bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential role for integrin linked kinase in Akt‐mediated integrin survival signaling in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Gary Devin S. , Milhavet Ollivier , Camandola Simonetta , Mattson Mark P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractActivation of integrin receptors in neurons can promote cell survival and synaptic plasticity, but the underlying signal transduction pathway(s) is unknown. We report that integrin signaling prevents apoptosis of embryonic hippocampal neurons by a mechanism involving integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) that activates Akt kinase. Activation of integrins using a peptide containing the amino acid sequence EIKLLIS derived from the α chain of laminin protected hippocampal neurons from apoptosis induced by glutamate or staurosporine, and increased Akt activity in a β1 integrin‐dependent manner. Transfection of neurons with a plasmid encoding dominant negative Akt blocked the protective effect of the integrin‐activating peptide, as did a chemical inhibitor of Akt. Although inhibitors of phosphoinositide‐3 (PI3) kinase blocked the protective effect of the peptide, we found no increase in PI3 kinase activity following integrin stimulation suggesting that PI3 kinase was necessary for Akt activity but was not sufficient for the increase in Akt activity following integrin activation. Instead, we show a requirement for ILK in integrin receptor‐induced Akt activation. ILK was activated following integrin stimulation and dominant negative ILK blocked integrin‐mediated Akt activation and cell survival. Activation of ILK and Akt were also required for neuroprotection by substrate‐associated laminin. These results establish a novel pathway that signals cell survival in neurons in response to integrin receptor activation.
The antioxidants α‐lipoic acid and N‐acetylcysteine reverse memory impairment and brain oxidative stress in aged SAMP8 mice
Authors: Farr Susan A. , Poon H. Fai , Dogrukol‐Ak Dilek , Drake Jeniffer , Banks William A. , Eyerman Edward , Butterfield D. Allan , Morley John E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOxidative stress may play a crucial role in age‐related neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we examined the ability of two antioxidants, α‐lipoic acid (LA) and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), to reverse the cognitive deficits found in the SAMP8 mouse. By 12 months of age, this strain develops elevated levels of Aβ and severe deficits in learning and memory. We found that 12‐month‐old SAMP8 mice, in comparison with 4‐month‐old mice, had increased levels of protein carbonyls (an index of protein oxidation), increased TBARS (an index of lipid peroxidation) and a decrease in the weakly immobilized/strongly immobilized (W/S) ratio of the protein‐specific spin label MAL‐6 (an index of oxidation‐induced conformational changes in synaptosomal membrane proteins). Chronic administration of either LA or NAC improved cognition of 12‐month‐old SAMP8 mice in both the T‐maze footshock avoidance paradigm and the lever press appetitive task without inducing non‐specific effects on motor activity, motivation to avoid shock, or body weight. These effects probably occurred directly within the brain, as NAC crossed the blood–brain barrier and accumulated in the brain. Furthermore, treatment of 12‐month‐old SAMP8 mice with LA reversed all three indexes of oxidative stress. These results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress can lead to cognitive dysfunction and provide evidence for a therapeutic role for antioxidants.
Cloning and characterization of a novel variant (mM‐rdgBβ1) of mouse M‐rdgBs, mammalian homologs of Drosophila retinal degeneration B gene proteins, and its mRNA localization in mouse brain in comparison with other M‐rdgBs
Authors: Takano Nobuo , Owada Yuji , Suzuki Ryoji , Sakagami Hiroyuki , Shimosegawa Tooru , Kondo Hisatake 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe report the cloning, characterization and localization in the brain of a novel isoform termed mM‐rdgBβ1 (mouse type of mammalian retinal degeneration Bβ1 protein) in comparison with the localization of three known mammalian homologs (M‐rdgBβ, M‐rdgB1, M‐rdgB2). mM‐rdgBβ1 cDNA contains a sequence of 119 bp as a form of insertion in the open reading frame of the known mM‐rdgBβ, and encodes a protein of 269 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 31.7 kDa, different from the molecular mass of 38.3 kDa of mM‐rdgBβ. It also contains a phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP)‐like domain similar to the known three homologs, as well as D‐rdgB. The recombinant mM‐rdgBβ1 protein shows the specific binding activity to phosphatidylinositol but not to other phospholipids. This novel molecule is localized not only in the cytoplasm but also in the nucleus, different from the cytoplasmic localization of mM‐rdgBβ. In in situ hybridization analysis, the gene expression for mM‐rdgBβ1 in the brain, though weak, is rather confined to the embryonic stage, different from wider expression of mM‐rdgBβ in the gray matters of pre‐ and post‐natal brains. Taken together, mM‐rdgBβ1 is suggested to play a role in the phosphoinositide‐mediated signaling in the neural development.
The interaction with the cytoplasmic loops of rhodopsin plays a crucial role in arrestin activation and binding
Authors: Raman Dayanidhi , Osawa Shoji , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Weiss Ellen R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe binding of arrestin to rhodopsin is initiated by the interaction of arrestin with the phosphorylated rhodopsin C‐terminus and/or the cytoplasmic loops, followed by conformational changes that expose an additional high‐affinity site on arrestin. Here we use an arrestin mutant (R175E) that binds similarly to phosphorylated and unphosphorylated, wild‐type rhodopsin to identify rhodopsin elements other than C‐terminus important for arrestin interaction. R175E‐arrestin demonstrated greatly reduced binding to unphosphorylated cytoplasmic loop mutants L72A, N73A, P142A and M143A, suggesting that these residues are crucial for high‐affinity binding. Interestingly, when these rhodopsin mutants are phosphorylated, R175E‐arrestin binding is less severely affected. This effect of phosphorylation on R175E‐arrestin binding highlights the co‐operative nature of the multi‐site interaction between arrestin and the cytoplasmic loops and C‐terminus of rhodopsin. However, a combination of any two mutations disrupts the ability of phosphorylation to enhance binding of R175E‐arrestin. N73A, P142A and M143A exhibited accelerated rates of dissociation from wild‐type arrestin. Using sensitivity to calpain II as an assay, these cytoplasmic loop mutants also demonstrated reduced ability to induce conformational changes in arrestin that correlated with their reduced ability to bind arrestin. These results suggest that arrestin bound to rhodopsin is in a distinct conformation that is co‐ordinately regulated by association with the cytoplasmic loops and the C‐terminus of rhodopsin.
Pharmacological blockade of mGlu2/3 metabotropic glutamate receptors reduces cell proliferation in cultured human glioma cells
Authors: D'Onofrio Mara , Arcella Antonietta , Bruno Valeria , Ngomba Richard T. , Battaglia Giuseppe , Lombari Vincenza , Ragona Giuseppe , Calogero Antonella , Nicoletti Ferdinando 
Published: March 2003

AbstractGlial cell proliferation in culture is under the control of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. We have examined whether this control extends to human glioma cells. Primary cultures were prepared from surgically removed human glioblastomas. RT‐PCR combined with western blot analysis showed that most of the cultures (eight out of 11) expressed group‐II mGlu receptors. In two selected cultures (MZC‐12 and FCN‐9), the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist, LY341495, slowed cell proliferation when applied to the growth medium from the second day after plating. This effect was reversible because linear cell growth was restored after washing out the drug. LY341495 reduced glioma cell proliferation at concentrations lower than 100 nm, which are considered as selective for mGlu2/3 receptors. In addition, its action was mimicked by the putative mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist (2S)‐α‐ethylglutamate. The anti‐proliferative effect of LY341495 was confirmed by measuring [methyl‐3H]‐thymidine incorporation in cultures arrested in G0 phase of the cell cycle and then stimulated to proliferate by the addition of 10% fetal calf serum or 100 ng/mL of epidermal growth factor (EGF). In cultures treated with EGF, LY341495 was also able to reduce the stimulation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, as well as the induction of cyclin D1. Both effects, as well as decreased [methyl‐3H]‐thymidine incorporation, were partially reduced by co‐addition of the potent mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, LY379268. We conclude that activation of group‐II mGlu receptors supports the growth of human glioma cells in culture and that antagonists of these receptors should be tested for their ability to reduce tumour growth in vivo.
The use of music to decrease agitated behaviour of the demented elderly: the state of the science
Authors: Lou Meei‐Fang 
Published: March 2003

The use of music to decrease agitated behaviour of the demented elderly: the state of the science This paper reviews the state of the science of interventions using music to decrease the agitated behaviour of the demented elderly person. Seven research articles were located through computerized databases. The review of the literature suggested that music therapy is a useful intervention to help patients deal with a range of behaviour problems. However, overall weakness and limitations of studies are considerable. More rigorous research designs are required to evaluate the immediate and sustained physiological, psychological and sociological effects of music therapy on agitation behaviours of demented elderly. Some recommendations for future research are provided.
Dependency as disadvantage – patients' experiences
Authors: Ellefsen Bodil 
Published: March 2003

Dependency as disadvantage – patients' experiences This is an empirical qualitative study of the dependent community patient. The investigation raises the question of what it is like to be a highly dependent patient and how they relate to the situation. A non‐probability, volunteer sample was selected from home nursing patients in a large town in Norway. The data were collected through in‐depth interviews with 15 patients in their home using a semistructured interview guide. A constant comparative approach was used for analysing data. The results show that dependency has disadvantages like constraints and burdens in daily life. The patient adjusts both in a reactive and proactive way. The constraints are apparent through reduced autonomy in daily life and limited possibilities for negotiation. The burden is demonstrated through uncertainty within the encounter situation, low esteem, and loss of privacy. Adjustment is made through planning, guidance of the carer, acceptance of the situation, positive self‐image and by protection of family and carer, and placing blame on the bureaucracy. The patient reacts in a more passive, reactive way regarding circumstances connected to the health care system and in a more proactive way by trying to influence the situation in the interaction in the private sphere of the patient's home.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the parasitoid, Cotesia congregata (Say) (Hymenoptera Braconidae)
Authors: Jensen M. Kathleene , Kester Karen M. , Kankare Maaria , Brown Bonnie L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNine microsatellite loci were developed and assayed for polymorphism in four groups of the insect parasitoid, Cotesia congregata (Say) (Hymenoptera). One locus was monomorphic and eight were polymorphic in C. congregata. Allelic distributions differed significantly between groups of C. congregata collected from solanaceous and catalpa host food plants (P = 0). Loci were tested for cross‐reactivity to six congeners: C. acuminata (Reinhard), C. bignellii (Marshall), C. cynthiae (Nixon), C. euphydryidis (Musebeck), C. koebelei (Riley) and C. melitaearum (Wilkinson). In the congeners, eight loci were polymorphic, four of which yielded allele sizes that differed substantially from sizes of amplification products observed for C. congregata.
Identification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the mud crab Scylla serrata (Brachyura: Portunidae)
Authors: Gopurenko David , Hughes Jane M. , Ma Jing 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFive microsatellite loci are identified and characterized from the genome of Scylla serrata, a widespread and commercially important species of coastal marine crab. The loci were detected by randomly screening for di‐ and tri‐nucleotide repeat units within a partial genomic library developed for the species. The five loci consist of dinucleotide repeats and are both co‐dominant and polymorphic within the species. A sample (N = 36) of S. serrata from one Australian population has an average observed heterozygosity of 0.875 and provides no evidence of either linkage among loci or significant deviation from random mating expectations across loci. PCR products for each of the five loci were also observed from a small sample of three other species within the Scylla genus. These markers may provide genetic information that will be useful for both aquaculture and studies of natural populations of the genus.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Lychnis flos‐cuculi (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Galeuchet D. J. , Husi R. , Perret C. , Fischer M. , Gautschi B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe cloned microsatellite repeats from ragged robin Lychnis flos‐cuculi (Caryophyllaceae) and developed 20 primer pairs for microsatellite marker analysis. We used 18 individuals of a large Swiss population to screen microsatellites. Seven loci were polymorphic. Between seven and 11 alleles were found per locus and the observed heterozygosity was between 0.308 and 0.813. Observed heterozygote deficits were significant in five of the seven loci, in line with the mixed mating system of L. flos‐cuculi.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus spp.)
Authors: Addison J. A. , Hart M. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe present six dinucleotide repeats that were developed and characterized in Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and also tested in S. purpuratus. Four of these loci are polymorphic in S. droebachiensis (13–20 alleles, N= 100) and five are polymorphic in S. purpuratus (5–12 alleles, N= 10). We are currently using these markers to investigate the population substructure of shallow water populations of S. droebachiensis in the north Atlantic.
Microsatellite DNA markers for two endemic ground beetles: Carabus punctatoauratus and C. solieri
Authors: Garnier S. , Brouat C. , Mondor‐Genson G. , Prieur B. , Sennedot F. , Rasplus J.‐Y. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe isolated and characterized nine and five polymorphic microsatellite loci in the respective ground beetles Carabus punctatoauratus and C. solieri. We tested cross‐species amplification of all these loci plus six isolated in C. solieri and for which primers sequences were soon published. From these combined analyses, we obtained 14 and 17 polymorphic markers, respectively, for C. punctatoauratus and C. solieri.
Sex‐biased survival and breeding dispersal probability in a patchy population of the Rock SparrowPetronia petronia
Authors: Tavecchia G. , Pradel R. , Lebreton J‐D. , Biddau L. , Mingozzi T. 
Published: March 2003

Demographic parameters of the polygynous Rock SparrowPetronia petroniawere investigated in a small patchy population in the Italian Alps. The population included two distinct breeding patches that differed in altitude and breeding success. Survival parameters were estimated by capture–recapture analysis of 170 individually marked animals. At the whole population level (Cormack–Jolly Seber model), no sex difference in local survival probability was detected. We then used a multisite capture–recapture approach (Arnason–Schwarz model) to investigate patch‐specific survival probability and between‐patch dispersal rate conditional on survival. Female local survival in the higher‐altitude patch (mean ± se: 0.54 ± 0.04) was significantly greater than in the other patch (0.37 ± 0.04), probably because permanent emigration from the study area was greater. In the higher‐altitude patch, breeding dispersal was constrained by the altitude limit and breeding movements were directed toward the patch at lower altitude. The probability of changing patch in the next breeding season was significantly higher for females (range 0.16–0.21) than for males (0.01–0.03). Breeding success varied between years and patches, being lower in the patch where frequency of polygamy and female local mortality were higher.
Variation in growth in Sandwich Tern chicksSterna sandvicensisand the consequences for pre‐ and post‐fledging mortality
Authors: Stienen Eric W. M. , Brenninkmeijer Alex 
Published: March 2003

Fitness consequences of variation in body mass growth and body condition were studied in a Sandwich TernSterna sandvicensiscolony on Griend, Dutch Wadden Sea, during 1990–2000. Body mass increment during the linear growth phase predicted nestling survival probabilities accurately. Chicks growing less than 8 g per day had low survival probabilities until fledging, but within a range of 8–11 g per day growth only small effects on chick survival were observed. Effects of slow growth on survival became obvious after about 10 days after hatching. Slow growing chicks reached a much lower fledging mass, whereas slow growth had only small effects on structural size at fledging. Body condition of the chicks was highly variable and had strong effects on survival until fledging. However, body condition during the nestling stage did not influence post‐fledging survival. Body condition at fledging had no effects on post‐fledging survival and did not affect final mass or body size. It is argued that low fledging mass can be overcome soon after fledging, as parents take their fledglings closer to the foraging areas, thereby avoiding high rates of kleptoparasitism by Black‐headed GullsLarus ridibundus.
Spring nocturnal migration of Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus: departure, landing and body condition
Authors: Bolshakov Casimir , Bulyuk Victor , Chernetsov Nikita 
Published: March 2003

Nocturnal migration of Reed Warblers Acrocephalus scirpaceus was studied by trapping with ‘high nets’ on the Courish Spit (Eastern Baltic) during spring 1998–2000. In spring, Reed Warblers left the stopover site between 45 and 240 min after sunset (median 84 min), although 85% of birds took off between 45 and 120 min after sunset. Birds did not arrive until the fifth hour after sunset; 67% of birds ended their nocturnal flights in the penultimate hour before sunrise, i.e. at dawn. At the moment of migratory departure, the average Reed Warbler body mass was 12.79 ± 0.66 g (n = 60). Average body mass of birds ending migratory flight was 11.69 ± 0.67 g (n = 18). The difference was highly significant. However, more than half of the birds completed migratory flights with a considerable fuel load, and some even had energy stores sufficient for a migratory flight on the next night. The spring migratory strategy of Reed Warblers over Central and Northern Europe probably includes a succession of short migratory flights (4–6 h) during several subsequent nights with 1‐day stopovers.
Characteristics of visual display units that may cause visual difficulties
Authors: Burns David H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe physical characteristics of a visual display unit (VDU) are compared to those of paperwork, through a review of the literature. Certain display characteristics are shown to enhance visual performance using a VDU whilst others significantly decrease it when compared to using hard copy. Overall, display characteristics do not necessarily render VDU use more difficult than if doing similar visual tasks without using a VDU.
Effect of naturally occurring visual acuity differences between two eyes in stereoacuity
Authors: Lam Andrew K. C. , Chau Apries S. Y. , Lam W. Y. , Leung Gloria Y. O. , Man Becky S. H. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryStereoacuity was measured in 30 subjects with a naturally occurring visual acuity (VA) difference between the eyes. The stereoacuity was measured by a modified Howard's apparatus using the staircase method and VA was measured with log MAR charts. Stereoacuity was worse in subjects with a large VA difference between the two eyes; the correlation between stereoacuity and VA difference was significant (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). Neither the VA of the worse eye nor of the better eye contributed to the reduction in stereoacuity. The deterioration was more obvious if VA difference between the two eyes was one line or more (correlation coefficient, r = 0.88, P < 0.001). This study also reinforces the use of a 70% stereo‐threshold when attempt stereoacuity results to compare with other studies.
Repeatability of clinical measurements of the amplitude of accommodation
Authors: Rosenfield Mark , Cohen Andrea S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn order to determine whether a significant change has occurred in a clinical parameter, it is essential to assess the repeatability of the measurement procedure. Accordingly, the present study has examined the repeatability of three techniques for evaluating the subjective amplitude of accommodation. Clinical amplitudes were determined using the push‐up, push‐down and minus lens procedures in 13 young individuals (mean age: 24.3 years) on five separate occasions. The standard deviation (SD) of the five examinations was calculated for each individual and the mean values for the population sample determined. The mean SDs for the push‐up, push‐down and minus lens techniques were equivalent, with 95% confidence limits of approximately 1.4 D being observed for all three procedures. Furthermore, the mean amplitude recorded using the push‐up technique was significantly higher than that observed for the other two procedures. It is concluded that a change of at least ± 1.50 D should be adopted as the minimum significant shift in amplitude of accommodation for this age group.
Corneal sensitivity recovery after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Authors: Murphy Paul J. , Corbett Melanie C. , O'Brart David P. S. , Verma Seema , Patel Sudi , Marshall John 
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To establish the pattern of recovery of corneal sensitivity post‐PRK using a non‐invasive aesthesiometer.Methods: Two studies were undertaken. (1) A longitudinal study monitoring the recovery of corneal sensitivity in 10 patients over one year, following a PRK correction of −6D/6mm (correction (D)/ablation diameter (mm)). (2) A transverse study examining corneal sensitivity one year postoperative on 68 patients who underwent various correction procedures: −3D/5mm (n = 16), −3D/6mm (n = 13), −6D/5mm (n = 14), −6D/6mm (n = 12) and −6D/Multizone (n = 13).Results: (1) Corneal sensitivity showed an immediate drop at week 1 (P < 0.05), with a further decline at week 2 (P < 0.05). Sensitivity recovered slowly over the following months. (2) Corneal sensitivity was reduced in the PRK‐treated eyes when compared to normal non‐contact lens wearing eyes (P < 0.01). No specific procedures effect was found.Conclusions 1. The pattern of sensitivity change occurring is: (a) an initial rapid drop, followed by: (b) a slow recovery over 1 years.2. At one year, sensitivity is still below both normal and contact lens wear levels.3. The extent of sensitivity loss is not influenced by the depth of ablation.