bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic characterization of a new Grin1 mutant mouse generated by ENU mutagenesis
Authors: Furuse Tamio , Wada Yumiko , Hattori Kotaro , Yamada Ikuko , Kushida Tomoko , Shibukawa Yoko , Masuya Hiroshi , Kaneda Hideki , Miura Ikuo , Seno Naoki , Kanda Tomoyuki , Hirose Ryo , Toki Shinichiro , Nakanishi Kousuke , Kobayashi Kimio , Sezutsu Hideki , Gondo Yoichi , Noda Tetsuo , Yuasa Shigeki , Wakana Shigeharu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the RIKEN large‐scale N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis project we screened mice with a dominant mutation that exhibited abnormal behavior in the open‐field test, passive avoidance test and home‐cage activity test. We tested 2045 progeny of C57BL/6J males treated with ENU and untreated DBA/2J females in the open‐field test and isolated behavioral mutant M100174, which exhibited a significant increase in spontaneous locomotor activity. We identified a missense mutation in the Grin1 gene, which encodes NMDA receptor subunit 1, and designated the mutant gene Grin1Rgsc174. This mutation results in an arginine to cysteine substitution in the C0 domain of the protein. Detailed analyses revealed that Grin1Rgsc174 heterozygote exhibited increased novelty‐seeking behavior and slight social isolation in comparison with the wild type. In contrast to other Grin1 mutant mice, this mutant exhibited no evidence of heightened anxiety. These results indicate that this is a unique behavioral Grin1 gene mutant mouse that differs from the known Grin1 mutant mice. The results of immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses suggested that impaired interaction between the glutamatergic pathway and dopaminergic pathway may underlie the behavioral phenotypes of the Grin1Rgsc174 mutant.
Asynchronous release of GABA via tonic cannabinoid receptor activation at identified interneuron synapses in rat CA1
Authors: Ali A. B. , Todorova M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe influence of local circuit interneurons is thought to play an important role in adjusting synaptic strength via endogenous cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Using paired whole‐cell recordings, combined with double immunofluorescence and biocytin labelling in acute slices of rat CA1 at postnatal day 18–23, we investigated the properties of Cholecystokinin (CCK)‐positive stratum radiatum local circuit interneuron connections that utilised CB1 receptors. Three types of synaptic connections were studied, lacunosum‐moleculare‐radiatum perforant path‐associated (LM‐R PPA) to Shaffer collateral‐associated (SCA) interneurons, SCA–SCA interneurons and SCA–pyramidal cells. These three synapses were differentially under tonic reduction of inhibition that was blocked by the CB1 receptor inverse agonist AM‐251 (10 μm), which enhanced IPSPs. The strength of tonic reduction of inhibition was correlated with asynchronous release which was apparent at connections among interneurons. AM‐251 increased the ratio of synchronous to asynchronous release (synchronicity ratio), while the CB receptor agonist anandamide (14 μm) decreased the synchronicity ratio. Fast and slow calcium chelators (BAPTA‐AM and EGTA‐AM) also increased the synchronicity ratio, accelerated inhibitory time courses and reduced IPSP amplitudes. These data suggest that CB1 receptors at connections among interneuron synapses play a role in tonic suppression of inhibition and govern the asynchronous release of GABA, modulating the time windows of inhibition. Effects of calcium chelators suggest that asynchronous release is a result of a long‐lasting presynaptic calcium transients and/or a large distance between calcium source and sensor of exocytosis. These properties of specialised inhibitory neurons may have important modulatory roles in controlling spike timing among local circuit interneurons.
Metagenomic analysis reveals a marked divergence in the structure of belowground microbial communities at elevated CO2
Authors: He Zhili , Xu Meiying , Deng Ye , Kang Sanghoon , Kellogg Laurie , Wu Liyou , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Reich Peter B. , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 564–575AbstractUnderstanding the responses of biological communities to elevated CO2 (eCO2) is a central issue in ecology, but little is known about the influence of eCO2 on the structure and functioning (and consequent feedbacks to plant productivity) of the belowground microbial community. Here, using metagenomic technologies, we showed that 10 years of field exposure of a grassland ecosystem to eCO2 dramatically altered the structure and functional potential of soil microbial communities. Total microbial and bacterial biomass were significantly increased at eCO2, but fungal biomass was unaffected. The structure of microbial communities was markedly different between ambient CO2 (aCO2) and eCO2 as indicated by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of gene‐based pyrosequencing data and functional gene array data. While the abundance of genes involved in decomposing recalcitrant C remained unchanged, those involved in labile C degradation and C and N fixation were significantly increased under eCO2. Changes in microbial structure were significantly correlated with soil C and N contents and plant productivity. This study provides insights into potential activity of microbial community and associated feedback responses of terrestrial ecosystems to eCO2.
A framework for metacommunity analysis of phylogenetic structure
Authors: Pillar Valério D. , Duarte Leandro d. S. 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 587–596AbstractIt is well known that species evolutionary history plays a crucial role in community assembly. Here, we offer a formal analytical framework to integrate in metacommunity analysis the species’ phylogeny with their functional traits and abundances. We define phylogenetic structure of a community as phylogenetically weighted species composition. This is used to reveal patterns of phylogenetic community variation and to measure and test by specified null models the phylogenetic signal at the metacommunity level, which we distinguish from phylogenetic signal at the species pool level. The former indicates that communities more similar in their phylogenetic structure are also similar in their average trait values, which may indicate species’ niche conservation for the given traits. We apply this framework to an example from grassland communities and find that traits with significant phylogenetic signal at the metacommunity level exhibit ecological filtering along the resource gradient, but since both mechanisms act independently on traits, niche conservatism is not supported.
Habitat fragmentation causes immediate and time‐delayed biodiversity loss at different trophic levels
Authors: Krauss Jochen , Bommarco Riccardo , Guardiola Moisès , Heikkinen Risto K. , Helm Aveliina , Kuussaari Mikko , Lindborg Regina , Öckinger Erik , Pärtel Meelis , Pino Joan , Pöyry Juha , Raatikainen Katja M. , Sang Anu , Stefanescu Constantí , Teder Tiit , Zobel Martin , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf 
Published: March 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 597–605AbstractIntensification or abandonment of agricultural land use has led to a severe decline of semi‐natural habitats across Europe. This can cause immediate loss of species but also time‐delayed extinctions, known as the extinction debt. In a pan‐European study of 147 fragmented grassland remnants, we found differences in the extinction debt of species from different trophic levels. Present‐day species richness of long‐lived vascular plant specialists was better explained by past than current landscape patterns, indicating an extinction debt. In contrast, short‐lived butterfly specialists showed no evidence for an extinction debt at a time scale of c. 40 years. Our results indicate that management strategies maintaining the status quo of fragmented habitats are insufficient, as time‐delayed extinctions and associated co‐extinctions will lead to further biodiversity loss in the future.
Regulation of nitrogen metabolism in the marine diazotroph Trichodesmium IMS101 under varying temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations
Authors: Levitan Orly , Brown Christopher M. , Sudhaus Stefanie , Campbell Douglas , LaRoche Julie , Berman‐Frank Ilana 
Published: March 2010

SummaryWe examined the influence of forecasted changes in global temperatures and pCO2 on N2 fixation and assimilation in the ecologically important cyanobacterium Trichodesmium spp. Changes of mRNA transcripts (nifH, glnA, hetR, psbA, psaB), protein (nitrogenase, glutamine synthetase) pools and enzymatic activity (nitrogenase) were measured under varying pCO2 and temperatures. High pCO2 shifted transcript patterns of all genes, resulting in a more synchronized diel expression. Under the same conditions, we did not observe any significant changes in the protein pools or in total cellular allocations of carbon and nitrogen (i.e. C : N ratio remained stable). Independently of temperature, high pCO2 (900 µatm) elevated N2 fixation rates. Levels of the key enzymes, nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase that mediate nitrogen assimilation did not increase, implying that the high pCO2 allowed higher reaction turnover rates through these key enzymes. Moreover, increased temperatures and high pCO2 resulted in higher C : P ratios. The plasticity in phosphorous stoichiometry combined with higher enzymatic efficiencies lead to higher growth rates. In cyanobacteria photosynthesis, carbon uptake, respiration, N2 fixation and nitrogen assimilation share cellular components. We propose that shifted cellular resource and energy allocation among those components will enable Trichodesmium grown at elevated temperatures and pCO2 to extend its niche in the future ocean, through both tolerance of a broader temperature range and higher P plasticity.
Expression of E‐series prostaglandin (EP) receptors and urodynamic effects of an EP4 receptor antagonist on cyclophosphamide‐induced overactive bladder in rats
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Yoshimura Naoki , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Wu Moya , Tyagi Pradeep , Chancellor Michael B. 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of four subtypes of E‐series prostaglandin (EP1–EP4) receptors and the urodynamic effects of an EP4 receptor antagonist (AH23848) in cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced overactive bladder (OAB) in rats, as intravesical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induces OAB via activation of EP receptors and sensitization of afferent nerves.MATERIALS AND METHODSExperimental and control rats were injected with CYP (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline, respectively. Continuous cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed 48 h after CYP or saline injection under urethane anaesthesia. AH23848 was given intravenously at doses of 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. The bladder was then harvested for histology. Some bladders were harvested for analysis of EP receptors expression by Western blotting without a CMG study. CMG variables (baseline pressure; intercontraction interval [ICI], pressure threshold [PT], contraction amplitude) and histological changes were measured.RESULTSCYP‐induced up‐regulation of EP4 receptor (100% increase) accompanied by detrusor overactivity (ICI 70.5% decrease; PT, 67.7% increase). However, CYP down‐regulated EP1 receptor expression (51.9% decrease), but had no significant effects on the EP2 and EP3 receptors. AH23848 significantly extended the ICI in CYP‐treated rats but it had no effects on other urodynamic variables or in control rats.CONCLUSIONSModulation of EP receptors plays a role in CYP‐induced OAB. Antagonists to the EP4 receptor may be a new target for treatment of patients with OAB.
Improving informed consent for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy using multimedia techniques: a prospective randomized crossover study
Authors: Gyomber Dennis , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Wong Peter , Parker Frank , Bolton Damien M. 
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVETo compare the comprehension gained by standard consent (SC) vs a unique interactive multimedia presentation (IMP), for radical prostatectomy (RP), as informed consent for RP requires that the patient understands the procedure and potential complications.PATIENTS AND METHODSForty patients undergoing RP were prospectively randomized to SC or IMP, followed by a 26‐question test on critical aspects of the surgery and its implications. The groups were crossed over and re‐tested, with a subsequent statistical analysis. SC involved typical verbal interaction and consultation with physicians and nurses, whilst the IMP provided consistent and animated information on these topics, and included multiple‐choice questions probing understanding of key points. Progression through the IMP only occurred with correct responses; incorrect responses prompted a review of the information before repeating the question. Telephone interviews assessed usability, overall understanding, educational level and primary language.RESULTSThe patient groups had similar demographics. The IMP group (78%) had significantly higher knowledge test scores (P < 0.001) than the SC group (57%), suggesting a better understanding of the implications of surgery. This was maintained on crossover, with the SC group scores improving by 11% compared to testing before IMP (P < 0.001). The initial IMP group scores were unchanged on crossover and repeat testing (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONIMP provides better patient understanding than SC for RP, by ensuring that the procedure and risks have been explained consistently, and by actively testing the patient. Such tools assist in obtaining ethical and legally informed consent, thus increasing patient knowledge whilst reducing patient anxiety and potential dissatisfaction or medico‐legal consequences when less than ideal outcomes occur.
Endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: critical analysis of outcomes and learning curve
Authors: McNeill Alan S. , Nabi Ghulam , McLornan Lisa , Cook Jonathan , Bollina Prasad , Stolzenberg Jens‐Uwe 
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo assess the outcomes and learning curve of extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERP) using cumulative summation charts from a single tertiary referral centre.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe data from 300 consecutive men with localized prostate cancer who underwent EERP at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK, between February 2006 and July 2009 were prospectively maintained in a database. The data collected included demographic details, perioperative outcomes, complications and follow‐up for functional and oncology outcomes. The learning curve was analysed using generalized linear models for complication rate, operative time and blood loss, using procedure experience.RESULTSThe mean (sd, range) operative duration was 160.52 (40.84, 100–310) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 229.3 (172, 20–1000) mL. There was no conversion to open surgery and no patient required intraoperative blood transfusion. Only one of 250 (0.3%) patients required a blood transfusion after EERP. The median (range) hospital stay was 3 (2–20) days and the median catheterization time before cystography was 9 days. There was evidence that the complication rate reduced as experience was gained (odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.97–0.99; P= 0.002), with the estimated probability of a complication decreasing from 29% for the first to <1% for the 250th procedure. Also there was evidence of a decrease in operative duration (−0.0020 rate parameter on log scale; 95% CI −0.0024 to −0.0017; P < 0.001) and blood loss (−0.01 rate parameter on log scale; 95% CI −0.003 to −0.0002; P= 0.021). The positive surgical margin rate in pT2 disease decreased from 27% in the first 50 to 14.7% in the last 50 operated cases. The continence rate and biochemical recurrence‐free rate at a minimum follow‐up of 1 year for the first 100 patients was 89% and 94%, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results from this series suggest that the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for localized prostate cancer (EERP) can be replicated after mentored fellowship training of a surgeon. The complication rate reduced substantially as experience was gained, suggesting a continuous surgical learning curve
Conflict and professionalism: perceptions among nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zakari N.M. , Al Khamis N.I. , Hamadi H.Y. 
Published: March 2010

ZAKARI N.M., AL KHAMIS N.I. & HAMADI H.Y. (2010) Conflict and professionalism: perceptions among nurses in Saudi Arabia. International Nursing Review57, 297–304Aim:  To examine the relationship between nurses' perceptions of conflict and professionalism.Background:  In Saudi Arabia, health‐care sectors are constantly undergoing major changes because of social, consumer‐related, governmental, technological and economic pressures. These changes will influence the nature of health‐care organizations, such as hospitals' work environment. The ability of nurses to practise in a professional manner may be influenced by their work environment and conflict level.Methods:  A cross‐sectional design was conducted in this study. A simple random selection of three health‐care sectors in Saudi Arabia was performed and 346 nurse managers, as well as bedside nurses participated to provide information about conflict levels and professionalism. The Perceived Conflict Scale was used to assess the level of conflict, and the Valiga Concept of Nursing Scale was used to assess the professionalism perception among nurses.Results:  The intragroup/other department type of conflict had a statistically significant correlation with the perception of professionalism. In addition, the findings point to a low perception among the participating nurses regarding their professionalism.Conclusion:  A number of factors might explain the low level of perception of professionalism. These relate to the workplace itself, as well as to the personal background of the nurses, which includes the personal interest in the nursing profession, as well as the family's, society's and the consumers' views of the profession. Given the findings of this study, nurse managers are encouraged to create a work environment that supports professionalism and minimizes conflict.
Operating room nurses' perceptions of the effects of physician‐perpetrated abuse
Authors: Higgins B.L. , MacIntosh J. 
Published: March 2010

HIGGINS B.L. & MACINTOSH J. (2010) Operating room nurses' perceptions of the effects of physician‐perpetrated abuse. International Nursing Review57, 321–327Background:  Operating room (OR) nurses experience abuse perpetrated by physicians; however, little research has been conducted to examine nurses' perceptions of the effects of such abuse.Aims:  The aim of this research was to understand participants' perceptions of physician‐perpetrated abuse on their health and ability to provide patient care.Materials/Methods:  In this qualitative descriptive study, ten operating room nurses working in Eastern Canada participated in open‐ended, individual audiotaped interviews that were transcribed for analysis using Boyatzis' method for code development.Results:  Three categories of factors contributing to abuse were developed. The first, culture of the OR, included environment and hierarchy. The second, catalysts of abuse, included nurses' positions and experience as well as non‐nurse factors such as resources and interpersonal relationships among physicians. The third category, perceived effects, included psychological, physical and social health consequences for nurses. Effects on patient care consisted of safety and potential challenges to access.Discussion:  Nursing practice implications included mentoring, support and accountability for action. Educational implications related to interdisciplinary education and increased education on communication, assertiveness, and awareness of abuse. Implications for research included studying perceptions of other health‐care providers including physicians, studying recruitment and retention in relation to abuse, and studying other abuse in health care such as horizontal violence.Conclusion:  We suggest a proactive approach for empowering OR nurses to address abuse and an increased focus on interdisciplinary roles.
Teaching nursing in a situation of conflict: encounters between Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students
Authors: Arieli D. , Hirschfeld M.J. 
Published: March 2010

ARIELI D. & HIRSCHFELD M.J. (2010) Teaching nursing in a situation of conflict: encounters between Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students. International Nursing Review57, 312–320Purpose:  This research examines the ways Palestinian‐Israeli and Jewish‐Israeli nursing students, who study together in one group in an academic school of nursing situated in northern Israel, perceive each other and the relationships among them.Design:  The study is based on semi‐structured interviews with undergraduate students. The cohort consists of 46 students, 20 of whom participated in the study.Findings:  The students perceive themselves as divided into two separate groups according to nationality. Cooperation between the groups related to their study duties is described as generally satisfying, but little expressive communication and scarce social relations occur across these two groups. Students provided their perceptions of ‘the others’ to explain this social distance.Implications:  We discuss the challenges of the situation for nursing educators and some strategies for coping with these challenges.
Hot, dry and different: Australian lizard richness is unlike that of mammals, amphibians and birds
Authors: Powney G. D. , Grenyer R. , Orme C. D. L. , Owens I. P. F. , Meiri S. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTAims  (1) To map the species richness of Australian lizards and describe patterns of range size and species turnover that underlie them. (2) To assess the congruence in the species richness of lizards and other vertebrate groups. (3) To search for commonalities in the drivers of species richness in Australian vertebrates.Location  Australia.Methods  We digitized lizard distribution data to generate gridded maps of species richness and β‐diversity. Using similar maps for amphibians, mammals and birds, we explored the relationship between species richness and temperature, actual evapotranspiration, elevation and local elevation range. We used spatial eigenvector filtering and geographically weighted regression to explore geographical patterns and take spatial autocorrelation into account. We explored congruence between the species richness of vertebrate groups whilst controlling for environmental effects.Results  Lizard richness peaks in the central deserts (where β‐diversity is low) and tropical north‐east (where β‐diversity is high). The intervening lowlands have low species richness and β‐diversity. Generally, lizard richness is uncorrelated with that of other vertebrates but this low congruence is strongly spatially structured. Environmental models for all groups also show strong spatial heterogeneity. Lizard richness is predicted by different environmental factors from other vertebrates, being highest in dry and hot regions. Accounting for environmental drivers, lizard richness is weakly positively related to richness of other vertebrates, both at global and local scales.Main conclusions  Lizard species richness differs from that of other vertebrates. This difference is probably caused by differential responses to environmental gradients and different centres of diversification; there is little evidence for inter‐taxon competition limiting lizard richness. Local variation in habitat diversity or evolutionary radiations may explain weak associations between taxa, after controlling for environmental variables. We strongly recommend that studies of variation in species richness examine and account for non‐stationarity.