bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically Induced, Activity-Independent LTD Elicited by Simultaneous Activation of PKG and Inhibition of PKA
Authors: Santschi Linda , Reyes-Harde Magali , Stanton Patric K.
Published: December 2017

Although it is widely agreed that cyclic AMP is necessary for the full expression of long-term potentiation of synaptic strength, it is unclear whether cyclic AMP or cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) play roles in the induction of long-term depression (LTD). We show here that two PKA inhibitors, H-89 (10 μM) and KT5720 (1 μM), are unable to block induction of LTD at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices in vitro. Rather, H-89 enhanced the magnitude of LTD induced by submaximal low-frequency stimulation. Raising [cGMP] with zaprinast (20 μM), a selective type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor, reversibly depressed synaptic potentials. However, coapplication of H-89 plus zaprinast converted this to a robust LTD that depended critically on activation of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG). Chemically induced LTD is activity-independent because it could be induced without stimulation and in tetrodotoxin (0.5 μM). Additionally, chemical LTD did not require activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate or GABA receptors and could be reversed by LTP. Stimulus-induced LTD occluded chemical LTD, suggesting a common expression mechanism. In contrast to bath application, postsynaptic infusion of H-89 into CA1 pyramidal neurons did not enhance LTD, suggesting a presynaptic site of action. Further evidence for a presynaptic locus was supplied by experiments where H-89 applied postsynaptically along with bath application of zaprinast was unable to produce chemical LTD. Thus simultaneous presynaptic generation of cyclic GMP and inhibition of PKA is sufficient to induce LTD of synaptic transmission at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses.
Spatiotemporal Organization of Fast (>200 Hz) Electrical Oscillations in Rat Vibrissa/Barrel Cortex
Authors: Jones Michael S. , Barth Daniel S.
Published: December 2017

A 64-channel electrode array was used to study the spatial and temporal characteristics of fast (>200 Hz) electrical oscillations recorded from the surface of rat cortex in both awake and anesthetized animals. Transient vibrissal displacements were effective in evoking oscillatory responses in the vibrissa/barrel field and were tightly time-locked to stimulus onset, coinciding with the earliest temporal components of the coincident slow-wave response. Vibrissa-evoked fast oscillations exhibited modality specificity and were earliest and of largest amplitude over the cortical barrel, which corresponded to the vibrissa stimulated, spreading to sequentially engage neighboring barrels over subsequent oscillatory cycles. The response was enhanced after paired-vibrissal stimulation and was sensitive to time delays between movement of separate vibrissae. These data suggest that spatiotemporal interactions between fast oscillatory bursts in the barrel field may play a role in rapidly integrating information from the vibrissal array during the earliest cortical response to somatosensory stimulation.
Cotransmission of GABA and Glycine to Brain Stem Motoneurons
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer A. , Berger Albert J.
Published: December 2017

Using whole cell patch-clamp recording in a rat brain stem slice preparation, we found that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine act as cotransmitters to hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs). Focal application of GABA and glycine onto a single HM revealed that GABAAand glycine receptors are present on the same neuron. To demonstrate that HMs receive both GABAergic and glycinergic synaptic inputs, we simultaneously recorded GABAA- and glycine-receptor–mediated spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in single HMs. GABAergic and glycinergic mIPSCs were differentiated based on their kinetics and modulation by pentobarbital. Specifically, GABAA-receptor–mediated events decayed more slowly than glycine-receptor–mediated events. GABAergic response decay kinetics were prolonged by pentobarbital, whereas glycinergic response decay kinetics remained unchanged. The distinct kinetics of the glycine- and GABAA-receptor-mediated synaptic events allowed us to record dual component mIPSCs, mIPSCs that are mediated by both receptor types. These data suggest that GABA and glycine are colocalized in the same presynaptic vesicle and are coreleased from presynaptic terminals opposed to motoneurons.
Variance Analysis of Current Fluctuations of Adenosine- and Baclofen-Activated GIRK Channels in Dissociated Neocortical Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Takigawa Tomoko , Alzheimer Christian
Published: December 2017

Whole cell recordings were obtained from pyramidal cell somata acutely isolated from rat neocortex. In voltage-clamp mode, adenosine (0.3–1000 μM), and the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen (1–300 μM), induced K+ current responses mediated by G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+(GIRK) channels. In our preparation, adenosine activated GIRK currents with an average EC50 of 2 μM. Baclofen had an average EC50 of 26 μM. To estimate and compare unitary conductance and density of GIRK channels activated by either adenosine or baclofen, we performed variance analysis of current fluctuations associated with the application of the two agonists at increasing concentrations. Irrespective of the agonist tested, GIRK channels displayed an average single-channel conductance of 25 pS at our recording conditions ([K+]o: 60 mM). Assuming that GIRK channel conductance increases in proportion to the square root of [K+]o, this would translate into 5–6 pS at physiological ion gradients. GIRK channels activated by adenosine or baclofen were not only identical in terms of unitary conductance, they also displayed the same average density of 0.5 channels μm−2 for both agonists. Our data strongly suggest that the two compounds recruit the same type of channel and thus most likely share a common transduction and effector system.
Short-Latency Primate Vestibuloocular Responses During Translation
Authors: Angelaki Dora E. , McHenry M. Quinn
Published: December 2017

Short-lasting, transient head displacements and near target fixation were used to measure the latency and early response gain of vestibularly evoked eye movements during lateral and fore-aft translations in rhesus monkeys. The latency of the horizontal eye movements elicited during lateral motion was 11.9 ± 5.4 ms. Viewing distance-dependent behavior was seen as early as the beginning of the response profile. For fore-aft motion, latencies were different for forward and backward displacements. Latency averaged 7.1 ± 9.3 ms during forward motion (same for both eyes) and 12.5 ± 6.3 ms for the adducting eye (e.g., left eye during right fixation) during backward motion. Latencies during backward motion were significantly longer for the abducting eye (18.9 ± 9.8 ms). Initial acceleration gains of the two eyes were generally larger than unity but asymmetric. Specifically, gains were consistently larger for abducting than adducting eye movements. The large initial acceleration gains tended to compensate for the response latencies such that the early eye movement response approached, albeit consistently incompletely, that required for maintaining visual acuity during the movement. These short-latency vestibuloocular responses could complement the visually generated optic flow responses that have been shown to exhibit much longer latencies.
Vasopressin and Amastatin Induce V1-Receptor-Mediated Suppression of Excitatory Transmission in the Rat Parabrachial Nucleus
Authors: Chen Xihua , Pittman Quentin J.
Published: December 2017

We examined actions of arginine vasopressin (AVP) and amastatin (an inhibitor of the aminopeptidase that cleaves AVP) on synaptic currents in slices of rat parabrachial nucleus using the nystatin-perforated patch recording technique. AVP reversibly decreased the amplitude of the evoked, glutamate-mediated, excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) with an increase in paired-pulse ratio. No apparent changes in postsynaptic membrane properties were revealed by ramp protocols, and the inward current induced by a brief application of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid was unchanged after AVP. The reduction induced by 1 μM AVP could be blocked by a V1AVP receptor antagonist, [d(CH2)51-O-Me-Tyr2-Arg8]-vasopressin (Manning compound, 10 μM). Bath application of an aminopeptidase inhibitor, amastatin (10 μM), reduced the evoked EPSC, and AVP induced further synaptic depression in the presence of amastatin. Amastatin’s effects also could be antagonized by the Manning compound. Corticotropin-releasing hormone slightly increased the EPSC at 1 μM, and coapplication with AVP attenuated the AVP response. Pretreatment of slices with 1 μg/ml cholera toxin or 0.5 μg/ml pertussis toxin for 20 h did not significantly affect AVP’s synaptic action. The results suggest that AVP has suppressant effects on glutamatergic transmission by acting at V1AVP receptors, possibly through a presynaptic mechanism involving a pertussis-toxin- and cholera-toxin-resistant pathway.
Regulation of the Rebound Depolarization and Spontaneous Firing Patterns of Deep Nuclear Neurons in Slices of Rat Cerebellum
Authors: Aizenman Carlos D. , Linden David J.
Published: December 2017

Current-clamp recordings were made from the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) of 12- to 15-day-old rats to understand the factors that mediate intrinsic spontaneous firing patterns. All of the cells recorded were spontaneously active with spiking patterns ranging continuously from regular spiking to spontaneous bursting with the former predominating. A robust rebound depolarization (RD) leading to a Na+ spike burst was elicited after the offset of hyperpolarizing current injection. The voltage and time dependence of the RD was consistent with mediation by low-threshold voltage-gated Ca2+channels. In addition, induction of a RD also may be affected by activation of a hyperpolarization-activated cation current, I h. A RD could be evoked efficiently after brief high-frequency bursts of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) induced by stimulation of Purkinje cell axons. IPSP-driven RDs were typically much larger and longer than those elicited by direct hyperpolarizing pulses of approximately matched amplitude and duration. Intracellular perfusion of the Ca2+ buffer bis-( o-aminophenoxy)- N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) dramatically enhanced the RD and its associated spiking, sometimes leading to a plateau potential that lasted several hundred milliseconds. The effects of BAPTA could be mimicked partly by application of apamin, a blocker of small conductance Ca2+-gated K+ channels, but not by paxilline, which blocks large conductance Ca2+-gated K+channels. Application of both BAPTA and apamin, but not paxilline, caused cells that were regularly spiking to burst spontaneously. Taken together, our data suggest that there is a strong relationship between the ability of DCN cells to elicit a RD and their tendency burst spontaneously. The RD can be triggered by the opening of T-type Ca2+ channels with an additional contribution of hyperpolarization-activated current I h. RD duration is regulated by small-conductance Ca2+-gated K+ channels. The RD also is modulated tonically by inhibitory inputs. All of these factors are in turn subject to alteration by extrinsic modulatory neurotransmitters and are, at least in part, responsible for determining the firing modes of DCN neurons.
Dynorphin Selectively Augments the M-Current in Hippocampal CA1 Neurons by an Opiate Receptor Mechanism
Authors: Madamba Samuel G. , Schweitzer Paul , Siggins George Robert
Published: December 2017

Most electrophysiological studies of opioids on hippocampal principal neurons have found indirect actions, usually through interneurons. However, our laboratory recently found reciprocal alteration of the voltage-dependent K+current, known as the M-current ( I M), by κ and δ opioid agonists in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Recent ultrastructural studies have revealed postsynaptic δ opiate receptors on dendrites and cell bodies of CA1 and CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurons (HPNs). Reasoning that previous electrophysiological studies may have overlooked voltage-dependent postsynaptic effects of the opioids in CA1, we reevaluated their role in CA1 HPNs using the rat hippocampal slice preparation for intracellular current- and voltage-clamp recording. None of the δ and μ receptor-selective opioids tested, including {d-Pen2,5}-enkephalin (DPDPE), {d-Ala2}-deltorphin II (deltorphin), {d-Ala2, NMe-Phe4, Gly-ol}-enkephalin (DAMGO), and {d-Ala2,d-Leu5} enkephalin (DADLE), altered membrane properties such as I M or Ca2+-dependent spikes in CA1 HPNs. The nonopioid, Des-Tyr-dynorphin (D-T-dyn), also had no effect. By contrast, dynorphin A (1–17) markedly increased I M at low concentrations and caused an outward current at depolarized membrane potentials. The opioid antagonist naloxone and the κ receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nBNI) blocked the I M effect. However, the κ-selective agonists U69,593 and U50,488h did not significantly alter I M amplitudes when averaged over all cells tested, although occasional cells showed an I M increase with U50,488h. Our results suggest that dynorphin A postsynaptically modulates the excitability of CA1 HPNs through opiate receptors linked to voltage-dependent K+ channels. These findings also provide pharmacological evidence for a functional κ opiate receptor subtype in rat CA1 HPNs but leave unanswered questions on the role of δ receptors in CA1 HPNs.
Synchronized Oscillatory Discharges of Mitral/Tufted Cells With Different Molecular Receptive Ranges in the Rabbit Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Kashiwadani Hideki , Sasaki Yasnory F. , Uchida Naoshige , Mori Kensaku
Published: December 2017

Individual glomeruli in the mammalian olfactory bulb represent a single or a few type(s) of odorant receptors. Signals from different types of receptors are thus sorted out into different glomeruli. How does the neuronal circuit in the olfactory bulb contribute to the combination and integration of signals received by different glomeruli? Here we examined electrophysiologically whether there were functional interactions between mitral/tufted cells associated with different glomeruli in the rabbit olfactory bulb. First, we made simultaneous recordings of extracellular single-unit spike responses of mitral/tufted cells and oscillatory local field potentials in the dorsomedial fatty acid–responsive region of the olfactory bulb in urethan-anesthetized rabbits. Using periodic artificial inhalation, the olfactory epithelium was stimulated with a homologous series of n-fatty acids or n-aliphatic aldehydes. The odor-evoked spike discharges of mitral/tufted cells tended to phase-lock to the oscillatory local field potential, suggesting that spike discharges of many cells occur synchronously during odor stimulation. We then made simultaneous recordings of spike discharges from pairs of mitral/tufted cells located 300–500 μm apart and performed a cross-correlation analysis of their spike responses to odor stimulation. In ∼27% of cell pairs examined, two cells with distinct molecular receptive ranges showed synchronized oscillatory discharges when olfactory epithelium was stimulated with one or a mixture of odorant(s) effective in activating both. The results suggest that the neuronal circuit in the olfactory bulb causes synchronized spike discharges of specific pairs of mitral/tufted cells associated with different glomeruli and the synchronization of odor-evoked spike discharges may contribute to the temporal binding of signals derived from different types of odorant receptor.
Restrictions on Inhibitory Circuits Contribute to Limited Recruitment of Fast Inhibition in Rat Neocortical Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Ling Douglas S. F. , Benardo Larry S.
Published: December 2017

To further define the operational boundaries on fast inhibition in neocortex, whole cell recordings were made from layer V pyramidal neurons in neocortical slices to evaluate evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and spontaneous miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs). Stimulating electrodes were placed in layers VI and I/II to determine whether simultaneous stimulation of deep and superficial laminae could extend the magnitude of maximal IPSCs evoked by deep-layer stimulation alone. The addition of superficial-layer stimulation did not increase maximal IPSC amplitude, confirming the strict limit on fast inhibition. Spontaneous miniature IPSCs were recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin. The frequency of spontaneous mIPSCs ranged from 10.0 to 33.1 Hz. mIPSC amplitude varied considerably, with a range of 5.0–128.2 pA and a mean value of 20.7 ± 4.1 pA ( n = 12 cells). The decay phase of miniature IPSCs was best fit by a single exponential, similar to evoked IPSCs. The mean time constant of decay was 6.4 ± 0.6 ms, with a range of 0.2–20.1 ms. The mean 10–90% rise time was 1.9 ± 0.2 ms, ranging from 0.2 to 6.3 ms. Evaluation of mIPSC kinetics revealed no evidence of dendritic filtering. Amplitude histograms of mIPSCs exhibited skewed distributions with several discernable peaks that, when fit with Gaussian curves, appeared to be spaced equidistantly, suggesting that mIPSC amplitudes varied quantally. The mean separation of Gaussian peaks ranged from 6.1 to 7.8 pA. The quantal distributions did not appear to be artifacts of noise. Exposure to saline containing low Ca2+ and high Mg2+ concentrations reduced the number of histogram peaks, but did not affect the quantal size. Mean mIPSC amplitude and quantal size varied with cell holding potential in a near-linear manner. Statistical evaluation of amplitude histograms verified the multimodality of mIPSC amplitude distributions and corroborated the equidistant spacing of peaks. Comparison of mIPSC values with published data from single GABA channel recordings suggests that the mean mIPSC conductance corresponds to the activation of 10–20 GABAA receptor channels, and that the release of a single inhibitory quantum opens 3–6 channels. Further comparison of mIPSCs with evoked inhibitory events suggests that a single interneuron may form, on average, 4–12 functional synapses with a pyramidal cell, and that 10–12 individual interneurons are engaged during recruitment of maximal population IPSCs. This suggests that inhibitory circuits are much more restricted in both the size of the unit events and effective number of connections when compared with excitatory inputs.
Increased γ- and Decreased δ-Oscillations in a Mouse Deficient for a Potassium Channel Expressed in Fast-Spiking Interneurons
Authors: Joho Rolf H. , Ho Chi Shun , Marks Gerald A.
Published: December 2017

Kv3.1 is a voltage-gated, fast activating/deactivating potassium (K+) channel with a high-threshold of activation and a large unit conductance. Kv3.1 K+ channels are expressed in fast-spiking, parvalbumin-containing interneurons in cortex, hippocampus, striatum, the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), and in several nuclei of the brain stem. A high density of Kv3.1 channels contributes to short-duration action potentials, fast afterhyperpolarizations, and brief refractory periods enhancing the capability in these neurons for high-frequency firing. Kv3.1 K+ channel expression in the TRN and cortex also suggests a role in thalamocortical and cortical function. Here we show that fast gamma and slow delta oscillations recorded from the somatomotor cortex are altered in the freely behaving Kv3.1 mutant mouse. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from homozygous Kv3.1−/− mice show a three- to fourfold increase in both absolute and relative spectral power in the gamma frequency range (20–60 Hz). In contrast, Kv3.1-deficient mice have a 20–50% reduction of power in the slow delta range (2–3 Hz). The increase in gamma power is most prominent during waking in the 40- to 55-Hz range, whereas the decrease in delta power occurs equally across all states of arousal. Our findings suggest that Kv3.1-expressing neurons are involved in the generation and maintenance of cortical fast gamma and slow delta oscillations. Hence the Kv3.1-mutant mouse could serve as a model to study the generation and maintenance of fast gamma and slow delta rhythms and their involvement in behavior and cognition.
Effect of Divalent Cations on AMPA-Evoked Extracellular Alkaline Shifts in Rat Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Smith S. E. , Chesler M.
Published: December 2017

The generation of activity-evoked extracellular alkaline shifts has been linked to the presence of external Ca2+or Ba2+. We further investigated this dependence using pH- and Ca2+-selective microelectrodes in the CA1 area of juvenile, rat hippocampal slices. In HEPES-buffered media, alkaline transients evoked by pressure ejection of RS-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) averaged ∼0.07 unit pH and were calculated to arise from the equivalent net addition of ∼1 mM strong base to the interstitial space. These alkaline responses were correlated with a mean decrease in [Ca2+]oof ∼300 μM. The alkalinizations were abolished reversibly in zero-Ca2+media, becoming indiscernible at a [Ca2+]oof 117 ± 29 μM. Addition of as little as 30–50 μM Ba2+caused the reappearance of an alkaline response. In approximately one-fourth of slices, a persistent alkaline shift of ∼0.03 unit pH was observed in zero-Ca2+saline containing EGTA. In HEPES media, addition of 300 μM Cd2+, 100 μM Ni2+, or 100 μM nimodipine inhibited the alkaline shifts by roughly one-half, one-third, and one-third, respectively, whereas Cd+and Ni2+in combination fully blocked the response. In bicarbonate media, by contrast, Cd+and Ni2+blocked only two-thirds of the response. In the presence of bicarbonate, Ni2+caused an unexpected enhancement of the alkalinization by ∼150%. However, when the extracellular carbonic anhydrase was blocked by benzolamide, addition of Ni2+reduced the alkaline shift. These results suggested that Ni2+partially inhibited the interstitial carbonic anhydrase and thereby increased the alkaline responses. These data indicate that an activity-dependent alkaline shift is largely dependent on the entry of Ca2+or Ba2+via voltage-gated calcium channels. However, sizable alkaline transients still can be generated with little or no external presence of these ions. Implications for the mechanism of the activity-dependent alkaline shift are discussed.
High-Frequency Dynamics of Regularly Discharging Canal Afferents Provide a Linear Signal for Angular Vestibuloocular Reflexes
Authors: Hullar Timothy E. , Minor Lloyd B.
Published: December 2017

Regularly discharging vestibular-nerve afferents innervating the semicircular canals were recorded extracellularly in anesthetized chinchillas undergoing high-frequency, high-velocity sinusoidal rotations. In the range from 2 to 20 Hz, with peak velocities of 151°/s at 6 Hz and 52°/s at 20 Hz, 67/70 (96%) maintained modulated discharge throughout the sinusoidal stimulus cycle without inhibitory cutoff or excitatory saturation. These afferents showed little harmonic distortion, no dependence of sensitivity on peak amplitude of stimulation, and no measurable half-cycle asymmetry. A transfer function fitting the data predicts no change in sensitivity (gain) of regularly discharging afferents over the frequencies tested but shows a phase lead with regard to head velocity increasing from 0° at 2 Hz to 30° at 20 Hz. These results indicate that regularly discharging afferents provide a plausible signal to drive the angular vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) even during high-frequency head motion but are not a likely source for nonlinearities present in the VOR.
Amino acid translation program for full-length cDNA sequences with frameshift errors
Authors: FUKUNISHI YOSHIFUMI , HAYASHIZAKI YOSHIHIDE
Published: December 2017

Here we present an amino acid translation program designed to suggest the position of experimental frameshift errors and predict amino acid sequences for full-length cDNA sequences having phred scores. Our program generates artificial insertions into artificial deletions from low-accuracy positions of the original sequence, thereby generating many candidate sequences. The validity of the most probable sequence (the likelihood that it represents the actual protein) is evaluated by using a score (Va) that is calculated in light of the Kozak consensus, preferred codon usage, and position of the initiation codon. To evaluate the software, we have used a database in which, out of 612 cDNA sequences, 524 (86%) carried 773 frameshift errors in the coding sequence. Our software detected and corrected 48% of the total frameshift errors in 62% of the total cDNA sequences with frameshift errors. The false positive rate of frameshift correction was 9%, and 91% of the suggested frameshifts were true.
Skeletal muscle Na currents in mice heterozygous for Six5 deficiency
Authors: MISTRY DILAAWAR J. , MOORMAN J. RANDALL , REDDY SITA , MOUNSEY J. PAUL
Published: December 2017

Myotonic dystrophy results from a trinucleotide repeat expansion between the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene ( Dmpk), which encodes a serine-threonine protein kinase, and the Six5 gene, which encodes a homeodomain protein. The disease is characterized by late bursts of skeletal muscle Na channel openings, and this is recapitulated in Dmpk −/− and Dmpk +/− murine skeletal muscle. To test whether deficiency of the nearby Six5 gene also affected Na channel gating in murine skeletal muscle, we measured Na currents from cell-attached patches in Six5 +/− mice and age-matched wild-type and Dmpk +/− mice. Late bursts of Na channel activity were defined as an opening probability >10% measured from 10 to 110 ms after depolarization. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of late Na channel bursts in wild-type and Six5 +/− muscle, whereas in Dmpk +/− muscle there was greater than fivefold increase in late bursts ( P < 0.001). Compared with wild-type mice, Na current amplitude was unchanged in Six5 +/− muscle, whereas in Dmpk +/− muscle it was 36% reduced ( P < 0.05). Thus, since Six5 +/− mice do not exhibit the Na channel gating abnormality of Dmpk deficiency, we conclude that Six5 deficiency does not contribute to the Na channel gating abnormality seen in dystrophia myotonica patients.
Adaptive and Blind Wideband Spectrum Sensing Scheme Using Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Hu Zhuhua , Bai Yong , Zhao Yaochi , Shen Chong , Xie Mingshan
Published: December 2017

The Modulated Wideband Converter (MWC) can provide a sub-Nyquist sampling for continuous analog signal and reconstruct the spectral support. However, the existing reconstruction algorithms need a priori information of sparsity order, are not self-adaptive for SNR, and are not fault tolerant enough. These problems affect the reconstruction performance in practical sensing scenarios. In this paper, an Adaptive and Blind Reduced MMV (Multiple Measurement Vectors) Boost (ABRMB) scheme based on singular value decomposition (SVD) for wideband spectrum sensing is proposed. Firstly, the characteristics of singular values of signals are used to estimate the noise intensity and sparsity order, and an adaptive decision threshold can be determined. Secondly, optimal neighborhood selection strategy is employed to improve the fault tolerance in the solver of ABRMB. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared with ReMBo (Reduce MMV and Boost) and RPMB (Randomly Projecting MMV and Boost), ABRMB can significantly improve the success rate of reconstruction without the need to know noise intensity and sparsity order and can achieve high probability of reconstruction with fewer sampling channels, lower minimum sampling rate, and lower approximation error of the potential of spectral support.
Homotopy Series Solutions to Time-Space Fractional Coupled Systems
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cai Ming , Chen Bochao , Wei Hui
Published: December 2017

We apply the homotopy perturbation Sumudu transform method (HPSTM) to the time-space fractional coupled systems in the sense of Riemann-Liouville fractional integral and Caputo derivative. The HPSTM is a combination of Sumudu transform and homotopy perturbation method, which can be easily handled with nonlinear coupled system. We apply the method to the coupled Burgers system, the coupled KdV system, the generalized Hirota-Satsuma coupled KdV system, the coupled WBK system, and the coupled shallow water system. The simplicity and validity of the method can be shown by the applications and the numerical results.
Optical Properties of Er3+-Doped CdIn2O4 and CdIn2O4 Crystals
Authors: Bang Tae Hwan , Kang Jong Wuk , Jeong Jin
Published: December 2017

CdIn2O4 and CdIn2O4:Er3+ crystals were grown by solid-state sintering of CdO and In2O3 with ErCl3. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that CdIn2O4 and CdIn2O4:Er3+ adopt a cubic structure with respective lattice constants of a=9.1655 Å and a=9.1662 Å. The optical absorption spectra obtained near the fundamental absorption edge showed that these compounds have a direct energy band gap. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of CdIn2O4:Er3+ acquired in the wavelength range of 630–700 nm at 294 K showed peaks in the region of 651–686 nm and eight sharp emission peaks due to the Er3+ ions. These PL peaks were attributed to radiative transitions between the split electron energy levels of the Er3+ ions occupying the In3+ sites of the CdIn2O4 host lattice.
Scalable Node-Centric Route Mutation for Defense of Large-Scale Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ni Wei , Zheng Kangfeng , Liu Ren Ping , Yang Yixian
Published: December 2017

Exploiting software-defined networking techniques, randomly and instantly mutating routes can disguise strategically important infrastructure and protect the integrity of data networks. Route mutation has been to date formulated as NP-complete constraint satisfaction problem where feasible sets of routes need to be generated with exponential computational complexities, limiting algorithmic scalability to large-scale networks. In this paper, we propose a novel node-centric route mutation method which interprets route mutation as a signature matching problem. We formulate the route mutation problem as a three-dimensional earth mover’s distance (EMD) model and solve it by using a binary branch and bound method. Considering the scalability, we further propose that a heuristic method yields significantly lower computational complexities with marginal loss of robustness against eavesdropping. Simulation results show that our proposed methods can effectively disguise key infrastructure by reducing the difference of historically accumulative traffic among different switches. With significantly reduced complexities, our algorithms are of particular interest to safeguard large-scale networks.
Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Colitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Pawar Dushyant , Calara Anna , Jacob Roy , Beck Nancy , Peiris Alan N.
Published: December 2017

Constipation is a common condition. Hydrogen peroxide enemas have rarely been reported as a home remedy for constipation in the pediatric age group. We present a case report and literature review of hydrogen peroxide induced colitis in pediatric siblings, aged 2 years and 9 years. The siblings presented with vomiting and bloody diarrhea an hour following the enema. Physical exam, vital signs, blood, and electrolyte counts were normal, but CT scans showed mucosal thickening of the rectum and colon. Their symptoms resolved after oral intake was curtailed and fluids were replaced intravenously. We discuss existing reports of complications from hydrogen peroxide enemas. Patients may present with abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Onset of symptoms varied from minutes to a day and bowel ulceration with necrosis and perforation has occurred, although fatality is rare. Diagnostic tests included computed tomography (CT) scan, sigmoidoscopy, or biopsy. Recovery period ranged from 3 days to 8 months. Public education regarding the dangers of hydrogen peroxide enemas is needed.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma in the Thyroid: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Siddiqui Uzma Mohammad , Rao Sarika N. , Galera Pallavi Kanwar , Islam Nahida , Torres Mira S.
Published: December 2017

Background. While 2% of all extranodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas present in the thyroid, there exists insufficient data to describe the incidence of mantle cell lymphoma in the thyroid. A case series of 1400 patients revealed that <1% of thyroid lymphomas may be MCL; hence better understanding of the disease course is essential.Patient Findings. A 65-year-old female was referred for a multinodular goiter. Multiple fine needle aspirations from the dominant right nodule were consistent with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and flow cytometry was negative. Due to progressing dysphagia, she underwent total thyroidectomy.Summary. Pathology revealed MCL with mantle zone growth pattern in the right thyroid. Flow cytometry showed monoclonal B cells comprising 9% of total cells. The Ki-67 index was 10%. She was diagnosed as having stage IIE MCL and offered conservative management by medical oncology, given that she had no B symptoms.Conclusion. Though chemotherapy is the treatment of choice in MCL, a subset of patients with low-grade disease may be observed. As in our patient, mantle zone growth pattern and a Ki-67 index < 10% suggest a favorable prognosis. A diagnosis of primary MCL in the thyroid remains rare and staging modalities as well as treatment options continue to evolve.
The Role of Mammalian Glial Cells in Circadian Rhythm Regulation
Authors: Chi-Castañeda Donají , Ortega Arturo
Published: December 2017

Circadian rhythms are biological oscillations with a period of about 24 hours. These rhythms are maintained by an innate genetically determined time-keeping system called the circadian clock. A large number of the proteins involved in the regulation of this clock are transcription factors controlling rhythmic transcription ofso-calledclock-controlled genes, which participate in a plethora of physiological functions in the organism. In the brain, several areas, besides the suprachiasmatic nucleus, harbor functional clocks characterized by a well-defined time pattern of clock gene expression. This expression rhythm is not restricted to neurons but is also present in glia, suggesting that these cells are involved in circadian rhythmicity. However, only certain glial cells fulfill the criteria to be called glial clocks, namely, to display molecular oscillators based on the canonical clock protein PERIOD, which depends on the suprachiasmatic nucleus for their synchronization. In this contribution, we summarize the current information about activity of the clock genes in glial cells, their potential role as oscillators as well as clinical implications.
The Elevation of LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS Response in the Analysis of Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Some Papaveraceae and Berberidaceae Representatives
Authors: Kukula-Koch Wirginia
Published: December 2017

Twenty-five methanol extracts obtained from various representatives of Papaveraceae and Berberidaceae botanical families (genera: Papaver, Argemone, Eschscholzia, Chelidonium, Glaucium, and Berberis) were screened for their alkaloid content in an optimized method suitable for the LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Twelve pharmacologically important isoquinoline alkaloids from four groups, aporphines, benzylisoquinolines, protoberberines, and benzophenanthridines, present in these traditionally used plant species were quantitatively determined in each studied sample, providing their alkaloid profile. A Zorbax Stable Bond RP-18 column and a mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (v/v) were used at the flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. A profound study on the optimization of MS response to four groups of isoquinoline alkaloids (validation of capillary voltage, gas flows, nebulizer pressure, skimmer, and fragmentor voltages), repeatability of results, and stability and linearity of measurements were described, showing, among others, 3000 V of capillary voltage, 350°C of gas temperature, 12 L/min of gas flows, nebulizer pressure of 35 psig, 65 V for skimmer voltage, and 30 V for collision energy as the most advantageous operation parameters.
The Impact of CRISPR/Cas9 Technology on Cardiac Research: From Disease Modelling to Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Motta Benedetta M. , Pramstaller Peter P. , Hicks Andrew A. , Rossini Alessandra
Published: December 2017

Genome-editing technology has emerged as a powerful method that enables the generation of genetically modified cells and organisms necessary to elucidate gene function and mechanisms of human diseases. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats- (CRISPR-) associated 9 (Cas9) system has rapidly become one of the most popular approaches for genome editing in basic biomedical research over recent years because of its simplicity and adaptability. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been used to correct DNA mutations ranging from a single base pair to large deletions in bothin vitroandin vivomodel systems. CRISPR/Cas9 has been used to increase the understanding of many aspects of cardiovascular disorders, including lipid metabolism, electrophysiology and genetic inheritance. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been proven to be effective in creating gene knockout (KO) or knockin in human cells and is particularly useful for editing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Despite these progresses, some biological, technical, and ethical issues are limiting the therapeutic potential of genome editing in cardiovascular diseases. This review will focus on various applications of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in the cardiovascular field, for both disease research and the prospect ofin vivogenome-editing therapies in the future.
Evolution of the Mesoscopic Parameters and Mechanical Properties of Granular Materials upon Loading
Authors: Cao Peng , Liu Enlong , Jiang Lian
Published: December 2017

Biaxial tests of granular materials under different lateral pressures were numerically simulated to study both the macromechanical behavior and evolution of mesoscopic parameters, including the coordination number, degree, clustering coefficient, and average shortest path length, which can provide information bridging mesoscale to macroscale of the mechanical properties of granular materials in a different and new way. The analysis results demonstrate that, with the increasing lateral pressure, there is a higher coordination number for denser granular material, and the coordination number of the samples eventually tends to the similar value at critical state with the same lateral pressure for different initial porosities; the distribution of the degree is very similar for samples with different initial porosities at critical state; the evolution of the clustering coefficients with axial strain is almost the same as that of the coordination number. At critical state, the clustering coefficients of all samples are almost identical, which means that the internal structures of samples with various initial porosities are similar; the average shortest path decreases with increasing lateral pressure and tends to be stable in the critical state. Additionally, the diameter of the contact network of granular material hardly changes at different lateral pressures at critical state.
L'Opinion Et Ses Publics: Une Approche Pragmatiste De L'Opinion Publique
Authors: Brugidou Mathieu
Published: December 2017

The Public Opinion and Its Audiences – A Pragmatic Approach to Public Opinion: That is the title of a recently published book by Mathieu Brugidou, with a preface by Nonna Mayer (Presses de Sciences Po, 2008), in the series “Sociétés en mouvement. With the presentation of this book by its author, the BMS opens a file and a debate on public opinion research which will soon be followed by other contributions. Public Opinion, Research Methods, Public Debates, Public Controversies.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Resistance Testing Technologies and Their Applicability in Resource-Limited Settings of Africa
Authors: Nasir Idris Abdullahi , Emeribe Anthony Uchenna , Ojeamiren Iduda , Aderinsayo Adekola Hafeez
Published: December 2017

There has been tremendous breakthrough in the development of technologies and protocols for counselling, testing, and surveillance of resistant human immunodeficiency virus strains for efficient prognosis and clinical management aimed at improving the quality of life of infected persons. However, we have not arrived at a point where services rendered using these technologies can be made affordable and accessible to resource-limited settings. There are several technologies for monitoring antiretroviral resistance, each with unique merits and demerits. In this study, we review the strengths and limitations of prospective and affordable technologies with emphasis on those that could be used in resource-limited settings.
How to sell alcohol? Nordic alcohol monopolies in a changing epoch
Authors: Örnberg Jenny Cisneros , Ólafsdóttir Hildigunnur
Published: December 2017

The principles of the EU internal market have made it difficult to maintain effective national regulation in the public health arena. The EEA agreement and EU membership resulted in the abolition of all the monopolies on alcohol except at the retail level in the Nordic countries. The article examines how the Nordic alcohol retail monopolies have developed and reacted to national and international pressures on their activities from the mid 1990s to 2006. The article also analyzes what effects the changing surroundings of the Nordic alcohol monopolies have had on the monopolies' present tasks and positions. The method used in this study is document analysis and interviewing. The material analysed includes annual reports of the Nordic alcohol monopolies, their web pages, reports and brochures, and laws and regulations that pertain to the monopolies. The article shows that the monopolies have worked purposefully to make themselves popular among the population, with an increased focus on customer service. These changes are based upon both international pressures and changes in perspective within politics in general, where a slow transition from a collectivist solidarity perspective to a more individualistic lifestyle perspective can be discerned.
Drug and alcohol problems among Norwegian inmates
Authors: Ødegård E.
Published: December 2017

Aim & Data

Drug and alcohol problems among Norwegian inmates were explored in this study. Estimates of the portion of drug users among inmates were assessed on the most solid basis to date. The analysis was based on a survey of all Norwegian prisons. During the same week in December 2002 all Norwegian inmates received a questionnaire to survey demographic features, use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Results

The findings suggest that nearly half of the prison population has regularly used hard drugs before the imprisonment, and a fourth were regular intravenous drug users. Polydrug use is highly prevalent. Almost one-third of the inmates used illicit drugs during the present stay in prison. The proportion of highly frequent drinkers appears to be three to four times that found in the general population.
Artikel
Authors: Pape Hilde
Published: December 2017

H. Pape: School-based interventions that seem to work: Useful research on substance use prevention or suspicious stories of success?

School-based prevention programmes targeted at adolescent substance use rarely seem to have the desired effects on behaviour. It is true that some outcome studies do conclude that such programmes have been successful, but they are relatively few and far between. Even so, one may ask whether the body of published research in this field may originate from unrealistic optimism due to publication bias and underreporting of no or counterproductive effects. Thus, anecdotal evidence suggests that the literature is biased in favour of studies with positive findings. Moreover, nearly all these studies have been carried out by programme developers, and it is well known that researchers with vested interests are more likely to bring “good news” than independent researchers. Indeed, rather than approaching the field with critical refelction, some evaluators have intended to prove that school-based prevention works and have conducted their research accordingly. Examples of questionable analytical approaches and selective reporting of positive findings are consequently not hard to find. The external validity of evaluation studies with favourable outcomes is also often questionable because they almost exclusively have assessed the effects of programmes delivered under optimal rather than real-life conditions. In conclusion, the empirical “evidence” in favour of school-based substance use prevention programmes is generally weak and does not allow recommendation of widespread dissemination of any specific programme.
Alkohol och äldre
Authors: Ramstedt Mats
Published: December 2017

M. Ramstedt: Alcohol use and related harms among older people in Sweden – not a marginal issue anymore

There has been an increasing interest in drinking among older people in Sweden in recent years as today's older people drink more than previous generations and also constitute a larger part of the population. This paper examines survey data on drinking habits in combination with register data on alcohol-related harms to obtain a clearer picture of the importance of alcohol among older people in Sweden today. A clear majority older people in Sweden drink alcohol at least on a monthly basis; in 2007, the differences when compared to younger age groups were quite small. Still, as regards levels of drinking and frequency of binge drinking, older people drank less than younger age groups. In contrast to younger age groups who reported less drinking between 2002 and 2007, older age groups tended to have stable or increasing consumption. In addition, alcohol-related mortality and hospitalisation as well as drink-driving, have increased among older people in recent years but not among younger groups. Cohort effects and media reports of the beneficial effects of alcohol are brought up as plausible explanations for the results. Implications for the total consumption model and the theory of collectivity of drinking culture are also discussed.
Visioner och Sätt att Verkställa Dem: Nyckelaktörers Åsikter om Lokal Alkoholpolitik
Authors: Holmila Marja , Warpenius Katariina , Tigerstedt Christoffer
Published: December 2017

This study is based on an analysis of discussions of local experts on the prevention of alcohol-related harms. Dismantling of the centralized and hierarchical alcohol control system in Finland has shifted responsibilities from the state to the local level, and restructured the system of alcohol policy and prevention. At the state level greater emphasis is now placed on supporting and enabling local work, and the local level is expected to co-ordinate multiprofessional team work on a broad basis. In this process the roles and responsibilities of different actors are being reconfigured.

The substudy is a part of the Local Alcohol Policy (PAKKA) demonstration and evaluation project. This particular sub-study focuses on the possibilities and factors influencing sustainability of local interventions. The data were gathered in four group discussions. The discussion groups consisted of various actors influential in the professional fields of alcohol retail and the restaurant business, liquor licensing and surveillance, the police, and municipal harm prevention. The thematic discussion was facilitated by a researcher. The discussions were videotaped and transcribed and analysed by using the group as the unit of analyses. The participants explored ways of resolving the pressures caused by the decentralizing of alcohol prevention to the local level, and conceptualized the role and position of preventive work amid the changes in the alcohol administration. The different groups had similar views on the difficulties and obstacles faced by local prevention of alcohol-related harms. All of them also discussed the balance between public and private responsibility. The groups differed from one another in terms of how they saw the relationship between alcohol markets, civil society and the public sector. They also differed in how optimistic they were about the future of local work in the prevention of alcohol-related harms. The analysis reveals a kind of an empowerment story about the future possibilities of local alcohol policy.