bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Kwang-Ok , Kim Sang Sook , Chung Seojin , Brannan Grace
Published: December 2008

Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea, is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1100 kilometres from north to south. The Korean Peninsula is located on the northeast section of the Asian Continent and is adjacent to China and Japan. South Korea's total area, including over 3000 islands, is about 99 373 km2. Korea is politically separated into North and South Korea, which are two independent countries. Approximately 45% of the Korean Peninsula constitutes the territory of South Korea (http://www.korea.net by Korean Overseas Information Service).

South Korea is divided into two distinct regions: central and south. The central region consists of the Seoul (the capital city) metropolitan area, Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheong-do Province to the south, and Gangwon-do Province to the east. Seoul is the center of all political, economic, and cultural activities and its population is one-quarter of the whole South Korean population. The south region includes the Gyeongsang-do Province to the southeast, Jeolla-do Province to the southwest, and Jeju-do Province which lies off the south coast.

The climate of South Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. August is the hottest month with mean temperature ranging from 19-27°C. January is the coldest month with mean temperature ranging from −8°C to 7°C. Annual precipitation is about 1300 mm in the central region. More than a half of the total rainfall is concentrated in summer, while precipitation in winter is less than 10 % of the annual total.

Koreans are one ethnic family and speak one language. The Korean alphabet is called Hangeul and is easy to learn and write which has greatly contributed to Korea’s high literacy rate. They often understand written questionnaires better than verbal ones. Korean students start to learn English before junior high school.

Given the political differences between North and South Korea, this document will primarily focus on the execution of consumer tests in South Korea.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: The Netherlands
Authors: Yuksel Dogan
Published: December 2008

The Netherlands is a Western European country between Belgium and Germany. Partly reclaimed from the waters of the North Sea, half of it lies at or below sea level (-7 m lowest point and 321 m highest point). Although the Netherlands' total area is relatively small, it is-with a population of almost 16 millions-one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The people of the world know that the Dutch people have generous and tolerant social qualities.

The Dutch consumers take only one hot meal a day, mainly in the evenings. The other two meals, breakfast and lunch, are sandwich meals. According to a survey conducted by a market research company (OP&P Product Research 2001) Dutch consumers like to eat the following food products using their national flavoring and quality understanding: Fresh dinner components (red or white meat, vegetables, and potatoes),All kinds of bread products,Fresh fruits and vegetables and canned vegetables,Dairy products including ice cream, cheese, fresh milk, and specialty milk products,Soft drinks,Cookies and desserts,Snacks, nuts, and nut products,Breakfast components, andCoffee, cocoa, and tea.

On the other hand, Dutch consumers like to experience new tastes and new food products when they are introduced to the market.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Spain
Authors: Guerrero Luis , Briz Julián
Published: December 2008

It is difficult to define the average Spanish consumer. Spain is a complex country where a mixture of very different cultures have a common language but different regional languages, values, and traditions. This diversity represents an important handicap in order to select the consumers for a survey. Normally it will be necessary to recruit a large amount of individuals to include all of this cultural richness and to obtain an adequate image which reflects the real country.

In general, Spain can be regarded as a typical Latin country, where the “savoir vivre” has an important effect on consumer’s behavior. Undoubtedly, the climate has influenced and still influences the life and habits of the population. The Spanish like to go out frequently. It is usual to see people enjoying lunch or dinner including “tapeo” or “tapas” or simply walking along the main avenues of the city. Terraces are full of people talking and having a drink at midnight, any day of the week, when weather conditions permit (an average of six months a year).

The Spanish are open-minded, amusing, nice, and very friendly, although they are very critical about their environment. Usually they face up to problems openly and with an ironic attitude. Most of them believe that Spain is a nation with a good balance between work and leisure and one of the countries with the best way of life.

The main industry of the country is tourism. Every year Spain is visited by more than 50 million tourists. Logically this influences the habits of the principal tourist areas. This aspect should be taken into account when choosing the place and dates for carrying out a survey.

Consumers could be suspicious of the interviewer in certain areas, for this reason his∕her appearance, politeness, and identification are essential if a high level of participation is required.

The lack of punctuality is another important aspect to bear in mind, although it varies considerably from one place to another. In general, the infrastructures are well developed and they do not represent any problem when carrying out any type of study.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Thailand
Authors: Kongpensook Varapha , Chambers Edgar , Oupadissakoon Chintana
Published: December 2008

Thailand is divided into 76 provinces (changwad) with five main regions (Central, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Eastern) with a diversity of landscape and natural resources.

Provinces in five regions of Thailand.

The Central Region and its plain has the highest fertility, is an extensive rice-producing area, and has many major industries around the densely populated area of Bangkok. The Northern Region comprises a mountainous area of natural forest, ridges, and deep, narrow alluvial valleys. Chiang Mai is the second-most populous city and province and is the center of the Northern Region. The Northeastern Plateau Region is an arid region with a rolling surface and undulating hills. The large Nakon Ratchasima Province serves as the gateway to the Northeastern Region. Khon Kaen and Ubon Rajathani are considered regional development provinces in the Northeastern Region after the establishment of government universities there. The rain-forested Southern Region peninsula is hilly, thick in forests, and has rich deposits of minerals and iron ores. This region is the center for the production of rubber and the cultivation of other tropical crops, and also is home to many Thai Muslims. Hat Yai, the major business district of Songkhla Province, serves as a regional center in transportation, communications, and education. Phuket is a major tourist attraction in the south. The Eastern Region, including Chon Buri Province, is known primarily as a major tourist area because of the beautiful seashores and good sources of seafood. From 1998, the eastern seaboard also was established to be the main business area of the petroleum industry and shipping. A new Bangkok International airport “Suvarnabhumi” (code BKK), situated approximately 30 miles from Bangkok, opened in the eastern area in late 2006 for both international and domestic travel and shipping. However, the older airport (Don Muang) still may be used for some domestic air service and some shipping. Thus, it is imperative to determine what airport is being used for domestic travel and air shipments.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: United Kingdom
Authors: Marshall Richard J.
Published: December 2008

The UK is a multicultural society consisting of mainly Anglo-Saxon-European descendants with major Welsh, Scottish, Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and other European groups. There has been considerable mixing of cultures in many areas but also many ethnic groups wish to maintain their cultural heritage. This results in amajority who tend to be somewhat reticent in their attitudes overlaid by a still-strong element of class-consciousness. On the other hand, some of the ethnic groups can be very demonstrative and keen to participate in society. It is noticeable that even the traditionally reserved “Englishman” is now more likely to speak his, or her, mind.

The pressure of society and the articulation of the Protestant work ethic since the 1980s have brought about much of this change and people will declare that they have less time, or are less willing to give time, to answer questionnaires. In practice, people are usually quite cooperative and if they cannot spare the time, will very politely explain this to the researcher.

In certain areas, people will definitely not participate, seeing any inquiry into their personal life as an intrusion or even as a threat. This seems to occur mainly in areas where people have become alienated from mainstream society. Thus, any research should approach such areas with a high level of tact and be aware of such problematic cultural issues. A similar approach is needed where the culture of a particular ethnic group may restrict contacts with strangers. Such ethnic groups often have very strong religious beliefs and practices that must be respected.

There is also an increasing population aged over 50, those people born in the decades immediately following World War II. This generation was the flower children of the 1960s and it might be expected that as they come to retirement they will make their presence felt once again. They currently have significant consumer power.

Reference to professional organizations that provide specific services has been used in several places. This ASTM document does not endorse these companies.
Short Interfering RNA against Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss in the Rat
Authors: Mukherjea Debashree , Jajoo Sarvesh , Whitworth Craig , Bunch Jennifer R. , Turner Jeremy G. , Rybak Leonard P. , Ramkumar Vickram
Published: December 2008

Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent of choice for the treatment of solid tumors, produces hearing loss in approximately half a million new cancer patients annually in the United States. The hearing loss is due, in part, to increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cochlea, leading to lipid peroxidation and damage or death of outer hair cells in the organ of Corti. The cochlea expresses the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which are normally expressed on small diameter neurons in the peripheral nervous system and mediate thermal sensitivity, but whose role in the cochlea is unclear. In this study, we show that TRPV1 is coregulated along with the NADPH oxidase isoform, NOX3, by cisplatin. Induction of these proteins by cisplatin is dependent on ROS generation, since it is reversed by systemic lipoic acid administration. In organ of Corti hair cell cultures (UB/OC-1 cells), cisplatin activates and induces TRPV1 and NOX3, leading to apoptosis of these cells. Inhibition of TRPV1 by capsazepine or ruthenium red reduced the apoptosis, implicating TRPV1 in this process. Treatment of UB/OC-1 cultures with short interfering RNA (siRNA) against either TRPV1 or NOX3 reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis, while round window application of TRPV1 siRNA to rats reduced TRPV1 expression, decreased damage to outer hair cells and reduced cisplatin-induced hearing loss. These data provide a link between NOX3 and TRPV1 in cisplatin-induced hearing loss and suggest that targeting these proteins for knockdown by siRNA could serve as a novel approach in treating cisplatin ototoxicity.
Transcriptional Upregulation of Cav3.2 Mediates Epileptogenesis in the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Becker Albert J. , Pitsch Julika , Sochivko Dmitry , Opitz Thoralf , Staniek Matthäus , Chen Chien-Chang , Campbell Kevin P. , Schoch Susanne , Yaari Yoel , Beck Heinz
Published: December 2008

In both humans and animals, an insult to the brain can lead, after a variable latent period, to the appearance of spontaneous epileptic seizures that persist for life. The underlying processes, collectively referred to as epileptogenesis, include multiple structural and functional neuronal alterations. We have identified the T-type Ca2+channel Cav3.2 as a central player in epileptogenesis. We show that a transient and selective upregulation of Cav3.2 subunits on the mRNA and protein levels after status epilepticus causes an increase in cellular T-type Ca2+currents and a transitional increase in intrinsic burst firing. These functional changes are absent in mice lacking Cav3.2 subunits. Intriguingly, the development of neuropathological hallmarks of chronic epilepsy, such as subfield-specific neuron loss in the hippocampal formation and mossy fiber sprouting, was virtually completely absent in Cav3.2−/−mice. In addition, the appearance of spontaneous seizures was dramatically reduced in these mice. Together, these data establish transcriptional induction of Cav3.2 as a critical step in epileptogenesis and neuronal vulnerability.
FGF-2 Overexpression Increases Excitability and Seizure Susceptibility but Decreases Seizure-Induced Cell Loss
Authors: Zucchini Silvia , Buzzi Andrea , Barbieri Mario , Rodi Donata , Paradiso Beatrice , Binaschi Anna , Coffin J. Douglas , Marzola Andrea , Cifelli Pierangelo , Belluzzi Ottorino , Simonato Michele
Published: December 2008

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) has multiple, pleiotropic effects on the nervous system that include neurogenesis, neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. Thus, alteration in FGF-2 expression patterns may have a profound impact in brain function, both in normal physiology and in pathology. Here, we used FGF-2 transgenic mice (TgFGF2) to study the effects of endogenous FGF-2 overexpression on susceptibility to seizures and to the pathological consequences of seizures. TgFGF2 mice display increased FGF-2 expression in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and dentate granule cells. Increased density of glutamatergic synaptic vesicles was observed in the hippocampus of TgFGF2 mice, and electrophysiological data (input/output curves and patch-clamp recordings in CA1) confirmed an increase in excitatory inputs in CA1, suggesting the presence of a latent hyperexcitability. Indeed, TgFGF2 mice displayed increased susceptibility to kainate-induced seizures compared with wild-type (WT) littermates, in that latency to generalized seizure onset was reduced, whereas behavioral seizure scores and lethality were increased. Finally, WT and TgFGF2 mice with similar seizure scores were used for examining seizure-induced cellular consequences. Neurogenesis and mossy fiber sprouting were not significantly different between the two groups. In contrast, cell damage (assessed with Fluoro-Jade B, silver impregnation and anti-caspase 3 immunohistochemistry) was significantly lower in TgFGF2 mice, especially in the areas of overexpression (CA1 and CA3), indicating reduction of seizure-induced necrosis and apoptosis. These data suggest that FGF-2 may be implicated in seizure susceptibility and in seizure-induced plasticity, exerting different, and apparently contrasting effects: favoring ictogenesis but reducing seizure-induced cell death.
A Link between Serotonin-Related Gene Polymorphisms, Amygdala Activity, and Placebo-Induced Relief from Social Anxiety
Authors: Furmark Tomas , Appel Lieuwe , Henningsson Susanne , Åhs Fredrik , Faria Vanda , Linnman Clas , Pissiota Anna , Frans Örjan , Bani Massimo , Bettica Paolo , Pich Emilio Merlo , Jacobsson Eva , Wahlstedt Kurt , Oreland Lars , Långström Bengt , Eriksson Elias , Fredrikson Mats
Published: December 2008

Placebo may yield beneficial effects that are indistinguishable from those of active medication, but the factors underlying proneness to respond to placebo are widely unknown. Here, we used functional neuroimaging to examine neural correlates of anxiety reduction resulting from sustained placebo treatment under randomized double-blind conditions, in patients with social anxiety disorder. Brain activity was assessed during a stressful public speaking task by means of positron emission tomography before and after an 8 week treatment period. Patients were genotyped with respect to the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the G-703T polymorphism in the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) gene promoter. Results showed that placebo response was accompanied by reduced stress-related activity in the amygdala, a brain region crucial for emotional processing. However, attenuated amygdala activity was demonstrable only in subjects who were homozygous for the long allele of the 5-HTTLPR or the G variant of the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism, and not in carriers of short or T alleles. Moreover, the TPH2 polymorphism was a significant predictor of clinical placebo response, homozygosity for the G allele being associated with greater improvement in anxiety symptoms. Path analysis supported that the genetic effect on symptomatic improvement with placebo is mediated by its effect on amygdala activity. Hence, our study shows, for the first time, evidence of a link between genetically controlled serotonergic modulation of amygdala activity and placebo-induced anxiety relief.
mGluR5 Regulates Glutamate-Dependent Development of the Mouse Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: Wijetunge Lasani S. , Till Sally M. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Ingham Cali A. , Kind Peter C.
Published: December 2008

We have previously reported that mGluR5 signaling via PLC-β1 regulates the development of whisker patterns within S1 (barrel) cortex of mice (Hannan et al., 2001). However, whether these defects arise from the loss of postsynaptic mGluR5 signaling, and whether the level of mGluR5 is important for barrel formation, was not examined. Furthermore, whether mGluR5 regulates other developmental processes that occur before or after barrel development is not known. We now show that mGluR5 is present postsynaptically at thalamocortical synapses during barrel formation. In addition,Mglur5+/−mice exhibit normal TCA patch formation but reduced cellular segregation in layer 4, indicating a dose-dependent role for mGluR5 in the regulation of pattern formation. FurthermoreMglur5−/−andMglur5+/−mice display normal cortical arealization, layer formation, and size of PMBSF indicating the defects within S1 do not result from general abnormalities of cortical mapping during earlier stages of development. At P21 layer 4 neurons fromMglur5−/−andMglur5+/−mice show a significant reduction in spine density but normal dendritic complexity compared withMglur5+/+mice indicating a role in synaptogenesis during cortical development. Finally, mGluR5 regulates pattern formation throughout the trigeminal system of mice as the representation of the AS whiskers in the PrV, VpM, and S1 cortex was disrupted inMglur5−/−mice. Together these data indicate a key role for mGluR5 at both early and late stages of neuronal development in the trigeminal system of mice.
Dissociable Prototype Learning Systems: Evidence from Brain Imaging and Behavior
Authors: Zeithamova Dagmar , Maddox W. Todd , Schnyer David M.
Published: December 2008

The neural underpinnings of prototype learning are not well understood. A major source of confusion is that two versions of the prototype learning task have been used interchangeably in the literature; one where participants learn to categorize exemplars derived from two prototypes (A/B task), and one where participants learn to categorize exemplars derived from one prototype and noncategorical exemplars (A/non-A). We report results from an fMRI study of A/B and A/non-A prototype learning that allows for a direct contrast of the two learning methods. Accuracy in the two tasks did not correlate within subject despite equivalent average difficulty. The fMRI results revealed neural activation in a network of regions consistent with episodic memory retrieval for the A/B task while greater activation of a nondeclarative learning network was observed for the A/non-A task. The results demonstrate that learning in these two tasks is mediated by different neural systems and that recruitment of each system is dictated by the context of learning rather than the actual category structure.
Target-Cell Specificity of Kainate Autoreceptor and Ca2+-Store-Dependent Short-Term Plasticity at Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Synapses
Authors: Scott Ricardo , Lalic Tatjana , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Capogna Marco , Rusakov Dmitri A.
Published: December 2008

Presynaptic kainate receptors (KARs) modulate transmission between dentate granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons. Whether presynaptic KARs affect other synapses made by granule cell axons [mossy fibers (MFs)], on hilar mossy cells or interneurons, is not known. Nor is it known whether glutamate release from a single MF is sufficient to activate these receptors. Here, we monitor Ca2+in identified MF boutons traced from granule cell bodies. We show that a single action potential in a single MF activates both presynaptic KARs and Ca2+stores, contributing to use-dependent facilitation at MF–CA3 pyramidal cell synapses. Rapid local application of kainate to the giant MF bouton has no detectable effect on the resting Ca2+but facilitates action-potential-evoked Ca2+entry through a Ca2+store-dependent mechanism. Localized two-photon uncaging of the Ca2+store receptor ligand IP3directly confirms the presence of functional Ca2+stores at these boutons. In contrast, presynaptic Ca2+kinetics at MF synapses on interneurons or mossy cells are insensitive to KAR blockade, to local kainate application or to photolytic release of IP3. Consistent with this, postsynaptic responses evoked by activation of a single MF show KAR-dependent paired-pulse facilitation in CA3 pyramidal cells, but not in interneurons or mossy cells. Thus, KAR–Ca2+store coupling acts as a synapse-specific, short-range autoreceptor mechanism.
A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study on the Neural Mechanisms of Hyperalgesic Nocebo Effect
Authors: Kong Jian , Gollub Randy L. , Polich Ginger , Kirsch Irving , LaViolette Peter , Vangel Mark , Rosen Bruce , Kaptchuk Ted J.
Published: December 2008

Previous studies suggest that nocebo effects, sometimes termed “negative placebo effects,” can contribute appreciably to a variety of medical symptoms and adverse events in clinical trials and medical care. In this study, using a within-subject design, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and an expectation/conditioning manipulation model to investigate the neural substrates of nocebo hyperalgesia using heat pain on the right forearm. Thirteen subjects completed the study. Results showed that, after administering inert treatment, subjective pain intensity ratings increased significantly more on nocebo regions compared with the control regions in which no expectancy/conditioning manipulation was performed. fMRI analysis of hyperalgesic nocebo responses to identical calibrated noxious stimuli showed signal increases in brain regions including bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, superior temporal gyrus; left frontal and parietal operculum, medial frontal gyrus, orbital prefrontal cortex, superior parietal lobule, and hippocampus; right claustrum/putamen, lateral prefrontal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus. Functional connectivity analysis of spontaneous resting-state fMRI data from the same cohort of subjects showed a correlation between two seed regions (left frontal operculum and hippocampus) and pain network including bilateral insula, operculum, ACC, and left S1/M1. In conclusion, we found evidence that nocebo hyperalgesia may be predominantly produced through an affective–cognitive pain pathway (medial pain system), and the left hippocampus may play an important role in this process.
The Role of cGMP-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Synaptic Vesicle Cycle at the Frog Motor Nerve Terminals
Authors: Petrov Aleksej M. , Giniatullin Arthur R. , Sitdikova Guzel F. , Zefirov Andrej L.
Published: December 2008

The role of cGMP-dependent pathways in synaptic vesicle recycling in motor nerve endings during prolonged high-frequency stimulation was studied at frog neuromuscular junctions using electrophysiological and fluorescent methods. An increase of intracellular cGMP concentration (8-Br-cGMP or 8-pCPT-cGMP) significantly reduced the cycle time for synaptic vesicles through the enhancement of vesicular traffic rate from the recycling pool to the readily releasable pool and acceleration of fast endocytosis. Pharmacological inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase or protein kinase G slowed down the rate of recycling as well as endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. The results suggest that cGMP-PKG-dependent pathway serves a significant function in the control of vesicular cycle in frog motor terminals.
Interhemispheric Effect of Parietal TMS on Somatosensory Response Confirmed Directly with Concurrent TMS–fMRI
Authors: Blankenburg Felix , Ruff Christian C. , Bestmann Sven , Bjoertomt Otto , Eshel Neir , Josephs Oliver , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Driver Jon
Published: December 2008

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to document some apparent interhemispheric influences behaviorally, with TMS over the right parietal cortex reported to enhance processing of touch for the ipsilateral right hand (Seyal et al., 1995). However, the neural bases of such apparent interhemispheric influences from TMS remain unknown. Here, we studied this directly by combining TMS with concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We applied bursts of 10 Hz TMS over right parietal cortex, at a high or low intensity, during two sensory contexts: either without any other stimulation, or while participants received median nerve stimulation to the right wrist, which projects to left primary somatosensory cortex (SI). TMS to right parietal cortex affected the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal in left SI, with high- versus low-intensity TMS increasing the left SI signal during right-wrist somatosensory input, but decreasing this in the absence of somatosensory input. This state-dependent modulation of SI by parietal TMS over the other hemisphere was accompanied by a related pattern of TMS-induced influences in the thalamus, as revealed by region-of-interest analyses. A behavioral experiment confirmed that the same right parietal TMS protocol of 10 Hz bursts led to enhanced detection of perithreshold electrical stimulation of the right median nerve, which is initially processed in left SI. Our results confirm directly that TMS over right parietal cortex can affect processing in left SI of the other hemisphere, with rivalrous effects (possibly transcallosal) arising in the absence of somatosensory input, but facilitatory effects (possibly involving thalamic circuitry) in the presence of driving somatosensory input.
Activity-Dependent Dynamic Microtubule Invasion of Dendritic Spines
Authors: Hu Xindao , Viesselmann Chris , Nam Sookin , Merriam Elliott , Dent Erik W.
Published: December 2008

Dendritic spines are the primary sites of contact with presynaptic axons on excitatory hippocampal and cortical neurons. During development and plasticity spines undergo marked changes in structure that directly affect the functional communication between neurons. Elucidating the cytoskeletal events that induce these structural changes is fundamental to understanding synaptic biology. Actin plays a central role in the spine cytoskeleton, however the role of microtubules in spine function has been studied little. Although microtubules have a prominent role in transporting material throughout the dendrite that is destined for spines, they are not thought to directly influence spine structure or function. Using total internal reflectance fluorescent microscopy we discovered that microtubules rapidly invade dendritic protrusions of mature CNS neurons (up to 63 din vitro), occasionally being associated with marked changes in spine morphology in the form of transient spine head protrusions (tSHPs). Two microtubules can occupy a spine simultaneously and microtubule targeting can occur from both the proximal and distal dendrite. A small percentage of spines are targeted at a time and all targeting events are transient, averaging only a few minutes. Nevertheless, over time many spines on a dendrite are targeted by microtubules. Importantly, we show that increasing neuronal activity enhances both the number of spines invaded by microtubules and the duration of these invasions. This study provides new insight into the dynamics of the neuronal cytoskeleton in mature CNS neurons and suggests that microtubules play an important, direct role in spine morphology and function.
Neuropathic Pain Memory Is Maintained by Rac1-Regulated Dendritic Spine Remodeling after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Tan Andrew M. , Stamboulian Severine , Chang Yu-Wen , Zhao Peng , Hains Avis B. , Waxman Stephen G. , Hains Bryan C.
Published: December 2008

Localized increases in synaptic strength constitute a synaptic basis for learning and memory in the CNS and may also contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) through thede novoformation or elaboration of postsynaptic dendritic structures. To determine whether SCI-induced dendritic spine remodeling contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability and neuropathic pain, we analyzed spine morphometry, localization, and functional influence in dorsal horn (DH) neurons in adult rats 1 month after sham surgery, contusion SCI, and SCI treated with a selective inhibitor of Rac1 activation, NSC23766. After SCI, DH neurons located in lamina IV–V exhibited increased spine density, redistributed spines, and mature spines compared with control neurons, which was associated with enhancement of EPSCs in computer simulations and hyperexcitable responsiveness to innocuous and noxious peripheral stimuli in unit recordingsin vivo. SCI animals also exhibited symptoms of tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Inhibition of the small GTP-binding protein Rac1 ameliorated post-SCI changes in spine morphology, attenuated injury-induced hyperexcitability of wide-dynamic range neurons, and progressively increased pain thresholds over a 3 d period. This suggests that Rac1 is an important intracellular signaling molecule involved in a spinal dendritic spine pathology associated with chronic neuropathic pain after SCI. Our report provides robust evidence for a novel conceptual bridge between learning and memory on the one hand, and neuropathic pain on the other.
Genetic Variants of Nogo-66 Receptor with Possible Association to Schizophrenia Block Myelin Inhibition of Axon Growth
Authors: Budel Stéphane , Padukkavidana Thihan , Liu Betty P. , Feng Zeny , Hu Fenghua , Johnson Sam , Lauren Juha , Park James H. , McGee Aaron W. , Liao Ji , Stillman Althea , Kim Ji-Eun , Yang Bao-Zhu , Sodi Stefano , Gelernter Joel , Zhao Hongyu , Hisama Fuki , Arnsten Amy F. T. , Strittmatter Stephen M.
Published: December 2008

In schizophrenia, genetic predisposition has been linked to chromosome 22q11 and myelin-specific genes are misexpressed in schizophrenia. Nogo-66 receptor 1 (NGRorRTN4R) has been considered to be a 22q11 candidate gene for schizophrenia susceptibility because it encodes an axonal protein that mediates myelin inhibition of axonal sprouting. Confirming previous studies, we found that variation at theNGRlocus is associated with schizophrenia in a Caucasian case-control analysis, and this association is not attributed to population stratification. Within a limited set of schizophrenia-derived DNA samples, we identified several rareNGRnonconservative coding sequence variants. Neuronal cultures demonstrate that four different schizophrenia-derived NgR1 variants fail to transduce myelin signals into axon inhibition, and function as dominant negatives to disrupt endogenous NgR1. This provides the first evidence that certain disease-derived human NgR1 variants are dysfunctional proteinsin vitro. Mice lacking NgR1 protein exhibit reduced working memory function, consistent with a potential endophenotype of schizophrenia. For a restricted subset of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, the expression of dysfunctionalNGRvariants may contribute to increased disease risk.
Large Projection Neurons in Lamina I of the Rat Spinal Cord That Lack the Neurokinin 1 Receptor Are Densely Innervated by VGLUT2-Containing Axons and Possess GluR4-Containing AMPA Receptors
Authors: Polgár Erika , Al-Khater Khulood M. , Shehab Safa , Watanabe Masahiko , Todd Andrew J.
Published: December 2008

Although most projection neurons in lamina I express the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r), we have identified a population of large multipolar projection cells that lack the NK1r, are characterized by the high density of gephyrin puncta that coat their cell bodies and dendrites, and express the transcription factor Fos in response to noxious chemical stimulation. Here we show that these cells have a very high density of glutamatergic input from axons with strong immunoreactivity for vesicular glutamate transporter 2 that are likely to originate from excitatory interneurons. However, they receive few contacts from peptidergic primary afferents or transganglionically labeled Aδ nociceptors. Unlike most glutamatergic synapses in superficial laminas, those on the gephyrin-coated cells contain the GluR4 subunit of the AMPA receptor. A noxious heat stimulus caused Fos expression in 38% of the gephyrin-coated cells but in 85% of multipolar NK1r-immunoreactive cells. These findings are consistent with the suggestion that there is a correlation between function and morphology for lamina I neurons but indicate that there are at least two populations of multipolar neurons that differ in receptor expression, excitatory inputs, and responses to noxious stimulation. Although there are only ∼10 gephyrin-coated cells on each side per segment in the lumbar enlargement, they constitute ∼18% of the lamina I component of the spinothalamic tract at this level, which suggests that they play an important role in transmission of nociceptive information to the cerebral cortex. Our results also provide the first evidence that postsynaptic GluR4-containing AMPA receptors are involved in spinal nociceptive transmission.
Differential Activities of the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System in Neurons versus Glia May Account for the Preferential Accumulation of Misfolded Proteins in Neurons
Authors: Tydlacka Suzanne , Wang Chuan-En , Wang Xuejun , Li Shihua , Li Xiao-Jiang
Published: December 2008

A variety of neurological disorders and polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases are caused by misfolded proteins. The common feature of these diseases is late-onset cellular degeneration that selectively affects neurons in distinct brain regions. polyQ diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD), present a clear case of selective neurodegeneration caused by polyQ expansion-induced protein misfolding, which also leads to predominant inclusions in neuronal nuclei. It remains unclear how these ubiquitously expressed disease proteins selectively kill neurons. In HD, mutant huntingtin accumulates in both neurons and glia, but more neuronal cells display huntingtin aggregates. These aggregates colocalize with components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which plays a critical role in clearing misfolded proteins. Using fluorescent reporters that reflect cellular UPS activity, we found that UPS activity in cultured neurons and glia decreases in a time-dependent manner. Importantly, UPS activity is lower in neurons than in glia and also lower in the nucleus than the cytoplasm. By expressing the UPS reporters in glia and neurons in the mouse brain, we also observed an age-dependent decrease in UPS activity, which is more pronounced in neurons than glial cells. Although brain UPS activities were similar between wild-type and HD 150Q knock-in mice, inhibiting the UPS markedly increases the accumulation of mutant htt in cultured glial cells. These findings suggest that the lower neuronal UPS activity may account for the preferential accumulation of misfolded proteins in neurons, as well as their selective vulnerability.
Hsp27 Protects against Ischemic Brain Injury via Attenuation of a Novel Stress-Response Cascade Upstream of Mitochondrial Cell Death Signaling
Authors: Stetler R. Anne , Cao Guodong , Gao Yanqin , Zhang Feng , Wang Suping , Weng Zhongfang , Vosler Peter , Zhang Lili , Signore Armando , Graham Steven H. , Chen Jun
Published: December 2008

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), a recently discovered member of the heat shock protein family, is markedly induced in the brain after cerebral ischemia and other injury states. In non-neuronal systems, Hsp27 has potent cell death-suppressing functions. However, the mechanism of Hsp27-mediated neuroprotection has not yet been elucidated. Using transgenic and viral overexpression of Hsp27, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which Hsp27 exerts its neuroprotective effect. Overexpression of Hsp27 conferred long-lasting tissue preservation and neurobehavioral recovery, as measured by infarct volume, sensorimotor function, and cognitive tasks up to 3 weeks following focal cerebral ischemia. Examination of signaling pathways critical to neuronal death demonstrated that Hsp27 overexpression led to the suppression of the MKK4/JNK kinase cascade. While Hsp27 overexpression did not suppress activation of an upstream regulatory kinase of the MKK/JNK cascade, ASK1, Hsp27 effectively inhibited ASK1 activity via a physical association through its N-terminal domain and the kinase domain of ASK1. The N-terminal region of Hsp27 was required for neuroprotective function againstin vitroischemia. Moreover, knockdown of ASK1 or inhibition of the ASK1/MKK4 cascade effectively inhibited cell death following neuronal ischemia. This underscores the importance of this kinase cascade in the progression of ischemic neuronal death. Inhibition of PI3K had no effect on Hsp27-mediated neuroprotection, suggesting that Hsp27 does not promote cell survival via activation of PI3K/Akt. Based on these findings, we conclude that overexpression of Hsp27 confers long-lasting neuroprotection against ischemic brain injury via a previously unexplored association and inhibition of ASK1 kinase signaling.
Learning-Dependent Structural Plasticity in the Adult Olfactory Pathway
Authors: Jones Seth V. , Choi Dennis C. , Davis Michael , Ressler Kerry J.
Published: December 2008

Olfactory learning in humans leads to enhanced perceptual discrimination of odor cues. Examining mouse models of both aversive and appetitive conditioning, we demonstrate a mechanism which may underlie this adult learning phenomenon. Topographically unique spatial wiring of the olfactory system allowed us to demonstrate that emotional learning of odor cues alters the primary sensory representation within the nose and brain of adult mice. Transgenic mice labeled at the M71 odorant receptor (specifically activated by the odorant acetophenone) were behaviorally trained with olfactory-dependent fear conditioning or conditioned place preference using acetophenone. Odor-trained mice had larger M71-specific glomeruli and an increase in M71-specific sensory neurons within the nose compared with mice that were untrained, trained to a non-M71 activating odorant, or had nonassociative pairings of acetophenone. These data indicate that the primary sensory neuron population and its projections may remain plastic in adults, providing a structural mechanism for learning-enhanced olfactory sensitivity and discrimination.
Mangrove vegetation in Amazonia: a review of studies from the coast of Pará and Maranhão States, north Brazil
Authors: Menezes Moirah Paula Machado de , Berger Uta , Mehlig Ulf
Published: December 2008

The present study is a compilation of the literature about vegetation of mangrove forest of the north coast of Brazil. It synthesizes the knowledge about this important ecosystem and lists the currently available literature. The study focuses on the coast of Pará and Maranhão states, which are covered by a continuous belt of mangroves. The mangrove flora comprises six mangrove tree species and several associated species. Mangrove tree height and stem diameter vary as a function of abiotic local stand parameters. Seasonal variation in rainfall and salinity affect the species' phenology and litter fall. Local population use products derived from mangrove plants for different purposes (e.g. fuel; medicinal; rural construction). The increase in the coastal population has given rise to conflicts, which impact on mangrove forest.
Aspectos florísticos e ecológicos de grandes lianas em três ambientes florestais de terra firme na Amazônia Central
Authors: Oliveira Arlem Nascimento de , Amaral Iêda Leão do , Ramos Michele Braule Pinto , Formiga Kianny Martins
Published: December 2008

As lianas, ou trepadeiras lenhosas são importantes componentes estruturais de muitos ambientes florestais. O estudo objetivou investigar os aspectos florísticos e ecológicos de grandes lianas em três ambientes florestais de terra firme na Amazônia Central (2º35' S e 60º12' W). Para o levantamento florístico, foram alocadas 20 parcelas de 50 x 10 m em cada um dos ambientes florestais (platô, vertente e baixio), nas quais foram mensurados todos os espécimes lianescentes com diâmetro à altura do peito (DAP) > 10 cm. Na floresta de platô foram inventariados 17 indivíduos, pertencentes a nove famílias, dez gêneros e treze espécies. Fabaceae e Combretaceae foram as famílias com maior número de espécies, representando juntas mais de 46% do total amostrado. As espécies com os maiores Índices de Valor de Importância (IVI) foram Doliocarpus brevipedicellatus Garcke (IVI = 55,2) e Abuta candollei Triana & Planch. (IVI = 33,3). Um total de doze espécimes, compreendendo quatro famílias, quatro gêneros e oito espécies foram registrados na floresta de vertente. Nesse ambiente florestal, Caesalpiniaceae foi a família mais rica, representando cerca de 38% das espécies identificadas. Abuta rufescens Aubl. (IVI = 68,8) e Bauhinia alata Ducke (IVI = 49,2) foram as espécies com os maiores valores de importância. Na floresta de baixio foram registrados quatro indivíduos, distribuídos em quatro famílias, quatro gêneros e quatro espécies. Nos três ambientes florestais estudados, sete indivíduos atingiram DAP > 20 cm. Quanto às espécies, a similaridade florística entre os ambientes florestais foi muita baixa, com a menor dissimilidaridade anotada entre as florestas de vertente e baixio (Is = 0,17). Nesse estudo, de acordo com os índices de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener, Simpson e alfa de Fisher, a floresta de platô mostrou-se mais diversa em lianas de maior porte que as florestas de vertente, o mesmo ocorrendo quando comparado com os dois primeiros índices de diversidade em relação ao baixio.
A description of mercury in fishes from the Madeira River Basin, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Bastos Wanderley Rodrigues , Rebelo Mauro de Freitas , Fonseca Márlon de Freitas , Almeida Ronaldo de , Malm Olaf
Published: December 2008

Over the last 20 years several projects carried on the Madeira River basin in the Amazon produced a great amount data on total Hg concentration in different fish species. In this paper we discuss temporal trends in Hg contamination and its relation to body weight in some of those fishes, showing that even within similar groups, such as carnivorous and non-migratory fish, the interspecies variability in Hg accumulation is considerable.
Características morfofisiológicas em plantas de Tabebuia heptaphyilla (vell.) tol. em condições de luminosidade
Authors: Siebeneichler Susana Cristine , Freitas Gilson Araújo de , Silva Rubens Ribeiro da , Adorian Gentil Cavalheiro , Capellari Daniel
Published: December 2008

Um fator importante na determinação da sobrevivência de uma espécie, é sua adaptação à condição de alta ou baixa luminosidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o desenvolvimento inicial, teores de clorofila e alocação de biomassa em plantas de Tabebuia heptaphyilla (Vell.) Tol, em três condições de luminosidade. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três níveis de luminosidade (pleno sol, 50% de luz e sombra natural) e com 15 repetições em cada tratamento, sendo cada planta considerada como uma repetição. Foram avaliados a altura e diâmetro aos 60, 82, 103, 124, 145 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Plantas expostas ao ambiente de sombra natural apresentaram menor desempenho vegetativo do que as demais condições de cultivo testadas (50% e 100% de luminosidade). A condição de 50% de luminosidade pode ser recomendada para a formação de mudas, no entanto, essa prática também pode ser realizada a pleno sol.
Efeitos das variações sazonais do clima tropical úmido sobre as águas e sedimentos de manguezais do estuário do rio Marapanim, costa nordeste do Estado do Pará
Authors: Berrêdo José Francisco , Costa Marcondes Lima , Progene Maria do Perpétuo Socorro
Published: December 2008

Para avaliar o impacto das variações climáticas, de curta duração, sobre os ecossistemas de manguezais amazônicos, foi estudada a costa nordeste do Pará entre as coordenadas: 00º 32' 30" S / 00º 52' 30" S e 47º 28' 45" W / 47º 45' 00" W. Foram amostrados os sedimentos, águas superficiais e intersticiais com medidas de salinidade, potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), potencial de oxi-redução (Eh) e determinações mineralógicas por difração de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Na água foram determinados o conteúdo de sulfetos dissolvidos, sulfato e cloreto, além da alcalinidade, sílica, ortofosfato, sódio, potássio, cálcio e magnésio, em meses chuvosos e de estiagem, sob marés de sizígia e quadratura. As variações sazonais do cloreto nas águas intersticiais mostram concentrações mais elevadas na estiagem que no período chuvoso, enquanto em superfície são mais elevadas nas marés de quadratura (período chuvoso) e de sizígia (período de estiagem). Os sulfetos dissolvidos foram encontrados em quantidades detectáveis somente a partir da profundidade de 10 cm o que indica exposição dos sedimentos aos fluxos advectivos de oxigênio atmosférico. Os teores de ferro dissolvido aumentam entre 0-10 cm e o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) tende à neutralidade. A saturação das águas intersticiais na estiagem é indicada pelos minerais evaporíticos: gipso e halita. As variações pluviométricas são responsáveis por graduais mudanças nos teores de nutrientes e nas propriedades físico-químicas (pH, Eh e salinidade) das águas superficiais e intersticiais, no controle do equilíbrio salino das águas costeiras, na salinização e dessalinização dos sedimentos e na distribuição da vegetação de mangue no estuário. A exposição prolongada dos sedimentos na estiagem e as características morfológicas contribuem decisivamente para a oxidação total ou parcial dos sedimentos em superfície, o que modifica a mineralogia e as características químicas e físico-químicas das águas intersticiais.
Expansão dos solos hidromórficos e mudanças na paisagem: um estudo de caso na região Sudeste da Amazônia Brasileira
Authors: Rosolen Vania , Herpin Uwe
Published: December 2008

Na região sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira, foi realizado um estudo detalhado da cobertura pedológica em uma toposseqüência representativa da paisagem regional, caracterizada por baixos platôs com depressões topográficas. Os resultados indicaram que os processos pedogenéticos podem ser considerados como responsáveis pelo rebaixamento topográfico e mudanças da paisagem natural. O principal fator envolvido neste processo de transformação é a expansão remontante da hidromorfia, a partir das depressões topográficas desenvolvidas nas superfícies dos platôs. Este processo envolve transformações e degradações internas na matriz do solo acarretando em modificações na estrutura, composição química e diminuição do volume do solo.