bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Scapular Position on the Core Musculature Activation in the Prone Plank Exercise
Authors: Cortell-Tormo Juan M. , García-Jaén Miguel , Chulvi-Medrano Iván , Hernández-Sánchez Sergio , Lucas-Cuevas Ángel G. , Tortosa-Martínez Juan
Published: October 2016

Cortell-Tormo, JM, García-Jaén, M, Chulvi-Medrano, I, Hernández-Sánchez, S, Lucas-Cuevas, ÁG, and Tortosa-Martínez, J. Influence of scapular position on the core musculature activation in the prone plank exercise. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2255–2262, 2017—Prone plank is a widely used exercise in core stability training. Research has shown that pelvic tilt plays an important role on the electromyographic (EMG) activation of core musculature. However, the influence of scapular position on EMG activation is currently unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of scapular position on the core muscles during a prone plank. Surface EMG of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and erector spinae (ES) was collected in 15 participants (10 men and 5 women). Four variations of the prone plank were evaluated: scapular abduction with anterior (ABANT) and posterior (ABRET) pelvic tilt; and scapular adduction with anterior (ADANT), and posterior (ADRET) pelvic tilt. Individual muscle EMG and overall EMG for each plank exercise was analyzed. Joint positions were controlled with a 2D kinematic analysis. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also registered. The ADRET resulted in higher overall EMG activity compared with ABANT (p = 0.04) and ADANT (p = 0.04). Moreover, ADRET resulted in greater EMG activity compared with ADANT, ABANT, and ABRET for EO (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.035), IO (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.005), and ES (p = 0.019; p = 0.001; p = 0.014). Regarding RA, ADRET was significantly higher compared with ADANT (p = 0.002) and ABANT (p = 0.005). Finally, ADRET provoked a higher RPE compared with ABANT (p = 0.000), ABRET (p = 0.001), and ADANT (p = 0.015). These findings demonstrate the influence of the scapular and pelvic position on the EMG response of the core muscle groups analyzed in this study, and highlight the greater contribution of these muscles to the postural stabilizing demands during posterior pelvic tilt positions, particularly when the scapulae are in adduction.
Influence of Temperature on the Dynamic Reading Performance of UHF RFID System: Theory and Experimentation
Authors: Yu Yinshan , Yu Xiaolei , Zhao Zhimin , Liu Jialing , Wang Donghua
Published: October 2016

The radio frequency identification (RFID) system is vulnerable to a variety of factors (metal, liquid, temperature, and so on) in the practical application. In this paper, the reading distance of tags, as the evaluation criteria for the reading performance of the RFID system, is focused on to study the influence of environmental temperature on the dynamical performance of an ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID system. An experimentation system, including temperature control system and detection platform, is devised to control temperature and measure the reading distance of the RFID tag. According to the experimental data of the tag's reading distance at different temperature, a fitting model between temperature and tag's reading distance is established. Experimental results show that the tag's reading distance decreases with the increase of temperature. Finally, the corresponding temperature compensation mechanism is deduced to get the reading distance under the same reference temperature. This paper provides an effective method for selection and evaluation of UHF RFID tags at different temperature.
Effect of Pozzolanic Admixtures on Thermal Properties of Lightweight Cement-Based Foams
Authors: Batool F. , Bindiganavile V.
Published: October 2016

This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of pozzolanic admixtures on the thermal conductivity of lightweight cement-based foam (LW-CBF). The foam mixes were cast and tested for three different densities namely, 800, 600, and 400 kg/m3. Three different pozzolanic admixtures namely, fly ash, silica fume, and metakaolin, were examined here. Fly ash was incorporated at up to 50 % mass substitution of cement, while silica fume and metakaolin were incorporated in the binder at up to 20 % replacement by cement mass. Density, moisture content, and thermal conductivity were measured experimentally, while porosity was evaluated theoretically. The transient line source (TLS), which conformed to ASTM standards, was used to assess the thermal conductivity in this study. It was found that the thermal conductivity of the cement-based foam samples was proportional to the cast density in the range examined with, on average, a 20 % drop in conductivity between 800 and 400 kg/m3. In addition, it was found that adding pozzolanic admixtures resulted in a higher moisture content. Furthermore, of the three pozzolanic admixtures, silica fume was the most efficient, causing a 30 % drop, whereas metakaolin was the least at a mere 10 % decline for equal dosage.
Theory and Simulation Investigation of Low-Energy Neutron Shielding for Different Boron Compounds
Authors: Adeli R. , Shirmardi S. P. , Bagheri R.
Published: October 2016

Neutron absorbers, especially boron, exhibit a comparatively large neutron absorption cross section, in particular, with regard to thermal neutrons. In this study, four boron compounds, including boron carbide (B4C), boron nitride (BN), boron trioxide (B2O3), and boric acid (H3BO3) were considered for shielding the thermal neutrons, both theoretically and in simulation. The shielding ability and secondary gamma-ray production of compounds were studied, using the MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code. The theory shows that B4C has the greatest and B(OH)3 the least total neutron macroscopic cross section. Simulation results also show that B2O3 and H3BO3 create more high-energy secondary gamma rays that may cause a significant photoneutron reaction, in addition to unwanted dose radiation. Among these, BN and, especially, B4C, create secondary photons with lower energy. From a shielding point of view, we can confirm that B4C and BN in the second order have the best performance when epithermal and, particularly, thermal neutron absorption is concerned. Result shows that H3BO3 has the worst performance among the candidates considered.
Experimental-Statistical Investigation of Testing Variables of a Semicircular Bending (SCB) Fracture Test Repeatability for Bituminous Mixtures
Authors: Nsengiyumva G. , You T. , Kim Y.-R.
Published: October 2016

Given the fact that fracture is a primary distress causing pavement failure, it is important to identify and characterize the fracture/cracking properties of asphalt concrete mixtures and to include them in pavement design processes. This study examined the testing variables for a reliable and practical semicircular bending (SCB) fracture test to evaluate the fracture characteristics of asphalt concrete mixtures at intermediate service temperatures. An integrated experimental-statistical approach was employed to identify testing variables by which repeatable SCB test results can be achieved. Using a typical Nebraska asphalt mixture, five critical testing variables (i.e., the number of testing specimens, specimen thickness, notch length, loading rate, and testing temperature) of the SCB test were investigated due to their significant effects on mixture fracture characteristics. Statistical analysis of test results indicated that approximately six specimens/replicates were a reasonable sample size that could properly represent asphalt concrete fracture behavior of a typical dense-graded mixture. Then, the coefficient of variation (COV) of the mixture fracture energy for six specimens was used to evaluate the effects of other remaining test variables. A range of a specimen thickness of 40 to 60 mm, a notch length from 5 to 40 mm, and a testing temperature between 15 and 40°C showed the reasonably low COV value of fracture energy at around or less than 10 %. The loading rates (0.1 to 10 mm/min.) attempted in this study did not show any significant differences in the testing repeatability.
An Investigation into the Continuous High-Temperature Grade and Elastic Recovery of Asphalt Binders Measured Using the Creep-Recovery Test
Authors: Arega Z. , Sakib N. , Bhasin A. , Peterson J.
Published: October 2016

The multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test has been developed and is gradually being adopted as a more accurate indicator of the ability of an asphalt binder to resist permanent deformation compared to the G*/sin δ parameter from the Superpave binder specifications. This paper presents the findings from a study conducted using over 100 different asphalt binders from producers in and around the state of Texas. The study determined the continuous high temperature grade of asphalt binders based on the non-recoverable compliance (Jnr) measured using the MSCR test analogous to the continuous high temperature grade measured using the Superpave performance grade (PG) system. Also, the elastic recovery determined from the MSCR test was compared to the elastic recovery measured using the conventional elastic recovery test using a ductilometer. The results from this study show that: (i) some binders have an anomalous continuous high temperature grade based on the (Jnr) values, (ii) the elastic recovery measured using the MSCR method had a much higher sensitivity compared to the elastic recovery measured using a ductilometer, although the results from both methods showed similar trends, and (iii) a direct comparison of binder grades based on AASHTO M320 to the grades based on AASHTO MP19 indicated that, in some cases, the latter method and recommended specification limits result in the use of a binder that is stiffer compared to the conventional Superpave PG specification.
Objective Fuzziness Assessment of Multi-Colored Fabrics Using 3D Images
Authors: Wang L. , Gao W. , Xu B.
Published: October 2016

A quantitative evaluation method based on a three-dimensional (3D) laser-scanning technique is presented for the objective assessment of fabric fuzziness. Fabric fuzziness, referring to severity of protruding fibers on a fabric surface, has a direct effect on fabric serviceability and needs to be evaluated routinely for quality assurance. In this research, the characterization of fabric fuzziness was realized by using a customized laser scanning system that can produce the 3D surface image of a fabric in a high resolution, and by analyzing the parameters of roughness amplitude distributions extracted from the 3D image. Multi-colored fabrics with different levels of fuzziness were first visually evaluated to obtain the subjective fuzziness grades in reference to a set of expert-rated cotton samples. Then, the fabrics were scanned by the laser system and the surface roughness parameters were calculated from the 3D images for the regression analysis with the subjective fuzziness grades. The result of multivariable regression analysis indicated that the fuzziness grade has a strong correlation with the roughness parameters, and can be estimated automatically after a fabric is scanned. The system demonstrated its fuzziness ratings are invariant to fabrics’ colors, prints, and structures.
Surface Topography Quantification of Super Hard Abrasive Tools by Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Fang S. , Llanes L. , Engstler M. , Baehre D. , Soldera F. , Muecklich F.
Published: October 2016

Non-conventional super hard abrasive tools are made of composite materials containing super hard grains, e.g., diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) grains, bound by a metallic constitutive phase. These tools are usually produced by means of sintering, and are widely applied in the abrasive machining processes of modern manufacturing, especially in precision machining. The abrasive grains, which induce the material removal processes, are embedded in the metallic binder. They emerge as a consequence of self-dressing, resulting in a self-sharping effect. Therefore, the cutting surface of the tool displays an irregular topography. Quantification of surface topography scenario may supply valuable information to evaluate and understand its correlation to wear mechanisms. In this study, an experimental protocol consisting of five steps: specimen preparation, surface scanning, image assembly, image digital processing and surface quantification, was proposed and validated by characterizing two CBN honing tools used for precision machining: B151/L2/2010/50 (B151) and B91/128/x44/35 (B91) CBN honing stones. It involved the use of laser scanning microscopy and digital imaging processing for assessing significant dimensional, geometrical, and positional properties of CBN grains at the surface of super hard abrasive tools. It was shown that surface topography quantification is an effective method to evaluate and obtain the defined parameters. However, smaller grains may require images with higher resolution; thus, scanning must be refined. Finally, a critical comparative analysis of the experimental results attained for the studied tools pointed out honing stone B91 as more appropriated than B151 one for achieving a higher machining quality of the workpiece.
Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Fusion Welded Dissimilar Joints of AA2219-AA5083 at RT, 77K and 20K
Authors: Narayana Murty S. V. S. , Manwatkar Sushant K. , Sunil M. , Joseph Reji , Ramesh Narayanan P.
Published: October 2016

In the present study, 3 mm thick sheets of aluminium-copper alloy AA2219 were welded to aluminium-magnesium alloy AA5083 by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding using AA2319 filler wire. The welded specimens were evaluated for mechanical properties at RT, 77 K, and 20 K. The failure of the tensile specimens was predominantly on the AA2219 side of the weld bead at all test temperatures down to 20 K. Microstructural analysis was carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Based on extensive analysis of the weld joints tested at room and cryogenic temperatures down to 20 K, it was observed that the grain boundary copper rich films formed at the partially melted zone on the AA2219 side of the weld joint were weaker compared to the eutectics formed at fusion line/HAZ on the AA5083 side. This is further aided by the absence of phase mixtures of undesirable morphology in the weld region. This phenomenon is further corroborated with the dependence of the orientation of AA2219 grains with loading axis in repair welded AA2219–AA5083 weld specimens. When the tensile axis is perpendicular to AA2219 grains, failure was on the AA2219 side of the weld indicating that the strength of copper rich films in a partially welded zone decides the strength of weld joints. Finally, it is concluded that reliable dissimilar weld joints of AA2219–AA5083 of aerospace quality can be manufactured.
Micro-Abrasive Wear Testing of Surface Engineered Surgical Grade CoCrMo Alloy for Biotribological Applications
Authors: Ortega-Saenz J. A. , Hernandez-Rodriguez M. A. L. , Michalczewski R.
Published: October 2016

Wear of metal-on-metal hip joints is a concern due to the toxicity and biological reaction of wear debris. Retrieved CoCrMo hip implants have shown that abrasive wear is the predominant failure mechanism in such joints. There have been some efforts to improve the wear resistance of joint implants through the application of hard biocompatible ceramic coatings. However, the adhesion of the coatings has been a concern. The aim of the present work was to study the wear resistance of surface engineered CoCrMo alloy intended for biotribological applications by means of an abrasive wear test, based on the ball-crater technique. Different surface conditions were obtained on surgical grade wrought CoCrMo alloy: plasma nitrided, physical vapor deposition (PVD) coated (monolayer CrN and multilayer (TiN/CrN)×3) and modified using duplex surface engineering technology (a combination of the two previous approaches: plasma nitriding followed by plasma assisted PVD). The engineered surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, nanoindentation and, atomic force microscopy (AFM). Scratch test was used to determine the influence of the duplex technology on the adhesion of the coatings to substrate. The wear resistance of the different surface conditions was determined using a slurry abrasive micro-abrasion testing device. It was found that the duplex engineering technology enables a significant rise in the resistance of surfaces against concentrated loading modes, improving the adhesion of the coatings to the substrate; however, it has no significant influence improving the wear resistance of the samples during the abrasive wear tests.
Noisy Juxtacellular StimulationIn VivoLeads to Reliable Spiking and Reveals High-Frequency Coding in Single Neurons
Authors: Doose Jens , Doron Guy , Brecht Michael , Lindner Benjamin
Published: October 2016

Single cells in the motor and somatosensory cortex of rats were stimulatedin vivowith broadband fluctuating currents applied juxtacellularly. Unlike the DC current steps used previously, fluctuating stimulation currents reliably evoked spike trains with precise timing of individual spikes. Fluctuating currents resulted in strong cellular responses at stimulation frequencies beyond the inverse membrane time constant and the mean firing rate of the neuron. Neuronal firing was associated with high rates of information transmission, even for the high-frequency components of the stimulus. Such response characteristics were also revealed in additional experiments with sinusoidal juxtacellular stimulation. For selected cells, we could reproduce these statistics with compartmental models of varying complexity. We also developed a method to generate Gaussian stimuli that evoke spike trains with prescribed spike times (under the constraint of a certain rate and coefficient of variation) and exemplify its ability to achieve precise and reliable spiking in cortical neuronsin vivo. Our results demonstrate a novel method for precise control of spike timing by juxtacellular stimulation, confirm and extend earlier conclusions fromex vivowork about the capacity of cortical neurons to generate precise discharges, and contribute to the understanding of the biophysics of information transfer of single neuronsin vivoat high frequencies.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNanostimulation of single identified neuronsin vivocan control spike frequency parametrically and, surprisingly, can even bias the animal's behavioral response. Here, we extend this stimulation protocol to time-dependent broadband noise stimulation in sensory and motor cortices of rat. In response to such stimuli, we found increased temporal spike-time reliability. The information transmission properties reveal, both experimentally and theoretically, that the neurons support high-frequency stimulation beyond the inverse membrane time. Generating a stimulus using the neuron's response properties, we could evoke prescribed spike times with high precision. Our work helps to establish a novel method for precise temporal control of single-cell spiking and provides a simplified biophysical description of single-neuron spiking under time-dependentin vivo-like stimulation.
Nogo Receptor 1 Confines a Disinhibitory Microcircuit to the Critical Period in Visual Cortex
Authors: Stephany Céleste-Élise , Ikrar Taruna , Nguyen Collins , Xu Xiangmin , McGee Aaron W.
Published: October 2016

A characteristic of the developing mammalian visual system is a brief interval of plasticity, termed the “critical period,” when the circuitry of primary visual cortex is most sensitive to perturbation of visual experience. Depriving one eye of vision (monocular deprivation [MD]) during the critical period alters ocular dominance (OD) by shifting the responsiveness of neurons in visual cortex to favor the nondeprived eye. A disinhibitory microcircuit involving parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons initiates this OD plasticity. The gene encoding theneuronal nogo-66-receptor 1(ngr1/rtn4r) is required to close the critical period. Here we combined mouse genetics, electrophysiology, and circuit mapping with laser-scanning photostimulation to investigate whether disinhibition is confined to the critical period byngr1. We demonstrate thatngr1mutant mice retain plasticity characteristic of the critical period as adults, and thatngr1operates within PV interneurons to restrict the loss of intracortical excitatory synaptic input following MD in adult mice, and this disinhibition induces a “lower PV network configuration” in both critical-period wild-type mice and adultngr1−/−mice. We propose thatngr1limits disinhibition to close the critical period for OD plasticity and that a decrease in PV expression levels reports the diminished recent cumulative activity of these interneurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLife experience refines brain circuits throughout development during specified critical periods. Abnormal experience during these critical periods can yield enduring maladaptive changes in neural circuits that impair brain function. In the developing visual system, visual deprivation early in life can result in amblyopia (lazy-eye), a prevalent childhood disorder comprising permanent deficits in spatial vision. Here we identify that thenogo-66 receptor 1gene restricts an early and essential step in OD plasticity to the critical period. These findings link the emerging circuit-level description of OD plasticity to the genetic regulation of the critical period. Understanding how plasticity is confined to critical periods may provide clues how to better treat amblyopia.
A Decline in Response Variability Improves Neural Signal Detection during Auditory Task Performance
Authors: von Trapp Gardiner , Buran Bradley N. , Sen Kamal , Semple Malcolm N. , Sanes Dan H.
Published: October 2016

The detection of a sensory stimulus arises from a significant change in neural activity, but a sensory neuron's response is rarely identical to successive presentations of the same stimulus. Large trial-to-trial variability would limit the central nervous system's ability to reliably detect a stimulus, presumably affecting perceptual performance. However, if response variability were to decrease while firing rate remained constant, then neural sensitivity could improve. Here, we asked whether engagement in an auditory detection task can modulate response variability, thereby increasing neural sensitivity. We recorded telemetrically from the core auditory cortex of gerbils, both while they engaged in an amplitude-modulation detection task and while they sat quietly listening to the identical stimuli. Using a signal detection theory framework, we found that neural sensitivity was improved during task performance, and this improvement was closely associated with a decrease in response variability. Moreover, units with the greatest change in response variability had absolute neural thresholds most closely aligned with simultaneously measured perceptual thresholds. Our findings suggest that the limitations imposed by response variability diminish during task performance, thereby improving the sensitivity of neural encoding and potentially leading to better perceptual sensitivity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe detection of a sensory stimulus arises from a significant change in neural activity. However, trial-to-trial variability of the neural response may limit perceptual performance. If the neural response to a stimulus is quite variable, then the response on a given trial could be confused with the pattern of neural activity generated when the stimulus is absent. Therefore, a neural mechanism that served to reduce response variability would allow for better stimulus detection. By recording from the cortex of freely moving animals engaged in an auditory detection task, we found that variability of the neural response becomes smaller during task performance, thereby improving neural detection thresholds.
A Feed-Forward Mechanism Involving the NOX Complex and RyR-Mediated Ca2+Release During Axonal Specification
Authors: Wilson Carlos , Muñoz-Palma Ernesto , Henríquez Daniel R. , Palmisano Ilaria , Núñez M. Tulio , Di Giovanni Simone , González-Billault Christian
Published: October 2016

Physiological levels of ROS support neurite outgrowth and axonal specification, but the mechanisms by which ROS are able to shape neurons remain unknown. Ca2+, a broad intracellular second messenger, promotes both Rac1 activation and neurite extension. Ca2+release from the endoplasmic reticulum, mediated by both the IP3R1 and ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels, requires physiological ROS levels that are mainly sustained by the NADPH oxidase (NOX) complex. In this work, we explore the contribution of the link between NOX and RyR-mediated Ca2+release toward axonal specification of rat hippocampal neurons. Using genetic approaches, we find that NOX activation promotes both axonal development and Rac1 activation through a RyR-mediated mechanism, which in turn activates NOX through Rac1, one of the NOX subunits. Collectively, these data suggest a feedforward mechanism that integrates both NOX activity and RyR-mediated Ca2+release to support cellular mechanisms involved in axon development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHigh levels of ROS are frequently associated with oxidative stress and disease. In contrast, physiological levels of ROS, mainly sustained by the NADPH oxidase (NOX) complex, promote neuronal development and axonal growth. However, the mechanisms by which ROS shape neurons have not been described. Our work suggests that NOX-derived ROS promote axonal growth by regulating Rac1 activity, a molecular determinant of axonal growth, through a ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated Ca2+release mechanism. In addition, Rac1, one of the NOX subunits, was activated after RyR-mediated Ca2+release, suggesting a feedforward mechanism between NOX and RyR. Collectively, our data suggest a novel mechanism that is instrumental in sustaining physiological levels of ROS required for axonal growth of hippocampal neurons.
Genetically Targeted All-Optical Electrophysiology with a Transgenic Cre-Dependent Optopatch Mouse
Authors: Lou Shan , Adam Yoav , Weinstein Eli N. , Williams Erika , Williams Katherine , Parot Vicente , Kavokine Nikita , Liberles Stephen , Madisen Linda , Zeng Hongkui , Cohen Adam E.
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in optogenetics have enabled simultaneous optical perturbation and optical readout of membrane potential in diverse cell types. Here, we develop and characterize aCre-dependent transgenic Optopatch2 mouse line that we call Floxopatch. The animals expressed a blue-shifted channelrhodopsin, CheRiff, and a near infrared Archaerhodopsin-derived voltage indicator, QuasAr2, via targeted knock-in at the rosa26 locus. In Optopatch-expressing animals, we tested for overall health, genetically targeted expression, and function of the optogenetic components. In offspring of Floxopatch mice crossed with a variety ofCredriver lines, we observed spontaneous and optically evoked activityin vitroin acute brain slices andin vivoin somatosensory ganglia. Cell-type-specific expression allowed classification and characterization of neuronal subtypes based on their firing patterns. The Floxopatch mouse line is a useful tool for fast and sensitive characterization of neural activity in genetically specified cell types in intact tissue.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOptical recordings of neural activity offer the promise of rapid and spatially resolved mapping of neural function. Calcium imaging has been widely applied in this mode, but is insensitive to the details of action potential waveforms and subthreshold events. Simultaneous optical perturbation and optical readout of single-cell electrical activity (“Optopatch”) has been demonstrated in cultured neurons and in organotypic brain slices, but not in acute brain slices orin vivo. Here, we describe a transgenic mouse in which expression of Optopatch constructs is controlled by the Cre-recombinase enzyme. This animal enables fast and robust optical measurements of single-cell electrical excitability in acute brain slices and in somatosensory gangliain vivo, opening the door to rapid optical mapping of neuronal excitability.
α2δ2 Controls the Function and Trans-Synaptic Coupling of Cav1.3 Channels in Mouse Inner Hair Cells and Is Essential for Normal Hearing
Authors: Fell Barbara , Eckrich Stephanie , Blum Kerstin , Eckrich Tobias , Hecker Dietmar , Obermair Gerald J. , Münkner Stefan , Flockerzi Veit , Schick Bernhard , Engel Jutta
Published: October 2016

The auxiliary subunit α2δ2 modulates the abundance and function of voltage-gated calcium channels. Here we show that α2δ2 mRNA is expressed in neonatal and mature hair cells. A functional α2δ2-null mouse, the ducky mouse (du), showed elevated auditory brainstem response click and frequency-dependent hearing thresholds. Otoacoustic emissions were not impaired pointing to normal outer hair cell function. Peak Ca2+and Ba2+currents of mature du/du inner hair cells (IHCs) were reduced by 30–40%, respectively, and gating properties, such as the voltage of half-maximum activation and voltage sensitivity, were altered, indicating that Cav1.3 channels normally coassemble with α2δ2 at IHC presynapses. The reduction of depolarization-evoked exocytosis in du/du IHCs reflected their reduced Ca2+currents. Ca2+- and voltage-dependent K+(BK) currents and the expression of the pore-forming BKα protein were normal. Cav1.3 and Cavβ2 protein expression was unchanged in du/du IHCs, forming clusters at presynaptic ribbons. However, the close apposition of presynaptic Cav1.3 clusters with postsynaptic glutamate receptor GluA4 and PSD-95 clusters was significantly impaired in du/du mice. This implies that, in addition to controlling the expression and gating properties of Cav1.3 channels, the largely extracellularly localized α2δ2 subunit moreover plays a so far unknown role in mediating trans-synaptic alignment of presynaptic Ca2+channels and postsynaptic AMPA receptors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTInner hair cells possess calcium channels that are essential for transmitting sound information into synaptic transmitter release. Voltage-gated calcium channels can coassemble with auxiliary subunit α2δ isoforms 1–4. We found that hair cells of the mouse express the auxiliary subunit α2δ2, which is needed for normal hearing thresholds. Using a mouse model with a mutant, nonfunctional α2δ2 protein, we showed that the α2δ2 protein is necessary for normal calcium currents and exocytosis in inner hair cells. Unexpectedly, the α2δ2 protein is moreover required for the optimal spatial alignment of presynaptic calcium channels and postsynaptic glutamate receptor proteins across the synaptic cleft. This suggests that α2δ2 plays a novel role in organizing the synapse.
Connectional Modularity of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Multimodal Inputs to the Lateral Cortex of the Mouse Inferior Colliculus
Authors: Lesicko Alexandria M.H. , Hristova Teodora S. , Maigler Kathleen C. , Llano Daniel A.
Published: October 2016

The lateral cortex of the inferior colliculus receives information from both auditory and somatosensory structures and is thought to play a role in multisensory integration. Previous studies in the rat have shown that this nucleus contains a series of distinct anatomical modules that stain for GAD-67 as well as other neurochemical markers. In the present study, we sought to better characterize these modules in the mouse inferior colliculus and determine whether the connectivity of other neural structures with the lateral cortex is spatially related to the distribution of these neurochemical modules. Staining for GAD-67 and other markers revealed a single modular network throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the mouse lateral cortex. Somatosensory inputs from the somatosensory cortex and dorsal column nuclei were found to terminate almost exclusively within these modular zones. However, projections from the auditory cortex and central nucleus of the inferior colliculus formed patches that interdigitate with the GAD-67-positive modules. These results suggest that the lateral cortex of the mouse inferior colliculus exhibits connectional as well as neurochemical modularity and may contain multiple segregated processing streams. This finding is discussed in the context of other brain structures in which neuroanatomical and connectional modularity have functional consequences.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMany brain regions contain subnuclear microarchitectures, such as the matrix-striosome organization of the basal ganglia or the patch-interpatch organization of the visual cortex, that shed light on circuit complexities. In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of one such micro-organization in the rodent inferior colliculus. While this structure is typically viewed as an auditory integration center, its lateral cortex appears to be involved in multisensory operations and receives input from somatosensory brain regions. We show here that the lateral cortex can be further subdivided into multiple processing streams: modular regions, which are targeted by somatosensory inputs, and extramodular zones that receive auditory information.
Behavioral and Neural Signatures of Reduced Updating of Alternative Options in Alcohol-Dependent Patients during Flexible Decision-Making
Authors: Reiter Andrea M.F. , Deserno Lorenz , Kallert Thomas , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Heinz Andreas , Schlagenhauf Florian
Published: October 2016

Addicted individuals continue substance use despite the knowledge of harmful consequences and often report having no choice but to consume. Computational psychiatry accounts have linked this clinical observation to difficulties in making flexible and goal-directed decisions in dynamic environments via consideration of potential alternative choices. To probe this in alcohol-dependent patients (n= 43) versus healthy volunteers (n= 35), human participants performed an anticorrelated decision-making task during functional neuroimaging. Via computational modeling, we investigated behavioral and neural signatures of inference regarding the alternative option. While healthy control subjects exploited the anticorrelated structure of the task to guide decision-making, alcohol-dependent patients were relatively better explained by a model-free strategy due to reduced inference on the alternative option after punishment. Whereas model-free prediction error signals were preserved, alcohol-dependent patients exhibited blunted medial prefrontal signatures of inference on the alternative option. This reduction was associated with patients' behavioral deficit in updating the alternative choice option and their obsessive-compulsive drinking habits. All results remained significant when adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., neuropsychological measures and gray matter density). A disturbed integration of alternative choice options implemented by the medial prefrontal cortex appears to be one important explanation for the puzzling question of why addicted individuals continue drug consumption despite negative consequences.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn addiction, patients maintain substance use despite devastating consequences and often report having no choice but to consume. These clinical observations have been theoretically linked to disturbed mechanisms of inference, for example, to difficulties when learning statistical regularities of the environmental structure to guide decisions. Using computational modeling, we demonstrate disturbed inference on alternative choice options in alcohol addiction. Patients neglecting “what might have happened” was accompanied by blunted coding of inference regarding alternative choice options in the medial prefrontal cortex. An impaired integration of alternative choice options implemented by the medial prefrontal cortex might contribute to ongoing drug consumption in the face of evident negative consequences.
The association of thyroid function and the risk of kidney function decline: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Chaker Layal , Sedaghat Sanaz , Hoorn Ewout J , Elzen Wendy P J Den , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Hofman Albert , Ikram M Arfan , Franco Oscar H , Dehghan Abbas , Peeters Robin P
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Thyroid dysfunction has been associated with kidney function decline, but mainly in cross-sectional studies. Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between thyroid and kidney function in a prospective population-based cohort study longitudinally.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Participants aged ≥45 years from the Rotterdam Study with thyroid and kidney function assessment were included. Kidney function and new onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) were defined using estimated glomerular filtration ate (eGFR), with CKD defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 according to the CKD-EPI formula.

Results

We included 5103 participants (mean age of 63.6 years) with a mean follow-up of 8.1 years. Cross-sectionally, higher TSH levels were associated with lower eGFR (Beta (β): −1.75 mL/min; 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.17, −1.33), in multivariable models adjusting for several cardiovascular risk factors including smoking, hypertension and history of coronary heart disease among others. In contrast, longitudinally, higher TSH levels were associated with less annual eGFR decline (β: −0.06 mL/min; CI: −0.11, −0.01) and lower CKD incidence (odds ratio 0.85, CI; 0.75, 0.96). Compared with euthyroid participants, subclinical hyperthyroid individuals had an increased risk for CKD whereas hypothyroid individuals had a decreased risk (P for trend = 0.04).

Conclusions

Hyperactive thyroid function is associated with increased risk of kidney function decline while hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased CKD risk. More insight is needed in the pathophysiological pathways connecting high thyroid function and kidney function decline.
Serviço Social: um enfant terrible na institucionalidade burguesa?
Authors: Pereira Potyara A. P.
Published: October 2016

Resumo: Esta é uma reflexão que, aproveitando-se do ensejo comemorativo dos oitenta anos do Serviço Social no Brasil, faz um retrospecto da performance desta profissão na ordem burguesa, partindo dos países capitalistas que lhes serviram de berço. Esse périplo, no entanto, pretendeu realçar um denominador comum no Serviço Social mundializado, que é a sua propensão a remar, em qualquer contexto, contra os ditames do sistema que o engendrou. E com essa tendência - que não é unânime, mas historicamente persistente - ele tem sido um profícuo "ponto fora da curva" das profissões sucumbentes ao conservadorismo.
80 anos de formação em Serviço Social: uma trajetória de ruptura com o conservadorismo
Authors: Cardoso Priscila Fernanda Gonçalves
Published: October 2016

Resumo: O presente artigo visa realizar análise crítica acerca da formação dos assistentes sociais no Brasil em seus oitenta anos de existência, reconstruindo a trajetória dessa formação desde a primeira Escola de Serviço Social, fundada em 1936. Retoma os currículos que deram base a tal formação desde sua gênese, passando por todos os currículos mínimos aprovados nacionalmente, até as atuais diretrizes curriculares, demonstrando a importante inflexão político-pedagógica realizada na ruptura com o conservadorismo.
Serviço Social e Dona Ivone Lara: o lado negro e laico da nossa história profissional
Authors: Scheffer Graziela
Published: October 2016

Resumo: O artigo é fruto de estudo exploratório concluído na tese de doutorado, na qual apresentamos parte do resultado sobre a história das pioneiras cariocas do Serviço Social, onde destacamos uma das primeiras assistentes sociais negras do Brasil, Dona Ivone Lara.
O pensamento de Jeannine Verdès-Leroux e o Serviço Social: um resgate crítico
Authors: Martins Ludson Rocha
Published: October 2016

Resumo: O texto recupera o estudo de Jeannine Verdès-Leroux sobre o trabalho social e o Serviço Social francês. Nesse sentido, trabalha os conceitos centrais da sociologia de Pierre Bourdieu - principal influência para o desenvolvimento das ideias da autora. A partir disto, são avaliadas as indicações de Verdès-Leroux acerca do trabalho social e do Serviço Social como dispositivos de controle e violência simbólica.
Gênero e Serviço Social: uma análise a partir do paradigma indiciário
Authors: Lole Ana
Published: October 2016

Resumo: Neste artigo apresentamos ressonâncias dos estudos de gênero no Serviço Social valendo-nos das contribuições do paradigma indiciário (Ginzburg, 1990). Sustentamos que, ao longo do tempo, recorrências de análises de gênero na produção profissional, aparentemente desconexas, revelam uma presença do tema no Serviço Social que se intensificou nos últimos anos. Nesse sentido, examinamos as estratégias de formação profissional na perspectiva da incorporação do gênero na atualidade.
O Serviço Social brasileiro na entrada do século XXI: considerações sobre o trabalho profissional
Authors: Moraes Carlos Antonio de Souza
Published: October 2016

Resumo: Este artigo analisa o Serviço Social brasileiro na entrada do século XXI, refletindo a respeito das mudanças do capitalismo contemporâneo e de suas implicações para o trabalho profissional. Objetiva discutir como os assistentes sociais têm se posicionado no plano teórico-prático/interventivo e ético-político/organizativo, na tentativa de enfrentar essa realidade, defender seus valores e responder, enquanto trabalhadores assalariados dotados de estatuto intelectual, às exigências impostas pela sociedade capitalista e às necessidades sociais dos sujeitos sociais.
Análise Narrativa, Construção de Sentidos e Identidade
Authors: Moutinho Karina , Conti Luciane De
Published: October 2016

RESUMO Subjetividade é um fenômeno amplamente debatido por perspectivas narrativistas em Psicologia. Uma questão importante nessa direção é como analisar as construções narrativas em situações de pesquisa. Neste estudo, temos o objetivo de apresentar e discutir uma proposta analítica para estudo do fenômeno da identidade, à luz de perspectivas narrativistas e da psicologia discursiva. A proposta se fundamenta em uma forma específica de análise narrativa: a análise de posicionamento. Apresentamos um estudo de caso realizado com o objetivo de investigar a construção de sentidos de identidade por pessoas que tinham realizado cirurgia bariátrica. Espera-se ampliar a discussão sobre ferramentas analíticas, vinculando-as a referenciais teórico-metodológicos específicos no chamado "turno interpretativo", e ofertar uma proposta investigativa plausível para narrativas e subjetividade em Psicologia.
Alterações Neurobiológicas Verificadas a partir do Tratamento com Terapia Cognitivo-comportamental no Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo
Authors: Fernandes Priscila Assumpção , Carvalho Marcele Regine de
Published: October 2016

RESUMO Hipóteses neurobiológicas sobre o Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo (TOC) sugerem alterações funcionais e anatômicas em determinadas áreas cerebrais relacionadas aos sintomas. Evidências indicam que a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) é eficaz para o tratamento do TOC e capaz de modular padrões neurais disfuncionais. O presente estudo objetivou descrever as alterações neurobiológicas promovidas pela TCC para o TOC. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, cuja amostra final correspondeu a cinco estudos. Em todos, houve melhora significativa do TOC e alterações neurobiológicas após a TCC, tais como redução da atividade e volume no córtex orbitofrontal, aumento da atividade no córtex cingulado anterior, tálamo e núcleo caudado. A TCC mostrou-se capaz de modular neurocircuitos envolvidos no TOC.
Temperamento e Caráter na Resposta à Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental para Transtorno de Pânico
Authors: Finkler Débora Cassiane , Wesner Ana Cristina , Heldt Elizeth
Published: October 2016

RESUMO O estudo investigou o impacto das características de temperamento e caráter na resposta à terapia cognitivo-comportamental (TCC) para pacientes com transtorno de pânico (TP). Um total de 55 pacientes realizou 12 sessões de TCC em grupo (TCCG). A gravidade dos sintomas foi verificada antes e após a intervenção, e o Inventário de Temperamento e Caráter de Cloninger foi aplicado no início do tratamento. Observou-se uma redução significativa na gravidade do TP após a intervenção. Análises de regressão indicaram que as características de temperamento (persistência) e caráter (autodirecionamento e cooperatividade) não se mostraram significativamente relacionadas à melhora da agorafobia e de sintomas depressivos, permanecendo a gravidade inicial desses sintomas como fatores independentes de resposta à TCCG.
Dimensões da Qualidade de Vida e Apoio Social dos Pacientes Hospitalizados nas Unidades de Assistência à Saúde do Algarve
Authors: Duarte António , Joaquim Natércia , Nunes Cristina
Published: October 2016

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a relação entre qualidade de vida e rede de apoio social dos pacientes das unidades de cuidados continuados do Algarve, através de WHOQOL-BREF e ASSIS. Participaram 92 pacientes, com idades entre 34-101 anos: muito idosos (40,2%), sexo feminino (58,7%), viúvas (40,2%), classe média-alta (46,8%), coabitando com o cônjuge (43,2%), e parcialmente dependentes (72,5%). As redes de apoio emocional, material e informativo eram compostas maioritariamente por familiares. Observamos relações significativas entre o apoio informativo e os domínios físico, relações sociais e ambiente da qualidade de vida (p<0,05). Os resultados sugerem uma percepção e satisfação com a saúde razoáveis, mas inferiores no domínio físico. A necessidade de apoio informativo esteve negativamente associada aos domínios psicológico e relações sociais da qualidade de vida.
Variância Média Extraída e Confiabilidade Composta: Indicadores de Precisão
Authors: Valentini Felipe , Damásio Bruno Figueiredo
Published: October 2016

RESUMO A variância média extraída (VME) e a confiabilidade composta (CC) são indicadores associados à qualidade de uma medida. No entanto, é necessário compreender adequadamente a dinâmica dos cálculos da VME e da CC, bem como as suas relações com os conceitos de validade e precisão para evitar equívocos na interpretação dos seus resultados. No presente artigo, ilustramos, por meio de modelos unifatoriais simulados, como o número de itens e a homogeneidade das cargas fatoriais impactam os valores da VME e da CC. Assim, problematizamos a utilização de pontos de cortes fixos para esses indicadores. Além disso, apresentamos argumentos endossando a VME como uma medida de precisão, e não de validade convergente.
Informação e disciplina: a Coletânea de Educação Sanitária do estado de São Paulo, Brasil (1939-1952)
Authors: Marques Maria Cristina da Costa , Brasileiro Danilo Fernandes , Fernandes Suzana César Gouveia
Published: October 2016

Estudo histórico-documental, que objetivou caracterizar e identificar indícios do discurso disciplinador na Coletânea de Educação Sanitária, distribuída em todo o Estado de São Paulo entre os anos de 1939 e 1952. Constatou-se a presença do discurso disciplinador, com pretensões à modulação de comportamento, em prol do saneamento populacional, baseada no aconselhamento de novos hábitos, guiados por concepções higienistas. Concluiu-se que a estratégia foi pioneira na difusão de conceitos de educação sanitária, que, a partir da informação em saúde, ampliou o espaço da ciência na gestão da vida coletiva, influenciando a modulação de comportamento e delineamento de práticas sanitárias.