bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The metabolic costs of sexual signalling in the chirping katydidPlangia graminea(Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) are context dependent: cumulative costs add up fast
Authors: Doubell Marcé , Grant Paul B. C. , Esterhuizen Nanike , Bazelet Corinna S. , Addison Pia , Terblanche John S.
Published: October 2017

Katydids produce acoustic signals via stridulation which they use to attract conspecific females for mating. However, direct estimates of the metabolic costs of calling to date have produced diverse cost estimates and are limited to only a handful of insect species. In this study, we therefore investigated the metabolic cost of calling in a unstudied sub-Saharan katydid, Plangia graminea. Using wild-caught animals, we measured katydid metabolic rate using standard flow-through respirometry while simultaneously recording the number of calls produced. Overall, the metabolic rate during calling in P. graminea males was 59% higher than the resting metabolic rate (0.443±0.056 vs. 0.279±0.028 CO2 ml g−1 h−1) although highly variable among individuals. While individual call costs were relatively inexpensive (ranging from 0.02–5.4% increase in metabolic rate per call) the individuals with cheaper calls called more often and for longer than those with expensive calls resulting in the former group having significantly greater cumulative costs over a standard amount of time (9.5 h). The metabolic costs of calling are however context dependent since the amount of time spent calling greatly influenced these costs in our trials. A power law function described this relationship between cumulative cost and percentage increase per call (y=130.21x−1.068, R2=0.858); where y=cumulative cost, and x=percentage increase per call. The choice of metric employed for estimating energy costs (i.e. how costs are expressed) also affects the outcome and any interpretation of costs of sexual signalling. For example, the absolute, relative and cumulative metabolic costs of calling yield strongly divergent estimates and any fitness implications depend on the organism's energy budget and the potential trade-offs in allocation of resources that are made as a direct consequence of increased calling effort.
Slow molecular recognition by RNA
Authors: Gleitsman Kristin R. , Sengupta Raghuvir N. , Herschlag Daniel
Published: October 2017

Molecular recognition is central to biological processes, function, and specificity. Proteins associate with ligands with a wide range of association rate constants, with maximal values matching the theoretical limit set by the rate of diffusional collision. As less is known about RNA association, we compiled association rate constants for all RNA/ligand complexes that we could find in the literature. Like proteins, RNAs exhibit a wide range of association rate constants. However, the fastest RNA association rates are considerably slower than those of the fastest protein associations and fall well below the diffusional limit. The apparently general observation of slow association with RNAs has implications for evolution and for modern-day biology. Our compilation highlights a quantitative molecular property that can contribute to biological understanding and underscores our need to develop a deeper physical understanding of molecular recognition events.
Chance and necessity in the evolution of RNase P
Authors: Gopalan Venkat , Jarrous Nayef , Krasilnikov Andrey S.
Published: October 2017

RNase P catalyzes 5′-maturation of tRNAs in all three domains of life. This primary function is accomplished by either a ribozyme-centered ribonucleoprotein (RNP) or a protein-only variant (with one to three polypeptides). The large, multicomponent archaeal and eukaryotic RNase P RNPs appear disproportionate to the simplicity of their role in tRNA 5′-maturation, prompting the question of why the seemingly gratuitously complex RNP forms of RNase P were not replaced with simpler protein counterparts. Here, motivated by growing evidence, we consider the hypothesis that the large RNase P RNP was retained as a direct consequence of multiple roles played by its components in processes that are not related to the canonical RNase P function.
Machine repair technology
Authors: Корнеев Виктор , Korneev Viktor , Новиков Владимир , Novikov Vladimir , Кравченко Игорь , Kravchenko Igor , Очковский Николай , Ochkovskiy Nikolay , Петровский Дмитрий , Petrovskiy Dmitriy
Published: October 2017

Theoretical bases of repair of agricultural machinery and equipment, the basic processes causing a decrease in the working capacity of machines, as well as methods for increasing their reliability are set out. The production processes of machinery repair and modern technological processes for the restoration and strengthening of parts are described. Details are given of technological processes for repairing typical parts and assembly units, as well as progressive ways to restore them. Particular attention is paid to methods for determining rational operating modes of production processes, their effective use at technical service enterprises, as well as the fundamentals of quality management of machinery and equipment repair.

The publication is addressed to students studying in the field of 35.03.06 «Agroengineering» (training profile "Technical service in the agro-industrial complex"). It can be useful for specialists of technical service enterprises and research organizations.
The Complexity of Simple Models—A Study of Worst and Typical Hard Cases for the Standard Quadratic Optimization Problem
Authors: Bomze Immanuel M. , Schachinger Werner , Ullrich Reinhard
Published: October 2017

In a Standard Quadratic Optimization Problem (StQP), a possibly indefinite quadratic form (the simplest nonlinear function) is extremized over the standard simplex, the simplest polytope. Despite this simplicity, the nonconvex instances of this problem class allow for remarkably rich patterns of coexisting local solutions, which is closely related to practical difficulties in solving StQPs globally. In this study, we improve on existing lower bounds for the number of strict local solutions by a new technique to construct instances with a rich solution structure. Furthermore, we provide extensive case studies where the system of supports (the so-called pattern) of solutions are analyzed in detail. Note that by naive simulation, in accordance to theory, most of the interesting patterns would not be encountered, since random instances have, with a high probability, quite sparse solutions (with singleton or doubleton supports), and likewise their expected numbers are considerably lower than in the worst case. Hence, instances with a rich solution pattern are rather rare. On the other hand, by concentrating on (thin) subsets of promising instances, we are able to give an empirical answer on the size distribution of supports of strict local solutions to the StQP and their patterns, complementing average-case analysis of this NP-hard problem class.
Bone Mass Assessment in a Cohort of Adults With Down Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Costa Ramón , De Miguel Rosa , García Clara , de Asúa Diego Real , Castañeda Santos , Moldenhauer Fernando , Suárez Carmen
Published: October 2017

Differences in bone mineral density (BMD) have been observed between adults with Down syndrome (DS) and the general population. The purpose of this article is to describe the prevalence of bone mass disorders in a cohort of adults with DS and their predisposing factors. We performed a cross-sectional study of 104 consecutively recruited adults with DS from an outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Madrid, Spain. We recorded epidemiological and anthropometric data, nutritional variables, coexisting clinical conditions, and laboratory variables. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The prevalence of osteopenia ranged from 48% to 52%, and that of osteoporosis ranged from 19% to 22% depending on the site of measurement (femoral neck or lumbar spine, respectively). Age was the greatest risk factor associated for lower BMD, with similar bone mass accrual curve but with lower peak of BMD than the general population. We conclude that low bone mass is an extremely prevalent condition in adult patients with DS.
Neuron-Specific Enolase as an Immunohistochemical Marker Is Better Than Its Reputation
Authors: Mjønes Patricia , Sagatun Liv , Nordrum Ivar S. , Waldum Helge L.
Published: October 2017

The diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) may be challenging and is based on typical morphological features and positive staining for antibodies of neuroendocrine differentiation. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) being a cytosolic marker may be useful in this setting. NSE is by many considered nonspecific, due to the finding of this marker in tumors considered not to be of neuroendocrine origin. Our aim was to determine whether this is true and whether NSE is more specific than previously realized. We examined 178 tumors (carcinomas and NENs) from breast, lung, stomach, and kidney using immunohistochemistry with the following markers: chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56, secretagogin, and NSE. Expression of NSE was compared with that of the other markers. NSE was expressed in 138 (78%) of all tumors. Of the NSE-expressing tumors, 95 (68%) cases expressed one or more additional neuroendocrine markers. The staining intensity and number of NSE-expressing tumor cells were highest among tumors of neuroendocrine origin and clear cell renal cell carcinomas. A positive association was found between NSE expression and the number of additional neuroendocrine markers expressed in each of the tumors. Practically all tumors positive for an accepted neuroendocrine marker also expressed NSE.
Argentinos en el Exterior: desafíos actuales de su inclusión política en el país de origen
Authors: Margheritis Ana
Published: October 2017

Este trabajo analiza el aspecto político de la inclusión intermitente y selectiva en la política doméstica argentina de los ciudadanos residentes en el exterior. Se explica cómo evolucionaron las iniciativas estatales y qué factores influyen en el ejercicio del derecho al voto desde el exterior. Se muestra, también, cómo se originó y luego se estancó una nueva política hacia los emigrantes y en qué medida esto se traduce en una inclusión limitada hoy. Este estudio contribuye así a elucidar la dinámica política e institucional que moldea los procesos de reforma de la ciudadanía en uno de los casos menos estudiados de la literatura.
Cómo explicar la diversidad y variación en el voto de los peruanos en el exterior
Authors: Escrivá Angeles
Published: October 2017

El voto peruano desde el exterior supuso una importante contribución a la formación de los sucesivos gobiernos en el Perú en la década 2006-2016. Pero se trata de una contribución poco analizada desde una perspectiva diacrónica y transnacional. En este artículo se busca aunar las aportaciones de los estudios generales sobre los factores condicionantes del voto externo con los análisis específicos sobre la influencia del contexto y distintas motivaciones en la elección presidencial peruana.
Biotechnological improvement of ornamental plants
Authors: Darqui Flavia Soledad , Radonic Laura Mabel , Hopp Horacio Esteban , Lopez Bilbao Marisa
Published: October 2017

The discovery of commercial transgenic varieties of orange petunias sold in Europe and the United States although they had never reached the approved status, and the consequent recommendation to destroy them, was the trigger to discuss about biotechnological improvement of ornamental plants. Inside the restricted world of 26 vegetal transgenic species, according to the ISAAA’s reports (http://www.isaaa.org), there are three ornamental species: carnation, rose and the Beijing University developed petunia; all of them with the same trait, a change in their colour. On the other hand, in 2014, the whole-genome sequence of carnation appeared which was the first and until now the only one among ornamental species. In this context, we review the publications from the last five years in petunia, rose, chrysanthemum and carnation. In these papers there are detailed descriptions of modification of the cascade of genes and transcription factors involved in stress situations, in different developmental stages and their regulation through different plant hormones. This knowledge will allow breeding for better and new varieties with changes in their abiotic or biotic stress tolerance, altered growth or yield and modified product quality as colour or fragrance.
Gender, Migration, Transnationalisierung
Authors: Lutz Helma , Amelina Anna
Published: October 2017

Diese sozialwissenschaftliche Einführung nähert sich den Themen Geschlecht und Migration aus einer intersektionellen Perspektive, die die Verknüpfung von Geschlechterverhältnissen und Migrationsprozessen in den Vordergrund stellt. In systematischer und didaktisch aufbereiteter Form stellen Helma Lutz und Anna Amelina aktuelle gendersoziologische, intersektionelle und transnationale Theorien vor und verdeutlichen sie am Beispiel der Forschungsfelder transnationale Familien, Care-Arbeit und (Staats-)Bürgerschaft. Das Buch richtet sich an Studierende und Lehrende sozialwissenschaftlicher BA- und MA-Studiengänge im Bereich Gender Studies, Migration, Diversität, Transnationalität und soziale Ungleichheit. Zu jedem Kapitel werden Spiel- und Dokumentarfilme vorgestellt, die der Visualisierung von Themen- und Forschungsfeldern dienen - ergänzt durch Übungsfragen, die sowohl das Selbststudium als auch Seminardiskussionen ermöglichen.
Entwicklung durch Migration?
Authors: Stielike Laura
Published: October 2017

Geld- und Wissenstransfers von Migrant_innen, die die Entwicklung in ihren Herkunftsländern fördern, stehen im Fokus der Debatte um »Migration und Entwicklung«. Vor dem Hintergrund der postkolonialen Beziehungen zwischen Kamerun und Deutschland beleuchtet Laura Stielike die komplexen Zusammenhänge von institutioneller Diskriminierung, migrantischem Diaspora-Engagement und der entwicklungspolitischen Nutzbarmachung von Migration. Dabei wird »Migration und Entwicklung« als ein Netz von Diskursen, Institutionen und Subjektivierungsweisen verstanden und mittels einer Dispositivanalyse untersucht. Die Studie stellt den internationalen Diskurs und die nationalen Politiken im Feld von Migration und Entwicklung nachhaltig in Frage.
Vom »oikos« zum Cyberspace
Authors: Mönig Julia Maria
Published: October 2017

Warum sind unsere Daten und das Private schützenswert? Diese Frage stellt sich insbesondere in Zeiten der vierten Industriellen Revolution, des Internets der Dinge und des politischen Wandels. Julia Maria Mönig zeigt, dass Hannah Arendts Anliegen, das Private unbedingt zu bewahren, von ihrem Verständnis des antiken Haushalts bis hin zur Verletzung der informationellen Privatheit im Totalitarismus aufschlussreiche Einsichten in aktuelle Debatten - etwa über Cybermobbing - liefert. Das Buch richtet sich an Philosoph_innen ebenso wie an Datenschützer_innen und Privatheitsforscher_innen verschiedener Disziplinen sowie an alle, die sich über die Zukunft und Gegenwart der Demokratie Gedanken machen.
Enhancement of nonwoven cellulose triacetate forward-osmosis membranes by surface coating modification
Authors: Aly Hanaa , Gadallah Hanaa , Ali Sahar , Sabry Rania
Published: October 2017

Forward osmosis (FO) is considered as one of the emerging techniques in membrane technology. The enhancement of FO performance is governed by two major factors: the first one is development of high-performance draw solutions and the second is utilizing of high efficient FO membranes. The aim of this work is to investigate chemical surface coating modification of commercial nonwoven forward osmosis membrane with new hydrophilic coating materials namely, o-phenylene di-amine and benzoyl chloride. The effect of coating addition at different concentrations was studied. The membrane morphology and chemical structure characterization of modified membranes proved the formation of dense layer and higher membrane porosity. Finally, it was demonstrated that increasing of coating material concentration gradually increases porosity and membrane performance till 0.75 g/l. By further increasing of coating materials, the porosity and membrane performance tend to decrease.
Sexual health knowledge among secondary school students in Morogoro, Tanzania: half full or full empty?
Authors: Kaale Gloria , Muhanga Mikidadi
Published: October 2017

Background: Sexual health knowledge (SHK) is very crucial as the world is facing HIV/AIDS tragedy, increased cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unsafe abortions among adolescents. It is obvious that knowledge is an important prevention factor for any disease.Objectives: The study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude on sexual health among secondary school students in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically the study (I: (i) examined students’ knowledge and attitude on sexual transmitted infections, (ii) analyzed student's awareness on early pregnancy prevention, and; (iii) determined students’ knowledge on issues related to puberty.Methods: The study involved 75 respondents from five secondary schools and 13 key informants through purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver.12.Results: Findings revealed that 79.8% of the respondents had knowledge on sexually transmitted infections, 86.5% were aware ofmethods of controlling early pregnancies; 83.9% have never used protective gears during sexual intercourses, and 54.7% did not understand a menstruation cycle.Conclusion: The study recommended for provision of sexual health knowledge to students to reduce incidences of early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; likewise on the need to use protective gears during sexual intercourses. Knowledge concerning sexual health is vital for all particularly for adolescents, as they are vulnerable to adopt negative behaviors if not guided properly and at the right age.
PENAMBAHAN POTASSIUM CHLORIDE PADA BIOPLASTIK PATI SAGU DENGAN BERPENGUAT MIKROFIBRIL SELULOSA BAMBU BERBANTUKAN SONIKASI
Authors: Silviana Silviana , Rahayu Puji
Published: October 2017

Sago starch based bioplastics as food packaging have drawbacks such as soft, and easily broken. This paper explains improvement of sago starch-based bioplastics reinforced with bamboo microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Furthermore, this paper investigates effect of dispersing agent on mechanical property by using of potassium chloride (KCl) assisted by ultrasonic homogenizer. Variable used experiments were bamboo MFC concentration of 1%; 3% and 5% w/w and KCl concentration of 1%; 2% dan 3% w/v. Sago starch-based solution was prepared from 4% w/v of commercial sago starch. The mixed solution was gelatinized at temperature of 90 oC. The result showed that the 5% of bamboo MFC increased tensile strength of sago starch-based bioplastics due to purpose of bamboo MFC as reinforcement of sago starch. Further, additional of KCl reduced the dispersing time for 1 hour. Optimum result in this preliminary experiment was obtained at bamboo MFC of 5% w/w and KCl concentration of 1% w/v resulting tensile strength of 17.99 MPa.
User comments about research findings: How conflictual information in online science journalistic articles influences laypeople’s understanding of scientific tentativeness
Authors: Flemming Danny , Feinkohl Insa , Cress Ulrike , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: October 2017

This study investigated whether conflictual information about novel medical findings in online newspaper articles affected laypeople’s perception of tentativeness, their attitude toward, and fear of, the medical procedure in question. For this purpose, we rated the user comments from all available online newspaper articles about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). Multilevel regressions revealed that higher levels of conflictual information in the articles were associated with higher levels of expressed tentativeness and a more negative attitude toward DBS expressed in the user comments. No significant relationship with expressed fear of DBS was found. We conclude that journalistic preparation and style is directly associated with readers’ perception of tentativeness and opinion formation and discuss suggestions for journalistic presentation of scientific information.
Controlled Release of Salidroside Microspheres Prepared Using a Chitosan and Methylcellulose Interpenetrating Polymer Network
Authors: Chen Zhenlin , Ning Fangjian , He Xingcun , Peng Hailong , Xiong Hua
Published: October 2017

In this work, salidroside, a functional food agent, was incorporated into novel interpenetrating polymer network microspheres (IPN-Ms) prepared by chitosan (CS) and methylcellulose (MC) for controlled release and stabilization. IPN-Ms were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The result indicated that salidroside-loaded IPN-Ms (S-IPN-Ms) are hollow and highly spherical, with a coarse pleated surface and a particle size ranging from 5 to 30 µm. Schiff base formation and the hemiacetal reaction are the primary mechanisms underlying the interpenetrating network cross-linking of IPN-Ms. In S-IPN-Ms, the CS and MC were homogeneously blended, and the salidroside was molecularly and amorphously dispersed. The encapsulation efficiency of the salidroside within the S-IPN-Ms was up to 75.64 %. In the S-IPN-M complex, the release of salidroside by S-IPN-Ms was governed by burst and sustained release, and Fickian diffusion was the primary release mechanism for the entire release process. Thus, controlled release and stabilization of salidroside were achieved through incorporation of salidroside into IPN-Ms prepared by chitosan (CS) and methylcellulose.
Distinct Laterality in Forelimb-Movement Representations of Rat Primary and Secondary Motor Cortical Neurons with Intratelencephalic and Pyramidal Tract Projections
Authors: Soma Shogo , Saiki Akiko , Yoshida Junichi , Ríos Alain , Kawabata Masanori , Sakai Yutaka , Isomura Yoshikazu
Published: October 2017

Two distinct motor areas, the primary and secondary motor cortices (M1 and M2), play crucial roles in voluntary movement in rodents. The aim of this study was to characterize the laterality in motor cortical representations of right and left forelimb movements. To achieve this goal, we developed a novel behavioral task, the Right-Left Pedal task, in which a head-restrained male rat manipulates a right or left pedal with the corresponding forelimb. This task enabled us to monitor independent movements of both forelimbs with high spatiotemporal resolution. We observed phasic movement-related neuronal activity (Go-type) and tonic hold-related activity (Hold-type) in isolated unilateral movements. In both M1 and M2, Go-type neurons exhibited bias toward contralateral preference, whereas Hold-type neurons exhibited no bias. The contralateral bias was weaker in M2 than M1. Moreover, we differentiated between intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons using optogenetically evoked spike collision in rats expressing channelrhodopsin-2. Even in identified PT and IT neurons, Hold-type neurons exhibited no lateral bias. Go-type PT neurons exhibited bias toward contralateral preference, whereas IT neurons exhibited no bias. Our findings suggest a different laterality of movement representations of M1 and M2, in each of which IT neurons are involved in cooperation of bilateral movements, whereas PT neurons control contralateral movements.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn rodents, the primary and secondary motor cortices (M1 and M2) are involved in voluntary movements via distinct projection neurons: intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons. However, it remains unclear whether the two motor cortices (M1 vs M2) and the two classes of projection neurons (IT vs PT) have different laterality of movement representations. We optogenetically identified these neurons and analyzed their functional activity using a novel behavioral task to monitor movements of the right and left forelimbs separately. We found that contralateral bias was reduced in M2 relative to M1, and in IT relative to PT neurons. Our findings suggest that the motor information processing that controls forelimb movement is coordinated by a distinct cell population.
Submillisecond Optogenetic Control of Neuronal Firing with Two-Photon Holographic Photoactivation of Chronos
Authors: Ronzitti Emiliano , Conti Rossella , Zampini Valeria , Tanese Dimitrii , Foust Amanda J. , Klapoetke Nathan , Boyden Edward S. , Papagiakoumou Eirini , Emiliani Valentina
Published: October 2017

Optogenetic neuronal network manipulation promises to unravel a long-standing mystery in neuroscience: how does microcircuit activity relate causally to behavioral and pathological states? The challenge to evoke spikes with high spatial and temporal complexity necessitates further joint development of light-delivery approaches and custom opsins. Two-photon (2P) light-targeting strategies demonstrated in-depth generation of action potentials in photosensitive neurons bothin vitroandin vivo, but thus far lack the temporal precision necessary to induce precisely timed spiking events. Here, we show that efficient current integration enabled by 2P holographic amplified laser illumination of Chronos, a highly light-sensitive and fast opsin, can evoke spikes with submillisecond precision and repeated firing up to 100 Hz in brain slices from Swiss male mice. These results pave the way for optogenetic manipulation with the spatial and temporal sophistication necessary to mimic natural microcircuit activity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo reveal causal links between neuronal activity and behavior, it is necessary to develop experimental strategies to induce spatially and temporally sophisticated perturbation of network microcircuits. Two-photon computer generated holography (2P-CGH) recently demonstrated 3D optogenetic control of selected pools of neurons with single-cell accuracy in depth in the brain. Here, we show that exciting the fast opsin Chronos with amplified laser 2P-CGH enables cellular-resolution targeting with unprecedented temporal control, driving spiking up to 100 Hz with submillisecond onset precision using low laser power densities. This system achieves a unique combination of spatial flexibility and temporal precision needed to pattern optogenetically inputs that mimic natural neuronal network activity patterns.
CaMKII Regulates Synaptic NMDA Receptor Activity of Hypothalamic Presympathetic Neurons and Sympathetic Outflow in Hypertension
Authors: Li De-Pei , Zhou Jing-Jing , Zhang Jixiang , Pan Hui-Lin
Published: October 2017

NMDAR activity in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is increased and critically involved in heightened sympathetic vasomotor tone in hypertension. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) binds to and modulates NMDAR activity. In this study, we determined the role of CaMKII in regulating NMDAR activity of PVN presympathetic neurons in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). NMDAR-mediated EPSCs and puff NMDA-elicited currents were recorded in spinally projecting PVN neurons in SHRs and male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The basal amplitude of evoked NMDAR-EPSCs and puff NMDA currents in retrogradely labeled PVN neurons were significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. The CaMKII inhibitor autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide (AIP) normalized the increased amplitude of NMDAR-EPSCs and puff NMDA currents in labeled PVN neurons in SHRs but had no effect in WKY rats. Treatment with AIP also normalized the higher frequency of NMDAR-mediated miniature EPSCs of PVN neurons in SHRs. CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation level of GluN2B serine 1303 (S1303) in the PVN, but not in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, was significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. Lowering blood pressure with celiac ganglionectomy in SHRs did not alter the increased level of phosphorylated GluN2B S1303 in the PVN. In addition, microinjection of AIP into the PVN significantly reduced arterial blood pressure and lumbar sympathetic nerve discharges in SHRs. Our findings suggest that CaMKII activity is increased in the PVN and contributes to potentiated presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity to elevate sympathetic vasomotor tone in hypertension.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHeightened sympathetic vasomotor tone is a major contributor to the development of hypertension. Although glutamate NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory drive in the hypothalamus plays a critical role in increased sympathetic output in hypertension, the molecular mechanism involved in potentiated NMDAR activity of hypothalamic presympathetic neurons remains unclear. Here we show that the activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is increased and plays a key role in the potentiated presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity of hypothalamic presympathetic neurons in hypertension. Also, the inhibition of CaMKII in the hypothalamus reduces elevated blood pressure and sympathetic nerve discharges in hypertension. This new knowledge extends our understanding of the mechanism of synaptic plasticity in the hypothalamus and suggests new strategies to treat neurogenic hypertension.
Activity Patterns Elicited by Airflow in the Olfactory Bulb and Their Possible Functions
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Liu Yue , Wang Li , Li Bo , Xu Fuqiang
Published: October 2017

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) can sense both odorants and airflows. In the olfactory bulb (OB), the coding of odor information has been well studied, but the coding of mechanical stimulation is rarely investigated. Unlike odor-sensing functions of OSNs, the airflow-sensing functions of OSNs are also largely unknown. Here, the activity patterns elicited by mechanical airflow in male rat OBs were mapped using fMRI and correlated with local field potential recordings. In an attempt to reveal possible functions of airflow sensing, the relationship between airflow patterns and physiological parameters was also examined. We found the following: (1) the activity pattern in the OB evoked by airflow in the nasal cavity was more broadly distributed than patterns evoked by odors; (2) the pattern intensity increases with total airflow, while the pattern topography with total airflow remains almost unchanged; and (3) the heart rate, spontaneous respiratory rate, and electroencephalograph power in the β band decreased with regular mechanical airflow in the nasal cavity. The mapping results provide evidence that the signals elicited by mechanical airflow in OSNs are transmitted to the OB, and that the OB has the potential to code and process mechanical information. Our functional data indicate that airflow rhythm in the olfactory system can regulate the physiological and brain states, providing an explanation for the effects of breath control in meditation, yoga, and Taoism practices.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPresentation of odor information in the olfactory bulb has been well studied, but studies about breathing features are rare. Here, using blood oxygen level-dependent functional MRI for the first time in such an investigation, we explored the global activity patterns in the rat olfactory bulb elicited by airflow in the nasal cavity. We found that the activity pattern elicited by airflow is broadly distributed, with increasing pattern intensity and similar topography under increasing total airflow. Further, heart rate, spontaneous respiratory rate in the lung, and electroencephalograph power in the β band decreased with regular airflow in the nasal cavity. Our study provides further understanding of the airflow map in the olfactory bulbin vivo, and evidence for the possible mechanosensitivity functions of olfactory sensory neurons.
Fremanezumab—A Humanized Monoclonal Anti-CGRP Antibody—Inhibits Thinly Myelinated (Aδ) But Not Unmyelinated (C) Meningeal Nociceptors
Authors: Melo-Carrillo Agustin , Strassman Andrew M. , Nir Rony-Reuven , Schain Aaron J. , Noseda Rodrigo , Stratton Jennifer , Burstein Rami
Published: October 2017

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the most abundant neuropeptide in primary afferent sensory neurons, is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine headache, but its role in migraine is still equivocal. As a new approach to migraine treatment, humanized anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (CGRP-mAbs) were developed to reduce the availability of CGRP, and were found effective in reducing the frequency of chronic and episodic migraine. We recently tested the effect of fremanezumab (TEV-48125), a CGRP-mAb, on the activity of second-order trigeminovascular dorsal horn neurons that receive peripheral input from the cranial dura, and found a selective inhibition of high-threshold but not wide-dynamic range class of neurons. To investigate the basis for this selective inhibitory effect, and further explore the mechanism of action of CGRP-mAbs, we tested the effect of fremanezumab on the cortical spreading depression-evoked activation of mechanosensitive primary afferent meningeal nociceptors that innervate the cranial dura, using single-unit recording in the trigeminal ganglion of anesthetized male rats. Fremanezumab pretreatment selectively inhibited the responsiveness of Aδ neurons, but not C-fiber neurons, as reflected in a decrease in the percentage of neurons that showed activation by cortical spreading depression. These findings identify Aδ meningeal nociceptors as a likely site of action of fremanezumab in the prevention of headache. The selectivity in its peripheral inhibitory action may partly account for fremanezumab's selective inhibition of high-threshold, as a result of a predominant A-δ input to high-threshold neurons, but not wide dynamic-range dorsal horn neurons, and why it may not be effective in all migraine patients.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecently, we reported that humanized CGRP monoclonal antibodies (CGRP-mAbs) prevent activation and sensitization of high-threshold (HT) but not wide-dynamic range trigeminovascular neurons by cortical spreading depression (CSD). In the current paper, we report that CGRP-mAbs prevent the activation of Aδ but not C-type meningeal nociceptors by CSD. This is the first identification of an anti-migraine drug that appears to be selective for Aδ-fibers (peripherally) and HT neurons (centrally). As the main CGRP-mAb site of action appears to be situated outside the brain, we conclude that the initiation of the headache phase of migraine depends on activation of meningeal nociceptors, and that for selected patients, activation of the Aδ-HT pain pathway may be sufficient for the generation of headache perception.
The Great Monetary Gamble in India
Authors: Gopalan Sasidaran , Rajan Ramkishen S.
Published: October 2017

India undertook a monetary experiment of gigantic scale on November 8, 2016, that resulted in the withdrawal of the legal-tender character of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency. We make a preliminary attempt to analyze existing data to understand the various dimensions of the great monetary gamble.
Are Taiwanese Entrepreneurs a Strategic Group?
Authors: Schubert Gunter , Lin Ruihua , Tseng Jean Yu-Chen
Published: October 2017

This article applies the “strategic group” concept to Taiwanese entrepreneurs (taishang), who have businesses in both Taiwan and Mainland China, to analyze their political agency in safeguarding their collective interests. Based on extensive fieldwork, the authors look at taishang collective action in both formal and informal settings to assess whether the taishang can be considered a strategic group in contemporary cross-Strait relations.
Japan’s Proactive Multilateralism
Authors: Yasutomo Dennis T. , Ishigaki Tomoaki
Published: October 2017

Japan’s 2013 UN Arms Trade Treaty diplomacy exhibited neither the standard minimalist, subservient negotiating style nor policymaking restricted to the usual actors. Juxtaposition of the treaty and the 2014 arms export policy revision illustrates how traditional “peace diplomacy” can evolve into “proactive pacifism.”
Towards an Interdisciplinary Field of Black Girlhood Studies
Authors: Owens Tammy C. , Callier Durell M. , Robinson Jessica L. , Garner Porshé R.
Published: October 2017

Scholarly interest in the experiences of Black girls has grown significantly. Although many scholars, activists, and artists have completed substantial scholarship and creative works that constitute the foundation of Black girlhood studies, their body of work and names are oftentimes omitted from recent scholarship on Black girlhood. In this collectively authored essay, scholars, artists, and activists present an annotated bibliography of historical and contemporary texts, as well as cultural works, that center the voices and experiences of Black girls. This annotated bibliography serves as a resource for activists and scholars alike who are interested in Black girlhood.
Silence and Sound in Black Girl Utopia
Authors: Gumbs Alexis Pauline
Published: October 2017

Ladeedah is an audio novella that takes place in a Black utopic space after “the improvised revolution.” Ladeedah is a tone-deaf, rhythm-lacking Black girl in a world where everyone dances and sings at all times. What is Ladeedah's destiny as a quiet, clumsy genius in a society where movement and sound are the basis of the social structure and the definition of freedom? This excerpt from Ladeedah focuses on Ladeedah's attempts to understand the meaning of revolution from her own perspectives—at home, at school, and in her own mind and body.
Antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome (AAWS) in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Leone Gianmarco , Tucci Marcello , Buttigliero Consuelo , Zichi Clizia , Pignataro Daniele , Bironzo Paolo , Vignani Francesca , Scagliotti Giorgio V , Di Maio Massimo
Published: October 2017

Antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome is an unpredictable event diagnosed in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with combined androgen blockade therapy. It is defined by prostate-specific antigen value reduction, occasionally associated with a radiological response, that occurs 4–6 weeks after first-generation antiandrogen therapy discontinuation. New-generation hormonal therapies, such as enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate, improved the overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, and recent trials have also shown the efficacy of abiraterone in hormone-sensitive disease. In the last few years, several case reports and retrospective studies suggested that the withdrawal syndrome may also occur with these new drugs. This review summarizes literature data and hypothesis about the biological rationale underlying the syndrome and its potential clinical relevance, focusing mainly on new-generation hormonal therapies. Severalin vitrostudies suggest that androgen receptor gain-of-function mutations are involved in this syndrome, shifting the antiandrogen activity from antagonist to agonist. Several different drug-specific point mutations have been reported. The association of the withdrawal syndrome for enzalutamide and abiraterone needs confirmation by additional investigations. However, new-generation hormonal therapies being increasingly used in all stages of disease, more patients may experience the syndrome when stopping the treatment at the time of disease progression, although the clinical relevance of this phenomenon in the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer remains to be defined.
Obesity-stimulated aldosterone release is not related to an S1P-dependent mechanism
Authors: Werth Stephan , Müller-Fielitz Helge , Raasch Walter
Published: October 2017

Aldosterone has been identified as an important factor in obesity-associated hypertension. Here, we investigated whether sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which has previously been linked to obesity, increases aldosterone release. S1P-induced aldosterone release was determined in NCI H295R cells in the presence of S1P receptor (S1PR) antagonists. In vivo release of S1P (100–300 µg/kgbw) was investigated in pithed, lean Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, diet-obese spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs), as well as in lean or obese Zucker rats. Aldosterone secretion was increased in NCI H295R cells by S1P, the selective S1PR1 agonist SEW2871 and the selective S1PR2 antagonist JTE013. Treatment with the S1PR1 antagonist W146 or fingolimod and the S1PR1/3 antagonist VPbib2319 decreased baseline and/or S1P-stimulated aldosterone release. Compared to saline-treated SD rats, plasma aldosterone increased by ~50 pg/mL after infusing S1P. Baseline levels of S1P and aldosterone were higher in obese than in lean SHRs. Adrenal S1PR expression did not differ between chow- or CD-fed rats that had the highest S1PR1 and lowest S1PR4 levels. S1P induced a short-lasting increase in plasma aldosterone in obese, but not in lean SHRs. However, 2-ANOVA did not demonstrate any difference between lean and obese rats. S1P-induced aldosterone release was also similar between obese and lean Zucker rats. We conclude that S1P is a local regulator of aldosterone production. S1PR1 agonism induces an increase in aldosterone secretion, while stimulating adrenal S1PR2 receptor suppresses aldosterone production. A significant role of S1P in influencing aldosterone secretion in states of obesity seems unlikely.
In vitro maturation impacts cumulus–oocyte complex metabolism and stress in cattle
Authors: del Collado Maite , da Silveira Juliano C , Oliveira Marcelo L F , Alves Bárbara M S M , Simas Rosineide C , Godoy Adriana T , Coelho Mirela B , Marques Lygia A , Carriero Mateus M , Nogueira Marcelo F G , Eberlin Marcos N , Silva Luciano A , Meirelles Flávio V , Perecin Felipe
Published: October 2017

The influence of in vitro maturation (IVM) in oocytes is still not totally understood. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of IVM on the metabolism and homeostasis of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes. In the present study, we demonstrated that IVM leads to accumulation of neutral lipids associated with differential levels of the mono-, di- and triacylglycerols in both cumulus cells and oocytes. We observed that in vitro-matured oocytes exhibited decreased glutathione and reactive oxygen species levels and a lower ATP/ADP ratio when compared to in vivo-matured oocytes, with no significant differences in metabolism and stress-related mRNA or miRNA levels. Moreover, in addition to an increase in lipids in in vitro-matured cumulus cells, fatty acid synthesis and accumulation as well as glycolysis pathway genes were upregulated, whereas those affiliated with the β-oxidation pathway were decreased. Our gene expression data in cumulus cells suggest the disruption of endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and cellular stress response pathways during IVM. Furthermore, a total of 19 miRNAs were significantly altered by the maturation process in cumulus cells. These results indicate some new negative influences of the in vitro system in cumulus-oocyte complexes, demonstrating the occurrence of functional disruption in lipid metabolism and stress pathways and showing evidences suggesting the occurrence of altered mitochondrial activity and energy metabolism during IVM, with a massive dysregulation of the corresponding transcripts in the surrounding cumulus cells.
Integument Development in Arabidopsis Depends on Interaction of YABBY Protein INNER NO OUTER with Coactivators and Corepressors
Authors: Simon Marissa K , Skinner Debra J , Gallagher Thomas L , Gasser Charles S
Published: October 2017

Arabidopsis thaliana INNER NO OUTER (INO) is a YABBY protein that is essential for the initiation and development of the outer integument of ovules. Other YABBY proteins have been shown to be involved in both negative and positive regulation of expression of putative target genes. YABBY proteins have also been shown to interact with the corepressor LEUNIG (LUG) in several systems. In support of a repressive role for INO, we confirm that INO interacts with LUG and also find that INO directly interacts with SEUSS (SEU), a known corepressive partner of LUG. Further, we find that INO can directly interact with ADA2b/PROPORZ1 (PRZ1), a transcriptional coactivator that is known to interact with the histone acetyltransferase GENERAL CONTROL NONREPRESSIBLE PROTEIN 5 (GCN5, also known as HAG1). Mutations in LUG, SEU, and ADA2b/PRZ1 all lead to pleiotropic effects including a deficiency in the extension of the outer integument. Additive and synergistic effects of ada2b/prz1 and lug mutations on outer integument formation indicate that these two genes function independently to promote outer integument growth. The ino mutation is epistatic to both lug and ada2b/prz1 in the outer integument, and all three proteins are present in the nuclei of a common set of outer integument cells. This is consistent with a model where INO utilizes these coregulator proteins to activate and repress separate sets of target genes. Other Arabidopsis YABBY proteins were shown to also form complexes with ADA2b/PRZ1, and have been previously shown to interact with SEU and LUG. Thus, interaction with these corepressors and coactivator may represent a general mechanism to explain the positive and negative activities of YABBY proteins in transcriptional regulation. The LUG, SEU, and ADA2b/PRZ1 proteins would also separately be recruited to targets of other transcription factors, consistent with their roles as general coregulators, explaining the pleiotropic effects not associated with YABBY function.
A Genetic Screen for Pre-mRNA Splicing Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana Identifies Putative U1 snRNP Components RBM25 and PRP39a
Authors: Kanno Tatsuo , Lin Wen-Dar , Fu Jason L , Chang Chia-Liang , Matzke Antonius J M , Matzke Marjori
Published: October 2017

In a genetic screen for mutants showing modified splicing of an alternatively spliced GFP reporter gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, we identified mutations in genes encoding the putative U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) factors RBM25 and PRP39a. The latter has not yet been studied for its role in pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing in plants. Both proteins contain predicted RNA-binding domains and have been implicated in 5′ splice site selection in yeast and metazoan cells. In rbm25 mutants, splicing efficiency of GFP pre-mRNA was reduced and GFP protein levels lowered relative to wild-type plants. By contrast, prp39a mutants exhibited preferential splicing of a U2-type AT-AC intron in GFP pre-mRNA and elevated levels of GFP protein. These opposing findings indicate that impaired function of either RBM25 or PRP39a can differentially affect the same pre-mRNA substrate. Given a prior genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing in rbm25 mutants, we focused on examining the alternative splicing landscape in prp39a mutants. RNA-seq experiments performed using two independent prp39a alleles revealed hundreds of common genes undergoing changes in alternative splicing, including PRP39a itself, a second putative U1 snRNP component PRP40b, and genes encoding a number of general transcription-related proteins. The prp39a mutants displayed somewhat delayed flowering, shorter stature, and reduced seed set but no other obvious common defects under normal conditions. Mutations in PRP39b, the paralog of PRP39a, did not visibly alter GFP expression, indicating the paralogs are not functionally equivalent in this system. Our study provides new information on the contribution of PRP39a to alternative splicing and expands knowledge of plant splicing factors.