bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antidepressant-like activity of amisulpride in two animal models of depression
Authors: Papp Mariusz , Wieronska Joanna
Published: April 2009

Clinical reports suggest that amisulpride, in addition to its antipsychotic efficacy, may also have antidepressant properties. The present study was designed to evaluate potential antidepressant-like activity of amisulpride in two behavioural procedures: the forced swim test (FST) and the chronic mild stress (CMS) model. The duration of immobility time in FST was reduced by subchronic (three injections over a 24 h period) administration of imipramine (10 mg/kg) and amisulpride (1 and 3 mg/kg), although the effect of imipramine was more potent. The 5 mg/kg dose of amisulpride was marginally effective and higher doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg were inactive. In CMS, the stress-induced decrease in the consumption of 1% sucrose solution was gradually reversed by chronic treatment with imipramine (10 mg/kg) and amisulpride (5 and 10 mg/kg). Lower (1 or 3 mg/kg) or higher (30 mg/kg) doses of amisulpride were inactive. The magnitude of the effect of active doses of amisulpride in the CMS model was comparable to that of imipramine but its onset of action was faster; at the most active dose of 10 mg/kg, amisulpride significantly increased the sucrose intake in stressed animals within 2 weeks of treatment while imipramine required 4 weeks before first effects on the stress-induced deficit in sucrose consumption could be observed. These results provide further support for clinical observations that amisulpride may posses potent and rapid antidepressant activity.
Reciprocal autoreceptor and heteroreceptor control of serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission in the frontal cortex: relevance to the actions of antidepressant agents
Authors: Millan Mark J. , Lejeune Françoise , Gobert Alain
Published: April 2009

The frontal cortex (FCX) plays a key role in processes that control mood, cognition and motor behaviour, functions which are compromised in depression, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. In this regard, there is considerable evidence that a perturbation of monoaminergic input to the FCX is involved in the pathogenesis of these states. Correspondingly, the modulation of monoaminergic transmission in the FCX and other corticolimbic structures plays an important role in the actions of antipsychotic and antidepressant agents. In order to further understand the significance of monoaminergic systems in psychiatric disorders and their treatment, it is essential to characterize mechanisms underlying their modulation. Within this framework, the present commentary focuses on our electrophysiological and dialysis analyses of the complex and reciprocal pattern of autoand heteroreceptor mediated control of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission in the FCX. The delineation of such interactions provides a framework for an interpretation of the influence of diverse classes of antidepressant agent upon extracellular levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin in FCX. Moreover, it also generates important insights into strategies for the potential improvement in the therapeutic profiles of antidepressant agents.
Evidence that long-lasting potentiation of amygdala efferents in the right hemisphere underlies pharmacological stressor (FG-7142) induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behaviour: role of GABA tone in initiation of brain and behavioural changes
Authors: Adamec Robert E.
Published: April 2009

The hypothesis that long-lasting potentiation (LLP) in amygdala efferents to the periacqueductal gray (PAG) of the right hemisphere mediates initiation of lasting increases in defensive response to rats induced by FG-7142 was supported in this study. GABA transmission was potentiated with Vigabatrin (gamma vinyl GABA, GVG), a suicide inhibitor of GABA transaminase. It was predicted that increasing GABA transmission would interfere with LLP and behavioural changes. The hypothesis was confirmed, for the most part. GVG given 1 day prior to FG-7142 prevented increased defensive response to rats as well as LLP in right amygdala efferent transmission to the PAG. It did not prevent LLP in the left amygdalo-PAG pathway, although LLP duration was shortened. Nor did it prevent LLP in the right amygdalo-ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) pathway, and LLP in this pathway was associated with a slightly increased response to vocal threat, but not to rats. GVG given without FG-7142 had no behavioural effects, although it did potentiate transmission in the left amygdalo-PAG pathway. The effects of increasing GABA transmission are consistent with the hypothesis that FG-7142 changes behaviour by inducing a failure of GABA transmission, which in turn facilitates NMDA transmission and NMDA dependent limbic LLP. Finally, the hypothesis that altering GABA tone would change the efficacy of Flumazenil from a neutral antagonist to an inverse agonist was tested on limbic transmission. The hypothesis was confirmed in the left amygdalo-VMH pathway, but no other. It wasa concluded that mechanisms other than a change in GABA tone account for the drug-dependent reversal of LLP in the right amygdalo-PAG by Flumazenil. The findings of the present study suggest that response to FG-7142 may be a useful model of the effects of traumatic stressors on limbic system function in anxiety.
The effects of dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine on performance
Authors: Gordon C. R. , Gonen A. , Nachum Z. , Doweck I. , Spitzer O. , Shupak A.
Published: April 2009

We assessed the influence of dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine on the ability to perform simulated naval crew tasks. The effect of single doses of dimenhydrinate, 100 mg, cinnarizine, 50 mg, and one transdermal scopolamine patch on psychomotor performance was evaluated using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover design in three separate studies. A total of 60 young naval crew (20 for dimenhydrinate, 15 for cinnarizine and 25 for transdermal scopolamine) underwent a battery of computerized and paper and pencil performance tests, and filled out a questionnaire on side-effects and well-being self-assessment. Dimenhydrinate significantly impaired decision reaction time and auditory digit span. Most of the subjects who took dimenhydrinate also reported a subjective decrease in well-being and general performance abilities. Cinnarizine and transdermal scopolamine did not affect performance abilities. Cinnarizine was free of significant side-effects. Dry mouth was the only significant side-effect of transdermal scopolamine. These findings could be explained by the well-known sedative properties of dimenhydrinate and not by a specific effect on any particular cognitive or motor function. Our results suggest that dimenhydrinate, 100 mg, adversely affects psychomotor function, whereas single doses of cinnarizine, 50 mg, and transdermal scopolamine appear to be free of side-effects on performance and seem to be a preferable anti-seasickness drug for use by a naval crew.
Effects of haloperidol and clozapine on prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response and the N1/P2 auditory evoked potential in man
Authors: Graham S. J. , Langley R. W. , Bradshaw C. M. , Szabadi E.
Published: April 2009

Contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle in response to a sudden loud sound (acoustic startle response) and the N1/P2 component of the auditory evoked potential are both attenuated when a brief low-intensity stimulus is presented 30–500 ms before the ‘startle-eliciting’ stimulus (prepulse inhibition). Here, we report the effects of the ‘conventional’ antipsychotic drug haloperidol and the ‘atypical’ antipsychotic clozapine on these responses. Fifteen males (aged 19–54 years) participated in four sessions at 7-day intervals, in which they received clozapine 3 mg, clozapine 6 mg, haloperidol 3 mg and placebo, according to a balanced double-blind design. Electromyographic (EMG) responses of the orbicularis oculi muscle and N1/P2 auditory evoked potentials were recorded in a 20-min session, 3 h after treatment. Subjects received 40 trials in which 1-kHz sounds were presented: (i) 40 ms, 115 dB (‘pulse alone’ trials) and (ii) 40 ms, 85 dB, followed after 120 ms by 40 ms, 115 dB (‘prepulse/pulse’ trials). Mean amplitudes of the EMG response and the N1/P2 potential were derived from the pulse-alone trials and, in each case, percentage prepulse inhibition was calculated. Serum prolactin was measured after each treatment, and autonomic (heart rate, blood pressure, salivation) and psychological (visual analogue self-ratings of mood and alertness, critical flicker fusion frequency) measures were taken before and after each treatment. Clozapine 6 mg significantly reduced the amplitude of the EMG response without altering its inhibition by prepulses. Clozapine 6 mg did not affect the amplitude of the N1/P2 potential, but significantly attenuated prepulse inhibition of that response. Clozapine 3 mg and haloperidol had no significant effect on either response. Clozapine 3 mg and 6 mg, but not haloperidol, reduced subjective alertness and critical flicker fusion frequency. Clozapine 6 mg reduced salivation. Haloperidol, but not clozapine, elevated serum prolactin levels. These results confirm that prepulse inhibition of the startle response and of the N1/P2 complex have different pharmacological sensitivities. The abililty of clozapine to attenuate the startle response may reflect its sedative action. The basis of the abililty of clozapine to suppress prepulse inhibition of the N1/P2 potential remains uncertain.
Gender differences in proenkephalin gene expression response to ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the hypothalamus of the rat
Authors: Corchero Javier , Fuentes José A. , Manzanares Jorge
Published: April 2009

Chronic exposure to∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) produces an activation of preproenkephalin (PENK) gene expression in the rat hypothalamus. The levels of circulating gonadal steroids concurrently modulate this neuropeptide in male and female rats. However, whether gonadal steroids regulate ∆9-THC effects on PENK gene expression in the hypothalamus of male and female rats remains unknown. To test this hypothesis, experiments were carried out on intact, 2-week-gonadectomized, 1-week-gonadectomized, 1-week-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) replaced male rats, and 2-week-gonadectomized, 1-week-gonadectomized, 1-week-oestradiol replaced female rats. One week after hormonal replacement, animals were treated with vehicle or ∆9-THC (5 mg/kg/day, i.p. 7 days). In males, ∆9-THC administration to intact animals induced PENK mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus. Orchidectomy did not affect basal PENK mRNA levels in the PVN, but reduced PENK mRNA levels in the VMN. However, ∆9-THC treatment induced PENK gene expression to the same extent in both hypothalamic nuclei of intact, castrated and DHT-replaced males. In females, ovariectomy decreased PENK gene expression in PVN and VMN. ∆9-THC administration increased PENK gene expression in castrated females, but had no effect in the oestradiol-replaced group. Taken together, these results suggest gender differences in the response of chronic exposure to cannabinoids on PENK gene expression in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, it appears that alterations in opioid gene expression induced by cannabinoids in female rats depend upon the presence or absence of circulating oestradiol.
Selective effects of zolpidem on human memory functions
Authors: Mintzer Miriam Z. , Griffiths Roland R.
Published: April 2009

Zolpidem is an imidazopyridine hypnotic with preferential binding affnity for the o1-benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor. The present double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of orally administered zolpidem (15 mg/70 kg) on specific memory functions in 16 healthy volunteers using a battery of word and picture memory tasks. Relative to placebo, zolpidem significantly impaired memory for material presented after drug administration when memory was assessed directly by referring subjects back to the prior study episode (explicit memory: recall and recognition) but not when memory was assessed indirectly by evaluating subjects' ability to identify degraded versions of studied stimuli (implicit memory: fragment completion). Zolpidem did not impair explicit memory for material presented before drug administration or memory for previously acquired knowledge (semantic memory: categorization). There was evidence suggesting that zolpidem enhanced explicit and implicit memory for material presented before drug administration and that zolpidem produced a specific deficit in the acquisition of contextual information about material presented after drug administration. Despite zolpidem's unique pharmacological profile, the observed selectivity of zolpidem's memory-impairing effects for particular functions appears qualitatively similar to the selectivity observed with classic BZDs in previous studies.
Impulsivity: a discussion of clinical and experimental findings
Authors: Evenden John
Published: April 2009

Impulsivity can often be an important clinical problem in psychiatry and neurology. In psychiatry, the manifestation of impulsive behaviour in syndromes such as personality disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and in substance abuse may be different, and this has led to conflicting definitions. There has also been a tendency to concentrate on the nature of the behavioural manifestation (problems with the law, aggression, drug use, behavioural problems in school) rather than shared psychological processes, and to ignore the fact that impulsivity can also have positive aspects. In a normal population, the personality trait of impulsivity has been analysed using personality inventory questionnaires. Analysis of these data lead to the suggestion that impulsivity as commonly defined and understood may be made up of several independent factors, which may have separate biological bases. These self-rating questionnaires have been complemented by objective tests that are now often computerized, and which have been used in man (e.g. with criminal offenders, children, or patients who have undergone brain surgery). Some of these tests, such as the differential reinforcement of low rates procedure or the delay of reinforcement procedure, have also been used to study impulsivity in animals. Analysis of the behavioural principles of these tests suggests that they too may reflect different aspects of impulsivity. Many different biological systems have been proposed to contribute to the neurobiological basis of impulsivity. The serotonergic neurotransmitter system has recently received the most attention, with evidence of its involvement coming from animal studies as well as from studies in psychiatric patients. The frontal lobes have been proposed to play an important role in regulating impulsivity, although it unclear how specific this is. None of this biological knowledge has yet led to reliable pharmacotherapy for excessive impulsivity and, as yet, there is little understanding of the mechanisms by which those drugs, which have been found empirically to have some efficacy (e.g. the psychomotor stimulants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), exert their therapeutic effect. By bringing together knowledge from different areas of research it is hoped that a cross fertilization will be achieved, which will lead to a sharpening of concepts, an improvement in methodology and the stimulation of biological studies.
In situ hybridization histochemistry as a method to assess GABAAreceptor subunit mRNA expression following chronic alprazolam administration
Authors: Fahey Jeanne M. , Pritchard Gary A. , Grassi Jeffrey M. , Pratt John S. , Shader Richard I. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: April 2009

Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated region-specic effects for chronic alprazolam on binding and function at the GABAAreceptor. The present study evaluated regional changes in mRNA expression of several subunits of the GABAAreceptor following chronic alprazolam administration that might underlie these effects. Mice received alprazolam (2 mg/kg/day) or vehicle via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps for 1, 7, 14 or 28 days. In situ hybridization histochemistry was performed on tissue sections using [35S]dATP oligonucleotide probes corresponding to the a1and g2subunits of the GABAAreceptor. Specic hybridization was clearly demonstrated and a1subunit mRNA expression in frontoparietal cortex (layers IIIV) on day 1 of infusion was reduced in animals receiving alprazolam compared to vehicle. On subsequent days, there were no alterations in the levels of a1subunit mRNA in the frontoparietal cortex, hippocampus or dentate gyrus. Expression of g2subunit mRNA was increased on day 1 in the frontoparietal cortex (layer VI), hippocampus and dentate gyrus. mRNA expression was also increased in the dentate gyrus on day 28 of infusion. Comparison of the present study with the results of chronic treatment with other benzodiazepines clearly demonstrates that the pattern of mRNA subunit alterations obtained is both treatment- and region-specic. This makes a de¢nitive conclusion regarding benzodiazepines and their interactions with GABAAreceptors di¤cult at best.
Clinical Research: From Proposal to Publication: Are You Writing Research Right?
Authors: Bliss Donna Zimmaro , Guenter Peggi A. , Heitkemper Margaret M.
Published: April 2009

Success in competing for research funding, acceptance of an abstract, or publication of a manuscript depends in part on the ability to communicate in writing the essence of one's research. The research grant, abstract, and manuscript represent the three primary phases of formally communicating research from planning to dissemination of results. In this paper, perspectives on avoiding the common pitfalls of research writing in terms of content, style, and format are presented to facilitate a successful outcome.
Clinical Observations: Beyond the Prescription: Optimizing the Diet of Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Byrne Theresa A. , Veglia Linda , Camelio Maria , Cox Suzanne , Anderson Sharon , Wilson Jeanne , Bennett Heather
Published: April 2009

The nutrition and metabolic problems of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are complex. Although much effort has been devoted to optimizing the provision of parenteral nutrition to these patients, much less attention has been devoted to the role that an optimal enteral or oral diet might play in the management of these individuals. In addition to the role that luminal nutrition plays in bowel adaptation following resection, the provision of an appropriate diet prescription can influence absorption or stool or ostomy output. To optimize the effect of diet manipulation, the diet prescription must be translated into foods, and the foods into appropriate meals that recognize the variability that exists in this patient population. In addition to reviewing available literature, observations based upon our clinical experience caring for nearly 400 patients with SBS are presented.
News Stories
Authors: Schokkenbroek Christina
Published: April 2009

In his article `News Time', published in Time & Society in 1995, Allan Bell claims that the narrative structure of news stories deviates considerably from other narrative genres. This paper questions the claim that news stories have a non-chronological time structure, as it raises fundamental questions with respect to comprehension. In doing so, the time and narrative structure of news stories are reanalysed with the aim of relating the overall structure to the function of news stories in their recapitulation of reportable news events. The reanalysis also considers the evaluative aspect of stories, as evaluation appears to affect the temporal organization of the events in narrative.
The “Unfinished Story”: Narratively Analyzing Collective Action Frames in Social Movements
Authors: VanWynsberghe Robert
Published: April 2009

In this article, the author proposes the “unfinished story” as an interesting and useful narrative-based method for understanding the processes of constructing collective action frames in social movements based on his research in the Walpole Island First Nation. Amedium that works within a narrative structure, the “unfinished story” provides insight into how interpretive devices embody a radically self-reflexive identity the author calls the Ecological Native. He discusses the steps involved and some influential experiences in the field. More radical next steps are discussed in the concluding section.
Women outdoors
Authors: Winship Janice
Published: April 2009

In this article I engage with three British advertising campaigns of the 1990s: the Wallis (clothes) ‘Dress to kill’ campaign, the Nissan Micra car, ‘Ask before you borrow it’ campaign, and the Wonderbra ‘Hello boys’ campaign. Targeted at so-called ‘winning women’ and pivoting around either a mocking sexual confidence in relation to men or a symbolic violence, I attempt to understand the controversy courted by these campaigns by placing them in the context of (some) women’s changed position and shifts in femininity and feminism since the 1970s. Approaching the ads as fantasy texts organized around tensions, I suggest that their scopic regimes are different from earlier ads. The campaigns play across the domains of public and private space to disrupt more conventional modes of femininity and masculinity. This play provides humour, but also anxiety because it contrarily associates femininity with public space and the ‘freedom’ of outdoors, while masculinity is constrained and trapped in enclosed spaces. However, controversy is further engendered when the ads literally cross over from inside magazines to the outdoor and more public space of billboards. The campaigns enter ‘media event space’ where they are variously judged and discussed, and in this way develop a ‘thicker life’. Moving from a commercial to a civic domain and into a ‘public sphere’, these advertisement communications are diversely mobilized within the media, unhinged from their ‘original meaning’ to become part of a shared currency through which the shifting and tense relations between women and men, and women’s continuing bid for autonomy, are articulated. The article thus contributes to debates about feminist approaches to media representation and to wider critical discussion about advertising.
Electromagnetic Fields for Bone Healing
Authors: Pickering S. A.W. , Scammell B. E.
Published: April 2009

Electrical stimulation has been applied in a number of different ways to influence tissue healing. Most of the early work was carried out by orthopedic surgeons looking for new ways of enhancing fracture healing, particularly those fractures that had developed into nonunions. Electrical energy can be supplied to a fracture by direct application of electrodes or inducing current by use of pulsed electromagnetic field or ca pacitive coupling. Many of these techniques have not been standardized, so interpretation of the literature can be difficult and misleading. Despite this, there have been a few good laboratory and clinical studies to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on fracture healing, which are reviewed. These do not permit recommendation or rejection of the technique per se; however, there is some room for optimism. The authors present some of the guidelines for using this treatment modality but suggest that all treatment should be carried out as part of a clinical trial in order to generate reliable data.
Very old patients admitted to intensive care in Australia and New Zealand: a multi-centre cohort analysis
Authors: Bagshaw Sean M , Webb Steve AR , Delaney Anthony , George Carol , Pilcher David , Hart Graeme K , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: April 2009

Introduction

Older age is associated with higher prevalence of chronic illness and functional impairment, contributing to an increased rate of hospitalization and admission to intensive care. The primary objective was to evaluate the rate, characteristics and outcomes of very old (age ≥ 80 years) patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Australian New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database. Data were obtained for 120,123 adult admissions for ≥ 24 hours across 57 ICUs from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005.

Results

A total of 15,640 very old patients (13.0%) were admitted during the study. These patients were more likely to be from a chronic care facility, had greater co-morbid illness, greater illness severity, and were less likely to receive mechanical ventilation. Crude ICU and hospital mortalities were higher (ICU: 12% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.001; hospital: 24.0% vs. 13%, P < 0.001). By multivariable analysis, age ≥ 80 years was associated with higher ICU and hospital death compared with younger age strata (ICU: odds ratio (OR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.4 to 3.0; hospital: OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 4.9 to 5.9). Factors associated with lower survival included admission from a chronic care facility, co-morbid illness, nonsurgical admission, greater illness severity, mechanical ventilation, and longer stay in the ICU. Those aged ≥ 80 years were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation/long-term care (12.3% vs. 4.9%, OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.6 to 2.9). The admission rates of very old patients increased by 5.6% per year. This potentially translates to a 72.4% increase in demand for ICU bed-days by 2015.

Conclusions

The proportion of patients aged ≥ 80 years admitted to intensive care in Australia and New Zealand is rapidly increasing. Although these patients have more co-morbid illness, are less likely to be discharged home, and have a greater mortality than younger patients, approximately 80% survive to hospital discharge. These data also imply a potential major increase in demand for ICU bed-days for very old patients within a decade.
Necklace Processes Via Pólya Urns
Authors: Nakata Toshio
Published: April 2009

Mallows and Shepp (2008) developed the following necklace processes. Start with a necklace consisting of one white bead and one black bead, and insert, one at a time, under a deterministic rule, a white bead or a black bead between a randomly chosen adjacent pair. They studied the statistical properties of the number of white beads by investigating the nature of the moments and the expected number of gaps of given length between white beads. In this note we study the number of white beads via Pólya urns and give a classification of necklace processes for some general rules. Additionally, we discuss the number of runs, i.e. the number of consecutive same color beads, instead of the number of gaps.
Redundant and differential regulation of multiple licensing factors ensures prevention of re-replication in normal human cells
Authors: Sugimoto Nozomi , Yoshida Kazumasa , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Yugawa Takashi , Narisawa-Saito Mako , Waga Shou , Kiyono Tohru , Fujita Masatoshi
Published: April 2009

When human cells enter S-phase, overlapping differential inhibitory mechanisms downregulate the replication licensing factors ORC1, CDC6 and Cdt1. Such regulation prevents re-replication so that deregulation of any individual factor alone would not be expected to induce overt re-replication. However, this has been challenged by the fact that overexpression of Cdt1 or Cdt1+CDC6 causes re-replication in some cancer cell lines. We thought it important to analyze licensing regulations in human non-cancerous cells that are resistant to Cdt1-induced re-replication and examined whether simultaneous deregulation of these licensing factors induces re-replication in two such cell lines, including human fibroblasts immortalized by telomerase. Individual overexpression of either Cdt1, ORC1 or CDC6 induced no detectable re-replication. However, with Cdt1+ORC1 or Cdt1+CDC6, some re-replication was detectable and coexpression of Cdt1+ORC1+CDC6 synergistically acted to give strong re-replication with increased mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) loading. Coexpression of ORC1+CDC6 was without effect. These results suggest that, although Cdt1 regulation is the key step, differential regulation of multiple licensing factors ensures prevention of re-replication in normal human cells. Our findings also show for the first time the importance of ORC1 regulation for prevention of re-replication.
Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Not Associated With BMD, Osteoporosis, or Fracture in Older Adults: Results From the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Sanders Jason L , Cauley Jane A , Boudreau Robert M , Zmuda Joseph M , Strotmeyer Elsa S , Opresko Patricia L , Hsueh Wen-Chi , Cawthon Richard M , Li Rongling , Harris Tamara B , Kritchevsky Steven B , Newman Anne B
Published: April 2009

Short leukocyte telomere length (TL), low BMD, and osteoporosis have been associated with increased inflammation. Previous reports suggest an association between TL, BMD, and osteoporosis in women. We sought to verify these associations and to determine whether TL is related to fracture in a cohort of older men and women. Participants included 2750 community-dwelling older persons from the longitudinal Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (Health ABC) in who average leukocyte TL was measured at baseline using qPCR. We used unconditional logistic regression to determine the association of TL with prevalent fracture, Cox proportional hazards regression for the association with 7-yr incident fracture, and mixed linear models for the association with BMD, change in BMD, and the number of incident fractures. TL was negatively correlated with age, weight, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose in men and women, and additionally, with C-reactive protein and IL-6 in men. TL was not associated with BMD; change in BMD over 1, 3, or 5 yr; osteoporosis; baseline fracture; or 7-yr incident fracture, before or after adjustment for age, race, smoking, and health characteristics. TL is not associated with BMD, osteoporosis, or fracture in older men or women in this sample.
Subunit- and Pathway-Specific Localization of NMDA Receptors and Scaffolding Proteins at Ganglion Cell Synapses in Rat Retina
Authors: Zhang Jun , Diamond Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2009

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) receive excitatory glutamatergic input from ON and OFF bipolar cells in distinct sublaminae of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). AMPA and NMDA receptors (AMPARs and NMDARs) mediate excitatory inputs in both synaptic layers, but specific roles for NMDARs at RGC synapses remain unclear. NMDARs comprise NR1 and NR2 subunits and are anchored by membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), but it is unknown whether particular NR2 subunits associate preferentially with particular NR1 splice variants and MAGUKs. Here, we used postembedding immunogold electron microscopy techniques to examine the subsynaptic localization of NMDAR subunits and MAGUKs at ON and OFF synapses onto rat RGCs. We found that the NR2A subunit, the NR1C2′ splice variant, and MAGUKs PSD-95 and PSD-93 are localized to the postsynaptic density (PSD), preferentially at OFF synapses, whereas the NR2B subunit, the NR1C2 splice variant, and the MAGUK SAP102 are localized perisynaptically, with NR2B exhibiting a preference for ON synapses. Consistent with these anatomical data, spontaneous EPSCs (sEPSCs) recorded from OFF cells exhibited an NMDAR component that was insensitive to the NR2B antagonist Ro 25-6981. In ON cells, sEPSCs expressed an NMDAR component, partially sensitive to Ro 25-6981, only when glutamate transport was inhibited, indicating perisynaptic expression of NR2B NMDARs. These results provide the first evidence for preferential association of particular NR1 splice variants, NR2 subunits, and MAGUKs at central synapses and suggest that different NMDAR subtypes may play specific roles at functionally distinct synapses in the retinal circuitry.
Neue Dokumente zu Hitlers Buch Mein Kampf
Authors: Beierl Florian , Plöckinger Othmar
Published: April 2009

Vorspann

Über die Entstehungsgeschichte von Hitlers Hauptwerk Mein Kampf sind wir seit dem Erscheinen von Othmar Plöckingers Monographie „Geschichte eines Buches. Adolf Hitlers ,Mein Kampf’“ im Jahr 2006 recht gut informiert. Weiteren Einblick ermöglichen im selben Jahr entdeckte Dokumente (fünf Manuskript- und 18 Konzeptblätter) Adolf Hitlers, die im Folgenden erstmals veröffentlicht und von Florian Beierl und Othmar Plökkinger eingeleitet werden. Diese Dokumentation vermittelt einen Eindruck von Hitlers Textproduktion und seiner politischen Neuorientierung während der Landsberger Festungshaft 1924. Sie verdeutlicht aber auch, welchen Erkenntnisgewinn eine quellenkritische Edition von Mein Kampf bieten kann.
Reducing Domestic Violence and Other Criminal Recidivism: Effectiveness of a Multilevel Batterers Intervention Program
Authors: Coulter Martha , VandeWeerd Carla
Published: April 2009

This study evaluated whether the use of a multilevel system of intervention based on batterer assessment resulted in lowered risk of re-arrests for both domestic violence and other crimes. The study conducted analysis of data from 1995 to 2004, including initial arrest and program placement information and re-arrest rates for 17,999 individual batterers. The study found that recidivism rates were substantially lower for participants who completed the programs when compared to those who did not and that the re-arrest rates were substantially lower than are generally found in the literature on batterer recidivism. The study provides guidance to batterers intervention programs in approaches to designing countywide programs that are most effective in reducing recidivism in domestic violence batterers.
Microdialysis in Rodents
Authors: Zapata Agustin , Chefer Vladimir I. , Shippenberg Toni S.
Published: April 2009

Microdialysis is an in vivo sampling technique that permits the quantification of various substances (e.g., neurotransmitters, peptides, electrolytes) in blood and tissue. It is also used to infuse substances into the brain and spinal cord. This unit describes methods for the construction and stereotaxic implantation of microdialysis probes into discrete brain regions of the rat and mouse. Procedures for the conduct of conventional and quantitative microdialysis experiments in the awake and anesthetized rodent are also provided. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 47:7.2.1‐7.2.29. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discovery of New Green Phosphors and Minimization of Experimental Inconsistency Using a Multi‐Objective Genetic Algorithm‐Assisted Combinatorial Method
Authors: Sharma Asish Kumar , Kulshreshtha Chandramouli , Sohn Kee‐Sun
Published: April 2009

A multi‐objective genetic algorithm‐assisted combinatorial materials search (MOGACMS) strategy was employed to develop a new green phosphor for use in a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) for a back light unit (BLU) in liquid crystal display (LCD) applications. MOGACMS is a method for the systematic control of experimental inconsistency, which is one of the most troublesome and difficult problems in high‐throughput combinatorial experiments. Experimental inconsistency is a very serious problem faced by all scientists in the field of combinatorial materials science. For this study, experimental inconsistency and material property were selected as dual objective functions that were simultaneously optimized. Specifically, in an attempt to search for promising phosphors with high reproducibility, luminance was maximized and experimental inconsistency was minimized using the MOGACMS strategy. A divalent manganese‐doped alkali alkaline germanium oxide system was screened using MOGACMS. As a result of MOGA reiteration, we identified a phosphor, Na2MgGeO4:Mn2+, with improved luminance and reliable reproducibility.
Doxorubicin‐Conjugated Immuno‐Nanoparticles for Intracellular Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Shi Meng , Ho Karyn , Keating Armand , Shoichet Molly S.
Published: April 2009

A polymeric nanoparticle comprised of surface furan groups is used to bind, by Diels–Alder (DA) coupling chemistry, both targeting anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (anti‐HER2) antibodies and chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) for targeted, intracellular delivery of DOX. In this new approach for delivery, where both chemotherapeutic and targeting ligand are attached, for the first time, to the surface of the delivery vehicle, the nuclear localization of DOX in HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer SKBR‐3 cells is demonstrated, as determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Flow cytometric analysis shows that the conjugated DOX maintains its biological function and induces similar apoptotic progression in SKBR‐3 cells as free DOX. The viable cell counts of SKBR‐3 cancer cells following incubation with different nanoparticle formulations demonstrates that the combined DOX and anti‐HER2 nanoparticle is more efficacious than the nanoparticle formulation with either DOX or anti‐HER2 alone. While free DOX shows similar cytotoxicity against both cancerous SKBR‐3 cells and healthy HMEC‐1 cells, the combined DOX‐anti‐HER2 nanoparticle is significantly more cytotoxic against SKBR‐3 cells than HMEC‐1 cells, suggesting the benefit of nanoparticle‐conjugated DOX for cell type‐specific targeting. The DOX‐conjugated immuno‐nanoparticle represents an entirely new method for localized co‐delivery of chemotherapeutics and antibodies.
Synthesis of Monodisperse AgAu Alloy Nanoparticles with Independently Tunable Morphology, Composition, Size, and Surface Chemistry and Their 3‐D Superlattices
Authors: Zhang Qingbo , Xie Jianping , Liang Jing , Lee Jim Yang
Published: April 2009

Here, a strategy for synthesizing monodisperse AgAu alloy nanoparticles whereby particle attributes such as morphology, composition, size, and surface chemistry may be independently controlled, varied, and customized is presented. The synthesis uses a multi‐step procedure to deliver control of morphology, size, and composition in discrete and independent steps. Specifically Ag nanoparticles with the same morphology but different sizes are first prepared by the chemical reduction of Ag ions. A digestive ripening post‐treatment followed by seed‐mediated growth is then applied to narrow the size distribution and to vary the particle size. Monodisperse AgAu alloy nanoparticles are then formed by a replacement reaction with HAuCl4. Both single‐crystalline truncated octahedral (TO) AgAu alloy nanoparticles and icosahedral multiply twinned particles can be easily prepared by this procedure. By using truncated octahedrons as the model morphology, the syntheses of nanoparticles with the same size but different compositions, of nanoparticles with the same composition but variable sizes, and of nanoparticles with different surface chemistry are demonstrated and discussed in detail. Because of the shape and size monodispersity, all of the as‐synthesized AgAu alloy nanoparticles easily form superlattices on a solid substrate upon slow evaporation of the solvent. The packing pattern of the nanoparticles is strongly dependent on the native morphology of the nanoparticles.
The baffled microtiter plate: Increased oxygen transfer and improved online monitoring in small scale fermentations
Authors: Funke Matthias , Diederichs Sylvia , Kensy Frank , Müller Carsten , Büchs Jochen
Published: April 2009

Most experiments in screening and process development are performed in shaken bioreactors. Today, microtiter plates are the preferred vessels for small‐scale microbial cultivations in high throughput, even though they have never been optimized for this purpose. To interpret the experimental results correctly and to obtain a base for a meaningful scale‐up, sufficient oxygen supply to the culture liquid is crucial. For shaken bioreactors this problem can generally be addressed by the introduction of baffles. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate how baffling and the well geometry affect the maximum oxygen transfer capacity (OTRmax) in microtiter plates. On a 48‐well plate scale, 30 different cross‐section geometries of a well were studied. It could be shown that the introduction of baffles into the common circular cylinder of a microtiter plate well doubles the maximum oxygen transfer capacity, resulting in values above 100 mmol/L/h (kLa > 600 1/h). To also guarantee a high volume for microbial cultivation, it is important to maximize the filling volume, applicable during orbital shaking. Additionally, the liquid height at the well bottom was examined, which is a decisive parameter for online‐monitoring systems such as the BioLector. This technology performs fiber‐optical measurements through the well bottom, therefore requires a constant liquid height at all shaking frequencies. Ultimately, a six‐petal flower‐shaped well geometry was shown to be the optimal solution taking into account all aforementioned criteria. With its favorable culture conditions and the possibility for unrestricted online monitoring, this novel microtiter plate is an efficient tool to gain meaningful results for interpreting and scaling‐up experiments in clone screening and bioprocess development. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 1118–1128. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Fe‐doped chrysotile and characterization of the resulting chrysotile fibers
Authors: Bloise A. , Belluso E. , Barrese E. , Miriello D. , Apollaro C.
Published: April 2009

This study describes the formation of Fe‐doped chrysotile fibers with partial and total substitution of Mg by Fe. Syntheses were carried out with various starting mixtures (oxides, pure synthetic forsterite) in an externally heated pressure vessel in controlled hydrothermal conditions: temperature, 270 – 400 °C; pressure, 0.5 – 2 kbar; duration of treatment 160 – 480 hours. Pure synthetic forsterite was prepared by the flux growth technique. The starting material and run products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning and transmission electron microscopies combined with energy‐dispersive spectrometry (SEM‐EDS and TEM‐EDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). Variations observed in abundance and size of Fe‐doped chrysotile fibers were attributed to different experimental conditions for their synthesis. However, morphological shape turned out to depend on the starting mixtures used. Since natural samples are often difficult to obtain in a sufficiently pure state, these synthetic and well‐characterized Fe‐doped chrysotile fibers can be used for better understanding of the mechanisms involved in asbestos toxicity, as well as of the role of Fe in diseases induced by asbestos phases. These synthetic Fe‐doped chrysotile fibers, together with non‐toxicity testing, may also have potential for exploitation in industrial fields. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation, Stability and Thermodynamic Properties of Nd‐ and Lu‐Doped BaCeO3 Proton‐Conducting Ceramics
Authors: Matskevich Nata I. , Wolf Thomas , Matskevich Mariya Yu. , Chupakhina Tatiana I.
Published: April 2009

The preparation of BaCeO3 doped by neodymium and lutetium oxides (BaCe0.8Nd0.2O2.9, BaCe0.8Lu0.2O2.9) has been performed by solid‐state reactions of BaCO3 and CeO2 with Nd2O3 and Lu2O3, respectively. The compound BaCe0.8Lu0.2O2.9 has been synthesized for the first time. The X‐ray measurements have showed that BaCe0.8RE0.2O2.9 (RE = Nd, Lu) has an orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma). The standard formation enthalpies of BaCe0.8RE0.2O2.9 have been determined from solution calorimetry by combining the solution enthalpies of BaCe0.8RE0.2O2.9, a BaCl2 + 0.8CeCl3 + 0.2RECl3 mixture in 1 M HCl with 0.1 M KI at 298.15 K and literature data. It has been determined that both of the above‐mentioned complex oxides are thermodynamically stable with regard to their decomposition into binary oxides at room temperature. It has been established thatBaCe0.8Nd0.2O2.9 and BaCe0.8Lu0.2O2.9 react with water, Al2O3 and ZrO2 at ambient temperatures. It has also been shown that the reactions with Al2O3, ZrO2 and water forBaCe0.8Nd0.2O2.9 are more thermodynamically favoured than those for BaCe0.8Lu0.2O2.9. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Synthesis of Indoles by Intermolecular Cyclization of Unfunctionalized Nitroarenes and Alkynes: One‐Step Synthesis of the Skeleton of Fluvastatin
Authors: Ragaini Fabio , Ventriglia Flavia , Hagar Mohamed , Fantauzzi Simone , Cenini Sergio
Published: April 2009

The addition of Ru3(CO)12, dimethyl carbonate, or both to the reaction mixture improves the selectivity of the palladium/phenanthroline‐catalyzed reaction of nitroarenes, arylalkynes, and CO to give 3‐arylindoles. When 4‐fluorophenylacetylene and nitrobenzene are used as substrates, the indole skeleton of Fluvastatin and other pharmaceutically active compounds is obtained in one step.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
The disposition effect and investment performance in the futures market
Authors: Choe Hyuk , Eom Yunsung
Published: April 2009

This study examines whether the disposition effect (DE), i.e., the tendency of investors to ride losses and realize gains, exists in the Korean stock index futures market. Using a unique database, we find strong evidence for the DE and explain this in terms of investor characteristics. We also investigate the effect that the disposition bias has on investment performance. There are four main findings. First, individual investors are much more susceptible to the DE than institutional and foreign investors. Second, sophistication and trading experience tend to reduce the DE. Third, the DE is stronger in long positions than in short positions. Finally, there is a negative relationship between the DE and investment performance. This result is consistent with Odean (1998, Journal of Finance, 53, 1775–1798), but contrasts with Locke and Mann (2005, Journal of Financial Economics, 76, 401–444) who find no evidence of any contemporaneous measurable costs associated with the DE. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:496–522, 2009
Novel treatment of first bite syndrome using botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Lee Byung‐Joo , Lee Jin‐Choon , Lee Young‐Ok , Wang Soo‐Geun , Kim Hak‐Jin
Published: April 2009

Background

First bite syndrome is the development of pain in the parotid region after the first bite of each meal and can be seen after surgery of the parapharyngeal space. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in patients with first bite syndrome.

Methods

Five patients with first bite syndrome developed after head and neck surgery were treated by injection of BTA into parotid gland. All patients completed a 4‐item quality‐of‐life survey with a 10‐point response scale designed to measure outcome of intraglandular injection of BTA.

Results

The first bite syndrome without or with sialogogue and degree of interference with daily activity with or without eating or drinking improved significantly at 1 and 3 month after injection (p < .05).

Conclusion

The BTA injection into affected parotid gland produces a decrease in the severity of first bite syndrome and improves the patient's quality of life. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009