bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publicidad y consumo en they live. Análisis crítico sobre la ideología publicitaria
Authors: García López Javier
Published: September 2016

El trabajo que se presenta plantea un estudio cultural acerca del efecto de la ideología de la publicidad y del consumo en las sociedad contemporáneas a través de la película They Live (Están vivos). La pieza audiovisual tratada pone de manifiesto que vivimos en sociedades determinadas por un sistema de producción y consumo crecientes en las que la publicidad, como herramienta de las instituciones, seduce a los ciudadanos con el objetivo de mantener el statu quo. Se utiliza un método de investigación fundamentado en el análisis del relato audiovisual, por medio de un minucioso examen de los componentes de la narración. A través de una historia de ficción, la película desarrolla una descripción verosímil sobre cómo la ideología sistemática, amplificada por la publicidad, configura una pauta velada de pensamiento y de acción social al servicio de empresas e instituciones. El protagonista de la película, John Nada, mostrará que la disidencia implica un violento y doloroso camino necesario para conseguir la libertad.
Neural Signatures of Value Comparison in Human Cingulate Cortex during Decisions Requiring an Effort-Reward Trade-off
Authors: Klein-Flügge Miriam C. , Kennerley Steven W. , Friston Karl , Bestmann Sven
Published: September 2016

Integrating costs and benefits is crucial for optimal decision-making. Although much is known about decisions that involve outcome-related costs (e.g., delay, risk), many of our choices are attached to actions and require an evaluation of the associated motor costs. Yet how the brain incorporates motor costs into choices remains largely unclear. We used human fMRI during choices involving monetary reward and physical effort to identify brain regions that serve as a choice comparator for effort-reward trade-offs. By independently varying both options' effort and reward levels, we were able to identify the neural signature of a comparator mechanism. A network involving supplementary motor area and the caudal portion of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex encoded the difference in reward (positively) and effort levels (negatively) between chosen and unchosen choice options. We next modeled effort-discounted subjective values using a novel behavioral model. This revealed that the same network of regions involving dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and supplementary motor area encoded the difference between the chosen and unchosen options' subjective values, and that activity was best described using a concave model of effort-discounting. In addition, this signal reflected how precisely value determined participants' choices. By contrast, separate signals in supplementary motor area and ventromedial prefrontal cortex correlated with participants' tendency to avoid effort and seek reward, respectively. This suggests that the critical neural signature of decision-making for choices involving motor costs is found in human cingulate cortex and not ventromedial prefrontal cortex as typically reported for outcome-based choice. Furthermore, distinct frontal circuits seem to drive behavior toward reward maximization and effort minimization.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe neural processes that govern the trade-off between expected benefits and motor costs remain largely unknown. This is striking because energetic requirements play an integral role in our day-to-day choices and instrumental behavior, and a diminished willingness to exert effort is a characteristic feature of a range of neurological disorders. We use a new behavioral characterization of how humans trade off reward maximization with effort minimization to examine the neural signatures that underpin such choices, using BOLD MRI neuroimaging data. We find the critical neural signature of decision-making, a signal that reflects the comparison of value between choice options, in human cingulate cortex, whereas two distinct brain circuits drive behavior toward reward maximization or effort minimization.
Hypocretin/Orexin Peptides Alter Spike Encoding by Serotonergic Dorsal Raphe Neurons through Two Distinct Mechanisms That Increase the Late Afterhyperpolarization
Authors: Ishibashi Masaru , Gumenchuk Iryna , Miyazaki Kenichi , Inoue Takafumi , Ross William N. , Leonard Christopher S.
Published: September 2016

Orexins (hypocretins) are neuropeptides that regulate multiple homeostatic processes, including reward and arousal, in part by exciting serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons, the major source of forebrain serotonin. Here, using mouse brain slices, we found that, instead of simply depolarizing these neurons, orexin-A altered the spike encoding process by increasing the postspike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) via two distinct mechanisms. This orexin-enhanced AHP (oeAHP) was mediated by both OX1and OX2receptors, required Ca2+influx, reversed near EK, and decayed with two components, the faster of which resulted from enhanced SK channel activation, whereas the slower component decayed like a slow AHP (sAHP), but was not blocked by UCL2077, an antagonist of sAHPs in some neurons. Intracellular phospholipase C inhibition (U73122) blocked the entire oeAHP, but neither component was sensitive to PKC inhibition or altered PKA signaling, unlike classical sAHPs. The enhanced SK current did not depend on IP3-mediated Ca2+release but resulted from A-current inhibition and the resultant spike broadening, which increased Ca2+influx and Ca2+-induced-Ca2+release, whereas the slower component was insensitive to these factors. Functionally, the oeAHP slowed and stabilized orexin-induced firing compared with firing produced by a virtual orexin conductance lacking the oeAHP. The oeAHP also reduced steady-state firing rate and firing fidelity in response to stimulation, without affecting the initial rate or fidelity. Collectively, these findings reveal a new orexin action in serotonergic raphe neurons and suggest that, when orexin is released during arousal and reward, it enhances the spike encoding of phasic over tonic inputs, such as those related to sensory, motor, and reward events.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOrexin peptides are known to excite neurons via slow postsynaptic depolarizations. Here we elucidate a significant new orexin action that increases and prolongs the postspike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in 5-HT dorsal raphe neurons and other arousal-system neurons. Our mechanistic studies establish involvement of two distinct Ca2+-dependent AHP currents dependent on phospholipase C signaling but independent of IP3 or PKC. Our functional studies establish that this action preserves responsiveness to phasic inputs while attenuating responsiveness to tonic inputs. Thus, our findings bring new insight into the actions of an important neuropeptide and indicate that, in addition to producing excitation, orexins can tune postsynaptic excitability to better encode the phasic sensory, motor, and reward signals expected during aroused states.
Chemogenetic Activation of an Extinction Neural Circuit Reduces Cue-Induced Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking
Authors: Augur Isabel F. , Wyckoff Andrew R. , Aston-Jones Gary , Kalivas Peter W. , Peters Jamie
Published: September 2016

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has been shown to negatively regulate cocaine-seeking behavior, but the precise conditions by which vmPFC activity can be exploited to reduce cocaine relapse are currently unknown. We used viral-mediated gene transfer of designer receptors (DREADDs) to activate vmPFC neurons and examine the consequences on cocaine seeking in a rat self-administration model of relapse. Activation of vmPFC neurons with the Gq-DREADD reduced reinstatement of cocaine seeking elicited by cocaine-associated cues, but not by cocaine itself. We used a retro-DREADD approach to confine the Gq-DREADD to vmPFC neurons that project to the medial nucleus accumbens shell, confirming that these neurons are responsible for the decreased cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. The effects of vmPFC activation on cue-induced reinstatement depended on prior extinction training, consistent with the reported role of this structure in extinction memory. These data help define the conditions under which chemogenetic activation of extinction neural circuits can be exploited to reduce relapse triggered by reminder cues.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) projection to the nucleus accumbens shell is important for extinction of cocaine seeking, but its anatomical proximity to the relapse-promoting projection from the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens core makes it difficult to selectively enhance neuronal activity in one pathway or the other using traditional pharmacotherapy (e.g., systemically administered drugs). Viral-mediated gene delivery of an activating Gq-DREADD to vmPFC and/or vmPFC projections to the nucleus accumbens shell allows the chemogenetic exploitation of this extinction neural circuit to reduce cocaine seeking and was particularly effective against relapse triggered by cocaine reminder cues.
Impact of Sex and Menopausal Status on Episodic Memory Circuitry in Early Midlife
Authors: Jacobs Emily G. , Weiss Blair K. , Makris Nikos , Whitfield-Gabrieli Sue , Buka Stephen L. , Klibanski Anne , Goldstein Jill M.
Published: September 2016

Cognitive neuroscience of aging studies traditionally target participants age 65 and older. However, epidemiological surveys show that many women report increased forgetfulness earlier in the aging process, as they transition to menopause. In this population-based fMRI study, we stepped back by over a decade to characterize the changes in memory circuitry that occur in early midlife, as a function of sex and women's reproductive stage. Participants (N= 200; age range, 45–55) performed a verbal encoding task during fMRI scanning. Reproductive histories and serologic evaluations were used to determine menopausal status. Results revealed a pronounced impact of reproductive stage on task-evoked hippocampal responses, despite minimal difference in chronological age. Next, we examined the impact of sex and reproductive stage on functional connectivity across task-related brain regions. Postmenopausal women showed enhanced bilateral hippocampal connectivity relative to premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Across women, lower 17β-estradiol concentrations were related to more pronounced alterations in hippocampal connectivity and poorer performance on a subsequent memory retrieval task, strongly implicating sex steroids in the regulation of this circuitry. Finally, subgroup analyses revealed that high-performing postmenopausal women (relative to low and middle performers) exhibited a pattern of brain activity akin to premenopausal women. Together, these findings underscore the importance of considering reproductive stage, not simply chronological age, to identify neuronal and cognitive changes that unfold in the middle decades of life. In keeping with preclinical studies, these human findings suggest that the decline in ovarian estradiol production during menopause plays a significant role in shaping memory circuitry.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMaintaining intact memory function with age is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, and women have an increased risk for memory disorders relative to men later in life. We studied adults early in the aging process, as women transition into menopause, to identify neuronal and cognitive changes that unfold in the middle decades of life. Results demonstrate regional and network-level differences in memory encoding-related activity as a function of women's reproductive stage, independent of chronological age. Analyzing data without regard to sex or menopausal status obscured group differences in circuit-level neural strategies associated with successful memory retrieval. These findings suggest that early changes in memory circuitry are evident decades before the age range traditionally targeted by cognitive neuroscience of aging studies.
Genetic Restoration of Plasma ApoE Improves Cognition and Partially Restores Synaptic Defects in ApoE-Deficient Mice
Authors: Lane-Donovan Courtney , Wong Wen Mai , Durakoglugil Murat S. , Wasser Catherine R. , Jiang Shan , Xian Xunde , Herz Joachim
Published: September 2016

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in individuals over the age of 65 years. The most prevalent genetic risk factor for AD is the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (ApoE4), and novel AD treatments that target ApoE are being considered. One unresolved question in ApoE biology is whether ApoE is necessary for healthy brain function. ApoE knock-out (KO) mice have synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction; however, these findings are complicated by the fact that ApoE knock-out mice have highly elevated plasma lipid levels, which may independently affect brain function. To bypass the effect of ApoE loss on plasma lipids, we generated a novel mouse model that expresses ApoE normally in peripheral tissues, but has severely reduced ApoE in the brain, allowing us to study brain ApoE loss in the context of a normal plasma lipid profile. We found that these brain ApoE knock-out (bEKO) mice had synaptic loss and dysfunction similar to that of ApoE KO mice; however, the bEKO mice did not have the learning and memory impairment observed in ApoE KO mice. Moreover, we found that the memory deficit in the ApoE KO mice was specific to female mice and was fully rescued in female bEKO mice. Furthermore, while the AMPA/NMDA ratio was reduced in ApoE KO mice, it was unchanged in bEKO mice compared with controls. These findings suggest that plasma lipid levels can influence cognition and synaptic function independent of ApoE expression in the brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOne proposed treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the reduction of ApoE, whose ε4 isoform is the most common genetic risk factor for the disease. A major concern of this strategy is that an animal model of ApoE deficiency, the ApoE knock-out (KO) mouse, has reduced synapses and cognitive impairment; however, these mice also develop dyslipidemia and severe atherosclerosis. Here, we have shown that genetic restoration of plasma ApoE to wild-type levels normalizes plasma lipids in ApoE KO mice. While this does not rescue synaptic loss, it does completely restore learning and memory in the mice, suggesting that both CNS and plasma ApoE are independent parameters that affect brain health.
Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Yang Helen H. , St-Pierre François
Published: September 2016

A longstanding goal in neuroscience is to understand how spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal electrical activity underlie brain function, from sensory representations to decision making. An emerging technology for monitoring electrical dynamics, voltage imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs), couples the power of genetics with the advantages of light. Here, we review the properties that determine indicator performance and applicability, discussing both recent progress and technical limitations. We then consider GEVI applications, highlighting studies that have already deployed GEVIs for biological discovery. We also examine which classes of biological questions GEVIs are primed to address and which ones are beyond their current capabilities. As GEVIs are further developed, we anticipate that they will become more broadly used by the neuroscience community to eavesdrop on brain activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGenetically encoded voltage indicators are engineered light-emitting protein sensors that typically report neuronal voltage dynamics as changes in brightness. In this review, we systematically discuss the current state of this emerging method, considering both its advantages and limitations for imaging neural activity. We also present recent applications of this technology and discuss what is feasible now and what we anticipate will become possible with future indicator development. This review will inform neuroscientists of recent progress in the field and help potential users critically evaluate the suitability of genetically encoded voltage indicator imaging to answer their specific biological questions.
Age-Related Changes in Axonal and Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and Function in White Matter
Authors: Stahon Katharine E. , Bastian Chinthasagar , Griffith Shelby , Kidd Grahame J. , Brunet Sylvain , Baltan Selva
Published: September 2016

The impact of aging on CNS white matter (WM) is of general interest because the global effects of aging on myelinated nerve fibers are more complex and profound than those in cortical gray matter. It is important to distinguish between axonal changes created by normal aging and those caused by neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we show that in mouse optic nerve, which is a pure and fully myelinated WM tract, aging axons are larger, have thicker myelin, and are characterized by longer and thicker mitochondria, which are associated with altered levels of mitochondrial shaping proteins. These structural alterations in aging mitochondria correlate with lower ATP levels and increased generation of nitric oxide, protein nitration, and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, mitochondria–smooth endoplasmic reticulum interactions are compromised due to decreased associations and decreased levels of calnexin and calreticulin, suggesting a disruption in Ca2+homeostasis and defective unfolded protein responses in aging axons. Despite these age-related modifications, axon function is sustained in aging WM, which suggests that age-dependent changes do not lead to irreversible functional decline under normal conditions, as is observed in neurodegenerative diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAging is a common risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage with age are hypothesized to increase risk for stroke. We compared axon–myelin–node–mitochondrion–smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) interactions in white matter obtained at 1 and 12 months. We show that aging axons have enlarged volume, thicker myelin, and elongated and thicker mitochondria. Furthermore, there are reduced SER connections to mitochondria that correlate with lower calnexin and calreticulin levels. Despite a prominent decrease in number, elongated aging mitochondria produce excessive stress markers with reduced ATP production. Because axons maintain function under these conditions, our study suggests that it is important to understand the process of normal brain aging to identify neurodegenerative changes.
Field Potential Oscillations in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Correlate with Compulsion in a Rat Model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Wu Hemmings , Tambuyzer Tim , Nica Ioana , Deprez Marjolijn , van Kuyck Kris , Aerts Jean-Marie , Van Huffel Sabine , Nuttin Bart
Published: September 2016

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is implicated in anxiety and reward processing, both of which are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Specific neuronal groups in the BNST related to anxiety and reward have been identified, but quantitative data about the information carried by local field potential (LFP) signals in this area during obsession/compulsion are lacking. Here we investigate the BNST LFP in the schedule-induced polydipsia, an animal model of OCD. We implanted electrodes bilaterally in the BNST and random control brain regions in 32 male Wistar rats, and recorded corresponding LFP during compulsive and noncompulsive behavior. We first applied high-frequency (100 Hz) electrical stimulation through the implanted electrodes and analyzed its effects on compulsive behavior. We then performed time-frequency analysis of LFPs and statistically compared the normalized power of δ (1–4 Hz), θ (4–8 Hz), α (8–12 Hz), β (12–30 Hz), and lower γ (30–45 Hz) bands between different groups. Our data showed that the normalized δ, β, and γ powers in the right BNST were specifically correlated with compulsive behaviors. δ and γ oscillations increased and decreased during the initiation phase of compulsion, respectively, whereas β increased after compulsion stopped. Moreover, the effect of BNST electrical stimulation, in terms of suppression of compulsion, was significantly correlated with the percentage change of these bands during compulsion. Our research reveals potential biomarkers and underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of compulsion and warrants further assessment of the use of LFP for closed-loop neuromodulation in OCD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough specific neuronal groups in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) related to anxiety and reward circuitries have been identified, psychopathological information carried by local field potentials in the BNST has not yet been described. We discovered that normalized powers of the right BNST δ, β, and γ oscillations were highly correlated with compulsion. Specifically, δ and γ oscillations increased and decreased during the initiation phase of compulsion, respectively, whereas β increased after compulsion stopped. Such correlations were not found in other parts of the brain during compulsion, or in the BNST during noncompulsive behavior. Current findings reveal real-time neurophysiological biomarkers of compulsion and warrant further assessment of the use of local field potentials for closed-loop neuromodulation for OCD.
Transfer after Dualn-Back Training Depends on Striatal Activation Change
Authors: Salminen Tiina , Kühn Simone , Frensch Peter A. , Schubert Torsten
Published: September 2016

The dualn-back working memory (WM) training paradigm (comprising auditory and visual stimuli) has gained much attention since studies have shown widespread transfer effects. By including a multimodal dual-task component, the task is demanding to the human cognitive system. We investigated whether dualn-back training improves general cognitive resources or a task-specific WM updating process in participants. We expected: (1) widespread transfer effects and the recruitment of a common neuronal network by the training and the transfer tasks and (2) narrower transfer results and that a common activation network alone would not produce transfer, but instead an activation focus on the striatum, which is associated with WM updating processes. The training group showed transfer to an untrained dual-modality WM updating task, but not to single-task versions of the training or the transfer task. They also showed diminished neuronal overlap between the training and the transfer task from pretest to posttest and an increase in striatal activation in both tasks. Furthermore, we found an association between the striatal activation increase and behavioral improvement. The control groups showed no transfer and no change in the amount of activation overlap or in striatal activation from pretest to posttest. We conclude that, instead of improving general cognitive resources (which would have required a transfer effect to all transfer tasks and that a frontal activation overlap between the tasks produced transfer), dualn-back training improved a task-specific process: WM updating of stimuli from two modalities.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe current study allows for a better understanding of the cognitive and neural effects of working memory (WM) training and transfer. It shows that dualn-back training mainly improves specific processes of WM updating, and this improvement leads to narrow transfer effects to tasks involving the same processes. On a neuronal level this is accompanied by increased neural activation in the striatum that is related to WM updating. The current findings challenge the view that dualn-back training provokes a general boosting of the WM system and of its neural underpinnings located in frontoparietal brain regions. Instead, the findings imply the relevance of task-specific brain regions which are involved in important cognitive processes during training and transfer tasks.
The Neurotrophic Factor Receptor p75 in the Rat Dorsolateral Striatum Drives Excessive Alcohol Drinking
Authors: Darcq Emmanuel , Morisot Nadege , Phamluong Khanhky , Warnault Vincent , Jeanblanc Jerome , Longo Frank M. , Massa Stephen M. , Ron Dorit
Published: September 2016

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) keeps alcohol intake in moderation. For example, activation of the BDNF receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the DLS reduces intake in rats that consume moderate amounts of alcohol. Here, we tested whether long-term excessive consumption of alcohol produces neuroadaptations in BDNF signaling in the rat DLS. We found that BDNF was no longer able to gate alcohol self-administration after a history of repeated cycles of binge alcohol drinking and withdrawal. We then elucidated the possible neuroadaptations that could block the ability of BDNF to keep consumption of alcohol in moderation. We report that intermittent access to 20% alcohol in a two-bottle choice paradigm that models excessive alcohol drinking produces a mobilization of DLS p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), whose activities oppose those of the Trk receptors, including TrkB. These neuroadaptations were not observed in the DLS of rats exposed to continuous access to 10% alcohol or in rats consuming sucrose. Furthermore, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of thep75NTRgene in the DLS, as well as intra-DLS infusion or systemic administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduced binge drinking of alcohol. Together, our results suggest that excessive alcohol consumption produces a change in BDNF signaling in the DLS, which is mediated by the recruitment of p75NTR. Our data also imply that modulators of p75NTR signaling could be developed as medications for alcohol abuse disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeuroadaptations gate or drive excessive, compulsive alcohol drinking. We previously showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor, TrkB, in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), are part of an endogenous system that keeps alcohol drinking in moderation. Here, we show that a history of excessive alcohol intake produces neuroadaptations in the DLS that preclude BDNF's ability to gate alcohol self-administration in rats by the recruitment of the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, whose activities opposes those of the Trk receptors. Finally, we show that the administration of the p75NTR modulator, LM11A-31, significantly reduces excessive alcohol intake suggesting that the drug may be developed as a new treatment for alcohol abuse disorders.
A high-fat diet fed during different periods of life impairs steroidogenesis of rat Leydig cells
Authors: Pinto-Fochi Maria Etelvina , Pytlowanciv Eloísa Zanin , Reame Vanessa , Rafacho Alex , Ribeiro Daniele Lisboa , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: September 2016

This study evaluated the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) during different stages of rat life, associated or not with maternal obesity, on the content of sex steroid hormones and morphophysiology of Leydig cells. The following periods of development were examined: gestation (O1), gestation and lactation (O2), from weaning to adulthood (O3), from lactation to adulthood (O4), gestation to adulthood (O5), and after sexual maturation (O6). The HFD contained 20% unsaturated fat, whereas the control diet had 4% fat. Maternal obesity was induced by feeding HFD 15 weeks before mating. All HFD groups presented increased body weight, hyperinsulinemia and reduced insulin sensitivity. Except for O1, all HFD groups exhibited a higher adiposity index, hyperleptinemia, reduced testosterone and estradiol testicular levels, and decreased testicular 17β-HSD enzyme . Morphometrical analyses indicated atrophy of Leydig cells in the O2 group. Myelin vesicles were observed in the mitochondrial matrix of Leydig cells in O3, O4, O5 and O6, and autophagosomes containing mitochondria were found in O5 and O6. In conclusion, HFD feeding, before or after sexual maturation, reduces the functional capacity of rat Leydig cells. Maternal obesity associated with HFD during pregnancy/lactation prejudices Leydig cell steroidogenesis and induces its atrophy in adulthood, even if it is replaced by a conventional diet at later stages of life. Regardless of the life period of exposure to HFD, deregulation of leptin is the main factor related to steroidogenic impairment of Leydig cells, and, in groups exposed for longer periods (O3, O4, O5 and O6), this is worsened by structural damage and mitochondrial degeneration of these cells.
Sterile inflammation and pregnancy complications: a review
Authors: Nadeau-Vallée Mathieu , Obari Dima , Palacios Julia , Brien Marie-Ève , Duval Cyntia , Chemtob Sylvain , Girard Sylvie
Published: September 2016

Inflammation is essential for successful embryo implantation, pregnancy maintenance and delivery. In the last decade, important advances have been made in regard to endogenous, and therefore non-infectious, initiators of inflammation, which can act through the same receptors as pathogens. These molecules are referred to as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and their involvement in reproduction has only recently been unraveled. Even though inflammation is necessary for successful reproduction, untimely activation of inflammatory processes can have devastating effect on pregnancy outcomes. Many DAMPs, such as uric acid, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), interleukin (IL)-1 and cell-free fetal DNA, have been associated with pregnancy complications, such as miscarriages, preeclampsia and preterm birth in preclinical models and in humans. However, the specific contribution of alarmins to these conditions is still under debate, as currently there is lack of information on their mechanism of action. In this review, we discuss the role of sterile inflammation in reproduction, including early implantation and pregnancy complications. Particularly, we focus on major alarmins vastly implicated in numerous sterile inflammatory processes, such as uric acid, HMGB1, IL-1α and cell-free DNA (especially that of fetal origin) while giving an overview of the potential role of other candidate alarmins.
POPULIZMAS – GRĖSMĖ ATSTOVAUJAMAJAI DEMOKRATIJAI AR JOS (PA)TAISYMO PRIEMONĖ?
Authors: Stašienė Jogilė
Published: September 2016

Vakarų Europoje, stiprėjant populistinėms politinėms partijoms, vis dažniau kalbama apie jų keliamą grėsmę atstovaujamajai demokratijai. Paradoksalu, bet tarp populizmo tyrinėtojų akivaizdaus sutarimo, kad populizmas kelia pavojų atstovaujamosios demokratijos principams, nėra. Vieni teoretikai teigia, kad populizmas yra iš esmės priešiškas atstovaujamosios demokratijos principams, tačiau kiti populizmą laiko jeigu ne galinčiu demokratiją taisyti, tai bent jau neatsiejama jos dalimi. Straipsnyje keliamas klausimas, kodėl populizmas vienų jį analizavusių mokslininkų darbuose laikomas nesuderinamu su atstovaujamąja demokratija, o kitų – demokratijos taisymo priemone. Išsiaiškinus, kaip abiejų akademinės diskusijos šalių darbuose apibrėžiamas populizmas ir atstovaujamoji demokratija, analizuojama, koks šių dviejų koncepcijų santykis.
KAIP KALBĖTI APIE MAŽAS VALSTYBES? MAŽUMO REIKŠMIŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Lingevičius Justinas
Published: September 2016

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama, kaip tarptautinių santykių disciplina apibrėžia ir aiškina mažų valstybių problematiką. Išskiriant pagrindinius klausimus, formuluojama iki šiol mažų valstybių studijų lauke plačiai netaikyta poststruktūralistinė teorinė ir metodologinė prieiga, kreipianti dėmesį į mažumą, kaip šalies identiteto dimensiją, ir reikšmes, kuriomis buvimas maža valstybe yra formuluojamas, siejamas arba sietinas su saugumo bei užsienio politika. Pateikiama Lietuvos ir Naujosios Zelandijos atvejų analizė ir jų palyginimas pristatant pagrindines mažumą apibrėžiančias reikšmes, jų santykį su saugumo bei užsienio politika. Remiantis atlikta analize, pasiūlomi į studijų lauko plėtojimą referuojantys principai, kurie gali būti svarbūs toliau tiriant ir aiškinant mažas valstybes.
Hegelio Dvasios fenomenologijos genezė ir reikšmė
Authors: Pagano Maurizio
Published: September 2016

Straipsnyje gilinamasi į Georgo Wilhelmo Friedricho Hegelio mąstymo raidą pradedant ankstyvaisiais jo tekstais. Teigiama, kad Hegelio apmąstymai apie moderniosios visuomenės ir kultūros susiskaidymus ir įtampas paskatino jį kelti klausimą apie galimą jungimąsi ir ieškoti principo, galinčio šį jungimąsi pagrįsti. Taip gimsta Absoliuto teorija, taip pat šiuo pagrindu vėliau plėtojamas ir Dvasios fenomenologijos projektas. Šiame kūrinyje Hegelis kalba apie kelią, kurį, pereidama visus patirties laipsnius, privalo nueiti absoliutaus žinojimo siekianti sąmonė. Paskutinėje straipsnio dalyje susitelkiama prie dvasios sąvokos vėlyvajame Hegelio mąstyme ir jos reikšmės šiuolaikinei filosofijai.
Savasties savipatyrimas
Authors: Gamba Ezio
Published: September 2016

Charles’as Larmore’as trimis teiginiais apibendrina tradicinę filosofijos poziciją savasties (pats) atžvilgiu (konkrečiai remdamasis René Descartes’u ir Johnu Locke’u): 1) savastis negalima be santykio su savimi; 2) savasties santykis su savimi (dėl kurio ji ir yra savastis) yra pažintinis santykis, t. y. savižina; 3) šis savižinos santykis yra tokios pat rūšies pažintinis santykis kaip ir pažintinis santykis, kurį pats užmezga su pasaulio objektais. Larmore’as kritikuoja antrąjį ir trečiąjį teiginius ir tvirtina, kad šis santykis (savasties santykis su savimi), neatsiejamas nuo savasties prigimties, yra ne pažintinis, o praktinis ir normatyvinis: savasties prigimtis – tai tas pats įsipareigojimo santykis, esantis tarp mano įsitikinimų ir veiksmų; kiekvienas mano įsitikinimų įpareigoja mane elgtis tam tikru būdu. Šio straipsnio autorius siekia atmesti Larmore’o pateiktą antrojo teiginio kritiką ir, sekdamas Micheliu Henry, parodyti, kad santykis, neatsiejamas nuo savasties prigimties, iš tikrųjų yra savi-patyrimas. Autoriaus teigimu, galime patvirtinti tradicinės pozicijos antrąjį teiginį apie savastį nebūdami priversti patvirtinti ir trečiąjį.savastis, savižina, savipatyrimas, Charles’as Larmore’as
Preterm Thrombocytopenia and Delay of Ductus Arteriosus Closure
Authors: Kulkarni Vinay Vamadev , Dutta Sourabh , Sundaram Venkataseshan , Saini Shiv Sajan
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate whether preterm thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of birth is associated with delayed closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and higher proportion of hemodynamically significant PDA (Hs-PDA).

METHODS:

Neonates (gestation 260/7–336/7 weeks, age <24 hours) with known platelet count and PDA on echocardiogram were prospectively enrolled. Asphyxia, congenital infections, structural heart disease, major malformations and clinical sepsis were exclusions. Subjects were recruited in groups A (n = 35), B (n = 18), and C (n = 17) [platelet counts >150,000, 100,000-150,000 and <100,000 per μL respectively] and underwent daily echocardiography until first closure of PDA, death, or day 10.

RESULTS:

The primary outcome was time to first closure of PDA. Secondary outcomes included proportion with PDA at 72 hours and 7 days, Hs-PDA, and PDA needing treatment. In groups A, B, and C, median (first–third quartile) platelet counts (×100000/μL) were 2.28 (1.94–3.19), 1.25 (1.14–1.37), and 0.68 (0.54–0.83) and time to PDA closure was 2 (2–2), 2 (2–3), and 10 (6–10) days, respectively (log-rank test, P < .001). On Cox proportional hazard regression, platelet count (in multiples of 10 000 /μL) independently predicted time to PDA closure (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.045; 95% confidence interval: 1.019–1.07). On day 7, 47.1% neonates in group C had PDA and none in groups A and B (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Thrombocytopenia within 24 hours of birth independently predicts delayed PDA closure and PDA on day 7 in preterm neonates.
A checklist of terrestrial molluscs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Sierra Bibijagua, Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Authors: Herrera-Uria Jane
Published: September 2016

Sierra Bibijagua are marmoreal elevations located on northern Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth), southwestern Cuba. Isla de la Juventud is the largest island (2,200 km²) of the Canarreos Archipelago, Greater Antilles. A checklist of terrestrial molluscs recorded from Sierra Bibijagua is presented, including the following information: synonymy, type locality, updated distribution, endemism, and photographs of shells and living individuals whenever possible. The checklist comprises 12 families and 16 genera currently known from the area, including six new records: Farcimen procer, Leidyula floridana, Liguus fasciatus, Subulina octona, Glandinella poeyana, and Bradybaena similaris.
IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF LAKE BOTTOM SURFACE AND AQUATIC VEGETATION IN LAUT TAWAR LAKE, ACEH
Authors: Fahmi Zulkarnaen , Husnah Husnah
Published: September 2016

Identification and classification of benthic habitats in Lake of Laut Tawar, Aceh by using hydro acoustic method can provide data and information on types of substrate and aquatic vegetation in a short time and wide spatial coverage, as done in the present work. Data acoustic collection was performed in 2013 using quantitative echosounder with split beam frequency of 120 kHz, and through a visual observation. The later is destined to look at the bottom types and macrophytes that lie on the line transect of acoustic survey. Analysis of data is to extract the value of bottom volume backscattering for each transect of 0.5-1 km. Classification of the bottom type was done based on the value of Sv using geospatial models. Results show the interval value of Sv for soft bottom ranged between -24.00 dB and -32.00 dB, the type of hard bottom (e.g. rocks, rocky sand substrate) ranged between -14.00 dB and -22.00 dB, whereas the Sv value of macrophyte ranged between- 45.00 dB and -54.00 dB. The percent covers were about 42.90%, 44.71% and 12.93% for hard bottom type, soft bottom and macrophytes, respectively. The types of aquatic vegetation commonly found in the lake were two genera belonging Hydrocharitaceaea and Gramineae. The current work is still lack of information on the classification of organisms into genera scales. Therefore, more signal verification and algorithms verification would be needed in order to estimate macrophytes biomass by comparing with other visual observation.
POTENTIAL PRODUCTION OF DEMERSAL FISH STOCK IN THE MALACCA STRAIT OF INDONESIA
Authors: Purwanto Purwanto
Published: September 2016

Malacca Strait is one of the main fishing areas for demersal fishery in Indonesia. To support the management of that fishery, an assessment of the demersal fish stock was conducted. This study estimated that the maximum sustainable yield and the optimal catch per unit effortof demersal fishery in the Malacca Strait were about 106.8 thousand tons/year and 28.5 tons per unit of Danish seine, respectively, resulting from the operation of 3,752 Danish seines. Unfortunately, fishing effort was higher than its optimum level and the fish stock was over-exploited since 2003. To recover the demersal fish stock to its optimum level and to ensure the optimal fish production from demersal fishery in the Malacca Strait, it was necessary to reduce fishing effort at about 67% from its level in 2011.
GENETIC VARIATION OF Tor tambroides (Bleeker, 1854) ALONG BATANG TARUSAN RIVER, WEST SUMATERA: IMPLICATIONS FOR STOCK IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Wibowo Arif , Kaban Siswanta
Published: September 2016

Mahseer (Tor tambroides, Bleeker, 1854) is an important consumption fish species in the Batang Tarusan River, located in the West Sumatera, Indonesia. In this study the CO1 of mtDNA sequence data were used to investigate genetic variability within and between populations of mahseer. Twenty four tissue samples were collected for genetic analysis in the Batang Tarusan River. Genetic analysis revealed two different haplotypes were existed. The overall nucleotide and haplotype variability were low in all sampling sites. Hierarchical AMOVA analysis showed that mahseer populations form a single panmictic population with low FST= 0.02794; p = 0.418 and high gene flow among population sampling. Corroborated result by genetic analysis; there is a strong argument suggesting that the populations could be treated as a single stock unit.
DYNAMICS OF GEARS, FLEETS, CATCH AND FISHING SEASON OF SMALLSCALE TUNA FISHERIES IN LABUHAN LOMBOK, WEST NUSA TENGGARA
Authors: Setyadji Bram , Nugraha Budi
Published: September 2016

In Indonesia, about 80% of fishing activities are small-scale and play major role both economically and socially. Previous studies mostly concentrated in Java, while in eastern part of Indonesia the information still scarce and limited. The study was conducted from January to December 2013, describes in detail the gears, fleets and catch dynamics of the small-scale tuna fisheries operating based in Labuhan Lombok Coastal Fishing Port (PPP. Labuhan Lombok). Small-scale tuna fishery in Labuhan Lombok are characterized by the small boats less than 10 GT, operating both troll line and hand line simultaneously, targeting large tuna, skipjack tuna and small tuna. Fishing season starts from April to August and influence by southwest monsoon wind and the presence of middleman as the connector between fishers and the market are the main character of the small-scale fisheries business in this area.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN INDUSTRI PENGOLAHAN KOMODITAS RUMPUT LAUT E. COTONII UNTUK PENINGKATAN NILAI TAMBAH DI SENTRA KAWASAN INDUSTRIALISASI
Authors: Hikmah Hikmah
Published: September 2016

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji tentang potensi dan peluang, p ermasalahan sertapengembagan industri rumput laut. Rumput laut merupakan salah satu komoditas perikanan budidayayang mampu meningkatkan perekonomian masyarakat, menyerap tenaga kerja dan meningkatkandevisa negara. Potensi sebaran rumput laut di Indonesia sangat luas baik yang tumbuh secara alamimaupun yang dibudidayakan di laut. Peluang menuju pengembagan Industri rumput laut masih terbuka dilihat dari potensi lahan budidaya, ketersediaan bahan baku, maupun dari sisi permintaan produk olahan.Permasalahan dan tantangan terkait kemampuan Indonesia dalam mengekspor dan bersaing dalamperebutan pangsa pasar dunia untuk pemenuhan kebutuhan rumput laut dunia antara lain rendahnyakualitas dan kontinuitas bahan baku, permodalan, lemahnya sumberdaya manusia dan kelembagaan,serta permasalahan pemasaran produk rumput laut. Strategi kebijakan pengembangan industripengolahan rumput laut E. cotonii untuk peningkatan nilai tambah adalah peningkatan produktivitas dankualitas rumput laut, pengembangan industri pengolahan rumput laut setengah jadi (ATC,SRC dan RC)secara bertahap di sentra kawasan produksi rumput laut, dan pengembangan skala usaha pengolahanrumput laut siap konsumsi dari skala tradisoinal menjadi skala industri.Title: Strategy of Commudity Precessing Industry DepelopmentE. cottonii Seaweed to Increasing Value Added in The AreaCenter of IndustrializationThis paper aims to assess the potential and opportunities, problems and developing a seaweedindustry. Seaweed is one aquaculture commodity that is able to improve the economy, provide employmentand increase foreign exchange. Potential distribution of seaweed in Indonesia is very wide both naturallygrown and cultivated in the sea. Opportunities towards developing a seaweed industry is still open inview of the potential for the cultivation of land, availability of raw materials and processed productsfrom the demand side. Problems and challenges related to Indonesia’s ability to export and compete inthe race for market share to meet the needs of the world’s seaweed were low quality and continuity ofraw materials, capital, human resources and institutional weaknesses, as well as marketing problemsseaweed products. Strategy of commudities E. cotonii seaweed processing industry to developmentincrease the added value is increased productivity and quality of seaweed, seaweed processing industrydevelopment of semi-finished (ATC, SRC and RC) gradually in the central area of seaweed production,and the development of business scale processing of seaweed ready for consumption on the scaletradisoinal be scale industries.
MEKANISME PENYALURAN BAHAN BAKAR MINYAK BERSUBSIDI PADA USAHA PERIKANAN TANGKAP SKALA KECIL
Authors: Suryawati Siti Hajar , Apriliani Tenny
Published: September 2016

Bahan Bakar Minyak (BBM) mempunyai peranan penting dalam peningkatan produktivitasusaha perikanan, khususnya perikanan tangkap. Biaya penggunaan BBM pada usaha perikananmencapai 70% dari biaya operasional melaut. Kondisi inilah yang menjadikan BBM sebagai saranaproduksi yang sangat strategis bagi nelayan. Penyediaan BBM yang memadai, baik dari sisi kuantitasmaupun harga, sangat di butuhkan agar nelayan dapat menggunakan BBM sesuai kebutuhanoperasionalnya. Kebijakan subsidi BBM pada usaha perikanan dimaksudkan untuk membantunelayan agar dapat membeli BBM sesuai kebutuhannya dengan harga lebih murah sehinggaproduktivitas dan pendapatan nelayan meningkat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji usulantingkat subsidi BBM dan perbaikan pola pendistribusiannya pada usaha perikanan tangkap. Data yangdigunakan data primer dan data sekunder, yang kemudian dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil analisismenunjukkan bahwa operasional pendistribusian BBM bersubsidi perlu diawasi agar lebih tepatsasaran sesuai dengan skala usaha penangkapan. Kemudian untuk menjamin tersedianya pasokanBBM bersubsidi dengan harga yang terjangkau nelayan, perlu dilakukan hal-hal sebagai berikut:1) mengaktifkan SPDN yang sudah dibangun namun belum beroperasi; 2) membangun SPBU minikhusus nelayan dengan armada < 5 GT ; dan 3) mengawasi penyaluran BBM bersubsidi agar lebih tepatsasaran.Title: Oil Fuel Subsidized Distribution Mechanism of Small ScaleCapture Fisheries BusinessOil Fuel has an important role in increasing the fisheries productivity, especially capture fisheries.The cost of oil fuel use in fishing effort to 70% of the operating costs. These conditions make the fuelas a means of production are highly strategic for fishers. The provision of adequate fuel both in terms ofquantity and price is in need to encourage fishers to use fuel as needed operations. Policy on fisheriessubsidies are intended to help fishers to be able to buy fuel according to their needs at a cheaperprice so that productivity and fishers incomeincreased. This study aims to assess the proposed level ofsubsidies and improvements in the distribution pattern. The data used primary data and secondary dataand analyzed by using descriptive method. The analysis showed that the distribution of subsidized fueloperations need to be monitored in order to better targeted according to the scale of fishing effort. Then,to ensure the availability of subsidized fuel supply at affordable prices, it needs to : 1) Enable SPDN thatalready built but yet in operation; 2) make the construction of a mini gas station that specializes in servingthe fishing fleet <5 GT; and 3) supervise of distribution of subsidied fuel for the right target.