bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low body temperature governs the decline of circulating lymphocytes during hibernation through sphingosine-1-phosphate
Authors: Bouma Hjalmar R. , Kroese Frans G. M. , Kok Jan Willem , Talaei Fatimeh , Boerema Ate S. , Herwig Annika , Draghiciu Oana , van Buiten Azuwerus , Epema Anne H. , van Dam Annie , Strijkstra Arjen M. , Henning Robert H.
Published: January 2011

Hibernation is an energy-conserving behavior consisting of periods of inhibited metabolism (‘torpor’) with lowered body temperature. Torpor bouts are interspersed by arousal periods, in which metabolism increases and body temperature returns to euthermia. In deep torpor, the body temperature typically decreases to 2–10 °C, and major physiological and immunological changes occur. One of these alterations constitutes an almost complete depletion of circulating lymphocytes that is reversed rapidly upon arousal. Here we show that torpor induces the storage of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs in response to a temperature-dependent drop in plasma levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Regulation of lymphocyte numbers was mediated through the type 1 S1P receptor (S1P
1
), because administration of a specific antagonist (W146) during torpor (in a Syrian hamster at ∼8 °C) precluded restoration of lymphocyte numbers upon subsequent arousal. Furthermore, S1P release from erythrocytes via ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-transporters was significantly inhibited at low body temperature (4 °C) but was restored upon rewarming. Reversible lymphopenia also was observed during daily torpor (in a Djungarian hamster at ± 25 °C), during forced hypothermia in anesthetized (summer-active) hamsters (at ± 9 °C), and in a nonhibernator (rat at ∼19 °C). Our results demonstrate that lymphopenia during hibernation in small mammals is driven by body temperature, via altered plasma S1P levels. S1P is recognized as an important bioactive lipid involved in regulating several other physiological processes as well and may be an important factor regulating additional physiological processes in hibernation as well as in mediating the effects of therapeutic hypothermia in patients.
Arsenic pollution of groundwater in Vietnam exacerbated by deep aquifer exploitation for more than a century
Authors: Winkel Lenny H. E. , Trang Pham Thi Kim , Lan Vi Mai , Stengel Caroline , Amini Manouchehr , Ha Nguyen Thi , Viet Pham Hung , Berg Michael
Published: January 2011

Arsenic contamination of shallow groundwater is among the biggest health threats in the developing world. Targeting uncontaminated deep aquifers is a popular mitigation option although its long-term impact remains unknown. Here we present the alarming results of a large-scale groundwater survey covering the entire Red River Delta and a unique probability model based on three-dimensional Quaternary geology. Our unprecedented dataset reveals that ∼7 million delta inhabitants use groundwater contaminated with toxic elements, including manganese, selenium, and barium. Depth-resolved probabilities and arsenic concentrations indicate drawdown of arsenic-enriched waters from Holocene aquifers to naturally uncontaminated Pleistocene aquifers as a result of > 100 years of groundwater abstraction. Vertical arsenic migration induced by large-scale pumping from deep aquifers has been discussed to occur elsewhere, but has never been shown to occur at the scale seen here. The present situation in the Red River Delta is a warning for other As-affected regions where groundwater is extensively pumped from uncontaminated aquifers underlying high arsenic aquifers or zones.
Strong evidence for terrestrial support of zooplankton in small lakes based on stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen
Authors: Cole Jonathan J. , Carpenter Stephen R. , Kitchell Jim , Pace Michael L. , Solomon Christopher T. , Weidel Brian
Published: January 2011

Cross-ecosystem subsidies to food webs can alter metabolic balances in the receiving (subsidized) system and free the food web, or particular consumers, from the energetic constraints of local primary production. Although cross-ecosystem subsidies between terrestrial and aquatic systems have been well recognized for benthic organisms in streams, rivers, and the littoral zones of lakes, terrestrial subsidies to pelagic consumers are more difficult to demonstrate and remain controversial. Here, we adopt a unique approach by using stable isotopes of H, C, and N to estimate terrestrial support to zooplankton in two contrasting lakes. Zooplankton (Holopedium,Daphnia, and Leptodiaptomus) are comprised of ≈20–40% of organic material of terrestrial origin. These estimates are as high as, or higher than, prior measures obtained by experimentally manipulating the inorganic13C content of these lakes to augment the small, natural contrast in13C between terrestrial and algal photosynthesis. Our study gives credence to a growing literature, which we review here, suggesting that significant terrestrial support of pelagic crustaceans (zooplankton) is widespread.
Metaplasticity governs compartmentalization of synaptic tagging and capture through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ)
Authors: Sajikumar Sreedharan , Korte Martin
Published: January 2011

Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is widely accepted to be the cellular correlate of learning and memory. It is believed that associativity between different synaptic inputs can transform short-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity (<3 h) to long-lasting ones. Synaptic tagging and capture (STC) might be able to explain this heterosynaptic support, because it distinguishes between local mechanisms of synaptic tags and cell-wide mechanisms responsible for the synthesis of plasticity-related proteins (PRPs). STC initiate storage processes only when the strength of the synaptic tag and the local concentration of essential proteins are above a certain plasticity threshold. We present evidence that priming stimulation through the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors substantially increases the “range of threshold” for functional plasticity by producing protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) as a PRP through local protein synthesis. In addition, our results implicate BDNF as a PRP which is mandatory for establishing cross-capture between synaptic strengthening and weakening, whereas the newly generated PKMζ specifically establishes synaptic tagging of long-term potentiation. Most intriguingly, we show here that STC are confined to specific dendritic compartments and that these compartments contain “synaptic clusters” with different plasticity thresholds. Our results suggest that within a dendritic compartment itself a homeostatic process exists to adjust plasticity thresholds. The range in which these clusters operate can be altered by processes of metaplasticity, which will operate on the cluster independently of other clusters at the same dendrite. These clusters will then prepare the synaptic network to form long-term memories.
Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein and DNA-dependent protein kinase have complementary V(D)J recombination functions
Authors: Zha Shan , Jiang Wenxia , Fujiwara Yuko , Patel Harin , Goff Peter H. , Brush James W. , Dubois Richard L. , Alt Frederick W.
Published: January 2011

Antigen receptor variable region exons are assembled during lymphocyte development from variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments. Each germ-line gene segment is flanked by recombination signal sequences (RSs). Recombination-activating gene endonuclease initiates V(D)J recombination by cleaving a pair of gene segments at their junction with flanking RSs to generate covalently sealed (hairpinned) coding ends (CEs) and blunt 5′-phosphorylated RS ends (SEs). Subsequently, nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) opens, processes, and fuses CEs to form coding joins (CJs) and precisely joins SEs to form signal joins (SJs). DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) activates Artemis endonuclease to open and process hairpinned CEs before their fusion into CJs by other NHEJ factors. Although DNA-PKcs is absolutely required for CJs, SJs are formed to variable degrees and with variable fidelity in different DNA-PKcs–deficient cell types. Thus, other factors may compensate for DNA-PKcs function in SJ formation. DNA-PKcs and the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) kinase are members of the same family, and they share common substrates in the DNA damage response. Although ATM deficiency compromises chromosomal V(D)J CJ formation, it has no reported role in SJ formation in normal cells. Here, we report that DNA-PKcs and ATM have redundant functions in SJ formation. Thus, combined DNA-PKcs and ATM deficiency during V(D)J recombination leads to accumulation of unjoined SEs and lack of SJ fidelity. Moreover, treatment of DNA-PKcs– or ATM-deficient cells, respectively, with specific kinase inhibitors for ATM or DNA-PKcs recapitulates SJ defects, indicating that the overlapping V(D)J recombination functions of ATM and DNA-PKcs are mediated through their kinase activities.
Requests for Psychiatric Consultation concerning 22 Patients with AIDS and ARC
Authors: Buhrich Neil , Cooper David A.
Published: January 2011

Psychiatric consultation was requested for 22 of 150 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) admitted to St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney. The mean age of the patients was 35 years and all were homosexual or bisexual men. Ten patients had an organic brain syndrome: six as a result of cerebral opportunistic infection, two due to metabolic or iatrogenic causes and two apparently due to the direct neurotropic effects of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hallucinations and delusions were documented in five patients, of whom two had symptoms that fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of functional psychosis. Four patients were diagnosed as having adjustment disorder-depressive mood and one patient may have had a major depressive illness. Marked denial of illness was seen in two patients and four had markedly slow mentation with only mild or no evidence of cognitive impairment. It is concluded that patients with AIDS may have a wide variety of neuropsychiatric manifestations.
The Relationship between Patterns of Family Interaction and Psychiatric Disorder in Children
Authors: McFarlane A. C.
Published: January 2011

This study examined the relationship between patterns of family interaction, in particular parental overprotection, and emotional and behavioural problems in children. The role children play in influencing the pattern of parental care was also investigated because increased parental protection could be a response to, rather than a cause of, emotional disorders in children. A population was examined on two occasions, 18 months apart, using Rutter's parent and teacher questionnaires. The data suggested that overprotection was particularly disruptive to children's emotional state when it was associated with irritability and distress in the parents. The converse relationship, in which emotional and behavioural problems in children had a significant influence on the degree of parental protection and pattern of interaction within the family, was also demonstrated by the use of cross-lagged correlations.
Suicide in New Zealand 1957–1986: The Influence of Age, Period and Birth-Cohort
Authors: Skegg Keren , Cox Brian
Published: January 2011

New Zealand suicide rates from 1957 to 1986 were analysed for age, period and cohort effects. Cumulative suicide rates were relatively stable but more complex patterns were revealed by detailed analysis. There was a steadily increasing rate in young men and a recent increase in elderly men. Reduced mortality rates in equivalent categories of accidental and “undetermined” deaths could have accounted for only a proportion of these increases. A cohort effect was noted in men, with increasing risks of suicide in the young for successive birth-cohorts born from 1947 onwards. In women a period effect was likely, with increasing rates for all age-groups between 1957–61 and 1962–66, followed by a decline recently among all except the youngest age-groups. These trends in women may have been largely due to changes in barbiturate prescribing. In both sexes poisoning declined as a method of suicide, while hanging and carbon monoxide poisoning increased. Firearm suicides also increased in men. The implications of these results for prevention are considered.
Biopsychosocial Psychiatry and the Criminal Justice System: A Case Report
Authors: Whiteford Harvey A. , Westmore Bruce
Published: January 2011

In criminal proceedings a psychiatrist may be called upon to give evidence as to the state of mind of an accused at the time an alleged crime was committed. Seldom is the psychiatrist able to examine the person at or before the time of the offence and therefore arrives at an opinion by examining the person at some later time. Information gained by this examination is combined with all relevant reports and transcripts concerning the accused, collateral history from friends, relatives or other treating health professionals and the results of any clinical investigations. The psychiatrist ultimately forms an opinion as to the probable state of mind of the accused at the material time.
Collective school‐type identity: Predicting students’ motivation beyond academic self‐concept
Authors: Knigge Michel , Hannover Bettina
Published: January 2011

In Germany, according to their prior achievement students are tracked into different types of secondary school that provide profoundly different options for their future educational careers. In this paper we suggest that as a result, school tracks clearly differ in their social status or reputation. This should translate into different collective school‐type identities for their students, irrespective of the students’ personal academic self‐concepts. We examine the extent to which collective school‐type identity systematically varies as a function of the school track students are enrolled in, and the extent to which students’ collective school‐type identity makes a unique contribution beyond academic self‐concept and school track in predicting scholastic motivation. In two cross‐sectional studies a measure of collective school‐type identity is established and applied to explain motivational differences between two school tracks in Berlin. In Study 1 (N = 39 students) the content of the collective school‐type identity is explored by means of an open format questionnaire. Based on these findings a structured instrument (semantic differential) to measure collective school‐type identity is developed. In Study 2 (N = 1278 students) the assumed structure with four subscales (Stereotype Achievement, Stereotype Motivation, Stereotype Social, and Compensation) is proved with confirmatory factor analysis. This measure is used to compare the collective school‐type identity across school tracks and predict motivational outcomes. Results show large differences in collective school‐type identity between students of different school tracks. Furthermore, these differences can explain motivational differences between school tracks. Collective school‐type identity has incremental predictive power for scholastic motivation, over and above the effects of academic self‐concept and school track.
Exploring the factors contributing to empowerment of Turkish migrant women in the UK
Authors: Cakir S. Gulfem , Yerin Guneri Oya
Published: January 2011

This study examined the role of demographic factors (length of stay, education and language level), perceived discrimination, social support, four acculturation attitudes, and psychological distress in predicting empowerment among Turkish migrant women in the UK. The study sample comprised 248 Turkish migrant women (mean age: 34.38; SD: 7.6) living in London. Self‐report questionnaires were used to assess empowerment, social support, acculturation attitude and psychological distress. The study hypothesized that perceived discrimination; acculturation attitudes of separation, assimilation and marginalization; and psychological distress would be negative predictors of empowerment and that social support and an integration acculturation attitude would be positive predictors of empowerment. To some extent, the study findings supported this hypothesis. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated psychological distress to be the most significant predictor of empowerment, with other significant predictors including level of education and social support. More specifically, lower levels of psychological distress and higher levels of education and social support appeared to predict greater empowerment. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that level of education and social support may function as protective factors and that psychological distress may function as a risk factor for empowerment in the migration context. The paper discusses the findings of this study in relation to the previous literature and notes their implications for future research and practice.
Relationships between in‐role performance and individual values, commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior among Israeli teachers
Authors: Cohen Aaron , Liu Ying
Published: January 2011

This study examines the relationship between (1) individual values, (2) organizational and occupational commitment, and (3) organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and in‐role performance in a sample of 192 teachers employed in 10 secular Jewish schools (response rate of 64%). The results showed that individual values were related to all commitment forms examined here, but contrary to expectations, there was no clear distinction between values that represent conservation and self‐transcendence and values that represent openness to change and self‐enhancement in terms of their relationship either to commitment or to behavioral outcomes. Likewise, there was no clear distinction between the three dimensions of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative) or two commitment foci (organizational and occupational) in terms of their relationships to different values. Unsurprisingly, the findings showed a strong effect of commitment on OCB and in‐role performance. The findings show that both individual values and commitment are concepts that can increase our understanding of employees’ behavior in the workplace. We conclude by emphasizing the need for further research on the relationship between values, commitment, and performance and by suggesting some directions for such research.
Psychosocial correlates of internet use among Italian students
Authors: Casale Silvia , Fioravanti Giulia
Published: January 2011

Davis (2001) introduced a cognitive–behavioral theory of generalized pathological internet use (GPIU) that attempts to model the etiology, development, and outcomes associated with PIU. According to this model, pre‐existing psychosocial problems (depression, loneliness, or low levels of social support) predispose an individual to GPIU cognitions, behaviors, and negative outcomes. An exploratory study intended to investigate whether GPIU is associated with psychosocial health (loneliness, depression, self‐esteem, and shyness), also taking account of types of internet services used, was conducted in a sample of Italian undergraduate students. A cross‐sectional and descriptive correlational design was used. The participants were 157 undergraduate students (34 male and 123 female) enrolled at The University of Florence. The results revealed a stronger correlation between the frequency of use of communicative services (as opposed to leisure or informational services) and GPIU levels. Among services, the most significant predictor of GPIU was the frequency of use of chat rooms and “adult” websites. All psychosocial health variables were correlated with GPIU, with the exception of shyness; however, general loneliness was the only significant predictor of GPIU. Depression and self‐esteem were not significant predictors of GPIU. These results are consistent with the assumption that GPIU is related to the social aspect of the internet (e.g., online chatting) and arises from the unique communicative environment found online. In accordance with recent studies, social wellbeing (i.e. loneliness) seems to play a greater role than psychological health in deriving negative effects from internet use.
Effectiveness of Routine Patient Bathing to Decrease the Burden of Spores on the Skin of Patients withClostridium difficileInfection
Authors: Jury Lucy A. , Guerrero Dubert M. , Burant Christopher J. , Cadnum Jennifer L. , Donskey Curtis J.
Published: January 2011

For 74 patients withClostridium difficileinfection, the quality and frequency of bathing was often limited because of such factors as the presence of devices, decreased mobility, and pain. Routine bathing practices had limited efficacy in decreasing the burden of spores on skin; however, showers were more effective than bed baths.
Patterns of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Colonization in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Dommeti Parimala , Wang Linda , Flannery Erika L. , Symons Kathleen , Mody Lona
Published: January 2011

We evaluated the prevalence of colonization with all gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and with ciprofloxacin-resistant GNB among nursing home residents with and without indwelling devices. We found that device presence increases the risk of colonization with all GNB and with ciprofloxacin-resistant GNB. Colonization with ciprofloxacin-resistant GNB increases with decreasing functional status.
Shroom2 regulates contractility to control endothelial morphogenesis
Authors: Farber Matthew J. , Rizaldy Ryan , Hildebrand Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2011

The intrinsic contractile, migratory, and adhesive properties of endothelial cells are central determinants in the formation of vascular networks seen in vertebrate organisms. Because Shroom2 (Shrm2) is expressed within the endothelium, is localized to cortical actin and cell–cell adhesions, and contains a conserved Rho kinase (Rock) binding domain, we hypothesized that Shrm2 may participate in the regulation of endothelial cell behavior during vascular morphogenesis. Consistent with this hypothesis, depletion of Shrm2 results in elevated branching and sprouting angiogenic behavior of endothelial cells. This is recapitulated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in a vasculogenesis assay in which differentiated embryonic stem cells depleted for Shrm2 form a more highly branched endothelial network. Further analyses indicate that the altered behavior observed following Shrm2 depletion is due to aberrant cell contractility, as evidenced by decreased stress fiber organization and collagen contraction with an increase in cellular migration. Because Shrm2 directly interacts with Rock, and Shrm2 knockdown results in the loss of Rock and activated myosin II from sites of cell–cell adhesion, we conclude that Shrm2 facilitates the formation of a contractile network within endothelial cells, the loss of which leads to an increase in endothelial sprouting, migration, and angiogenesis.
Remote sensing and fisheries: an introduction
Authors: Stuart Venetia , Platt Trevor , Sathyendranath Shubha , Pravin P
Published: January 2011

Stuart, V., Platt, T., Sathyendranath, S., and Pravin, P. 2011. Remote sensing and fisheries: an introduction. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 639–641. The international coordination project SAFARI (Societal Applications in Fisheries and Aquaculture using Remotely-sensed Imagery) organized a symposium on Remote Sensing and Fisheries in Kochi, India, 11–17 February 2010. The well-attended symposium highlighted various applications of remote sensing to fisheries and aquaculture and identified various steps that would further enhance the use of remote sensing for sustainable management of marine resources and stewardship of the oceans.
Seed Transmissibility of Alfalfa mosaic virus in Soybean
Authors: He B. , Fajolu O. L. , Wen R.-H. , Hajimorad M. R.
Published: January 2011

Collectively, this report provides unequivocal evidence on Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) seed transmission in soybean. Infected seed may serve as a reservoir for survival and spread of AMV in soybean.

Accepted for publication 18 November 2010. Published 27 December 2010.
Effects of Varying Planting Dates and Tillage Systems on Reniform Nematode and Browntop Millet Populations in Cotton
Authors: Stetina Salliana R. , Molin William T. , Pettigrew William T.
Published: January 2011

Cropping practices that reduce damage from reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and browntop millet (Urochlora ramosa) are needed for improved cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) management. The impacts of early planting dates and reduced tillage systems on these pests were investigated from 2005 to 2007. Planting dates (April 1 or May 1) and tillage systems (conventional or minimum-tillage) were evaluated on four commercial cotton cultivars in a field study at Stoneville, MS. Despite some variability in early-season root infection, reniform nematode soil populations were not affected by any of the treatments. Thus, it appears that neither the tillage practices nor the planting dates examined in this study should be recommended for inclusion in a reniform nematode management program at this time. Mid- and late-season browntop millet pressure was greater in minimum-till plots and in plots planted early. More effective season-long suppression of browntop millet was associated with the traditional planting date and conventional tillage system, so these production practices could benefit producers who need to manage this weed.

Accepted for publication 9 November 2010. Published 27 December 2010.
Ascochyta Blight of Chickpeas
Authors: Harveson Robert M. , Markell Samuel G. , Goswami Rubella , Urrea Carlos A. , Burrows Mary E. , Dugan Frank , Chen Weidong , Skoglund Linnea G.
Published: January 2011

Although chickpeas are reported to be susceptible to more than 50 pathogens, few diseases are currently recognized as significant economic constraints to production. Ascochyta blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Ascochyta rabiei, is the most serious chickpea disease worldwide. This paper describes the pathogen, symptoms of infection, biological and morphological characteristics, and methods to study the fungus.

Accepted for publication 17 November 2010. Published 3 January 2011.
Celecoxib Impairs Heart Development via Inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 Activity in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Xu Dao-jie , Bu Ji-wen , Gu Shan-ye , Xia Yi-meng , Du Jiu-lin , Wang Ying-wei
Published: January 2011

Background

Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is a commonly ingested drug that is used by some women during pregnancy. Although use of celecoxib is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in adults, its effect on fetal heart development remains unknown.

Methods

Zebrafish embryos were exposed to celecoxib or other relevant drugs from tailbud stage (10.3-72 h postfertilization). Heart looping and valve formation were examined at different developmental stages by in vivo confocal imaging. In addition, whole mount in situ hybridization was performed to examine drug-induced changes in the expression of heart valve marker genes.

Results

In celecoxib-treated zebrafish embryos, the heart failed to undergo normal looping and the heart valve was absent, causing serious blood regurgitation. Furthermore, celecoxib treatment disturbed the restricted expression of the heart valve markers bone morphogenetic protein 4 and versican-but not the cardiac chamber markers cardiac myosin light chain 2, ventricular myosin heavy chain, and atrial myosin heavy chain. These defects in heart development were markedly relieved by treatment with the cyclooxygenase-2 downstream product prostaglandin E2, and mimicked by the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398, implying that celecoxib-induced heart defects were caused by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity.

Conclusions

These findings provide the first in vivo evidence that celecoxib exposure impairs heart development in zebrafish embryos by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 activity.
Effect of Inhibition of Spinal Cord Glutamate Transporters on Inflammatory Pain Induced by Formalin and Complete Freund's Adjuvant
Authors: Yaster Myron , Guan Xiaowei , Petralia Ronald S. , Rothstein Jeffery D. , Lu Wei , Tao Yuan-Xiang
Published: January 2011

Background

Spinal cord glutamate transporters clear synaptically released glutamate and maintain normal sensory transmission. However, their ultrastructural localization is unknown. Moreover, whether and how they participate in inflammatory pain has not been carefully studied.

Methods

Immunogold labeling with electron microscopy was carried out to characterize synaptic and nonsynaptic localization of glutamate transporters in the superficial dorsal horn. Their expression and uptake activity after formalin- and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation were evaluated by Western blot analysis and glutamate uptake assay. Effects of intrathecal glutamate transporter activator (R)-(-)-5-methyl-1-nicotinoyl-2-pyrazoline and inhibitors (DL-threo-β-benzyloxyaspartate [TBOA], dihydrokainate, and DL-threo-β-hydroxyaspartate), or TBOA plus group III metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (RS)-α-methylserine-O-phosphate, on formalin- and CFA-induced inflammatory pain were examined.

Results

In the superficial dorsal horn, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 is localized in presynaptic membrane, postsynaptic membrane, and axonal and dendritic membranes at nonsynaptic sites, whereas glutamate transporter-1 and glutamate/aspartate transporter are prominent in glial membranes. Although expression of these three spinal glutamate transporters was not altered 1 h after formalin injection or 6 h after CFA injection, glutamate uptake activity was decreased at these time points. Intrathecal (R)-(-)-5-methyl-1-nicotinoyl-2-pyrazoline had no effect on formalin-induced pain behaviors. In contrast, intrathecal TBOA, dihydrokainate, and DL-threo-β-hydroxyaspartate reduced formalin-evoked pain behaviors in the second phase. Intrathecal TBOA also attenuated CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia at 6 h after CFA injection. The antinociceptive effects of TBOA were blocked by coadministration of (RS)-α-methylserine-O-phosphate.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that spinal glutamate transporter inhibition relieves inflammatory pain through activation of inhibitory presynaptic group III metabotropic glutamate receptors.
Kappa opioid receptors mediate where fear is expressed following extinction training
Authors: Cole Sindy , Richardson Rick , McNally Gavan P.
Published: January 2011

Six experiments used a within-subjects renewal design to examine the involvement of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in regulating the expression and recovery of extinguished fear. Rats were trained to fear a tone conditioned stimulus (CS) via pairings with foot shock in a distinctive context (A). This was followed by extinction training of the CS in a second context (B). Finally, all rats were tested for fear to the tone in the extinction context (ABB) and the training (ABA) or a novel (ABC) context. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor-BNI) dose-dependently prevented ABA renewal of fear, but had no effect on the expression of ABC renewal, the expression of extinction, or the expression of nonextinguished fear. Conversely, pretest infusion of the KOR agonist U50,488 hydrochloride (U50,488) selectively facilitated the expression of ABA renewal and had no effect on the expression of extinction. Pretest infusion of nor-BNI had no effect on the expression of context-specific latent inhibition. Collectively, these results suggest that KORs gate the expression of fear following extinction training and may comprise a critical neuropeptide component of the circuitry underlying context-dependent expression of fear.
Designing a mobile system for lifelong learning on the move
Authors: Gu X. , Gu F. , Laffey J.M.
Published: January 2011

The Life‐long Learning Initiative seeks to fulfil a variety of learning needs for Shanghai citizens. Given the popularity of mobile devices in Shanghai, the ability to provide learning in informal settings through mobile devices is a key objective and challenge of the Initiative. In order to learn how to develop usable learning content for lifelong learners on the move, a set of design principles from both pedagogical and usability concerns was identified. Next, a pilot system, based on the design principles, was developed to implement two prototype lessons. Five subjects were recruited to test each prototype lesson using a heuristic walkthrough method and a focus group meeting. Users' feedback showed that both the practical and the micro principles were valued as a method of integrating learning activity into informal settings in their daily lives. Audio was preferred as well. Technical usability concerns which are consistent with previous web experience were also identified. This research builds new knowledge about design principles for lifelong learning on the move and is a milestone in the development of the future learning resource bank for Shanghai citizens.
Cdc42/Rho GTPases in fungi: variations on a common theme
Authors: Harris Steven D.
Published: January 2011

Cdc42/Rho GTPases are universally important regulators of cellular morphogenesis. Whereas their functions are well characterized in budding yeast, they are only beginning to be understood in filamentous fungi. The recent systematic analysis of Cdc42, Rac1 and Rho function in Aspergillus niger provides the first global perspective on their respective roles in hyphal morphogenesis. Surprisingly, the partitioning of these roles between Cdc42 and Rac1 seems to vary even among related fungi. These observations highlight the variable use of a common signalling module in filamentous fungi.
Relief inversion triggered by subduction of an active spreading ridge: evidence from glacial morphology in Central Patagonia
Authors: Scalabrino Bruno , Ritz Jean‐François , Lagabrielle Yves
Published: January 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 63–69, 2011

This study examines the response of the Central Patagonian Cordillera to the subduction of the active South Chile Ridge and the development of the asthenospheric slab window beneath Patagonia since the Pliocene. We investigated the eastern part of the Cordillera where the glacio‐volcanic piedmont is topographically inverted. Glacial morphology and associated deposits capping the top of these piedmonts reveal that during the Pliocene (after 3 Ma), glaciers were flowing to the east over a regional surface connecting the western Cordillera and the palaeo‐piedmont. N160‐trending normal faulting along the western edge of the inverted plateau disrupted the geomorphic surface after 3 Ma. At a regional scale, extensional tectonics is responsible for a relief inversion with a minimum value of 800 m. The timing of extensional tectonics is contemporaneous with the subduction of the spreading axis and the development of the slab window beneath Central Patagonia.
Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) photolyase repairs ultraviolet‐B‐induced CPDs in rice chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Takahashi Masaaki , Teranishi Mika , Ishida Hiroyuki , Kawasaki Junji , Takeuchi Atsuko , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Watanabe Masao , Makino Amane , Hidema Jun
Published: January 2011

Plants use sunlight as energy for photosynthesis; however, plant DNA is exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation (280–320 nm) in the process. UV‐B radiation damages nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA by the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), which are the primary UV‐B‐induced DNA lesions, and are a principal cause of UV‐B‐induced growth inhibition in plants. Repair of CPDs is therefore essential for plant survival while exposed to UV‐B‐containing sunlight. Nuclear repair of the UV‐B‐induced CPDs involves the photoreversal of CPDs, photoreactivation, which is mediated by CPD photolyase that monomerizes the CPDs in DNA by using the energy of near‐UV and visible light (300–500 nm). To date, the CPD repair processes in plant chloroplasts and mitochondria remain poorly understood. Here, we report the photoreactivation of CPDs in chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA in rice. Biochemical and subcellular localization analyses using rice strains with different levels of CPD photolyase activity and transgenic rice strains showed that full‐length CPD photolyase is encoded by a single gene, not a splice variant, and is expressed and targeted not only to nuclei but also to chloroplasts and mitochondria. The results indicate that rice may have evolved a CPD photolyase that functions in chloroplasts, mitochondria and nuclei, and that contains DNA to protect cells from the harmful effects of UV‐B radiation.
Blisters and plaques on the extremities
Authors: Anand Dipti , Bernardin Ronald , Rubin Adam I.
Published: January 2011

What is your diagnosis?
Verwertbarkeit des Phosphors aus Tricalciumphosphat bei laktierenden Ziegen
Authors: Gongnet G. P. , Rodehutscord M. , Pfeffer E.
Published: January 2011

Laktierende Milchziegen wurden über 2 jeweils dreiwöchige Perioden unterhalb ihres Nettobedarfes an P versorgt. Die Tiere erhielten eine Ration aus NaOH‐aufgeschlossenem Stroh und Milchleistungsfutter (MLF), das entsprechend der Milchleistung zugeteilt wurde. In Periode 2 wurden dem MLF je kg T 1 g P aus Tricalciumphosphat (TCP) im Austausch gegen Futterkalk zugelegt. Während der jeweils letzten 7 Tage jeder Periode wurde die P‐Bilanz ermittelt. Zusätzlich wurde, beginnend 5 Tage vor der Umstellung, die Konzentration des anorganischen Phosphates (Pi) im Blutplasma der Tiere bestimmt. Die Tiere wiesen in beiden Versuchsperioden eine eindeutig negative P‐Bilanz auf, so daß die Voraussetzungen zur Bestimmung der Verwertbarkeit des P aus TCP gegeben waren. Die P‐Ausscheidungen in Milch, Kot und Harn waren durch die Zulage von TCP nicht beeinflußt. Allerdings waren der Futterverzehr wegen der geringeren Milchleistung in Periode 2 und damit auch die unvermeidliche P‐Ausscheidung mit dem Kot deutlich geringer. P aus TCP wurde im Mittel zu 65 % verwertet. Die Konzentration von Pi im Blutplasma stieg im Velaufe der Periode 2 kontinuierlich von 0,2 auf 0,47 mmol/1.

Availability of phoshorus from tricalcium‐phosphate to lactating goats

During two periods of 3 weeks each, lactating goats were fed diets based on NaOH‐treated straw and concentrates which did not cover their net requirements for phosphorus (P). Concentrates were supplied according to the individual milk yield. In the concentrate used in period 2, 1 g P/kg was supplied by tricalcium phosphate. Balance periods were performed during the last seven days of each period. Concentration of inorganic phosphate in blood plasma was determined. The P balance was negative in both period 1 and period 2. Therefore, the availability of P from tricalcium‐phosphate can be calculated. Phosphorus excretions with milk, faeces and urine were not influenced by the supplementation of P in period 2. However, dry matter and, as a consequence, inevitable losses of P were lower in period 2 when compared with period 1. Availability of P from tricalcium‐phosphate was 65 %. Concentration of inorganic phosphate increased continuously from 0.2–0.47 mmol/l during period 2.
Effect of salinomycin on in vitro caecal fermentation in pigs
Authors: Marounek M. , Savka O. G. , Skřivanová V.
Published: January 2011

The effect of salinomycin was investigated in anaerobic incubations of the pig caecal contents collected at slaughter, diluted with buffer and either supplied with starch or not. Salinomycin was present in cultures at 0, 2, 5 and 10 mg/l. In the whole range of concentrations that were tested, salinomycin significantly increased the production of propionate at the expense of acetate and butyrate. At 5 and 10 mg/l, these fermentation shifts were accompanied by a significant decrease of the total VFA, gas and methane production. The formation of molecular hydrogen which was low in control incubations without substrate (0.20 mmol/l), was increased in the salinomycin‐treated cultures with starch (1.30 mmol/l). Salinomycin tended to decrease the synthesis of microbial protein, but its effect was not significant. The metabolic hydrogen recovery was significantly increased in salinomycin‐treated cultures, indicating a partial inhibition of acetate formation from CO2 and H2.

Der Einfluß von Salinomycin auf die caecale Fermentation in vitro bei Schweinen.

Es wurde der Einfluß von Salinomycin auf einige Metabolite und die mikrobielle Proteinsynthese mit Hilfe der anaeroben Inkubation von Blinddarminhalt bei Mastschweinen untersucht. Die Schweine erhielten vor der Schlachtung Kraftfutter. Der Blinddarminhalt wurde mit Puffer verdünnt und unter Zusatz von 0, 2, 5 und 10 mg/l Salinomycin mit oder ohne Stärke als Substrat inkubiert. Der Zusatz von Salinomycin führte zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung der Propionat‐Konzentration auf Kosten von Acetat und Butyrat. Bei höherer Salinomycin‐Konzentration (5 und 10 mg/l) waren die unterschiedlichen Verhältnisse in den flüchtigen Fettsäuren von einer Verminderung der gesamten Produktion an flüchtigen Fettsäuren, Methan und Gärgasen begleitet. Die Entstehung von molekularem Wasserstoff, die bei der Inkubation ohne Stärke als Substrat niedriger (0, 20 mmol/l) lag, betrug mit Stärke und Salinomycin 1, 30 mmol/l). Der Zusatz von Salinomycin erniedrigte die Synthese von mikrobiellem Protein. Allerdings war dieser Effekt nicht signifikant.
Zum Einfluß verschiedener Fette auf die Konzentrationen der Schilddrüsenhormone im Plasma beim Schwein
Authors: Eder K. , Kirchgessner M.
Published: January 2011

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, den Einfluß verschiedener Fette auf die Konzentrationen der Schilddrüsenhormone zu untersuchen. Dazu erhielten neun nicht‐gravide Sauen in einem Versuch mit drei Versuchsperioden eine Grundration auf energetischem Erhaltungsniveau und eine Zulage an (I) Rindertalg, (II) Olivenöl oder (III) Sojaöl in einer täglichen Menge von 250 g über einen Zeitraum von zwei Wochen. Der Versuch war entsprechend eines Cross‐over Designs so ausgelegt, daß jedes Tier jedes Fett einmal erhielt. In den dreiwöchigen Zwischenperioden wurde nur die Grundration gefüttert. Blutproben wurden im Nüchternzustand nach Beendigung der Versuchsperioden gewonnen und die Konzentrationen an Thyroxin (T4) und Trijodthyronin (T3) im Plasma bestimmt. Die Konzentrationen des gesamten und freien T4 im Plasma wurden durch die Art des Fettes nicht beeinflußt. Die Konzentrationen an T3 waren hingegen nach Zulage von Rindertalg signifikant niedriger als nach Zulage von Olivenöl oder Sojaöl; zwischen Olivenöl und Sojaöl ergaben sich hingegen keine Unterschiede. Diese Befunde deuten insgesamt darauf hin, daß die Art der aufgenommen Fettsäuren den Stoffwechsel der Schilddrüsenhormone beeinflußt.

The effect of dietary fats on plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones in the pig

The intention of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary fats on plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones. Therefore, nine non‐gravid female pigs were fed a ration based on the energy requirement for maintenance and the test fat (beef tallow, olive oil or soybean oil) in amounts of 250 g per day during a period of two weeks. According to a cross‐over design, each animal received each fat once. Between the two experimental periods all the animals were fed the basal rations without addition of fat for three weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the end of each experimental period after the pigs were fasted for 12 h and the concentrations of thyroxine and tri‐iodothyronine in plasma were determined. The concentrations of total and free thyroxine in plasma were not influenced by the type of fat. In contrast, there was an effect, dependent upon the type of fat, on the concentration of tri‐iodothyronine in plasma. The tri‐iodothyronine concentrations were lower after feeding beef tallow than after feeding soybean oil or olive oil; soybean oil and olive oil caused similar concentrations of tri‐iodothyronine. In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that the type of fat influences the metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Effect of supplementary microbial phytase to a maize‐soya diet on the availability of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc: in vitro dialysability in comparison with apparent absorption in growing rats
Authors: Rimbach G. , Walter A. , Most E. , Pallauf J.
Published: January 2011

The effect of increasing levels of microbial phytase (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 PU/kg diet) supplemented to a maize–soya diet (5.0 g Ca, 3.0 g P, 1.2 g Mg, 24 mg Zn per kg diet) on the availability of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc was studied in vitro and in vivo. In vitro availability tests were carried out after simulated peptic and pancreatic digestion using an equilibrium dialysis system. The apparent absorption of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc was measured in growing albino rats. The supplementation of microbial phytase significantly improved calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc dialysability in vitro. However, the apparent absorption of calcium and magnesium remained unchanged by the phytase supplementation in growing rats. For phosphorus and zinc a significant correlation between in vitro and in vivo data was evident, but the response of microbial phytase to the availability of phosphorus and zinc was higher in vitro than in vivo.

Einfluß mikrobieller Phytasezulagen zu einer Mais‐Soja‐Diät auf die Verfügbarkeit von Calcium, Phosphor, Magnesium und Zink ‐ in vitro‐Dialysierbarkeit im Vergleich zur scheinbaren Absorption bei wachsenden Ratten

Der Einfluß gestaffelter Zulagen mikrobieller Phytase (0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 PU je kg Diät) zu einer Mais‐Soja‐Diät (5,0 g Ca, 3,0 g P, 1,2 g Mg, 24 mg Zn je kg Diät) wurde auf die Verfügbarkeit von Calcium, Phosphor, Magnesium und Zink in vitro und in vivo untersucht. Die in vitro‐Verfügbarkeit von Calcium, Phosphor, Magnesium und Zink wurde mittels Equilibriumdialyse nach simulierter peptischer und pankreatischer Digestion ermittelt und mit der scheinbaren Absorption bei wachsenden Ratten verglichen. Zulagen an mikrobieller Phytase führten zu einer signifikanten Erhöhung der Dialysierbarkeit von Calcium, Phosphor, Magnesium und Zink in vitro. Die scheinbare Absorption von Calcium und Magnesium wachsender Ratten wurde durch Phytasezulagen kaum beeinflußt. Bezüglich Phosphor und Zink bestand eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen den in vitro‐ und in vivo‐Ergebnissen, wobei unter in vitro‐Bedingungen eine deutlichere Steigerung der Phosphor‐ und Zinkdialysierbarkeit zu verzeichnen war.
Candida in der Dermatologie: Candida in dermatology
Authors: Seebacher Claus
Published: January 2011

Zusammenfassung. Summary.

on infection of the skin

immunological reactions with skin alterations as a result of Candida infection or colonization in the mouth and/or intestine.

Case reports describe typical situations of napkin dermatitis, intertriginous candidosis, the intrauterine Candida infection of the foetus, Candida granuloma, Candida folliculitis and Candida paronychia. In the second part results of investigations of patients suffering from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and urticaria are presented. There were no differences in the colonization with Candida albicans and in the level of Candida antibody titres between patients and a healthy control group.