bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Method for accurate fiber length determination from increment cores for large-scale population analyses in Norway spruce
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Abramowicz Konrad , Raczkowski Rafal , Ganea Stefana , Wu Harry X. , Lundqvist Sven-Olof , Mörling Tommy , de Luna Sara Sjöstedt , García Gil María Rosario , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: February 2016

Fiber (tracheid) length is an important trait targeted for genetic and silvicultural improvement. Such studies require large-scale non-destructive sampling, and accurate length determination. The standard procedure for non-destructive sampling is to collect increment cores, singularize their cells by maceration, measure them with optical analyzer and apply various corrections to suppress influence of non-fiber particles and cut fibers, as fibers are cut by the corer. The recently developed expectation-maximization method (EM) not only addresses the problem of non-fibers and cut fibers, but also corrects for the sampling bias. Here, the performance of the EM method has been evaluated by comparing it with length-weighing and squared length-weighing, both implemented in fiber analyzers, and with microscopy data for intact fibers, corrected for sampling bias, as the reference. This was done for 12-mm increment cores from 16 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) trees on fibers from rings 8–11 (counted from pith), representing juvenile wood of interest in breeding programs. The EM-estimates provided mean-fiber-lengths with bias of only +2.7% and low scatter. Length-weighing and length2-weighing gave biases of -7.3% and +9.3%, respectively, and larger scatter. The suggested EM approach constitutes a more accurate non-destructive method for fiber length (FL) determination, expected to be applicable also to other conifers.
Rolling shear modulus and strength of beech wood laminations
Authors: Aicher Simon , Christian Zachary , Hirsch Maren
Published: February 2016

Previous research indicated that the rolling shear properties of European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) are considerably higher than those of softwood. The aim of the presented investigation was to substantiate previous data on rolling shear modulus and strength of European beech wood and to further evaluate its substitution of softwoods in applications where shear properties are influential, namely as cross layers in cross-laminated timber (CLT). Further, the effect of the annual ring orientation within the boards on shear modulus and strength was of major interest. The beech specimens comprised four different sawing patterns, classified unambiguously with reference to the pith location. The shear properties were determined by 50, two-plate shear tests with specimen cross-section dimensions of 33 mm × 135 mm. A mean rolling shear modulus of 370 N mm-2 was obtained, whereby no significant detrimental effect for pith boards with cracks was observed. In agreement with continuum mechanics, the semi-quarter-sawn boards revealed the highest shear moduli whereas the quarter-sawn boards showed roughly 30% lower values. The mean rolling shear strength was 5.6 N mm-2 for all specimens, whereby pith specimens resulted in generally lower values. The 5% quantile, disregarding pith specimens, was 4.5 N mm-2. In conclusion, the rolling shear strength and modulus exceed the respective characteristic values for softwoods by roughly factors of 5 and 7, indicating great potential for beech wood cross-layers in CLT.
Decay resistance of softwoods and hardwoods thermally modified by the Thermovouto type thermo-vacuum process to brown rot and white rot fungi
Authors: Gao Jie , Kim Jong Sik , Terziev Nasko , Daniel Geoffrey
Published: February 2016

Softwoods (SW, spruce and fir) and hardwoods (HW, ash and beech) were thermally modified by the thermo-vacuum (Termovuoto) process for 3–4 h in the temperature range 160–220°C (TMW160–220°C) and their fungal durability were examined in soil-block tests with two brown rot (BR,Postia placenta, Gloeophyllum trabeum) and two white rot (WR,Pycnoporus sanguineus, Phlebia radiata) fungi. SW-TMW160–220°Cwere exposed toP. placentaandP. sanguineusand HW-TMW190–220°Cto all fungal species. Considerable improvement (durability class 1–3) in decay resistance was only achieved for SW- and HW-TMW220°C. Thermal modification (TM) below 200°C influenced decay resistance negatively in case of some fungal species applied for both SW and HW. Judged by the durability class, decay resistance was higher in HW- than in SW-TMW at high TM temperature. Behavior of TM differed significantly between ash (ring-porous HW) and beech (diffuse-porous HW). A comparison between results of soil- and agar-block tests on Termovouoto wood demonstrated that the influence of testing method in terms of assignment to durability classes is not significant.
Adipose tissue: an endocrine organ playing a role in metabolic regulation
Authors: Booth Andrea , Magnuson Aaron , Fouts Josephine , Foster Michelle T.
Published: February 2016

Adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ with an intricate role in whole body homeostasis. Beyond storing energy, adipose tissue is fundamental in numerous processes including, but not limited to, metabolism, food intake and immune cell function. Adipokines and cytokines are the signaling factors from adipose tissue. These factors play a role in maintaining health, but are also candidates for pathologies associated with obesity. Indeed excessive adiposity causes dysregulation of these factors which negatively affect health and contribute to numerous obesity-induced co-morbidities. In particular, adipokines are fundamental in regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling, thus aberrant production of these adipose derived hormones correlates with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, elucidation of adipose regulation is crucial for understanding the pathophysiological basis of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. In the present review, we summarize current data on the relation between adipokines and adipose depot derived cytokines in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Specifically, physiological and molecular functions of several adipokines are defined with particular focus on interactions within the insulin-signaling pathway and subsequent regulation of glucose uptake in both standard and obesity-induced dysregulated conditions. This same relation will be discussed for cytokines and inflammation as well.
DG Planning with Amalgamation of Operational and Reliability Considerations
Authors: Battu Neelakanteshwar Rao , Abhyankar A. R. , Senroy Nilanjan
Published: February 2016

Distributed Generation has been playing a vital role in dealing issues related to distribution systems. This paper presents an approach which provides policy maker with a set of solutions for DG placement to optimize reliability and real power loss of the system. Optimal location of a Distributed Generator is evaluated based on performance indices derived for reliability index and real power loss. The proposed approach is applied on a 15-bus radial distribution system and a 18-bus radial distribution system with conventional and wind distributed generators individually.
Classification and clinical characterization of metabolically “healthy” obese children and adolescents
Authors: Bervoets Liene , Massa Guy
Published: February 2016

Some obese children do not show cardiometabolic complications such as prediabetes, dyslipidemia or insulin resistance. The objective of the study was to classify obese children and adolescents as metabolically “healthy” obese (MHO) on the basis of three different definitions, and to compare cardiometabolic features with metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) children and adolescents.

The study included 156 obese children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18. Subjects were classified as MHO or MUO using three definitions based on the: (1) pediatric International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria; (2) homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); (3) combination of the previous two definitions. Cardiometabolic features were compared between MHO and MUO subjects.

Six to 19% obese children and adolescents were classified as MHO, and showed a better insulin sensitivity, lower prevalence of prediabetes, lower triglycerides and lower triglyceride-to-HDL-C ratio compared to MUO.

Less than 20% obese children and adolescents are identified as MHO and show a healthier cardiometabolic profile as compared to MUO. Implementation of the proposed classifications in future clinical research could contribute towards the standardization of the MHO definition and offer new insights into the manifestation of the pediatric MHO phenotype.
Classification of stillbirths is an ongoing dilemma
Authors: Nappi Luigi , Trezza Federica , Bufo Pantaleo , Riezzo Irene , Turillazzi Emanuela , Borghi Chiara , Bonaccorsi Gloria , Scutiero Gennaro , Fineschi Vittorio , Greco Pantaleo
Published: February 2016

Aim:

To compare different classification systems in a cohort of stillbirths undergoing a comprehensive workup; to establish whether a particular classification system is most suitable and useful in determining cause of death, purporting the lowest percentage of unexplained death.

Methods:

Cases of stillbirth at gestational age 22–41 weeks occurring at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Foggia University during a 4 year period were collected. The World Health Organization (WHO) diagnosis of stillbirth was used. All the data collection was based on the recommendations of an Italian diagnostic workup for stillbirth. Two expert obstetricians reviewed all cases and classified causes according to five classification systems.

Results:

Relevant Condition at Death (ReCoDe) and Causes Of Death and Associated Conditions (CODAC) classification systems performed best in retaining information. The ReCoDe system provided the lowest rate of unexplained stillbirth (14%) compared to de Galan-Roosen (16%), CODAC (16%), Tulip (18%), Wigglesworth (62%).

Conclusion:

Classification of stillbirth is influenced by the multiplicity of possible causes and factors related to fetal death. Fetal autopsy, placental histology and cytogenetic analysis are strongly recommended to have a complete diagnostic evaluation. Commonly employed classification systems performed differently in our experience, the most satisfactory being the ReCoDe. Given the rate of “unexplained” cases, none can be considered optimal and further efforts are necessary to work out a clinically useful system.
Relationship between first-trimester serum placental protein-13 and maternal characteristics, placental Doppler studies and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Seravalli Viola , Grimpel Yael Inna , Meiri Hamutal , Blitzer Miriam , Baschat Ahmet A.
Published: February 2016

To examine potential correlations between maternal serum placental protein-13 (PP-13) and first trimester maternal and placental factors, and to evaluate the association of this marker with adverse pregnancy outcome.

Serum samples from prospectively enrolled patients between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days were analyzed for PP-13 using an ELISA assay. The relationships between maternal serum PP-13 levels and gestational age, maternal age, ethnicity, parity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial blood pressure, uterine and umbilical artery Doppler parameters were examined. The association between first-trimester PP-13 levels and subsequent pre-eclampsia and delivery of a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate was also investigated, after excluding patients who received aspirin.

In 908 patients, PP-13 levels ranged from 8.0 to 537.5 pg/mL. A significant negative correlation was identified between PP13 and BMI (Spearman rho –0.20, P<0.0001). Smoking significantly decreased PP-13 (P<0.01). No relationship was identified with the other parameters. In a subgroup of 668 low-risk patients who did not receive aspirin, PP-13 levels were not associated with development of pre-eclampsia, SGA or the combination of them.

First-trimester PP-13 levels are significantly correlated with BMI and smoking. These correlations appear independent of uterine and umbilical artery resistance. In low risk patients, PP-13 levels fail to predict the risk for pre-eclampsia or SGA.
Temporal Prediction in lieu of Periodic Stimulation
Authors: Morillon Benjamin , Schroeder Charles E. , Wyart Valentin , Arnal Luc H.
Published: February 2016

Predicting not only what will happen, but also when it will happen is extremely helpful for optimizing perception and action. Temporal predictions driven by periodic stimulation increase perceptual sensitivity and reduce response latencies. At the neurophysiological level, a single mechanism has been proposed to mediate this twofold behavioral improvement: the rhythmic entrainment of slow cortical oscillations to the stimulation rate. However, temporal regularities can occur in aperiodic contexts, suggesting that temporal predictions per se may be dissociable from entrainment to periodic sensory streams. We investigated this possibility in two behavioral experiments, asking human participants to detect near-threshold auditory tones embedded in streams whose temporal and spectral properties were manipulated. While our findings confirm that periodic stimulation reduces response latencies, in agreement with the hypothesis of a stimulus-driven entrainment of neural excitability, they further reveal that this motor facilitation can be dissociated from the enhancement of auditory sensitivity. Perceptual sensitivity improvement is unaffected by the nature of temporal regularities (periodic vs aperiodic), but contingent on the co-occurrence of a fulfilled spectral prediction. Altogether, the dissociation between predictability and periodicity demonstrates that distinct mechanisms flexibly and synergistically operate to facilitate perception and action.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTemporal predictions are increasingly recognized as fundamental instruments for optimizing performance, enabling mammals to exploit regularities in the world. However, the notion of temporal predictions is often confounded with the idea of entrainment to periodic sensory inputs. At the behavioral level, it is also unclear whether perceptual sensitivity and reaction time improvements benefit the same way from temporal predictions and periodic stimulation. In two behavioral experiments on human participants, we find that periodic stimulation facilitates response readiness, whereas temporal predictions improve the precision of auditory processing. This latter effect arises regardless of the nature of temporal regularities (periodic vs aperiodic), but depends on the co-occurrence of a fulfilled spectral prediction.
The Disease Protein Tulp1 Is Essential for Periactive Zone Endocytosis in Photoreceptor Ribbon Synapses
Authors: Wahl Silke , Magupalli Venkat Giri , Dembla Mayur , Katiyar Rashmi , Schwarz Karin , Köblitz Louise , Alpadi Kannan , Krause Elmar , Rettig Jens , Sung Ching-Hwa , Goldberg Andrew F. X. , Schmitz Frank
Published: February 2016

Mutations in the Tulp1 gene cause severe, early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP14) in humans. In the retina, Tulp1 is mainly expressed in photoreceptors that use ribbon synapses to communicate with the inner retina. In the present study, we demonstrate that Tulp1 is highly enriched in the periactive zone of photoreceptor presynaptic terminals where Tulp1 colocalizes with major endocytic proteins close to the synaptic ribbon. Analyses of Tulp1 knock-out mice demonstrate that Tulp1 is essential to keep endocytic proteins enriched at the periactive zone and to maintain high levels of endocytic activity close to the synaptic ribbon. Moreover, we have discovered a novel interaction between Tulp1 and the synaptic ribbon protein RIBEYE, which is important to maintain synaptic ribbon integrity. The current findings suggest a new model for Tulp1-mediated localization of the endocytic machinery at the periactive zone of ribbon synapses and offer a new rationale and mechanism for vision loss associated with genetic defects in Tulp1.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMutations in the Tulp1 gene cause severe, early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP14) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA15) in human patients. In this study, we discovered that the phosphoinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-binding protein Tulp1 is essential for the structural and functional organization of the periactive zone in photoreceptor synapses. Using Tulp1 knock-out mice, we found that Tulp1 is required to enrich major endocytic proteins at the periactive zone next to the synaptic ribbon. We demonstrate that Tulp1 is needed to promote endocytic vesicle retrieval at the periactive zone. Moreover, we discovered a novel interaction between Tulp1 and the synaptic ribbon protein RIBEYE. This newly discovered disease-sensitive interaction provides a molecular model for the control of endocytosis close to the synaptic ribbon.
An Allometric Analysis of Sex and Sex Chromosome Dosage Effects on Subcortical Anatomy in Humans
Authors: Reardon Paul Kirkpatrick , Clasen Liv , Giedd Jay N. , Blumenthal Jonathan , Lerch Jason P. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Raznahan Armin
Published: February 2016

Structural neuroimaging of humans with typical and atypical sex-chromosome complements has established the marked influence of both Yand X-/Y-chromosome dosage on total brain volume (TBV) and identified potential cortical substrates for the psychiatric phenotypes associated with sex-chromosome aneuploidy (SCA). Here, in a cohort of 354 humans with varying karyotypes (XX, XY, XXX, XXY, XYY, XXYY, XXXXY), we investigate sex and SCA effects on subcortical size and shape; focusing on the striatum, pallidum and thalamus. We find large effect-size differences in the volume and shape of all three structures as a function of sex and SCA. We correct for TBV effects with a novel allometric method harnessing normative scaling rules for subcortical size and shape in humans, which we derive here for the first time. We show that all three subcortical volumes scale sublinearly with TBV among healthy humans, mirroring known relationships between subcortical volume and TBV among species. Traditional TBV correction methods assume linear scaling and can therefore invert or exaggerate sex and SCA effects on subcortical anatomy. Allometric analysis restricts sex-differences to: (1) greater pallidal volume (PV) in males, and (2) relative caudate head expansion and ventral striatum contraction in females. Allometric analysis of SCA reveals that supernumerary X- and Y-chromosomes both cause disproportionate reductions in PV, and coordinated deformations of striatopallidal shape. Our study provides a novel understanding of sex and sex-chromosome dosage effects on subcortical organization, using an allometric approach that can be generalized to other basic and clinical structural neuroimaging settings.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSex and sex-chromosome dosage (SCD) are known to modulate human brain size and cortical anatomy, but very little is known regarding their impact on subcortical structures that work with the cortex to subserve a range of behaviors in health and disease. Moreover, regional brain allometry (nonlinear scaling) poses largely unaddressed methodological and theoretical challenges for such research. We build the first set of allometric norms for global and regional subcortical anatomy, and use these to dissect out the complex, distributed and topologically organized patterns of areal contraction and expansion, which characterize sex and SCD effects on subcortical anatomy. Our data inform basic research into the patterning of neuroanatomical variation, and the clinical neuroscience of sex-chromosome aneuploidy.
Embedding a Panoramic Representation of Infrared Light in the Adult Rat Somatosensory Cortex through a Sensory Neuroprosthesis
Authors: Hartmann Konstantin , Thomson Eric E. , Zea Ivan , Yun Richy , Mullen Peter , Canarick Jay , Huh Albert , Nicolelis Miguel A. L.
Published: February 2016

Can the adult brain assimilate a novel, topographically organized, sensory modality into its perceptual repertoire? To test this, we implemented a microstimulation-based neuroprosthesis that rats used to discriminate among infrared (IR) light sources. This system continuously relayed information from four IR sensors that were distributed to provide a panoramic view of IR sources, into primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Rats learned to discriminate the location of IR sources in <4 d. Animals in which IR information was delivered in spatial register with whisker topography learned the task more quickly. Further, in animals that had learned to use the prosthesis, altering the topographic mapping from IR sensor to stimulating electrode had immediate deleterious effects on discrimination performance. Multielectrode recordings revealed that S1 neurons had multimodal (tactile/IR) receptive fields, with clear preferences for those stimuli most likely to be delivered during the task. Neuronal populations predicted, with high accuracy, which stimulation pattern was present in small (75 ms) time windows. Surprisingly, when identical microstimulation patterns were delivered during an unrelated task, cortical activity in S1 was strongly suppressed. Overall, these results show that the adult mammalian neocortex can readily absorb completely new information sources into its representational repertoire, and use this information in the production of adaptive behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTUnderstanding the potential for plasticity in the adult brain is a key goal for basic neuroscience and modern rehabilitative medicine. Our study examines one dimension of this challenge: how malleable is sensory processing in adult mammals? We implemented a panoramic infrared (IR) sensory prosthetic system in rats; it consisted of four IR sensors equally spaced around the circumference of the head of the rat. Each sensor was coupled to a microstimulating electrode placed in the somatosensory cortex of the rat. Within days, rats learned to use the prosthesis to track down items associated with IR light in their environment. This is quite promising clinically, as the largest demand for sensory prosthetic devices is in adults whose brains are already fully developed.
Functional Organization of the Parahippocampal Cortex: Dissociable Roles for Context Representations and the Perception of Visual Scenes
Authors: Baumann Oliver , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: February 2016

The human parahippocampal cortex has been ascribed central roles in both visuospatial and mnemonic processes. More specifically, evidence suggests that the parahippocampal cortex subserves both the perceptual analysis of scene layouts as well as the retrieval of associative contextual memories. It remains unclear, however, whether these two functional roles can be dissociated within the parahippocampal cortex anatomically. Here, we provide evidence for a dissociation between neural activation patterns associated with visuospatial analysis of scenes and contextual mnemonic processing along the parahippocampal longitudinal axis. We used fMRI to measure parahippocampal responses while participants engaged in a task that required them to judge the contextual relatedness of scene and object pairs, which were presented either as words or pictures. Results from combined factorial and conjunction analyses indicated that the posterior section of parahippocampal cortex is driven predominantly by judgments associated with pictorial scene analysis, whereas its anterior section is more active during contextual judgments regardless of stimulus category (scenes vs objects) or modality (word vs picture). Activation maxima associated with visuospatial and mnemonic processes were spatially segregated, providing support for the existence of functionally distinct subregions along the parahippocampal longitudinal axis and suggesting that, in humans, the parahippocampal cortex serves as a functional interface between perception and memory systems.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe functional neuroanatomy of the parahippocampal cortex is still subject to considerable debate. Specifically, its relative contributions to visuospatial and mnemonic functions remain unclear. This study constitutes the first evidence for the existence of distinct information-processing properties along the parahippocampal longitudinal axis. Our findings implicate the posterior section of the parahippocampus in visuospatial perception and the anterior section in contextual mnemonic processes. Our study provides novel neuroanatomical information critical for understanding the diversity of the purported functions of the human parahippocampal cortex.
Human Hippocampal Structure: A Novel Biomarker Predicting Mnemonic Vulnerability to, and Recovery from, Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Saletin Jared M. , Goldstein-Piekarski Andrea N. , Greer Stephanie M. , Stark Shauna , Stark Craig E. , Walker Matthew P.
Published: February 2016

Sleep deprivation impairs the formation of new memories. However, marked interindividual variability exists in the degree to which sleep loss compromises learning, the mechanistic reasons for which are unclear. Furthermore, which physiological sleep processes restore learning ability following sleep deprivation are similarly unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the structural morphology of human hippocampal subfields represents one factor determining vulnerability (and conversely, resilience) to the impact of sleep deprivation on memory formation. Moreover, this same measure of brain morphology was further associated with the quality of nonrapid eye movement slow wave oscillations during recovery sleep, and by way of such activity, determined the success of memory restoration. Such findings provide a novel human biomarker of cognitive susceptibility to, and recovery from, sleep deprivation. Moreover, this metric may be of special predictive utility for professions in which memory function is paramount yet insufficient sleep is pervasive (e.g., aviation, military, and medicine).

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSleep deprivation does not impact all people equally. Some individuals show cognitive resilience to the effects of sleep loss, whereas others express striking vulnerability, the reasons for which remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that structural features of the human brain, specifically those within the hippocampus, accurately predict which individuals are susceptible (or conversely, resilient) to memory impairments caused by sleep deprivation. Moreover, this same structural feature determines the success of memory restoration following subsequent recovery sleep. Therefore, structural properties of the human brain represent a novel biomarker predicting individual vulnerability to (and recovery from) the effects of sleep loss, one with occupational relevance in professions where insufficient sleep is pervasive yet memory function is paramount.
Defects in Motoneuron–Astrocyte Interactions in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Zhou Chunyi , Feng Zhihua , Ko Chien-Ping
Published: February 2016

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motoneuron disease caused by loss or mutation in Survival of Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Recent studies have shown that selective restoration of SMN protein in astrocytes partially alleviates pathology in an SMA mouse model, suggesting important roles for astrocytes in SMA. Addressing these underlying mechanisms may provide new therapeutic avenues to fight SMA. Using primary cultures of pure motoneurons or astrocytes fromSMNΔ7(SMA) and wild-type (WT) mice, as well as their mixed and matched cocultures, we characterized the contributions of motoneurons, astrocytes, and their interactions to synapse loss in SMA. In pure motoneuron cultures, SMA motoneurons exhibited normal survival but intrinsic defects in synapse formation and synaptic transmission. In pure astrocyte cultures, SMA astrocytes exhibited defects in calcium homeostasis. In motoneuron–astrocyte contact cocultures, synapse formation and synaptic transmission were significantly reduced when either motoneurons, astrocytes or both were from SMA mice compared with those in WT motoneurons cocultured with WT astrocytes. The reduced synaptic activity is unlikely due to changes in motoneuron excitability. This disruption in synapse formation and synaptic transmission by SMN deficiency was not detected in motoneuron–astrocyte noncontact cocultures. Additionally, we observed a downregulation of Ephrin B2 in SMA astrocytes. These findings suggest that there are both cell autonomous and non–cell-autonomous defects in SMA motoneurons and astrocytes. Defects in contact interactions between SMA motoneurons and astrocytes impair synaptogenesis seen in SMA pathology, possibly due to the disruption of the Ephrin B2 pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAstrocytes have been implicated in various neurological diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a childhood motoneuron disease. However, how bidirectional motoneuron–astrocyte communications may contribute to SMA disease mechanisms is unclear. Usingin vitroculture systems, we demonstrate that SMN deficiency affects both astrocytes and motoneurons, as well as their contact interactions, leading to defects in synapse formation and synaptic transmission onto motoneurons, probably through downregulation of Ephrin B2 expression in astrocytes. Our work suggests that defects in motoneuron–astrocyte interactions exacerbate SMA synaptic pathology and that therapeutic restoration of SMN should target multiple cell types, including astrocytes.
Effects of Voluntary Locomotion and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on the Dynamics of Single Dural Vessels in Awake Mice
Authors: Gao Yu-Rong , Drew Patrick J.
Published: February 2016

The dura mater is a vascularized membrane surrounding the brain and is heavily innervated by sensory nerves. Our knowledge of the dural vasculature has been limited to pathological conditions, such as headaches, but little is known about the dural blood flow regulation during behavior. To better understand the dynamics of dural vessels during behavior, we used two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) to measure the diameter changes of single dural and pial vessels in the awake mouse during voluntary locomotion. Surprisingly, we found that voluntary locomotion drove the constriction of dural vessels, and the dynamics of these constrictions could be captured with a linear convolution model. Dural vessel constrictions did not mirror the large increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) during locomotion, indicating that dural vessel constriction was not caused passively by compression. To study how behaviorally driven dynamics of dural vessels might be altered in pathological states, we injected the vasodilator calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which induces headache in humans. CGRP dilated dural, but not pial, vessels and significantly reduced spontaneous locomotion but did not block locomotion-induced constrictions in dural vessels. Sumatriptan, a drug commonly used to treat headaches, blocked the vascular and behavioral the effects of CGRP. These findings suggest that, in the awake animal, the diameters of dural vessels are regulated dynamically during behavior and during drug-induced pathological states.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENTThe vasculature of the dura has been implicated in the pathophysiology of headaches, but how individual dural vessels respond during behavior, both under normal conditions and after treatment with the headache-inducing peptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is poorly understood. To address these issues, we imaged individual dural vessels in awake mice and found that dural vessels constricted during voluntary locomotion, and this constriction did not follow locomotion-induced intracranial pressure increases. CGRP injection caused baseline dural vessel dilation and reduced locomotion but did not block locomotion-induced constrictions of dural vessels or affect pial vessels. These novel findings reveal dynamic regulation of dural vessels that are distinct from those in cerebral blood vessels during both normal behavior and after dilation by CGRP.
microRNA-155 Regulates Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Models of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Thome Aaron D. , Harms Ashley S. , Volpicelli-Daley Laura A. , Standaert David G.
Published: February 2016

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as a chief mediator of Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and widespread aggregates of the protein α-synuclein (α-syn). Recently, microRNAs, small, noncoding RNAs involved in regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level, have been recognized as important regulators of the inflammatory environment. Using an array approach, we found significant upregulation of microRNA-155 (miR-155) in anin vivomodel of PD produced by adeno-associated-virus-mediated expression of α-syn. Using a mouse with a complete deletion of miR-155, we found that loss of miR-155 reduced proinflammatory responses to α-syn and blocked α-syn-induced neurodegeneration. In primary microglia from miR-155−/−mice, we observed a markedly reduced inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils, with attenuation of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and proinflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. Treatment of these microglia with a synthetic mimic of miR-155 restored the inflammatory response to α-syn fibrils. Our results suggest that miR-155 has a central role in the inflammatory response to α-syn in the brain and in α-syn-related neurodegeneration. These effects are at least in part due to a direct role of miR-155 on the microglial response to α-syn. These data implicate miR-155 as a potential therapeutic target for regulating the inflammatory response in PD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe main feature associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) is the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain accompanied by signs of inflammation and immune activation. Our studies suggest that microRNA-155 is a key inflammation-initiating molecule that could be a viable target for PD therapeutics.
Mothers and Moral Activists
Authors: Lee Chengpang , Han Ling
Published: February 2016

In this article we identify two models of women’s social engagement in contemporary Taiwanese Buddhism: mother and moral activist. The model of mother is represented by the famous Tzu Chi founder Shih Cheng Yen (b. 1937)—a Buddhist nun who is viewed by her followers as the embodiment of the compassionate mother ideal. The model of moral activist in contemporary Taiwanese Buddhism has received far less attention from scholars than Cheng Yen and Tzu Chi. However, in comparison to the model of mother, Taiwanese women who are moral activists actively challenge existing social institutions based on their Buddhist consciousness. This article discusses the nun Shih Chao-hwei (b. 1957) as representative of women moral activists and highlights two events—the public abandonment of the Eight Special Rules for nuns in 2001 and support for a lesbian wedding in 2012—to illustrate how moral activists challenge the existing patriarchal status quo. We argue that these two models of women’s social engagement are equally important in contemporary Taiwanese Buddhism and are the two important sources of women’s social engagement that aims to alleviate suffering and improve society.
Church, Sect, or Cult? The Curious Case of Harold Camping’s Family Radio and the May 21 Movement
Authors: Sarno Charles , Shoemaker Helen
Published: February 2016

This study examines the inception and development of Harold Camping’s Family Radio organization from 1959 to 2014, including the May 21 Judgment Day movement he generated, in the light of church-sect-cult typologies. Family Radio represents a distinct case as the organization has moved through all points on the typological continuum and currently occupies several positions simultaneously. Several factors account for this ambiguous positioning including: (1) the organizational development of Family Radio and the May 21 movement; (2) Camping’s authoritarian and charismatic presence; (3) Camping’s lack of succession planning, and (4) the sense of “networked individualism” that Family Radio cultivated amongst its followers over time, effectively allowing its listening audience to personally select for message and doctrine.
Colonial Encounter and Inculturation
Authors: Huang Yueh-po
Published: February 2016

Tenrikyo is a Japanese new religious movement that, like others, has tried to expand overseas and which has achieved this expansion most successfully in Taiwan. The article will focus on Tenrikyo in Taiwan and ask why it has done comparatively well. The Tenrikyo religious community has endured, and continues to survive, both a colonial and post-colonial environment in Taiwan. I contextualize Tenrikyo’s development within the framework of Japan’s relations with Taiwan, arguing that the issue of Tenrikyo’s missionary activities in Taiwan is not only inextricably linked to the historical development of Japanese religion itself, but also to colonialism. In addition, I argue that certain aspects of Tenrikyo’s doctrine, idioms and practice are compatible with the religious system in Taiwan, thus enabling Tenrikyo to make inroads into local religion through the process of inculturation. Based on my ethnography, I show that practicing Tenrikyo’s rituals such as Mikagura-uta played a prominent part in the propagation of Tenrikyo in Taiwan.
Going into labor and beyond: phospholipase A2 in pregnancy
Authors: Besenboeck Carolin , Cvitic Silvija , Lang Uwe , Desoye Gernot , Wadsack Christian
Published: February 2016

The phospholipase A2(PLA2) family is a very diverse group of enzymes, all serving in the cleavage of phospholipids, thereby releasing high amounts of arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophospholipids. AA serves as a substrate for prostaglandin production, which is of special importance in pregnancy for the onset of parturition. Novel research demonstrates that PLA2action affects the immune response of the mother toward the child and is therefore probably implied in the tolerance of the fetus and prevention of miscarriage. This review presents data on the biochemical and enzymatic properties of PLA2during gestation with a special emphasis on its role for the placental function and development of the fetus. We also critically discuss the possible pathophysiological significance of PLA2alterations and its possible functional consequences. These alterations are often associated with pregnancy pathologies such as preeclampsia and villitis or pregnancy complications such as obesity and diabetes in the mother as well as preterm onset of labor.
Progesterone effects on mouse sperm kinetics in conditions of viscosity
Authors: Pérez-Cerezales S , López-Cardona A P , Gutiérrez-Adán A
Published: February 2016

The spermatozoa delivered to the female genital tract need to swim towards the oocyte through viscous secretions. Once close to the oocyte, the spermatozoa are guided by a gradient of progesterone (P4) and other unknown chemoattractants via a process known as chemotaxis. Using polyvinylpyrrolidone to establish the conditions of viscosity, we examined the response of mouse spermatozoa to P4. Herein, we show that in low-viscous media, P4induces hyperactive-like motility whereby sperm show erratic trajectories and non-progressive movement. However, an opposite response is produced in viscous medium in that trajectories are linear and motility is more progressive and less erratic. Our observations provide a behavioural explanation for the chemotaxis of spermatozoa swimming under viscous conditions in a spatial gradient of the chemoattractant P4. They also highlight the importance of using viscous solutions to mimicin vivoconditions when analysing sperm behaviour in response to any stimulus.

Reproduction (2016) 151 501–507
Non-Cardiac Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Hypokalemia in a Patient with a Syncardia™ Total Artificial Heart
Authors: Prasad Amit , Ghodsizad Ali , Pae Walter , Singbartl Kai , Boone Jacqueline , Zeriouh M. , Ruhparwar Arjang , Loebe M. , Khorrami G. Sadat Hoesseini , Koerner Michael M. , Brehm Christoph
Published: February 2016

The Syncardia™ total artificial heart (TAH) is an option for patients as a bridge to transplant in those who are not candidates for left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) due to right ventricular failure. Postoperative course is highly dependent on volume status and aggressive diuresis is often necessary. One complication from aggressive diuresis is hypokalemia; however, in these patients we tolerate a lower potassium level because cardiac arrhythmias are not a concern.  However, in two separate instances non-cardiac symptoms related to severe hypokalemia occurred. These symptoms included nystagmus in one patient and agitation, tremors, and having an “out-of-body” experience in the other patient. Both these patients had resolution of symptoms with potassium replacement.
Autoimmunity Including Intestinal Behçet Disease Bearing the KRAS Mutation in Lymphocytes: A Case Report
Authors: Moritake Hiroshi , Takagi Masatoshi , Kinoshita Mariko , Ohara Osamu , Yamamoto Shojiro , Moriguchi Sayaka , Nunoi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2016

We experienced the case of a 3-year-old male with a very rare combination of autoimmunity, including immune thrombocytopenia, recurrent Henoch-Schönlein purpura and intestinal Behçet disease. Exome sequencing of the patient’s peripheral blood mononuclear cells identified a KRAS G13C mutation. Interestingly, the KRAS G13C mutation was observed in T and B lymphocytes, as well as natural killer cells, but not granulocytes. Our case was completely phenotypically different from RASopathies and did not meet the criteria for Ras-associated lymphoproliferative disease or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. This is the first reported case in which the KRAS mutation existed only in the lymphoid lineage. Based on the findings of our case and the current literature, it is clear that the RAS mutation in lymphoid cells is tightly linked with various autoimmune symptoms. The presence of the RAS mutation in lymphocytes should be reconsidered as a pathogenesis in cases of autoimmunity.
Formation of self-regulation culture of physical education faculty
Authors: Kudin S.F.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: to experimentally substantiate effectiveness of pedagogic conditions of self-regulation culture formation of future physical culture teachers. Material: in the research 110 3rd year students of physical education faculty participated. The students were questioned. The level of students’ anxiety was assessed. Results: Implementation of the author’s course in educational process facilitated formation of students’ self-regulation skills and abilities; raises confidence and self estimation; influences positively on functional state. It was found that students acquire ability to consciously observe their own verbal constructs of negative thinking and create positive alternatives. Conclusions: preparing of future physical culture teachers stipulates his (her) ability to effectively fulfill professional functioning in the aspect of health preservation. The necessary conditions of self-regulation culture formation are formation of students’ holistic value-meaningful attitude to individual health and health of surrounding people.
Physical development of students of teacher training college as a result of exercises of cheerleading
Authors: Maslyak I. P. , Krivoruchko N. V.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: to define the extent of influence of exercises of cheerleading on physical development of students of teacher training college. Material: researches were conducted on the basis of training college of Kharkov humanitarian teacher training college. 385 students of the I-III courses of not a sports profile took part in them from whom 3 control and 3 experimental groups were created. Results: the level of physical development on indicators of a harmony of a constitution, functionality of the system of breath and resistance of an organism to the hypoxemic phenomena, regulation of the cardiovascular system is determined; the age distinctions on the studied indicators are considered; the positive influence of exercises of cheerleading on indicators of functionality of the system of breath and resistance of an organism to the hypoxemic phenomena, regulation of the cardiovascular system is revealed. Conclusions: 1. As a result of the primary research the "low" level of physical development of students of 15-17 years old is established. 2. The application of exercises of cheerleading in the course of physical training positively wagged on the level of physical development of students of teacher training college.
Selected Electrical Resistivity Values for the Platinum Group of Metals Part II: Rhodium and Iridium
Authors: Arblaster John W.
Published: February 2016

Electrical resistivity values for both the solid and liquid phases of the platinum group metals (pgms) rhodium and iridium are evaluated. In particular improved values are obtained for the liquid phases of these metals.
Deadlines and Matching
Authors: Baughman Garth
Published: February 2016

Deadlines and fixed end dates are pervasive in matching markets including school choice, the market for new graduates, and even financial markets such as the market for federal funds. Deadlines drive fundamental non-stationarity and complexity in behavior, generating significant departures from the steady-state equilibria usually studied in the search and matching literature. I consider a two-sided matching market with search frictions where vertically differentiated agents attempt to form bilateral matches before a deadline. I give conditions for existence and uniqueness of equilibria, and show that all equilibria exhibit an ``anticipation effect'' where less attractive agents become increasingly choosy over time, preferring to wait for the opportunity to match with attractive agents who, in turn, become less selective as the deadline approaches. When payoffs accrue after the deadline, or agents do not discount, a sharp characterization is available: at any point in time, the market is segmented into a first class of matching agents and a second class of waiting agents. This points to a different interpretation of unraveling observed in some markets and provides a benchmark for other studies of non-stationary matching. A simple intervention -- a small participation cost -- can dramatically improve efficiency.
Does Culture Matter in Economic Behavior?
Authors: O'Boyle Edward
Published: February 2016

In this article we address the following question: does culture play a role in economic behavior? We conclude that culture influences economic behavior in all three areas of economic activity: work, consumption, and leisure. Our proof lies not so much in replicating certain experimental results, but in documenting in real-world circumstances how culture influences economic behavior. Attention to the role of culture in economic affairs acknowledges that humans are more than the one-dimensional, autonomous, individuals, as premised in mainstream economics, whose very existence is temporal, whose role in economic affairs is strictly instrumental, and whose behavior is virtually the same across cultures. We have argued that humans are two-dimensional twice over. First, humans are individual beings and social beings: solitary and communal, self-made and culture-bound, autonomous and dependent, rational and emotional, self-centered and other-centered. Second, humans are both matter and spirit. The duality of the human person, rooted in individuality and sociality, affords an opportunity to unify economic theory wherein individuality is the focus of microeconomics and sociality is the center of macroeconomics. Putting the isolated individual at the very heart of economics closes down that opportunity and assures that mainstream economic theory will remain truncated indefinitely. The makeover of mainstream economics will take place once neo-classical economists accept that the ultimate end of economic systems relates not to maximum personal net advantage but to integral human development.