bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homoeolog-specific retention and use in allotetraploid Arabidopsis suecica depends on parent of origin and network partners
Authors: Chang Peter L , Dilkes Brian P , McMahon Michelle , Comai Luca , Nuzhdin Sergey V
Published: January 2011

Background

Allotetraploids carry pairs of diverged homoeologs for most genes. With the genome doubled in size, the number of putative interactions is enormous. This poses challenges on how to coordinate the two disparate genomes, and creates opportunities by enhancing the phenotypic variation. New combinations of alleles co-adapt and respond to new environmental pressures. Three stages of the allopolyploidization process - parental species divergence, hybridization, and genome duplication - have been well analyzed. The last stage of evolutionary adjustments remains mysterious.

Results

Homoeolog-specific retention and use were analyzed in Arabidopsis suecica (As), a species derived from A. thaliana (At) and A. arenosa (Aa) in a single event 12,000 to 300,000 years ago. We used 405,466 diagnostic features on tiling microarrays to recognize At and Aa contributions to the As genome and transcriptome: 324 genes lacked Aa contributions and 614 genes lacked At contributions within As. In leaf tissues, 3,458 genes preferentially expressed At homoeologs while 4,150 favored Aa homoeologs. These patterns were validated with resequencing. Genes with preferential use of Aa homoeologs were enriched for expression functions, consistent with the dominance of Aa transcription. Heterologous networks - mixed from At and Aa transcripts - were underrepresented.

Conclusions

Thousands of deleted and silenced homoeologs in the genome of As were identified. Since heterologous networks may be compromised by interspecies incompatibilities, these networks evolve co-biases, expressing either only Aa or only At homoeologs. This progressive change towards predominantly pure parental networks might contribute to phenotypic variability and plasticity, and enable the species to exploit a larger range of environments.
A scalable, fully automated process for construction of sequence-ready human exome targeted capture libraries
Authors: Fisher Sheila , Barry Andrew , Abreu Justin , Minie Brian , Nolan Jillian , Delorey Toni M , Young Geneva , Fennell Timothy J , Allen Alexander , Ambrogio Lauren , Berlin Aaron M , Blumenstiel Brendan , Cibulskis Kristian , Friedrich Dennis , Johnson Ryan , Juhn Frank , Reilly Brian , Shammas Ramy , Stalker John , Sykes Sean M , Thompson Jon , Walsh John , Zimmer Andrew , Zwirko Zac , Gabriel Stacey , Nicol Robert , Nusbaum Chad
Published: January 2011

Genome targeting methods enable cost-effective capture of specific subsets of the genome for sequencing. We present here an automated, highly scalable method for carrying out the Solution Hybrid Selection capture approach that provides a dramatic increase in scale and throughput of sequence-ready libraries produced. Significant process improvements and a series of in-process quality control checkpoints are also added. These process improvements can also be used in a manual version of the protocol.
Differential fate and functional outcome of lithium chloride primed adult neural progenitor cell transplants in a rat model of Huntington disease
Authors: Vazey Elena M , Connor Bronwen
Published: January 2011

Introduction

The ability to predetermine the fate of transplanted neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and specifically to direct their maturation has the potential to enhance the efficiency of cell-transplantation therapy for neurodegenerative disease. We previously demonstrated that transient exposure of subventricular zone (SVZ)-derived adult NPCs to lithium chloride during in vitro proliferation alters differential fate in vitro and increases the proportion of cells expressing neuronal markers while reducing glial progeny. To extend these findings, we examined whether in vitro priming of adult SVZ-derived NPCs with lithium chloride before transplantation into the quinolinic acid (QA) lesion rat model of Huntington disease altered in vivo neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor function compared with nonprimed NPC transplants.

Methods

NPCs were isolated from the SVZ of the adult rat brain and cultured for 2 weeks. Four days before transplantation into the QA-lesioned rat striatum, the cells were labeled with BrdU and primed with lithium chloride. The rats underwent regular evaluation of forelimb use and sensorimotor neglect to establish functional effects of NPC transplantation. Twelve weeks after transplantation, the brains were analyzed with immunohistochemistry to compare the differential fate of primed and nonprimed NPCs.

Results

We observed that in vitro priming of adult NPCs with lithium chloride reduced gliogenesis and enhanced the occurrence of DARPP-32-positive neurons when compared with nonprimed cells 12 weeks after transplantation into the QA-lesioned striatum. Lithium chloride priming also augmented the formation of efferent projections from newly formed neurons in the damaged host striatum to the globus pallidus. This was associated with acceleration of sensorimotor function recovery in rats receiving transplants of lithium chloride-primed adult NPCs compared with nonprimed transplants.

Conclusions

These initial findings indicate that in vitro priming of adult NPCs with lithium chloride may augment transplant efficiency and accelerate sensorimotor function outcome in vivo.
Systemic inflammation and fracture healing
Authors: Bastian Okan , Pillay Janesh , Alblas Jacqueline , Leenen Luke , Koenderman Leo , Blokhuis Taco
Published: January 2011

Apart from their pivotal role in the host defense against pathogens, leukocytes are also essential for bone repair, as fracture healing is initiated and directed by a physiological inflammatory response. Leukocytes infiltrate the fracture hematoma and produce several growth and differentiation factors that regulate essential downstream processes of fracture healing. Systemic inflammation alters the numbers and properties of circulating leukocytes, and we hypothesize that these changes are maintained in tissue leukocytes and will lead to impairment of fracture healing after major trauma. The underlying mechanisms will be discussed in this review.
Unmeasured Costs of a Child's Death: Perceived Financial Burden, Work Disruptions, and Economic Coping Strategies Used by American and Australian Families Who Lost Children to Cancer
Authors: Dussel Veronica , Bona Kira , Heath John A. , Hilden Joanne M. , Weeks Jane C. , Wolfe Joanne
Published: January 2011

Purpose

Financial concerns represent a major stressor for families of children with cancer but remain poorly understood among those with terminally ill children. We describe the financial hardship, work disruptions, income loss, and coping strategies of families who lost children to cancer.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional survey of 141 American and 89 Australian bereaved parents whose children died between 1990 and 1999 and 1996 to 2004, respectively, at three tertiary-care pediatric hospitals (two American, one Australian). Response rate: 63%.

Results

Thirty-four (24%) of 141 families from US centers and 34 (39%) of 88 families from the Australian center reported a great deal of financial hardship resulting from their children's illness. Work disruptions were substantial (84% in the United States, 88% in Australia). Australian families were more likely to report quitting a job (49% in Australia v 35% in the United States; P = .037). Sixty percent of families lost more than 10% of their annual income as a result of work disruptions. Australians were more likely to lose more than 40% of their income (34% in Australia v 19% in the United States; P = .035). Poor families experienced the greatest income loss. After accounting for income loss, 16% of American and 22% of Australian families dropped below the poverty line. Financial hardship was associated with poverty and income loss in all centers. Fundraising was the most common financial coping strategy (52% in the United States v 33% in Australia), followed by reduced spending.

Conclusion

In these US and Australian centers, significant household-level financial effects of a child's death as a result of cancer were observed, especially for poor families. Interventions aimed at reducing the effects of income loss may ease financial distress.
Familial Mortality and Familial Incidence in Cancer
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Sundquist Jan , Brandt Andreas
Published: January 2011

Purpose

An overwhelming majority of data on familial risk in cancer is based on incident cancer, whereas familiality in cancer mortality is largely unknown. If fatal form of cancer was a highly familial subtype, then familial risk for mortality may exceed that of incidence, which would be particularly relevant for clinical decision making and counseling.

Patients and Methods

The individuals in the nationwide Swedish Family-Cancer Database were classified according to family history of fatal and nonfatal cancer. Familial risks of incident and fatal concordant cancer were calculated for offspring based on their parental family history using a Cox model with hazard ratio (HR); offspring without family history were the reference.

Results

Most HRs for offspring incident cancers were somewhat higher for fatal compared with nonfatal parental family history. For breast (HR, 1.87 fatal v 1.66 nonfatal; P < .001) and prostate (HR, 2.30 fatal v 1.84 nonfatal; P < .001) cancers, 51.0% of patients with familial breast cancer and 56.6% of patients with prostate cancer had fatal family history. HRs for death in offspring according to a fatal compared with nonfatal family history were significantly increased for colorectal (HR, 1.76 v 1.47, respectively; P = .02), breast (HR, 1.97 v 1.51, respectively; P = .002), and prostate (HR, 2.03 v 1.59, respectively; P = .002) cancers. TNM classification did not seem to differ between the family histories. We showed also that an overwhelming proportion of offspring were diagnosed after the parental death.

Conclusion

Familial breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers might have a yet unidentified genetic component associated with poorer survival. It may be useful to record survival data in family history records.
Pharmacotherapy for Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ensor Christopher R , Paciullo Christopher A , Cahoon William D , Nolan Paul E
Published: January 2011

Objective

To provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacotherapy associated with the provision of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to patients with end-stage heart failure and guidance regarding the selection, assessment, and optimization of drug therapy for this population.

Data Sources:

The MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from 1960 to July 2010 for articles published in English using the search terms mechanical circulatory support, ventricular assist system, ventricular assist device, left ventricular assist device, right ventricular assist device, biventricular assist device, total artificial heart, pulsatile, positive displacement, axial, centrifugal, hemostasis, bleeding, hemodynamic, blood pressure, thrombosis, antithrombotic therapy, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, right ventricular failure, ventricular arrhythmia, anemia, arteriovenous malformation, stroke, infection, and clinical pharmacist.

Study Selection And Data Extraction:

All relevant original studies, metaanalyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and reviews were assessed for inclusion. References from pertinent articles were examined for content not found during the initial search.

Data Synthesis:

MCS has advanced significantly since the first left ventricular assist device was implanted in 1966. Further advancements in MCS technology that occurred in the tatter decade are changing the overall management of end-stage heart failure care and cardiac transplantation. These pumps allow for improved bridge-to-transplant rates, enhanced survival, and quality of life. Pharmacotherapy associated with MCS devices may optimize the performance of the pumps and improve patient outcomes, as well as minimize morbidity related to their adverse effects. This review highlights the knowledge needed to provide appropriate clinical pharmacy services for patients supported by MCS devices.

Conclusions:

The HeartMate II clinical investigators called for the involvement of pharmacists in MCS patient assessment and optimization. Pharmacotherapeutic management of patients supported with MCS devices requires individualized care, with pharmacists as part of the team, based on the characteristics of each pump and recipient.
NMDA Receptor-Dependent Regulation of Dendritic Spine Morphology by SAP102 Splice Variants
Authors: Chen Bo-Shiun , Thomas Eleanor V. , Sanz-Clemente Antonio , Roche Katherine W.
Published: January 2011

Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) are major components of the postsynaptic density and play important roles in synaptic organization and plasticity. Most excitatory synapses are located on dendritic spines, which are dynamic structures that undergo morphological changes during synapse formation and plasticity. Synapse-associated protein 102 (SAP102) is a MAGUK that is highly expressed early in development and mediates receptor trafficking during synaptogenesis. Mutations in human SAP102 cause mental retardation, which is often accompanied with abnormalities in dendritic spines. However, little is known about the role of SAP102 in regulating synapse formation or spine morphology. We now find that SAP102 contains a novel NMDA receptor binding site in the N-terminal domain, which is specific for the NR2B subunit. The interaction between SAP102 and NR2B is PDZ (postsynaptic density-95/Discs large/zona occludens-1) domain independent and is regulated by alternative splicing of SAP102. We show that SAP102 that possesses an N-terminal insert is developmentally regulated at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, expression of SAP102 increases synapse formation. Furthermore, the alternative splicing of SAP102 regulates dendritic spine morphology. SAP102 containing the N-terminal insert promotes lengthening of dendritic spines and preferentially promotes the formation of synapses at long spines, whereas a short hairpin RNA knockdown of the same SAP102 splice variant causes spine shrinkage. Finally, blocking NMDA receptor activity prevents the spine lengthening induced by the N-terminal splice variant of SAP102. Thus, our data provide the first evidence that SAP102 links NMDA receptor activation to alterations in spine morphology.
Novel Regulation of Parkin Function through c-Abl-Mediated Tyrosine Phosphorylation: Implications for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Imam Syed Z. , Zhou Qing , Yamamoto Ayako , Valente Anthony J. , Ali Syed F. , Bains Mona , Roberts James L. , Kahle Philipp J. , Clark Robert A. , Li Senlin
Published: January 2011

Mutations inparkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, are the most common cause of autosomal-recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we show that the stress-signaling non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl links parkin to sporadic forms of PD via tyrosine phosphorylation. Under oxidative and dopaminergic stress, c-Abl was activated in cultured neuronal cells and in striatum of adult C57BL/6 mice. Activated c-Abl was found in the striatum of PD patients. Concomitantly, parkin was tyrosine-phosphorylated, causing loss of its ubiquitin ligase and cytoprotective activities, and the accumulation of parkin substrates, AIMP2 (aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 2) (p38/JTV-1) and FBP-1.STI-571, a selective c-Abl inhibitor, prevented tyrosine phosphorylation of parkin and restored its E3 ligase activity and cytoprotective function bothin vitroandin vivo. Our results suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of parkin by c-Abl is a major post-translational modification that leads to loss of parkin function and disease progression in sporadic PD. Moreover, inhibition of c-Abl offers new therapeutic opportunities for blocking PD progression.
Deletion of the Mouse Homolog ofKCNAB2, a Gene Linked to Monosomy 1p36, Results in Associative Memory Impairments and Amygdala Hyperexcitability
Authors: Perkowski John J. , Murphy Geoffrey G.
Published: January 2011

Ablation of the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 1 [1p36 deletion syndrome (1p36DS)] is one of the most commonly occurring terminal deletion syndromes in humans, occurring in ∼1 in 5000 newborns. Subjects with 1p36DS manifest a wide range of clinical features including growth delay, congenital heart defects, and craniofacial dysmorphism. In addition, individuals with 1p36DS often exhibit some form of neurological abnormality and are typically cognitively impaired. Although there is significant variability with regard to the extent of the deletion, several genes have been mapped to region 1p36 that are known to regulate neuronal function. One such gene—KCNAB2—encodes the potassium channel auxiliary subunit Kvβ2, which has been previously shown to modulate voltage-gated potassium currents in heterologous expression systems. Here, we present experiments characterizing mice in which the ortholog ofKCNAB2was deleted. We find that deletion ofKcnab2in mice leads to deficits in associative learning and memory. In addition, using whole-cell current-clamp, we find that deletion ofKcnab2leads to a reduction in the slow afterhyperpolarization following a burst of action potentials and a concomitant increase in neuronal excitability in projection neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala. Our results suggest that loss of Kvβ2 likely contributes to the cognitive and neurological impairments observed in 1p36DS patients.
Heterogeneous Integration of Adult-Generated Granule Cells into the Epileptic Brain
Authors: Murphy Brian L. , Pun Raymund Y. K. , Yin Hulian , Faulkner Christian R. , Loepke Andreas W. , Danzer Steve C.
Published: January 2011

The functional impact of adult-generated granule cells in the epileptic brain is unclear, with data supporting both protective and maladaptive roles. These conflicting findings could be explained if new granule cells integrate heterogeneously, with some cells taking neutral or adaptive roles and others contributing to recurrent circuitry supporting seizures. Here, we tested this hypothesis by completing detailed morphological characterizations of age- and experience-defined cohorts of adult-generated granule cells from transgenic mice. The majority of newborn cells exposed to an epileptogenic insult exhibited reductions in dendritic spine number, suggesting reduced excitatory input to these cells. A significant subset, however, exhibited higher spine numbers. These latter cells tended to have enlarged cell bodies, long basal dendrites, or both. Moreover, cells with basal dendrites received significantly more recurrent mossy fiber input through their apical dendrites, indicating that these cells are robustly integrated into the pathological circuitry of the epileptic brain. These data imply that newborn cells play complex—and potentially conflicting—roles in epilepsy.
Peroxiredoxin-2 Protects against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration via Attenuation of the Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase (ASK1) Signaling Cascade
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Weng Zhongfang , Chu Charleen T. , Zhang Lili , Cao Guodong , Gao Yanqin , Signore Armando , Zhu Jianhui , Hastings Teresa , Greenamyre J. Timothy , Chen Jun
Published: January 2011

The peroxiredoxin (PRX) family of antioxidant enzymes helps maintain the intracellular reducing milieu and suppresses apoptosis in non-neuronal cells. However, whether PRX can inhibit neuronal apoptosis through specific signaling mechanisms remains poorly understood. Induction of PRX2, the most abundant neuronal PRX, occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD) patient brains, but its functional impact is unclear. In the present study, we used the dopaminergic (DA) toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to model PD and explore the protective effect and mechanisms of PRX on DA neurons. Of the 2-cysteine PRXs that were tested in MN9D DA neurons, endogenous PRX2 was most beneficial to cell survival. Lentivirus-mediated PRX2 overexpression conferred markedin vitroandin vivoneuroprotection against 6-OHDA toxicity in DA neurons, and preserved motor functions involving the dopamine system in mouse. In addition to its role as an antioxidant enzyme, PRX2 exhibited anti-apoptotic effects in DA neurons via suppression of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK1)-dependent activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun and p38 pro-death pathways, which are also activated in DA neurons of postmortem PD brains. PRX2 inhibited 6-OHDA-induced ASK1 activation by modulating the redox status of the endogenous ASK1 inhibitor thioredoxin (Trx). PRX2 overexpression maintained Trx in a reduced state by inhibiting the cysteine thiol-disulfide exchange, thereby preventing its dissociation from ASK1. This study describes a previously undefined mechanism by which redox-sensitive molecules signal via apoptotic pathways in response to PD-relevant toxic stress in DA neurons. Our results also suggest that PRX2 and ASK1 may be potential targets for neuroprotective intervention in PD.
Extracellular Dopamine Levels in Striatal Subregions Track Shifts in Motivation and Response Cost during Instrumental Conditioning
Authors: Ostlund Sean B. , Wassum Kate M. , Murphy Niall P. , Balleine Bernard W. , Maidment Nigel T.
Published: January 2011

Tonic dopamine (DA) signaling is widely regarded as playing a central role in effort-based decision making and in the motivational control of instrumental performance. The current study used microdialysis to monitor changes in extracellular DA levels across subregions of the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum of rats as they lever pressed for food reward on a probabilistic schedule of reinforcement, a procedure that ensured they would experience variation in the amount of effort needed to earn rewards across tests. Each rat was given three tests. Rats were hungry for the first and last test, but were sated on food before the middle test, allowing us to assess the effects of a downshift in motivational state on task performance and conditioning-induced DA efflux. During hungry tests, DA levels rose in both the shell and core of the accumbens and, to a lesser degree, in both the medial and lateral divisions of the dorsal striatum. Interestingly, changes in DA efflux across hungry tests in the accumbens core were negatively correlated with changes in the effort required to obtain rewards. We also found that—across regions—the DA response to instrumental conditioning was attenuated when rats were sated before testing. Furthermore, the effect of satiety on DA efflux in the accumbens shell was positively correlated with its effect on task performance. Together, the results indicate that tonic DA contributes to the control of instrumental performance by conveying information about the costs and benefits of responding to different striatal subregions.
IκB Kinase Regulates Social Defeat Stress-Induced Synaptic and Behavioral Plasticity
Authors: Christoffel Daniel J. , Golden Sam A. , Dumitriu Dani , Robison Alfred J. , Janssen William G. , Ahn H. Francisca , Krishnan Vaishnav , Reyes Cindy M. , Han Ming-Hu , Ables Jessica L. , Eisch Amelia J. , Dietz David M. , Ferguson Deveroux , Neve Rachael L. , Greengard Paul , Kim Yong , Morrison John H. , Russo Scott J.
Published: January 2011

The neurobiological underpinnings of mood and anxiety disorders have been linked to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region important in processing the rewarding and emotional salience of stimuli. Using chronic social defeat stress, an animal model of mood and anxiety disorders, we investigated whether alterations in synaptic plasticity are responsible for the long-lasting behavioral symptoms induced by this form of stress. We hypothesized that chronic social defeat stress alters synaptic strength or connectivity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc to induce social avoidance. To test this, we analyzed the synaptic profile of MSNs via confocal imaging of Lucifer-yellow-filled cells, ultrastructural analysis of the postsynaptic density, and electrophysiological recordings of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) in mice after social defeat. We found that NAc MSNs have more stubby spine structures with smaller postsynaptic densities and an increase in the frequency of mEPSCs after social defeat. In parallel to these structural changes, we observed significant increases in IκB kinase (IKK) in the NAc after social defeat, a molecular pathway that has been shown to regulate neuronal morphology. Indeed, we find using viral-mediated gene transfer of dominant-negative and constitutively active IKK mutants that activation of IKK signaling pathways during social defeat is both necessary and sufficient to induce synaptic alterations and behavioral effects of the stress. These studies establish a causal role for IKK in regulating stress-induced adaptive plasticity and may present a novel target for drug development in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in humans.
Phosphodiesterase-4D Knock-Out and RNA Interference-Mediated Knock-Down Enhance Memory and Increase Hippocampal Neurogenesis via Increased cAMP Signaling
Authors: Li Yun-Feng , Cheng Yu-Fang , Huang Ying , Conti Marco , Wilson Steven P. , O'Donnell James M. , Zhang Han-Ting
Published: January 2011

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) plays an important role in mediating memory via the control of intracellular cAMP signaling; inhibition of PDE4 enhances memory. However, development of PDE4 inhibitors as memory enhancers has been hampered by their major side effect of emesis. PDE4 has four subtypes (PDE4A–D) consisting of 25 splice variants. Mice deficient in PDE4D displayed memory enhancement in radial arm maze, water maze, and object recognition tests. These effects were mimicked by repeated treatment with rolipram in wild-type mice. In addition, similarly as rolipram-treated wild-type mice, PDE4D-deficient mice also displayed increased hippocampal neurogenesis and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB). Furthermore, microinfusion of lentiviral vectors that contained microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting long-form PDE4D isoforms into bilateral dentate gyri of the mouse hippocampus downregulated PDE4D4 and PDE4D5, enhanced memory, and increased hippocampal neurogenesis and pCREB. Finally, while rolipram and PDE4D deficiency shortened α2 adrenergic receptor-mediated anesthesia, a surrogate measure of emesis, miRNA-mediated PDE4D knock-down in the hippocampus did not. The present results suggest that PDE4D, in particular long-form PDE4D, plays a critical role in the mediation of memory and hippocampal neurogenesis, which are mediated by cAMP/CREB signaling; reduced expression of PDE4D, or at least PDE4D4 and PDE4D5, in the hippocampus enhances memory but appears not to cause emesis. These novel findings will aid in the development of PDE4 subtype- or variant-selective inhibitors for treatment of disorders involving impaired cognition, including Alzheimer's disease.
Dual Pre-Motor Contribution to Songbird Syllable Variation
Authors: Thompson John A. , Basista Mark J. , Wu Wei , Bertram Richard , Johnson Frank
Published: January 2011

Many forms of learning, including songbird vocal learning, rely on the brain's ability to use pre-motor variation and sensory feedback to guide behavior toward a specific target or goal. In the vocal control system of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) the pre-motor mechanisms of vocal variation are thought to be vested primarily in a neural pathway that includes the basal ganglia. A second circuit that includes avian analogues of mammalian pre-motor and motor cortex (the vocal motor pathway) generates the patterned structure of learned adult song. Here, we tested the ability of the basal ganglia pathway to generate pre-motor vocal variation within the spectral and temporal dimensions of zebra finch song structure. In adult birds, ablation of the basal ganglia pathway significantly reduced the spectral and temporal dispersion of individual song syllables, with the exception of syllable pitch, where the reduction was not statistically significant when compared against surgical controls. We found a similar pattern of results using longitudinal comparisons (juvenile vs adult) to isolate the contribution of the basal ganglia pathway to spectral dispersion in populations of developing song syllables—variation in syllable pitch was significantly smaller than in all other measured spectral features. The results indicate that pre-motor variation generated by the basal ganglia pathway may be sufficient to adjust vocal output toward highly acoustically dispersed targets of imitation, but suggest that complete acquisition of the pronounced variation in syllable pitch that characterizes adult song will necessitate a gradual developmental interaction between the basal ganglia and vocal motor pathways.
Locomotor Training Maintains Normal Inhibitory Influence on Both Alpha- and Gamma-Motoneurons after Neonatal Spinal Cord Transection
Authors: Ichiyama Ronaldo M. , Broman Jonas , Roy Roland R. , Zhong Hui , Edgerton V. Reggie , Havton Leif A.
Published: January 2011

Spinal cord injuries lead to impairments, which are accompanied by extensive reorganization of neuronal circuits caudal to the injury. Locomotor training can aid in the functional recovery after injury, but the neuronal mechanisms associated with such plasticity are only sparsely known. We investigated ultrastructurally the synaptic inputs to tibialis anterior motoneurons (MNs) retrogradely labeled in adult rats that had received a complete midthoracic spinal cord transection at postnatal day 5. A subset of the injured rats received locomotor training. Both γ- and α-MNs were studied. The total number of boutons apposing γ-MNs, but not α-MNs, was reduced after neonatal spinal cord transection. The proportion of inhibitory to excitatory boutons, however, was increased significantly in both α-MNs and γ-MNs in spinally transected rats, but with locomotor training returned to levels observed in intact rats. The specific densities and compositions of synaptic boutons were, however, different between all three groups. Surprisingly, we observed the atypical presence of both C- and M-type boutons apposing the somata of γ-MNs in the spinal rats, regardless of training status. We conclude that a neonatal spinal cord transection induces significant reorganization of synaptic inputs to spinal motoneurons caudal to the site of injury with a net increase in inhibitory influence, which is associated with poor stepping. Spinal cord injury followed by successful locomotor training, however, results in improved bipedal stepping and further synaptic changes with the proportion of inhibitory and excitatory inputs to the motoneurons being similar to that observed in intact rats.
Raum-Musik als Kontaktzone. Stockhausens Hymnen bei der Weltausstellung in Osaka 1970
Authors: Moormann Peter
Published: January 2011

For the World Exposition in Osaka (1970), architect Fritz Bornemann designed the German Pavilion, which focused the expo′s general theme Peace and Progress by means of avant-garde electronic and instrumental music, first and foremost by Karlheinz Stockhausen. The main auditorium was conceived as a globe to provide a completely new style of musical experience: the audience being surrounded by the music and able to follow the sound′s motion in a three-dimensional setting. Central part of Stockhausen′s daily concerts was his piece Hymnen for soloists and electronic tape in which he merged national anthems from all over the world with sounds from synthesizes and electronically modulated live-instruments. This union of opposites was intended to promote a changed consciousness of the listeners, culminating in Stockhausen′s so-called Hymunion, a utopian vision of world peace. This paper focuses on the different aspects of musical space in Stockhausen′s aesthetics and art  ranging from architectural conditions of contemporary music and compositional control of spatial moving music to spiritual settings of art. The question arises whether Bornemann′s architecture and Stockhausen′s music are able to facilitate the emergence of a contact zone.
Performing the Self and Staging the Other: Scripting the Legend of Lucretia in Early Modern England
Authors: Sallmann Sarah D. R.
Published: January 2011

In England, throughout the early modern period and beyond, the Rape of Lucretia served as a central intertext for literary and non-literary works engaging with the subject of transgression. Not only did legal tracts and social pamphlets prescribe a woman to behave analogously to Lucretia after rape in order to contest the innocence of her soul through her bodily performance. Allegorically, the legend′s iteration within new cultural contexts in contemporary English historiography and drama provided a powerful subtext with which national histories and identities were scripted according to a familiar plot structure in order to represent 'the Turk′ and thereby to interpret and control what was perceived to be a threat to English identity and sovereignty at a time of intensifying Anglo-Ottoman encounters. This paper not only demonstrates the re-staging of the Rape of Lucretia in different texts and contexts; it examines the way in which the national identities and cultural encounters are represented and performed through the legend in order to stage the self and the Other within the radical discourse of alterity in contemporary proto-orientalist contexts.
Gesundheitsförderung als Kontaktzone. Eine chilenische Gemeindepsychiatrie für die Mapuche
Authors: Wiencke Markus
Published: January 2011

In diesem Aufsatz wird der Begriff der ,Kontaktzone‘ für den Bereich der psychischen Gesundheitsförderung entwickelt. Anhand von Datenmaterial, das aus einer chilenischen Gemeindepsychiatrie für die Mapuche stammt, wird erläutert, dass sich mit dem Begriff der ,Kontaktzone‘ mehr Dimensionen berücksichtigen lassen als mit dem sozialräumlichen Settingbegriff der Ottawa-Charta (WHO, 1986). Die beiden zentralen Konzepte der Charta, ,Empowerment‘ und ,Enablement‘, werden auf die mimetischen Wechselbeziehungen zwischen dem therapeutischen Setting und den Alltagskontexten seiner Nutzerinnen und Nutzer bezogen.
Sprachtod und Kontaktzone
Authors: Gehweiler Elke , Stathi Katerina
Published: January 2011

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem Aussterben von Sprachen und dem gegenläufigen Prozess ihrer Revitalisierung. Es werden die Faktoren beschrieben, die zu Sprachtod führen können und verschiedene Szenarien des Sprachsterbens exemplifiziert. Schließlich wird der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Aussterben von Sprachen und Kontaktsituationen anhand des in diesem Band zentralen Begriffs der Kontaktzone diskutiert.
Die Bedeutung von Pantelejmon Kuliš für den Standardisierungsprozess des Ukrainischen und dialektale Besonderheiten seiner Literatursprache
Authors: Del Gaudio Salvatore
Published: January 2011

Pantelejmon Kuliš has played a key role in the standardization of the New Ukrainian literary language. Throughout the 19th century his scholarly activity had a great impact on the development of the New Ukrainian literary language in various functional domains. Although a number of studies are dedicated to his place in the history of Ukrainian culture, little research has been carried out to analyze the language conception of this renowned scholar along with some peculiarities of his written language. This article aims therefore at highlighting some significant aspects of Kuliš’s commitment to the standardization of Ukrainian and at analyzing Kuliš’s characteristic dialectisms that frequently recurred in his literary writings.
Der Dichter und die Staatsmacht: Aleksandr Puškins poetischer Dialog mit der russischen Autokratie
Authors: Peters Jochen-Ulrich
Published: January 2011

Up until now Pushkin’s relationships with the Czar and the Russian autocracy have been analyzed and evaluated in many ways based on his letters, journalistic writings and novels. This paper, however, asks how Pushkin in his early poetry which refers to the „justification“ or „advice“literature of the Enlightenment has tried to establish a poetic dialogue with the Czar and Russian aristocratic society. But the more time passed the more distance he had to this literary model. His later poetry attains a utopian dimension; at first with reference to the aesthetic autonomy of the art but later to the literary representation of a free, unregulated way of life under the structure of the Russian autocracy.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Kuße Holger
Published: January 2011

Schmidt, Christoph, Gemalt für die Ewigkeit: Geschichte der Ikonen in Russland. Köln; Weimar; Wien: Böhlau-Verlag, 2009. 303 S. 9 Farbtafeln. ISBN 978-3-412-20285-9
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Bruns Thomas
Published: January 2011

Toovič, Branko (Hrsg.), Slawische Sprachkorrelationen, Bd. 2: Die Unterschiede zwischen dem Bosnischen/Bosniakischen, Kroatischen und Serbischen. Lexik  Wortbildung  Phraseologie // Razlike između bosanskog/bonjačkog, hrvatskog i srpskog jezika. Leksik(a)  Tvorba r(ij)eči  Frazeologija. Wien, Berlin: LIT Verlag, 2009.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Novotná Barbora
Published: January 2011

Jana Nechutová, Die lateinische Literatur des Mittelalters in Böhmen. Köln/Wien, Böhlau Verlag 2007. 371 S. (Bausteine zur slavischen Philologie und Kulturgeschichte, Reihe A: Slavistische Forschungen, Neue Folge, Band 59.) ISBN 978-3-412-20070-1
High temperature elastic properties of Mg-cordierite: experimental studies and atomistic simulations
Authors: Haussühl Eiken , Vinograd Victor L. , Krenzel Thomas F. , Schreuer Jürgen , Wilson Dan J. , Ottinger Jan
Published: January 2011

The temperature dependence of the elastic stiffness coefficients of natural orthorhombic Mg-cordierite was studied between 295 K and 1573 K using resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. The measurements revealed a continuous decrease of all the elastic constants with increasing temperature. The bulk modulus softens from about 129(2) GPa at 295 K to 110(2) GPa at 1473 K. Irreversible anomalies in the temperature evolution of the resonance frequencies of certain eigenmodes were observed above 920 K due to the escape of volatiles and the occurrence of microcracks. However, the dehydrated samples still showed integrity on the macroscopic scale. Therefore, despite the occurence of the micro-cracks, a reasonable quantitative analysis of the high-temperature RUS data of cordierite samples was still feasible. The thermal expansion was studied between 100 K and 1570 K using dilatometry. The new data are consistent with earlier experimental results and confirm the expansion of the a and b unit cell parameters and the contraction of the c parameter with increasing temperature. Posäsible contributions of the Al/Si disorder to the elastic properties of Mg-cordierite were estimated on the basis of force-field and quantum mechanical calculations. The behaviour of individual elastic stiffness coefficients was followed across the order/disorder transition by Monte Carlo simulations. The simulations predicted a decrease in the bulk modulus with increasing Al/Si disorder. However, this effect is much smaller than that observed experimentally. The measured decrease in the elastic stiffness coefficients is mainly due to phonon softening effects.
Improved glycemic control induced by both metformin and repaglinide is associated with a reduction in blood levels of 3-deoxyglucosone in nonobese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Engelen Lian , Lund Søren S , Ferreira Isabel , Tarnow Lise , Parving Hans-Henrik , Gram Jørgen , Winther Kaj , Pedersen Oluf , Teerlink Tom , Barto Rob , Stehouwer Coen D A , Vaag Allan A , Schalkwijk Casper G
Published: January 2011

Objective

Metformin has been reported to reduce α-dicarbonyls, which are known to contribute to diabetic complications. It is unclear whether this is due to direct quenching of α-dicarbonyls or to an improvement in glycemic control. We therefore compared the effects of metformin versus repaglinide, an antihyperglycemic agent with an insulin-secreting mechanism, on the levels of the α-dicarbonyl 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG).

Methods

We conducted a single-center, double-masked, double-dummy, crossover study involving 96 nonobese patients with type 2 diabetes. After a 1-month run-in on diet-only treatment, patients were randomized to either repaglinide (6 mg daily) followed by metformin (2 g daily) or vice versa each during 4 months with a 1-month washout between interventions.

Results

3DG levels decreased after both metformin (−19.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): −23.5, −14.8)) and repaglinide (−20.8% (95% CI: −24.9, −16.3)) treatments, but no difference was found between treatments (1.8% (95% CI: −3.8, 7.8)). Regardless of the treatment, changes in glycemic variables were associated with changes in 3DG. Specifically, 3DG decreased by 22.7% (95% CI: 19.0, 26.5) per s.d. decrease in fasting plasma glucose (PG), by 20.0% (95% CI: 16.2, 23.9) per s.d. decrease in seven-point mean plasma glucose, by 22.5% (95% CI: 18.6, 26.6) per s.d. decrease in area under the curve for PG, by 17.2% (95% CI: 13.8, 20.6) per s.d. decrease in HbAlc, and by 10.9% (95% CI: 6.4, 15.5) per s.d. decrease in Amadori albumin. In addition, decreases in 3DG were associated with decreases in advanced glycation endproducts and endothelial markers.

Conclusion

Improved glycemic control induced by both metformin and repaglinide is associated with a reduction in 3DG levels in nonobese individuals with type 2 diabetes. This may constitute a shared metabolic pathway through which both treatments have a beneficial impact on the cardiovascular risk.
Validação do reprocessamento de cateteres cardíacos angiográficos: uma avaliação da funcionalidade e da integridade
Authors: Lucas Thabata Coaglio , Barbosa Marcos Pinotti , Oliveira Adriana Cristina de
Published: January 2011

Objetivou-se validar o reprocessamento de cateteres cardíacos angiográficos quanto às suas características de funcionalidade mecânica e à integridade molecular e micro-estrutural da cadeia polimérica. Pesquisa experimental, aplicada, comparativa e controlada. Construiu-se uma bancada de simulação de uma arteriografia de coronária esquerda para simular um estresse mecânico e biológico em cateteres. Testou-se a funcionalidade por ensaio de tração e a integridade por Espectroscopia na Região do Infravermelho e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Evidenciou-se uma tendência ao aumento da rigidez a cada acréscimo do número de reprocessamento (p<0,05). As modificações das propriedades mecânicas e das estruturas moleculares dos polímeros foram mais evidentes a partir do quinto reprocessamento. As micrografias revelaram o aumento de rugosidade a partir do quarto reprocessamento. Os resultados deste estudo poderão contribuir para a elaboração de protocolos de reprocessamento e vigilância sistemática da reutilização de materiais de uso único, não apenas por sua relevância econômica, mas sobretudo do ponto de vista ético, legal, biológico, funcional e assistencial.
Bright e‐skin technology and applications: Simplified gray‐scale e‐paper
Authors: Lenssen K. ‐M. H. , Van Delden M. H. W. M. , Müller M. , Stofmeel L. W. G.
Published: January 2011

Abstract— Bright‐color electronic‐paper technology based on in‐plane electrophoresis is very suitable for application in non‐emissive digital surfaces, such as electronic skins, eco‐skins, and electronic wallpaper for atmosphere creation. Aimed at these applications, simplified electrode geometries, aperiodic cell geometries, and a novel concept for built‐in gray levels have been developed.
Stability of liquid‐crystal layers based on the analysis of the adsorption on the alignment‐layer surface
Authors: Oh Sejoon , Miyashita Tatsuya , Uchida Tatsuo
Published: January 2011

Abstract— The adsorption strength of liquid‐crystal molecules on the alignment‐layer (polymer) surface was judged measuring temperature dependence of birefringence of an absorbed liquid‐crystal layer above the nematic—isotropic transition temperature. The relationship between the surface‐order parameter and the adsorption strength of liquid‐crystal molecules on the non‐rubbed polymer surface was also discussed.
High‐contrast front‐projection system for large‐screen displays suppressing reflection and diffusion of ambient light
Authors: Sato Ryota , Katagiri Baku , Suzuki Yoshito , Kano Mitsuru , Uchida Tatsuo
Published: January 2011

Abstract— A new front‐projection system for large screens by diffusing only projected light to wards the viewing‐angle range and reflecting ambient light towards the other angle ranges is proposed. With this system, a high‐quality and large‐sized front‐projection display with a high contrast ratio even in a bright room has been realized.
High‐performance organic‐inorganic hybrid plastic substrate for flexible displays and electronics
Authors: Liu Jia‐Ming , Lee Tzong Ming , Wen Chun‐Hsiang , Leu Chyi‐Ming
Published: January 2011

Abstract— An inorganic‐dominated silica/polyimide (PI) hybrid film has been successfully developed for the fabrication of flexible AMOLEDs. The existence of networks between silica particles in the PI matrix have been confirmed by 3‐D tomography, respectively. The inorganic—organic hybrid film was achieved by roll‐type processing with a variety of attractive properties, such as low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE, 20 ppm/°C), high transmittance (within the wavelength range of 400–700 nm), excellent flexibility, and high Young's modulus. Additionally, a flexible color‐filter, an AMEPD, and a flexible touch film were fabricated on hybrid film.
Surface characterization of MgO:Al,N films with meta‐stable de‐excitation spectroscopy and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Nishitani Mikihiko , Morita Yukihiro , Terauchi Masaharu , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Yoshino Kyohei , Sakai Masahiro , Takata Yusuke , Yamauchi Yasushi
Published: January 2011

Abstract— It is shown that meta‐stable de‐excitation spectroscopy (MDS) is one of the most useful characterization methods to analyze the interaction between the discharge gas and the surface of the material and is applied to MgO:Al,N films. From the results of the measurement and analysis of helium MDS and the in‐situ discharge experiment, it is confirmed that the limited composition films of MgO:Al,N have potentially a larger secondary‐electron‐emission coefficient (γ) compared with that of MgO. The improvement in γ is caused by the electron‐occupied tailing state at around the top of the valence band which is generated by the introduction of Al,N to MgO films. Also, the O1s spectra measured by x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the stable surfaces are formed with the introduction of Al,N to MgO films.
A new wettability‐control technique for fabricating color OLED panels by an ink‐jet‐printing method
Authors: Ueno Shigehiro , Taguchi Yosuke , Saeki Kosuke , Okada Masato , Nagino Shinsuke , Hashimoto Keisuke , Tachikawa Tomoyuki
Published: January 2011

Abstract— The fabrication technique for color OLED panels by means of wettability‐controllable hole‐injection material (HIM) and a photocatalytic lithography method achieves both precise ink‐jet printing and long‐lifetime devices. The technique enables us to selectively change the non‐wetting surface of a hole‐injection layer (HIL) of metal‐oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) into a wetting surface without damage to the device performance. Wetting patterns formed by this method with photocatalyst‐coated photomasks made it possible to print emission material with patterns of precisely 98‐μm widths on the hole‐injection layer. A fluorescent green‐emitting device fabricated with an HIM of MONPs by the photocatalytic treatment exhibited a long lifetime of 365 hours at30,000 cd/m2, which can be extrapolated to a lifetime of more than 110,000 hours at 1000 cd/m2, assuming an acceleration coefficient of 1.7. A two‐color device and a monochrome passive‐matrix panel were also successfully fabricated. The two‐color device emitted light without the mixing of colors. The monochrome panel displayed alphabetical characters with good uniformity and no flaws.