bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of consumers in product‐oriented environmental policy: can the consumer be the driving force for environmental improvements?
Authors: Niva Mari , Timonen Päivi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn environmental policy, it is increasingly accepted that more emphasis should be placed on consumption and its implications from the point of view of the environment. Another relatively new feature is the focus on products. At the policy level, this perspective is known as product‐oriented environmental policy or, in brief, product policy. This approach is closely related to the idea of product chain thinking, which means recognizing the fact that environmentally relevant decisions are made at all stages during the products’ life cycle, from raw material extraction to consumption and beyond. Based on a Finnish study on product chain actors and environmental improvements, this article discusses the role of consumers in product policy (i) with respect to theories on consumer mecision‐making and (ii) in the light of product chain thinking. As consumers’ decision‐making models with respect to consumer products are most often based on heuristics simplifying the decision process, incorporating environmental considerations into these models is a challenging task for environmental policy.
Attitudes and consumption values of consumers of imported fruit in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Sun Ximing , Collins Ray 
Published: March 2003

AbstractResearch on how Chinese consumption values influence Chinese consumer behaviour is rare. First, this paper examines consumers’ attitudes towards the physical and intangible attributes of imported fruit. Then, it identifies consumers’ consumption values and the role of these values in purchasing behaviour. Data were collected through point of sale intercept surveys conducted in Guangzhou, China. Latent consumption values of consumers were identified through factor analysis. K‐means clustering revealed four natural groupings of consumers, each group demonstrating different consumption values. The results demonstrated the primary importance of symbolic values and hedonic values in the decision to purchase imported fruit. Such consumption values may derive from the intermingling of Confucian and Western cultural values. Results from this study could help to better understand interrelationships among product attributes, consumption values and cultural values, and could make a significant contribution in developing strategies to market imported fruit in China.
The physically disabled South African female consumer’s problems in purchasing clothing
Authors: Klerk Helena M. de , Ampousah Lucy 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPhysically disabled women today have to face the inconvenience of shopping for their own as well as their families’ clothes and the inability of finding fashionable clothes that fit any disability. A total of 40 physically disabled women between the ages of 21 years and 60 years were interviewed on the problems they experienced when shopping for fashionable clothes that fit their disabilities. A total of 40 clothing shops were observed to get information on the extent to which the shops cater for the needs of the physically disabled consumer. Results from the interviews showed that the majority of physically disabled female clothing consumers experienced major problems in finding fashionable clothes that fit their disabilities. It was also clear that these women experienced problems with unusable access routes, unsuitable parking lots, display racks that are too high, spaces between racks that are too narrow, inadequate space in fitting rooms and a lack of assistance in shops. The observations were compared with the complaints the women had and it was found that these women had not overestimated their problems.
The effect of plasmin activity and cold storage of cheese milk on the composition, ripening and functionality of mozzarella‐type cheese
Authors: Somers Joanne M , Guinee Timothy P , Kelly Alan L 
Published: March 2003

The effects of casein hydrolysis by plasmin on composition, ripening and functionality in mozzarella‐type cheese were studied. Milk was stored at 4°C for 0, 24 and 48 h, with and without added plasmin, before batch pasteurization and the manufacturing of mozzarella‐type cheese. In parallel experiments, the effects of incubation of milk with added plasmin for 2 h at 37°C prior to cheese manufacture and of an increase in the level of rennet added during cheesemaking were studied. Plasmin addition adversely affected the rennet coagulation properties of the milk and led to increased (two‐ to three‐fold) plasmin activity in cheese and greater plasmin‐associated hydrolysis of β‐casein to γ‐caseins during ripening. Melted cheese flow rate and stretchability increased over ripening and melting time decreased, but functional properties were not affected by either plasmin activity or cold storage. Overall, neither plasmin activity (at the levels studied) nor cold storage greatly affected the composition or functionality of mozzarella‐type cheese.
Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes in a model cultured milk (lben) by in situ bacteriocin production from Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis
Authors: Benkerroum Noreddine , Ghouati Yasmine , Ghalfi Hakim , Elmejdoub Thami , Roblain Dominique , Jacques Philippe , Thonart Philippe 
Published: March 2003

Bacteriocin‐producing (Bac+) Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis CCMM/IAV/BK1 isolated from traditional lben was used in the preparation of lben from pasteurized milk to assess its potential inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. Production of bacteriocin (arbitrary units, AU) in MRS broth fortified with yeast extract (MRSY) in a fermentor under controlled and uncontrolled pH conditions was also investigated. This Bac+ strain yielded about 35 times more bacteriocin when the pH was maintained constant at 6.5 than under varying pH conditions. To test the effect of in situ bacteriocin production against L. monocytogenes, lben was made from cow's milk artificially contaminated with approximately 107 cfu/mL and fermented with a mixed mesophilic starter culture consisting of the lactococcal Bac+ organism and Lc. lactis ssp. lactis biovar diacetylactis 66, a diacetyl‐producing strain, in a ratio of 1 : 1. Numbers of L. monocytogenes were monitored during fermentation and storage of lben at refrigeration temperature (c. 7°C) for up to 6 days. Performances of the Bac+ starter were compared to those of an isogenic Bac− derivative strain obtained from the Bac+ starter by curing with ethidium bromide. The results showed that the amount of L. monocytogenes decreased to below the detectable level in a 1‐mL sample within 24 h of storage at 7°C in lben fermented with the Bac+ starter culture. On the contrary, L. monocytogenes survived for 6 days of storage at 7°C in lben made with the Bac− starter. The Bac+ wild strain of the starter studied could be adequately used to produce lben or similar indigenous fermented milks of improved hygienic quality on an industrial scale. Alternatively, it could be used as an adjunct in minimally processed products or in products obtained from raw milk to add a safety factor.
Differential effects of ethanol on the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase in cultured cortical astrocytes and neurons
Authors: Luo Jia , Lindström Christine L. B. , Donahue Arthur , Miller Michael W. 
Published: March 2003

The developing central nervous system is a primary target of ethanol toxicity. The teratogenic effect of ethanol may result from its action on prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are generated through the release of arachidonic acid (AA) by the action of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) on membrane‐bound phospholipids and the catalytic conversion of AA to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by cyclo‐oxygenase (COX). COX is expressed in two isoforms, constitutive COX1 and inducible COX2. Cultured astrocytes and neurons from immature cerebral cortex were used as in vitro models to investigate the effect of ethanol on PGE2 synthesis. In both cell types, neither the activity nor the expression of cPLA2 was affected by ethanol. PGE2 was synthesized by astrocytes and neurons. Ethanol (200–400 mg/dL for 24 h) significantly increased PGE2 production in both cell types and the ethanol‐induced increase in PGE2 accumulation in astrocytes was significantly greater than in neurons. These increases resulted from the effects of ethanol on COX. Overall COX activity was up‐regulated by ethanol in astrocytes and neurons, and indomethacin, a nonselective blocker for COX, eliminated the ethanol‐induced increases of COX activity in both cell types. Increased COX activity in astrocytes resulted from an increase in COX2 expression. NS‐398, a selective COX2 blocker, completely inhibited ethanol‐induced alterations in COX activity. In neurons, however, ethanol had a direct effect on COX activity in the absence of a change in COX expression. NS‐398 only partially blocked ethanol‐induced increases in neuronal COX activity. Thus, astrocytes are a primary target of ethanol and ethanol‐induced increases in glial PGE2 synthesis are mediated by COX, principally COX2. Ethanol toxicity may be mediated through PGE2 in immature cortical cells.
Nitrogen shuttling between neurons and glial cells during glutamate synthesis
Authors: Lieth Erich , LaNoue Kathryn F. , Berkich Deborah A. , Xu Baiyang , Ratz Michael , Taylor Charles , Hutson Susan M. 
Published: March 2003

The relationship between neuronal glutamate turnover, the glutamate/glutamine cycle and de novo glutamate synthesis was examined using two different model systems, freshly dissected rat retinas ex vivo and in vivo perfused rat brains. In the ex vivo rat retina, dual kinetic control of de novo glutamate synthesis by pyruvate carboxylation and transamination of α‐ketoglutarate to glutamate was demonstrated. Rate limitation at the transaminase step is likely imposed by the limited supply of amino acids which provide the α‐amino group to glutamate. Measurements of synthesis of 14C‐glutamate and of 14C‐glutamine from H14CO3 have shown that 14C‐amino acid synthesis increased 70% by raising medium pyruvate from 0.2 to 5 mm. The specific radioactivity of 14C‐glutamine indicated that ∼30% of glutamine was derived from 14CO2 fixation. Using gabapentin, an inhibitor of the cytosolic branched‐chain aminotransferase, synthesis of 14C‐glutamate and 14C‐glutamine from H14CO3− was inhibited by 31%. These results suggest that transamination of α‐ketoglutarate to glutamate in Müller cells is slow, the supply of branched‐chain amino acids may limit flux, and that branched‐chain amino acids are an obligatory source of the nitrogen required for optimal rates of de novo glutamate synthesis. Kinetic analysis suggests that the glutamate/glutamine cycle accounts for 15% of total neuronal glutamate turnover in the ex vivo retina. To examine the contribution of the glutamate/glutamine cycle to glutamate turnover in the whole brain in vivo, rats were infused intravenously with H14CO3−. 14C‐metabolites in brain extracts were measured to determine net incorporation of 14CO2 and specific radioactivity of glutamate and glutamine. The results indicate that 23% of glutamine in the brain in vivo is derived from 14CO2 fixation. Using published values for whole brain neuronal glutamate turnover, we calculated that the glutamate/glutamine cycle accounts for ∼60% of total neuronal turnover. Finally, differences between glutamine/glutamate cycle rates in these two model systems suggest that the cycle is closely linked to neuronal activity.
Characterization of the AT4 receptor in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SK‐N‐MC)
Authors: Mustafa Tomris , Chai Siew Yeen , Mendelsohn Frederick A. O. , Moeller Ingrid , Albiston Anthony L. 
Published: March 2003

Angiotensin IV (Ang IV), the 3–8 fragment of angiotensin II (Ang II), binds to a distinct receptor designated the AT4 receptor. The peptide elicits a range of vascular and central actions including facilitation of memory retention and retrieval in several learning paradigms. The aim of this study was to characterize the AT4 receptor in a human cell line of neural origin. Receptor binding studies indicate that the human neuroblastoma cell line SK‐N‐MC cells express a high‐affinity Ang IV binding site with a pharmacological profile similar to the AT4 receptor: 125I]‐Ang IV and 125I]‐Nle1‐Ang IV bind specifically to the SK‐N‐MC cell membranes (Kd = 0.6 and 0.1 nm) in a saturable manner (Bmax= 1.2 pmol/mg of protein). AT4 receptor ligands, Nle1‐Ang IV, Ang IV and LVV‐haemorphin 7 (LVV‐H7), compete for the binding of [125I]‐Ang IV or [125I]‐Nle1‐Ang IV to the SK‐N‐MC cell membranes with rank order potencies of Nle1‐Ang IV > Ang IV > LVV‐H7 with IC50 values of 1.4, 8.7 and 59 nm ([125I]‐Ang IV) and 1.8, 20 and 168 nm ([125I]‐Nle1‐Ang IV), respectively. The binding of [125I]‐Ang IV or [125I]‐Nle1‐Ang IV to SK‐N‐MC cell membranes was not affected by the presence of GTPγS. Both Ang IV and LVV‐H7 stimulated DNA synthesis in this cell line up to 72 and 81% above control levels, respectively. The AT4 receptor in the SK‐N‐MC cells is a 180‐kDa glycoprotein; under non‐reducing conditions a 250‐kDa band was also observed. In summary, the human neuroblastoma cell line, SK‐N‐MC, expresses functional AT4 receptors that are responsive to Ang IV and LVV‐H7, as indicated by an increase in DNA synthesis. This is the first human cell line of neural origin shown to express the AT4 receptor.
Growth/differentiation factor 7 is preferentially expressed in the primary motor area of the monkey neocortex
Authors: Watakabe Akiya , Fujita Hiroshi , Hayashi Motoharu , Yamamori Tetsuo 
Published: March 2003

We applied a differential display PCR technique to isolate molecules that are area‐specific in expression in the primate neocortex, and found that growth/differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/transforming growth factor (TGF) beta super‐family, is preferentially expressed in the primary motor area of African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). We proved that GDF7 is 10 times more abundant in the motor cortex than in the visual cortex by northern blotting and quantitative RT‐PCR. When we examined the neocortex of closely related rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), GDF7 was also most abundant in the motor cortex, although the regional difference was reduced to 3‐fold. This differential expression pattern was observed in both newborn and infant rhesus monkeys. We found that several type I/II receptors of BMP, candidates of the receptors for GDF7, are uniformly expressed in the mature neocortex. The unique expression pattern of GDF7 suggests that it may play an active role in the motor area of the primate neocortex.
Developmental expression of metabotropic P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors in freshly isolated astrocytes from rat hippocampus
Authors: Zhu Yingzi , Kimelberg Harold K. 
Published: March 2003

There are at least three subtypes of cloned metabotropic P2 receptors linked to intracellular Ca2+ rises in rat brain cells, namely, P2Y1, P2Y2 and P2Y4. In this study we explore the subtypes of the metabotropic P2 receptors seen in freshly isolated astrocytes (FIAs) from P8‐P25 rats. We found by single cell RT‐PCR that in process‐bearing FIAs from hippocampi of P8‐P12 rats, 31% of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA (+) cells expressed P2Y1 mRNA while only 5% of the cells tested expressed P2Y2 mRNA. The expression of P2Y1 receptor mRNA was not changed in FIAs from the hippocampi of P18‐P25 rats, but 38% of the GFAP mRNA (+) cells in the P18‐P25 age group then showed P2Y2 mRNA. We also studied whether the mRNA was expressing functional receptor protein by measuring Ca2+ responses to specific agonists for P2Y1 and P2Y2. We found that similar proportions of GFAP mRNA (+) FIAs responded to ATP or UTP as showed mRNAs for P2Y 1 and P2Y2, respectively. Total tissue RNA from P9 and P24 rat hippocampus showed a 2.8‐fold increase in P2Y2 mRNA levels from P9 to P24 with a decrease in P2Y1 mRNA. Thus, this study shows a marked up‐regulation of mRNA for P2Y2 from 9 to 24 days in rat hippocampus, and some of this increase is likely due to the protoplasmic astrocytes which is being translated into functional receptor protein in these cells.
A unique spacer domain of synaptotagmin IV is essential for Golgi localization
Authors: Fukuda Mitsunori , Ibata Keiji , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko 
Published: March 2003

Synaptotagmin (Syt) family members consist of six separate domains: a short amino terminus, a single transmembrane domain, a spacer domain, a C2A domain, a C2B domain and a short carboxyl (C) terminus. Despite sharing the same domain structures, several synaptotagmin isoforms show distinct subcellular localization. Syt IV is mainly localized at the Golgi, while Syt I, a possible Ca2+‐sensor for secretory vesicles, is localized at dense‐core vesicles and synaptic‐like microvesicles in PC12 cells. In this study, we sought to identify the region responsible for the Golgi localization of Syt IV by immunocytochemical and biochemical analyses as a means of defining the distinct subcellular localization of the synaptotagmin family. We found that the unique C‐terminus of the spacer domain (amino acid residues 73–144) between the transmembrane domain and the C2A domain is essential for the Golgi localization of Syt IV. In addition, the short C‐terminus is probably involved in proper folding of the protein, especially the C2B domain. Without the C‐terminus, Syt IVΔC proteins are not targeted to the Golgi and seem to colocalize with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) marker (i.e. induce crystalloid ER‐like structures). On the basis of these results, we propose that the divergent spacer domain among synaptotagmin isoforms may contain certain signals that determine the final destination of each isoform.
Schedule of NMDA receptor subunit expression and functional channel formation in the course of in vitro‐induced neurogenesis
Authors: Varju P. , Schlett K. , Eisel U. , Madarász E. 
Published: March 2003

NE‐7C2 neuroectodermal cells derived from forebrain vesicles of p53‐deficient mouse embryos (E9) produce neurons and astrocytes in vitro if induced by all‐trans retinoic acid. The reproducible morphological stages of neurogenesis were correlated with the expression of various NMDA receptor subunits. RT‐PCR studies revealed that GluRε1 and GluRε4 subunit mRNAs were transcribed by both non‐induced and neuronally differentiated cells. GluRε3 subunit mRNAs were not synthesized by NE‐7C2 cells and increased numbers of messages from the GluRε2 gene were detected only after neural network formation. The presence of the GluRζ1 protein was detected throughout neural induction, whereas retinoic acid‐induced neuron formation elevated the amount of exon 21 (C1)‐ and exon 22 (C2)‐containing GluRζ1 mRNAs and resulted in the appearance of exon 5 (N1)‐containing transcripts. NMDA‐elicited Ca2+‐signals were detected only in cells displaying neuronal morphology, but preceding the appearance of synapsin‐I immunoreactivity. Our findings demonstrated that, in spite of the presence of subunits necessary for channel formation, functional channels were formed by NE‐7C2 cells no sooner than the time of neurite maturation. The data show that the cell line provides a suitable model to analyse the mechanisms involved in NMDA receptor gene expression before the appearance of synaptic communication.
Isovolumetric regulation mechanisms in cultured cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Tuz Karina , Ordaz Benito , Vaca Luis , Quesada Octavio , Pasantes‐Morales Herminia 
Published: March 2003

Cultured cerebellar granule neurons exposed to gradual reductions in osmolarity (− 1.8 mOsm/min) maintained constant volume up to − 50% external osmolarity (πo), showing the occurrence of isovolumetric regulation (IVR). Amino acids, Cl−, and K+ contributed at different phases of IVR, with early efflux threshold for [3H]taurine, d‐[3H]aspartate (as marker for glutamate) of πo− 2% and − 19%, respectively, and more delayed thresholds of − 30% for [3H]glycine and − 25% and − 29%, respectively, for Cl− (125I) and K+ (86Rb). Taurine seems preferentially involved in IVR, showing the lowest threshold, the highest efflux rate (five‐fold over other amino acids) and the largest cell content decrease. Taurine and Cl− efflux were abolished by niflumic acid and 86Rb by 15 mm Ba2+. Niflumic acid essentially prevented IVR in all ranges of πo. Cl−‐free medium impaired IVR when πo decreased to − 24% and Ba2+ blocked it only at a late phase of − 30% πo. These results indicate that in cerebellar granule neurons: (i) IVR is an active process of volume regulation accomplished by efflux of intracellular osmolytes; (ii) the volume regulation operating at small changes of πo is fully accounted for by mechanisms sensitive to niflumic acid, with contributions of both Cl− and amino acids, particularly taurine; (iii) Cl− contribution to IVR is delayed with respect to other niflumic acid‐sensitive osmolyte fluxes (osmolarity threshold of − 25% πo); and (iv), K+ fluxes do not contribute to IVR until a late phase (< − 30% πo).
Regulated expression of an actin‐associated protein, synaptopodin, during long‐term potentiation
Authors: Yamazaki Mitsue , Matsuo Ryota , Fukazawa Yugo , Ozawa Fumiko , Inokuchi Kaoru 
Published: March 2003

We report NMDA receptor‐dependent expression of synaptopodin mRNA in the dentate granule cells of the hippocampus following induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in vivo. Synaptopodin did not belong to immediate‐early genes, as de novo protein synthesis was required for the induction of synaptopodin gene transcription. An increased level of synaptopodin mRNA was observed at 75 min and 3.5 h after the onset of LTP. Importantly, there was correlation between the induction of mRNA expression and the persistence of LTP. Synaptopodin immunoreactivity was elevated specifically in synaptic layers, middle and outer molecular layers of dentate gyrus where LTP was induced. As synaptopodin is an actin‐associated protein present in spine neck and implicated in the modulation of cell morphology, our results suggest that synaptopodin, by regulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, contributes to the morphological change in spine shape considered to be important for the maintenance of synaptic plasticity.
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor is elevated in CSF of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kuncl Ralph W. , Bilak Masako M. , Bilak Stephan R. , Corse Andrea M. , Royal Walter , Becerra S. Patricia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF), a recently defined retinal trophic factor and anti‐angiogenic factor for the eye, is also present in the CNS and is a motor neuron protectant. We asked whether PEDF levels in CSF are altered in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Pigment epithelium‐ derived factor protein was detected by quantitative western blot analysis with a PEDF‐specific antiserum. Levels of PEDF in CSF, expressed as a ratio to total CSF protein, were significantly elevated 3.4‐fold in 15 patients with ALS compared with neurologic disease controls (p < 0.0003). This increase does not seem likely to reflect up‐regulation of PEDF synthesis in muscle in response to denervation, as CSF PEDF was not elevated in severe denervating diseases other than ALS. Nor does the increase represent some non‐specific release in neurodegeneration, as CSF PEDF was not elevated in other neurodegenerative diseases. While the mechanism of this presumably reactive increase is not known, the distinctive, surprisingly elevated level of PEDF in the CSF may be an autoprotective reaction in ALS.