bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambiguous Encoding of Stimuli by Primary Sensory Afferents Causes a Lack of Independence in the Perception of Multiple Stimulus Attributes
Authors: Carlson Bruce A. , Kawasaki Masashi
Published: September 2006

Accurate sensory perception often depends on the independent encoding and subsequent integration of multiple stimulus attributes. In the weakly electric fishEigenmannia, P- and T-type primary afferent fibers are specialized for encoding the amplitude and phase, respectively, of electrosensory stimuli. We used a stimulus estimation technique to quantify the ability of P- and T-units to encode random modulations in amplitude and phase. As expected, P-units exhibited a clear preference for encoding amplitude modulations, whereas T-units exhibited a clear preference for encoding phase modulations. Surprisingly, both types of afferents also encoded their nonpreferred stimulus attribute when it was presented in isolation or when the preferred stimulus attribute was sufficiently weak. Because afferent activity can be affected by modulations in either amplitude or phase, it is not possible to unambiguously distinguish between these two stimulus attributes by observing the activity of a single afferent fiber. Simple model neurons with a preference for encoding either amplitude or phase also encoded their nonpreferred stimulus attribute when it was presented in isolation, suggesting that such ambiguity is unavoidable. Using the well known jamming avoidance response as a probe of electrosensory perception, we show that the ambiguity at the single-neuron level gives rise to a systematic misrepresentation of stimuli at the population level and a resulting misperception of the amplitude and phase of electrosensory stimuli.
Contrasting Roles of Corticosteroid Receptors in Hippocampal Plasticity
Authors: Avital Avi , Segal Menahem , Richter-Levin Gal
Published: September 2006

Elevated levels of corticosteroid hormones, presumably occupying both mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), have been reported to impair synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus as well as the acquisition of hippocampus-dependent memories. In contrast, recent evidence suggests that activation of MRs enhance cognitive functions. To clarify the roles of different steroid receptors in hippocampal plasticity, young adult rats were injected with the GR antagonist RU38486 (mifepristone) or the MR antagonist Spironolactone before the exposure to an acute swim stress. Hippocampal responses to perforant path stimulation were then recorded in anesthetized rats. Stress combined with RU38486 produced a striking facilitation of LTP. Spironolactone enabled only short-term potentiation that reversed to long-term depression (LTD) in the stressed animals. Finally, the blockade of both MRs and GRs led to impairment of long-term potentiation. These findings indicate that MRs and GRs assume opposite roles in regulation of synaptic plasticity after acute exposure to stressors.
Integration of Exogenous Input into a Dynamic Salience Map Revealed by Perturbing Attention
Authors: Balan Puiu F , Gottlieb Jacqueline
Published: September 2006

Although it is widely accepted that exogenous and voluntary factors jointly determine the locus of attention, the rules governing the integration of these factors are poorly understood. We investigated neural responses in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) to transient, distracting visual perturbations presented during task performance. Monkeys performed a covert search task in which they discriminated the orientation of a target embedded among distractors, and brief visual perturbations were presented at various moments and locations during task performance. LIP neurons responded to perturbations consisting of the appearance of new objects, as well as to abrupt changes in the color, luminance, or position of existing objects. The LIP response correlated with the bottom-up behavioral effects of different perturbation types. In addition, neurons showed two types of top-down modulations. One modulation was a context-specific multiplicative gain that affected perturbation, target, and distractor activity in a spatially nonspecific manner. Gain was higher in blocks of trials in which perturbations directly marked target location than in blocks in which they invariably appeared opposite the target, thus encoding a behavioral context defined by the statistical contingency between target and perturbation location. A second modulation reflected local competitive interactions with search-related activity, resulting in the converse effect: weaker perturbation-evoked responses if perturbations appeared at the location of the target than if they appeared opposite the target. Thus, LIP encodes an abstract dimension of salience, which is shaped by local and global top-down mechanisms. These interacting mechanisms regulate responsiveness to external input as a function of behavioral context and momentary task demands.
Angiotensin-II Is a Putative Neurotransmitter in Lactate-Induced Panic-Like Responses in Rats with Disruption of GABAergic Inhibition in the Dorsomedial Hypothalamus
Authors: Shekhar Anantha , Johnson Philip L. , Sajdyk Tammy J. , Fitz Stephanie D. , Keim Stanley R. , Kelley Pamela E. , Gehlert Donald R. , DiMicco Joseph A.
Published: September 2006

Intravenous sodium lactate infusions or the noradrenergic agent yohimbine reliably induce panic attacks in humans with panic disorder but not in healthy controls. However, the exact mechanism of lactate eliciting a panic attack is still unknown. In rats with chronic disruption of GABA-mediated inhibition in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), achieved by chronic microinfusion of the glutamic acid decarboxylase inhibitorl-allylglycine, sodium lactate infusions or yohimbine elicits panic-like responses (i.e., anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, and tachypnea). In the present study, previous injections of the angiotensin-II (A-II) type 1 receptor antagonist losartan and the nonspecific A-II receptor antagonist saralasin into the DMH of “panic-prone” rats blocked the anxiety-like and physiological components of lactate-induced panic-like responses. In addition, direct injections of A-II into the DMH of these panic-prone rats also elicited panic-like responses that were blocked by pretreatment with saralasin. Microinjections of saralasin into the DMH did not block the panic-like responses elicited by intravenous infusions of the noradrenergic agent yohimbine or by direct injections of NMDA into the DMH. The presence of the A-II type 1 receptors in the region of the DMH was demonstrated using immunohistochemistry. Thus, these results implicate A-II pathways and the A-II receptors in the hypothalamus as putative substrates for sodium lactate-induced panic-like responses in vulnerable subjects.
Astrocytic Glutamate Is Not Necessary for the Generation of Epileptiform Neuronal Activity in Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Fellin Tommaso , Gomez-Gonzalo Marta , Gobbo Sara , Carmignoto Giorgio , Haydon Philip G.
Published: September 2006

The release of glutamate from astrocytes activates synchronous slow inward currents (SICs) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, which are mediated by the NMDA receptor and represent a nonsynaptic mechanism to promote the synchronization of neuronal activity. Two recent studies demonstrate that SICs generate neuronal paroxysmal depolarizations resembling those typical of interictal epileptiform activity and proposed that there could be an astrocytic basis of epilepsy (Kang et al., 2005; Tian et al., 2005). We tested this hypothesis using twoin vitromodels of epileptiform activity in hippocampal slices. Removal of extracellular Mg2+and application of picrotoxin or perfusion with 0.5 mmMg2+and 8.5 mmK+-containing saline result mainly in neuronal ictal- and interictal-like epileptiform activity, respectively. Although both models trigger epileptiform activity, astrocytic Ca2+oscillations were increased only after slice perfusion with 0 mmMg2+and picrotoxin. The activation of astrocytic Ca2+signaling correlates with an increased frequency of SICs, and, when paired neurons were within 100 μm of one another with synchronous neuronal Ca2+elevations, the generation of synchronous neuronal depolarizations and action potential discharges. TTX blocked both ictal- and interictal-like epileptiform activity without affecting SICs or SIC-mediated neuronal synchronization. In contrast, NMDA receptor antagonists, which block SICs, did not prevent the generation of either ictal- or interictal-like events. Based on this clear-cut pharmacology, our data demonstrate that nonsynaptic glutamate release from astrocytes is not necessary for the generation of epileptiform activityin vitro, although we cannot exclude the possibility that it may modulate the strength of the ictal (seizure)-like event.
Differential Encoding Mechanisms for Subsequent Associative Recognition and Free Recall
Authors: Staresina Bernhard P. , Davachi Lila
Published: September 2006

Recent neuroimaging studies have successfully identified encoding mechanisms that support different forms of subsequent episodic recognition memory. In our everyday lives, however, much of our episodic memory retrieval is accomplished by means of free recall, i.e., retrieval without an external recognition cue. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the encoding mechanisms that support later free recall and their relationship to those that support different forms of later recognition memory. First, in agreement with previous work, we found that activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus and hippocampus correlated with later associative/relational recognition. In these regions, activation was further enhanced for items later freely recalled, pointing to shared underlying relational encoding mechanisms whose magnitude of activation differentiates later successful free recall from successful associative recognition. Critically, we also found evidence for free recall-specific encoding mechanisms that did not, in our paradigm, support later associative recognition compared with item recognition. These free recall-specific effects were observed in left mid/dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) and bilateral posterior parietal cortices (PPC). We speculate that the higher-level working memory operations associated with DLPFC and attention to internal mnemonic representations perhaps mediated via PPC may serve to embed an item into a rich associative network during encoding that facilitates later access to the item. Finally, activation in the perirhinal cortex correlated with successful associative binding regardless of the form of later memory, i.e., recognition or free recall, providing novel evidence for the role of the perirhinal cortex in episodic intra-item encoding.
The Activation of Excitatory Glutamate Receptors Evokes a Long-Lasting Increase in the Release of GABA from Cerebellar Stellate Cells
Authors: Liu Siqiong June , Lachamp Philippe
Published: September 2006

The excitability of a neuron is regulated by the balance of excitatory and inhibitory inputs that impinge on it. Such modulation can occur either presynaptically or postsynaptically. Here, we show that an excitatory transmitter can increase the release of an inhibitory transmitter and thus paradoxically produces a long-lasting enhancement of inhibitory synaptic transmission. This occurs at a near-physiological temperature. These findings from cerebellar stellate neurons reveal a novel form of long-term potentiation that is induced by the activation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors and that requires both glutamate and glycine. Our results indicate that Ca2+entry into the presynaptic terminals during the activation of presynaptic NMDARs is necessary to induce the potentiation. This presynaptic modulation provides a mechanism by which an excitatory transmitter can induce a long-term increase in the release of an inhibitory transmitter and thus modify the activity of a simple neuronal circuit.
High Levels of New Neuron Addition Persist When the Sensitive Period for Song Learning Is Experimentally Prolonged
Authors: Wilbrecht Linda , Williams Heather , Gangadhar Nidhi , Nottebohm Fernando
Published: September 2006

Socially reared zebra finch males imitate a song they hear during posthatching days 30–65; during this time, many new neurons are added to the high vocal center (HVC), a forebrain nucleus necessary for the production of learned song. New neuron addition drops sharply after day 65, and no new songs are imitated. In contrast, male zebra finches reared in isolation from other males have more variable songs at day 65 and thereafter can still imitate new sounds (Eales, 1985). We show that, in isolate birds, a greater number of new neurons continues to be added to HVC during the next 85 d, and this number correlates with syllable variability. We suggest that new neuron addition and turnover facilitate song change and that this effect lingers when an expected learning event is delayed.
Fine‐Scale Genetic Structure of Bull Trout at the Southern Limit of Their Distribution
Authors: Whiteley Andrew R. , Spruell Paul , Rieman Bruce E. , Allendorf Fred W.
Published: September 2006

We used six polymorphic microsatellite loci to analyze the population genetic structure of bull trout Salvelinus confluentus in the Boise River, Idaho, and we compared our results with previous data from similarly sized river systems in western North America. Within the Boise River, we found low genetic variation within and significant differentiation among sample sites. Two cohesive groups of populations were associated with the two major subbasins in this system, which we attributed to long‐term reduction of gene flow or distinct sources of colonization at this scale. We observed a significant pattern of isolation by distance in one subbasin and not in the other; this result suggests that the relative influences of gene flow and drift have differed between the two subbasins. Ecologically defined patches of suitable habitat were not good predictors of genetic variation among samples. Dams and other anthropogenic barriers have recently changed the potential for gene flow and genetic drift but were not associated with the major boundaries of genetic differentiation. There was some evidence of lost genetic variation in smaller patches that were physically isolated by both natural and anthropogenic barriers. We found a large range of within‐population genetic variation and among‐population genetic differentiation for bull trout from river basins across the species' range, but our estimates in the Boise River were the lowest (or among the lowest) observed. The relative roles of drift and gene flow appear to vary strongly at both fine and broad spatial scales. We cannot presume that the physical and ecological processes influencing the genetic population structure of bull trout in one region will accurately reflect those in another region; this may have important implications for conservation and management actions.
Neonatal Care of Infants with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Feeding Orientation and Evolution of Weight Gain in a Nonspecialized Brazilian Hospital
Authors: Amstalden-Mendes Lívia Gobby , Magna Luis Alberto , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lúcia
Published: September 2006

Objectives:

To survey the feeding orientation received during the postnatal period by the parents of cleft babies, as well as the location where they receive the orientation; to identify resources used in feeding; and to assess the correlation of the child's weight with the surgical procedure schedule.

Design:

During consultation for diagnosis and genetic counseling in a general tertiary hospital, 26 parents of cleft babies born in different hospitals were interviewed based on a semistructured protocol and spontaneous reports.

Results:

Cleft palate was present in 42.31% (11/26), cleft lip/palate in 50% (13/26), and cleft lip in 7.69% (2/26) of the cases. Feeding orientation was given in maternities to 72% (18/25) and in specific rehabilitation centers to 24% (6/ 25) of the parents. Breast-feeding was encouraged in every case. Nevertheless, other feeding resources were necessary, especially bottles. Surgical procedure delays caused by poor weight gain occurred in 66.7% (12/18).

Conclusions:

Neonatal feeding orientation was not systematically given in every case. Because it is an important way to achieve an effective weight gain, educational programs for nonspecialized health professionals, as well as regular pediatric follow-up and specialized multi-professional teams, could improve nutritional intake and could move the schedule for surgical procedures forward. The results also suggest that specific neonatal health care for cleft babies should be part of health policy.
Irrigated Annual Ryegrass Responses to Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Calcareous Soil
Authors: Lippke Hagen , Haby Vincent A. , Provin Tony L.
Published: September 2006

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.) is increasingly being planted under irrigation as forage for stocker cattle in south central USA, but fertilizer recommendations for maximum production are not well defined. Labile N and P are generally deficient in this region's calcareous soils; K availability is usually considered adequate for plant growth. Growth responses of annual ryegrass to a factorial array of five levels of N and four levels of P were studied for 3 yr on a Knippa clay soil (fine, mixed, superactive, thermic Vertic Calciustolls). Responses to N and P were generally curvilinear, but they also had a strong linear component in Year 1. Increments of growth responses to levels of fertilizer above 269 kg applied N or 39 kg applied P ha−1were relatively small. Response surface models projected maximum annual dry matter yields that averaged 9.23 t ha−1and were associated with predicted requirements for applied N and P that averaged 488 and 61 kg ha−1, respectively. Economically optimal levels of applied N were predicted to range from 250 to 315 kg ha−1; the predicted economically optimal range for applied P was 31 to 41 kg ha−1. Nitrogen concentration in ryegrass forage increased as applied N increased. The data suggest that fertilizing vegetative ryegrass to maintain N in leaf tissue ≥32 g kg−1provides economically optimal growth for both the ryegrass crop and the young cattle grazing it.
Changes in the Physiology and Feed Quality of Prairie Grass during Regrowth
Authors: Turner L. R. , Donaghy D. J. , Lane P. A. , Rawnsley R. P.
Published: September 2006

Species‐specific grazing management is required to maximize the potential of perennial grass species, and it follows that the optimal performance of prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) as a dairy pasture species is reliant on a customized optimal grazing interval. The aim of the present study was to investigate morphological and physiological changes in prairie grass during regrowth to establish a basis for optimum defoliation management of prairie grass pastures. Greenhouse treatments consisted of one preliminary harvest followed by six sequential harvests at each leaf regrowth stage from one to six fully expanded leaves per tiller. Leaf tissue, stubble tissue below 50 mm and roots were collected at each harvest event. Root and stubble samples were analyzed for water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC). Leaf samples were analyzed for P, K, Na, Mg, Ca, and N concentrations and metabolizable energy (ME) was predicted by near‐infrared spectrometry (NIRS). This study confirmed that the tiller base in prairie grass is the primary storage organ for WSC and that leaf growth has the highest priority for available energy following defoliation, followed by root growth and tiller initiation. A defoliation interval based on the 4‐leaf stage of regrowth enabled adequate time for prairie grass to replenish WSC reserves, resume root growth and initiate new tillers, before the onset of significant leaf senescence and consequent reduction in feed quality. At the 4‐leaf stage, feed quality was relatively high (ME > 11.80 MJ kg−1 DM), with concentrations of P, K and Na adequate to meet the needs of a high‐producing dairy cow. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were insufficient to meet these requirements throughout the regrowth cycle.
Effect of Red and Green Algal Extracts on Hyphal Growth of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, and on Mycorrhizal Development and Growth of Papaya and Passionfruit
Authors: Kuwada Kousaku , Wamocho Leonard Samita , Utamura Masaru , Matsushita Itaru , Ishii Takaaki
Published: September 2006

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi enhance terrestrial plant growth by forming a symbiotic relationship with the roots of its host plant. Effects of red and green algal extracts on in vitro hyphal growth of AM fungi, Gigaspora margarita and Glomus caledonium, and on the mycorrhizal development and growth of papaya seedlings and passionfruit cuttings were investigated. Three kinds of red algae, Gracilaria verrucosa, Gelidium amansii and Eucheuma cottonii, and a green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, were extracted with 75% methyl alcohol (MeOH), and these extracts were fractionated by a flash chromatograph equipped with an octa decyl silane column and eluted with 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100% MeOH. Twenty‐five percent MeOH fractions (25% MeOH eluates) of each type of alga most significantly increased in vitro hyphal growth of AM fungi. Inhibition of AM hyphal growth was not observed in any of the fractioned MeOH eluates. Root colonization of papaya and of passionfruit were markedly stimulated by the application of the 25% MeOH eluates of red and green algal extracts. The growth of these plants were promoted in comparison to the control. These results suggest that red and green algae not only contain AM stimulatory substances, but also contribute to mycorrhizal development in higher plants.
Effects of Forage Management on the Nutritive Value of Stockpiled Bermudagrass
Authors: Scarbrough D. A. , Coblentz W. K. , Coffey K. P. , Hubbell D. S. , Smith T. F. , Humphry J. B. , Jennings J. A. , Ogden R. K. , Turner J. E.
Published: September 2006

‘Common’ and ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] located near Fayetteville and Batesville, AR, respectively, were chosen to evaluate the effects of stockpiling initiation date (August or September), and N fertilization rate (0, 37, 74, or 111 kg N ha−1) on the nutritive value of fall‐stockpiled bermudagrass. At the Fayetteville location, there were initiation × harvest date interactions for acid detergent fiber (ADF, P = 0.003), hemicellulose (P = 0.003), cellulose (P = 0.0003), lignin (P = 0.007), and crude protein (CP, P = 0.008) in 2000, and strong interactions (P ≤ 0.001) for all response variables in 2001. Generally, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ADF, cellulose, and lignin increased over harvest dates for both initiation dates in 2000, although increases for lignin were only numerical (P > 0.05) for the September initiation date. Similar responses were observed for the August initiation date in 2001, but fiber components for the September 2001 initiation date declined over time because of contamination by other winter‐annual species. For August initiation dates in 2000 and 2001, in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) declined linearly (P ≤ 0.002) over harvest dates, reaching respective minima of 330 and 361 g kg−1. At the Batesville site, an N fertilization effect (P ≤ 0.017) was observed for NDF, ADF, and CP in both 2000 and 2001. A similar effect was observed for lignin (P = 0.001) and IVOMD (P < 0.0001) in 2000, and for cellulose (P = 0.0004) during 2001. Fertilization with N at the initiation of stockpiling generally reduced fiber components, and increased CP; however, IVOMD was increased for 2000 only. As observed for the Fayetteville site, most fiber components increased over harvest dates, while IVOMD declined concomitantly. Generally, the nutritive value of stockpiled bermudagrass declines between mid‐October and mid‐December, and spring‐calving beef cows in the Upper South may need to be supplemented with energy to maintain body condition in the late fall or early winter.
The Generalization of Instruction on Genitive Relative Clause in the Acquisition of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Ito Akihiro
Published: September 2006

This study examines the generalization of instruction in foreign language learning. A group of Japanese learners of English served as participants and received special instruction in the structure of genitive relative clauses. The participants were given a pre-test on combining two sentences into one containing a genitive relative clause wherein the relativized noun phrase following the genitive marker "whose" is either the subject, direct object, or object of preposition. Based on the TOEFL and the pre-test results, four equal groups were formed; three of these served as experimental groups, and one as the control group. Each experimental group was given instruction on the formation of only one type of genitive relative clause. The participants were then given two post-tests. The results indicated that the generalization of learning begins from structures that are typologically more marked genitive relative clauses to those structures that are typologically less marked, and not vice versa.
Anomalies in Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ciurczak Emil W.
Published: September 2006

The sections in this article are

Introduction

Solid Samples

Sample Preparation

Grinding

Drying

Dissolving

Sample Presentation

“
As
‐
is
”

Sample Cups

Sample Transports

Liquid Samples

Sample Preparation

Degassing

Filtration

Dilution

Sample Presentation

Temperature Effects

Physical/Chemical Effects

Pressure

Flow Rates

Refractive Index

Conclusions
Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy in Criminal Forensic AnalysisThis is publication number 01‐06 of the Laboratory Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Names of commercial manufacturers are provided for identification only and inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Authors: Bartick Edward G.
Published: September 2006

The sections in this article are

Introduction to Forensic Analysis

General Use of Vibrational Spectroscopy in Forensic Analysis

Infrared Spectroscopy

Raman Spectroscopy

Polymer Analysis

General Polymers

Copy Toners

Fibers

Paints

Tapes

Drugs

Explosives

Summary and Future Direction

Acknowledgments
Significance of case reports in the advancement of medical scientific knowledge
Authors: Carey John C.
Published: September 2006

In an Editorial Comment in 2006 Carey summarized the issues surrounding the publication of case reports in the current medical literature. In this present study, three questions about case reports are posed by the author: Do journals still publish single case reports? What do medical journals call these reports? And how should we classify reports of single clinical observations? The author examined the table of contents of 25 prominent journals and addressed the question as to whether these selected periodicals published case reports. The analysis showed that 32% of reviewed journals published case reports and 32% did not, while the remainder of journals published this class of papers but in a modified fashion and not regularly. Journals varied in what term they use to describe case reports. The author proposed a classification system for case reports in the human genetics literature. More dialogue and research is needed to examine the role of case reports in the medical scientific literature. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence of MAO‐A gene variants associated with bipolar disorder
Authors: Müller Daniel J. , Serretti Alessandro , Sicard Tricia , Tharmalingam Subi , King Nicole , Artioli Paola , Mandelli Laura , Lorenzi Cristina , Kennedy James L.
Published: September 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate MAOA gene variants in bipolar disorder by using a family‐based association approach. The first sample included 331 nuclear families from Western and Central Canada with at least 1 offspring affected with bipolar disorder comprising a total of 1,044 individuals. All subjects were genotyped for MAOA–941T > G and −uVNTR gene variants using PCR techniques. Haplotype TDT was statistically significant (LRS = 12.17; df = 3; P = 0.0068; permutation global significance = 0.00098), with the T‐4 haplotype significantly associated with bipolar disorder (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.11–2.37). Single marker analysis evidenced a borderline association for MAOA–941T > G (P = 0.04), but not for the uVNTR. Pooling the Canadian sample with a second previously reported Italian sample genotyped for the uVNTR variant, negative results were obtained as well. No different results were detected when analyzing female subjects separately. In conclusion, our family‐based association study gives mild but further support of the involvement of MAOA variants in bipolar disorder. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recurrence risk to offspring in extended multiplex schizophrenia pedigrees from a pacific island isolate
Authors: Myles‐Worsley Marina , Tiobech Josepha , Blailes Francisca , Yano Victor M. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: September 2006

Genetic transmission plays a major role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Family, twin, and adoption studies have consistently shown that risks in relatives are many times greater than the general population risk of ∼1%. McGue, Gottesman, and Rao (1983; Am J Hum Genet 35:1161–1178) calculated risk estimates of 12.8% for offspring and 3.5% for nieces/nephews of schizophrenia patients based on a large data set of Western European families. The present study evaluated corresponding risk levels in Palau, an isolated population in Micronesia where the prevalence of narrowly (broadly) defined schizophrenia is 1.99% (2.67%) and cases cluster in extended pedigrees, 20 of which contain 80% of affected individuals. We hypothesized that offspring in these extended families would have a higher risk for schizophrenia than offspring in smaller schizophrenia pedigrees from more genetically heterogeneous populations. RDC diagnostic data based on complete ascertainment of cases and their families covering the past two generations were used to quantify empirical recurrence risks in the offspring and nieces/nephews of Palauan schizophrenia patients. Risks to 1st‐ and 2nd‐degree offspring were approximately double the rates found in the smaller Western European families: 23.4% in the offspring of an affected parent, 6.4% in offspring with one affected aunt/uncle, and 15.0% in offspring with two or more affected aunts/uncles. Recurrence rates in offspring of an affected parent were 1.6 times higher in males (27.9%) than in females (17.7%). The high risk levels we found in Palauan offspring reflect the elevated population prevalence, strong familial aggregation, and multi‐lineal transmission pattern of schizophrenia in Palau. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The serotonin receptor HTR1B: Gene polymorphisms in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Ickowicz Abel , Feng Yu , Wigg Karen , Quist Jennifer , Pathare Tejasawe , Roberts Wendy , Malone Molly , Schachar Russell , Tannock Rosemary , Kennedy James L. , Barr Catyh L.
Published: September 2006

Serotonin plays an essential role in cognition, locomotor activity, and the regulation of sleep, pain, mood, and aggression. Polymorphisms of the HTR1B gene have been implicated in a variety of psychiatric disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). The objectives of this study were to: (i) expand our original investigation of the relationship between the HTR1B receptor gene and attention deficit/hyperactivity and; (ii) to investigate a possible association of obsessive behaviors/perfectionism and the HTR1B gene in a sample of 203 families with an ADHD proband. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HTR1B receptor gene were genotyped using standard methods. Evidence for an association between the HTR1B gene and ADHD as a qualitative diagnosis, or the inattentive and hyperactive‐impulsive quantitative traits was not supported by either TDT single marker analysis or haplotype analysis. In addition we did not find evidence to suggest an association between HTR1B and perfectionism in this sample of ADHD families. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kathleen Bryan named new CPR president & CEO
Authors: Bleemer Russ
Published: September 2006

The board of directors of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution names a new president and chief executive officer, the third in its 27‐year history. Also, training and committee news.
Carbohydrate mimics promote functional recovery after peripheral nerve repair
Authors: Simova Olga , Irintchev Andrey , Mehanna Ali , Liu Jiankun , Dihné Marcel , Bächle Dirk , Sewald Norbert , Loers Gabriele , Schachner Melitta
Published: September 2006

Objective

The outcome of peripheral nerve repair is often unsatisfactory, and efficient therapies are not available. We tested the therapeutic potential of functional mimics of the human natural killer cell glycan (3‐sulfoglucuronyl β1‐3 galactoside) (HNK‐1) epitope, a carbohydrate indicated to favor specificity of motor reinnervation in mice.

Methods

We applied a linear HNK‐1 mimic peptide, scrambled peptide, or vehicle substances in polyethylene cuffs used to reconstruct the severed femoral nerves of adult mice. We used video‐based motion analysis and morphological and tracing techniques to monitor the outcome of nerve repair.

Results

After glycomimetic application, quadriceps muscle function recovered to 93% of normal within 3 months. Restoration of function was less complete (71–76%) in control groups. Better functional recovery was associated with larger motoneuron somata, better axonal myelination in the quadriceps nerve, and enhanced precision of target reinnervation. Lesion‐induced death of motoneurons was reduced by 20 to 25%. The glycomimetic enhanced survival and neurite outgrowth of both mouse and human motoneurons in vitro by 30 to 75%. Application of a novel cyclic glycomimetic also enhanced functional recovery in vivo.

Interpretation

The improved outcome of nerve repair after glycomimetic application may be attributed to neurotrophic effects. Our results hold promise for therapeutic use in humans. Ann Neurol 2006
Alteration of cystatin C in the cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nakashima Ichiro , Fujinoki Masakatsu , Fujihara Kazuo , Kawamura Takeshi , Nishimura Toshihide , Nakamura Masashi , Itoyama Yasuto
Published: September 2006

The protein profiles in the cerebrospinal fluid of 10 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 10 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), 8 inflammatory disease control patients, and 4 noninflammatory disease control patients were screened by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Peaks of 12.5kDa were significantly lower in multiple sclerosis, NMO, and inflammatory disease control patients than in noninflammatory disease control patients, and 13.4kDa peaks were higher in NMO than in inflammatory disease control patients. Further analyses demonstrated that both peaks were cystatin C. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that the cystatin C levels tended to be lower in multiple sclerosis and NMO. Alterations of cystatin C may relate to the pathogeneses of demyelinating diseases. Ann Neurol 2007
Structure‐Dependent Photoinduced Electron Transfer in Fullerodendrimers with Light‐Harvesting Oligophenylenevinylene Terminals
Authors: Armaroli Nicola , Accorsi Gianluca , Clifford John N. , Eckert Jean‐François , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: September 2006

Oligophenylenevinylene (OPV)‐terminated phenylenevinylene dendrons G1–G4 with one, two, four, and eight “side‐arms”, respectively, were prepared and attached to C60 by a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides generated in situ from dendritic aldehydes and N‐methylglycine. The relative electronic absorption of the OPV moiety increases progressively along the fullerodendrimer family C60G1–C60G4, reaching a 99:1 ratio for C60G4 (antenna effect). UV/Vis and near‐IR luminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy was used to elucidate photoinduced energy and electron transfer in C60G1–C60G4 as a function of OPV moiety size and solvent polarity (toluene, dichloromethane, benzonitrile), taking into account the fact that the free‐energy change for electron transfer is the same along the series owing to the invariability of the donor–acceptor couple. Regardless of solvent, all the fullerodendrimers exhibit ultrafast OPV→C60 singlet energy transfer. In CH2Cl2, the OPV→C60 electron transfer from the lowest fullerene singlet level (1C60*) is slightly exergonic (ΔGCS≈0.07 eV), but is observed, to an increasing extent, only in the largest systems C60G2–C60G4 with lower activation barriers for electron transfer. This effect has been related to a decrease of the reorganization energy upon enlargement of the molecular architecture. Structural factors are also at the origin of an unprecedented OPV→C60 electron transfer observed for C60G3 and C60G4 in apolar toluene, whereas in benzonitrile, electron transfer occurs in all cases. Monitoring of the lowest fullerene triplet state by sensitized singlet oxygen luminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy shows that this level is populated through intersystem crossing and is not involved in photoinduced electron transfer.
Everolimus drug interactions: application of a classification system for clinical decision making
Authors: Kovarik John M. , Beyer Doris , Schmouder Robert L.
Published: September 2006

Introduction. More than half of all drugs used in medical practice are metabolized by cytochrome CYP3A. Coadministration of drugs that share this elimination pathway may lead to pharmacokinetic drug interactions. Efforts are underway by clinical, drug development and regulatory scientists to classify CYP3A‐related drug interactions with the ultimate goal of improving guidance for clinical intervention. The CYP3A inhibitory classification system ranks inhibitors according to the fold‐increase in area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) of a probe substrate as: strong (⩾5‐fold), moderate (>2.0‐ to 4.9‐fold), or weak (⩽2.0‐fold). This classification system was applied to characterize everolimus as a CYP3A substrate.

Methods. Five open‐label crossover drug interaction studies were performed in 12–16 healthy subjects each. Subjects received a single 2 mg dose of everolimus alone and again during single‐ or multiple‐dose treatment with the probe inhibitors ketoconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, cyclosporine and atorvastatin.

Results. The fold‐increase in everolimus AUC was: 15.0 with the strong inhibitor ketoconazole; 4.4, 3.5 and 2.7 with the moderate inhibitors erythromycin, verapamil and cyclosporine; and no change with the weak inhibitor atorvastatin. Subjects with low baseline AUCs when everolimus was given alone tended to have AUC increases of a higher magnitude (more potent interaction) in the presence of an inhibitor.

Conclusions. Strong CYP3A inhibitors should be avoided when possible during everolimus treatment as compensatory everolimus dose reductions could be difficult to manage. Everolimus therapeutic drug monitoring should be used to guide individualized dose adjustments when moderate CYP3A inhibitors are added to or withdrawn from the regimen. Routine everolimus therapeutic drug monitoring should be sufficient to determine whether dose adjustments are needed when weak CYP3A inhibitors are coadministered. This rational and systematic approach to drug interactions on everolimus yielded clinically useful, structured guidelines for dose adjustment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a better understanding of the unusual conformations of the alternating guanine–adenine repeat strands of DNA
Authors: Kejnovská Iva , Kypr Jaroslav , Vondrušková Jitka , Vorlíčková Michaela
Published: September 2006

Alternating guanine–adenine strands of DNA are known to self‐associate into a parallel‐stranded homoduplex at neutral pH, fold into an ordered single‐stranded structure at acid pH, and adopt yet another ordered single‐stranded conformer in aqueous ethanol. The unusual conformers melt cooperatively and exhibit distinct circular dichroism spectra suggestive of a substantial conformational order, but their molecular structures are not known yet. Here, we have probed the molecular structures using guanine and adenine analogs lacking the N7 atom, and thus unable of Hoogsteen pairing, or those restrained in the less‐frequent syn glycosidic orientation. The studies showed that the syn glycosidic orientation of dA residues promoted the neutral homoduplex, whereas the syn orientation of dG was incompatible with the homoduplex. In addition, Hoogsteen pairing of dA seemed to be a crucial property of the homoduplex whereas dG did not pair in this way. The situation was the same in both single‐stranded conformers with the dG residues. On the other hand, the presence of N7 was important with dA but its syn geometry was not favorable. The present data can be used as restraints to model the unusual molecular structures of the alternating guanine–adenine strands of DNA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 19–27, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Total Synthesis of Cyclic Diterpene Tonantzitlolone Based on a Highly Stereoselective Substrate‐Controlled Aldol Reaction and Ring‐Closing Metathesis
Authors: Jasper Christian , Adibekian Alexander , Busch Torsten , Quitschalle Monika , Wittenberg Rüdiger , Kirschning Andreas
Published: September 2006

The total synthesis of the cyclic diterpene ent‐tonantzitlolone (ent‐1) is presented. Key steps for assembling the macrocyclic core structure of 1 are a highly selective aldol reaction and an E selective ring‐closing metathesis reaction. A detailed investigation of these two steps and the final transformations towards the completion of the synthesis is disclosed.
Water‐Soluble Ionic Liquids as Novel Stabilizers in Suspension Polymerization Reactions: Engineering Polymer Beads
Authors: Guerrero‐Sanchez Carlos , Erdmenger Tina , Šereda Petr , Wouters Daan , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2006

Aqueous solutions of ionic liquids have been used as novel and environmentally friendly reaction media to synthesize and “control” the size of different cross‐linked polymer beads by suspension polymerization reactions. It was found that the investigated ionic liquids can act as novel stabilizing agents of the suspensions as a result of their surface‐active properties. The results have demonstrated that the average size of polymer beads can be varied from the macro‐ to the nanoscale and their surface area can also be “adjusted” by this synthetic approach. Furthermore, the use of a combination of ionic liquids and water for the synthesis of polymers, the simple isolation of the products formed in this polymerization procedure, as well as the recycling of the continuous medium for further reactions open up possibilities for the development of “new and green” polymerization processes.
An Investigation of the Nd2O3—MoO3 Phase System: Thermal Decomposition of Nd2Mo4O15 and Formation of Nd6Mo10O39.
Authors: Barker Rosemary S. , Evans Ivana Radosavljevic
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
119Sn Moessbauer Spectroscopy and Chemical Bonding in AuTSn2 (T: Ni, Cu, Pd).
Authors: Lange Stefan , Schappacher Falko M. , Johrendt Dirk , Nilges Tom , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Poettgen Rainer
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[Sn6Se10Br6]2‐ — A Selenidostannate Cluster with Trigonal Prismatic Structure.
Authors: Schmidtke Markus , Krautscheid Harald
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Tandem Nucleophilic Addition/Fragmentation Reactions and Synthetic Versatility of Vinylogous Acyl Triflates.
Authors: Kamijo Shin , Dudley Gregory B.
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
1,2‐Dibromoalkanes into Alkynes by Elimination Reaction under DBU Conditions and Their Application to Total Synthesis of Sapinofuranone B.
Authors: Kutsumura Noriki , Yokoyama Tadashi , Ohgiya Tadaaki , Nishiyama Shigeru
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Catalytic Ability of 9‐Cyanophenanthrene in Oxidative Photodimerization of 2,5‐Dimethyl‐2,4‐hexadiene.
Authors: Ohashi Maki , Maeda Hajime , Mizuno Kazuhiko
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Catalytic Properties of Several Palladium Complexes Covalently Anchored onto Silica for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols.
Authors: Choudhary Deepak , Paul Satya , Gupta Rajive , Clark James H.
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Hydrogen Peroxide Promoted Hydroxylation of Haloarenes and Heteroarenes.
Authors: Cantrell William R. Jr. , Bauta William E. , Engles Tracy
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Homogeneous Electro‐Mediated Reduction of Unsaturated Compounds Using Ni and Fe as Mediators in DMF.
Authors: da Silva Aderivaldo P. , Mota Saulo D. C. , Bieber Lothar W. , Navarro Marcelo
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective Synthesis of vic‐Halo Alcohols and Symmetrical or Unsymmetrical vic‐Dihalides from Epoxides Using Triphenylphosphine—N‐Halo Imides.
Authors: Iranpoor Nasser , Firouzabadi Habib , Azadi Roya , Ebrahimzadeh Farzaneh
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Molecular Iodine Catalyzed Selective Acetylation of Alcohols with Vinyl Acetate.
Authors: Bosco J. W. John , Agrahari Aditya , Saikia Anil K.
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Highly Selective Reduction of Cinnamaldehyde to Cinnamyl Alcohol Using Nanometric Alkali Metal Hydrides.
Authors: Fan Yinheng , Wu Qiang , Jin Dan , Zou Yunling , Liao Shijian , Xu Jie
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Employment of Indium Nanoparticles in Barbier‐Type Reaction of Allylic Chloride in Water.
Authors: Li Jiaming , Zha Zhenggen , Sun Lilin , Zhang Yan , Wang Zhiyong
Published: September 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.