bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial Expectancy, Task Effort, and Performance
Authors: Gatewood Elizabeth J. , Shaver Kelly G. , Powers Joshua B. , Gartner William B.
Published: December 2004

Research to date has not adequately explained the role that expectancy of entrepreneurial performance based on perceived ability plays in motivating persons to persevere on an entrepreneurial task. This study investigated the entrepreneurial expectancy, effort–performance linkage via a World Wide Web–based experiment involving 179 undergraduate business students at a large midwestern university. Results indicated that the type of feedback (positive versus negative) that individuals received regarding their entrepreneurial ability (regardless of actual ability) changed expectancies regarding future business start–up, but did not alter task effort or quality of performance. Individuals receiving positive feedback about their entrepreneurial abilities had higher entrepreneurial expectancies than individuals receiving negative feedback. We also found that males had higher expectancies regardless of experimental condition than females.
Independent Component Analysis Removing Artifacts in Ictal Recordings
Authors: Urrestarazu Elena , Iriarte Jorge , Alegre Manuel , Valencia Miguel , Viteri César , Artieda Julio
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Independent component analysis (ICA) is a novel algorithm able to separate independent components from complex signals. Studies in interictal EEG demonstrate its usefulness to eliminate eye, muscle, 50‐Hz, electrocardiogram (ECG), and electrode artifacts. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ICA in removing artifacts in ictal recordings with a known EEG onset.

Methods: We studied 20 seizures of nine patients with focal epilepsy monitored in our video‐EEG monitoring unit. ICA was applied to remove obvious artifacts in segments at the beginning of the seizure. The final EEGs were exported to the original format and were compared with the original EEG by two blinded examiners. We compared original recordings and the samples cleaned by digital filters (DFs), ICA and ICA plus digital filters (ICA + DFs), evaluating the possibility of finding an ictal pattern, the localization of the onset in area and time, and the global quality of the sample.

Results: All the recordings except one (95%) improved after the use of ICA for the elimination of blinking and other artifacts. Three seizures were found in which in the original recordings did not permit us to detect an ictal pattern, and after ICA + DFs, an ictal onset was evident; in two of them, ICA alone was able to show this pattern. The best results in all the scores were obtained with ICA + DF. ICA was better than DFs. The agreement between the two reviewers was highly significant.

Conclusions: ICA is useful to remove artifacts from ictal recordings. When applied to ictal recordings, it increases the quality of the recording. In some cases, ICA may be useful to show ictal onsets obscured by artifacts. ICA + DFs obtained the best results regarding removal of the artifacts.
Mice Carrying the Szt1 Mutation Exhibit Increased Seizure Susceptibility and Altered Sensitivity to Compounds Acting at the M‐Channel
Authors: Otto James F. , Yang Yan , Frankel Wayne N. , Wilcox Karen S. , White H. Steve
Published: December 2004

Summary:  Purpose: Mutations in the genes that encode subunits of the M‐type K+ channel (KCNQ2/KCNQ3) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRNA4) cause epilepsy in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Szt1 mutation, which not only deletes most of the C‐terminus of mouse Kcnq2, but also renders the Chnra4 and Arfgap‐1 genes hemizygous, on seizure susceptibility and sensitivity to drugs that target the M‐type K+ channel.

Methods: The proconvulsant effects of the M‐channel blocker linopirdine (LPD) and anticonvulsant effects of the M‐channel enhancer retigabine (RGB) were assessed by electroconvulsive threshold (ECT) testing in C57BL/6J‐Szt1/+ (Szt1) and littermate control C57BL/6J+/+ (B6) mice. The effects of the Szt1 mutation on minimal clonic, minimal tonic hindlimb extension, and partial psychomotor seizures were evaluated by varying stimulation intensity and frequency.

Results:
Szt1 mouse seizure thresholds were significantly reduced relative to B6 littermates in the minimal clonic, minimal tonic hindlimb extension, and partial psychomotor seizure models. Mice were injected with LPD and RGB and subjected to ECT testing. In the minimal clonic seizure model, Szt1 mice were significantly more sensitive to LPD than were B6 mice [median effective dose (ED50) = 3.4 ± 1.1 mg/kg and 7.6 ± 1.0 mg/kg, respectively]; in the partial psychomotor seizure model, Szt1 mice were significantly less sensitive to RGB than were B6 mice (ED50= 11.6 ± 1.4 mg/kg and 3.4 ± 1.3 mg/kg, respectively).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the Szt1 mutation alters baseline seizure susceptibility and pharmacosensitivity in a naturally occurring mouse model.
Literacy, self‐esteem and locus of control
Authors: GALBRAITH ALISON , ALEXANDER JOY
Published: December 2004

In this article, Alison Galbraith and Joy Alexander use case studies of a group of primary school pupils to examine the efficacy of an integrated, eclectic approach to the teaching of literacy, including whether constructs such as self‐concept and self‐esteem have a bearing on academic achievement. Circle Time activities, interactive teaching methods and discussion based on the principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy aim to improve self‐esteem and internalise locus of control in children. Significant improvements in the reading scores of the target children are concurrently achieved with improved self‐esteem and locus of control scores, suggesting the usefulness of the teacher acting simultaneously as instructor, scaffolder and iconoclast.
Book Reviews
Authors: Smith Preston G.
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this issue:

The Strongest Link: Forging a Profitable and Enduring Corporate Alliance

Mastering Alliance Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Design, Management, and Organization

What's the Big Idea? Creating and Capitalizing on the Best Management Thinking

Creating an Environment for Successful Projects

Strategy Maps: Converting Intangible Assets into Tangible Outcomes

The Entropy Vector: Connecting Science and Business

Editor's Note: This group of reviews includes two short reviews. Because there has been some confusion about short reviews, I would like to clarify. A book receiving a short review is in no way an inferior book; we do not review books we regard as substandard. Instead, it is a book that does not fit squarely within our normal selection criteria. For example, neither of the short reviews here addresses product innovation exclusively but only as one of many corporate activities. In addition, Strategy Maps aims principally at top management.
Basal cell carcinoma is associated with high TNF‐α release but not with TNF‐α polymorphism at position − 308
Authors: Skov Lone , Allen Michael H. , Bang Bo , Francis David , Barker Jonathan N. W. N. , Baadsgaard Ole
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The mechanisms underlying induction of UVB‐induced immunosuppression are not fully understood, but tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) is suggested to play a central role. A single base pair polymorphism at position − 308 in the promoter region of the TNF‐α gene associated with an enhanced secretion of TNF‐α has been identified in humans. We have therefore investigated the association of the − 308 polymorphism with the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in humans. The frequency of TNF G and TNF A alleles among Caucasian patients with a previous BCC (n= 191) and healthy adults (n= 107) were compared. For the TNF − 308 polymorphism there was no significant association between the genotype or allele frequencies and having a BCC. To determine whether patients with a previous BCC had an increased capacity to secrete TNF‐α, mononuclear cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Mononuclear cells from patients with a previous BCC (n= 15) demonstrated a significantly increased release of TNF‐α upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.03) compared with mononuclear cells from age‐matched control subjects (n= 16). Further studies of other polymorphisms of the TNF‐α gene associated with increased TNF‐α production and BCC are necessary.
Local authority scrutiny of health: making the views of the community count?
Authors: Coleman Anna J , Glendinning Caroline
Published: December 2004

Objective  To look at the preparations being made for the introduction of scrutiny of local health services by social service local authorities.

Design  A baseline postal survey carried out in late 2002 of all social service local authorities in England.

Setting  Against a backdrop of changing structures and policy, both within local government and the National Health Service (NHS) in England and before the official introduction of health scrutiny in January 2003. Survey from the local authority perspective.

Results  Progress is being made in the implementation of this new policy, and many local authorities have already carried out pilot scrutiny exercises of local health provision. The survey highlights the different approaches authorities are taking to initiate implementation of health scrutiny and the importance of support, in terms of resources, guidance and training, for overview and scrutiny to be successful.

Discussion and Conclusions  Further evaluation of the implementation of health scrutiny is required to examine the impact on local governance of the NHS and partnership working.
Regional brain variations of cytochrome oxidase activity and motor coordination in hot‐foot mutant mice
Authors: Krémarik P. , Strazielle C. , Lalonde R.
Published: December 2004

Hot‐foot mutant mice are characterized by defective arborization of Purkinje cell dendrites, resulting in ataxia of gait and deficits of equilibrium. Regional brain variations of cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity were analysed for the purpose of identifying those brain regions with abnormal metabolic activity as a secondary consequence to the cerebellar alteration. In addition, the possible relation between CO activity and motor deficits was evaluated. By comparison to normal littermate controls of the same background strain, hot‐foot mutants had higher CO activity in the molecular layer of the cerebellum, the ventrolateral and midline thalamic nuclei, as well as in the frontal eye field. There was no other alteration of CO activity in the hot‐foot brain. No linear correlation was discerned between CO activity in the molecular layer of the cerebellum and the ventrolateral and midline nuclei on one hand, and motor coordination performance on the other. These results indicate regionally selective abnormalities of metabolic activity in a cerebellar mutant with defective dendritic arborization of the Purkinje cell.
Network bursting by organotypic spinal slice cultures in the presence of bicuculline and/or strychnine is developmentally regulated
Authors: Ballerini Laura , Galante Micaela
Published: December 2004

Organotypic cocultures of dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord from embryonic rats provides direct access to spinal interneurons in a culture system in which the cytoarchitectural organization of the spinal cord slice is maintained. This preparation was used to investigate the possible induction of rhythmic behaviour at different times of development in vitro. Spontaneous rhythmic bursts induced by coapplication of strychnine (1 μm) and bicuculline (20 μm) were observed with patch‐clamp recordings from ventral interneurons. Ventral horn interneurons consistently developed a very regular pattern of activity which was superimposed on a background of sustained synaptic activity. The pattern of the spontaneous bursting following application of strychnine and bicuculline showed a developmentally regulated difference in frequency between two distinct stages of in vitro development.
Synergistic stimulation of MHC class I and IRF‐1 gene expression by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Agresti C. , Bernardo A. , Del Russo N. , Marziali G. , Battistini A. , Aloisi F. , Levi G. , Coccia E. M.
Published: December 2004

In order to understand the molecular basis of the synergistic action of interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) on rat oligodendrocyte development, we studied some aspects of the signalling pathways involved in the regulation of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) gene expression. Two well‐defined inducible enhancers of the MHC class I gene promoter, the MHC class I regulatory element (MHC‐CRE) and the interferon consensus sequence (ICS), were analysed. Neither IFN‐γ nor TNF‐α was capable of inducing MHC‐CRE binding activity when administrated alone. Following the exposure of oligodendrocytes to IFN‐γ, TNF‐R1 expression was transcriptionally induced by the binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT‐1) homodimers to the IFN‐γ activated site (GAS) present in the gene promoter. The upregulation of TNF‐R1 allowed TNF‐α to induce the binding of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) to the MHC‐CRE site. With respect to ICS element, IFN‐γ induced IRF‐1 binding, that was further enhanced upon co‐treatment with TNF‐α. The existence of a synergism between IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in stimulating IRF‐1 expression at the transcriptional level was supported by IRF‐1 promoter analysis: IFN‐γ directly induced the binding of STAT‐1 homodimers to the GAS element, while NF‐κB binding to the κB sequence was activated by TNF‐α only after IFN‐γ treatment. This transcriptional regulation of IRF‐1 gene by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α was confirmed at the mRNA level. The synergism demonstrated in the present study highlights the importance of cytokine interactions in magnifying their biological effects during brain injury and inflammation.
Cells in laminae III and IV of the rat spinal cord which possess the neurokinin‐1 receptor receive monosynaptic input from myelinated primary afferents
Authors: Naim M. M. , Shehab S. A. S. , Todd A. J.
Published: December 2004

We have previously demonstrated that neurons which have cell bodies in laminae III or IV of the rat spinal cord, dendrites that enter the superficial laminae and which possess the neurokinin‐1 receptor receive a major synaptic input from substance P‐containing primary afferent axons. In this study we set out to determine whether these cells also receive monosynaptic input from myelinated primary afferents by using transganglionic transport of the B subunit of cholera toxin to identify the central terminals of myelinated afferents from the sciatic nerve. Dual‐immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed apparent contacts between labelled primary afferent terminals and all of the neurokinin‐1 receptor‐immunoreactive cells examined, although these contacts were much less numerous than those which the cells receive from substance P‐containing primary afferents. By using a combined confocal and electron microscopic technique we were able to confirm that synapses were present at some of the contacts between primary afferents and neurokinin‐1 receptor‐immunoreactive neurons. These results suggest that cells of this type will have wide‐dynamic range receptive fields, but with a relatively strong input from nociceptors.
Electrophysiological characterization of interlaminar entorhinal connections: an essential link for re‐entrance in the hippocampal–entorhinal system
Authors: Kloosterman Fabian , Van Haeften Theo , Witter Menno P. , Lopes da Silva Fernando H.
Published: December 2004

The hippocampal formation communicates with the neocortex mainly through the adjacent entorhinal cortex. Neurons projecting to the hippocampal formation are found in the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex and are largely segregated from the neurons receiving hippocampal output, which are located in deep entorhinal layers. We studied the communication between deep and superficial entorhinal layers in the anaesthetized rat using field potential recordings, current source density analysis and single unit measurements. We found that subiculum stimulation was able to excite entorhinal neurons in deep layers. This response was followed by current sinks in superficial layers. Both responses were subject to frequency dependent facilitation, but not depression. Selective blockade of deep layer responses also abolished subsequent superficial layer responses. This clearly demonstrates a functional deep‐to‐superficial layer communication in the entorhinal cortex, which can be triggered by hippocampal output. This pathway may provide a means by which processed hippocampal output is integrated or compared with new incoming information in superficial entorhinal layers, and it constitutes an important link in the process of re‐entrance of activity in the hippocampal–entorhinal network, which may be important for consolidation of memories or retaining information for short periods.
Galanin increases membrane excitability and enhances Ca2+currents in adult, acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Kerekes Nóra , Mennicken Francoise , O'Donnell Dajan , Hökfelt Tomas , Hill Russell H.
Published: December 2004

We examined the effect of galanin (10−15–10−7 m) on dispersed, mainly small‐sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in adult rats using whole‐cell patch‐clamp. Galanin and AR‐M1896, a selective galanin type 2 receptor (GalR2) agonist, both significantly increased the number of action potentials in response to current pulses in 77% of the neurons, indicating an increase in excitability. Galanin also caused a rise in input resistance, decreased the holding current for −60 mV and depolarized the resting potential. In addition, Ca2+currents elicited by voltage steps were significantly increased by both galanin and AR‐M1896 in nearly 70% of the cells. This enhancement was observed in 30% of the neurons in the presence of nimodipine or ω‐conotoxin, but in each case ≈ 60% less than without blocking either N‐ or L‐type Ca2+channels, indicating modulation of both types of Ca2+channels. The percentage of small‐ and medium‐sized neurons expressing GalR2 mRNA in DRGsin situwas similar to that showing increased excitability and Ca2+current after galanin application, i.e. ≈ 70–80% of the neurons. The findings suggest that GalR2 has a role in controlling both the excitability, probably by inhibition of GIRK or leak K+channels, and Ca2+entry in a large population of presumably nociceptive neurons. The combination of the two effects, which possibly arise from separate biochemical pathways, would increase excitability and enhance intracellular Ca2+signalling which would enhance sensory transmission. These mechanisms involving GalR2 receptors may underlie the pronociceptive effects of galanin described in the literature.
Altered morphology of rod bipolar cell axonal terminals in the retinas of mice carrying genetic deletion of somatostatin subtype receptor 1 or 2
Authors: Casini Giovanni , Monte Massimo Dal , Petrucci Cristina , Gambellini Gabriella , Grouselle Dominique , Allen Jeremy P. , Kreienkamp Hans‐Jürgen , Richter Dietmar , Epelbaum Jacques , Bagnoli Paola
Published: December 2004

Somatostatin (SRIF), similar to other neuropeptides, is likely to influence the morpho‐functional characteristics of neurons. We studied possible morphological alterations of mouse retinal neurons following genetic deletion of SRIF subtype receptor 1 [sst1 knockout (KO)] or 2 (sst2 KO). In sst1 KO retinas, axonal terminals of rod bipolar cells (RBCs), identified with protein kinase C immunoreactivity, were 25% larger than in controls. In contrast, in sst2 KO retinas, RBC axonal terminals were significantly smaller (−14%). No major ultrastructural differences were observed between control and KO RBCs. In sst2 KO retinas, SRIF levels decreased by about 35%, while both sst1 receptor mRNA and protein increased by about 170% and 100%, respectively. This compares to previous results reporting an increase of both retinal SRIF and sst2 receptors following sst1 receptor deletion. Together, these findings suggest that, on the one hand, sst1 receptor deletion induces over‐expression of sst2 receptors, and vice versa; on the other hand, that an imbalance in sst1 and sst2 receptor expression and/or changes in the levels of retinal SRIF induced by sst1 or sst2 receptor deletion are responsible for the morphological changes in RBC axonal terminals. Similar alterations of RBC terminals were observed in KO retinas at 2 weeks of age (eye opening). In addition, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of the expression of sst2 and sst1 receptors in developing sst1 and sst2 KO retinas, respectively, demonstrated that these receptors are up‐regulated at or near eye opening. These findings suggest that the integrity of the somatostatinergic system during development is necessary for proper RBC maturation.
Netrin 1‐mediated chemoattraction regulates the migratory pathway of LHRH neurons
Authors: Schwarting Gerald A. , Raitcheva Denitza , Bless Elizabeth P. , Ackerman Susan L. , Tobet Stuart
Published: December 2004

Luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons migrate from the vomeronasal organ (VNO) to the forebrain in all mammals studied. In mice, the direction of LHRH neuron migration is dependent upon axons that originate in the VNO, but bypass the olfactory bulb and project caudally into the basal forebrain. Thus, factors that guide this unique subset of vomeronasal axons that comprise the caudal vomeronasal nerve (cVNN) are candidates for regulating the migration of LHRH neurons. We previously showed that deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) is expressed by neurons that migrate out of the VNO during development [Schwarting et al. (2001) J. Neurosci., 21, 911–919]. We examined LHRH neuron migration in Dcc−/− mice and found that trajectories of the cVNN and positions of LHRH neurons are abnormal. Here we extend these studies to show that cVNN trajectories and LHRH cell migration in netrin 1 (Ntn1) mutant mice are also abnormal. Substantially reduced numbers of LHRH neurons are found in the basal forebrain and many LHRH neurons migrate into the cerebral cortex of Ntn1 knockout mice. In contrast, migration of LHRH cells is normal in Unc5h3rcm mutant mice. These results are consistent with the idea that the chemoattraction of DCC+ vomeronasal axons by a gradient of netrin 1 protein in the ventral forebrain guides the cVNN, which, in turn, determines the direction of LHRH neuron migration in the forebrain. Loss of function through a genetic deletion in either Dcc or Ntn1 results in the migration of many LHRH neurons to inappropriate destinations.
Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors regulate the frequency–response function of hippocampal CA1 synapses for the induction of LTP and LTD
Authors: Van Dam Els J. M. , Kamal Amer , Artola Alain , De Graan Pierre N. E. , Gispen Willem Hendrik , Ramakers Geert M. J.
Published: December 2004

Synaptically released glutamate binds to ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G‐protein‐coupled receptors and can be divided into three subclasses (Group I–III) depending on their pharmacology and coupling to signal transduction cascades. Group I mGluRs are coupled to phospholipase C and are implicated in several important physiological processes, including activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity, but their exact role in synaptic plasticity remains unclear. Synaptic plasticity can manifest itself as an increase or decrease of synaptic efficacy, referred to as long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD). The likelihood, degree and direction of the change in synaptic efficacy depends on the history of the synapse and is referred to as ‘metaplasticity’. We provide direct experimental evidence for an involvement of group I mGluRs in metaplasticity in CA1 hippocampal synapses. Bath application of a low concentration of the specific group I agonist 3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), which does not affect basal synaptic transmission, resulted in a leftward shift of the frequency–response function for the induction of LTD and LTP in naïve synapses. DHPG resulted in the induction of LTP at frequencies which induced LTD in control slices. These alterations in the induction of LTD and LTP resemble the metaplastic changes observed in previously depressed synapses. In addition, in the presence of DHPG additional potentiation could be induced after LTP had apparently been saturated. These findings provide strong evidence for an involvement of group I mGluRs in the regulation of metaplasticity in the CA1 field of the hippocampus.
Environmental enrichment affects striatal graft morphology and functional recovery
Authors: Döbrössy Máté D. , Dunnett Stephen B.
Published: December 2004

Environmental conditions and behavioural experience can affect neuronal function and morphology. It is less well known whether such factors also influence the growth, integration and functional recovery provided by neural grafts placed within the damaged brain. Here we report on the effects of differential housing conditions on striatal graft morphology and functional recovery after striatal lesions. Rats were pretrained on a skilled bilateral forelimb task, the staircase test, and lesioned unilaterally in the lateral dorsal striatum with quinolinic acid. One group of lesioned animals was given suspension grafts of E15 whole ganglionic eminence implanted into the lesioned striatum. Following transplantation, the animals were housed either in standard cages (four per cage) or in enriched environment housing conditions (10 per cage) with tunnels, ladders and increased living space available for exploration, social interaction and play. The differentially housed animals were retested on the skilled staircase test at two separate time points. Repeated testing, environmental enrichment and transplantation positively influenced behavioural recovery. Partial recovery was observed bilaterally amongst the grafted animals in both housing conditions. Nevertheless, the grafted animals housed in the enriched environment performed significantly better in the final test compared with all of the other experimental groups. The grafts survived equally well under both housing conditions but the grafts of animals housed in the enriched environment contained larger projection neurons and were somewhat better reinnervated by dopaminergic afferents. An increased level of striatal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor was observed in the control animals housed under the enriched compared with the standard conditions. The results indicate that an enriched environment can affect both graft function and graft morphology through as yet unknown mechanisms.
Glycine receptors and GABAA receptor α1 and γ2 subunits during the development of mouse hypoglossal nucleus
Authors: Muller Emilie , Triller Antoine , Legendre Pascal
Published: December 2004

In the hypoglossal nucleus, GABA and glycine mediate inhibition at separate or mixed synapses containing glycine receptors (GlyRs) and/or GABAA receptors (GABAARs). The functional development of mixed inhibitory synapses depends on the brain area studied, but their relative proportion to total synapses generally decreases with time. We have determined the sequential process of inhibitory synapse maturation in the hypoglossal nucleus in vivo. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were used for codetection of VIAAT, the common presynaptic vesicular transporter of glycine and GABA, GlyRs, GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunits, and gephyrin, the scaffold protein implicated in the synaptic localization of inhibitory receptors. In E17 embryos, GlyRs were already clustered while GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunit immunoreactivity (IR) displayed both diffuse and clustered patterns. Quantitative analysis at this stage revealed that the majority of GlyR clusters were apposed to VIAAT‐IR accumulation and that 30% of them colocalized with γ2GABAAR clusters. This proportion increased with age to 50% at P30. GlyR clusters that did not colocalize with γ2GABAAR clusters were associated with GABAAR γ2 diffuse IR. Interestingly, the percentage of GlyR clusters surrounded by GABAAR γ2 diffuse IR decreased with age, while GlyR clusters colocalized with γ2GABAAR clusters increased. The developmental coclustered pattern of gephyrin and GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunits paralleled the coclustered pattern of GlyRs and GABAAR α1 and γ2 subunits. Our results indicate that the proportion of GlyR‐GABAAR coclusters increases until adulthood. A developmental sequence of the postsynaptic events is proposed in which diffuse extrasynaptic GABAARs accumulate at inhibitory synapses to form postsynaptic clusters, most of them being colocalized with GlyR clusters in the adult.
Does a latitudinal gradient in seedling survival favour larger seeds in the tropics?
Authors: Moles Angela T. , Warton David I. , Stevens Richard D. , Westoby Mark
Published: December 2004

The mean size of seeds produced by plants at the equator is two to three orders of magnitude higher than the mean size of seeds produced by plants at 60°. We compiled data from the literature to assess the possibility that this latitudinal gradient in seed size allows species to cope with more difficult seedling establishment conditions in tropical environments. We found no relationship between latitude and seedling survival through 1 week (P = 0.27, n = 112 species). There was also no evidence that a larger seed mass is required to gain a given level of seedling survival in tropical environments (P = 0.37, n = 112 species), and no relationship between latitude and the duration of the juvenile period (P = 0.57, n = 132 species). Thus, our results are not compatible with the idea that seedling establishment is more difficult in the tropics.
Transgenerational phenotypic plasticity under future atmospheric conditions
Authors: Mondor Edward B. , Tremblay Michelle N. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: December 2004

Organisms often exhibit transgenerational phenotypic changes in response to an increased risk of parasitism or predation. Shifts in global atmospheric composition could modify these phenotypic effects through changes in either nutrient quantity/quality or altered interactions with higher trophic levels. Here we show that future atmospheric conditions alter a natural enemy‐induced wing polyphenism in aphids. Winged offspring production by Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum aphids on goldenrod (Solidago canadensis var. scabra) does not differ in enriched CO2 and/or O3 atmospheres. However, proportionally more winged offspring are produced in response to search cues from both coccinellid predators (Coccinella septempunctata) and hymenopteran parasitoids (Aphidius polygonaphis) relative to plants not searched by natural enemies. Moreover, the magnitude of this response differs under enriched CO2 and O3 environments. Aphids produce more winged offspring in response to predators under elevated CO2, but produce more winged offspring in response to parasitoids under elevated O3. Thus, global atmospheric changes influence natural enemy‐mediated phenotypic expression, with potentially far‐reaching consequences for trophic dynamics.
The effect of cleaning and disinfecting the sampling well on the microbial communities of deep subsurface water samples
Authors: Basso Odile , Lascourrèges Jean‐François , Jarry Marc , Magot Michel
Published: December 2004

Our knowledge of the microbial characteristics of deep subsurface waters is currently very limited, mainly because of the methods used to collect representative microbial samples from such environments. In order to improve this procedure, a protocol designed to remove the unspecific, contaminant biofilm present on the walls of an approximately 800 m deep well is proposed. This procedure included extensive purges of the well, a mechanical cleaning of its wall, and three successive chlorine injections to disinfect the whole line before sampling. Total bacterial counts in water samples decreased from 2.5 × 105 to 1.0 × 104 per millilitre during the cleaning procedure. Culture experiments showed that the first samples were dominated by sulfate‐reducers and heterotrophs, whereas the final sample was dominated by oligotrophic and hydrogenotrophic bacteria. Community structures established on the diversity of the 16S rRNA genes and data analysis revealed that the water sample collected, after a purge without removal of the biofilm, was characterized by numerous phyla which are not representative of the deep subsurface water. On the other hand, several bacterial phyla were only detected after the full cleaning of the well, and were considered as important components of the subsurface ecosystem which would have been missed in the absence of well cleaning.
Divergent transcriptional and translational signals in Archaea
Authors: Torarinsson Elfar , Klenk Hans‐Peter , Garrett Roger A.
Published: December 2004

Many Archaea, in contrast to bacteria, produce a high proportion of leaderless transcripts, show a wide variation in their consensus Shine–Dalgarno (S‐D) sequences and frequently use GUG and UUG start codons. In order to understand the basis for these differences, 18 complete archaeal genomes were examined for sequence signals that are positionally conserved upstream from genes. These functional motifs include box A promoter sequences for leaderless transcripts and S‐D sequences for transcripts with leaders. Most of the box A sequences were preceded by a BRE‐like motif and followed by a previously undetected A/T peak centred on position −10. Moreover, the sequence of the predominant S‐D motifs in an archaeon is shown to depend on the precise number of nucleotides between the conserved anti‐S‐D CCUCC sequence and the 3′‐terminal nucleotide of 16S RNA. Correlations with phylogenetic trees, constructed for the 18 Archaea, reveal that usage of high levels of both S‐D motifs, and GUG and UUG start codons occurs exclusively in the shorter branched Archaea. High levels of leaderless transcripts are found in the longer branched Archaea.
Tax Havens: Renegade States in the International Tax Regime?*
Authors: EDEN LORRAINE , KUDRLE ROBERT T.
Published: December 2004

Taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) is inherently conflictual because national tax systems are not well designed to handle their international activities. The OECD has been instrumental in developing an international tax regime to govern the conflicts and interdependencies induced by national taxation of MNEs. The strength of this regime depends on the extent to which states adhere to the regime's norms and practices. We examine the OECD's Harmful Tax Competition initiative, arguing that tax havens have been as renegade states in the international tax regime. We explore how the OECD initiative developed and evaluate its impact on regime effectiveness.
Regulating Science and Technology: The Case of the UK Biotechnology Industry*
Authors: LAWTON SMITH HELEN
Published: December 2004

This paper considers the current performance and future prospects of the UK biotech industry, particularly the biomedical sector. The central argument is that the performance of the UK biotech industry cannot be understood in isolation from the European system of regulation and, increasingly, the international regulatory environment, and from what is happening elsewhere in the regulation of science – particularly in the U.S. To develop this argument, it adopts as its conceptual framework Kim and von Tunzelmann's network alignment approach following Radosevic. It explores the link between regulatory policies and the biotechnology production system – networks between academic research, biotech firms, and large pharmaceutical companies.
Normal hematological indices, blood chemistry and histology and ultrastructure of pancreatic islets in the wild Indian bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata radiata)
Authors: Daisy Mythili M. , Vyas Rashmi , Susama Patra S. , Nair S.C. , Akila G. , Sujatha Rebecca , Gunasekaran S.
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  The present study is aimed at determining some haemtological and biochemical parameters in the wild Indian bonnet monkeys as also the microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of their pancreatic islets. Adult wild Indian bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata radiata) of both sexes weighing between 2.5 and 4 kg were used in these experiments. Their platelet, reticulocyte and total leukocyte counts and the blood concentrations of hemoglobin and plasma proteins and the serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and calcium are similar to the values reported for M. mulatta. Plasma glucose is lower when compared with reported values of M. mulatta and M. fascicularis. Insulin levels are comparable with those of M. mulatta and M. nigra. Histology of islets is similar to that of humans. Ovoid cell collections of islet cells are scattered throughout the pancreas. Ultrastructure of A, B and D cells is similar to humans. These findings suggest that this relatively underutilized macaques may be a suitable model for biomedical research.
DNA variants in the human RAB3A gene are not associated with autism
Authors: D'Adamo P. , Bacchelli E. , Blasi F. , Lipp H.‐P. , Toniolo D. , Maestrini E.
Published: December 2004

Mutation screening of the RAB3A gene in 47 individuals with autism provided no evidence that DNA variants in this gene are associated with autism. Since Rab3a constitutive knockout mice react to novel stimuli with hyperactivity, a further search for association of RAB3A DNA variants with other neurobehavioral disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder appears justified.
It Takes Time to Make a Pinky: Unexpected Insights into How SHH Patterns Vertebrate Digits
Authors: Zeller Rolf
Published: December 2004

It is widely accepted that the diffusible Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) morphogen signal establishes a spatial gradient that patterns embryonic structures by long-range signaling. In response, cell fates are determined by linear thresholds according to the position of cells within the gradient field. Two recent studies of SHH signaling during vertebrate limb development challenge this spatial gradient model. They establish that a large fraction of limb bud cells patterned by SHH are descendants of cells that have previously expressed
Shh
. These cells are endowed with a kinetic memory that integrates their exposure to SHH rather than sensing their position in a SHH gradient. In addition, a fraction of cells changes their SHH responsiveness progressively during limb bud pattering, which is indicative of local nonlinear modulation of cell fate specification.
Clonal Relatedness and Conserved Integron Structures in Epidemiologically Unrelated
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Strains Producing the VIM-1 Metallo-β-Lactamase from Different Italian Hospitals
Authors: Riccio Maria Letizia , Pallecchi Lucia , Docquier Jean-Denis , Cresti Stefania , Catania Maria Rosaria , Pagani Laura , Lagatolla Cristina , Cornaglia Giuseppe , Fontana Roberta , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: December 2004

Three epidemiologically independent
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates, representative of the first VIM-1 metallo-β-lactamase producers detected at three different hospitals in northern Italy, were investigated to determine their genomic relatedness and to compare the structures of the genetic supports for the VIM-1 determinants. The three isolates, all of serotype O11, appeared to be clonally related according to the results of genotyping by macrorestriction analysis of genomic DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and random amplification of polymorphic DNA. Investigation of the genetic support for the
bla
VIM-1
determinant revealed that it was carried on identical or almost identical integrons (named In70.2 and In70.3) located within a conserved genomic context. The integrons were structurally related to In70 and In110, two plasmid-borne
bla
VIM-1
-containing integrons from
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
and
Pseudomonas putida
isolates, respectively, from the same geographic area (northern Italy) and were found to be inserted close to the
res
site of a Tn
5051
-like transposon, different from any of those described previously, that was apparently carried on the bacterial chromosome. The present findings suggest that the three VIM-1-producing isolates are members of the same clonal complex which have been spreading in hospitals in northern Italy since the late 1990s and point to a common ancestry of their
bla
VIM-1
-containing integrons.
Antibacterial Activity and Specificity of the Six Human α-Defensins
Authors: Ericksen Bryan , Wu Zhibin , Lu Wuyuan , Lehrer Robert I.
Published: December 2004

We developed a kinetic, 96-well turbidimetric procedure that is capable of testing the antimicrobial properties of six human α-defensins concurrently on a single microplate. The defensins were prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis and tested against gram-positive bacteria (
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Bacillus cereus
) and gram-negative bacteria (
Enterobacter aerogenes
and
Escherichia coli
). Analysis of the growth curves provided virtual lethal doses (vLDs) equivalent to conventional 50% lethal doses (LD
50
s), LD
90
s, LD
99
s, and LD
99.9
s obtained from colony counts. On the basis of their respective vLD
90
s and vLD
99
s, the relative potencies of human myeloid α-defensins against
S. aureus
were HNP2 > HNP1 > HNP3 > HNP4. In contrast, their relative potencies against
E. coli
and
E. aerogenes
were HNP4 > HNP2 > HNP1 = HNP3. HD5 was as effective as HNP2 against
S. aureus
and as effective as HNP4 against the gram-negative bacteria in our panel. HD6 showed little or no activity against any of the bacteria in our panel, including
B. cereus
, which was highly susceptible to the other five α-defensins. The assay described provides a quantitative, precise, and economical way to study the antimicrobial activities of host-defense peptides. Its use has clarified the relative potencies of human α-defensins and raised intriguing questions about the in vivo function(s) of HD6.
Serine-to-Asparagine Substitution in the GyrA Gene Leads to Quinolone Resistance in Moxifloxacin-Exposed
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: Rupp Jan , Gebert Andreas , Solbach Werner , Maass Matthias
Published: December 2004

Quinolone resistance of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
has not been described previously. Serial subcultures of
C. pneumoniae
under increasing moxifloxacin concentrations (0.0125 to 6.4 mg/liter) resulted in a 256-fold MIC increase compared to moxifloxacin-naive strains. GyrA gene sequencing revealed a novel point mutation with a Ser→Asn substitution. Subcultures under rifalazil and macrolides did not alter the respective MICs.
Effect of Parenteral Antibiotic Administration on Establishment of Intestinal Colonization by
Candida glabrata
in Adult Mice
Authors: Pultz Nicole J. , Stiefel Usha , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Helfand Marion S. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: December 2004

We examined the effect of antibiotic treatment on establishment of intestinal colonization by
Candida glabrata
in adult mice. Subcutaneous ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam, clindamycin, and metronidazole promoted increased density of stool colonization, whereas cefepime, levofloxacin, and aztreonam did not. These findings suggest that antibiotics that inhibit intestinal anaerobes promote
C. glabrata
colonization.
Characterization of
pncA
Mutations in Pyrazinamide-Resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Vívian de F. Sumnienski , Telles Maria Alice , Ribeiro Marta Osório , Cafrune Patrícia Izquierdo , Rossetti Maria Lucia Rosa , Zaha Arnaldo
Published: December 2004

In this study the nucleotide sequence of the
pncA
gene from 59
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical isolates was analyzed. Mutations in the
pncA
gene were identified in 29 of 40 pyrazinamide-resistant isolates, and no pyrazinamidase activity was detected in 39 of them. Twelve mutations found in this work have not been described previously.
Anaplasma phagocytophilumModulates gp91phoxGene Expression through Altered Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 and PU.1 Levels and Binding of CCAAT Displacement Protein
Authors: Thomas Venetta , Samanta Swapna , Wu Caiyun , Berliner Nancy , Fikrig Erol
Published: December 2004

Infection of neutrophil precursors withAnaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, results in downregulation of the gp91phoxgene, a key component of NADPH oxidase. We now show that repression of gp91phoxgene transcription is associated with reduced expression of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and PU.1 in nuclear extracts ofA. phagocytophilum-infected cells. Loss of PU.1 and IRF-1 correlated with increased binding of the repressor, CCAAT displacement protein (CDP), to the promoter of the gp91phoxgene. Reduced protein expression of IRF-1 was observed with or without gamma interferon (IFN-γ) stimulation, and the defect in IFN-γ signaling was associated with diminished binding of phosphorylated Stat1 to the Stat1 binding element of the IRF-1 promoter. The diminished levels of activator proteins and enhanced binding of CDP account for the transcriptional inhibition of the gp91phoxgene duringA. phagocytophiluminfection, providing evidence of the first molecular mechanism that a pathogen uses to alter the regulation of genes that contribute to an effective respiratory burst.
Gamma Interferon and Monophosphoryl Lipid A-Trehalose Dicorynomycolate Are Efficient Adjuvants forMycobacterium tuberculosisMultivalent Acellular Vaccine
Authors: Hovav Avi-Hai , Fishman Yolanta , Bercovier Herve
Published: December 2004

In this study, we examined the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of six immunodominantMycobacterium tuberculosisrecombinant antigens (85B, 38kDa, ESAT-6, CFP21, Mtb8.4, and 16kDa) in a multivalent vaccine preparation (6Ag). Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and monophosphoryl lipid A-trehalose dicorynomycolate (Ribi) adjuvant systems were used separately or in combination for immunization with the recombinant antigens. Our results demonstrate that immunization of mice with Ribi emulsified antigens in the presence of IFN-γ (Ribi+6Ag+IFN-γ) resulted after challenge with a virulentM. tuberculosisstrain in a significant reduction in the CFU counts that was comparable to that achieved with the BCG vaccine (∼0.9-log protection). Antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers in the Ribi+6Ag+IFN-γ-immunized mice were lower than in mice immunized with Ribi+6Ag and were oriented toward a Th1-type response, as confirmed by elevated IgG2a levels. In addition, splenocyte proliferation, IFN-γ secretion, and NO production were significantly higher in splenocytes derived from Ribi+6Ag+IFN-γ-immunized mice, whereas IL-10 secretion was decreased. These findings confirm the induction of a strong cellular immunity in the vaccinated mice that correlates well with their enhanced resistance toM. tuberculosis. The adjuvant effect of IFN-γ was dose dependent. A dose of 5 μg of IFN-γ per mouse per immunization gave optimal protection, whereas lower or higher amounts (0.5 or 50 μg/ mouse) of IFN-γ failed to enhance protection.