβ and Ca2+ pump. Contra > ipsi genes included the neuronal high affinity glutamate transporter, 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 1D, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 12 and ubiquitin carboxy‐terminal hydrolase L1.