bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcellular distribution of low‐voltage activated T‐type Ca2+ channel subunits (Cav3.1 and Cav3.3) in reticular thalamic neurons of the cat
Authors: Kovács Krisztina , Sík Attila , Ricketts Christopher , Timofeev Igor
Published: September 2009

Low‐voltage‐activated (LVA) Ca2+ channels play a critical role in the generation of burst firing in the thalamus. Recently, three LVA Ca2+ channel isoforms (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, Cav3.3) have been identified in the reticular thalamic nucleus (RE). Previous electrophysiological and modelling studies have suggested that kinetically different T‐type channels might be expressed in a compartmentalized manner in RE cells. However, their precise subcellular distribution has not been fully elucidated. Using light and electron microscopic (EM) immunocytochemistry, we investigated the subcellular expression pattern of Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 channel subunits in RE neurons of the cat. Fluorescent and peroxidase labelling demonstrated the presence of Cav3.1 channel predominantly on the somata and proximal dendrites and Cav3.3 channels on cell bodies. Quantitative immunogold localization disclosed that Cav3.1 and Cav3.3 isoforms showed 5.8‐ and 8.7‐fold higher density, respectively, in the cytoplasm compared with somatic plasma membrane. Density of Cav3.1 isoform in the somatic plasma membrane was 2.21‐fold higher compared with Cav3.3 subunit. In the dendritic plasma membrane, Cav3.1 channel isoform was expressed throughout the entire dendritic tree. In contrast, Cav3.3 isoform was absent from large‐caliber, presumably proximal dendritic segments. Quantitative comparison showed that the relative density of immunogold particles compared with dendritic surface was 8.9‐ and 14.8‐fold higher for Cav3.1 and Cav3.3, respectively, in small‐diameter dendrites than in large proximal dendritic segments or somata. Our results demonstrate a higher density of low‐threshold Ca2+ channels in distal dendrites and provide further evidence of the role of RE neuron dendrites in the generation of prolonged, low‐threshold spike bursts. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides confer neuroprotection through inhibition of reactive oxygen species production, Bax expression, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by overstimulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors
Authors: Shen Hongmei , Yuan Ying , Ding Fei , Hu Nan , Liu Jie , Gu Xiaosong
Published: September 2009

Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides (ABPP), the important constituents separated from the aqueous extract of Achyranthes bidentata, have been shown to attenuate N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced cell apoptosis in cultured hippocampal neurons through differential modulation of NR2A‐ and NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors. The present study sought to investigate the possible mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of ABPP on NMDA‐induced cell death. Western blot analysis and colorimetric enzymatic assay demonstrated that ABPP pretreatment inhibited NMDA‐induced increase of Bax protein expression or caspase‐3 activity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Fluorescence measurements after staining with 2,7‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate and rhodamine 123 showed that ABPP treatment also reversed NMDA‐induced intracellular radical oxygen species (ROS) elevation and mitochondrial membrane potential depression in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, the in vivo effects of ABPP on cerebral neuronal damage during focal ischemia‐reperfusion were also investigated. In rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, ABPP attenuated the increase in the neurological deficit and cerebral infarction induced by focal ischemia‐reperfusion, showing in vivo neuroprotective effects. The results collectively suggest that ABPP might exert neuroprotective actions through inhibiting Bax protein expression, caspase‐3 activity, ROS production, and mitochondrial dysfunction that are all caused by overstimulation of NMDA receptors. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different antipsychotics elicit different effects on magnocellular oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic neurons as revealed by Fos immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kiss A. , Bundzikova J. , Pirnik Z. , Mikkelsen J.D.
Published: September 2009

Acute administration of antipsychotics elicits regionally distinct patterns of Fos expression in the rat brain. Stimulation of oxytocin (OXY) and vasopressin (AVP) release in the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei indicates that antipsychotics may play a role in autonomic, neuroendocrine, and behavioral processes. This study was focused to reveal the responsiveness of hypothalamic OXY‐ and AVP‐ producing magnocellular neurons, in terms of quantitative and topographical distinctions, to antipsychotics displaying different pharmacological profiles. Naive male Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with haloperidol (1 mg/kg), clozapine (30 mg/kg), olanzapine (30 mg/kg), risperidone (2mg/kg), and vehicle (5% chremophor) and were sacrificed 60 min later by a fixative. Fos, Fos/OXY, and Fos/AVP labelings were visualized by immunohistochemistry in the SON, 5 accessory (ACS) cell groups, and 4 distinct PVN subdivisions using a computerized light microscope. Most apparent activation of single Fos, Fos/OXY, and Fos/AVP cells was induced by clozapine and olanzapine; effects of risperidone and haloperidol were substantially lower; no colocalizations were revealed in naive or vehicle treated control rats. The data indicate the existence of a substantial diversity in the stimulatory effect of the selected antipsychotics on quantity of Fos, Fos/OXY, and Fos/AVP immunostainings with the preferential action of the atypicals clozapine over olanzapine and little effects of risperidone and haloperidol. Variabilities in Fos distribution in the PVN, SON, and ACS induced by antipsychotics may be helpful to understand more precisely the extent of their extra‐forebrain actions with possible presumption of their functional impact and side effect consequences. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased level and defective function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in children with moyamoya disease
Authors: Kim Jin Hyun , Jung Ji‐Hye , Phi Ji Hoon , Kang Hyun‐Seung , Kim Jeong Eun , Chae Jong Hee , Kim Sang‐Jeong , Kim Young‐Hoon , Kim Young Yim , Cho Byung‐Kyu , Wang Kyu‐Chang , Kim Seung‐Ki
Published: September 2009

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in physiological and pathological neovascularization and may be involved in attenuating ischemic diseases. This study aimed to characterize circulating EPCs in moyamoya disease (MMD), one of the most common pediatric cerebrovascular diseases. Twenty‐eight children with MMD prior to any surgical treatment and 12 healthy volunteers were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were isolated and cultured in endothelial cell growth medium. Temporal change of phenotype of cells was analyzed on days 0 and 7. The formation of EPC clusters was evaluated on day 7. The CD34+, CD133+, and KDR+ cells, and the number of EPC clusters was significantly reduced in children with MMD. In controls, CD34+ cells were significantly decreased on day 7 compared with day 0, but in MMD they were only slightly decreased. The change in KDR+ cells on day 7 compared with day 0 was the reverse of that for CD34+ cells. Functional assay of EPC demonstrated less tube formation and increased senescent‐like phenotype in children with MMD. Analysis of the circulating EPCs of MMD children reveals decreased level and defective function. This study suggests that circulating EPCs may be associated with MMD pathogenesis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Posttraumatic stress disorder: Anxiety or traumatic stress disorder?
Authors: Resick Patricia A. , Miller Mark W.
Published: September 2009

The authors examine the question of whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should continue to be classified with the anxiety disorders in the upcoming revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐V; American Psychiatric Association) classification system. They examine four areas of research that challenge the placement of PTSD among the anxiety disorders: research on peritraumatic emotions and their association with later PTSD symptoms, the role of emotions over the course of PTSD, physiological reactivity and emotional responses, and comorbidity patterns. The authors conclude with the recommendation that PTSD be included among a new category of traumatic stress disorders in DSM‐V.
Antibacterial Acrylamide Hydrogels Containing Silver Nanoparticles by Simultaneous Photoinduced Free Radical Polymerization and Electron Transfer Processes
Authors: Uygun Mustafa , Kahveci Muhammet U. , Odaci Dilek , Timur Suna , Yagci Yusuf
Published: September 2009

Ag‐nanoparticle‐containing hydrogels were successfully prepared by in situ reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of citrate molecules as stabilizing agent during photoinduced copolymerization of AAm and BAAm. Swelling‐deswelling behavior and thermal properties of the synthesized hydrogels were investigated. The interior morphology of the gels exhibit continuity, which is a common feature for hydrogel networks. Antimicrobial activities of the hydrogels were also investigated against pathogenic E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, and non‐pathogenic E. coli K‐12, which are model microorganisms for testing bactericidal properties. The hydrogels containing well‐dispersed Ag NPs showed significant antibacterial activity.

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Photo‐Crosslinked Side‐Chain Liquid‐Crystalline Elastomers for Microsystems
Authors: Sánchez‐Ferrer Antoni , Fischl Tamás , Stubenrauch Mike , Wurmus Helmut , Hoffmann Martin , Finkelmann Heino
Published: September 2009

Photo‐crosslinkable side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers (LCPs) containing photoreactive benzophenone cores are synthesized in order to obtain their corresponding side‐chain liquid‐crystalline elastomers (LCEs). This strategic synthesis allows thin elastomeric films and their integration into microsystems for actuators and micromachines to be obtained. As an example of this principle, a gripper was developed. The position of its arms can be changed by applying voltages from 1.5 to 3.5 V at different rates. Small changes in the liquid‐crystalline elastomer film cause strains of up to 150% in the microdevice and the capacity to move up to 400 times its own mass due to the nematic‐to‐isotropic transformation.

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Anteromedial thigh flaps: An anatomical study to localize and classify anteromedial thigh perforators
Authors: Hupkens Pieter , Van Loon Bram , Lauret Gert‐Jan , Kooloos Jan G. M. , Vehof Johan W. M. , Hartman Ed H. M. , Spauwen Paul H. M.
Published: September 2009

Until now, research on flaps in the anteromedial thigh region has focused on flaps in specific regions. To elucidate the complete pattern of suitable anteromedial thigh perforators, an anatomical study was performed by dissecting nine thighs from different cadavers. The ideal perforator has maximum length and diameter and runs through a septum. According to the data found in our study, these perforators can predominantly be found in the middle third of the anteromedial thigh region. All of the three main thigh vessels supply perforators which can be used for flaps. Pertaining to length and diameter the most suitable perforators originate from the deep femoral artery, which can be found in the proximal and middle third of the anteromedial thigh. Musculocutaneous perforators are found to be longer than septocutaneous perforators. Because of their position, the proximal and distal third perforators should preferentially be used for local pedicled flaps. Defects in the pelvic area and around the knee can be closed with perforator flaps from the proximal and distal anteromedial thigh, respectively. Because of their diameter, length, and number, the middle third perforators should be the first choice for harvesting free flaps. Skin closure is easily achieved in the anteromedial thigh region even when larger flaps are used. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2010.
Functional independence score in hemophilia: A cross‐sectional study assessment of Mexican children
Authors: Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto , Villela‐Rodriguez Justo , Garibaldi‐Covarrubias Roberto , Soto‐Padilla Janet , Orozco‐Alcala Javier
Published: September 2009

Background

The Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) is a performance‐based assessment tool used to measure the patients functional ability so far only used in patients with severe hemophilia. Its aim is to determine if FISH is useful in patients with mild and moderate disease.

Procedure

In a cross‐sectional study 90 children 60 hemophilic and 30 sex‐, race‐, and age‐matched healthy males were assessed. Patients between 5 and 16 years of age were selected each patient was evaluated in seven activities under three categories: self‐care (grooming and eating, bathing, and dressing), transfers (chair and squat), and locomotion (walking and step climbing). Each activity was graded from 1 to 4 according to the amount of assistance required to perform the activity with total scores ranging from 7 to 28.

Results

As a whole, the mean age of the patients was 10.0 ± 3.4 years with a mean FISH of 25.8 ± 3.6 (range 15–28). There were no differences in the FISH between healthy males and patients with mild hemophilia; however, the score was significantly higher in patients with mild hemophilia (28 ± 0) than patients with moderate (26.2 ± 2.5; P = 0.004) or severe hemophilia (24.0 ± 4.7; P = 0.0006). The most affected activities were squatting, walking, and step climbing.

Conclusions

A significant decrease in functional ability was demonstrated according to the severity of hemophilia, especially for those activities involving weight‐bearing demands like locomotion and step climbing. Of seven activities evaluated, changes were observed in the group with moderate and severe hemophilia, but no changes detected in patients with mild disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:394–397. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The contribution of agreeableness and self‐efficacy beliefs to prosociality
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Alessandri Guido , Di Giunta Laura , Panerai Laura , Eisenberg Nancy
Published: September 2009

The present study examined how agreeableness and self‐efficacy beliefs about responding empathically to others' needs predict individuals' prosociality across time. Participants were 377 adolescents (66% males) aged 16 at Time 1 and 18 at Time 2 who took part at this study. Measures of agreeableness, empathic self‐efficacy and prosociality were collected at two time points. The findings corroborated the posited paths of relations to assigning agreeableness a major role in predicting the level of individuals' prosociality. Empathic self‐efficacy beliefs partially mediated the relation of agreeableness to prosociality. The posited conceptual model accounted for a significant portion of variance in prosociality and provides guidance with respect to interventions aimed at promoting prosociality. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Kirchhoff index of regular graphs
Authors: Palacios José Luis
Published: September 2009

Using probabilistic tools, we give a compact formula for the Kirchhoff index of any d‐regular N‐vertex graph in terms of d, N, and Kemeny's constant, as well as general upper and lower bounds in terms of d and N. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Parts of the Whole
Authors: Nadeau Joseph H. , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: September 2009

This article is categorized under:

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Differences in Food Preparation by Race and Ethnicity: Evidence from the American Time Use Survey
Authors: Tashiro Sanae
Published: September 2009

This paper examines factors that influence individuals' time use decisions regarding food preparation. Using American Time Use Survey data, Tobit estimates confirm that time spent on food preparation differs by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. In general, hours worked, age, and education are negatively associated with time spent preparing food-cooked-at-home, while family care and leisure time are positively associated with it. Time spent purchasing prepared-food, on the other hand, has a positive relation to hours worked, family care, leisure time, education, and income, although its effects significantly differ by race and ethnicity. Estimates further show a positive relationship between time spent preparing food-cooked-at-home and family size, supporting the Barten theory of scale economies in home production.
Maternal and perinatal outcomes of visceral leishmaniasis (kala‐azar) treated with sodium stibogluconate in eastern Sudan
Authors: Adam Gamal K. , Abdulla Mohamed A. , Ahmed Ahmed A. , Adam Ishag
Published: September 2009

Objective

To investigate maternal and perinatal outcomes when pregnant women with visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also known as kala‐azar) are treated with the antimonial sodium stibogluconate.

Method

Forty‐two pregnant women with VL were treated with sodium stibogluconate at Gadarif Hospital, Gadarif, Sudan, and mother and child were followed up for 1 year.

Results

The treatment began at a mean ± SD of 24.4 ± 9.2 weeks of pregnancy. None of the patients had malaria or HIV. Two (4.7%) who received the treatment in the first trimester had miscarriages; 4 (4.9%) died from hepatic encephalopathy during the second week of treatment; and 2 (4.7%) had preterm deliveries. One of the newborns had a myelomeningocele and died at 2 hours, and the other died from VL at 2 months.

Conclusion

Preventive measures against VL should be employed in the region, and more research on VL and its treatment during pregnancy is needed.
The role of family history in clinical symptoms and therapeutic outcomes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Hu Zhiping , Wang Ying , Qiao Jie , Li Meizhi , Chi Hongbin , Chen Xinna
Published: September 2009

Objective

To investigate the association between family history and clinical symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were thought to be inherited, by treating women with PCOS with contraceptive pills and metformin, and assessing outcomes.

Methods

Of 164 women with PCOS, 49 with menstrual abnormalities, hyperandrogenism, and abnormal glucose and/or insulin levels underwent a 3‐month treatment with contraceptive pills and metformin. Family history was taken, and physical and ultrasound examinations were performed. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, lipids, and reproductive hormones were measured before and after treatment.

Results

The serum levels of low‐density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglycerides were higher in the patients with a family history of the studied symptoms than in those with no such family history. After treatment, changes in testosterone and glucose levels, glucose area under curve, and homeostasis model assessment value differed in the 2 groups.

Conclusion

The patients with a family history of PCOS symptoms thought to be inherited were more sensitive to oral contraceptive and metformin treatment.
Environmental justice and deliberative democracy: How social change organizations respond to power in the deliberative system
Authors: Dodge Jennifer
Published: September 2009

This article examines how civil society organizations transmit policy ideas to decision makers in deliberative politics. Drawing on a case of the Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, it focuses on how they respond to hegemonic power and considers action within “the deliberative system,” including deliberative forums and broader public discourse. I find that civil society actors use both discursive and coercive forms of power to mobilize meaning and interrupt prevailing assumptions about race in environmental decision making. Contrary to theory, the civil society organization used coercive power mostly in and relating to face-to-face deliberation (to secure a fairer process and get their policy problems on the agenda). When their ideas about racial discrimination were weakened in deliberations, however, they used non-confrontational forms of discursive power to develop critical discourse on race and disseminate it in the public sphere where it could inform future political action.
Orally administered glucans from the edible mushroomPleurotus pulmonariusreduce acute inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis
Authors: Lavi Iris , Levinson Dana , Peri Irena , Nimri Lili , Hadar Yitzhak , Schwartz Betty
Published: September 2009

Polysaccharides are one of the most potent mushroom-derived substances exhibiting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The aims of the present study were to determine whether orally administered glucans from the edible mushroomPleurotus pulmonariuscould attenuate or prevent the development of experimental colitis in mice. Colonic inflammation was induced in mice by treatment with 3·5 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 18 d. Before or after DSS administration, mice were given hot water solubles (HWS) or mycelium extract (ME) (2 or 20 mg per mouse) daily in their food. Colonic damage was macroscopically and histologically evaluated. Inflammation was assessed by changes in colon length, TNF-α levels released by colonic samples in organ culture and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in colonic samples were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.P. pulmonariusglucans attenuated and prevented the development of symptoms associated with DSS-induced colitis. High doses of HWS and ME blocked colon shortening, suppressed MPO activity and improved macroscopic score in all treatment groups. In addition, histological damage from colitis was reduced by HWS and ME at all doses. The tissue levels of TNF-α protein were significantly decreased and correlated with degree of inflammation and macroscopic score. All treatments significantly attenuated the increased DSS-mediated expression levels of IL-1β. We conclude that the different glucan preparations (HWS or ME) harvested fromP. pulmonariuswhen orally administered to DSS-treated mice attenuate the development of colonic inflammation, suggesting putative clinical utility for these extracts in the treatment of colitis.
Is the use of resveratrol in the treatment and prevention of obesity premature?
Authors: van der Spuy Wendy J. , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: September 2009

Obesity is a multi-faceted disease, predisposing sufferers to numerous co-morbidities such as epithelial dysfunction and insulin resistance which ultimately result in CVD. Visceral adipose tissue in particular is associated with inflammation due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by adipocytes. Inflammation seems to be rather central in causing damage to endothelial cells as well as exerting negative effects on glucose metabolism, ultimately leading to insulin resistance. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phenolic substance which has been found to display anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective and insulin-sensitising effects, among others. The popularity of resveratrol use is escalating in the treatment of various ailments including obesity in adults. The use of the substance in childhood obesity is, however, a worrying factor, as no studies have as yet been performed on adolescent animals and there is evidence of kidney toxicity of resveratrol and its metabolites at intake levels below those currently approved as safe. Another cause for concern is the uncertainty surrounding long-term, low-dose administration of the substance in humans. The supplement should thus not be recommended for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity until conclusive research is established on the safety of long-term usage of resveratrol in both children and adults.
Evaluating energy intake measurement in free-living subjects: when to record and for how long?
Authors: Fyfe Claire L , Stewart Joanne , Murison Sandra D , Jackson Diane M , Rance Kellie , Speakman John R , Horgan Graham W , Johnstone Alexandra M
Published: September 2009

Objective

To nutritionally analyse mean energy intake (EI) from different 3 d intervals within a 7 d recording period and to evaluate the seasonal effect on energy and nutrient intake.

Design

Cross-sectional study of dietary intake collected with 7 d food diaries.

Setting

Aberdeen, north-east Scotland, UK, between 2002 and 2004.

Subjects

Participants from two long-term trials were pooled. These trials, investigating genetic and environmental influences on body weight, were the Genotyping And Phenotyping (GAP) study and a cohort observational study, Rowett Assessment of Childhood Appetite and metaboLism (RASCAL). There were 260 Caucasian adults, BMI range 16·7–49·3 kg/m2, age range 21–64 years.

Results

Mean EI for Wednesday, Friday and Saturday had the closest approximation to the 7 d mean (0·1 % overestimate). A gender × season interaction (P= 0·019) with a different intake pattern for females and males was observed. For females, lower mean (se) EI was recorded in summer (8117 (610) kJ) and autumn (7941 (699) kJ) compared with spring (8929 (979) kJ) and winter (8132 (1041) kJ). For males, higher mean (se) EI was recorded in summer (10 420 (736) kJ) and autumn (10 490 (1041) kJ) compared with spring (9319 (1441) kJ) and winter (9103 (1505) kJ).

Conclusions

The study results indicate that 3 d weighed intakes recorded from Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are most representative of 7 d habitual intake in free-living subjects. They also indicate that seasonality has a limited effect on EI and no effect on macronutrient intake.
Multi‐decadal variations in calcareous holozooplankton in the California Current System: Thecosome pteropods, heteropods, and foraminifera
Authors: Ohman Mark D. , Lavaniegos Bertha E. , Townsend Annie W.
Published: September 2009

We examine long‐term (1951–2008) variability of three major taxa of calcareous holozooplankton (aragonite‐secreting thecosome pteropods and heteropods, and calcite‐secreting large planktonic foraminifera) in light of recent interest in the impingement of waters undersaturated with respect to aragonite onto continental shelf depths in the California Current System. We assess interannual variability in springtime abundances of zooplankton sampled in the epipelagic layer, using CalCOFI (California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations) zooplankton samples from two regions: Southern California (SC) and Central California (CC). Thecosome pteropods show no evidence of recent declines in abundance in SC or CC waters. In SC, sampling was sufficient to conclude that heteropods and large foraminifera also show no evidence of declines in abundance in recent years. These results do not preclude as‐yet undetected changes in vertical distributions or shell morphology, and underscore the importance of sustained in situ measurement programs in order to detect and understand changes to pelagic ecosystems.
Thermal erosion of felsic ground by the laminar flow of a basaltic lava, with application to the Cave Basalt, Mount St. Helens, Washington
Authors: Kerr Ross C.
Published: September 2009

The thermal erosion of cold felsic ground by the steady laminar flow of a hot basaltic lava is examined theoretically and experimentally. Initially, a chill layer is grown and then remelted at the base of the lava flow. A steady thermal erosion velocity is then established, which is limited by the buoyant instability of the melted ground or by the effective freezing temperature of the basaltic lava. When the theoretical analysis is applied to the longest lava tube system of the Cave Basalt on Mount St. Helens, it is found that about 100 days of flow is sufficient to produce the observed ground erosion in Little Red River, Ape and Lake Caves.
Turbulent diffusion and turbulent thermal diffusion of aerosols in stratified atmospheric flows
Authors: Sofiev M. , Sofieva V. , Elperin T. , Kleeorin N. , Rogachevskii I. , Zilitinkevich S. S.
Published: September 2009

The paper analyzes the phenomenon of turbulent thermal diffusion in the Earth atmosphere, its relation to the turbulent diffusion, and its potential impact on aerosol distribution. This phenomenon was predicted theoretically more than 10 years ago and detected recently in the laboratory experiments. This effect causes a nondiffusive flux of aerosols in the direction of the heat flux and results in formation of long‐living aerosol layers in the vicinity of temperature inversions. We applied the theory of turbulent thermal diffusion to the Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS) aerosol observations near the tropopause in order to explain the shape of aerosol vertical profiles with elevated concentrations located almost symmetrically with respect to temperature profile. We demonstrate that this theory is in good agreement with the observed profiles of aerosol concentration and temperature in the vicinity of the tropopause. In combination with the derived expression for the dependence of the turbulent thermal diffusion ratio on the turbulent diffusion, these measurements yield an independent method for determining the coefficient of turbulent diffusion at the tropopause. We also derived a practically applicable formulation for dispersion of atmospheric trace species which takes into account the phenomenon of turbulent thermal diffusion. We evaluated the impact of turbulent thermal diffusion to the lower troposphere vertical profiles of aerosol concentration by means of numerical dispersion modeling and found a regular upward forcing of aerosols with coarse particles affected more strongly than fine aerosols.
Methane efflux from bubbles suspended in ice‐covered lakes in Syowa Oasis, East Antarctica
Authors: Sasaki Masafumi , Imura Satoshi , Kudoh Sakae , Yamanouchi Takashi , Morimoto Shinji , Hashida Gen
Published: September 2009

This is the first estimation of methane efflux from bubbles in lake ice in Antarctica. Bubbles suspended in shallow ice in 20 lakes were observed as part of the operations of the 45th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition in ice‐free rocky areas along the eastern coast of Lützow‐Holm Bay (Syowa Oasis) in East Antarctica in 2004. Anomalous methane concentrations in bubbles suspended in lake ice and anomalous dissolved methane concentrations in lake water were frequently found. Methane concentrations in bubbles varied of 5 orders of magnitude, from 1.9 ppmv to 18% vol/vol. A procedure that makes estimations of methane flux from ice bubbles possible has been developed, on the basis of a relationship between bubble‐density distribution, brightness observed by digital photographs, and methane concentration in bubbles. Such a procedure applied to Lake Oyako Ike in the Skarvsnes area, where the maximum methane concentration was observed, suggests that total bubble volume is about 0.6% of ice volume and the mass of methane in bubbles in the lake is about 74 kg. Almost all gases in bubbles are released to the atmosphere in the early ice melt season (a period of a few weeks in December and January). By applying area fraction frequency distributions to methane concentration ranges for 20 lakes surveyed, extrapolation to the whole Syowa Oasis, including 110 lakes, would give a provisional estimate of total emission of about 2 tons‐CH4/yr.
Total solar eclipse over Antarctica on 23 November 2003 and its effects on the atmosphere and snow near the ice sheet surface at Dome Fuji
Authors: Kameda Takao , Fujita Koji , Sugita Okimasa , Hirasawa Naohiko , Takahashi Shuhei
Published: September 2009

The Moon cast a long shadow over Antarctica on 23 November 2003 in a total solar eclipse. The eclipse was observed at Dome Fuji Station, located at the highest point of East Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, and lasted 1 h 41 min 37 s in a cloudless condition, during which the Sun was completely obscured for 1 min 43 s. This was the first total solar eclipse to be observed in the Antarctic ice sheet. During the eclipse at Dome Fuji, the air temperature at 1.5 m above the snow surface and the subsurface snow temperature decreased by 3.0 K and 1.8 K, respectively. Estimated surface snow temperatures decreased by 4.6 K. Atmospheric pressure and wind direction did not change, but the wind speed possibly decreased by 0.3 m/s with decreasing air temperature; natural variations in wind speed before and after the eclipse made it difficult to identify a true effect of the solar eclipse. Variations of energy components (net shortwave and longwave radiations, sensible and latent heat fluxes, and geothermal heat) during the eclipse were investigated. The total loss of global solar radiation during the eclipse was 0.60 MJ m−2, equaling 1.6% of the total daily global solar radiation. Regional effects of the eclipse due to a reduction of global solar radiation for air temperature and snow temperature ranged from 0.015 to 0.020 K (W m−2)−1. We additionally examined the relation between eclipse obscuration (the fraction of the Sun's surface area occulted by the Moon) and the reduction of global solar radiation from the first to second contacts. The eclipse was also observed from space by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors onboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. The observational results of this study will contribute to detailed model calculations for clarifying the meteorological effects of eclipses.
Intra‐bone marrow bone marrow transplantation rejuvenates the B‐cell lineage in aged mice
Authors: Hida Daisuke , Ishiguro Naoki , Haneda Masataka , Ishida Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Haruhiko , Isobe Ken‐ichi
Published: September 2009

Age‐related reductions in the frequency and absolute number of early B lineage precursors in the bone marrow of aged mice have been reported. Reversal of B‐cell lineage senescence has not been achieved. Age‐related impairment of the B‐cell lineage is caused by the decreasing functionality of hematopoietic and B lineage precursors, and reduced efficacy of bone marrow stromal cells that constitute the bone marrow microenvironment. To induce rejuvenation of aged B cells, we injected whole bone marrow from young donors to irradiated aged recipients through the tibia and analyzed B‐cell development and immune responsiveness. In aged mice, we found significant reductions in the frequencies and absolute numbers of pro‐B cells (B220+CD43+CD24+BP‐1− and B220+CD43+CD24intBP‐1+) and pre‐B cells (B220+CD43+CD24highBP‐1+ and B220+CD43−IgM−IgD−). Intra‐bone marrow bone marrow transplantation (IBM‐BMT) of young marrow cells including both hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow stromal cells reversed the reduction of pro‐B cells and pre‐B cells. In the periphery, the frequency and absolute number of marginal zone‐B cell were not significantly different between young, old and IBM‐BMT group. The frequency of follicular‐B cells in the IBM‐BMT group was significantly increased compared to old group. The frequency of B1a B cells in the peritoneal cavity was significantly decreased in the IBM‐BMT group. Antibody production against T‐independent antigens was not different among the young, the aged and IBM‐BMT groups.
Bifunctional cytosolic UDP-glucose 4-epimerases catalyse the interconversion between UDP-D-xylose and UDP-L-arabinose in plants
Authors: Kotake Toshihisa , Takata Ryohei , Verma Rajeev , Takaba Masato , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Orita Takahiro , Kaneko Satoshi , Matsuoka Koji , Koyama Tetsuo , Reiter Wolf-Dieter , Tsumuraya Yoichi
Published: September 2009

UDP-sugars serve as substrates in the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides and are themselves generated through sequential interconversion reactions from UDP-Glc (UDP-glucose) as the starting substrate in the cytosol and the Golgi apparatus. For the present study, a soluble enzyme with UDP-Xyl (UDP-xylose) 4-epimerase activity was purified approx. 300-fold from pea (Pisum sativum L.) sprouts by conventional chromatography. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme revealed that it is encoded by a predicted UDP-Glc 4-epimerase gene, PsUGE1, and is distinct from the UDP-Xyl 4-epimerase localized in the Golgi apparatus. rPsUGE1 (recombinant P. sativum UGE1) expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited both UDP-Xyl 4-epimerase and UDP-Glc 4-epimerase activities with apparent Km values of 0.31, 0.29, 0.16 and 0.15 mM for UDP-Glc, UDP-Gal (UDP-galactose), UDP-Ara (UDP-L-arabinose) and UDP-Xyl respectively. The apparent equilibrium constant for UDP-Ara formation from UDP-Xyl was 0.89, whereas that for UDP-Gal formation from UDP-Glc was 0.24. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PsUGE1 forms a group with Arabidopsis UDP-Glc 4-epimerases, AtUGE1 and AtUGE3, apart from a group including AtUGE2, AtUGE4 and AtUGE5. Similar to rPsUGE1, recombinant AtUGE1 and AtUGE3 expressed in E. coli showed high UDP-Xyl 4-epimerase activity in addition to their UDP-Glc 4-epimerase activity. Our results suggest that PsUGE1 and its close homologues catalyse the interconversion between UDP-Xyl and UDP-Ara as the last step in the cytosolic de novo pathway for UDP-Ara generation. Alternatively, the net flux of metabolites may be from UDP-Ara to UDP-Xyl as part of the salvage pathway for Ara.
EIN2, the central regulator of ethylene signalling, is localized at the ER membrane where it interacts with the ethylene receptor ETR1
Authors: Bisson Melanie M. A. , Bleckmann Andrea , Allekotte Silke , Groth Georg
Published: September 2009

Genetic studies have identified the membrane protein EIN2 (ethylene insensitive 2) as a central component of ethylene signalling in Arabidopsis. In addition, EIN2 might take part in multiple hormone signalling pathways and in response to pathogens as demonstrated by recent genetic and biochemical studies. Here we show, by an integrated approach using in vivo and in vitro fluorescence techniques, that EIN2 is localized at the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) membrane where it shows specific interaction with the ethylene receptor protein ETR1.
Functional insights into the role of novel type I cohesin and dockerin domains from Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Pinheiro Benedita A. , Gilbert Harry J. , Sakka Kazutaka , Sakka Kazuo , Fernandes Vânia O. , Prates José A. M. , Alves Victor D. , Bolam David N. , Ferreira Luís M. A. , Fontes Carlos M. G. A
Published: September 2009

Cellulosomes, synthesized by anaerobic microorganisms such as Clostridium thermocellum, are remarkably complex nanomachines that efficiently degrade plant cell wall polysaccharides. Cellulosome assembly results from the interaction of type I dockerin domains, present on the catalytic subunits, and the cohesin domains of a large non-catalytic integrating protein that acts as a molecular scaffold. In general, type I dockerins contain two distinct cohesin-binding interfaces that appear to display identical ligand specificities. Inspection of the C. thermocellum genome reveals 72 dockerin-containing proteins. In four of these proteins, Cthe_0258, Cthe_0435, Cthe_0624 and Cthe_0918, there are significant differences in the residues that comprise the two cohesin-binding sites of the type I dockerin domains. In addition, a protein of unknown function (Cthe_0452), containing a C-terminal cohesin highly similar to the equivalent domains present in C. thermocellum-integrating protein (CipA), was also identified. In the present study, the ligand specificities of the newly identified cohesin and dockerin domains are described. The results revealed that Cthe_0452 is located at the C. thermocellum cell surface and thus the protein was renamed as OlpC. The dockerins of Cthe_0258 and Cthe_0435 recognize, preferentially, the OlpC cohesin and thus these enzymes are believed to be predominantly located at the surface of the bacterium. By contrast, the dockerin domains of Cthe_0624 and Cthe_0918 are primarily cellulosomal since they bind preferentially to the cohesins of CipA. OlpC, which is a relatively abundant protein, may also adopt a ‘warehouse’ function by transiently retaining cellulosomal enzymes at the cell surface before they are assembled on to the multienzyme complex.
Fat on the move: intracellular motion of lipid droplets
Authors: Welte Michael A.
Published: September 2009

Lipid droplets are intracellular organelles that play central roles in lipid metabolism. In many cells, lipid droplets undergo active motion, typically along microtubules. This motion has been proposed to aid growth and breakdown of droplets, to allow net transfer of nutrients from sites of synthesis to sites of need and to deliver proteins and lipophilic signals. This review summarizes the current understanding of where, why and how lipid droplets move.
The role of TOG domains in microtubule plus end dynamics
Authors: Slep Kevin C.
Published: September 2009

The XMAP215 (Xenopus microtubule-associated protein 215) and CLASP [CLIP-170 (cytoskeletal linker protein 170) associated protein] microtubule plus end tracking families play central roles in the regulation of interphase microtubule dynamics and the proper formation of mitotic spindle architecture and flux. XMAP215 members comprise N-terminally-arrayed hexa-HEAT (huntingtin, elongation factor 3, the PR65/A subunit of protein phosphatase 2A and the lipid kinase Tor) repeats known as TOG (tumour overexpressed gene) domains. Higher eukaryotic XMAP215 members are monomeric and have five TOG domains. Yeast counterparts are dimeric and have two TOG domains. Structure determination of the TOG domain reveals that the six HEAT repeats are aligned to form an oblong scaffold. The TOG domain face composed of intra-HEAT loops forms a contiguous, conserved tubulin-binding surface. Nested within the conserved intra-HEAT loop 1 is an invariant, signature, surface-exposed tryptophan residue that is a prime determinant in the TOG domain–tubulin interaction. The arrayed organization of TOG domains is critical for the processive mechanism of XMAP215, indicative that multiple tubulin/microtubule-binding sites are required for plus end tracking activity. The CLASP family has been annotated as containing a single N-terminal TOG domain. Using XMAP215 TOG domain structure determinants as a metric to analyse CLASP sequence, it is anticipated that CLASP contains two additional cryptic TOGL (TOG-like) domains. The presence of additional TOGL domains implicates CLASP as an ancient XMAP215 relative that uses a similar, multi-TOG-based mechanism to processively track microtubule ends.
A novel function of lipid droplets in regulating longevity
Authors: Goldberg Alexander A. , Bourque Simon D. , Kyryakov Pavlo , Boukh-Viner Tatiana , Gregg Christopher , Beach Adam , Burstein Michelle T. , Machkalyan Gayane , Richard Vincent , Rampersad Sonia , Titorenko Vladimir I.
Published: September 2009

Growing evidence supports the view that LDs (lipid droplets) are dynamic organelles that can serve both as an intracellular signalling compartment and as an organizing platform orchestrating many vital processes in eukaryotic cells. It has become clear that the LDs-confined deposition and lipolytic degradation of neutral lipids define longevity in multicellular eukaryotic organisms and yeast. We summarize the evidence in support of the essential role that LDs play in longevity regulation and propose several molecular mechanisms by which these dynamic organellar compartments control the aging process in multicellular eukaryotes and yeast.
Risk and resilience in bipolar disorder: rationale and design of the Vulnerability to Bipolar Disorders Study (VIBES)
Authors: Frangou Sophia
Published: September 2009

BD (bipolar disorder) is among the ten most significant causes of disability worldwide. Neuroscientists and clinicians have yet to meet the challenge of reducing this disability burden. The main obstacle to date has been our incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of BD which thwarts primary prevention and early diagnosis and hinders effective treatment. There is a need to move beyond diagnostic approaches based purely on behavioural observation, as they lack reliability and biological validity. The present article reviews the evidence for cognitive, brain structural and functional correlates of genetic predisposition to BD and highlights biological markers of risk as well as factors that might protect against disease expression. It also outlines the rational and design of the Vulnerability to Bipolar Disorders Study (VIBES), which exemplifies a promising approach to delineating biological mechanisms mediating risk, resilience and disease expression in BD.
DTI studies of corpus callosum in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bellani Marcella , Yeh Ping-Hong , Tansella Michele , Balestrieri Matteo , Soares Jair C. , Brambilla Paolo
Published: September 2009

Although the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder is still not completely understood, there is evidence from imaging studies that abnormalities in inter-hemispheric communication may play a major role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. In the present review, we discuss the most consistent findings from diffusion imaging studies exploring corpus callosum integrity in bipolar disorder.
Valproic acid- and lithium-sensitivity in prs mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kleineidam Anna , Vavassori Stefano , Wang Ke , Schweizer Lilian M. , Griac Peter , Schweizer Michael
Published: September 2009

Prs [PRPP (phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate) synthetase] catalyses the transfer of pyrophosphate from ATP to ribose 5-phosphate, thereby activating the pentose sugar for incorporation into purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome contains five genes, PRS1–PRS5, whose products display characteristic PRPP and bivalent-cation-binding sites of Prs polypeptides. Deletion of one or more of the five PRS genes has far-reaching and unexpected consequences, e.g. impaired cell integrity, temperature-sensitivity and sensitivity to VPA (valproic acid) and LiCl. CTP pools in prs1Δ and prs3Δ are reduced to 12 and 31% of the wild-type respectively, resulting in an imbalance in phospholipid metabolism which may have an impact on the intracellular inositol pool which is affected by the administration of either VPA or LiCl. Overexpression of CTP synthetase in prs1Δ prs3Δ strains partially reverses the VPA-sensitive phenotype. Yeast two-hybrid screening revealed that Prs3 and the yeast orthologue of GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3), Rim11, a serine/threonine kinase involved in several signalling pathways, interact with each other. Furthermore, Prs5, an essential partner of Prs3, which also interacts with GSK3 contains three neighbouring phosphorylation sites, typical of GSK3 activation. These studies on yeast PRPP synthetases bring together and expand the current theories for the mood-stabilizing effects of VPA and LiCl in bipolar disorder.
Regulatory role of the extreme C‐terminal end of the S6 inner helix in C‐terminal‐truncated Kv1.2 channel activation
Authors: Zhao Li‐Li , Qi Zhi , Zhang Xian‐En , Bi Li‐Jun , Jin Gang
Published: September 2009

The transmembrane part of the S6 inner helix of the Kv1.2 potassium channel is a pivotal part in sustaining channel activity. However, the role of its extreme C‐terminal end, which is located on the cytoplasmic side of the channel, is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the extreme C‐terminal end of the S6 inner helix (the HRET region) by constructing a series of C‐terminal‐truncated mutations related to this region in the C‐terminal‐truncated Kv1.2 channel. Mutations on Thr421or Glu420significantly altered the activation of the truncated channel. Mutations on Arg419demonstrated that neutral or basic, but not acidic amino acid, is essential at the position for the truncated channel activation, and no functional channel was observed when the channel was truncated from His418. Hence, our results indicate that the extreme C‐terminal end of the S6 inner helix plays an important regulatory role in the activation of the C‐terminal‐truncated Kv1.2 channel.