bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined pharmacological, mutational and cell biology approaches indicate that p53‐dependent caspase 3 activation triggered by cellular prion is dependent on its endocytosis
Authors: Sunyach Claire , Checler Frédéric 
Published: March 2005

AbstractWe have previously established that cellular prion PrPc elicited p53‐dependent caspase 3 activation in various transfected cells and primary cultured neurons. Although we showed that PrPc modulates p53 expression at both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels, it remained unclear as to whether cellular prion signals at the membrane to trigger intracellular messages or if prion proapoptotic activity necessitated its translocation into the cytoplasm. Here, we compare the processing and cell death‐related functions of PrPc with those of a mutated PrPc protein (N‐3F4 MoPrPc) in which three basic N‐terminal residues responsible for PrPc internalization had been mutated. As expected, N‐3F4 MoPrPc remains exclusively located at the membrane, whereas PrPc partitions between membrane‐associated and intracellular compartments, but both, proteins undergo constitutive and protein kinase C‐regulated disintegrin‐mediated proteolysis, leading to N1 fragment production. Unlike PrPc, N‐3F4 MoPrPc expression does not induce caspase 3 activation after stimulation by staurosporine and was inert on p53 expression and promoter transactivation in both human cells and TSM1 mouse neurons. Interestingly, PrPc‐induced caspase 3 activation was closely linked to its endocytosis. This phenotype was enhanced by proteasomal inhibition and prevented by sucrose treatment. Accordingly, immunohistochemical analysis showed that protection towards degradation increased intracellular PrPc‐like immunoreactivity, while sucrose treatments fully abolished PrPc intracellular expression and co‐localization with transferrin. Altogether, we, establish here, using combined biochemical, mutational and cell biology approaches, that the caspase 3 activation associated with cellular prion is closely related to its ability to undergo endocytosis. This is, to our knowledge, the first direct description of an endocytosis‐dependent PrPc‐associated function.
Spinal p38β isoform mediates tissue injury‐induced hyperalgesia and spinal sensitization
Authors: Svensson Camilla I. , Fitzsimmons Bethany , Azizi Sara , Powell Henry C. , Hua Xiao‐Ying , Yaksh Tony L. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAntagonist studies show that spinal p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase plays a crucial role in spinal sensitization. However, there are two p38 isoforms found in spinal cord and the relative contribution of these two to hyperalgesia is not known. Here we demonstrate that the isoforms are distinctly expressed in spinal dorsal horn: p38α in neurons and p38β in microglia. In lieu of isoform selective inhibitors, we examined the functional role of these two individual isoforms in nociception by using intrathecal isoform‐specific antisense oligonucleotides to selectively block the expression of the respective isoform. In these rats, down‐regulation of spinal p38β, but not p38α, prevented nocifensive flinching evoked by intraplantar injection of formalin and hyperalgesia induced by activation of spinal neurokinin‐1 receptors through intrathecal injection of substance P. Both intraplantar formalin and intrathecal substance P produced an increase in spinal p38 phosphorylation and this phosphorylation (activation) was prevented when spinal p38β, but not p38α, was down‐regulated. Thus, spinal p38β, probably in microglia, plays a significant role in spinal nociceptive processing and represents a potential target for pain therapy.
D2 dopamine receptor activation of potassium channels is selectively decoupled by Gαi‐specific GoLoco motif peptides
Authors: Webb Christina K. , McCudden Christopher R. , Willard Francis S. , Kimple Randall J. , Siderovski David P. , Oxford Gerry S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe GoLoco motif is a short polypeptide sequence found in G‐protein signaling regulators such as regulator of G‐protein signaling proteins type 12 and 14 and activator of G‐protein signaling protein type 3. A unique property of the GoLoco motifs from these three proteins is their preferential interaction with guanosine diphosphate (GDP)‐bound Gαi1, Gαi3 and, sometimes, Gαi2 subunits over Gαo subunits. This interaction prevents both spontaneous guanine nucleotide release and reassociation of Gαi‐GDP with Gβγ. We utilized this property of the GoLoco motif to examine dopamine (D2 and D3) and somatostatin receptor coupling to G‐protein‐regulated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels in mouse AtT20 cells. GoLoco motif peptides had no effect on either basal channel activity or the initial responses to agonists, suggesting that the GoLoco motif cannot disrupt pre‐formed G‐protein heterotrimers. GoLoco motif peptides did, however, interfere with human D2(short) receptor coupling to GIRK channels as demonstrated by the progressively diminished responses after repeated agonist application. This behavior is consistent with some form of compartmentalization of D2 receptors and GIRK channels such that Gβγ subunits, freed by local receptor activation and prevented from reforming a heterotrimeric complex, are not functionally constrained within the receptor–channel complex and thus are unable to exert a persistent activating effect. In contrast, GoLoco motif peptides had no effect on either D3 or somatostatin coupling to GIRK channels. Our results suggest that GoLoco motif‐based peptides will be useful tools in examining the specificity of G‐protein‐coupled receptor–effector coupling.
SOCIAL ACCOUNTING MATRICES FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING1
Authors: Pyatt Graham , Round Jeffrey I. 
Published: March 2005

The paper reports experience in constructing social accounting matrices (SAMs) for three national economies, viz. Iran, Sri Lanka and Swaziland. The SAMs focus particularly on the distribution of income through disaggregation of household sector income and outlay accounts consistent with more conventional disaggregation of production, factors, etc. The SAMs were conceived as an initial step towards understanding income distribution as an integral part of the development process and have been developed in parallel with work on planning models. Both the Iran and Sri Lanka SAMs were constructed within the context of the International Labour Office, World Employment Programme: that for Iran was intended as a contribution to the work of the Comprehensive Employment Strategy Mission to Iran under WEP auspices; while the Sri Lanka SAM was more specifically a research oriented study. The Swaziland study was financed by the Overseas Development Ministry, London as a research activity.Some learning‐by‐doing was involved in the sequence of SAMs and the problems encountered, solutions adopted and lessons learned provide the main substance of the paper.
Antibacterial Activity of Three Dental Liners
Authors: Eli Ilana , Cooper (Bril) Yifat , Ben‐Amar Ariel , Weiss Erwin 
Published: March 2005

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to assess the antibacterial activity of the following three dental liners: Vitrebond (3M, St Paul, MN), Dycal (LD Caulk, Dentsply International, Milford, DE), and Life (Kerr, Romulus, MI).Materials and Methods The test was based on a modification of the agar diffusion test in which samples were placed on agar plates previously inoculated with Streptococcus mutans and were removed after predetermined time periods. The material's effect on bacterial growth was evaluated.Results Results show that Vitrebond has a strong antibacterial effect that was evident after 1 minute of direct contact with the inoculated bacteria. It was significantly more effective (P < .0001) than Dycal or Life.Conclusions This method allows for the evaluation of the antibacterial effect of dental materials after different contact time periods between dental liners and bacteria.
Risk factors associated with migraine or chronic daily headache in out‐patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Hung C.‐I. , Wang S.‐J. , Hsu K.‐H. , Juang Y.‐Y. , Liu C.‐Y. 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  This study investigated independent comorbidities and factors associated with migraine and chronic daily headache (CDH) in out‐patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Method:  Consecutive psychiatric out‐patients fulfilling the DSM‐IV criteria of MDD were enrolled. Headaches were diagnosed based on the criteria proposed by the second edition of the International Classification of the Headache Disorders. Psychiatric comorbidities were checked using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and duration of major depressive episodes (MDE) were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to decide risk factors.Results:  One hundred and fifty‐one patients (34 men and 117 women) participated in the study, among which 73 (48.3%) reported a history of migraine and 32 (21.2%) reported CDH during this MDE. Higher HAMD scores, female gender, and chronic depression were independently associated with migraine or CDH.Conclusion:  For MDD patients with a higher depressive severity and longer duration of MDE, especially female gender, surveillance of migraine and CDH might be indicated.
Mental disorders, disability and health service use amongst Vietnamese refugees and the host Australian population
Authors: Steel Z. , Silove D. , Chey T. , Bauman A. , Phan T. , Phan T. 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To compare the prevalence of common mental disorders, disability and health service utilization amongst Vietnamese refugees resettled in Australia for 11 years, with data obtained from a national survey of the host population.Method:  A stratified multistage probability household survey of 1611 Vietnamese undertaken in the state of New South Wales was compared with data from 7961 Australian‐born respondents. Measures included the CIDI 2.1 and the MOS SF‐12.Results:  The 12‐month prevalence of anxiety, depression and drug and alcohol dependence amongst Vietnamese was 6.1% compared with 16.7% amongst Australians. Vietnamese with a mental illness reported higher disability but exhibited similar levels of mental health consultation. The overall service burden of mental disorders was lower for the Vietnamese.Conclusion:  The findings suggest that refugee groups resettled for some time in Western countries may show sound mental health adaptation and do not necessarily impose a burden on general or mental health services.
The psychiatrist's image in commercially available American movies
Authors: Gharaibeh N. M. 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To explore quantitatively how American movies portray psychiatrists/therapist.Method:  A total of 106 movies were reviewed regarding how psychiatrists/therapists were portrayed. The psychiatrist's or therapist's sex, age, clinical competence and knowledge, boundary violations, attitude toward the patient, influence in the movie's events, treatment modality or modalities used, intervention's outcome, and therapeutic setting.Results:  The psychiatrists/therapists tended to be males (71.2%), and (regardless of sex) middle‐aged (50.8%). Despite the general view of the psychiatrists/therapists as friendly (63.6%), there was an over‐representation of boundary violations. The percentage of total boundary violations was 44.9% of the cases portrayed and sexual violations accounted for 23.7%, while non‐sexual violations accounted for 30.5% (with 9.3% overlap). The appearance of clinical incompetence was 47.5%.Conclusion:  The image of psychiatrists/therapists in commercially available movies is not flattering: close to one out of two violated boundaries, close to one out of four committed a sexual boundary violation, and the psychiatrist/therapist was as likely to be incompetent as competent. The bright point is that psychiatrists/therapists were depicted as more likely to be friendly.
Obsessive–compulsive disorder: a critical review of therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Schruers K. , Koning K. , Luermans J. , Haack M. J. , Griez E. 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic disabling disease with profound implications for social functioning. Thirty per cent of all patients with OCD show insufficient improvement with state‐of‐the‐art treatment. Conventional treatment and alternative treatment options for this population were investigated.Method:  A selective review of the relevant scientific literature on OCD treatment and treatment resistance was conducted.Results:  In addition to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and cognitive‐behavioural therapy, alternative monotherapies, SRI augmentation strategies with a variety of drugs and electroconvulsive therapy have shown results in individual cases, but no conclusive evidence has been found in placebo‐controlled trials. While studies investigating neurosurgery for refractory OCD show positive results, most of these studies have methodological shortcomings.Conclusion:  Novel approaches currently under investigation that have shown promising effects for treatment‐resistant OCD include SRI augmentation with atypical antipsychotics and chronic deep brain stimulation, a new surgical technique. Placebo‐controlled trials for both treatment options will be needed to confirm preliminary findings.
A review of self‐management interventions for panic disorders, phobias and obsessive‐compulsive disorders
Authors: Barlow J. H. , Ellard D. R. , Hainsworth J. M. , Jones F. R. , Fisher A. 
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To review current evidence for the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of self‐management interventions for panic disorder, phobias and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD).Method:  Papers were identified through computerized searches of databases for the years between 1995 and 2003, manual searches and personal contacts. Only randomized‐controlled trials were reviewed.Results:  Ten studies were identified (one OCD, five panic disorder, four phobias). Effective self‐management interventions included cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure to the trigger stimuli for phobias and panic disorders. All involved homework. There was evidence of effectiveness in terms of improved symptoms and psychological wellbeing when compared with standard care, waiting list or relaxation. Brief interventions and computer‐based interventions were effective for most participants. In terms of quality, studies were mainly based on small samples, lacked long‐term follow‐up, and failed to address cost‐effectiveness.Conclusion:  Despite the limitations of reviewed studies, there appears to be sufficient evidence to warrant greater exploration of self‐management in these disorders.
Water Balance in PEM and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Izenson Michael G. , Hill Roger W. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Water management is a critical design issue for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, because the PEM must be maintained at the proper water content to remain ionically conducting without flooding the electrodes. Furthermore, portable PEM power systems should operate at water balance to minimize weight. This paper presents the basic design relationships that govern water balance in a PEM fuel cell. Specific calculations are presented based on data from hydrogen/air and direct methanol fuel cells currently under development for portable power systems. We will show how the water balance operating point depends on the cell operating parameters and show the sensitivity to off-design conditions.
Simulation-Aided PEM Fuel Cell Design and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Wu Junxiao , Liu Qingyun 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
A multi-resolution fuel cell simulation strategy has been employed to simulate and evaluate the design and performance of hydrogen PEM fuel cells with different flow channels. A full 3D model is employed for the gas diffusion layer and a 1D+2D model is applied to the catalyst layer. Further, a quasi-1D method is used to model the flow channels. The cathode half-cell simulation was performed for three types of flow channels: serpentine, parallel, and interdigitated. Simulations utilized the same overall operating conditions. Comparisons of results indicate that the interdigitated flow channel is the optimal design under the specified operating conditions.
Relation between Annular Modes and the Mean State: Southern Hemisphere Summer
Authors: Codron Francis 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The annular modes emerge as the leading mode of extratropical month-to-month climate variability in both hemispheres. Here the influence of the background state on the structure and dynamics of the Southern Hemisphere annular mode (SAM) during the austral summer when the climatology is characterized by a single, well-defined, eddy-driven jet is studied. Subsets of the climatology are constructed for early and late summer, and for contrasting polarities of the ENSO cycle. The analysis is based both on observations and on perpetual-state GCM experiments. The main differences between the subsets involve variations of the latitude of the mean jet.
It is found that in all the cases, the SAM is characterized by latitudinal shifts of the jet about its mean position, reinforced by a positive momentum flux feedback from baroclinic waves. This result is consistent with previous studies of the dynamics of the zonally averaged circulation but is found here to hold over all longitudes and for different positions of the mean jet. The low frequency eddies exert a weaker negative feedback upon the mean flow, with a less zonally symmetric structure.
The strong differences in the amplitude of the SAM among the various climatologies seem to be determined by a combination of 1) the variance of the “random” forcing by transient eddies and 2) the strength of the positive feedback component of this forcing. The latter mechanism increases the variance at low frequencies only and lengthens the decorrelation time of zonal-mean zonal wind anomalies. It tends to become stronger when the mean jet moves equatorward.
An Empirical Parameterization of Subsurface Entrainment Temperature for Improved SST Anomaly Simulations in an Intermediate Ocean Model
Authors: Zhang Rong-Hua , Kleeman Richard , Zebiak Stephen E. , Keenlyside Noel , Raynaud Stephane 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAn empirical model for the temperature of subsurface water entrained into the ocean mixed layer (Te) is presented and evaluated to improve sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) simulations in an intermediate ocean model (IOM) of the tropical Pacific. An inverse modeling approach is adopted to estimate Te from an SSTA equation using observed SST and simulated upper-ocean currents. A relationship between Te and sea surface height (SSH) anomalies is then obtained by utilizing a singular value decomposition (SVD) of their covariance. This empirical scheme is able to better parameterize Te anomalies than other local schemes and quite realistically depicts interannual variability of Te, including a nonlocal phase lag relation of Te variations relative to SSH anomalies over the central equatorial Pacific. An improved Te parameterization naturally leads to better depiction of the subsurface effect on SST variability by the mean upwelling of subsurface temperature anomalies. As a result, SSTA simulations are significantly improved in the equatorial Pacific; a comparison with other schemes indicates that systematic errors of the simulated SSTAs are significantly small—apparently due to the optimized empirical Teparameterization. Cross validation and comparisons with other model simulations are made to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the scheme. In particular it is demonstrated that the empirical Te model constructed from one historical period can be successfully used to improve SSTA simulations in another.
Seasonal Cycle Shifts in Hydroclimatology over the Western United States
Authors: Regonda Satish Kumar , Rajagopalan Balaji , Clark Martyn , Pitlick John 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Analyses of streamflow, snow mass temperature, and precipitation in snowmelt-dominated river basins in the western United States indicate an advance in the timing of peak spring season flows over the past 50 years. Warm temperature spells in spring have occurred much earlier in recent years, which explains in part the trend in the timing of the spring peak flow. In addition, a decrease in snow water equivalent and a general increase in winter precipitation are evident for many stations in the western United States. It appears that in recent decades more of the precipitation is coming as rain rather than snow. The trends are strongest at lower elevations and in the Pacific Northwest region, where winter temperatures are closer to the melting point; it appears that in this region in particular, modest shifts in temperature are capable of forcing large shifts in basin hydrologic response. It is speculated that these trends could be potentially a manifestation of the general global warming trend in recent decades and also due to enhanced ENSO activity. The observed trends in hydroclimatology over the western United States can have significant impacts on water resources planning and management.
Effects of prostaglandin E2 on the electrical properties of thermally classified neurons in the ventromedial preoptic area of the rat hypothalamus
Authors: Ranels Heather J , Griffin John D 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Physiological and morphological evidence suggests that activation of the ventromedial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (VMPO) is an essential component of an intravenous LPS-dependent fever. In response to the endogenous pyrogen prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the majority of temperature insensitive neurons in the VMPO show an increase in firing rate, while warm sensitive neurons are inhibited. We have hypothesized that these PGE2 dependent effects on firing rate are due to changes in the inherent electrical properties of VMPO neurons, which are regulated by the activity of specific ionic currents.

Results
To characterize the electrical properties of VMPO neurons, whole-cell recordings were made in tissue slices from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results indicate that PGE2 dependent firing rate responses were not the result of changes in resting membrane potential, action potential amplitude and duration, or local synaptic input. However, PGE2 reduced the input resistance of all VMPO neurons, while increasing the excitability of temperature insensitive neurons and decreasing the excitability of warm sensitive neurons. In addition, the majority of temperature insensitive neurons responded to PGE2 with an increase in the rate of rise of the depolarizing prepotential that precedes each action potential. This response to PGE2 was reversed for warm sensitive neurons, in which the prepotential rate of rise decreased.

Conclusion
We would therefore suggest that PGE2 is having an effect on the ionic currents that regulate firing rate by controlling how fast membrane potential rises to threshold during the prepotential phase of the action potential.