bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional and Novel Bone Remodeling Markers in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Botella Sonsoles , Restituto Patricia , Monreal Ignacio , Colina Inmaculada , Calleja Amparo , Varo Nerea
Published: September 2013

Context:

Bone turnover markers (BTMs) may identify changes in bone remodeling within a relatively short time interval before changes in bone mineral density can be detected. New markers such as osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, and sclerostin have emerged, but there is little information about their potential use in clinical practice.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to analyze the ability of several BTMs to predict bone loss in pre- and postmenopausal women and to monitor the efficacy of treatment in osteoporotic women.

Design, Patients, and Setting:

We performed an observational prospective study in pre- and postmenopausal ambulatory women (n = 72 and n = 152, respectively).

Intervention:

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (n = 18) were treated with risedronate and calcium. Women filled out a questionnaire and underwent bone mineral density measurement using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the time of enrollment and after 1 year of follow-up. BTMs were measured at baseline, at 6 months, and after 1 year.

Results:

Increased levels of N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen (P1NP) and β-type I collagen telopeptides (CTXs) were associated with low bone mineral density in the premenopausal (P = .02 and P = .04, respectively) and postmenopausal (P = .03 and P = .02) groups. The best analytical performance to diagnose osteoporosis was for β-CTX, osteocalcin, and P1NP, with areas under the curve of 0.70 (P = .005), 0.64 (P = .048), and 0.71 (P = .003). A significant decrease was found in P1NP, osteocalcin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, β-CTX, and bone alkaline phosphatase after 1 year of treatment (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that measurement of β-CTX and P1NP shows adequate analytical performance and could potentially be included in algorithms for the screening of osteoporosis. Furthermore, these two markers, along with osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b, are useful to monitor the response to risedronate.
A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) pelvis and hind limb
Authors: O'Neill Matthew C. , Lee Leng-Feng , Larson Susan G. , Demes Brigitte , Stern Jack T. , Umberger Brian R.
Published: September 2013

Musculoskeletal models have become important tools for studying a range of muscle-driven movements. However, most work has been in modern humans, with few applications in other species. Chimpanzees are facultative bipeds and our closest living relatives, and have provided numerous important insights into our own evolution. A chimpanzee musculoskeletal model would allow integration across a wide range of laboratory-based experimental data, providing new insights into the determinants of their locomotor performance capabilities, as well as the origins and evolution of human bipedalism. Here, we described a detailed three-dimensional (3D) musculoskeletal model of the chimpanzee pelvis and hind limb. The model includes geometric representations of bones and joints, as well as 35 muscle–tendon units that were represented using 44 Hill-type muscle models. Muscle architecture data, such as muscle masses, fascicle lengths and pennation angles, were drawn from literature sources. The model permits calculation of 3D muscle moment arms, muscle–tendon lengths and isometric muscle forces over a wide range of joint positions. Muscle–tendon moment arms predicted by the model were generally in good agreement with tendon-excursion estimates from cadaveric specimens. Sensitivity analyses provided information on the parameters that model predictions are most and least sensitive to, which offers important context for interpreting future results obtained with the model. Comparisons with a similar human musculoskeletal model indicate that chimpanzees are better suited for force production over a larger range of joint positions than humans. This study represents an important step in understanding the integrated function of the neuromusculoskeletal systems in chimpanzee locomotion.
Synthesis of New Type Core–Shell Li[Li0.21(Ni0.20Co0.16Mn0.58)0.8(Ni0.2Mn0.2)0.2]O2 Spherical Particles as a Positive Electrode for Lithium Secondary Batteries by Coprecipitation
Authors: Jeon Hyo Jin , Kang Seo Ha , Son Jong Tae
Published: September 2013

Microscale core–shell-structured Li[Li0.21(Ni0.20Co0.16Mn0.58)0.8(Ni0.2Mn0.2)0.2]O2 powders were prepared by a coprecipitation method. To protect the Li[Li0.2(Ni0.14Co0.14Mn0.52)]O2 core material from structural instability at high voltage, a Li[Li0.2(Ni0.4Mn0.4)]O2 shell, which provides structural and thermal stability, was used to encapsulate the core. Spherical morphologies with monodispersed powders were observed in the cross-sectional images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the synthesis of a Mn-rich core–shell.
Shapes of Miura Mesh Mechanism with Mobility One
Authors: Beatini Valentina , Korkmaz Koray
Published: September 2013

The Miura Ori is a mechanism composed by a polyhedral deployable surface. It has favorable qualities from engineering prospective that lead the growing interest on it. The present work focuses on its transmission of motion. The mechanism can be represented by spherical 4 bar linkages, and on this account a simple and effective mobility formula is presented. The mechanism having a number of excessive rigid members, it is also possible to remove all or some of them, variously arranged. The changes are included in the calculation of allowable mobility of the system. The resulting tool can be directly used for the design of deployable Miura Ori surfaces with customized shape.
Study of a Cable Force Determination Method in Prestressed Steel Structures
Authors: Chen Zhihua , Yan Renzhang , Liu Hongbo , Bu Yidu
Published: September 2013

In this paper two cable force determination methods were proposed based on the principle of direct determination, respectively based on using steel pipe ring crushing or strand tapered anchorage to connect cable. Experimental investigation was conducted to test the two force measurement devices; the results indicated that the two cable force measurement devices could effectively transfer the cable's internal force, while the first one (with steel pipe ring crushing) could not stably connect the cable. After calculating and analyzing the reasonable core structure size of the second device by the finite element analysis software, the structural practice of such devices were provided. The proposed cable force determination method using the strand tapered anchorage owns simple operation, low cost and high accuracy, which can provide a reference for similar tests and practical engineering.
Impact of Electricity Shortage on Daily Routines: A Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Lodhi Rab Nawaz , Malik R. K.
Published: September 2013

People in Pakistan are facing many problems due to load shedding which is a result of electricity shortages. This study investigated the consequences of electricity shortage on daily routines and overall performance of people in Pakistan. Data has been collected through video recorded interviews and written comment-based interviews using a social network of “Face Book” as suggested by QSR-International (2012). Sample includes students, housewives, professional workers and businessmen who are living in Pakistan. The study identified 22 different results of electricity shortage in daily routines of people in Pakistan. Sleeplessness, incompletion of tasks, use of alternative resources and inefficient learning have been found to be the more critical results of electricity shortage. Furthermore, these consequences of electricity shortage can be divided into social and psychological problems. It is concluded that the shortage of electricity has changed the lives of people in Pakistan irrespective of their professions.
Effective Defensive Strategies at the Ruck Contest in Rugby Union
Authors: Wheeler Keane W. , Mills David , Lyons Keith , Harrinton Warrick
Published: September 2013

Performance analysis examined the association between defensive strategies and ruck outcomes in rugby union. Defensive tactics at the ruck contest were coded (n = 8563) during 60 games of the 2011 Super Rugby competition. Variables described attacking width, territory gained by the attack, defensive strategy used at the ruck, and ruck outcome. Chi-squared analysis showed that both early counter ruck (competing for the ball without hands) and jackal (competing for the ball with hands) were effective at turning over possession of the ball behind the advantage line (60% and 39% of turnovers, respectively). Early counter ruck was also effective at turning over possession when the ruck contest occurred in the wide attacking channels (18% of turnovers) whilst a jackal was used at ruck contests occurring in central field areas (13% of turnover). Late counter ruck was a poor strategy and was likely to concede penalties without an association with turnovers.
Association of Certification Level and Assertiveness with Accuracy of Calls among Ice Hockey Referees
Authors: Wilson Austin W. , Mock Steven E.
Published: September 2013

We examined the association of certification level and assertiveness of thirty ice-hockey referees with accuracy of penalty calls from viewing video clips of on-ice game situations. On average, referees had eight years of experience (min = 1 year, max = 32 years). Neither certification level nor assertiveness was significantly associated with referee accuracy. However, certification level was moderated by assertiveness such that the more certified and assertive the referees were, the more likely they were to make correct penalty calls ( p = .62). In contrast, referees who were highly certified and had lower assertiveness had the lowest probability of making a correct penalty call ( p = .03). Results are discussed in terms of the somatic marker hypothesis.
A Pilot Test of Transformational Leadership Training for Sports Coaches: Impact on the Developmental Experiences of Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Vella Stewart A. , Oades Lindsay G. , Crowe Trevor P.
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the impact of a transformational leadership training program for youth sport coaches on adolescent athletes' perceptions of transformational leadership and positive developmental experiences. The transformational leadership training program was associated with higher rates of perceived transformational leadership behaviour at follow-up when compared to baseline measures. Importantly, these increases were associated with significantly higher rates of self-reported developmental experiences. Coach training was associated with a predictability and reliability to athlete outcomes that was not evident in athletes of a comparison group. Transformational leadership may provide a theoretically sound foundation for coaching practice and education in the service of facilitating positive developmental outcomes for athletes.
Comparison of Back Squat Kinematics between Barefoot and Shoe Conditions
Authors: Sato Kimitake , Fortenbaugh Dave , Hydock David S. , Heise Gary D.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of the study was to compare the kinematics of the barbell back squat between two footwear conditions and to evaluate the results with respect to recommendations put forth in the National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement for proper squat technique. Twenty-five subjects with 5 – 7 years of resistance training experience participated. Selected kinematics were measured during a 60% of 1RM barbell back squat in both barefoot and athletic shoe conditions. Paired-samples T tests were performed to compare the two footwear conditions. Significant differences were found in trunk (50.72±8.27 vs. 46.97±9.87), thigh (20.94±10.19 vs. 24.42±11.11), and shank segment angles (59.47±5.54 vs. 62.75±6.17), and knee joint angles (81.33±13.70 vs. 88.32±15.45) at the peak descent position. Based on the kinematic analysis of the barefoot squat, two kinematic advantages are countered by two disadvantages. Coaches and instructors should acknowledge these results with respect to a performer's capability, and be aware the advantages and disadvantages of barefoot squat from a kinematic perspective.
Applied Video Analysis for Coaches: Weightlifting Examples
Authors: Garhammer John , Newton Harvey
Published: September 2013

The following article presents a reasonably detailed introduction to video analysis, as can be used by coaches in many sports for both qualitative (subjective) and quantitative (objective) evaluation of their athletes from a two dimensional (2D) point of view. Video cameras and their set-up to capture video records of training or competition performances of athletes are emphasized, along with a review of five video analysis software programs, two of which can be obtained free of charge. Examples from the sport of Weightlifting are provided, but similar applications can be made to other sports. A brief general history of cimematographic (film) and video analyis is given, in addition to a history that is more specific to Weightlifting.
Should All Athletes Use Explosive Lifting?
Authors: Newton Harvey , Jenkins Simon
Published: September 2013

In this stimulus article, the question is addressed of whether or not the best way to train is explosively, like a weightlifter. Arguments in favour of explosive lifting are increased strength, increased power, hypertrophy, injury prevention, improved flexibility, improved inter- and intramuscular coordination, and sharpened psychological abilities. Arguments against explosive lifting are a complexity of technique, physical capabilities, initial flexibility challenges, initial strength deficiencies, lack of availability of good coaching, and lack of proper facilities, equipment and footwear.
Governance and CEO Turnover: Do Something or Do the Right Thing?
Authors: Fisman Raymond J. , Khurana Rakesh , Rhodes-Kropf Matthew , Yim Soojin
Published: September 2013

We study how corporate governance affects firm value through the decision of whether to fire or retain the chief executive officer (CEO). We present a model in which weak governance—which prevents shareholders from controlling the board—protects inferior CEOs from dismissal, while at the same time insulates the board from pressures by biased or uninformed shareholders. Whether stronger governance improves retain/replace decisions depends on which of these effects dominates. We use our theoretical framework to assess the effect of governance on the quality of firing and hiring decisions using data on the CEO dismissals of large U.S. corporations during 1994–2007. Our findings are most consistent with a beneficent effect of weak governance on CEO dismissal decisions, suggesting that insulation from shareholder pressure may allow for better long-term decision making.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, finance.
Potential Use of Azotobacter chroococcum in Crop Production: An Overview
Authors: Wani Sartaj , Chand Subhash , Ali Tahir
Published: September 2013

Research on Azotobacter chroococcum spp. in crop production has manifested its significance in plant nutrition and its contribution to soil fertility. The possibility of using Azotobacter chroococcum in research experiments as microbial inoculant through production of growth substances and their effects on the plant has markedly enhanced crop production in agriculture. Being soil bacteria, Azotobacteria genus synthesizes auxins, cytokinins, and GA–like substances, and these growth materials are the primary substances controlling the enhanced growth. These hormonal substances, which originate from the rhizosphere or root surface, affect the growth of the closely associated higher plants. In order to guarantee the high effectiveness of inoculants and microbiological fertilizers it is necessary to find the compatible partners, i.e. a particular plant genotype and a particular Azotobacter strain that will form a good association.
Organic Farming: As a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy
Authors: Wani Sartaj , Chand Subhash , Najar G , Teli M
Published: September 2013

Organic farming, as an adaptation strategy to climate change and variability, is a concrete and sustainable option and has additional potential as a mitigation strategy. The careful management of nutrients and carbon sequestration in soils are significant contributors in adaptation and mitigation to climate change and variability in several climate zones and under a wide range of specific local conditions. Organic farming as a systematic approach for sustained biological diversity and climate change adaptation through production management, minimizing energy randomisation of non-renewable resources; and carbon sequestration is a viable alternative. The purpose of potential organic farming is therefore to attempt a gradual reversal of the effects of climate change for building resilience and overall sustainability by addressing the key issues. Research is needed on yields and institutional environment for organic farming, as a mitigation and sequestration potential.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Overweight and Obesity Among High School Adolescents in Urban Communities of Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Tesfalem , Singh Pragya , Moges Debebe
Published: September 2013

Over the past few decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has significantly increased among adolescents of developed countries and becoming an emerging problem in countries undergoing socioeconomic transition. The adverse health outcomes resulting from overweight and obesity include short-term psychosocial problems and long-term non-psychological problems such as high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity among high school adolescent in urban communities of Hawassa city. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 20 to March 9/ 2012 among 559 secondary school students aged 10 to 19 years old in Hawassa city. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socio-economic, dietary and physical activity data. All anthropometric measurements of weight, height and TSFT were performed by using calibrated equipments and standardized techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16 and WHO Anthro-Plus programs. Statistical tests for significance were performed at 5% level of significance. The results showed that the prevalence of overweight in the study participants was 12.9% and the prevalence of obesity was 2.7% based on age and sex specific BMI classification while based on TSFT, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 11.0% and 3.8% respectively. Statistically significant agreement was observed between the tools (k= 0.841; p <0.001). The present study also found that there were a statistically significant association between sex, total physical activity, socio economic index, consumption frequency of meat, fruit, fast food and time spent watching TV/using computer with overweight and obesity prevalence (p<0.05). The present study revealed that more than one tenth of adolescents were overweight, making it a hidden problem of Hawassa city. The causes of overweight and obesity among adolescents aged 10-19 years in the study area may be many and complex but it might stem basically from the life style of adolescents. This information is useful for the planning of health and nutrition programs as well as intervention strategies to combat adolescent overweight and obesity.
Hypolipidemic Dietary Components
Authors: Madan Jagmeet , Narsaria Ankita
Published: September 2013

Several prospective epidemiological studies over the past 20 years concluded that ingestion of certain food or dietary components improves serum lipid profile and are effective in management of hyperlipidemia. The objective of this paper is to identify and quantify selective lipid lowering dietary components. This review focuses on identifying, quantifying and understanding the possible mechanism of action of soy, flaxseeds, oats and psyllium in improving lipid profile and reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factor. A systematic search of database was performed to retrieve studies of published human studies and trials from 1995-2012, concentrating on recent systematic reviews, meta-analysis and intervention trials done to further elucidate the role of selective food (soy, oats, flaxseeds and psyllium) and their bioactive components (soy protein, soy isoflavones, flaxseed lignan, flaxseed omega 3 fatty acid, b-glucan, insoluble fiber) involved in improving lipid profile and reducing the cardiovascular disease risks. The findings quantify the amounts showing beneficial effects on serum lipid profile. Overall, the review of these clinical evidences suggested that inclusion of these food items can moderately but significantly reduce the risk of dyslipidemia, when consumed regularly as a part of a healthy diet and thus may help reduce any untoward cardiovascular event
Novel Starters for Value Added Fermented Dairy Products
Authors: Hati Subrota , Mandal Surajit , Prajapati J
Published: September 2013

Starter cultures are those microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds or their combinations) that initiate and carry out the desired fermentation essential in manufacturing cheese and fermented dairy products such as Dahi, Lassi, Yogurt, Sour cream, Kefir, and Koumiss amongst others. Starter culture is defined as “an active microbial preparation, deliberately added to initiate desirable changes during preparation of fermented products”. Starter cultures have a multifunctional role in dairy fermentations. The production of lactic acid by fermenting lactose is the major role of dairy starters. The acid is responsible for development of characteristic body and texture of the fermented milk products, contributes to the overall flavour of the products, and enhances preservation. Beyond the horizons of their conventional role in acid, flavour and texture development, they are being looked up on as burgeoning “cell factories” for production of host of functional biomolecules and food ingredients such as biothickeners, bacteriocins, vitamins, bioactive peptides and amino acids.
Effects of After School Physical Activity Intervention to Reduce Obesity Among Indian Adolescent Boys
Authors: Apte p , Rao S
Published: September 2013

Background: Obesity is increasing rapidly in developing countries undergoing rapid nutritional transition. This transition has affected the lifestyle with a reduction in the energy expenditure along with an increase in energy intake. Therefore, obesity has no longer remained a Western problem alone. However, in India little attention is paid towards adolescent obesity until recently. Subjects & methods: Boys (n=229) covering the age 9-15 years were included. Measurements at baseline and follow-up included weight, height, body fat %, skin fold thickness at four sites, waist circumference and blood pressure. After school intervention consisted of five 60 minutes sessions per week. After one academic year the effect of physical activity intervention on adiposity was evaluated. Results: Subjects with high participation in daily physical program of the school showed significant reduction in body fat (1.0 %), skin fold thickness at triceps (1.3mm) and biceps (1.2mm) as compared to their baseline measurement. Further the prevalence of overweight among high participation group showed significant decrease compared to low participation group. More importantly there was a significant reduction in all three indicators of central adiposity highlighting the beneficial effect of physical activity as an intervention in tackling the overall as well as central adiposity among adolescents. Our observation thus highlights the fact that though it may be difficult to administer dietary intervention in growing children there is a potential in administrating physical activity program for at least 50 minutes/ day for school children for combating adolescent obesity. Conclusion: Findings from the current study brings out for the first time highlights potential benefits of physical activity and the concern for introducing it into the curriculum on a daily basis rather than weekly basis which is currently prevalent in all the schools for better health of adolescents.
A Regression Model for the Copula-Graphic Estimator
Authors: Lo Simon M.S. , Wilke Ralf A.
Published: September 2013

We suggest a pragmatic extension of the non-parametric copula-graphic estimator to a depending competing risks model with covariates. Our model is an attractive empirical approach for practitioners in many disciplines as it does not require knowledge of the marginal distributions. Although non-observable and only set-identifiable in most applications, classical duration models typically impose ad-hoc assumptions on their functional forms. Instead of directly estimating these distributions, we suggest a plug-in regression framework which utilises an estimator for the observable cumulative incidence curves which specification can be visually inspected. We perform simulations and estimate an unemployment duration model to demonstrate the advantages of our model compared to classical duration models such as the Cox proportional hazard model.
When Investment Arbitration Curbs Domestic Regulatory Space: Consistent Solutions through Amicus Curiae Submissions by Regional Organisations
Authors: Cross Ciaran , Schliemann-Radbruch Christian
Published: September 2013

To date, African states have been called before 62 tribunals of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID); 26 cases are pending. Recently, foreign investors have invoked Bilateral Investment Treaty provisions to challenge legislation aimed at addressing historical inequalities in the distribution of natural resources in Southern Africa (
The Rhetoric of Maps: International Law as a Discursive Tool in Visual Arguments
Authors: Leuenberger Christine
Published: September 2013

This article was presented at the workshop on “Borders and Human Rights,” College of Law & Business, Ramat Gan, Israel.

Notions of human rights as enshrined in international law have become the “idea of our time”; a “dominant moral narrative by which world politics” is organized; and a powerful “discourse of public persuasion.”

Tony Evans, International Human Rights Law as Power/Knowledge, 27 (3) HUM. RTS. Q. 1046 (2005); Meg McLagan, Human Rights, Testimony, and Transnational Publicity, 2 (1) SCHOLAR & FEMINIST ONLINE 1 (2003), available at http://www.barnard.edu/ps/printmmc.htm; Wendy S. Hesford, Human Rights Rhetoric of Recognition, 41 (3) RHETORIC SOC. Q. 282 (2011).

With the rise of human rights discourse, we need to ask, how do protagonists make human rights claims? What sort of resources, techniques, and strategies do they use in order to publicize information about human rights abuses and stipulations set out in international law? With the democratization of mapping practices, various individuals, organizations, and governments are increasingly using maps in order to put forth certain social and political claims. This article draws on the sociology of knowledge, science studies, critical cartography, cultural studies, and anthropological studies of law in order to analyze how various international, Palestinian, and Israeli organizations design maps of the West Bank Barrier in accord with assumptions embedded within international law as part of their political and new media activism. Qualitative sociological methods, such as in-depth interviewing, ethnography, and the collection of cartographic material pertaining to the West Bank Barrier, provide the empirical tools to do so. The maps examined here exemplify how universalistic notions of international law and human rights become a powerful rhetorical tool to make various and often incommensurable social and political claims across different maps. At the same time, international human rights law, rather than dictating local mapping practices, becomes inevitably “vernacularized” and combined with local understandings, cultural preferences, and political concerns.
New records of pigmentation disorders in molossid and phyllostomid (Chiroptera) bats from Peru
Authors: Tello Carlos , Streicker Daniel G. , Gomez Jorge , Velazco Paúl M.
Published: September 2013

Pigmentation disorders, either from the complete absence (albinism), partial (leucism), or excess (melanism) of melanin, are rare in vertebrates. Worldwide, only a few records of these disorders had been reported for bats. Thanks to recent fieldwork and examination of museum specimens of the collections of the AMNH and MUSM, we report five species with those conditions in Peru. In this study, we report the first cases of leucism in
Nanophotonics and supramolecular chemistry
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Komatsu Hirokazu , Hill Jonathan P.
Published: September 2013

Supramolecular chemistry has become a key area in emerging bottom-up nanoscience and nanotechnology. In particular, supramolecular systems that can produce a photonic output are increasingly important research targets and present various possibilities for practical applications. Accordingly, photonic properties of various supramolecular systems at the nanoscale are important in current nanotechnology. In this short review, nanophotonics in supramolecular chemistry will be briefly summarized by introducing recent examples of control of photonic responses of supramolecular systems. Topics are categorized according to the fundamental actions of their supramolecular systems: (i) self-assembly; (ii) recognition; (iii) manipulation.
The Functional and Structural Neural Basis of Individual Differences in Loss Aversion
Authors: Canessa Nicola , Crespi Chiara , Motterlini Matteo , Baud-Bovy Gabriel , Chierchia Gabriele , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Tettamanti Marco , Cappa Stefano F.
Published: September 2013

Decision making under risk entails the anticipation of prospective outcomes, typically leading to the greater sensitivity to losses than gains known as loss aversion. Previous studies on the neural bases of choice-outcome anticipation and loss aversion provided inconsistent results, showing either bidirectional mesolimbic responses of activation for gains and deactivation for losses, or a specific amygdala involvement in processing losses. Here we focused on loss aversion with the aim to address interindividual differences in the neural bases of choice-outcome anticipation. Fifty-six healthy human participants accepted or rejected 104 mixed gambles offering equal (50%) chances of gaining or losing different amounts of money while their brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We report both bidirectional and gain/loss-specific responses while evaluating risky gambles, with amygdala and posterior insula specifically tracking the magnitude of potential losses. At the individual level, loss aversion was reflected both in limbic fMRI responses and in gray matter volume in a structural amygdala–thalamus–striatum network, in which the volume of the “output” centromedial amygdala nuclei mediating avoidance behavior was negatively correlated with monetary performance. We conclude that outcome anticipation and ensuing loss aversion involve multiple neural systems, showing functional and structural individual variability directly related to the actual financial outcomes of choices. By supporting the simultaneous involvement of both appetitive and aversive processing in economic decision making, these results contribute to the interpretation of existing inconsistencies on the neural bases of anticipating choice outcomes.
Orexin Receptor-1 in the Locus Coeruleus Plays an Important Role in Cue-Dependent Fear Memory Consolidation
Authors: Soya Shingo , Shoji Hirotaka , Hasegawa Emi , Hondo Mari , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Yanagisawa Masashi , Mieda Michihiro , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: September 2013

The noradrenergic (NA) projections arising from the locus ceruleus (LC) to the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis have been implicated in the formation of emotional memory. Since NA neurons in the LC (LC-NA neurons) abundantly express orexin receptor-1 (OX1R) and receive prominent innervation by orexin-producing neurons, we hypothesized that an OX1R-mediated pathway is involved in the physiological fear learning process via regulation of LC-NA neurons. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the phenotype ofOx1r−/−mice in the classic cued and contextual fear-conditioning test. We found thatOx1r−/−mice showed impaired freezing responses in both cued and contextual fear-conditioning paradigms. In contrast,Ox2r−/−mice showed normal freezing behavior in the cued fear-conditioning test, while they exhibited shorter freezing time in the contextual fear-conditioning test. Double immunolabeling of Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase showed that double-positive LC-NA neurons after test sessions of both cued and contextual stimuli were significantly fewer inOx1r−/−mice. AAV-mediated expression of OX1R in LC-NA neurons inOx1r−/−mice restored the freezing behavior to the auditory cue to a comparable level to that in wild-type mice in the test session. Decreased freezing time during the contextual fear test was not affected by restoring OX1R expression in LC-NA neurons. These observations support the hypothesis that the orexin system modulates the formation and expression of fear memory via OX1R in multiple pathways. Especially, OX1R in LC-NA neurons plays an important role in cue-dependent fear memory formation and/or retrieval.
Dorsal Parietal Area 5 Encodes Immediate Reach in Sequential Arm Movements
Authors: Li Yuhui , Cui He
Published: September 2013

To generate a coherent action sequence, it is essential to integrate all component movements beforehand, and such sequence-related information has been observed in numerous brain regions. However, this high-level sequential plan encompassing multiple motor elements in parallel ultimately must be decomposed into serial motor commands to be executed by the musculoskeletal system. In the present study, we recorded single-neuron activity from dorsal parietal area 5 (area 5d) while monkeys performed a double-reach task, and found that area 5d conveys the immediate upcoming reach, but not the subsequent movement, as opposed to the entire movement sequence being encoded as in other cortical sensorimotor areas. The elementary movement coded in area 5d suggests that unfolding of the motor sequence begins in the parietal-frontal cortex, instead of being exclusively implemented by downstream subcortical and spinal circuits.
A Broader View of Perirhinal Function: From Recognition Memory to Fluency-Based Decisions
Authors: Dew Ilana T. Z. , Cabeza Roberto
Published: September 2013

Although it is well established that the perirhinal cortex (PRC) makes an important contribution to recognition memory, the specific nature of this contribution remains uncertain. The finding that PRC activity is reduced for old compared with new items is typically attributed to the recovery of a long-term memory (LTM) signal. However, because old items are processed more easily or fluently than new items, reduced PRC activity could reflect increased fluency rather than LTM retrieval per se. We tested this hypothesis in humans using fMRI and a well-validated method to manipulate fluency: the masked priming paradigm. Some words during an old–new recognition test were preceded by conceptually related words (primes) that were subliminally presented (masked). The behavioral results replicated previous findings using this paradigm, whereby the fluency manipulation increased “oldness” responses to both old and new items. The fMRI analyses yielded two main sets of results. First, in the case of new items, which are independent from LTM retrieval, masked priming reduced PRC activity and predicted behavioral misattribution of fluency to oldness. Second, in the case of old items, the same PRC region showing fluency-related reductions for new items also contributed to “old” responding to old items. Individual differences in PRC attenuation also predicted oldness ratings to old items, and fluency modulated PRC connectivity with other brain regions associated with processing oldness signals, including visual cortex and right lateral prefrontal cortex. These results support a broader view in which the PRC serves a function more general than memory.
Dopamine-Dependent Long-Term Depression at Subthalamo-Nigral Synapses Is Lost in Experimental Parkinsonism
Authors: Dupuis Julien Pierre , Feyder Michael , Miguelez Cristina , Garcia Liliana , Morin Stéphanie , Choquet Daniel , Hosy Eric , Bezard Erwan , Fisone Gilberto , Bioulac Bernard H. , Baufreton Jérôme
Published: September 2013

Impairments of synaptic plasticity are a hallmark of several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) which results from the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta leading to abnormal activity within the basal ganglia (BG) network and pathological motor symptoms. Indeed, disrupted plasticity at corticostriatal glutamatergic synapses, the gateway of the BG, is correlated to the onset of PD-related movement disorders and thus has been proposed to be a key neural substrate regulating information flow and motor function in BG circuits. However, a critical question is whether similar plasticity impairments could occur at other glutamatergic connections within the BG that would also affect the inhibitory influence of the network on the motor thalamus. Here, we show that long-term plasticity at subthalamo-nigral glutamatergic synapses (STN-SNr) sculpting the activity patterns of nigral neurons, the main output of the network, is also affected in experimental parkinsonism. Using whole-cell patch-clamp in acute rat brain slices, we describe a molecular pathway supporting an activity-dependent long-term depression of STN-SNr synapses through an NMDAR-and D1/5 dopamine receptor-mediated endocytosis of synaptic AMPA glutamate receptors. We also show that this plastic property is lost in an experimental rat model of PD but can be restored through the recruitment of dopamine D1/5 receptors. Altogether, our findings suggest that pathological impairments of subthalamo-nigral plasticity may enhance BG outputs and thereby contribute to PD-related motor dysfunctions.
Cortical Balance of Excitation and Inhibition Is Regulated by the Rate of Synaptic Activity
Authors: Taub Aryeh H. , Katz Yonatan , Lampl Ilan
Published: September 2013

Cortical activity is determined by the balance between excitation and inhibition. To examine how shifts in brain activity affect this balance, we recorded spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs into layer 4 neurons from rat somatosensory cortex while altering the depth of anesthesia. The rate of excitatory and inhibitory events was reduced by ∼50% when anesthesia was deepened. However, whereas both the amplitude and width of inhibitory synaptic events profoundly increased under deep anesthesia, those of excitatory events were unaffected. These effects were found using three different types of anesthetics, suggesting that they are caused by the network state and not by local specific action of the anesthetics. To test our hypothesis that the size of inhibitory events increased because of the decreased rate of synaptic activity under deep anesthesia, we blocked cortical excitation and replayed the slow and fast patterns of inhibitory inputs using intracortical electrical stimulation. Evoked inhibition was larger under low-frequency stimulation, and, importantly, this change occurred regardless of the depth of anesthesia. Hence, shifts in the balance between excitation and inhibition across distinct states of cortical activity can be explained by the rate of inhibitory inputs combined with their short-term plasticity properties, regardless of the actual global brain activity.
Assignment of Model Amygdala Neurons to the Fear Memory Trace Depends on Competitive Synaptic Interactions
Authors: Kim Dongbeom , Paré Denis , Nair Satish S.
Published: September 2013

We used biophysical modeling to examine a fundamental, yet unresolved, question regarding how particular lateral amygdala (LA) neurons are assigned to fear memory traces. This revealed that neurons with high intrinsic excitability are more likely to be integrated into the memory trace, but that competitive synaptic interactions also play a critical role. Indeed, when the ratio of intrinsically excitable cells was increased or decreased, the number of plastic cells remained relatively constant. Analysis of the connectivity of plastic and nonplastic cells revealed that subsets of principal LA neurons effectively band together by virtue of their excitatory interconnections to suppress plasticity in other principal cells via the recruitment of inhibitory interneurons.
Stochastic Properties of Neurotransmitter Release Expand the Dynamic Range of Synapses
Authors: Yang Hua , Xu-Friedman Matthew A.
Published: September 2013

Release of neurotransmitter is an inherently random process, which could degrade the reliability of postsynaptic spiking, even at relatively large synapses. This is particularly important at auditory synapses, where the rate and precise timing of spikes carry information about sounds. However, the functional consequences of the stochastic properties of release are unknown. We addressed this issue at the mouse endbulb of Held synapse, which is formed by auditory nerve fibers onto bushy cells (BCs) in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. We used voltage clamp to characterize synaptic variability. Dynamic clamp was used to compare BC spiking with stochastic or deterministic synaptic input. The stochastic component increased the responsiveness of the BC to conductances that were on average subthreshold, thereby increasing the dynamic range of the synapse. This had the benefit that BCs relayed auditory nerve activity even when synapses showed significant depression during rapid activity. However, the precision of spike timing decreased with stochastic conductances, suggesting a trade-off between encoding information in spike timing versus probability. These effects were confirmed in fiber stimulation experiments, indicating that they are physiologically relevant, and that synaptic randomness, dynamic range, and jitter are causally related.
Tuning Local Calcium Availability: Cell-Type-Specific Immobile Calcium Buffer Capacity in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Matthews Elizabeth A. , Schoch Susanne , Dietrich Dirk
Published: September 2013

It has remained difficult to ascribe a specific functional role to immobile or fixed intracellular calcium buffers in central neurons because the amount of these buffers is unknown. Here, we explicitly isolated the fixed buffer fraction by prolonged whole-cell patch-clamp dialysis and quantified its buffering capacity in murine hippocampal slices using confocal calcium imaging and the “added-buffer” approach. In dentate granule cells, the calcium binding ratio (κ) after complete washout of calbindin D28k(Cb), κfixed, displayed a substantial value of ∼100. In contrast, in CA1 oriens lacunosum moleculare (OLM) interneurons, which do not contain any known calcium-binding protein(s), κfixedamounted to only ∼30. Based on these values, a theoretical analysis of dendritic spread of calcium after local entry showed that fixed buffers, in the absence of mobile species, decrease intracellular calcium mobility 100- and 30-fold in granule cells and OLM cells, respectively, and thereby strongly slow calcium signals. Although the large κfixedalone strongly delays the spread of calcium in granule cells, this value optimizes the benefits of additionally expressing the mobile calcium binding protein Cb. With such high κfixed, Cb effectively increases the propagation velocity to levels seen in OLM cells and, contrary to expectation, does not affect the peak calcium concentration close to the source but sharpens the spatial and temporal calcium gradients. The data suggest that the amount of fixed buffers determines the temporal availability of calcium for calcium-binding partners and plays a pivotal role in setting the repertoire of cellular calcium signaling regimens.
Global Output Regulation for the Rotational Dynamics of a Rigid Body / Globale Ausgangsregelung für die Drehbewegung eines Starrkörpersystems
Authors: Schmidt Gerd Simon , Michalowsky Simon , Ebenbauer Christian , Allgöwer Frank
Published: September 2013

This paper considers a class of nonlinear output regulation problems for the rotational rigid body equations. The equations of motion for the rigid body are written in the natural SO(3) representation. The presented design consists of an observer and a certainty equivalence implementation of an independently designed state feedback law. The proposed solution is global and achieves almost global convergence in the closed loop
Prostate volume and growth during testosterone replacement therapy is related to visceral obesity in Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Selice R , Caretta N , Di Mambro A , Torino M , Palego P , Ferlin A , Foresta C
Published: September 2013

Objective

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal alteration characterized by increased risk of metabolic syndrome, mainly caused by visceral obesity. In the last years, obesity has been studied as a potential risk factor for prostate disease and recently a link has been demonstrated between visceral adiposity with prostate volume. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between obesity and prostate volume and growth during testosterone therapy in KS subjects.

Design and methods

We evaluated reproductive hormones, metabolic parameters, anthropometric measures, PSA, and prostate volume in 121 naïve non-mosaic KS patients and 60 age-matched healthy male controls. Fifty-six KS hypogonadic subjects were treated with testosterone-gel 2% and reevaluated after 18 months of treatment.

Results

Prostate volume in KS was positively related to waist circumference (WC). The KS group with WC ≥94 cm had significantly higher prostate volume, BMI, insulin plasma levels, homeostasis model assessment index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia with respect to the KS group with WC <94 cm. After testosterone replacement therapy, only hypogonadic KS men with WC ≥94 cm had a statistically significant increase in prostate volume. Furthermore, in untreated KS subjects, prostate volume showed a statistically significant increase after 18 months of follow-up only in subjects with WC ≥94 cm.

Conclusions

This study showed that visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and lipid and glucose metabolism alterations are associated with prostate volume and growth during testosterone replacement therapy in KS, independently from androgen or estrogen levels. These latter findings might provide the basis for a better management and follow-up of KS subjects.