bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency Arrangement For 700 MHz Band
Authors: Ancans G. , Bobrovs V. , Ivanovs G.
Published: May 2015

The 694-790 MHz (700 MHz) band was allocated by the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12) in ITU Region 1 (Europe included), to the mobile service on a co-primary basis with other services to which this band was allocated on the primary basis and identified for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). At the same time, the countries of Region 1 will be able also to continue using these frequencies for their broadcasting services if necessary. This allocation will be effective immediately after 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15). In order to make the best possible use of this frequency band for mobile service, a worldwide harmonized frequency arrangement is to be prepared to allow for large economies of scale and international roaming as well as utilizing the available spectrum in the best possible way, minimizing possible interference between services, facilitating deployment and cross-border coordination. The authors analyze different possible frequency arrangements and conclude on the frequency arrangement most suitable for Europe.
Changes in biochemical and functional parameters
for men during exercise
Authors: Cesnaitiene Vida Janina , Karanauskiene Diana , Zaicenkoviene Kristina , Stasiule Loreta
Published: May 2015

Benefits of physical activity are undeniable. The
aim of the present research was to determine the effects
of physical activity and age on cholesterol and glucose
levels in the blood, as well as changes in the functional
parameters of the cardiovascular system, during stepwise
increases in physical load for men employed in the same
place, but with different levels of physical activity. The
subjects were 95 military officers who were divided into
groups according to the level of physical activity of their
occupation, with veloergometry used as physical load.
Cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood were taken
as biochemical indices. The results showed that occupational
physical activity had a positive effect on biochemical
and cardiovascular functional parameters before,
during, and after the physical load. Only the cardiovascular
rate (systolic blood pressure) in older subjects was significantly
higher than that of the younger persons; for all
other parameters, age had no effect at all.
Inclusion body myositis – pathomechanism and lessons from genetics
Authors: Murnyák Balázs , Bodoki Levente , Vincze Melinda , Griger Zoltán , Csonka Tamás , Szepesi Rita , Kurucz Andrea , Dankó Katalin , Hortobágyi Tibor
Published: May 2015

Inclusion body myositis is a rare, late-onset
myopathy. Both inflammatory and myodegenerative
features play an important role in their pathogenesis.
Overlapping clinicopathological entities are the familial
inclusion body myopathies with or without dementia.
These myopathies share several clinical and pathological
features with the sporadic inflammatory disease.
Therefore, better understanding of the genetic basis and
pathomechanism of these rare familial cases may advance
our knowledge and enable more effective treatment
options in sporadic IBM, which is currently considered a
relentlessly progressive incurable disease.
Urgent arterial embolization of ruptured renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Kervancioglu Selim , Yilmaz Feyza
Published: May 2015

The most undesired complication of renal angi-
omyolipoma (AML) is bleeding. Because of tumor rupture,
the bleeding can spread to the retroperitoneal field and
can be severe enough to be life threatening. We report a
case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by a ruptured
AML that was successfully treated with transarterial
embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate.
Effect of puerarin on human choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Bao Lidao , Wang Yi , Ma Ruilian , Ren Xianhua , Lv Haijun , B Agula
Published: May 2015

Objective: To discuss the effect of puerarin
on human choriocarcinoma cells. Methods: Survival
rates under puerarin monotherapy, fluorouracil (5-FU)
monotherapy and puerarin in combination with 5-FU
were detected by MTT assay. Apoptotic morphology was
observed with Hoechst 33258 staining. Apoptosis rates
were detected with flow cytometry. Expressions of AKT,
mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and P70S6K
mRNAs and phosphorylated proteins were detected by
RT-PCR and Western blot. Tumor-bearing mice were
administered puerarin and puerarin+5-FU, and serum
levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) were
measured. Results: Proliferation inhibition and apoptosis
rates of JEG-3 cells were positively correlated with puerarin
concentration, which increased in the puerarin+5-FU
group. Expression levels of AKT, mTOR, P70S6K mRNAs,
and phosphorylated proteins decreased significantly
after action of puerarin at different concentrations.
With increasing puerarin concentration, expression
of cleaved-caspase-3 in JEG-3 cells increased, whereas
that of Bcl-2 decreased. Puerarin significantly inhibited
tumor growth in choriocarcinoma-bearing SCID mice.
Serum β-HCG levels were significantly lower than those of
control group after administration. Magnitude of β-HCG
decline was positively correlated with concentration.
Conclusion: Puerarin+5-FU inhibited proliferation of JEG-3
choriocarcinoma cells and promoted their apoptosis,
being associated with the mTOR signaling pathway.
The Static Unbalance Analysis and Its Measurement System For Gimbals Axes of an Inertial Stabilization Platform
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhao Yan , Li Min , Wu Falin
Published: May 2015

To reduce the influence of the static unbalance on an infrared missile guidance system, a new static unbalance measure system for the gimbals axes has been developed. Considering the coupling effects caused by a mass eccentricity, the static balance condition and measure sequence for each gimbal axis are obtained. A novel static unbalance test approach is proposed after analyzing the dynamic model of the measured gimbal axis. This approach is to drive the measured gimbal axis to do sinusoidal reciprocating motion in a small angle and collect its drive currents in real time. Then the static unbalance of the measured gimbal axis can be obtained by the current multi-cycle integration. Also a measuring system using the proposed approach has been developed. A balanced simulator is used to verify the proposed approach by the load and repeatability tests. The results show the proposed approach enhances the efficiency of the static unbalance measurement, and the developed measuring system is able to achieve a high precision with a greater stability.
The Investigation of Conductive Via Properties
Authors: Jurkow Dominik , Dorczynski Mateusz , Golonka Leszek
Published: May 2015

The investigation ofthe Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (L TCC) via filling process quality is presented in this paper. The goal of this paper was to propose and to validate a way of the verification whether the L TCC fabrication was conducted correctly. The work presents an application of the Design of the Experiment (DoE) methodology in such validation and discusses usefulness and drawbacks of the chosen solution. The optimized technology of via filling will be applied in the fabrication of tactile displays for blind people.
An Analysis Of Tensile Test Results to Assess the Innovation Risk for an Additive Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Adamczak Stanisław , Bochnia Jerzy , Kaczmarska Bożena
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the innovation risk for an additive manufacturing process. The analysis was based on the results of static tensile tests obtained for specimens made of photocured resin. The assessment involved analyzing the measurement uncertainty by applying the FMEA method. The structure of the causes and effects of the discrepancies was illustrated using the Ishikawa diagram. The risk priority numbers were calculated. The uncertainty of the tensile test measurement was determined for three printing orientations. The results suggest that the material used to fabricate the tensile specimens shows clear anisotropy of the properties in relation to the printing direction.
An Outline on Physical Training Quality Features Related to Coaching Roles in Peak Performance Activities
Authors: Hulpus Ioan Alexandru
Published: May 2015

The growth of sports accompanied by the increasing number of quality competitions have become a matter of interest for those involved with the study of methodological and theoretical approaches with application in sports and performance activities. No organization or activity, regardless of their profile, can achieve a high level of efficiency on their own, disregarding basic management element, rules, principles, laws, techniques and methods. Due to social needs they meet and their purpose, the activities in sports organizations, among which training stands top priority, claim a leader. A coach must be both manager and leader, be an inspiration for his team and a supervisor as well. He has to be disciplined, in good balance, a thorough assessor of people and activities, very efficient by his capacity to scout talent in people and make the best of it.
Authenticity Tests of White Wines From the Apold Depression
Authors: Lengyel Ecaterina , Sikolya László
Published: May 2015

This paper aims at establishing distinctive elements regarding the authenticity of the following wines from the Apold vineyard: Sauvignon blanc, Fetească regală and Chardonnay. The paper aims at reviewing the color-giving components specific to white wines. Thus, through HPLC methods, we identified and quantified phenolic compounds which, in the end, presented total values between 86.085 mg/L and 89.272 mg/L. The present study also demonstrates the authenticity of these wines through spectrophotometric methods employed to determine the color of white wines. Based on the results obtained, we established that the studied wines are authentic, as the values resulted from the calculations in the procedure range between 0.015 and 0.019.
Microbiological Characterization of Red and White Wines Originated From Vineyards of Getic Piedmont
Authors: Stegăruș Diana Ionela
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present paper is to investigate an objective microbiological analysis of the wine by identification of some parameters such as total amount of germs and yeastswhich are contained in the quality wines from Getic Piedmont namely: Bolovanu, Corcova, Drăgășani, Sâmburești, Segarcea, Ștefănești.The Getic Piedmont is a relict geomorphological relief unit with significant variations from the flat, low lands fragmented by moderately rough with strong fragmentation. We have selected by grouping the wines in grape varieties, white wines (Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling) and red wines (Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot noir) which were tested by microbiological tests. The opinion that the bacteria level should be acceptable in red wines and the yeasts level in white wines were supported by literature. The presence of these micro-organisms have clear influence in wine validity, in principle they are not detectable in a biologically pure wine.
A Kalman Filter-Based Algorithm for Measuring the Parameters of Moving Objects
Authors: Dichev Dimitar , Koev Hristofor , Bakalova Totka , Louda Petr
Published: May 2015

One of the most complex problems in measuring equipment is related to the provision of the required dynamic accuracy of measuring systems determining the parameters of moving objects. The present paper views an algorithm for improving the dynamic accuracy of such measuring systems. It is based on the Kalman method. The algorithm aims to eliminate the influence of a number of interference sources, each of which is of secondary significance. However, their total effect can cause considerable distortion of the measurement signal. The algorithm model is designed for gyro-free measuring systems. It is based on one of the most widely used elements in the dynamic systems, namely the physical pendulum, due to which measuring systems of high dynamic accuracy and low cost can be developed. The presented experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with respect to the dynamic accuracy of measuring systems of this type.
Fluorescence imaging of hybrid nanostructures composed of natural photosynthetic complexes and reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Twardowska M. , Chomicki D. , Kamińska I. , Niedziółka-Jönsson J. , Maćkowski S.
Published: May 2015

Herein, we describe the results of fluorescence microscopy imaging of peridinin-chlorophyll-protein (PCP) photosynthetic complex mixed with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Upon incorporation of rGO the fluorescence image of PCP changes substantially from one characterized by uniform intensity towards a more complex pattern. The isolated bright spots feature up to ten times higher emission intensity compared to the fluorescence of PCP in the reference sample, where no rGO was added. The number of the bright spots increases with increasing rGO concentration. At the same time the fluorescence intensity away from the bright spots in the PCP/rGO hybrid system is quenched in comparison to the PCP – only reference.
Electrochemical Studies of Interactions Between Fe(II)/Fe(III) and Amino Acids Using Ferrocene-Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Vatrál Jaroslav , Boča Roman
Published: May 2015

The electrochemical behavior of an Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple in the presence of various selected amino acids has been studied using ferrocene-modified carbon paste electrode at pH = 7.4. Because of Fe(II)/Fe(III) solubility issues at physiological pH, ferrocene was used as a source of iron. Anodic oxidation of iron (pH = 7.2) occurred at 0.356 V and cathodic oxidation at 0.231 V, both vs Ag|AgCl. Treatment of the voltammetric data showed that it was a purely diffusion-controlled reaction with the involvement of one electron. After addition of amino acids, potential shifts and current changes can be observed on the voltammograms. Cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed the capability of amino acids to change the electrochemical behavior of the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple.
The Response of Artificial Aging to Sorption Properties of Biochar for Potentially Toxic Heavy Metals
Authors: Frišták Vladimír , Friesl-Hanl Wolfgang , Pipíška Martin , Micháleková Barbora Richveisová , Soja Gerhard
Published: May 2015

This paper evaluates the effect of simulated conditions of artificial aging on sorption capacity of two types of biochar. These were produced by slow pyrolysis from different feedstock - beech wood chips (BC A) and garden green waste residues (BC B). Cadmium served as a model for potentially toxic metals. Twenty freeze-thaw cycles were used to simulate physical aging. The determination of biochar physicochemical properties showed main changes in CEC and SA values of aged sorbents. The maximum sorption capacities of aged BC A sorbent were higher by about 26 % and aged BC B sorbent by about 20% compared to Qmax of non-aged biochar. Qmax of aged BC B peaked at 9.4 mg g-1 whereas BC A sorbed significantly less Cd. FT-IR analyses confirmed the changes in structural composition and content of functional groups on biochar surfaces. The artificial physical aging model was assessed as an efficient tool for investigation of natural weathering conditions.
The study of cobalt leaching from soils, sewage sludges and composts using a one-step extraction
Authors: Bożym Marta , Rajmund Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

The study evaluated the leaching of cobalt (Co) in soils fertilized with sewage sludge (SS) and composts depending on the extractant used. SS came from rural, mechanical–biological treatment plant in Dobrzeń, Lower Silesia region. In addition, those SS were processed by composting. Sludges and composts were used to fertilise the energy plants during lysimeter experiment conducted during 2008–2013. The overall, as well as extracted by H2O, 0.1M HCl and 1M HCl, 0.05M Na2EDTA and 0.1M Na2EDTA, content of Co in samples were analysed. Additionally, the impact of pH and organic matter (OM) content on the leachability of Co were researched. It was found that the soil samples were rich in Co. Its share slightly depended on fertilisation with SS and compost. Co leaching depends on the type and concentration of extractant. The highest content of Co were leched with 0.1 M Na2EDTA, and the lowest content with 0.1M HCl. Co concentration in H2O extracts was not determined as its content was below the limit of quantification. Leachability of Co in the analysed samples was influenced by the overall Co content as well as pH and OM content.
Solubility and the periodic table of elements
Authors: Gumiński Cezary
Published: May 2015

Interesting general tendencies of changes of solubilities of elements and groups of compounds may be observed when the corresponding solubility data are arrayed according to the increasing atomic number of the elements. Such trends are exemplified with the data of various systems (metallic and salt-water type) evaluated in several volumes of the IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. The solubilities of elements in mercury as well as in liquid alkali metals, when ordered according their atomic numbers, change roughly in a corresponding way as the temperatures and energies of melting or boiling points of the elements. However, majority of transition metals dissolved in alkali metals are subject to some side reactions with nonmetallic impurities that may drastically elevate their concentration levels. The solubilities of intermetallic compounds in mercury depend primarily on the energies of formation of these intermetallics in the binary alloys and then on the dissolution energies of the component metals in mercury. It has been observed that the experimental solubilities of metal halates in water show quite well defined periodical changes. The arrayed solubility data of rare earth metal fluorides and chlorides in water display quite smooth changes with the increasing atomic numbers if the solutes are isomorphic. Some exceptions from the smooth changes for rare earth metal bromides and iodides are explained. These general observations are useful in evaluating and predicting solubilities in experimentally unknown systems.
On the crystallization kinetics of highly soluble salts
Authors: Balarew Christo , Tepavitcharova Stefka , Rabadjieva Diana , Kamburov Stojan
Published: May 2015

For the spontaneous crystallization of highly soluble salts, a sufficiently high concentration of certain ionic species (complexes) or clusters has to be created in the solution, so that their grouping could yield a suitable crystal nucleus in a reasonably short time. The lowest critical supersaturation needed for nucleation and the highest rate of crystallization are displayed by those salts whose complexes in the solution have analogues in the crystal structure of the crystallizing salt, i.e., when the structure and the composition of the complexes enable their incorporation into the crystal lattice of the crystallizing salt with minimum changes. From this point of view a crystallochemical nucleation mechanism for explaining the Ostwald step rule is advanced. Concerning the rate of crystallization this concept was confirmed by studies on the system Na+, Mg2+/Cl–, SO4
2–//H2O and by parallel Raman spectroscopic studies of the microstructure of these solutions. It was established that upon increasing the concentration of Mg2+ ions and respective lowering of the water activity in the solution, the variety of the SO4
2– complexes increases. A direct correlation was found between the presence of various SO4
2– associations and the rate of crystallization of the corresponding salts in these systems.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) as a detection method of the natural river valley microtopography – case study of the Upper Biebrza
Authors: Brach Marcin , Chormański Jarosław
Published: May 2015

Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) as a detection method of the natural river valley microtopography - case study of the Upper Biebrza. This paper concerns the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) methods and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis to determine microtopography of a natural river valley, case study of the upper Biebrza valley. The scientific problem analyzed in this paper is a morphology of the selected segments of the valley covered by sedge ecosystems which in natural stage form a characteristic tussocks from their root systems. In order to capture the microtopography it was necessary to remove vegetation from the selected areas, and then, for a five typical location, registration of its structure using the laser scanner. As a result the point cloud was generated for each of the selected area and after GIS analysis the microtopography was obtained in form of digital terrain model (DTM). The DTM of each area represents valleys microstructure possible to obtain by use of TLS (TLS DTM), is usually not registered by the Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS), and is the main reason of inaccuracy of the DTM obtained based on ALS. The resulting TLS DTM has been processed by various filtering methods to lower the noise and fill the voids from blocking the laser beam by a tussocks. Finally, this allowed to determine the spatial structure of each measurement field.
The influence of morphological changes of small lowland river on discharge rate
Authors: Oleszczuk Ryszard , Urbański Janusz , Gąsowska Monika
Published: May 2015

The influence of morphological changes of small lowland river on discharge rate. The aim of the study was the comparison of the changes of cross-sections and longitudinal profile of the Mała river at the distance of 600 m. The paper presents the geometry changes of the river from field measurements made in 2013 in comparison with design assumptions from 1967 which were implemented in 1971. The four (available historical) cross-sections (hm 7+700, 7+800, 7+900, 8+000) and longitudinal profile (hm 7+700÷8+300) of the river were analysed and compared. The large scale of subsidence of the land surface on both banks was observed (even to 0.5 m). Probably it is the effect of peat shrinkage and mineralization processes of organic soils. The bottom of the Mała river was still located at the same altitude in sand deposits in the analysed period 1971-2013. The designed slope of bottom of the Mała river equals 0.7‰ (1967) and present slope (2013) was estimated to be around 1‰. The subsidence of peat layers on both river banks, changes in cross-sections’ parameters (present irregular shapes in comparison with designed trapezoidal cross-sections) caused the reduction of cross-sectional area and water discharge of about 40-50% in comparison with parameters designed in 1967 and made in 1971.
The possibilities of wetland preservation within the depression cones of limestone and marl mines at Leśnica-Małogoszcz and Bukowa in the circumstances of deepening the level of exploitation
Authors: Ciupa Tadeusz , Suligowski Roman
Published: May 2015

The possibilities of wetland preservation within the depression cones of limestone and marl mines at Leśnica-Małogoszcz and Bukowa in the circumstances of deepening the level of exploitation. As a result of enlarging the depth of exploitation of raw rock material deposits of marl and limestone at Leśnica-Małogoszcz (Przedborsko- Małogoskie Range - Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship), initially to the level of +215 m a.s.l. and then +200 m a.s.l., a mine depression cone will develop, which may threaten the existence of wetlands included in the Natura 2000 network. The wetlands are present in the pre-gorge section of Łososina river flowing through Grząby Bolmińskie and Gnieździskie Hills, at the mouth section of its hydrometrically ungauged tributary - the Wrzosówka river. In the study there has been demonstrated the possibility of preserving the current state of moisture content of the habitats which exist here, taking into account the quantitative characteristics of the components of water cycle and morphological conditions. The analysis of water resources has shown that under the conditions of a functioning mine depression cone, they will be sufficient to supply endangered wetlands and enable their irrigation. The solutions of an ecohydrological character have also been put forward which would compensate the loss of water in the area within the open-pit mine depression cone. This would require the construction of dams (e.g. artificial rapids) in the Wrzosówka river bed and a system of ditches at the bottom of its valley.
Impact of meteorological conditions on stability of selected slopes in the Wiśnicz Foothills
Authors: Demczuk Piotr , Zydroń Tymoteusz , Siłuch Marcin , Klimek Mariusz
Published: May 2015

Impact of meteorological conditions on stability of selected slopes in the Wiśnicz Foothills. Mass wasting is one of the most important processes influencing the shaping of mountain slopes. Most programs for testing mass wasting are limited to short-time, single observations, and to surface measurements of the big phenomenon ignoring shallow landslides occur resulting in slope covers, or on its border with the rock solid. That is why, when analyzing the causes of mass wasting processes, it is extremely important to assess the influence of meteorological conditions on water circulation in the landslide slope system and the status of stresses in a soil medium that is connected with it. The aim of this work was to determine the course of changes in stability conditions for two selected slopes, connected with meteorological conditions in the period of 2009-2013 on the area of the Wiśnicz Foothills. Numerical analysis were subjected to two slopes in villages the Królówka and the Łychów. Meteorological data for analysis, i.e. air temperature and soil humidity, wind speed, precipitation sum and length, were taken from the station Jagiellonian University in Łazy. To determine the course of changes of stability factor used capabilities Geostudio 2007 (Slope/W, Vadose/W, Seep/W). The work is a pre-development servant indicate the formation of shallow landslides present in silt. Results of the stability calculations confirmed the common opinions that conditions of slope balance are very strongly connected with atmospheric precipitation, but it was also shown that they also depend significantly on thermal conditions. These calculations showed that in the period 2009-2013 the most unfavorable conditions of stability were obtained in May 2010, which is a confirmation of the situation observed in reality.
Travel Behaviour of Online Shoppers in Sweden
Authors: Hiselius Lena Winslott , Rosqvist Lena Smidfelt , Adell Emeli
Published: May 2015

Online shopping opportunities are transforming travel behaviour for shopping and could potentially reduce the overall travel demand. Despite numerous studies on online shopping, only a few have taken an approach that includes trips for all travel purposes. Based on a web–survey, this paper provides results on travel behaviour for physical shopping for frequent, regular, and infrequent online shoppers in Sweden. The results indicate that frequent online shoppers make as many car trips (for both shopping and other errands) as others. Also, frequent online shoppers in total make as many trips to a physical store as infrequent online shoppers – although by more sustainable modes of transport – and that the time saved from online shopping is spent on both additional shopping trips and trips for other errands. The conclusion is that online shopping might facilitate changing travel behaviour but does not in itself represent a good stand–alone measure for reducing vehicle mileage.
Rbm8aHaploinsufficiency Disrupts Embryonic Cortical Development Resulting in Microcephaly
Authors: Mao Hanqian , Pilaz Louis-Jan , McMahon John J. , Golzio Christelle , Wu Danwei , Shi Lei , Katsanis Nicholas , Silver Debra L.
Published: May 2015

The cerebral cortex is built during embryonic neurogenesis, a period when excitatory neurons are generated from progenitors. Defects in neurogenesis can cause acute neurodevelopmental disorders, such as microcephaly (reduced brain size). Altered dosage of the 1q21.1 locus has been implicated in the etiology of neurodevelopmental phenotypes; however, the role of 1q21.1 genes in neurogenesis has remained elusive. Here, we show that haploinsufficiency forRbm8a, an exon junction complex (EJC) component within 1q21.1, causes severe microcephaly and defective neurogenesis in the mouse. At the onset of neurogenesis,Rbm8aregulates radial glia proliferation and prevents premature neuronal differentiation. ReducedRbm8alevels result in subsequent apoptosis of neurons, and to a lesser extent, radial glia. Hence, compared to control,Rbm8a-haploinsufficient brains have fewer progenitors and neurons, resulting in defective cortical lamination. To determine whether reciprocal dosage change ofRbm8aalters embryonic neurogenesis, we overexpressed humanRBM8Ain two animal models. Usingin uteroelectroporation of mouse neocortices as well as zebrafish models, we findRBM8Aoverexpression does not significantly perturb progenitor number or head size. Our findings demonstrate thatRbm8ais an essential neurogenesis regulator, and add to a growing literature highlighting roles for EJC components in cortical development and neurodevelopmental pathology. Our results indicate that disruption ofRBM8Amay contribute to neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with proximal 1q21.1 microdeletions.
Audio-Vocal Interaction in Single Neurons of the Monkey Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Hage Steffen R. , Nieder Andreas
Published: May 2015

Complex audio-vocal integration systems depend on a strong interconnection between the auditory and the vocal motor system. To gain cognitive control over audio-vocal interaction during vocal motor control, the PFC needs to be involved. Neurons in the ventrolateral PFC (VLPFC) have been shown to separately encode the sensory perceptions and motor production of vocalizations. It is unknown, however, whether single neurons in the PFC reflect audio-vocal interactions. We therefore recorded single-unit activity in the VLPFC of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) while they produced vocalizations on command or passively listened to monkey calls. We found that 12% of randomly selected neurons in VLPFC modulated their discharge rate in response to acoustic stimulation with species-specific calls. Almost three-fourths of these auditory neurons showed an additional modulation of their discharge rates either before and/or during the monkeys' motor production of vocalization. Based on these audio-vocal interactions, the VLPFC might be well positioned to combine higher order auditory processing with cognitive control of the vocal motor output. Such audio-vocal integration processes in the VLPFC might constitute a precursor for the evolution of complex learned audio-vocal integration systems, ultimately giving rise to human speech.
Single-Molecule Imaging of PSD-95 mRNA Translation in Dendrites and Its Dysregulation in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Ifrim Marius F. , Williams Kathryn R. , Bassell Gary J.
Published: May 2015

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein that regulates translation of numerous target mRNAs, some of which are dendritically localized. Our previous biochemical studies using synaptoneurosomes demonstrate a role for FMRP and miR-125a in regulating the translation of PSD-95 mRNA. However, the local translation of PSD-95 mRNA within dendrites and spines, as well as the roles of FMRP or miR-125a, have not been directly studied. Herein, local synthesis of a Venus-PSD-95 fusion protein was directly visualized in dendrites and spines using single-molecule imaging of a diffusion-restricted Venus-PSD-95 reporter under control of the PSD-95 3′UTR. The basal translation rates of Venus-PSD-95 mRNA was increased in cultured hippocampal neurons fromFmr1KO mice compared with WT neurons, which correlated with a transient elevation of endogenous PSD-95 within dendrites. Following mGluR stimulation with (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine, the rate of Venus-PSD-95 mRNA translation increased rapidly in dendrites of WT hippocampal neurons, but not in those ofFmr1KO neurons or when the binding site of miR125a, previously shown to bind PSD-95 3′UTR, was mutated. This study provides direct support for the hypothesis that local translation within dendrites and spines is dysregulated in FXS. Impairments in the regulated local synthesis of PSD-95, a critical regulator of synaptic structure and function, may affect the spatiotemporal control of PSD-95 levels and affect dendritic spine development and synaptic plasticity in FXS.
Intelligent Information Loss: The Coding of Facial Identity, Head Pose, and Non-Face Information in the Macaque Face Patch System
Authors: Meyers Ethan M. , Borzello Mia , Freiwald Winrich A. , Tsao Doris
Published: May 2015

Faces are a behaviorally important class of visual stimuli for primates. Recent work in macaque monkeys has identified six discrete face areas where most neurons have higher firing rates to images of faces compared with other objects (Tsao et al., 2006). While neurons in these areas appear to have different tuning (Freiwald and Tsao, 2010; Issa and DiCarlo, 2012), exactly what types of information and, consequently, which visual behaviors neural populations within each face area can support, is unknown. Here we use population decoding to better characterize three of these face patches (ML/MF, AL, and AM). We show that neural activity in all patches contains information that discriminates between the broad categories of face and nonface objects, individual faces, and nonface stimuli. Information is present in both high and lower firing rate regimes. However, there were significant differences between the patches, with the most anterior patch showing relatively weaker representation of nonface stimuli. Additionally, we find that pose-invariant face identity information increases as one moves to more anterior patches, while information about the orientation of the head decreases. Finally, we show that all the information we can extract from the population is present in patterns of activity across neurons, and there is relatively little information in the total activity of the population. These findings give new insight into the representations constructed by the face patch system and how they are successively transformed.
BK Channels Localize to the Paranodal Junction and Regulate Action Potentials in Myelinated Axons of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells
Authors: Hirono Moritoshi , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Misono Kaori , Zollinger Daniel R. , Trimmer James S. , Rasband Matthew N. , Misonou Hiroaki
Published: May 2015

In myelinated axons, K+channels are clustered in distinct membrane domains to regulate action potentials (APs). At nodes of Ranvier, Kv7 channels are expressed with Na+channels, whereas Kv1 channels flank nodes at juxtaparanodes. Regulation of axonal APs by K+channels would be particularly important in fast-spiking projection neurons such as cerebellar Purkinje cells. Here, we show that BK/Slo1 channels are clustered at the paranodal junctions of myelinated Purkinje cell axons of rat and mouse. The paranodal junction is formed by a set of cell-adhesion molecules, including Caspr, between the node and juxtaparanodes in which it separates nodal from internodal membrane domains. Remarkably, only Purkinje cell axons have detectable paranodal BK channels, whose clustering requires the formation of the paranodal junction via Caspr. Thus, BK channels occupy this unique domain in Purkinje cell axons along with the other K+channel complexes at nodes and juxtaparanodes. To investigate the physiological role of novel paranodal BK channels, we examined the effect of BK channel blockers on antidromic AP conduction. We found that local application of blockers to the axon resulted in a significant increase in antidromic AP failure at frequencies above 100 Hz. We also found that Ni2+elicited a similar effect on APs, indicating the involvement of Ni2+-sensitive Ca2+channels. Furthermore, axonal application of BK channel blockers decreased the inhibitory synaptic response in the deep cerebellar nuclei. Thus, paranodal BK channels uniquely support high-fidelity firing of APs in myelinated Purkinje cell axons, thereby underpinning the output of the cerebellar cortex.
Neuronal Morphology Generates High-Frequency Firing Resonance
Authors: Ostojic Srdjan , Szapiro Germán , Schwartz Eric , Barbour Boris , Brunel Nicolas , Hakim Vincent
Published: May 2015

The attenuation of neuronal voltage responses to high-frequency current inputs by the membrane capacitance is believed to limit single-cell bandwidth. However, neuronal populations subject to stochastic fluctuations can follow inputs beyond this limit. We investigated this apparent paradox theoretically and experimentally using Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, a motor structure that benefits from rapid information transfer. We analyzed the modulation of firing in response to the somatic injection of sinusoidal currents. Computational modeling suggested that, instead of decreasing with frequency, modulation amplitude can increase up to high frequencies because of cellular morphology. Electrophysiological measurements in adult rat slices confirmed this prediction and displayed a marked resonance at 200 Hz. We elucidated the underlying mechanism, showing that the two-compartment morphology of the Purkinje cell, interacting with a simple spiking mechanism and dendritic fluctuations, is sufficient to create high-frequency signal amplification. This mechanism, which we term morphology-induced resonance, is selective for somatic inputs, which in the Purkinje cell are exclusively inhibitory. The resonance sensitizes Purkinje cells in the frequency range of population oscillations observedin vivo.
Orexin Signaling in the VTA Gates Morphine-Induced Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Baimel Corey , Borgland Stephanie L.
Published: May 2015

Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are a key target of addictive drugs, and neuroplasticity in this region may underlie some of the core features of addiction. From the very first exposure, all drugs of abuse induce synaptic plasticity in the VTA. However, it is not well understood how this diverse group of drugs brings about common synaptic change. Orexin (also known as hypocretin) is a lateral hypothalamic neuropeptide released into the VTA that promotes drug-seeking behaviors and potentiates excitatory synaptic transmission onto VTA dopamine neurons. Here we show that signaling at orexin receptor type 1 (OxR1) in the VTA is required for morphine-induced plasticity of dopamine neurons. Systemic or intra-VTA administration of the OxR1 antagonist SB 334867 in rats blocked a morphine-induced increase in the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio, an increase in presynaptic glutamate release, and a postsynaptic change in AMPAR number or function, including a switch in subunit composition. Furthermore, SB 334867 blocked a morphine-induced decrease in presynaptic GABA release, and a morphine-induced shift in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to dopamine neurons. These findings identify a novel role for orexin in morphine-induced plasticity in the VTA and provide a mechanism by which orexin can gate the output of dopamine neurons.
Rhythmic Oscillations of Visual Contrast Sensitivity Synchronized with Action
Authors: Tomassini Alice , Spinelli Donatella , Jacono Marco , Sandini Giulio , Morrone Maria Concetta
Published: May 2015

It is well known that the motor and the sensory systems structure sensory data collection and cooperate to achieve an efficient integration and exchange of information. Increasing evidence suggests that both motor and sensory functions are regulated by rhythmic processes reflecting alternating states of neuronal excitability, and these may be involved in mediating sensory-motor interactions. Here we show an oscillatory fluctuation in early visual processing time locked with the execution of voluntary action, and, crucially, even for visual stimuli irrelevant to the motor task. Human participants were asked to perform a reaching movement toward a display and judge the orientation of a Gabor patch, near contrast threshold, briefly presented at random times before and during the reaching movement. When the data are temporally aligned to the onset of movement, visual contrast sensitivity oscillates with periodicity within the theta band. Importantly, the oscillations emerge during the motor planning stage, ∼500 ms before movement onset. We suggest that brain oscillatory dynamics may mediate an automatic coupling between early motor planning and early visual processing, possibly instrumental in linking and closing up the visual-motor control loop.
Enhanced Integration of Motion Information in Children With Autism
Authors: Manning Catherine , Tibber Marc S. , Charman Tony , Dakin Steven C. , Pellicano Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

To judge the overall direction of a shoal of fish or a crowd of people, observers must integrate motion signals across space and time. The limits on our ability to pool motion have largely been established using the motion coherence paradigm, in which observers report the direction of coherently moving dots amid randomly moving noise dots. Poor performance by autistic individuals on this task has widely been interpreted as evidence of disrupted integrative processes. Critically, however, motion coherence thresholds are not necessarily limited only by pooling. They could also be limited by imprecision in estimating the direction of individual elements or by difficulties segregating signal from noise. Here, 33 children with autism 6–13 years of age and 33 age- and ability-matched typical children performed a more robust task reporting mean dot direction both in the presence and the absence of directional variability alongside a standard motion coherence task. Children with autism were just as sensitive to directional differences as typical children when all elements moved in the same direction (no variability). However, remarkably, children with autism were more sensitive to the average direction in the presence of directional variability, providing the first evidence of enhanced motion integration in autism. Despite this improved averaging ability, children with autism performed comparably to typical children in the motion coherence task, suggesting that their motion coherence thresholds may be limited by reduced segregation of signal from noise. Although potentially advantageous under some conditions, increased integration may lead to feelings of “sensory overload” in children with autism.
Bex3 Dimerization Regulates NGF-Dependent Neuronal Survival and Differentiation by EnhancingtrkAGene Transcription
Authors: Calvo Laura , Anta Begoña , López-Benito Saray , Martín-Rodriguez Carlos , Lee Francis S. , Pérez Pilar , Martín-Zanca Dionisio , Arévalo Juan C.
Published: May 2015

The development of the nervous system is a temporally and spatially coordinated process that relies on the proper regulation of the genes involved. Neurotrophins and their receptors are directly responsible for the survival and differentiation of sensory and sympathetic neurons; however, it is not fully understood how genes encoding Trk neurotrophin receptors are regulated. Here, we show that rat Bex3 protein specifically regulates TrkA expression by acting at thetrkAgene promoter level. Bex3 dimerization and shuttling to the nucleus regulate the transcription of thetrkApromoter under basal conditions and also enhance nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediatedtrkApromoter activation. Moreover, qChIP assays indicate that Bex3 associates with thetrkApromoter within a 150 bp sequence, immediately upstream from the transcription start site, which is sufficient to mediate the effects of Bex3. Consequently, the downregulation of Bex3 using shRNA increases neuronal apoptosis in NGF-dependent sensory neurons deprived of NGF and compromises PC12 cell differentiation in response to NGF. Our results support an important role for Bex3 in the regulation of TrkA expression and in NGF-mediated functions through modulation of thetrkApromoter.
NGL-2 Is a New Partner of PAR Complex in Axon Differentiation
Authors: Xu Gang , Wang Rong , Wang Zeyou , Lei Qianqian , Yu Zhibin , Liu Changhong , Li Peiyao , Yang Zengjie , Cheng Xiping , Li Guiyuan , Wu Minghua
Published: May 2015

Neuronal polarization is pivotal for neural network formation during brain development. Axon differentiation is a hallmark of initial neuronal polarization. Here, we report that the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein netrin-G ligand-2 (NGL-2) as a polarity regulator that localizes asymmetrically in rat hippocampal neurons and is required for differentiation of the future axon. NGL-2 was associated with PAR complex, and this interaction resulted in local stabilization of axonal microtubules. Further study showed that the C terminal of NGL-2 binds to the PDZ domain of PAR6, and NGL-2 interacts with PAR3 and atypical PKCζ (aPKCζ), with PAR6 acting as a bridge or modifier. Then, NGL-2 regulates the local stabilization of microtubules and promotes axon differentiation by the aPKCζ/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 pathway. These findings reveal the critical role of NGL-2 in regulating axon differentiation in rat hippocampal neurons and reveal a novel partner of the PAR complex.
Assessment at the Single-Cell Level Identifies Neuronal Glutathione Depletion As Both a Cause and Effect of Ischemia-Reperfusion Oxidative Stress
Authors: Won Seok Joon , Kim Ji-Eun , Cittolin-Santos Giordano Fabricio , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: May 2015

Oxidative stress contributes to neuronal death in brain ischemia-reperfusion. Tissue levels of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) are depleted during ischemia-reperfusion, but it is unknown whether this depletion is a cause or an effect of oxidative stress, and whether it occurs in neurons or other cell types. We used immunohistochemical methods to evaluate glutathione, superoxide, and oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal neurons after transient forebrain ischemia. GSH levels in CA1 pyramidal neurons were normally high relative to surrounding neuropil, and exhibited a time-dependent decrease during the first few hours of reperfusion. Colabeling for superoxide in the neurons showed a concurrent increase in detectable superoxide over this interval. To identify cause–effect relationships between these changes, we independently manipulated superoxide production and GSH metabolism during reperfusion. Mice in which NADPH oxidase activity was blocked to prevent superoxide production showed preservation of neuronal GSH content, thus demonstrating that neuronal GSH depletion is result of oxidative stress. Conversely, mice in which neuronal GSH levels were maintained byN-acetyl cysteine treatment during reperfusion showed less neuronal superoxide signal, oxidative stress, and neuronal death. At 3 d following ischemia, GSH content in reactive astrocytes and microglia was increased in the hippocampal CA1 relative to surviving neurons. Results of these studies demonstrate that neuronal GSH depletion is both a result and a cause of neuronal oxidative stress after ischemia-reperfusion, and that postischemic restoration of neuronal GSH levels can be neuroprotective.