bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and X‐ray crystal structure study of the hydroxyurea and hydantoin derivatives of l‐valine
Authors: Opačić N. , Zorc B. , Cetina M. , Mrvoš‐Sermek D. , Raić‐Malić S. , Mintas M.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  The novel hydroxyurea 5 derivative of L‐valine was prepared by aminolysis of N‐(1‐benzotriazolecarbonyl)‐L‐valine cyclohexanemethylamide 4 with hydroxylamine. The corresponding hydantoin derivative 6 was synthesized by base catalyzed cyclization of the amide 4. The exact stereostructure of hydantoin derivative 6 has been determined by X‐ray crystal structure analysis. The chiral atom of the hydantoin ring in 6 has S configuration what is in agreement with its configuration in the starting L‐valine. The molecules of 6 are joined into infinite chains by N–H⋯O intermolecular hydrogen bond. The infinite chains are additionally linked by two C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds, thus forming two‐dimensional network. The hydantoin derivative of L‐valine 6 and its L‐leucine analogue LH have similar packing arrangements, so they are homostructural.
Detection of peptides covalently modified with multiple fatty acids by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Jagannadham M.V. , Nagaraj R.
Published: June 2005

Abstract:  Analysis and characterization of membrane proteins and hydrophobic peptides by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is a considerable challenge because of their lower ionization efficiency. Detergents are used to solubilize hydrophobic peptides and proteins. However, in MALDI‐MS, the presence of detergents can cause considerable loss of signal intensity. The extent of interference depends on the matrix/sample preparation method and experimental conditions. In the present study, we have analyzed the MALDI response of multiple fatty acylated peptides in the presence of the matrices α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxy cinnamic acid (HCCA) and 2,5‐dihydroxy benzoic acid (DHB). The effect of adding the nonionic detergent n‐octylglucoside (OG) was also examined. The presence of OG facilitated detection of tetrapalmitoylated peptide, particularly when HCCA was used as the matrix. When DHB was used as the matrix, good signal intensity was observed in the absence of OG. Lower laser pulse rate in the linear mode of analysis resulted in good signal intensity for the tetrapalmitoylated peptide. Conditions for obtaining good signal intensities for dipalmitoylated and N‐myristoyl peptides with both HCCA and DHB as matrices were also investigated.
Postnatal Modelling of the Humeroantebrachial Contact Areas of Radius and Ulna in Dogs
Authors: Breit S. , Künzel W. , Seiler S.
Published: June 2005

Necropsy dogs (n = 234) ranging in age between 2 days and 17 years were examined to characterize the cross‐sectional shape of the humeroantebrachial contact area of the radius and ulna on radioulnar scans of giant, large, mid‐sized, small, and chondrodystrophic breeds. During growth, the contact areas became more circular in shape in all breeds, those in small dogs remained most elliptic. Smallest normalized heights (distance between the tip of the anconeal process and the most proximal aspect of the cranial margin of the radial head = RUH, distance between the tip of the anconeal process and the cranial tip of the medial coronoid process = UH) and depths (distance determined in a right angle to RUH = RUD, distance determined in a right angle to UH = UD) were noted in large and giant breeds with no significant difference between these. In juveniles, a decrease in UD was correlated with a decrease in UH in all breeds as was a decrease in RUD correlated with a decrease in RUH, whereas in non‐arthrotic adults this condition could only be proven for mid‐sized dogs and small breeds but not for giant, large and chondrodystrophic dogs. The average radioulnar and ulnar heights and depths (as seen in non‐arthrotic adults) were calculated to be obtained in mid‐sized dogs at least 3–4 weeks earlier than in large dogs. Lipping of the cranial margin of the radial head was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with lesion(s) of the articular surface (i.e. erosion of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone and/or fragmentation of the medial coronoid process) and caused additional change in shape of this contact area, which was then even more circular. However, the variables evaluated (RUH, RUD, UH, UD) allowed only poor discrimination between constitution types and between non‐arthrotic and arthrotic joints.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Gastrin‐releasing Peptide, Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and Neurone‐specific Enolase in the Uterus of the North American Opossum, Didelphis virginiana
Authors: Kumano A. , Sasaki M. , Budipitojo T. , Kitamura N. , Krause W. J. , Yamada J.
Published: June 2005

The present study has demonstrated the immunohistochemical localization of gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and neurone‐specific enolase (NSE) in the uterus of the North American opossum. Although the presence of GRP, nNOS and NSE has been reported recently in the uterus of eutherian species this is the first description of these peptides in a metatherian species. Metatherian mammals are of interest because in these species it is the prolonged lactation phase of development that is the period of primary reproductive investment rather than intrauterine development as is true of eutherian mammals. The opossum, like other marsupial species, has a very abbreviated gestation period which in Didelphis lasts only 12.5 days. GRP was localized in the cytoplasm of cells forming the surface lining epithelium and the glandular epithelium of the opossum endometrium late in pregnancy, at 11.5 days of gestation. Likewise, immunoreactivities of nNOS and NSE were found primarily within the epithelial cells of the endometrium at 11.5 days of gestation. As these peptides and enzymes appear primarily at the time of establishment of the yolk sac placenta (between day 10 and day 12.5 gestation), the present results strongly suggest that these factors may play a fundamental role in the placentation of the opossum.
Immunophenotypical Characterization of Lymphocyte Subpopulations of the Uterus of Non‐pregnant and Pregnant Goats
Authors: Martínez C. M. , Buendía A. J. , Sánchez J. , Navarro J. A.
Published: June 2005

The increased susceptibility during pregnancy to certain pathogens that cause abortions may be related to changes in the distribution and phenotype of lymphocyte subpopulations in the uterus. Histological, electron microscopic and immunocytochemical techniques were used in this study to examine whether such variations occur in different stages of the reproductive cycle of goats. The study of non‐pregnant goats showed that most uterine lymphocytes were T cells and displayed both an intraepithelial and stromal distribution. CD8+ T lymphocytes were more numerous than CD4+ T lymphocytes. In the endometrial epithelium two lymphocyte subpopulations were observed: non‐granulated CD2+CD8+ T lymphocytes and granulated CD2+CD8− T lymphocytes. During gestation, no lymphocytes were observed in the placentomal area, while a decreased number of T lymphocyte subpopulations were found in the inter‐placentomal area. In the inter‐caruncular epithelium, non‐granulated CD2+CD8+ T lymphocytes disappeared, whereas the granulated CD2+CD8− T lymphocyte subpopulations increased their number and changed their morphology.
Cell‐specific Localization of Oestrogen Receptor beta (ESR2) mRNA within Various Bovine Ovarian Cell Types Using In situ Hybridization
Authors: D'Haeseleer M. , Van Poucke M. , Van den Broeck W.
Published: June 2005

The localization of oestrogen receptor beta (ESR2) mRNA, in this article denominated as (ERβ) mRNA, was examined using in situ hybridization in the ovaries of randomly selected cows, irrespective of the cycle stage of the animals. A 602‐bp fragment of ERβ mRNA was cloned, sequenced and digoxigenin (DIG)‐labelled. Semi‐quantitative evaluation showed that the scores for ERβ mRNA were moderate to high in the follicle cells of both primordial and primary follicles, but lower in granulosa cells of secondary follicles. In vital tertiary follicles, the total ERβ mRNA expression was low but varied between the different animals. In both obliterative and cystic atretic follicles, high to moderate ERβ mRNA scores were noticed in the granulosa cells. The stroma cells surrounding primordial and primary follicles and the theca cells of secondary follicles showed moderate ERβ mRNA levels, whereas the ERβ mRNA score in theca interna and theca externa cells of vital tertiary follicles was distinctly higher. In the theca cells of atretic follicles the score was even higher. Cells of corpora hemorrhagica and corpora lutea had moderate ERβ mRNA scores, while higher scores were seen in cells of corpora albicantia. Cells of the surface epithelium had a moderate score for ERβ mRNA, whereas cells of the tunica albuginea and deep stroma showed high ERβ mRNA scores. The present findings have clearly established a cell‐specific localization of ERβ mRNA in several cell types in the bovine ovary.
Observations on the Macroscopic Digestive Anatomy of the Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
Authors: Clauss M. , Hummel J. , Vercammen F. , Streich W. J.
Published: June 2005

We measured macroscopic anatomical parameters of the digestive tract of 12 female Himalayan tahrs. According to morphological criteria used sensu Hofmann for the classification of ruminants into feeding types – in particular the reticuloruminal capacity measured as wet content weights, the ruminal pillar thickness, the reticular honeycomb structure, the size of the omasum and the size of the parotid glands – tahrs can be classified as predominantly grazing ruminants. As reported in other ruminant species, the length of the large intestine was a more constant parameter over a range of body weights than that of the small intestine. The weight of the parotid glands scaled to metabolic body weight.
School nurse assessment of primary school children: Analysis of data from the school entrant health questionnaire
Authors: Edgecombe Gay A , Avant Kay C , Griffin Patrick , Corneille Karen
Published: June 2005

Edgecombe GA, Avant KC, Griffin P, Corneille K. International Journal of Nursing Practice 1998; 4: 40–50

School nurse assessment of primary school children: Analysis of data from the school entrant health questionnaire

The School Entrant Health Questionnaire (SEHQ) has been used by the School Nursing Program in Victoria since April, 1997. The SEHQ assists school nurses in developing a health profile of primary grade children and in discriminating between children with problems and children without problems. The SEHQ assesses children in 11 domains: general health, medications, immunisations, dental health, speech/language, hearing, vision, disabilities, general development, behaviour and emotional well‐being, and family stress. The SEHQ was found to be reliable and valid, and to provide an excellent means of distinguishing between students who had problems and needed intervention and those who did not. This paper presents an analysis of data from the first testing of the SEHQ.
Lane Cove National Park Bushcare volunteers: Taking stock, 10 years on
Authors: Reidy Margaret , Chevalier Winkie , McDonald Tein
Published: June 2005

Lane Cove Valley's wildfires of 1994 triggered not only massive regeneration of natives and weeds but also a massive response from bush regeneration volunteers. Is the momentum still positive and what lessons can be learned?
Using landholder perspectives to evaluate and improve recovery planning for Toolibin Lake in the West Australian wheatbelt
Authors: Munro Jennifer K. , Moore Susan A.
Published: June 2005

Summary  Over the last two decades, recovery plans have emerged as one of the most widespread policy and management responses for endangered species. Often these plans include public and private lands, and the associated government departments and private landholders. Toolibin Lake, in the West Australian (WA) wheatbelt, is a case in point, with a recovery plan focused on an internationally recognized wetland on public land within a predominantly privately owned, agricultural catchment. This paper draws on recent questionnaire and interview‐based research with landholders, to evaluate the influence of the recovery plan on conservation activities. Almost all landholders in the Catchment (93%) are involved in revegetation activities, with the availability of subsidies from the WA Government playing a strong role in adoption and its extent. The main constraints to adopting conservation actions, such as revegetation and fencing remnant vegetation, were cost and logistics. Correspondingly, the greatest incentive was financial inducement. Strengths of the recovery plan were identified as increasing awareness, demonstrating government effectiveness, and making funding available to landholders. The communication efforts by the WA Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM), the agency leading the recovery process, were lauded while at the same time the need for improved liaison was noted. Weaknesses were the lack of information and direction from CALM, bureaucracy, limited funding for CALM, and variable adoption across the Catchment. Recovery planning in this Catchment and other similar settings could be improved by a continuing commitment to two‐way communication between all those involved, ongoing recognition of the complexities of the government–community interface in recovery planning, and continuing subsidies for conservation actions on private lands where high biodiversity values are at stake.
Poor recovery of woody vegetation on sand and gravel mines in the Darwin region of the Northern Territory
Authors: Price Owen , Milne Damian , Tynan Charmaine
Published: June 2005

Summary  Sand sheets near Darwin support a distinct heathland vegetation type which includes the habitat of several threatened species. Sand and gravel are extracted from shallow mines in this region. Woody vegetation recovery in 31 small, shallow former sand or gravel mine sites near Darwin that were up to 27 years old was assessed and compared to paired unmined control sites. Recovery in vegetation structure within each mine was calculated as the percentage of that in the control site. Mined sites recovered about 50% of their stem count and canopy cover, but only about 10% of basal area and mature tree count. Gravel mines showed poorer recovery than sand mines. Time since mining had no significant effect on the extent of recovery, but deeper mines had significantly poorer recovery. Only 35% of woody species in sand controls were present in mine sites, and 41% of gravel control species were present in former mine sites. It is unlikely that recovery will significantly improve in coming decades. Sand mining affects about 40 ha of land per year in this region, but is likely to increase in the future. If Darwin expands to a population of 1 million people, and mine sites are not fully rehabilitated, all of the sand‐sheet vegetation in the region could be removed in the next 100 years. Improved rehabilitation and protection is crucial for the conservation of heathland vegetation in this region.
Seed bed treatment effects on vegetation and seedling establishment in a New Zealand pasture one year after seeding with native woody species
Authors: Stevenson Bryan A. , Smale Mark C.
Published: June 2005

Summary Efforts to re‐establish indigenous forests in pastoral New Zealand have increased as the value of native biodiversity has been realized. Direct seeding of woody species is preferable to transplanting, as labour and material costs are less. However, the success rate of direct seeding in pasture has been variable due to intense competition from adventive species. We initiated an experiment in pasture plots adjacent to a forest fragment where seed bed treatments (increasing in degree of disturbance from herbicide application to turf removal and topsoil removal) in combination with mulch treatments (wood chip shavings with and without forest floor organic material) were seeded with a mixture of New Zealand lowland forest species. The objective of the study was to determine if early successional plant communities, and ultimately seedling establishment, differed as a result of seed bed preparation after 1 year.Coprosma robusta(Karamu) andKunzea ericoides(Kanuka) seedlings established on plots in significant numbers: both species were most abundant on topsoil‐removed plots where bare substrate was greatest and plant cover least. Both seed bed treatments and mulching treatments led to measurable differences in overall composition of early successional plant communities. However, absence of plant cover and low soil fertility (both associated with the topsoil‐removed treatment) were the most important factors in seedling success.
Mapping gradual landscape‐scale floristic changes in Amazonian primary rain forests by combining ordination and remote sensing
Authors: Thessler Sirpa , Ruokolainen Kalle , Tuomisto Hanna , Tomppo Erkki
Published: June 2005

Aim We present a new method to economically map gradual changes in plant species composition in lowland rain forests using field data and satellite images. Such a method will be a useful tool in planning the sustainable use and conservation of Amazonian rain forests.

Location The study covered an area ofc.700 km2of primary rain forest in Amazonian Ecuador.

Methods We field inventoried the species composition of pteridophytes and Melastomataceae in 340 inventory plots (5 m × 50 m), described the prevailing topography and analysed soil cation concentration and texture. We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to summarize the floristic variation among the inventory plots in three ordination dimensions. The scores of the three ordination axes were predicted to non‐visited places using a Landsat TM (thematic mapper) satellite image and theknearest neighbours (knn) estimation method. To avoid extrapolation, we excluded from the analysis those pixel windows whose spectral values were not represented in the areas covered by field sampling. The accuracy of the predictions was evaluated by cross‐validation and by comparing the predictions based on spectrally nearest neighbours to the predictions based on random neighbours.

Results The floristic gradients presented by NMDS ordination were interpretable in terms of topography, drainage and soil cation content. Thirteen percent of the cloud‐free pixels were excluded from theknn analysis to avoid extrapolation. The estimates of the floristic ordination scores based on spectrally nearest neighbours were always more accurate than estimates based on random neighbours.

Main conclusions The presented method needs a relatively small input of work and resources, is mechanistic and produces maps that give relevant information on floristic variation over forest areas that are traditionally considered essentially homogeneous. Therefore, the method appears to have a great potential for use in mapping large areas of Amazonian rain forests.
Energy flux, body size and density in relation to bird species richness along an elevational gradient in Taiwan
Authors: Ding Tzung‐Su , Yuan Hsiao‐Wei , Geng Shu , Lin Yao‐Sung , Lee Pei‐Fen
Published: June 2005

Aim  To examine the species richness of breeding birds along a local elevational gradient and to test the following assumptions of the energy limitation hypothesis: (1) the energy flux through birds is positively correlated with above‐ground net primary productivity, (2) bird density is positively correlated with total energy flux, and (3) bird species richness is positively correlated with bird density.

Location  An elevational gradient from 1400 to 3700 m on Mt. Yushan, the highest mountain in Taiwan (23°28′30″ N, 120°54′00″ E), with a peak of 3952 m a.s.l.

Methods  We established 50 sampling stations along the elevational gradient. From March to July 1992, we estimated the density of each bird species using the variable circular‐plot method. Above‐ground net primary productivity was modelled using monthly averages from weather data for the years 1961–90.

Results  Bird species richness had a hump‐shaped relationship with elevation and with net primary productivity. Bird energy flux was positively correlated with net primary productivity and bird species richness was positively correlated with bird density. The relationship between bird density and energy flux was hump‐shaped, which does not support one assumption of the energy limitation hypothesis.

Main conclusions  The results supported two essential assumptions of the energy limitation hypothesis. However, when energy availability exceeded a certain level, it could decrease species richness by increasing individual energy consumption, which reduced bird density. Thus, energy availability is a primary factor influencing bird species richness at this scale, but other factors, such as body size, could also play important roles.
Changes in the diversity structure of avian assemblages in North America
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Boecklen William J.
Published: June 2005

Aim  To determine the major patterns of change in avian diversity structure over space and time at a local resolution and continental extent in non‐urban areas in North America.

Location  The contiguous United States and southern Canada.

Methods  We used 1673 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) routes containing 547 terrestrial and aquatic species to estimate four diversity components: species richness, individual abundance, taxonomic distinctness and species evenness. We implemented three levels of analysis to examine changes in diversity structure on a yearly basis from 1968 to 2003: (1) a canonical analysis of discriminance, (2) a univariate analysis across BBS routes, and (3) a univariate analysis at individual BBS routes. We estimated changes in similarity in species composition over time between 470,730 BBS route pairs. We also estimated the level of human activity at BBS routes using three spatial anthropogenic databases.

Results  BBS routes were located in non‐urban areas in association with low nighttime light activity and moderately low human population densities. The analysis of diversity structure indicated the presence of two independent patterns: (1) a temporally consistent pattern defined by increasing species richness (12% increase from 1968 to 2003) associated with limited gains in taxonomic distinctness, and (2) an association between species abundance and evenness related to variability in abundance associated with the most abundant species. The similarity analysis indicated that BBS routes located closer to the Atlantic and the Pacific coasts of the United States experienced the strongest patterns of homogenization of species composition.

Main conclusions  Our results suggest that avian diversity structure has changed at the local scale in non‐urban areas in North America. However, there was no evidence for a consistent continent‐wide pattern. Instead, the evidence pointed to the presence of regional factors influencing diversity patterns. This study provides a foundation for more detailed investigations of the spatiotemporal and taxonomic details of these general patterns.
The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway negatively regulates Ca2+‐activated K+ channel trafficking in developing parasympathetic neurons
Authors: Chae Kwon‐Seok , Dryer Stuart E.
Published: June 2005

The trafficking of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (KCa) in chick ciliary ganglion neurons is regulated by growth factors. Here we show that a canonical p38 cascade inhibits KCa trafficking in ciliary ganglion neurons. Two different p38 inhibitors (SB202190 or SB203580) or over‐expression of dominant‐negative forms of several components of the p38 cascade increased KCa in ciliary neurons. Inhibition of protein synthesis or Golgi processing had no effect on this phenomenon, suggesting that p38 is acting at a distal step of the trafficking pathway. Depolymerization of filamentous actin (F‐actin) increased functional expression of KCa, whereas stabilization of F‐actin inhibited the effect of SB202190 on KCa trafficking. SB202190 also caused an immunochemically detectable increase in KCa on the plasma membrane. Inhibition of p38 decreased the extent of cortical F‐actin in ciliary neurons. Macroscopic KCa is suppressed by transforming growth factor (TGF) β3. Application of TGFβ3 increased the phosphorylation of p38 in ciliary neurons and increased cortical F‐actin. Thus, the p38 signaling cascade endogenously suppresses development of functional KCa, in part by stabilizing an F‐actin barrier that prevents plasma membrane insertion of functional channel complexes. This cascade also appears to mediate inhibitory effects of TGFβ3 on the expression of KCa.
Peripheral injection of lipopolysaccharide enhances expression of inflammatory cytokines in murine locus coeruleus: possible role of increased norepinephrine turnover
Authors: Kaneko Yoko S. , Mori Keiji , Nakashima Akira , Sawada Makoto , Nagatsu Ikuko , Ota Akira
Published: June 2005

Cytokines and catecholamines are known to constitute a significant portion of the regulatory neuroimmune networks involved in maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Although we have already reported an increase in norepinephrine (NE) turnover within the locus coeruleus (LC) at 2 and 4 h after the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the implication of this increase remains unclear. In view of evidence that norepinephrine (NE) acts in an anti‐inflammatory manner by way of negatively regulating pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, we examined the inflammatory cytokine expression levels in the LC of C3H/HeN mice (male, 8 weeks old) after an i.p. LPS injection. The mRNA expression levels of the genes encoding IL‐1β and TNF‐α within the LC increased during the first 2 h, and showed two peaks, the first at 4 h and the second lesser one at 15 h after the LPS injection. Microglia, which are one of the major cell types that produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the CNS, were isolated from mouse neonate brains in order to clarify more precisely the relationship between the changes in NE content and the up‐regulation of inflammatory cytokines in the LC. Simultaneous incubation of microglia with LPS and NE enhanced the expression of IL‐1β at both mRNA and protein levels, but reduced the mRNA and protein levels of TNF‐α. These data support the hypothesis that NE negatively regulates the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, at least in the case of TNF‐α, which action could contribute to the observed anti‐inflammatory properties of NE. This report, based on the results of both in vivo and in vitro experiments, is the first to suggest a relationship between NE content and cytokine expression levels in the CNS.
Effect of chronic gestational treatment with caffeine or theophylline on Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in maternal and fetal brain
Authors: León D. , Albasanz J. L. , Ruíz M. A. , Iglesias I. , Martín M.
Published: June 2005

Pregnant rats were treated throughout the gestational period with either caffeine or theophylline, and its effect on the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluRs) signal transduction pathway was studied in both maternal and fetal brain. In maternal brain, radioligand binding assays showed that chronic treatment with methylxanthines caused a significant decrease in the total number of mGluRs. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in receptor affinity. Immunodetection showed that mGluR1a and phospholipase C β1 (PLCβ1) were significantly decreased in response to chronic methylxanthine treatment, whereas αGq/11 was not affected. A loss was also detected of PLC stimulation mediated by (S)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), a selective Group I mGluR agonist, suggesting desensitization of the mGluR/PLC pathway. In fetal brain, a loss in total mGluRs was observed in fetuses from mothers treated with caffeine or theophylline, without variation in receptor affinity. A decrease in mGluR1a, αGq/11 and PLCβ1 levels was also observed in response to treatment. However, changes detected in this immature tissue were not associated with variations in PLC activity. These results suggest that chronic caffeine or theophylline treatment down‐regulates several mGluR/PLC transduction pathway components in both maternal and fetal brain, causing a loss of receptor responsiveness only in maternal brain.
Developmental change in the calcium sensor for synaptic vesicle endocytosis in central nerve terminals
Authors: Smillie Karen J. , Evans Gareth J. O. , Cousin Michael A.
Published: June 2005

Synaptic vesicle endocytosis is stimulated by calcium influx in mature central nerve terminals via activation of the calcium‐dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin. However, in different neuronal preparations calcineurin activity is either inhibitory, stimulatory or irrelevant to the process. We addressed this inconsistency by investigating the requirement for calcineurin activity in synaptic vesicle endocytosis during development, using vesicle recycling assays in isolated nerve terminals. We show that endocytosis occurs independently of calcineurin activity in immature nerve terminals, and that a calcineurin requirement develops 2–4 weeks after birth. Calcineurin‐independent endocytosis is not due to the absence of calcineurin activity, since calcineurin is present in immature nerve terminals and its substrate, dynamin I, is dephosphorylated on depolarization. Calcineurin‐independent endocytosis is calcium‐dependent, since substitution of the divalent cation, barium, inhibits the process. Finally, we demonstrated that in primary neuronal cultures derived from neonatal rats, endocytosis that was initially calcineurin‐independent developed a calcineurin requirement on maturation in culture. Our data account for the apparent inconsistencies regarding the role of calcineurin in synaptic vesicle endocytosis, and we propose that an unidentified calcium sensor exists to couple calcium influx to endocytosis in immature nerve terminals.
Interactions between ρ and γ2 subunits of the GABA receptor
Authors: Pan Yi , Qian Haohua
Published: June 2005

The γ‐aminobutyric acid type C (GABAC) receptor is a ligand‐gated chloride channel with distinct physiological and pharmacological properties. Although the exact subunit composition of native GABAC receptors has yet to be firmly established, there is general agreement that GABA ρ subunits participate in their formation. Recent studies on white perch suggest that certain GABA ρ subunits can co‐assemble with the GABAA receptor γ2 subunit to form a heteromeric receptor with electrophysiological properties that correspond more closely to the native GABAC receptor on retinal neurons than any of the homomeric ρ receptors. In the present study we examined the interactions among various perch GABA ρ and γ2 subunits. When co‐expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the γ2 subunit co‐immunoprecipitated with Flag‐tagged perch ρ1Α, ρ1B, and ρ2B subunits, but not with the Flag‐tagged perch ρ2Α subunit. Immunocytochemical studies indicated that the membrane surface expression of the γ2 subunit was detected only when it was co‐expressed with perch ρ1Α, ρ1B, or ρ2B subunit, but not with the perch ρ2Α subunit or when expressed alone. In addition, co‐immunoprecipitation of perch ρ1B and γ2 subunits was also detected in protein samples of the teleost retina. Taken together, these findings suggest that a heteromeric ργ2 receptor could represent one form of GABAC receptor on retinal neurons.
Maternal zinc deficiency reduces NMDA receptor expression in neonatal rat brain, which persists into early adulthood
Authors: Chowanadisai Winyoo , Kelleher Shannon L. , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: June 2005

Prenatal and early postnatal zinc deficiency impairs learning and memory and these deficits persist into adulthood. A key modulator in this process may be the NMDA receptor; however, effects of zinc deficiency on the regulation of NMDA receptor activity are not well understood. Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed diets containing 7 (zinc deficient, ZD), 10 (marginally zinc deficient, MZD) or 25 (control) mg Zn/g diet preconception through postnatal day (PN) 20, at which time pups were weaned onto their maternal or control diet. Regulation of NMDA receptor expression was examined at PN2, PN11, and PN65. At PN2, expression of whole brain NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, and NR2B was lower in pups from dams fed ZD and MZD compared to controls, as analyzed using relative RT–PCR and immunoblotting. At PN11, whole brain and hippocampi NR1, NR2A, NR2B and PSA‐NCAM (polysialic acid–neural cell adhesion molecule) expression and the number of PSA‐NCAM immunoreactive cells were lower in pups from dams fed ZD compared to controls. Whole brain brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations were lower in pups from dams fed ZD or both low zinc diets, respectively. Whole brain NR1 expression remained lower in previously zinc‐deficient rats at PN65. These data indicate potential mechanisms through which developmental zinc deficiency can impair learning and memory later in life.
Identification and characterization of a novel family of Drosophilaβ‐adrenergic‐like octopamine G‐protein coupled receptors
Authors: Maqueira Braudel , Chatwin Heather , Evans Peter D.
Published: June 2005

Insect octopamine receptors carry out many functional roles traditionally associated with vertebrate adrenergic receptors. These include control of carbohydrate metabolism, modulation of muscular tension, modulation of sensory inputs and modulation of memory and learning. The activation of octopamine receptors mediating many of these actions leads to increases in the levels of cyclic AMP. However, to date none of the insect octopamine receptors that have been cloned have been convincingly shown to be capable of directly mediating selective and significant increases in cyclic AMP levels. Here we report on the identification and characterization of a novel, neuronally expressed family of three Drosophila G‐protein coupled receptors that are selectively coupled to increases in intracellular cyclic AMP levels by octopamine. This group of receptors, DmOctβ1R (CG6919), DmOctβ2R (CG6989) and DmOctβ3R (CG7078) shows homology to vertebrate β‐adrenergic receptors. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells all three receptors show a strong preference for octopamine over tyramine for the accumulation of cyclic AMP but show unique pharmacological profiles when tested with a range of synthetic agonists and antagonists. Thus, the pharmacological profile of individual insect tissue responses to octopamine might vary with the combination and the degree of expression of the individual octopamine receptors present.
The importance of tail length for habitat use in the Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus: an experimental study
Authors: ROMERO‐PUJANTE MARILÓ , HOI HERBERT , BLOMQVIST DONALD
Published: June 2005

The original function of the tail in birds is likely to be related to flight performance or bipedal locomotion. In this study, we examined the role of the long graduated tail of male Bearded Tits Panurus biarmicus, focusing on the function of the tail as a balancing organ when moving in reeds, the habitat in which this species spends its whole life. We performed an aviary experiment using males with shortened, elongated or control (unmanipulated) tails and recorded their use of different reed heights and preferences for different sitting postures. Tail manipulation did not change the use of different reed heights between treatments. The head‐up posture was the preferred sitting technique and was independent of tail length. We found that males with elongated tails showed less variation in the use of different sitting postures along the reed. In addition, the use of the ‘straddle’ sitting technique varied in relation to tail length, tending to be less frequent when tails were experimentally shortened. These results suggest that tail length influences how Bearded Tits move and may exploit their habitat. The role of the tail as a balancing organ when using small twigs or branches may have been underestimated.
New trogons from the early Tertiary of Germany
Authors: MAYR GERALD
Published: June 2005

A new trogon (Aves, Trogoniformes),Primotrogon?pumiliosp. nov., is described from the Middle Eocene (49 Ma) of Messel in Germany. It is the first articulated skeleton of an Eocene trogon, of which only very few fragmentary remains were hitherto known. It is also the earliest complete skeleton of a trogon, exceeding previous finds (Primotrogon wintersteiniMayr 1999) by at least 15 million years. An isolated wing of a trogon is further identified from the early Oligocene (about 30–34 Ma) of the fossil site Frauenweiler in Germany.Primotrogon?pumilioand all other sufficiently well‐preserved early Tertiary trogons appear to be stem group representatives of the Trogoniformes, corresponding with molecular clock data indicating a mid‐Tertiary origin of crown group Trogoniformes.
Gyr Falcons, ptarmigan and microtine rodents in northern Sweden
Authors: NYSTRÖM JESPER , EKENSTEDT JOHAN , ENGSTRÖM JOHAN , ANGERBJÖRN ANDERS
Published: June 2005

A Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus population in Northern Sweden (66°N, 17°E) was monitored from 1996 to 2002 in relation to its predator–prey interactions with its main and alternative prey species. Ptarmigan species Lagopus spp., and especially Rock Ptarmigan L. mutus, were the Gyr Falcons’ most important prey and constituted more than 90% of the prey biomass. A 21‐fold difference in ptarmigan abundance was found across Falcon breeding territories. However, this great variation in prey availability corresponded to only about a 10% shift in Gyr Falcon diet across territories, suggesting that the Falcons were reluctant or unable to compensate for declining ptarmigan availability by using alternative prey categories. Gyr Falcons did not respond functionally to microtine rodent abundance. Their diets were unaffected by a peak in the microtine rodent population cycle when Norwegian Lemmings Lemmus lemmus occurred in high numbers in the study area. Gyr Falcons responded numerically to their prey in two ways. First, there was a reproductive response with a significant relationship between the number of chicks fledged and the number of ptarmigan in the breeding territories. Secondly, although the Gyr Falcons did not utilize microtines as prey, there was a relationship between the microtine rodent abundance and the number of pairs that attempted to breed each year. This could be a result of an indirect community interaction, assuming that other predators switched from ptarmigan to microtines as prey, which could have had a positive effect on the breeding performance of the Gyr Falcons. The Gyr Falcons acted as true specialist predators, and their narrow food niche probably reflected a general lack of suitable alternative prey in the study area.
The management of crop structure: a general approach to reversing the impacts of agricultural intensification on birds?
Authors: WILSON JEREMY D. , WHITTINGHAM MARK J. , BRADBURY RICHARD B.
Published: June 2005

Agricultural intensification is accepted widely as a cause of bird population declines on farmland in Europe and North America. Although intensification is multivariate, one common theme is the impact on variation in crop structure, both within and between fields. Intensification creates simpler, more homogeneous and denser swards in both tillage crops and grassland. This influences predation risk, exposure to weather extremes and the diversity, abundance and accessibility of food. Birds trade off these pressures in different ways, so that the more uniform and dense the vegetation, the fewer the number of birds and range of species that are able to nest and forage successfully. Reversing recent trends towards dense, simplified and homogeneous swards will improve nesting and foraging habitat conditions for a wide range of species across farming systems, and may represent a cost‐effective mechanism for the further improvement of agri‐environment scheme options designed to assist the recovery of farmland bird populations.
Relationship between demographics and diet specificity of Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca in Kazakhstan
Authors: KATZNER TODD E. , BRAGIN EVGENY A. , KNICK STEVEN T. , SMITH ANDREW T.
Published: June 2005

The demographic consequences of within‐population variability in predator foraging are not well understood. We assessed the relationship between the degree of diet specialization and two demographic parameters, population density and reproductive output, within a single population of Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca at a nature reserve in north‐central Kazakhstan. Nearest‐neighbour distances between eagle nests throughout the reserve, and thus population density, were correlated with the degree to which diets were specialized. Diet diversity showed an extensive regional variability that was linked to prey distributions, but within‐year analyses of reproductive output did not show similar linkages. However, multi‐year analyses of breeding performance showed inter‐regional differences in nesting success that were paralleled, and probably driven by, similar trends in diet diversity. In contrast, brood size at fledging was not linked to diet diversity and was more probably driven by reserve‐wide influences such as weather. Finally, the decision to initiate breeding was associated neither with diet diversity nor with environmental variability. Our results indicate that the degree of dietary specialization is linked to the demographics of Imperial Eagle populations. For these and other raptor populations, it is possible that management could be used separately to increase or decrease nesting success, brood size at fledging, and the likelihood that a pair will initiate breeding.
Comparative Study of Migraines in Relation to Their Duration of Evolution
Authors: Serratrice G. , Serbanesco E
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

This transverse statistical study deals with a series of 412 patients with migraine ranging between less than one year and more than thirty years of evolution. The chronological and clinical characteristics and the therapeutic results vary with the duration of the condition. In long standing migraine, there are less typical migrainous characteristics (prodromes, hemicranias). Classic migraine has a shorter evolution than common migraine. Menopause seems to have an ameliorating effect on migraine. Whatever the duration of migraine neurotic conditions are the most common pathological previous history. Even in long‐standing migraine, the erget derivatives are the most efficient antimigrainous drugs.
Headache in the Elderly: An Evaluation of Risk Factors
Authors: Hale William E. , May Franklin E. , Marks Ronald G. , Moore Mary T. , Stewart Ronald B.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Information on the prevalence of headache in an ambulatory elderly population was collected from 1,284 participants in a health screening program in Dunedin, Florida. Association between headache and possible risk factors including age, sex, reported symptoms and diseases, drug use, physical characteristics, and sleep patterns were studied. Eleven percent of women and 5 percent of men reported frequent headaches. There was no relationship between age and reported headache in this elderly population. The most commonly reported positions for headache were frontal (35.2 percent) and all over (29.7 percent). In women there was a significant correlation between headache and the total number of other diseases and symptoms reported (p<0.0001). However, in men, there was no such correlation. Numerous specific symptoms were found to be associated with headache in women including: temporary loss of vision, expressive aphasia, and feeling that others do not care. In men, headache was significantly correlated only with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, feeling lonely, and feeling depressed, Subjects who slept less than seven hours a day reported a greater prevalence of headache (13.5 percent) than those who slept more than seven hours (8.1 percent) (p<0.01). There was no correlation of headache with systolic or diastolic blood pressure, coffee, alcohol or tobacco use, or the amount of time spent watching television. Elderly headache sufferers, in summary, often have other conditions coexisting with and/or contributing to the headaches. Some of these conditions may respond to psychological or medical intervention.
Psychological Distress, Comorbidities, and Health Behaviors among U.S. Adults with Seizures: Results from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Strine Tara W. , Kobau Rosemarie , Chapman Daniel P. , Thurman David J. , Price Patricia , Balluz Lina S.
Published: June 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To examine the association of seizures with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), physical and psychiatric comorbidities, and health behaviors.

Methods: We analyzed data obtained from adults aged 18 years or older (n = 30,445) who participated in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an ongoing, computer‐assisted personal interview of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population.

Results: An estimated 1.4% of adults 18 years or older reported being told by a health care professional that they had seizures. Persons with seizures were significantly more likely than those without seizures to report lower levels of education, higher levels of unemployment, pain, hypersomnia and insomnia, and psychological distress (e.g., feelings of sadness, nervousness, hopelessness, and worthlessness). In addition, they were significantly more likely to report insufficient leisure‐time physical activity as well as physical comorbidities such as cancer, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, asthma, severe headaches, lower back pain, and neck pain.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is advisable for health care professionals to assess psychiatric and physical comorbidities among patients with a history of seizures potentially to improve patient health outcomes. Furthermore, public health surveillance systems should include questions on seizures, epilepsy, and mental health to better examine associations among these disorders and to better identify populations meriting further assessment and intervention.
Antimyoclonic Efficacy of Piracetam in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Khani Yahya Agha , Andermann Frederick , Andermann Eva
Published: June 2005

Summary: Piracetam, a derivative of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been used extensively for treatment of myoclonus in a variety of conditions, but not in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). We have treated a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy who had frequent and inconvenient morning myoclonus with 3,200 mg of piracetam daily. She had had only two generalized tonic–clonic seizures, with the last seizure 10 years earlier. Her obesity precluded the use of sodium valproate. She had a dramatic response to piracetam with sustained cessation of myoclonus and no side effects during 1.5 years' follow‐up. Further trials of piracetam for control of myoclonus in patients with IGE are justified.