bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of ABO blood group with severe falciparum malaria in adults: case control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Panda Aditya K , Panda Santosh K , Sahu Aditya N , Tripathy Rina , Ravindran Balachandran , Das Bidyut K
Published: October 2011

Background

Erythrocyte-associated antigenic polymorphisms or their absence have perhaps evolved in the human population to protect against malarial infection. Studies in various populations consistently demonstrate that blood group 'O' confers resistance against severe falciparum infection. In India, Odisha state has one of the highest incidences of Plasmodium falciparum infection and contributes to the highest number of deaths by falciparum malaria. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between ABO blood group and severe malaria in an adult population at the tertiary care centre in Odisha.

Methods

A total of 353 P. falciparum infected subjects and 174 healthy controls were screened for ABO blood group. Falciparum-infected individuals were categorized as severe malaria and uncomplicated malaria. Severe malaria was further clinically phenotyped into cerebral malaria, non-cerebral severe malaria and multi-organ dysfunction. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the role of ABO blood group in severe malaria.

Results

Frequency of blood group 'B' was significantly higher in patients with severe malaria compared to the uncomplicated cases (P < 0.0001; OR = 4.09) and healthy controls (P < 0.0001; OR = 2.79). Irrespective of the level of clinical severity, blood group 'B' was significantly associated with cerebral malaria (P < 0.0001; OR = 5.95), multi-organ dysfunction (P < 0.0001; OR = 4.81) and non-cerebral severe malaria patients (P = 0.001; OR = 3.02) compared to the uncomplicated category. Prevalence of 'O' group in uncomplicated malaria (P < 0.0001; OR = 2.81) and healthy controls (P = 0.0003; OR = 2.16) was significantly high compared to severe malaria. Meta-analysis of previous studies, including the current one, highlighted the protective nature of blood group 'O' to severe malaria (P = 0.01). On the other hand, carriers of blood group 'A' (P = 0.04) and 'AB' (P = 0.04) were susceptible to malaria severity.

Conclusions

Results of the current study indicate that blood group 'O' is associated with reduced and 'B' blood group with increased risk of development of severe malaria in Odisha, India. Meta-analysis also supports the protective nature of blood group 'O' from severe falciparum infection.
Postprandial differences in the plasma metabolome of healthy Finnish subjects after intake of a sourdough fermented endosperm rye bread versus white wheat bread
Authors: Bondia-Pons Isabel , Nordlund Emilia , Mattila Ismo , Katina Kati , Aura Anna-Marja , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Orešič Matej , Mykkänen Hannu , Poutanen Kaisa
Published: October 2011

Background

The mechanism behind the lowered postprandial insulin demand observed after rye bread intake compared to wheat bread is unknown. The aim of this study was to use the metabolomics approach to identify potential metabolites related to amino acid metabolism involved in this mechanism.

Methods

A sourdough fermented endosperm rye bread (RB) and a standard white wheat bread (WB) as a reference were served in random order to 16 healthy subjects. Test bread portions contained 50 g available carbohydrate. In vitro hydrolysis of starch and protein were performed for both test breads. Blood samples for measuring glucose and insulin concentrations were drawn over 4 h and gastric emptying rate (GER) was measured. Changes in the plasma metabolome were investigated by applying a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry metabolomics platform (GC×GC-TOF-MS).

Results

Plasma insulin response to RB was lower than to WB at 30 min (P = 0.004), 45 min (P = 0.002) and 60 min (P < 0.001) after bread intake, and plasma glucose response was significantly higher at time point 90 min after RB than WB intake (P = 0.045). The starch hydrolysis rate was higher for RB than WB, contrary to the in vitro protein digestibility. There were no differences in GER between breads. From 255 metabolites identified by the metabolomics platform, 26 showed significant postprandial relative changes after 30 minutes of bread intake (p and q values < 0.05). Among them, there were changes in essential amino acids (phenylalanine, methionine, tyrosine and glutamic acid), metabolites involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (alpha-ketoglutaric, pyruvic acid and citric acid) and several organic acids. Interestingly, the levels of two compounds involved in the tryptophan metabolism (picolinic acid, ribitol) significantly changed depending on the different bread intake.

Conclusions

A single meal of a low fibre sourdough rye bread producing low postprandial insulin response brings in several changes in plasma amino acids and their metabolites and some of these might have properties beneficial for health.
Role of Substance P in the Regulation of Glucose Metabolism via Insulin Signaling-Associated Pathways
Authors: Karagiannides Iordanes , Bakirtzi Kyriaki , Kokkotou Efi , Stavrakis Dimitris , Margolis Kara Gross , Thomou Thomas , Giorgadze Nino , Kirkland James L. , Pothoulakis Charalabos
Published: October 2011

Substance P (SP), encoded by the tachykinin 1 (Tac1) gene, is the most potent tachykinin ligand for the high-affinity neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). We previously reported that NK-1R-deficient mice show less weight gain and reduced circulating levels of leptin and insulin in response to a high-fat diet (HFD) and demonstrated the presence of functional NK-1R in isolated human preadipocytes. Here we assessed the effects of SP on weight gain in response to HFD and determined glucose metabolism in Tac1-deficient (Tac1−/−) mice. The effect of SP on the expression of molecules that may predispose to reduced glucose uptake was also determined in isolated human mesenteric, omental, and sc preadipocytes. We show that although weight accumulation in response to HFD was similar between Tac1−/− mice and wild-type littermates, Tac1−/− mice demonstrated lower glucose and leptin and increased adiponectin blood levels and showed improved responses to insulin challenge after HFD. SP stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase Cθ, mammalian target of rapamycin, and inhibitory serine insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in human preadipocytes in vitro. Preincubation of human mesenteric preadipocytes with the protein kinase Cθ pseudosubstrate inhibitor reduced insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation in response to SP. Lastly, SP also induced insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in mature human sc adipocytes. Our results demonstrate an important role for SP in adipose tissue responses and obesity-associated pathologies. These novel SP effects on molecules that enhance insulin resistance at the adipocyte level may reflect an important role for this peptide in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.
The Osteoclast-Associated Receptor (OSCAR) Is a Novel Receptor Regulated by Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Goettsch Claudia , Rauner Martina , Sinningen Kathrin , Helas Susann , Al-Fakhri Nadia , Nemeth Katharina , Hamann Christine , Kopprasch Steffi , Aikawa Elena , Bornstein Stefan R. , Schoppet Michael , Hofbauer Lorenz C.
Published: October 2011

Cross talks between the vascular and immune system play a critical role in vascular diseases, in particular in atherosclerosis. The osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a regulator of osteoclast differentiation and dendritic cell maturation. Whether OSCAR plays a role in vascular biology and has an impact on atherogenic processes provoked by proinflammatory stimuli is yet unknown. We identified OSCAR on the surface of human primary endothelial cells. Stimulation of endothelial cells with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) caused a time- and dose-dependent induction of OSCAR, which was lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 and Ca2+ dependent. OSCAR was transcriptionally regulated by oxLDL as shown by OSCAR promoter analysis. Specific inhibition of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway prevented the oxLDL-mediated increase of endothelial OSCAR expression. As assessed by EMSA, oxLDL induced binding of NFATc1 to the OSCAR promoter. Notably, in vivo-modified LDL from patients with diabetes mellitus stimulated OSCAR mRNA expression in human endothelial cells. Furthermore, apolipoprotein E knockout mice fed a high-fat diet showed an enhanced aortic OSCAR expression associated with increased expression of NFATc1. In summary, OSCAR is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and is regulated by oxLDL involving NFATc1. Our data suggest that OSCAR, originally described in bone as immunological mediator and regulator of osteoclast differentiation, may be involved in cell activation and inflammation during atherosclerosis.
Polyoxometalate and copolymer-functionalized ionic liquid catalyst for esterification
Authors: Li Huan , Chen Jizhong , Hua Li , Qiao Yunxiang , Yu Yinyin , Pan Zhenyan , Yang Hanming , Hou Zhenshan
Published: October 2011

A new room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) consisting of a polyoxometalate (POM) anion and tri-block copolymer (P123)-functionalized imidazolium cation was synthesized and utilized as a halogen-free catalyst for esterification. The catalytic system was a homogeneous solution at the beginning of the reaction, but an emulsion formed during the course of the reaction, and a progressive phase separation of the catalyst occurred at 0 °C over the course of 3 h. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform/infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR) have been used to characterize the properties of the IL during the reaction. The new IL catalyst was found to be highly efficient in the esterification of various alcohols and can be recycled at least seven times.
FilmArray, an Automated Nested Multiplex PCR System for Multi-Pathogen Detection: Development and Application to Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Poritz Mark A. , Blaschke Anne J. , Byington Carrie L. , Allen Lindsay , Nilsson Kody , Jones David E. , Thatcher Stephanie A. , Robbins Thomas , Lingenfelter Beth , Amiott Elizabeth , Herbener Amy , Daly Judy , Dobrowolski Steven F. , Teng David H. -F. , Ririe Kirk M.
Published: October 2011

The ideal clinical diagnostic system should deliver rapid, sensitive, specific and reproducible results while minimizing the requirements for specialized laboratory facilities and skilled technicians. We describe an integrated diagnostic platform, the “FilmArray”, which fully automates the detection and identification of multiple organisms from a single sample in about one hour. An unprocessed biologic/clinical sample is subjected to nucleic acid purification, reverse transcription, a high-order nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction and amplicon melt curve analysis. Biochemical reactions are enclosed in a disposable pouch, minimizing the PCR contamination risk. FilmArray has the potential to detect greater than 100 different nucleic acid targets at one time. These features make the system well-suited for molecular detection of infectious agents. Validation of the FilmArray technology was achieved through development of a panel of assays capable of identifying 21 common viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens. Initial testing of the system using both cultured organisms and clinical nasal aspirates obtained from children demonstrated an analytical and clinical sensitivity and specificity comparable to existing diagnostic platforms. We demonstrate that automated identification of pathogens from their corresponding target amplicon(s) can be accomplished by analysis of the DNA melting curve of the amplicon.
Gender Differences in Children's and Parents' Social Support Perceptions
Authors: Matthewson Mandy , Smith Rosanne Burton , Montgomery Iain
Published: October 2011

There are limited studies investigating gender differences within the father–child and mother–child relationships with regard to social support provisions within these relationships. This study aimed to explore gender unity in children's and parents' perceptions of social support within the parent–child relationship. The participants included 91 families who completed measures of social support satisfaction and social support effectiveness. Results were contrary to the gender unity assumption. Findings indicated that mothers and fathers provide different types of support to their children regardless of their child's sex. Further, this study demonstrated the importance of father–child interactions and the need to further investigate the types of support fathers provide their children. This study explored gender differences in social support perceptions within the parent–child relationship. It investigated if mothers and fathers perceive the support they provide their children with is differentiated according to whether their child is a son or a daughter (i.e., gender unity). In this study, gender unity relates to whether parents consider themselves to be more effective in their support provisions to their same-sex child than to their opposite-sex child. Moreover, gender unity also pertains to whether children are more satisfied with the support provided by their same-sex parent than their opposite-sex parent. It is therefore important to define social support in order to understand it within the context of the parent-child relationship.
The Indirect Relationship Between Rumination, Shame And Depression: A Mediation Analysis for Those Experiencing Relationship Difficulties
Authors: Rice Simon , Fallon Barry
Published: October 2011

Difficulties in intimate partner relationships are known to have detrimental effects on mental health. The association between relationship difficulties and depression is particularly strong for individuals with a tendency for rumination. While the link between rumination and depression has long been established, the indirect effects of shame and emotion regulation on this relationship remain less clear. The present study reports on longitudinal data of 65 participants (36 males) who had experienced recent relationship difficulties with their partner. Respondents provided Time 1 data for rumination (brooding and reflection), shame (personal feelings of shame) and relationship difficulties. Approximately 15 weeks later, Time 2 data was collected for emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression), relationship difficulties and depression. Mediation analyses with bias-corrected bootstrapping indicated that shame fully mediated the relationship between brooding and depression, and partially mediated the relationship between reflection and depression. The indirect effects remained significant with covariates (relationship difficulties at Time 1, and cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression at Time 2). Results suggest that self-evaluations related to shame contribute to the relationship between rumination and depression, independent of affect regulation. Implications for the role of shame in relationship difficulties are discussed.
Adult Attachment Style Across Individuals and Role-Relationships: Avoidance is Relationship-Specific, But Anxiety Shows Greater Generalisability
Authors: Moreira João M.
Published: October 2011

A generalisability study examined the hypotheses that avoidant attachment, reflecting the representation of others, should be more relationship-specific (vary across relationships more than across individuals), while attachment anxiety, reflecting self-representation, should be more generalisable across a person's relationships. College students responded to 6-item questionnaire measures of these variables for 5 relationships (mother, father, best same-gender friend, romantic partner or best opposite-gender friend, other close person), on 3 (N= 120) or 2 (N= 77) occasions separated by a few weeks. Results supported the hypotheses, with the person variance component being larger than the relationship-specific component for anxiety, and the opposite happening for avoidance. Anxiety therefore seems not to be as relationship-specific as previous research suggested. Possible reasons for discrepancies between the current and previous studies are discussed.
Die ›Epistre‹ zu Innocent Gentillets ›Contre-Machiavel‹ und die Vorreden Georg Nigrinus' und Johann Fischarts in ›Regentenkunst oder Fürstenspiegel‹
Authors: Szurawitzki Michael , Neuendorff Dagmar
Published: October 2011

The article provides an edition with the relevant background and commentary of three Early Modern texts: Innocent Gentillet's ›Epistre‹ of his central work, the widely read anti-Machiavellian treatise ›Contre-Machiavel‹ of 1576; Georg Nigrinus' ›Vorrede‹ to ›Regentenkunst oder Fürstenspiegel‹, his 1580 German translation of the ›Contre-Machiavel‹; as well as Johann Fischart's ›Vorrede‹ included in Nigrinus' book. The texts are edited together due to their high relevance in research concerned with Machiavelli's contemporary reception, especially in German-speaking Europe.
Hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase 2B1b expression and localization in normal human brain
Authors: Salman Emily D. , Faye-Petersen Ona , Falany Charles N.
Published: October 2011

Steroid sulfonation in the human brain has not been well characterized. The major sulfotransferase (SULT) isoforms that conjugate steroids in humans are SULT1E1, SULT2A1, and SULT2B1b. SULT2B1b catalyzes the sulfonation of 3β-hydroxysteroids, including neurosteroids dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone, as well as cholesterol and several hydroxycholesterols. SULT2B1b mRNA and protein expression were detected in adult and fetal human brain sections, whereas neither mRNA, nor protein expression were identified for SULT1E1 or SULT2A1. Using immunohistochemical analysis, SULT2B1b expression was detected in neurons and oligodendrocytes in adult brain and in epithelial tissues in 28-week-old fetal brain. Sulfonation of cholesterol, oxysterols, and neurosteroids in the brain is apparently catalyzed by SULT2B1b since expression of neither SULT2A1 nor SULT1E1 was detected in human brain sections. SULT2B1b mRNA and protein were also detected in human U373-MG glioblastoma cells. Both mRNA and protein expression of liver X receptor (LXR)-β, but not LXR-α, were detected in U373-MG cells, and LXR-β activation resulted in a decrease in SULT2B1b protein expression. Since hydroxycholesterols are important physiological LXR activators, this suggests a role for regulation of sterol metabolism by LXR and SULT2B1b. Therefore, elucidating key enzymes in the metabolism of cholesterol and neuro­steroids could help define the properties of steroid conjugation in the human brain.
Norm Euclidean Quaternionic Orders
Authors: Fitzgerald Robert W.
Published: October 2011

We determine the norm Euclidean orders in a positive definite quaternion algebra over
On a Theorem of Prachar Involving Prime Powers
Authors: Li Taiyu , Tang Hengcai
Published: October 2011

Let
FGF-2 and Anosmin-1 Are Selectively Expressed in Different Types of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
Authors: Clemente Diego , Ortega María Cristina , Arenzana Francisco Javier , de Castro Fernando
Published: October 2011

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease that affects ∼2,000,000 people worldwide. In the advanced stages of the disease, endogenous oligodendrocyte precursors cannot colonize the lesions or differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. During development, both FGF-2 and Anosmin-1 participate in oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration, acting via the FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1). Hence, we performed a histopathological and molecular analysis of these developmental modulators in postmortem tissue blocks from multiple sclerosis patients. Accordingly, we demonstrate that the distribution of FGF-2 and Anosmin-1 varies between the different types of multiple sclerosis lesions: FGF-2 is expressed only within active lesions and in the periplaque of chronic lesions, whereas Anosmin-1 is upregulated within chronic lesions and is totally absent in active lesions. We show that the endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells recruited toward chronic-active lesions express FGFR1, possibly in response to the FGF-2 produced by microglial cells in the periplaque. Also in human tissue, FGF-2 is upregulated in perivascular astrocytes in regions of the normal-appearing gray matter, where the integrity of the blood–brain barrier is compromised. In culture, FGF-2 and Anosmin-1 influence adult mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration in the same manner as at embryonic stages, providing an explanation for the histopathological observations: FGF-2 attracts/enhances its migration, which is hindered by Anosmin-1. We propose that FGF-2 and Anosmin-1 are markers for the histopathological type and the level of inflammation of multiple sclerosis lesions, and that they may serve as novel pharmacogenetic targets to design future therapies that favor effective remyelination and protect the blood–brain barrier.
Ivy and Neurogliaform Interneurons Are a Major Target of μ-Opioid Receptor Modulation
Authors: Krook-Magnuson Esther , Luu Lillian , Lee Sang-Hun , Varga Csaba , Soltesz Ivan
Published: October 2011

μ-Opioid receptors (μORs) are selectively expressed on interneurons in area CA1 of the hippocampus. Fast-spiking, parvalbumin-expressing, basket cells express μORs, but circumstantial evidence suggests that another major, unidentified, GABAergic cell class must also be modulated by μORs. Here we report that the abundant, dendritically targeting, neurogliaform family of cells (Ivy and neurogliaform cells) is a previously unrecognized target of direct modulation by μORs. Ivy and neurogliaform cells are not only numerous but also have unique properties, including promiscuous gap junctions formed with various interneuronal subtypes, volume transmission, and the ability to produce a postsynaptic GABABresponse after a single presynaptic spike. Using a mouse line expressing green fluorescent protein under the neuropeptide Y promoter, we find that, across all layers of CA1, activation of μORs hyperpolarizes Ivy and neurogliaform cells. Furthermore, paired recordings between synaptically coupled Ivy and pyramidal cells show that Ivy cell terminals are dramatically inhibited by μOR activation. Effects in Ivy and neurogliaform cells are seen at similar concentrations of agonist as those producing inhibition in fast-spiking parvalbumin basket cells. We also report that Ivy cells display the recently described phenomenon of persistent firing, a state of continued firing in the absence of continued input, and that induction of persistent firing is inhibited by μOR activation. Together, these findings identify a major, previously unrecognized, target of μOR modulation. Given the prominence of this cell type in and beyond CA1, as well as its unique role in microcircuitry, opioid modulation of neurogliaform cells has wide implications.
Lateralized Theta Wave Connectivity and Language Performance in 2- to 5-Year-Old Children
Authors: Kikuchi Mitsuru , Shitamichi Kiyomi , Yoshimura Yuko , Ueno Sanae , Remijn Gerard B. , Hirosawa Tetsu , Munesue Toshio , Tsubokawa Tsunehisa , Haruta Yasuhiro , Oi Manabu , Higashida Haruhiro , Minabe Yoshio
Published: October 2011

Recent neuroimaging studies support the view that a left-lateralized brain network is crucial for language development in children. However, no previous studies have demonstrated a clear link between lateralized brain functional network and language performance in preschool children. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive brain imaging technique and is a practical neuroimaging method for use in young children. MEG produces a reference-free signal, and is therefore an ideal tool to compute coherence between two distant cortical rhythms. In the present study, using a custom child-sized MEG system, we investigated brain networks while 78 right-handed preschool human children (32–64 months; 96% were 3-4 years old) listened to stories with moving images. The results indicated that left dominance of parietotemporal coherence in theta band activity (6-8 Hz) was specifically correlated with higher performance of language-related tasks, whereas this laterality was not correlated with nonverbal cognitive performance, chronological age, or head circumference. Power analyses did not reveal any specific frequencies that contributed to higher language performance. Our results suggest that it is not the left dominance in theta oscillation per se, but the left-dominant phase-locked connectivity via theta oscillation that contributes to the development of language ability in young children.
Adult Mouse Motor Units Develop Almost All of Their Force in the Subprimary Range: A New All-or-None Strategy for Force Recruitment?
Authors: Manuel Marin , Heckman C. J.
Published: October 2011

Classical studies of the mammalian neuromuscular system have shown an impressive adaptation match between the intrinsic properties of motoneurons and the contractile properties of their motor units. In these studies, the rate at which motoneurons start to fire repetitively corresponds to the rate at which individual twitches start to sum, and the firing rate increases linearly with the amount of excitation (“primary range”) up to the point where the motor unit develops its maximal force. This allows for the gradation of the force produced by a motor unit by rate modulation. In adult mouse motoneurons, however, we recently described a regime of firing (“subprimary range”) that appears at lower excitation than what is required for the primary range, a finding that might challenge the classical conception. To investigate the force production of mouse motor units, we simultaneously recorded, for the first time, the motoneuron discharge elicited by intracellular ramps of current and the force developed by its motor unit. We showed that the motor unit developed nearly its maximal force during the subprimary range. This was found to be the case regardless of the input resistance of the motoneuron, the contraction speed, or the tetanic force of the motor unit. Our work suggests that force modulation in small mammals mainly relies on the number of motor units that are recruited rather than on rate modulation of individual motor units.
Different Effects of Bromodeoxyuridine and [3H]Thymidine Incorporation into DNA on Cell Proliferation, Position, and Fate
Authors: Duque Alvaro , Rakic Pasko
Published: October 2011

As markers of DNA synthesis, [3H]thymidine ([3H]dT) and the later developed analog bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) have revolutionized our ability to identify dividing cells and follow their fate in various tissues, including the nervous system. However, the effect of the incorporation of these molecules into DNA on cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and function is not fully understood. Here, we compare the number and distribution of labeled cells in the cerebral cortex of postnatal macaque monkeys exposed to either [3H]dT or BrdU as embryos. The large size and prolonged brain development in this species allows higher resolution of cellular events and more accurate discrimination between the two methods. Our analysis revealed substantial differences in the number and distribution of labeled cells. The data indicate that random incorporation of the thymidine analog BrdU into the genes of dividing cells makes the fate of postmitotic neurons more prone to unpredictable errors than the incorporation of the more natural DNA constituent nucleotide [3H]dT. These findings have implications for the interpretation of results obtained by BrdU as an index of the number of neurons produced, and their migration, placement, subsequent connectivity, function, and survival.
Dopaminergic Modulation of the Striatal Microcircuit: Receptor-Specific Configuration of Cell Assemblies
Authors: Carrillo-Reid Luis , Hernández-López Salvador , Tapia Dagoberto , Galarraga Elvira , Bargas José
Published: October 2011

Selection and inhibition of motor behaviors are related to the coordinated activity and compositional capabilities of striatal cell assemblies. Striatal network activity represents a main step in basal ganglia processing. The dopaminergic system differentially regulates distinct populations of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) through the activation of D1- or D2-type receptors. Although postsynaptic and presynaptic actions of these receptors are clearly different in MSNs during cell-focused studies, their activation during network activity has shown inconsistent responses. Therefore, using electrophysiological techniques, functional multicell calcium imaging, and neuronal population analysis in rat corticostriatal slices, we describe the effect of selective dopaminergic receptor activation in the striatal network by observing cell assembly configurations. At the microcircuit level, during striatal network activity, the selective activation of either D1- or D2-type receptors is reflected as overall increases in neuronal synchronization. However, graph theory techniques applied to the transitions between network states revealed receptor-specific configurations of striatal cell assemblies: D1receptor activation generated closed trajectories with high recurrence and few alternate routes favoring the selection of specific sequences, whereas D2receptor activation created trajectories with low recurrence and more alternate pathways while promoting diverse transitions among neuronal pools. At the single-cell level, the activation of dopaminergic receptors enhanced the negative-slope conductance region (NSCR) in D1-type-responsive cells, whereas in neurons expressing D2-type receptors, the NSCR was decreased. Consequently, receptor-specific network dynamics most probably result from the interplay of postsynaptic and presynaptic dopaminergic actions.
Posttraining Ablation of Adult-Generated Neurons Degrades Previously Acquired Memories
Authors: Arruda-Carvalho Maithe , Sakaguchi Masanori , Akers Katherine G. , Josselyn Sheena A. , Frankland Paul W.
Published: October 2011

New neurons are continuously generated in the subgranular zone of the adult hippocampus and, once sufficiently mature, are thought to integrate into hippocampal memory circuits. However, whether they play an essential role in subsequent memory expression is not known. Previous studies have shown that suppression of adult neurogenesis often (but not always) impairs subsequent hippocampus-dependent learning (i.e., produces anterograde effects). A major challenge for these studies is that these new neurons represent only a small subpopulation of all dentate granule cells, and so there is large potential for either partial or complete compensation by granule cells generated earlier on during development. A potentially more powerful approach to investigate this question would be to ablate adult-generated neurons after they have already become part of a memory trace (i.e., retrograde effects). Here we developed a diphtheria toxin-based strategy in mice that allowed us to selectively ablate a population of predominantly mature, adult-generated neurons either before or after learning, without affecting ongoing neurogenesis. Removal of these neurons before learning did not prevent the formation of new contextual fear or water maze memories. In contrast, removal of an equivalent population after learning degraded existing contextual fear and water maze memories, without affecting nonhippocampal memory. Ablation of these adult-generated neurons even 1 month after learning produced equivalent memory degradation in the water maze. These retrograde effects suggest that adult-generated neurons form a critical and enduring component of hippocampal memory traces.
Changes in Aging Mouse Neuromuscular Junctions Are Explained by Degeneration and Regeneration of Muscle Fiber Segments at the Synapse
Authors: Li Yue , Lee Young il , Thompson Wesley J.
Published: October 2011

Vertebrate neuromuscular junctions are highly stable synapses, retaining the morphology they achieve in early postnatal development throughout most of life. However, these synapses undergo dramatic change during aging. The acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) change from smooth gutters into fragmented islands, and the nerve terminals change similarly to be varicosities apposed to these islands. These changes have been attributed to a slow deterioration in mechanisms maintaining the synapse. We have used repeated, vital imaging to investigate how these changes occur in the sternomastoid muscle of aging mice. We have found, contrary to expectation, that individual junctions change infrequently, but change, when it occurs, is sudden and dramatic. The change mimics that reported previously for cases in which muscle fibers are deliberately damaged: most of the AChRs present disappear rapidly and are replaced by a new set of receptors that become fragmented. The fiber segment underneath the synapse has centrally located nuclei, showing that this segment has undergone necrosis, quickly regenerated, and been reinnervated with an altered synapse. We show that necrotic events are common in aged muscle and have likely been missed previously as a cause of the alterations in aging because central nuclei are a transient phenomenon and the necrotic events at the junction infrequent. However, the changes are permanent and accumulate over time. Interventions to reduce the neuromuscular changes during aging should likely focus on making muscle fibers resistant to injury.
Newborn Neurons in the Olfactory Bulb Selected for Long-Term Survival through Olfactory Learning Are Prematurely Suppressed When the Olfactory Memory Is Erased
Authors: Sultan Sébastien , Rey Nolwen , Sacquet Joelle , Mandairon Nathalie , Didier Anne
Published: October 2011

A role for newborn neurons in olfactory memory has been proposed based on learning-dependent modulation of olfactory bulb neurogenesis in adults. We hypothesized that if newborn neurons support memory, then they should be suppressed by memory erasure. Using an ecological approach in mice, we showed that behaviorally breaking a previously learned odor–reward association prematurely suppressed newborn neurons selected to survive during initial learning. Furthermore, intrabulbar infusions of the caspase pan-inhibitor ZVAD (benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp) during the behavioral odor–reward extinction prevented newborn neurons death and erasure of the odor–reward association. Newborn neurons thus contribute to the bulbar network plasticity underlying long-term memory.
The membrane topological analysis of 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase (DHCR24) on endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Lu Xiuli , Li Yang , Liu Jianli , Cao Xiangyu , Wang Xude , Wang Delong , Seo Hisao , Gao Bing
Published: October 2011

DHCR24encodes 3β-hydroxysteroid-Δ24 reductase, catalyzing the conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol. Our previous study demonstrated that DHCR24 exerts an anti-apoptotic function as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, for which it needs its FAD-binding domain. The membrane topology of DHCR24 on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the functional significance of its FAD-binding domain are not completely understood. Based on the structure predicted by bioinformatics, we studied the membrane topology of DHCR24 in murine neuroblastoma cells (N2A), using the fluorescent protease protection (FPP) technique. We showed that full-length DHCR24 is localized to the membrane of ER, whereas the predicted transmembrane (TM) domain-deleted DHCR24 mutation is localized to the cytoplasm. The change of DHCR24 localization suggests that the N-terminal TM domain is essential for the ER membrane targeting of DHCR24. The FPP assay demonstrated the membrane topology of DHCR24 with an N-terminal luminal/C-terminal cytoplasmic orientation. Measurement of intracellular ROS using H2DCFDA revealed that the ROS levels of cells infected by plasmids driving expression of full-length DHCR24 or the TM domain-deleted DHCR24 mutation after H2O2exposure were lower than those of control cells, suggesting that the ER membrane targeting of DHCR24 is not required for its enzymatic ROS scavenging activity. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed that the DHCR24-overexpressed cells were protected from apoptosis in response to oxidative stress, which was accompanied by a decrease in DHCR24 content on the ER and activation of caspase-3, suggesting that the anti-apoptotic function of DHCR24 is associated with its cleavage by caspase.
Alteration Behavior of High Burnup Spent Fuel in Salt Brine Under Hydrogen Overpressure and in Presence of Bromide
Authors: Loida Andreas , Metz Volker , Kienzler Bernhard
Published: October 2011

Recent studies have shown that in the presence of H2 overpressure, which forms due to the corrosion of the Fe based container, the dissolution rate of the spent fuel matrix is slowed down by a factor of about 10, associated with a distinct decrease of concentrations of important ra-dionuclides. However, in a natural salt environment as well as in geological formations with chloride rich groundwater the presence of radiation chemically active impurities such as bro-mide must be taken in consideration. Bromide is known to react with β/γ radiolysis products, thus counteracting the protective H2 effect. In the present experiments using high burnup spent fuel it is observed that during 212 days the matrix dissolution rate was enhanced by a factor of about10 in the presence of up to 10-3 M bromide and 3.2 bar H2 overpressure. However, concen-trations of matrix bound actinides were found at the same level or below as found under identical conditions, but in the absence of bromide. In the long-term it is expected that the effect of bro-mide becomes less important, because the decrease of β/γ-activity results in a decrease of oxida-tive radicals, which react with bromide, while α activity will dominate the radiation field.
Dissolution Behaviour of UO2 in Anoxic Conditions. Comparison of Ca-bentonite and Boom Clay
Authors: Mennecart Thierry , Cachoir Christelle , Lemmens Karel
Published: October 2011

A general concept for the disposal of spent fuel in clay formations is based on the multibarrier principle. In such concept, the barriers for radionuclides released into the environment are the clay host rock, the backfill, the canister overpack and the fuel itself. The innermost barrier is the dissolution of UO2 matrix, which is the main component of spent fuel. However the dissolution of UO2 upon groundwater contact depends strongly on the (geo)chemical constraints prevailing in the repository. In order to determine in how far the clay properties influence the dissolution of spent fuel, two different kinds of clay were considered: Ca-bentonite which presents an initial oxidizing environment, and Boom Clay which is characterized by its strong reducing capacity. The experiments were carried out with depleted UO2 in presence of either compacted dry Ca-bentonite with Boom Clay groundwater or compacted dry Boom Clay with Boom Clay groundwater. The leach tests were performed at 25°C in anoxic atmosphere (glove box under 0.4%CO2/99.6%Ar) for 2 years. The U concentrations were sampled during these 2 years, once every 6 months and the amount of U was determined in the clay after 2 years in order to determine the dissolution rate. After 2 years, an unexpected uranium concentration was found 50 times higher in the system Boom Clay with Boom Clay water (2.10-7 mol/L) than in the system Ca-bentonite with Boom Clay water (4.10-9 mol/L), maybe resulting from a larger colloidal fraction in the system Boom Clay with Boom Clay water. Final results are expected to allow the comparison of the U retention capacity of Ca- bentonite and Boom Clay in anoxic conditions with the U retention of Boom Clay found in reducing conditions.
Alteration of Coffinite (USiO4) Under Reducing and Oxidizing Conditions
Authors: Deditius Artur Piotr , Utsunomiya Satoshi , Ewing Rodney C.
Published: October 2011

Samples of natural coffinite (USiO4·nH2O) from Grants uranium region, New Mexico were investigated in order to understand the alteration process of coffinite under reducing and oxidizing conditions. Alteration of the primary coffinite under reducing conditions was promoted by organic acids and as a result secondary coffinite precipitated. Subsequently oxidizing fluids altered the coffinite, and (Na,K)-boltwoodite and jáchymovite precipitated with no rare earth elements. Based on the charge balance calculation we suggest that the amount of U6+ in the coffinite is less than 0.2 [apfu] and U6+ is accommodated in the structure via substitution: U4+ + Si4+ ⇔ U6+ + 2(OH)-. The high and variable analysis total of electron microprobe indicates that H2O is not an essential component in coffinite structure. The U-Pb ages of coffinite formation vary from 36.6-0 Ma suggesting that the coffinite has precipitated continuously in this period and organic matter can preserve reducing conditions even when oxidizing conditions dominate.
Hydrothermal Phase Relations Among Uranyl Minerals at the Nopal I Analog Site
Authors: Murphy William M.
Published: October 2011

Uranyl mineral paragenesis at Nopal I is an analog of spent fuel alteration at Yucca Mountain. Petrographic studies suggest a variety of possible hydrothermal conditions for uranium mineralization at Nopal I. Calculated equilibrium phase relations among uranyl minerals show uranophane stability over a broad range of realistic conditions and indicate that uranyl mineral variety is a consequence of chemical potential heterogeneity.
Influence of Temperature on the Corrosion of Uranium Dioxide Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Broczkowski Michael E. , Noel Jamie J. , Shoesmith David W.
Published: October 2011

The anodic dissolution of UO2has been studied at 60°C and the results compared to previous observations at 22°C. The rate of oxidation / dissolution was determined electrochemically at constant potentials in the range -500 mV to 500 mV (vs. SCE). The composition of the electrochemically oxidized surface was determined by X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The onset of oxidation (UO2→ UO2+x) occurred at approximately the same potential (-400 mV) at both temperatures. However, the conversion of UV to UVI, and hence to soluble UO22+, was accelerated by temperature. This acceleration of dissolution caused the development of acidity at localized sites on the fuel surface at lower (less oxidizing) potentials (≥ 100 mV) at 60°C than at 22°C (≥ 350 mV).
New Perspectives for the Spent Nuclear Fuel Radionuclides Release Model in a Deep Geological Repository
Authors: Poinssot Christophe , FERRY Cécile , POULESQUEN Arnaud
Published: October 2011

Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) source terms are used to define the release rate of radionuclides (RN) in a direct disposal and to assess the performance of this waste form. They classically distinguish between two contributions: (i) the Instant Release Fraction (IRF) of RN which are directly leached when water contacts the fuel, (ii) the slow and long term release of RN which are embedded within the fuel matrix. Recent experimental results bring significant input in our understanding and assessment of both contributions. However, they have not yet been integrated in the definition of the SNF source term. This paper will present the impact on the RN source term of the latest results on the SNF long term evolution and the key remaining scientific issues.
Uranium Sequestration by Aluminum Phosphate Minerals in Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Jerden James L
Published: October 2011

A mineralogical and geochemical study of soils developed from the unmined Coles Hill uranium deposit (Virginia) was undertaken to determine how phosphorous influences the speciation of uranium in an oxidizing soil/saprolite system typical of the eastern US. This paper presents mineralogical and geochemical results that identify and quantify the processes by which uranium has been sequestered in these soils. It was found that uranium is not leached from the saturated soil zone (saprolites) overlying the deposit due to the formation of a sparingly soluble uranyl phosphate mineral of the meta-autunite group. The concentration of uranium in the saprolites is approximately 1000 mg uranium per kg of saprolite. It was also found that a significant amount of uranium was retained in the unsaturated soil zone overlying uranium-rich saprolites. The uranium concentration in the unsaturated soils is approximately 200 mg uranium per kg of soil (20 times higher than uranium concentrations in similar soils adjacent to the deposit). Mineralogical evidence indicates that uranium in this zone is sequestered by a barium-strontium-calcium aluminum phosphate mineral of the crandallite group (gorceixite). This mineral is intimately inter-grown with iron and manganese oxides that also contain uranium. The amount of uranium associated with both the aluminum phosphates (as much as 1.4 weight percent) has been measured by electron microprobe microanalyses and the geochemical conditions under which these minerals formed has been studied using thermodynamic reaction path modeling. The geochemical data and modeling results suggests the meta-autunite group minerals present in the saprolites overlying the deposit are unstable in the unsaturated zone soils overlying the deposit due to a decrease in soil pH (down to a pH of 4.5) at depths less than 5 meters below the surface. Mineralogical observations suggest that, once exposed to the unsaturated environment, the meta-autunite group minerals react to form U(VI)-bearing aluminum phosphates.
Study of the Susceptibility of Oxygen-Free Phosphorous Doped Copper to Corrosion in Simulated Groundwater in the Presence of Chloride and Sulfide
Authors: Escobar Ivan , Lamas Claudia , Werme Lars , Oversby Virginia
Published: October 2011

Copper of the quality oxygen free and high conductivity, doped with phosphorus (Cu OFP) has been chosen as the material for the fabrication of high level nuclear waste containers in Sweden. This material will be the corrosion barrier for spent fuel in the environment of a deep geological repository. It is planned that the service life of this container will be 100,000 years. During this time water with high concentration of chloride ions might come in contact with the copper surface. If pH conditions are appropriate, this might cause pitting corrosion. This work reports a study of the susceptibility of Cu OFP to corrosion when chloride ions are present, both deionized water (DW) and in standard synthetic underground water (SUW). The techniques used were electrochemical methods such as corrosion potential evolution and Tafel curves. In addition, this system was studied with Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). We also used characterization techniques such as Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Energy Disperse Spectroscopy (EDS) . The main conclusions are that copper is more susceptible to corrosion at high chloride ion concentration. Additionally, when the chloride concentration is low, it is possible to form copper chloride crystals, but at the highest concentration, copper chloride complexes are formed, leaving the copper surface without deposits. When the chloride concentration is low (<0.1 M) the corrosion process is mainly controlled by diffusion, while at higher concentrations (0.1M to 1M) corrosion is controlled by transport processes. At low concentration of sulfide ( <3*10-5M), copper corrosion in the presence of chloride is controlled by diffusional processes.
Salt Fog Testing Iron-Based Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Rebak Raul B. , Aprigliano Louis F. , Day S. Daniel , Farmer Joseph C.
Published: October 2011

Iron-based amorphous alloys are hard and highly corrosion resistant, which make them desirable for salt water and other applications. These alloys can be produced as powder and can be deposited as coatings on any surface that needs to be protected from the environment. It was of interest to examine the behavior of these amorphous alloys in the standard salt-fog testing ASTM B 117. Three different amorphous coating compositions were deposited on 316L SS coupons and exposed for many cycles of the salt fog test. Other common engineering alloys such as 1018 carbon steel, 316L SS and Hastelloy C-22 were also tested together with the amorphous coatings. Results show that amorphous coatings are resistant to rusting in salt fog. Partial devitrification may be responsible for isolated rust spots in one of the coatings.