bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Immunoreactivity to GnRH Neurons in the Ovariectomized and Intact Female Rat
Authors: Herbison Allan E. , Simonian Sharon X. , Norris Paula J. , Emson Piers C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present study has used a rat neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibody to examine the relationship of nNOS immunoreactivity to GnRH neurons in the ovariectomized and intact diestrous and proestrous rat. A striking band of nNOS‐immunoreactive cells was identified in the rostral preoptic area which began in the median preoptic nucleus and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and formed an inverted Y‐type distribution above the rostral third ventricle at the level of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus. Another band of nNOS‐immunoreactivity was found extending through the internal zone of the median eminence into the arcuate nucleus. Although nNOS immunoreactivity was not detected within GnRH neuronal cell bodies in any of the experimental groups, GnRH perikarya located in the rostral preoptic area, but not elsewhere, were found to be surrounded by nNOS‐containing cells. In the median eminence, nNOS and GnRH immunoreactivities were distributed separately in the internal and external zones, respectively.These results provide evidence that, regardless of their pattern of activity, GnRH neurons in the female rat do not express nNOS. Instead, a close anatomical relationship between nNOS‐immunoreactive cells and GnRH perikarya and fibers has been identified within specific sub‐regions of the rostral preoptic area and in the median eminence. Such findings are compatible with a role for NO at both sites in regulating the release of GnRH throughout the estrous cycle.
Role of Nitric Oxide/Cyclic GMP Pathway in the Inhibitory Effect of GABA and Dopamine on Prolactin Release
Authors: Duvilanski Beatriz H. , Zambruno Carolina , Lasaga Mercedes , Pisera Daniel , Seilicovich Adriana 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe anterior pituitary gland is a site of nitric oxide (NO) production and action, suggesting a local regulatory function. We recently reported that NO inhibits in vitro prolactin release. The aim of the present study was to establish the mechanism of action of NO on prolactin release and to determine whether NO is involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA on prolactin release. Since NO exerts its action through cGMP by activating guanylate cyclase in different tissues, we examined the effect of sodium nitroprusside (NP), a NO releaser, on intrapituitary cGMP levels. Incubation of anterior pituitary glands with 0.5 mM NP 4‐fold increased intrapituitary cGMP content, but decreased intrapituitary cAMP levels. In addition, we studied the effect of NP on prolactin release in the presence of LY 83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase activity and 3‐lsobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase activity. 10μM LY 83583 and 0.5 mM IBMX blocked the inhibitory effect of NP on prolactin release. (10‐3 M) 8Br‐cGMP, an analogue of cGMP, mimicked the effect of NP on prolactin release. On the other hand, NO seems to be involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA on prolactin release since hemoglobin, a scavenger of NO, and Nw‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), blocked the pituitary response to GABA. Moreover, GABA (10 6 M) stimulated NOS activity by almost 50%. GABA increased intrapituitary cGMP levels and decreased cAMP. Dopamine stimulated NOS activity weakly.These observations suggest that NO, acting through the guanylate cyclase‐cGMP pathway, inhibits prolactin secretion. In addition, NO may be involved in the inhibitory effect of GABA and dopamine on prolactin release.
In Vitro Immunoneutralization of a Cleaved Prolactin Variant: Evidence for a Local Paracrine Action of Cleaved Prolactin in the Development of Gonadotrophs and Thyrotrophs in Rat Pituitary
Authors: Andries Maria , Jacobs Greta F. M. , Tilemans Diane , Denef Carl 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe have previously isolated a cleaved prolactin variant, secreted by rat pituitary cells in culture, that stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs when added to pituitary aggregate cell cultures of 14‐day‐old female rats. Using synthetic peptides homologous to the new C‐ and N‐termini of the cleavage site, we made antisera recognizing this cleaved variant without significant cross reaction with native prolactin. Addition of these antisera to pituitary aggregate cell cultures decreased [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs but not in the other pituitary cell types. These data are further evidence that this prolactin variant, cleaved between Tyr‐145 and Leu‐146, may have an important role as growth regulator of the gonadotrophs and thyrotrophs in the rat pituitary.
Temporal changes of soft‐bottom zoobenthic communities in and around Alsancak Harbor (Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea), with special attention to the autecology of exotic species
Authors: Çinar Melih Ertan , Katagan Tuncer , Öztürk Bilal , Egemen Özdemir , Ergen Zeki , Kocatas Ahmet , Önen Mesut , Kirkim Fevzi , Bakir Kerem , Kurt Güley , Dagli Ertan , Kaymakçi Asli , Açik Sermin , Dogan Alper , Özcan Tahir 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTemporal and spatial variation in soft‐bottom benthic communities following recovery from a pollution episode were studied between January and September 2004 in and around Alsancak Harbor, located in the polluted part of Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean). Samples were collected at seven stations by van Veen grab. Three additional stations were sampled by means of a beam trawl to take into account large mobile animals and for a better estimate of the local biodiversity. A total of 231 species belonging to 10 zoobenthic groups were found. Polychaetes contributed 90% of the total faunal populations and mollusks 87% of the total biomass in the area. Community parameters varied significantly among stations and sampling periods; number of species ranged from 2 to 79 per 0.1 m2 grab sample; density from 20 to 81,720 ind·m−2; biomass from 0.1 to 4190 g·m−2; Shannon–Wiener diversity index (log2 base) from 0.4 to 4.4; and Pielou's evenness index from 0.11 to 1.0. Collections indicate that a number of species, including those sensitive to pollution, have colonized the area where azoic conditions had been previously reported. A total of six exotic species, Streblospio gynobranchiata, Polydora cornuta, Hydroides dianthus, Hydroides elegans, Anadara demiri and Fulvia fragilis, probably transferred to the area via ballast water or hull fouling, dominated soft or hard substrata in and near Alsancak Harbor. The first two species accounted for more than 70% of the total population in the area, while A. demiri contributed the most to the biomass (93%, at station 7).
International Outsourcing, Technological Change, and Wage Inequality
Authors: Hijzen Alexander 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper analyzes the impact of international outsourcing on UK wage inequality during the 1990s by applying the mandated wage approach proposed byFeenstra and Hanson (1999). The methodology is extended in order to obtain additional insight into the relative importance of the factor and sector bias of international outsourcing and technological change. The results indicate that technological change is the predominant force behind the increase in wage inequality, but international outsourcing also contributed significantly. In explaining the increase in wage inequality the factor bias of technological change was slightly larger than its sector bias, while for international outsourcing the sector bias was much more important. The relative importance of the two effects hinges crucially on the estimated rate of productivity passthrough.
Downhill from devaluation: The battle for sterling, 1968–721
Authors: OLIVER MICHAEL J. , HAMILTON ARRAN 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARYThe devaluation of 1967 and the float of 1972 have become two of the key cornerstones in the analysis of sterling under the Bretton Woods system. Sterling’s fortunes between 1968 and 1972 have not been so well documented. This article uncovers new evidence about the pound for this period, including the British government’s contingency plans for blocking the sterling balances as a means to negate the weakness of sterling following the 1967 devaluation, the discussions with the United States on the reform of the international monetary system, and the preparations made for floating the pound.
The effect of tobacco exposure on the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
Authors: McDonald SD , Walker M , Perkins SL , Beyene J , Murphy K , Gibb W , Ohlsson A 
Published: October 2006

Objective  Our objective was to determine if maternal smoking is associated with programming of the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Cigarette smoking, which induces a state of hypoxia in the fetus, may promote in utero‘programming’ of the HPA axis. In utero, adaptations to the HPA axis, which become maladaptive later in life, have been hypothesised to contribute to the development of adult cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.Design  This was a prospective cohort study of term infants.Population and setting  The study involved 104 infants born by elective caesarean section, 21 of whom were exposed to in utero tobacco and 83 were nonexposed.Methods  Healthy women with healthy pregnancies were recruited if they were undergoing elective caesarean section. Maternal blood was drawn for cortisol and cotinine in the morning, and the umbilical blood was drawn immediately after delivery of the baby.Main outcome measures  Umbilical arterial cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels.Results  ACTH levels were significantly elevated in smoke‐exposed infants [17 (4–22) pmol/l versus 4 (2–11) pmol/l, respectively, P= 0.005], while cortisol levels were similar [182 (130–240) nmol/l versus 192 (127–265) nmol/l, respectively, P= 0.541].Conclusions  For the first time, it was shown that infants exposed to in utero tobacco smoke have significantly elevated ACTH levels compared with nonexposed infants. The results of this study warrant further exploration of the effect of smoking on the neonatal HPA axis as a potential set up for ‘programming’.
TRPV1b overexpression negatively regulates TRPV1 responsiveness to capsaicin, heat and low pH in HEK293 cells
Authors: Vos Melissa H. , Neelands Torben R. , McDonald Heath A. , Choi Won , Kroeger Paul E. , Puttfarcken Pamela S. , Faltynek Connie R. , Moreland Robert B. , Han Ping 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTransient receptor potential channel type V (TRPV) 1 is a non‐selective cation channel that can be activated by capsaicin, endogenous vanilloids, heat and protons. The human TRPV1 splice variant, TRPV1b, lacking exon 7, was cloned from human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) RNA. The expression profile and relative abundance of TRPV1b and TRPV1 in 35 different human tissues were determined by quantitative RT‐PCR using isoform‐specific probes. TRPV1b was most abundant in fetal brain, adult cerebellum and DRG. Functional studies using electrophysiological techniques showed that recombinant TRPV1b was not activated by capsaicin (1 µm), protons (pH 5.0) or heat (50°C). However, recombinant TRPV1b did form multimeric complexes and was detected on the plasma membrane of cells, demonstrating that the lack of channel function was not due to defects in complex formation or cell surface expression. These results demonstrate that exon 7, which encodes the third ankyrin domain and 44 amino acids thereafter, is required for normal channel function of human TRPV1. Moreover, when co‐expressed with TRPV1, TRPV1b formed complexes with TRPV1, and inhibited TRPV1 channel function in response to capsaicin, acidic pH, heat and endogenous vanilloids, dose‐dependently. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that TRPV1b is a naturally existing inhibitory modulator of TRPV1.
Down‐regulation of WNK1 protein kinase in neural progenitor cells suppresses cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Sun Xutong , Gao Luoyi , Yu Robert K. , Zeng Guichao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWNK1, a Ser/Thr protein kinase, is widely expressed in many tissues. Its biological functions are largely unknown. Disruption of the WNK1 gene in mice leads to embryonic lethality at day 13, implicating a critical role of WNK1 in embryonic development. To investigate this potential function, we used antisense strategy to knock down the expression of WNK1 in a mouse neural progenitor cell line, C17.2. Down‐regulation of WNK1 in C17.2 cells greatly reduced cell growth. Addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a mitogen for C17.2 cells, had no effect on growth. The WNK1‐knockdown cells showed a flat and rounded morphology, characteristic of the immature and non‐differentiated phenotype of the progenitor cells; this was further demonstrated by immunostaining for the progenitor and neuronal markers. Migration of the WNK1‐knockdown C17.2 cells was reduced as tested in culture dishes or Matrigel‐covered chambers. Moreover, activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1)/2 and ERK5 by EGF in the WNK1‐knockdown cells was suppressed. These results demonstrate a novel function of WNK1 in proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural progenitor cells, likely by mechanisms involving activation of the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase ERK1/2 and/or ERK5 pathways.
Regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases by glutamate receptors
Authors: Wang John Q. , Fibuch Eugene E. , Mao Limin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGlutamate receptors regulate gene expression in neurons by activating intracellular signaling cascades that phosphorylate transcription factors within the nucleus. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is one of the best characterized cascades in this regulatory process. The Ca2+‐permeable ionotropic glutamate receptor, mainly the NMDA receptor subtype, activates MAPKs through a biochemical route involving the Ca2+‐sensitive Ras‐guanine nucleotide releasing factor, Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II, and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR), however, activates MAPKs primarily through a Ca2+‐insensitve pathway involving the transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases. The adaptor protein Homer also plays a role in this process. As an information superhighway between surface glutamate receptors and transcription factors in the nucleus, active MAPKs phosphorylate specific transcription factors (Elk‐1 and CREB), and thereby regulate distinct programs of gene expression. The regulated gene expression contributes to the development of multiple forms of synaptic plasticity related to long‐lasting changes in memory function and addictive properties of drugs of abuse. This review, by focusing on new data from recent years, discusses the signaling mechanisms by which different types of glutamate receptors activate MAPKs, features of each MAPK cascade in regulating gene expression, and the importance of glutamate/MAPK‐dependent synaptic plasticity in memory and addiction.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of Acupuncture Compared With Metoprolol in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Streng Andrea , Linde Klaus , Hoppe Andrea , Pfaffenrath Volker , Hammes Michael , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Weidenhammer Wolfgang , Melchart Dieter 
Published: October 2006

Objectives.—In a randomized controlled multicenter trial extending over 24 weeks, we investigated whether acupuncture is as effective and safe as metoprolol in the prophylactic treatment of migraine under conditions similar to routine care.Methods.—One hundred fourteen migraine patients could be randomized to treatment over 12 weeks either with acupuncture (8 to 15 sessions) or metoprolol (100 to 200 mg daily). Main outcome measure was the difference in the number of migraine days between baseline and the weeks 9 to 12 after randomization (derived from a headache diary).Results.—Two of 59 patients randomized to acupuncture withdrew prematurely from the study compared to 18 of 55 randomized to metoprolol. The number of migraine days decreased by 2.5 ± 2.9 days (baseline 5.8 ± 2.5 days) in the acupuncture group compared to 2.2 ± 2.7 days (baseline 5.8 ± 2.9 days) in the metoprolol group (P= .721). The proportion of responders (reduction of migraine attacks by ≥50%) was 61% for acupuncture and 49% for metoprolol. Both physicians and patients reported fewer adverse effects in the acupuncture group.Conclusions.—Due to missing the recruitment target (480 patients) and the high drop‐out in the metoprolol group the results must be interpreted with caution. Still, they suggest that acupuncture might be an effective and safe treatment option for patients unwilling or unable to use drug prophylaxis.
Prevalence of Self‐Reported Epilepsy or Seizure Disorder and Its Associations with Self‐Reported Depression and Anxiety: Results from the 2004 Healthstyles Survey
Authors: Kobau Rosemarie , Gilliam Frank , Thurman David J. 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To examine the prevalence of self‐reported epilepsy or seizure disorder and its association with self‐reported recent depression and anxiety in a large sample of the U.S. adult population. Methods: We analyzed data from adults aged 18 years or older (n = 4,345) who participated in the 2004 HealthStyles Survey, a large mail panel survey designed to be representative of the U.S. population. Results: Among U.S. adults aged 18 years or older, we estimated that 2.9% have been told by a doctor that they had epilepsy or seizure disorder, and an estimated 1.6% and 0.9% had active and inactive epilepsy, respectively. After controlling for demographic characteristics, we estimated that adults with self‐reported epilepsy were twice as likely to self‐report depression or anxiety in the previous year as were adults without epilepsy, and adults with active epilepsy were 3 times as likely to self‐report depression and twice as likely to have anxiety in the previous year as were adults without epilepsy. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the burden of self‐reported depression and anxiety among adults with self‐reported epilepsy or seizure disorder, and suggest that healthcare providers should attempt to determine whether adult patients with epilepsy have any psychiatric comorbidity potentially to improve health outcomes. Questions about epilepsy and related factors should be routinely included on population‐based surveys so that we can better understand the epilepsy distribution in the U.S. population and identify the unmet health and psychosocial needs of people with epilepsy.
The Frequency of Reversible Parkinsonism and Cognitive Decline Associated with Valproate Treatment: A Study of 364 Patients with Different Types of Epilepsy
Authors: Ristić Aleksandar J. , Vojvodić Nikola , Janković Slavko , Sindelić Aleksandra , Sokić Dragoslav 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Purpose: We report the frequency of parkinsonism and cognitive decline (P/CD) in patients treated with valproate (VPA) after 1 year of treatment and at least 1 year of follow‐up. Methods: Three hundred sixty‐four patients with various epileptic syndromes and seizure types were treated with VPA mono‐ or polytherapy for more than 1 year. Results: We found five cases of P/CD (1.37%; 95% CI, 0.18–2.56%). Among 140 patients with different adverse effects (AEs) of VPA, P/CD were among the rarest in frequency but significant in terms of drug discontinuation (five of 17). Conclusions: Early identification of this type of AE and discontinuation of the drug led to complete recovery in affected patients.
Effects of Nitrogen Source and Bacterial Elicitor on Isoflavone Accumulation in Root Cultures of Albizzia kalkora (Roxb.) Prain
Authors: Park So‐Young , Lee Wi‐Young , Park Youngki , Ahn Jin‐Kwon 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChanges in cellular isoflavone (daidzein and genistein) contents were monitored in root cultures of Albizzia kalkora (Roxb.) Prain after feeding different ratios of NH4+/NO3− and treatment with a biotic elicitor (three strains of Rhizobium sp.). The NH4+/NO3− ratio appears to be positively correlated with daidzein content in the roots and shows a negative correlation with genistein. Among the three different strains of Rhizobium used, the strain ATCC 15834 caused a 35% increase in daidzein production by infection. In the case of genistein, maximum production (94%) was obtained when cultures were treated on Day 6 by the strains ATCC 15834 and KCTC 1541. The biosynthetic pathway of the two isoflavones apparently reacts differently to the same culture conditions and the same strains of Rhizobium. Therefore, the present data suggest that the production of daidzein and genistein could be modulated by changing the NH4+/NO3− ratio and the application of Rhizobium.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
A High‐throughput Genomic Tool: Diversity Array Technology Complementary for Rice Genotyping
Authors: Xie Yong , McNally Kenneth , Li Cheng‐Yun , Leung Hei , Zhu You‐Yong 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDiversity array technology (DArTTM) was a genotyping tool characterized gel‐independent and high throughput. The main purpose of present study is to validate DArT for rice (Oryza sativa L.)genotyping in a high throughput manner. Technically, the main objective was to generate a rice general purpose gene pool, and optimize this genomic tool in order to evaluate rice germplasm genetic diversity. To achieve this, firstly, a general‐purpose DArT array was developed. Ten representatives from 24 varieties were hybridized with the general‐purpose array to determine the informativeness of the clones printed on the array. The informative 1 152 clones were re‐arrayed on a slide and used to fingerprint 17 of 24 germplasms. Hybridizing targets prepared from the germplasm to be assayed to the DNA array gave DNA fingerprints of germplasms. Raw data were normalized and transformed into binary data, which were then analyzed by using NTSYSpc (Numerical taxonomy system for cluster and ordination analysis, v. 2.02j) software package. The graphically displayed dendrogram derived from the array experimental data was matched with simple sequence repeats genotyping outline and varieties' pedigree deviation of the different varieties. Considering DArT is a sequence‐independent genotyping approach, it will be applied in studies of the genetic diversity and the gene mapping of diverse of organisms, especially for those crops with less‐developed molecular markers.(Managing editor: Ya‐Qin Han)
Progress in the Study of Molecular Genetic Improvements of Poplar in China
Authors: Lin Shan‐Zhi , Zhang Zhi‐Yi , Zhang Qian , Lin Yuan‐Zhen 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe poplar is one of the most economically important and intensively studied tree species owing to its wide application in the timber industry and as a model material for the study of woody plants. The natural resource of poplars in China is replete. Over the past 10 years, the application of molecular biological techniques to genetic improvements in poplar species has been widely studied in China. Recent advances in molecular genetic improvements of poplar, including cDNA library construction, gene cloning and identification, genetic engineering, gene expression, genetic linkage map construction, mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular‐assisted selection, are reviewed in the present paper. In addition, the application of modern biotechnology to molecular improvements in the genetic traits of the poplar and some unsolved problems are discussed.(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
New Diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Qi , Wang Guo‐Cai , Ye Wen‐Cai , Li Qian , Zhou Guang‐Xiong , Yao Xin‐Sheng 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTo investigate diterpenoids from the aerial parts of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, three new ent‐labdane diterpenoids, namely 19‐norandrographolides A‐C (compounds 1–3), were isolated from the ethanolic extract of A. paniculata. Their structures were established by HRESIMS and NMR spectral data in combination with X‐ray crystallographic analysis.(Managing editor: Wei Wang)