bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SPAR2, a novel SPAR‐related protein with GAP activity for Rap1 and Rap2
Authors: Spilker Christina , Acuña Sanhueza Gustavo A. , Böckers Tobias M. , Kreutz Michael R. , Gundelfinger Eckart D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSpine‐associated RapGAP 2 (SPAR2) is a novel GTPase activating protein (GAP) for the small GTPase Rap that shows significant sequence homology to SPAR, a synaptic RapGAP that was reported to regulate spine morphology in hippocampal neurons. SPAR2, like SPAR, interacts with the recently described synaptic scaffolding protein ProSAP‐interacting protein (ProSAPiP), which in turn binds to the PDZ domain of ProSAP/Shank post‐synaptic density proteins. In subcellular fractionation experiments, SPAR2 is enriched in synaptosomes and post‐synaptic density fractions indicating that it is a synaptic protein. Furthermore, we could show using in vitro GAP assays that SPAR2 has GAP activity for Rap1 and Rap2. Expression in COS‐7 cells, however, revealed different actin‐binding properties of SPAR2 and SPAR. Additionally, over‐expression of SPAR2 in cultured hippocampal neurons did not affect spine morphology as it was reported for SPAR. In situ hybridization studies also revealed a differential tissue distribution of SPAR and SPAR2 with SPAR2 transcripts being mainly expressed in cerebellar and hippocampal granule cells. Moreover, in the cerebellum SPAR2 is developmentally regulated with a peak of expression around the period of synapse formation. Our results imply that SPAR2 is a new RapGAP with specific functions in cerebellar and hippocampal granule cells.
Glial cell‐derived glutamate mediates autocrine cell volume regulation in the retina: activation by VEGF
Authors: Wurm Antje , Pannicke Thomas , Wiedemann Peter , Reichenbach Andreas , Bringmann Andreas 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAstroglial cells are a source for gliotransmitters such as glutamate and ATP. We demonstrate here that gliotransmitters have autocrine functions in the regulation of cellular volume. Hypoosmotic stress in the presence of inflammatory mediators or oxidative stress, and during blockade or down‐regulation of potassium channels, induces swelling of retinal glial cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibits the osmotic swelling of glial cells in retinal slices or isolated cells. This effect was mediated by a kinase domain region/flk‐1 receptor‐evoked calcium dependent release of glutamate from glial cells, and subsequent stimulation of glial group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors. Activation of kinase domain region/flk‐1 or glutamate receptors evoked an autocrine swelling‐inhibitory purinergic signaling cascade that was calcium‐independent. This cascade involved the release of ATP and adenosine, and the activation of purinergic P2Y1 and adenosine A1 receptors, resulting in the opening of potassium and chloride channels and inhibition of cellular swelling. The glutamatergic‐purinergic regulation of the glial cell volume may be functionally important in the homeostasis of the extracellular space volume during intense neuronal activation which is associated with a swelling of neuronal cell structures in the retina. However, glial cell‐derived glutamate may also contribute to the swelling of activated neurons since metabolic poisoning of glial cells by iodoacetate inhibits the neuronal cell swelling mediated by activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors.
Astroglial nuclear factor‐κB regulates learning and memory and synaptic plasticity in female mice
Authors: Bracchi‐Ricard Valerie , Brambilla Roberta , Levenson Jonathan , Hu Wen‐Hui , Bramwell Annmarie , Sweatt J. David , Green Edward J. , Bethea John R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAstrocytes play a pivotal role in regulating synaptic plasticity and synapse formation. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) family of transcription factors has recently been demonstrated to be an important modulator of synaptic plasticity and learning/memory. In this study, we investigated the role of astroglial NF‐κB in synaptic plasticity and learning/memory using transgenic mice over‐expressing an N‐terminal truncated form of inhibitor of NF‐κB alpha (IκBα) in astrocytes (GFAP‐IκΒα‐dn). We demonstrated that female transgenic mice, but not males, have robust deficits in hippocampal and extra‐hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory. We also determined that there are significant deficits in LTP and expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and post‐synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in female transgenic mice. These findings indicate that astroglial NF‐κB is an important regulator of learning/memory and synaptic plasticity.
RGMa inhibits neurite outgrowth of neuronal progenitors from murine enteric nervous system via the neogenin receptor in vitro
Authors: Metzger Marco , Conrad Sabine , Skutella Thomas , Just Lothar 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe enteric nervous system (ENS) in vertebrate embryos is formed by neural crest‐derived cells. During development, these cells undergo extensive migration from the vagal and sacral regions to colonize the entire gut, where they differentiate into neurons and glial cells. Guidance molecules like netrins, semaphorins, slits, and ephrins are known to be involved in neuronal migration and axon guidance. In the CNS, the repulsive guidance molecule (RGMa) has been implicated in neuronal differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Recently, we described the expression of the subtypes RGMa and RGMb and their receptor neogenin during murine gut development. In the present study, we investigated the influence of RGMa on neurosphere cultures derived from fetal ENS. In functional in vitro assays, RGMa strongly inhibited neurite outgrowth of differentiating progenitors via the receptor neogenin. The repulsive effect of RGMa on processes of differentiated enteric neural progenitors could be demonstrated by collapse assay. The influence of the RGM receptor on ENS was also analyzed in neogenin knockout mice. In the adult large intestine of mutants we observed disturbed ganglia formation in the myenteric plexus. Our data indicate that RGMa may be involved in differentiation processes of enteric neurons in the murine gut.
Neurotoxicity of microglial cathepsin D revealed by secretome analysis
Authors: Kim Sangseop , Ock Jiyeon , Kim Ae Kyung , Lee Ho Won , Cho Je‐Yoel , Kim Deok Ryong , Park Jae‐Yong , Suk Kyoungho 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMicroglia‐driven inflammatory responses have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects in the CNS. The excessive and chronic activation of microglia, however, may shift the balance towards neurotoxic effects. In this regard, proteins secreted from activated microglia likely play a key role in the neurotoxic effects. To characterize secreted proteins of activated microglia, conditioned media obtained from BV‐2 mouse microglia cells were analyzed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis or liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Among many proteins identified in the secretome of activated microglia, an aspartic endoprotease cathepsin D has been found to mediate microglial neurotoxicity based on the following results: (i) the expression of cathepsin D protein was markedly increased in lipopolysaccharide/interferon‐γ‐stimulated microglia compared with resting microglia as determined by western blot analysis of conditioned media; (ii) knockdown of cathepsin D expression in microglia using short hairpin RNA diminished the neurotoxicity in the coculture of microglia and neuroblastoma cells and (iii) recombinant procathepsin D protein exerted cytotoxic effects toward cultured neurons. In conclusion, cathepsin D appears to play a central role in the microglial neurotoxicity, and could be a potential biomarker or drug target for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are associated with excessive microglial activation and subsequent neurotoxic inflammation.
Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, regulation of exocytosis and their relevance to neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Keating Damien J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA common feature in the early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases lies in mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and reduced levels of synaptic transmission. Many genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases are now known to regulate either mitochondrial function, redox state, or the exocytosis of neurotransmitters. Mitochondria are the primary source of reactive oxygen species and ATP and control apoptosis. Mitochondria are concentrated in synapses and significant alterations to synaptic mitochondrial localization, number, morphology, or function can be detrimental to synaptic transmission. Mitochondrial by‐products are capable of regulating various steps of neurotransmission and mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress occur in the early stages of many neurodegenerative diseases. This mini‐review will highlight the prospect that mitochondria regulates synaptic exocytosis by controlling synaptic ATP and reactive oxygen species levels and that dysfunctional exocytosis caused by mitochondrial abnormalities may be a common underlying phenomenon in the initial stages of some human neurodegenerative diseases.
Myelinated axons contain β‐actin mRNA and ZBP‐1 in periaxoplasmic ribosomal plaques and depend on cyclic AMP and F‐actin integrity for in vitro translation
Authors: Sotelo‐Silveira José , Crispino Marianna , Puppo Agostina , Sotelo José R. , Koenig Edward 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPeriaxoplasmic ribosomal plaques (PARPs) are periodic structural formations containing ribosomes, which are likely cortical sites of translation along myelinated fibers. β‐actin mRNA, and its trans‐acting binding factor, zipcode‐binding protein‐1, were co‐distributed within PARP domains of axoplasmic whole‐mounts isolated from goldfish Mauthner, rabbit and rat nerve fibers. The distribution of co‐localization signals of fluorophore pixels, however, was asymmetric in PARP domains, possibly indicative of endpoint trafficking of RNPs. β‐actin mRNA in RNA extracted from axoplasm of single Mauthner fibers was confirmed by RT‐PCR. A metabolically active isolated Mauthner fiber system, which required cAMP to activate translation, was developed in order to probe cycloheximide‐sensitivity, and the importance of the actin cytoskeleton. cAMP greatly stimulated protein synthesis in axoplasm after a period of pre‐incubation, while being inhibited strongly by cycloheximide, or by cytochalasin D. Cytochalasin D reduced incorporation only modestly in the associated myelin sheath. We conclude that mechanisms for targeting and localizing β‐actin mRNA to discrete PARP domains are probably similar to those described for dendritic synaptic domains. Moreover, optimal translation in axoplasm depends on the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton, and can be modulated by cAMP as well.
Functional blockage of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 evokes a kappa‐opiate‐dependent analgesia
Authors: Sáez‐Cassanelli José L. , Fontanella German H. , Delgado‐García José M. , Carrión Ángel M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractProgress in the control and treatment of pain may be facilitated by a better understanding of mechanisms underlying nociceptive processing. Cannabinoids and opioids are endogenous modulator of pain sensation, but therapies based in these compounds are not completely exploited because of their side effects. To test the role of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1‐R) inhibition in nociception, we performed a subchronic administration of the CB1‐R antagonistN‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (AM281) in mice. This treatment provoked analgesia in peripheral thermal and visceral models of pain. Analysis of genes encoded for the opioid system in the spinal cord showed an increase in the expression of genes encoded for the κ‐opioid system in AM281‐injected mice compared with vehicle‐injected ones. Furthermore, systemic administration of nor‐binaltorphimine, a κ‐opioid receptor antagonist, blocked AM281‐induced analgesia. Finally, c‐fos expression in the dorsal spinal cord and higher centers of pain processing after noxious stimulation were significantly lower in AM281‐injected mice than in vehicle‐injected animals, indicating that dynorphin could block nociceptive information transmission at the spinal cord level. These results indicate the existence of a cross‐talk between opioid and cannabinoid systems in nociception. Furthermore, the results suggest that CB1‐R antagonists could be useful as a new therapeutic approach for pain relief.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis)
Authors: RAMEY A. , GRAZIANO S. L. , NIELSEN J. L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractEight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the Arctic cisco, Coregonus autumnalis. Loci were evaluated in 21 samples from the Colville River subsistence fishery. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 18. Observed heterozygosity of loci varied from 0.10 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.09 to 0.92. All eight microsatellite markers were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The loci presented here will be useful in describing population structure and exploring populations of origin for Arctic cisco.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the western long‐fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater
Authors: HAN B. Y. , HUA P. Y. , GU X. M. , MILLER‐BUTTERWORTH C. M. , ZHANG S. Y. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 10 microsatellite loci in the western long‐fingered bat, Miniopterus magnater. These loci were tested on 48 individuals from Anhui Province of China, and all loci were highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 13.6 (range from six to 27). Observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.364 to 0.957, and from 0.676 to 0.951, respectively. After Bonferroni correction, four loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to examine population structure and genetic diversity in this species.
Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers in Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea, and cross‐species amplification on threatened Procellariiformes
Authors: BRIED JOËL , DUBOIS MARIE‐PIERRE , JOUVENTIN PIERRE , SANTOS RICARDO S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFor the first time, we describe 11 variable dinucleotide microsatellites and the conditions for multiplexing and simultaneous genotyping sets of loci in Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea. Microsatellite variability was assessed in a colony from the Azores archipelago (Atlantic Ocean). Two to eight alleles were detected per locus, the mean gene diversity being 4.5. Cross‐species amplification in three other seabirds (Diomedea exulans, Procellaria aequinoctialis and Bulweria bulwerii) revealed some variability at one, two and eight loci, respectively.
bels: backward elimination locus selection for studies of mixture composition or individual assignment
Authors: BROMAGHIN JEFFREY F. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMethods of evaluating loci in studies of mixture composition or individual assignment are largely based on performance characteristics of individual loci. Synergisms between loci are not exploited. Loci are often evaluated based on their ability to resolve individual populations, even though multipopulation aggregations are more commonly of interest. In addition, measures of locus performance may indirectly relate to investigative objectives. A new computer program, bels, offers an alternative that addresses these limitations and may be preferable to existing methods in some applications. The algorithm is illustrated using Yukon River chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) data.
Electronic Paint: Understanding Children's Representation through their Interactions with Digital Paint
Authors: Matthews John , Seow Peter 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis article investigates very young children's use of a stylus‐driven, electronic painting and drawing on the tablet PC. The authors compare their development in the use of this device with their use of other mark‐making media, including those which derive from pencil and paper technologies and also with mouse‐driven electronic paintbox programs. After experience of using of electronic paint, two of the children were introduced to simple programming software. The authors wanted to find out how the introduction of electronic, digital, interactive devices impact upon children's development in semiotic understanding.
Towards a Theory that Links Experience in the Arts with the Acquisition of Knowledge
Authors: Dahlman Ylva 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe origin of this article is an investigation of an academic course, Graphic Arts and Design for students of natural and social sciences. The article describes the benefits of attending the class for the science students, which were an increased ability to solve problems, new and different ways to observe the environment, greater self confidence, and a higher understanding and valuing of the working process. The participants considered that the artistic activities affected their academic courses since the exercises were seen as creative and meaningful, which led to a changed attitude towards their studies. The exercises developed a comprehensive view and an ability to concentrate, which were conducive to problem solving. The article compares the process of drawing with the cognitive approach of philosophical pragmatism described by Charles Peirce and John Dewey. Michael Polanyi's concept of tacit knowing and some theories on the function of metaphors are also discussed in relation to some concrete pedagogical examples.
Aesthetics, Popular Visual Culture, and Designer Capitalism
Authors: Duncum Paul 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWhile rejecting modernist philosophical aesthetics, the author argues for the use in art education of a current, ordinary‐language definition of aesthetics as visual appearance and effect, and its widespread use in many diverse cultural sites is demonstrated. Employing such a site‐specific use of aesthetics enables art education to more clearly address the realities of everyday life under designer capitalism, a socio‐economy based on the drive to create evermore desire. Aesthetic manipulation is viewed as a primary means to facilitate the smooth operation of this system. The recent craze for Bratz dolls is used to illustrate the centrality of aesthetics to designer capitalism. Finally, the author offers suggestions as to how art education can view consumer products like Bratz as pedagogic opportunities.
Creating New Identities in Design Education
Authors: Mendoza Hannah Rose , Bernasconi Claudia , MacDonald Nora M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn international education opportunity has been created for design students at West Virginia University. This experience is unique because it takes an interdisciplinary approach to design that exposes students to the idea of a larger design methodology common to design professions. Students take core courses with students from a variety of design fields, including interior design, fashion design, fashion merchandising, landscape architecture, art, and graphic design. Through this interaction, students gain an understanding of the interrelationships among design fields, learn to appreciate new perspectives, and begin to appreciate the place of their field as part of the design community as a whole.
The Evaluation of Community Arts Projects and the Problems with Social Impact Methodology
Authors: Clements Paul 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis article focuses on the evaluation of participatory community arts programmes and analyses the shift in educational emphasis from aesthetic to social outcomes. It considers a range of theoretical models and practices in the field which includes my own experience.The history of evaluative methodology highlights procedural concerns which are applied to current strategies of evaluating social impact. This is critiqued with regards to consent and participant intention, lack of discrimination between ‘natural’ and ‘synthetic’ instrumentality, and issues surrounding measurement and the validation of impact through social auditing.This foregrounds broader debates concerning the politics of evaluation. An ideal democratic method is suggested that encourages participant involvement, empowerment and self‐management. This is compared to normative bureaucratic and autocratic approaches steeped in top‐down agendas which may exacerbate social problems.
Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Preoperative or Postoperative Carprofen with or Without Preincisional Mepivacaine Epidural Anesthesia in Canine Pelvic or Femoral Fracture Repair
Authors: BERGMANN HANNES M. , NOLTE INGO , KRAMER SABINE 
Published: September 2007

Objective—To compare analgesic efficacy of preoperative versus postoperative administration of carprofen and to determine, if preincisional mepivacaine epidural anesthesia improves postoperative analgesia in dogs treated with carprofen.Study Design—Blind, randomized clinical study.Animals—Dogs with femoral (n=18) or pelvic (27) fractures.Methods—Dogs were grouped by restricted randomization into 4 groups: group 1=carprofen (4 mg/kg subcutaneously) immediately before induction of anesthesia, no epidural anesthesia; group 2=carprofen immediately after extubation, no epidural anesthesia; group 3=carprofen immediately before induction, mepivacaine epidural block 15 minutes before surgical incision; and group 4=mepivacaine epidural block 15 minutes before surgical incision, carprofen after extubation. All dogs were administered carprofen (4 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily) for 4 days after surgery. Physiologic variables, nociceptive threshold, lameness score, pain, and sedation (numerical rating scale [NRS], visual analog scale [VAS]), plasma glucose and cortisol concentration, renal function, and hemostatic variables were measured preoperatively and at various times after surgery. Dogs with VAS pain scores >30 were administered rescue analgesia.Results—Group 3 and 4 dogs had significantly lower pain scores and amount of rescue analgesia compared with groups 1 and 2. VAS and NRS pain scores were not significantly different among groups 1 and 2 or among groups 3 and 4. There was no treatment effect on renal function and hemostatic variables.Conclusions—Preoperative carprofen combined with mepivacaine epidural anesthesia had superior postoperative analgesia compared with preoperative carprofen alone. When preoperative epidural anesthesia was performed, preoperative administration of carprofen did not improve postoperative analgesia compared with postoperative administration of carprofen.Clinical Relevance—Preoperative administration of systemic opioid agonists in combination with regional anesthesia and postoperative administration of carprofen provides safe and effective pain relieve in canine fracture repair.