Revealing four decades of snow cover dynamics in the Hindu Kush Himalaya.

Knowledge about the distribution and dynamics of seasonal snow cover (SSC) is of high importance for climate studies, hydrology or hazards assessment. SSC varies considerably across the Hindu Kush Himalaya both in space and time. Previous studies focused on regional investigations or the influence of snow melt on the local hydrological system. Here, we present a systematic assessment of metrics to evaluate SSC dynamics for the entire HKH at regional and basin scale based on AVHRR GAC data at a 0.05° spatial and daily temporal resolution. Our findings are based on a unique four-decade satellite-based time series of snow cover information. We reveal strong variability of SSC at all time scales. We find significantly decreasing SSC trends in individual summer and winter months and a declining tendency from mid-spring to mid-fall, indicating a shift in seasonality. Thanks to this uniquely spatio-temporally resolved long-term data basis, we can particularly highlight the unique temporally variable character of seasonal snow cover and its cross-disciplinary importance for mountain ecosystems and downstream regions.

Restraint stress affects circulating NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and phoenixin levels in male rats.

The two peptides phoenixin and nesfatin-1 are colocalized in hypothalamic nuclei involved in the mediation of food intake and behavior. Phoenixin stimulates food intake and is anxiolytic, while nesfatin-1 is an anorexigenic peptide shown to increase anxiety and anhedonia. Interestingly, central activation of both peptides can be stimulated by restraint stress giving rise to a role in the mediation of stress. Thus, the aim of the study was to test whether also peripheral circulating levels of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and phoenixin are altered by restraint stress. Male ad libitum fed Sprague Dawley rats equipped with a chronic intravenous catheter were subjected to restraint stress and plasma levels of NUCB2/nesfatin-1, phoenixin and cortisol were measured over a period of 240 min and compared to levels of freely moving rats. Peripheral cortisol levels were significantly increased in restrained rats at 30, 60, 120 and 240 min compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, restraint stress decreased plasma phoenixin levels at 15 min compared to unstressed conditions (0.8-fold, p < 0.05). Circulating NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels were increased only at 240 min in restrained rats compared to those in unstressed controls (1.3-fold, p < 0.05). In addition, circulating NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels correlated positively with phoenixin levels (r = 0.378, p < 0.001), while neither phoenixin nor nesfatin-1 were associated with cortisol levels (r = 0.0275, and r=-0.143, p> 0.05). These data suggest that both peptides, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and phoenixin, are affected by restraint stress, although less pronounced than circulating cortisol.

Central blockage of nesfatin-1 has anxiolytic effects but does not prevent corticotropin-releasing factor-induced anxiety in male rats.

Nesfatin-1, a pleotropic peptide, was recently implicated in the regulation of anxiety and depression-like behavior in rats. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear so far. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of endogenous nesfatin-1 in the mediation of anxiety and depression-like behavior induced by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Therefore, normal weight male intracerebroventricularly (icv) cannulated Sprague Dawley rats received two consecutive icv injections of anti-nesfatin-1 antibody or IgG control antibody followed by CRF or saline, before being exposed to a behavioral test. In the elevated zero maze test, assessing anxiety and explorative behavior, blockade of nesfatin-1 using an anti-nesfatin-1 antibody under basal conditions increased the number of entries into the open arms compared to control antibody/vehicle (1.6-fold, p < 0.05) and the time in open arms compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Control antibody/CRF-treated animals tended to spend less time in the open arms compared to control antibody/vehicle (0.7-fold, p = 0.17), an effect not altered by the nesfatin-1 antibody (control antibody/CRF-treated animals vs. nesfatin-1 antibody/CRF group, p = 1.00). In the novelty-induced hypophagia test, assessing anhedonia as part of depression-like behavior, no significant differences were observed between the four groups for the latency to the first bout, number of bouts and the amount of palatable snack eaten (p > 0.05). In summary, CRF tended to increase anxiety and explorative behavior an effect not altered by blockade of nesfatin-1, whereas no significant effect of CRF on anhedonia was observed. Blockade of endogenous nesfatin-1 significantly decreased anxiety-like behavior giving rise to a physiological role of brain nesfatin-1 in the mediation of anxiety.

Restraint stress increases the expression of phoenixin immunoreactivity in rat brain nuclei.

Phoenixin is a recently discovered peptide, which has been associated with reproduction, anxiety and food intake. Based on a considerable co-localization it has been linked to nesfatin-1, with a possible antagonistic mode of action. Since nesfatin-1 is known to play a role in anxiety and the response to stress, this study aims to investigate the effects of a well-established psychological stress model, restraint stress, on phoenixin-expressing brain nuclei and phoenixin expression in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to restraint stress (n = 8) or left undisturbed (control, n = 6) and the brains processed for c-Fos- and phoenixin immunohistochemistry. The number of c-Fos expressing cells was counted and phoenixin expression assessed semiquantitatively. Restraint stress significantly increased c-Fos expression in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve (DMN, 52-fold, p < 0.001), raphe pallidus (RPa, 15-fold, p < 0.001), medial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (mNTS, 16-fold, p < 0.001), central amygdaloid nucleus, medial division (CeM, 9-fold, p = 0.01), supraoptic nucleus (SON, 9-fold, p < 0.001) and the arcuate nucleus (Arc, 2.5-fold, p < 0.03) compared to control animals. Also phoenixin expression significantly increased in the DMN (17-fold, p < 0.001), RPa (2-fold, p < 0.001) and mNTS (1.6-fold, p < 0.001) with positive correlations between c-Fos and phoenixin (r = 0.74-0.85; p < 0.01) in these nuclei. This pattern of activation suggests an involvement of phoenixin in response to restraint stress. Whether phoenixin mediates stress effects or is activated in a counterbalancing fashion will have to be further investigated.

Intracerebroventricular injection of phoenixin alters feeding behavior and activates nesfatin-1 immunoreactive neurons in rats.

Phoenixin is a novel neuropeptide initially associated with reproductive functions, but subsequently also with feeding behavior. Nesfatin-1 is also involved in the regulation of food intake and has been shown to largely colocalize with phoenixin in the rat brain; however, a functional link is missing so far. The current study investigated whether phoenixin activates nesfatin-1 immunoreactive nuclei in the rat brain. Male Sprague Dawley rats chronically equipped with an intracerebroventricular cannula were injected with vehicle (5 µl ddH2O) or phoenixin (1.7 nmol in 5 µl ddH2O, n = 5-6 group). Behavior was assessed manually and c-Fos as well as nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity using immunohistochemistry. Phoenixin significantly increased feeding and drinking behavior as well as locomotor activity compared to vehicle (p < 0.01). Moreover, phoenixin injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) activated several nuclei throughout the rat brain as assessed using c-Fos; the number of c-Fos/nesfatin-1 immunoreactive neurons was increased in the lateral septal nucleus (4-fold), supraoptic nucleus (107-fold), paraventricular nucleus (6-fold) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (18-fold) compared to vehicle (p < 0.05). In summary, phoenixin activates several nesfatin-1 immunoreactive nuclei in the rat brain. This activation may play a role in the modulation of food intake.

Competition between Polar and Nonpolar Lattice Distortions in Oxide Quantum Wells: New Critical Thickness at Polar Interfaces.

Two basic lattice distortions permeate the structural phase diagram of oxide perovskites: antiferrodistortive (AFD) rotations and tilts of the oxygen octahedral network and polar ferroelectric modes. With some notable exceptions, these two order parameters rarely coexist in a bulk crystal, and understanding their competition is a lively area of active research. Here we demonstrate, by using the LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} system as a test case, that quantum confinement can be a viable tool to shift the balance between AFD and polar modes and selectively stabilize one of the two phases. By combining scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and first-principles-based models, we find a crossover between a bulklike LaAlO_{3} structure where AFD rotations prevail, to a strongly polar state with no AFD tilts at a thickness of approximately three unit cells; therefore, in addition to the celebrated electronic reconstruction, our work unveils a second critical thickness, related not to the electronic properties but to the structural ones. We discuss the implications of these findings, both for the specifics of the LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} system and for the general quest towards nanoscale control of material properties.

Deep brain stimulation alters light phase food intake microstructure in rats.

Treatment of eating disorders like obesity or anorexia is challenging. Options are limited and new approaches desired. An interesting approach is the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS). The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is part of the food reward system. A pilot study reported that DBS of the NAcc shell modulates food intake and body weight in rats. Underlying mechanisms such as the food intake microstructure are unknown so far. Normal weight female Sprague-Dawley rats were equipped with a custom-made DBS electrode placed unilaterally in the NAcc shell. Biphasic stimulation was performed for seven days. Body weight and food intake including the microstructure were assessed over the experimental period. Behavior was monitored manually. DBS tended to increase body weight gain (28.1 ± 5.4 g) compared to sham-stimulated controls (16.7 ± 3.4, P = 0.05) without affecting daily food intake (P > 0.05). Further analyses showed that light phase food intake was stimulated, whereas dark phase food intake was decreased in the DBS group (P < 0.05). During the light phase bout frequency (+50%), bout duration (+64%), meal duration (+71%) and overall time spent in meals (+92%) were increased in DBS rats (P < 0.05), while during the dark phase no alterations were observed (P > 0.05). Behavior did not show differences regarding overall eating and drinking behavior (including food/water approach), grooming or locomotion (P > 0.05). Summarized, although overall food intake was not changed by DBS, light phase food intake was stimulated likely via a reduction of satiation.

Functional electronic inversion layers at ferroelectric domain walls.

Ferroelectric domain walls hold great promise as functional two-dimensional materials because of their unusual electronic properties. Particularly intriguing are the so-called charged walls where a polarity mismatch causes local, diverging electrostatic potentials requiring charge compensation and hence a change in the electronic structure. These walls can exhibit significantly enhanced conductivity and serve as a circuit path. The development of all-domain-wall devices, however, also requires walls with controllable output to emulate electronic nano-components such as diodes and transistors. Here we demonstrate electric-field control of the electronic transport at ferroelectric domain walls. We reversibly switch from resistive to conductive behaviour at charged walls in semiconducting ErMnO3. We relate the transition to the formation-and eventual activation-of an inversion layer that acts as the channel for the charge transport. The findings provide new insight into the domain-wall physics in ferroelectrics and foreshadow the possibility to design elementary digital devices for all-domain-wall circuitry.

Phenotyping of subjects for large scale studies on patients with IBS.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex condition with multiple factors contributing to its aetiology and pathophysiology. Aetiologically these include genetics, life-time events and environment, and physiologically, changes in motility, central processing, visceral sensitivity, immunity, epithelial permeability and gastrointestinal microflora. Such complexity means there is currently no specific reliable biomarker for IBS, and thus IBS continues to be diagnosed and classified according to symptom based criteria, the Rome Criteria. Carefully phenotyping and characterisation of a 'large' pool of IBS patients across Europe and even the world however, might help identify sub-populations with accuracy and consistency. This will not only aid future research but improve tailoring of treatment and health care of IBS patients. PURPOSE: The aim of this position paper is to discuss the requirements necessary to standardize the process of selecting and phenotyping IBS patients and how to organise the collection and storage of patient information/samples in such a large multi-centre pan European/global study. We include information on general demographics, gastrointestinal symptom assessment, psychological factors, quality of life, physiological evaluation, genetic/epigenetic and microbiota analysis, biopsy/blood sampling, together with discussion on the organisational, ethical and language issues associated with implementing such a study. The proposed approach and documents selected to be used in such a study was the result of a thoughtful and thorough four-year dialogue amongst experts associated with the European COST action BM1106 GENIEUR (www.GENIEUR.eu).

Treatment with the ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) inhibitor GO-CoA-Tat reduces food intake by reducing meal frequency in rats.

The ghrelin acylating enzyme ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) was recently identified and implicated in several biological functions. However, the effects on food intake warrant further investigation. While several genetic GOAT mouse models showed normal food intake, acute blockade using a GOAT inhibitor resulted in reduced food intake. The underlying food intake microstructure remains to be established. In the present study we used an automated feeding monitoring system to assess food intake and the food intake microstructure. First, we validated the basal food intake and feeding behavior in rats using the automated monitoring system. Afterwards, we assessed the food intake microstructure following intraperitoneal injection of the GOAT inhibitor, GO-CoA-Tat (32, 96 and 288 µg/kg) in freely fed male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats showed a rapid habituation to the automated food intake monitoring system and food intake levels were similar compared to manual monitoring (P = 0.43). Rats housed under these conditions showed a physiological behavioral satiety sequence. Injection of the GOAT inhibitor resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of food intake with a maximum effect observed after 96 mg/kg (-27%, P = 0.03) compared to vehicle. This effect was delayed in onset as the first meal was not altered and lasted for a period of 2 h. Analysis of the food intake microstructure showed that the anorexigenic effect was due to a reduction of meal frequency (-15%, P = 0.04), whereas meal size (P = 0.29) was not altered compared to vehicle. In summary, pharmacological blockade of GOAT reduces dark phase food intake by an increase of satiety while satiation is not affected.

[Malabsorption of fermentable oligo-, di-, or monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) as a common cause of unclear abdominal discomfort]. / Kohlenhydratmalabsorption: Unverträglichkeit fermentierbarer Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharide und Polyole (FODMAP) als häufige Ursache unklarer abdomineller Beschwerden.

Carbohydrate malabsorption is a frequent but underestimated cause of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms like meteorism, flatulence, pain and diarrhea. By means of hydrogen and/or methane breath test after ingestion of the respective carbohydrate it can be identified and diagnosed easily, fast and reliably by successful nutritional therapy. Besides the well known complaints caused by lactose and fructose malabsorption, other fermentable oligo-, di-, or monosaccharides and polyols (akronym: FODMAP) can cause abdominal discomfort and IBS-like symptoms. In addition to lactose (dairy products) and fructose (apples, pears, mango, watermelon), FODMAPs comprise galactans (legumes), fructans (wheat, onions, garlic, artichoke) and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol and xylitol (sugar free candy, light products). A general restriction of all FODMAP components can be beneficial in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with functional gastrointestinal complaints.

[Diagnosis of oesophageal reflux by PH, impedance, and bilirubin measurement: recommendations of the German Society of Neurogastroenterology and of the working group for neurogastroenterology of the German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases]. / Ösophageale Refluxdiagnostik - pH-Metrie, Impedanzmessung, Bilirubin-Messung: Empfehlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Neurogastroenterologie und Motilität und der Arbeitsgruppe Neurogastroenterologie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten.

The current recommendations on indications, technical performance, and interpretation of diagnostic techniques for oesophageal reflux update the German recommandations about 24 hour pH measurement of 2003. The recommendations encompass conventional pH measurement, wireless pH measurement, pH and impedance measurements, and bilirubin measurement (duodenogastro-oesophageal reflux).

Ghrelin prevents levodopa-induced inhibition of gastric emptying and increases circulating levodopa in fasted rats.

BACKGROUND: Levodopa (L-dopa) is the most commonly used treatment for alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, L-dopa delays gastric emptying, which dampens its absorption. We investigated whether ghrelin prevents L-dopa action on gastric emptying and enhances circulating L-dopa in rats. METHODS: Gastric emptying of non-nutrient methylcellulose/phenol red viscous solution was determined in fasted rats treated with orogastric or intraperitoneal (i.p.) L-dopa, or intravenous (i.v.) ghrelin 10 min before orogastric L-dopa. Plasma L-dopa and dopamine levels were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Plasma acyl ghrelin levels were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Fos expression in the brain was immunostained after i.v. ghrelin (30 µg kg(-1)) 10 min before i.p. L-dopa. KEY RESULTS: Levodopa (5 and 15 mg kg(-1)) decreased significantly gastric emptying by 32% and 62%, respectively, when administered orally, and by 91% and 83% when injected i.p. Ghrelin (30 or 100 µg kg(-1), i.v.) completely prevented L-dopa's (15 mg kg(-1), orogastrically) inhibitory action on gastric emptying and enhanced plasma L-dopa and dopamine levels compared with vehicle 15 min after orogastric L-dopa. Levodopa (5 mg kg(-1)) did not modify plasma acyl ghrelin levels at 30 min, 1, and 2 h after i.v. injection. Levodopa (15 mg kg(-1), i.p.) induced Fos in brain autonomic centers, which was not modified by i.v. ghrelin. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Ghrelin counteracts L-dopa-induced delayed gastric emptying but not Fos induction in the brain and enhances circulating L-dopa levels. Potential therapeutic benefits of ghrelin agonists in Parkinson's disease patients treated with L-dopa remain to be investigated.

Electrostriction at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface.

We present a direct comparison between experimental data and ab initio calculations for the electrostrictive effect in the polar LaAlO(3) layer grown on SrTiO(3) substrates. From the structural data, a complete screening of the LaAlO(3) dipole field is observed for film thicknesses between 6 and 20 uc. For thinner films, an expansion of the c axis of 2% matching the theoretical predictions for an electrostrictive effect is observed experimentally.

Central administration of pan-somatostatin agonist ODT8-SST prevents abdominal surgery-induced inhibition of circulating ghrelin, food intake and gastric emptying in rats.

BACKGROUND: Activation of brain somatostatin receptors (sst(1-5) ) with the stable pan-sst(1-5) somatostatin agonist, ODT8-SST blocks acute stress and central corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-mediated activation of endocrine and adrenal sympathetic responses. Brain CRF signaling is involved in delaying gastric emptying (GE) immediately post surgery. We investigated whether activation of brain sst signaling pathways modulates surgical stress-induced inhibition of gastric emptying and food intake. METHODS: Fasted rats were injected intracisternally (i.c.) with somatostatin agonists and underwent laparotomy and 1-min cecal palpation. Gastric emptying of a non-nutrient solution and circulating acyl and desacyl ghrelin levels were assessed 50min post surgery. Food intake was monitored for 24 h. KEY RESULTS: The abdominal surgery-induced inhibition of GE (65%), food intake (73% at 2h) and plasma acyl ghrelin levels (67%) was completely prevented by ODT8-SST (1µg per rat, i.c.). The selective sst(5) agonist, BIM-23052 prevented surgery-induced delayed GE, whereas selective sst(1) , sst(2) , or sst(4) agonists had no effect. However, the selective sst(2) agonist, S-346-011 (1µg per rat, i.c.) counteracted the abdominal surgery-induced inhibition of acyl ghrelin and food intake but not the delayed GE. The ghrelin receptor antagonist, [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6 (0.93mg kg(-1) , intraperitoneal, i.p.) blocked i.p. ghrelin-induced increased GE, while not influencing i.c. ODT8-SST-induced prevention of delayed GE and reduced food intake after surgery. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: ODT8-SST acts in the brain to prevent surgery-induced delayed GE likely via activating sst(5) . ODT8-SST and the sst(2) agonist prevent the abdominal surgery-induced decrease in food intake and plasma acyl ghrelin indicating dissociation between brain somatostatin signaling involved in preventing surgery-induced suppression of GE and feeding response.

Central somatostatin receptor 1 activation reverses acute stress-related alterations of gastric and colonic motor function in mice.

BACKGROUND: Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling induced by stress is well established to delay gastric emptying (GE) and stimulate colonic functions. The somatostatin receptor (sst(1-5) ) agonist, ODT8-SST acts in the brain to inhibit stress-induced adrenocorticotropic hormone and epinephrine secretion. We investigated whether ODT8-SST acts in the brain to influence stress-related alterations of gastric and colonic motor function and sst receptor subtype(s) involved. METHODS: Peptides were injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) under short isoflurane anesthesia and GE, fecal pellet output (FPO) and distal colonic motility monitored in conscious mice. KEY RESULTS: The stress of acute anesthesia/vehicle i.c.v. injection reduced GE by 67% and increased defecation by 99% compared to non-injected controls. Both responses were abolished by ODT8-SST (1µg= 0.75nmol) or sst(1) agonist (0.65-1.95nmol). The sst(1) agonist (1.95nmol) also prevented the abdominal surgery-induced delayed GE. Octreotide (sst(2) >sst(5) > sst(3) ) and the sst(2) or sst(4) agonists (1µg=0.78 or 0.70nmol, respectively) injected i.c.v. did not influence FPO while i.c.v. somatostatin-28 mimicked ODT8-SST's effect. The ODT8-SST-induced increased food intake was inhibited by i.c.v. sst(2) antagonist while the reduced FPO was unchanged. ODT8-SST i.c.v. reduced distal colonic motility in semi-restrained mice compared with vehicle and blocked water avoidance- and i.c.v. CRF (0.5µg=0.09nmol)-induced stimulated FPO while a similar colonic secretomotor response to i.p. 5-hydroxytryptophane (10mgkg(-1) =36.4µmol kg(-1) ) was unaltered. Conclusions & Inferences ODT8-SST counteracts stress/i.c.v. CRF-related stimulation of colonic motor function and delayed GE which can be reproduced mainly by activation of sst(1) receptors. These data opens new insight to brain somatostatinergic signaling pathways interfering with brain circuitries involved in gut motor responses to acute stress.