bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic hypothermia modulates TNFR1 signaling in the traumatized brain via early transient activation of the JNK pathway and suppression of XIAP cleavage
Authors: Lotocki George , De Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Perez Enrique R. , Alonso Ofelia F. , Curbelo Karell , Keane Robert W. , Dietrich W. Dalton 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays a critical role in pathomechanisms associated with secondary damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The TNF ligand‐receptor system stimulates inflammation by activation of gene transcription through the IκB kinase (IKK)–NF‐κB and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK)–AP‐1 signaling cascades. TNF signaling following TBI involves both cell survival and apoptotic pathways, but the mechanism that accounts for the dual role of TNF remains unclear. Multiple studies have reported hypothermia to be protective following TBI, but the precise mechanism has not been clearly defined. Here, TNFR1 signaling pathways were investigated in the cerebral cortex of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats subjected to moderate fluid‐percussion TBI and of naïve controls. Another group was subjected to moderate TBI with 30 min of pre‐ and post‐traumatic hypothermia (33 °C). Rapid and marked increases in protein expression of TNFR1 and signaling intermediates in both the IKK–NF‐κB and JNK pathways were induced in traumatized cortices. Hypothermia decreased TNFR1 protein expression acutely in traumatized cortices and stimulated early activation of signaling intermediates in the JNK, but not the IKK–NF‐κB, signaling pathways. Hypothermia promoted a rapid activation of caspase‐3 acutely after injury but suppressed caspase‐3 activation at later time points. Moreover, hypothermia treatment suppressed cleavage of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) into fragments induced by TBI. These data suggest that hypothermia may regulate both the JNK signaling cascade via XIAP and the preconditioning pathways that activate caspases. Thus, hypothermia mediates TNFR1 responses via early activation of the JNK signaling pathway and caspase‐3, leading to endogenous neuroprotective events.
Modelling tree diversity in a highly fragmented tropical montane landscape
Authors: Cayuela Luis , Benayas José María Rey , Justel Ana , Salas‐Rey Javier 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAim  There is an urgent need for conservation in threatened tropical forest regions. We explain and predict the spatial variation of α (i.e. within plot) and β (i.e. between plot) tree diversity in a tropical montane landscape subjected to a high deforestation rate. A major aim is to demonstrate the potential of a method that combines data from multiple sources (field data, remote sensing imagery and GIS) to evaluate and monitor forest diversity on a broad scale over large unexplored areas.Location  The study covered an area of c. 3500 km2 in the Highlands of Chiapas, southern Mexico.Methods  We identified all of the tree species within 204 field plots (1000 m2 each) and measured different environmental, human disturbance‐related, and spatial variables using remote sensing and GIS data. To obtain a predictive model of α tree diversity (Fisher's alpha) based on selected explanatory variables, we used a generalized linear model with a gamma error distribution. Mantel tests of matrix correspondence were used to determine whether similarities in floristic composition were correlated with similarities in the explanatory variables. Finally, we used a method that combines α and β tree diversity to define priority areas for conservation.Results  The model for α tree diversity explained 44% of the overall variability, of which most was mainly related to precipitation, temperature, NDVI, and canopy (all relationships were positive, and quadratic for temperature and NDVI). There were no spatially structured regional factors that were ignored. Similarity in tree composition was correlated positively with climate and NDVI.Main conclusions  The results were used to: (1) identify and assign conservation priority of unexplored areas that have high tree diversity, and (2) demonstrate the importance of several vegetation formations in the region's biodiversity. The method we present can be particularly useful in assessing regional needs and in developing local conservation strategies in poorly surveyed (and often at risk) tropical areas worldwide, where accessibility is usually limited.
Simulated ecosystem threshold responses to co‐varying temperature, precipitation and atmospheric CO2 within a region of Amazonia
Authors: Cowling Sharon A. , Shin Younglan 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTAim  Using a Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (DGVM), we assessed the independent and co‐varying effects of temperature, precipitation and atmospheric CO2 on nonlinear (threshold) responses in carbon‐based processes, and evaluated whether these underlying process thresholds translate to the ecosystem‐scale.Location  Amazon Basin, South America.Methods  The Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena model (LPJ) was employed to determine responses in net primary production (NPP), heterotrophic respiration (RH), vegetation carbon (CV), soil carbon (CS), and plant functional type (PFT) composition to variations in temperature (± 9 °C relative to the control), precipitation (up to 80% reduction in rainfall relative to the control) and atmospheric CO2 (± 100 p.p.m.v. relative to the control).Results  Our modelling experiments show that increases in temperature result in lower and steeper NPP and RH curves, indicating a thermal threshold at current temperature conditions. Under a combination of temperature and precipitation change, CV responds more to precipitation, while CS closely follows temperature gradients. Ecosystem thresholds, measured in terms of PFT composition stability, are surprisingly few. Simulations indicate an ecosystem threshold occurring at 80% reduction in rainfall; however, due to modelling limitations, this threshold is likely to occur at earlier drought stress conditions. Further empirical research on abiotic stress tolerance levels in tropical ecosystems must be performed in order to refine PFT descriptions used in DGVMs.Main conclusion  In evaluating simulation scenarios that promote major changes in PFT assemblage, we conclude that the ‘natural’ Amazonian rain forest is resilient to environmental change, particularly to decreases in temperature and precipitation. Determining to what extent anthropogenic pressures have altered this resiliency is of utmost importance in predicting the future fate of the Amazon Basin.
Infants’ memory for musical performances
Authors: Volkova Anna , Trehub Sandra E. , Schellenberg E. Glenn 
Published: October 2006

Abstract We evaluated 6‐ and 7‐month‐olds’ preference and memory for expressive recordings of sung lullabies. In Experiment 1, both age groups preferred lower‐pitched to higher‐pitched renditions of unfamiliar lullabies. In Experiment 2, infants were tested after 2 weeks of daily exposure to a lullaby at one pitch level. Seven‐month‐olds listened significantly longer to the lullaby at a novel pitch level than at the original pitch level. Six‐month‐olds showed no preference but their low‐pitch preference was eliminated. We conclude that infants’ memory for musical performances is enhanced by the ecological validity of the materials. Moreover, infants’ pitch preferences are influenced by their previous exposure and by the nature of the music.
Intersensory redundancy educates selective attention in bobwhite quail embryos
Authors: Lickliter Robert , Bahrick Lorraine E. , Markham Rebecca G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe assessed whether exposure to amodal properties in bimodal stimulation (e.g. rhythm, rate, duration) could educate attention to amodal properties in subsequent unimodal stimulation during prenatal development. Bobwhite quail embryos were exposed to an individual bobwhite maternal call under several experimental and control conditions during the day prior to hatching. Experimental groups received redundant auditory and visual exposure to the temporal features of an individual maternal call followed by unimodal auditory exposure to the same call immediately or after a 2‐hr or 4‐hr delay. Control groups received (1) the same exposure but in the reverse sequence (unimodal → redundant bimodal), (2) asynchronous bimodal → unimodal, (3) only unimodal exposure, or (4) only bimodal exposure. All experimental groups showed a significant preference for the familiar maternal call over a novel maternal call when tested 2 days after hatching, whereas none of the control groups showed a significant preference for the familiar call. These results indicate that intersensory redundancy can direct attention to amodal properties in bimodal stimulation and educate attention to the same amodal properties in subsequent unimodal stimulation where no intersensory redundancy is available.
Action planning in young children's tool use
Authors: Cox Ralf F.A. , Smitsman W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTool use consists of at least two coupled phases of activities, involving multi‐step problem solving. It therefore provides an interesting window on the development of planning in goal‐directed behavior. This study investigated 2‐year‐olds’ and 3‐year‐olds’ hand use in picking up and subsequently using a tool for displacing a target‐object towards a specified goal location. The children had to use a stick (Experiment 1; N = 41 in total) or a cane (hooked stick) that was lying in varying starting orientations (Experiment 2; N = 32 in total). Age differences were found in the way goal‐related information in combination with tool‐related information influenced the choice of which hand to use in different phases of the task. A view on action planning is developed as a dynamic action‐selection process for which actions to take. This process integrates factors that are internal to the child's action system (e.g. motor preferences and dexterity) with external (i.e. sensory) sources of information.
Mum and Dad prefer me to speak Bengali at home: code switching and parallel speech in a primary school setting
Authors: Pagett Linda 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough it contains a statutory inclusion statement, England's National Curriculum “hardly acknowledges the learning practices of different minority groups” (Gregory and Williams, 2003, p. 103). Through observation and interview, this study examines the repertoire of languages that six children for whom English is an additional language (EAL) choose to use at home and in their primary school settings in the West of England. The study bears out and extends previous research, which indicates that children from various ethnic backgrounds are involved in a struggle where they construct and reconstruct their identities according to the social situations they find themselves in. In addition to code switching between languages, the study reports on children using ‘bilingual parallel speech’, an unresearched practice. It shows that there may be a tension between schools' efforts to build upon the children's use of the home language and the children's reluctance to use it in a school setting, where the dominant institutional language is English, and where they would prefer to appear ‘like everyone else’. Social capital would appear to be an important factor affecting children's use of language and this may make them reluctant to maintain and develop their home language. Schools may need to consider strategies that value bilingual children's commonality with the school culture.
Status of women in highly literate societies: the case of Kerala and Finland
Authors: Ross Kathryn 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBoth Kerala and Finland have made notable achievements in the realm of literacy: Kerala has one of the highest rates in the developing world and Finland ranks first in literacy among developed countries. Both also share a cultural history of granting women a high status in their respective societies. Using Kerala and Finland as examples, this paper explores the status of women in highly literate societies in both the developing and developed worlds, looking not only at the historical circumstances in which these conditions developed but also at the outcomes associated with them. This paper argues that literacy rates and female status are interconnected: each impacts on the other, as high female status contributes to improved literacy rates and educational and life opportunities, while high female literacy rates result in increased social standing for women. Such synergy produces outcomes beneficial to a society, regardless of its developmental status.
Psoriasis physiopathology
Authors: Jullien D 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPsoriasis is a complex disease presenting as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin, mediated by a network of soluble factors and a vast array of cell populations. Although we understand many of the molecular mechanisms and cellular alterations that underlie the disease, we do not yet have a clear view of what sparks off the pathophysiological process leading to plaque development. This review presents current concepts on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and new hypotheses that have emerged from recent research reports.
Animal models of psoriasis: a brief update
Authors: Nestle FO , Nickoloff BJ 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMajor obstacles to improve our understanding of psoriasis pathogenesis and development of new therapies are in large part due to the absence of accepted and disease‐relevant in‐vivo models. Recent progress in the area of psoriasis disease models include the use of humanized xenotransplantation models and genetically altered mice reflecting psoriasiform pathology. These models provide exciting new insights into disease pathogenesis and will hopefully enable improved pathogenesis‐based drug approaches.
New topical immunological treatments for psoriasis
Authors: De Prost Y 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTopical treatments for psoriasis have been used for a very long time. They were designed to reduce epidermal proliferation and hyperkeratosis. Recent pathophysiological data have led to the use of many immunological therapies, initially systemically in severe forms and, in recent years, topically. Calcineurin inhibitors are now a well‐established treatment for atopic dermatitis and have also been evaluated in psoriasis. The first trials of tacrolimus (Protopic®, Astellas) and pimecrolimus (Elidel®, Novartis) failed to demonstrate any positive results on plaque‐type psoriasis, but several studies showed a definite efficacy on facial and intertriginous psoriasis. Calcineurin inhibitors do not induce skin atrophy and are therefore particularly useful in sites in which the skin is thinner (face, intertriginous areas). A third substance, sirolimus (Rapamune®, Wyeth), has recently been tested topically in psoriasis. A recent study demonstrated that topical sirolimus crosses the cutaneous barrier and is effective on psoriasis lesions. These studies therefore show an indisputable efficacy of calcineurin inhibitors and sirolimus in the treatment of localized psoriasis. The major advantage is the absence of skin atrophy. However, large‐scale efficacy and safety studies must be conducted in this indication.
Risk factors for preschool depression: the mediating role of early stressful life events
Authors: Luby Joan L. , Belden Andy C. , Spitznagel Edward 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Family history of mood disorders and stressful life events are both established risk factors for childhood depression. However, the role of mediators in risk trajectories, which are potential targets for intervention, remains understudied. To date, there have been no investigations of mediating relationships between risk factors and very early onset depression, a developmental period during which intervention may be more effective. The current study used regression analyses to examine the relationships between family history of mood disorders and stressful life events as risk factors for depression in a preschool sample.Method:  Preschoolers 3.0 to 5.6 years of age participated in a comprehensive mental health assessment. Caregivers were interviewed about their children using a structured diagnostic measure to derive DSM‐IV major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnoses and dimensional depression severity scores. Family history of psychiatric disorders and preschoolers’ stressful life events was obtained.Results:  Both family history and stressful life events predicted depression severity scores 6 months later. Analyses examining the influence of family history of mood disorders and stressful life events on preschoolers’ depression severity demonstrated that stressful life events mediated the relationship between family history and preschoolers’ depression.Conclusions:  Findings outline the key role of exposure to early stressful life events as a mediator of familial mood disorder risk in preschool onset depression. This finding in a preschool sample provides support for the hypothesis that psychosocial factors may have increased importance as mediators of risk in younger age groups. Findings suggest that psychosocial factors should be considered key targets for early intervention in depression.
Appraisals and cognitive coping styles associated with chronic post‐traumatic symptoms in child road traffic accident survivors
Authors: Stallard Paul , Smith Elisabeth 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Comparatively little is known about the cognitive appraisals and coping styles of child road traffic accident (RTA) survivors that are associated with chronic post‐traumatic reactions.Methods:  Seventy‐five children and young people aged 7–18 who were involved in a road traffic accident and attended an accident and emergency department were assessed 8 months after their accident. Post‐traumatic symptoms were assessed by diagnostic interview (CAPS‐C) and self‐report questionnaires (IES). Demographic, accident and injury severity variables were recorded. Informed by the Ehlers and Clark (2000) model, trauma memory, subjective appraisals of the trauma and cognitive coping styles were assessed.Results:  Gender was the only non‐cognitive variable associated with significant post‐traumatic reactions and explained 5–6% of the overall variance. Trauma memory did not significantly contribute to the final regression model. The addition of the remaining cognitive factors assessing subjective appraisals of the trauma and cognitive coping style resulted in the model accounting for 61–65% of the variance of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 8 months post trauma.Conclusion:  This study adds support to the applicability of the Ehlers and Clark (2000) cognitive model to children. The results indicate that the theoretically determined appraisals and cognitive coping styles are associated with chronic post‐traumatic reactions. The findings suggest the need to develop trauma‐focused interventions for children that directly address these key cognitions during therapy.
Synaptic scaffolding molecule (S‐SCAM) membrane‐associated guanylate kinase with inverted organization (MAGI)‐2 is associated with cell adhesion molecules at inhibitory synapses in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Sumita Kazutaka , Sato Yuji , Iida Junko , Kawata Akira , Hamano Mamiko , Hirabayashi Susumu , Ohno Kikuo , Peles Elior , Hata Yutaka 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSynaptic scaffolding molecule (S‐SCAM) is a synaptic protein, which harbors five or six PSD‐95/Discs large/ZO‐1 (PDZ), a guanylate kinase and two WW domains. It interacts with NMDA receptor subunits, neuroligin and β‐catenin, and is involved in the accumulation of neuroligin at excitatory synapses. In this study, we have demonstrated S‐SCAM is localized at inhibitory synapses in rat primary cultured hippocampal neurons. We have identified β‐dystroglycan (β‐DG) as a binding partner for S‐SCAM at inhibitory synapses. WW domains of S‐SCAM bind to three sequences of β‐DG. We have also revealed that S‐SCAM can interact with neuroligin 2, which is known to be exclusively localized at inhibitory synapses. The WW domains and the second PDZ domain of S‐SCAM are involved in the interaction with neuroligin 2. β‐DG, neuroligin 2 and S‐SCAM form a tripartite complex in vitro. Neuroligin 2 is detected in the immunoprecipitates by anti‐β‐DG antibody from rat brain. S‐SCAM, β‐DG and neuroligin 2 are partially co‐localized in rat hippocampal neurons. These data suggest that S‐SCAM is associated with β‐DG and neuroligin 2 at inhibitory synapses, and functions as a linker between the dystrophin glycoprotein complex and the neurexin–neuroligin complex.
Development of microsatellite markers in a clonal perennial herb, Convallaria keiskei
Authors: ARAKI K. , LIAN C. L. , SHIMATANI K. , OHARA M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe developed eight polymorphic microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci from genomic DNA of a clonal perennial herb, Convallaria keiskei, using a dual‐suppression‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and an improved technique. These markers with four to 10 alleles per locus identified 29 genotypes in 82 samples collected from a population in Hokkaido, Japan. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.241 to 0.862 and from 0.639 to 0.825, respectively. These SSR markers will be available to identify genets and evaluate genetic diversity of C. keiskei.
How to deal with multiple endpoints in clinical trials
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMultiple endpoints are common in clinical trials. This article discusses statistical methods that can be applied to control the rate of false positive conclusions at an acceptable level. The considered methods include the Bonferroni adjustment and related methods, the intersection‐union test, ordered hypotheses and gatekeeper procedures, composite endpoints and global assessment measures, closed testing procedures, and combinations of different approaches.
Ultrastructural clues for the potent therapeutic effect of melatonin on aging skin in pinealectomized rats
Authors: Eşrefoğlu Mukaddes , Gül Mehmet , Seyhan Muammer , Parlakpınar Hakan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecently we have reported a significant reduction in the thickness of epidermis and epidermis + dermis in the back, abdominal and thoracic skin of the long‐term pinealectomized rats and the potent therapeutic effect of melatonin on the pinealectomy‐induced morphometric changes. The present study was aimed to determine the fine structure of the abdominal and thoracic skin in pinealectomized rats and the effect of melatonin on skin ultrastructure. Rats were pinealectomized or sham operated (control) for 6 months. Half of the pinealectomized rats were treated with 4 mg/kg melatonin during the last month of the experiment. Pinealectomy resulted in prominent ultrastructural changes in the skin. Epidermal atrophy, disorganization and cytological atypia were obvious. Tonofilament distribution was not uniform, and intercellular space was narrow. Nuclear irregularity and heterochromatin condensation were detected. Many mitochondria were irregular and edematous with increased translucence of the matrix, either partial or total destruction of crests and frequently the presence of vacuoles, myelin figures and dense bodies. Microprojections of basal cells into the dermis were observed. The dermis was thin, and collagenous fibers were loosely arranged. The epidermis in melatonin administered pinealectomized rats was obviously thicker than that of pinealectomized rats. The cells of each layers had characteristic morphological and ultrastructural features. Nuclear irregularity and heterochromatin condensation were not seen. Mitochondria were generally normal in ultrastructural appearance but rarely vacuoles and myelin figures were observed. The dermis was thick, and collagenous fibers were closely packaged. This paper provides an additional ultrastructural evidence that the damage to mitochondria is the major contributory factor to skin aging and that melatonin has potent therapeutic effects in reducing age‐related changes via protecting fine structure of the skin.