bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptually Bistable Three-Dimensional Figures Evoke High Choice Probabilities in Cortical Area MT
Authors: Dodd Jonathan V. , Krug Kristine , Cumming Bruce G. , Parker Andrew J.
Published: April 2018

The role of the primate middle temporal area (MT) in depth perception was examined by considering the trial-to-trial correlations between neuronal activity and reported depth sensations. A set of moving random dots portrayed a cylinder rotating about its principal axis. In this structure-from-motion stimulus, the direction of rotation is ambiguous and the resulting percept undergoes spontaneous fluctuations. The stimulus can be rendered unambiguous by the addition of binocular disparities. We trained monkeys to report the direction of rotation in a set of these stimuli, one of which had zero disparity. Many disparity-selective neurons in area MT are selective for the direction of rotation defined by disparity. Across repeated presentations of the ambiguous (zero-disparity) stimulus, there was a correlation between neuronal firing and the reported direction of rotation, as found by Bradley et al. (1998). Quantification of this effect using choice probabilities (Britten et al., 1996) allowed us to demonstrate that the correlation cannot be explained by eye movements, behavioral biases, or attention to spatial location. MT neurons therefore appear to be involved in the perceptual decision process. The mean choice probability (0.67) was substantially larger than that reported for MT neurons in a direction discrimination task (Britten et al., 1996). This implies that MT neurons make a different contribution to the two tasks. For the depth task, either the pool of neurons used is smaller or the correlation between neurons in the pool is larger.
Energy Hypometabolism in Posterior Cingulate Cortex of Alzheimer's Patients: Superficial Laminar Cytochrome Oxidase Associated with Disease Duration
Authors: Valla J. , Berndt Jason D. , Gonzalez-Lima F.
Published: April 2018

Among brain regions affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the posterior cingulate shows the earliest and largest decrement in energy metabolism. Positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that these decrements appear before the onset of memory deficits or other symptoms in persons at genetic risk for AD. This study comparesin vivoimaging results andin situpostmortem analyses by examining the posterior cingulate (area 23) in 15 AD patients and 13 age-matched nondemented controls using quantitative cytochrome oxidase histochemistry as an intracellular measure of oxidative energy metabolic capacity. Each of the six layers of the posterior cingulate demonstrated a decline in cytochrome oxidase activity in AD relative to controls, whereas adjacent motor cortex showed no significant differences. This decrement did not appear to be mainly secondary to nonspecific decrement in mitochondrial enzymes, oxidative stress, cell loss, or histopathology. The cytochrome oxidase decrement was most severe in the superficial layer I (−39%), which demonstrated a correlation to disease duration. Covariance analyses suggest that superficial laminas undergo a functional uncoupling from the deeper layers of posterior cingulate cortex in AD, whereas no such effects are found in motor cortex or controls. These findings expand on previous results from PET studies by illuminating the layer-specific cytochrome oxidase contributions to energy hypometabolism. The findings suggest a decrement of cytochrome oxidase in posterior cingulate cortex, with progressive reduction within the superficial laminas linked to disease duration. Such decrement could contribute to some of the behavioral symptoms displayed by AD patients. This decrement appeared greater in women.
Time Course and Nerve Growth Factor Dependence of Inflammation-Induced Alterations in Electrophysiological Membrane Properties in Nociceptive Primary Afferent Neurons
Authors: Djouhri Laiche , Dawbarn Dave , Robertson Alan , Newton Richard , Lawson Sally N.
Published: April 2018

Novel findings of changes in nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons during hindlimb inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injections in the hindpaw and hindleg are reported. These include increased maximum fiber following frequency in nociceptive C- and Aδ-fiber units by 2.7 and 3 times, respectively, and increased incidence of ongoing (spontaneous) activity by 3.3 times (to 54%) and 2.4 times (to 27%), respectively. These changes and the CFA-induced changes in somatic action potential (AP) configuration in nociceptive neurons (Djouhri and Lawson, 1999) were incomplete 24 hr after CFA. The nerve growth factor (NGF) dependence of the inflammation-induced changes was examined by injecting a synthetic NGF sequestering protein [tyrosine receptor kinase A Ig2 (trkA Ig2)] with CFA and subsequently into the CFA injection sites. NGF sequestration prevented some CFA-induced changes in nociceptive neurons including: the increased fiber following frequency (C and Aδ), the increased proportions of units with ongoing activity (C and Aδ), the decreased AP duration (C and Aδ), but not the decreased afterhyperpolarization (AHP) durations (C, Aδ, and Aα/β) (Djouhri and Lawson, 1999). AP variables of nociceptive units with spontaneous activity were examined.

The time course of electrophysiological changes in nociceptive units is consistent with processes involving altered protein expression and/or retrograde transport of factors. These results (1) implicate NGF in regulating inflammation-induced decreases in AP duration and in increases in firing rate and spontaneous activity but not in decreases in AHP duration and (2) suggest clinical advantages of reducing NGF in some inflammatory pain states.
Increased Seizure Susceptibility in Mice Lacking Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 7
Authors: Sansig Gilles , Bushell Trevor J. , Clarke Vernon R. J. , Rozov Andrei , Burnashev Nail , Portet Chantal , Gasparini Fabrizio , Schmutz Markus , Klebs Klaus , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Flor Peter J. , Kuhn Rainer , Knoepfel Thomas , Schroeder Markus , Hampson David R. , Collett Valerie J. , Zhang Congxiao , Duvoisin Robert M. , Collingridge Graham L. , van der Putten Herman
Published: April 2018

To study the role of mGlu7 receptors (mGluR7), we used homologous recombination to generate mice lacking this metabotropic receptor subtype (mGluR7−/−). After the serendipitous discovery of a sensory stimulus-evoked epileptic phenotype, we tested two convulsant drugs, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and bicuculline. In animals aged 12 weeks and older, subthreshold doses of these drugs induced seizures in mGluR7−/−, but not in mGluR7+/−, mice. PTZ-induced seizures were inhibited by three standard anticonvulsant drugs, but not by the group III selective mGluR agonist (R,S)-4-phosphonophenylglycine (PPG). Consistent with the lack of signs of epileptic activity in the absence of specific stimuli, mGluR7−/−mice showed no major changes in synaptic properties in two slice preparations. However, slightly increased excitability was evident in hippocampal slices. In addition, there was slower recovery from frequency facilitation in cortical slices, suggesting a role for mGluR7 as a frequency-dependent regulator in presynaptic terminals. Our findings suggest that mGluR7 receptors have a unique role in regulating neuronal excitability and that these receptors may be a novel target for the development of anticonvulsant drugs.
Exogenous Anandamide Protects Rat Brain against Acute Neuronal InjuryIn Vivo
Authors: van der Stelt M. , Veldhuis W. B. , van Haaften G. W. , Fezza F. , Bisogno T. , Bär P. R. , Veldink G. A. , Vliegenthart J. F. G. , Di Marzo V. , Nicolay K.
Published: April 2018

The endocannabinoid anandamide [N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)] is thought to function as an endogenous protective factor of the brain against acute neuronal damage. However, this has never been tested in anin vivomodel of acute brain injury. Here, we show in a longitudinal pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging study that exogenously administered AEA dose-dependently reduced neuronal damage in neonatal rats injected intracerebrally with the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain. At 15 min after injury, AEA (10 mg/kg) administered 30 min before ouabain injection reduced the volume of cytotoxic edema by 43 ± 15% in a manner insensitive to the cannabinoid CB1receptor antagonist SR141716A. At 7 d after ouabain treatment, 64 ± 24% less neuronal damage was observed in AEA-treated (10 mg/kg) rats compared with control animals. Coadministration of SR141716A prevented the neuroprotective actions of AEA at this end point. In addition, (1) no increase in AEA and 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels was detected at 2, 8, or 24 hr after ouabain injection; (2) application of SR141716A alone did not increase the lesion volume at days 0 and 7; and (3) the AEA-uptake inhibitor, VDM11, did not affect the lesion volume. These data indicate that there was no endogenous endocannabinoid tone controlling the acute neuronal damage induced by ouabain. Although our data seem to question a possible role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in establishing a brain defense system in our model, AEA may be used as a structural template to develop neuroprotective agents.
Learning in Networks of Cortical Neurons
Authors: Shahaf Goded , Marom Shimon
Published: April 2018

The results presented here demonstrate selective learning in a network of real cortical neurons. We focally stimulate the network at a low frequency (0.3–1 Hz) until a desired predefined response is observed 50 ± 10 msec after a stimulus, at which point the stimulus is stopped for 5 min. Repeated cycles of this procedure ultimately lead to the desired response being directly elicited by the stimulus. By plotting the number of stimuli required to achieve the target response in each cycle, we are able to generate learning curves. Presumably, the repetitive stimulation is driving changes in the circuit, and we are selecting for changes consistent with the predefined desired response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time learning of arbitrarily chosen tasks, in networks composed of real cortical neurons, is demonstrated outside of the body.
A Sensory Neuron Subpopulation with Unique Sequential Survival Dependence on Nerve Growth Factor and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor during Development
Authors: Acosta Cristian G. , Fábrega Andrés R. , Mascó Daniel H. , López Héctor S.
Published: April 2018

We characterized a subpopulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons that were previously identified as preferential targets of enkephalins. This group, termed P-neurons after their “pear” shape, sequentially required nerve growth factor (NGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for survivalin vitroduring different developmental stages. Embryonic P-neurons required NGF, but not bFGF. NGF continued to promote their survival, although less potently, up to postnatal day 2 (P2). Conversely, at P5, they needed bFGF but not NGF, with either factor having similar effects at P2. This trophic switch was unique to that DRG neuronal group. In addition, neither neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) nor brain-derived neurotrophic factor influenced their survival during embryonic and postnatal stages, respectively. The expression of NGF (Trk-A) and bFGF (flg) receptors paralleled the switch in trophic requirement. No single P-neuron appeared to coexpress bothTrk-Aandflg. In contrast, all of them coexpressedflgand substance P, providing a specific marker of these cells. Immunosuppression of bFGF in newborn animals greatly reduced their number, suggesting that the factor was requiredin vivo. bFGF was present in the DRG and spinal cord, as well as in skeletal muscle, the peripheral projection site of P-neurons, as revealed by tracer DiIC183. The lack of requirement of NT-3 for survival and immunoreactivity for the neurofilament of 200 kDa distinguished them from muscle proprioceptors, suggesting that they are likely to be unmyelinated muscle fibers. Collectively, their properties indicate that P-neurons constitute a distinct subpopulation of sensory neurons for which the function may be modulated by enkephalins.
Synchronous Oscillatory Activity in Immature Cortical Network Is Driven by GABAergic Preplate Neurons
Authors: Voigt Thomas , Opitz Thoralf , de Lima Ana D.
Published: April 2018

Neurons dissociated from embryonic cerebral rat cortex form a differentiated network of synaptic connections and develop synchronous oscillatory network activity with the beginning of the second week in culture. During an initial phase lasting 3–4 d, synchronous calcium transients can be blocked completely by either CNQX or bicuculline, showing that both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are required for the generation of this form of activity. By manipulating dissociation and growth conditions, cultures containing different populations of GABAergic neurons were obtained. These cultures revealed that a distinct population of large GABAergic neurons is a key element in the generation of synchronous oscillatory network activity. A minimal number of two large GABAergic neurons per square millimeter are required for the occurrence of synchronous activity. Changes in the density of all other types of GABAergic or non-GABAergic neurons has no influence on the synchronous activity. Electron microscopic analysis shows that the large GABAergic neurons form an interconnected network. Exceptionally high somatodendritic innervation and extended axonal arborization enable these neurons to collect electric network activity and to distribute it effectively throughout the neuronal network. Additional experiments indicated that most neurons developing in culture to large GABAergic neurons are derived from the primordial plexiform layer and reside in the subplate at the time of birth. We suggest that they function as an integrating element that synchronizes neuronal activity during early cortical development by collecting incoming extrinsic and intrinsic signals and distributing them effectively throughout the developing cortical plate.
Lesions of the Basolateral Amygdala Disrupt Selective Aspects of Reinforcer Representation in Rats
Authors: Blundell Pam , Hall Geoffrey , Killcross Simon
Published: April 2018

The amygdala is known to play a role in learning about motivationally significant events. We investigated this role further by examining the effects of excitotoxic lesions of the basolateral amygdala on the ability of rats to use instrumental outcomes to direct responding (the differential outcomes effect) and on the ability of Pavlovian cues to modulate instrumental performance based on shared outcomes (reinforcer–selective Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer). We found that basolateral amygdala (BLA) lesions did not affect the ability of rats to learn a basic instrumental conditional discrimination, but did disrupt the ability of differential outcomes to facilitate acquisition. In Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer, BLA lesions did not disrupt the basic enhancement of instrumental performance but did abolish the reinforcer specificity of that enhancement. These results suggest that the BLA is involved in the representation of the sensory aspects of motivationally significant events.
The Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2 Is Involved in Nociception
Authors: Hoogerwerf W. A. , Zou L. , Shenoy M. , Sun D. , Micci M. A. , Lee-Hellmich H. , Xiao S. Y. , Winston J. H. , Pasricha P. J.
Published: April 2018

The proteinase-activated receptor 2 is expressed on a subset of primary afferent neurons and may participate in the neurogenic component of inflammation. We hypothesized that this receptor may also play a role in neuronal sensitization and contribute to the pathogenesis of pain in inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis. Using a specific proteinase-activated receptor 2 activating peptide, we found evidence of such sensitizationin vitroin the form of enhanced capsaicin- and KCl-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a marker for nociceptive signaling. We then demonstrated that injection of the proteinase-activated receptor 2 activating peptide into the pancreatic duct can activate and sensitize pancreas-specific afferent neuronsin vivo, as measured by Fos expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These observations suggest that proteinase-activated receptor 2 contributes to nociceptive signaling and may provide a novel link between inflammation and pain.
Self-Organized Synaptic Plasticity Contributes to the Shaping of γ and β OscillationsIn Vitro
Authors: Bibbig Andrea , Faulkner Howard J. , Whittington Miles A. , Traub Roger D.
Published: April 2018

γ (30–70 Hz) followed by β (10–30 Hz) oscillations are evoked in humans by sensory stimuli and may be involved in working memory. Phenomenologically similar γ→β oscillations can be evoked in hippocampal slices by strong two-site tetanic stimulation. Weaker stimulation leads only to two-site synchronized γ.In vitrooscillations have memory-like features: (1) EPSPs increase during γ→β; (2) after a strong one-site stimulus, two-site stimulation produces desynchronized γ; and (3) a single synchronized γ→β epoch allows a subsequent weak stimulus to induce synchronized γ→β. Features 2 and 3 last >50 min and so are unlikely to be caused by presynaptic effects. A previous model replicated the γ→β transition when it was assumed that K+conductance(s) increases and there is an ad hoc increase in pyramidal EPSCs. Here, we have refined the model, so that both pyramidal→pyramidal and pyramidal→interneuron synapses are modifiable. This model, in a self-organized way, replicates the γ→β transition, along with features 1 and 2 above. Feature 3 is replicated if learning rates, or the time course of K+current block, are graded with stimulus intensity. Synaptic plasticity allows simulated oscillations to synchronize between sites separated by axon conduction delays over 10 msec. Our data suggest that one function of γ oscillations is to permit synaptic plasticity, which is then expressed in the form of β oscillations. We propose that the period of γ oscillations, ∼25 msec, is “designed” to match the time course of [Ca2+]ifluctuations in dendrites, thus facilitating learning.
Interleukin-1 Influences Ischemic Brain Damage in the Mouse Independently of the Interleukin-1 Type I Receptor
Authors: Touzani Omar , Boutin Herve , LeFeuvre Rosalind , Parker Lisa , Miller Andy , Luheshi Giamal , Rothwell Nancy
Published: April 2018

The cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) contributes to ischemic, excitotoxic, and traumatic brain injury. IL-1β actions depend on interaction with a single receptor (IL-1RI), which associates with an accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), and is blocked by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Here we show that in normal mice [wild-type (WT)], intracerebroventricular injection of IL-1ra markedly reduces (−50%;p< 0.01) ischemic brain damage caused by reversible occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, whereas injection of IL-1β exacerbates damage (+45%;p< 0.05).

Mice lacking IL-1RI [IL-1RI knock-out (KO)] exhibited ischemic brain damage that is almost identical to that of the WT (infarct volume 43.7 ± 6.1 and 46.2 ± 6.2 mm3, respectively), but failed to respond to injection of IL-1ra. However, injection of IL-1β (intracerebroventricularly) exacerbated ischemic brain damage in IL-1RI KO (+61%;p< 0.001) and in WT mice (+45%). This effect of IL-1β was abolished by heat denaturation in all animals, and was reversed by IL-1ra in WT, but not IL-1RI KO mice. In contrast, IL-1RI KO mice were completely resistant to effects of IL-1β on food intake or body weight. IL-1RAcP mRNA was increased by stroke in WT, but reduced in IL-1RI KO mice compared with sham-operated mice. Type II IL-1 receptor mRNA was significantly increased 4 hr after ischemia in WT and IL-1RI KO (+20%) animals.

These data show that IL-1β can exacerbate ischemic brain damage independently of IL-1RI and suggest the existence of additional signaling receptor or receptors for IL-1 in the brain.
Mechanisms of Active Hair Bundle Motion in Auditory Hair Cells
Authors: Ricci A. J. , Crawford A. C. , Fettiplace R.
Published: April 2018

Sound stimuli vibrate the hair bundles on auditory hair cells, but the resulting motion attributable to the mechanical stimulus may be modified by forces intrinsic to the bundle, which drive it actively. One category of active hair bundle motion has properties similar to fast adaptation of the mechanotransducer channels and is explicable if gating of the channels contributes significantly to the mechanics of the hair bundle. To explore this mechanism, we measured hair bundle compliance in turtle auditory hair cells under different conditions that alter the activation range of the channel. Force–displacement relationships were nonlinear, possessing a maximum slope compliance when approximately one-half of the transducer channels were open. When the external calcium concentration was reduced from 2.8 to 0.25 mm, the position of maximum compliance was shifted negative, reflecting a comparable shift in the transducer channel activation curve. Assuming that the nonlinearity represents the compliance attributable to channel gating, a single-channel gating force of 0.25 pN was calculated. By comparing bundle displacements with depolarization with and without an attached flexible fiber, the force contributed by each channel was independently estimated as 0.47 pN. These results are consistent with fast active bundle movements resulting from changes in mechanotransducer channel gating. However, several observations revealed additional components of hair bundle motion, with slower kinetics and opposite polarity to the fast movement but also linked to transducer adaptation. This finding argues for multiple mechanisms for controlling hair bundle position in auditory hair cells.
Inhibition of the c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling Pathway by the Mixed Lineage Kinase Inhibitor CEP-1347 (KT7515) Preserves Metabolism and Growth of Trophic Factor-Deprived Neurons
Authors: Harris Charles A. , Deshmukh Mohanish , Tsui-Pierchala Brian , Maroney Anna C. , Johnson Eugene M.
Published: April 2018

Nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation triggers metabolic changes in sympathetic neurons that precede cell death. Here, we investigate the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in downregulating neuronal metabolism. We show that, in the presence of CEP-1347 (KT7515), a small molecule known to block cell death upstream of JNK, cellular metabolism is preserved in neurons deprived of NGF. Biochemical data that are presented are consistent with the mechanism of action of CEP-1347 being the inhibition of the mixed lineage kinases (MLKs), known activators of JNK signaling. We demonstrate that CEP-1347-saved neurons continue to grow even in the absence of NGF, indicating that inhibition of the JNK pathway is permissive for neuronal growth in the absence of trophic support. These trophic effects are seen despite the fact that CEP-1347 does not stimulate several known survival kinase pathways. In addition to blocking Bax-dependent cytochromecrelease, the inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway with CEP-1347 also blocks the development of competence-to-die in response to cytosolic cytochromec. Therefore, inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway with the MLK inhibitor CEP-1347 inhibits both limbs of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, we demonstrate that neurons that have been NGF-deprived long-term but that have been kept alive by caspase inhibitors can be rescued metabolically by CEP-1347 as assessed by soma size, cytochromeclocalization, and protein synthesis rates. Therefore, we conclude that, in addition to converting extracellular signals into decisions of life and death, the JNK pathway can modulate cellular metabolism directly and thereby maintain not only survival but the “quality of life” of neurons.
Overexpression of Copper/Zinc Superoxide Dismutase in Transgenic Rats Protects Vulnerable Neurons against Ischemic Damage by Blocking the Mitochondrial Pathway of Caspase Activation
Authors: Sugawara Taku , Noshita Nobuo , Lewén Anders , Gasche Yvan , Ferrand-Drake Michel , Fujimura Miki , Morita-Fujimura Yuiko , Chan Pak H.
Published: April 2018

Mitochondria are known to be involved in the early stage of apoptosis by releasing cytochromec, caspase-9, and the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac). We have reported that overexpression of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) reduced superoxide production and ameliorated neuronal injury in the hippocampal CA1 subregion after global ischemia. However, the role of oxygen free radicals produced after ischemia/reperfusion in the mitochondrial signaling pathway has not been clarified. Five minutes of global ischemia was induced in male SOD1-transgenic (Tg) and wild-type (Wt) littermate rats. Cytosolic expression of cytochromecand Smac and activation of caspases were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and caspase activity assay. Apoptotic cell death was characterized by DNA nick end and single-stranded DNA labeling. In the Wt animals, early superoxide production, mitochondrial release of cytochromec, Smac, and cleaved caspase-9 were observed after ischemia. Active caspase-3 was subsequently increased, and 85% of the hippocampal CA1 neurons showed apoptotic DNA damage 3 d after ischemia. Tg animals showed less superoxide production and cytochromecand Smac release. Subsequent active caspase-3 expression was not evident, and only 45% of the neurons showed apoptotic DNA damage. A caspase-3 inhibitor (N-benzyloxycarbonyl-val-ala-asp-fluoromethyl ketone) reduced cell death only in Wt animals. These results suggest that overexpression of SOD1 reduced oxidative stress, thereby attenuating the mitochondrial release of cytochromecand Smac, resulting in less caspase activation and apoptotic cell death. Oxygen free radicals may play a pivotal role in the mitochondrial signaling pathway of apoptotic cell death in hippocampal CA1 neurons after global ischemia.
Interaction between Metabotropic and NMDA Subtypes of Glutamate Receptors in Sprout Suppression at Young Synapses
Authors: Miskevich Frank , Lu Wei , Lin Shuh-Yow , Constantine-Paton Martha
Published: April 2018

Recently, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) have been implicated in a cell contact-dependent suppression of sprouting in culturedXenopustectal neurons during an early period when neither AMPA/kainate (KA) receptors nor action potentials play a prominent role in cell–cell communication. We asked how the NMDA receptors function in the absence of the depolarizing effect of AMPA/KA receptor activity. We show that type II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can operate synergistically with NMDA receptors in the absence of AMPA/KA receptor function to suppress an early neurite sprouting response of the tectal neurons. Calcium imaging with fluo-3 AM and morphological analyses after exposure to glutamate receptor antagonists show that a combination of AMPA/KA receptor and type II mGluR blockers mimics the decrease in intracellular free calcium in response to glutamate and the structural effects produced by NMDA receptor antagonists in these cultures. Patch-clamp analyses confirmed a decrease in NMDA receptor-mediated currents with type II mGluR blockade, and 8-bromo cAMP application produced a decrease in NMDA receptor-mediated calcium influx. These data suggest that type II mGluRs potentiate NMDA receptor function by decreasing cAMP levels in tectal neurons. We also show that NMDARs exhibit low magnesium sensitivity in tectal neurons during the first few days in culture. Thus both metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors can play a role in the contact-mediated suppression of ongoing sprouting at early neuron–neuron contacts before action potential activity.
Interplay between Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Activities Is Required for Dendritic Plasticity and Synaptogenesis in the Supraoptic Nucleus
Authors: Chevaleyre Vivien , Moos Françoise C. , Desarménien Michel G.
Published: April 2018

Developing oxytocin and vasopressin (OT/AVP) supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons positively autocontrol their electrical activity via dendritic release of their respective peptide. The effects of this autocontrol are maximum during the second postnatal week (PW2), when the dendritic arbor transiently increases and glutamatergic postsynaptic potentials appear. Here, we studied the role and interaction of dendritic OT/AVP release and glutamate release in dendritic plasticity and synaptogenesis in SON.In vivotreatment with the peptides antagonists or with an NMDA antagonist suppressed the transient increase in dendritic arbor of SON neurons at the beginning of PW2. Incubation of acute slices with these compounds decreased the dendritic arbor on a short time scale (3–8 hr) in slices of postnatal day 7 (P7) to P9 rats. Conversely, application of OT/AVP or NMDA increased dendritic branches in slices of P3–P6 rats. Their effects were inhibited by blockade of electrical activity, voltage-gated Ca2+channels, or intracellular Ca2+mobilization. They were also interdependent because both OT/AVP and NMDA (but not AMPA) receptor activation were required for increasing the dendritic arbor. Part of this interdependence probably results from a retrograde action of the peptides facilitating glutamate release. Finally, blocking OT/AVP receptors byin vivotreatment with the peptides antagonists during development decreased spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic activity recorded in young adults. These results show that an interplay between postsynaptic dendritic peptide release and presynaptic glutamate release is involved in the transient increase in dendritic arbor of SON neurons and indicate that OT/AVP are required for normal synaptogenesis of glutamatergic inputs in SON.
Opposite Influences of Endogenous Dopamine D1and D2Receptor Activation on Activity States and Electrophysiological Properties of Striatal Neurons: Studies CombiningIn VivoIntracellular Recordings and Reverse Microdialysis
Authors: West Anthony R. , Grace Anthony A.
Published: April 2018

The tonic influence of dopamine D1and D2receptors on the activity of striatal neuronsin vivowas investigated by performing intracellular recordings concurrently with reverse microdialysis in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats. Striatal neurons were recorded in the vicinity of the microdialysis probe to assess their activity during infusions of artificial CSF (aCSF), the D1receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (10 μm), or the D2receptor antagonist eticlopride (20 μm). SCH 23390 perfusion decreased the excitability of striatal neurons exhibiting electrophysiological characteristics of spiny projection cells as evidenced by a decrease in the maximal depolarized membrane potential, a decrease in the amplitude of up-state events, and an increase in the intracellular current injection amplitude required to elicit an action potential. Conversely, a marked depolarization of up- and down-state membrane potential modes, a decrease in the amplitude of intracellular current injection required to elicit an action potential, and an increase in the number of spikes evoked by depolarizing current steps were observed in striatal neurons after local eticlopride infusion. A significant increase in maximal EPSP amplitude evoked by electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex was also observed during local eticlopride but not SCH 23390 infusion. These results indicate that in intact systems, ongoing dopaminergic neurotransmission exerts a powerful tonic modulatory influence on the up- and down-state membrane properties of striatal neurons and controls their excitability differentially via both D1- and D2-like receptors. Moreover, a significant component of D2receptor-mediated inhibition of striatal neuron activityin vivooccurs via suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission.
Circadian Rhythms in Isolated Brain Regions
Authors: Abe Michikazu , Herzog Erik D. , Yamazaki Shin , Straume Marty , Tei Hajime , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Menaker Michael , Block Gene D.
Published: April 2018

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian hypothalamus has been referred to as the master circadian pacemaker that drives daily rhythms in behavior and physiology. There is, however, evidence for extra-SCN circadian oscillators. Neural tissues cultured from rats carrying thePer-luciferasetransgene were used to monitor the intrinsicPer1expression patterns in different brain areas and their response to changes in the light cycle. Although manyPer-expressing brain areas were arrhythmic in culture, 14 of the 27 areas examined were rhythmic. The pineal and pituitary glands both expressed rhythms that persisted for >3 din vitro, with peak expression during the subjective night. Nuclei in the olfactory bulb and the ventral hypothalamus expressed rhythmicity with peak expression at night, whereas other brain areas were either weakly rhythmic and peaked at night, or arrhythmic. After a 6 hr advance or delay in the light cycle, the pineal, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and arcuate nucleus each adjusted the phase of their rhythmicity with different kinetics. Together, these results indicate that the brain contains multiple, damped circadian oscillators outside the SCN. The phasing of these oscillators to one another may play a critical role in coordinating brain activity and its adjustment to changes in the light cycle.
Computing the Climate
Authors: Martin-Nielsen Janet
Published: April 2018

This paper traces the development of numerical climate models in the United Kingdom from 1963, when the U.K.’s Meteorological Office first took up climate modelling, to the mid-to-late 1970s, when climate change became politicized in the United Kingdom. The central question posed is how U.K. climate modellers developed rhetoric, managed expectations, and weighed their professional and political responsibilities in the face of growing political interest in climate change. Whilst the modellers were reluctant to allow the modelling results to be used for political ends, U.K. civil servants saw climate modelling as a modern tool for a new problem. As scientific and political agendas diverged, the director of the Meteorological Office, John Mason, found himself caught between his position as a government employee in a service organization and his responsibility as a gatekeeper between climate models and their potential uses. Ultimately, as Mason and his modellers were forced to admit, their climate models became cultural and political as well as scientific objects.
Potential genetic polymorphisms predicting polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chen Yao , Fang Shu-ying
Published: April 2018

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous endocrine disorder with typical symptoms of oligomenorrhoea, hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, obesity, insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Extensive evidence indicates that PCOS is a genetic disease and numerous biochemical pathways have been linked with its pathogenesis. A number of genes from these pathways have been investigated, which include those involved with steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, action of gonadotropin and gonadal hormones, folliculogenesis, obesity and energy regulation, insulin secretion and action and many others. In this review, we summarize the historical and recent findings in genetic polymorphisms of PCOS from the relevant publications and outline some genetic polymorphisms that are potentially associated with the risk of PCOS. This information could uncover candidate genes associating with PCOS, which will be valuable for the development of novel diagnostic and treatment platforms for PCOS patients.
El dualismo naturaleza/cultura: a propósito de la mujer rural gallega
Authors: Méndez Lourdes
Published: April 2018

El modelo explicativo naturaleza/cultura, y la asociación mujer/naturaleza y hombre/cultura, forma parte del entramado epistemológico de las ciencias sociales y humanas. Durante la década de los setenta del siglo XX dicho modelo, hoy cuestionado desde diferentes disciplinas, fue piedra angular de parte de la incipiente antropología feminista. En estas páginas, tras retomar sus principales claves teóricas y detenerse sobre la problemática del dualismo en lo que concierne a las categorías mujer/hombre y sexo/género, se rastrea su incidencia en un pionero ensayo sobre la mujer en Galicia y en estudios antropológicos sobre las mujeres gallegas publicados en los años ochenta y noventa. A modo de conclusión, se exponen tres posiciones feministas en un debate aún abierto sobre la validez del modelo explicativo naturaleza/cultura.
Just Do It! Corpos e imaxes de mulleres na nova división do traballo
Authors: López Ruido María
Published: April 2018

Neste artigo redefínese a oposición traballo/non traballo desde o feminismo, analízase como aparece o corpo do traballo na nova orde global e na cinematografía desde finais do XIX ata o XXI (con especial atención a aqueles traballos asimilados á feminidade). Por último, profúndase nas imaxes das mulleres no traballo.
La regulación del matrimonio de los herederos a la Corona en el Reino de España. Una visión histórico-jurídica desde Carlos III a Felipe VI
Authors: Prol Teijeiro Alicia
Published: April 2018

La Pragmática de Carlos III de 1776 regula el consentimiento paterno para contraer matrimonio de los sucesores a la Corona del Reino de España. El contrato matrimonial sin este permiso provoca la pérdida de los derechos dinásticos. Tras años de disputas acerca de la misma, una modificación hecha por Carlos IV, cambios de régimen político a lo largo de los siglos XIX y XX, aprobación de Constituciones, aprobación de una ley reguladora de la sucesión y reiteradas manifestaciones tanto expresas como tácitas acerca de la vigencia de la norma, nos encontramos ante un escenario caótico en el que muy pocos juristas han accedido a entrar. El análisis de todas las normas que han regulado el matrimonio de los herederos a la Corona desde el Reinado de Carlos III hasta la Constitución de 1978 permite comprobar cómo la Pragmática ha perdido su vigencia.
Nuevas oportunidades para la justicia restaurativa en el sistema penal tras las reformas legales del año 2015: especial incidencia en la violencia de género
Authors: Serramià Balaguer Laura
Published: April 2018

Es indudable el interés creciente a nivel mundial, y fundamentalmente a lo largo de los últimos 30 años, para la atención a las víctimas y para la búsqueda de mecanismos que favorezcan la reparación del daño, entre ellos, la justicia restaurativa, pues esta tendencia prioriza compensar en vez de castigar, reintegrar en vez de excluir y mediar en lugar de imponer.Este estudio pretende analizar la aplicabilidad de la justicia restaurativa en general y de la mediación penal en particular como herramienta adecuada en supuestos controvertidos y problemáticos como la violencia en la familia, más concretamente la violencia de género, a raíz de la vigente prohibición contenida en la Ley Orgánica 1/2004, de 28 de diciembre. Para ello, se examinará esta prohibición y su origen, para luego profundizar sobre las experiencias comparadas y los proyectos piloto extra legem nacionales desarrollados dentro del movimiento de empoderamiento de las víctimas.
La problemática de los cementerios parroquiales compostelanos: las viejas normas y el nuevo decreto
Authors: Amado Brea Eduardo
Published: April 2018

Los cementerios parroquiales se encuentran en una compleja situación, debido a su doble naturaleza jurídica, de relevancia para el Derecho canónico y también para el civil. Ello hace que la relación entrambos sistemas haga aparecer situaciones complejas en torno a un tema tan delicado como la muerte. Precisamente, en este artículo se trata de clarificar la cuestión jurídica de los cementerios parroquiales en la Archidiócesis de Santiago de Compostela, a la luz de las normas canónicas y de la reciente legislación sanitaria mortuoria autonómica, así como de la jurisprudencia más relevante.
Valores na obra infantil de Agustín Fernández Paz
Authors: Agrelo Costas María Eulalia
Published: April 2018

Alúdese á importancia dos valores na formación dos máis novos e expóñense as bases teóricas das que se parte neste traballo, entre as que sobresaen as achegas de Shalom Schwartz, ademais de referirse á idoneidade da literatura para a transmisión de valores. Sinálase que Agustín Fernández Paz sempre apreciou as potencialidades da literatura neste sentido e anúnciase que se vai abordar como este docente de profesión introduciu e enfocou os valores nas súas obras infantís máis representativas. A selección de obras proposta responde á calidade literaria e é analizada ao redor de dous valores moi latentes na súa produción: a protección do medio ambiente e a xustiza social. Detense en como estes valores son tratados ao fío das historias e en como se plasman a partir de unidades perceptivas presentes no texto e de unidades semánticas abstraíbles a partir dos feitos narrados e a intervención dos personaxes. Finalízase cunha serie de conclusións que sintetizan as ideas principais desta aproximación á narrativa infantil de Fernández Paz desde a perspectiva dos valores.
Para uma poética do álbum ilustrado: Teoria e crítica em torno de um "metagénero"
Authors: Rodrigues Carina
Published: April 2018

O presente artigo oferece-se como uma proposta de caracterização e definição do álbum ilustrado, cujas arquitetura e gramática têm motivado a sua atenção por parte da crítica e da investigação, colocando dificuldades ao nível da sua catalogação. Partindo da reflexão sobre aspetos ligados à conceção destes volumes, nomeadamente no que se refere à sua edição e conceção gráfica, bem como à leitura das imagens que os integram, sublinhando a relevância da articulação pictórico-verbal, procuraremos distingui-los de outros tipos de livros ilustrados, atentando no jogo de sentidos e no processo de leitura consequentemente alternativo e mais exigente que induzem, e justificando a sua valorização no âmbito dos géneros literários.
Demographic Profile of Spinal Cord Injury Patients Admitted in a Rehabilitation Centre: An Observational Study from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Ziniya Mustary , Alam S. M. , Goni Md. Shujayt , Ahmed Faruq , Tawhid A K M , Ahmed Md. Shahoriar
Published: April 2018

Background:  Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life threating condition which has a profound impact in the morbidity and mortality. SCI causes lifetime sufferings and mostly occur among the young adults. Not only in Bangladesh but also worldwide, SCI is a devastating and burdensome condition. This research was conducted to see the demographic profile of SCI patients in Bangladesh.
Methods and Materials: This is a retrospective analysis where data was collected from medical records of all SCI patients admitted in between January 2012 to December 2014 from Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Savar.
Results: A total of 1172 SCI patients were analyzed. Most of the patients were in their second to third decade of life which consisted 28.8% (n=338). Among total respondents, 86.2% (n=1010) were male and 13.8% (n=162) were female. Most of the participants 61.1% (n=716) were from rural area. The main cause of SCI was fall from height (FFH) {45.8% (n = 537)} followed by the road traffic accidents (RTA) {24.7% (n = 288)}. Overall, 52.3% (n = 613) of participants suffered from traumatic paraplegia while 60.9% (n = 714) had complete lesion. Among the total participants, 30.70% (n = 359) of participants had skeletal level C1-C7 injury. Division-wise distribution shows that FFH is a major cause of SCI {14.84% (n = 174)} followed by the RTA which is a second most common cause in 8.95% (n = 105) of participants in Dhaka division while SCI due to bull attacks and bullet injury are a major cause in Khulna division {1.02% (n = 12)} and Chittagong division respectively.
Conclusion: The data is collected from a tertiary level of rehabilitation centre where extensive demographic data was not previously represented. In many developing countries SCI is neglected, poorly managed and deprived from society. In addition, the present study suggests that demographic factors may affect the characteristics of SCI.
The zone of temporary flooding of small rivers as an area of increased floristic diversity
Authors: Krylova E. G. , Tikhonov A. V. , Ivanova E. S.
Published: April 2018

During fluctuating water levels in the lower reaches of rivers, large areas of shallow water are exposed, forming a zone of temporary flooding (TFZ). The level regime of the water body determines the conditions for the growth of plants, the period available for vegetation of species and the path of seed migration. The seed bank is an integral part of a riparian biocenosis, experiencing the characteristics of environmental factors which influence its structure. Our study of the vegetation cover was carried out by the method of route survey of ecotopes in the estuaries of the Korozhechna and Ild rivers, tributaries of the Rybinsk Reservoir. Species composition of the flora is given in accordance with APG IV. The cenotic structure is characterized in terms of the Brown-Blanke school. To assess the species composition of the seed bank, a transect was placed along the width of the TFZ, on which cores were selected. Flora of the Korozhechny river is represented by 59 species from 24 families and 45 genera. Most numerous families: Poaceae (12%), Cyperaceae (10%), Polygonaceae (10%), Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae and Brassicaceae (by 7%). Flora of the Ild river is represented by 42 species from 18 families and 29 genera. Most numerous families: Cyperaceae (21%), Ranunculaceae (14%), Poaceae (12%), Plantaginaceae (7%). We found two rare species: Carex bohemica – on the Ild river and Ranunculus reptans – on both rivers. The difference in the species composition is explained by the greater riparian area of the TFZ on the Korozhechna river, characterized by a wide low floodplain. Phytocenosis form multicomponent complexes and are represented by associations Scirpetum lacustris, Phalaroidetum arundinaceae, Caricetum gracilis, Phragmitetum communis – on both rivers, Hippuridetum vulgaris и Batrachietum circinati – in terrestrial form on the Korozhechna river, and Eleocharitetum palustris and Oenantho-Rorippetum on the Ild river. In the seed bank composition of the TFZ of the transition zone of the Korozhechna river receiver 25 species were found, Ild river – 30 species. The ecological structure of the flora of both rivers and the seed bank is dominated by species of waterlogged and humid habitats. Their share (hygrophyte and hygromeso-and mesophyte) accounts for about 50%. With prolonged drying, they can normally develop in the TFZ. In the biomorphological structure, the main part of the flora and seed bank species are perennial grasses, characterized by great environmental plasticity, adapted to extreme conditions of habitat, having wide ecological amplitude with respect to the ground and which can withstand considerable fluctuations in the water level. As a result, our work has confirmed that the seed bank is a hidden component of plant communities and reflects the floristic potential of ecologically unstable territories.
ntra-species profiling of Cleome viscosa growing in Swat district (Pakistan)
Authors: Muhammad N. , Wadood S. F. , Khan W. , Ali N. , Nisar M.
Published: April 2018

Intra-specific genetic variation was studied in 28 genotypes of Cleome viscosa L. growing in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It was found that genotypes showed the utmost allelic variation for leaf upper and lower surface with emerald green (75%), and yellow green (75%) respectively, other leaves lower and upper surfaces were (25%) green and yellow green (26%) respectively. The majority of C. viscosa genotypes were (50%) yellow flowers while others were with (29%) white yellow colour and (21%) dull yellow. Most of the seeds were with black (46%). The protein profiling was carried out on 12% gel electrophoresis; seven reproducible bands with molecular weight ranges from 180 to 10 KDa were detected in C. viscosa, the locus contribution toward genetic disagreement (LCTGD) of C. viscosa was 57%. Notably, L-3, L-4 L-5, was monomorphic in C. viscosa and was treated as species specific. L-1, L-2, L-7 were polymorphic. These bands showed 79%, 4%, 14% and 79% variation respectively. In the current investigation the intra-specific variation was observed limited and alone SDS-PAGE did not determine the high level of intra-specific variation; however, diverse germplasm were suggested to be acquired from various sources.