bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioavailability of zinc glycinate in comparison with zinc sulphate in the presence of dietary phytate in an animal model with 65Zn labelled rats
Authors: Schlegel P. , Windisch W. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe objective of this study was to quantify the bioavailability of zinc (Zn) from sulphate and glycinate as representatives of inorganic and organic zinc sources. The semi‐synthetic basal diet contained 2 μg/g of native Zn and was fortified with pure sodium‐phytate (8 g/kg) in order to simulate conditions of common cereal‐based meals. The basal diet was supplemented with either 53 μg/g of Zn from sulphate (control) or 10 μg/g of Zn from either sulphate (ZnSulphate) or glycinate (ZnGly). Twenty‐four 65Zn‐labelled, growing rats weighing 133 g were allotted to the three diets (eight animals per treatment) and were kept pair‐fed to ZnSulphate for 15 days. Zn contents in blood plasma, femur and whole body, as well as, plasma alkaline phosphatase activities were reduced compared with control indicating a zinc deficiency in ZnSulphate and ZnGly treatment. This allowed their differentiation in zinc bioavailability. True absorption of dietary Zn was significantly higher in ZnGly than in ZnSulphate (51% vs. 44%) while losses of endogenous faecal Zn and urinary Zn were not affected to a quantitatively relevant extent (mean: 17% and 2% of intake). This resulted in a +30% significantly improved Zn retention for ZnGly (33% vs. 25%) and a lower severity on Zn deficiency symptoms compared with ZnSulphate. Metabolic utilization accounted for 95% of absorbed dietary Zn for both Zn sources. Overall, the bioavailability of zinc glycinate was significantly superior by 16% to zinc sulphate (49% vs. 42%), mainly because of a higher absorptive potential at presence of a strong anti‐nutritive component (phytate) in the diet.
Age‐dependent changes in the regulation mechanisms for intracellular calcium ions in ganglion cells of the mouse retina
Authors: Mann Miriam , Haq Wadood , Zabel Thomas , Guenther Elke , Zrenner Eberhart , Ladewig Thomas 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intracellular calcium buffering in retinal ganglion cells. We performed a quantitative analysis of calcium homeostasis in ganglion cells of early postnatal and adult mice by simultaneous patch‐clamp recordings in sliced tissue and microfluorometric calcium measurements with Fura‐2. Endogenous calcium homeostasis was quantified by using the ‘added buffer’ approach which uses amplitudes and decay time constants of calcium transients to give a standard for intracellular calcium buffering. The recovery phase of depolarization‐induced calcium transients was well approximated by a mono‐exponential function with a decay time constant that showed a linear dependence on dye concentration. Endogenous calcium binding ratios were found to be 575 (n = 18 cells) in early postnatal and 121 (n = 18 cells) in adult retinal ganglion cells. With respect to ganglion cell degeneration at early postnatal stages, our measurements suggest that neuroprotection of a majority of developing ganglion cells partially results from a specialized calcium homeostasis based on high buffering capacities. Furthermore, the dramatic decrease of the intracellular calcium buffering capacity during ganglion cell development may enhance their vulnerability to neurodegeneration.
Ex vivo gene delivery of GDNF using primary astrocytes transduced with a lentiviral vector provides neuroprotection in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ericson Cecilia , Georgievska Biljana , Lundberg Cecilia 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAstrocytes are, as normal constituents of the brain, promising vehicles for ex vivo gene delivery to the central nervous system. In the present study, we have used a lentiviral vector encoding glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to transduce rat‐derived primary astrocytes, in order to evaluate their potential for long‐term transgene expression in vivo and neuroprotection in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Following transplantation of GDNF‐transduced astrocytes to the intact striatum, the level of released GDNF was 2.93 ± 0.28 ng/mg tissue at 1 week post‐grafting, reduced to 0.42 ± 0.12 ng/mg tissue at 4 weeks, and thereafter was maintained at this level throughout the experiment (12 weeks; 0.53 ± 0.068 ng/mg tissue). Similarly, grafting to the substantia nigra (SN) resulted in a significant overexpression of GDNF (∼0.20 ng/mg tissue) at 1 week. Intact animals receiving transplants of GDNF‐transduced astrocytes displayed an increased contralateral turning (5.39 ± 1.19 turns/min) in the amphetamine‐induced rotation test, which significantly correlated with the GDNF tissue levels measured in the striatum, indicating a stimulatory effect of GDNF on the dopaminergic function. Transplantation of GDNF‐transduced astrocytes to the SN 1 week prior to an intrastriatal 6‐hydroxydopamine lesion provided a significant protection of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cells. By contrast, when the cells were transplanted to the striatum, the level of released GDNF was not sufficient to rescue the striatal fibers and, hence, to protect the nigral dopaminergic neurons. Overall, our results suggest that genetically modified astrocytes expressing GDNF can provide neuroprotection in a rat model of Parkinson's disease following transplantation to the SN.
The pregnancies of women with Type 2 diabetes: poor outcomes but opportunities for improvement
Authors: Roland J. M. , Murphy H. R. , Ball V. , Northcote‐Wright J. , Temple R. C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAim  To compare the outcomes of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic pregnancies and identify risk factors for poor outcome of Type 2 pregnanciesMethods  The data from all (389 Type 1 and 146 Type 2) pre‐gestational diabetic pregnancies from 10 UK hospitals were collected prospectively.Results  The Type 2 mothers were less likely to have documented pre‐pregnancy counselling (28.7 vs. 40.5%; P < 0.05) or be taking folic acid at conception (21.9 vs. 36.4%; P < 0.001) than Type 1 mothers. The percentage of pregnancies having a serious adverse outcome was higher in Type 2 patients (16.4 vs. 6.4%; P = 0.002). Congenital abnormalities (12.3% in Type 2 vs. 4.4% in Type 1; P = 0.002) accounted for most of this difference. The HbA1c of the Type 2 patients was similar to that of the Type 1 with mean first trimester HbA1c of 7.22 and 7.35%, respectively (P = 0.5). Treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents [odds ratio (OR), 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0–3.3; P = 0.04], body mass index (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.18; P = 0.02) and folic acid supplementation (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.09–1.0; P = 0.04) were all independently associated with congenital malformation.Conclusion  Type 2 diabetic pregnancies are characterized by poor pre‐pregnancy planning, inadequate folic acid supplementation and treatment with oral hypoglycaemic agents, all of which may contribute to the serious adverse outcomes affecting one in six Type 2 diabetic pregnancies. These remediable aspects of the pre‐pregnancy care of women with Type 2 diabetes provide opportunities for improving the outcome towards that of women with Type 1 diabetes.
Reflecting on the think‐aloud method for evaluating e‐learning
Authors: Cotton Deborah , Gresty Karen 
Published: December 2005

AbstractE‐learning is increasingly being used in higher education settings, yet research examining how students use e‐resources is frequently limited. Some previous studies have used the think‐aloud method (an approach with origins in cognitive psychology) as an alternative to the more usual questionnaire or focus groups, but there is little discussion in the educational literature about the advantages and disadvantages of this approach. In this paper, we discuss our experience of using the think‐aloud method in a recent study, and we reflect on its potential contribution as a research method. A number of concerns about the method arose during our study, including the level of guidance given to participants, observer influence, and the complexity of data analysis. We conclude, however, that the richness of the data collected outweighs these constraints, and that the think‐aloud method has the potential to enhance research in this field.
Teachers’ private theories and their design of technology‐based learning
Authors: Churchill Daniel 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis study explores the private theories of four vocational education teachers in Singapore who have engaged in the design of technology‐based learning for their own classes. The understanding of teachers’ private theories is important in the context of contemporary educational reforms, which emphasise the shift towards student‐centred practices and technology integration. As teachers learn to change strategies and utilise technology, they might also need to transform aspects of their private theories that could impede effective technology integration and lead them to continue with outdated educational practice. This study aims to understand and explicate areas of private theories that impede the effective design of student‐centred technology‐based learning. The final outcome of the study was a set of propositions for readers to examine for the possible application in their own environments.
Reticulon 1‐C/neuroendocrine‐specific protein‐C interacts with SNARE proteins
Authors: Steiner Pascal , Kulangara Karina , Sarria J. C. Floyd , Glauser Liliane , Regazzi Romano , Hirling Harald 
Published: December 2005

AbstractReticulons are proteins of neuroendocrine cells localized primarily to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Despite their implication in cellular processes like apoptosis or axonal regeneration, their intracellular molecular function is still largely unknown. Here, we show that reticulon 1‐C can be detected in a protein complex of 150–200 kDa, and that a number of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, i.e. syntaxin 1, syntaxin 7, syntaxin 13 and VAMP2, can be co‐immunoprecipitated with reticulon 1‐C. Moreover, it localizes to a nocodazole‐sensitive, but calreticulin‐negative domain of the endoplasmic reticulum. Finally, overexpression in PC12 cells of a reticulon 1‐C fragment which binds to SNAREs, significantly enhances human growth hormone secretion. These results suggest that reticulons are involved in vesicle trafficking events, including regulated exocytosis.
Nitrotyrosine as a marker for peroxynitrite‐induced neurotoxicity: the beginning or the end of the end of dopamine neurons?
Authors: Kuhn Donald M. , Sakowski Stacey A. , Sadidi Mahdieh , Geddes Timothy J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThis review examines the involvement of nitrotyrosine as a marker for peroxynitrite‐mediated damage in the dopamine neuronal system. We propose that the dopamine neuronal phenotype can influence the cytotoxic signature of peroxynitrite. Dopamine and tetrahydrobiopterin are concentrated in dopamine neurons, and both are essential for their proper neurochemical function. It is not well appreciated that dopamine and tetrahydrobiopterin are also powerful blockers of peroxynitrite‐induced tyrosine nitration. What is more, the reaction of peroxynitrite with either dopamine or tetrahydrobiopterin forms chemical species (i.e. o‐quinones and pterin radicals, respectively) whose cytotoxic effects may be manifested far earlier than nitrotyrosine formation in the course of dopamine neuronal damage. A better understanding of how the dopamine neuronal phenotype modulates the effects of reactive nitrogen species could reveal early steps in drug‐ and disease‐induced damage to the dopamine neuron and form the basis for rational, protective therapies.
The insulin‐like growth factor mRNA binding‐protein IMP‐1 and the Ras‐regulatory protein G3BP associate with tau mRNA and HuD protein in differentiated P19 neuronal cells
Authors: Atlas Roee , Behar Leah , Elliott Evan , Ginzburg Irith 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTau mRNA is axonally localized mRNA that is found in developing neurons and targeted by an axonal localization signal (ALS) that is located in the 3′UTR of the message. The tau mRNA is trafficked in an RNA–protein complex (RNP) from the neuronal cell body to the distal parts of the axon, reaching as far as the growth cone. This movement is microtubule‐dependent and is observed as granules that contain tau mRNA and additional proteins. A major protein contained in the granule is HuD, an Elav protein family member, which has an identified mRNA binding site on the tau 3′UTR and stabilizes the tau message and several axonally targeted mRNAs. Using GST‐HuD fusion protein as bait, we have identified four proteins contained within the tau RNP, in differentiated P19 neuronal cells. In this work, we studied two of the identified proteins, i.e. IGF‐II mRNA binding protein 1 (IMP‐1), the orthologue of chick β‐actin binding protein‐ZBP1, and RAS‐GAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP). We show that IMP‐1 associates with HuD and G3BP‐1 proteins in an RNA‐dependent manner and binds directly to tau mRNA. We also show an RNA–dependent association between G3BP‐1 and HuD proteins. These associations are investigated in relation to the neuronal differentiation of P19 cells.
Kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus alters GABAA receptor subunit mRNA and protein expression in the developing rat hippocampus
Authors: Laurén H. B. , Lopez‐Picon F. R. , Korpi E. R. , Holopainen I. E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractKainic acid‐induced status epilepticus leads to structural and functional changes in inhibitory GABAA receptors in the adult rat hippocampus, but whether similar changes occur in the developing rat is not known. We have used in situ hybridization to study status epilepticus‐induced changes in the GABAAα1–α5, β1–β3, γ1 and γ2 subunit mRNA expression in the hippocampus of 9‐day‐old rats during 1 week after the treatment. Immunocytochemistry was applied to detect the α1, α2 and β3 subunit proteins in the control and treated rats. In the saline‐injected control rats, the α1 and α4 subunit mRNA expression significantly increased between the postnatal days 9–16, whereas those of α2, β3 and γ2 subunits decreased. The normal developmental changes in the expression of α1, α2, β3 and γ2 subunit mRNAs were altered after the treatment. The immunostainings with antibodies to α1, α2 and β3 subunits confirmed the in situ hybridization findings. No neuronal death was detected in any hippocampal subregion in the treated rats. Our results show that status epilepticus disturbs the normal developmental expression pattern of GABAA receptor subunit in the rat hippocampus during the sensitive postnatal period of brain development. These perturbations could result in altered functional and pharmacological properties of GABAA receptors.
Anti‐CD11d antibody treatment reduces free radical formation and cell death in the injured spinal cord of rats
Authors: Bao Feng , Dekaban Gregory A. , Weaver Lynne C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractTreatment with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the CD11d subunit of the leukocyte integrin CD11d/CD18 after spinal cord injury (SCI) decreases intraspinal inflammation and oxidative damage, improving neurological function in rats. In this study we tested whether the anti‐CD11d mAb treatment reduces intraspinal free radical formation and cell death after SCI. Using clip‐compression SCI in rats, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in injured spinal cord were detected using 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin‐diacetate and hydroethidine as fluorescent probes. ROS in the injured cord increased significantly after SCI; anti‐CD11d mAb treatment significantly reduced this ROS formation. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were employed to assess the effects of anti‐CD11d mAb treatment on spinal cord expression of gp91Phox (a subunit of NADPH oxidase producing superoxide) on formation of 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE, indicating lipid peroxidation) and on expression of caspase‐3. We also assessed effects on cell death, determined by cell morphology. The expression of gp91Phox, formation of HNE, and cell death increased after SCI. Anti‐CD11d mAb treatment clearly attenuated these responses. In conclusion, anti‐CD11d mAb treatment significantly reduces intraspinal free radical formation caused by infiltrating leukocytes after SCI, thereby reducing secondary cell death. These effects likely underlie tissue preservation and improved neurological function that result from the mAb treatment.
Pricing Pension Insurance: The Proposed Levy Structure for the Pension Protection Fund*
Authors: McCarthy David , Neuberger Anthony 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe UK Pension Protection Fund (PPF), established by the 2004 Pensions Act to protect beneficiaries of defined benefit pension schemes when the sponsor becomes insolvent and the scheme is underfunded, is required to finance itself through a levy on participating schemes. In July 2005, the PPF issued a consultative document setting out its proposal for the structure of the levy. In this paper, we provide a critique of the proposal and, in particular, its heavy reliance on securing levy income from the weakest schemes. We propose an alternative structure for the levy that recognises the limits on capacity to pay and also mitigates some other undesirable features of the proposal.
Customer Behavior in an Online Ordering Application: A Decision Scoring Model*
Authors: Boyer Kenneth K. , Hult G. Tomas M. 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTThis research presents the development of behavioral scoring models to predict future customer purchases in an online ordering application. Internet retailing lowers many barriers for customers switching between retailers for repeat purchases; thus, retaining existing customers is a key challenge for achieving profitability. Survey data were collected from 1,089 online customers of two companies. The subjective survey data were then used to predict purchases over the ensuing 12 months based on data from the company databases. The analysis illustrates the general applicability of predictive models of future customer purchases while also demonstrating the need to develop specific models tailored for an individual company's operating and marketing environment. The models provide insight on how companies can target marketing dollars more effectively and allocate investment across multiple operational areas for maximum return. The research answers a call for rigorous research in the area of predictive marketing, an area in which many companies are excelling but where there is a scarcity of detailed knowledge regarding application of such models.
Once Upon a Time in Volcán, Costa Rica: Integrating Values into Watershed Management and Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Chapman Mollie 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe purposes of this article are twofold. One is to make recommendations on a possible course of action for a small town in Costa Rica. The other is to examine the relationship between policy and values, in search of a method of integrating values into policy decisions that can be more broadly applied. The method uses narratives to define common values and science and economics to apply these values most efficiently. The process of defining values through narratives uses a relation‐based organizing framework through which trust can be built and empowerment attained.
Effects of Exchange Rate Regime on IMF Program Participation
Authors: Trudel Robert 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of a domestic policy choice, the exchange rate regime, on countries’ interaction with an international institution, their participation in International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending agreements. I hypothesize that the effect of the level of international reserves on a country's probability of participation in an IMF program depends on the exchange rate regime. A low level of international reserves threatens unfavorable economic and political outcomes only in countries that maintain a fixed exchange rate regime. The level of reserves may thus be a significant determinant of participation in IMF programs only for countries that maintain a fixed exchange rate regime. I use a dynamic univariate probit model of IMF program participation to assess empirically the effect of reserves in countries that maintain fixed, intermediate, and floating exchange rate regimes. The empirical results support my hypothesis: reserves have a significant effect only in countries that maintain a fixed exchange rate.
Proportions of melanocyte stimulating hormone‐immunoreactive cells in the adenohypophysis of Silky fowl and hyperpigmentation‐free cockerels
Authors: NISHIMURA Shotaro , SHIMODA Hitomi , OSHIMA Ichiro , ONO Yoshitaka , OKANO Kaoru , ISHIBASHI Akira , TABATA Shoji , IWAMOTO Hisao 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTAlpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is one of the main regulators for melanocytes, and the adenohypophysis is one of the major tissues for the synthesis of this hormone. The Silky fowl is a characteristic breed of chicken with hyperpigmentation throughout the body. The involvement of the adenohypophysis in the hyperpigmentation of this breed is not known. In the present study, the proportion of melanocyte stimulating hormone‐immunopositive cells (MSH cells) in the adenohypophysis was immunocytochemically compared between Silky, Red Cornish × New Hampshire (RN) crossbred and Japanese bantam cockerels at 15 weeks of age. After the body and gland were weighed, the adenohypophyseal cells were enzymatically dispersed and immunostained for α‐MSH, and the immunopositive MSH cells were counted. The weights of the body and adenohypophysis were heaviest in the RN crossbred, followed by the Silky and lightest in the bantam cockerels. In contrast, the ratio between adenohypophysis and bodyweight was much larger in the Silky and the bantam than in the RN crossbreed (P < 0.05). The population of MSH cells in the adenohypophysis was larger in the Silky (14.3%) than in the RN crossbreed (8.0%) and the bantam (8.1%) cockerels (P < 0.05). From these results, it was concluded that prepubertal Silky cockerel have numerous MSH cells in the adenohypophysis suggesting a relationship to hyperpigmentation.
SENSORY TEXTURE PROFILING AND DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD RATING SCALES FOR POUNDED YAM
Authors: OTEGBAYO BOLANLE , AINA JOHNSON , SAKYI‐DAWSON ESTHER , BOKANGA MPOKO , ASIEDU ROBERT 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT This study evaluated sensory texture profile analysis (STPA) as an objective method for characterizing the texture attributes of “pounded yam,” a popular dish in West Africa made by peeling yam, boiling, pounding and kneading it into a glutinous dough. Panelists were carefully selected and trained to assess the texture attributes of pounded yam. Standard rating scales were developed from local foods that are common in Nigeria, and the foods were used as descriptors to exemplify the texture attributes being assessed. Reproducible and consistent results were obtained. It is thus concluded that STPA can be used as an objective method for evaluating the texture attributes of pounded yam.