bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing research findings in nursing: policy and practice considerations
Authors: Cavanagh Stephen J , Tross Gwendolin
Published: March 2006

The implementation of research findings into practice has become an important consideration for nursing following the recent publication of the Department of Health (England) report Methods to Promote the Implementation of Research– Findings in the NHS This report acknowledges the problems of change in practice, the relatively small amount of research conducted on the subject and the need to identify ways of implementing clinical innovation While triggered by concerns over the efficiency and cost‐effectiveness of interventions, this subject has great importance for nurses during the current National Health Service (NHS) reforms A number of attempts have been made to increase the utilization of research findings into practice What has emerged has been the identification of strategies that would prove difficult to generalize widely, and a number of organizational constraints It has also become apparent that research implementation is an organizational issue, and not just a concern of the individual nurse, who may be seen as somehow ‘failing’ to provide the very best care by being unaware of the latest research findings This paper reviews some of the issues of implementing research findings into practice, reviews research studies in this area and discusses a strategy for the future
A review of statistical methods in the Journal of Advanced Nursing
Authors: Anthony Dems
Published: March 2006

Research‐based articles in the nursing press increased in number substantially, as indeed they have in other disciplines While qualitative methods are more frequently use in nursing than some other areas (for example, medicine), the use of quantitative methods is common It is noted that statistical errors and misunderstanding of statistical concepts are to be found in nursing journals This paper analyses an academic nursing journal and comparisons are made with similar studies in medical journal
Solvent–detergent plasma: use in neonatal patients, in adult and paediatric patients with liver disease and in obstetric and gynaecological emergencies
Authors: Chekrizova V. , Murphy W. G.
Published: March 2006

summary.  The study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerance of solvent–detergent (SD) plasma in neonates, in obstetric and gynaecological patients and in patients with liver disease in three large hospitals in Dublin during the period 1 April 2002 (when SD plasma was introduced) through 31 October 2003. Forty‐one neonates received 67 transfusions of SD plasma at a mean dose ± standard deviation of 18·4 ± 13·2 mL kg−1. Thirty‐one (75·6%) patients had coagulopathy without haemorrhage (either disseminated intravascular coagulopathy or other coagulopathy); a further eight (19·5%) had clinical haemorrhage (excluding intraventricular haemorrhage), which complicated a coagulopathy. Thirty‐eight obstetric and gynaecological patients received 57 SD plasma transfusions at a mean dose of 15·3 ± 7·7 mL kg−1. Thirty‐six women (94·7%) had haemorrhage with mean blood loss per patient of 3345·8 ± 2738·1 mL. Fifteen children with liver disease received 33 SD plasma transfusions at a mean volume of 38·0 ± 41·5 mL kg−1 body weight. Seventeen adult patients with severe end‐stage liver disease were transfused with SD plasma either following liver transplantation or prior to other invasive procedures, at a mean dose of 10·2 ± 3·4 mL kg−1. There were statistically significant decreases in mean activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time in neonates, in obstetric and gynaecological patients and in patients with liver disease. Complete correction of coagulation parameters was not achieved in any case in the liver transplant group. No adverse reactions were observed for SD plasma infusion. Use of SD plasma in critically ill neonates, in women with obstetric and gynaecological emergencies and in patients with liver disease appears safe, and improves laboratory indices of coagulopathy.
Simultaneous five cell‐lineage flow cytometric analysis system for detection of leucocyte antibodies
Authors: Matsuyama N. , Kojima Y. , Hirayama F. , Yasui K. , Taniue A. , Fukumori Y. , Yoshimura K. , Tabata N. , Sakata N. , Tani Y. , Shibata H.
Published: March 2006

summary.  Although flow cytometric (FCM) analysis is one of the most widely used approaches to screen the presence of leucocyte antibodies, it has several drawbacks. First, neutrophils and, especially, monocytes exhibit high background reactivity. Second, to determine antibody specificity, it is often necessary to examine not only neutrophils and monocytes but also other lineage cells including T cells, B cells and platelets. Therefore, we attempted to establish an FCM analysis system in which four lineages of leucocytes and platelets are simultaneously tested with low background. FCM analysis was performed using ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid‐anticoagulated whole blood as cell sample without any cell preparation. Discrimination of five cell lineages was carried out based on the differences in forward vs. side scatter distribution and in the expression of CD4, CD20 and CD14. When anti‐HNA (human neutrophil antigen) 1b antiserum was applied to HNA 1b‐positive blood samples, only neutrophils were unambiguously positive. When anti‐Naka (anti‐CD36) antiserum was applied, only platelets and monocytes were positive. The background reactivity of neutrophils and monocytes was low enough. When anti‐human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II antiserum was tested, only B‐lymphocytes and monocytes were positive. When anti‐HLA class I antiserum was tested, all the five‐lineage cells were positive.
Can Limiting Choice Increase Social Welfare? The Elderly and Health Insurance
Authors: HANOCH YANIV , RICE THOMAS
Published: March 2006

Herbert Simon's work on bounded rationality has had little impact on health policy discourse, despite numerous supportive findings. This is particularly surprising in regard to the elderly, a group marked by a decline in higher cognitive functions. Elders' cognitive capacity to make decisions will be challenged even further with the introduction of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit program, mainly because of the many options available. At the same time, a growing body of evidence points to the perils of having too many choices. By combining research from decision science, economics, and psychology, we highlight the potential problems with the expanding health insurance choices facing the elderly and conclude with some policy suggestions to alleviate the problem.
Health Plans Respond to Parity: Managing Behavioral Health Care in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
Authors: RIDGELY M. SUSAN , BURNAM M. AUDREY , BARRY COLLEEN L. , GOLDMAN HOWARD H. , HENNESSY KEVIN D.
Published: March 2006

The government often uses the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program as a model for both public and private health policy choices. In 2001, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) implemented full parity, requiring that FEHB carriers offer mental health and substance abuse benefits equal to general medical benefits. OPM instructed carriers to alter their benefit design but permitted them to determine whether they would manage care and what structures or processes they would use. This article reports on the experience of 156 carriers and the government‐wide BlueCross and BlueShield Service Benefit Plan. Carriers dropped cost‐restraining benefit limits. A smaller percentage also changed the management of the benefit, but these changes affected the care of many enrollees, making the overall parity effect noteworthy.
The Wage Structure of Latino‐Origin Groups across Generations
Authors: FRY RICHARD , LOWELL B. LINDSAY
Published: March 2006

We analyzed in detail the wages of Latinos of Mexican origin, Central/South Americans, and Puerto Ricans. The wage structure facing second and third‐ and higher‐generation Latinos is very similar to the wage structure of third‐ and higher‐generation White workers. Unlike African American workers, more than half of the native Latino/White wage gap can be accounted for by the lower educational attainment and potential experience of native Latino workers.
A Note on the Changes in the Relative Wages of LEP Hispanic Men between 1980 and 2000
Authors: MORA MARIE T. , DÁVILA ALBERTO
Published: March 2006

Using the Juhn‐Murphy‐Pierce (1993) wage decomposition technique, we analyzed changes in the earnings differential between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white men in the United States between 1980 and 2000. The empirical findings, based on decennial census data, indicate that limited‐English‐proficient (LEP) Hispanic men gained in their relative earnings position compared to English‐fluent Hispanics during the 1990s. Our interpretation is that the relative demand for LEP Hispanic workers has risen in recent years.
Output Pay and Ethnic Wage Differentials: Canadian Evidence
Authors: FANG TONY , HEYWOOD JOHN S.
Published: March 2006

Using the Workplace and Employee Survey, we are the first to examine the association between payment method and ethnic wage differentials in Canada. Following earlier theory, we hypothesize that output pay tying earnings to productivity makes it more difficult for employers to discriminate. The empirical estimations show that non‐Europeans in Canada paid by time rates receive lower earnings than Europeans paid by time rates. Yet, non‐Europeans paid by output pay receive virtually identical earnings to their European counterparts.
Teams, Autonomy, and the Financial Performance of Firms
Authors: DEVARO JED
Published: March 2006

I estimate a structural model of teams, autonomy, and financial performance, using a cross section of British establishments. My findings suggest that team production improves financial performance for the typical establishment but that autonomous teams do no better than closely supervised or nonautonomous teams. I find that unobserved factors increasing the propensity to adopt teams are positively correlated with unobserved determinants of financial performance, and that unobserved factors increasing the propensity to grant teams autonomy are negatively correlated with unobserved determinants of financial performance when teams are adopted.
Medieval Prisons: Between Myth and Reality, Hell and Purgatory*
Authors: Geltner Guy
Published: March 2006

When were medieval prisons founded? What was life inside them like? How did contemporary observers perceive them? Addressing such questions, this article brings together over a century of scholarship that undermines the traditional dating of the prison's “birth,” sheds light on the tolerable realities of medieval captivity, and identifies a range of contemporary interpretations of prison life and spaces.
Evaluating Effects of Habitat Loss and Land‐Use Continuity on Ant Species Richness in Seminatural Grassland Remnants
Authors: DAUBER JENS , BENGTSSON JAN , LENOIR LISETTE
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Seminatural grasslands in Europe are susceptible to habitat destruction and fragmentation that result in negative effects on biodiversity because of increased isolation and area effects on extinction rate. However, even small habitat patches of seminatural grasslands might be of value for conservation and restoration of species richness in a landscape with a long history of management, which has been argued to lead to high species richness. We tested whether ant communities have been negatively affected by habitat loss and increased isolation of seminatural grasslands during the twentieth century. We examined species richness and community composition in seminatural grasslands of different size in a mosaic landscape in Central Sweden. Grasslands managed continuously over centuries harbored species‐rich and ecologically diverse ant communities. Grassland remnant size had no effect on ant species richness. Small grassland remnants did not harbor a nested subset of the ant species of larger habitats. Community composition of ants was mainly affected by habitat conditions. Our results suggest that the abandonment of traditional land use and the encroachment of trees, rather than the effects of fragmentation, are important for species composition in seminatural grasslands. Our results highlight the importance of considering land‐use continuity and dispersal ability of the focal organisms when examining the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity. Landscape history should be considered in conservation programs focusing on effects of land‐use change.
Significance of Sighting Rate in Inferring Extinction and Threat
Authors: McINERNY GREG J. , ROBERTS DAVID L. , DAVY ANTHONY J. , CRIBB PHILLIP J.
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  We are now entering a time of immense environmental upheaval in which, increasingly, experts are required to provide conservation assessments. Quantitative assessment of trends in species' range and abundance is costly, requiring extensive field studies over a long period of time. Unfortunately, many species are only known through a few “chance” sightings or a handful of specimens, and therefore extinction may be even harder to ascertain. Several methods have been proposed for estimating the probability of extinction. However, comparison within and between species is difficult because of variations in sighting rates. We applied a probabilistic method that incorporates sighting rate to the sighting record of Vietnamese slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum). The method generates a probability that another sighting will occur given the previous sighting rate and the time since last observation. This allows greater comparability between species discovered at different times. Its predictions were more highly correlated with the World Conservation Union criteria than previous methods. Trends in data collection and the political climate of a country, which affects access to material, are important potential sources of variation that affect sighting rates. A lack of understanding of the process by which data are generated makes inferring extinction from sighting records difficult because extinction status depends on how the sighting rate varies. However, such methods allow rapid conservation prioritization of taxa that are poorly known and would otherwise go unassessed.
Accounting for Management Costs in Sensitivity Analyses of Matrix Population Models
Authors: BAXTER PETER W.J. , McCARTHY MICHAEL A. , POSSINGHAM HUGH P. , MENKHORST PETER W. , McLEAN NATASHA
Published: March 2006

Abstract: Traditional sensitivity and elasticity analyses of matrix population models have been used to inform management decisions, but they ignore the economic costs of manipulating vital rates. For example, the growth rate of a population is often most sensitive to changes in adult survival rate, but this does not mean that increasing that rate is the best option for managing the population because it may be much more expensive than other options. To explore how managers should optimize their manipulation of vital rates, we incorporated the cost of changing those rates into matrix population models. We derived analytic expressions for locations in parameter space where managers should shift between management of fecundity and survival, for the balance between fecundity and survival management at those boundaries, and for the allocation of management resources to sustain that optimal balance. For simple matrices, the optimal budget allocation can often be expressed as simple functions of vital rates and the relative costs of changing them. We applied our method to management of the Helmeted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix; an endangered Australian bird) and the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) as examples. Our method showed that cost‐efficient management of the Helmeted Honeyeater should focus on increasing fecundity via nest protection, whereas optimal koala management should focus on manipulating both fecundity and survival simultaneously. These findings are contrary to the cost‐negligent recommendations of elasticity analysis, which would suggest focusing on managing survival in both cases. A further investigation of Helmeted Honeyeater management options, based on an individual‐based model incorporating density dependence, spatial structure, and environmental stochasticity, confirmed that fecundity management was the most cost‐effective strategy. Our results demonstrate that decisions that ignore economic factors will reduce management efficiency.
Centennial Decline in the Trophic Level of an Endangered Seabird after Fisheries Decline
Authors: BECKER BENJAMIN H. , BEISSINGER STEVEN R.
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  Coastal marine ecosystems worldwide have undergone such profound transformations from overfishing that trophic interactions observed today might be artifacts of these changes. We determined whether the trophic level of an endangered seabird, the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), has declined over the past 100 years after the collapse of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sadax) fisheries in the late 1940s and the recent declines of similar fisheries in central California. We compared stable‐isotope signatures of δ15N and δ13C in feathers of museum specimens collected before fisheries decline with values in murrelet feathers collected recently. Values of δ15N in prebreeding diets declined significantly, 1.4‰ or 38% of a trophic level, over the past century during cool ocean conditions and by 0.5‰ during warm conditions, whereas postbreeding values of δ15N were nearly constant. The δ13C values in prebreeding diets declined by 0.8‰, suggesting an increased importance of krill in modern compared with historic prebreeding diets, but postbreeding diets did not change. Stable‐isotope mixing models indicated that the proportion of energetically superior, high‐trophic‐level prey declined strongly whereas energetically poor, low‐trophic‐level and midtrophic‐level prey increased in the prebreeding diet in cool years when murrelet reproduction was likely to be high. Decreased prey resources have caused murrelets to fish further down on the food web, appear partly responsible for poor murrelet reproduction, and may have contributed to its listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Remote Forest Refugia for Fijian Wildlife
Authors: OLSON DAVID , FARLEY LINDA , NAISILISILI WAISEA , RAIKABULA ALIPATE , PRASAD OM , ATHERTON JAMES , MORLEY CRAIG
Published: March 2006

Abstract:  On Pacific islands non‐native rats and mongooses threaten many native species. In Fiji we compared visitation rates of rats and mongooses at bait stations and measured biomass of leaf‐litter invertebrates to assess the relative predation pressure from these species in forest areas at different distances from the forest edge. Forest areas over 5 km from the forest edge had significantly fewer baits encountered by rats or mongooses than did natural forest areas nearer agricultural and urban habitats. Remote forest areas may function as a last refuge for island species threatened by predation from non‐native rats and mongooses. The biomass of leaf‐litter invertebrates in remote forest areas was higher, indicating a refuge effect for some taxa targeted by rats and mongooses. Protection of the few remaining large blocks of natural forests on Pacific islands may be the most cost‐effective approach for conserving many island endemics threatened by rats and mongooses. Logging roads can compromise this refuge effect by acting as dispersal routes for rats into natural forests.
Color reversion of the albino medaka fish associated with spontaneous somatic excision of the Tol‐1 transposable element from the tyrosinase gene
Authors: Tsutsumi Makiko , Imai Shuichiro , Kyono‐Hamaguchi Yoriko , Hamaguchi Satoshi , Koga Akihiko , Hori Hiroshi
Published: March 2006

The medaka fish albino mutant, i1 is one of the Tomita collection of medaka pigmentation mutants which exhibits a complete albino phenotype, because of inactivation of the tyrosinase gene due to insertion of a transposable element, Tol‐1. Recently, mosaic black‐pigmented i1 medaka fish have arisen in one of our laboratory breeding populations. Their pigmented cells have been observed in all of the tissues, including the eye and skin, in which melanin is detectable in the wild type. In this study, we analyzed the tyrosinase gene of revertants and showed Tol‐1 to have been precisely excised from the gene, suggesting a causal relationship. Mosaic patterns of pigmentation indicate spontaneous somatic excision of the element from the tyrosinase gene. To our knowledge, this is the first transposable element with somatic excision activity demonstrated phenotypically in vertebrates. The pattern of pigmentation in mosaic revertants indicates frequencies of melanin pigments to be consistent with the numbers of melanophores per unit area of body sites, such as the eyes, head and dorsal trunk.
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF UNFROZEN HAMBURGER SINGLE‐SIDED PANFRYING WITH FLIPPINGS FOR MICROBIAL SAFETY
Authors: OU D. , MITTAL G.S.
Published: March 2006

The predictive mathematical heat and mass transfer models for the hamburger patty of single‐sided panfrying were developed. The predicted patty‐temperature histories agreed well with the observed temperature histories. Good experimental validations demonstrated that the mass transfer model provided the feasibility of simulating moisture‐ and fat‐loss histories. The safety analysis was conducted to predict the slowest microbial inactivation point within a patty using the microbial inactivation model. The simulation results demonstrated the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria innocua and Salmonella serotypes within patties during cooking. The effects of various turning intervals, patty thickness, initial patty temperature and D (thermal death time) values on process time were analyzed.
PREPARATION OF PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY RICH GINGER POWDER AND EVALUATION OF ITS TENDERIZING EFFECT ON SPENT‐HEN MUSCLES
Authors: BHASKAR N. , SACHINDRA N.M. , MODI V.K. , SAKHARE P.Z. , MAHENDRAKAR N.S.
Published: March 2006

Proteolytic activity‐rich ginger powder was prepared by solvent extraction from two local varieties, namely, Bangalore and Coorg, of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ethanol treatment yielded a powder with a higher proteolytic activity (P ≤ 0.05) compared to acetone and isopropanol treatments. The Bangalore variety of ginger had a higher proteolytic activity than Coorg variety. Ethanol treatment produced 6.9‐ and 8.3‐fold increases in the specific activity of proteases in ginger powder from Bangalore and Coorg varieties, respectively, compared to the activity in fresh ginger. The breast and leg muscles of spent hen, treated with 2.5% (w/w) of ginger powder obtained by ethanol treatment of Bangalore variety, were found to be significantly more tender (P ≤ 0.05) as indicated by lower shear values (41.9–72.3 N) and higher sensory scores (7.3–8.4) compared to the shear values (68.6–104.9 N) and sensory scores (6.0–7.0) of control samples. Ginger‐powder treatment also improved the flavor of meat marginally. The electrophoretic pattern of ginger powder‐treated muscles produced lower numbers of protein bands compared to control, indicating an increased proteolysis by ginger enzymes. Chicken kabab, a traditional product that is prepared from muscles treated with ginger powder, was more tender and rated superior for sensory flavor and texture quality.
DETERMINATION OF SMALL BONE FRAGMENTS IN MECHANICALLY SEPARATED RABBIT MEAT
Authors: NEGATU Z. , MCNITT J.I. , MCMILLIN K.W.
Published: March 2006

The standard method for determination of bone content of mechanically separated meat requires 12 h of incubation, uses carbon tetrachloride and acetone and does not completely digest connective tissue. Incubation before autoclaving and using a combination of enzymes (papain, bromelain and ficin) gave comparable digestion of soft tissue without affecting the total bone fragments collected. Total bone from samples incubated after and before autoclaving was 5.39 ± 0.55 and 6.20 ± 0.35%, respectively. The total amount of bone fragments collected was 6.00 ± 0.34% after washing with carbon tetrachloride and acetone, and 6.65 ± 0.38% after washing with water. The total amount of bone fragments collected after incubation for 2 h was numerically greater (values ranged from 7.35 ± 0.94 to 8.92 ± 0.31%) than when using the standard method (6.78 ± 0.47). The procedure has a coefficient of variation of 14.8%. A linear regression of the bone contents (y) versus concentration in the mince (x) was y = −0.03 + 0.05x (R2 = 0.72).
DETECTION OF SPECIES IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS USING ENZYME‐LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY
Authors: AYAZ Y. , AYAZ N.D. , EROL I.
Published: March 2006

Detection of species adulteration in meat products is important for consumer protection and food labeling law enforcement. In this study, samples of 28 fermented sausages; 14 cooked salami; 11 frankfurters; 9 raw meats; 16 raw ground meats and meat balls; 3 pastramis, 2 hams and 5 bacons; 7 cooked meats; and 5 canned products resulting in a total of 100 meat and meat products were analyzed for species determination by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test kits prepared with monoclonal antibody technique. Results showed that 11 of 28 fermented sausages (39.2%), 5 of 14 cooked salami (35.7%), 3 of 11 frankfurters (27.2%), 2 of 9 raw meat (22.2%) and 1 of 16 raw ground meat and meat ball (6.2%) samples were found to contain undeclared species. Fermented sausage, cooked salami and frankfurter samples that had been declared as beef only contained poultry meat. Raw meat samples that were declared as beef were determined as horse and deer meat. One meatball sample declared as beef was found to be poultry meat. These results indicate that 22.0% of the samples were not in compliance with Turkish Food Codex violating consumer rights and presenting a potential public health risk. A broad national control program by central authority is required to protect consumers and to prevent unfair competition.
INFLUENCE OF CHOP LOCATION WITHIN A LOIN ON BONELESS PORK LONGISSIMUS QUALITY
Authors: HOMM J.W. , WAYLAN A.T. , UNRUH J.A. , JOHNSON R.C.
Published: March 2006

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of chop location on boneless pork loin quality. Color, firmness and marbling were consistent in the central and center posterior sections of the loin. The anterior and posterior sections of the loin were variable in quality attributes. The anterior chops in an 11‐rib boneless loin were visually darker and softer than the rest of the loin. The middle chops of an eight‐rib boneless loin were visually darker and had lower lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values. Posterior chops were visually lighter in color, firmer and had more marbling than chops from the center region. This was supported by higher L* and b* values and percentage of lipid. This study suggests that locations within a loin differ in quality characteristics such as color, tenderness, cooking yield and lipid content. The center section of the loin (30–80%) was the most consistent with regard to pork quality.
Nitric oxide synthase 2 and pressure‐overload‐induced left ventricular remodelling in mice
Authors: Hataishi Ryuji , Rodrigues Ana Clara , Morgan John G. , Ichinose Fumito , Derumeaux Geneviève , Bloch Kenneth D. , Picard Michael H. , Scherrer‐Crosbie Marielle
Published: March 2006

Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) has been reported to increase in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes; however, whether NOS2 plays a role in the development of hypertrophy is unknown. To investigate the relationship of NOS2 with left ventricular (LV) remodelling and hypertrophy following prolonged pressure overload, we studied 18 male wild‐type (WT) and 20 male NOS2‐deficient (NOS2–/–) mice before and 7, 14 and 28 days after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) using echocardiography. A subgroup of eight WT and eight NOS2–/– mice were studied 42 days after TAC. Haemodynamic measurements were obtained before killing. Left ventricular size and function were similar for both genotypes at baseline. After TAC for 28 days, both groups developed LV hypertrophy, with echo‐derived LV mass increasing from 78 ± 2 to 147 ± 10 mg in WT and from 86 ± 3 to 142 ± 10 mg in NOS2–/– mice. Twenty‐eight days after TAC, LV weight and cardiomyocyte width were also similar in both genotypes. Fractional shortening (FS) decreased on day 7 from 57 ± 1 to 48 ± 2% in WT and from 59 ± 1 to 49 ± 2% in NOS2–/– mice. Although this decrease in FS was transient in WT mice, it persisted in NOS2–/– mice. Invasively measured parameters of systolic and diastolic function, however, were similar in the two genotypes both 28 and 42 days after TAC. A load‐independent index of contractility, Emax, was similar in both strains 42 days after TAC. In conclusion, NOS2 does not appear to have a critical role in the development of LV hypertrophy after chronic pressure overload.
Influence of agonist concentration on AMPA and kainate channels in CA1 pyramidal cells in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Gebhardt Christine , Cull‐Candy Stuart G.
Published: March 2006

We have determined the functional properties of single AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and kainate receptor channels present in CA1 cells in hippocampal slices, to shed light on the relationship between single‐channel behaviour and synaptic currents in these cells. To derive basic properties of AMPA and kainate channels activated by their excitatory transmitter, we examined outside‐out patches exposed to glutamate. The kainate agonist SYM 2081, was used to confirm the presence of kainate receptors. Channels activated by glutamate or SYM 2081 exhibited conductance levels of 2–20 pS. Properties of single channels depended on the glutamate or AMPA concentration used. We observed a marked increase in mean channel conductance (γ) from γ= 6.9, to 11.2 pS, when glutamate was increased from 10 μmto 10 mm. The kinetic behaviour of AMPAR channels was also influenced by agonist concentration, with an increase in ‘bursty’ events at higher concentrations. In contrast, kainate channels were characterized by brief openings without bursts. Consistent with the view that ‘bursty’ events arose from AMPARs, these openings decreased in the presence of the AMPAR blocker GYKI 53655. Furthermore, our experiments revealed a concentration‐dependent increase in the number of conductance states during an individual AMPAR opening; AMPAR channels displayed up to four distinct levels. Our results are consistent with the view that the AMPAR channel conductance depends on the number of transmitter molecules bound in CA1 cells. We consider the implications of these findings for the change in EPSC properties during long‐term potentiation (LTP).
KCNQ channels mediate IKs, a slow K+ current regulating excitability in the rat node of Ranvier
Authors: Schwarz J. R. , Glassmeier G. , Cooper E. C. , Kao T.‐C , Nodera H. , Tabuena D. , Kaji R. , Bostock H.
Published: March 2006

Mutations that reduce the function of KCNQ2 channels cause neuronal hyperexcitability, manifested as epileptic seizures and myokymia. These channels are present in nodes of Ranvier in rat brain and nerve and have been proposed to mediate the slow nodal potassium current IKs. We have used immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology and pharmacology to test this hypothesis and to determine the contribution of KCNQ channels to nerve excitability in the rat. When myelinated nerve fibres of the sciatic nerve were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, all nodes showed strong immunoreactivity for KCNQ2. The nodes of about half the small and intermediate sized fibres showed labelling for both KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, but nodes of large fibres were labelled by KCNQ2 antibodies only. In voltage‐clamp experiments using large myelinated fibres, the selective KCNQ channel blockers XE991 (IC50= 2.2 μm) and linopirdine (IC50= 5.5 μm) completely inhibited IKs, as did TEA (IC50= 0.22 mm). The KCNQ channel opener retigabine (10 μm) shifted the activation curve to more negative membrane potentials by −24 mV, thereby increasing IKs. In isotonic KCl 50% of IKs was activated at −62 mV. The activation curve shifted to more positive potentials as [K+]o was reduced, so that the pharmacological and biophysical properties of IKs were consistent with those of heterologously expressed homomeric KCNQ2 channels. The ability of XE991 to selectively block IKs was further exploited to study IKs function in vivo. In anaesthetized rats, the excitability of tail motor axons was indicated by the stimulus current required to elicit a 40% of maximal compound muscle action potential. XE991 (2.5 mg kg−1i.p.) eliminated all nerve excitability functions previously attributed to IKs: accommodation to 100 ms subthreshold depolarizing currents, the post‐depolarization undershoot in excitability, and the late subexcitability after a single impulse or short trains of impulses. Due to reduced spike‐frequency adaptation after XE991 treatment, 100 ms suprathreshold current injections generated long trains of action potentials. We conclude that the nodal IKs current is mediated by KCNQ channels, which in large fibres of rat sciatic nerve appear to be KCNQ2 homomers.
Generating Optical Schrödinger Kittens for Quantum Information Processing
Authors: Ourjoumtsev Alexei , Tualle-Brouri Rosa , Laurat Julien , Grangier Philippe
Published: March 2006

We present a detailed experimental analysis of a free-propagating light pulse prepared in a “Schrödinger kitten” state, which is defined as a quantum superposition of “classical” coherent states with small amplitudes. This kitten state is generated by subtracting one photon from a squeezed vacuum beam, and it clearly presents a negative Wigner function. The predicted influence of the experimental parameters is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The amplitude of the coherent states can be amplified to transform our “Schrödinger kittens” into bigger Schrödinger cats, providing an essential tool for quantum information processing.
Rice Domestication by Reducing Shattering
Authors: Li Changbao , Zhou Ailing , Sang Tao
Published: March 2006

Crop domestication frequently began with the selection of plants that did not naturally shed ripe fruits or seeds. The reduction in grain shattering that led to cereal domestication involved genetic loci of large effect. The molecular basis of this key domestication transition, however, remains unknown. Here we show that human selection of an amino acid substitution in the predicted DNA binding domain encoded by a gene of previously unknown function was primarily responsible for the reduction of grain shattering in rice domestication. The substitution undermined the gene function necessary for the normal development of an abscission layer that controls the separation of a grain from the pedicel.
Control of mitochondrial biogenesis during myogenesis
Authors: Kraft C. S. , LeMoine C. M. R. , Lyons C. N. , Michaud D. , Mueller C. R. , Moyes C. D.
Published: March 2006

We used expression and reporter gene analysis to understand how changes in transcription factors impinge on mitochondrial gene expression during myogenesis of cultured murine myoblasts (C2C12 and Sol8). The mRNA levels for nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and NRF-2α increased 60% by the third day of myogenesis, whereas NRF-1 and NRF-2 reporter gene activity increased by fivefold over the same period. Although peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARα) mRNA levels increased almost 10-fold, the activity of a PPAR reporter was unchanged during myogenesis. The PPAR coactivator PPAR-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α), a master controller of mitochondrial biogenesis, was not expressed at detectable levels. However, the mRNA for both PGC1α-related coactivator and PGC1β was abundant, with the latter increasing by 50% over 3 days of differentiation. We also conducted promoter analysis of the gene for citrate synthase (CS), a common mitochondrial marker enzyme. The proximal promoter (∼2,100 bp) of the human CS lacks binding sites for PPAR, NRF-1, or NRF-2. Deletion mutants, a targeted mutation, and an Sp1 site-containing reporter construct suggest that changes in Sp1 regulation also participate in mitochondrial biogenesis during myogenesis. Because most mitochondrial genes are regulated by PPARs, NRF-1, and/or NRF-2, we conducted inhibitor studies to further support the existence of a distinct pathway for CS gene regulation in myogenesis. Although both LY-294002 (a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor) and SB-203580 (a p38-MAPK inhibitor) blocked myogenesis (as indicated by creatine phosphokinase activity), only SB-203580 prevented the myogenic increase in cytochrome oxidase activity, whereas only LY-294002 blocked the increase in CS (enzyme and reporter gene activities). Collectively, these studies help delineate the roles of some transcriptional regulators involved in mitochondrial biogenesis associated with myogenesis and underscore an import role for posttranscriptional regulation of transcription factor activity.
Protease-activated receptor regulation of Cl−secretion in Calu-3 cells requires prostaglandin release and CFTR activation
Authors: Palmer Melissa L. , Lee So Yeong , Maniak Peter J. , Carlson Dan , Fahrenkrug Scott C. , O'Grady Scott M.
Published: March 2006

Human lung epithelial (Calu-3) cells were used to investigate the effects of protease-activated receptor (PAR) stimulation on Cl−secretion. Quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR) showed that Calu-3 cells express PAR-1, -2, and -3 receptor mRNAs, with PAR-2 mRNA in greatest abundance. Addition of either thrombin or the PAR-2 agonist peptide SLIGRL to the basolateral solution of monolayers mounted in Ussing chambers produced a rapid increase in short-circuit current ( Isc: thrombin, 21 ± 2 μA; SLIGRL, 83 ± 22 μA), which returned to baseline within 5 min after stimulation. Pretreatment of monolayers with the cell-permeant Ca2+-chelating agent BAPTA-AM (50 μM) abolished the increase in Iscproduced by SLIGRL. When monolayers were treated with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 μM), nearly complete inhibition of both the thrombin- and SLIGRL-stimulated Iscwas observed. In addition, basolateral treatment with the PGE2receptor antagonist AH-6809 (25 μM) significantly inhibited the effects of SLIGRL on Isc. QRT-PCR revealed that Calu-3 cells express mRNAs for CFTR, the Ca2+-activated KCNN4 K+channel, and the KCNQ1 K+channel subunit, which, in association with KCNE3, is known to be regulated by cAMP. Stimulation with SLIGRL produced an increase in apical Cl−conductance that was blocked in cells expressing short hairpin RNAs designed to target CFTR. These results support the conclusion that PAR stimulation of Cl−secretion occurs by an indirect mechanism involving the synthesis and release of prostaglandins. In addition, PAR-stimulated Cl−secretion requires activation of CFTR and at least two distinct K+channels located in the basolateral membrane.
NF-κB activation as a pathological mechanism of septic shock and inflammation
Authors: Liu Shu Fang , Malik Asrar B.
Published: March 2006

The pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock involves complex cytokine and inflammatory mediator networks. NF-κB activation is a central event leading to the activation of these networks. The role of NF-κB in septic pathophysiology and the signal transduction pathways leading to NF-κB activation during sepsis have been an area of intensive investigation. NF-κB is activated by a variety of pathogens known to cause septic shock syndrome. NF-κB activity is markedly increased in every organ studied, both in animal models of septic shock and in human subjects with sepsis. Greater levels of NF-κB activity are associated with a higher rate of mortality and worse clinical outcome. NF-κB mediates the transcription of exceptional large number of genes, the products of which are known to play important roles in septic pathophysiology. Mice deficient in those NF-κB-dependent genes are resistant to the development of septic shock and to septic lethality. More importantly, blockade of NF-κB pathway corrects septic abnormalities. Inhibition of NF-κB activation restores systemic hypotension, ameliorates septic myocardial dysfunction and vascular derangement, inhibits multiple proinflammatory gene expression, diminishes intravascular coagulation, reduces tissue neutrophil influx, and prevents microvascular endothelial leakage. Inhibition of NF-κB activation prevents multiple organ injury and improves survival in rodent models of septic shock. Thus NF-κB activation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of septic shock.
B-Mode Sonography in Acute Renal Failure
Authors: O’Neill W. Charles
Published: March 2006

B-mode sonography is an extremely useful and cost-effective method to eliminate urinary obstruction as a cause of acute renal failure and should be performed on all patients in whom obstruction is likely or in whom the cause of renal failure is not apparent. The threshold should be reduced in patients with solitary kidneys and sonography is probably indicated in all transplant patients. Sonography has very little utility in the management of other patients with acute renal failure. Although sonographic changes do occur in acute tubular necrosis, they are difficult to detect in the absence of baseline studies and are nonspecific.
Renal Doppler Sonography – Update in Clinical Nephrology
Authors: Krumme Bernd
Published: March 2006

These days renal Doppler sonography has been established as a diagnostic tool of the daily nephrological work-up. Extra- and intrarenal flow signals are obtained for different indications. The intrarenal resistive index is the best examined parameter in the literature. However, the results have to be carefully interpreted, because different hemodynamic factors, such as heart rate, stiffness of the aorta as well as observer-dependent factors may have an impact on the level of the resistive index. The value of this non-invasive technique is discussed in detail for different renal diseases, such as acute and chronic renal failure, renal artery stenosis and for patients after renal transplantation. Being aware of several pitfalls which may lead to false results, nephrologists may use renal Doppler sonography as the first screening method of choice in the diagnostic algorithm.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Renal Disease: Recent Developments and Future Applications
Authors: Fenchel Michael , Nael Kambiz , Herget-Rosenthal Stefan , Krishnam Mayil , Ruehm Stefan G.
Published: March 2006

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the ability to non-invasively assess parenchymal and vascular renal disease. Indications for renal MRI include the evaluation of renal masses, urinary obstruction and infection, renal vasculature, and the health of transplant kidneys. The potential of MR angiography to replace invasive conventional x-ray angiography has been recognized for many years. Recent developments in MRI resulting from fast MR systems with faster gradients, new surface coil designs and the latest sequence developments coupled with innovative contrast agent administration strategies have prompted substantial progress of MRI in the diagnosis of renal disease. The goal of this article is to present the current state of MRI in diagnosing renal disease, with an emphasis on the latest developments in the evaluation of renal vascular disease.
Evaluation of Intra-Renal Oxygenation by BOLD MRI
Authors: Prasad Pottumarthi V.
Published: March 2006

This is a review of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI as applied to the kidney. It has been shown that BOLD MRI measurements reflect changes in renal oxygenation, especially in the medulla. Renal medulla functions in a hypoxic milieu and is extremely sensitive to further decrease in blood flow or increase in oxygen consumption. Availability of a non-invasive technique such as BOLD MRI should allow for better understanding of the factors involved in the maintenance of renal oxygenation status, not only in animal models, but also in humans.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Imaging of Oxidative Stress in Renal Disease
Authors: Hirayama Aki , Nagase Sohji
Published: March 2006

The importance of analyzing the kinetics of reactive oxygen species or related substances in vivo is increasing. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is currently a powerful method for in vivo, non-invasive analysis of oxidative stress. We have applied EPR imaging for murine renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, as a model of acute renal damage, and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-deficient mice, a model for chronic progressive renal disease. In the ischemia-reperfusion model, EPR imaging revealed that the renal radical-reducing activity showed only partial recovery when serum creatinine and BUN have recovered. In the Nrf2-deficient mice, we have revealed that the impaired antioxidant activity is brought by both Nrf2 deficiency and the aging process and may play a key role in the onset of autoimmune nephritis in this model. In addition, EPR imaging is recently being applied to the redox analysis of several nephrosis models, hypertensive rats and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This article summarizes the nephrological application of EPR imaging and in vivo EPR.
The Effect of Three-Dimensional Co-Culture of Hepatocytes and Hepatic Stellate Cells on Key Hepatocyte Functions in vitro
Authors: Thomas Robert J. , Bhandari Rena , Barrett David A. , Bennett Andrew J. , Fry Jeffrey R. , Powe Desmond , Thomson Brian J. , Shakesheff Kevin M.
Published: March 2006

In this study, we demonstrate the ability of a three-dimensional co-culture model to preserve some key aspects of differentiated hepatocyte function in vitro. Freshly isolated rat hepatocytes in co-culture with activated stellate cells rapidly aggregate to form well-defined viable spheroids. After 5 days in culture, the spheroids have a complex extracellular matrix support and hepatic ultrastructure including bile canaliculi, tight junctions, desmosomes and lipid storage. Co-culture spheroids have superior cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 3A and 2B function, and increased inducibility of 2B function, relative to a range of hepatocyte monoculture techniques (high-performance liquid chromatography of testosterone metabolites). Increased function in co-culture is supported by greater expression of CYP450 3A23, 1A2, and 2E1 mRNA relative to monoculture (reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction). Also, high hepatocyte growth factor mRNA expression in co-culture suggests a post-traumatic, or possibly regenerative, environment. A preliminary study of human hepatocytes co-cultured with rat stellate cells demonstrated prolonged function of CYP450 3A4, 2C19 and 2C9. This study shows that stellate cells facilitate spheroid formation, influence spheroid architecture, and are an effective method of preserving some aspects of hepatocyte function in the early stage of culture.