bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging roles for neogenin and its ligands in CNS development
Authors: De Vries Melissa , Cooper Helen M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt is now well established that the netrin guidance cues and their receptors comprise a major molecular guidance system driving axon pathfinding during nervous system development. One netrin receptor, neogenin, is now emerging as a key regulator of many developmental processes throughout the embryo. Unexpectedly, a new family of neogenin ligands, the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family, has recently been identified. The functional outcome of neogenin activation is dictated by both the nature of the ligand as well as the developmental context. Netrin‐1–neogenin interactions mediate chemoattractive axon guidance, while RGMa–neogenin interactions repel axons. Neogenin is required for the establishment of the pseudostratified epithelium of the neural tube, probably by promoting cell adhesion. In addition, a role for RGMa and neogenin in neuronal differentiation has been demonstrated. While neogenin signaling cascades are poorly understood, the opposing responses of neogenin to RGMa and netrin‐1 in the context of axon guidance indicates that neogenin signaling is complex and subject to tight spatiotemporal regulation. In summary, neogenin is a multifunctional receptor regulating diverse developmental processes. Thus, its contribution to neural development is proving to be considerably more extensive than originally predicted.
The effect of guanylate cyclase inhibitors on non‐adrenergic and non‐cholinergic neurogenic relaxations of the South American opossum lower esophageal sphincter
Authors: Matsuda Nilce Mitiko , Lemos Moysés Costa , Feitosa Rui Libório 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSouth American (SA) opossum lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular smooth muscle relaxes by activation of enteric nerves elicited by EFS (electrical field stimulation, 0.5 ms, 48 V, 0.5–8 Hz for 10 s). The identity of the mediator released and the cellular mechanism, however, remain to be fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the enzyme soluble guanylate cyclase (cGC) inhibitors, cystamine (100 μm), methylene blue (30 μm), LY 83583 (6‐anilino‐5,8 quinoledione, 10 μm) and ODQ (H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3]quinoxalin‐1‐one, 1 μm) on the relaxations induced by EFS and by exogenous NO (nitric oxide, 0.5 mm) or NO‐donors on SA opossum LES smooth muscle strips. EFS caused frequency‐dependent relaxations, which were inhibited by NO‐synthase inhibitors and abolished by tetrodotoxin. Cystamine did not affect relaxations caused by EFS and NO or NO‐donor. Methylene blue also failed to affect EFS‐caused relaxations, although it was capable of inhibiting relaxation induced by NO. LY 83583 inhibited relaxations induced by NO, but did not affect those induced by EFS or by SNAP and HXA. ODQ abolished relaxations caused by EFS at lower frequencies and by HXA (hydroxylamine, 10 μm) and SNAP (S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl penicillamine, 10 μm). Relaxations at higher frequencies of EFS and induced by SNP (sodium nitroprusside, 30 μm) and NO were only reduced by ODQ. These findings indicate that activation of the cGC can be involved in relaxations induced by EFS at lower frequencies, but other mechanisms can be involved at higher frequencies of EFS and caused by SNP or NO.
Effect of succinic acid monoethyl ester on hemoglobin glycation and tail tendon collagen properties in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Saravanan Ramalingam , Pari Leelavinothan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSuccinic acid monoethyl ester (EMS) was recently proposed as an insulinotropic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of EMS and metformin administration on tail collagen content and its characteristics in streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced type 2 diabetic rats. EMS was administered intraperitoneally for 30 days to normal and diabetic rats. In the diabetic rats, a significant increase in the levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hydroxyproline, collagen content, extent glycation, fluorescence, neutral salt, acid and pepsin soluble collagen content was absorbed with a significant decrease in the level of insulin, hemoglobin in streptozotocin‐nicotinamide diabetic rats. Moreover, a daily administration of nonglucidic nutrient EMS and metformin significantly decreased the levels of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, hydroxyproline, collagen content, extent glycation, fluorescence, neutral salt, acid and pepsin soluble collagen content, whereas it increased insulin, hemoglobin levels in diabetic rats. The positive influence of nonglucidic nutrient on both collagen content and its properties suggests a potential mechanism for the ability of EMS to delay diabetic complications.
Bleeding risks of combination vs. single antiplatelet therapy: a meta‐analysis of 18 randomized trials comprising 129 314 patients
Authors: Serebruany Victor L. , Malinin Alex I. , Ferguson James J. , Vahabi Javad , Atar Dan , Hennekens Charles H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA number of antiplatelet drugs, principally aspirin alone or in combination, have been evaluated in randomized trials of survivors of prior occlusive vascular disease events or of individuals at high risk because of multiple cardiovascular risk factors. In this meta‐analysis we compare single and dual antiplatelet regimens to quantitate the risks of bleeding. Data from randomized trials published in English in 1988–2006 were retrieved from MEDLINE, OVID, and CARDIOSOURCE. Inclusion criteria were clinical follow‐up for at least 1 month and the presence of data on bleeding complications. Information was compiled on sample size, antiplatelet agents tested, patient characteristics as well as major, minor, fatal and intracranial bleeding. Using these criteria, we identified 18 randomized trials, which included 129 314 patients. For each endpoint, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Dual antiplatelet therapy is associated with a significantly increased risk of major (RR 1.47, CI = 1.36–1.60) and minor bleeding events (RR 1.56, CI = 1.47–1.66) compared to single agent therapy. Although based on small numbers, there were no significant differences in fatal (RR 1.10, CI = 0.87–1.40) or intracranial (RR 1.07, CI = 0.85–1.35) bleedings although the CIs are wide to make definite assessments. Patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy have an approximately 40–50% increase in risks of major and minor bleeding compared to those receiving single agent therapy during the duration of the scrutinized trials. The magnitude of this excess risk is not so remote from the approximately 60% increase observed in trials comparing single antiplatelet agents to placebo. This excess risk should be considered when choosing the optimal antiplatelet strategy for long‐term treatment of patients with prior occlusive vascular events or those at high risk of developing occlusive vascular disease.
Epigallocatechin gallate improves serum lipid profile and erythrocyte and cardiac tissue antioxidant parameters in Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet
Authors: Ramesh E. , Elanchezhian R. , Sakthivel M. , Jayakumar T. , Senthil Kumar R.S. , Geraldine P. , Thomas P.A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOxidative stress is believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolaemic atherosclerosis; hence, various antioxidant compounds are being evaluated for potential anti‐atherogenic effects. The present study assessed the efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant component of the plant Camellia sinensis, in improving serum lipid profile and antioxidant parameters in erythrocytes and cardiac tissue in rats fed an atherogenic diet. In male albino Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet for 30 days, significantly increased serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions and cardiac risk ratio were noted, compared with levels in rats fed a normal diet. Intraperitoneal administration of EGCG (100 mg/kg) for 7 or 15 days to the atherogenic diet‐fed rats resulted in significantly lower serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol fractions and a significantly higher serum level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with levels in atherogenic diet‐fed, saline‐treated rats. Significantly higher mean malondialdehyde levels and significantly lower mean activities of antioxidant enzymes and mean levels of non‐enzymatic antioxidants occurred in atherogenic diet‐fed rats compared with those fed a normal diet. When atherogenic diet‐fed rats received EGCG treatment for 7 or 15 days, significantly lower mean levels of MDA, higher mean levels of non‐enzymatic antioxidants and higher mean activities of enzymatic antioxidants occurred, compared with those in saline‐treated rats. Thus, EGCG appears to ameliorate disruptions of serum lipid profile and of antioxidant parameters in erythrocyte and cardiac tissue of Wistar rats fed an atherogenic diet; these results may be relevant to treating human atherosclerosis.
Dispensing of anxiolytics and hypnotics in southeastern France: demographic factors and determinants of geographic variations
Authors: Bocquier Aurélie , Bezzou Kamel , Nauleau Steve , Verger Pierre 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe examined geographic variations in the dispensing of anxiolytics and hypnotics (AX‐HY) and their determinants at the canton level in southeastern France. Data were collected from the 2005 outpatient database of the Southeastern France General Health Insurance Fund, covering more than 70% of the population. We calculated the annual age‐adjusted prevalence rates of subjects filling prescriptions for AX‐HY at least once (to measure ‘overall use’) and at least six times (‘chronic use’), assessed geographic variations with the extremal quotient and weighted coefficient of variation, and conducted simple and multiple linear regression analysis to study their determinants. Prevalence rates of overall and chronic AX‐HY use were 15.5% and 5.9%, respectively, and varied significantly between cantons, by a factor of 3–4. The prevalence of mental illness and that of chronic illness were independently and positively associated with overall and chronic use; unemployment rates and mean family income were positively associated only with overall use. Density of general practitioners did not explain geographic variations. These results provide a basis for targeting interventions to reduce AX‐HY use and promoting appropriate discontinuation. Future studies should examine trends in those geographic variations.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the human ITGB3 gene is associated with the platelet‐specific alloantigen Vaa (HPA‐17bw) involved in fetal maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Stafford Prachi , Garner Stephen F. , Rankin Angela , Kekomaki Riitta , Watkins Nicholas A. , Ouwehand Willem H. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The previously reported platelet (PLT)‐specific antigen, Vaa, was defined by an alloantibody detected in the serum sample of a mother who delivered an infant displaying symptoms of severe fetal maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT). This PLT antigen was localized to the integrin αIIbβ3 (GPIIbIIIa) but its genetic basis was not defined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genomic ITGA2B (αIIb) and ITGB3 (β3) DNA from a Vaa‐positive individual were sequenced to identify potential polymorphisms underlying the Vaa antigen. Recombinant β3 integrin carrying the putative mutation was then used to assess serologic reactivity with the original maternal Vaa antiserum.RESULTS: A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; C622>T) in exon 5 of ITGB3 resulting in the replacement of threonine with methionine at residue 195 of the mature β3 was identified. Calmodulin‐tagged soluble recombinant β3 encoding Met195 was produced in S2 cells and found to react specifically with the Vaa antiserum.CONCLUSION: With the use of a combination of DNA sequencing and recombinant antigen expression, the molecular basis of the PLT‐specific Vaa antigen (HPA‐17bw), a low‐frequency antigen implicated in FMAIT, has been resolved. These data further demonstrate the value of using recombinant β3 peptides for the detection of rare but clinically relevant antibodies.
Long‐term effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate application on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needle chemical defence and diprionid sawfly performance
Authors: Heijari J. , Nerg A.‐M. , Kainulainen P. , Vuorinen M. , Holopainen J. K. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractScots pine [Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae)] trees with four different seed origins were exposed to exogenous applications of the elicitor, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), for three consecutive years. We studied the effects of MeJA on needle chemistry (including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and tricyclic resin acids), plant growth, and the performance of two diprionid sawflies, the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer Geoffr.) and the common pine sawfly (Diprion pini L.) (both Hymenoptera: Diprionidae). In general, foliar MeJA application affected the whole range of needle secondary chemistry with significantly higher concentrations of two monoterpenes, β‐pinene and limonene, in particular. Furthermore, for some seed origins the growth rates of N. sertifer and D. pini larvae were lower on needles of MeJA‐treated plants with either high total terpene or high resin acid concentrations. However, inconsistencies in diprionid sawfly performance within each studied Scots pine origin suggest genetic variance in needle secondary chemistry. The differences between selected seed origins and notably variable responses to MeJA application imply that adaptation of the seed to new conditions may have had an impact on secondary chemistry and, thus, on insect performance. Finally, our results suggest that modification of Scots pine defence by a low‐concentration exogenous elicitor affects the production of terpenoids in the newly growing needles, leading to poorer pine sawfly performance in origins with high terpenoid content, while not harming the growth of Scots pine trees.
A LAND DESPOILED: NEW ZEALAND ABOUT 1838*
Authors: CUMBERLAND KENNETH B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryFrom 1792 destructive exploitation had been dominant. Not only were the easily available littoral resources decimated, such as seals, whales and timber stands, but the Maori people themselves were exploited and their culture and economy largely destroyed. The landing in 1840 of settlers—seeking primarily new homes—terminated a period of almost unrestrained Raubwirtschaft and marked the beginnings of constructive development at the hands of the immigrant western culture. After the close of the decade new forms were imposed on the landscape at several new and different points of landing and contact. Life and landscape changed with increasing rapidity as the European population grew. Resources and habitat values had again to be reassessed and revaluated in the light of changing human circumstances and as new skills and techniques were brought to these Pacific islands by the still‐alien culture. Europeans (of a different sort from the 1000 or so in New Zealand in 1839) soon painted marginal segments of the New Zealand canvas with another distinctive and colourful geography, significantly transforming the impression of the whole and the character of its parts.
Tourists' Vademecum
Authors: Farrell B. H. 
Published: May 2008

THE MILFORD COUNTRY. By N. S. Seaward.STEWART ISLAND. By N. S. Seaward.THE SOUTHERN ALPS. Part 1. By John Pascoc.CENTRAL OTAGO. By J. D. S. Roberts.RIFLE SPORT IN THE SOUTH ISLAND. By R. J. Francis Smith.
Grassland Improvement
Authors: Dick R. G. 
Published: May 2008

DEVELOPMENT OF BROWNTOP COUNTRY IN THE SOUTH ISLAND: A. Stuart, N.Z. Journal of Agriculture, Vol. 86, No. 2, February 1953, pp. 155–163.OVERSOWING AND TOPDRESSING NORTH OTAGO HILL COUNTRY: W. R. Lobb, ibid., pp. 141–145.
IN OUR CONTEMPORARIES: 1. In New Zealand Journals …: Agriculture in the North ISLAND
Authors: Gorrie Rilda 
Published: May 2008

STUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: WAIRARAPA INLAND HILLCOUNTRY: F. G. Spite, N.Z. Journal of AgricultureSTUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: AN EGMONT COUNTY FARM: G. R. Moss and A. C. Burgess, ibid.STUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: HAWKES BAY HILL COUNTRY SHEEP FARM: F. H. Collin, ibid.STUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: A PIAKO DAIRY FARM: S. D. Clay, ibid.STUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: DEVELOPMENT OF A WAITOMO PROPERTY: W. L. Osborn, ibid.STUDIES IN FARM MANAGEMENT: MANAWATU SAND COUNTRY FAT‐LAMB FARM: J. A. Graham, ibid.
GIS Technology Used to Establish a Digital Cadastral Database
Authors: WILSON ALLAN 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYThe above outline describes the DCDB being developed by DOSLI, its concepts, structure, applications and derived benefits.For public sector users GIS provides a means of more efficient provision of services. Benefits will be most apparent to organisations which already use and rely on geographic information, but will quickly spread to other organisations.To private sector users GIS offer a valuable way of increasing competitiveness. Indeed, the adoption of GIS may become essential to maintain competitiveness in the analysis of customers and markets.GIS technology has the potential to serve the land management decision making process significantly better than conventional methods. DOSLI believes that its investment in GIS technology and use of the DCDB as the primary geographical reference fabric will realise this potential and result in significant benefits to individual users and long term benefits to the nation as a whole.
Channel Dredging, Dredge Spoil Migration and Downdrift
Authors: HEALY TERRY 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTA major dredging programme to deepen the shipping channels at the Port of Tauranga has seen some 5 million m3 of mainly sandy sediment dredged from the shipping channels and dumped on the adjacent inner shelf. An Environmental Impact Assessment has identified major concerns and consent granting authorities have proposed a monitoring programme.
THE WRITING'S ON THE WALL
Authors: LINDSEY DAVID G. , KEARNS ROBIN A. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTGraffiti can be a marker of territory. Youthful grafffiti writers in Auckland have adopted ‘tagging’, a form of graffiti writing linked to the Americanisation of popular culture in New Zealand. Regularities in the presence of ‘tags’ are documented through field observation in suburban and central city locations and related to the daily activities of the taggers. Self‐proclamation, not the marking out of turf appears to underlie the territorial dimensions of graffiti in Auckland's urban space.
“Power Geometries
Authors: LARNER WENDY 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTFeminist contributions to the geographical literature on capitalist restructuring have tended to emphasize the importance of examining women's experiences vis‐a‐vis those of men. This research in progress report on the telecommunications service industry in New Zealand suggests that assuming the relative homogeneity of ‘women’ as an analytical category, then assessing the experience of women against those of men using national data, may no longer be satisfactory in a context in which production, finance and labour markets have been internationalised.
Discursive Constraints on Pregnant Women's Participation in Sport
Authors: LONGHURST ROBYN 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTI discuss the discursive constraints on the participation in sport of 22 Hamilton women who are pregnant for the first time. Most women tended to withdraw from sport especially as they became more visibly pregnant. Their withdrawal can be partly explained using Julia Kristeva's notion of abjection. Pregnant bodies are often considered to be fragile, fearful and ‘inactive’‐they are containers for unborn children and are best confined to places and activities where protection for the unborn child can, supposedly, be maximised.
The Politics of the Pump
Authors: JOHNSTON LYNDA 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTI suggest that the training environment and the female built body are both politicised sites of change. The gym provides a material and discursive environment that reworks bodies in the masculine/feminine binary. The specific materiality of women's muscled (built) bodies provides the ground for contestation of Western heirarchical dualisms, thereby opening up new spaces to reconceptualise the sexed body in geography.
Maintaining the Rural Landscape
Authors: OLSON SHERRY , HOLLAND PETER 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTCultural landscapes require maintenance. The example of hedging in South Island, New Zealand, is used to explore the factors which generate perennial crises of maintenance, and ultimately affect the sustainability of a productive rural landscape. This logic of maintenance is applicable to other forms of landscape investment in drains, buildings, sown pastures and soils.
Ponga, Glass and Concrete
Authors: LEES LORETTA , BERG LAWRENCE D. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTIn accepting that Aotearoa is no‐longer a rural nation there are exciting possibilities for the study of urban socio‐cultural geography ‐ the effects of urbanisation on the lives ofNewZealanders. Contemporary social geographical theories have combined with postmodernism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism and feminism toproducea ‘new cultural geography’. We argue that this new cultural geography couldprovide important theoretical avenues for the development of an ‘indigenous’ New Zealand urban socio‐cultural geography.
Climatic Conditions for Wine Grape Growing
Authors: FITZHARRIS B B , ENDUCHER W. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTVineyards in New Zealand are pushing further south than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, this despite poor understanding of the latitudinal limits of grape growing. European experience shows a limit of 50oN. Valuable pointers and cautionary tales from Germany encourage a view that the southern limit in New Zealand may be 45oS. This is broadly confirmed by comparative climate data from Germany and New Zealand.
Sustainability: A View From The Paddock
Authors: BLUNDEN GREG , COCKLIN CHRIS , SMITH WILLIAM , MORAN WARREN 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTSome global organisations and many national governments have adopted formal descriptions of sustainability, despite its elusive meaning. In most instances, the responsibility for the implementation of sustainability is placed firmly on the land‐user. In New Zealand, this is within the context of regional and district plans that are a requirement of the national legislation governing resource management, the Resource Management Act (RMA). In this paper, we analyse various ‘official’ interpretations of sustainability prior to examining Northland farmers' definitions of sustainable agriculture, their views on a hypothetical subsidy for environmental projects on their farms and the impact of the RMA. Economic factors and the maintenance of agricultural productivity remain paramount considerations; many environmental projects are undertaken but provision of a subsidy would make little difference because of existing financial and time constraints; and the RMA has thus far affected only one quarter of respondents.
Relocating Policies for Sustainable Agriculture Under the Umbrella of Rural Development in Australia, USA and New Zealand
Authors: Pomeroy Ann 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe concern of social scientists about the future of rural communities has filtered across to the policy arena at central government level. There analysis has been paralysed by lack of agreement about the issues. Many officials, especially those without social science training, do not understand concepts such as social sustainability, and few officials know how best to operationalise these concepts. A key step is the recognition of the need to consider people first in the development of policy, whether at the industry, community or household level, if the goal of sustainable agriculture is to be achieved.