bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dual Role approach: encouraging access to community radio
Authors: Gnnel Traudel
Published: November 2009

During the last two decades, community radio has achieved a legal status within the media system of many European countries. Although it is committed to giving a voice to the voiceless, one of its major weaknesses is a social and gender bias: many stations have difficulties in involving
the target groups they aim to address, for example, women and so-called socially disadvantaged groups (people with a migrant background, with limited school education, elderly people, homeless etc.). Strategies to involve those target groups seem to be missing. Drawing on the experience and
the evaluation of three EU-funded projects, this article describes a training approach, which aims to encourage the involvement of disadvantaged groups in community radio. This consists of a learner-centred design, which links learning with doing: the dual role of participants during the course,
who are at the same time both trainees and also future trainers. The underlying theory of the approach action oriented media pedagogy is outlined and the role and importance of participatory evaluation (research) are discussed.
Physiological responses of polar benthic algae to ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Karsten Ulf , Wulff Angela , Roleda Michael Y. , Müller Ruth , Steinhoff Franciska S. , Fredersdorf Jana , Wiencke Christian
Published: November 2009

Stratospheric ozone depletion and the concomitant increase in ultraviolet (UV) B radiation at the earth's surface represent major threats to polar marine ecosystems. Whereas in coastal rocky shore environments macroalgae constitute an assemblage of particular significance to ecosystem function, benthic diatoms dominate microphytobenthic assemblages, which typically grow on shallow-water sediments as highly productive and stabilising phototrophic biofilms. This review summarises present knowledge on how UV radiation affects the physiology of polar benthic algae with an emphasis on cell biological and structural changes, molecular targets and repair mechanisms, induction of reactive oxygen species and antioxidative strategies, photosynthesis and growth, photoprotective mechanisms, interactive effects between UV radiation and other abiotic factors, and finally ecological consequences. Although available data indicate that there are specific characteristics and adaptations in polar benthic micro- and macroalgae that explain their ecological success and limits under environmentally extreme conditions, much more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. In particular, more ecosystem approaches and studies on interactive effects, as well as modern genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches could help address all open questions and depict a more holistic picture.
Freezing tolerance and photosynthetic performance of polar seaweeds at low temperatures
Authors: Becker Susanne , Walter Bettina , Bischof Kai
Published: November 2009

Organisms populating benthic shallow water systems of both polar regions are adapted to a particularly harsh environment. We studied effects of freezing and the combination of high light intensities and low water temperatures on photosynthesis of key macroalgal species from the Arctic intertidal (Fucus distichus) and Antarctic subtidal (Palmaria decipiens). Photosynthetic activity of F. distichus specimens was monitored during the freezing process; there was a marked decrease in quantum yield with decreasing temperatures, and a rapid recovery as soon as temperatures increased again. Thus, under the experimental conditions tested, no indication of photodamage was found. Specimens of Palmaria were exposed to a combination of high light intensities and low water temperatures. A persistent impairment of photosynthetic activity occurred at 0°C at light intensities of 400 μmol photons m-2 s-1. In all treatments, there was a decreasing ratio of phycobiliproteins to chlorophyll a. Overall, the two studies provide baseline data for interpreting physiological responses of two important macroalgal species in an extreme environment, the polar coastal ecosystem.
Notes on the systematics and biogeographical relationships of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic Rhodophyta with descriptions of four new genera and five new species
Authors: Hommersand Max H. , Moe Richard L. , Amsler Charles D. , Fredericq Suzanne
Published: November 2009

The present study consolidates knowledge of Antarctic marine Rhodophyta, incorporating new observations from the Antarctic Peninsula. Descriptions of four new genera and five new species are included: Rhodokrambe laingioides (Delesseriaceae), Leniea lubrica, Austropugetia crassa, Varimenia macropustulosa R.L. Moe gens. et spp. nov., and Nereoginkgo populifolia R.L. Moe sp. nov. (Kallymeniaceae). The new combination Trematocarpus
antarcticus (Hariot) Fredericq et R.L. Moe is proposed for Kallymenia antarctica Hariot (Sarcodiaceae). Phylogenetic relationships are suggested based primarily on unpublished molecular analyses of rbcL sequences provided by S.-M. Lin, S. Fredericq, P.W. Gabrielson, D.W. Freshwater and M. Volovsek. Habitat and environmental conditions are incorporated from the field studies of R.L. Moe and C.D. Amsler. A preliminary assessment is made of the biogeographic relationships between Antarctic red algae and those found in related temperate regions based on a summary of tectonic and climatic reconstructions of the Cenozoic Southern Ocean and the unpublished phylogenetic studies of Hommersand and his associates.
The abiotic environment of polar marine benthic algae
Authors: Zacher Katharina , Rautenberger Ralf , Hanelt Dieter , Wulff Angela , Wiencke Christian
Published: November 2009

Due to different oceanographic and geological characteristics, benthic algal communities of Antarctica and the Arctic differ strongly. Antarctica is characterized by high endemism, whereas in the Arctic only a few endemic species occur. In contrast to the Antarctic region, where nutrient levels never limit algal growth, nutrient levels in the Arctic region are depleted during the summer season. Both regions have a strongly seasonally changing light regime, fortified by an ice covering throughout the winter months. After months of darkness, algae are suddenly exposed to high light caused by the breaking up of sea ice. Simultaneously, harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) enters the water column and can significantly affect algal growth and community structure. In the intertidal zone, fluctuations of temperature and salinity can be very large. Ice scours can further influence growth and settlement of intertidal algae. The subtidal zone offers a more stable habitat than the intertidal, permitting the growth of larger perennial algae and microbial mats. Polar regions are the areas most affected by global climate change, i.e., glacier retreat, increasing temperature and sedimentation, with as yet unknown consequences for the polar ecosystem.
Future perspectives on the investigation of polar benthic algae
Authors: Wiencke Christian , Clayton Margaret N.
Published: November 2009

No abstract available
Inverse relationship between serum high density lipoprotein and negative syndrome in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Ganesan , Arasappa Rashmi , Rao Naren P. , Behere Rishikesh V. , Kalmady Sunil , Gangadhar Bangalore N.
Published: November 2009

Background: Recent literature suggests a role for apolipoprotein L (apoL) aberrations in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. ApoL is almost exclusively associated with apolipoprotein A-I in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between symptom scores and serum HDL in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients were systematically examined for their symptom scores, with good inter-rater reliability. Concurrently, an overnight fasting serum lipid profile from these patients was assessed.

Results: Serum HDL had a significant inverse correlation with a total negative syndrome score (ρ=−0.43; p=0.001).

Conclusions: The study observation supports the potential role for HDL abnormalities in the genesis of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:95–8.
Differences in serum potassium concentrations between Chinese, Indians and Malays
Authors: Hawkins Robert C.
Published: November 2009

Background: It has been suggested that potassium concentrations may vary between different geographical regions, possibly reflecting ethnic differences in potassium status. This study compared the serum potassium concentrations of three Asian ethnicities in a single geographical location.

Methods: Details of simultaneous serum potassium, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride and serum index measurements for samples from polyclinics and health screening were extracted for multivariable linear regression. Haemolysed and duplicate patient samples were excluded. Separate analysis was performed based on measurement platform (Roche or Beckman-Coulter) and patient location.

Results: Eighty-five thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven records met the inclusion criteria. When controlled for age, gender, serum creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride, the average serum potassium concentration in Indians was 0.13–0.16 mmol/L higher than in Malays, who in turn had average serum potassium concentrations 0.05–0.06 mmol/L higher than Chinese when controlled for age, gender, serum creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. For patients undergoing health screening, the average serum potassium concentration in Indians and Malays was 0.12 mmol/L higher than in Chinese.

Conclusions: Chinese individuals have lower average serum potassium concentrations than Indians and Malays. This may have clinical implications in relation to the high occurrence of thyrotoxic hypokalaemic paralysis and the aetiology of sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS) in Asians.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:105–8.
Analytical performance of the serum free light chain assay
Authors: Briand Pierre-Yves , Decaux Olivier , Caillon Hélène , Grosbois Bernard , Le Treut André , Guenet Lucienne
Published: November 2009

Background: The Freelite™ system for nephelometric or turbidimetric measurement of serum free light chains (FLCs) has been available since 2001. It has been valuable for the management of patients with oligosecretory myeloma, light chain myeloma and AL amyloidosis. However, there are several limitations of the method. The goal of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of the FLC assay.

Methods: Titrated controls and clinical serum specimens were used to determine precision and post-dilution recovery.

Results: As reported elsewhere, we found that the assay had several limitations, including poor post-dilution linearity and overestimation by nephelometry.

Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the results of the FLC assay must be interpreted jointly by the clinician and the biologist, taking into account the individual patient's clinical and biological characteristics.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:73–9.
A study on the stability of urinary free catecholamines and free methyl-derivatives at different pH, temperature and time of storage
Authors: Roberts Norman B. , Higgins Gerald , Sargazi Mansour
Published: November 2009

Bakground:The goal of our study was to test the relative stability of urine, unconjugated, free catecholamines and the methyl derivatives. We measured the change in concentrations in commercially available urines after storage at various pH values, temperatures and time, from days up to 10 weeks.

Methods:Samples of commercial control urines were adjusted to pH 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 and aliquots stored at ambient temperature (20–26°C), 4°C and –18oC. The free catecholamines (cats) and the free methyl derivatives (mets) were measured after 1, 2, 3 and 6 days and 1, 2, 3 and 10 weeks using the automated sample trace enrichment dialysis (ASTED) procedure with reversed phase ion pair high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and coulometric detection.

Results:Free catecholamines were relatively stable, with <15% loss of concentration, when stored at pH 6.0 or less for at least 4 days and up to 10 weeks at pH 2.0 at either 4oC or –18oC. At pH 8.0, the concentration fell to <60% after 48 h and at a pH of 6.0 or 8.0, up to 90% was lost within the first week at 4oC and 25oC. More than 40% of free normetadrenaline and metadrenaline were lost after 1–2 weeks when stored at 20–25oC and pH 8.0. After 10 weeks at pH 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0, up to 90% loss was observed at 25oC. Free cats were stable at pH 2.0 and 4.0 at –18oC and the free mets were stable at –18oC over the entire time period studied and at all pHs.

Conclusions:In the analysis of free catecholamine and the free methyl derivatives, urine samples should be acidified to a pH range 2.0–3.0 to ensure stability and hence the correct analysis.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:81–7.
Counting Determinants of Fibonacci–Hessenberg Matrices Using LU Factorizations
Authors: Li Hsuan-Chu , Chen Young-Ming , Tan Eng-Tjioe
Published: November 2009

We investigate the LU factorizations of Fibonacci–Hessenberg matrices which enable us to find the determinant of a new class of Hessenberg matrices and yield a better computation of determinants of the old ones.
A Short Proof of a Series Evaluation in Terms of Harmonic Numbers
Authors: Panholzer Alois , Prodinger Helmut
Published: November 2009

We give another short and simple proof of
Bell Numbers and Variant Sequences Derived from a General Functional Differential Equation
Authors: Gould H. W. , Quaintance Jocelyn
Published: November 2009

It is well known that the Bell numbers
Balanced Subset Sums in Dense Sets of Integers
Authors: Károlyi Gyula
Published: November 2009

Let 1 ≤
Some Results for Generalized Harmonic Numbers
Authors: Feng Cong-Jiao , Zhao Feng-Zhen
Published: November 2009

In this paper, we discuss the properties of a class of generalized harmonic numbers
Sensitivity of Newborn Auditory Cortex to the Temporal Structure of Sounds
Authors: Telkemeyer Silke , Rossi Sonja , Koch Stefan P. , Nierhaus Till , Steinbrink Jens , Poeppel David , Obrig Hellmuth , Wartenburger Isabell
Published: November 2009

Understanding the rapidly developing building blocks of speech perception in infancy requires a close look at the auditory prerequisites for speech sound processing. Pioneering studies have demonstrated that hemispheric specializations for language processing are already present in early infancy. However, whether these computational asymmetries can be considered a function of linguistic attributes or a consequence of basic temporal signal properties is under debate. Several studies in adults link hemispheric specialization for certain aspects of speech perception to an asymmetry in cortical tuning and reveal that the auditory cortices are differentially sensitive to spectrotemporal features of speech. Applying concurrent electrophysiological (EEG) and hemodynamic (near-infrared spectroscopy) recording to newborn infants listening to temporally structured nonspeech signals, we provide evidence that newborns process nonlinguistic acoustic stimuli that share critical temporal features with language in a differential manner. The newborn brain preferentially processes temporal modulations especially relevant for phoneme perception. In line with multi-time-resolution conceptions, modulations on the time scale of phonemes elicit strong bilateral cortical responses. Our data furthermore suggest that responses to slow acoustic modulations are lateralized to the right hemisphere. That is, the newborn auditory cortex is sensitive to the temporal structure of the auditory input and shows an emerging tendency for functional asymmetry. Hence, our findings support the hypothesis that development of speech perception is linked to basic capacities in auditory processing. From birth, the brain is tuned to critical temporal properties of linguistic signals to facilitate one of the major needs of humans: to communicate.
Defective Respiratory Rhythmogenesis and Loss of Central Chemosensitivity in Phox2b Mutants Targeting Retrotrapezoid Nucleus Neurons
Authors: Dubreuil Véronique , Thoby-Brisson Muriel , Rallu Murielle , Persson Karin , Pattyn Alexandre , Birchmeier Carmen , Brunet Jean-François , Fortin Gilles , Goridis Christo
Published: November 2009

The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) is a group of neurons in the rostral medulla, defined here as Phox2b-,Vglut2-, neurokinin1 receptor-, andAtoh1-expressing cells in the parafacial region, which have been proposed to function both as generators of respiratory rhythm and as central respiratory chemoreceptors. The present study was undertaken to assess these two putative functions using genetic tools. We generated two conditional Phox2b mutations, which target different subsets of Phox2b-expressing cells, but have in common a massive depletion of RTN neurons. In both conditional mutants as well as in the previously describedPhox2b27Alamutants, in which the RTN is also compromised, the respiratory-like rhythmic activity normally seen in the parafacial region of fetal brainstem preparations was completely abrogated. Rhythmic motor bursts were recorded from the phrenic nerve roots in the mutants, but their frequency was markedly reduced. Both the rhythmic activity in the RTN region and the phrenic nerve discharges responded to a low pH challenge in control, but not in the mutant embryos. Together, our results provide genetic evidence for the essential role of the Phox2b-expressing RTN neurons both in establishing a normal respiratory rhythm before birth and in providing chemosensory drive.
Tripartite Purinergic Modulation of Central Respiratory Networks during Perinatal Development: The Influence of ATP, Ectonucleotidases, and ATP Metabolites
Authors: Huxtable Adrianne G. , Zwicker Jennifer D. , Poon Betty Y. , Pagliardini Silvia , Vrouwe Sebastian Q. , Greer John J. , Funk Gregory D.
Published: November 2009

ATP released during hypoxia from the ventrolateral medulla activates purinergic receptors (P2Rs) to attenuate the secondary hypoxic depression of breathing by a mechanism that likely involves a P2Y1R-mediated excitation of preBötzinger complex (preBötC) inspiratory rhythm-generating networks. In this study, we used rhythmically activein vitropreparations from embryonic and postnatal rats and ATP microinjection into the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG)/preBötC to reveal that these networks are sensitive to ATP when rhythm emerges at embryonic day 17 (E17). The peak frequency elicited by ATP at E19 and postnatally was the same (∼45 bursts/min), but relative sensitivity was threefold greater at E19, reflecting a lower baseline frequency (5.6 ± 0.9 vs 19.0 ± 1.3 bursts/min). Combining microinjection techniques with ATP biosensors revealed that ATP concentration in the rVRG/preBötC falls rapidly as a result of active processes and closely correlates with inspiratory frequency. A phosphate assay established that preBötC-containing tissue punches degrade ATP at rates that increase perinatally. Thus, the agonist profile [ATP/ADP/adenosine (ADO)] produced after ATP release in the rVRG/preBötC will change perinatally. Electrophysiology further established that the ATP metabolite ADP is excitatory and that, in fetal but not postnatal animals, ADO at A1receptors exerts a tonic depressive action on rhythm, whereas A1antagonists extend the excitatory action of ATP on inspiratory rhythm. These data demonstrate that ATP is a potent excitatory modulator of the rVRG/preBötC inspiratory network from the time it becomes active and that ATP actions are determined by a dynamic interaction between the actions of ATP at P2 receptors, ectonucleotidases that degrade ATP, and ATP metabolites on P2Y and P1 receptors.
The Timing of Emotional Discrimination in Human Amygdala and Ventral Visual Cortex
Authors: Sabatinelli Dean , Lang Peter J. , Bradley Margaret M. , Costa Vincent D. , Keil Andreas
Published: November 2009

Models of visual emotional perception suggest a reentrant organization of the ventral visual system with the amygdala. Using focused functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans with a sampling rate of 100 ms, here we determine the relative timing of emotional discrimination in amygdala and ventral visual cortical structures during emotional perception. Results show that amygdala and inferotemporal visual cortex differentiate emotional from nonemotional scenes ∼1 s before extrastriate occipital cortex, whereas primary occipital cortex shows consistent activity across all scenes. This pattern of discrimination is consistent with a reentrant organization of emotional perception in visual processing, in which transaction between rostral ventral visual cortex and amygdala originates the identification of emotional relevance.
A Rapamycin-Sensitive Signaling Pathway Is Essential for the Full Expression of Persistent Pain States
Authors: Géranton Sandrine M. , Jiménez-Díaz Lydia , Torsney Carole , Tochiki Keri K. , Stuart Sarah A. , Leith J. Lianne , Lumb Bridget M. , Hunt Stephen P.
Published: November 2009

Translational control through the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is critical for synaptic plasticity, cell growth, and axon guidance. Recently, it was also shown that mTOR signaling was essential for the maintenance of the sensitivity of subsets of adult sensory neurons. Here, we show that persistent pain states, but not acute pain behavior, are substantially alleviated by centrally administered rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR pathway. We demonstrate that rapamycin modulates nociception by acting on subsets of primary afferents and superficial dorsal horn neurons to reduce both primary afferent sensitivity and central plasticity. We found that the active form of mTOR is present in a subpopulation of myelinated dorsal root axons, but rarely in unmyelinated C-fibers, and heavily expressed in the dorsal horn by lamina I/III projection neurons that are known to mediate the induction and maintenance of pain states. Intrathecal injections of rapamycin inhibited the activation of downstream targets of mTOR in dorsal horn and dorsal roots and reduced the thermal sensitivity of A-fibers. Moreover,in vitrostudies showed that rapamycin increased the electrical activation threshold of Aδ-fibers in dorsal roots. Together, our results imply that central rapamycin reduces neuropathic pain by acting both on an mTOR-positive subset of A-nociceptors and lamina I projection neurons and suggest a new pharmacological route for therapeutic intervention in persistent pain states.
Switching Retinogeniculate Axon Laterality Leads to Normal Targeting but Abnormal Eye-Specific Segregation That Is Activity Dependent
Authors: Rebsam Alexandra , Petros Timothy J. , Mason Carol A.
Published: November 2009

Partial decussation of sensory pathways allows neural inputs from both sides of the body to project to the same target region where these signals will be integrated. Here, to better understand mechanisms of eye-specific targeting, we studied how retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons terminate in their thalamic target, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), when crossing at the optic chiasm midline is altered. In models with gain- and loss-of-function of EphB1, the receptor that directs the ipsilateral projection at the optic chiasm, misrouted RGCs target the appropriate retinotopic zone in the opposite dLGN. However, inEphB1−/−mice, the misrouted axons do not intermingle with normally projecting RGC axons and segregate instead into a distinct patch. We also revisited the role of retinal activity on eye-specific targeting by blocking correlated waves of activity with epibatidine into both eyes. We show that, in wild-type mice, retinal waves are necessary during the first postnatal week for both proper distribution and eye-specific segregation of ipsilateral axons in the mature dLGN. Moreover, inEphB1−/−mice, refinement of ipsilateral axons is perturbed in control conditions and is further impaired after epibatidine treatment. Finally, retinal waves are required for the formation of the segregated patch of misrouted axons inEphB1−/−mice. These findings implicate molecular determinants for targeting of eye-specific zones that are independent of midline guidance cues and that function in concert with correlated retinal activity to sculpt retinogeniculate projections.
Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafts and Chondroitinase Promotes Functional Axonal Regeneration in the Chronically Injured Spinal Cord
Authors: Tom Veronica J. , Sandrow-Feinberg Harra R. , Miller Kassi , Santi Lauren , Connors Theresa , Lemay Michel A. , Houlé John D.
Published: November 2009

Because there currently is no treatment for spinal cord injury, most patients are living with long-standing injuries. Therefore, strategies aimed at promoting restoration of function to the chronically injured spinal cord have high therapeutic value. For successful regeneration, long-injured axons must overcome their poor intrinsic growth potential as well as the inhibitory environment of the glial scar established around the lesion site. Acutely injured axons that regenerate into growth-permissive peripheral nerve grafts (PNGs) reenter host tissue to mediate functional recovery if the distal graft–host interface is treated with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) to cleave inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the scar matrix. To determine whether a similar strategy is effective for a chronic injury, we combined grafting of a peripheral nerve into a highly relevant, chronic, cervical contusion site with ChABC treatment of the glial scar and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) stimulation of long-injured axons. We tested this combination in two grafting paradigms: (1) a peripheral nerve that was grafted to span a chronic injury site or (2) a PNG that bridged a chronic contusion site with a second, more distal injury site. Unlike GDNF–PBS treatment, GDNF–ChABC treatment facilitated axons to exit the PNG into host tissue and promoted some functional recovery. Electrical stimulation of axons in the peripheral nerve bridge induced c-Fos expression in host neurons, indicative of synaptic contact by regenerating fibers. Thus, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that administering ChABC to a distal graft interface allows for functional axonal regeneration by chronically injured neurons.
Superior Parietal Cortex Is Critical for the Manipulation of Information in Working Memory
Authors: Koenigs Michael , Barbey Aron K. , Postle Bradley R. , Grafman Jordan
Published: November 2009

In recent years, theoretical perspectives on posterior parietal function have evolved beyond the traditional visuospatial processing models to include more diverse cognitive operations, such as long-term and working memory. However, definitive neuropsychological evidence supporting the superior parietal lobule's purported role in working memory has been lacking. Here, we studied human brain lesion patients to determine whether the superior parietal lobule is indeed necessary for working memory. We assessed a wide range of memory functions in three participant groups: superior parietal lesions (n= 19), lesions not involving superior parietal cortex (n= 146), and no brain lesions (n= 55). Superior parietal damage was reliably associated with deficits on tests involving the manipulation and rearrangement of information in working memory, but not on working memory tests requiring only rehearsal and retrieval processes, nor on tests of long-term memory. These results indicate that superior parietal cortex is critically important for the manipulation of information in working memory.
Initiation and Progression of Axonopathy in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Soulika Athena M. , Lee Eunyoung , McCauley Erica , Miers Laird , Bannerman Peter , Pleasure David
Published: November 2009

Axonal loss is the principal cause of chronic disability in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In C57BL/6 mice with EAE induced by immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55, the first evidences of axonal damage in spinal cord were in acute subpial and perivascular foci of infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes and included intra-axonal accumulations of the endovesicular Toll-like receptor TLR8, and the inflammasome protein NAcht leucine-rich repeat protein 1 (NALP1). Later in the course of this illness, focal inflammatory infiltrates disappeared from the spinal cord, but there was persistent activation of spinal cord innate immunity and progressive, bilaterally symmetric loss of small-diameter corticospinal tract axons. These results support the hypothesis that both contact-dependent and paracrine interactions of systemic inflammatory cells with axons and an innate immune-mediated neurodegenerative process contribute to axonal loss in this multiple sclerosis model.
Cannabidiol, a Nonpsychotropic Component of Cannabis, Inhibits Cue-Induced Heroin Seeking and Normalizes Discrete Mesolimbic Neuronal Disturbances
Authors: Ren Yanhua , Whittard John , Higuera-Matas Alejandro , Morris Claudia V. , Hurd Yasmin L.
Published: November 2009

There remains debate regarding the impact of cannabis on neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we examined the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive constituent of cannabis, on heroin self-administration and drug-seeking behavior using an experimental rat model. CBD (5–20 mg/kg) did not alter stable intake of heroin self-administration, extinction behavior, or drug seeking induced by a heroin prime injection. Instead, it specifically attenuated heroin-seeking behavior reinstated by exposure to a conditioned stimulus cue. CBD had a protracted effect with significance evident after 24 h and even 2 weeks after administration. The behavioral effects were paralleled by neurobiological alterations in the glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems. Discrete disturbances of AMPA GluR1 and cannabinoid type-1 receptor expression observed in the nucleus accumbens associated with stimulus cue-induced heroin seeking were normalized by CBD treatment. The findings highlight the unique contributions of distinct cannabis constituents to addiction vulnerability and suggest that CBD may be a potential treatment for heroin craving and relapse.
Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase 1 Regulates Protein Phosphatase 2A-Mediated Topographic Phosphorylation of Neurofilament Proteins
Authors: Rudrabhatla Parvathi , Albers Wayne , Pant Harish C.
Published: November 2009

In normal neurons, neurofilament (NF) proteins are phosphorylated in the axonal compartment. However, in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), NF proteins are aberrantly hyperphosphorylated within the cell bodies. The aberrant hyperphosphorylation of NF accumulations found in neurodegeneration could be attributable to either deregulation of proline-directed Ser/Thr kinase(s) activity or downregulation of protein phosphatase(s) activity. In this study, we found that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) expression is high in neuronal cell bodies and that inhibition of PP2A activity by okadaic acid (OA), microcystin LR (mLR), or fostriecin (Fos) leads to perikaryal hyperphosphorylation of NF. Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 inhibits the dephosphorylation of NF by PP2Ain vitro. In cortical neurons, Pin1 modulates the topographic phosphorylation of the proline-directed Ser/Thr residues within the tail domain of NF proteins by inhibiting the dephosphorylation by PP2A. Inhibition of Pin1 inhibits OA-induced aberrant perikaryal phosphorylation of NF. Treatment of cortical neurons with OA or Fos prevents the general anterograde transport of transfected green fluorescent protein–high-molecular-mass (NF-H) into axons caused by hyperphosphorylation of NF-H, and inhibition of Pin1 rescues this effect. Furthermore, inhibition of Pin1 inhibits the OA- or Fos-induced neuronal apoptosis. We show that OA-induced hyperphosphorylation of NF is a consequence of dephosphorylation of NF and is independent of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cyclin-dependent kinase-5 pathways. This study highlights a novel signaling role of PP2A by Pin1 and implicates Pin1 as a therapeutic target to reduce aberrant phosphorylation of NF proteins in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD, PD, and ALS.
Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule Modulates Dopaminergic Signaling and Behavior by Regulating Dopamine D2Receptor Internalization
Authors: Xiao Mei-Fang , Xu Jin-Chong , Tereshchenko Yuliya , Novak Daniel , Schachner Melitta , Kleene Ralf
Published: November 2009

The dopaminergic system plays an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia, and most antipsychotic drugs exert their functions by blocking dopamine D2receptors (D2Rs). Since the signaling strength mediated by D2Rs is regulated by internalization and degradation processes, it is crucial to identify molecules that modulate D2R localization at the cell surface. Here, we show that the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) promotes D2R internalization/desensitization and subsequent degradation via direct interaction with a short peptide in the third intracellular loop of the D2R. NCAM deficiency in mice leads to increased numbers of D2Rs at the cell surface and augmented D2R signaling as a result of impaired D2R internalization. Furthermore, NCAM-deficient mice show higher sensitivity to the psychostimulant apomorphine and exaggerated activity of dopamine-related locomotor behavior. These results demonstrate that, in addition to its classical function in cell adhesion, NCAM is involved in regulating the trafficking of the neurotransmitter receptor D2R as well as receptor-mediated signaling and behavior, thus implicating NCAM as modulator of the dopaminergic system and a potential pharmacological target for dopamine-related neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Allelic variations of RANKL/OPG signaling system are related to bone mineral density and in vivo gene expression
Authors: Takács István , Lazáry Áron , Kósa János P , Kiss János , Balla Bernadett , Nagy Zsolt , Bácsi Krisztián , Speer Gabor , Lakatos Péter
Published: November 2009

Objective

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (RANKL/OPG) signaling system plays a crucial role in the regulation of bone resorption. Polymorphic variations in the genes may have an influence on gene expression and bone metabolism. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the influence of RANKL/OPG allelic variations on the in vivo human gene expression of five genes, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture incidence in Hungarian postmenopausal women.

Methods

Three hundred and sixty postmenopausal women (61.6±7.9 years) were genotyped. All together, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the two genes have been investigated. In addition, bone samples from 17 examined subjects were acquired for gene expression studies. Bone densities and fracture data have also been collected.

Results

All two SNPs in OPG gene and three SNPs in RANKL gene showed correlation with BMD. Haplotype analysis of these genes gave similar results. The ‘CCT’ haplotype of RANKL promoter region, which was associated with decreased BMD, exhibited a significantly upregulated expression of RANKL mRNA, while the other haplotypes of RANKL or OPG 15 genes did not. No correlation between genetic variations and fracture data was found.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated associations between RANKL and OPG haplotypes and BMD as well as between RANKL haplotypes and in vivo RANKL expression in a Hungarian postmenopausal population. Moreover, we have found a new RANKL haplotype associating with reduced BMD and increased in vivo RANKL expression in human bone tissue.
Pregnancy and pituitary disorders
Authors: Karaca Z , Tanriverdi F , Unluhizarci K , Kelestimur F
Published: November 2009

Major hormonal changes emerge during pregnancy. The pituitary gland is one of the most affected organs with altered anatomy and physiology. The pituitary gland is enlarged as a result of lactotroph hyperplasia. Due to physiological changes in the pituitary and target hormone levels, binding globulins, and placental hormones, hormonal evaluation becomes more complex in pregnant women. As a consequence of physiological hormonal changes, the evaluation of pituitary functions in pregnant women is quite different from that done in the prepregnant state. Pituitary adenomas may cause problems by their hormone secretion that affects the mother and the fetus besides causing an increased risk of tumor growth. Furthermore, diagnosis, course, and treatment of pituitary diseases point out differences. The changes in anatomy and physiology of the pituitary gland during pregnancy are reviewed. Pituitary disorders namely Cushing's disease; acromegaly; prolactinoma; TSH-secreting, gonadotropin-producing, and clinically nonfunctioning adenomas; craniopharyngioma; and Sheehan's syndrome, which is one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism, lymphocytic hypophysitis, and hypopituitarism, in relation to pregnancy are discussed. Being aware of all this information will prevent any serious problems which mother and child will be exposed to.
Hemostatic abnormalities in endocrine and metabolic disorders
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Lippi Giuseppe , Manzato Franco , Vescovi Pier Paolo , Targher Giovanni
Published: November 2009

The hemostatic balance is a complex system where the delicate equilibrium is regulated by several factors, including hormones. This review summarizes current knowledge of the effects of most frequent endocrine and metabolic diseases (such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, GH-related pituitary dysfunctions, pituitary prolactin-producing adenomas, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary hyperparathyroidism, and metabolic syndrome) on coagulation and fibrinolysis. Overt hypothyroidism appears to be associated with a bleeding tendency, whereas all other endocrine diseases appear to be associated with a thrombotic tendency. Globally, the disorders of coagulation and fibrinolysis usually range from mild to moderate, and, rarely, to severe laboratory abnormalities (for example, bleeding diathesis in overt hypothyroidism mainly due to an acquired von Willebrand's disease type 1). Further larger and high-quality studies are needed to provide more definitive information on the effects of endocrine disorders on coagulation and fibrinolysis.
What Teachers Need to Know About the “New” Nonfiction
Authors: Gill Sharon Ruth
Published: November 2009

The features of recent children's nonfiction picture books, a genre that is exploding in both quality and quantity, are described in this article. Recent nonfiction books were analyzed, and three trends were found: an emphasis on the visual; an emphasis on accuracy; and an engaging writing style. Suggestions are included for choosing and using nonfiction picture books in the classroom.

في هذه المقالة تتم وصفة معالم كتب الأطفال الواقعية المصورة التي نشرت مؤخراً وهو نوع أدبي ينفجر من حيث الكمية والنوعية. وقد تم تحليل الكتب الواقعية المنشورة مؤخراً وقد وجدت ثلاث نزعات: تركيز على البصريات وتركيز على الدقة وأسلوب الكتابة الشيق. وتشمل المقالة اقتراحات لاختيار كتباً مصورة واستخدامها في غرفة الصف.

本文介绍近今非小说图画书的特征，这类型的书籍无论在质与量上都在迅猛发展中。本文作者分析近今的非小说图画书后，发现三个趋势：强调视觉、强调准确性及引人入胜的写作风格。作者亦提供一些有关如何选择及如何在教室使用非小说图画书的建议。

On décrit dans cet article les caractéristiques des livres illustrés qui ne sont pas des livres de fiction, un genre qui explose tant en qualité qu'en quantité. Après avoir analysé les livres qui ne sont pas des livres de fiction, trois tendances apparaissent: accent mis sur les aspects visuels; accent mis sur la précision; et style d'écriture incitatif. On inclut des suggestions relatives au choix de ces livres et pour leur utilisation en classe.

В статье описаны особенности жанра, который становится все популярнее – детской нехудожественной литературы с иллюстрациями. Анализ выявил три тенденции последнего времени: упор на визуальный ряд, на достоверность содержания и на привлекательные для детского восприятия форму и стиль. Предложены рекомендации по выбору и использованию таких книг в учебном процессе.

En este artículo se describen los elementos de un género que ha surgido recientemente con gran fuerza tanto en su cantidad como en su calidad: libros dibujados que no son novelescos dirigidos a niños. Se identificaron tres tendencias al analizar tales libros: un énfasis en el dibujo; un énfasis en la fidelidad; y un estilo atractivo de escribir. Se incluyen sugerencias sobre cómo escoger y usar tales libros en el aula.
Getting Parents and Children Off to a Strong Start in Reading
Authors: Imperato Frances
Published: November 2009

In this article, a reading specialist tells her own story of making parental involvement work with kindergarten children in her school. Using a research‐based instructional routine that involves parents and children in repeatedly reading a rhythmical text followed by a brief activity involving letter learning, phonemic awareness, and phonics, this teacher‐researcher shares the results of her efforts to help young students become readers.

في هذه المقالة تروي متخصصة في القراءة قصتها الخاصة بشأن جعل اشتراك الوالدين مفيداً لأولاد الروضة في مدرستها. وباستخدام نموذج تعليمي مبني على الأبحاث العلمية يضم الوالدين والأولاد في قراءة نص ذي الإقاع الموسيقي مراراً وتكراراً ويليها نشاط وجيز يوجد فيه تعلم الحروف وتوعية الصوتيات وطريقة تعليم العلاقة بين الكلمة ولفظها فإن هذه المؤلفة‐باحثة تقدم نتائج مساعيها كي تساعد الطلاب الصغار في تحسين قراءتهم.

在本文中，一位阅读专家讲述她如何使家长的参与能帮助她的幼儿园学生学习。这位教师研究者使用一个研究性的教学常序，让家长与子女一起重复朗读一篇韵文，然后完成一个简短学习字母、音素意识及字母拼读的活动。她与读者分享她致力协助幼儿园学生成为阅读者的成果。

Dans cet article, un spécialiste de la lecture raconte de quelle façon elle a impliqué les parents dans le travail avec les enfants dans son jardin d'enfants. Utilisant une procédure didactique basée sur la recherche qui implique les parents et les enfants dans une lecture répétée d'un texte rythmé suivie d'une brève activité qui implique l'apprentissage de lettres, la conscience phonémique, et la phonétique, ce chercheur‐enseignant offre les résultats de ses efforts pour aider les jeunes élèves à devenir lecteurs.

Специалист по чтению делится успешным опытом по привлечению родителей к работе с их собственными детьми дошкольного возраста. Исследовательница действовала в русле научно обоснованного подхода, который предполагает совместное многократное чтение детьми и родителями ритмизованного текста и последующее выполнение заданий, связанных с запоминанием букв и различением звуков.

En este artículo, una especialista en la lectura narra cómo ella logró hacer que los padres de los niños en un jardín de niños participaran en la enseñanza. Usando una rutina docente basada en la investigación que junta a los padres e hijos en la lectura repetida de textos rítmicos seguidos por actividades breves para aprender letras, darse cuenta de los fonemas, y la fonética, esta maestra‐investigadora comparte los resultados de sus esfuerzos para convertir a los estudiantes jóvenes en buenos lectores.
Facilitating Engagement by Differentiating Independent Reading
Authors: Kelley Michelle J. , Clausen‐Grace Nicki
Published: November 2009

The authors provide teachers with a rationale for engaging students in independent reading using a differentiated approach. By profiling types of readers, sharing observational tools, and offering teaching suggestions for each type of reader the authors give practical suggestions to facilitate reading engagement and make independent reading more effective.

يوفر المؤلفون للمعلمين عرضاً لأسباب تشغيل الطلاب في القراءة الانفرادية باستخدام طريقة متميزة. إذ يعطي المؤلفون اقتراحات عملية وظيفية لتسهيل إشغال القراءة وجعل القراءة الانفرادية أكثر فعالة باتخاذ نبذة عن أنواع القراء وعن اشتراك أدوات المراقبة وتوفير اقتراحات تعليمية لكل نوع من القراء.

本文作者为教师提供使用差异性教学法带领学生投入独立阅读的理论基础。作者亦通过概述阅读者的类型、分享观测工具，以及为每一类型的阅读者作出教学建议的工作，来给予教师提供实用的建议，以促进学生投入阅读及使其独立阅读更有效。

Les auteurs présentent aux enseignants une démarche pour que les élèves s'investissent de façon autonome dans la lecture avec une approche différenciée. En traçant des profils de types de lecteurs, en partageant des outils d'observation, et en fournissant des suggestions didactiques pour chaque type de lecteur, les auteurs apportent des suggestions pratiques pour faciliter l'investissement dans la lecture et rendre plus efficace la lecture autonome.

Авторы предлагают научное обоснование для привлечения учащихся к независимому чтению на основе дифференцированного подхода. В статье классифицируются типы читателей, описывается инструментарий для наблюдения и даются практические предложения по работе с каждым типом читателя. Благодаря такому подходу повышается заинтересованность детей и независимое чтение становится более эффективным.

Los autores les dan a los maestros un fundamento para lograr que los estudiantes lean por su propia cuenta usando un acercamiento diferenciado. Haciendo un perfil de los diferentes tipos de lectores, compartiendo instrumentos de observación, y ofreciendo sugerencias de cómo enseñarle a cada tipo de lector, los autores ofrecen sugerencias prácticas para facilitar la atención a la lectura y hacer más eficiente la lectura independiente.
Downregulation of zinc-α2-glycoprotein in adipose tissue and liver of obese ob/ob mice and by tumour necrosis factor-α in adipocytes
Authors: Mracek T , Gao D , Tzanavari T , Bao Y , Xiao X , Stocker C , Trayhurn P , Bing C
Published: November 2009

Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG, also listed as AZGP1 in the MGI Database), a lipid-mobilising factor, has recently been suggested as a potential candidate in the modulation of body weight. We investigated the effect of increased adiposity on ZAG expression in adipose tissue and the liver and on plasma levels in obese (ob/ob) mice compared with lean siblings. The study also examined the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) on ZAG expression in adipocytes. Zag mRNA levels were significantly reduced in subcutaneous (fourfold) and epididymal (eightfold) fat of ob/ob mice. Consistently, ZAG protein content was decreased in both fat depots of ob/ob mice. In the liver of obese animals, steatosis was accompanied by the fall of both Zag mRNA (twofold) and ZAG protein content (2.5-fold). Plasma ZAG levels were also decreased in obese mice. In addition, Zag mRNA was reduced in epididymal (fivefold) and retroperitoneal (fivefold) adipose tissue of obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. In contrast to Zag expression, Tnfα mRNA levels were elevated in adipose tissue (twofold) and the liver (2.5-fold) of ob/ob mice. Treatment with TNFα reduced Zag gene expression in differentiated adipocytes, and this inhibition was chronic, occurring at 24 and 48 h following TNFα treatment. It is concluded that ZAG synthesis in adipose tissue and the liver is downregulated, as are its circulating levels, in ob/ob mice. The reduced ZAG production may advance the susceptibility to lipid accumulation in these tissues in obesity, and this could be at least in part attributable to the inhibitory effect of TNFα.