bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous stimulation of spinal NK1 and NMDA receptors produces LPC which undergoes ATX‐mediated conversion to LPA, an initiator of neuropathic pain
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Ma Lin , Aoki Junken , Ueda Hiroshi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe previously reported that nerve injury‐induced neuropathic pain and its underlying mechanisms are initiated by lysophosphatidic acid. In the present study, by measuring cell‐rounding in a biological assay using lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor‐expressing B103 cells, we evaluated the molecular mechanism underlying lysophosphatidic acid biosynthesis following intense stimulation of primary afferents. Lysophosphatidic acid production was induced by treatment of spinal cord slices with capsaicin (10 μM), an intense stimulator of primary afferents, in the presence of recombinant autotaxin, but not in its absence. Lysophosphatidic acid was also induced by combination treatment of slices with high doses (10 and 30 μM) of substance P and NMDA, but not by other combinations of substance P, NMDA, calcitonin gene‐related peptide and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (30 μM each) in the presence of recombinant autotaxin. We also found that following neurokinin 1 and NMDA receptor activation, activation of both cytosolic phospholipase A2 and calcium‐independent intracellular phospholipase A2 signalling pathways through protein kinase C and mitogen‐activated protein/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation and intracellular calcium elevation were required for lysophosphatidic acid production. These findings suggest that simultaneous intense stimulation of neurokinin 1 and NMDA receptors in the spinal dorsal horn triggers lysophosphatidic acid production from lysophosphatidylcholine through extracellular autotaxin.
Developmental roles for Homer: more than just a pretty scaffold
Authors: Foa Lisa , Gasperini Robert 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHomer proteins are best known as scaffold proteins at the post‐synaptic density where they facilitate synaptic signalling and are thought to be required for learning and memory. Evidence implicating Homer proteins in the development of the nervous system is also steadily accumulating. Homer is highly conserved and is expressed at key developmental time points in the nervous system of several species. Homer regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis, clustering and trafficking of receptors and proteins at the cytosolic surface of the plasma membrane, transcription and translation, and cytoskeletal organization. Each of these functions has obvious potential to regulate neuronal development, and indeed Homer is implicated in several pathologies associated with the developing nervous system. Current data justify more critical experimental approaches to the role of Homer in the developing nervous system and related neurological disorders.
Stimulation of delta opioid receptors located in substantia nigra reticulata but not globus pallidus or striatum restores motor activity in 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned rats: new insights into the role of delta receptors in parkinsonism
Authors: Mabrouk Omar S. , Volta Mattia , Marti Matteo , Morari Michele 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe delta opioid peptide (DOP) receptor has been proposed as a target in the symptomatic therapy of Parkinson’s disease. However, the circuitry underlying the antiparkinsonian action of DOP receptor agonists and their site of action have never been adequately investigated. Systemic administration of the DOP receptor agonist (+)‐4‐[(αR)‐α‐(2S,5R)‐allyl‐2,5‐dimethyl‐1‐piperazinyl)‐3‐methoxy‐benzyl]‐N‐N‐diethylbenzamide (SNC‐80) attenuated akinesia/bradykinesia and improved motor activity in 6‐hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats. Opposite effects were produced by the selective DOP receptor antagonist naltrindole (NTD), suggesting that endogenous enkephalins tonically sustain movement under parkinsonian conditions. Microdialysis revealed that SNC‐80 reduced GABA release in globus pallidus (GP) while NTD elevated it. Moreover, SNC‐80 reduced GABA and glutamate release in substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) whereas NTD reduced GABA without affecting glutamate release. The bar test coupled to microdialysis showed that perfusion with NTD in SNr but not GP or striatum prevented the antiakinetic effect of systemic SNC‐80 and its neurochemical correlates. Consistently, microinjections of SNC‐80 into SNr or bicuculline in GP attenuated parkinsonian‐like symptoms while SNC‐80 microinjections in GP or striatum were ineffective. This study demonstrates that nigral DOP receptors mediate antiparkinsonian actions of SNC‐80 and challenges the common view that DOP receptor agonists solely attenuate parkinsonism via pallidal mechanisms.
Binding of spermine and ifenprodil to a purified, soluble regulatory domain of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor
Authors: Han Xia , Tomitori Hideyuki , Mizuno Satomi , Higashi Kyohei , Füll Christine , Fukiwake Tomohide , Terui Yusuke , Leewanich Pathama , Nishimura Kazuhiro , Toida Toshihiko , Williams Keith , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe binding of spermine and ifenprodil to the amino terminal regulatory (R) domain of theN‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor was studied using purified regulatory domains of the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits, termed NR1‐R, NR2A‐R and NR2B‐R. The R domains were over‐expressed inEscherichia coliand purified to near homogeneity. TheKdvalues for binding of [14C]spermine to NR1‐R, NR2A‐R and NR2B‐R were 19, 140, and 33 μM, respectively. [3H]Ifenprodil bound to NR1‐R (Kd, 0.18 μM) and NR2B‐R (Kd, 0.21 μM), but not to NR2A‐R at the concentrations tested (0.1–0.8 μM). TheseKdvalues were confirmed by circular dichroism measurements. TheKdvalues reflected their effective concentrations at intact NR1/NR2A and NR1/NR2B receptors. The results suggest that effects of spermine and ifenprodil on NMDA receptors occur through binding to the regulatory domains of the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits. The binding capacity of spermine or ifenprodil to a mixture of NR1‐R and NR2A‐R or NR1‐R and NR2B‐R was additive with that of each individual R domain. Binding of spermine to NR1‐R and NR2B‐R was not inhibited by ifenprodil and vice versa, indicating that the binding sites for spermine and ifenprodil on NR1‐R and NR2B‐R are distinct.
Exploring species attributes and site characteristics to assess plant invasions in Spain
Authors: Gassó Núria , Sol Daniel , Pino Joan , Dana Elías D. , Lloret Francisco , Sanz‐Elorza Mario , Sobrino Eduardo , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim Biological invasions are a major component of global change with increasing effects on natural ecosystems and human societies. Here, we aim to assess the relationship between plant invader species attributes and the extent of their distribution range size, at the same time that we assess the association between environmental factors and plant invader species richness.Location Spain, Mediterranean region.Methods From the species perspective, we calculated the distribution range size of the 106 vascular plant invaders listed in a recently published atlas of alien plant species in Spain. Range size was used as an estimation of the degree of invasion success of the species. To model variation in range size between species as a function of a set of species attributes, we adopted the framework of the generalized linear mixed models because they allow the incorporation of taxonomic categories as nested random factors to control for phylogenetic relationships. From the invaded site perspective, we determined invader plant species richness as the number of species for each 10 × 10 km Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid. For each grid cell, we estimated variables concerning landscape, topography, climate and human settlement. Then, we performed a generalized linear mixed model incorporating a defined spatial correlation structure to assess the relationship between plant invader richness and the environmental predictors.Results From the species perspective, wind dispersal and minimum residence time appeared to favour invasion success. From the invaded site perspective, we identified high anthropogenic disturbance, low altitude, short distance to the coastline and dry, hot weather as the main correlates to UTM grid cell invader richness.Main conclusions According to these results, an increasing importance of man‐modified ecosystems and global warming in the Mediterranean region should facilitate the expansion of plant invaders, especially wind‐dispersed species, leading to the accumulation of invasive species in some sites (i.e. invasion hot spots).
From introduction to the establishment of alien species: bioclimatic differences between presence and reproduction localities in the slider turtle
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Thuiller Wilfried , Padoa‐Schioppa Emilio 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim Understanding the factors determining the transition from introduction of aliens to the establishment of invasive populations is a critical issue of the study of biological invasions, and has key implications for management. Differences in fitness among areas of introduction can define the zones where aliens become invasive. The American slider turtleTrachemys scriptahas been introduced worldwide, and has negative effects on freshwater communities, but only a subset of introduced populations breed successfully. We used species distribution models to assess the factors influencing the slider distribution in Italy, by analysing bioclimatic features that can cause the transition from presence of feral adults to breeding populations. We also evaluated whether climate change might increase the future suitability for reproduction.Location  Central and Northern Italy.Methods  The distribution of slider turtle was obtained from the literature, unpublished reports and field surveys. We used Maxent to build bioclimatic models.Results  Reproductive populations are associated to a clear bioclimatic envelope with warmer climate, more solar radiation and higher precipitations than populations where reproduction is not observed. Several Mediterranean areas currently have climatic features suitable for sliders. Scenarios of climate change predict the expansion of these areas. In the near future (2020), the proportion of populations in areas suitable for reproduction will dramatically increase.Main conclusion  Our study shows that bioclimatic differences can determine the areas where aliens become invaders. Management should be focused to these source areas. However, climate change can increase fitness in the future, and therefore the interactions between climate change and fitness can boost the invasiveness of this alien species.
Resistance and resilience: quantifying relative extinction risk in a diverse assemblage of Australian tropical rainforest vertebrates
Authors: Isaac Joanne L. , Vanderwal Jeremy , Johnson Christopher N. , Williams Stephen E. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Assessing the relative vulnerability of species within an assemblage to extinction is crucial for conservation planning at the regional scale. Here, we quantify relative vulnerability to extinction, in terms of both resistance and resilience to environmental change, in an assemblage of tropical rainforest vertebrates.Location  Wet Tropics Bioregion, north Queensland, Australia.Methods  We collated data on 163 vertebrates that occur in the Australian Wet Tropics, including 24 frogs, 33 reptiles, 19 mammals and 87 birds. We used the ‘seven forms of rarity’ model to assess relative vulnerability or resistance to environmental change. We then develop a new analogous eight‐celled model to assess relative resilience, or potential to recover from environmental perturbation, based on reproductive output, potential for dispersal and climatic niche marginality.Results  In the rarity model, our assemblage had more species very vulnerable and very resistant than expected by chance. There was a more even distribution of species over the categories in the resilience model. The three traits included in each model were not independent of each other; species that were widespread were also habitat generalists, while species with narrow geographical ranges tended to be locally abundant. In the resilience model, species with low reproductive output had a narrow climatic niche and also a low capacity to disperse. Frogs were the most vulnerable taxonomic group overall. The model categories were compared to current IUCN category of listed species, and the product of the two models was best correlated with IUCN listings.Main conclusions  The models presented here offer an objective way to predict the resistance of a species to environmental change, and its capacity to recover from disturbance. The new resilience model has similar advantages to the rarity model, in that it uses simple information and is therefore useful for examining patterns in assemblages with many poorly known species.
Effect of species rarity on the accuracy of species distribution models for reptiles and amphibians in southern California
Authors: Franklin Janet , Wejnert Katherine E. , Hathaway Stacie A. , Rochester Carlton J. , Fisher Robert N. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim Several studies have found that more accurate predictive models of species’ occurrences can be developed for rarer species; however, one recent study found the relationship between range size and model performance to be an artefact of sample prevalence, that is, the proportion of presence versus absence observations in the data used to train the model. We examined the effect of model type, species rarity class, species’ survey frequency, detectability and manipulated sample prevalence on the accuracy of distribution models developed for 30 reptile and amphibian species.Location Coastal southern California, USA.Methods Classification trees, generalized additive models and generalized linear models were developed using species presence and absence data from 420 locations. Model performance was measured using sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) plot based on twofold cross‐validation, or on bootstrapping. Predictors included climate, terrain, soil and vegetation variables. Species were assigned to rarity classes by experts. The data were sampled to generate subsets with varying ratios of presences and absences to test for the effect of sample prevalence. Join count statistics were used to characterize spatial dependence in the prediction errors.Results Species in classes with higher rarity were more accurately predicted than common species, and this effect was independent of sample prevalence. Although positive spatial autocorrelation remained in the prediction errors, it was weaker than was observed in the species occurrence data. The differences in accuracy among model types were slight.Main conclusions Using a variety of modelling methods, more accurate species distribution models were developed for rarer than for more common species. This was presumably because it is difficult to discriminate suitable from unsuitable habitat for habitat generalists, and not as an artefact of the effect of sample prevalence on model estimation.
Lucius, thou art translated: Adlington's Apuleius
Authors: Chaudhuri Supriya 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTWilliam Adlington's translation of Apuleius’Golden Ass (1566) marks a shift away from an older practice of ‘reading for the allegory’ to a more direct engagement with the ‘pleasure’ of a literary text. Adlington draws upon early humanist scholarship, but negotiates its magical and Neoplatonic interests with post‐Reformation caution; unlike his contemporary Arthur Golding, he also omits Christianizing allegories such as those in an early French translation by Guillaume Michel (1518). His prefatory comments, as well as the translation itself, are clearly indebted to Beroaldus’ Latin commentary (1500), the Spanish translation of Diego López de Cortegana (c. 1513) and the French translation by Jean Louveau (1553). These debts are established through a comparison of passages at the end of the article. Adlington displays an Erasmian concern with a pedagogic programme founded on the combination of pleasure with ethical purpose, and celebrating linguistic and stylistic copia. This is in keeping with a new style of reading that emerges in the later sixteenth century, a style responsive to the growing attractions of a secular literary space. Nothing is known about Adlington and his political or religious affiliations, but his dedication of the translation to Thomas Radcliffe, Earl of Sussex, from University College, Oxford, on 18 September 1566, is of interest in the context of the Queen's visit (with Sussex) to Oxford earlier that month.
Using the protein folding literature to teach biophysical chemistry to undergraduates
Authors: Anthony‐Cahill Spencer 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAn understanding of physical chemistry principles enhances student understanding of biochemical phenomena; however, the application of these principles to biological examples is frequently missing in the standard undergraduate physical chemistry curriculum. The topics of protein folding and stability are based in thermodynamics and can serve as a vehicle for presenting essential thermodynamics in a context that is highly relevant to undergraduate biochemistry majors. The outline of a course that replaces the standard thermodynamics offering in physical chemistry is described. The protein folding literature is used to illustrate thermodynamic concepts in this course and students are expected to read and comprehend the assigned literature. The course is offered as a separate biophysical chemistry course for B. S. Biochemistry majors; however, elements of this course may be useful in crafting a more standard thermodynamics course for B. S. Chemistry majors in chemistry departments seeking to fulfill ACS guidelines for approved B. S. Chemistry majors. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Kinetic analysis of glucose‐6‐phosphatase: an investigative approach to carbohydrate metabolism and kinetics
Authors: Wallert M. A. , Foster J. D. , Scholnick D. A. , Olmschenk S. M. , Kuehn B. J. , Provost J. J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G‐6‐Pase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose‐6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P) to glucose. This is one of the key steps in gluconeogenesis and is critically important in maintaining stable blood glucose levels in most mammals. G‐6‐Pase is primarily found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes and can easily be studied using isolated microsomes prepared from liver ER. A three‐part undergraduate laboratory exercise uses rat liver microsomes to focus on the enzymatic analysis of G‐6‐Pase. The assessment of G‐6‐Pase activity is conducted using a stopped assay protocol combined with a colorimetric determination of inorganic phosphate (Pi) levels. The laboratory exercise was designed to carry out an independent inhibition investigation using orthovanadate, a competitive inhibitor of G‐6‐Pase with potential clinical importance. The format of the three‐part investigation provides a useful mechanism for demonstrating enzyme kinetics and competitive inhibition using an enzyme that is important for carbohydrate metabolism and glycogen storage disease. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The pentose phosphate pathway in the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kloeckera apiculata, an exercise in comparative metabolism for food and wine science students
Authors: Steel Christopher C. , Grbin Paul R. , Nichol Alan W. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractComparative cellular metabolism can be a difficult area of biochemistry to teach in the undergraduate laboratory class. Student practicals involving animal tissues generally require approval from animal ethic committees, and the relevance for students whose primary interest in biochemistry is in the area of food and wine sciences, is often questioned. In this report, we present an undergraduate practical exercise in which glucose catabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway is compared in two types of yeast with direct relevance to the wine and food industries, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kloeckera apiculata. The exercise is carried out as a demonstration to second year undergraduate students, studying metabolic biochemistry. It is of some value in that it illustrates comparative cellular metabolism in wine yeasts and introduces the students to the safe use of radioisotopes. © 2001 IUBMB. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cointegration and Exogeneity in Eurobanking and Latin American Banking: Does Systemic Risk Linger?
Authors: Simpson John L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper examines financial integration, interdependence and exogeneity within and between Latin American banking and Eurobanking systems during a period of relative stability after the oil and debt crises of the 1980s. Significant evidence of cointegration in both long‐ and short‐term relationships is reported. Within Latin America, exogeneity lies mainly with the Brazilian system. Within Eurobanking, the U.S. system is the dominant influence. Between Eurobanking and Latin American banking systems, the U.S. system is the major driving force. With continued interdependence of these banking systems, systemic risk lingers, and vigilance is required in banking supervision.
Do Commodity Traders Herd?
Authors: Adrangi Bahram , Chatrath Arjun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe test for herding using data on aggregate trader positions for four commodities over 20 years. We show that while the positions of commodity traders are highly related, the relatedness falls short of herding. The cross‐commodity relatedness in trader positions is almost entirely explained by common demand and supply factors.
Improvement in borderline personality disorder in relationship to age
Authors: Tracie Shea M. , Edelen M. O. , Pinto A. , Yen S. , Gunderson J. G. , Skodol A. E. , Markowitz J. , Sanislow C. A. , Grilo C. M. , Ansell E. , Daversa M. T. , Zanarini M. C. , McGlashan T. H. , Morey L. C. 
Published: October 2008

Objective:  It is commonly believed that some features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) improve as individuals reach their late 30s and 40s. This study examined age‐related change in borderline criteria and functional impairment, testing the hypothesis that older age would be associated with relatively more improvement than younger age.Method:  A total of 216 male and female participants with BPD were followed prospectively with yearly assessments over 6 years.Results:  Participants showed similar rates of improvement in borderline features regardless of age. A significant age by study year interaction showed functioning in older subjects to reverse direction and begin to decline in the latter part of the follow‐up, in contrast to younger subjects who maintained or continued improvement over the 6 years. Despite the decline, functioning for the older subjects was comparable with or slightly better at year 6 than at year 1.Conclusion:  Improvement in borderline features is not specific to the late 30s and 40s. There may be a reversal of improvement in functioning in some borderline patients in this older‐age range.