bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caractérisation des eaux thermales de l'ensemble Sud sétifien. Est algérien
Authors: Boudoukha Abderrahmane , Athamena Malika
Published: September 2012

Le Sud sétifien, situé au nord-est algérien, est le siège de plusieurs aquifères renfermant parfois de l’eau chaude dont la température varie entre 25 °C et 43 °C. Afin d’évaluer le potentiel en eau thermale de cet ensemble, nous avons utilisé une approche pluridisciplinaire axée sur la géologie, la géophysique, l’hydrodynamique et l’hydrochimie. Il ressort de cette approche que cet ensemble est caractérisé par la présence d’une série de horsts et de grabens. Les horsts sont formés par des calcaires et des dolomies, datés du Lias au Miocène, et les grabens ont permis l’instauration d’un système endoréique fermé occupé par des lacs salés. Ces massifs carbonatés affleurent au milieu d’une vaste plaine comblée par des formations alluvionnaires du Mio-Plio-Quaternaire. L’aperçu hydrogéologique montre que les formations du Crétacé peuvent offrir des possibilités aquifères non négligeables. L’outil hydrochimique montre que les eaux chaudes se caractérisent par la présence de trois faciès chimiques différents, le premier de type Cl-Na à l’Est, le second de type SO4-Ca au centre et le troisième de type SO4-Na à Ca à l’Ouest. Cette analyse a aussi permis d’attribuer au sodium, aux chlorures et aux sulfates une origine terrigène évaporitique, par le rapport molaire Sr2+/Ca2+. La salinité qui caractérise ces eaux thermales est principalement due à la circulation des eaux à grande profondeur dans les formations cristallophylliennes et les formations carbonatées qui sont en contact avec des formations terrigènes salifères. Le géothermomètre à silice montre que ces eaux thermales ont une température de 80 °C et que l’eau proviendrait d’une profondeur allant de 1 400 à 2 200 m à travers un système de failles qui affecte le socle. Il est montré que la baisse de la température de 40 °C est due en partie au mélange avec les eaux superficielles.
Os efeitos da ação antrópica sobre a distribuição de macroinvertebrados no Rio Guareí, São Paulo
Authors: Fulan João Ânderson , Henry Raoul , Davanso Rosemary
Published: September 2012

Estudou-se, neste trabalho, no período de março a dezembro de 2006, os efeitos da ação antrópica sobre os macroinvertebrados que habitam macrófitas no Rio Guareí, em São Paulo. Questionou-se se a elevada condutividade observada no Rio Guareí poderia afetar negativamente a distribuição dos macroinvertebrados, bem como, quais seriam as variáveis que mais atuam sobre os macroinvertebrados em um rio com forte influxo de nutrientes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos das variáveis ambientais sobre a densidade e a composição dos macroinvertebrados. Três bancos de plantas foram amostrados com um puçá de 0,07 m2 de área, acoplado a uma rede de 0,25 mm. Foram medidos as temperaturas do ar e da água, a profundidade, o pH, a condutividade elétrica, o material em suspensão, o oxigênio dissolvido e a biomassada planta. Uma análise de correspondência canônica (ACC) foi realizada, utilizando-se a densidade dos macroinvertebradose as variáveis ambientais. Chironomidae, Culicidae, Acanthagrion, Coryphaeschna, Erythrodiplax, Miathyria marcella,Micrathyria, Gastropoda, Ostracoda e Hemiptera foram os únicos táxons que mostraram correlações significativas com os eixos. Com base nos resultados observados, concluiu-se que a elevada condutividade registrada no Rio Guareí, em função da grande quantidade de matéria orgânica lançada durante o seu curso, não afetou significativamente a distribuição dos macroinvertebrados durante o período estudado. No entanto, a ACC detectou que o oxigênio foi o fator ambiental mais significativo para a variância da densidade dos macroinvertebrados, especialmente larvas de Odonata.
A prática profissional no curso de Biologia
Authors: Malucelli Vera Maria Paz Brito
Published: September 2012

Este artigo pretende analisar a prática profissional no curso de Graduação em Biologia, pois um curso que aponta para finalidades profissionalizantes deve assegurar a formação e o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de conhecimentos e atitudes,para os futuros professores, que lhes permita iniciar sua carreira de trabalho com competentes condições pessoais de qualificação. O que se pretende é refletir sobre as Licenciaturas em geral e, especificamente, a de Biologia, as quais se apresentam como cursos híbridos, em que parte dos conteúdos específicos não se articula com as disciplinas de cunho pedagógico, e estas aparecem em número insignificante no cômputo geral do curso. Desse modo, a formação do futuro professor é dicotômica e seu papel social não é considerado como proposta de definição de uma perspectiva unificada, que balize e articule todo o currículo montado para sua habilitação. Para formar esse profissional, é necessário um conjunto de disciplinas científicas e outro de disciplinas pedagógicas, as quais fornecerão as bases para sua atuação. Os formadores precisam ser, também, pesquisadores, para poderem tratar o conteúdo como um momento no processo de construção do conhecimento, ou seja, trabalhar o conhecimento como objeto de indagação e investigação.
Simulation of Plasmonics Nanodevices with Coupled Maxwell and Schrödinger Equations using the FDTD Method
Authors: Ahmed I. , Li E.
Published: September 2012

Maxwell and Schrödinger equations are coupled to incorporate quantum effects for the simulation of plasmonics nanodevices. Maxwell equations with Lorentz-Drude (LD) dispersive model are applied to large size plasmonics components, whereas coupled Maxwell and Schrödinger equations are applied to components where quantum effects are needed. The finite difference time domain method (FDTD) is applied to simulate these coupled equations.
On the Evaluation of the Shielding Effectiveness of Electrically Large Enclosure
Authors: Gifuni A. , Sorrentino A. , Fanti A. , Ferrara G. , Migliaccio M. , Mazzarella G. , Corona F.
Published: September 2012

The shielding effectiveness (SE) has become afundamental step in testing active or passive electricdevices. The Reverberating Chamber (RC) is a wellestablishedmethod for determining the SE since has theadvantage to expose the material to a more realisticenvironment. In this paper the SEe of electrically largeenclosure with a metallic mesh grid in a RC is evaluated.Enclosures made with metallic mesh are considered. Inparticular, it is shown that the SE of a material is unable toprovide complete information for the SEe of electricallylarge enclosure made with the same material. Moreover,this latter one is related to the loading conditions within theenclosure itself. Measurements accomplished at RC of theUniversità di Napoli Parthenope (formerly IstitutoUniversitario Navale, IUN) confirm the physical soundnessof the proposed approach.
Efficient Compression of Far Field Matrices in Multipole Algorithms based on Spherical Harmonics and Radiating Modes
Authors: Schroeder A. , Bruens H.-D. , Schuster C.
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes a compression of far field matrices in the fast multipole method and its multilevel extension for electromagnetic problems. The compression is based on a spherical harmonic representation of radiation patterns in conjunction with a radiating mode expression of the surface current. The method is applied to study near field effects and the far field of an antenna placed on a ship surface. Furthermore, the electromagnetic scattering of an electrically large plate is investigated. It is demonstrated, that the proposed technique leads to a significant memory saving, making multipole algorithms even more efficient without compromising the accuracy.
Antioxidant response of a common herbivorous fish species (Sarpa salpa): Seasonal variation
Authors: Benllassoued K , Hamza A , Abdelmouleh A , Van Pelt J , Elfeki A
Published: September 2012

Within the framework of a biosurveillance of marine species on Tunisian coasts, we studied the salema Sarpa salpa, a fish that is consumed by the people living in this region. There is a seasonal occurrence of hallucinogen effects observed when this fish is consumed by humans. The aim of this work was to determine the seasonal variation in the composition of this fish’s diet and to correlate this variation with the antioxidant activity found in its tissues. The salema that lives around the Island of Kerkennah is primarily a herbivorous fish during all seasons. We observed an increased expression of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in certain organs compared to the control fish, Diplodus annularis. There was a “season-depending” cumulative effect, appearing in the organs starting with the liver, followed by the brain, and finally the flesh. Moreover, it increases according to the size of the animal and thus to the amount of food it consumes. The hallucinogen effect that the consumption of salema has on humans is parallel to the seasonal variation in the epiphytes that are co-ingested by these fish with their food. A significant correlation (P < 0.01) was also observed between the total toxic dinoflagellates and the antioxidant response: CAT and GPx in liver, brain, and flesh for all seasons and all sizes together.
Effects of hurricanes on the stability of reef-associated landscapes
Authors: Rioja-Nieto R , Chiappa-Carrara X , Sheppard C
Published: September 2012

The effects of Hurricane Emily (July 2005, Category 4) on nine different benthic substrates in the reef-associated landscape along the west coast of Cozumel (Mexico) were evaluated by comparing the cover of nine types of substrate on ground-truthed sites before (ten months) and after (two months) the hurricane. Four substrates showed significant differences (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.05). Coverage of sand and sand over rock increased, while that of seagrass and hard corals decreased. The effects of the hurricane on soft corals diminished below 10 m depth. Sites between 0.5 and 5.5 m were less affected towards the southwest of the island, where the reefs are more developed. Algal cover was similar to pre-hurricane values after two months, which suggests fast algal recolonization. Cozumel reefs are considered to be healthy; however, a possible increase in the abundance of macroalgae as a result of hurricanes coupled with poorly regulated tourism activities could eventually favor a phase shift in the system.
Nitrous oxide content and fluxes in Setúbal Bay, Portugal, during upwelling events
Authors: Gonçalves C , Brogueira MJ , Camões MF
Published: September 2012

To evaluate the influence of upwelling events on nitrous oxide (N2O) levels and sea-air exchange in Setúbal Bay (SW Portugal), measurements of dissolved N2O were carried out from the surface down to 200 m depth in May 2006 and May 2007. During the weak upwelling event (May 2006), higher N2O concentrations (values up to 14 nmol L–1) were observed in the upper and deeper layers. In the upper layers a positive correlation between ΔN2O (N2O excess) and apparent oxygen utilization was calculated, suggesting that nitrification contributed to N2O production. During the stronger upwelling event (May 2007), N2O values were lower and did not surpass 12 nmol L–1. Production of N2O could not be disentangled and apparently upwelling provided an effective pathway for ventilating N2O from subsurface waters to the atmosphere. Surface waters were, in general, supersaturated with respect to the atmosphere (percent saturation values 95–160%), indicating that the study area was acting as a source of atmospheric N2O. Higher upwelling-favorable winds (values up to 9 m s–1) registered in May 2007 contributed to increase N2O emissions, which attained a maximum value of 15.2 µmol m–2 d–1 in this period. Lower N2O sea-air fluxes were estimated in May 2006 and values did not surpass 8.8 µmol m–2 d–1. Taking into account the N2O flux in our study area, the contribution of Portuguese coastal upwelling to N2O emission was estimated, varying from 0.040 to 0.102 Gg N yr–1. These values are lower than those reported for most upwelling systems and represent a minor source to atmospheric N2O.
Trends of anthropogenic CO2 along 20º W in the Iberian Basin
Authors: Fajar NM , Pardo PC , Carracedo L , Vázquez-Rodríguez M , Ríos AF , Pérez FF
Published: September 2012

The carbon system in the water masses of the Iberian Basin (North Atlantic Ocean) has been affected over the last two decades by the increase in anthropogenic CO2 (Cant). In order to study the storage of Cant in the Iberian Basin, variables of the carbonic system (i.e., pH, total inorganic carbon, and total alkalinity), among others, were measured during the CAIBOX cruise conducted between July and August 2009 within the framework of the CAIBEX project (Shelf-Ocean Exchanges in the Canary-Iberian Large Marine Ecosystem). The storage of Cant was estimated using two different back-calculation techniques (i.e., the φCºT and TrOCA methods) and for six layers of the water column corresponding to the approximate locations of the characteristic water masses of the region and the mixed layers. For the whole water column and for the year 2009 the Cant storage values determined by the φCºT and TrOCA methods were 88.1 ± 3.8 and 93.7 ± 3.7 molC m–2, respectively. Moreover, the Cant storage rate from 1993 to 2009 was also estimated considering data from three additional cruises (OACES 1993, CHAOS 1998, and OACES 2003). The Cant storage rates were 1.41 ± 0.25 and 1.67 ± 0.13 molC m–2 yr–1 with the φCºT and TrOCA methods, respectively. An increase in anthropogenic CO2 uptake by the ocean can be seen when compared with previous published results. Between the periods 1977–1997 and 1993–2009, the Cant concentration increased around 28–49% in the first 2000 m.
Meal Pattern Analysis of Macronutrient Intake Aafter PVN Norepinephrine and Peripheral Clonidine Administration
Authors: Leibowitz Sarah F. , Shor‐Posner Gail , Brennan Glen , Alexander Jesline T.
Published: September 2012

Norepinephrine (NE) injected into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus of rats is a potent stimulant of food intake, more specifically ingestion of the carbohydrate nutrient. In 2 experiments of the present study, this effect was found to be dose‐dependent, and the effectiveness of NE in potentiating total food consumption was greatly reduced when the carbohydrate diet was removed. In addition, experiments using a computer‐automated data acquisition apparatus were performed to characterize, in detail, the impact of PVN injection of NE and peripheral administration of the α2‐nor‐adrenergic agonist clonidine (CLON) on the macrostructure of feeding behavior in animals given 3 pure macronutrient diets. These 2 compounds, injected at the onset of the nocturnal feeding cycle, had very similar effects on meal patterns, with both affecting nutrient intake by increasing meal size and duration rather than by increasing meal frequency. They both affected primarily the first meal of the dark cycle, selectively enhancing carbohydrate ingestion by increasing Kcal intake, percent composition in the total diet and feeding time, and also by decreasing the satiating impact of this macronutrient. These stimulatory effects of NE and CLON on carbohydrate ingestion during the first meal were followed by complete recovery over the next 1 to 2 hours after injection. In addition to these predominant effects on carbohydrate intake, PVN NE at the highest doses tested (10 and 20 nmoles) produced a small increase in fat intake, whereas peripheral CLON actually decreased intake of fat and protein over the 12‐hour cycle. The similarities in the impact of NE and CLON on carbohydrate feeding patterns support the hypothesis that both agonists may be acting via the same PVN α2‐noradrenergic system controlling ingestion of the carbohydrate‐rich meals which predominate at dark onset.
Evidence of Commingling in Human Eating Behavior
Authors: Allison David B. , Heshka Stanley , Gorman Fbernard S. , Heymsfield Steven B.
Published: September 2012

This investigation tested whether distributions of certain aspects of eating behavior were consistent with the notion of a “mixture model;” that is, two or more distinct Commingled component distributions, consistent with the possibility of major gene action. Undergraduates (n=901) completed self‐report trait measures of hunger, disinhibition, and dietary restraint. Variables were residualized for gender and age and transformed to remove skewness. Residualized transformed distributions were tested for departure from unimodality with Hartigan's (14) dip statistic. The distributions of all three aspects of eating behavior were significantly non‐unimodal. Next, component multivariate normal distributions were estimated via maximum likelihood. Likelihood ratio tests were employed to compare nested models. A mixture of four distributions with unequal variance‐covariance matrices tit significantly better than any more parsimonious model. In sum, these data strongly suggest that the distributions of several measures of eating behavior are composed of four component distributions. This finding is consistent with the possibility of major gene effects for eating behavior.
The Influence of Human Growth Hormone (GH) and Thyroxine (T4) on the Differentiation of Adipose Tissue in the Fetus
Authors: Hausman Gary J. , Wright J. Thom , Latimer Amanda , Watson Rosetta , Martin Roy J.
Published: September 2012

Late term fetuses from genetically obese dams have slightly larger fat cells, greater adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities, elevated levels of thyroid hormones, and depressed growth hormone (GH) levels when compared to fetuses from lean dams. We have investigated the influence of thyroid hormone and GH status per se on these and other adipose tissue traits by chronically treating hypophysectomized (hypox) fetuses (day 70) between day 90 and 105 of gestation with either thyroxine (T4) or human GH. Treatment with T4 decreased body weights (P<.05), increased serum T4 levels (P<.05), and enhanced skin and hair development (P<.05). Quantitative analysis of sections of perirenal and subcutaneous adipose tissue indicated that T4 increased LPL activity (P<.05), slightly increased fat cell size, and more than doubled (P<.05) lipid accretion. A hypox induced deficit in fat cell cluster number in the outer layer of subcutaneous tissue was normalized by T4 (P<.05). Conversely, human GH (hGH) treatment had no influence on body weight, increased serum hGH levels, decreased fat cell size (P<.05) and LPL activity (P<.05) but had no influence on lipid accretion. Quantitative analysis of adipose tissue sections provided direct and indirect evidence of a “critical” or “sensitive” period between 90 and 105 days, since fetal hypox at day 70 severely impeded preadipocyte recruitmentheplication during this period. Furthermore, T4 but not GH effectively normalized this hypox‐induced deficiency in preadipocyte development. Therefore, T4 may have a major role in preadipocyte recruitmentheplication during late fetal life.
Serum γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase Levels and Hypertension in Non‐drinkers: A Possible Role of Fatty Liver in the Pathogenesis of Obesity Related Hypertension
Authors: Ikai Eriko , Noborizaka Yuka , Tsuritani Ikiko , Honda Ryumn , Ishizaki Masao , Yamada Yuichi
Published: September 2012

The relationships between increases in body mass index (BMI) and increases in hypertension were compared between non‐drinkers with elevated serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP) levels (≥50 U/I) and those with normal levels, who comprised 10,952 men and 22,107 women aged 40–59 years recruited from an occupational health clinic. Hypertension was found in 16.1% and 13.5% of the men and women, and elevated serum γ‐GTP was found in 10.8% and 2.8% of the men and women, respectively. The prevalences of hypertension and elevated serum y‐GTP levels were both increased with increased BMI. Hypertension was, however, shown to be 1.5 times more prevalent in the persons with elevated serum γ‐GTP levels than in those with normal levels in both sexes, even after adjusting for BMI by a multiple logistic analysis. It can be concluded that elevations of serum γ‐GTP, which are probably a reflection of fatty liver in the non‐drinkers, are closely related to the development of hypertension associated with increased obesity.
Insulin Action in Rats Is Influenced by Amount and Composition of Dietary Fat
Authors: Yakubu Fatirna , Lin Ding , Peters John C. , Reed George W , Hill James O.
Published: September 2012

The chronic influence of dietary fat composition on obesity and insulin action is not well understood. We examined the effect of amount (20% vs 60% of total calories) and type (saturated vs polyunsaturated) of fat on insulin action and body composition in mature male rats. Six months of feeding a high fat (HF) diet led to obesity and impaired insulin action (determined by a euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp), neither of which were reversed by a subsequent 6 months of feeding a low fat (LF) diet. Within HF fed rats, type of fat did not affect body composition or insulin action. Six months of feeding a low fat diet led to only a slight decline in insulin action, with no difference due to type of dietary fat. From 6–9 months, insulin action became more impaired in LF rats fed the saturated diet than in LF rats fed the polyunsaturated diet. By 12 months, all groups were obese and had a similar impairment in insulin action. The amount and type of fat in the diet did not influence the overall degree of impairment in insulin action but did affect the time course. Both feeding a high fat diet and feeding a low fat saturated diet accelerated the impairment in insulin action relative to rats fed a low fat polyunsaturated fat diet.
Binge Eating Behavior in Patients with Eating Disorders
Authors: Guss Janet L. , Kissilejf Harry R. , Walsh B. Timothy , Devlin Michael J.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the objectively observed binge eating behavior of obese subjects meeting the proposed DSM‐IV criteria for binge eating disorder would be similar to that observed in patients with bulimia nervosa. Non‐obese patients with bulimia nervosa (BN), obese subjects with binge eating disorder (BED), obese and non‐obese women without eating disorders were each instructed to binge eat single‐ and multiple‐item meals. In the multiple‐item meal, the obese subjects with BED ate significantly more (1515 kcal) than obese subjects without BED (1115 kcal), but they ate less than the normal‐weight bulimic patients (2680 kcal). The non‐obese controls ate amounts similar to the obese non‐binge‐eating‐disordered group (1093 and 1115.2 kcal, respectively). In the single‐item meal, consisting of ice cream, patients with BN ate significantly more than any other group (1307 kcal), while obese subjects with or without binge‐eating disorder ate significantly more (762 kcal) than non‐obese controls (308 kcal). This study has demonstrated that although both BN and BED are characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, quantitatively there appear to be differences between the eating disturbances in the two disorders. Because single‐ and multiple‐item meals differ in external cues, these results also suggest that the obese subjects with BED may be disinhibited by external cues, while obese subjects without BED may be inhibited by external cues.
Weight‐Loss Strategies of Young Adults: Exercise Versus Dieting
Authors: Drewnowski Adam , Kurth Candace L. , Krahn Dean D.
Published: September 2012

This cross‐sectional survey study examined weight control practices of 2,092 male and 1,748 female freshman students aged 18 years. For women, the desire for weight loss was observed at all levels of body weight. Most women (79%) wished to weigh less than their current weight, and 23% were following a restricted‐calorie diet. In contrast, more men wished to gain (46%) rather than lose weight (32%), and only 3% were dieting at the time of the study. A comparison of weight control practices of men and women who wished to lose weight showed that women restricted calories far more frequently than did men. In contrast, although men were more likely to use exercise for weight control than were women, the differences between the sexes were small. A combined analysis of dieting and exercise behaviors showed that while men relied almost exclusively on intensive exercise as opposed to dieting, women employed exercise as well as dieting for the purpose of weight control.
BODY BUILD AND LONGEVITY
Authors: Dublin Louis I.
Published: September 2012

The very expression “well built” has become a part of our language. It implies that persons of a particular build or structure are better coordinated or somehow can function better than other people and may, therefore, be expected to have a greater life span. Variations in the structure of individuals are marked and serve to distinguish fairly definite types. Insurance experience has crystallized into a number of fairly definite conclusions with regard to the relative longevity of certain of these types. Extremes of stature, for example, are decided handicaps. Extreme overweight and underweight carry with them increased mortality and correspondingly shorter life. Very heavy people are more likely to succumb prematurely to such conditions as diabetes, organic heart disease, renal impairment, hardening of the arteries, and very light persons, particularly at the younger ages, are more likely to develop tuberculosis. Insurance experience has confirmed the popular judgment that the individuals who approach the mean of these body measures are better able to withstand the hazards of life and to round out a fairly full expectation.
Biracial Differences in Physical Activity and Body Composition Among Women
Authors: Tuten Chris , Petosa Richard , Sargent Roger , Weston Anne
Published: September 2012

Overweight among black females is almost two times as frequent as among white females. Genetics, caloric intake, and physical activity have been identified as possible explanatory factors. This study assessed the differences in physical activity and body composition in 76 white and 66 black adult females. Black women had significantly higher (p=.0001) percent body fat (32.2 ± 7.1) than white women (27.7 ± 6.5) with a similar difference in weight (4.4 kg) approaching significance (p=.055). Physical activity was assessed using a structured 24‐hour recall instrument. A purposive sampling design was implemented to control for age, education and occupation. A summary physical activity value unit for the 24‐hour period revealed a significantly greater mean value for white females (41.93 + 4.7) than for black females (40.01 ± 3.9) suggesting white females were more physically active (p=.02) although this was not a function of biracial differences in play/recreation and exercise/sport type of activities. Although both black and white females were found to be sedentary (MET value ± 2) over 90 percent of the time, black women were significantly more sedentary (p=.03). Biracial differences in discretionary non‐exercise oriented activities may contribute to different rates of overweight observed between black and white women.
The Influence of Change in Marital Status on Weight Change Over One Year
Authors: Rauschenbach Barbara , Sobal Jeffery , Frongillo Edward A.
Published: September 2012

Marital status is an influence on body weight. Changes in marital status and body weight were examined in the National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences, a telephone survey of 2,436 adults interviewed twice approximately 1 year apart. Two statistical methods for analyzing weight change were compared, and both produced similar results: regression analysis of weight change and regression analysis of weight at follow‐up controlling for baseline weight. The findings revealed that women who entered marriage had greater weight change than women who remained married. Analysis of weight gain and weight loss separately showed that women who became married lost less weight than those who remained married. For men, there were no statistically significant relationships between marital change and weight change over a 1‐year period. These findings support other literature showing that marital status plays a role in body weight changes. The results suggest gender differences may exist in the rate of body weight change after marriage, with more immediate changes in women than men.
Opinions of Obesity Experts on the Causes and Treatment of Obesity ‐ A New Survey
Authors: Bray George A. , DeLany James
Published: September 2012

A survey of opinions on the causes of and effectiveness for treatment of obesity was carried out on data provided by questionnaires from 57 physicians and scientists involved in obesity research. Responses were grouped by region (Europe, North America, and South America), gender, age (30–50 and over 50 years), and professional training (MD or PhD). Metabolic factors were considered the most important cause of obesity overall with physical inactivity only slightly behind. There were no gender differences, but the older group thought physical inactivity was a more important cause than the younger group. Weight cycling overall was not considered very important, although it was significantly more important among the Ph.D. group. Low‐fat diets were considered the most effective treatment, with the older group of respondents rating low‐fat diet more highly than their younger colleagues. Exercise was viewed as a more important treatment among North Americans, and medications as less in the treatment of obesity. All groups viewed serotonergic and thermogenic drugs as the most effective treatments whose usefulness would increase during the next 10 years.
Chronic Food Deprivation Decreases Extracellular Dopamine in the Nucleus Accumbens: Implications for a Possible Neurochemical Link Between Weight Loss and Drug Abuse
Authors: Pothos Emmanuel N. , Hernandez Luis , Hoebel Bartley G.
Published: September 2012

In rats reduced to 80% of normal body weight (n=9), the basal levels of extracellular dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAC), as determined by microdialysis, decreased significantly to 33 % (mean ± SEM) of their normal baseline (p<.01). Basal extracellullar DA did not change significantly over a matching 3‐week period in controls (n=7). No changes were observed in NAC serotonin after weight reduction. These results indicate that parts of the mesolimbic DA system are depressed in underweight rats. The observed decrease in basal DA may be responsible for a variety of behavioral changes observed in undernourished humans and animals including the tendency to eat and gain weight when food becomes available. Given that DA can be released in the NAC when rats self‐inject drugs of abuse, the present findings may help explain why animals increase drug intake when they are underweight.
Insulin Normalization as an Approach to the Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Campfield L. Arthur , Smith Françoise J. , Mackie Garry , Tenenbaum Renata , Sassano Mary Lisa , Mullin John , Kaiser Ken , Kierstead Richard W.
Published: September 2012

Hyperinsulinemia and exaggerated insulin response to glucose are among the hallmarks of obesity. However, the role of hyperinsulinemia in the etiology and maintenance of obesity has been controversial. If hyperinsulinemia plays a critical role as proposed, then its reversal may have therapeutic potential. To test this hypothesis, the activity of Ro 23–7637, {4‐(2,2‐diphenylethenyl)‐1‐[1‐oxo‐9‐(3‐pyridinyl) nonyl]piperidine}, which partially normalizes plasma insulin by an action on pancreatic islets from obese rats, was assessed. When islets were cultured for 2 days with 10 μM Ro 23–7637, a significant reduction in the exaggerated glucose‐induced insulin secretion was observed. When islets from lean rats were exposed to Ro 23–7637, no reduction in insulin secretion was observed. The effects of oral administration of Ro 23–7637 were assessed in Zucker and diet‐induced obese rats in doses ranging from 5 to 90 mg/kg/day. Dose‐related reductions were observed in: 1) glucose‐induced insulin secretion; 2) basal insulin concentration; 3) daily food intake; and 4) body weight gain. In diet‐induced obese rats, selective mobilization of fat, maintenance of body protein, and decreased energetic efficiency were also observed. An association between the partial normalization of glucose‐induced insulin responses and reductions of basal insulin, reduced rates of body weight gain or body weight loss and decreased food intake was observed in obese rats. Therefore, these studies indicate that Ro 23–7637 is an orally active, efficacious antiobesity agent.
AO‐128, α‐Glucosidase Inhibitor: Antiobesity and Antidiabetic Actions in Genetically Obese‐Diabetic Rats, Wistar Fatty
Authors: Ikeda Hitoshi , Odaka Hiroyuki
Published: September 2012

Antiobesity and antidiabetic actions of the α‐glucosidase inhibitor AO‐128 were examined using genetically obese‐diabetic rats, Wistar fatty. Ten‐week‐old, male fatty rats were kept on CE‐2 diet containing 10 or 25 ppm of AO‐128 for 4 weeks. The average drug intake was calculated to be 0.74 or 1.78 mg/kg/day from the average food intake, respectively. The intestinal maltase and sucrase activities were decreased by AO‐128 in a dose‐related fashion. Food intake of fatty rats treated with AO‐128 was decreased throughout the experiment. This decrease in food intake could hardly be explained only by diarrhea which occurred for the first 5 day s of the administration of AO‐128. AO‐128 normalized hyperglycemia and markedly reduced hypertriglyceridemia and hyperinsulinemia in fatty rats. In addition, AO‐128 decreased body weight gain, food efficiency, epididymal adipose tissue weight, carcass weight, and body fat deposition. These findings indicate that AO‐128 may be useful for treating human obesity and diabetes.
Measurement of Physical Activity Among Black and White Obese Women
Authors: Kushner Robert F. , Racette Susan B. , Neil Karen , Schoeller Dale A.
Published: September 2012

Several recent self‐reported surveys have suggested that African‐American women may engage in less leisure‐time physical activity (PA) than whites. Objective measurements of PA have not been performed, however. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the components of energy expenditure, including PA, between black and white obese women. Using the doubly labeled water method, total dairy energy expenditure (TDEE), basalmetabolic rate (BMR), thermic effect of a meal (TEM), and PA were measured in 14 black and 15 white moderately obese women over 2 weeks. No statistically significant differences were seen between the 2 groups in BMR, TEM or TDEE. Mean PA was significantly (p=0.05) lower among black women compared to whites when expressed as MJ. d−1 (3.49 vs. 4.30) or kJ.kg−1.d−1 (37.6 vs. 47.7). Our study supports the survey differences seen in PA among black and white women.
Actions of Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor Fragments on Food Intake in Rats
Authors: Sasaki Kazuo , Oomura Yutaka , Li Ai‐Jun , Hanai Kazumitsu , Tooyama Ikuo , Kimura Hiroshi , Yanaihara Noboru , Hori Tetsuro
Published: September 2012

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) has suppressive effects on food intake. In the present study, the effect of aFGF fragments on food intake were investigated in rats. Infusion of a carboxyl‐terminal fragment of aFGF, aFGF‐(1 14–140), did not affect food intake, whereas an amino‐terminal fragment of aFGF, aFGF‐(1–15), was significantly inhibitory. Other amino‐terminal fragments, aFGF‐(1–20), aFGF‐(1–29) and aFGF‐(9–29), did not affect food intake. However, [Ala16]aFGF‐(1–29) and [Ser16]aFGF‐(1–29) in which the cysteine residue at position 16 was replaced with alanine and serine, respectively, had significant suppressive effects on food intake. Infusion of a functional antagonist for FGF receptor, anti‐FGFR‐1 antibody, into the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) significantly increased food intake. The results suggest that: the amino‐terminal portion of aFGF is active in food intake suppression; the replacement of cysteine residue by alanine or serine is important in some amino‐terminal aFGF fragments; and the LHA is involved in feeding suppression actions by aFGF and some fragments.
Time‐Dependent Rundown of GABA Response in Mammalian CNS Neuron During Experimental Anoxia
Authors: Akaike Norio
Published: September 2012

γ‐Aminobirtyric acid (GABA) is one of the major neurotransmitters in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). The activation of post‐synaptic GABAA receptor‐chloride channel complex is thought to underlie inhibitory postsynaptic potentials ubiquitously in various CNS regions. GABAA receptors are modulated by convulsant, hypnotic‐anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and anxiogenic agents and endogenous agents such as nurosteroids and intracellular calcium, ATP, and cyclic AMP. The function of GABAA receptor in CNS neuron is also affected by some pathophysiological processes, e.g., anoxia. For example, it is currently believed that delayed neuronal death after brain ischemia re suits from excessive cell excitability and/or loss of inhibition. In the present study, we investigated how the GABA‐gated chloride current is affected by anoxic conditions. All experiments were carried out on neurons freshly dissociated from rat CNS by the use of both conventional and nystatin perforated patch recording conμgurations. The GABA response showed a considerable rundown with time in anoxic condition. The rundown was prevented by adding either ouabain or SPAM (Na+‐K+ ATPase inhibitor‐I), suggesting that the experimental anoxia reduced GABA response by decreasing intracellular ATP synthesis. This result was also confirmed by finding that the direct decrease of intracellular ATP concentration using a conventional whole‐cell patch recording mode inhibited the GABA‐gated chloride response in mammalian CNS neurons.
Chronically Administered 3‐Nitropropionic Acid Produces Selective Lesions in the Striatum and Reduces Muscle Tonus
Authors: Shimano Yasunobu , Kumazaki Michiko , Sakurai Terumi , Hida Hideki , Fujimoto Ichiro , Fukuda Atsuo , Nishino Hitoo
Published: September 2012

Systemically administered 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA), irreversible inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase, produced characteristic bilateral lesions in the striatum (STR) in the rat. Inside the lesion, neutrophils invaded and strong immunoreaction for IgG as well as complement factor C3b/C4b receptor (C3b/C4br) were observed. The core of the lesion lost the immunoreaction for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) while the marginal area had abundant GFAP‐labeled astrocytes around the vessels. Intoxicated rats often became somnolent and were awkward in cooperative movement on a pole climbing test, but they had a quite good memory retention in a passive avoidance learning. Muscle tonus in some of the intoxicated rats became hypotonic with low voltage electromyogram (EMG) activity, especially in lower limbs. In summary, 3‐NPA intoxicated rats had selective bilateral lesions in the STR and exhibited disturbances in a cooperative movement owing to the impairment in muscle tonus, thus it would be a useful animal model to deduce the central pathogenesis of Huntington's disease.
Influence of Smoking on Hormone Secretion in Obese and Lean Female Smokers
Authors: Szostak‐Wegierek Dorota , Björntorp Per , Mårin Per , Lindstedt Göran , Andersson Björn
Published: September 2012

Smoking exerts influences on the secretion of several hormones which are abnormal in obesity. Previous studies have mainly been performed in non‐obese men, and data from non‐obese and obese women are scarce. The aim of the present study was therefore to identify the effect of smoking on hormone secretions in obese and lean female smokers.

The study was performed in 10 obese and 8 lean, premenopausal, healthy smokers. All subjects were tested once under experimental and once under control conditions (not smoking) in randomized order. The women smoked two non‐filtered cigarettes during 4 minutes each. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured 30 minutes before smoking, at the start of smoking (time 0) and then after 5, 10, 20, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Blood samples were taken for determination of serum concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Cortisol, prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at the same time points except at 5 minutes.

Heart rate rose in both groups during smoking. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was increased only in the obese subjects. Cortisol and ACTH increased in both groups, while TSH, PRL and GH were unchanged in both groups.

We conclude that lean and obese smoking women seem to respond rather similarly to smoking in the hemodynamic and endocrine variables measured in this report with the possible exception of blood pressure where the obese women tended to show more pronounced increases.
Feeding Induced by Pharmacological Blockade of Fatty Acid Metabolism Is Selectively Attenuated by Hindbrain Injections of the Galanin Receptor Antagonist, M40
Authors: Koegler Frank H. , Ritter Sue
Published: September 2012

Galanin has been shown to stimulate feeding when injected intracranially in rats. Lesion and Fos studies have shown that the neural pathway for feeding stimulated by mercaptoacetate (MA) ‐induced blockade of fatty acid oxidation includes several structures rich in galanin cell bodies or terminals. In the present experiment, we examined the role of hindbrain galanin in feeding stimulated by MA. We found that galanin (1 nmol) stimulates feeding when injected into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a site that is crucial for MA‐induced feeding, or into the fourth ventricle (4V, 1 or 5 nmol) and that NTS or 4V injections of the galanin receptor antagonist, M40 (1.5 or 5 nmol), completely blocked feeding induced by MA (68 mg/kg). The effect of the M40 appeared to be specific for MA‐induced feeding, since M40 did not significantly attenuate either feeding induced by the antimetabolic glucose analog, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2DG, 100 or 200 mg/kg), or deprivation‐induced water intake. Results suggest that feeding induced by decreased fatty acid oxidation relies upon galaniner‐gic terminals in the hindbrain. Furthermore, results indicate that hindbrain neurons involved in MA‐induced feeding differ neurochemically from those important for 2DG‐induced feeding.
Comparisons for Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percent Among Puerto Ricans, Blacks, Whites and Asians Living in the New York City Area
Authors: Wang Jack , Thornton John C. , Burastero Santiago , Shen Judy , Tanenbaum Stacey , Heymsfield Steven B. , Pierson Richard N.
Published: September 2012

The latest data (NHANES III) from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) show that the black population has the highest proportion of overweight among all adult populations in the United States. The present study compared the body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent from dual‐photon absorptiometry in 1,324 healthy adults aged 18 to 107 years recruited from four ethnic groups in the New York City area; 523 whites, 280 blacks, 267 Asians and 254 Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans had the largest BMI and the largest percent of subjects with body weight more than 120% of their ideal weight, and the largest fat percent of the four ethnic groups: 76% of Puerto Rican males had fat percent above the median value for white males (fat percent = 19.6%) and 95% of Puerto Rican females had fat percent above the median for white females (fat percent = 30.8%). Asians had the smallest BMI, but 63% of them had fat percent above the median values for whites in each gender. Puerto Ricans also had the largest waist‐to‐hip ratios among the four ethnic groups. In blacks, the percent of subjects with fat percent larger than the median for whites was slightly smaller than that for Puerto Ricans, 64% and 82% of males and females respectively. These results differ from the latest NCHS data and show that Puerto Ricans in this sample are heavier and fatter than blacks.
The Relationship of Body Mass Index to Reproductive Factors in Pre‐ and Postmenopausal African‐American Women With and Without Breast Cancer
Authors: Adams‐Campbell Lucile L. , Kim Kyung Sook , Dunston Georgia , Laing Amelia E. , Bonney George , Demenais Florence
Published: September 2012

To date, there are virtually no existing data on the relationship between obesity, menopausal status, and breast cancer in African‐Americans. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the following hypotheses in an African‐American population: (1) there exists a positive association between BMI and breast cancer among postmenopausal women; (2) there exists an inverse association between BMI and breast cancer among premenopausal women; and (3) similar associations between BMI and reproductive factors exist for both pre‐ and postmenopausal breast cancer cases. The study population comprised 357 African‐American women (n=193 breast cancer cases; n=164 controls). No significant differences were observed between premenopausal cases and controls for BMI, obesity categories, and reproductive factors. Among the postmenopausal women, the cases had significantly lower weight and BMI levels than the controls. Age at first pregnancy and parity were significantly lower among postmenopausal cases than their controls. No significant associations were revealed between body mass index and breast cancer for pre‐ and postmenopausal women. In the present study, early age at menarche was the only reproductive factor that was an independent predictor of BMI for both pre‐ and postmenopausal women, irrespective of breast cancer status. Also, these findings strongly suggest the need to consider reproductive factors, particularly age at menarche, as a covariate of BMI and other obesity‐related diseases.
The Effect of Dietary Energy Restriction on Body Weight Gain and the Development of Noninsulin‐Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) in Psammomys obesus
Authors: Walder Ken , Dascaliuc Carolyn R. , Lewandowski Paul A. , Sanigorski Andrew J. , Zimmet Paul , Collier Greg R.
Published: September 2012

Food intake was restricted to 75% of ad libitum levels in 37 male Psammomys obesus (Israeli Sand Rats) from the ages of 4 (weaning) to 10 weeks. Energy restriction reduced the mean body weight at 10 weeks by 29% compared with 44 ad libitum fed controls. Hyperglycemia was prevented completely in the food‐restricted group, and mean blood glucose concentrations were significantly reduced (3.8 ± 0.2 vs. 5.5 ± 0.4 μmol/L; p<0.05) compared with control animals. Plasma insulin concentrations were also decreased significantly compared with ad libitum fed controls (105 ± 13 vs. 241 ± 29 mU/L;p<0.05). Although energy restriction prevented hyperglycemia from developing in 10‐week‐old P. obesus, 19% of the food restricted animals still developed hyperinsu‐linemia. We concluded that hyperphagia between the ages of 4 to 10 weeks may be essential for the development of noninsulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus in P. obesus, but that hyperinsulinemia may still occur in the absence of hyperphagia and hyperglycemia, suggesting a significant genetic influence on the development of hyperinsulinemia in this animal model.