bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental history of the subplate zone, subplate neurons and interstitial white matter neurons: relevance for schizophrenia
Authors: Kostović Ivica , Judaš Miloš , Sedmak Goran
Published: September 2010

The subplate zone is a transient cytoarchitectonic compartment of the fetal telencephalic wall and contains a population of subplate neurons which are the main neurons of the fetal neocortex and play a key role in normal development of cerebral cortical structure and connectivity. While the subplate zone disappears during the perinatal and early postnatal period, numerous subplate neurons survive and remain embedded in the superficial (gyral) white matter of adolescent and adult brain as so‐called interstitial neurons. In both fetal and adult brain, subplate/interstitial neurons belong to two major classes of cortical cells: (a) projection (glutamatergic) neurons and (b) local circuit (GABAergic) interneurons. As interstitial neurons remain strategically positioned at the cortical/white matter interface through which various cortical afferent systems enter the deep cortical layers, they probably serve as auxiliary interneurons involved in differential “gating” of cortical input systems.

It is widely accepted that prenatal lesions which alter the number of surviving subplate neurons (i.e., the number of interstitial neurons) and/or the nature of their involvement in cortical circuitry represent an important causal factor in pathogenesis of at least some types of schizophrenia – e.g., in the subgroup of patients with cognitive impairment and deficits of frontal lobe functions. The abnormal functioning of cortical circuitry in schizophrenia becomes manifest during the adolescence, when there is an increased demand for proper functioning of the prefrontal cortex.

In this review, we describe developmental history of subplate zone, subplate neurons and surviving interstitial neurons, as well as presumed consequences of the increased number of GABAergic interstitial neurons in the prefrontal cortex. We propose that the increased number of GABAergic interstitial neurons leads to the increased inhibition of prefrontal cortical neurons. This inhibitory action of GABAergic interstitial neurons is facilitated by their strategic position at the cortical/white matter interface where limbic and modulatory afferent pathways enter the prefrontal cortex. Thus, enlarged population of inhibitory interstitial neurons (even if they represent a minor fraction of total neuron number, as in the cerebral cortex itself) may alter the differential “gating” of limbic and modulatory inputs (as well as other cortical and subcortical inputs) and cause a functional disconnectivity between the prefrontal and limbic cortex in the adolescent brain. In conclusion, fetal subplate neurons and surviving postnatal interstitial neurons are important modulators of cortical functions in both normal and schizophrenic cerebral cortex.
Empirical pseudo-balanced model reduction and feedback control of weakly nonlinear convection patterns
Authors: OR A. C. , SPEYER J. L.
Published: September 2010

An empirical model reduction method is performed on nonlinear transient convection patterns near the threshold, using a pseudo-inverse-based projective method called the pseudo-balanced proper orthogonal decomposition (PBPOD). These transient patterns are large-scale amplitude/phase modulations in convection rolls, obtained by prescribing selected spatial input-shape functions. For the nonlinear convection patterns modelled, PBPOD appears to be very effective. Using the nonlinear front example, PBPOD is compared with other existing methods, such as POD and linearized BPOD. The limitations of the methods are discussed. Using a complex prescribed input, complex disturbances are generated and the outputs of the open-loop responses are compared between the original and the reduced-order models. The agreement is good. A feedback-control study is performed using the nonlinear front example. The controller is built by the pseudo-balanced reduced-order model, with a low-order nonlinear estimator. Closed-loop simulations show that the nonlinear travelling fronts can be effectively damped out by the feedback-control actions.
Auditory and vestibular manifestations of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Al Dousary S
Published: September 2010

Introduction and aims:

Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease is a chronic disorder involving the eye and the central nervous, auditory, vestibular and integumentary systems. This study aimed to determine the auditory and vestibular manifestations of this disease.

Methods:

Twenty-four patients diagnosed with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease were assessed for auditory and vestibular dysfunction.

Results:

Uveitis presents in all cases. Sensory hearing loss was present in 50 per cent of cases, tinnitus in 42 per cent, vertigo in 17 per cent and headache in 17 per cent. Nine patients received systemic steroids. Six patients who were treated early regained their hearing, but three patients whose treatment was delayed did not. One patient with bilateral profound hearing loss underwent cochlear implantation, and achieved excellent post-implantation hearing.

Conclusion:

There is a high incidence of cochlear and vestibular end-organ involvement in patients with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease. The adequacy and timing of treatment has a significant effect on the disease outcome. Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease appears to affect the inner ear end-organ. Patients who develop bilateral profound sensory hearing loss are suitable candidates for cochlear implantation.
Northward invasion of the parasitic deer ked (Lipoptena cervi), is there geographical variation in pupal size and development duration?
Authors: KAUNISTO SIRPA , HÄRKÖNEN LAURA , NIEMELÄ PEKKA , ROININEN HEIKKI , YLÖNEN HANNU
Published: September 2010

The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a common ectoparasite of cervids. During the last decades the species has rapidly invaded in northern Europe, especially in Finland, towards the north and increased its prevalence on the moose population. Consequently, during this rapid invasion the deer ked has faced more severe climatic conditions. We studied whether pupal size (measured as pupal weight) and pupal development duration of the deer ked varies along historical invasion zones and temperature zones towards north in Finland. Moreover, we explored possible size- and gender-dependent variation in pupal development duration. We divided wild-collected pupae in respect to their origin in two ways: (1) temperature zones (from south-west to colder north-east) and (2) invasion history (from early to late establishment). We reared pupae in the controlled laboratory conditions in identical temperature and light conditions. Pupal size decreased towards north and the smaller pupae developed faster. However, the results do not show differences in pupal size or developmental characteristics between the invasion zones. This supports the idea of rapid developmental plasticity of the deer ked and that not the invasion history but the current temperature regime determines the life history of the deer ked when invading towards a colder environment.
Availability of data assessing the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among European adolescents
Authors: Lien Nanna , Henriksen Hege B , Nymoen Lena L , Wind Marianne , Klepp Knut-Inge
Published: September 2010

Objective

To review recent data on objectively measured overweight/obesity in national representative samples of European adolescents (aged 10–18 years), as well as availability of studies assessing trends in overweight/obesity in this target group. Attention was paid to the ability of the data to describe the obesity epidemic, especially in sociodemographic subgroups.

Design/setting/subjects

Data on prevalence and trends in overweight/obesity among adolescents in the twenty-seven European Community member states, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, available as scientific publications as well as reports or unpublished data by the end of 2009, were retrieved. Reports on the most recent objectively measured data from national representative samples were selected and described with regard to the years of data collection, sample sizes, response rates, age ranges included, trends by age, type of measures of overweight/obesity, sociodemographic variables and the sources of information.

Results

Objectively measured data on national representative samples were identified for only half of the countries, and the trend studies were mainly conducted applying subnational samples. Most studies used the criteria from the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) to define overweight/obesity, but the age ranges studied and the years of data collection varied, and information on sample sizes and response rates were often not presented. Data on trends of overweight/obesity over time are increasing, and the most recent studies indicate that the prevalence rate of overweight/obesity has stabilized. Few studies reported data by sociodemographic subgroups other than gender and age.

Conclusions

Objectively measured data on national representative samples of adolescents appear scattered, and there is a large heterogeneity with respect to the quality and comparability of available data. Increasing use of the IOTF criteria for overweight/obesity contributes to improved comparability across studies. Data by sociodemographic subgroups, and in particular by socio-economic status, are scarce.
Longitudinal associations of energy balance-related behaviours and cross-sectional associations of clusters and body mass index in Norwegian adolescents
Authors: van der Sluis Maria E , Lien Nanna , Twisk Jos WR , Steenhuis Ingrid HM , Bere Elling , Klepp Knut-Inge , Wind Marianne
Published: September 2010

Background

Insight into the role of energy balance-related behaviours (EBRB) is of great importance when it comes to prevention of weight gain and design of interventions tailored to target these behaviours.

Objectives

First, the present study examines the longitudinal association of four EBRB in Norwegian adolescents. Second, it aims to examine whether clusters of EBRB are cross-sectionally associated with being overweight.

Design

The present study is part of the ‘Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks’ project. The study sample consists of twenty control schools in two Norwegian counties.

Methods

Survey questionnaires were completed by 884 pupils with an average age at baseline, September 2001, of 11·8 years. In the follow-up surveys in May 2002 and May 2005, a total of 809 and 724 adolescents participated, respectively. Four EBRB were measured: habitual fruit and vegetable intake, snacking and soda consumption, television and computer use and physical activity.

Results

Results of the associations between EBRB were similar for boys and girls. The odds, ranging from 1·14 to 12·06, were mostly significant. One out of four clusters, the unhealthy cluster, was significantly and cross-sectionally associated with overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

Longitudinal associations of EBRB show that it is important to start early with interventions that aim to prevent unhealthy behaviours becoming habitual. These behaviours should be targeted at the same time as they tend to co-occur. More research, preferably longitudinal and more objective, is needed to investigate associations between health behaviours and body weight among adolescents.
MIND, BODY, AND SOUL: IDEAS IN CONTEXT
Authors: KORS ALAN CHARLES
Published: September 2010

Ann Thomson's Bodies of Thought is simultaneously an outgrowth of her prior work and a new direction in her scholarship. She has done rigorous and original study of the mid-eighteenth-century French materialist Julien Offray de La Mettrie, offering important critical editions and major articles. She also has done fruitful studies of broader issues of eighteenth-century medicine, vitalism, Epicureanism, and clandestine literature. These endeavors immersed her in precisely the consequences—both intended and unintended, in France, above all—of the sorts of debates that she examines here. She knows well the early modern issues and implications of debates about mind and body, and she can explain them with precision and fluency.
Post-emergence weed control through abrasion with an approved organic fertilizer
Authors: Forcella Frank , James Trevor , Rahman Anis
Published: September 2010

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is an approved organic fertilizer and pre-emergence herbicide that can be manufactured in the form of grit. This grit was tested for its ability to abrade seedlings of the summer annual weedy grass, Setaria pumila, when plants were in the 1- to 5-leaf stages of growth. CGM was propelled at air pressures of 250–750 kPa at distances of 30–60 cm from the plants. Established seedlings of S. pumila were controlled more effectively when grit was applied at 500 and 750 kPa than at 250 kPa, as well as when the applicator's nozzle was 30 cm from the plants compared to 60 cm distance. Seedling growth and dry weights were greatly reduced by exposures to grit at 60 cm and 500 kPa for 2 s or less, and seedlings were nearly completely destroyed at 30 cm distance and 750 kPa. CGM, a soft grit, was as effective for abrading seedlings as fine quartz sand, a hard grit. CGM had little pre-emergence herbicidal effect on S. pumila. Although regrowth can occur in S. pumila after abrasion by grit, the initial grit-induced stunting is sufficient to allow competing crop plants, like maize, to escape competition and suppress the weed. Consequently, CGM may be an effective form of soft grit for post-emergence abrasion of seedlings of summer annual grass weeds in organic row crops, while simultaneously supplying the crop with fertilizer.
Die Neurowissenschaften als Herausforderung und Chance der Psychologie
Authors: Hommel Bernhard
Published: September 2010

Zusammenfassung. Der enorme Erfolg der kognitiven Neurowissenschaften stellt die Psychologie vor potentiell bedrohliche Herausforderungen. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert die wichtigsten dieser Herausforderungen und betont die Bedeutung einer erfolgreichen Strategie ihnen zu begegnen – nicht zuletzt weil die Psychologie die wahrscheinlich wichtigste Brücke zwischen den Naturwissenschaften und den Geisteswissenschaften darstellt. Die vorgeschlagene Strategie betont diese Verbindungsfunktion und beschreibt notwendige Reformen: Psychologinnen und Psychologen benötigen mehr Wissen über die Vor- und Nachteile neurowissenschaftlicher Methoden, um sie kreativer nutzen zu können, und sie müssen sich stärker in interdisziplinären Projekten und sozialen Forschungsnetzwerken engagieren.
Einfluss eines Kurz-Interventionsprogramms auf das Bewegungsverhalten und seine psychologischen Voraussetzungen bei Übergewichtigen und Adipösen
Authors: Gerber Markus , Fuchs Reinhard , Pühse Uwe
Published: September 2010

Zusammenfassung. Körperliche Inaktivität ist eine wichtige Ursache von Adipositas. Die Förderung eines körperlich-aktiven Lebensstils ist deshalb aus präventivmedizinischer Sicht ein wünschenswertes Ziel. Bisherige Interventionsprogramme konzentrierten sich vorwiegend auf die Verbesserung der Motivation. Programme für übergewichtige und adipöse Personen sollten jedoch verstärkt auch volitionale Faktoren in den Blick nehmen. Um herauszufinden, ob durch die Stärkung volitionaler Kompetenzen die Alltags- und Sportaktivität sowie die Determinanten körperlich-sportlicher Aktivität beeinflusst werden können, wurde in der vorliegenden Studie mit N = 50 übergewichtigen und adipösen Personen das Kurz-Bewegungsberatungsprogramm MoVo-LISA durchgeführt. Dazu wurden über einen Zeitraum von vier Monaten eine Experimental- (n = 21) und eine Wartegruppe (n = 29) dreimal befragt. Die Resultate zeigen signifikante Verbesserungen hinsichtlich der Sportaktivität, der Konsequenzerwartungen, der Zielintention, der Implementierungsintentionen und der volitionalen Selbstregulations-Fertigkeiten. Insgesamt liefern die Befunde überzeugende Belege für die kurz- und mittelfristige Wirksamkeit und die praktische Durchführbarkeit des MoVo-LISA Bewegungsberatungsprogramms in einem nicht medizinischen Setting.
Validity and Reliability of a Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10)
Authors: Davies Kevin A. , Lane Andrew M. , Devonport Tracey J. , Scott Jamie A.
Published: September 2010

This study describes the development and validation of a brief self-report measure of emotional intelligence based on Salovey and Mayer’s (1990) conceptualization. In stage one, the 33-item Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS: Schutte et al., 1998 ) was assessed for content validity by a panel of experts. The panel deemed 17 items unsuitable for further analysis. In stage two, a theoretically derived 5-factor solution and a unidimensional model were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in a student-athlete sample (n = 955). Results supported the multidimensional solution. The Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale (BEIS-10) was developed by extracting the two items from each factor with the most salient factor loadings. CFA results yielded good fit indices for the 10-item, 5-factor solution. Finally, stage three provided evidence of test-retest stability for the BEIS-10 over a 2-week period in a sample of 111 student-athletes. The BEIS-10 is offered as a valid and reliable measurement tool that has particular utility in situations where brevity is important.
The Generality of Personality Heritability
Authors: Ekehammar Bo , Akrami Nazar , Hedlund Lars-Erik , Yoshimura Kimio , Ono Yutaka , Ando Juko , Yamagata Shinji
Published: September 2010

The present research examined the relationship between heritability and response time for the Big Five personality facets in three samples of adults and adolescents. We predicted that the larger the heritability of a facet the faster is the response to the items of that facet. In support of our predictions, the results showed that heritability and response time were indeed negatively correlated. The effect size of the relationship was small but systematic and statistically significant across all samples. The findings underline the generality of personality heritability and highlight the link between heritability and behavioral indicators. The potential usefulness of both heritability estimates and response time in research on personality is discussed.
Equatorial quasi‐biennial oscillation influence on northern winter extratropical circulation
Authors: Naoe Hiroaki , Shibata Kiyotaka
Published: September 2010

This study investigated the Holton‐Tan relationship between the equatorial quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) and the polar vortex as seen in the ERA‐40 reanalysis and ERA‐interim analysis (1980–2004, 25 years) data sets and in ensemble simulated data sets (five members covering the period 1980–2004, 125 years) by using the Meteorological Research Institute chemistry climate model (MRI‐CCM) and focusing on the Northern Hemisphere winter. The primary tools employed were composite differences in zonal wind, temperature, and Eliassen‐Palm (EP) fluxes. Although not many global circulation models can simulate the QBO realistically, the MRI‐CCM, which includes the interaction between QBO dynamics and the ozone (hence heating) distribution, reproduces a self‐generated QBO that is fairly realistic. In agreement with the finding of previous studies, our results revealed that the conventional Holton‐Tan explanation that the equatorial winds in the lower stratosphere act as a waveguide for midlatitude planetary wave propagation cannot explain the winter circulation in either the ERA‐40 data or the simulation. Although the composite differences in zonal wind and temperature show a slight yet statistically significant Holton‐Tan effect, i.e., the stratospheric polar vortex is weaker and more disturbed under easterly QBO conditions, the EP flux diagnostics do not show more poleward propagation in the midlatitude stratosphere. Rather, planetary waves propagate more equatorward as well as more upward during the easterly phase of the QBO.
Upper mantle structure beneath Cameroon from body wave tomography and the origin of the Cameroon Volcanic Line
Authors: Reusch A. M. , Nyblade A. A. , Wiens D. A. , Shore P. J. , Ateba B. , Tabod C. T. , Nnange J. M.
Published: September 2010

The origin of the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL), a 1600 km long linear volcanic chain without age progression that crosses the ocean‐continent boundary in west‐central Africa, is investigated using body wave tomography. Relative arrival times from teleseismic P and S waves recorded on 32 temporary seismic stations over a 2‐year period were obtained using a multichannel cross‐correlation technique and then inverted for mantle velocity perturbations. The P and S wave models show a tabular low‐velocity anomaly directly beneath the CVL extending to at least 300 km depth, with perturbations of −1.0 to −2.0% for P and −2.0 to −3.0% for S. The S wave velocity variation can be attributed to a 280 K or possibly higher thermal perturbation, if composition and other effects on seismic velocity are negligible. The near vertical sides of the anomaly and its depth extent are not easily explained by models for the origin of the CVL that invoke plumes or decompression melting under reactivated shear zones, but are possibly consistent with a model invoking edge‐flow convection along the northern boundary of the Congo Craton lithosphere. If edge‐flow convection in the sublithospheric upper mantle is combined with lateral flow channeled along a fracture zone beneath the oceanic sector of the CVL, then the oceanic sector can also be explained by flow in the upper mantle deriving from variations in lithospheric thickness.
Effect of the Cannabinoid Receptor‐1 Antagonist Rimonabant on Inflammation in Mice With Diet‐Induced Obesity
Authors: Wang Qun , Perrard Xiaoyuan D. , Perrard Jerry L. , Mansoori Amir , Smith C. Wayne , Ballantyne Christie M. , Wu Huaizhu
Published: September 2010

We studied whether cannabinoid receptor (CB1) blockade with rimonabant has an anti‐inflammatory effect in obese mice, and whether this effect depends on weight loss and/or diet consumption. High‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice were treated orally with rimonabant (HFD‐R) or vehicle (HFD‐V) for 4 weeks. Paired‐feeding was conducted in two additional groups of obese mice to achieve either the same body weight (HFD‐BW) or the same HFD intake (HFD DI) as HFD‐R. All these groups of mice were maintained on HFD throughout, with mice on normal diet (ND) throughout as lean controls. Rimonabant treatment of obese mice induced marked diet‐intake reduction and weight loss during the first week, which was followed by maintenance of low body weight but not diet‐intake reduction. Lower HFD intake was required to reach the same degree of weight loss in HFD‐BW. HFD‐DI had similar weight loss initially, but then started to gain weight, reaching a higher body weight than HFD‐R. Despite the same degree of weight loss, HFD‐R had less fat mass and lower adipogenic gene expression than HFD‐BW. Compared to HFD‐V or HFD‐DI, HFD‐R had reduced inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) and/or liver indicated primarily by lower monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) levels. However, MCP‐1 levels were not significantly different between HFD‐R and HFD‐BW. In vitro incubation of rimonabant with AT explants did not change MCP‐1 levels. Thus, rimonabant induced weight loss in obese mice by diet‐intake‐dependent and ‐independent fashions. Rimonabant decreased inflammation in obese mice, possibly through a primary effect on weight reduction.
Sex‐Specific HDL Cholesterol Changes With Weight Loss and Their Association With Anthropometric Variables: The LIFE Study
Authors: Yatsuya Hiroshi , Jeffery Robert W. , Erickson Darin J. , Welsh Ericka M. , Flood Andrew P. , Jaeb Melanie A. , Laqua Patricia S. , Mitchell Nathan R. , Langer Shelby L. , Levy Rona L.
Published: September 2010

Decrease in the level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) has been observed in women who start dieting, but not in men. Patterns of HDLC change during intentional weight loss through 30‐months of follow‐up, and their association with changes in anthropometric measurements were examined in obese women (N = 112) and men (N = 100). Missing HDLC values at 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 30‐month follow‐up (N = 16, 34, 55, and 50, respectively) due to dropout were imputed by multiple imputation. Mean ages and BMIs of subjects at baseline were 47.2 years and 34.8 kg/m2 for women, and 50.4 years and 35.0 kg/m2 for men. On average, participants lost weight steadily for 12 months, followed by slow regain. During the first 6 months, HDLC decreased significantly in women (−4.1 mg/dl, P = 0.0007), but not in men. Significant HDLC increases were observed in both men and women from 6‐ to 12‐month follow‐up. HDLC changes in women were positively associated with changes in hip circumference from baseline to 12‐month independent of changes in triglycerides (TG), glucose, and insulin. Rapid decrease of predominantly subcutaneous fat in the femoral and gluteal area might be associated with HDLC decrease in women during initial weight loss.
Predictive Ability of Waist‐to‐Height in Relation to Adiposity in Children Is Not Improved With Age and Sex‐Specific Values
Authors: Taylor Rachael W. , Williams Sheila M. , Grant Andrea M. , Taylor Barry J. , Goulding Ailsa
Published: September 2010

A waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) ≥0.5 indicates increased health risk in children and adults. However, because of residual correlation between WHtR and height in children, dividing waist circumference by height to the power of one may be insufficient to correctly adjust for height during growth. This study aimed to determine whether age and sex‐specific exponents which properly adjust for height affect the predictive ability of WHtR to correctly discriminate between children with differing fat distribution. Total and regional body fat was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 778 (49% male) children and adolescents. WHtR was calculated as waist/height1 (WHtRa), and using two published age and sex‐specific exponents for height (WHtRb) (1) (WHtRc) (2), and compared with various DXA indexes of body composition using receiver operating curve analysis. 15% of males and 17% of females had a WHtRa ≥0.5, with corresponding figures of 8% and 27% for WHtRb, and 23% and 17% for WHtRc. WHtRa was significantly different from WHtRb (males only, P < 0.001) but not WHtRc (P = 0.121). Areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for WHtRa were significantly higher than AUCs for WHtRb or WHtRc in relation to DXA‐measured body composition (AUCs ≥0.89 for WHtRa compared with AUCs of 0.71–0.84 for WHtRb and WHtRc). Simply dividing waist circumference by height (WHtRa) correctly discriminates between children and adolescents with low and high levels of total and central fat at least 90% of the time. Keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height provides an effective screening index of body composition during growth.
Longitudinal Study of Body Weight Changes in Children: Who Is Gaining and Who Is Losing Weight
Authors: Williamson Donald A. , Han Hongmei , Johnson William D. , Stewart Tiffany M. , Harsha David W.
Published: September 2010

Cross‐sectional studies have reported significant temporal increases in prevalence of childhood obesity in both genders and various racial groups, but recently the rise has subsided. Childhood obesity prevention trials suggest that, on average, overweight/obese children lose body weight and nonoverweight children gain weight. This investigation tested the hypothesis that overweight children lose body weight/fat and nonoverweight children gain body weight/fat using a longitudinal research design that did not include an obesity prevention program. The participants were 451 children in 4th to 6th grades at baseline. Height, weight, and body fat were measured at month 0 and month 28. Each child's BMI percentile score was calculated specific for their age, gender and height. Higher BMI percentile scores and percent body fat at baseline were associated with larger decreases in BMI and percent body fat after 28 months. The BMI percentile mean for African‐American girls increased whereas BMI percentile means for white boys and girls and African‐American boys were stable over the 28‐month study period. Estimates of obesity and overweight prevalence were stable because incidence and remission were similar. These findings support the hypothesis that overweight children tend to lose body weight and nonoverweight children tend to gain body weight.
Differentiation of propeptide residues regulating the compartmentalization, maturation and activity of the broad-range phospholipase C ofListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Slepkov Emily R. , Pavinski Bitar Alan , Marquis Hélène
Published: September 2010

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes secretes a broad-range phospholipase C enzyme called PC-PLC (phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C) whose compartmentalization and enzymatic activity is regulated by a 24-amino-acid propeptide (Cys28–Ser51). During intracytosolic multiplication, bacteria accumulate the proform of PC-PLC at their membrane–cell-wall interface, whereas during cell-to-cell spread vacuolar acidification leads to maturation and rapid translocation of PC-PLC across the cell wall in a manner that is dependent on Mpl, the metalloprotease of Listeria. In the present study, we generated a series of propeptide mutants to determine the minimal requirement to prevent PC-PLC enzymatic activity and to identify residues regulating compartmentalization and maturation. We found that a single residue at position P1 (Ser51) of the cleavage site is sufficient to prevent enzymatic activity, which is consistent with P1′ (Trp52) being located within the active-site pocket. We observed that mutants with deletions at the N-terminus, but not the C-terminus, of the propeptide are translocated across the cell wall more effectively than wild-type PC-PLC at a physiological pH, and that individual amino acid residues within the N-terminus influence Mpl-mediated maturation of PC-PLC at acidic pH. However, deletion of more than 75% of the propeptide was required to completely prevent Mpl-mediated maturation of PC-PLC. These results indicate that the N-terminus of the propeptide regulates PC-PLC compartmentalization and that specific residues within the N-terminus influence the ability of Mpl to mediate PC-PLC maturation, although a six-residue propeptide is sufficient for Mpl to mediate PC-PLC maturation.
PP2B/calcineurin-mediated desensitization of TRPV1 does not require AKAP150
Authors: Por Elaine D. , Samelson Bret K. , Belugin Sergei , Akopian Armen N. , Scott John D. , Jeske Nathaniel A.
Published: September 2010

Activation of protein kinases and phosphatases at the plasma membrane often initiates agonist-dependent signalling events. In sensory neurons, AKAP150 (A-kinase-anchoring protein 150) orientates PKA (protein kinase A), PKC (protein kinase C) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PP2B (protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin) towards membrane-associated substrates. Recent evidence indicates that AKAP150-anchored PKA and PKC phosphorylate and sensitize the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential subfamily V type 1 channel, also known as the capsaicin receptor). In the present study, we explore the hypothesis that an AKAP150-associated pool of PP2B catalyses the dephosphorylation and desensitization of TRPV1. Biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-based experiments indicate that PP2B associates with AKAP150 and TRPV1 in cultured TG (trigeminal ganglia) neurons. Gene silencing of AKAP150 reduces basal phosphorylation of TRPV1. However, functional studies in neurons isolated from AKAP150−/− mice indicate that the anchoring protein is not required for pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1. Behavioural analysis of AKAP150−/− mice further support this notion, demonstrating that agonist-stimulated desensitization of TRPV1 is sensitive to PP2B inhibition and does not rely on AKAP150. These findings allow us to conclude that pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1 by PP2B may involve additional regulatory components.
Fibreoptic intubation using the cuffed oropharyngeal airway and Aintree intubation catheter
Authors: Hawkins M. , O'Sullivan E. , Charters P.
Published: September 2010

A cuffed oropharyngeal airway has recently been introduced which has larger internal dimensions than a comparable Guedel airway. This allows a ventilation/exchange bougie, the Aintree Intubation Catheter, mounted on a fibreoptic laryngoscope to pass through it. Its 15‐mm connector and pharyngeal cuff suggested the possibility of using a Rüsch sealed‐port angle piece to allow ventilation through the oropharyngeal airway during fibreoptic laryngoscopy. This study investigated using this equipment to intubate the trachea through the cuffed oropharyngeal airway in paralysed patients, whilst maintaining ventilation manually with a Bain system. In 20 patients, airway control was satisfactory throughout and tracheal intubation was accomplished without complications. The cuffed oropharyngeal airway was easy to manipulate to improve a suboptimal fibreoptic view of the larynx. This may give it an advantage over the laryngeal mask airway when used as a ventilation/intubation conduit.
Geographies/Aerographies of Contagion
Authors: Mitchell Peta
Published: September 2010

In this paper I argue that geography, contagion, and the element of air have historically overlapped in interesting ways and that they continue to do so. By tracing metaphors of air, wind, miasma, and contagion through literary works that span nearly three centuries, I argue that the element of air tends to signify, in cultural expression, a more ambiguous, affective form of contagion that is also bound up with the spread of ideas and information.
Synthesis and Antiplasmodial Activity of 4-Alkylidene(arylidene)hydrazono-1,3-oxazinan-2-ones and 3-Hydroxy-N'-alkylidene(arylidene)propanehydrazonamides
Authors: Khankischpur Mehdi , Walter Rolf D. , Kurz Thomas
Published: September 2010

Previously unreported 6-substituted 4-alkylidene(arylidene)hydrazono-1,3-oxazinan-2-ones and a series of open-chained 3-hydroxy-N′-alkylidene(arylidene)propanehydrazonamides were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiplasmodial activity. The most active 3-hydroxy-N′-alkylidene(arylidene)propanehydrazonamide exhibits potent in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain 3D7 of Plasmodium falciparum and demonstrates an IC50 value of 0.2 µM.
The Preparation of Monodisperse Cationic Polystyrene and its Application to the Synthesis of Hollow Silica Spheres
Authors: Jin Xin , Cao Shunsheng , Yuan Xinhua , Wu Weiwei , Hu Jie , Sheng Weichen
Published: September 2010

The fabrication of hollow spheres with well defined size and morphology has been attracting much attention due to their unique structures and related physicochemical properties. Among the synthetic methods, the template-directed method is particularly interesting and extensively employed to fabricate hollow spheres due to templates available of essentially any size, shape, and chemistry. As a result, a new monodispersed cationic polystyrene (PS) template in this paper was fabricated by using 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyltrimethylammonium chloride as co-monomer via emulsifier-free polymerization. The template not only can easily be tuned to the size, but can combine the advantages of hard-templating and soft-templating methods. Subsequently, we used cationic PS particles as templates to prepare hollow silica spheres – the results indicated that cationic templates can attract the assembly of tetraethylorthosilicate hydrolyzate on their surface and that the dissolution of templates can be done in the system of silica encapsulation by modification of the reaction conditions.
FDTD modelling of gold nanoparticle pairs in a nematic liquid crystal cell
Authors: Dridi Montacer , Vial Alexandre
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we numerically investigate a grating of gold dimer in a nematic liquid crystal (LC) media. We show that the plasmon resonance exhibits a high sensitivity to the distance between nanoparticles for all orientations of molecules of LCs. The behaviour of plasmon resonance can be described by a simple function called compressed hyperbola that overcomes the limitation of describing this behaviour by the well-known exponential function. Also we show that the orientation of the optical axis leads to an important spectral tunability. We demonstrate then that for certain orientations of the optical axis, we can induce a diffraction coupling featuring an additional narrow resonance peak. Finally near-field properties of the structure are investigated, and we demonstrate that by rotating the director we can control the local field enhancement.
ZnO-based interdigitated MSM and MISIM ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Ali Ghusoon M , Chakrabarti P
Published: September 2010

The paper reports the fabrication and characterization of ZnO-based interdigitated metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) and metal–insulator–semiconductor–insulator–metal (MISIM) ultraviolet photodetectors. The ZnO thin film was grown on a p-type Si ⟨1 0 0⟩ substrate by the sol–gel technique. With applied voltage in the range from −3 to 3 V we estimated the contrast ratio, responsivity, detectivity and quantum efficiency of the photodetectors for an incident optical power of 0.1 mW at 365 nm ultraviolet wavelength. The I–V characteristics were studied and the parameters such as ideality factor, leakage current and barrier height were extracted from the measured data. For Au/Cr/SiO2/ZnO/SiO2/Al (MISIM) structure the product (mχ) of the tunnelling effective electron mass (m) and the mean tunnelling barrier height (χ) was also extracted.
A hybrid heterojunction based on fullerenes and surfactant-free, self-assembled, closely packed silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Švrček V , Mariotti D , Shibata Y , Kondo M
Published: September 2010

We demonstrate that nanosecond-pulsed laser chemistry in water leads to closely packed and stable luminescent assemblies of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) that can be electronically coupled with fullerenes (C60) without any additional surfactant or catalyst. We show that the fragmentation time in water determines the photoluminescence (PL) intensity (>40%) and redshifts the PL maxima (45 nm) of the SiNCs. Heterojunction solar cells made out of these laser-produced self-assemblies of SiNCs and C60 show photovoltaic action with increased quantum efficiency in the region where the absorption of SiNCs appears.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of fine-grained FeVSb system half-Heusler compound polycrystals with high phase purity
Authors: Zou Minmin , Li Jing-Feng , Guo Peijun , Kita Takuji
Published: September 2010

Nearly single-phased FeVSb half-Heusler compound thermoelectric materials with fine grains of diameter 100–200 nm were prepared from their elemental powders by combining mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering. The resultant bulk samples showed a relatively low room-temperature electrical resistivity on the order of 10 µΩm, and a moderate negative Seebeck coefficient with a maximum value of −175 µV K−1 at 300 °C. It was found that proper excessive addition of V relative to the stoichiometric composition (FeVSb) during MA enhanced the phase purity and hence the power factor of the spark plasma sintered samples, resulting in a large power factor value of 2480 µW m−1 K−2 when the elemental powders were mixed with the composition FeV1.15Sb. Its thermal conductivity was significantly reduced mainly due to refined grain sizes, resulting in a high dimensionless figure of merit ZT of 0.31 at a low-to-mid temperature (300 °C) as for undoped half-Heusler compounds.
Controlled actuation of alternating magnetic field-sensitive tunable hydrogels
Authors: Ghosh Santaneel , Cai Tong
Published: September 2010

The feasibility of using tunable magnetic nano-particles embedded in cylindrical hydrogel materials for guided actuation via controlled modulation of oscillating magnetic field and frequency is investigated. Ferromagnetic nano-particles (Fe3O4) encapsulated within a thermo-sensitive polymer network [-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)] were polymerized inside 1.5 mm diameter capillary tubes. Inside alternating magnetic field (25–70 Oe, 150–280 kHz), the polymer monolith quickly bends along the longitudinal axis. The bending behaviour of the polymer monolith was influenced by the following factors: (a) mechanical strength of the monolith, (b) ac field-induced temperature regulation and (c) the surface evaporation. The equilibrium bending angle reached a maximum value of 74° at 30 Oe, 200 kHz, between 15% and 35% relative humidity conditions. In addition, we found that micro-scale monolith (300 µm diameter) exhibited significantly faster actuation response compared with the 1500 µm diameter hydrogel cylinder. Both de-swelling efficiency and volumetric transition temperature were not affected due to the nano-magnet incorporation. As ac magnetic field-induced controlled modulation can directly transform the absorbed energy into bending and shrinkage simultaneously for temperature sensitive polymers, i.e. the absorbed energy is converted into mechanical work, this novel approach may lead to a new category of magnetically responsive polymeric structures for potential applications in the field of smart gel-based devices, such as micro-sensors and actuators, and particularly in biomedical fields.
A novel composite alignment layer for transflective liquid crystal display
Authors: Yao Li Shuang , Du Tao , Chigrinov Vladimir , Kwok Hoi Sing , Xuan Li
Published: September 2010

A novel composite photoalignment layer for transflective liquid crystal displays is explored. The key technique is to introduce a functional photo-crosslinkage into a rewritable azodye material with proper mixing. Bearing good alignment quality derived from the azodye material, the composite layer provides strong azimuthal and polar anchoring energy comparable to that of rubbed polyimide layers. The capability of dual modes fabrication in one cell exhibited by azodyes could be well retained and the new alignment film exhibits a display resolution of up to 2 µm. Furthermore, after exposure to strong LED unpolarized light the composite layer shows much better stability than that with a pure azodye material.
On the Solvability Complexity Index, the 𝑛-pseudospectrum and approximations of spectra of operators
Authors: Hansen Anders
Published: September 2010

We show that it is possible to compute spectra and pseudospectra of linear operators on separable Hilbert spaces given their matrix elements. The core in the theory is pseudospectral analysis and in particular thenn-pseudospectrum and the residual pseudospectrum. We also introduce a new classification tool for spectral problems, namely, the Solvability Complexity Index. This index is an indicator of the “difficultness” of different computational spectral problems.
Type II Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor Recycling Is Dependent upon the Clathrin Adaptor Protein Dab2
Authors: Penheiter Sumedha G. , Deep Singh Raman , Repellin Claire E. , Wilkes Mark C. , Edens Maryanne , Howe Philip H. , Pagano Richard E. , Leof Edward B.
Published: September 2010

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family proteins form heteromeric complexes with transmembrane serine/threonine kinases referred to as type I and type II receptors. Ligand binding initiates a signaling cascade that generates a variety of cell type-specific phenotypes. Whereas numerous studies have investigated the regulatory activities controlling TGF-β signaling, there is relatively little information addressing the endocytic and trafficking itinerary of TGF-β receptor subunits. In the current study we have investigated the role of the clathrin-associated sorting protein Disabled-2 (Dab2) in TGF-β receptor endocytosis. Although small interfering RNA-mediated Dab2 knockdown had no affect on the internalization of various clathrin-dependent (i.e., TGF-β, low-density lipoprotein, or transferrin) or -independent (i.e., LacCer) cargo, TGF-β receptor recycling was abrogated. Loss of Dab2 resulted in enlarged early endosomal antigen 1-positive endosomes, reflecting the inability of cargo to traffic from the early endosome to the endosomal recycling compartment and, as documented previously, diminished Smad2 phosphorylation. The results support a model whereby Dab2 acts as a multifunctional adaptor in mesenchymal cells required for TGF-β receptor recycling as well as Smad2 phosphorylation.
ADP Ribosylation Factors 1 and 4 and Group VIA Phospholipase A2Regulate Morphology and Intraorganellar Traffic in the Endoplasmic Reticulum–Golgi Intermediate Compartment
Authors: Ben-Tekaya Houchaima , Kahn Richard A. , Hauri Hans-Peter
Published: September 2010

Organelle morphology of the endomembrane system is critical for optimal organelle function. ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs), a family of small GTPases, are required for maintaining the structure of the Golgi and endosomes. What determines the discontinuous nature of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) as tubulovesicular clusters is unknown. In search of morphological determinants for the ERGIC, we found that a double knockdown of Arf1+Arf4 induced dynamic ERGIC tubules that connect ERGIC clusters, indicating that the tubules mediated lateral intraERGIC traffic. Tubule formation was inhibited by an antagonist of group VI calcium-independent phospholipase A2(PLA2G6) and by silencing the A isoform of PLA2G6 (PLA2G6-A). Arf1+Arf4 depletion altered the expression of PLA2G6-A splice variants and relocalized PLA2G6-A from the cytosol to ERGIC clusters and tubules, suggesting that the enzyme became locally active. We show that changes in Arf1 can modulate the activity of PLA2G6-A. We propose that a concerted action of Arf1, Arf4, and PLA2G6-A controls the architecture of the ERGIC in a way that is predicted to impact the rate and possibly the destination of cargos. Our findings have identified key components in the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of tubules in the ERGIC and uncover tubular carriers as tightly controlled machinery.
Protein Kinase D–mediated Phosphorylation of Polycystin-2 (TRPP2) Is Essential for Its Effects on Cell Growth and Calcium Channel Activity
Authors: Streets Andrew J. , Needham Andrew J. , Gill Sharonjit K. , Ong Albert C. M.
Published: September 2010

PKD2 is mutated in 15% of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The PKD2 protein, polycystin-2 or TRPP2, is a nonselective Ca2+-permeable cation channel that has been shown to function at several locations, including primary cilia, basolateral membrane, and at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Nevertheless, the factors that regulate the channel activity of polycystin-2 are not well understood. Polycystin-2 has been shown previously to be regulated by phosphorylation at two serine residues (Ser812 and Ser76) with distinct functional consequences. Here, we report the identification of a previously unrecognized phosphorylation site within the polycystin-2 C terminus (Ser801), and we demonstrate that it is phosphorylated by protein kinase D. Phosphorylation at this site was significantly increased in response to serum and epidermal growth factor stimulation. In nonciliated Madin-Darby canine kidney I cells, inducible expression of polycystin-2 inhibited cell proliferation compared with wild-type cells. Mutagenesis at Ser801 abolished these effects and reduced ATP-stimulated Ca2+ release from ER stores. Finally, we show that a pathogenic mutation (S804N) within the consensus kinase recognition sequence abolished Ser801 phosphorylation. These results suggest that growth factor-stimulated, protein kinase D-mediated phosphorylation of polycystin-2 is essential for its ER channel function and links extracellular stimuli to its effects on cell growth and intracellular calcium regulation.