bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diets of savanna ungulates from stable carbon isotope composition of faeces
Authors: Codron D. , Codron J. , Lee‐Thorp J. A. , Sponheimer M. , De Ruiter D. , Sealy J. , Grant R. , Fourie N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHypotheses to explain diversity among African ungulates focus largely on niche separation along a browser/grazer continuum. However, a number of studies advocate that the browser/grazer distinction insufficiently describes the full extent of dietary variation that occurs within and between taxa. Disparate classification schemes exist because of a lack of uniform and reliable data for many taxa, and failure to incorporate spatio‐temporal variations into broader assessments of diet. In this study, we tested predictions for diet and dietary niche separation of African savanna ungulates using stable carbon isotope evidence from faeces for proportions of C3 (browse) to C4 (grass) intake among 19 species from the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Dietary predictions from the literature are confirmed in the case of browsers (black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis, bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus, kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros), mixed‐feeders (impala Aepyceros melampus, nyala Tragelaphus angasii), and most grazers (white rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum, Burchell's zebra Equus burchellii, warthog Phacochoerus africanus, hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius, blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, tsessebe Damaliscus lunatus, waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus). In contrast, several species showed results differing from most expectations derived from the available literature, including eland Taurotragus oryx, steenbok Raphicerus campestris, grey duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, buffalo Syncerus caffer, roan antelope Hippotragus equinus and sable antelope Hippotragus niger. Many of these discrepancies can be accounted for by seasonal and/or regional dietary differences. Cluster analysis based on a data matrix that incorporates the extent of spatio‐temporal dietary variation among Kruger Park ungulates reveals several distinct categories of feeding preferences that extend beyond a two‐edged browser/grazer dichotomy, such as mixed‐feeders with a preference for either forage class, and spatial/seasonal shifts between uniform and mixed‐feeding styles among variable browsers (e.g. grey duiker) and variable grazers (e.g. buffalo). These results highlight the need for approaches that are sensitive to spatio‐temporal variations and the continuity of diet.
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes promote neurotoxicity through release of matrix metalloproteinases, reactive oxygen species, and TNF‐α
Authors: Nguyen Hal X. , O’Barr Thaddeus J. , Anderson Aileen J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAs the first immune cells to infiltrate the nervous system after traumatic PNS and CNS injury, neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) may promote injury by releasing toxic soluble factors that may affect neuronal survival. Direct neurotoxicity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines released by PMNs was investigated by culturing dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells with PMN‐conditioned media containing MMP inhibitor (GM6001), ROS scavengers, or tumor necrosis factor αR (TNF‐αR) neutralizing antibody. Although DRGs exposed to PMN‐conditioned media had 53% fewer surviving neurons than controls, neuronal cell loss was prevented by GM6001 (20 μmol/L), catalase (1000 U/mL), or TNF‐αR neutralizing antibody (1.5 μg/mL), elevating survival to 77%, 94%, and 95%, respectively. In accordance with protection by GM6001, conditioned media collected from MMP‐9 null PMNs was less neurotoxic than that collected from wild‐type PMNs. Additionally, MMP inhibition reduced PMN‐derived ROS; removal of ROS reduced PMN‐derived MMP‐9 activity; and TNF‐α inhibition reduced both PMN‐derived MMP‐9 activity and ROS in PMN cultures. Our data provide the first direct evidence that PMN‐driven neurotoxicity is dependent on MMPs, ROS, and TNF‐α, and that these factors may regulate PMN release of these soluble factors or interact with one another to mediate PMN‐driven neurotoxicity.
The roles of NADPH oxidase and phospholipases A2in oxidative and inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Sun Grace Y. , Horrocks Lloyd A. , Farooqui Akhlaq A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in mammalian cells through enzymic and non‐enzymic mechanisms. Although some ROS production pathways are needed for specific physiological functions, excessive production is detrimental and is regarded as the basis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Among enzymes producing superoxide anions, NADPH oxidase is widespread in mammalian cells and is an important source of ROS in mediating physiological and pathological processes in the cardiovascular and the CNS. ROS production is linked to the alteration of intracellular calcium homeostasis, activation of Ca2+‐dependent enzymes, alteration of cytoskeletal proteins, and degradation of membrane glycerophospholipids. There is evolving evidence that ROS produced by NADPH oxidase regulate neuronal functions and degrade membrane phospholipids through activation of phospholipases A2(PLA2). This review is intended to cover recent studies describing ROS generation from NADPH oxidase in the CNS and its downstream activation of PLA2, namely, the group IV cytosolic cPLA2and the group II secretory sPLA2. A major focus is to elaborate the dual role of NADPH oxidase and PLA2in mediating the oxidative and inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases, including cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer’s disease. Elucidation of the signaling pathways linking NADPH oxidase with the multiple forms of PLA2will be important in understanding the oxidative and degradative mechanisms that underline neuronal damage and glial activation and will facilitate development of therapeutic intervention for prevention and treatment of these and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Evidence that ethanol acts on a target in Loop 2 of the extracellular domain of α1 glycine receptors
Authors: Crawford Daniel K. , Trudell James R. , Bertaccini Edward J. , Li Kaixun , Davies Daryl L. , Alkana Ronald L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractConsiderable evidence indicates that ethanol acts on specific residues in the transmembrane domains of glycine receptors (GlyRs). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the extracellular domain is also a target for ethanol action by investigating the effect of cysteine substitutions at positions 52 (extracellular domain) and 267 (transmembrane domain) on responses to n‐alcohols and propyl methanethiosulfonate (PMTS) in α1GlyRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In support of the hypothesis: (i) The A52C mutation changed ethanol sensitivity compared to WT GlyRs; (ii) PMTS produced irreversible alcohol‐like potentiation in A52C GlyRs; and (iii) PMTS binding reduced the n‐chain alcohol cutoff in A52C GlyRs. Further studies used PMTS binding to cysteines at positions 52 or 267 to block ethanol action at one site in order to determine its effect at other site(s). In these situations, ethanol caused negative modulation when acting at position 52 and positive modulation when acting at position 267. Collectively, these findings parallel the evidence that established the TM domain as a target for ethanol, suggest that positions 52 and 267 are part of the same alcohol pocket and indicate that the net effect of ethanol on GlyR function reflects the summation of its positive and negative modulatory effects on different targets.
Fibronectin is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients suffering from bacterial meningitis and enhances inflammation caused by bacterial products in primary mouse microglial cell cultures
Authors: Goos Miriam , Lange Peter , Hanisch Uwe‐Karsten , Prinz Marco , Scheffel Jörg , Bergmann Reiner , Ebert Sandra , Nau Roland 
Published: June 2007

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLR) play a key role in the recognition of pathogenic organisms. Fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein, is considered a potent stimulator of the innate immune system through TLR4. In bacterial meningitis, several extracellular matrix proteins and bacterial compounds are elevated in the CSF. For this reason, we hypothesized that these molecules may jointly stimulate the innate immune system and increase neuronal damage in bacterial meningitis. Concentrations of fibronectin were elevated in the CSF of patients suffering from bacterial meningitis, but not in patients with multiple sclerosis, when compared with control patients without CSF abnormalities. In primary cultures of mouse microglial cells, co‐administration of fibronectin at concentrations occurring in the CSF in bacterial meningitis (10 μg/mL) with defined TLR agonists [lipopolysaccharide (TLR4), the synthetic lipopeptide tripalmytoyl‐cysteinyl‐seryl‐(lysyl)3‐lysine (TLR2) and single‐stranded unmethylated cytosine‐guanosine oligodesoxynucleotide (TLR9)] led to an additive release of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha when compared with the release elicited by either compound alone. In conclusion, the inflammatory reaction to bacterial compounds can be aggravated by endogenous fibronectin at elevated levels during bacterial CNS infections. This additive or synergistic effect may contribute to neuronal damage during bacterial meningitis.
Muscarinic M1 acetylcholine receptors regulate the non‐quantal release of acetylcholine in the rat neuromuscular junction via NO‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Malomouzh Artem I. , Mukhtarov Marat R. , Nikolsky Eugen E. , Vyskočil František 
Published: June 2007

AbstractNitric oxide (NO), previously demonstrated to participate in the regulation of the resting membrane potential in skeletal muscles via muscarinic receptors, also regulates non‐quantal acetylcholine (ACh) secretion from rat motor nerve endings. Non‐quantal ACh release was estimated by the amplitude of endplate hyperpolarization (H‐effect) following a blockade of skeletal muscle post‐synaptic nicotinic receptors by (+)‐tubocurarine. The muscarinic agonists oxotremorine and muscarine lowered the H‐effect and the M1 antagonist pirenzepine prevented this effect occurring at all. Another muscarinic agonist arecaidine but‐2‐ynyl ester tosylate (ABET), which is more selective for M2 receptors than for M1 receptors and 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐diphenylacetoxypiperidinium (DAMP), a specific antagonist of M3 cholinergic receptors had no significant effect on the H‐effect. The oxotremorine‐induced decrease in the H‐effect was calcium and calmodulin‐dependent. The decrease was negated when either NO synthase was inhibited by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester or soluble guanylyl cyclase was inhibited by 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one. The target of muscle‐derived NO is apparently nerve terminal guanylyl cyclase, because exogenous hemoglobin, acting as an NO scavenger, prevented the oxotremorine‐induced drop in the H‐effect. These results suggest that oxotremorine (and probably also non‐quantal ACh) selectively inhibit the non‐quantal secretion of ACh from motor nerve terminals acting on post‐synaptic M1 receptors coupled to Ca2+ channels in the sarcolemma to induce sarcoplasmic Ca2+‐dependent synthesis and the release of NO. It seems that a substantial part of the H‐effect can be physiologically regulated by this negative feedback loop, i.e., by NO from muscle fiber; there is apparently also Ca2+‐ and calmodulin‐dependent regulation of ACh non‐quantal release in the nerve terminal itself, as calmidazolium inhibition of the calmodulin led to a doubling of the resting H‐effect.
Ecomorphology of the wheatears (genus Oenanthe)
Authors: KABOLI MOHAMMAD , ALIABADIAN MANSOUR , GUILLAUMET ALBAN , ROSELAAR CEES S. , PRODON ROGER 
Published: June 2007

We used measurements of museum skins to assess morphological differences between the 22 currently recognized species of wheatear and to identify correlations between morphological features, behavioural traits and degrees of sympatry between species. Ground‐dwelling species of steppe‐like habitats have long tarsi, long claws and short tails; some are migratory and have long pointed wings and non‐emarginated primaries (O. isabellina and O. oenanthe), while others are sedentary and have more rounded and slotted wings (O. bottae, O. heuglini and O. pileata). Vegetation‐tolerant species (O. pleschanka, O. hispanica, O. cypriaca and O. deserti) have relatively long tails, short tarsi, long middle toes and long claws. The rock‐dwelling species have short tarsi, long toes and short claws; they can be either relatively heavy (O. leucura and O. monticola) or light, like the wheatears inhabiting the most arid areas (O. monacha, O. leucopyga and O. alboniger). Although sedentary, the latter show intermediate characteristics between sedentary and migratory species, having relatively pointed wings with non‐emarginated primaries. Together with their low wing‐loadings, these traits may be related to the scarcity of resources in their habitats, which obliges them to make frequent and long flights. The clear morphological differentiation between wheatear species appears to be mainly related to their migratory and foraging habits, but seems to bear no relation to their degree of sympatry.
Ketogenic Diet: Electrophysiological Effects on the Normal Human Cortex
Authors: Cantello Roberto , Varrasi Claudia , Tarletti Roberto , Cecchin Michela , D'Andrea Federico , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Bellomo Giorgio , Monaco Francesco 
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To explore the cortical electrophysiology of the ketogenic diet (KD) in the normal human. KD is effective against refractory epilepsy, but its precise mechanism is obscure. At the transmitter level, an enhancement of GABA inhibition has often been proposed. Methods: We studied eight healthy volunteers undergoing a “classic” KD for 2 weeks. We measured several biochemical variables at baseline (T0), after 1 week (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) of KD, then 3 months after the KD conclusion (T3). Ketosis was quantified as 24‐h ketonuria. At the same time, we studied the motor cortical excitability by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We also quantitatively evaluated the EEG signal in search of frequency shifts over the rolandic areas. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) neurophysiological changes appeared at T2. These consisted of a strengthening of short‐latency cortical inhibition (SICI), a TMS index which is thought to reflect GABA‐A inhibition in the cortex. Then, there was an enhancement of the beta EEG band over the perirolandic region, similar to that following administration of GABA‐A agonists. All changes disappeared at T3. Conclusions: A standard, short‐term KD affected the cortical physiology of the normal human. The main changes were an augmented SICI and an increased perirolandic beta EEG activity, which are compatible with a lower level of neural excitation within the cortex.
The Effects on Cognitive Function and Behavioral Problems of Topiramate Compared to Carbamazepine as Monotherapy for Children with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy
Authors: Kang Hoon‐Chul , Eun Baik‐Lin , Wu Lee Chang , Ku Moon Han , Kim Joon‐Sik , Wook Kim Dong , Soo Lee Joon , Young Chae Kyu , Ho Cha Byung , Sook Suh Eun , Chae Park Jung , Lim Kyunghwa , Hye Ha Eun , Ho Song Dong , Dong Kim Heung ,   Korean Pediatric Topiramate Study Group
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Methods: A multicenter, randomized, open‐label, observer‐blinded, parallel‐group clinical trial was conducted. TPM was introduced at a dose of 12.5 mg/day with the minimum target dose of 50 mg/day in patients <30 kg and 75 mg/day in patients >30 kg over 4 weeks. CBZ was started at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day with the minimum target dose of 20 mg/kg/day over 4 weeks. Additional individual escalation was allowed up to a maximum target dose. The primary study end point was change on a neuropsychological test battery after 28 weeks of treatment. Results: Neuropsychological data were available for 88 patients (45 patients for TPM and 43 patients for CBZ). Of the cognitive variables measured, arithmetic showed significant worsening in TPM (p = 0.037). An additional test, for maze, also showed a significantly greater improvement for CBZ (p = 0.026). Of behavioral variables, no significant changes were found but the scores had a negative trend for the TPM. When 30 patients on the minimum target dose for TPM were compared to 40 patients treated with minimum target CBZ, there was no significant worsening of cognitive and behavioral effects in the TPM. Conclusion: The pattern of neuropsychometric changes with TPM seemed to be slightly worse overall than CBZ. However, outcome with the minimum target dose did not differ significantly in comparisons between the treatment groups.
THE ASSIGNMENT OF MEN TO MACHINES: AN APPLICATION OF BRANCH AND BOUND
Authors: Miller Jeffrey G. , Berry William L. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a branch and bound algorithm for assigning men to machines in a production system. The labor assignment problem of concern in this paper occurs when 1) a single operator can service several semi‐automatic machines simultaneously, 2) the service and machine processing times are different among the machines and are deterministic, 3) a strict cyclic service discipline is assumed, and 4) the combined costs of idle labor and machine time are to be minimized. The paper includes a formal definition of the labor assignment problem, a description of the branch and bound algorithm, and a discussion of the computational experience with the algorithm.
Performance Measures for Selection of Metamodels to be Used in Simulation Optimization
Authors: Keys Anthony C. , Rees Loren Paul , Greenwood Allen G. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper points out the need for performance measures in the context of simulation optimization and suggests six such measures. Two of the measures are indications of absolute performance, whereas the other four are useful in assessing the relative performance of various candidate metamodels. The measures assess performance on three fronts: accuracy of placing optima in the correct location, fit to the response, and fit to the character of the surface (expressed in terms of the number of optima). Examples are given providing evidence of the measures' utility—one in a limited scenario deciding which of two competing metamodels to use as simulation optimization response surfaces vary, and the other in a scenario of a researcher developing a new, sequential optimization search procedure.
The effect of travel time on oviposition behavior and spatial egg aggregation: experiments withDrosophila
Authors: Takahashi Kazuo H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA higher degree of spatial egg aggregation is often observed in environments where resource patches are more sparsely distributed. This suggests a higher probability of species coexistence when resource distribution is sparse. However, it is still unclear how the degree of spatial egg aggregation increases. I propose a model to explain this phenomenon, which assumes that (i) egg load (the number of mature eggs in ovaries) increases in the travel period between resource patches and (ii) the retention of eggs in the ovaries is harmful (egg load pressure). With these assumptions, a female would lay accumulated eggs on arrival at a new resource patch, resulting in a higher degree of spatial egg aggregation. Laboratory experiments with three drosophilid species,Drosophila simulansSurtevant,Drosophila aurariaPeng, andDrosophila immigransSturtevant, support the model. This study provides evidence that host availability affects the spatial egg aggregation via egg load.
Activated T Lymphocytes in Pre‐Eclampsia
Authors: Darmochwal‐Kolarz D. , Saito S. , Rolinski J. , Tabarkiewicz J. , Kolarz B. , Leszczynska‐Gorzelak B. , Oleszczuk J. 
Published: June 2007

ProblemThe aim of our study was to investigate the activation markets of T CD3+, T helper CD4+ and T cytotoxic CD8+ cells, as well as, the populations of T naïve CD4+ CD45RA+, T memory CD4+ CD45RO+ and T regulatory lymphocytes in PE and healthy pregnant women.Method of studyTwenty‐five patients with PE and thirty healthy third trimester pregnant women were included in the study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood, stained with monoclonal antibodies and estimated using the flow cytometric method.ResultsThe percentages of CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25dim, CD3+HLA‐DR+, CD4+HLA‐DR+ and CD8+HLA‐DR+ cells did not differ between study groups. The population of T regulatory CD4+CD25bright lymphocytes was significantly lower in the group of patients with PE when compared with the controls (P < 0.01). The percentages of CD3+CD25+ (P < 0.05), CD8+CD25+ (P < 0.05), CD4+45RO+ (P < 0.01) lymphocytes were significantly higher, while CD4+CD45RA+ (P < 0.01) cells – significantly lower in peripheral blood of patients with PE when compared with the control group.ConclusionThe increased levels of T CD4+45RO+ and T CD8+ CD25+ cells can suggest the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in pre‐eclampsia. It seems possible that the activation of T lymphocytes is associated with the deficiency of T regulatory cells in PE.
RCAS1 Decidual Immunoreactivity During Placental Abruption: Immune Cell Presence and Activity
Authors: Wicherek Lukasz , Galazka Krystyna , Lazar Agata 
Published: June 2007

ProblemRCAS1 is a protein responsible for the suppression of cytotoxic immune response during gestation. The present study evaluates the immunoreactivity level of RCAS1 with respect to immune cell status during placental abruption (PA) and retained placental tissue (RPT).Method of studyRCAS1, CD3, CD56, CD69 and CD25 immunoreactivity was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 66 decidual samples derived from PA and from RPT.ResultsRCAS1 immunoreactivity was statistically significantly higher in decidual tissue samples derived from patients with RPT than in those derived from patients with PA. A statistically significantly lower number of CD56+ and CD3+ cells and immunoreactivity level of CD69 were found in patients with RPT, compared to those with PA.ConclusionPlacental abruption seems to be associated with excessive accumulation and activity of CD3+ and CD56+ cells in decidua, which processes might, in turn, result from an insufficient RCAS1 decidual level.
Maternal Serum Interleukin‐10, Interleukin‐2 and Interleukin‐6 in Pre‐Eclampsia and Eclampsia
Authors: Borekci Bunyamin , Aksoy Hulya , Al Ragip Atakan , Demircan Berna , Kadanali Sedat 
Published: June 2007

ProblemThe aim of the study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐10 in serum of women with mild pre‐eclampsia, severe pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia, and normotensive pregnancy.Method of studyA total of 69 consecutive cases, 38 mild pre‐eclampsia, 20 severe pre‐eclampsia, 11 eclampsia, and 20 normotensive controls were included in this study. Serum IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsGestational age (P = 0.210) and body mass index (P = 0.214) between the groups were similar. The mean concentration of serum IL‐2 and IL‐6 were not different between the groups (P = 0.261, P = 0.141 respectively). The median concentrations of serum IL‐10 in patients with mild and severe pre‐eclampsia were similar (P < 0.282) and was significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.001) and patients with eclampsia (P < 0.001). In patients with eclampsia, the median concentration of IL‐10 was significantly higher than that of all other groups (P < 0.001 for each comparison).ConclusionPre‐eclampsia is associated with a deficiency serum IL‐10. High serum IL‐10 is correlated with the presence of eclampsia.