bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presynaptic kainate receptor‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves Ca2+–calmodulin at mossy fiber–CA3 synapses
Authors: Andrade‐Talavera Yuniesky , Duque‐Feria Paloma , Negrete‐Díaz José Vicente , Sihra Talvinder S. , Flores Gonzalo , Rodríguez‐Moreno Antonio 
Published: June 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 891–899.AbstractPresynaptic kainate receptors (KARs) modulate the release of glutamate at synapses established between mossy fibers (MF) and CA3 pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. The activation of KAR by low, nanomolar, kainate concentrations facilitates glutamate release. KAR‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release involves the activation of an adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A cascade at MF–CA3 synapses. Here, we studied the mechanisms by which KAR activation produces this facilitation of glutamate release in slices and synaptosomes. We find that the facilitation of glutamate release mediated by KAR activation requires an increase in Ca2+ levels in the cytosol and the formation of a Ca2+–calmodulin complex to activate adenylate cyclase. The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ underpinning this modulation is achieved, both, by Ca2+ entering via Ca2+‐permeable KARs and, by the mobilization of intraterminal Ca2+ stores. Finally, we find that, congruent with the Ca2+–calmodulin support of KAR‐mediated facilitation of glutamate release, induction of long‐term potentiation at MF–CA3 synapses has an obligate requirement for Ca2+–calmodulin activity.
Recent range expansion of the Argentine ant in Japan
Authors: Inoue Maki N. , Sunamura Eiriki , Suhr Elissa L. , Ito Fuminori , Tatsuki Sadahiro , Goka Koichi 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimThe Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, has been spreading via human activities from its native range in South America across much of the globe for more than a century. This invasive ant was first detected in Japan in 1993. Its successful world‐wide expansion is attributed to a social structure, namely supercoloniality, whereby individuals from separate nests cooperate. Here, we examined the genetic structure of L. humile populations to understand its invasion history.LocationJapan.MethodsWe analysed mitochondrial DNA of Linepithema humile workers from native and other introduced populations and then integrated previously registered sequences.ResultsSequencing revealed six haplotypes distributed across its introduced ranges, of which five were present in Japan. The first haplotype was shared by the dominant Japanese, European, North American, Australian and New Zealand supercolonies; the second by the Kobe C supercolony and a Florida population; and the third by the Kobe B and secondary Californian supercolonies and North Carolina colonies. The remaining three haplotypes were each restricted to the Kobe A, Tokyo and Catalonian supercolonies, respectively. Each of the five mutually antagonistic supercolonies was fixed for one of the five haplotypes, and multiple supercolonies were found within a small area.Main conclusionsThe large number of haplotypes found in Japan likely reflects the strong propagule pressure of L. humile resulting from the fact that the country is one of the top five importers of trade commodities world‐wide. The short invasion history of L. humile in Japan could explain the maintenance of genetic diversity of each independent introduction. In addition, our sampling mostly occurred at major international shipping ports that are likely to be primary sites of introduction. The several recently established L. humile populations within a small area in Japan provide an opportunity to identify the sources of introduction and the local patterns of spread.
Ancient relicts or recent dispersal: how long have cycads been in centralAustralia?
Authors: Ingham James A. , Forster Paul I. , Crisp Michael D. , Cook Lyn G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimThe geology and hydrology of theCentralRanges ofAustralia provide refuge for more mesic‐adapted taxa unable to survive in the surrounding deserts. Whether this area has been a long‐term refuge for mesic‐adapted taxa is uncertain. Mesic‐adapted taxa in the region have been argued as ‘relicts’, remnants of wet forests once covering the region. This scenario hypothesizes that ‘relicts’ survived in pockets of moist habitat in theCentralRanges as theAustralian arid zone expanded. Here, we test an hypothesis of long‐term occupancy in theCentralRanges for a cycad,Macrozamia macdonnellii, a taxon of conservation concern and also one frequently described as an ‘ancient relict’.LocationAustralia.MethodsA haplotype network, derived fromDNAsequences of two chloroplast regions, was used to infer the biogeographical history ofMacrozamiaacrossAustralia. Specifically, the question of long‐term occupancy of theCentralAustralianRanges is addressed.ResultsMacrozamia macdonnelliishares a haplotype with five eastern species. However, unique haplotypes restricted to only a part of theMacDonnellRangesInterimBiogeographicRegionalisation ofAustralia region are also present. WesternAustralian species ofMacrozamiaform a lineage distinct from those in the rest ofAustralia.Main conclusionsThe shared haplotype, nested within haplotypes from easternAustralia, indicates thatM. macdonnelliiis relatively recently derived from ancestral lineages of easternAustralia. This starkly contrasts with species ofMacrozamiain WesternAustralia, which show long‐term isolation from those in the east. Unique haplotypes in populations ofM. macdonnelliiindicate that the species has occupied the region for sufficient time to accumulate variation. Furthermore, this variation appears to be geographically structured. If so, it indicates thatM. macdonnelliiis undergoing population differentiation, and possible speciation, in different regions of theMacDonnellRanges. Isolated populations with unique haplotypes might be evolutionarily significant units that should be conserved.
The influence of native versus exotic streetscape vegetation on the spatial distribution of birds in suburbs and reserves
Authors: Ikin Karen , Knight Emma , Lindenmayer David B. , Fischer Joern , Manning Adrian D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimManagement practices in the landscape matrix can have significant effects on the spatial distribution of animals within adjacent protected areas. This has been well established in agricultural and forested areas, but less is known about how management of the suburban matrix affects adjacent reserves. We argue that it is critically important to understand the impact of suburban management on reserves, as flawed planning decisions can have negative conservation outcomes and waste limited resources.LocationCanberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.MethodsWe examined bird distribution patterns in suburbs and adjacent reserves to the effects of two suburban management practices: (1) street tree planting and (2) boundary design. We focused on three groups of birds with known responses to urbanization: native urban‐intolerant species (native avoiders), native urban‐tolerant species (native adapters) and exotic urban‐tolerant species (exotic adapters).ResultsWe found that suburbs with ≥30% native (Eucalyptus) street trees and reserves adjacent to these suburbs had significantly higher bird species richness, native adapter species richness and probability of reporting exotic adapters than those with exotic trees. The type of street trees, however, did not affect the probability of reporting native avoiders. These species were more likely to be reported when habitat complexity was high. Only native adapters responded to boundary design, with higher species richness when the boundary type was a local or unsealed road as opposed to an arterial road.Main conclusionsNative street trees provide foraging resources for birds that would be reduced or absent in exotic streetscapes, enabling native streetscapes to support a rich community of birds. Furthermore, native streetscapes increase bird richness and diversity in adjacent reserves. This result has important conservation implications for suburb and reserve management practices. Our study provides evidence that the establishment and retention of native suburban streetscapes is an important management strategy for improved bird conservation.
Clinical pharmacology of single‐ and multiple‐ascending doses of ACT‐178882, a new direct renin inhibitor, and its pharmacokinetic interaction with food and midazolam
Authors: Dingemanse Jasper , Nicolas Laurent , Binkert Christoph 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ACT‐178882, a new direct renin inhibitor, as well as its interaction with food and midazolam. Healthy male subjects received either single (10–1000 mg) or multiple doses (30–600 mg) administered once daily for 14 days of ACT‐178882, placebo, or 20 mg enalapril in the fasted state. Following a 2‐week washout, the single dose of 30 mg ACT‐178882 was also administered in the fed state. In the multiple‐ascending‐dose part, subjects were dosed with midazolam on days −2, 2, and 12 to investigate interactions with CYP3A4. Dizziness and headache were the most frequently reported adverse events. No clinically relevant changes occurred for body weight, vital signs, clinical laboratory variables, and ECG although both enalapril and ACT‐178882 tended to decrease systolic blood pressure. Following single doses of ACT‐178882, t1/2 and tmax varied from 18.7 to 24.7 h and from 3 to 5 h, respectively, and food had no significant effect. Steady‐state conditions were achieved after 4–6 days of dosing and accumulation was minimal. ACT‐178882 pharmacokinetics were dose proportional. ACT‐178882 but not enalapril dose‐dependently increased Cmax and area under the concentration‐time curve of midazolam. Single and multiple doses of ACT‐178882 dose‐dependently increased active renin and decreased plasma renin activity, whereas enalapril increased both variables. No effects on urinary excretion of creatinine, potassium, and the 6β‐hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratio were observed, whereas sodium and aldosterone excretion was decreased by both ACT‐178882 and enalapril. The current results with ACT‐178882 warrant further clinical investigation of this renin inhibitor in hypertensive patients.
Various strategies to handle cannibalization in a competitive duopolistic market
Authors: Haruvy Ernan E. , Miao Di , Stecke Kathryn E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe investigate an incumbent's optimal sequential introduction of new products over two periods in a competitive duopoly setting. The firm would like to preempt and counter competition from a future entrant. Alternatively, the firm should consider that one of its products might decrease sales for another of their products, a threat commonly known as cannibalization. In this paper, we examine three sequential introduction strategies. We find that a firm's optimal introduction sequence is governed by pressures from competition and cannibalization in the market. In general, competition has greater impact on firms’ profits than cannibalization. Introducing a high‐end product before a low‐end product can alleviate cannibalization for a weak entrant. In particular, the profit loss caused by competition is greater than that caused by cannibalization. When competition is intense, firms should consider alleviating the profit loss from competition over cannibalization by introducing a low‐end product before a high‐end product. In that case, the incumbent's high‐end product's quality must be no lower than the entrant's quality but the profit is derived mostly from the mark‐up on the low‐end product. Much of the high‐end product's profit is sacrificed in order to maximize profit from the entire product line. When cannibalization is intense and competition is mild (due to a weak entrant), the incumbent's profit gap between the high‐end and low‐end products is high. In that case, the firm can no longer afford to sacrifice its high‐end products’ profit and the order of introduction reverses.
Packing congruent spheres into a multi‐connected polyhedral domain
Authors: Stoyan Y. , Yaskov G. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we have considered a problem of packing the maximal number of congruent spheres into a multi‐connected polyhedral domain. A mathematical model of the problem has been formulated on the basis of Φ functions. This paper proposes a special way of constructing starting points. To find local maxima, a modification of the Zoutendijk method of feasible directions and a strategy of active inequalities are used. We developed a special approach to search for an approximation to a global maximum. A number of numerical examples are also provided.
A branch‐and‐price approach to k‐clustering minimum biclique completion problem
Authors: Gualandi Stefano , Maffioli Francesco , Magni Claudio 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe consider the problem of finding k‐bipartite subgraphs, called “clusters,” in a bipartite graph , such that each vertex i of S appears in exactly one of the subgraphs, every vertex j of T appears in each cluster in which at least one of its neighbors appears, and the total number of edges needed to complete each cluster (i.e. to become a biclique) is minimized. This problem has been shown to be strongly NP‐hard and is known as the k‐clustering minimum biclique completion problem. It has been applied to bundling channels for multicast transmissions. The application consists of finding k‐multicast sessions that partition the set of demands, given a set of demands of services from clients. Each service should belong to a single multicast session, while each client can appear in more than one session. We extend previous work by developing a branch‐and‐price algorithm that embeds a new metaheuristic based on variable neighborhood infeasible search and a branching rule that exploits the problem structure. The metaheuristic can also efficiently solve the pricing subproblem. In addition to the random instances used in the literature, we present structured instances generated using the MovieLens dataset collected by the GroupLens Research Project. Extensive computational results show that our branch‐and‐price algorithm outperforms the approaches proposed in the literature.
Changes in tissue perfusion parameters in dogs with severe sepsis/septic shock in response to goal‐directed hemodynamic optimization at admission to ICU and the relation to outcome
Authors: Conti‐Patara Andreza , de Araújo Caldeira Juliana , de Mattos‐Junior Ewaldo , de Carvalho Haley da Silva , Reinoldes Adriane , Pedron Bruno Gregnanin , Patara Marcelo , Francisco Talib Mariana Semião , Faustino Marcelo , de Oliveira Clair Motos , Cortopassi Silvia Renata Gaido 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in tissue perfusion parameters in dogs with severe sepsis/septic shock in response to goal‐directed hemodynamic optimization in the ICU and their relation to outcome.DesignProspective observational study.SettingICU of a veterinary university medical center.AnimalsThirty dogs with severe sepsis or septic shock caused by pyometra who underwent surgery and were admitted to the ICU.Measurements and Main ResultsSevere sepsis was defined as the presence of sepsis and sepsis‐induced dysfunction of one or more organs. Septic shock was defined as the presence of severe sepsis plus hypotension not reversed with fluid resuscitation. After the presumptive diagnosis of sepsis secondary to pyometra, blood samples were collected and clinical findings were recorded. Volume resuscitation with 0.9% saline solution and antimicrobial therapy were initiated. Following abdominal ultrasonography and confirmation of increased uterine volume, dogs underwent corrective surgery. After surgery, the animals were admitted to the ICU, where resuscitation was guided by the clinical parameters, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), lactate, and base deficit. Between survivors and nonsurvivors it was observed that the ScvO2, lactate, and base deficit on ICU admission were each related independently to death (P = 0.001,P = 0.030, andP< 0.001, respectively). ScvO2and base deficit were found to be the best discriminators between survivors and nonsurvivors as assessed via receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.ConclusionOur study suggests that ScvO2and base deficit are useful in predicting the prognosis of dogs with severe sepsis and septic shock; animals with a higher ScvO2and lower base deficit at admission to the ICU have a lower probability of death.
Selectivity profiling of the novel EP2 receptor antagonist, PF‐04418948, in functional bioassay systems: atypical affinity at the guinea pig EP2 receptor
Authors: Birrell Mark A , Maher Sarah A , Buckley James , Dale Nicole , Bonvini Sara , Raemdonck Kristof , Pullen Nick , Giembycz Mark A , Belvisi Maria G 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEUnderstanding the role of the EP2 receptor has been hampered by the lack of a selective antagonist. Recently, a selective EP2 receptor antagonist, PF‐04418948, has been discovered. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the selectivity profile of PF‐04418948 for the EP2 receptor over other EP receptors using a range of isolated tissue systems.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHPF‐04418948 was profiled on a range of isolated tissues to assess its EP receptor potency and selectivity: ONO‐DI‐004‐induced contraction of guinea pig trachea (EP1); ONO‐AE1‐259 and PGE2‐ induced relaxation of mouse and guinea pig trachea (EP2); PGE2‐induced depolarization of guinea pig isolated vagus (EP3); PGE2‐induced relaxation of human and rat trachea (EP4). PF‐04418948 was also profiled in functional murine TP, IP, DP and FP receptor assays.KEY RESULTSIn bioassay systems, where assessment of potency/selectivity is made against the ‘native’ receptor, PF‐04418948 only acted as an antagonist of EP2 receptor‐mediated events. PF‐04418948 competitively inhibited relaxations of murine and guinea pig trachea induced by ONO‐AE1‐259 and PGE2 respectively. However, the affinity of PF‐04418948 was not equal in the two preparations.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSUsing a wide range of bioassay systems, we have demonstrated that PF‐04418948 is a selective EP2‐receptor antagonist. Interestingly, an atypically low affinity was found on the guinea pig trachea, questioning its utility as an EP2 receptor assay system. Nevertheless, this compound should be an invaluable tool for investigating the biological activity of PGE2 and the role of EP2 receptors in health and disease.
Mephedrone (4‐methylmethcathinone) and d‐methamphetamine improve visuospatial associative memory, but not spatial working memory, in rhesus macaques
Authors: Wright, Jr MJ , Vandewater SA , Angrish D , Dickerson TJ , Taffe MA 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe novel cathinone derivative 4‐methylmethcathinone (4‐MMC; mephedrone) is increasingly popular with recreational users. Little scientific information is available but users report both entactogen‐like and classic stimulant‐like subjective properties. A recent study in humans reported psychomotor speed improvement after intranasal 4‐MMC suggesting classic stimulant properties. Limitations of the user group (which was impaired on some tasks) prompt controlled laboratory investigation.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHAdult male rhesus monkeys were trained to perform tasks from the non‐human primate Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, which assess spatial working memory, visuospatial associative memory, learning and motivation for food reward. Test of bimanual motor coordination and manual tracking were also included. The subjects were challenged with 0.178–0.56 mg·kg−1 4‐MMC and 0.056–0.56 mg·kg−1 d‐methamphetamine (MA), i.m., in randomized order for behavioural evaluation.KEY RESULTSA pronounced improvement in visuospatial memory and learning was observed after the 0.32 mg·kg−1 dose of each compound, this effect was confirmed with subsequent repetition of these conditions. Spatial working memory was not improved by either drug, and the progressive ratio, bimanual motor and rotating turntable tasks were all disrupted in a dose‐dependent manner.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese studies show that 4‐MMC produces behavioural effects, including improvements in complex spatial memory and learning that are in large part similar to those of MA in non‐human primates. Thus, the data suggest that the effects of 4‐MMC in monkeys can be classified with classical psychomotor stimulants.
Maternal knowledge of fetal movements in late pregnancy
Authors: Peat Andrea M. , Stacey Tomasina , Cronin Robin , McCowan Lesley M. E. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that fetal movements are an important indicator of fetal well‐being. About a quarter of women who present with decreased fetal movements have adverse perinatal outcomes such as intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. There are no New Zealand studies reporting maternal knowledge about fetal movements in late pregnancy.AimsTo determine what information women in the third trimester of pregnancy receive about fetal movements, both from their maternity caregivers and from other sources.MethodsA convenience sample of 100 women attending two antenatal clinics in Auckland in November and December 2011 were interviewed by a medical student.ResultsNinety‐seven per cent of women reported that their lead maternity carer (LMC) regularly asked about fetal movements, and 62% recalled receiving information from their LMC about what to expect regarding fetal movements in the last three months of pregnancy. Thirty‐three per cent recalled receiving information from their LMC that their baby's movements should increase or stay the same and 20% that their baby's movements may decrease in late pregnancy. Forty per cent were advised to contact their LMC if they had any concerns about their baby's movements, and one‐quarter were informed to seek advice if they had fewer than 10 movements in a day.ConclusionsOur study suggests a proportion of pregnant women in Auckland do not have optimum information about fetal movements. Strategies to enhance maternal knowledge such as a pamphlet about fetal movements may be helpful.
Cell Adhesive and Antifouling Polyvinyl Chloride Surfaces Via Wet Chemical Modification
Authors: Gabriel Matthias , Strand Dennis , Vahl Christian‐Friedrich 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPolyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most frequently used polymers for the manufacturing of medical devices. Limitations for its usage are based upon unfavorable surface properties of the polymer including its hydrophobicity and lack of functionalities in order to increase its versatility. To address this issue, wet chemical modification of PVC was performed through surface amination using the bifunctional compound ethylene diamine. The reaction was conducted in order to achieve maximum surface amination while leaving the bulk material unaffected. The initial activation step was characterized by means of various methods including contact angle measurements, colorimetric amine quantification, infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. Depth profiles were obtained by a confocal microscopic method using fluorescence labeling. Exclusive surface modification was thus confirmed. To demonstrate biological applications of the presented technique, two examples were chosen: The covalent immobilization of the cell adhesive Asp‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser‐peptide (RGD) onto PVC samples yielded a surface that strongly supported cellular adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts. In contrast, the decoration of PVC with the hydrophilic polymer polyethylene glycol prevented cellular adhesion to a large extent. The impact of these modifications was demonstrated by cell culture experiments.