bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incest, Incestuous Fantasy & Indecency
Authors: Lacey J. Hubert
Published: August 2008

This systematic study of 112 consecutive referrals of normal-weight bulimic women from a circumscribed urban catchment area found that eight patients (7%) reported sexual abuse involving physical contact. Four (3.6%) of these described incest, but only in two cases (1.8%) did the incest occur in childhood. Just over 5% of the sample reported unlawful sexual intercourse in childhood or gross indecency. Eighteen additional patients reported incestuous fantasies and two of these were partly acted out. The study indicates that incest and sexual abuse reported by bulimics is usually in those multi-impulsive patients who also abuse alcohol or drugs as well as food. The reported prevalences of incest and indecency in normal-weight bulimic women are only slightly higher than figures derived from general population surveys.
Post-partum Psychosis in the Assir Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shoeb I. H. , Hassan G. A.
Published: August 2008

The medical notes of 91 women who had a psychiatric illness requiring admission within nine months of childbirth were studied. The incidence of post-partum psychosis was 3 per 1000 births, of which 66% were affective psychoses.
Panic Attacks in Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Argyle Nicholas
Published: August 2008

Of 20 patients attending a clinic for maintenance therapy of schizophrenia, seven had regular panic attacks, and these were often associated with agoraphobia and social phobia. Similar fears and avoidance in other cases were associated with paranoid ideas and negative symptoms. The relationship of panic to psychotic symptoms varied greatly. In two patients neuroleptics were associated with an increase in panic attacks.
Klüver–Bucy Syndrome and Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Clarke D. J. , Brown N. S.
Published: August 2008

A 52-year-old woman, whose initial psychiatric presentation at the age of 15 was with a disorder resembling schizophrenia, developed symptoms of Klüver–Bucy syndrome, and is now thought to suffer from an organic psychotic disorder. Klüver–Bucy syndrome must be distinguished from symptoms of schizophrenia or affective disorder; its presence suggests an organic process.
Syndromes of Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Liddle Peter F. , Barnes Thomas R. E.
Published: August 2008

Confirmation is reported of an earlier finding that the symptoms of patients with chronic schizophrenia segregate into three syndromes: psychomotor poverty (poverty of speech, flatness of affect, decreased spontaneous movement); disorganisation (disorders of the form of thought, inappropriate affect); and reality distortion (delusions and hallucinations).
Predictors of Improvement in Tardive Dyskinesia Following Discontinuation of Neuroleptic Medication
Authors: Glazer William M. , Morgenstern Hal , Schooler Nina , Berkman Cathy S. , Moore Daniel C.
Published: August 2008

Forty-nine chronic psychiatric out-patients (ten were schizophrenic) with tardive dyskinesia (TD) were examined monthly for a mean of 40 weeks (range 1–59 months) after discontinuation of neuroleptic medication. Complete and persistent reversibility of TD was rare (2%), but many patients showed noticeable improvement in movements within the first year of discontinuation, which was sometimes interrupted by psychological relapse. Using three separate outcome measures and appropriate model-fitting techniques for each, we identified several predictors of improvement in TD, including an affective or schizoaffective psychiatric diagnosis, chronic (over 20 years) psychiatric illness, being employed, younger age, and increased neuroleptic dose before discontinuation. Consistent findings emerging from these analyses suggest that the type and history of psychiatric illness affect the course of TD.
Symptom Specificity in Patients with Panic
Authors: Lelliott Paul , Bass Christopher
Published: August 2008

Thirteen patients with panic disorder with predominantly cardiorespiratory (CR) symptoms were compared with seven patients with predominantly gastrointestinal (Gl) symptoms in an experimental procedure that involved exposure to phobia talk and voluntary hyperventilation (VHV). The CR patients had not only higher baseline anxiety, but also during phobia talk had a greater fall in pCO2 and reported more respiratory symptoms than the Gl patients. Moreover, the CR group found VHV more unpleasant and more like their panic attacks than the Gl panickers, and reported more physical symptoms after it. These findings suggest that patients with PD are not only heterogeneous with respect to the system to which panic symptoms refer (CR or Gl) but that provoking arousal in one system is more likely to produce distress if that system is the major focus of complaint. These findings, if replicated, would not support the suggestion that panic disorder is a uniform illness.
Reflections of the Self: Atypical Misidentification and Delusional Syndromes in Two Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Molchan Susan E. , Martinez Rick A. , Lawlor Brian A. , Grafman Jordan H. , Sunderland Trey
Published: August 2008

Two patients with moderately severe AD, when asked directly, could identify their own images in a mirror, but also consistently misidentified their own reflections as that of another person. Both patients were paranoid and mildy depressed at times, but had no evidence of other concurrent psychotic symptoms. It appeared that mood substantially modified the nature of the symptom and the patients' reaction to it over time. These cases illustrate the ability of an organic symptom to be modified by a concurrent affective state, indicating the importance of the interaction between biological and psychological factors in the expression of such symptoms.
The Interval General Health Questionnaire and its Relationship with Psychiatric Disorder in Community and General Practice Samples
Authors: Surtees P. G. , Tansella M.
Published: August 2008

This paper contrasts the usual scoring of the GHQ-30 with scoring based upon a criterion approach applied to only 12 of the GHQ items that takes account of the ‘diagnostic significance’ of the chosen items. Repeat assessments with this shorter form of the questionnaire (the l-GHQ), coupled with procedures to assess change, can be used to provide summary measures of symptom course in those research situations where available interview time precludes the use of more formal assessment methods.
Anorexia Nervosa in an 80–Year-Old Woman
Authors: Gowers S. G. , Crisp A. H.
Published: August 2008

A woman aged 80 years had suffered with anorexia nervosa in adolescence and the condition was rekindled after 50 years of remission. The remission was seen in the light of affective disorder and a chronic grief reaction.
Fluvoxamine/Pimozide Treatment of Concurrent Tourette's and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Delgado Pedro L. , Goodman Wayne K. , Price Lawrence H. , Heninger George R. , Charney Dennis S.
Published: August 2008

A 25–year-old man with a history of Tourette's syndrome presented for treatment of OCD symptoms. Fluvoxamine worsened tics, led to coprolalia, and did not help the OCD. The addition of pimozide dramatically reduced both OCD and Tourette's symptoms. Double-blind sequential discontinuation of fluvoxamine and pimozide confirmed that pimozide alone reduced only tics and the combination of fluvoxamine and pimozide was required for the improvement in OCD. Tics may reflect a subtype of OCD. Some OCD patients unresponsive to a 5–HT reuptake inhibitor alone may benefit from the addition of a dopamine antagonist.
Camptocormia
Authors: Pérez-Sales Pau
Published: August 2008

Camptocormia is a rare conversion syndrome found mainly in soldiers from World War I and II. No case has been reported since, but this paper reports the syndrome in a former soldier of the Nicaraguan army. It is characterised by severe frontal flexion of the spinal cord and knees, with passive dropping of both arms, and sometimes behavioural abnormalities.
The Similarities and Dissimilarities Between Community and Clinic Cases of Depression
Authors: Costello C. G.
Published: August 2008

It has been hypothesised that community cases of depression compared with clinic cases: (a) have fewer symptoms; (b) have milder symptoms; (c) have different symptoms; (d) are of shorter duration; (e) are less incapacitating; (f) are more environmentally and less biologically caused; and (g) respond better to psychological than pharmacological intervention. A review of the literature indicates that some of these hypotheses have not been tested, others have not been adequately tested, and none has been unequivocally confirmed. Further investigations of these important issues are required.
Patient Psychopathology and Expressed Emotion in Schizophrenia
Authors: Glynn Shirley M. , Randolph Eugenia T. , Eth Spencer , Paz George G. , Leong Gregory B. , Shaner Andrew L. , Strachan Angus
Published: August 2008

The relationship of a full range of psychiatric symptoms to EE was examined in 40 men with BPRS and SANS diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Patients from high-EE families had significantly higher ratings of positive symptoms, anxious depression, and overall psychopathology, but not negative symptoms, than did those from low-EE families. In predicting relapses of schizophrenia, account may need to be taken of an interaction between subtle differences in symptoms and relatives' attitudes.
A Tribute to Lasègue's Description of Anorexia Nervosa (1873), with Completion of its English Translation
Authors: Vandereycken Walter , Deth Ron Van
Published: August 2008

Gull and Lasègue are usually credited with the first description of anorexia nervosa. In general, however, the work of the French neuropsychiatrist has been underestimated, and English-speaking colleagues who refer to Lasègue's writing on ‘hysterical anorexia’ almost exclusively rely on the translation of his French paper, which in 1873 appeared in a British medical journal, the same year as the original publication. However, some important passages had been omitted from the translation, and this has not previously been noted.
Psychotic Depression Presenting as Status Epilepticus
Authors: Griffiths Huw , Farmer Anne
Published: August 2008

A case of status epilepticus was secondary to water intoxication, which in turn was secondary to a depressive psychosis.
Audiotape Therapy for Persistent Auditory Hallucinations
Authors: McInnis Melvin , Marks Isaac
Published: August 2008

We report a case of a man with recurrent depression and persistent second-person auditory hallucinations telling him to kill himself. Using an audiotape cassette and headphones the duration of the hallucinations decreased significantly. Helpfulness of the audiotape continued at 15 months follow-up
Mutations in the Amino-Terminal Region of Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in Patients with Early-Onset Obesity Impair POMC Sorting to the Regulated Secretory Pathway
Authors: Creemers John W. M. , Lee Yung Seng , Oliver Robert L. , Bahceci Mithat , Tuzcu Alpaslan , Gokalp Deniz , Keogh Julia , Herber Stefan , White Anne , O'Rahilly Stephen , Farooqi I. Sadaf
Published: August 2008

Context: Mutations in the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene that impair the synthesis or structure of POMC-derived peptides predispose to human obesity.

Objective: Our objective was to identify and characterize novel mutations in the POMC gene found in patients with early-onset obesity.

Design and Patients: The POMC gene was screened in 500 patients with severe early-onset obesity. The biosynthesis, processing, sorting, and secretion of wild-type POMC and two newly identified POMC mutants was studied using metabolic labeling, Western blotting, and immunoassay analysis of lysates and conditioned media of transiently transfected β-TC3 cells.

Results: Two novel heterozygous missense mutations in POMC (C28F and L37F) were identified in unrelated probands with early-onset obesity and their overweight or obese family members. Both mutations lie in a region of the N terminus of POMC that has been suggested to be involved in its sorting to the regulated secretory pathway. Metabolic labeling studies indicate that whereas the mutations do not reduce intracellular levels of POMC, both mutations (C28F>L37F) impair the ability of POMC to be processed to generate bioactive products. Studies of the secretion of POMC products suggest, particularly with C28F, that the impaired propeptide processing of these mutations results, at least in part, from a mistargeting of mutant POMC to the constitutive rather than the regulated secretory pathway.

Conclusion: These mutations in patients with early-onset obesity represent a novel molecular mechanism of human POMC deficiency whereby naturally occurring mutations in its N-terminal sequence impair the ability of POMC to enter the trafficking pathway in which serial propeptide processing normally occurs.
Gain and fidelity of transmission patterns at cortical excitatory unitary synapses improve spike encoding
Authors: Wang Jin-Hui , Wei Jian , Chen Xin , Yu Jiandong , Chen Na , Shi Jack
Published: August 2008

Neuronal spike encoding and synaptic transmission in the brain need be precise and reliable for well-organized behavior and cognition. Little is known about how a unitary synapse reliably transmits presynaptic sequential spikes and how multiple unitary synapses precisely drive their postsynaptic neurons to encode spikes. To address these questions, we investigated the dynamics of glutamatergic unitary synapses as well as their role in driving the encoding of cortical fast-spiking neurons. Synaptic transmission patterns randomly fluctuate among facilitation, depression and parallel over time. The postsynaptic calmodulin-signaling pathway enhances initial responses and converts this fluctuation to a synaptic depression. We integrated current pulses mathematically based on synaptic plasticity and found that they improve spike capacity and timing precision by shortening the spike refractory period at postsynaptic neurons. Our results indicate that the gain and fidelity of synaptic patterns enable reliable transmission of presynaptic signals by the synapse and precise encoding of spikes by postsynaptic neurons. These reproducible neural codes may be involved in controlling well-organized behavior.
Gauge modelling of West Coast Main Line tilting trains
Authors: O'Neill H
Published: August 2008

One of the UK's main transport arteries, the West Coast main line (WCML) has been upgraded and line speeds increased. A key part of the upgrade entailed the use of tilting trains to meet the demanding journey time commitments, because of the curvaceous nature of parts of the route. This paper provides an overview of specific features of the WCML Class 390 tilting train. How it differs from conventional trains in gauging terms is explored, and the particular gauging challenges faced when introducing the Class 390 Pendolino are examined. An in-depth exploration of the generic gauging model used for the clearance calculation is provided, a description of how the model fits within the gauging process for the train and how substandard clearances were handled by the project.
Making maximum use of restrictive loading gauge as applied to friction damped freight vehicles
Authors: Perez J , Allen P D , Hatt D J
Published: August 2008

The presence of highly non-linear friction damping in the suspensions of many freight vehicles reduces prediction accuracy when using traditional kinematic gauging techniques. These techniques, which are often applied to the more linear behaving passenger vehicles, are based on the quasi-static suspension behaviour. Due to this limitation and a market requirement for cost effective and rapid vehicle gauging, the current approach in the UK for freight vehicles is to use static vehicle gauges. This method can be very conservative and lead to in-efficient use of the available space between vehicle and infrastructure. Computer simulation-based dynamic gauging techniques offer a way to maximize the use of the space available, by introducing into the gauging analysis, the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle. This paper describes the process of dynamic gauging for friction damped freight vehicles. The benefits of this method in terms of potential increase of the vehicle size are shown, but also difficulties within the process, especially concerning the adequate validation of the simulation models.
The ionic environment determines ribozyme cleavage rate by modulation of nucleobase pKa
Authors: Smith M. Duane , Mehdizadeh Reza , Olive Joan E. , Collins Richard A.
Published: August 2008

Several small ribozymes employ general acid–base catalysis as a mechanism to enhance site-specific RNA cleavage, even though the functional groups on the ribonucleoside building blocks of RNA have pKa values far removed from physiological pH. The rate of the cleavage reaction is strongly affected by the identity of the metal cation present in the reaction solution; however, the mechanism(s) by which different cations contribute to rate enhancement has not been determined. Using the Neurospora VS ribozyme, we provide evidence that different cations confer particular shifts in the apparent pKa values of the catalytic nucleobases, which in turn determines the fraction of RNA in the protonation state competent for general acid–base catalysis at a given pH, which determines the observed rate of the cleavage reaction. Despite large differences in observed rates of cleavage in different cations, mathematical models of general acid–base catalysis indicate that k1, the intrinsic rate of the bond-breaking step, is essentially constant irrespective of the identity of the cation(s) in the reaction solution. Thus, in contrast to models that invoke unique roles for metal ions in ribozyme chemical mechanisms, we find that most, and possibly all, of the ion-specific rate enhancement in the VS ribozyme can be explained solely by the effect of the ions on nucleobase pKa. The inference that k1 is essentially constant suggests a resolution of the problem of kinetic ambiguity in favor of a model in which the lower pKa is that of the general acid and the higher pKa is that of the general base.
The role of human ribosomal proteins in the maturation of rRNA and ribosome production
Authors: Robledo Sara , Idol Rachel A. , Crimmins Dan L. , Ladenson Jack H. , Mason Philip J. , Bessler Monica
Published: August 2008

Production of ribosomes is a fundamental process that occurs in all dividing cells. It is a complex process consisting of the coordinated synthesis and assembly of four ribosomal RNAs (rRNA) with about 80 ribosomal proteins (r-proteins) involving more than 150 nonribosomal proteins and other factors. Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited red cell aplasia caused by mutations in one of several r-proteins. How defects in r-proteins, essential for proliferation in all cells, lead to a human disease with a specific defect in red cell development is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of r-proteins in ribosome biogenesis in order to find out whether those mutated in DBA have any similarities. We depleted HeLa cells using siRNA for several individual r-proteins of the small (RPS6, RPS7, RPS15, RPS16, RPS17, RPS19, RPS24, RPS25, RPS28) or large subunit (RPL5, RPL7, RPL11, RPL14, RPL26, RPL35a) and studied the effect on rRNA processing and ribosome production. Depleting r-proteins in one of the subunits caused, with a few exceptions, a decrease in all r-proteins of the same subunit and a decrease in the corresponding subunit, fully assembled ribosomes, and polysomes. R-protein depletion, with a few exceptions, led to the accumulation of specific rRNA precursors, highlighting their individual roles in rRNA processing. Depletion of r-proteins mutated in DBA always compromised ribosome biogenesis while affecting either subunit and disturbing rRNA processing at different levels, indicating that the rate of ribosome production rather than a specific step in ribosome biogenesis is critical in patients with DBA.
Thiazolidinediones in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cardiology Perspective
Authors: Khanderia Ujjaini , Pop-Busui Rodica , Eagle Kim A
Published: August 2008

Objective:

To examine the cardiovascular effects of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), discuss concerns regarding this drug class and its relation to heart failure (HF) and myocardial infarction (Ml), and address the clinical implications of HF and Ml.

Data Sources:

Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1979-April 2008) using the search terms type 2 diabetes mellitus. thiazolidinediones. cardiovascular events, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and edema. Reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, observational studies (case-control, cohort), and descriptive studies (case reports, caso series) were included.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All articles that were written in English and identified from the data sources were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

The American Diabetes Association recommends metformin as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes, with the subsequent addition of a TZD, sulfonylurea, or insulin if the target is not met. Beyond glucose lowering, TZDs improvo various factors associated with cardiovascular risk. Whether the effects translate into beneficial cardiovascular outcomes is controversial. In PROactive (Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events), pioglitazone did not produce a significant reduction in the primary endpoint that included a composite of coronary and vascular deaths, but the secondary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality, Ml, or stroke was significantly reduced. Concerns related to HF have led to warnings in the labeling of TZDs. The drugs are contraindicated in patients with New York Head Association Class Ill or IV HF. Rosiglilazone, but not pioglitazone, is associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemic events, although the absolute magnitude is extremely small.

Conclusions:

Although the glycemic efficacy of TZDs is comparable to that of metformin, ad verso effects and higher costs make TZDs less appealing for initial therapy. Among the TZDs. pioglitazone should be considered based on cardiovascular safety data. In combination with metformin, pioglitazone may be particularly beneficial for patients wilh diabetes and metabolic syndrome. For patients on rosigfitazone who are achieving glycemic goals and tolerating the therapy without apparent complications, rosiglitazone may be continued.
Oral Glutamine for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Amara Shilpa
Published: August 2008

Objective:

To evaluate the role of glutamine in the reduction of peripheral neuropathy associated with neurotoxic chemotherapy.

Data Sources:

Relevant literature was accessed through PubMed (1990-May 2008), using the search terms glutamine, chemotherapy, peripheral neuropathy, neurotoxicity, safety, paclitaxel, platinum compounds, and vinca alkaloids. References in the identified articles were also reviewed for pertinent information.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies evaluating the role of oral glutamine for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) were included. Studies regarding the role of glutamine in the reduction of other radiation- and chemotherapy-related toxicities, such as mucositis, cardiotoxicity, diarrhea, and cachexia, were excluded.

Data Synthesis:

CIPN is a significant adverse effect associated with neurotoxic chemotherapy, particularly with taxanes, platinum compounds, and vinca alkaloids, There is no standard therapy for the treatment of this dose-limiting reaction. Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid that is thought to have a neuroprotective role, possibly due to the upregulation of nerve growth factor. Two studies revealed that oral glutamine was effective in reducing peripheral neuropathy associated with high-dose paclitaxel, as evidenced by a reduction in numbness, dysesthesias, and motor weakness, as well as a smaller loss of vibratory sensation. Another study found that glutamine effectively reduced peripheral neuropathy in pationts with colorectal cancer being treated with oxaliplatin, thereby decreasing the need for an oxaliplatin dose reduction. However, data are limited by small sample sizes in these studies and the lack of placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials.

Conclusions:

Larger, well-designed, placebo-controlled trials assessing both safety and efficacy of oral glutamine are warranted before this agent can be definitively recommended for the prevention of CIPN in patients treated with high-dose paclitaxel or oxaliplatin.
Failure to Mount Adaptive Responses to Stress Results in Dysregulation and Cell Death in the Midbrain Raphe
Authors: McEuen Jonathan G. , Beck Sheryl G. , Bale Tracy L.
Published: August 2008

Stress is a common trigger in affective disorder onset, yet the mechanism and predisposing factors of vulnerability remain unknown. Effective disease prevention requires a critical balance of responses within the serotonergic raphe nucleus, including a coordination of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) actions at both of its receptors, CRF receptor-1 and CRF receptor-2. Mice deficient in CRF receptor-2 (R2KO) were used as a model of maladaptive stress responsivity to examine the physiological and molecular markers of stress dysregulation within the raphe in the absence of this receptor. After chronic stress, R2KO mice failed to display the robust stress-mediated adaptations characteristic of control mice, including elevations in tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and CRF receptor-1 expression and concordant increases in behavioral arousal. As a further indication of failed homeostatic mechanisms, R2KO mice displayed indices of cell death in the raphe after stress exposure, with elevations in proapoptotic factors but a failure to mount adaptive increases in antiapoptotic factors found in control mice.In vitroelectrophysiological characterization of the specific influence of CRF on the raphe revealed both basal differences and a failure to respond to CRF administration in R2KO mice. These results support a requirement for homeostatic maintenance in response to stress in the raphe, where dysregulation may be a critical predictor of affective disorder onset.
Phorbol Esters Modulate Spontaneous and Ca2+-Evoked Transmitter Release via Acting on Both Munc13 and Protein Kinase C
Authors: Lou Xuelin , Korogod Natalya , Brose Nils , Schneggenburger Ralf
Published: August 2008

Diacylglycerol (DAG) and phorbol esters strongly potentiate transmitter release at synapses by activating protein kinase C (PKC) and members of the Munc13 family of presynaptic vesicle priming proteins. This PKC/Munc13 pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of release probability during various forms of activity-dependent enhancement of release. Here, we investigated the relative roles of PKC and Munc13-1 in the phorbol ester potentiation of evoked and spontaneous transmitter release at the calyx of Held synapse. The phorbol ester phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (1 μm) potentiated the frequency of miniature EPSCs, and the amplitudes of evoked EPSCs with a similar time course. Preincubating slices with the PKC blocker Ro31-82200 reduced the potentiation, mainly by affecting a late phase of the phorbol ester potentiation. The Ro31-8220-insensitive potentiation was most likely mediated by Munc13-1, because in organotypic slices ofMunc13-1H567Kknock-in mice, in which DAG binding to Munc13-1 is abolished, the potentiation of spontaneous release by phorbol ester was strongly suppressed. Using direct presynaptic depolarizations in paired recordings, we show that the phorbol ester potentiation does not go along with an increase in the number of readily releasable vesicles, despite an increase in the cumulative EPSC amplitude during 100 Hz stimulation trains. Our data indicate that activation of Munc13 and PKC both contribute to an enhancement of the fusion probability of readily releasable vesicles. Thus, docked and readily releasable vesicles are a substrate for modulation via intracellular second-messenger pathways that act via Munc13 and PKC.
Cdk5 Phosphorylation of WAVE2 Regulates Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Migration through Nonreceptor Tyrosine Kinase Fyn
Authors: Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji , Tanoue Akito
Published: August 2008

Myelin formation of the CNS is a complex and dynamic process. Before the onset of myelination, oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelin-forming glia of the CNS, proliferate and migrate along axons. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the early myelination processes. Here, we show that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), the crucial physiological ligand in early OL development, controls the migration of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) through cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5). PDGF stimulates Cdk5 activity in a time-dependent manner, whereas suppression of Cdk5 by the specific inhibitor roscovitine or by the retrovirus encoding short-hairpin RNA for Cdk5 impairs PDGF-dependent OPC migration. The activation of Cdk5 by PDGF is mediated by the phosphorylation of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Fyn, whose inhibition reduces PDGF-dependent OPC migration. Furthermore, Cdk5 regulates PDGF-dependent OPC migration through the direct phosphorylation of WASP (Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein)-family verprolin-homologous protein 2 (WAVE2). Cdk5 phosphorylates WAVE2 at Ser-137in vitro. Infection of the WAVE2 construct harboring the Ser-137-to-Ala reduces PDGF-dependent migration. Together, PDGF regulates OPC migration through an as-yet-unidentified signaling cascade coupling Fyn kinase to Cdk5 phosphorylation of WAVE2. These results provide new insights into both the role of Cdk5 in glial cells and the molecular mechanisms controlling the early developmental stage of OLs.
Developmental Control of Synaptic Receptivity
Authors: Barker Alison J. , Koch Selina M. , Reed Jamian , Barres Ben A. , Ullian Erik M.
Published: August 2008

Are neurons born with the ability to form and receive synapses or do they acquire these abilities during development? We have previously found that purified postnatal retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) require soluble astrocyte-derived signals to form synapsesin vitroandin vivo. Here we show that newly generated embryonic day 17 (E17) RGCs are able to form but not receive synapses under these conditions. Dendrite growth is not sufficient to trigger receptivity; rather, the ability of newly generated RGCs to receive synapses is acquired at E19 in response to direct contact by neighboring cell types. Direct contact with astrocytes, which are not present at E17 but are normally generated by E19, is sufficient to induce synaptic receptivity in E17 RGCs. In contrast, amacrine contact does not induce synaptic receptivity. Interestingly, astrocyte contact alters the localization of the synaptic adhesion molecule neurexin away from dendrites. In addition, dendritic expression of neurexin is sufficient to prevent astrocyte contact-mediated increases in synapse number, suggesting a molecular mechanism by which astrocyte contact regulates neuronal synaptic receptivity. Thus, synaptic receptivity is not induced simply by dendritic elaboration but must be signaled by both contact-mediated signaling from astrocytes and a shift in the dendritic localization of neurexin.
Repulsive Wnt Signaling Inhibits Axon Regeneration after CNS Injury
Authors: Liu Yaobo , Wang Xiaofei , Lu Chin-Chun , Sherman-Kermen Rachel , Steward Oswald , Xu Xiao-Ming , Zou Yimin
Published: August 2008

Failure of axon regeneration in the mammalian CNS is attributable in part to the presence of various inhibitory molecules, including myelin-associated proteins and proteoglycans enriched in glial scars. Here, we evaluate whether axon guidance molecules also regulate regenerative growth after injury in adulthood. Wnts are a large family of axon guidance molecules that can attract ascending axons and repel descending axons along the length of the developing spinal cord. Their expression (all 19Wnts) is not detectable in normal adult spinal cord byin situhybridization. However, three of them are clearly reinduced after spinal cord injury.Wnt1andWnt5a, encoding potent repellents of the descending corticospinal tract (CST) axons, were robustly and acutely induced broadly in the spinal cord gray matter after unilateral hemisection. Ryk, the conserved repulsive Wnt receptor, was also induced in the lesion area, and Ryk immunoreactivity was found on the lesioned CST axons.Wnt4, which attracts ascending sensory axons in development, was acutely induced in areas closer to the lesion thanWnt1andWnt5a. Injection of function-blocking Ryk antibodies into the dorsal bilateral hemisectioned spinal cord either prevented the retraction of CST axons or promoted their regrowth but clearly enhanced the sprouting of CST collateral branches around and beyond the injury site. Therefore, repulsive Wnt signaling may be a cause of cortical spinal tract axon retraction and inhibits axon sprouting after injury.
Repolarizing Responses of BKCa–Cav Complexes Are Distinctly Shaped by Their Cav Subunits
Authors: Berkefeld Henrike , Fakler Bernd
Published: August 2008

Large-conductance Ca2+- and voltage-activated potassium (BKCa) channels shape the firing pattern in many types of excitable cell through their repolarizing K+conductance. The onset and duration of the BKCa-mediated currents typically initiated by action potentials (APs) appear to be cell-type specific and were shown to vary between 1 ms and up to a few tens of milliseconds. In recent work, we showed that reliable activation of BKCachannels under cellular conditions is enabled by their integration into complexes with voltage-activated Ca2+(Cav) channels that provide Ca2+ions at concentrations sufficiently high (≥10 μm) for activation of BKCain the physiological voltage range. Formation of BKCa–Cav complexes is restricted to a subset of Cav channels, Cav1.2 (L-type) and Cav2.1/2.2 (P/Q- and N-type), which differ greatly in their expression pattern and gating properties. Here, we reconstituted distinct BKCa–Cav complexes inXenopusoocytes and culture cells and used patch-clamp recordings to compare the functional properties of BKCa–Cav1.2 and BKCa–Cav2.1 complexes. Under steady-state conditions, K+currents mediated by BKCa–Cav2.1 complexes exhibit a considerably faster rise time and reach maximum at potentials markedly more negative than complexes formed by BKCaand Cav1.2, in line with the distinct steady-state activation and gating kinetics of the two Cav subtypes. When AP waveforms were used as a voltage command, K+currents mediated by BKCa–Cav2.1 occurred at shorter APs and lasted longer than that of BKCa–Cav1.2. These results demonstrate that the repolarizing K+currents through BKCa–Cav complexes are shaped by the respective Cav subunit and that the distinct Cav channels may adapt BKCacurrents to the particular requirements of distinct types of cell.
Distinct Deep Short-Axon Cell Subtypes of the Main Olfactory Bulb Provide Novel Intrabulbar and Extrabulbar GABAergic Connections
Authors: Eyre Mark D. , Antal Miklos , Nusser Zoltan
Published: August 2008

A universal feature of neuronal microcircuits is the presence of GABAergic interneurons that control the activity of glutamatergic principal cells and each other. In the rat main olfactory bulb (MOB), GABAergic granule and periglomerular cells innervate mitral and tufted cells, but the source of their own inhibition remains elusive. Here, we used a combined electrophysiological and morphological approach to investigate a rather mysterious cell population of the MOB. Deep short-axon cells (dSACs) of the inframitral layers are GABAergic and have extensive and characteristic axonal ramifications in various layers of the bulb, based on which unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three distinct subtypes. Each dSAC subtype exhibits different electrical properties but receives similar GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs. The local axon terminals of all dSAC subtypes selectively innervate GABAergic granule and periglomerular cells and evoke GABAAreceptor-mediated IPSCs. One subpopulation of dSACs (GL-dSACs) creates a novel intrabulbar projection from deep to superficial layers. Another subpopulation (GCL-dSACs) is labeled by retrogradely transported fluorescent microspheres injected into higher olfactory areas, constituting a novel projection-cell population of the MOB. Our results reveal multiple dSAC subtypes, each specialized to influence MOB activity by selectively innervating GABAergic interneurons, and provide direct evidence for novel intrabulbar and extrabulbar GABAergic projections.
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Axons Increases with Local Nerve Growth Factor or Semaphorin Signaling
Authors: Verburg Jessica , Hollenbeck Peter J.
Published: August 2008

Neurons concentrate mitochondria at sites in the cell that have a high demand for ATP and/or calcium buffering. To accomplish this, mitochondrial transport and docking are thought to respond to intracellular signaling pathways. However, the cell might also concentrate mitochondrial function by locally modulating mitochondrial activity. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the membrane potential of individual mitochondria throughout the axons of chick sensory neurons using the dye tetramethylrhodamine methylester (TMRM). We found no difference in the TMRM mitochondrial-to-cytoplasmic fluorescence ratio (Fm/Fc) among three functionally distinct regions: axonal branch points, distal axons, and the remaining axon shaft. In addition, we found no difference inFm/Fcamong stationary, retrogradely moving, or anterogradely moving mitochondria. However,Fm/Fcwas significantly higher in the lamellipodia of growth cones, and among a small fraction of mitochondria throughout the axon. To identify possible signals controlling membrane potential, we used beads covalently coupled to survival and guidance cues to provide a local stimulus along the axon shaft. NGF- or semaphorin 3A-coupled beads caused a significant increase inFm/Fcin the immediately adjacent region of axon, and this was diminished in the presence of the PI3 (phosphatidylinositol-3) kinase inhibitor LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one] or the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase inhibitor U0126 (1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-amino-phenylthio]butadiene), demonstrating that signaling pathways downstream of both ligands affect the ΔΨmof mitochondria. In addition, general inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase activity produced a profound global decrease inFm/Fc. Thus, two guidance molecules that exert different effects on growth cone motility both elicit local, receptor-mediated increases in membrane potential.
Earthquake loss estimation for reinforced concrete buildings: some problems
Authors: Spence R.
Published: August 2008

Capacity spectrum procedures developed for the assessment and strengthening of existing buildings have become the basis of methods for estimating potential post-earthquake losses which are today widely used in the insurance industry, and for urban risk mitigation programmes. The areas to which these methods are applied often contain (or largely consist of) reinforced concrete (RC) apartment buildings, which were built either before today's ‘ductile’ codes were introduced, or without benefit of them. Evidence from the performance of RC structures in recent earthquakes indicates, however, that failure very commonly occurs in a non-ductile manner, which makes such calculated vulnerability approaches of questionable validity. On the other hand, the alternative purely statistical approach to performance is unable to take account of many aspects of real building behaviour. This paper discusses the performance of RC buildings in recent earthquakes and compares this with the assumptions of the calculated vulnerability models commonly in use.
THE STRUCTURE OF TURBULENCE NEAR A TALL FOREST EDGE: THE BACKWARD‐FACING STEP FLOW ANALOGY REVISITED
Authors: Detto Matteo , Katul Gabriel G. , Siqueira Mario , Juang Jehn-Yih , Stoy Paul
Published: August 2008

Flow disturbances near tall forest edges are receiving significant attention in diverse disciplines including ecology, forest management, meteorology, and fluid mechanics. Current theories suggest that near a forest edge, when the flow originates from a forest into a large clearing, the flow retains its forest canopy turbulence structure at the exit point. Here, we propose that this framework is not sufficiently general for dense forested edges and suggest that the flow shares several attributes with backward‐facing step (BFS) flow. Similar analogies, such as rotor‐like circulations, have been proposed by a number of investigators, though the consequences of such circulations on the primary terms in the mean momentum balance at the forest clearing edge have rarely been studied in the field. Using an array of three triaxial sonic anemometers positioned to measure horizontal and vertical gradients of the velocity statistics near a forest edge, we show that the flow structure is more consistent with an intermittent recirculation pattern, rather than a continuous rotor, whose genesis resembles the BFS flow. We also show that the lateral velocity variance, , is the moment that adjusts most slowly with downwind distance as the flow exits from the forest into the clearing. Surprisingly, the longitudinal and vertical velocity variances ( and ) at the forest edge were comparable in magnitude to their respective values at the center of a large grass‐covered forest clearing, suggesting rapid adjustment at the edge. Discussions on how the forest edge modifies the spectra and co‐spectra of momentum fluxes, effective mixing length, and static pressure are also presented.
THE ENERGY BALANCE CLOSURE PROBLEM: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Foken Thomas
Published: August 2008

This paper gives an overview of 20 years of research on the energy balance closure problem. It will be shown that former assumptions that measuring errors or storage terms are the reason for the unclosed energy balance do not stand up because even turbulent fluxes derived from documented methods and calibrated sensors, net radiation, and ground heat fluxes cannot close the energy balance. Instead, exchange processes on larger scales of the heterogeneous landscape have a significant influence. By including these fluxes, the energy balance can be approximately closed. Therefore, the problem is a scale problem and has important consequences to the measurement and modeling of turbulent fluxes.
NOCTURNAL ACCUMULATION OF CO2 UNDERNEATH A TROPICAL FOREST CANOPY ALONG A TOPOGRAPHICAL GRADIENT
Authors: de Araújo Alessandro C. , Kruijt Bart , Nobre Antonio D. , Dolman Albertus J. , Waterloo Maarten J. , Moors Eddy J. , de Souza Juliana S.
Published: August 2008

Flux measurements of carbon dioxide and water vapor above tropical rain forests are often difficult to interpret because the terrain is usually complex. This complexity induces heterogeneity in the surface but also affects lateral movement of carbon dioxide (CO2) not readily detected by the eddy covariance systems. This study describes such variability using measurements of CO2 along vertical profiles and along a toposequence in a tropical rain forest near Manaus, Brazil.

Seasonal and diurnal variation was recorded, with atmospheric CO2 concentration maxima around dawn, generally higher CO2 build‐up in the dry season and stronger daytime CO2 drawdown in the wet season. This variation was reflected all along the toposequence, but the slope and valley bottom accumulated clearly more CO2 than the plateaus, depending on atmospheric stability. Particularly during stable nights, accumulation was along lines of equal altitude, suggesting that large amounts of CO2 are stored in the valleys of the landscape. Flushing of this store only occurs during mid‐morning, when stored CO2 may well be partly transported back to the plateaus. It is clear that, for proper interpretation of tower fluxes in such complex and actively respiring terrain, the horizontal variability of storage needs to be taken into account not only during the night but also during the mornings.
EMDR Reprocessing of the Addiction Memory: Pretreatment, Posttreatment, and 1-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Hase Michael , Schallmayer Sabine , Sack Martin
Published: August 2008

This randomized controlled study investigated the effects of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of alcohol dependency. EMDR was applied to reprocess the addiction memory (AM) in chronically dependent patients. The AM includes memories of preparatory behavior, drug effects (drug use), and loss of control (Wolffgramm, 2002). It is understood to involve extensive brain circuitry, drive part of conscious and unconscious craving, change environmental response at an organic level, and modify circuits that link to feelings of satisfaction, future planning, and hope. Thirty-four patients with chronic alcohol dependency were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus two sessions of EMDR (TAU+EMDR). The craving for alcohol was measured by the Obsessive–Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) pre-, post-, and 1 month after treatment. The TAU+EMDR group showed a significant reduction in craving posttreatment and 1 month after treatment, whereas TAU did not. Results indicate that EMDR might be a useful approach for the treatment of addiction memory and associated symptoms of craving.
The Effect of Single-Session Modified EMDR on Acute Stress Syndromes
Authors: Kutz Ilan , Resnik Victor , Dekel Rachel
Published: August 2008

A single session of a modified, abridged EMDR protocol was provided in a general hospital inpatient and outpatient setting to 86 patients with acute stress (AS) syndrome suffering from intrusion distress following accidents and terrorist bombing attacks. Fifty percent reported immediate fading of intrusive symptoms and general alleviation of distress, 27% described partial alleviation of their symptoms and distress, while 23% reported no improvement. Partial and nonresponders were provided with or referred for more comprehensive treatment. At 4-week and 6-month follow-up, the immediate responders in the terror victims group remained symptom free. The immediate responders tended to have uncomplicated AS symptoms with fewer risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while the nonresponders had higher exposure to former traumas and endorsed more risk factors for PTSD. These results support other anecdotal reports on the rapid effects of brief EMDR intervention on intrusive symptoms in early uncomplicated posttraumatic cases. Although more controlled studies are essential, this immediate method for symptomatic relief may be a potential addition for focused interventions in acute trauma victims.
EMDR as a Therapeutic Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Authors: Royle Liz
Published: August 2008

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by a new and persistent fatigue unexplained by other conditions and resulting in a substantial reduction in the individual’s activity levels. Current treatment includes psychotherapeutic procedures such as cognitive–behavioral therapy, pharmacological interventions, and graded exercise therapy. This article considers the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for the condition of CFS. The case study describes the use of EMDR with a 49-year-old male client who had suffered debilitating CFS for nearly 5 years despite accessing other treatment methods. After 9 sessions, the client indicated that his energy levels were significantly higher, his need for sleep had reduced (from 15–20 hours to 9.5 hours in a 24-hour period), and he was able to resume employment. Results suggest that EMDR may be useful in treating CFS within a personalized treatment plan.