bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐dependent intracellular calcium release in long‐term potentiation in sympathetic ganglion of the rat
Authors: Vargas R. , Cifuentes F. , Morales M.A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn the rat superior cervical ganglion, a form of long term potentiation (LTP) can be elicited by a brief high frequency stimuli applied to the preganglionic nerve. Cumulative evidence shows that a transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration is essential for the generation of the ganglionic LTP. Calcium influx and calcium release from intracellular calcium stores contribute to LTP. However, the differential role of presynaptic and postsynaptic calcium signaling has not been established. Herein, by using heparin, a membrane‐impermeant inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) blocker, we explored the contribution of presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐sensitive calcium stores to the ganglionic LTP. The LTP was produced by a conditioning train of 40 Hz for 3 s. We analyzed the effects of heparin on the posttetanic potentiation: PTP magnitude and PTP time constant, and on two parameters that describe the LTP: LTP decay time (elapsed time required by the potentiated response to fall to 20% above the basal value) and LTP extent (the integral of the potentiated response). Heparin (100 and 200 μg/ml) was loaded in the preganglionic, the postganglionic, or in both nerves. We found that in all tested conditions heparin significantly decreased LTP but practically did not affect PTP. The preganglionic and postganglionic inhibitory effects of heparin were not additive. De‐N‐sulfated heparin, an ineffective IP3R blocker, had no effect on LTP, but abolished the heparin blocking effect. Data suggest that presynaptic and postsynaptic IP3‐dependent intracellular calcium release equally contribute to ganglionic LTP, supporting our proposal of a trans‐synaptic mechanism for LTP. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of STZ‐induced hyperglycemia and insulin‐induced hypoglycemia in plasma amino acids and cortical synaptosomal neurotransmitters
Authors: Cardoso Susana , Carvalho Cristina , Santos Renato , Correia Sónia , Santos Maria S. , Seiça Raquel , Oliveira Catarina R. , Moreira Paula I. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this work, we evaluated the effects of streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced hyperglycemia and an acute episode of insulin‐induced hypoglycemia in plasma amino acids and cortical neurotransmitters. For that purpose, we used citrate (vehicle)‐treated Wistar rats, STZ‐treated rats [i.p., 50 mg/kg body weight], and STZ‐treated rats injected with insulin [s.c., dose adjusted with blood glucose levels] 1 h prior to sacrifice to induce an acute episode of hypoglycemia. Plasma was collected for determination of amino acids levels. In addition, cortical synaptosomal preparations were obtained and the total levels of neurotransmitters, levels of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, and GABA released by the action of KCl, iodoacetic acid (IAA), ouabain, and veratridine, membrane potential and ATP levels were evaluated. Compared with control rats, plasma from hypoglycemic rats presented increased levels of aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, and taurine whereas GABA levels were decreased in STZ and hypoglycemic rats. Similarly, glutamate and taurine levels were increased in hypoglycemic synaptosomes while GABA decreased in hypoglycemic and STZ‐diabetic synaptosomes. The depolarizing agent KCl promoted an increase in aspartate, glutamate, and taurine release from hypoglycemic synaptosomes. The highest release of neurotransmitters occurred in the presence of veratridine and ouabain, two other depolarizing agents, in all groups of experimental animals. However, a higher release of glutamate was observed in the diabetic and hypoglycemic synaptosomes. No alterations were observed in synaptosomal membrane potential and ATP levels. These results show that in the presence of a metabolic insult a higher release of excitatory amino acids occurs, which may underlay the neuronal injury observed in type 1 diabetic patients under insulin therapy. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tomorrow I could be in trouble…but the sun will come out next year: The effect of temporal distance on adolescents’ judgments of life satisfaction
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Rosenberg Patricia , Siddiqui Anver 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIn a series of three studies, we examined adolescents’ judgments of temporal life satisfaction (LS). We based our predictions in the notion of temporal distance influence in the level of construal of near‐ and distant‐future events. In Study 1 we found that adolescents enhance future and present LS while devaluating past LS. Manipulating temporal distance in Study 2 and 3 and examining differences between‐ and within‐subjects, respectively, we found that adolescents expected to be more satisfied with their life in the distant‐ than in the near‐future. Moreover, framing LS in the near‐future led adolescents to expect lower LS than they reported one week earlier. In contrast, expectations for own LS in the distant‐future were not higher than self‐reported LS measured one week before the experiment. The authors discuss implications for theory development and implications in the study of adolescents’ LS.
From kissing to coitus? Sex‐of‐partner differences in the sexual milestone achievement of young men
Authors: Smiler Andrew P. , Frankel Loren B.W. , Savin‐Williams Ritch C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTScientific information regarding normative patterns of young men's sexual behavior is insufficient, especially regarding the impact of sex of partner. We explored the age at which 255 young adult men achieved several milestones (e.g., first kiss, manual‐genital contact, intercourse) as well as the sequence of milestone achievement and stability in sex‐of‐partner preferences as a function of sex‐of‐partner experiences. Mean ages of milestone achievement were consistent with the extant empirical literature. Men with only female partners were younger at first kiss and first relationship, and older at first intercourse than men with only male partners; they also reported an almost universal sequence of milestone achievement and little change in sex‐of‐partner preferences. Most men with male partners reported increased preference for male partners over time. Men with partners of both sexes tended to demonstrate patterns consistent with the relevant sex‐of‐partner group. Findings suggested a common male sexual trajectory and sex‐of‐partner dependent trajectories.
Augmented mechanical response of muscular thin‐fiber receptors in aged rats recorded in vitro
Authors: Taguchi Toru , Mizumural Kazue 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMusculoskeletal pain deteriorates quality of life by disrupting daily activities and is a considerable economic burden to many countries because of the large number of patients. Little is known about the peripheral neural mechanisms of muscular nociception in the aged, although structural and functional changes in the muscle are apparent as a function of age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of aged muscle nociceptors systematically to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli, and to compare with the data from young animals. Activities of single C‐fibers were recorded from in vitro preparations of extensor digitorum longus muscle—nerve excised from hind legs of aged rats (125–133 weeks). Mechanical threshold measured by a ramp mechanical stimulus in the aged muscle (median; 45.2 mN (IQR; 38.1–59.1 mN), n =29) was significantly lower than that in the younger muscle (median; 65.4 mN (IQR; 46.6–122.0 mN), n =33, p <0.01, Mann—Whitney U‐test) reported in our previous study (Taguchi et al., 2005). In addition, the magnitude of the mechanical response during the first 5 s of the 10 s stimulus was significantly greater in the aged muscle (11.0 spikes (IQR; 6.5–20.5 spikes)) than in the young (7.0 spikes (IQR; 4.0–11.5 spikes), p <0.05, Mann—Whitney U‐test). In contrast, the numbers of discharges induced by chemical (pH 5.5, ATP and bradykinin) and thermal (cold and heat) stimuli were not different with the different ages. These results showed an augmented mechanical response in muscle C‐afferents in the aged rats.
Higher risk of zinc deficiency in New Zealand Pacific school children compared with their Māori and European counterparts: a New Zealand national survey
Authors: Gibson Rosalind S. , Bailey Karl B. , Parnell Winsome R. , Wilson Noela , Ferguson Elaine L. 
Published: September 2010

Few multi-ethnic national surveys have examined Zn nutriture, despite its importance for optimal growth and development during childhood. We assessed the Zn status of urban and semi-urban children aged 5–15 years from three ethnic groups in New Zealand (NZ) in the 2002 Children's National Nutrition Survey and investigated the factors predisposing them to Zn deficiency. In a 10-month cross-sectional survey, Pacific and Māori children were over-sampled permitting ethnic-specific analyses. Anthropometry, serum Zn and Zn intakes via 24 h recalls were measured. Anthropometriczscores were highest in Pacific children. Overall, mean adjusted serum Zn at 11 years was for males and females, respectively: 11·9 (95 % CI 11·5, 12·3) and 12·5 (95 % CI 12·0, 12·9) μmol/l in NZ European and Other (NZEO) children (n395); 11·9 (95 % CI 11·4, 12·4) and 12·0 (95 % CI 11·4, 12·5) μmol/l in Māori children (n379); and 11·5 (95 % CI 11·1, 11·9) and 11·4 (95 % CI 11·1, 11·8) μmol/l in Pacific children (n589). The predictors of serum Zn were age, serum Se and sex for NZEO children; serum Se and age for Pacific children; and none for Māori children. Pacific children had the highest prevalence of low serum Zn (21 (95 % CI 11, 30) %), followed by Māori children (16 (95 % CI 12, 20) %) and NZEO children (15 (95 % CI 9, 21) %). Prevalence of inadequate Zn intakes, although low, reached 8 % for Pacific children who had the lowest Zn intake/kg body weight. Pacific boys but not girls with low serum Zn had a lower mean height-for-agez-score (P < 0·007) than those with normal serum Zn. We conclude that the biochemical risk of Zn deficiency in Pacific children indicates a public health problem. However, a lack of concordance with the risk of dietary Zn inadequacy suggests the need for better defined cut-offs in children.
Political Connections and Minority-Shareholder Protection: Evidence from Securities-Market Regulation in China
Authors: Berkman Henk , Cole Rebel A. , Fu Lawrence J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe examine the wealth effects of 3 regulatory changes designed to improve minority-shareholder protection in the Chinese stock markets. Using the value of a firm’s related-party transactions as an inverse proxy for the quality of corporate governance, wefind that firms with weaker governance experienced significantly larger abnormal returns around announcements of the new regulations than did firms with stronger governance. We also find that firms with strong ties to the government did not benefit from the regulations, suggesting that minority shareholders did not expect regulators to enforce the new rules on firms where blockholders have strong political connections.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Paractinolaimus sahandi n. sp. (Nematoda: Actinolaimidae) from the Sahand Mountains in Iran
Authors: Pedram M. , Niknam G. , Vinciguerra M.T. , Ye W. , Robbins R.T. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractParactinolaimus sahandi n. sp., found in wet soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of grasses of Sahand Mountains, Iran, is described. This new species is characterized by its long body (3.5–4.7 mm), high a value (74.5–88.5), anterior location of posterior subventral nuclei, occupying 62.5–68.0% of glandularium distance, the presence of 1–4 pre- and 1–3 post-vulval papillae and numerous tiny, not innervated papillae in front and behind the vulva in the outer layer of cuticle; common functional males in the population, with 62.5–81.3 μm long spicules and 15–17 ventromedian supplements. The new species, which is the only one in the genus showing the advulval cuticular tiny papillae and is unusually slender, is compared to four species of Paractinolaimus, namely P. macrolaimus, P. longidrilus, P. spanithelus and P. rafiqi. The ribosomal 18S rDNA (1246 bp sequenced) and 28S rDNA D2/D3 region (844 bp sequenced) of P. sahandi n. sp. were sequenced for molecular characterization. Sequences of the 18S and 28S D2/D3 of P. sahandi n. sp. have distinct differences from those of the only sequenced P. macrolaimus, with 6 bp differences in 18S and 38 bp differences and five gaps in 28S. This is the first report of the occurrence of members of Actinolaimidae in Iran.
Degrees of residence of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Ilha Grande Bay, south-eastern Brazil: a preliminary assessment
Authors: Espécie Mariana de A. , Tardin Rodrigo H.O. , Simão Sheila M. 
Published: September 2010

The Guiana dolphin,Sotalia guianensis, is a small delphinid found in coastal areas from northern Honduras to southern Brazil. Little is known about the ecology of this species in several areas of its geographical distribution. In this paper, we present new data about the residency of Guiana dolphins in Ilha Grande Bay, south-eastern Brazil. Boat surveys were conducted at the study area from May 2007 to March 2008. Applying the photo-identification technique, we took pictures of dolphins' dorsal fins, looking for natural markings on them. A total of 17,969 photographs were taken, from which was created a databank of 462 distinct dolphins. Individuals showed different degrees of residency in the bay. More than 50% of the catalogued dolphins were considered non-residents and/or showed a low degree of residence. The average interval between resightings was 35 ± 27.4 days. Animals without markings (calves and juveniles) accounted for 45% (N = 2917) of photographs taken. These results indicate that this population has a fluid structure including different individuals over time. We suggest a possible relationship between the presence of some individuals and local resource availability, such as prey and protected areas.
Structural context shapes the aquaporin selectivity filter
Authors: Savage David F. , O’Connell Joseph D. , Miercke Larry J. W. , Finer-Moore Janet , Stroud Robert M. 
Published: September 2010

Aquaporins are transmembrane channels that facilitate the permeation of water and small, uncharged amphipathic molecules across cellular membranes. One distinct aquaporin subfamily contains pure water channels, whereas a second subfamily contains channels that conduct small alditols such as glycerol, in addition to water. Distinction between these substrates is central to aquaporin function, though the contributions of protein structural motifs required for selectivity are not yet fully characterized. To address this question, we sequentially engineered three signature amino acids of the glycerol-conducting subfamily into the
Escherichia coli
water channel aquaporin Z (AqpZ). Functional analysis of these mutant channels showed a decrease in water permeability but not the expected increase in glycerol conduction. Using X-ray crystallography, we determined the atomic resolution structures of the mutant channels. The structures revealed a channel surprisingly similar in size to the wild-type AqpZ pore. Comparison with measured rates of transport showed that, as the size of the selectivity filter region of the channel approaches that of water, channel hydrophilicity dominated water conduction energetics. In contrast, the major determinant of selectivity for larger amphipathic molecules such as glycerol was channel cross-section size. Finally, we find that, although the selectivity filter region is indeed central to substrate transport, other structural elements that do not directly interact with the substrates, such as the loop connecting helices M6 and M7, and the C loop between helices C4 and C5, play an essential role in facilitating selectivity.
MAKING OR BREAKING INFORMAL VOLUNTEERING
Authors: Gundelach Birte , Freitag Markus , Stadelmann-Steffen Isabelle 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
This article evaluates the relationship between welfare state institutions and informal voluntary activity. In particular, we wish to investigate the extent to which welfare state arrangements influence the individual's decision to volunteer informally. Focusing on informal volunteering – a vital, yet often neglected form of social capital – we reinvestigate the hypotheses on crowding in and crowding out. Our sub-national multilevel analysis of the Swiss cantons reveals that there is no significant effect of welfare statism on informal volunteering. Cantonal differences in individual propensity to volunteer informally can rather be attributed to different cultural-linguistic backgrounds as well as to the cantonal degree of urbanisation.
Insulin‐like growth factor axis (insulin‐like growth factor‐I/insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐3) as a prognostic predictor of heart failure: association with adiponectin
Authors: Watanabe Shin , Tamura Toshihiro , Ono Koh , Horiuchi Hisanori , Kimura Takeshi , Kita Toru , Furukawa Yutaka 
Published: September 2010

AimsInsulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I is a regulator of glucose/fatty acid metabolism and may be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, but it remains unclear whether endogenous IGF‐I is associated with the prognosis of heart failure (HF). We investigated whether the IGF axis, the ratio of IGF‐I to IGF‐binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), was a predictor of clinical outcomes in HF. The association of IGF axis with serum adiponectin level, a prognostic marker of HF as well as a regulator of glucose/fatty acid metabolism, was also analysed.Methods and resultsWe measured serum IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 in 142 HF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 63 control subjects. Patients with HF underwent clinical assessment and measurement of adiponectin and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Compared with controls, HF patients showed significantly decreased serum IGF axis values [median (inter‐quartile ranges), 0.114 (0.063–0.150) vs. 0.099 (0.052–0.158), P = 0.042]. In HF patients, the log‐transformed IGF axis values were inversely correlated with the log‐transformed serum adiponectin levels (r = −0.35, P < 0.0001) and plasma BNP levels (r = −0.25, P = 0.0028). The IGF axis was lower in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV than those with class I/II [0.071 (0.044–0.145) vs. 0.107 (0.068–0.161), P = 0.022]. Furthermore, a decrease in IGF axis was associated with increased rates of all‐cause mortality (P = 0.013), cardiac death (P = 0.035), and a composite of cardiac death and re‐hospitalization (P = 0.0085).ConclusionInsulin‐like growth factor axis is a significant predictor of clinical outcomes in HF and is significantly associated with serum adiponectin levels.
The Purple Cauliflower Arises from Activation of a MYB Transcription Factor
Authors: Chiu Li-Wei , Zhou Xiangjun , Burke Sarah , Wu Xianli , Prior Ronald L. , Li Li 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAnthocyanins are responsible for the color of many flowers, fruits, and vegetables. An interesting and unique Purple (Pr) gene mutation in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var botrytis) confers an abnormal pattern of anthocyanin accumulation, giving the striking mutant phenotype of intense purple color in curds and a few other tissues. To unravel the nature of the Pr mutation in cauliflower, we isolated the Pr gene via a combination of candidate gene analysis and fine mapping. Pr encoded a R2R3 MYB transcription factor that exhibited tissue-specific expression, consistent with an abnormal anthocyanin accumulation pattern in the mutant. Transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and cauliflower plants expressing the Pr-D allele recapitulated the mutant phenotype, confirming the isolation of the Pr gene. Up-regulation of Pr specifically activated a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor and a subset of anthocyanin structural genes encoding flavonoid 3’-hydroxylase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, and leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase to confer ectopic accumulation of pigments in the purple cauliflower. Our results indicate that the genetic variation including a Harbinger DNA transposon insertion in the upstream regulatory region of the Pr-D allele is responsible for the up-regulation of the Pr gene in inducing phenotypic change in the plant. The successful isolation of Pr provides important information on the regulatory control of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Brassica vegetables, and offers a genetic resource for development of new varieties with enhanced health-promoting properties and visual appeal.
The Chlorella variabilis NC64A Genome Reveals Adaptation to Photosymbiosis, Coevolution with Viruses, and Cryptic Sex
Authors: Blanc Guillaume , Duncan Garry , Agarkova Irina , Borodovsky Mark , Gurnon James , Kuo Alan , Lindquist Erika , Lucas Susan , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Polle Juergen , Salamov Asaf , Terry Astrid , Yamada Takashi , Dunigan David D. , Grigoriev Igor V. , Claverie Jean-Michel , Van Etten James L. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Chlorella variabilis NC64A, a unicellular photosynthetic green alga (Trebouxiophyceae), is an intracellular photobiont of Paramecium bursaria and a model system for studying virus/algal interactions. We sequenced its 46-Mb nuclear genome, revealing an expansion of protein families that could have participated in adaptation to symbiosis. NC64A exhibits variations in GC content across its genome that correlate with global expression level, average intron size, and codon usage bias. Although Chlorella species have been assumed to be asexual and nonmotile, the NC64A genome encodes all the known meiosis-specific proteins and a subset of proteins found in flagella. We hypothesize that Chlorella might have retained a flagella-derived structure that could be involved in sexual reproduction. Furthermore, a survey of phytohormone pathways in chlorophyte algae identified algal orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana genes involved in hormone biosynthesis and signaling, suggesting that these functions were established prior to the evolution of land plants. We show that the ability of Chlorella to produce chitinous cell walls likely resulted from the capture of metabolic genes by horizontal gene transfer from algal viruses, prokaryotes, or fungi. Analysis of the NC64A genome substantially advances our understanding of the green lineage evolution, including the genomic interplay with viruses and symbiosis between eukaryotes.
3,5‐Bis(2‐thienyl)‐4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole as a corrosion inhibitor for copper in acidic media
Authors: Tang Yong‐Ming , Chen Yun , Yang Wen‐Zhong , Yin Xiao‐Shuang , Liu Ying , Wang Jin‐Tang 
Published: September 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate inhibition of copper corrosion by 3,5‐bis(2‐thienyl)‐4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (2‐TAT) in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4.Design/methodology/approachPotentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance measurements were carried out on copper in 1 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 containing various concentrations of 2‐TAT, and the effects of temperature were also investigated.FindingsAs an efficient inhibitor, 2‐TAT behaves better in 1 M HCl than in 0.5 M H2SO4. 2‐TAT can be classified as cathodic‐type corrosion inhibitor in 1 M HCl and acts as relatively mixed type in 0.5 M H2SO4. Activation energies in the presence and absence of 2‐TAT were obtained by measuring the temperature independence of corrosion current. Adsorption of the inhibitor on the copper surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm.Practical implicationsThis inhibitor could have application in industries where hydrochloric acid solutions are used to remove scale and salts from copper surfaces and may render dismantling unnecessary.Originality/valueThe results from this paper showed that 2‐TAT could be considered as a suitable inhibitor for copper in acidic media.