bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) and 5 (mGluR5) regulate late phases of LTP and LTD in the hippocampal CA1 region in vitro
Authors: Neyman Sergey , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR1 and mGluR5, exhibit differences in their regulation of synaptic plasticity, suggesting that these receptors may subserve separate functional roles in information storage. In addition, although effects in vivo are consistently described, conflicting reports of the involvement of mGluRs in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in vitro exist. We therefore addressed the involvement of mGluR1 and mGluR5 in long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD) in the hippocampal CA1 region of adult male rats in vitro. The mGluR1 antagonist (S)‐(+)‐α‐amino‐4‐carboxy‐2‐methylbenzene‐acetic acid (LY367385) impaired both induction and late phases of both LTP and LTD, when applied before high‐frequency tetanization (HFT; 100 Hz) or low‐frequency stimulation (LFS; 1 Hz), respectively. Application after either HFT or LFS had no effect. The mGluR5 antagonist 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), when given before HFT, inhibited both the induction and late phases of LTP. When given after HFT, late LTP was inhibited. MPEP, given prior to LFS, impaired LTD induction, although stable LTD was still expressed. Application after LFS significantly impaired late phases of LTD. Activation of protein synthesis may comprise a key mechanism underlying the group I mGluR contribution to synaptic plasticity. The mGluR5 agonist (R,S)‐2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) converted short‐term depression into LTD. Effects were prevented by application of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin, suggesting that protein synthesis is triggered by group I mGluR activation to enable persistency of synaptic plasticity. Taken together, these data support the notion that both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are critically involved in bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region and may enable functional differences in information encoding through LTP and LTD.
Mushroom bodies modulate salience‐based selective fixation behavior in Drosophila
Authors: Xi Wang , Peng Yueqing , Guo Jianzeng , Ye Yizhou , Zhang Ke , Yu Feng , Guo Aike 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMushroom bodies (MBs), one of the central brain structures in Drosophila melanogaster, are involved in several cognitive behaviors, such as olfactory learning and memory, visual context generalization, choice behavior facing conflicting cues. Attention is a cognitive behavior, and it facilitates a focus on the attended event while filtering out irrelevant events, thereby allowing more rapid and accurate reactions at a lower threshold in primates. Using the visual orientation paradigm in a flight simulator, we observed that MBs modulate salience‐based selective fixation behavior, which resembles attention in primates to a certain degree. We found that the fixation ability of MB‐deficient flies was significantly reduced when the contrast levels were lowered as well as when a certain amount of background noise was applied. Moreover, MB‐deficient flies exhibited poor object fixation ability in the presence of an olfactory ‘distracter’. Furthermore, during visual selection among multiple objects of different contrast, flies with MBs were able to ‘pop‐out’ of the most salient object in a three‐object selection paradigm. Finally, we determined that flies exhibited cross‐modal synergistic integration between olfactory and visual signals during object‐fixation behavior, which was independent of MBs. Taken together, our findings suggest that MBs do not contribute to cross‐modal synergetic integration between olfactory and visual signals; instead, they confer sensory gain control and inhibitory gating in flies, this property allows entry of the salient signal as well as filters out background noise and irrelevant signals.
Use of episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy to identify bacterial biofilms on salad leaves and track colonization by Salmonella Thompson
Authors: Warner J. C. , Rothwell S. D. , Keevil C. W. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryZoonotic pathogens such as Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal illness if they are ingested with food. Foods such as salads pose a greater risk because they are consumed raw and have been the source of major outbreaks of disease from fresh produce. The novel light microscopy methods used in this study allow detailed, high resolution imaging of the leaf surface environment (the phyllosphere) and allow pathogen tracking. Episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy coupled with epifluorescence was used to view the natural microflora in situ on salad leaves and their topographical distribution. Fluorescent nucleic acid staining was used to differentiate between bacterial colonists and inorganic debris. Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson expressing green fluorescent protein was inoculated onto individual spinach leaves for 24 h at 22°C in order to observe spatial and temporal patterning of colonization on the two surfaces of each leaf under different osmotic conditions. The results obtained show that salad leaves are host to high numbers of bacteria, typically 105 per square millimetre. Cells are present in complex three‐dimensional aggregations which often have a slimy appearance, suggesting the presence of biofilms. Washing of the leaves had little effect on the number of adherent pathogens, suggesting very strong attachment. Episcopic differential interference contrast microscopy is a rapid alternative to both scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy for visualizing leaf topography and biofilm formation in the natural state.
Vertical distribution of methane metabolism in microbial mats of the Great Sippewissett Salt Marsh
Authors: Buckley Daniel H. , Baumgartner Laura K. , Visscher Pieter T. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMethane metabolism was investigated with respect to depth in intertidal microbial mats of the Great Sippewissett Salt Marsh, Massachusetts. Although sulfate‐reducing organisms dominate anaerobic carbon consumption in marine microbial mats, methanogens persist and their activity varies vertically and temporally in the mat system. In the Sippewissett mats, potential methane production for all mat layers was higher in the spring (17.2 ± 4.5 nmol CH4 cm−2 day−1) than in the fall (3.0 ± 1.1 nmol CH4 cm−2 day−1) and maximal rates were consistently observed in proximity to the chemocline (5–10 mm depth). The methane flux from the mat surface did not vary appreciably over time due to the ability of methanotrophic activity to limit net methane production. Evidence indicates that both aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of methane occurs in this system. The importance of H2 as a substrate for methanogenesis appeared to be the greatest at the mat surface (0–10 mm), and the proportion of methylotrophic methanogens generally increased with depth. These results suggest that both non‐equilibrium H2 dynamics and the use of non‐competitive substrates permit coexistence of methanogens and sulfate‐reducing organisms in the mat system.
Intestinal obstruction from inspissated barium (Barolith): a systematic review of all cases from 1950 to 2006
Authors: Kurer M. A. , Davey C. , Chintapatla S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective  Having encountered a case of large bowel obstruction secondary to a barolith and successfully treated it using colonoscopic dissolution, we systematically reviewed all cases of barolith obstruction to appreciate its incidence and explore its methods of treatment.Method  A literature search was carried out in the databases British Nursing Index, Cinahal, Embase, Medline, and Pub Med. There was no restriction placed on language of publication in the search.Results  There were 22 reports describing a total of 31 cases. About one third of the reported cases were successfully treated with conservative measures including the use of laxatives. Significantly, surgery was performed in nearly half of the patients. Interestingly, endoscopic dissolution was attempted in only 3 cases and it was successful in all of them.Conclusion  This systematic review reveals several reported cases of barolith obstruction from 1950–2006. Only three case reports described colonoscopic dissolution. In our institute, we have recently encountered a case of large bowel obstruction secondary to a barolith and we successfully treated it using colonoscopic dissolution. Given the absence of guidelines to treat barolith induced obstruction, we are of the opinion that should a barolith obstruction occur, in the absence of perforation or ischaemic bowel, endoscopic dissolution by an experienced endoscopist under general anaesthetic offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method of relieving the obstruction. Should this fail surgery is indicated.
Antidiabetic and toxicological evaluations of naringenin in normoglycaemic and NIDDM rat models and its implications on extra‐pancreatic glucose regulation
Authors: Ortiz‐Andrade R. R , Sánchez‐Salgado J. C. , Navarrete‐Vázquez G. , Webster S. P. , Binnie M. , García‐Jiménez S. , León‐Rivera I. , Cigarroa‐Vázquez P. , Villalobos‐Molina R. , Estrada‐Soto S. 
Published: March 2008

Aim:  The present investigation was designed to determine the in vivo antidiabetic effect of naringenin (NG) in normoglycaemic and diabetic rat models through blood glucose (GLU) measurements following acute and subchronic time periods. Possible modes of action of NG were investigated and its acute toxicity determined.Methods:  Normoglycaemic and non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rat models were treated for acute and subchronic (5 days) time periods with 50 mg/kg/day of NG. Blood biochemical profiles were determined after 5 days of the treatment in normoglycaemic and NIDDM rats using commercial kits for GLU, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). In order to elucidate its antidiabetic mode of action, NG was administered intragastrically and an oral glucose tolerance test performed using GLU and sucrose (2 g/kg) as substrates. The inhibitory effect of a single concentration of NG (10 μM) on 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) activity in vitro was determined. Finally, the preclinical safety and tolerability of NG was determined by toxicological evaluation in mice and rats using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) protocols.Results:  Intragastrically administered NG (50 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease in plasma GLU in normoglycaemic and NIDDM rat models (p < 0.05) following acute and subchronic time periods. After 5 days of administration, NG produced significant diminished blood GLU and TG levels in streptozotocin–nicotinamide–induced diabetic rats. The administration of NG to normal rats significantly increased the levels of TG, CHOL and HDL (p < 0.05). NG (5 and 50 mg/kg) induced a total suppression in the increase of plasma GLU levels after administration of substrates (p < 0.01), but NG did not produce inhibition of α‐glucosidase activity in vitro. However, NG (10 μM) was shown to inhibit 11β‐HSD1 activity by 39.49% in a cellular enzyme assay. Finally, NG showed a Medium Lethal Dose LD50 > 5000 mg/kg and ranking at level five based on OECD protocols.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that NG may exert its antidiabetic effect by extra‐pancreatic action and by suppressing carbohydrate absorption from intestine, thereby reducing the postprandial increase in blood GLU levels.
A functional study of purinergic signalling in the normal and pathological rabbit corpus cavernosum
Authors: Calvert Robert C. , Khan Masood A. , Thompson Cecil S. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Burnstock Geoffrey 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine rabbit cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) relaxation to ATP, ADP and UTP in normal rabbits and in models of conditions that predispose to erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes mellitus (DM; induced for 6 months) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO, 6 weeks after surgery).MATERIALS AND METHODSConcentration‐response curves (CRCs) were constructed to ATP, ADP and UTP on CSM from control rabbits in the absence and presence of antagonists. In addition, CRCs were constructed to ATP in CSM from rabbits with DM and BOO.RESULTSATP and UTP caused equipotent, dose‐dependent relaxations of pre‐contracted normal rabbit CSM; ADP was more potent. Relaxation was inhibited by Reactive Blue 2, but not by suramin, 8‐p‐sulfophenyltheophylline or L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester. In rabbits with DM and those with partial BOO, ATP‐mediated CSM relaxation was less than in control rabbits. Pharmacological profiling suggests that purine‐induced CSM relaxation might be mediated by P2Y1 and P2Y4 receptors in the rabbit.CONCLUSIONSIn healthy rabbits, ATP released from nerves appears to produce relaxation of CSM via P2Y4 receptors on smooth muscle, while ADP, acting on P2Y1 receptors on endothelial cells, produces relaxation via nitric oxide. Alterations in CSM purinergic signalling might be implicated in the pathophysiology of ED associated with DM and BOO. Characterization of purinergic signalling in CSM might highlight new therapeutic targets for treating ED.
PROBLEMS WITH BINOMIAL TWO‐SIDED TESTS AND THE ASSOCIATED CONFIDENCE INTERVALS
Authors: Vos Paul W. , Hudson Suzanne 
Published: March 2008

SummaryConfidence intervals for parameters of distributions with discrete sample spaces will be less conservative (i.e. have smaller coverage probabilities that are closer to the nominal level) when defined by inverting a test that does not require equal probability in each tail. However, the P‐value obtained from such tests can exhibit undesirable properties, which in turn result in undesirable properties in the associated confidence intervals. We illustrate these difficulties using P‐values for binomial proportions and the difference between binomial proportions.
SPATIAL PATTERNS OF INNOVATION IN SCIENCE‐BASED TECHNOLOGIES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: PONDS RODERIK , VAN OORT FRANK 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses the spatial concentration patterns of innovation in science‐based industries in the Netherlands. Using patents as an indicator for innovation we show that science‐based industries have a relatively high level of spatial concentration compared to other technologies. In order to understand spatial patterns of innovation, insights into specific spatial and market characteristics of these technologies appears necessary. This is illustrated by the large influence of the Royal Philips Electronics NV on the spatial pattern of innovation in the Netherlands.
Inequality and Crime: Separating the Effects of Permanent and Transitory Income*
Authors: Dahlberg Matz , Gustavsson Magnus 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEarlier studies on income inequality and crime have typically used total income or total earnings. However, it is quite likely that it is the changes in permanent rather than in transitory income that affects crime rates. The purpose of this paper is therefore to disentangle the two effects by, first, estimating region‐specific inequality in permanent and transitory income and, second, estimating crime equations with the two separate income components as explanatory variables. The results indicate that it is important to separate the two effects; while an increase in the inequality in permanent income yields a positive and significant effect on total crimes and three different property crimes, an increase in the inequality in transitory income has no significant effect. Using a traditional, aggregate, measure of income yields insignificant effects on crime.
Panel Stationarity Test with Structural Breaks*
Authors: Hadri Kaddour , Rao Yao 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we extend the heterogeneous panel data stationarity test of Hadri [Econometrics Journal, Vol. 3 (2000) pp. 148–161] to the cases where breaks are taken into account. Four models with different patterns of breaks under the null hypothesis are specified. Two of the models have been already proposed by Carrion‐i‐Silvestre et al. [Econometrics Journal, Vol. 8 (2005) pp. 159–175]. The moments of the statistics corresponding to the four models are derived in closed form via characteristic functions. We also provide the exact moments of a modified statistic that do not asymptotically depend on the location of the break point under the null hypothesis. The cases where the break point is unknown are also considered. For the model with breaks in the level and no time trend and for the model with breaks in the level and in the time trend, Carrion‐i‐Silvestre et al. [Econometrics Journal, Vol. 8 (2005) pp. 159–175] showed that the number of breaks and their positions may be allowed to differ across individuals for cases with known and unknown breaks. Their results can easily be extended to the proposed modified statistic. The asymptotic distributions of all the statistics proposed are derived under the null hypothesis and are shown to be normally distributed. We show by simulations that our suggested tests have in general good performance in finite samples except the modified test. In an empirical application to the consumer prices of 22 OECD countries during the period from 1953 to 2003, we found evidence of stationarity once a structural break and cross‐sectional dependence are accommodated.
Intraventricular pentosan polysulphate in human prion diseases: an observational study in the UK
Authors: Bone I. , Belton L. , Walker A. S. , Darbyshire J. 
Published: March 2008

Background, purpose and methods:  This observational study assessed the effect of continuous intraventricular infusion of pentosan polysulphate (PPS) in seven patients at different clinical centres in the UK.Results:  Complications of intraventricular catheterization were frequent. PPS was well‐tolerated over a wide dose range (11–110 μg/kg/day) during the 6‐month study. Four patients were assessed for the entire study period: one remained stable, two showed minimal deterioration and one progressed significantly.Conclusion:  Mean survival of all patients was longer than reported values for natural history of specific prion disorders. Possible reasons for these findings are explored.
The impact of EU accession on Turkish industrial relations and social dialogue
Authors: Yildirim Engin , Calis Suayyip 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThis article examines whether the European Union membership process is transforming the ‘deep structure’ of Turkish industrial relations. We make an attempt to illustrate this through the prism of Turkish experience in social dialogue regarded as an indispensable tool of the European social model. Turkish industrial relations is characterised by restrictive labour laws, employer hostility to unionisation, a large informal economy and labour market, and strong state intervention, which have historically constituted the main elements of ‘the deep structure’ of Turkish industrial relations. In procedural terms, the institutions for social dialogue have been established but the influence of the social partners is limited because of the dominance of the state and the weakness of labour. The existing attempts at developing social dialogue rest on shaky foundations emanating mostly from the state's and employers' disrespect of basic labour rights.
Psoriasis and stress: A prospective study
Authors: Berg M , Svensson M , Brandberg M , Nordlind K 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is generally thought to be worsened by stress. This presumption has been supported primarily by retrospective studies using questionnaires. No controlled prospective study on this issue has been performed.Methods  Nine women with moderate plaque psoriasis were enrolled in the study. They all believed that their psoriasis was worsened by stress. They filled in a daily diary with estimations of actual stress levels and grades of psoriasis. The study of each patient started when her skin disease was in a stable phase and was concluded when her psoriasis was worsened by at least 25% from the starting level. Psoriasis area severity index scores were recorded at the start, as soon as possible after exacerbation and 2 weeks later. Stress‐related blood samples were taken at the same visits. The study was analysed as a nine‐case study.Results  No clear pattern was found between stress levels and worsening of psoriasis in our nine patients. One patient had elevated stress levels 13 days before exacerbation of psoriasis, but for at least seven patients, there were no identifiable time relationships between stress and psoriasis appearance. For two patients, there were clear elevations of stress levels after psoriasis outbreak.Conclusion  This limited study does not support the assumption that stress is a worsening factor in psoriasis.
Psychological problems in children with cerebral palsy: a cross‐sectional European study
Authors: Parkes Jackie , White‐Koning Melanie , Dickinson Heather O , Thyen Ute , Arnaud Catherine , Beckung Eva , Fauconnier Jerome , Marcelli Marco , McManus Vicki , Michelsen Susan I. , Parkinson Kathryn , Colver Allan 
Published: March 2008

Objectives:  To describe psychological symptoms in 8–12‐year‐old children with cerebral palsy; to investigate predictors of these symptoms and their impact on the child and family.Design:  A cross‐sectional multi‐centre survey.Participants:  Eight hundred and eighteen children with cerebral palsy, aged 8–12 years, identified from population‐based registers of cerebral palsy in eight European regions and from multiple sources in one further region.Main outcome measures:  The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)P4−16 and the Total Difficulties Score (TDS) dichotomised into normal/borderline (TDS ≤ 16) versus abnormal (TDS > 16).Statistical analysis:  Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression to relate the presence of psychological symptoms to child and family characteristics.Results:  About a quarter of the children had TDS > 16 indicating significant psychological symptoms, most commonly in the domain Peer Problems. Better gross motor function, poorer intellect, more pain, having a disabled or ill sibling and living in a town were independently associated with TDS > 16. The risk of TDS > 16 was odds ratio (OR) = .2 (95% CI: .1 to .3) comparing children with the most and least severe functional limitations; OR = 3.2 (95%CI: 2.1 to 4.8) comparing children with IQ < 70 and others; OR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.5 to 4.6) comparing children in severe pain and others; OR = 2.7 (95% CI:1.6 to 4.6) comparing children with another disabled sibling or OR = 1.8 (95%CI: 1.2 to 2.8) no siblings and others; OR = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.8) comparing children resident in a town and others. Among parents who reported their child to have psychological problems, 95% said they had lasted over a year, 37% said they distressed their child and 42% said they burdened the family at least ‘quite a lot’.Conclusions:  A significant proportion of children with cerebral palsy have psychological symptoms or social impairment sufficiently severe to warrant referral to specialist services. Care must be taken in the assessment and management of children with cerebral palsy to ensure psychological problems are not overlooked and potentially preventable risk factors like pain are treated effectively. The validity of the SDQ for children with severe disability warrants further assessment.