bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of connexin 43 expression in aged human dental pulp
Authors: Muramatsu T. , Hamano H. , Ogami K. , Ohta K. , Inoue T. , Shimono M.
Published: November 2004

Aim  To investigate the expression of connexin 43 (CX43) mRNA in young and old human dental pulp tissues to determine the characteristics of CX43 expression.

Methodology  Samples were obtained from human dental pulp of healthy young (17–23 years) and aged (>50 years) subjects. CX43 expression was determined by RT‐PCR and by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (QRT‐PCR). The threshold cycle (Ct) value, which reflects the amount of PCR, was calculated and the difference between value in the young pulp and that in the aged pulp was statistically analysed.

Results  RT‐PCR analysis of human dental pulp tissue detected CX43 mRNA in all the samples. CX43 was abundantly expressed in young adult dental pulp, but expression of CX43 mRNA was dramatically decreased in aged human dental pulp. QRT‐PCR analysis also showed the reduced expression of CX43 in aged pulp, and expression of CX43 in young pulp was significantly higher (about 10‐fold, P < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U‐test).

Conclusion  Reduction of CX43 expression may be associated with the loss of viability in human dental pulp, and is considered as one characteristic of aged pulp.
Investigation of the effect of the coronal restoration quality on the composition of the root canal microflora in teeth with apical periodontitis by means of T‐RFLP analysis
Authors: Hommez G. M. G. , Verhelst R. , Claeys G. , Vaneechoutte M. , De Moor R. J. G.
Published: November 2004

Aim  To investigate the effect of the radiographic and clinical quality of coronal restorations on the composition of the root canal flora of teeth with necrotic pulps and teeth with root fillings associated with apical periodontitis.

Methodology  Twenty‐eight necrotic pulps and 35 root filled canals with signs of apical periodontitis were studied. Both the coronal filling (presence of radiographically or clinically deficient margins and/or secondary caries) and the root filling (homogeneity and length) were scored. Bacterial root canal samples were taken with sterile paper points under rubber dam and using measures to prevent contamination. A DNA‐based nonculture bacterial identification technique was used, namely terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis.

Results  Twelve samples were negative for bacterial DNA. A total of 33 different terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) were detected. The Fusobacterium nucleatum/Streptococcus mitis group was the most frequently encountered TRF. The mean number of TRFs per necrotic pulp was 6.2 and 5.8 for the groups with acceptable and unacceptable coronal restorations, respectively. This difference was not significant. In the root filled group, these values (respectively, 5.2 and 8.6) were statistically significantly different (P < 0.05). The following parameters in root filled teeth had no significant influence on the mean numbers of TRFs detected: the length and homogeneity of the root filling and the type of tooth (anterior–premolar–molar).

Conclusion  T‐RFLP allowed the rapid assessment of bacterial biodiversity in root canal samples. The technique revealed the presence of bacteria that have rarely been described in the root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis. Biodiversity in the root filled group was high, as compared with culture‐dependent studies where monoinfections were more frequently reported. Only in root filled teeth did defective coronal restorations have a statistically significant influence on the mean numbers of detected TRFs per sample.
A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope investigation of different dental adhesives bonded to root canal dentine
Authors: Bitter K. , Paris S. , Martus P. , Schartner R. , Kielbassa A. M.
Published: November 2004

Aim  To evaluate the resin–dentine interface of different adhesive systems and corresponding luting cements proposed for bonding fibre posts to root canal dentine.

Methodology  Fifty extracted maxillary canines and central incisors were used. After root canal treatment the teeth were randomly divided into five groups of 10 teeth each. Fibre posts were inserted with five different adhesive systems and corresponding luting cements. Group 1: Clearfil Core/New Bond (Kuraray), group 2: Multilink (Vivadent), group 3: Panavia 21/ED Primer (Kuraray), group 4: PermaFlo DC (Ultradent), and group 5: Variolink II/Excite DSC (Vivadent). The primer was labelled in each case with 0.1% Rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC). Each root was sectioned into 2 mm thick slices at 1, 4 and 7 mm below the cementoenamel junction. The resin–dentine interface was evaluated using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope; the thickness of the hybrid layer and the number of resin tags were measured. The statistical analysis was performed using nonparametrical tests for comparisons between groups; for overall comparisons the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. Intraindividual analysis within teeth was performed using a linear model.

Results  The thickness (μm) of the hybrid layer of group 1 (5.45; SD 1.21), group 4 (3.36; SD 1.59), and group 5 (4.33; SD 1.19) was significantly higher than in the other groups (P ≤ 0.05). The number of resin tags observed in group 1 was significantly higher than in groups 2–4 (P < 0.05), but did not differ from group 5. Each group showed significantly more resin tags in the coronal and in the central part of the root canal than in the apical part (P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Conditioning of the root canal dentine with phosphoric acid and the use of one‐ and two‐bottle‐bonding systems gave a thicker and more uniform hybrid layer with considerably more resin tags than observed after the use of ‘self‐etching’ adhesives. This might provide a more durable bond of the post to root canal dentine.
Identification of an Arabidopsis thaliana gene encoding a plasma membrane H+‐ATPase whose expression is restricted to anther tissues
Authors: Houlné G. , Boutry M.
Published: November 2004

A gene (aha9) for a plasma membrane H+‐ATPase was isolated from an Arabidopsis thaliana genomic library and sequenced. Comparison of the aha9 predicted amino acid sequence with those of aha1, 2 and 3 and analogous genes from other species indicated the existence of at least two aha gene subfamilies whose divergence precedes that of the Nicotiana and Arabidopsis species. Transcript analysis in various organs revealed expression of aha9 in flower tissues only. Introduction of aha9 into Nicotiana tabacum by genetic transformation gave rise to transgenic plants which also express aha9 in flower tissues. A more detailed analysis showed that aha9 expression was restricted to anther tissues.
A light‐responsive in vitro transcription system from evacuolated parsley protoplasts
Authors: Frohnmeyer Hanns , Hahlbrock Klaus , Schafer Eberhard
Published: November 2004

Evacuolated protoplasts (EP) retain transcriptional activity responding, after UV‐light treatment, to the expression of chalcone synthase (CHS); this behaviour is similar to the parsley cell culture and protoplasts from which the EP were derived. Chemical lysis of the EP with low concentrations of a detergent in a minimal volume had no negative effect on the inducibility of CHS by UV‐containing white light. Based on these observations a new method is presented here for establishing a light‐responsive in vitro transcription system from evacuolated protoplasts of a parsley (Petroselinum crispum) cell culture. A 615 bp promoter fragment of the CHS gene, fused to the β‐Glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, was accurately transcribed as in transiently transformed protoplasts and the reaction was highly sensitive to α‐amanitin. A 226 bp CHS promoter/GUS reporter construct with mutated cis‐acting elements was unable to stimulate GUS transcription, whilst a 341 bp 35S‐promoter from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) was constitutively expressed in dark‐ or light‐treated lysates. The expression of the CHS full‐length promoter/GUS construct in the cell‐free system was three‐fold increased by white or red light compared with the dark level. These results demonstrate that within this in vitro system there must exist a largely intact signal transduction chain between photoreceptor(s) and the CHS promoter. As such it will be a valuable tool for elucidating signalling mechanisms and functional assays of trans‐acting factors acting at the end of the pathway.
Methyl jasmonate vapor increases the developmentally controlled synthesis of alkaloids in Catharanthus and Cinchona seedlings
Authors: Aerts Rob J. , Gisi Daniel , De Carolis Emidio , De Luca Vincenzo , Baumann Thomas W.
Published: November 2004

Shortly after germination, alkaloids are rapidly synthesized in seedlings of both Catharanthus roseus L.G. Don and Cinchona ledgeriana Moens. The effect of low‐level, atmospheric methyl jasmonate on this developmentally controlled process was studied. In both species, about 1 p.p.m. of methyl jasmonate vapor significantly enhanced alkaloid synthesis during germination, resulting in a doubling of alkaloid content in seedlings. Treatment with methyl jasmonate resulted in increased allocation of alkaloid precursors and in enhanced enzyme activities in alkaloid biosynthesis. The ability of methyl jasmonate to increase alkaloid biosynthesis decreased with age of the seedlings. Susceptibility of the process to methyl jasmonate was confined to a narrow time interval where the developmentally regulated onset of alkaloid synthesis occurred. When methyl jasmonate was applied at later developmental stages, its ability to enhance alkaloid content in the seedlings declined sharply.
Cloning of cDNAs for genes that are specifically or preferentially expressed during the development of tobacco genetic tumors
Authors: Fujita Tomomichi , Kouchi Hiroshi , Ichikawa Takanari , Syõno Kunihiko
Published: November 2004

To identify genes involved in the formation of genetic tumors in interspecific hybrids (F1 between Nicotiana glauca and N. langsdorffii, genetic tumor‐related cDNA probes were obtained by a subtractive hybridization procedure and used to screen libraries of genetic tumor cDNAs. As a result, 17 distinct cDNA clones were isolated for genes that are specifically or preferentially expressed in genetic tumor tissues but are not expressed at all or are barely expressed in normal F1 plants. Among the isolated clones were genes that encoded so‐called stress proteins, such as glucan endo‐1,3‐β‐glucosidase, osmotin, pathogenesis‐related proteins and proteinase inhibitor I. Transcripts corresponding to two of the isolated cDNA clones accumulated to a significant extent only in genetic tumor tissues and were not present in callus tissues from parental plants or in the stems and leaves from normal F1 plants. Analysis of genomic DNA revealed that four of these clones hybridized only to genomic sequences from N. langsdorffii and one hybridized only to a genomic sequence from N. glauca. Eight apparently novel clones were further analyzed to determine the kinetics of accumulation of the corresponding mRNAs during development of genetic tumors. The patterns of accumulation of the mRNAs after induction of tumors by cutting of F1 stems could be divided into three groups, an indication that at least three distinct regulatory mechanisms are operative at the transcriptional level to control the expression of these tumor‐related genes during the formation of genetic tumors.
Control of transcription and mRNA turnover as mechanisms of metabolic repression of α‐amylase gene expression
Authors: Sheu Jun‐Jei , Jan Shr‐Peng , Lee Hung‐Tu , Yu Su‐May
Published: November 2004

Carbon metabolites suppress the expression of α‐amylase genes in germinating seeds and in suspension‐cultured cells of rice. We have used suspension cell culture as a model system to study the mechanisms of metabolic regulation of α‐amylase gene expression in rice. Both transcription rate and mRNA stability increased as cells were starved of sucrose; the transcription rate of α‐amylase genes in cells starved of sucrose for 24 h was seven times greater than in cells provided with sucrose. The half‐life of α‐amylase mRNA was less than 1 h in cells provided with sucrose, but increased to 12 h in cells starved of this sugar. A protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX), induced massive accumulation of a‐amylase mRNA in cells provided with sucrose. The longer half‐life of mRNA induced by sucrose starvation and the massive accumulation of mRNA caused by CHX were specific to the α‐amylase genes, since actin genes were not similarly affected. Our findings suggest that both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional control mechanisms are important in the metabolic regulation of α‐amylase gene expression and de novo synthesized proteins are involved in these mechanisms. The expression of α‐amylase and actin genes is regulated in an opposite manner by sugars, which also suggests the operation of a differential regulatory mechanism under different growth conditions.
Membrane potential‐dependent calcium transport in right‐side‐out plasma membrane vesicles from Zea mays L. roots
Authors: Marshall Jacqueline , Corzo Alfonso , Leigh Roger A. , Sanders Dale
Published: November 2004

Right‐side‐out plasma membrane vesicles isolated from Zea mays roots were used to study membrane potential (ΔΨ)‐dependent Ca2+ transport. Membrane potentials were imposed on the vesicles using either K+ concentration gradients and valinomycin or SCN concentration gradients, and the size of the imposed ΔΨ was measured with [14C]tetraphenylphosphonium. Uptake of 45Ca2+ into the vesicles was stimulated by inside‐negative ΔΨ. The rate of transport increased to a maximum at a ΔΨ of about ‐80 mV and then declined at more negative ΔΨ. When extravesicular Ca2+ concentration was varied, uptake was maximal in the range 100–200 μM Ca2+. Neither dihydropyridine nor phenylalkylamine Ca2+ channel blockers had any effect on Ca2+ uptake but 30 μM ruthenium red was completely inhibitory with half maximal inhibition at 10–15 μM ruthenium red. Calcium transport was also inhibited by inorganic cations. Zn2+, Gd3+ and Mg2+ inhibited by a maximum of 30% while La3+, Nd3+ and Mn2+ inhibited by 70%. The inhibitory effects of La3+ and Gd3+ were additive. Lanthanum‐insensitive Ca2+ five Ca2+ transport was totally inhibited by 80 μM Gd3+ and showed maximum activity at a ΔΨ of ‐60 mV, with less uptake at both higher and lower ΔΨ. Lanthanum and Gd3+ also inhibited Ca2+ uptake into protoplasts isolated from Zea roots and their individual and combined effects were similar in extent to those observed with plasma membrane vesicles. It is concluded that maize root plasma membrane contains two Ca2+‐permeable channels that can be distinguished by their susceptibility to inhibition by La3+ and Gd3+. Both are inhibited by ruthenium red but not by other organic Ca2+ channel blockers.
In vivo aggregation of maize Activator (Ac) transposase in nuclei of maize endosperm and Petunia protoplasts
Authors: Heinlem Manfred , Brattig Torben , Kunze Reinhard
Published: November 2004

The transposase (TPase) of the maize transposon Activator (Ac) accumulates in the nuclei of maize endosperm and transfected Petunia protoplasts, where it aggregates into rod‐like structures about 2 μm in length. In petunia protoplasts the amount of TPase aggregates increases with the strength of the promoter fused to the Ac‐coding region. The excision frequency of a Ds element, however, does not increase proportionally. The data suggest that the aggregated TPase is not responsible for the mobilization of the Ds element, but rather is a transpositionally inactive form of the protein. In contrast to the full‐length TPase, a functional, N‐terminally truncated TPase derivative is inefficiently transported into the nucleus at high expression levels and aggregates predominantly in the cytoplasm. Accordingly, the N‐terminus of the TPase is involved in nuclear localization and/or aggregation.
Biologically induced systemic acquired resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cameron Robin K. , Dixon Richard A. , Lamb Christopher J.
Published: November 2004

Local infection with a necrotizing pathogen can render plants resistant to subsequent infection by normally virulent pathogens. A system for biological induction of such systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in Arabidopsis thaliana is reported. When plants were immunized by local inoculation of a single leaf with avirulent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) carrying the avrRpt2 avirulence gene, after 2 days other leaves became resistant, as measured symptomatically and by in planta bacterial growth, to challenge with a virulent Pst strain lacking this avirulence gene. Resistance was systemic and protected the plants against infection by other virulent pathogens including P. syringae pv. maculicola. Low‐dose inoculation induced a strong SAR and double immunizations did not increase the level of protection indicating that the response of only a few cells to the immunizing bacteria is required. SAR was not induced by the virulent strain of Pst lacking avrRpt2. However, experiments with the Arabidopsis RPS2 disease resistance gene mutant rps2‐201, which does not exhibit a local hypersensitive response to Pst carrying the corresponding avirulence gene avrRpt2, indicate that a hypersensitive response contributes to, but is not essential for, the induction of SAR. Thus, avrRpt2 activates either a branching signal pathway or separate parallel pathways for induction of localized hypersensitive resistance and SAR, with downstream potentiation of the systemic response by the local response. Using this system for the biological induction of SAR in Arabidopsis, it should be possible to dissect the molecular genetics of SAR by the isolation of mutants affected in the production, transmission, perception and transduction of the systemic signal(s).
Probabilistic approach in high‐cycle multiaxial fatigue: volume and surface effects
Authors: FLACELIERE L. , MOREL F.
Published: November 2004

The stress gradient and the size of a component are known to influence the fatigue strength of metallic components. Indeed, in high‐cycle fatigue, experiments prove that the stress distribution as well as the size of the loaded specimen can be responsible for changes in the fatigue limit (for instance, the fatigue limits in tension and bending are different, and decrease with the size of the specimen). When dealing with multiaxial load conditions, those effects still act but a relevant criterion must be used to account for the complex state of stress. The weakest‐link concept together with a multiaxial endurance criterion based on a microplasticity analysis are then combined to describe the fatigue limit distribution of different metallic materials. Several load conditions are analysed: tension–compression, torsion, rotating bending and plane bending. By means of the proposed model, all the known effects on fatigue strength can be reflected. First, the endurance probability can be adequately predicted for any complex load conditions knowing some reference data from uniaxial fatigue tests. It can be linked to the probability of finding a defect with a critical size. The weakest‐link theory also accounts for the decrease of multiaxial fatigue limit with the stressed volume. For the same load condition (i.e. for the same stress distribution in the volume), the probability of finding a critical defect increases with the component size and then according to the weakest‐link theory the fatigue strength drops. A second model, based only on the damage developed at the surface, is also proposed. While the original Weibull theory makes no distinction between potential initiation sites at the free surface and in the volume and can lead to unsatisfactory predictions when applied to materials containing defects such as nodular cast iron, the new surface approach distinguishes between surface and volume effects.
The influence of aluminium alloy anisotropic texture on crack‐tip plasticity
Authors: POTIRNICHE G. P. , BARLAT F. , DANIEWICZ S. R. , GARRATT M. , BRAY G.
Published: November 2004

Crack‐tip plasticity in textured aluminium alloys was numerically analysed using an anisotropic yield function and an isotropic hardening law as the material constitutive response. Four real textures obtained from extrusions of rectangular and square shapes as well as five ideal textures typical of rolled products were considered and predicted crack‐tip plastic zones were compared with those obtained using the isotropic von Mises yield criterion. The use of the anisotropic yield function revealed important differences in crack‐tip plasticity compared with the isotropic case. The plastic zone features obtained for different textures were compared to single crystal results published in the open literature and similar crack‐tip plastic strain localization was observed.
Leadership for inclusion: a comparison of international practices
Authors: Kugelmass Judy , Ainscow Mel
Published: November 2004

The issue of inclusion is high on the educational reform agenda in many countries. Set within the context of the United Nations organisation's push for ‘Education for All’, the aim is to find ways of increasing the participation and learning of pupils who are vulnerable to marginalisation within existing educational arrangements (World Education Forum, 2000).

In the United States, inclusive education is generally thought of as an approach to serving children with disabilities within general education settings. Internationally, however, it is sometimes seen more broadly as a reform that supports and welcomes diversity among all learners (Ainscow, 1999). The research reported in this paper adopts this broadened formulation. It presumes that the aim of inclusive education is to eliminate social exclusion and that is a consequence of attitudes and responses to diversity in race, social class, ethnicity, religion, gender and ability (Vitello & Mithaug, 1998). Children with disabilities and others seen as having special educational needs are part of this agenda.

The paper focuses specifically on the implications of these developments for leadership roles in schools. In particular, it uses evidence from case studies of leadership practice in three countries to address the question, what types of leadership practice foster inclusion in schools? The paper provides a theoretical framework that throws light on what is involved in such practices and presents illustrative examples. The aim is to provide an analysis that will be of direct relevance to practitioners, whilst at the same time adding to theory.

The examples of leadership that are examined were found in schools in England, Portugal, and the United States that serve culturally and linguistically diverse groups of children, including significant numbers from low‐income families. In each of the schools, children with disabilities and others categorised as having special educational needs are taught in general education classrooms alongside their peers.
Reduced MPTP toxicity in noradrenaline transporter knockout mice
Authors: Rommelfanger Karen S. , Weinshenker David , Miller Gary W.
Published: November 2004

The noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) are damaged in Parkinson's disease (PD). Neurotoxin ablation of the LC noradrenergic neurons has been shown to exacerbate the dopaminergic toxicity of MPTP, suggesting that the noradrenergic system protects dopamine neurons. We utilized mice that exhibit elevated synaptic noradrenaline (NA) by genetically deleting the noradrenaline transporter (NET), a key regulator of the noradrenergic system (NET KO mice). NET KO and wild‐type littermates were administered MPTP and striatal dopamine terminal integrity was assessed by HPLC of monoamines, immmunoblotting for dopaminergic markers and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry. MPTP significantly reduced striatal dopamine in wild‐type mice, but not in the NET KO mice. To confirm that the protection observed in the NET KO mice was due to the lack of NET, we treated wild‐type mice with the specific NET inhibitor, nisoxetine, and then challenged them with MPTP. Nisoxetine conferred protection to the dopaminergic system. These data indicate that NA can modulate MPTP toxicity and suggest that manipulation of the noradrenergic system may have therapeutic value in PD.
Regulation of A2B adenosine receptor functioning by tumour necrosis factor a in human astroglial cells
Authors: Trincavelli Maria L. , Marroni Matteo , Tuscano Daniela , Ceruti Stefania , Mazzola Alessia , Mitro Nico , Abbracchio Maria P. , Martini Claudia
Published: November 2004

Low‐affinity A2B adenosine receptors (A2B ARs), which are expressed in astrocytes, are mainly activated during brain hypoxia and ischaemia, when large amounts of adenosine are released. Cytokines, which are also produced at high levels under these conditions, may regulate receptor responsiveness. In the present study, we detected A2B AR in human astrocytoma cells (ADF) by both immunoblotting and real‐time PCR. Functional studies showed that the receptor stimulated adenylyl cyclase through Gs proteins. Moreover, A2B ARs were phosphorylated and desensitized following stimulation of the receptors with high agonist concentration. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) treatment (24‐ h) increased A2B AR functional response and receptor G protein coupling, without any changes in receptor protein and mRNA levels. TNF‐α markedly reduced agonist‐dependent receptor phosphorylation on threonine residues and attenuated agonist‐mediated A2B ARs desensitization. In the presence of TNF‐α, A2B AR stimulation in vitro induced the elongation of astrocytic processes, a typical morphological hallmark of in vivo reactive astrogliosis. This event was completely prevented by the selective A2B AR antagonist MRS 1706 and required the presence of TNF‐α. These results suggest that, in ADF cells, TNF‐α selectively modulates A2B AR coupling to G proteins and receptor functional response, providing new insights to clarify the pathophysiological role of A2B AR in response to brain damage.
Minocycline prevents glutamate‐induced apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons by differential regulation of p38 and Akt pathways
Authors: Pi Rongbiao , Li Wenming , Lee Nelson T. K. , Chan Hugh H. N. , Pu Yongmei , Chan Ling Nga , Sucher Nikolaus J. , Chang Donald C. , Li Mingtao , Han Yifan
Published: November 2004

Minocycline has been shown to have remarkably neuroprotective qualities, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We reported here the robust neuroprotection by minocycline against glutamate‐induced apoptosis through regulations of p38 and Akt pathways. Pre‐treatment of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) with minocycline (10–100 µm) elicited a dose‐dependent reduction of glutamate excitotoxicity and blocked glutamate‐induced nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentations. Using patch‐clamping and fluorescence Ca2+ imaging techniques, it was found that minocycline neither blocked NMDA receptors, nor reduced glutamate‐caused rises in intracellular Ca2+. Instead, confirmed by immunoblots, minocycline in vivo and in vitro was shown to directly inhibit the activation of p38 caused by glutamate. A p38‐specific inhibitor, SB203580, also attenuated glutamate excitotoxicity. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of minocycline were blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin, while pharmacologic inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) attenuated glutamate‐induced apoptosis. In addition, immunoblots revealed that minocycline reversed the suppression of phosphorylated Akt and GSK3β caused by glutamate, as were abolished by PI3‐K inhibitors. These results demonstrate that minocycline prevents glutamate‐induced apoptosis in CGNs by directly inhibiting p38 activity and maintaining the activation of PI3‐K/Akt pathway, which offers a novel modality as to how the drug exerts protective effects.
Ameliorating Pain in Nursing Homes: A Collaborative Quality‐Improvement Project
Authors: Baier Rosa R. , Gifford David R. , Patry Gail , Banks Sara M. , Rochon Therese , DeSilva Debra , Teno Joan M.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To evaluate a multifaceted intervention to improve pain‐management processes of care and outcomes in nursing homes.

Design: Quasi‐experimental, pretest/posttest.

Setting: Nursing homes in Rhode Island.

Participants: Twenty‐one facilities.

Intervention: This project used a multifaceted collaborative intervention involving audit and feedback of pain management, education, training, coaching using rapid‐cycle quality‐improvement techniques, and inter‐nursing home collaboration.

Measurements: Pain‐management processes of care and outcomes, measured using chart review and the Minimum Data Set.

Results: Of 21 facilities, 17 completed the project. Postintervention, nursing homes increased the use of appropriate pain assessments (3.9% vs 43.8%, P<.001), pain intensity scales (15.6% vs 73.9%, P<.001), and nonpharmacological treatments (40.5% vs 81.9%, P<.001). Prescriptions of World Health Organization Step II or Step III pain medications for residents with daily moderate or severe pain showed trends towards improvement (40.8% vs 50.6%, P=.057), but prescription of any pain medication (93.3% vs 94.6%, P=.710), change in pain medication (29.0% vs 30.1%, P=.386), and prescription of pain medications on a regularly scheduled basis (67.9% vs 69.5%, P=.370) did not. There was a 41.1% reduction in prevalence of pain (12.2% vs 7.2%, P=.032) between the pre‐ and postintervention time periods in the nursing homes that completed the project, whereas all the other facilities in Rhode Island (n=72) had only a 12.1% reduction (12.7% vs 11.2%, P=.286) during the same period.

Conclusion: A multifaceted intervention improved pain‐management process and outcome measures in nursing homes.
The Concurrent Use of Anticholinergics and Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Rare Event or Common Practice?
Authors: Carnahan Ryan M. , Lund Brian C. , Perry Paul J. , Chrischilles Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of anticholinergic use cross‐sectionally in patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors and to describe change in use of anticholinergics upon inception of cholinesterase inhibitor treatment.

Design: Cross‐sectional and inception cohort studies.

Setting: State of Iowa.

Participants: Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries aged 50 and older with a pharmacy claim for a cholinesterase inhibitor during January 1997 through February 2000.

Measurements: Anticholinergic use was determined for all patients with a cholinesterase inhibitor pharmacy claim during January and February of 2000. A frequency distribution of all anticholinergics was compiled, with emphasis placed on those considered inappropriate in the elderly. In a separate analysis, anticholinergic use was determined at two points: 90 days before and after cholinesterase inhibitor inception.

Results: Of 557 patients receiving a cholinesterase inhibitor, 197 (35.4%) received an anticholinergic concurrently. Of all anticholinergics, 74.5% (178/239) had been identified as inappropriate for use in the elderly, 22.2% (53/239) under any circumstances. At the time of cholinesterase inhibitor inception, 30.2% (143/474) and 33.5% (159/474) of patients received an anticholinergic 90 days before and 90 days after inception, respectively. Increases in anticholinergic prescribing upon cholinesterase inhibitor inception exceeded decreases (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, S=529, P=.020).

Conclusion: The concurrent use of anticholinergics and cholinesterase inhibitors is common although rarely appropriate. Patients with Alzheimer's disease deserve to receive the optimum benefit from cholinesterase inhibitor treatment, which can only be achieved through diligent and appropriate use of concurrent pharmacotherapy.
Use of Self‐Report to Predict Ability to Walk 400 Meters in Mobility‐Limited Older Adults
Authors: Sayers Stephen P. , Brach Jennifer S. , Newman Anne B. , Heeren Tim C. , Guralnik Jack M. , Fielding Roger A.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To determine whether the ability to walk 400 m could be predicted from self‐reported walking habits and abilities in older adults and to develop an accurate self‐report measure appropriate for observational trials of mobility when functional measures are impractical to collect.

Design: Cross‐sectional.

Setting: University‐based human physiology laboratory.

Participants: One hundred fifty community‐dwelling older men and women (mean age±standard error= 79.8±0.3).

Measurements: An 18‐item questionnaire assessing walking habits and ability was administered to each participant, followed by a 400‐m walk test. Ninety‐eight (65%) volunteers were able to complete the 400‐m walk; 52 (35%) were unable. Logistic regression was performed using response items from a questionnaire as predictors and 400‐m walk as the outcome.

Results: Three questions (Do you think you could walk one‐quarter of a mile now without sitting down to rest. Because of a health or physical problem, do you have difficulty walking 1 mile? Could you walk up and down every aisle of a grocery store without sitting down to rest or leaning on a cart?) were predictive of 400‐m walking ability and were included in the model. If participants answered all three questions compatible with the inability to walk 400 m, there was a 91% probability that they were unable to walk 400 m, with a sensitivity of 46% and a specificity of 97%.

Conclusion: A three‐item self‐report developed in the study was able to accurately predict mobility disability. The utility of this instrument may be in evaluating self‐reported mobility in large observational trials on mobility when functional mobility tasks are impractical to collect.
CONTRAST HARMONIC ULTRASOUND OF SPONTANEOUS LIVER NODULES IN 32 DOGS
Authors: O'Brien R.T. , Iani M. , Matheson J. , Delaney F. , Young K.
Published: November 2004

Thirty‐two dogs with spontaneous hepatic nodules were given intravenous ultrasound contrast medium (Definity™ or Sonovue™) and imaged with contrast harmonic software on a conventional ultrasound machine system. Digital video images were initially reviewed to describe the perfusion pattern of malignant nodules. The images were reviewed again to test this pattern against all individual nodules. Subjectively, there was improved conspicuity of malignant nodules after contrast enhancement compared with conventional imaging and increased numbers of malignant nodules were often noted. There was decreased conspicuity of benign nodules and no additional nodules were seen after contrast enhancement. There was a highly significant (P<0.0001) association of malignancy with a hypoechoic nodule at surrounding normal liver peak contrast enhancement. Benign nodules were isoechoic to the surrounding normal liver at peak contrast enhancement. Only one benign nodule (hepatoma) had regions of hypoechogenicity compared with the surrounding normal liver at peak liver contrast enhancement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were highly significant (P<0.0001) (100%, 94.1%, 93.8%, 100%, and 96.9%, respectively). No complications or morbidity was noted throughout the course of the study. Contrast harmonic ultrasound appears to be accurate at discriminating between naturally occurring benign and malignant nodules in the liver of dogs.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF ABDOMINAL CARCINOMATOSIS IN 14 CATS
Authors: Monteiro Carolina B. , O'Brien Robert T.
Published: November 2004

A retrospective review was performed on 14 cats with histology‐ or cytology‐proven carcinomatosis. The mean age was 12.7 years with a median of 11 years. The diagnosis of carcinomatosis was made by histology in 11 cats and cytology in three cats. Twelve cats had cytologic examination of the peritoneal free fluid and seven cats (58.3%) had evidence of malignant cells. The primary tumor site was determined in 13 cats. The most common organ locations for the primary tumor were the liver (n=5), pancreas (n=3), and small intestine (n=3). Other sites were stomach and spleen in one cat each. Epithelial cell neoplasia was the primary tumor type in 11 cats. Two cats had abdominal lymphomatosis and one cat had abdominal sarcomatosis secondary to metastatic hemangiosarcoma. Free peritoneal fluid and masses in the connecting peritoneum were found in all cats (100%). Additional findings included primary or metastatic masses in abdominal organs in 10 cats (71.4%), lymph node enlargement in five cats (35.7%), pleural effusion in three cats (21.4%), parietal peritoneal masses in two cats (14.3%), and visceral peritoneal masses in one cat (7.1%). Masses in the connecting peritoneal may be a very specific finding for carcinomatosis in cats, especially with a concurrent abdominal neoplastic mass. Parietal and visceral peritoneal masses, while uncommon in this series of cats, have not been reported for other diseases and seem to strongly support a diagnosis of carcinomatosis.
EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR FLOW CHARACTERISTICS IN THE 129Sv MOUSE FETUS USING COLOR‐DOPPLER‐GUIDED SPECTRAL DOPPLER ULTRASOUND
Authors: Mai Wilfried , Le Floc'h Johann , Vray Didier , Samarut Jacques , Barthez Paul , Janier Marc
Published: November 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate color‐ and spectral Doppler ultrasound in the establishment of normal functional cardiovascular development features in the mouse fetus. Mouse fetuses (129Sv strain) were studied in utero between embryonic day (EDs) 9.5 and 19.5. Time–velocity curves were derived from Doppler interrogation of the aorta and umbilical artery. The sample volume was accurately placed on the vessels of interest based on color‐Doppler images. From these curves, the following parameters were obtained: heart rate (HR), acceleration time (AT), and deceleration time (DT). HR increased between EDs 9.5 and 19.5 from 102.9 to 303.2  b.p.m. For the other parameters, the most significant change observed was the increase of DT in the umbilical artery at the end of pregnancy, corresponding to the appearance of a diastolic flow. We report the use of a commercially available, clinical, ultrasound unit to obtain quantitative data on the cardiovascular development in the mouse fetus. These results may be useful for the recognition of in utero cardiovascular dysfunction in transgenic or knock‐out fetus.
An Investigation of the Aerodynamic Response of a Wind Turbine Blade to Tower Shadow
Authors: Munduate Xabier , Coton Frank N. , Galbraith Roderick A.McD.
Published: November 2004

This paper presents results from a wind tunnel based examination of the response of a wind turbine blade to tower shadow in head-on flow. In the experiment, one of the blades of a small-scale, two-bladed, downwind turbine was instrumented with miniature pressure transducers to allow recording of the blade surface pressure response through tower shadow. The surface pressures were then integrated to provide the normal force coefficient responses presented in this paper. It is shown that it is possible to reproduce the measured responses using an indicially formulated unsteady aerodynamic model applied to a cosine wake velocity deficit. It is also shown that agreement between the model and the measured data can be improved by careful consideration of the velocity deficit geometry.
A Comparison of Wind Turbine Design Loads in Different Environments Using Inverse Reliability Techniques
Authors: Saranyasoontorn Korn , Manuel Lance
Published: November 2004

The influence of turbulence conditions on the design loads for wind turbines is investigated by using inverse reliability techniques. Alternative modeling assumptions for randomness in the gross wind environment and in the extreme response given wind conditions to establish nominal design loads are studied. Accuracy in design load predictions based on use of the inverse first-order reliability method (that assumes a linearized limit state surface) is also investigated. An example is presented where three alternative nominal load definitions are used to estimate extreme flapwise bending loads at a blade root for a 600 kW three-bladed, stall-regulated horizontal-axis wind turbine located at onshore and offshore sites that were assumed to experience the same mean wind speed but different turbulence intensities. It is found that second-order (curvature-type) corrections to the linearized limit state function assumption inherent in the inverse first-order reliability approach are insignificant. Thus, we suggest that the inverse first-order reliability method is an efficient and accurate technique of predicting extreme loads. Design loads derived from a full random characterization of wind conditions as well as short-term maximum response (given wind conditions) may be approximated reasonably well by simpler models that include only the randomness in the wind environment but account for response variability by employing appropriately derived “higher-than-median” fractiles of the extreme bending loads conditional on specified inflow parameters. In the various results discussed, it is found that the higher relative turbulence at the onshore site leads to larger blade bending design loads there than at the offshore site. Also, for both onshore and offshore environments accounting for response variability is found to be slightly more important at longer return periods (i.e., safer designs).
Experimental Study of Energy Loss in Solar Energy Collectors With Wind Fences
Authors: Gomes Dalmo G. , Fico, Nide G. C. R.
Published: November 2004

This work presents a new way of minimize the losses on a flat plate solar energy collector. A wind barrier is added along the collector perimeter in order to modify the flow pattern over it. This barrier creates a region of recirculating separated flow on top of the collector. This is an initial phase of the work and only winds aligned with the solar collector are investigated. In other words no influence of lateral winds is accounted for. The first experimental results proved very encouraging. It was observed a 12% heat-loss reduction in comparison with the traditional double glazing solution.
Quantum-Enhanced Measurements: Beating the Standard Quantum Limit
Authors: Giovannetti Vittorio , Lloyd Seth , Maccone Lorenzo
Published: November 2004

Quantum mechanics, through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, imposes limits on the precision of measurement. Conventional measurement techniques typically fail to reach these limits. Conventional bounds to the precision of measurements such as the shot noise limit or the standard quantum limit are not as fundamental as the Heisenberg limits and can be beaten using quantum strategies that employ “quantum tricks” such as squeezing and entanglement.
Water-Assisted Highly Efficient Synthesis of Impurity-Free Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Hata Kenji , Futaba Don N. , Mizuno Kohei , Namai Tatsunori , Yumura Motoo , Iijima Sumio
Published: November 2004

We demonstrate the efficient chemical vapor deposition synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes where the activity and lifetime of the catalysts are enhanced by water. Water-stimulated enhanced catalytic activity results in massive growth of superdense and vertically aligned nanotube forests with heights up to 2.5 millimeters that can be easily separated from the catalysts, providing nanotube material with carbon purity above 99.98%. Moreover, patterned, highly organized intrinsic nanotube structures were successfully fabricated. The water-assisted synthesis method addresses many critical problems that currently plague carbon nanotube synthesis.
Magnetic Response of Metamaterials at 100 Terahertz
Authors: Linden Stefan , Enkrich Christian , Wegener Martin , Zhou Jiangfeng , Koschny Thomas , Soukoulis Costas M.
Published: November 2004

An array of single nonmagnetic metallic split rings can be used to implement a magnetic resonance, which arises from an inductor-capacitor circuit (LC) resonance, at 100-terahertz frequency. The excitation of the LC resonance in the normal-incidence geometry used in our experiments occurs through the coupling of the electric field of the incident light to the capacitance. The measured optical spectra of the nanofabricated gold structures come very close to the theoretical expectations. Additional numerical simulations show that our structures exhibit a frequency range with negative permeability for a beam configuration in which the magnetic field couples to the LC resonance. Together with an electric response that has negative permittivity, this can lead to materials with a negative index of refraction.
Psychosocial work factors and dementia
Authors: Seidler A , Nienhaus A , Bernhardt T , Kauppinen T , Elo A-L , Frölich L
Published: November 2004

Aims:To evaluate the association between psychosocial workplace factors and dementia in a case-control study.

Methods:Patients with dementia (aged 55–99 years) were recruited from 23 general practices in the city of Frankfurt-on-Main and surrounding area in 1998–2000. Of these, 108 were suffering from possible Alzheimer’s disease, 59 from possible vascular dementia, and 28 from secondary or unclassified dementia. A total of 229 control subjects (aged 60–94 years) was recruited from the same study region: 122 population controls and 107 dementia-free ambulatory patients. A detailed job history was elicited in a structured personal interview (next-of-kin interviews of cases). Psychosocial work exposure was assigned to cases and control subjects by linking lifetime job histories with a Finnish job-exposure matrix. Data were analysed using logistic regression, to control for age, region, sex, dementia in parents, education, smoking, and the psychosocial network at age 30.

Results:There were decreased odds ratios for high challenge at work, high control possibilities at work, and high social demands at work. High risks for error at work revealed a significant positive association with the diagnosis of dementia. Restriction of the analysis to cases with possible Alzheimer’s disease or to cases with possible vascular dementia led to similar results.

Conclusions:These results support a role for psychosocial work factors in the aetiology of dementia. As an alternative explanation, people might have chosen jobs with poor work factors due to preclinical dementia, which becomes clinically manifest decades later.
A comparison of methods for the assessment of postural load and duration of computer use
Authors: Heinrich J , Blatter B M , Bongers P M
Published: November 2004

Aim:To compare two different methods for assessment of postural load and duration of computer use in office workers.

Methods:The study population existed of 87 computer workers. Questionnaire data about exposure were compared with exposures measured by a standardised or objective method. Measuring true exposure to postural load consisted of an observation of the workstation design and posture by a trained observer. A software program was used to record individual computer use.

Results:Comparing the answers for each item of postural load, six of eleven items showed low agreement (kappa <0.20). For six items the sensitivity was below 50%, while for eight items the specificity was 80% or higher. Computer workers were unable to identify risk factors in their workplace and work posture. On average, computer workers overestimated their total computer use by 1.6 hours. The agreement among employees who reported a maximum of three hours of computer use per day was higher than the agreement among employees with a high duration of computer use.

Conclusions:Self-report by means of this questionnaire is not a very reliable method to measure postural load and duration of computer use. This study emphasises that the challenge to develop quick and inexpensive techniques for assessing exposure to postural load and duration of computer use is still open.