bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple sclerosis patients as counsellors and evaluators of rehabilitation
Authors: Viitanen Elina , Piirainen Arja
Published: May 2009

The article is concerned with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ experiences of rehabilitation services. Customers choose and assess the rehabilitation services they want. In the spring of 1999, group interview data were collected as part of an evaluation study of outpatient activities organized by the Finnish MS Society. Illness experience, changes in functional capacity and experience of health care services provided by both the public and voluntary sectors were all shown to have an effect on how customers chose services. When customers guide their own rehabilitation, their wishes and decisions concerning rehabilitation should be heard and respected. This indicates that customers make choices taking account of the opportunities provided by society.
Occludin oligomeric assemblies at tight junctions of the blood–brain barrier are altered by hypoxia and reoxygenation stress
Authors: McCaffrey. Gwen , Willis Colin L. , Staatz William D. , Nametz Nicole , Quigley Carolyn A. , Hom Sharon , Lochhead Jeffrey J. , Davis Thomas P.
Published: May 2009

Hypoxic (low oxygen) and reperfusion (post‐hypoxic reoxygenation) phases of stroke promote an increase in microvascular permeability at tight junctions (TJs) of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that may lead to cerebral edema. To investigate the effect of hypoxia (Hx) and reoxygenation on oligomeric assemblies of the transmembrane TJ protein occludin, rats were subjected to either normoxia (Nx, 21% O2, 60 min), Hx (6% O2, 60 min), or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R, 6% O2, 60 min followed by 21% O2, 10 min). After treatment, cerebral microvessels were isolated, fractionated by detergent‐free density gradient centrifugation, and occludin oligomeric assemblies associated with plasma membrane lipid rafts were solubilized by perfluoro‐octanoic acid (PFO) exclusively as high molecular weight protein complexes. Analysis by non‐reducing and reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/western blot of PFO‐solubilized occludin revealed that occludin oligomeric assemblies co‐localizing with ‘TJ‐associated’ raft domains contained a high molecular weight ‘structural core’ that was resistant to disassembly by either SDS or a hydrophilic reducing agent ex vivo, and by Hx and H/R conditions in vivo. However, exposure of PFO‐solubilized occludin oligomeric assemblies to SDS ex vivo revealed the non‐covalent association of a significant amount of dimeric and monomeric occludin isoforms to the disulfide‐bonded inner core, and dispersal of these non‐covalently attached occludin subunits to lipid rafts of higher density in vivo was differentially promoted by Hx and H/R. Our data suggest a model of isoform interaction within occludin oligomeric assemblies at the BBB that enables occludin to simultaneously perform a structural role in inhibiting paracellular diffusion, and a signaling role involving interactions of dimeric and monomeric occludin isoforms with a variety of regulatory molecules within different plasma membrane lipid raft domains.
Phosphorylation of ATXN1 at Ser776 in the cerebellum
Authors: Jorgensen Nathan D. , Andresen J. Michael , Lagalwar Sara , Armstrong Ben , Stevens Sam , Byam Courtney E. , Duvick Lisa A. , Lai Shaojuan , Jafar‐Nejad Paymaan , Zoghbi Huda Y. , Clark H. Brent , Orr Harry T.
Published: May 2009

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is one of nine inherited neurodegenerative disorders caused by a mutant protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. Phosphorylation of ataxin‐1 (ATXN1) at serine 776 is implicated in SCA1 pathogenesis. Previous studies, utilizing transfected cell lines and a Drosophila photoreceptor model of SCA1, suggest that phosphorylating ATXN1 at S776 renders it less susceptible to degradation. This work also indicated that oncogene from AKR mouse thymoma (Akt) promotes the phosphorylation of ATXN1 at S776 and severity of neurodegeneration. Here, we examined the phosphorylation of ATXN1 at S776 in cerebellar Purkinje cells, a prominent site of pathology in SCA1. We found that while phosphorylation of S776 is associated with a stabilization of ATXN1 in Purkinje cells, inhibition of Akt either in vivo or in a cerebellar extract‐based phosphorylation assay did not decrease the phosphorylation of ATXN1‐S776. In contrast, immunodepletion and inhibition of cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase decreased phosphorylation of ATXN1‐S776. These results argue against Akt as the in vivo kinase that phosphorylates S776 of ATXN1 and suggest that cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase is the active ATXN1‐S776 kinase in the cerebellum.
Depression‐like behavior in the forced swimming test in PACAP‐deficient mice: amelioration by the atypical antipsychotic risperidone
Authors: Hashimoto Hitoshi , Hashimoto Ryota , Shintani Norihito , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Akiko , Hatanaka Michiyoshi , Guo Xiaohong , Morita Yoshiko , Tanida Mamoru , Nagai Katsuya , Takeda Masatoshi , Baba Akemichi
Published: May 2009

Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with pleiotropic functions. We report here that PACAP‐deficient (PACAP−/−) mice showed increased immobility in a forced swimming test, which was reduced by the antidepressant desipramine, to a similar extent as in wild‐type mice. The atypical antipsychotic risperidone and the selective serotonin (5‐HT)2antagonist ritanserin normalized the depression‐like behavior in PACAP−/− mice. The 5‐HT2agonist (±)‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine‐induced 5‐HT syndrome was exaggerated in PACAP−/− mice, which suggests a 5‐HT2‐receptor‐dependent mechanism in the depression‐like behavior. The circadian rhythm of plasma corticosterone and body core temperature was significantly flattened in the mutants. mRNA expression of glucocorticoid receptor was reduced in the mutant hippocampus. The present results suggest that alterations in PACAP signaling might contribute to the pathogenesis of certain depressive conditions amenable to atypical antipsychotic drugs.
The affects of artificial water availability on large herbivore ranging patterns in savanna habitats: a new approach based on modelling elephant path distributions
Authors: Shannon Graeme , Matthews Wayne S. , Page Bruce R. , Parker Guy E. , Smith Robert J.
Published: May 2009

Aim  Artificial water points are often used in protected savanna ecosystems to maintain populations of large herbivores. However, these interventions lead to increased ranging and foraging pressure and can negatively impact important habitats and species. This study investigated the influence of artificial water provision on the foraging and movement paths of an African elephant population and modelled the impact of changing water availability on sensitive habitat types.

Location  Tembe Elephant Park (TEP), KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods  We mapped and classified 414 km of elephant movement and foraging paths in a 300‐km2 fenced protected area. The data were analysed to determine the relationship between path size, distribution and distance to water. We also used a logistic modelling approach to explore the predicted effects of removing artificial water points on path distribution.

Results  Elephant paths were unevenly distributed throughout the habitats of TEP and the most established and heavily used paths were found closest to water. We also discovered a number of elephant ‘rest areas’ along the paths, which were distinct clearings that tended to be close to water and in sand forest habitat. Our model predicted that the removal of artificial water points would reduce the area crossed by elephant paths by 79%, leading to an 89% reduction in the presence of elephant paths in sand forest.

Main conclusions  Our study provides further evidence that manipulating surface water availability can be a useful tool for managing large herbivore impacts on vegetation and acts as the basis for further research on the trade‐offs between conservation objectives.
The experience of therapy supervision within a UK multi‐centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cox Diane L. , Araoz Gonzalo
Published: May 2009

This study was set within the UK inter‐professional multi‐centre randomized controlled PACE Trial of manual‐based therapy (BMC Neurology, 2007, 7: 6). The aim of supervision within ‘the trial’ was to maintain specificity of manual‐based therapy, sustain retention of therapists, manage quality control and assurance of the therapy, monitor competence in delivering therapy and enhance professional development. The rationale for the study was that the approach to supervision within the trial appeared to be different from the previous experience of supervision for many of the therapists, especially occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A self‐report questionnaire utilizing survey methodology identified differences in therapists’ previous clinical supervision and current supervision experience within the trial. All respondents (n = 14) indicated that they liked and preferred supervision that was agenda structured, one to one and regular (at least once a month), interspersed with group (team supervision), peer support meetings, review of taped therapy sessions by supervisor and/or peer for feedback and competency rating. In the main this combination of supervision methods had not been previously experienced. This has implications for practice and future therapy research that both therapists and managers will need to consider. In particular the implementation of group supervision and review of audio taped therapy sessions for analysis, review and feedback in practice to enhance learning and client care.
THE FIDELITY OF THE FOSSIL RECORD: THE IMPROBABILITY OF PRESERVATION
Authors: PAUL C. R. C.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  The fidelity of the fossil record reflects how accurately it preserves the history of life. Since Darwin’s time any mismatch between our theories and the fossil record has been attributed to the imperfections of the record. For over a century scarcity of gradual evolutionary trends was explained in this way until the punctuated equilibrium model was proposed. A null hypothesis that all morphological patterns in the fossil record are unbiased random walks can be rejected because it predicts far more apparent trends than exist. Current best estimates suggest that trends occur in at most 5% of characters. When an organism dies either it becomes fossilized or it doesn’t. To be confident a species has not been preserved the probability against preservation must be significantly larger than the total number of individuals of that species that ever existed. For skeletized species preservation was the norm not the exception. Nevertheless, fossils must then avoid subsequent destruction and be discovered to be useful.
Successful biphasic transthoracic defibrillation of a dog with prolonged, refractory ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Bright Janice M. , Wright Bonnie D.
Published: May 2009

Objective
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To describe a case of spontaneous ventricular fibrillation in a dog in which biphasic defibrillation was life saving.

Case Summary
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Ventricular fibrillation occurred in a 7‐year‐old female Australian Heeler during recovery from anesthesia following pacemaker implantation. Resuscitative efforts including immediate delivery of transthoracic monophasic defibrillation shocks of escalating energy and administration of vasopressors were unsuccessful. However, a single biphasic shock restored sinus rhythm despite prolonged duration of the arrhythmia.

New or Unique Information Provided
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This case suggests greater efficacy of biphasic defibrillation compared with traditional monophasic defibrillation. In this dog the newer, biphasic technology was life saving after monophasic shocks failed repeatedly to terminate ventricular fibrillation.
Splenectomy as an adjunctive treatment for dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia: ten cases (2003–2006)
Authors: Horgan Jason Elliott , Roberts Brian Keith , Schermerhorn Thomas
Published: May 2009

Objective –To describe the patient population, disease severity, and outcome in dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) that underwent splenectomy. To compare presurgical and postsurgical data.

Design –Retrospective case series.

Setting –Emergency clinic/referral hospital.

Animals –Ten dogs diagnosed with IMHA.

Interventions –Splenectomy in addition to standard medical management for IMHA.

Measurements –Medical records of 10 dogs with IMHA, in which a splenectomy was performed were reviewed. The population was analyzed with regards to physical and clinicopathologic data, severity, treatment, and outcome. Outcome was defined as survival at 30 days, percentage of dogs on medications at 30 days, and number of relapses documented by 30 days. The presurgical and postsurgical PCV and transfusion requirements were documented and compared for each dog.

Results –Nine of 10 dogs survived to 30 days. Four of the 9 that survived were not on any immunosuppressive medications. There were no relapses during the 30 days. The 3‐day postsplenectomy PCVs were significantly higher than presplenectomy. The number of transfusions administered postsplenectomy was significantly less than those administered presplenectomy.

Conclusion –The use of splenectomy may be associated with an improved outcome in dogs with IMHA.
Rehabilitating China's Largest Inland River
Authors: LI YIQING , CHEN YANING , ZHANG YAOQI , XIA YANG
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Wetlands are particularly important for conserving China's biodiversity but riparian wetlands in the Tarim River basin in western China have been reduced by 46% during the last 3 decades. The world's largest habitat for Populus euphratica, which is in the Tarim River basin, significantly shrank. To protect and restore the deteriorated ecosystems along the Tarim River and its associated wetlands, China's government initiated a multimillion dollar river restoration project to release water from upper dams to the dried‐up lower reaches of the Tarim River starting in 2000. We monitored the responses of groundwater and vegetation to water recharge in the lower reaches of the river from 2000 to 2006 by establishing nine 1000‐m‐long transects perpendicular to the river at intervals of 20–45 km along the 320‐km river course below the Daxihaizi Reservoir, the source of water conveyance, to Lake Taitema, the terminus of the Tarim River. Water recharges from the Daxihaizi Reservoir to the lower reaches of the Tarim River significantly increased groundwater levels and vegetation coverage at all monitoring sites along the river. The mean canopy size of the endangered plant species P. euphratica doubled after 6 years of water recharge. Some rare migrating birds returned to rest on the restored wetlands in summer along the lower reaches of the Tarim River. The biggest challenge facing decision makers, however, is to balance water allocation and water rights between agricultural and natural ecosystems in a sustainable way. A large number of inhabitants in the Tarim Basin depend on these limited water resources for a living. At the same time, the endangered ecosystems need to be protected. Given the ecological, socioeconomic, and sociopolitical realities in the Tarim Basin, adaptive water policies and strategies are needed for water allocation in these areas of limited water resources.
Effectiveness of an Intensive Multidisciplinary Headache Treatment Program
Authors: Gunreben‐Stempfle Birgit , Grießinger Norbert , Lang Eberhard , Muehlhans Barbara , Sittl Reinhard , Ulrich Kathrin
Published: May 2009

Objective.— To investigate if the effectiveness of a 96‐hour multidisciplinary headache treatment program exceeds the effectiveness of a 20‐hour program and primary care.

Background.— When dealing with chronic back pain, low‐intensity multidisciplinary treatment yields no significantly better results than standard care and monodisciplinary therapy; however, high‐intensity treatment does. For multidisciplinary headache treatment, such comparisons are not yet available. In a previous study undertaken by our Pain Center, the outcome of a minimal multidisciplinary intervention model (20‐hour) did not exceed primary care.

Methods.— Forty‐two patients suffering from frequent headaches (20 ± 9 headache days/month; range: 8‐30) were treated and evaluated in a 96‐hour group program. The results were compared with the outcomes of the previous study. Subjects who had undergone either the 20‐hour multidisciplinary program or the primary care were used as historical control groups.

Findings.— A significant reduction in migraine days (P < .001), tension‐type headache days (P < .001), frequency of migraine attacks (P = .004), and depression score (P < .001) was seen at the follow‐up after 22 (±2) weeks. Comparing the intensive multidisciplinary program with primary care, repeated measures ANOVAs revealed significant time × group interactions for migraine days (P = .020), tension‐type headache days (P = .016), and frequency of migraine attacks (P = .016). In comparison with the 20‐hour multidisciplinary program, the 96‐hour program showed significantly better effects only in the reduction of migraine days (P = .037) and depression score (P = .003). The responder‐rates (≥50% improvement) in the 96‐hour program were significantly higher than in the 20‐hour program (migraine days, P = .008; tension‐type headache days, P = .044) and primary care (migraine days, P = .007; tension‐type headache days, P = .003; tension‐type headache intensity, P = .037). The effect sizes were small to medium in the 96‐hour program. Particularly with the reduction of migraine symptomatology, the 96‐hour program performed better than the 20‐hour program, which produced only negligible or small effects.

Conclusions.— Intensive multidisciplinary headache treatment is highly effective for patients with chronic headaches. Furthermore, migraine symptomatology responds especially well to this intensive treatment program, whereas effects on tension‐type headaches were realized by both multidisciplinary programs. Randomized controlled trials and subgroup analysis are needed to find out if these results can be replicated and which patient characteristics allow for sufficient improvements for headache sufferers even with less complex treatment.
Toward a Model of International Environmental Action: A Case Study of Japan's Environmental Conversion and Participation in the Climate Change Environmental Regime
Authors: Wu Joshua Su‐Ya
Published: May 2009

This article explains the empirical puzzle of Japan's green conversion from an environmental pariah to a leading player in the climate change environmental regime. My argument is that Japan pursued environmental action to reconstruct its international image and demonstrate itself to be a responsible global actor. Claiming that existing explanations fall short, I delineate an international environmental action model that incorporates a more comprehensive cost–benefit framework examining both real and ideational factors. To test the model, I examine four key episodes of Japan's participation in the climate change environmental regime. The empirical analysis reveals the relevancy of the environmental action model, as all four episodes are either fully or partially explained by the model's mechanisms. Finally, I provide some conclusions, suggest that this model fills in the gap in the literature on environmental foreign policy, and provide topics for future research.
European Climate Policy: Toward Centralized Governance?
Authors: Wettestad Jørgen
Published: May 2009

The EU emissions trading system (ETS) is the first large‐scale international emissions trading system and a “cornerstone” in EU climate policy. A key element in the ETS implementation process is deciding upon the ceiling (“cap”) for the emissions included in the ETS. Over time, a significant change and centralization of this model has taken place. In order to understand this development, we need to acknowledge the increasing acceptance of stronger centralized governance among the member states due to ETS pilot phase problems; take into consideration frustration in the European Commission over complex and differing National Allocation Plans; and add the fact that the Kyoto Protocol target was getting nearer and a good performance of the “flagship” ETS was becoming increasingly important. Hence, although the case supports the importance of acknowledging the multilevel character of the EU, it still emphasizes the key role of changes in member states' interests and positions for understanding outcomes.
Organizational Learning and the Development of a Networked Company
Authors: Bednar Deborah Hardy , Godkin Lynn
Published: May 2009

Through use of an exploratory case study, this research examines the concepts that distinguish a networked company from other organization models. These concepts are then applied in a field case study to a networked company called the Port Arthur Remediation Team (PART). PART was formed in 1996 by an integrated petroleum company, an environmental engineering concern, and a heavy construction firm to manage the remediation of an oil refining facility. How this networked firm learned to organize, coordinate activities, attain goals, and link its operational components in a useful way are described.
Expressing the Middle EnglishI
Authors: Davis Isabel
Published: May 2009

This article surveys the rich ways in which Middle English authors used the wordI, considering what it can tell us about the medieval conceptualizations of subjectivity. It argues against the idea of a sharp break between medieval and early modern accounts of selfhood, and in favour of a more sensitive understanding of the genres of medieval first‐person writing, suggesting reasons why those genres don't easily correspond to categories of modern life‐writing. This article considers allegory, the rhetorical device of the persona, and spiritual and allegorical ‘autobiographies’ in Middle English in order to arrive at an account of how medieval authors revised the influential accounts of subjectivity that they inherited from late Antique writers like Boethius and St Augustine and dramatized the subject as a site of competing psychological faculties which were in constant dialogue and distress. This article gathers its evidence from, and offers specific readings of a range of Middle English literature by Geoffrey Chaucer, John Gower, Thomas Usk, Thomas Hoccleve, Osbern Bokenham, Margery Kempe, Julian of Norwich, the York dramatist and, of course, Anon.
Satellite Precipitation Measurements for Water Resource Monitoring1
Authors: Kidd Chris , Levizzani Vincenzo , Turk Joe , Ferraro Ralph
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Satellites offer an unrivaled vantage point to observe and measure Earth system processes and parameters. Observations of meteorological phenomena permit a more holistic view of the weather and climate that is not possible through conventional surface observations. Precipitation (rain and snow) in particular, benefit from such observations since precipitation is spatially and temporally highly variable: conventional gauge and radar measurements tend to be land‐based with variable coverage. This paper provides an overview of the satellite systems that provide the observations, the techniques used to derive precipitation from the observations, and examples of the precipitation products available for users to access.
Estimation of reference intervals from small samples: an example using canine plasma creatinine
Authors: Geffré A. , Braun J.P. , Trumel C. , Concordet D.
Published: May 2009

Background: According to international recommendations, reference intervals should be determined from at least 120 reference individuals, which often are impossible to achieve in veterinary clinical pathology, especially for wild animals. When only a small number of reference subjects is available, the possible bias cannot be known and the normality of the distribution cannot be evaluated. A comparison of reference intervals estimated by different methods could be helpful.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare reference limits determined from a large set of canine plasma creatinine reference values, and large subsets of this data, with estimates obtained from small samples selected randomly.

Methods: Twenty sets each of 120 and 27 samples were randomly selected from a set of 1439 plasma creatinine results obtained from healthy dogs in another study. Reference intervals for the whole sample and for the large samples were determined by a nonparametric method. The estimated reference limits for the small samples were minimum and maximum, mean ± 2 SD of native and Box–Cox‐transformed values, 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles by a robust method on native and Box–Cox‐transformed values, and estimates from diagrams of cumulative distribution functions.

Results: The whole sample had a heavily skewed distribution, which approached Gaussian after Box–Cox transformation. The reference limits estimated from small samples were highly variable. The closest estimates to the 1439‐result reference interval for 27‐result subsamples were obtained by both parametric and robust methods after Box–Cox transformation but were grossly erroneous in some cases.

Conclusion: For small samples, it is recommended that all values be reported graphically in a dot plot or histogram and that estimates of the reference limits be compared using different methods.
Isolated cerebral aspergilloma in a young immunocompetent patient
Authors: Narayan S K , Kumar K , Swaminathan R P , Roopeshkumar V R , Bhavna B
Published: May 2009

Aspergillosis of the central nervous system is uncommon. It is encountered mainly in the immunocompromised. We describe an unusual case of cerebral aspergillosis in a young but immunocompetent patient. Despite delayed diagnosis, specific anti-fungal therapy lead to a good recovery. Unfortunately, non-adherence with the costly drugs for an adequate period of time was followed by a fatal relapse.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, another cause of hip or thigh pain in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sloan R L
Published: May 2009

This case report describes greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often referred to as trochanteric bursitis) in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a relatively common and treatable cause of hip pain in patients with several underlying conditions. It is probably underdiagnosed in MS where other causes of pain, particularly neurogenic, are so often assumed.
Transferability of cereal EST-SSR markers to ryegrass
Authors: Sim Sung-Chur , Yu Ju-Kyung , Jo Young-ki , Sorrells Mark E. , Jung Geunhwa
Published: May 2009

A large number of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in public databases have provided an opportunity for the systematic development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. EST-SSRs derived from conserved coding sequences show considerable cross-species transferability in related species. In the present study, we assessed the utility of cereal EST-SSRs in ryegrass ( Lolium spp.). A total of 165 cereal EST-SSRs were tested; a high rate of transferability (57%) and polymorphism (67% of functional EST-SSRs) was demonstrated between cereals and ryegrass. A total of 46 segregating loci derived from 37 EST-SSRs were mapped on an existing ryegrass genetic map. The mapped loci were uniformly distributed across all seven linkage groups without significant clustering at the distal regions of linkage groups. Sequences of ryegrass amplicons generated by randomly selected 16 EST-SSRs were aligned with reference sequences of cereal EST-SSRs. The SSR motifs and repeat lengths of the cereal EST-SSR markers were different from the majority of ryegrass amplicons. Furthermore, a majority of EST-SSRs amplified different flanking sequences of SSRs in ryegrass than the original cereal sequences. Our results suggest that the high degree of cereal EST-SSR transferability to ryegrass can be a useful enhancement to the molecular database of PCR-based markers but sequence analysis is essential before transferring genetic information using comparative mapping.
Architecture and regulation of the Ca2+delivery system in muscle cellsThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Franzini-Armstrong Clara
Published: May 2009

The junctional domain of sarcoplasmic reticulum (jSR) is specialized for receiving signals from the plasmalemma–transverse tubules and for releasing Ca2+during muscle activation. The junctional face of the jSR, facing the transverse tubules, is occupied by a molecular complex composed of the transmembrane Ca2+release channels (ryanodine receptors); the luminal protein calsequestrin (CSQ); the 2 membrane proteins, junctin (Jct), and triadin (Tr), which mediate CSQ-ryanodine receptor interactions; and several other components. Under the conditions prevailing within the sarcoplasmic reticulum lumen (physiological ionic strength, mostly due to K+and Ca2+ions), CSQ forms long linear polymers and the fixed protein gel is clearly visible in the electron microscope. The luminal domains of Jct and Tr are detectable but, overall, the 2 molecules are not clearly delineated. Cardiac muscles either overexpressing or bearing null mutations for 3 proteins of the junctional complex (CSQ, Jct, and Tr) reveal the contribution of these 3 components to the general architecture of the jSR.
Mitochondrial DNA shifting in older adults following resistance exercise trainingThis paper article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Tarnopolsky M. A.
Published: May 2009

Aging is associated with a reduction in muscle mass and strength, which compromises functional independence. Skeletal muscle also shows an increase in mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in older adults. Resistance-exercise training is an important countermeasure for aging-associated muscle weakness. It has been shown that resistance-exercise training increases muscle strength and function in older adults, in association with a reduction in markers of oxidative stress and an improvement in mitochondrial function. Patients with sporadic mitochondrial cytopathies show an accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations and deletions in mature muscle, but not in satellite cells. Such patients have shown an activation of the satellite cells following myotoxic trauma and resistance, likely due to a fusion of the relatively quiescent satellite cells with mature muscle, which dilutes the mutational burden, a process called mitochondrial DNA shifting. Preliminary data strongly suggest that mitochondrial DNA shifting occurs in skeletal muscle from older adults following resistance-exercise training.
Exercise, PGC-1α, and metabolic adaptation in skeletal muscleThis paper article is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Yan Zhen
Published: May 2009

Endurance exercise promotes skeletal muscle adaptation, and exercise-induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) gene expression may play a pivotal role in the adaptive processes. Recent applications of mouse genetic models and in vivo imaging in exercise studies have started to delineate the signaling-transcription pathways that are involved in the regulation of the Pgc-1α gene. These studies revealed the importance of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/activating transcription factor 2 and protein kinase D/histone deacetylase 5 signaling transcription axes in exercise-induced Pgc-1α transcription and metabolic adaptation in skeletal muscle. The signaling-transcription network that is responsible for exercise-induced skeletal muscle adaption remains to be fully elucidated.
Influence of aging and long-term unloading on the structure and function of human skeletal muscleThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Trappe Todd
Published: May 2009

Understanding the quantitative and qualitative changes in skeletal muscle that control changes in function is crucial in the development of countermeasures to the loss of skeletal muscle function observed with real and simulated microgravity exposure (i.e., unloading) and with aging in humans. Qualitative changes that could influence the force and power producing properties of skeletal muscle are changes in the distribution of the 3 isoforms of the main motor protein myosin heavy chain (MHC), as well as the abundance of MHC, actin (the other main contractile protein), and the force distributing the connective tissue network. Numerous studies have examined quantitative and qualitative changes in skeletal muscle, from the whole muscle to the single myofiber from individuals undergoing real and simulated space flight for a few weeks to several months, as well as from aging men and women. When considering the relative content of the main functional and structural elements (i.e., myosin, actin, collagen), it appears that human muscle appropriately scales changes in size of 10%–40% induced over a relatively short time period (1–3 months) and over the lifespan (in humans 20 to 90+ years old). The main qualitative change with unloading and aging is a redistribution of the 3 MHC isoforms, which have vastly different contractile characteristics. It is now known that the response of skeletal muscle to unloading is muscle and gender specific. In summary, changes in muscle mass (quantity) combined with the alterations in MHC distribution (quality) are the primary determinants of changes in muscle function with unloading and aging. These parameters are the key components of muscle that should be targeted with countermeasures for conditions related to muscle loss, along with considerations for muscle- and gender-specific responses.
HumanGLUD1andGLUD2glutamate dehydrogenase localize to mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Mastorodemos Vasileios , Kotzamani Dimitra , Zaganas Ioannis , Arianoglou Giovanna , Latsoudis Helen , Plaitakis Andreas
Published: May 2009

Mammalian glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), an enzyme central to glutamate metabolism, is thought to localize to the mitochondrial matrix, although there are also suggestions for the extramitochondrial presence of this protein. Whereas GDH in mammals is encoded by the GLUD1 gene, humans and the great apes have, in addition, a GLUD2 gene showing a distinct expression pattern. The encoded hGDH1 and hGDH2 isoenzymes are highly homologous, but their leader sequences are more divergent. To explore their subcellular targeting, we constructed expression vectors in which hGDH1 or hGDH2 was fused with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and used these to transfect COS 7, HeLa, CHO, HEK293, or neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y cells. Confocal microscopy revealed GDH-EGFP fluorescence in the cytoplasm within coarse structures. Cotransfection experiments using organelle-specific markers revealed that hGDH1 or hGDH2 colocalized with the mitochondrial marker DsRed2-Mito and to a lesser extent with the endoplasmic reticulum marker DsRed2-ER. Western blots detected two GDH-EGFP specific bands: a ~90 kDa band and a ~95 kDa band associated with the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum containing cytosol, respectively. Deletion of the signal sequence, while altering drastically the fluoresce distribution within the cell, prevented GDH from entering the mitochondria, with the ~90 kDa band being retained in the cytosol. In addition, the deletion eliminated the ~95 kDa band from cell lysates, thus confirming that it represents the full-length GDH. Hence, while most of the hGDHs translocate into the mitochondria (a process associated with cleavage of the signal sequence), part of the protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum, probably serving additional functions.
FRET analysis of actin–myosin interaction in contracting rat aortic smooth muscle
Authors: Black J. , Dykes A. , Thatcher S. , Brown D. , Bryda E.C. , Wright G.L.
Published: May 2009

We examined the interaction of smooth muscle myosin with α-actin and β-actin isoforms during the contraction of A7r5 smooth muscle cells and rat aortic smooth muscle. The techniques of confocal microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis were utilized in examining A7r5 cells and rat aortic rings contracted with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Visual evaluation of confocal images of A7r5 smooth muscle cells contracted by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate indicated significant disassociation of myosin from α-actin but not β-actin. Whole-cell FRET analysis confirmed these observations (α-actin–myosin –67%, β-actin–myosin –2%). Time course studies further showed that α-actin–myosin complex increased significantly (40%) within 1.5 min after the addition of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate and then declined as contraction progressed. FRET analysis of rat aortic rings at different intervals of contraction indicated significant increases in α-actin–myosin at the initiation (79%) and plateau (67%) in force development, but not during the intermediate period of slowly developing tension (–4%). By comparison, β-actin–myosin complex was unchanged except during slow force development, in which the association was significantly decreased (–30%). Similar to that of α-actin–myosin, Alexa 488 – phalloidin staining fluorescence indicated increased tissue F-actin content at the initiation (21%) and plateau (62%) in force. FRET images indicated the development of thickened cables and patches of α-actin–myosin in tissue throughout the interval of contraction. The results provide direct evidence of dynamic remodeling of the contractile protein during vascular smooth muscle contraction and suggest that FRET analysis may be a powerful tool for assessment of tissue protein–protein associations.
Effects of omeprazole treatment on nucleoside transporter expression and adenosine uptake in rat gastric mucosa
Authors: Redzic Zoran B. , Hasan Fuad A. , Al-Sarraf Hameed
Published: May 2009

Increased adenosine concentration inhibits gastric acid secretion in rat via adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, whereas achlorhydria suppresses A1 and A2A receptor gene expression. This study aimed to examine the effects of omeprazole-induced achlorhydria on the expression and functional activity of nucleoside transporters in rat gastric mucosa. Wistar rats were treated for either 1 or 3 days with 0.4 mmol/kg omeprazole via gavage; controls were treated with vehicle. The expression of nucleoside transporters at the transcript level was explored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays; the functional activity of nucleoside transporters in gastric mucosa was explored by observing [3H]adenosine uptake in vitro. Gastric mucosa expressed rat equilibrative nucleoside transporter (rENT) 1 and 2, and rat concentrative nucleoside transporter (rCNT) 1, 2, and 3 at the transcript level, and the estimated values for the threshold cycles for target amplification (Ct) were 31.5 ± 2, 28.5 ± 2.1, 32.9 ± 2.2, 29.1 ± 2, and 28.9 ± 2.5, respectively (n = 3 or 4). The Ct value for rat β-actin was 21.9 ± 1.8 (n = 4). In vitro uptake of [3H]adenosine by gastric mucosa samples consisted of Na+-dependent and Na+-independent components. One-day omeprazole treatment caused no change in nucleoside transporter mRNA levels or in [3H]adenosine uptake. Three-day omeprazole treatments, however, led to a 12-fold and 17-fold increase in rENT2 and rCNT1 mRNA levels, respectively. Samples taken after 3 days of treatment also took up significantly more [3H]adenosine than did samples from the corresponding control. In conclusion, the possible modification of nucleoside transport activities by changes in intraluminal acidity may have significance as part of a purinergic regulatory feedback mechanism in the control of gastric acid secretion.
Effect of refuge distance on escape behavior of side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana)
Authors: Zani P. A. , Jones T. D. , Neuhaus R. A. , Milgrom J. E.
Published: May 2009

Side-blotched lizards ( Uta stansburiana Baird and Girard, 1852) use sagebrush desert habitat above cliffs and typically flee over and down the nearest cliff when disturbed. We tested antipredator escape tactics of lizards to a common local snake, the western yellowbelly racer ( Coluber mormon Baird and Girard, 1852). Our goal was to determine if lizards use cliffs as a refuge from snakes, which cannot climb the sheer rock face, and whether distance to refuge affects escape behavior. We located undisturbed lizards above a cliff and approached them from a random direction with a realistic rubber snake model. When the snake model approached, lizards fled nonrandomly toward the nearest cliff refuge, indicating considerable spatial awareness. Lizards fled more directly toward the cliff the farther from the cliff they were found. However, when beyond ~15 m from the cliff the escape behavior of lizards changed to one of flight in circles (nondirectional) without hiding. Performance capacity (endurance) of the lizards is much greater than 15 m, indicating that lizards have the physiological capacity to reach the cliff. We suggest that the costs of potential intraspecific interactions (i.e., escape into unfamiliar or a competitor’s territory) are greater than the immediate risks of predation by snakes.
The dihydroisoindole approach to linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins
Authors: Cheprakov Andrei V. , Filatov Mikhail A.
Published: May 2009

The dihydroisoindole strategy for the synthesis of linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins is a common approach to tetrabenzo-, tetranaphtho-, and tetraanthraporphyrins with variable functionality and substitution patterns. This method implies the use of a common type of precursors involving the 4,7-dihydroisoindole moiety, which are the closest possible stable relatives of the unstable isoindole, benzoisoindole and naphthoisoindole. A key feature of this strategy is the unprecedented mildness of the final oxidative aromatization step, which accounts for synthetic versatility, better functional group tolerance and high purity of the products. Many new linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins of the tetrabenzo-, tetranaphtho-, and tetraanthraporphyrin families were produced and characterized for the first time, including soluble planar and highly emissive 5,15-diaryl derivatives. The double bond of the dihydroisoindole fragment can also be useful for further modification of the porphyrin by means of addition of cycloaddition reactions, leading to new, previously inaccessible porphyins bearing multiple halide, hydroxy, or acetoxy groups at the periphery.
Carboxy-1,4-phenylenevinylene- and carboxy-2, 6-naphthylene-vinylene unsymmetrical substituted zinc phthalocyanines for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Silvestri Fabio , García-Iglesias Miguel , Yum Jun-Ho , Vázquez Purificación , Victoria Martínez-Díaz M. , Grätzel Michael , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Torres Tomás
Published: May 2009

Two unsymmetrical Zn (II) phthalocyanines 1 and 2 bearing an anchoring carboxylic function linked to the phthalocyanine ring through different rigid arylenevinylene bridges have been designed for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. The phthalocyanines 1 and 2, when anchored onto nanocrystalline TiO 2 films, yielded 30% incident monochromatic photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) and 2% power conversion efficiencies under AM1.5 sun.
Adaptation of the NDIR technology to13CO2breath tests under increased inspiratory O2concentrations
Authors: Vogt Josef A. , Wachter Ulrich , Mehring Jürgen , Radermacher Peter , Georgieff Michael , Fischer Heinz , Hölscher Uvo , Moede Michael , Fabinski Walter
Published: May 2009

Nondispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR) allows the continuous analysis of respiratory gases. Due to its high selectivity, simple and robust setup, and small footprint, it is also used to support13CO2breath tests to assess bacterial growth in the stomach, gut, or liver function. CO2NDIR signals, however, are biased by oxygen in the gas matrix. This complicates NDIR-based breath tests, if the inspired oxygen concentration has to be adjusted to the subject's requirements, or hyperoxia-induced effects were studied. To avoid the oxygen-induced bias, a “dilution” approach was developed: expired gas is mixed with N2to lower the oxygen content down to the usual range of 15–20%. Accuracy and precision were tested using synthetic gas mixtures with increasing13CO2-to-12CO2ratios (13CO2/12CO2), either based on synthetic air with ∼20% volume O2or on pure O2. For samples with δ13C values smaller than 300 (or13CO2/12CO2smaller than 0.003), the dilution does not significantly increase the bias in the13CO2/12CO2determination, and the within-run imprecision is smaller than 1 δ13C. The practical use of this approach was validated in a pig study using a sepsis model reflecting a clinical situation that requires an increased oxygen concentration for respiration. The N2dilution eliminated the high bias in NDIR measurement, thus allowing the determination of the impact of oxygenation on glucose oxidation in patients ventilated with increased oxygen.
Nutrition for the Eye: Different Susceptibility of the Retina and the Lacrimal Gland to Dietary Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Incorporation
Authors: Schnebelen Coralie , Viau Sabrina , Grégoire Stéphane , Joffre Corinne , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P. , Bron Alain M. , Bretillon Lionel , Acar Niyazi
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare the susceptibility of the retina and the exorbital lacrimal gland to dietary supplies of long-chain omega-3 (ω3) and omega-6 (ω6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). Male Wistar rats were fed a 5% lipid diet containing: (1) 10% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 7% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or (2) 10% γ-linolenic acid (GLA), or (3) 10% EPA, 7% DHA and 10% GLA or (4) a balanced diet deprived of EPA, DHA and GLA for 3 months. Lipids were extracted from plasma phospholipids, retina and exorbital lacrimal gland, and fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Dietary supplementation with EPA and DHA increased ω3 PUFA levels in plasma phospholipids as well as in the retina and the exorbital lacrimal gland. By contrast, GLA supplementation favored ω6 PUFA incorporation, and particularly the incorporation of the end-chain ω6 product, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), into all tissues. Supplementation with EPA, DHA and GLA increased the levels of DHA, EPA and dihomo-GLA (dGLA), whereas arachidonic acid (AA) was unchanged and DPA decreased in the retina and the lacrimal gland. The ability of both tissues to incorporate PUFAs from blood was evaluated. The results showed that the retina was more selective than the lacrimal gland for EPA. In spite of the different susceptibility of the retina and the lacrimal gland to dietary PUFAs, these results suggest that the concomitant use of dietary ω3 and ω6 PUFAs may be useful in modulating inflammation in both tissues.