bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Desensitization of GABABreceptor signaling by formation of protein complexes of GABAB2subunit with GRK4 or GRK5
Authors: Kanaide Masato , Uezono Yasuhito , Matsumoto Masanori , Hojo Minoru , Ando Yuko , Sudo Yuka , Sumikawa Koji , Taniyama Kohtaro 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe investigated the role of G protein coupled‐receptor kinases (GRKs) in the desensitization of GABABreceptor‐mediated signaling usingXenopusoocytes and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Baclofen elicited inward K+currents in oocytes coexpressing heterodimeric GABABreceptor, GABAB1asubunit (GB1aR) and GABAB2subunit (GB2R), together with G protein‐activated inwardly rectifying K+channels (GIRKs), in a concentration‐dependent manner. Repetitive application of baclofen to oocytes coexpressing GABABR and GIRKs did not change peak K+currents in the first and second responses, but the latter responses were significantly attenuated by coexpression of either GRK4 or GRK5 with attenuation efficacy of GRK4 > GRK5. Coexpression of other GRKs including GRK2, GRK3, and GRK6 had no effect on GABABreceptor‐mediated desensitization processes. In BHK cells coexpressing GRK4 fused to Venus (brighter variant of yellow fluorescent protein, GRK4‐Venus) with GB1aR and GB2R, GRK4‐Venus was expressed in the cytosol but was translocated to the plasma membranes by GABABR activation. In BHK cells coexpressing GRK4 fused to Cerulean (brighter variant of cyan fluorescent protein, GRK4‐Cerulean) with GB1aR and GB2R‐Venus, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis demonstrated that GRK4‐Cerulean formed a protein complex with GB2R‐Venus. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis confirmed GB2R‐GRK4 complex formation. GRK5 also formed a complex with GB2R on the plasma membranes as determined by FRET and Western blotting but not GRK2, GRK3, and GRK6. Our results indicate that GRK4 and GRK5 desensitize GABABreceptor‐mediated responses by forming protein complexes with GB2R subunit of GABABR at the plasma membranes. J. Cell. Physiol. 210: 237–245, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytotoxicity and fibroblast properties during in vitro test of biphasic calcium phosphate/poly‐dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide biocomposites and different phosphate materials
Authors: Ignjatović Nenad , Ninkov Petar , Kojić Vesna , Bokurov Miloš , Srdić Vladimir , Krnojelac Dijana , Selaković Srećko , Uskoković Dragan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractReconstruction of bone defects is one of the major therapeutic goals in various clinical fields. Bone replacement materials must satisfy a number of criteria. Biological criteria are biocompatibility, controlled biodegradability, and osteoconductive or even osteogenic potential. The material should have a three‐dimensional structure with an interconnected pore system so as to permit cell growth and transport of substances. The surface must permit cell adhesion and proliferation. Composite biomaterials have enormous potential for natural bone tissue reparation, filling and augmentation. Calcium hydroxyapatite/polymer composite biomaterials belong to this group of composites and, because of their osteoconductive and biocompatible properties, can be successfully implemented within bone tissue reparations. In this study, possible differences between BCP/DLPLG, pure BCP, and Bio‐Oss® materials were examined in vitro. During overnight incubations, fibroblast and fibroblast‐like cells (L929, MRC5) were able to adhere, spread, and remain viable on BCP, BCP/PLGA, and Bio‐Oss® discs, as was evidenced by using light‐ and LVSEM‐microscopy. Inhibiting influence over the cell growth is more pronounced in the cases of BCP usage on both cell lines—41.29% for L929 and 43.08% for MRC‐5 cells. MRC‐5 cells are, within the given experimental conditions, less sensitive on inhibiting effects for the materials BCP/PLGA and Bio‐Oss® (10.13% and 10.76%, respectively) than for the L929 cell lines (23.02% and 15.44%, respectively). Microsc. Res. Tech., 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A composite gene delivery system consisting of polyethylenimine and an amphipathic peptide KALA
Authors: Min Sang‐Hyun , Lee Dong Chul , Lim Mi Jung , Park Hyun Sook , Kim Dong Min , Cho Cheong Weon , Yoon Do Young , Yeom Young Il 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackgroundAnimal viruses such as enveloped virus carry multi‐functional proteins in the virion that can mediate more than two distinct steps of a gene delivery process during the transfer of viral genome into host cells. We tested if the aspects of the viral gene delivery mechanism could be mimicked by forming composite formulae from multi‐functional synthetic gene carriers having complementary action modes.MethodsPolyethylenimine (PEI) was chosen as the component responsible for endosome escape and DNA condensation and KALA for cellular entry and DNA condensation. Compact DNA‐carrier particles consisting of the core part where DNA chains were tightly condensed by PEI and the outer layer lined with KALA were formulated, characterized and compared with monolithic cationic formulae in terms of gene delivery efficiency and mechanism.ResultsHigh‐level gene expression was observed when C2C12 cells were transfected with DNA that was first partially condensed with PEI and, then, fully with KALA. In these formulae KALA mediated enhanced cellular entry of DNA by facilitating endocytic vesicle formation, while PEI provided an effective endosomolytic capacity. An optimal PEI/KALA formula showed transfection efficiencies better than or comparable to the commercial cationic liposome in various cell types in culture and in vivo.ConclusionsGene delivery by combining the membrane‐active property of KALA with the endosomolytic activity of PEI can be more efficient than that by either of the properties alone. It appears that, in these formulae, the predominant role of KALA is to facilitate cellular entry of DNA by providing a fusogenic capability, rather than an endosomolytic activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micronutrient composition of field‐grown dry bean and wheat inoculated with Azospirillum and Trichoderma
Authors: Öğüt Mehmet , Er Fatih 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMicronutrient deficiency and malnutrition in humans are severe problems in many developing countries, particularly in areas with calcareous soils. There is almost no information on whether inoculation with plant growth–promoting Azospirillum and/or Trichoderma can help to reduce this problem by increasing the mineral concentration of the seeds. Field experiments were conducted in Tokat (Turkey) in 2001–2002 to determine whether inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense, Trichoderma harzianum, sole or in combination, and/or the application of P fertilizers can enhance micronutrient concentrations of field‐grown bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). In beans, Azospirillum inoculation combined with P fertilization significantly (p < 0.05) increased seed concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Cu, from 8.8, 22.6, and 7.0 mg kg–1 in the control to 10.3, 28.3, and 11.0 mg kg–1, respectively. Trichoderma inoculation alone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu and the cumulative plant uptake of Fe and Zn in 45‐day‐old bean plants. However, it significantly (p < 0.05) increased bean‐seed Cu content and accumulation. The double inoculation resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher micronutrient concentrations than Trichoderma inoculation alone in 45‐day‐old plants. In contrast to beans, the effects of microbial inoculations were less in wheat. However, dual inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) increased Zn content by 45% and Zn accumulation by 40% above the uninoculated control. Inoculation with plant growth–promoting microorganisms appears to be a promising strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies.
Influence ofTithonia diversifoliaand triple superphosphate on dissolution and effectiveness of phosphate rock in acidic soil
Authors: Savini Isaac , Smithson Paul C. , Karanja Nancy K. , Yamasaki Hideo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAn incubation and a pot experiment were conducted to evaluate the dissolution and agronomic effectiveness of a less reactive phosphate rock, Busumbu soft ore (BPR), in an Oxisol in Kenya. Resin (anion and anion + cation)‐extractable P and sequentially extracted P with 0.5MNaHCO3, 0.1MNaOH, and 1MHCl were analyzed. Dissolution was determined from the increase in anion resin (AER)–, NaHCO3‐, and NaOH‐extractable P in soil amended with PR compared with the control soil. Where P was applied, resin P significantly increased above the no‐P treatment. Busumbu‐PR solubility was low and did not increase significantly in 16 weeks. Anion + cation (ACER)‐extractable P was generally greater than AER‐P. The difference was greater for PR than for triple superphosphate (TSP). The ACER extraction may be a better estimate of plant P availability, particularly when poorly soluble P sources are used. Addition of P fertilizers alone or in combination withTithonia diversifolia(TSP, BPR, TSP +Tithonia, and BPR +Tithonia) increased the concentration of labile inorganic P pools (NaHCO3‐ and NaOH‐Pi). Cumulative evolved CO2was significantly correlated with cumulative N mineralized fromTithonia(r, 0.51,p< 0.05). Decrease in pH caused NH$ _4^+ $‐N accumulation while NO$ _3^- $‐N remained low whereTithoniawas incorporated at all sampling times. However, when pH was increased, NH$ _4^+ $‐N declined with a corresponding rise in NO$ _3^- $‐N.Tithoniasignificantly depressed soil exchangeable acidity relative to control with time. A significant increase (p< 0.05) was observed for P uptake but not dry‐mass production in maize where BPR was applied. The variations in yield and P uptake due to source and rates of application were statistically significant. At any given P rate, highest yields were obtained withTithoniaalone. Combination of Busumbu PR with TSP orTithoniadid not enhance the effectiveness of the PR. The poor dissolution and plant P uptake of BPR may be related to the high Fe content in the PR material.
Aluminum inhibits apoplastic flow of high–molecular weight solutes in root apices of Zea mays L.
Authors: Sivaguru Mayandi , Horst Walter J. , Eticha Dejene , Matsumoto Hideaki 
Published: September 2006

AbstractUsing an aluminum (Al)‐sensitive maize cultivar, we investigated the influence of Al on the apoplastic solute bypass flow and its relationship with Al‐induced (1 h, 50 μM) callose formation and root growth. We selected the fluorescent probes 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid, trisodium salt (MW 524) (HPTS) and dextran‐Texas Red (TR) conjugates (MW 3,000, 10,000, and 40,000) to monitor their apoplastic transport. Confocal laser–scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis and spectrofluorometric quantification showed Al‐induced callose formation in peripheral root cells within 1 h. Pretreatment of plants with the callose synthesis inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (DDG) reduced the callose formation by half. Uptake experiments with both HPTS and dextrans showed uniform dye distribution in control root apices. After Al treatment for 1 or 2 h, which inhibited root growth by 32% or 50%, respectively, the dyes accumulated in the epidermal and outer cortical cell layers, especially in the 1–2 mm apical root zone. Al treatment reduced the export of the dyes out of the apical 1 cm treatment zone. This was due to strong sorption of HPTS but not of dextrans by Al‐loaded cell walls. Aluminum treatment reduced loading into the xylem sap particularly of higher–molecular weight dextrans. Pretreatment of roots with DDG and presence of 50 mM mannitol during the Al treatment partially forestalled the inhibitory effect of Al on the dye transport, but only slightly reduced the Al‐induced growth inhibition. Exudation experiments revealed that xylem water flow remained unaffected by the Al treatment of the root tips. The results with dextran suggest that Al binding in cell walls of the root apex inhibits apoplastic bypass flow of higher–molecular weight solutes, which might contribute to Al‐induced inhibition of root growth.
Pleistocene subglacial tunnel valleys in the central North Sea basin: 3‐D morphology and evolution
Authors: Lonergan Lidia , Maidment Susannah C. R. , Collier Jenny S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFour phases of cross‐cutting tunnel valleys imaged on 3‐D seismic datasets are mapped within the Middle–Late Pleistocene succession of the central North Sea basin (Witch Ground area). In plan the tunnel valleys form complex anastomosing networks, with tributary valleys joining main valleys at high angles. The valleys have widths ranging from 250 to 2300 m, and base to shoulder relief varying between 30 and 155 m, with irregular long‐axis profiles characteristic of erosion by water driven by glaciostatic pressures. The youngest phase of tunnel valleys are smaller and have a thinner infill than the older generations. The fill of the larger valleys comprises three seismic facies, the lowermost of which has high amplitudes and is discontinuous. The middle facies consists of wedge‐shaped packages of low‐angle dipping reflectors and is overlain by a facies characterised by sub‐horizontal reflectors, which onlap the valley margins. The seismic character, and comparison with lithologies identified in other northwest European Pleistocene tunnel valleys both onshore and offshore, suggests that the lower two seismic facies are most likely sand and gravel‐dominated, while the uppermost facies consists of glaciolacustrine and marine muds. The 3‐D morphology of the valley margins combined with the geometry of the infill packages suggest that episodic discharge of subglacial meltwater was responsible for incising the valleys and depositing at least some of the infill. Proglacial glaciofluvial deposits are inferred to account for some of the fill overlying the subglacial deposits. Glaciolacustrine and marine muds filled remaining valley topography as the ice sheet retreated. The preserved valley margins are shown to be time‐transgressive erosion surfaces that record changes in geometry of the tunnel valley system as it evolved through time, implying that valleys associated with each ice‐sheet advance/retreat cycle were dynamic and probably long‐lived. Within the constraints of the existing stratigraphy the oldest tunnel valleys in the Witch Ground area of the central North Sea are most likely to be Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 (Elsterian, ca. 470 ka) in age and the youngest pre‐MIS 5e (last interglacial, ca. 120 ka). If each tunnel valley phase was formed during the retreat of a major ice sheet then four glaciations with ice coverage of the central North Sea are recorded in the pre‐Weichselian, Middle–Late Pleistocene stratigraphy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network Formation in Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization of Styrene and Divinylbenzene in Miniemulsion
Authors: Nur Alam Md. , Zetterlund Per B. , Okubo Masayoshi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSummary: Polymer network formation in controlled/living radical crosslinking copolymerization of S/DVB initiated by a poly(S)‐TEMPO macroinitiator in aqueous miniemulsion at 125 °C is investigated. The crosslinking proceeded differently in miniemulsion (heterogeneous systems) and in bulk/solution (homogeneous systems), with markedly lower apparent pendant reactivity in miniemulsion. The relative rate of DVB consumption was lower in miniemulsion than in bulk/solution. It is proposed that the interface between the particle (monomer droplet at time = 0) and the aqueous phase may play an important role during the crosslinking process. The presence of tetradecane as a hydrophobe in the monomer droplets strongly influenced both the pendant reactivity and the molecular weight distributions in miniemulsion, whereas only small effects were observed in the corresponding bulk/solution polymerizations. It is believed that this is related to previous results of the hydrophobe promoting migration of poly(DVB) to the interface of toluene droplets in aqueous emulsion. The results suggest novel approaches towards control of polymer network development in crosslinking radical polymerizations.Total (filled symbols) and intermolecular (open symbols) pendant conversions for TEMPO‐mediated radical copolymerization of S/DVB.magnified imageTotal (filled symbols) and intermolecular (open symbols) pendant conversions for TEMPO‐mediated radical copolymerization of S/DVB.
Problematic gambling on dopamine agonists: Not such a rarity
Authors: Grosset Katherine A. , Macphee Graeme , Pal Guru , Stewart David , Watt Andrew , Davie Jim , Grosset D.G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractExcessive gambling is recognized with dopamine agonist therapy, but the prevalence is unknown. We assessed the prevalence of excess gambling by specific prospective enquiry in Parkinson's disease patients attending six West Scotland movement disorder clinics. Of 388 patients taking anti‐Parkinson medication, 17 (4.4%) developed pathological gambling, all of whom were prescribed dopamine agonists. Thus, 8% of patients taking dopamine agonists had pathological gambling. Pathological gambling is not uncommon, and patients should be made aware of this potential adverse effect. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of a concurrent task on driving performance in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Stolwyk Rene J. , Triggs Tom J. , Charlton Judith L. , Moss Simon , Iansek Robert , Bradshaw John L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractNumerous studies previously have reported reduced driving performance in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Few studies to date, however, have examined how specific cognitive difficulties associated with PD impact on specific aspects of driving performance in this population. In this study, the impact of a concurrent task on driving performance was examined. A simulator was used to measure the driving behavior of 18 current drivers with PD and 18 matched controls. The presence of a concurrent task was manipulated between conditions. Results showed that, although groups were similarly affected by the concurrent task on most driving measures, participants with PD were disproportionately affected on operational level driving behavior. It also appears that participants with PD sacrificed concurrent task performance to maintain driving performance. These results further support the hypothesis that cognitive difficulties associated with PD compromise driving performance in this population, even in the mild to moderate stages of the disease. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Punding and dyskinesias
Authors: Silveira‐Moriyama Laura , Evans Andrew H. , Katzenschlager Regina , Lees Andrew J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe presence of punding in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with inappropriate excessive use of dopaminergic medication but its relation to the severity of dyskinesias is not known. Through the use of clinical examination and medical chart review, the presence of punding and the severity of interdose dyskinesias were evaluated by two different observers. Punding was associated with more frequent interventions to reduce dyskinesias and with greater dyskinesia severity. We suggest the neural systems mediating the expression of dyskinesias and punding might overlap and that punding should be looked for systematically in PD patients presenting with disabling severe dyskinesias. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Early piribedil monotherapy of Parkinson's disease: A planned seven‐month report of the REGAIN study
Authors: Rascol Olivier , Dubois Bruno , Caldas Alexandre Castro , Senn Stephen , Del Signore Susanna , Lees Andrew 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPiribedil is a D2 dopamine agonist, which has been shown to improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) when combined with L‐dopa. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of piribedil monotherapy to placebo in patients with early PD over a 7‐month period. Four hundred and five early PD patients were randomized (double‐blind) to piribedil (150–300 mg/day) or placebo. L‐dopa open‐label supplementation was permitted. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) score as the last observation on monotherapy over 7 months was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes were proportion of responders (UPDRS III improvement > 30%), patients remaining on monotherapy after 7 months, UPDRS III subscores, and UPDRS II. UPDRS III improved on piribedil (−4.9 points) versus a worsening on placebo (2.6 points; estimated effect = 7.26 points; 95% CI = 5.38–9.14; P < 0.0001). The proportion of responders was significantly higher for piribedil (42%) than for placebo (14%) (OR = 4.69; 95% CI = 2.82–7.80; P < 0.001). Piribedil significantly improved several UPDRS III subscores. UPDRS II improved on piribedil by −1.2 points, while it deteriorated by 1.5 points on placebo (estimated effect = 2.71; 95% CI = 1.8–3.62; P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients remaining on monotherapy after 7 months was greater in the piribedil group (OR = 3.72; 95% CI = 2.26–6.11; P < 0.001). Safety was consistent with that reported for other dopamine agonists, gastrointestinal side effects being the most common (22% of patients in piribedil group vs. 14% on placebo). Piribedil is effective and safe as early PD therapy. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
The ancient inhabitants of Jebel Moya redux: measures of population affinity based on dental morphology
Authors: Irish J. D. , Konigsberg L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper reexamines some of the methods and craniometric findings in the classic volumeThe Ancient Inhabitants of Jebel Moya (Sudan)(1955) by Mukherjee, Rao & Trevor, in light of recent archaeological data and relative to a new dental morphological study. Archaeological evidence characterises these inhabitants as having been heavily influenced by outside sources; yet they managed to establish and maintain their own distinctive culture as seen in the site features and surviving artefact collections. The dental study, modelled after the original craniometric‐based investigation and using the same or similar comparative samples, detected complementary indications of outside biological influence. In the study, up to 36 dental traits were recorded in a total of 19 African samples. The most influential traits in driving inter‐sample variation were then identified, and phenetic affinities were calculated using the Mahalanobis D2statistic for non‐metric traits. If phenetic similarity provides an estimate of genetic relatedness, these affinities, like the original craniometric findings, suggest that the Jebel Moyans exhibited a mosaic of features that are reminiscent of, yet distinct from, both sub‐Saharan and North African peoples. Together, these different lines of evidence correspond to portray the Jebel Moya populace as a uniform, although distinct, biocultural amalgam. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.