bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Enhancement of Tetraazaporphyrins by the Use of Bulky Substituent Effects
Authors: Yoshida Takuya , Furuyama Taniyuki , Asai Mitsuo , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: May 2015

Tetraazaporphyrins substituted with bulky aryl groups have been synthesized and their fluorescence properties were investigated. The structural effects of the bulky groups were estimated by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The fluorescence quantum yields of these compounds were successfully enhanced due to the effect of the bulky substituent groups.
Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry with Discontinuous Atmospheric Pressure Interface
Authors: Usmanov Dilshadbek T. , Saha Subhrakanti , Chen Lee Chuin , Ninomiya Satoshi , Mandal Mridul K. , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: May 2015

Probe electrospray ionization (PESI) using a 0.2 mm outside diameter titanium wire was performed and the generated ions were introduced into the mass spectrometer via a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface using a pinch valve. Time-lapse PESI mass spectra were acquired by gradually increasing delay time for the pinch valve opening with respect to the start of each electrospray event when a high voltage was applied. The opening time of the pinch valve was 20 ms. Time-resolved PESI mass spectra showed marked differences for 10 mM NaCl, 10−5 M gramicidin S and insulin in H2O/CH3OH/CH3COOH (65/35/1) with and without the addition of 10 mM CH3COONH4. This was ascribed to the pH change of the liquid attached to the needle caused by electrochemical reactions taking place at the interface between the metal probe and the solution. NaCl cluster ions appeared only after the depletion of analytes. For the mixed solution of 10−5 M cytochrome c, insulin, and gramicidin S in H2O/CH3OH/CH3COOH (65/35/1), a sequential appearance of analyte ions in the order of cytochrome c → insulin → gramicidin S was observed. The present technique was applied to three narcotic samples, methamphetamine, morphine, and codeine. Limits of detection for these compounds were 10 ppb in H2O/CH3OH (1/1) for the single sampling with a pinch valve opening time of 200 ms.
Integration of Electrochemistry with Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cai Yi , Zheng Qiuling , Liu Yong , Helmy Roy , Loo Joseph A. , Chen Hao
Published: May 2015

This study presents the development of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) mass spectrometry (MS) combined with electrochemistry (EC) for the first time and its application for the structural analysis of proteins/peptides that contain disulfide bonds. In our approach, a protein/peptide mixture sample undergoes a fast UPLC separation and subsequent electrochemical reduction in an electrochemical flow cell followed by online MS and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses. The electrochemical cell is coupled to the mass spectrometer using our recently developed desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) interface. Using this UPLC/EC/DESI-MS method, peptides that contain disulfide bonds can be differentiated from those without disulfide bonds, as the former are electroactive and reducible. MS/MS analysis of the disulfide-reduced peptide ions provides increased information on the sequence and disulfide-linkage pattern. In a reactive DESI-MS detection experiment in which a supercharging reagent was used to dope the DESI spray solvent, increased charging was obtained for the UPLC-separated proteins. Strikingly, upon online electrolytic reduction, supercharged proteins (e.g., α-lactalbumin) showed even higher charging, which will be useful in top-down protein structure MS analysis as increased charges are known to promote protein ion dissociation. Also, the separation speed and sensitivity are enhanced by approximately 1∼2 orders of magnitude by using UPLC for the liquid chromatography (LC)/EC/MS platform, in comparison to the previously used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This UPLC/EC/DESI-MS method combines the power of fast UPLC separation, fast electrochemical conversion, and online MS structural analysis for a potentially valuable tool for proteomics research and bioanalysis.
Laser Desorption Ionization of Stilbenes in Crystalline Sponge
Authors: Ohara Kazuaki , Nakai Ayaka , Yamaguchi Kentaro
Published: May 2015

The laser desorption (LD) ionization of three stilbenes in the nano porous metal–organic frameworks called “crystalline sponge” is demonstrated. The analyte position in the pore and the interaction between the analyte and the framework that functions as a matrix are discussed based on the results of single-crystal X-ray analysis. It is confirmed that the analyte/ligand ratio of 1: 2 is sufficient for the analyte ionization. This method makes it possible to visualize hot spots on a target plate to be irradiated. That the sample requirement is dramatically reduced to the order of femtomoles is also an advantage. The relationship between laser interaction, analyte position in the pore, and analyte/ligand ratio is discussed as a new ionization field to elucidate the molecular structure of the analyte by LD ionization mass spectrometry.
Polydimethylsiloxane Extraction from Silicone Rubber intO Baked Goods Detected by Direct Analysis in Real-Time Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gross Jürgen H.
Published: May 2015

Flexible baking molds and other household utensils are made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), also known as silicone rubber. PDMS is prone to release oligomers upon elongated contact with fats, e.g., in the process of baking dough. Positive-ion direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry (MS) provides an efficient tool for the analysis of PDMS up to m/z 3000. Here, DART ionization is employed in combination with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance MS to detect PDMS released into muffins when baked in silicone rubber baking molds. Intensive signals caused by PDMS do occur in the m/z 700–1500 range of DART mass spectra obtained from the crusty surface of muffins after the use of such silicone rubber molds. In addition, triacylglyceroles (TAGs) present as natural ingredients of the analyzed muffins were detected as [TAG+NH4]+ ions.
Hydrated Copper Ion Chemistry: Guided Ion Beam and Computational Investigation of Cu2+(H2O)n (n = 7–10) Complexes
Authors: Sweeney Andrew F. , Armentrout P.B.
Published: May 2015

Cross sections for the threshold collision-induced dissociation of Cu2+(H2O) n, where n = 8–10, are measured using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The primary dissociation pathway is found to be loss of a single water molecule followed by the sequential loss of additional water molecules until n = 8, at which point charge separation to form CuOH+(H2O)4 + H+(H2O)3 is observed to occur at a slightly lower energy than loss of a water molecule. Competition from charge separation prohibits the formation of appreciable amounts of the n = 7 or smaller complexes as reactants in the source. These findings indicate that Cu2+ has a critical size of 8. Analysis of the data using statistical modeling techniques that account for energy distributions and lifetime effects yields primary and sequential bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for loss of one and two water molecules from n = 8–10 complexes as well as the barrier for charge separation from n = 8. More speculative analysis extends the thermochemistry obtained down to n = 5 and 6. Theoretical BDEs are determined from quantum chemical calculations using structures optimized at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level along with the lowest-energy isomers suggested by single point energies at the MP2(full), M06, B3LYP and B3P86 levels of theory using a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set. BDEs at 0 K are converted to 298 K thermodynamic values using a rigid rotor/harmonic oscillator approximation. Experimental and theoretical entropies of activation suggest that a third solvent shell forms at n = 9, in accord with previous findings. The present work represents the first experimentally determined hydration enthalpies for the Cu2+(H2O) n system.
A bioinformatics insight to rhizobial globins: gene identification and mapping, polypeptide sequence and phenetic analysis, and protein modeling.
Authors: Gesto-Borroto Reinier , Sánchez-Sánchez Miriam , Arredondo-Peter Raúl
Published: May 2015

Globins (Glbs) are proteins widely distributed in organisms. Three evolutionary families have been identified in Glbs: the M, S and T Glb families. The M Glbs include flavohemoglobins (fHbs) and single-domain Glbs (SDgbs); the S Glbs include globin-coupled sensors (GCSs), protoglobins and sensor single domain globins, and the T Glbs include truncated Glbs (tHbs). Structurally, the M and S Glbs exhibit 3/3-folding whereas the T Glbs exhibit 2/2-folding. Glbs are widespread in bacteria, including several rhizobial genomes. However, only few rhizobial Glbs have been characterized. Hence, we characterized Glbs from 62 rhizobial genomes using bioinformatics methods such as data mining in databases, sequence alignment, phenogram construction and protein modeling. Also, we analyzed soluble extracts fromBradyrhizobiumjaponicumUSDA38 and USDA58 by (reduced + carbon monoxide (CO)minusreduced) differential spectroscopy. Database searching showed that onlyfhb,sdgb,gcsandthbgenes exist in the rhizobia analyzed in this work. Promoter analysis revealed that apparently several rhizobialglbgenes are not regulated by a -10 promoter but might be regulated by -35 and Fnr (fumarate-nitrate reduction regulator)-like promoters. Mapping analysis revealed that rhizobialfhbs andthbs are flanked by a variety of genes whereas several rhizobialsdgbs andgcss are flanked by genes coding for proteins involved in the metabolism of nitrates and nitrites and chemotaxis, respectively. Phenetic analysis showed that rhizobial Glbs segregate into the M, S and T Glb families, while structural analysis showed that predicted rhizobial SDgbs and fHbs and GCSs globin domain and tHbs fold into the 3/3- and 2/2-folding, respectively. Spectra fromB.japonicumUSDA38 and USDA58 soluble extracts exhibited peaks and troughs characteristic of bacterial and vertebrate Glbs thus indicating that putative Glbs are synthesized inB.japonicumUSDA38 and USDA58.
M/M/c Queue with Two Priority Classes
Authors: Wang Jianfu , Baron Opher , Scheller-Wolf Alan
Published: May 2015

This paper provides the first exact analysis of a preemptive M/M/c queue with two priority classes having different service rates. To perform our analysis, we introduce a new technique to reduce the two-dimensionally infinite Markov chain (MC), representing the two class state space, into a one-dimensionally infinite MC, from which the generating function (GF) of the number of low-priority jobs can be derived in closed form. (The high-priority jobs form a simple M/M/c system and are thus easy to solve.) We demonstrate our methodology for the c = 1, 2 cases; when c > 2, the closed-form expression of the GF becomes cumbersome. We thus develop an exact algorithm to calculate the moments of the number of low-priority jobs for any c ≥ 2. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy of our algorithm and generate insights on (i) the relative effect of improving the service rate of either priority class on the mean sojourn time of low-priority jobs; (ii) the performance of a system having many slow servers compared with one having fewer fast servers; and (iii) the validity of the square root staffing rule in maintaining a fixed service level for the low-priority class. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of our methodology to solve other problems using the M/M/c queue with two priority classes, where the high-priority class is completely impatient.
Effect of superabsorbent dressings in a 3D acellular tissue model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm
Authors: Larkö E. , Persson A. , Blom K.
Published: May 2015

Objective:

To compare a superabsorbent polymer dressing (DryMax Extra; DME), an antibacterial absorbent polymer dressing (Sorbact absorption dressing; SB) and an antibacterial superabsorbent polymer dressing (Sorbion Sachet S; SSS) activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Method:

A 3D acellular synthetic soft tissue (ASST) allowing biofilm formation, was prepared and inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, before the application of dressings. The dressings DME, with and without a silver net, and two benchmark dressings SB and SSS were tested. After 24 hours' incubation, qualitative assessment by visual screening of the soft tissue and bacterial burden assessment in the dressings and acellular soft tissue model were performed.

Results:

DME combined with a silver net gave a distinct and wide colourless zone of inhibition while partial zones of inhibition were seen for DME, SSS and SB. Compared with the tissues exposed to the other dressings, those exposed to SB and the bacterial control appeared green and opaque. In descending order, the most visual growth was seen in bacterial control, followed by SB, SSS, and DME. The bacterial load was equivalent for all dressings without an antimicrobial substance in both ASST (around log 10) and dressing (around log 11). The bacterial load for DME combined with a silver net, in comparison to DME alone was significantly reduced, with log 3.6 in dressings and log 4.2 in ASST.

Conclusion:

The removal of bacteria by DME was equivalent to SB and SSS. Furthermore, DME limited the production of the green colour, indicative of Pyocyanin. If extrapolated to a wound, the ability of DME to absorb Pseudomonas aeruginosa and limit Pyocyanin levels in the wound might lead to reduced virulence.
Expected outcomes from topical haemoglobin spray in non-healing and worsening venous leg ulcers
Authors: Arenberger P. , Elg F. , Petyt J. , Cutting K.
Published: May 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of topical haemoglobin spray on treatment response and wound-closure rates in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers.

Method:

A linear regression model was used to forecast healing outcomes over a 12-month period. Simulated data were taken from normal distributions based on post-hoc analysis of a 72-patient study in non-healing and worsening wounds (36 patients receiving standard care and 36 receiving standard care plus topical haemoglobin spray). Using a simulated 25,000 ‘patients’ from each group, the proportion of wound closure over time was projected.

Results:

Simulation results predicted a 55% wound closure rate at six months in the haemoglobin group, compared with 4% in the standard care group. Over a 12-month simulation period, a 43% overall reduction in wound burden was predicted. With the haemoglobin spray, 85% of wounds were expected to heal in 12 months, compared with 13% in the standard care group.

Conclusion:

Topical haemoglobin spray promises a more effective treatment for chronic venous leg ulcers than standard care alone in wounds that are non-healing or worsening. Further research is required to validate these predictions and to identify achievable outcomes in other chronic wound types.
Salivary Gland Tumor Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Griffith Christopher C. , Pai Reetesh K. , Schneider Frank , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Seethala Raja R.
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is useful in the evaluation of salivary gland tumors, but currently no standard terminology or risk stratification model exists.

Methods:

FNA smears were reviewed and categorized based on cytonuclear features, stromal characteristics, and background characteristics. Risk of malignancy was calculated for each category. Classifications as benign, neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (NUMP), suspicious for malignancy, and positive for malignancy were used to aggregate categories into similar risk groups.

Results:

Categorization of salivary gland aspirates into morphologic categories resulted in the expected risk stratification. Grouping of categories maintained risk stratification, providing classes with malignancy risk as follows: benign, 2%; NUMP, 18%; suspicious for malignancy, 76%; and positive for malignancy, 100%.

Conclusions:

Salivary gland FNA categorization into commonly encountered morphologic categories provides risk stratification, which translates to a simplified classification scheme of benign, NUMP, suspicious, and positive for malignancy similar to the paradigm in other organ systems.
p16/CDKN2A FISH in Differentiation of Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma From Mesothelial Hyperplasia and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ito Tomohiro , Hamasaki Makoto , Matsumoto Shinji , Hiroshima Kenzo , Tsujimura Tohru , Kawai Toshiaki , Shimao Yoshiya , Marutsuka Kousuke , Moriguchi Sayaka , Maruyama Riruke , Miyamoto Shingo , Nabeshima Kazuki
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

It can be difficult to differentiate diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) from reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (RMH) or peritoneal dissemination of gynecologic malignancies, such as epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which cause a large amount of ascites. Detection of the homozygous deletion of p16/CDKN2A (p16) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is an effective adjunct in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the p16 FISH assay to differentiate DMPM from RMH and EOC.

Methods:

p16 FISH was performed in 28 DMPMs (successful in 19), 30 RMHs, and 40 EOC cases. The cutoff values of p16 FISH were more than 10% for homozygous deletion and more than 40% for heterozygous deletion.

Results:

According to the above criteria, nine (47.4%) of 19 successful DMPM cases were homozygous deletion positive, and three (15.8%) of 19 were heterozygous deletion positive, whereas all RMH cases were negative for the p16 deletion. In all four major histologic subtypes of EOC, neither p16 homozygous nor heterozygous deletions were detected. To differentiate DMPM from RMH or EOC, the sensitivity of the p16 homozygous deletion was 32% (9/28), and the specificity was 100%.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that p16 FISH analysis is useful in differentiating DMPM from RMH and EOC when homozygous deletion is detected.
Cartographic Reconstruction of Historical Environmental Change
Authors: Lukas Martin C.
Published: May 2015

Historical maps provide large potential for research into historical environmental change. However, the limited availability and accuracy of early cartographic material restricts the analytical time scale of inquiry and poses methodological challenges. An important consideration in this context is the question: at minimum, how accurate must historical maps be in order to be used for which kind of analysis. This question is addressed here, based on the example of a combined analysis of historical maps and satellite images that aimed at reconstructing shoreline aggradation in the Segara Anakan lagoon on the south coast of Java. I present a practical methodological approach to analyzing historical spatial information which has varying degrees of accuracy. In the example presented, this approach links an accuracy assessment of selected historical maps of the region with a lagoon shoreline change analysis. As indicators for the maps’ analytical suitability and the reliability of results, I propose ratios between environmental change rates and quantitative map accuracy measures, as well as combined uncertainty measures. The empirical example demonstrates that in case of large magnitudes of environmental change an analysis of even fairly inaccurate historical maps can provide results with surprisingly low levels of uncertainty. However, large magnitudes of environmental change can also constrain the analysis of historical maps. Quantitative analyses of the accuracy and the contents of historical maps should be accompanied by a qualitative appraisal taking into account carto-bibliographic information and the various dimensions of map accuracy. The maps of change presented in this paper may support further inquiry into the dynamics and drivers of environmental change in the Segara Anakan lagoon region.
Introducing the Patterson Cylindrical Projection
Authors: Patterson Tom , Šavrič Bojan , Jenny Bernhard
Published: May 2015

The Patterson cylindrical, a new projection designed for general-purpose mapmaking, is an alternative to other cylindrical projections. It is positioned between the Plate Carrée projection, which has a 1:2 aspect ratio, and the Miller 1 projection, which excessively exaggerates the size of polar areas. The Patterson cylindrical balances polar exaggeration against maintaining the familiar shape of continents and has a compact height-to-width aspect ratio. Creating the projection started with a graphical template made in Flex Projector that served as a guide for developing the polynomial equations, which are introduced in this article. The reference source code is available in the Java Map Projection Library.
Mark Textor, Frege on Sense and Reference
Authors: Kremer Michael
Published: May 2015

London and New York. Routledge, 2011, x + 291. $125.00 (hardcover); $33.95 (paperback). ISBN 978-0-415-41961-1
Kevin Mulligan, Katarzyna Kijania-Placek and Tomasz Placek, The History and Philosophy of Polish Logic. Essays in Honour of Jan Wolenski.
Authors: Catterson Troy
Published: May 2015

New York: Palgrave Macmillan. 2014. 308 pp. $96.63. ISBN 978-1-137-03090-0. Reviewed by Troy Catterson
Unexpected Heterodivalent Recruitment of NOS1AP to nNOS Reveals Multiple Sites for Pharmacological Intervention in Neuronal Disease Models
Authors: Li Li-Li , Melero-Fernandez de Mera Raquel M. , Chen Jia , Ba Wei , Kasri Nael Nadif , Zhang Mingjie , Courtney Michael J.
Published: May 2015

The protein NOS1AP/CAPON mediates signaling from a protein complex of NMDA receptor, PSD95 and nNOS. The only stroke trial for neuroprotectants that showed benefit to patients targeted this ternary complex. NOS1AP/nNOS interaction regulates small GTPases, iron transport, p38MAPK-linked excitotoxicity, and anxiety. Moreover, thenos1apgene is linked to disorders from schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism to cardiovascular disorders and breast cancer. Understanding protein interactions required for NOS1AP function, therefore, has broad implications for numerous diseases. Here we show that the interaction of NOS1AP with nNOS differs radically from the classical PDZ docking assumed to be responsible. The NOS1AP PDZ motif does not bind nNOS as measured by multiple methods. In contrast, full-length NOS1AP forms an unusually stable interaction with nNOS. We mapped the discrepancy between full-length and C-terminal PDZ motif to a novel internal region we call the ExF motif. The C-terminal PDZ motif, although neither sufficient nor necessary for binding, nevertheless promotes the stability of the complex. It therefore potentially affects signal transduction and suggests that functional interaction of nNOS with NOS1AP might be targetable at two distinct sites. We demonstrate that excitotoxic pathways can be regulated, in cortical neuron and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from rat, either by the previously described PDZ ligand TAT-GESV or by the ExF motif-bearing region of NOS1AP, even when lacking the critical PDZ residues as long as the ExF motif is intact and not mutated. This previously unrecognized heterodivalent interaction of nNOS with NOS1AP may therefore provide distinct opportunities for pharmacological intervention in NOS1AP-dependent signaling and excitotoxicity.
μ-Opioid Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Intercalated Neurons and Effect on Synaptic Transmission to the Central Amygdala
Authors: Blaesse Peter , Goedecke Lena , Bazelot Michaël , Capogna Marco , Pape Hans-Christian , Jüngling Kay
Published: May 2015

The amygdala is a key region for the processing of information underlying fear, anxiety, and fear extinction. Within the local neuronal networks of the amygdala, a population of inhibitory, intercalated neurons (ITCs) modulates the flow of information among various nuclei of amygdala, including the basal nucleus (BA) and the centromedial nucleus (CeM) of the amygdala. These ITCs have been shown to be important during fear extinction and are target of a variety of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Here we provide evidence that the activation of μ-opioid receptors (MORs) by the specific agonist DAMGO ([D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-Enkephalin) hyperpolarizes medially located ITCs (mITCs) in acute brain slices of mice. Moreover, we use whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in combination with local electrical stimulation or glutamate uncaging to analyze the effect of MOR activation on local microcircuits. We show that the GABAergic transmission between mITCs and CeM neurons is attenuated by DAMGO, whereas the glutamatergic transmission on CeM neurons and mITCs is unaffected. Furthermore, MOR activation induced by theta burst stimulation in BA suppresses plastic changes of feedforward inhibitory transmission onto CeM neurons as revealed by the MOR antagonist CTAP d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2. In summary, the mITCs constitute a target for the opioid system, and therefore, the activation of MOR in ITCs might play a central role in the modulation of the information processing between the basolateral complex of the amygdala and central nuclei of the amygdala.
Toward an Autonomous Brain Machine Interface: Integrating Sensorimotor Reward Modulation and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Marsh Brandi T. , Tarigoppula Venkata S Aditya , Chen Chen , Francis Joseph T.
Published: May 2015

For decades, neurophysiologists have worked on elucidating the function of the cortical sensorimotor control system from the standpoint of kinematics or dynamics. Recently, computational neuroscientists have developed models that can emulate changes seen in the primary motor cortex during learning. However, these simulations rely on the existence of a reward-like signal in the primary sensorimotor cortex. Reward modulation of the primary sensorimotor cortex has yet to be characterized at the level of neural units. Here we demonstrate that single units/multiunits and local field potentials in the primary motor (M1) cortex of nonhuman primates (Macaca radiata) are modulated by reward expectation during reaching movements and that this modulation is present even while subjects passively view cursor motions that are predictive of either reward or nonreward. After establishing this reward modulation, we set out to determine whether we could correctly classify rewarding versus nonrewarding trials, on a moment-to-moment basis. This reward information could then be used in collaboration with reinforcement learning principles toward an autonomous brain–machine interface. The autonomous brain–machine interface would use M1 for both decoding movement intention and extraction of reward expectation information as evaluative feedback, which would then update the decoding algorithm as necessary. In the work presented here, we show that this, in theory, is possible.
Synapsin Determines Memory Strength after Punishment- and Relief-Learning
Authors: Niewalda Thomas , Michels Birgit , Jungnickel Roswitha , Diegelmann Sören , Kleber Jörg , Kähne Thilo , Gerber Bertram
Published: May 2015

Adverse life events can induce two kinds of memory with opposite valence, dependent on timing: “negative” memories for stimuli preceding them and “positive” memories for stimuli experienced at the moment of “relief.” Such punishment memory and relief memory are found in insects, rats, and man. For example, fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) avoid an odor after odor-shock training (“forward conditioning” of the odor), whereas after shock-odor training (“backward conditioning” of the odor) they approach it. Do these timing-dependent associative processes share molecular determinants? We focus on the role of Synapsin, a conserved presynaptic phosphoprotein regulating the balance between the reserve pool and the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. We find that a lack of Synapsin leaves task-relevant sensory and motor faculties unaffected. In contrast, both punishment memory and relief memory scores are reduced. These defects reflect a true lessening of associative memory strength, as distortions in nonassociative processing (e.g., susceptibility to handling, adaptation, habituation, sensitization), discrimination ability, and changes in the time course of coincidence detection can be ruled out as alternative explanations. Reductions in punishment- and relief-memory strength are also observed upon an RNAi-mediated knock-down of Synapsin, and are rescued both by acutely restoring Synapsin and by locally restoring it in the mushroom bodies of mutant flies. Thus, both punishment memory and relief memory require the Synapsin protein and in this sense share genetic and molecular determinants. We note that corresponding molecular commonalities between punishment memory and relief memory in humans would constrain pharmacological attempts to selectively interfere with excessive associative punishment memories, e.g., after traumatic experiences.
Dysregulated RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) Assembly within CNS Corresponds with Abnormal miRNA Expression during Autoimmune Demyelination
Authors: Lewkowicz Przemysław , Cwiklińska Hanna , Mycko Marcin P. , Cichalewska Maria , Domowicz Małgorzata , Lewkowicz Natalia , Jurewicz Anna , Selmaj Krzysztof W.
Published: May 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) associate with Argonaute (Ago), GW182, and FXR1 proteins to form RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). RISCs represent a critical checkpoint in the regulation and bioavailability of miRNAs. Recent studies have revealed dysregulation of miRNAs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE); however, the function of RISCs in EAE and MS is largely unknown. Here, we examined the expression of Ago, GW182, and FXR1 in CNS tissue, oligodendrocytes (OLs), brain-infiltrating T lymphocytes, and CD3+splenocytes (SCs) of EAE mic, and found that global RISC protein levels were significantly dysregulated. Specifically, Ago2 and FXR1 levels were decreased in OLs and brain-infiltrating T cells in EAE mice. Accordingly, assembly of Ago2/GW182/FXR1 complexes in EAE brain tissues was disrupted, as confirmed by immunoprecipitation experiments. In parallel with alterations in RISC complex content in OLs, we found downregulation of miRNAs essential for differentiation and survival of OLs and myelin synthesis. In brain-infiltrating T lymphocytes, aberrant RISC formation contributed to miRNA-dependent proinflammatory helper T-cell polarization. In CD3+SCs, we found increased expression of both Ago2 and FXR1 in EAE compared with nonimmunized mice. Therefore, our results demonstrate a gradient in expression of miRNA between primary activated T cells in the periphery and polarized CNS-infiltrating T cells. These results suggest that, in polarized autoreactive effector T cells, miRNA synthesis is inhibited in response to dysregulated RISC assembly, allowing these cells to maintain a highly specific proinflammatory program. Therefore, our findings may provide a mechanism that leads to miRNA dysregulation in EAE/MS.
Consolidation of Associative and Item Memory Is Related to Post-Encoding Functional Connectivity between the Ventral Tegmental Area and Different Medial Temporal Lobe Subregions during an Unrelated Task
Authors: Tompary Alexa , Duncan Katherine , Davachi Lila
Published: May 2015

It is well established that the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex (PrC) encode associative and item representations, respectively. However, less is known about how item and associative memories are consolidated. We used high-resolution fMRI in humans to measure how functional connectivity between these distinct medial temporal lobe regions with the ventral tegmental area (VTA) after a paired associate encoding task is related to both immediate and 24 h item and associative memory performance. We found that the strength of post-encoding functional connectivity between the VTA and CA1 selectively correlated with long-term associative memory, despite subjects actively engaging in an unrelated task during this period. Conversely, VTA–PrC functional connectivity during the same period correlated with long-term item memory. Critically, connectivity between VTA and these MTL regions were only related to memory tested at a 24 h delay, implicating midbrain connectivity in the consolidation of distinct forms of memory.
Aging after Noise Exposure: Acceleration of Cochlear Synaptopathy in “Recovered” Ears
Authors: Fernandez Katharine A. , Jeffers Penelope W.C. , Lall Kumud , Liberman M. Charles , Kujawa Sharon G.
Published: May 2015

Cochlear synaptic loss, rather than hair cell death, is the earliest sign of damage in both noise- and age-related hearing impairment (Kujawa and Liberman, 2009; Sergeyenko et al., 2013). Here, we compare cochlear aging after two types of noise exposure: one producing permanent synaptic damage without hair cell loss and another producing neither synaptopathy nor hair cell loss. Adult mice were exposed (8–16 kHz, 100 or 91 dB SPL for 2 h) and then evaluated from 1 h to ∼20 months after exposure. Cochlear function was assessed via distortion product otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). Cochlear whole mounts and plastic sections were studied to quantify hair cells, cochlear neurons, and the synapses connecting them. The synaptopathic noise (100 dB) caused 35–50 dB threshold shifts at 24 h. By 2 weeks, thresholds had recovered, but synaptic counts and ABR amplitudes at high frequencies were reduced by up to ∼45%. As exposed animals aged, synaptopathy was exacerbated compared with controls and spread to lower frequencies. Proportional ganglion cell losses followed. Threshold shifts first appeared >1 year after exposure and, by ∼20 months, were up to 18 dB greater in the synaptopathic noise group. Outer hair cell losses were exacerbated in the same time frame (∼10% at 32 kHz). In contrast, the 91 dB exposure, producing transient threshold shift without acute synaptopathy, showed no acceleration of synaptic loss or cochlear dysfunction as animals aged, at least to ∼1 year after exposure. Therefore, interactions between noise and aging may require an acute synaptopathy, but a single synaptopathic exposure can accelerate cochlear aging.
Heterogeneity and Bipotency of Astroglial-Like Cerebellar Progenitors along the Interneuron and Glial Lineages
Authors: Parmigiani Elena , Leto Ketty , Rolando Chiara , Figueres-Oñate María , López-Mascaraque Laura , Buffo Annalisa , Rossi Ferdinando
Published: May 2015

Cerebellar GABAergic interneurons in mouse comprise multiple subsets of morphologically and neurochemically distinct phenotypes located at strategic nodes of cerebellar local circuits. These cells are produced by common progenitors deriving from the ventricular epithelium during embryogenesis and from the prospective white matter (PWM) during postnatal development. However, it is not clear whether these progenitors are also shared by other cerebellar lineages and whether germinative sites different from the PWM originate inhibitory interneurons. Indeed, the postnatal cerebellum hosts another germinal site along the Purkinje cell layer (PCL), in which Bergmann glia are generated up to first the postnatal weeks, which was proposed to be neurogenic. Both PCL and PWM comprise precursors displaying traits of juvenile astroglia and neural stem cell markers. First, we examine the proliferative and fate potential of these niches, showing that different proliferative dynamics regulate progenitor amplification at these sites. In addition, PCL and PWM differ in the generated progeny. GABAergic interneurons are produced exclusively by PWM astroglial-like progenitors, whereas PCL precursors produce only astrocytes. Finally, throughin vitro,ex vivo, andin vivoclonal analyses we provide evidence that the postnatal PWM hosts a bipotent progenitor that gives rise to both interneurons and white matter astrocytes.
60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: MEMOIR: Harris' neuroendocrine revolution: of portal vessels and self-priming
Authors: Fink George
Published: May 2015

Geoffrey Harris, while still a medical student at Cambridge, was the first researcher (1937) to provide experimental proof for the then tentative view that the anterior pituitary gland was controlled by the CNS. The elegant studies carried out by Harris in the 1940s and early 1950s, alone and in collaboration with John Green and Dora Jacobsohn, established that this control was mediated by a neurohumoral mechanism that involved the transport by hypophysial portal vessel blood of chemical substances from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary gland. The neurohumoral control of anterior pituitary secretion was proved by the isolation and characterisation of the ‘chemical substances’ (mainly neuropeptides) and the finding that these substances were released into hypophysial portal blood in a manner consistent with their physiological functions. The new discipline of neuroendocrinology – the way that the brain controls endocrine glands andvice versa– revolutionised the treatment of endocrine disorders such as growth and pubertal abnormalities, infertility and hormone-dependent tumours, and it underpins our understanding of the sexual differentiation of the brain and key aspects of behaviour and mental disorder. Neuroendocrine principles are illustrated in this Thematic Review by way of Harris' major interest: hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal control. Attention is focussed on the measurement of GnRH in hypophysial portal blood and the role played by the self-priming effect of GnRH in promoting the onset of puberty and enabling the oestrogen-induced surge or pulses of GnRH to trigger the ovulatory gonadotrophin surge in humans and other spontaneously ovulating mammals.
Maintenance of Quantitative Genetic Variance Under Partial Self-Fertilization, with Implications for Evolution of Selfing
Authors: Lande Russell , Porcher Emmanuelle
Published: May 2015

We analyze two models of the maintenance of quantitative genetic variance in a mixed-mating system of self-fertilization and outcrossing. In both models purely additive genetic variance is maintained by mutation and recombination under stabilizing selection on the phenotype of one or more quantitative characters. The Gaussian allele model (GAM) involves a finite number of unlinked loci in an infinitely large population, with a normal distribution of allelic effects at each locus within lineages selfed for τ consecutive generations since their last outcross. The infinitesimal model for partial selfing (IMS) involves an infinite number of loci in a large but finite population, with a normal distribution of breeding values in lineages of selfing age τ. In both models a stable equilibrium genetic variance exists, the outcrossed equilibrium, nearly equal to that under random mating, for all selfing rates, r, up to critical value, r^, the purging threshold, which approximately equals the mean fitness under random mating relative to that under complete selfing. In the GAM a second stable equilibrium, the purged equilibrium, exists for any positive selfing rate, with genetic variance less than or equal to that under pure selfing; as r increases above r^ the outcrossed equilibrium collapses sharply to the purged equilibrium genetic variance. In the IMS a single stable equilibrium genetic variance exists at each selfing rate; as r increases above r^ the equilibrium genetic variance drops sharply and then declines gradually to that maintained under complete selfing. The implications for evolution of selfing rates, and for adaptive evolution and persistence of predominantly selfing species, provide a theoretical basis for the classical view of Stebbins that predominant selfing constitutes an “evolutionary dead end.”
Water-splitting using photoelectrodes of titania and titania-perovskite halite composite films
Authors: Lai Yu-Shiuan , Yang Tao-Wei , Wong Ming-Show , Pai Yi-Hao , Chen Su-Hua
Published: May 2015

Titanium oxide photoelectrodes have been used for water splitting for a few decades, but have low solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies. Perovskite halides (e.g., CH3NH3PbI3) have recently emerged as an efficient light absorber system. We try to combine the two materials to create new photoelectrodes to achieve a higher efficiency for hydrogen production. The photoelectrodes are investigated for water-splitting hydrogen production under Xe light irradiation by photoelectrochemical (PEC) reaction. Since perovskite halides are favorable light harvesters under UV and visible light irradiation, the composite films of titania and perovskite halide would achieve efficient water splitting. The hydrogen production rate using the composite films is higher than that using anatase TiO2 electrode. However, the composite films are not stable in water under light irradiation and the perovskite halide gradually decomposes into lead halide.
Relationships between Undergraduate Research and the Advanced Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory
Authors: Inglefield Colin
Published: May 2015

I will present a model for a complementary relationship between an undergraduate research program and the undergraduate teaching laboratory in materials science. One clear example is using the teaching laboratory to prepare students to do more independent undergraduate research by emphasizing appropriate skills and knowledge, but there are several others. Undergraduate researchers can work with faculty to develop novel experiments and apparatus that can be used in the teaching laboratory. Undergraduates can gain working knowledge of common research techniques and equipment within their program. The ideas should be applicable to any institution placing a priority on undergraduate research and undergraduate education.
The application of infrared thermo-camera in testing of silicon-based thin-film solar cells
Authors: Han Meiying , Zhu Yonghong , Xie，Xiangqi Luo Xishun , Tang Liangneng , Tan Yiping
Published: May 2015

Thermo-camera is employed here to analyze kinds of quality abnormal and improve production process during manufacture procedure of silicon-based thin-film solar modules. It shows that thermo-camera device can help engineers to solve problem of production line quickly and accurately, and save the manpower and financial resources at the same time.
Investigation of Ferroelectric Polymer Langmuir Film Properties
Authors: Reece Timothy J. , Behn Wyatt A. , Sanabria-Díaz Adrián
Published: May 2015

Thin films of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) copolymers have been incorporated within ferroelectric field effect transistors, all organic thin film transistor devices (OTFTs), piezoelectric actuators, and recently proposed as the ferroelectric layer in a promising multiferroic tunnel junction configuration [1]. The properties of most of these devices would benefit from reduced thickness and better thickness control of the ferroelectric layer during device processing.

A proven means for fabricating ultrathin films of the PVDF copolymer is the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. This technique involves dissolving the polymer in a volatile solvent which is then dispersed dropwise onto a purified water subphase, leaving an ultrathin layer of the copolymer on the water surface. The ability to control the thickness on the molecular level is the most prominent feature of this technique.

In some early studies [2], the minimum thickness of these films was found to be about 5 Angstroms, or roughly the same thickness as the intermolecular spacing of the all-trans β phase for the ferroelectric polymers. Later studies have led to the fabrication of films composed of thicker transfer steps: ∼ 1.8 nm per deposition [3]. The discrepancy is likely explained by the nature of the VDF molecule: it is not an amphiphile.

In this study, we further investigate the properties of Langmuir films of ferroelectric copolymers and discuss the observation of an apparent monolayer phase transition based on abrupt changes observed in the compressibility of the films. The main goal of this project is to discover the extent to which the device properties (like transfer step thickness) of PVDF films can be modified through processing conditions.
On the Stability and Reactivity of Redox Shuttles in Their Neutral and Radical Cation Forms
Authors: Odom Susan A. , Casselman Matthew , Kaur Aman Preet , Ergun Selin , Zhang Naijao
Published: May 2015

The performance of aromatic compounds as redox shuttles for overcharge protection in lithium-ion batteries is quite variable and is often difficult to predict. Redox shuttles may decompose in battery electrolyte in their neutral and radical cation forms, both of which are present during overcharge protection. While hundreds of compounds have been evaluated as redox shuttle candidates and a few have stood out as top performers, the reasons for increased stability over similar candidates with slightly different structures is often unclear, and the exploration of decomposition of redox shuttles has been severely limited, restricting our ability to design improved versions of redox shuttles that do not suffer from the same reactions in lithium-ion batteries. To better understand the stability and reactivity of redox shuttles (also relevant to the improvement of positive electrode materials in non-aqueous redox flow batteries) our research has focused on measuring the stability of neutral and oxidized forms of redox shuttle candidates as well as using a variety of spectroscopic methods to analyze the byproducts of decomposition, both from radical cations generated in model solvents and electrolytes from postmortem analysis of failed batteries.
Dirofilaria-repens-Befall bei einem Hund aus Mitteldeutschland ohne Reisevorbericht
Authors: Daugschies A. , Dyachenko V. , Härtwig V.
Published: May 2015

Bei einem mit Dyspnoe und Fieber vorgestellten Mischlingshund wurde nach Thoraxpunktion ein Pyothorax diagnostiziert und als Zufallsbefund eine Mikrofilarie festgestellt. Die durchgeführten diagnostischen Tests bestätigten eine Infektion mit Dirofilaria repens, die wahrscheinlich autochthon in Mitteldeutschland stattfand. Die im Abstand von 4 Wochen angewandte Therapie mit Moxidectin über 6 Monate erwies sich nach regelmäßiger Kontrolle als erfolgreich. Der Fallbericht zeigt, dass Dirofilaria-repens-Infektionen in Deutschland auftreten können und erfolgreich zu therapieren sind.
Transient renal Fanconi syndrome in a Chihuahua exposed to Chinese chicken jerky treats
Authors: Furman E. , Leidinger J. , Brandstetter D. , Hochleithner C. , Sewell A. C. , Leidinger E. , Giger U. , Hooijberg E. H.
Published: May 2015

Transient Fanconi syndrome without azotemia was diagnosed in a dog and was associated with ingestion of Chinese chicken jerky treats. Fanconi syndrome is a proximal renal tubular defect and a diagnosis was made based upon severe glucosuria with normoglycemia, and severe generalized aminoaciduria. The clinical signs of polyuria and polydipsia as well as the massive urinary metabolic abnormalities resolved after jerky treat withdrawal. While frequently seen in North America and Australia, this is the first report of jerky treat induced Fanconi syndrome in continental Europe. Clinicians should be aware of this potential intoxication and be vigilant for a history of jerky treat consumption in a dog with glucosuria.