bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-intensity interval aerobic training reduces hepatic very low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride secretion rate in men
Authors: Tsekouras Yiannis E. , Magkos Faidon , Kellas Yiannis , Basioukas Konstantinos N. , Kavouras Stavros A. , Sidossis Labros S.
Published: July 2008

A single bout of strenuous endurance exercise reduces fasting plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations the next day (12–24 h later) by augmenting the efficiency of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-TG removal from the circulation. Although much of the hypotriglyceridemia associated with training is attributed to the last bout of exercise, the relevant changes in VLDL-TG metabolism have never been investigated. We therefore examined basal VLDL-TG kinetics in a group of sedentary young men ( n = 7) who underwent 2 mo of supervised high-intensity interval training (3 sessions/wk; running at 60 and 90% of peak oxygen consumption in 4-min intervals for a total of 32 min; gross energy expenditure: 446 ± 29 kcal) and a nonexercising control group ( n = 8). Each subject completed two stable isotope-labeled tracer infusion studies in the postabsorptive state, once before and again after the intervention (∼48 h after the last exercise bout in the training group). Peak oxygen consumption increased by ∼18% after training ( P ≤ 0.05), whereas body weight and body composition were not altered. Fasting plasma VLDL-TG concentration was reduced after training by ∼28% ( P ≤ 0.05), and this was due to reduced hepatic VLDL-TG secretion rate (by ∼35%, P ≤ 0.05) with no changes (<5%, P > 0.7) in VLDL-TG plasma clearance rate and the mean residence time of VLDL-TG in the circulation. No significant changes in VLDL-TG concentration and kinetics were observed in the nonexercising control group (all P ≥ 0.3). We conclude that a short period of high-intensity interval aerobic training lowers the rate of VLDL-TG secretion by the liver in previously sedentary men. This is different from the mechanism underlying the hypotriglyceridemia of acute exercise; however, it remains to be established whether our finding reflects an effect of the longer time lapse from the last exercise bout, an effect specific to the type of exercise performed, or an effect of aerobic training itself.
Intraperitoneal injections of low doses of C75 elicit a behaviorally specific and vagal afferent-independent inhibition of eating in rats
Authors: Mansouri Abdelhak , Aja Susan , Moran Timothy H. , Ronnett Gabriele , Kuhajda Francis P. , Arnold Myrtha , Geary Nori , Langhans Wolfgang , Leonhardt Monika
Published: July 2008

Central and intraperitoneal C75, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase and stimulator of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase-1, inhibits eating in mice and rats. Mechanisms involved in feeding inhibition after central C75 have been identified, but little is yet known about how systemic C75 might inhibit eating. One issue is whether intraperitoneal C75 reduces food intake in rats by influencing normal physiological controls of food intake or acts nonselectively, for example by eliciting illness or aversion. Another issue relates to whether intraperitoneal C75 acts centrally or, similar to some other peripheral metabolic controls of eating, activates abdominal vagal afferents to inhibit eating. To further address these questions, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal C75 on spontaneous meal patterns and the formation of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). We also tested whether the eating inhibitory effect of intraperitoneal C75 is vagally mediated by testing rats after either total subdiaphragmatic vagotomy (TVX) or selective subdiaphragmatic vagal deafferentations (SDA). Intraperitoneal injection of 3.2 and 7.5 mg/kg of C75 significantly reduced food intake 3, 12, and 24 h after injection by reducing the number of meals without affecting meal size, whereas 15 mg/kg of C75 reduced both meal number and meal size. The two smaller doses of C75 failed to induce a CTA, but 15 mg/kg C75 did. The eating inhibitory effect of C75 was not diminished in either TVX or SDA rats. We conclude that intraperitoneal injections of low doses of C75 inhibit eating in a behaviorally specific manner and that this effect does not require abdominal vagal afferents.
The role of hypothalamic ingestive behavior controllers in generating dehydration anorexia: a Fos mapping study
Authors: Salter-Venzon Dawna , Watts Alan G.
Published: July 2008

Giving rats 2.5% saline to drink for 3–5 days simply and reliably generates anorexia. Despite having the neurochemical and hormonal markers of negative energy balance, dehydrated anorexic rats show a marked suppression of spontaneous food intake, as well as the feeding that is usually stimulated by overnight starvation or a 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) challenge. These observations are consistent with a dehydration-dependent inhibition of the core circuitry that controls feeding. We hypothesize that this inhibition is directed at those neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area that constitute the hypothalamic “behavior controller” for feeding rather than their afferent inputs from the arcuate nucleus or hindbrain that convey critical feeding-related sensory information. To test this hypothesis, we mapped and quantified the Fos-immunoreactive response to 2DG in control and dehydrated rats drinking 2.5% saline. Our rationale was that regions showing an attenuated Fos response to 2DG in dehydrated animals would be strong candidates as the targets of dehydration-induced suppression of 2DG feeding. We found that the Fos response to combined dehydration and 2DG was attenuated only in the lateral hypothalamic area, with dehydration alone increasing Fos in the lateral part of the paraventricular nucleus. In the arcuate nucleus and those regions of the hindbrain that provide afferent inputs critical for the feeding response to 2DG, the Fos response to 2DG was unaffected by dehydration. Therefore, dehydration appears to target the lateral hypothalamic area and possibly the lateral part of the paraventricular nucleus to suppress the feeding response to 2DG.
Protective effects of Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium infantis in murine models for colitis do not involve the vagus nerve
Authors: van der Kleij Hanneke , O'Mahony Caitlin , Shanahan Fergus , O'Mahony Liam , Bienenstock John
Published: July 2008

The vagus nerve is an important pathway signaling immune activation of the gastrointestinal tract to the brain. Probiotics are live organisms that may engage signaling pathways of the brain-gut axis to modulate inflammation. The protective effects of Lactobacillus reuteri ( LR) and Bifidobacterium infantis ( BI) during intestinal inflammation were studied after subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in BALB/c mice and chronic colitis induced by transfer of CD4+ CD62L+ T lymphocytes from BALB/c into SCID mice. LR and BI (1 × 109) were given daily. Clinical score, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and in vivo and in vitro secreted inflammatory cytokine levels were found to be more severe in mice that were vagotomized compared with sham-operated animals. LR in the acute DSS model was effective in decreasing the MPO and cytokine levels in the tissue in sham and vagotomized mice. BI had a strong downregulatory effect on secreted in vitro cytokine levels and had a greater anti-inflammatory effect in vagotomized- compared with sham-operated mice. Both LR and BI retained anti-inflammatory effects in vagotomized mice. In SCID mice, vagotomy did not enhance inflammation, but BI was more effective in vagotomized mice than shams. Taken together, the intact vagus has a protective role in acute DSS-induced colitis in mice but not in the chronic T cell transfer model of colitis. Furthermore, LR and BI do not seem to engage their protective effects via this cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, but the results interestingly show that, in the T cell, transfer model vagotomy had a biological effect, since it increased the effectiveness of the BI in downregulation of colonic inflammation.
Dual Orexin Actions on Dorsal Raphe and Laterodorsal Tegmentum Neurons: Noisy Cation Current Activation and Selective Enhancement of Ca2+ Transients Mediated by L-Type Calcium Channels
Authors: Kohlmeier K. A. , Watanabe S. , Tyler C. J. , Burlet S. , Leonard C. S.
Published: July 2008

The hypocretin/orexins (Hcrt/Orxs) are hypothalamic neuropeptides that regulate stress, addiction, feeding, and arousal behaviors. They depolarize many types of central neurons and can increase [Ca2+]i in some, including those of the dorsal raphe (DR) and laterodorsal tegmental (LDT) nuclei—two structures likely to contribute to the behavioral actions of Hcrt/Orx. In this study, we used simultaneous whole cell and Ca2+-imaging methods in mouse brain slices to compare the Hcrt/Orx-activated current in DR and LDT neurons and to determine whether it contributes to the Ca2+ influx evoked by Hcrt/Orx. We found Hcrt/Orx activates a similar noisy cation current that reversed near 0 mV in both cell types. Contrary to our expectation, this current did not contribute to the somatic Ca2+ influx evoked by Hcrt/Orx. In contrast, Hcrt/Orx enhanced the Ca2+ transients produced by voltage steps (−60 to −30 mV) by ∼30% even in neurons lacking an inward current. This effect was abolished by nifedipine, augmented by Bay-K and abolished by bisindolylmaleimide I. Thus Hcrt/Orx has two independent actions: activation of noisy cation channels that generate depolarization and activation of a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent enhancement of Ca2+ transients mediated by L-type Ca2+ channels. Immunocytochemistry verified that both these actions occurred in serotonergic and cholinergic neurons, indicating that Hcrt/Orx can function as a neuromodulator in these key neurons of the reticular activating system. Because regulation of Ca2+ transients mediated by L-channels is often linked to the control of transcriptional signaling, our findings imply that Hcrt/Orxs may also function in the regulation of long-term homeostatic or trophic processes.
Reflex Inhibition in Human Biceps Brachii Decreases With Practice of a Fatiguing Contraction
Authors: Riley Zachary A. , Baudry Stéphane , Enoka Roger M.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of practice on time to failure of a submaximal contraction with the elbow flexor muscles and on reflex inhibition from brachioradialis afferents onto biceps brachii motor neurons. Fifteen subjects practiced sustaining an isometric contraction (20% of maximum) with the elbow flexors until failure. Spike-triggered stimulation was used to assess the influence of radial nerve stimulation on the discharge of single motor units in biceps brachii before and after three practice sessions. Time to failure increased from 760 ± 333 s in session 1 to 1,103 ± 415 s in session 3 ( P < 0.03) and was accompanied by a slower rate of increase in electromyographic (EMG) activity of the short head of biceps brachii ( P < 0.05). Stimulation of the radial nerve prolonged the interspike interval before practice ( n = 56; 7.2 ± 6.8 ms; P < 0.001), and this effect was reduced after practice ( n = 62; 2.3 ± 3.6 ms; P < 0.01). The reduction was greater for motor units in the short head of biceps brachii than for those in the long head ( P < 0.05) and was associated with a slower rate of increase in EMG ( r = 0.57, P = 0.03). The decrease in reflex inhibition was the main predictor of the increase in time to failure ( r2 = 0.60, P = 0.001). These results demonstrate that practice reduced an antagonistic inhibition and improved the ability of the muscles to perform a synergistic action of elbow flexion.
Persistent Sodium Current Contributes to Induced Voltage Oscillations in Locomotor-Related Hb9 Interneurons in the Mouse Spinal Cord
Authors: Ziskind-Conhaim Lea , Wu Linying , Wiesner Eric P.
Published: July 2008

Neurochemically induced membrane voltage oscillations and firing episodes in spinal excitatory interneurons expressing the HB9 protein (Hb9 INs) are synchronous with locomotor-like rhythmic motor outputs, suggesting that they contribute to the excitatory drive of motoneurons during locomotion. Similar to central pattern generator neurons in other systems, Hb9 INs are interconnected via electrical coupling, and their rhythmic activity does not depend on fast glutamatergic synaptic transmission. The primary objective of this study was to determine the contribution of fast excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission and subthreshold voltage-dependent currents to the induced membrane oscillations in Hb9 INs in the postnatal mouse spinal cord. The non- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) reduced the amplitude of voltage oscillations but did not alter their frequency. CNQX suppressed rhythmic motor activity. Blocking glycine and GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory synapses as well as cholinergic transmission did not change the properties of CNQX-resistant membrane oscillations. However, disinhibition triggered new episodes of slow motor bursting that were not correlated with induced locomotor-like rhythms in Hb9 INs. Our observations indicated that fast excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs did not control the frequency of induced rhythmic activity in Hb9 INs. We next examined the contribution of persistent sodium current ( INaP) to subthreshold membrane oscillations in the absence of primary glutamatergic, GABAergic and glycinergic synaptic drive to Hb9 INs. Low concentrations of riluzole that blocked the slow-inactivating component of sodium current gradually suppressed the amplitude and reduced the frequency of voltage oscillations. Our finding that INaP regulates locomotor-related rhythmic activity in Hb9 INs independently of primary synaptic transmission supports the concept that these neurons constitute an integral component of the rhythmogenic locomotor network in the mouse spinal cord.
Large-Scale Chronically Implantable Precision Motorized Microdrive Array for Freely Behaving Animals
Authors: Yamamoto Jun , Wilson Matthew A.
Published: July 2008

Multiple single-unit recording has become one of the most powerful in vivo electro-physiological techniques for studying neural circuits. The demand has been increasing for small and lightweight chronic recording devices that allow fine adjustments to be made over large numbers of electrodes across multiple brain regions. To achieve this, we developed precision motorized microdrive arrays that use a novel motor multiplexing headstage to dramatically reduce wiring while preserving precision of the microdrive control. Versions of the microdrive array were chronically implanted on both rats (21 microdrives) and mice (7 microdrives), and relatively long-term recordings were taken.
Differential coupling of Arg- and Gly389 polymorphic forms of the β1-adrenergic receptor leads to pathogenic cardiac gene regulatory programs
Authors: Swift Steven M. , Gaume Brigitte R. , Small Kersten M. , Aronow Bruce J. , Liggett Stephen B.
Published: July 2008

The β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR; ADRB1) polymorphism Arg389Gly is located in an intracellular loop and is associated with distinct human and mouse cardiovascular phenotypes. To test the hypothesis that β1-Arg389 and β1-Gly389 alleles could differentially couple to pathways beyond that of classic Gs-adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signaling, we performed comparative gene expression profile analyses on hearts from wild-type and transgenic mice that expressed either human β1-Arg389 or β1-Gly389 receptors, or AC5, sampling at an early age prior to the onset of pathological features. All three models upregulated the expression of genes associated with RNA metabolism and translation and downregulated genes associated with mitochondria and energy metabolism, consistent with shared cAMP-driven increase in cardiac contractility, protein synthesis, and compensatory downregulation of mitochondrial energy production. Both β1AR alleles activated additional genes associated with other pathways. Uniquely, β1-Arg389 hearts exhibited upregulated expression of genes associated with inflammation, programmed cell death, and extracellular matrix. These observations expand the scope of 7-transmembrane domain receptor signaling propagation beyond known cognate G protein couplings. Moreover, they implicate alterations of a repertoire of processes evoked by a single amino acid variation in the cardiac β1AR that might be exploited for genotype-specific heart failure diagnostics and therapeutics.
Pancreatic Beta‐Cell Purification by Altering FAD and NAD(P)H Metabolism
Authors: Smelt M. J. , Faas M. M. , de Haan B. J. , de Vos P.
Published: July 2008

Isolation of primary beta cells from other cells within in the pancreatic islets is of importance for many fields of islet research. However, up to now, no satisfactory method has been developed that gained high numbers of viable beta cells, without considerable alpha‐cell contamination. In this study, we investigated whether rat beta cells can be isolated from nonbeta endocrine cells by manipulating the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and nicotinamide‐adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H) autofluorescence. Beta cells were isolated from dispersed islets by flow cytometry, based on their high FAD and NAD(P)H fluorescence. To improve beta cell yield and purity, the cellular FAD and NAD(P)H contents were altered by preincubation in culture media containing varying amounts of D‐glucose and amino acids. Manipulation of the cellular FAD and NAD(P)H fluorescence improves beta cell yield and purity after sorting. This method is also a fast and reliable method to measure beta cell functional viability. A conceivable application is assessing beta cell viability before transplantation.
Complexes of Cu(II) Ions and Noncovalent Interactions in Systems with L‐Aspartic Acid and Cytidine‐5′‐Monophosphate
Authors: Bregier-Jarzebowska Romualda , Gasowska Anna , Lomozik Lechosław
Published: July 2008

Interactions between aspartic acid (Asp) and cytidine‐5‐monophosphate (CMP) in metal‐free systems as well as the coordination of Cu(II) ions with the above ligands were studied. The composition and overall stability constants of the species formed in those systems were determined by the potentiometric method, and the interaction centres in the ligands were identified by the spectral methods UV‐Vis, EPR, NMR, and IR. In metal‐free systems, the formation of adducts, in which each ligand has both positive and negative reaction centres, was established. The main reaction centres in Asp are the oxygen atoms of carboxyl groups and the nitrogen atom of the amine group, while the main reaction centre in CMP at low pH is the N(3) atom. With increasing pH, the efficiency of the phosphate group of the nucleotide in the interactions significantly increases, and the efficiency of carboxyl groups in Asp decreases. The noncovalent reaction centres in the ligands are simultaneously the potential sites of metal‐ion coordination. The mode of coordination in the complexes formed in the ternary systems was established. The sites of coordination depend clearly on the solution pH. In the molecular complexes ML ⋯ L, metallation involves the oxygen atoms of the carboxyl groups of the amino acid, while the protonated nucleotide is in the outer coordination sphere and interacts noncovalently with the anchoring CuHx(Asp) species. The influence of the metal ions on the weak interactions between the biomolecules was established.
Twin Positive Solutions of a Nonlinear m‐Point Boundary Value Problem for Third‐Order p‐Laplacian Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Han Wei , Zhang Guang
Published: July 2008

Several existence theorems of twin positive solutions are established for a
nonlinear m‐point boundary value problem of third‐order p‐Laplacian dynamic equations on time
scales by using a fixed point theorem. We present two theorems and four corollaries which generalize
the results of related literature. As an application, an example to demonstrate our results is given.
The obtained conditions are different from some known results.
Maternal Enterovirus Infection during Pregnancy as a Risk Factor in Offspring Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes between 15 and 30 Years of Age
Authors: Elfving Maria , Svensson Johan , Oikarinen Sami , Jonsson Björn , Olofsson Per , Sundkvist Göran , Lindberg Bengt , Lernmark Åke , Hyöty Heikki , Ivarsson Sten-Anders
Published: July 2008

Maternal enterovirus infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of offspring developing type 1 diabetes during childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gestational enterovirus infections increase the offspring′s risk of type 1 diabetes later in life. Serum samples from 30 mothers without diabetes whose offspring developed type 1 diabetes between 15 and 25 years of age were analyzed for enterovirus‐specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies and enterovirus genome (RNA), and compared to a control group. Among the index mothers, 9/30 (30%) were enterovirus IgM‐positive, and none was positive for enterovirus RNA. In the control group, 14/90 (16%) were enterovirus IgM‐positive, and 4/90 (4%) were positive for enterovirus RNA (n.s.). Boys of enterovirus IgM‐positive mothers had approximately 5 times greater risk of developing diabetes (OR 4.63; 95% CI 1.22–17.6), as compared to boys of IgM‐negative mothers (P < .025). These results suggest that gestational enterovirus infections may be related to the risk of offspring developing type 1 diabetes in adolescence and young adulthood.
Predicting the Onset of Cavitation in Automotive Torque Converters—Part II: A Generalized Model
Authors: Robinette D. L. , Schweitzer J. M. , Maddock D. G. , Anderson C. L. , Blough J. R. , Johnson M. A.
Published: July 2008

The objective of this investigation was to develop a dimensionless model for predicting the onset of cavitation in torque converters applicable to general converter designs. Dimensional analysis was applied to test results from a matrix of torque converters that ranged from populations comprised of strict geometric similitude to those with more relaxed similarities onto inclusion of all the torque converters tested. Stator torque thresholds at the onset of cavitation for the stall operating condition were experimentally determined with a dynamometer test cell using nearfield acoustical measurements. Cavitation torques, design parameters, and operating conditions were resolved into a set of dimensionless quantities for use in the development of dimensionless empirical models. A systematic relaxation of the fundamental principle of dimensional analysis, geometric similitude, was undertaken to present empirical models applicable to torque converter designs of increasingly diverse design parameters. A stepwise linear regression technique coupled with response surface methodology was utilized to produce an empirical model capable of predicting stator torque at the onset of cavitation with less than 7% error for general automotive torque converter designs.
CLEAN Technique for Polarimetric ISAR
Authors: Martorella M. , Cacciamano A. , Giusti E. , Berizzi F. , Haywood B. , Bates B.
Published: July 2008

Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images are
often used for classifying and recognising targets. To reduce the
amount of data processed by the classifier, scattering centres
are extracted from the ISAR image and used for classifying
and recognising targets. This paper addresses the problem
of estimating the position and the scattering vector of target
scattering centres from polarimetric ISAR images. The proposed
technique is obtained by extending the CLEAN technique, which
was introduced in radar imaging for extracting scattering centres
from single‐polarisation ISAR images. The effectiveness of the
proposed algorithm, namely, the Polarimetric CLEAN (Pol‐CLEAN) is tested on simulated and real data.
Rotationplasty in the Elderly
Authors: Hardes Jendrik , Exner Gerhard Ulrich , Rosenbaum Dieter , Streitbuerger Arne , Gebert Carsten , Gosheger Georg , Ahrens Helmut
Published: July 2008

Purpose. Rotationplasty has proven its efficacy in the treatment of malignant bone tumors of the lower extremity in predominantly young patients. To our knowledge this procedure has not been reported in patients over 60 years before.Materials and Methods. 3 patients over 60 years with an A1-rotationplasty because of a sarcoma were included in this study. Complications and functional results were recorded. In one patient an electromyography was done.Results. Despite electromyography showing good adaptation of the muscles to the altered function, the functional results of these three patients were limited. two out of three patients needed a cane for walking distances over 200 meters. No secondary amputation was necessary.Discussion. Our study demonstrates that rotationplasty is an alternative to an above-knee amputation in older patients but with poorer functional results in comparison to younger patients. However, limb-salvage surgery should be preferred whenever possible.
Necrotizing Pneumonia Caused by Panton-Valentine Leucocidin-ProducingStaphylococcus aureusOriginating from a Bartholin's Abscess
Authors: Jung N. , Lehmann C. , Hellmann M. , Seifert H. , Valter M. M. , Hallek M. , Fätkenheuer G. , Kochanek M.
Published: July 2008

Background. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL-)producingStaphylococcus aureusis emerging as a serious problem worldwide. There has been an increase in the incidence of necrotizing lung infections in otherwise healthy young people with a very high mortality associated with these strains. Sporadic severe infectious complications after incision of Bartholin's abcesses have been described but involvement ofS. aureusis rare.Case report. We present a 23-year-old apparently healthy female patient without any typical predisposing findings who developed severe sepsis with necrotizing pneumonia and multiple abscesses following incision of a Bartholin's abscess. Methicillin-sensitiveS. aureusharbouring Panton-Valentine leucocidin genes were cultured from the abscess fluid, multiple blood cultures and a postoperative wound swab. Aggressive antibiotic therapy with flucloxacillin, rifampicin and clindamycin, drainage and intensive supportive care lead finally to recovery.Conclusions.S. aureus, in particular PVL-positive strains, should be considered when a young, immunocompetent person develops a fulminant necrotizing pneumonia. Minor infections—such as Bartholin's abscess—can precede this life-threating syndrome. Bactericidal antistaphylococcal antibiotics are recommended for treatment, and surgical procedures may become necessary.
PPARγ and Proline Oxidase in Cancer
Authors: Phang James M. , Pandhare Jui , Zabirnyk Olga , Liu Yongmin
Published: July 2008

Proline is metabolized by its own specialized enzymes with their own tissue and subcellular localizations and mechanisms of regulation. The central enzyme in this metabolic system is proline oxidase, a flavin adenine dinucleotide‐containing enzyme which is tightly bound to mitochondrial inner membranes. The electrons from proline can be used to generate ATP or can directly reduce oxygen to form superoxide. Although proline may be derived from the diet and biosynthesized endogenously, an important source in the microenvironment is from degradation of extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteinases. Previous studies showed that proline oxidase is a p53‐induced gene and its overexpression can initiate proline‐dependent apoptosis by both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Another important factor regulating proline oxidase is peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Importantly, in several cancer cells, proline oxidase may be an important mediator of the PPARγ‐stimulated generation of ROS and induction of apoptosis. Knockdown of proline oxidase expression by antisense RNA markedly decreased these PPARγ‐stimulated effects. These findings suggest an important role in the proposed antitumor effects of PPARγ. Moreover, it is possible that proline oxidase may contribute to the other metabolic effects of PPARγ.
PPAR Regulation of Inflammatory Signaling in CNS Diseases
Authors: Bright John J. , Kanakasabai Saravanan , Chearwae Wanida , Chakraborty Sharmistha
Published: July 2008

Central nervous system (CNS) is an immune privileged site, nevertheless inflammation associates with many CNS diseases. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear hormone receptors that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. Specific ligands for PPARα, γ, and δ isoforms have proven effective in the animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer′s disease, Parkinson′s disease, and trauma/stroke, suggesting their use in the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. The activation of NF‐κB and Jak‐Stat signaling pathways and secretion of inflammatory cytokines are critical in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. Interestingly, PPAR agonists mitigate CNS disease by modulating inflammatory signaling network in immune cells. In this manuscript, we review the current knowledge on how PPARs regulate neuroinflammatory signaling networks in CNS diseases.
The PIC Cystogram: Its Place in the Treatment Algorithm of Recurrent Febrile UTIs
Authors: Hagerty Jennifer A. , Maizels Max , Cheng Earl Y.
Published: July 2008

Purpose. A common pediatric dilemma involves management of children with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) who have normal voiding cystourethrograms. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has been demonstrated in such cases by performing a cystogram which positions the instillation of contrast (PIC) at the ureteral orifice. We describe the evidence supporting this diagnostic test.Materials and Methods. The literature was searched to identify and subsequently evaluate all studies investigating PIC cystography.Results. In patients with febrile UTIs and negative VCUGs, the PIC cystogram has been demonstrated to identify occult reflux (PIC-VUR). When identified and treated, these patients have a significant reduction in the incidence of febrile UTIs.Conclusions. Although the current literature on PIC cystography is limited, it appears to be a clinically useful test in a select group of patients with recurrent febrile UTIs, that are not found to have VUR on a conventional VCUG. A prospective randomized trial is underway to further define its role in the treatment algorithm of febrile UTIs.
Series Solution of the Multispecies Lotka‐Volterra Equations by Means of the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Sami Bataineh A. , Noorani M. S. M. , Hashim I.
Published: July 2008

The time evolution of the multispecies Lotka‐Volterra system is investigated by the homotopy
analysis method (HAM). The continuous solution for the nonlinear system is given, which
provides a convenient and straightforward approach to calculate the dynamics of the system.
The HAM continuous solution generated by polynomial base functions is of comparable accuracy
to the purely numerical fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method. The convergence theorem for
the three‐dimensional case is also given.
Rosiglitazone Inhibits Adrenocortical Cancer Cell Proliferation by Interfering with the IGF‐IR Intracellular Signaling
Authors: Cantini Giulia , Lombardi Adriana , Piscitelli Elisabetta , Poli Giada , Ceni Elisabetta , Marchiani Sara , Ercolino Tonino , Galli Andrea , Serio Mario , Mannelli Massimo , Luconi Michaela
Published: July 2008

Rosiglitazone (RGZ), a thiazolidinedione ligand of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ, has been recently described as possessing antitumoral properties. We investigated RGZ effect on cell proliferation in two cell line models (SW13 and H295R) of human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) and its interaction with the signaling pathways of the activated IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR). We demonstrate a high expression of IGF‐IR in the two cell lines and in ACC. Cell proliferation is stimulated by IGF‐I in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and is inhibited by RGZ. The analysis of the main intracellular signaling pathways downstream of the activated IGF‐IR, phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) cascades reveals that RGZ rapidly interferes with the Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation/activation which mediates IGF‐I stimulated proliferation. In conclusion, our results suggest that RGZ exerts an inhibitory effect on human ACC cell proliferation by interfering with the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways downstream of the activated IGF‐IR.
It's About Time An Undergraduate Honors Course on the Topic of Time
Authors:   Hancock,   Saunders
Published: July 2008

This paper presents information concerning a specific undergraduate honors course on the interdisciplinary topic of time. True to the cross-cutting nature of time, the course was both led by and primarily taught by two professors from the distinctly different disciplines of information systems and psychology, respectively. It was offered as a special topic honors course in the Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida whose rubric ensured that enrollment was limited to a maximum of twenty undergraduate, honors students only. Additionally, selected auditors were allowed to attend specific, special events. The ceiling on enrollment proved critical since it allowed for a broad, discussion-based exploration of time, led on a number of occasions by specialist guest lecturers drawn from the arts, the sciences, and other speakers from well beyond the traditional confines of academe. There was a high demand for, and an excellent reception of, the course as offered. Due to the external constraints of the two professors involved, it proved to be a unique offering. However, the following description is provided for use by other teachers and professors who might wish to peruse and adopt the basic structure and/or some of the content that was collected and created.
The Queen's Bishop: A Convert's Memoir of John W. Colenso
Authors: Mokoena Hlonipha
Published: July 2008

John William Colenso, the Bishop of Natal, became a notorious theological and colonial figure. His life and career are well documented, but his converts' views have hardly featured in these commentaries and biographies. Magema M. Fuze's published series 'Ukutunywa kukaSobantu' provides an alternative account of Colenso's career as a missionary bishop. In a series of articles published in the Zulu-English newspaper Ilanga lase Natal, Fuze sketched a portrait of Colenso that reflected his personal history as Colenso's convert, an Ekukhanyeni resident and also his aspiration to be a kholwa intellectual and a historian.
A Simple Dynamical Model with Features of Convective Momentum Transport
Authors: Majda Andrew J. , Stechmann Samuel N.
Published: July 2008

Convective momentum transport (CMT) plays a central role in interactions across multiple space and time scales. However, because of the multiscale nature of CMT, quantifying and parameterizing its effects is often a challenge. Here a simple dynamic model with features of CMT is systematically derived and studied. The model includes interactions between a large-scale zonal mean flow and convectively coupled gravity waves, and convection is parameterized using a multicloud model.

The moist convective wave–mean flow interactions shown here have several interesting features that distinguish them from other classical wave–mean flow settings. First an intraseasonal oscillation of the mean flow and convectively coupled waves (CCWs) is described. The mean flow oscillates due to both upscale and downscale CMT, and the CCWs weaken, change their propagation direction, and strengthen as the mean flow oscillates. The basic mechanisms of this oscillation are corroborated by linear stability theory with different mean flow background states.

Another case is set up to imitate the westerly wind burst phase of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in the simplified dynamic model. In this case, CMT first accelerates the zonal jet with the strongest westerly wind aloft, and then there is deceleration of the winds due to CMT; this occurs on an intraseasonal time scale and is in qualitative agreement with actual observations of the MJO. Also, in this case, a multiscale envelope of convection propagates westward with smaller-scale convection propagating eastward within the envelope. The simplified dynamic model is able to produce this variety of behavior even though it has only a single horizontal direction and no Coriolis effect.
Tilted Baroclinic Tidal Vortices
Authors: Canals Miguel , Pawlak Geno , MacCready Parker
Published: July 2008

The structure of baroclinic vortices generated by horizontal flow separation past a sloping headland in deep, stably stratified waters is investigated. The most distinctive feature of these eddies is that their cores are strongly tilted with respect to the stratification, yet their velocity field remains quasi-horizontal. Field observations and numerical simulations are used to explore the consequences of the strong tilt on the eddy baroclinic structure. It is found that the background density field is altered in such a way as to maintain a pressure minimum in the tilted vortex cores. This adjustment results in a fundamental asymmetry of the density field. Isopycnals are deflected upward on the shoreward side and downward on the opposite side of the eddy center. The resulting pattern closely resembles the asymmetries of azimuthal wavenumber one that develop when tropical cyclones become tilted by an environmental shear. The authors provide a simple analytical model that suggests this structure is obtained via a balance between the centrifugal force and the horizontal pressure gradient. As the eddies release from the boundary, adjust, and decay, their tilt as well as the associated density perturbation decrease and lose coherence. It is suggested that this may lead to a conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.
On the Climatic Impact of Wind Stress
Authors: Saenko Oleg A.
Published: July 2008

A climate model is used to study the climatic impact of the stress exerted on the ocean by the atmosphere. When this stress is set to zero everywhere, the climate becomes much colder, with global-mean near-surface air temperature dropping from 14.8° to 6.1°C. The largest temperature decrease occurs in high latitudes, where sea ice advances equatorward to 40° of latitude. Many of these changes are induced by the changes in the oceanic circulation. In particular, with momentum flux set to zero, the meridional transport of buoyancy in the ocean, including that fraction often associated with the buoyancy-driven circulation, essentially vanishes and, hence, so does much of the surface heat flux. Vertical transport of buoyancy in the ocean is also strongly affected. In addition, the model suggests that the flux of momentum to the ocean has a profound indirect influence on the transport of latent heat. However, the total radiative flux entering the planet at low and midlatitudes does not change much. Instead, the net energy transport across 40°S increases, whereas that across 40°N decreases. The poleward energy transport in the atmosphere increases at midlatitudes in both hemispheres, whereas the oceanic heat transport decreases most strongly in the Northern Hemisphere. The climate becomes colder in both hemispheres, which is not easy to infer from the meridional transport of energy either by the climate system as a whole or by its individual components. Furthermore, the model suggests that it is the wind stress driving the midlatitude oceans—that is, where the oceanic heat transport accounts for only a very tiny fraction of the total poleward energy transport by the climate system, which is of more importance for maintaining the mean position of sea ice edge and, hence, much of the global climate.
Onboard Real-Time Absolute Radiometric Calibration for Thermal Infrared Channels of Chinese Geostationary Meteorological Satellites
Authors: Tong Jinjun , Déry Stephen J. , Hu Bo , Chen Yun , Yang Changjun , Rong Zhiguo
Published: July 2008

Forty-one cloud-free images of Qinghai Lake (QHL) in China and the corresponding digital numbers (DNs) of FengYun-2C (FY-2C) at 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC from 1 July to 30 September 2005 are analyzed. The corresponding surface water temperatures of QHL measured by the automated hydrometeorological buoy (AHMB) system and the atmospheric profiles over QHL from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data are inputted into the atmospheric transfer model MODTRAN3.7 to calculate the entrance pupil radiance and brightness temperatures for thermal infrared (TIR) channels of FY-2C. Then, the absolute radiometric calibration coefficients of FY-2C, which are used to calculate the equivalent blackbody (EBB) temperatures TEBB, are calculated by comparing the entrance pupil radiance and brightness temperatures with the corresponding DNs. In addition, the temperatures of onboard blackbody (OBB) TOBB, primary, secondary, refraction, and calibration mirrors on the multichannel scanning radiometer (MSR) of FY-2C are detected remotely. Based on the linear correlation between TEBB − TOBB and temperatures of various mirrors, the transform equations from TOBB to TEBB are developed. Finally, the onboard real-time absolute radiometric calibration for TIR channels of geostationary meteorological satellite FY-2C is implemented with an uncertainty of about 1.5 and 2.1 K for TIR 1 and TIR 2 of FY-2C, respectively.
Third-Person Effects of Idealized Body Image in Magazine Advertisements
Authors: Choi Yoonhyeung "Yoon" , Leshner Glenn , Choi Jounghwa
Published: July 2008

There have been contradictory findings concerning the direct effects of ideal body image advertising on women's body concerns. Despite numerous studies, the mechanism of how women are affected negatively by such imagery is still unclear. The current study explored why women are influenced negatively by ideal body image in the third-person effect framework. In particular, the authors proposed gendered “others” and hypothesized that when those others were men, exposure to the ideal body would create larger third-person perceptions; there would be a negative relationship between third-person gaps and body area satisfaction. Findings confirmed the importance of gendered others, such that women estimated close male friends would be more affected by ideal body image than close female friends.
Operationalizing the Second-Person Effect and Its Relationship to Behavioral Outcomes of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising
Authors: Huh Jisu , DeLorme Denise E. , Reid Leonard N.
Published: July 2008

This article explores the second-person effect in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising. The authors examine the conceptual and operational definitions of the second-person effect, empirically testing Neuwirth and Frederick's operational definition of the second-person effect (the additive term); determine predictors of the second-person effect; and extend the findings of the Neuwirth and Frederick study regarding the relationship between the second-person effect and behavioral outcomes to the advertising context. The findings suggest that the additive term may not reflect the conceptual definition of the second-person effect but instead may measure combined perceived effect or total perceived effect, which is free from the constraint of focusing on the self—other effect gap. Applying the conceptual definition of the second-person effect, this study proposes an alternative operationalization method (the difference term) that measures perceived effect similarity based on the difference score. This study also presents findings regarding the behavioral aspects of the second-person effect.
Out of the Living Room and Into the Voting Booth
Authors: Day Anita G.
Published: July 2008

Past third-person effect (TPE) research indicates that individuals perceive that the media are more influential on others than on oneself. However, recent studies find a reverse effect, where individuals perceive a greater effect on oneself than on others when media messages are positive and desirable to be influenced by. This study sought to examine the reverse of the TPE, or the first-person effect, from corporate commercial advertisements. Brand awareness advertisements and public affairs advertisements were used to measure both the perceptual and the behavioral components of TPE theory. Findings indicate that corporate commercial public affairs advertisements are found to be socially desirable to be influenced by and that individuals are likely to act on that perception in the form of legislative support of the issues that corporations promote.
Evidence of Ethnic Disproportionality in Special Education in an English Population
Authors: Strand Steve , Lindsay Geoff
Published: July 2008

Differences in the proportions of students identified as having special educational needs (SENs) across ethnic groups have historically been of concern in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, the absence of student-level data has hindered investigation of the reasons for such disproportionality. The authors present an analysis of the 2005 Pupil Level Annual School Census for 6.5 million students aged 5 to 16 years in England. Logistic regression analyses were completed to calculate the odds ratios of having identified SENs both before and after adjusting for the influence of age, gender, and socioeconomic disadvantage (poverty). Poverty and gender had stronger associations than ethnicity with the overall prevalence of SENs. However, after controlling for these effects, significant over- and underrepresentation of some minority ethnic groups relative to White British students remained. The nature and degree of these disproportionalities varied across categories of SENs and minority ethnic groups and were not restricted to judgmental categories of SENs.
Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Oral and Intravenous Pantoprazole in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kearns Gregory L. , Blumer Jeffrey , Schexnayder Stephen , James Laura P. , Adcock Kim G. , Reed Michael D. , Daniel James F. , Gaedigk Andrea , Paul Jeffrey
Published: July 2008

The primary objective was to determine the pharmacokinetics of single oral and intravenous doses of pantoprazole in children 2 to 16 years of age. The secondary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of these doses. Male and female hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients from ages 5 to 16 years received single oral doses (20 mg or 40 mg), and those from ages 2 to 16 years received single intravenous doses (0.8 mg/kg or 1.6 mg/kg) of pantoprazole. The plasma concentration‐time data for each patient were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. Routine safety and tolerability assessments were also obtained. The mean values for peak plasma concentration and total area under the plasma concentration‐time curve increased with increasing dose. Pharmacokinetic values were similar in patients from ages 2 to 16 years and to those previously obtained in adults. Statistically significant differences were observed for dose‐normalized pantoprazole area under the plasma concentration‐time curve when compared between CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers with 1 versus 2 functional alleles. All adverse events were mild in severity and considered to be unrelated to study drug. The pharmacokinetic profile of oral and intravenous pantoprazole was similar in children ages 2 to 16 years. The doses used here were safe and well tolerated in this population.