bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling transport of amino acids into the red blood cells of sheep
Authors: HOLTROP G. , LAPIERRE H. , LOBLEY G. E. 
Published: March 2005

Mathematical models have been developed that describe possible sources of the free amino acids (AA) present in the red blood cells (RBC). These models reflect three hypotheses, namely (i) direct transport between plasma and RBC, (ii) enhanced direct transport by deformation of the RBC during passage through capillaries and (iii) direct exchange between tissues and RBC. The latter implies that RBC samples from appropriate blood vessels might offer an alternative to tissue biopsies in protein turnover studies.These compartmental models were tested against data from ovine studies. For hypothesis (i), a single dose of [U-13C] AA was added to blood in vitro. The rate of disappearance of label from plasma was low (kP=0·0009–0·004 per min), indicative of slow direct transport between plasma and RBC. For hypotheses (ii) and (iii), a single dose of [1-13C] AA was administered intravenously to sheep. Label disappeared from plasma quicker (kP=0·33–0·53 per min) than in vitro, with the appearance of labelled AA in the RBC higher than could be explained from direct transport alone. The model reflecting enhanced exchange of free AA between plasma and RBC due to capillary action over-predicted RBC enrichments and pool sizes by up to five-fold. The third hypothesis, namely that AA in the RBC are predominantly derived from exchange with tissues, gave better agreement. This model suggested that at least 0·63 of the AA in the RBC might come from exchange with tissue.To investigate whether peripheral tissues (skin and muscle) might be involved in such exchange, an additional experiment was conducted in five sheep prepared with arterio-venous catheters across the hindquarters. [1-13C,15N] leucine was continuously infused, with both blood samples and tissue biopsies taken. The ratio of [1-13C] leucine to [1-13C,15N] leucine was 1·8–2·9 fold greater in muscle and skin compared with arterial plasma, indicative of intracellular transamination. If free leucine exchanged directly between tissues and RBC then the ratio should be higher in RBC isolated from venal caval compared with arterial blood. In practice, the ratios from the RBC in aorta and vena cava were similar (P=0·30). These findings suggest that, for leucine, RBC enrichments do not form an alternative to tissue biopsies to estimate the enrichment of the precursor pool in protein turnover studies of the hindquarter. Instead, other tissues must play a more important role in the exchange of AA with the RBC.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS: I. COMMUNITY COURTS IN THE AREA OF JUDICIAL COOPERATION
Authors: Nascmbene Bruno 
Published: March 2005

A. The area of freedom, security and justice and the role of the Court of JusticeOne of the subjects which has aroused particular interest in the study of the ‘area of freedom, security and justice’ introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam as an objective of the European Union (EU) inherent in the principle of the free movement of persons (see the preamble to, and Article 2, the Treaty on EU) is the role of the European Court of Justice (Court). The interest is both theoretical and practical, because one of the main issues is the Court's jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings and thus relations between national and Community courts and the protection of the interests of individuals before national courts wherever there is a conflict between national and Community law and thus a question of interpretation of Community law arises in national proceedings. The Treaty of Nice, which came into force on 1 February 2003, altered the jurisdiction and organisation of the Community judicature and therefore affected the ‘area of freedom, security and justice’.1
Theodor Fontane and the Petticoat Regiment
Authors: Sagarra Eda 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDespite the relatively recent date of Fontane's critical reception, at least by comparison with other major nineteenth‐century German authors, research on the man and his work has already entered a ‘revisionist’ phase. This focuses in particular on Fontane's relationship with, and depiction of, Jews and of women. The women in Fontane's life, his female relatives and family friends had a profound and enduring influence on his work. A major new source of knowledge comes from the publication of the correspondence between his wife Emilie and himself, along with recent work on their daughter Mete. While occasionally resentful of their criticism of his work, the author invariably respected the intellectual and aesthetic capacity of both his wife and his daughter. In this he was certainly untypical in his age. Empowerment of women thus never constituted a challenge to his person. In key works he actually associated the feminine in a positive sense with subversive elements in society, and, moreover, linked his critique of gender stereotypy with his own sceptical responses to the prevailing national male mythology.
Modern German Classics: Second Hand
Authors: McGowan Moray 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThrough the medium of a daydream, a somewhat unlikely admirer of two modern German authors and of two of their most famous works is imagined expounding these works’ capacity to support the purported admirer's political and social beliefs. This little essay investigates the reading of these texts this daydream generates, and suggests that it is at least worth trying to refute.
Determinants of Pseudomonas putida WCS358 involved in inducing systemic resistance in plants
Authors: MEZIANE HAMID , VAN DER SLUIS IENTSE , VAN LOON LEENDERT C. , HÖFTE MONICA , BAKKER PETER A. H. M. 
Published: March 2005

SUMMARY Pseudomonas putida WCS358 is a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium originally isolated from the rhizosphere of potato. It can suppress soil‐borne plant diseases by siderophore‐mediated competition for iron, but it has also been reported to result in induced systemic resistance (ISR) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Bacterial determinants of this strain involved in inducing systemic resistance in Arabidopsis were investigated using a Tn5 transposon mutant defective in biosynthesis of the fluorescent siderophore pseudobactin, a non‐motile Tn5 mutant lacking flagella, and a spontaneous phage‐resistant mutant lacking the O‐antigenic side chain of the lipopolysaccharides (LPS). When using Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato as the challenging pathogen, purified pseudobactin, flagella and LPS all triggered ISR. However, the mutants were all as effective as the parental strain, suggesting redundancy in ISR‐triggering traits in WCS358. The Botrytis cinerea–tomato, B. cinerea–bean and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum–bean model systems were used to test further the potential of P. putida WCS358 to induce ISR. Strain WCS358 significantly reduced disease development in all three systems, indicating that also on tomato and bean WCS358 can trigger ISR. In both tomato and bean, the LPS mutant had lost the ability to induce resistance, whereas the flagella mutant was still effective. In bean, the pseudobactin mutant was still effective, whereas this mutant has lost its effectivity in tomato. In both bean and tomato, flagella isolated from the parental strain were not effective, whereas LPS or pseudobactin did induce systemic resistance.
Plastic changes in seed dispersal along ecological succession: theoretical predictions from an evolutionary model
Authors: RONCE OPHÉLIE , BRACHET STÉPHANIE , OLIVIERI ISABELLE , GOUYON PIERRE‐HENRI , CLOBERT JEAN 
Published: March 2005

SummaryWe use a deterministic model to explore theoretically the ecological and evolutionary relevance of plastic changes in seed dispersal along ecological succession. Our model describes the effect of changing disturbance regime, age structure, density and interspecific competition as the habitat matures, enabling us to seek the evolutionarily stable reaction norm for seed dispersal rate as a function of time elapsed since population foundation.Our model predicts that, in the context of ecological succession, selection should generally favour plastic strategies allowing plants to increase their dispersal rate with population age, contrary to previous predictions of models that have assumed genetically fixed dispersal strategies.More complex patterns can evolve showing periods with high production of dispersing seeds separated by periods of intense local recruitment. These patterns are due to the interaction of individual senescence with change in ecological conditions within sites.Evolution of plastic dispersal strategies affects the patterns of density variation with time since foundation and accelerates successional replacement. An interesting parallel can be drawn between the evolution of age‐specific dispersal rates in successional systems and the evolution of senescence in age‐structured populations.Seed dispersal plasticity could be a potential mechanism for habitat selection in plants and have implications for range expansion in invasive species because recently founded populations at the advancing front may show different patterns to those in the established range.
Number of Follicular Waves and Their Effect on Pregnancy Rate in the Cow
Authors: Çelik HA , Aydın İ , Şendaǧ S , Dinç DA 
Published: March 2005

ContentsIn the study, the relationship of follicular growth waves, oestradiol and pregnancy rates were investigated during oestrus cycle in cows. A total of 22, Brown Swiss cows (3–5 years old) were used for the study. The ovaries of animals were examined from sixth day of cycle to next oestrus by ultrasound. The follicles that were present in the ovarium were recorded. Follicular growth was observed every day by means of ultrasound examination. The blood samples were taken for analysis of oestradiol simultaneously with ultrasound examinations. The oestrus animals were inseminated. Each animal that inseminated was examined by ultrasound on day 28 after insemination for pregnancy diagnosis. Two follicular growth waves were observed in nine of 22 (40.9%), three waves in 13 of 22 (59.1%) animals. The oestradiol was found in the same concentration but in different release patterns between two and three waves animals. Pregnancy rate in cows with three and two follicular waves did not differ. In conclusion, emergence of three waves of follicular growth was higher in Brown Swiss cows, the analysis of oestradiol could be used for determination of the wave numbers and the animals with different waves may have had the same pregnancy rates.
The Proportion of Beef Bulls in Sweden with Mature Spermiograms at 11–13 months of Age
Authors: Persson Y , Söderquist L 
Published: March 2005

ContentsSemen samples collected postmortem from 142 yearling beef bulls (11–13 months old) of three different breeds (Charolais, Hereford and Simmental) were examined to evaluate the proportion of bulls with mature spermiograms. Before slaughter, testes and epididymides were clinically examined and scrotal circumferences were measured. Aliquots of the cauda epididymal contents taken postmortem were used for sperm morphology examination. Sperm head morphology was studied in dry smears stained with carbol‐fuchsine. For each preparation, 500 spermatozoa were counted in each smear under light microscope (×1000). The presence of proximal cytoplasmic droplets, abnormal acrosomes, detached heads and abnormalities of the midpiece and tail were recorded in wet preparations of formol‐saline‐fixed spermatozoa. For each preparation, 200 spermatozoa were counted in each preparation under a phase‐contrast microscope (×1000). The abnormalities were classified according to a classification system developed byBane (1961). Morphological abnormalities were recorded as a percentage of the total number of counted spermatozoa. Criteria for a spermiogram to be considered mature included <15% abnormal heads and <15% proximal droplets. According to this definition approximately 48% (68 of 142) of the examined bulls were considered mature. The bulls in this study represent approximately one‐fifth of the total amount of performance‐tested beef bulls in Sweden during 5 years. Our results indicate that only less than half of the Swedish yearling beef bulls at the testing station appear to have a mature spermiogram at the time they are offered for breeding purposes.
Some Characteristics of Primary and Secondary Oestrous Signs in High‐producing Dairy Cows
Authors: Yoshida C , Nakao T 
Published: March 2005

ContentsShortened and weakened oestrous signs in dairy cows may cause a failure of oestrus detection and artificial insemination timing error leading to poor reproductive performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the duration of standing oestrus in high‐producing dairy cows under a free stall system, to determine the duration of expression of secondary oestrous signs before and after standing oestrus (Expt 1) and to compare the duration and intensity of oestrus between cows and heifers (Expt 2). Cattle were checked for primary and secondary oestrous signs at an interval of 4 h. Heat detection aids were also used. In Expt 1, of 56 cows which were detected in oestrus, 36 cows (64.3%) showed standing oestrus and other 20 cows (36.6%) showed secondary oestrous signs only. Duration of the standing oestrus was 6.6 ± 6.3 h on average (±SD), ranging between 2 and 32 h. The cows in standing oestrus showed secondary oestrous signs during a period from 9.6 ± 8.1 h before onset of standing to 18.4 ± 18.8 h after the end of standing oestrus. In the cows that did not show standing oestrus, expression of secondary oestrous signs were observed for 25.7 ± 20.5 h, which was 7.5 h shorter than the average duration of oestrus in cows showing standing oestrus. In Expt 2, nine (82%) of the 11 lactating cows in oestrus showed standing, while all the 10 heifers exhibited standing oestrus. Average duration of standing oestrus was 6.4 ± 4.3 h in cows and 6.2 ± 3.9 h in heifers, respectively. It may be concluded that the duration of standing oestrus is substantially shortened in lactating dairy cows, and more than one‐third of cows did not show standing oestrus. In cows showing standing oestrus, duration of expression of secondary oestrous signs before and after standing is not shortened. Duration of standing oestrus in heifers was as short as that in cows.
Expression of Retinoid X Receptor Transcripts and their Significance for Developmental Competence in In Vitro‐produced Pre‐implantation‐stage Bovine Embryos
Authors: Mamo S , Ponsuksili S , Wimmers K , Gilles M , Schellander K 
Published: March 2005

ContentsRetinoid X receptors are frequently implicated in their role in embryonic development. However, there is no report regarding their expression in embryos with different qualities. In this study, expression pattern and levels of retinoid X receptor transcripts in different qualities and stages of in vitro‐produced pre‐implantation bovine embryos were examined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Four independent cDNA pools per sample were prepared from mRNAs isolated from different developmental‐stage embryos, after classifying them to be of good and bad quality. Primers were also designed to amplify products with PCR. Based on analysis, except retinoid X receptor gamma (RXRG) transcripts, the remaining two types (alpha and beta forms) were expressed in all samples with significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) levels until the eight‐cell stage compared with the stages thereafter. However, the transcript levels for bad‐quality embryos were consistently lower in all cases in comparison with good‐quality embryos. RXRG was identified in 39% of the samples, but all in the pre‐embryonic genome activation development stage. Therefore, strong expression patterns of these transcripts in earlier stages indicates their possible role during the maternal phase of embryo development, and the variations of copy number in embryos with different qualities substantiates their possible candidacy as potential quality markers. Moreover, identifying the transcript variations in different qualities and expression of RXRG at these stages is a novel input to the pre‐implantation‐stage knowledge.
Changes in signaling pathways regulating neuroplasticity induced by neurokinin 1 receptor knockout
Authors: Musazzi Laura , Perez Jorge , Hunt Stephen P. , Racagni Giorgio , Popoli Maurizio 
Published: March 2005

AbstractNeurokinin 1 (NK‐1) receptor knockout mice showed behavioral responses similar to animals chronically treated with antidepressants. The aim of this study was to analyse, in NK‐1 receptor knockout, the molecular modifications of signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of depression and antidepressant mechanism. We found, in total cell cytosol from the prefrontal/frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum, a marked up‐regulation of Ca2+‐independent enzymatic activity and Thr286 autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II. Similar changes in CaMKII regulation were previously observed in rats chronically treated with antidepressants. In striatum, up‐regulation of the activity and phosphorylation of CaMKII was also found in the homogenate and synaptosomes. No major changes were observed in the Ca2+‐dependent kinase activity, with the exception of homogenate from the prefrontal/frontal cortex. We also analysed the expression and phosphorylation of presynaptic proteins, which modulate synaptic vesicle trafficking and exocytosis, and found a marked decrease in synapsin I total expression and basal phosphorylation of Ser603 (the phosphorylation site for CaMKII) in the prefrontal/frontal cortex. Accordingly, the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent posthoc endogenous phosphorylation of synapsin I in the same area was increased. The knockout of NK‐1 receptor had no consequences on the expression or phosphorylation levels of the transcription factor cAMP‐responsive element‐binding protein and its regulating kinase CaMKIV. However, phosphorylation of ERK1/2‐mitogen‐activated protein kinases was reduced in the hippocampus and striatum, again resembling an effect previously observed in antidepressant‐treated rats. These results show similarities between NK‐1 knockouts and animals chronically treated with antidepressants and support the putative antidepressant activity of NK‐1 receptor antagonists.
Neuronal and glial expression of the adhesion molecule TAG‐1 is regulated after peripheral nerve lesion or central neurodegeneration of adult nervous system
Authors: Soares Sylvia , Traka Maria , Von Boxberg Ysander , Bouquet Céline , Karagogeos Domna , Nothias Fatiha 
Published: March 2005

AbstractExpression of the cell adhesion molecule TAG‐1 is down‐regulated in adult brain, with the exception of certain areas exhibiting structural plasticity. Here, we present evidence that TAG‐1 expression persists also in adult rat spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and can be up‐regulated after injury. On Western blots of adult tissue, TAG‐1 is detected as a 135‐kDa band, with an additional specific 90‐kDa band, not present in developing tissue. TAG‐1 expression is found both in DRG neurons and in Schwann cells, particularly those associated with the peripherally projecting DRG processes. Quantitative in situ hybridization revealed that TAG‐1 expression is significantly higher in small neurons that give rise to unmyelinated fibers, than in large DRG neurons. The regulation of TAG‐1 was then examined in two different lesion paradigms. After a sciatic nerve lesion, TAG‐1 expression is not up‐regulated in DRG neurons, but decreases with time. At the lesion site, reactive Schwann cells up‐regulate TAG‐1, as demonstrated by both immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In a second paradigm, we injected kainic acid into the spinal cord that kills neurons but spares glia and axons. TAG‐1 is up‐regulated in the spinal neuron‐depleted area as well as in the corresponding dorsal and ventral roots, associated with both target‐deprived afferent fibers and with the non‐neuronal cells that invade the lesion site. These results demonstrate a local up‐regulation of TAG‐1 in the adult that is induced in response to injury, suggesting its involvement in axonal re‐modelling, neuron–glia interactions, and glial cell migration.
Levodopa‐induced modulation of subthalamic beta oscillations during self‐paced movements in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Doyle L. M. F. , Kühn A. A. , Hariz M. , Kupsch A. , Schneider G‐H. , Brown P. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractExcessive synchronization of neural activity in the beta frequency band (∼20 Hz) within basal ganglia circuits might contribute to the paucity and slowness of movement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Treatment with dopaminergic drugs reduces the background level of beta frequency band synchronization in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), but has not been shown to increase the proportion of beta activity that is suppressed before voluntary movement in PD. We assessed changes in the event‐related desynchronization (ERD) in the beta frequency band of local field potential signals from the region of the STN in 14 patients with PD as they performed self‐paced movements of a joystick before and after levodopa administration. The dopamine precursor, levodopa, increased the duration and magnitude of the premovement beta ERD, but did not alter postmovement synchronization in the beta band. Both the latency and magnitude of the beta ERD inversely correlated with the degree of motor impairment. These findings suggest that the beta ERD recorded in the STN area reflects motor‐preparative processes that are at least partly dependent on dopaminergic activity within the basal ganglia.
Sacral magnetic stimulation in non‐inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Leippold Thomas , Strebel Raeto T. , Huwyler Mirjam , John Hubert A. , Hauri D. , Schmid Daniel M. 
Published: March 2005

OBJECTIVESTo prospectively evaluate sacral magnetic high‐frequency stimulation as a treatment option for patients with non‐inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS, category IIIB).PATIENTS AND METHODSFourteen men with CPPS IIIB were treated with high‐frequency sacral magnetic stimulation, with 10 treatment sessions once a week for 30 min at a frequency of 50 Hz. The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) and quality‐of‐life index were determined before and after treatment.RESULTSAll patients tolerated the stimulation well and 12 of 14 reported agreeable sensations during stimulation. There were no complications; only one patient did not complete the treatment course. The mean (range) total NIH‐CPSI score did not change with treatment, at 27 (18–38) before and 27 (4–40) after treatment. Moreover, there was no sustained effect on the mean scores for pain, micturition complaints or quality of life.CONCLUSIONSHigh‐frequency sacral magnetic stimulation in patients with CPPS IIIB only reduces pain during stimulation, with no sustained relief of symptoms. Therefore, intermittent sacral magnetic stimulation cannot be recommended as a treatment option for CPPS IIIB.