bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure in listed biotechnology companies
Authors: White Gregory , Lee Alina , Tower Greg
Published: August 2007

Purpose

The paper seeks to investigate the key drivers and level of voluntary disclosures in biotechnology company annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an intellectual capital disclosure index score of voluntary disclosures in a large sample of listed biotechnology companies, and tests the relationship between voluntary disclosures of intangible firm value with traditional agency theory variables. The relationships are tested statistically using correlation and multiple‐regression analysis.

Findings

The key drivers of voluntary intellectual capital disclosures were the level of board independence, firm age, level of leverage and firm size. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that board independence, leverage and size had a significant relationship with the level of voluntary intellectual capital disclosure. Separate regression controlling for large‐sized and small‐sized firms demonstrated that voluntary intellectual capital disclosure was only driven by board independence and the levels of firm leverage in large firms. Small firms did not demonstrate this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this research are that smaller biotechnology companies' managers are not motivated by external debt‐holder demands to make voluntary disclosures about intangible firm value. In addition, large biotechnology companies, which are better able to establish independent board oversight, appear more effective at driving voluntary intellectual capital disclosures, perhaps in response to greater demand by owners. A limitation of this study is its Australian context and that data is analysed only from 2005 financial year annual reports.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge this is an original paper whose findings have valuable implications for managing intellectual capital at the firm level. The paper clearly demonstrates that disclosures about intangible firm value is being driven by traditional agency theory variables and more contemporary corporate governance issues, and that small firms may be ignoring the importance of disclosing more about their intellectual capital.
Intellectual capital and performance indicators: Taiwanese healthcare sector
Authors: Peng Tzu‐Ju Ann , Pike Stephen , Roos Göran
Published: August 2007

Purpose

While the intellectual capital perspective has been widely applied to research in knowledge‐intensive industries, less attention has been paid to the healthcare sector. This exploratory study aims to investigate how hospitals view the importance of intellectual capital and performance in the healthcare sector. It identifies the elements and relative importance of intellectual capital and performance measurement in the Taiwanese healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was executed by a developmental process comprising four phases: the generation of critical elements; expert review and perceptual assessments of the elements; data collection; and data analysis. This study developed a preliminary checklist with detailed IC elements and performance indicators derived from both literature reviews and practices. The questionnaire was refined by expert review. The pilot study collected data from 30 healthcare managers.

Findings

The critical intellectual capital elements and performance indicators regarded as important for performance management practices in the Taiwanese hospital industry were identified. They reveal the relative importance and ranking of human, organizational and relational capitals, and performance indicators.

Practical implications

By using the intellectual capital navigator (ICN) and the Effector Plot, this study analyzed resource transformations and resource influence among human, organizational and relational capital. This study highlighted five noteworthy issues.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to both theory and practice. Theoretically, it generalizes IC in the healthcare setting and is a starting point for exploring healthcare IC and performance in Taiwan. Practically, it contributes to references for healthcare managers, giving a prioritized array of critical resources and performance measurements in practice.
‘Evidence‐based implementation’ of paediatric asthma guidelines in a rural emergency department
Authors: Doherty Steven , Jones Peter , Stevens Helen , Davis Linda , Ryan Nicholas , Treeve Verity
Published: August 2007

Aim:  To determine if an evidence‐based implementation (EBI) could lead to improved compliance with guidelines for acute asthma in children aged 1–15 years presenting to a large rural emergency department.

Methods:  Pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and 12‐month follow‐up audits were performed to determine the impact of an EBI strategy used to increase compliance with current asthma guidelines. The pre‐intervention audit was conducted from 1 April to 30 June 2004, and follow‐up data were collected from 1 September to 30 November 2004. The 12‐month follow‐up audit was conducted from 1 August to 31 October 2005. All audits were chart reviews. The intervention was an EBI strategy that was devised and then used to implement established guidelines for the emergency department management of paediatric asthma.

Results:  There were 51 presentations pre‐intervention, 66 post‐intervention and 68 at 12‐month follow‐up with no differences noted in the severity of asthma between the groups. At 12‐month follow‐up, there were significant increases in the documentation of asthma severity (45% to 90%, P < 0.001), use of spirometry (32% to 66%, P = 0.012), use of spacers (5% to 53%, P < 0.001) and use of written short‐term asthma management plans (16% to 69%, P < 0.001). There was a reduction in the use of ipratropium bromide in mild asthma (31% to 3%, P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the use of systemic steroids (74% to 62%, P = 0.29) or antibiotic use in afebrile patients (15% to 6%, P = 0.175). For the seven clinical indicators (CIs) combined, compliance with the guideline increased from 47% to 79% (P < 0.001). Positive changes in clinical behaviour occurred immediately and compliance with all seven CIs was 83% immediately post intervention before falling, non‐significantly, to 79% at 12‐month follow‐up (P = 0.142).

Conclusions:  The pre‐intervention audit identified a low rate of compliance with current asthma guidelines across seven CIs of asthma care. The intervention significantly increased compliance with five of the CIs and for the seven CIs aggregated. Positive changes in clinical behaviour were immediate and the gains were sustained at 12 months.
MANAGEMENT OF COMPLICATED HYDATID CYST OF THE THORAX
Authors: Kilic Dalokay , Findikcioglu Alper , Bilen Ahmet , Koc Zafer , Hatipoglu Ahmet
Published: August 2007

Background:  Complicated hydatid cyst of the thorax is important to the clinical approaches and treatment methods in hytadid disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the problems of complicated pulmonary hytatid cyst, including choice of surgical methods, diagnostic clues and to discuss the inherent risks of medical theraphy and the delay of surgical treatment in pulmonary hydatid disease.

Methods:  Between 2002 and 2006, 40 operations were carried out in 37 patients whose diagnoses were complicated hydatid cyst. The surgical approach was a posterolateral thoracotomy in all patients; a phrenotomy in two patients and a thoracoabdominal approache in one patient and two‐stage bilateral thoracotomy in four patients. The preferred surgical treatment procedure was cystotomy and modified capitonnage, which was carried out in 26 patients (70%). Other procedures included a cystotomy in five (14%) and decortication in six (16%) patients. Segmentectomy was carried out in 1 (3%), and wedge resection in four patients (11%).

Results:  In 25 patients (67.5%), there were single hydatid cysts; whereas 12 patients (32.5%) had multiple cysts. Eleven patients had preoperative hydatid cyst history. Iatrogenic rupture of an intact hydatid cyst occurred in three patients. Extrathoracic involvement was apparent in 10 patients (27%). Intrathoracic but extrapulmonary involvement was apparent in six patients (16%). The morbidity ratio was 5%; there was prolonged air leak and atelectasis in one patient each. The mortality ratio was 3% (one patient). The average hospitalization duration for all patients was 5.7 days (range, 3–17 days). The mean follow up was 18.4 months with no recurrence.

Conclusion:  Complicated hydatid cyst may have different clinical manifestations and may present radiologically as a primary lung tumour. In patients with suspicious lung masses owing to endemic area, history of a hydatid cyst or contralateral or extrathoracic hydatid cyst involvement at the same time should indicate a complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst. Preoperative anthelmintic therapy must be avoided owing to the risk of perforation. Treatment of a complicated hydatid cyst differs from that of an intact hydatid cyst. Anatomic resection may be necessary owing to destroyed lung tissue secondary to suppuration from a hydatid cyst; however, parenchymal preserving surgery is preferable in an uncomplicated hydatid cyst. A modified capitonnage method is recommended for complicated hydatid cyst treatment as it has a low morbidity rate.
ROLE OF FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN THE EVALUATION OF PAROTID TUMOURS
Authors: Lim Chwee Ming , They Juliana , Loh Kwok Seng , Chao Siew Shuen , Lim Lynne Hseuh Yee , Tan Luke Kim Siang
Published: August 2007

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of parotid tumours.

Methods:  A retrospective review was conducted to examine the preoperative cytological and final histological results of patients who underwent parotidectomies at our institution.

Results:  Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing malignant and benign tumours were 80%, 100%, and 98.5%, 87.5%, respectively, and 85.1% of benign tumours were accurately typed on fine‐needle aspiration cytology compared with only 40% in the malignant group. Using the clinical parameters of associated facial nerve palsy or presence of cervical lymphadenopathy to indicate the presence of malignancy, the diagnostic yield was only 30%.

Conclusion:  Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is useful in the preoperative assessment of parotid tumours as it is more reliable than clinical examination to diagnose malignant parotid tumours. Although it may not accurately type the malignant tumours, the diagnosis of malignant tumours preoperatively may allow for appropriate surgical planning by the surgeon.
Spermatogenesis in immature mammals
Authors: HAMANO KOH‐ICHI , SUGIMOTO RYO , TAKAHASHI HIROSHI , TSUJII HIROTADA
Published: August 2007

Mammalian spermatogenesis has been studied extensively as a prime theme of male reproductive biology, especially for germ cell production, fertilization and development. Investigation of spermatogenesis has provided us with the opportunity to both study the male germ line stem cells and generate the transgenic animals. Spermatogenesis is conducted in the seminiferous tubules, which end in the rete testis. The organization of spermatogenesis means that the spermatogonia are uniformly distributed around the seminiferous tubules. The pubertal establishment and mature maintenance of spermatogenesis requires precursor cells. In bull testes at 4 weeks postnatal, gonocyte migration occurs and differentiated spermatogonia are recognized after 8 weeks. Within the period of 4–8 weeks of age, spermatogonial stem cell conversion and niche formation must occur. Spermatogonial stem cells are the only cells that can undergo self‐renewal in spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation can potentially contribute to studies of gene expression during spermatogenesis and provide genetic progress in domestic animals. Bull spermatogonial stem cells have been demonstrated to be capable of colonizing recipient mouse seminiferous tubules. (Reprod Med Biol 2007;6: 139–149)
Effect of amino acids and dipeptides on accumulation of ammonia in the medium during in vitro maturation and fertilization of porcine oocytes
Authors: TAREQ KMA , MIAH ABDUL GAFFAR , SALMA UMMAY , YOSHIDA MAYUMI , TSUJII HIROTADA
Published: August 2007

Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the effect of amino acids and their dipeptides on the accumulation of ammonia in the medium during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of porcine oocytes.

Methods:  The IVM and IVF media were modified North Carolina State University‐37 solution and modified Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate, respectively. Porcine oocytes were matured in IVM medium containing 75–2400 µmol ammonia. Amino acids (1.0 mmol) or their dipeptides (2.0 mmol) related to the urea cycle were added individually to the IVM and IVF media containing 300 µmol ammonia. Oocyte maturation and fertilization were assessed using acetic–orcein staining, and the accumulation of ammonia in the media was measured using the indophenol method.

Results:  Percentages of metaphase II (MII) were adversely affected (P < 0.05) by ≥300 µmol concentrations of ammonia in the IVM medium. In the presence of 300 µmol ammonia in the IVM and IVF media, glutamic acid, l‐alanyl‐L‐glutamine (AlaGln), l‐glycyl‐L‐glutamine (GlyGln) and AlaGln + GlyGln showed the highest rate (P < 0.05) of MII, monospermic fertilization, and the lowest rate (P < 0.05) of ammonia accumulation in the media.

Conclusion:  AlaGln and GlyGln in IVM and IVF media were more stable and effective than the individual amino acids in reducing the accumulation of ammonia, and increased the rate of porcine oocyte MII and monospermic fertilization in vitro. (Reprod Med Biol 2007; 6: 165–170)
Establishment of criteria for elective single embryo transfer at day 2 or day 3 by analyzing cases with successful implantation of all embryos transferred
Authors: Shibahara Hiroaki , Hirano Yuki , Okajima Takeshi , Shimada Kazuhiko , Kikuchi Kumiko , Suzuki Tatsuya , Takamizawa Satoru , Suzuki Mitsuaki
Published: August 2007

Aim:  Elective transfer of two good‐quality embryos has been used to avoid triplet or high‐order multiple pregnancies. However, the rate of twin pregnancies has remained fairly unchanged. In the present study, criteria for elective single embryo transfer (eSET) at day 2 or day 3 were established by analyzing cases with successful implantation of all embryos transferred.

Methods:  A total of 685 fresh or frozen‐thawed embryo transfers following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection between April 2002 and March 2006 were performed. Only embryo transfers at day 2 or day 3, but not at blastocyst stage, were included. Successful implantation of all embryos transferred was obtained in 17 pregnancy cycles.

Results:  Thirty‐one gestational sacs with fetal heartbeats were obtained by a total of 31 embryo transfers in 17 infertile women. The average age was 32.6 years (23–38), and 14 (82.3%) of the 17 women were <36 years old. Fifteen (88.2%) of the 17 pregnancies were established at the first attempt of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Of the 17 women, eight (47.1%) women were multigravida and four (23.5%) women were multipara. The indications for ART or insemination methods did not seem to be related to the pregnancy results. Twenty‐nine (93.5%) of 31 embryos implanted were considered good‐quality embryos. Of the 17 fresh embryos transferred at day 2, 15 were at the 4‐cell stage and two were at the 5‐cell stage. Of the 11 fresh embryos transferred at day 3, one was at the 6‐cell stage, two were at the 7‐cell stage and eight were at the 8‐cell stage.

Conclusion:  The criteria for eSET at day 2 or day 3 were established as follows: <36 years of age, a first treatment cycle and more than two good‐quality embryos developed at least to the 4‐cell stage at day 2, or 6‐cell stage at day 3. Additionally, the past history of pregnancy or delivery should be considered, as patients positive for such history might have better implantation ability. eSET can be highly recommended to avoid twin pregnancies in subjects with the established criteria.
Maternal negative attitudes towards pregnancy as an independent risk factor for low birthweight
Authors: Suzuki Kohta , Minai Junko , Yamagata Zentaro
Published: August 2007

Aim:  Recently, Japan has witnessed an increase in the number of low‐birthweight (LBW) infants. LBW children face a variety of social and medical risk factors. Thus, besides reducing infant mortality, preventing LBW would have many other important health benefits. Emotional status during pregnancy is stated as one of the important risk factors for LBW. This study aims to clarify the relationship between maternal emotions and low birthweight (LBW) after adjusting the effects of other well‐known factors that influence LBW.

Methods:  This community‐based case‐control study involved 145 newborns with LBW (cases) and 213 newborns with normal weight (controls). They were born in the municipalities that fall within the jurisdiction of the Yoshida public health center between 1st January 2003 and 30th September 2004. Participants' mothers were interviewed using a simple, structured questionnaire to collect general data on mother and infant, hazardous habits and maternal socioeconomic, occupational and psychological factors. The odds ratio with a 95% confidential interval of delivering LBW infants was calculated using logistic multivariable regression analysis based on maternal and infant factors.

Results:  In the multivariable regression model, the second‐born or subsequent infant was unlikely to be LBW. On the contrary, maternal smoking habit during pregnancy, mothers who kept house by themselves and maternal negative attitudes towards pregnancy during the early stages promoted LBW incidence.

Conclusion:  Maternal negative attitude towards pregnancy during the early stages was an independent LBW risk factor and our simple questionnaire can be used to estimate maternal psychological status in early pregnancy.
Abducens nerve palsy in pre‐eclampsia after delivery: An unusual case report
Authors: Park Chul M. , Kim Sung Y.
Published: August 2007

The common neurological manifestations of pre‐eclampsia include headache, confusion, and visual disturbance; while isolated abducens nerve palsy in pre‐eclampsia is very rare. We report one case of a severe pre‐eclampsia with abducens nerve palsy at 39 weeks' gestation. There was no specific pathology, except hypertension, and the palsy resolved spontaneously.
Intrauterine contraceptive device‐related actinomycosis infection presenting as an incarcerated inguinal hernia
Authors: Dharmadhikari Deepali , Dharmadhikari Rahul , Macdonald John , Beukenholdt Remko
Published: August 2007

We report an unusual case of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD)‐related pelvic actinomyces infection presenting as an incarcerated inguinal hernia. An emergency laparotomy showed the presence of pyometra with large abscesses, involving both fallopian tubes and the right ovary with pyometra tracking down the left psoas into the groin, giving a clinical and radiological appearance of an incarcerated hernia. Subsequent results obtained from investigations showed the presence of actinomyces‐like organisms on the patient's smear related to an IUCD.
Awareness of putative risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease among elderly Koreans
Authors: Park Moon Ho , Jo Sangmee Ahn , Jo Inho , Kim Eunkyung , Woo Eun Kyung , Kim Sung-Soo , Eun Su-Yong , Han Changsu , Park Min Kyu
Published: August 2007

Objective:

Although there are rapidly growing concerns about the high rates of cognitive dysfunction in Korea, the knowledge of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among the general public in Korea remains to be elucidated.

Methods:

A total of 2767 randomly selected subjects from the Ansan Geriatric Study were questioned on their knowledge of putative risk factors for AD. Their answers were compared with their sociodemographic data and other variables.

Results:

The most common stated risk factor was being older (59.6%), followed by head trauma (33.6%) and cerebrovascular disease (30.4%). However, a substandard education, which is a known risk factor, was considered significant by only 9.5% of the subjects. Predictors for a worse knowledge of the risk factors for AD were being older, a lower level of education, lower economic status and the attitude that dementia is not curable.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that misunderstanding about AD is more prevalent in older subjects and those with a lower level of education, and so public health education on the basic concepts of AD should be targeted at this population.
Emergency clinician‐delivered screening and intervention for high‐risk alcohol use: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Weiland Tracey J , Dent Andrew W , Phillips Georgina A , Lee Nicole K
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  To evaluate qualitative feedback from patients who received opportunistic screening and brief intervention for harmful alcohol use during an ED attendance; to evaluate emergency staff attitudes to performing alcohol screening and delivering opportunistic brief intervention; and to document process issues associated with the introduction of routine clinician‐initiated opportunistic screening and training and administration of brief intervention.

Methods:  Structured and semi‐structured interviews with emergency staff and recipients of brief intervention.

Results:  Sixty‐nine patients were interviewed 3 months after an ED attendance where they received emergency clinician‐delivered brief intervention for high‐risk alcohol use. Twenty‐two (32%; 95% CI 21–43%) reported a positive effect of brief intervention on thoughts or behaviour, but 29% (95% CI 18–40%) felt the intervention was not relevant for them or could not recall it. Four people (6%; 95% CI 1–12%) felt confronted or embarrassed, and 17 (25%; 95% CI 15–36%) felt timing or delivery could be improved. Staff had a positive attitude to delivering brief intervention, but nominated lack of time as the main barrier. Fourteen of 15 staff felt brief intervention should become routine in emergency care.

Conclusion:  Emergency clinicians can be trained to provide brief intervention for high‐risk alcohol in an ED. The use of emergency clinician brief intervention is acceptable to most staff and patients.
Eight years of nutrition intervention for a young person with an acquired brain injury
Authors: VOEVODIN Melanie , HAALA Robert
Published: August 2007

This case is about a 38‐year‐old man with an acquired brain injury (ABI). It is a qualitative analysis of eight years of nutrition intervention by a private dietetic practitioner in a nursing home setting. For the eight years of nutrition intervention, enteral formula met all his nutrition requirements. Optimal goal weight was reached and stable eight years after the initial injury. In the early postacute period, energy requirements were 16 MJ/day for a goal weight of 70 kg. Today, energy requirements are less than 7 MJ/day to maintain weight at or below 80 kg. Over the eight years, the dietitian reviewed the client 40 times and adjusted the regimen 12 times. Each review was one hour long; monthly reviews for the first four years, then bimonthly. Weight was the main clinical outcome directing nutrition decisions. No gross nutrient deficiencies were incurred. No pressure sores developed. Reflux resolved with changes to medication, enteral formula and regimen. One episode of aspiration pneumonia was recorded. Based on this case study, we recommend nutrition planning for postacute care include a two‐hour initial assessment, then one‐hour monthly review for the first 12–24 months. Weight should be recorded monthly, and routine biochemistry bimonthly with six‐monthly nutrition‐specific measures of trace elements, micronutrients, blood glucose, serum lipids, iron studies and protein markers. Long‐term nutrition intervention for ABI is a mostly unexplored, challenging and growing area of dietetics. This case study provides preliminary information for developing long‐term enteral nutrition services to people with an ABI.
Pit and Fissure Sealant: Then, Now, and Next Steps
Authors: Simonsen Richard J.
Published: August 2007

This paper discusses the role of Herschel S. Horowitz in pit and fissure sealant research, and the data from a literature review of the subject presented at the Memorial Symposium to Herschel Horowitz. The vast body of literature presently available to students and practitioners in the area of preventive dentistry is due in large part to pioneers who forged the path in modern preventive materials such as fluorides and sealants. Uniquely, Herschel S. Horowitz stood out for his contributions to the scientific literature in both fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. His work has contributed to millions of children growing into adulthood with less disease than they would have without the benefits that Herschel Horowitz pioneered. From a careful and thorough review of the literature of peer‐reviewed publications on pit and fissure sealant, it is clear that sealants are safe, effective, and underused.
The vasodilator 17,18‐epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid targets the pore‐forming BK α channel subunit in rodents
Authors: Hercule Hantz C. , Salanova Birgit , Essin Kirill , Honeck Horst , Falck John R. , Sausbier Matthias , Ruth Peter , Schunck Wolf‐Hagen , Luft Friedrich C. , Gollasch Maik
Published: August 2007

17,18‐Epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18‐EETeTr) stimulates vascular large‐conductance K+(BK) channels. BK channels are composed of the pore‐forming BK α and auxiliary BK β1 subunits that confer an increased sensitivity for changes in membrane potential and calcium to BK channels. Ryanodine‐sensitive calcium‐release channels (RyR3) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) control the process. To elucidate the mechanism of BK channel activation, we performed whole‐cell and perforated‐patch clamp experiments in freshly isolated cerebral and mesenteric artery vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from Sprague–Dawley rats, BK β1 gene‐deficient (−/−), BK α (−/−), RyR3 (−/−) and wild‐type mice. The 17,18‐EETeTr (100 nm) increased tetraethylammonium (1 mm)‐sensitive outward K+currents in VSMC from wild‐type rats and wild‐type mice. The effects were not inhibited by the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) antagonist 14,15‐epoxyeicosa‐5(Z)‐enoic acid (10 μm). BK channel currents were increased 3.5‐fold in VSMC from BK β1 (−/−) mice, whereas a 2.9‐fold stimulation was observed in VSMC from RyR3 (−/−) mice (at membrane voltage 60 mV). The effects were similar compared with those observed in cells from wild‐type mice. The BK current increase was neither influenced by strong internal calcium buffering (Ca2+, 100 nm), nor by external calcium influx. The 17,18‐EETeTr did not induce outward currents in VSMC BK α (−/−) cells. We next tested the vasodilator effects of 17,18‐EETeTr on isolated arteries of BK α‐deficient mice. Vasodilatation was largely inhibited in cerebral and mesenteric arteries isolated from BK α (−/−) mice compared with that observed in wild‐type and BK β1 (−/−) arteries. We conclude that 17,18‐EETeTr represents an endogenous BK channel agonist and vasodilator. Since 17,18‐EETeTr is active in small arteries lacking BK β1, the data further suggest that BK α represents the molecular target for the principal action of 17,18‐EETeTr. Finally, the action of 17,18‐EETeTr is not mediated by changes of the internal global calcium concentration or local SR calcium release events.
Chronic effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiac muscle contraction in the Goto‐Kakizaki rat
Authors: Howarth F. C. , Shafiullah M. , Qureshi M. A.
Published: August 2007

Type 2 diabetes mellitus accounts for more than 90% of all cases of diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular complications are the major cause of mortality and death in diabetic patients. The chronic effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on heart function have been investigated in the Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat. Experiments were performed in GK rats and age‐matched Wistar control rats at 18 months of age. The progressive effects of diabetes on glucose metabolism were monitored periodically by application of the glucose tolerance test. Ventricular action potentials were measured in isolated, perfused heart. Shortening and intracellular Ca2+ were measured in electrically stimulated ventricular myocytes. The GK rats displayed mild fasting hyperglycaemia and progressively worsening glucose tolerance. At 18 months of age and 180 min after intraperitoneal injection of glucose (2 g (kg body weight)−1), blood glucose was 436 ± 47 mg dl−1 in GK rats compared with 153 ± 18 mg dl−1 in control animals. Heart weight to body weight ratio was significantly increased in GK rats (4.10 ± 0.09 mg g−1, n= 5) compared with control animals (3.36 ± 0.22 mg g−1, n= 4). Spontaneous heart rate was slightly reduced in GK rats compared with control rats. Although the amplitude of shortening was not altered, the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient was significantly increased in myocytes from GK rats (0.78 ± 0.11 ratio units) compared with control rats (0.50 ± 0.06 ratio units). Despite progressively worsening glucose metabolism, at 18 months of age the contractile function of the heart appears to be well preserved.
Effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition on skeletal muscle oxidative function and exercise capacity in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Rouyer Olivier , Zoll Joffrey , Daussin Frederic , Damgé Christiane , Helms Pauline , Talha Sami , Rasseneur Laurence , Piquard Francois , Geny Bernard
Published: August 2007

Since exercise capacity is related to the mitochondrial respiration rate in skeletal muscle and both parameters are potentially modulated by the onset of diabetes and by inhibition of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), we investigated whether skeletal muscle oxidative functions and exercise capacities are impaired in chronic streptozotocin‐induced diabetic (STZ) rats and whether ACE inhibition could reverse such abnormalities. The ACE inhibitor perindopril (2 mg kg−1 day−1) was given for a period of 5 weeks to 7‐month‐old STZ rats (DIA‐PE, n= 8) whose haemodynamic function, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and exercise capacity were compared with those of untreated diabetic (DIA, n= 8) and control rats (CONT, n= 8). Increased arterial blood pressure (157 ± 12 versus 130 ± 6 mmHg, P < 0.05) and reduced exercise capacity (29 ± 2 versus 91 ± 2 min, respectively, P < 0.01) were observed in DIA compared with CONT. The oxidative capacity of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly reduced in DIA compared with CONT rats (5.4 ± 0.5 versus 10.6 ± 0.7 μmol O2 min−1(g dry weight)−1, respectively, P < 0.001). Moreover, the coupling between oxidation and phosphorylation was significantly impaired in DIA (−52%, P < 0.001). Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) normalized blood pressure without improving mitochondrial function (4.3 ± 0.8 μmol O2 min−1 (g dry weight)−1 in DIA‐PE rats) but reduced exercise capacity to even lower levels (10 ± 1 min, P < 0.01). Exercise capacity correlated positively with blood pressure in DIA‐PE (r= 0.79, P < 0.05). In experimental type 1 diabetic rats, both skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration and exercise capacity are impaired. The ACEi failed to restore the muscular function and worsened exercise capacity. Further studies will be useful to determine whether an inadequate muscular blood flow secondary to the reduction in mean systemic blood pressure can explain these results.
Force Stream Function Method Applied to Classical Griffith’s Crack Problem
Authors: Wu Xiang , Genin Joseph
Published: August 2007

In a previous paper (Wu, X., and Genin, J., 2003, J. Strain Anal. Eng. Des., 38(2), pp. 181–185), we presented a new stress analysis procedure, the force stream function method. It established a general relationship between a fluid stream function and a force stream function through pure elasticity examples. Here, we expand its applications to the field of linear fracture. A brief review of the new method is provided at the paper’s beginning. When applied to the classical Griffith’s crack problem, the corresponding fluid stream function of a flow past a normal plate is conveniently used as an analog for the crack problem. Numerical results are employed to verify the general relation in this particular case. The significance of the new force stream function method and some difficulties of its applications are discussed in the paper’s conclusion.
Heat Transfer in a Laminar Channel Flow Generated by Injection Through Porous Walls
Authors: Fournier Clarisse , Michard Marc , Bataille Françoise
Published: August 2007

Steady state similarity solutions are computed to determine the temperature profiles in a laminar channel flow driven by uniform fluid injection at one or two porous walls. The temperature boundary conditions are non-symmetric. The numerical solution of the governing equations permit to analyze the influence of the governing parameters, the Reynolds and Péclet numbers. For both geometries, we deduce a scaling law for the boundary layer thickness as a function of the Péclet number. We also compare the numerical solutions with asymptotic expansions in the limit of large Péclet numbers. Finally, for non-symmetric injection, we derive from the computed temperature profile a relationship between the Nusselt and Péclet numbers.
Analysis of Thermal Effects in a Cavitating Inducer Using Rayleigh Equation
Authors: Franc Jean-Pierre , Pellone Christian
Published: August 2007

A simple model based on the resolution of Rayleigh equation is used to analyze thermal effects in cavitation. Two different assumptions are considered for the modeling of heat transfer toward the liquid∕vapor interface. One is based upon a convective type approach using a convection heat transfer coefficient or the equivalent Nusselt number. The other one is based upon the resolution of the heat diffusion equation in the liquid surrounding the bubble. This conductive-type approach requires one to specify the eddy thermal diffusivity or the equivalent Peclet number. Both models are applied to a cavitating inducer. The basic pressure distribution on the blades is determined from a potential flow computation in a two-dimensional cascade of flat plates. The sheet cavity, which develops from the leading edge, is approximated by the envelope of a hemispherical bubble traveling on the suction side of the blade. Cavity shape and temperature distribution predicted by both models are compared. The evolutions of cavity length with the cavitation number for cold water (without thermal effects) and for Refrigerant 114 at two different temperatures is compared to experimental data. Such a simple model is easy to apply and appears to be quite pertinent for the analysis of thermal effects in a cavitating inducer.
Engineering of a Type III Rubisco from a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon in Order To Enhance Catalytic Performance in Mesophilic Host Cells
Authors: Yoshida Shosuke , Atomi Haruyuki , Imanaka Tadayuki
Published: August 2007

The hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakaraensis
harbors a type III ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rbc
Tk
). It has previously been shown that Rbc
Tk
is capable of supporting photoautotrophic and photoheterotrophic growth in a mesophilic host cell,
Rhodopseudomonas palustris
Δ3, whose three native Rubisco genes had been disrupted. Here, we have examined the enzymatic properties of Rbc
Tk
at 25°C and have constructed mutant proteins in order to enhance its performance in mesophilic host cells. Initial sites for mutagenesis were selected by focusing on sequence differences in the loop 6 and α-helix 6 regions among Rbc
Tk
and the enzymes from spinach (mutant proteins SP1 to SP7),
Galdieria partita
(GP1 and GP2), and
Rhodospirillum rubrum
(RR1). Loop 6 of Rbc
Tk
is one residue longer than those found in the spinach and
G. partita
enzymes, and replacing Rbc
Tk
loop 6 with these regions led to dramatic decreases in activity. Six mutant enzymes retaining significant levels of Rubisco activity were selected, and their genes were introduced into
R. palustris
Δ3. Cells harboring mutant protein SP6 displayed a 31% increase in the specific growth rate under photoheterotrophic conditions compared to cells harboring wild-type Rbc
Tk
. SP6 corresponds to a complete substitution of the original α-helix 6 of Rbc
Tk
with that of the spinach enzyme. Compared to wild-type Rbc
Tk
, the purified SP6 mutant protein exhibited a 30% increase in turnover number (
k
cat
) of the carboxylase activity and a 17% increase in the
k
cat
/

K
m

value. Based on these results, seven further mutant proteins were designed and examined. The results confirmed the importance of the length of loop 6 in Rbc
Tk
and also led to the identification of specific residue changes that resulted in an increase in the turnover number of Rbc
Tk
at ambient temperatures.
Siderophore Production by
Pseudomonas stutzeri
under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Essén Sofia A. , Johnsson Anna , Bylund Dan , Pedersen Karsten , Lundström Ulla S.
Published: August 2007

The siderophore production of the facultative anaerobe
Pseudomonas stutzeri
, strain CCUG 36651, grown under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, was investigated by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The bacterial strain has been isolated at a 626-m depth at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, where experiments concerning the geological disposal of nuclear waste are performed. In bacterial culture extracts, the iron in the siderophore complexes was replaced by gallium to facilitate siderophore identification by mass spectrometry.
P. stutzeri
was shown to produce ferrioxamine E (nocardamine) as the main siderophore together with ferrioxamine G and two cyclic ferrioxamines having molecular masses 14 and 28 atomic mass units lower than that of ferrioxamine E, suggested to be ferrioxamine D
2
and ferrioxamine X
1
, respectively. In contrast, no siderophores were observed from anaerobically grown
P. stutzeri
. None of the siderophores produced by aerobically grown
P. stutzeri
were found in anaerobic natural water samples from the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory.
Establishment and Development of Ruminal Hydrogenotrophs in Methanogen-Free Lambs
Authors: Fonty Gérard , Joblin Keith , Chavarot Michel , Roux Remy , Naylor Graham , Michallon Fabien
Published: August 2007

The aim of this work was to determine whether reductive acetogenesis can provide an alternative to methanogenesis in the rumen. Gnotobiotic lambs were inoculated with a functional rumen microbiota lacking methanogens and reared to maturity on a fibrous diet. Lambs with a methanogen-free rumen grew well, and the feed intake and ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations for lambs lacking ruminal methanogens were lower but not markedly dissimilar from those for conventional lambs reared on the same diet. A high population density (10
7
to 10
8
cells g
−1
) of ruminal acetogens slowly developed in methanogen-free lambs. Sulfate- and fumarate-reducing bacteria were present, but their population densities were highly variable. In methanogen-free lambs, the hydrogen capture from fermentation was low (28 to 46%) in comparison with that in lambs containing ruminal methanogens (>90%). Reductive acetogenesis was not a significant part of ruminal fermentation in conventional lambs but contributed 21 to 25% to the fermentation in methanogen-free meroxenic animals. Ruminal H
2
utilization was lower in lambs lacking ruminal methanogens, but when a methanogen-free lamb was inoculated with a methanogen, the ruminal H
2
utilization was similar to that in conventional lambs. H
2
utilization in lambs containing a normal ruminal microflora was age dependent and increased with the animal age. The animal age effect was less marked in lambs lacking ruminal methanogens. Addition of fumarate to rumen contents from methanogen-free lambs increased H
2
utilization. These findings provide the first evidence from animal studies that reductive acetogens can sustain a functional rumen and replace methanogens as a sink for H
2
in the rumen.
Use of a Disposable Water Filter for Prevention of False-Positive Results due to Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria in a Clinical Laboratory Performing Routine Acid-Fast Staining for Tuberculosis
Authors: Tu Hui-Zin , Chen Chiao-Shan , Huang Tsi-Shu , Huang Wen-Kuei , Chen Yao-shen , Liu Yung-ching , Lin Yusen Eason
Published: August 2007

A point-of-use 0.2-μm filter was evaluated for elimination of nontuberculosis mycobacteria in laboratory water to reduce false-positive acid-fast bacillus staining results. Use of the point-of-use filter can significantly reduce the false-positive rate to 1.2% compared to samples treated with tap water (10.7%) and deionized water (8.7%).
Inactivation of an Iron Transporter in
Lactococcus lactis
Results in Resistance to Tellurite and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Turner Mark S. , Tan Yu Pei , Giffard Philip M.
Published: August 2007

In
Lactococcus lactis
, the interactions between oxidative defense, metal metabolism, and respiratory metabolism are not fully understood. To provide an insight into these processes, we isolated and characterized mutants of
L. lactis
resistant to the oxidizing agent tellurite (TeO
3
2−
), which generates superoxide radicals intracellularly. A collection of tellurite-resistant mutants was obtained using random transposon mutagenesis of
L. lactis
. These contained insertions in genes encoding a proton-coupled Mn
2+
/Fe
2+
transport homolog (
mntH
), the high-affinity phosphate transport system (
pstABCDEF
), a putative osmoprotectant uptake system (
choQ
), and a homolog of the oxidative defense regulator
spx
(
trmA
). The tellurite-resistant mutants all had better survival than the wild type following aerated growth. The
mntH
mutant was found to be impaired in Fe
2+
uptake, suggesting that MntH is a Fe
2+
transporter in
L. lactis
. This mutant is capable of carrying out respiration but does not generate as high a final pH and does not exhibit the long lag phase in the presence of hemin and oxygen that is characteristic of wild-type
L. lactis
. This study suggests that tellurite-resistant mutants also have increased resistance to oxidative stress and that intracellular Fe
2+
can heighten tellurite and oxygen toxicity.
Absence of Serotype-Specific Surface Antigen in Laboratory Variants of Epidemic-Associated
Listeria monocytogenes
Strains
Authors: Cheng Ying , Yue Lili , Elhanafi Driss , Kathariou S.
Published: August 2007

Variants that lacked reactivity with the serotype 4b-specific monoclonal antibody c74.22 and that lost susceptibility to certain
Listeria
- or serotype 4b-specific phages were identified in the course of genetic studies with serotype 4b
Listeria monocytogenes
strains H7550 and F2381L (epidemic clones I and II, respectively). Our findings suggest that such variants can become inadvertently established under laboratory conditions and suggest caution in work involving serotype 4b strains and genetic constructs thereof.
Diatom-Derived Carbohydrates as Factors Affecting Bacterial Community Composition in Estuarine Sediments
Authors: Haynes Kelly , Hofmann Tanja A. , Smith Cindy J. , Ball Andrew S. , Underwood Graham J. C. , Osborn A. Mark
Published: August 2007

Microphytobenthic biofilms in estuaries, dominated by epipelic diatoms, are sites of high primary productivity. These diatoms exude large quantities of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) comprising polysaccharides and glycoproteins, providing a substantial pool of organic carbon available to heterotrophs within the sediment. In this study, sediment slurry microcosms were enriched with either colloidal carbohydrates or colloidal EPS (cEPS) or left unamended. Over 10 days, the fate of these carbohydrates and changes in β-glucosidase activity were monitored. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP), DNA sequencing, and quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) analysis of 16S rRNA sequences were used to determine whether sediment bacterial communities exhibited compositional shifts in response to the different available carbon sources. Initial heterotrophic activity led to reductions in carbohydrate concentrations in all three microcosms from day 0 to day 2, with some increases in β-glucosidase activity. During this period, treatment-specific shifts in bacterial community composition were not observed. However, by days 4 and 10, the bacterial community in the cEPS-enriched sediment diverged from those in colloid-enriched and unamended sediments, with Q-PCR analysis showing elevated bacterial numbers in the cEPS-enriched sediment at day 4. Community shifts were attributed to changes in cEPS concentrations and increased β-glucosidase activity. T-RFLP and sequencing analyses suggested that this shift was not due to a total community response but rather to large increases in the relative abundance of members of the γ-proteobacteria, particularly
Acinetobacter
-related bacteria. These experiments suggest that taxon- and substrate-specific responses within the bacterial community are involved in the degradation of diatom-derived extracellular carbohydrates.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
BLYAS, a New Bioluminescent Bioreporter for Detection of Androgenic Compounds
Authors: Eldridge Melanie L. , Sanseverino John , Layton Alice C. , Easter James P. , Schultz T. Wayne , Sayler Gary S.
Published: August 2007

A
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain, capable of autonomous bioluminescence, was engineered to respond to androgenic chemicals. The strain,
S. cerevisiae
BLYAS, contains the human androgen receptor in the chromosome and was constructed by inserting a series of androgen response elements between divergent yeast promoters GPD and ADH1 on pUTK401 that constitutively expressed
luxA
and
luxB
to create pUTK420. Cotransformation of this plasmid with a second plasmid (pUTK404), containing the genes required for aldehyde synthesis (
luxCDE
) and FMN reduction (
frp
), yielded a bioluminescent bioreporter responsive to androgenic chemicals. Using dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as a standard, the response time and the 50% effective concentration values were 3 to 4 h and (9.7 ± 4.6) × 10
−9
M, respectively. The lower limit of detection in response to DHT was 2.5 × 10
−9
M, and in response to testosterone it was 2.5 × 10
−10
M. This strain is suitable for high-throughput screening of chemicals with potential for remote environmental monitoring systems because of the assay speed, sensitivity, and self-containment.
Inhibition of Quorum Sensing in
Serratia marcescens
AS-1 by Synthetic Analogs of
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactone
Authors: Morohoshi Tomohiro , Shiono Toshitaka , Takidouchi Kiyomi , Kato Masashi , Kato Norihiro , Kato Junichi , Ikeda Tsukasa
Published: August 2007

Quorum sensing is a regulatory system for controlling gene expression in response to increasing cell density.
N
-Acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) is produced by gram-negative bacteria, which use it as a quorum-sensing signal molecule.
Serratia marcescens
is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen which is responsible for an increasing number of serious nosocomial infections.
S. marcescens
AS-1 produces
N
-hexanoyl homoserine lactone (C
6
-HSL) and
N
-(3-oxohexanoyl) homoserine lactone and regulates prodigiosin production, swarming motility, and biofilm formation by AHL-mediated quorum sensing. We synthesized a series of
N
-acyl cyclopentylamides with acyl chain lengths ranging from 4 to 12 and estimated their inhibitory effects on prodigiosin production in AS-1. One of these molecules,
N
-nonanoyl-cyclopentylamide (C
9
-CPA), had a strong inhibitory effect on prodigiosin production. C
9
-CPA also inhibited the swarming motility and biofilm formation of AS-1. A competition assay revealed that C
9
-CPA was able to inhibit quorum sensing at four times the concentration of exogenous C
6
-HSL and was more effective than the previously reported halogenated furanone. Our results demonstrated that C
9
-CPA was an effective quorum-sensing inhibitor for
S. marcescens
AS-1.