bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cilium like region of theDrosophilaspermatocyte: an oncoming flagellum?
Authors: Gottardo Marco , Callaini Giuliano , Riparbelli Maria Giovanna
Published: October 2013

Primary cilia and flagella are widely distinct structures with different function present in most of the eukaryotic cells. Despite they share similar basic organization and architecture, a direct developmental continuity among them has not been reported until now. The primary cilium is a dynamic structure that typically assembles and disassembles during mitotic cell cycles, whereas the sperm axoneme is nucleated by the centriole inherited by the differentiating spermatid at the end of meiosis. Fruit flies represent a remarkable exception to this general rule. Drosophila spermatocytes have an unusual axoneme-based structure reminiscent of primary cilia (here called cilium like region, or CLR). This structure persists through the meiotic divisions when it is internalized together with the centriole to organize the centrosome and is finally inherited by young spermatids. Examination of elongating spermatids by transmission electron microscopy (EM) and cold regrowth experiments suggests that the motile axoneme derives directly by the elongation and the remodelling of the immotile CLR. Both CLR and elongating spermatid flagella have incomplete C-tubules that form longitudinal sheets associated to the B-tubule wall, unlike axonemes of other organisms in which C-tubules stop growing at the transition between the basal body and the axonemal doublets. Moreover, both CLR and spermatid flagella lack a structured transition zone, a characteristic feature of ciliated cells. Uncoordinated (unc) mutants that lack C-remnants have short centrioles, suggesting that the C-sheets may play some roles in the elongation of the centriole after its docking to the cell membrane. In conclusion, the structural similarities between CLR and sperm axoneme suggest that the CLR may be considered the basal region of the future axoneme and may represent the start point for its elongation.
STARD3/STARD3NL and VAP make a novel molecular tether between late endosomes and the ER
Authors: Alpy Fabien , Rousseau Adrien , Schwab Yannick , Legueux François , Stoll Isabelle , Wendling Corinne , Spiegelhalter Coralie , Kessler Pascal , Mathelin Carole , Rio Marie-Christine , Levine Timothy P , Tomasetto Catherine
Published: October 2013

Inter-organelle membrane contacts sites (MCSs) are specific subcellular regions favoring the exchange of metabolites and information. Here, we investigated the potential role of the late-endosomal membrane-anchored proteins STARD3 (StAR related lipid transfer domain-3) and STARD3NL (STARD3 N-terminal like) in the formation of MCSs involving late-endosomes (LE). We demonstrate that both STARD3 and STARD3NL create MCSs between LE and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). STARD3 and STARD3NL use a conserved two phenylalanines in an acidic tract (FFAT)-motif to interact with ER-anchored VAP proteins. Together, they form an LE-ER tethering complex allowing heterologous membrane apposition. Of interest, this LE-ER tethering complex affects organelles dynamics by altering the formation of endosomal tubules. In situ proximity ligation assay between STARD3, STARD3NL and VAP proteins marked endogenous LE-ER MCS. Thus, we report here novel molecular actors of inter-organellar interaction.
Evaluation of Dialkylaminofluorene-Based Hemicyanine Dyes for Second Harmonic Generation Imaging by the Direct Comparison Approach
Authors: Nuriya Mutsuo , Momotake Atsuya , Kimura Yuta , Yasui Masato , Kasai Haruo , Arai Tatsuo
Published: October 2013

A simple direct comparison approach for evaluation of new dyes demonstrated that two hemicyanine-type compounds 1 and 2 could be promising reagents for second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging.
Can Informed Public Deliberation Overcome Clientelism? Experimental Evidence from Benin
Authors: Fujiwara Thomas , Wantchekon Leonard
Published: October 2013

This paper studies the electoral effects of town hall meetings based on programmatic, nonclientelist platforms. The experiment involves the cooperation of leading candidates in a presidential election in Benin. A campaign strategy based solely on these meetings was assigned to randomly selected villages and compared to the standard strategy of clientelist rallies. We find that treatment reduces the prevalence of clientelism and does not affect turnout. Treatment also lowers the vote shares for the candidate with a political stronghold in the village and is more effective in garnering votes in regions where a candidate does not have a political stronghold. (JEL D72, O17)
Enhancement of hepatitis C viral RNA abundance by precursor miR-122 molecules
Authors: Cox Erica Machlin , Sagan Selena M. , Mortimer Stefanie A.W. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Sarnow Peter
Published: October 2013

The hepatitis C viral RNA genome forms a complex with liver-specific microRNA (miR-122) at the extreme 5′ end of the viral RNA. This complex is essential to stabilize the viral RNA in infected cultured cells and in the liver of humans. The abundances of primary and precursor forms of miR-122, but not the abundance of mature miR-122, are regulated in a circadian rhythm in the liver of animals, suggesting a possible independent function of precursor molecules of miR-122 in regulating viral gene expression. Modified precursor molecules of miR-122 were synthesized that were refractory to cleavage by Dicer. These molecules were found to enhance the abundance of HCV RNA. Furthermore, they diminished the expression of mRNAs that contained binding sites for miR-122 in their 3′ noncoding regions. By use of duplex and precursor miR-122 mimetic molecules that carried mutations in the passenger strand of miR-122, the effects on viral and reporter gene expression could be pinpointed to the action of precursor miR-122 molecules. Targeting the circadian expression of precursor miR-122 by specific compounds likely provides novel therapeutic strategies.
Ultimate drivers of native biodiversity change in agricultural systems
Authors: Norton David A , Reid Nick , Young Laura
Published: October 2013

The ability to address land degradation and biodiversity loss while maintaining the production of plant and animal products is a key global challenge. Biodiversity decline as a result of vegetation clearance, cultivation, grazing, pesticide and herbicide application, and plantation establishment, amongst other factors, has been widely documented in agricultural ecosystems. In this paper we identify six ultimate drivers that underlie these proximate factors and hence determine what native biodiversity occurs in modern agricultural landscapes; (1) historical legacies; (2) environmental change; (3) economy; (4) social values and awareness; (5) technology and knowledge; and (6) policy and regulation. While historical legacies and environmental change affect native biodiversity directly, all six indirectly affect biodiversity by influencing the decisions that land managers make about the way they use their land and water resources. Understanding these drivers is essential in developing strategies for sustaining native biodiversity in agricultural landscapes into the future.
Prism adaptation does not alter configural processing of faces
Authors: Bultitude Janet H. , Downing Paul E. , Rafal Robert D.
Published: October 2013

Patients with hemispatial neglect (‘neglect’) following a brain lesion show difficulty responding or orienting to objects and events on the left side of space. Substantial evidence supports the use of a sensorimotor training technique called prism adaptation as a treatment for neglect. Reaching for visual targets viewed through prismatic lenses that induce a rightward shift in the visual image results in a leftward recalibration of reaching movements that is accompanied by a reduction of symptoms in patients with neglect. The understanding of prism adaptation has also been advanced through studies of healthy participants, in whom adaptation to leftward prismatic shifts results in temporary neglect-like performance. Interestingly, prism adaptation can also alter aspects of non-lateralised spatial attention. We previously demonstrated that prism adaptation alters the extent to which neglect patients and healthy participants process local features versus global configurations of visual stimuli. Since deficits in non-lateralised spatial attention are thought to contribute to the severity of neglect symptoms, it is possible that the effect of prism adaptation on these deficits contributes to its efficacy. This study examines the pervasiveness of the effects of prism adaptation on perception by examining the effect of prism adaptation on configural face processing using a composite face task. The composite face task is a persuasive demonstration of the automatic global-level processing of faces: the top and bottom halves of two familiar faces form a seemingly new, unknown face when viewed together. Participants identified the top or bottom halves of composite faces before and after prism adaptation. Sensorimotor adaptation was confirmed by significant pointing aftereffect, however there was no significant change in the extent to which the irrelevant face half interfered with processing. The results support the proposal that the therapeutic effects of prism adaptation are limited to dorsal stream processing.
Correcting Audience Externalities in Television Advertising
Authors: Wilbur Kenneth C. , Xu Linli , Kempe David
Published: October 2013

When a television advertisement causes viewers to switch channels, it reduces the audience available to subsequent advertisers. This audience loss is not reflected in the advertisement price, resulting in an audience externality. The present article analyzes the television network's problem of how to select, order, and price advertisements in a break of endogenous length in order to correct audience externalities. It proposes the Audience Value Maximization Algorithm (AVMA), which considers many possible advertisement orderings within a dynamic programming framework with a strategy-proof pricing mechanism. Two data sets are used to estimate heterogeneity in viewer-switching probabilities and advertiser willingness-to-pay parameters in order to evaluate the algorithm's performance. A series of simulations shows that AVMA typically maximizes audience value to advertisers, increases network revenue relative to several alternatives, and runs quickly enough to implement.
The Dynamic Effects of Bundling as a Product Strategy
Authors: Derdenger Timothy , Kumar Vineet
Published: October 2013

Several key questions in bundling have not been empirically examined in marketing: Is mixed bundling more effective than pure bundling or pure components? Does correlation in consumer valuations make bundling more or less effective? Does bundling serve as a complement or substitute to network effects? To address these questions, we develop a consumer-choice model from microfoundations to capture the essentials of our setting, the handheld video game market. We provide a framework to understand the dynamic, long-term effects of bundling on demand. The primary explanation for the profitability of bundling relies on homogenization of consumer valuations for the bundle, allowing the firm to extract more surplus. We find that bundling can be effective through a novel and previously unexamined mechanism of dynamic consumer segmentation, which operates independent of the homogenization effect, and can in fact be stronger when the homogenization effect is weaker. We also find that bundles are treated as separate products (distinct from component products) by consumers. Sales of both hardware and software components decrease in the absence of bundling, and consumers who had previously purchased bundles might delay purchases, resulting in lower revenues. We also find that mixed bundling dominates pure bundling and pure components in terms of both hardware and software revenues. Investigating the link between bundling and indirect network effects, we find that they act as substitute strategies, with a lower relative effectiveness for bundling when network effects are stronger.
Influence of Forest Walking on Blood Pressure, Profile of Mood States and Stress Markers from the Viewpoint of Aging
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Endo Junko , Akatsuka Shin , Uno Tadashi , Hasegawa Tatsuya , Seko Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the influence of forest walking on blood pressure (BP), profile of mood states (POMS) and salivary cortisol in both young and aged people. Twenty-three young people (Men=11, Women=12) with a mean age of 22 yrs and twenty-five aged people (M=10, W=15) with a mean age of 59 yrs participated in this study voluntarily. Each participant walked about three hours in the forest according to their comfortable walking pace. After forest walking, systolic BP (SBP) and mean BP (MAP) had significantly decreased in aged people (-10±3 mmHg in SBP, and -5±2 mmHg in MBP, P<0.05, respectively) while remained unchanged in young people. The scores for the “tension-anxiety” and “confusion” subscales of POMS were significantly improved in both young and aged people; moreover, the score for the “anger–hostility” subscale in aged people was also improved significantly. Salivary cortisol significantly decreased in young people (-0.22±0.03?g/dl, P<0.05) and had a tendency to decrease in aged people (-0.05±0.03?g/dl, P=0.099). BP variables at baseline were associated with the changes in BP variables (r=0.575 in systolic BP, r=0.581 in diastolic BP, r=0.582 in MAP, and r=0.582 in pulse pressure), respectively. Furthermore, the baseline salivary cortisol was also related to the forest walking-induced changes in that value (r=0.882). Thus, people with higher BP and higher stress markers may show greater effects from forest walking. Collectively, these results suggested that forest walking may have the possibility to reduce resting BP, mental stress and stress markers in both young and aged people; moreover, significant deceases in BP of aged people indicate that forest walking can be an important and novel exercise therapy if undertaken at a comfortable pace.
Better the Devil You Know? ‘Real Rape’ Stereotypes and the Relevance of a Previous Relationship in (Mock) Juror Deliberations
Authors: Ellison Louise , Munro Vanessa E.
Published: October 2013

It has become commonplace in commentaries on the ‘justice gap’ in rape cases to lament the existence of a ‘real rape’ stereotype which prevents assaults involving known assailants, which take place in private spaces and perhaps without the use of additional physical violence, from being accepted as genuine and/or serious violations, whether by police, prosecutors or jurors. In previous work, we have urged caution lest too much reliance on the ‘real rape’ stereotype disguise the complexities at play in framing jurors' responses to rape cases involving acquaintances. In this article, we take these reflections further, drawing on a recent study conducted by the authors in which 160 members of the public were recruited and, having observed one of four mini trial reconstructions involving an alleged rape by the complainant's ex-partner, were divided into juries and asked to deliberate towards a verdict. Though the vast majority of our jurors were receptive, in principle, to the idea that a woman could be raped by a man with whom she had previously had a relationship—and indeed often noted the statistical prevalence of such assaults—participants continued to consider these cases to be ‘less clear-cut’, ‘more delicate’ and ‘a lot harder’ than rapes involving a stranger. In line with our previous findings in the context of acquaintance rapes, the fact of a familiarity between the trial parties created an opportunity for jurors to invoke and rely upon engrained expectations regarding resistance and sexual (mis)communication, which—when combined with persuasive strategies that interpreted the standard of proof as requiring nothing short of absolute certainty—mitigated against the likelihood of returning a guilty verdict. Significantly, though, as we will illustrate in this article, the fact of a previous intimate relationship interacted with these expectations in heightened and often quite specific ways to create new tropes.
Cole’s from Newcastle
Authors: Franklin Alex
Published: October 2013

Cheryl Cole – ex-judge of UK TV’s The X Factor (Freemantle Media Ltd, 2004-present), ex-WAG of Chelsea and England footballer Ashley Cole, celebrated Geordie, sometime singer, fulltime ‘style icon’ and possessor of aspirational hair – represents a prime example of a hegemonic performance of femininity that is being normalized and presented as desirable by the mass media in the United Kingdom and beyond. This article examines the ambivalent relationship between class, power, regional identity and beauty that is Cole embodies.
Control Strategies for Smoothing of Output Power of Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Pratap Alok , Urasaki Naomitsu , Senju Tomonobu
Published: October 2013

This article presents a control method for output power smoothing of a wind energy conversion system (WECS) with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) using the inertia of wind turbine and the pitch control. The WECS used in this article adopts an AC–DC–AC converter system. The generator-side converter controls the torque of the PMSG, while the grid-side inverter controls the DC-link and grid voltages. For the generator-side converter, the torque command is determined by using the fuzzy logic. The inputs of the fuzzy logic are the operating point of the rotational speed of the PMSG and the difference between the wind turbine torque and the generator torque. By means of the proposed method, the generator torque is smoothed, and the kinetic energy stored by the inertia of the wind turbine can be utilized to smooth the output power fluctuations of the PMSG. In addition, the wind turbines shaft stress is mitigated compared to a conventional maximum power point tracking control. Effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the numerical simulations.
Optimal Dispatch of Competitive Power Markets by Using PowerWorld Simulator
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Shuhui
Published: October 2013

The transition to competitive and retail markets for electric utilities around the world has been a difficult and controversial process. One of the difficulties that hindered the development and growth of competitive power markets is the absence of efficient computational tools to assist the design, analysis, and operation of competitive power markets. PowerWorld simulator is a software package that has strong analytical and visualization functions suitable for extensive power flow study of an electric power system. However, like many other power flow simulators, PowerWorld cannot be used directly for analysis and evaluation of a competitive power market. This article investigates mathematical models associated with a competitive power market and how these models can be converted and transformed in such a way that makes it possible to use PowerWorld for the competitive power market study. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, models of several small-scale competitive power markets are built in MatLab by using conventional approaches. Results generated by both PowerWorld and MatLab are compared. Finally, the article demonstrates how the PowerWorld simulator is used to investigate a larger and practical competitive power system.
Calcium-dependent mechanisms mediate the vasorelaxant effects of Tridax procumbens (Lin) aqueous leaf extract in rat aortic ring
Authors: Salahdeen Hussein M. , Idowu Gbolahan O. , Yemitan Omoniyi K. , Murtala Babatunde A. , Alada Abdul-Rasak A.
Published: October 2013

Background:
Tridax procumbens leaf extract has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent in Nigeria. Evidence suggests that it has a relaxant effect on smooth muscles. The present study was designed to investigate the role of calcium in the vasorelaxant effect of this extract.

Methods: Concentration-response studies with noradrenaline (NA), KCl and CaCl2 were carried out in rat aortic rings with and without the extract in physiological salt solution (PSS) (n=6 each). Also, the role of intracellular calcium mobilization was studied by measuring the phasic response to NA in Ca2+-free N,N-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) PSS (n=6).

Results: The results showed that the contractile responses to either NA or KCl were attenuated (p<0.05) in the presence of the extract. Also, the extract attenuated the contractile response to CaCl2 in the presence of NA or KCl (p<0.05) in the Ca2+-free EGTA PSS, while the phasic response to NA was significantly (p<0.05) diminished.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of T. procumbens leaf extract may be mediated by a non-specific, non-competitive inhibition of Ca2+ influx as well as by inhibition of Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. This implies that it may contain vasorelaxant agents that may have calcium antagonistic potential.
A Unique Indexing Technique for Discourse Structures
Authors: Subalalitha Chinnaudayar Navaneethakrishnan , Ranjani Parthasarathi
Published: October 2013

Sutra is a form of text representation that has been used in both Tamil and Sanskrit literature to convey information in a short and crisp manner. Nanool, an ancient Tamil grammar masterpiece has used sutras for defining grammar rules. Similarly, in Sanskrit literature, many of the Shāstrās have used sutras for a concise representation of their content. Sutras are defined as short aphorisms, formulae-like structures that convey the complete essence of the text. They act as indices to the elaborate content they refer to. Inspired by their characteristics, this article proposes an indexing mechanism based on sutras for discourse structures built using rhetorical structure theory (RST) and also using Sangati, a concept proposed in Sanskrit literature. The indices identified by the indexer are ideal for question answering (QA), summary generation, and information retrieval (IR) systems. The indexer has been tested on IR system using 1000 Tamil language text documents. A performance comparison has also been made with one of the existing RST-based indexing technique.
Calcineurin Interacts with the Serotonin Transporter C-Terminus to Modulate Its Plasma Membrane Expression and Serotonin Uptake
Authors: Seimandi Mathieu , Seyer Pascal , Park C. Sehwan , Vandermoere Franck , Chanrion Benjamin , Bockaert Joël , Mansuy Isabelle M. , Marin Philippe
Published: October 2013

Homeostasis of serotonergic transmission critically depends on the rate of serotonin reuptake via its plasma membrane transporter (SERT). SERT activity is tightly regulated by multiple mechanisms, including physical association with intracellular proteins and post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, but these mechanisms remain partially understood. Here, we show that SERT C-terminal domain recruits both the catalytic and regulatory subunits of the Ca2+-activated protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN) and that the physical association of SERT with CaN is promoted by CaN activity. Coexpression of constitutively active CaN with SERT increases SERT cell surface expression and 5-HT uptake in HEK-293 cells. It also prevents the reduction of 5-HT uptake induced by an acute treatment of cells with the protein kinase C activator β-PMA and concomitantly decreases PMA-elicited SERT phosphorylation. In addition, constitutive activation of CaNin vivofavors 5-HT uptake in the adult mouse brain, whereas CaN inhibition reduces cerebral 5-HT uptake. Constitutive activation of CaN also decreases immobility in the forced swim test, indicative of an antidepressant-like effect of CaN. These results identify CaN as an important regulator of SERT activity in the adult brain and provide a novel molecular substrate of clinical interest for the understanding of increased risk of mood disorders in transplanted patients treated with immunosuppressive CaN inhibitors.
Shaker-Related Potassium Channels in the Central Medial Nucleus of the Thalamus Are Important Molecular Targets for Arousal Suppression by Volatile General Anesthetics
Authors: Lioudyno Maria I. , Birch Alexandra M. , Tanaka Brian S. , Sokolov Yuri , Goldin Alan L. , Chandy K. George , Hall James E. , Alkire Michael T.
Published: October 2013

The molecular targets and neural circuits that underlie general anesthesia are not fully elucidated. Here, we directly demonstrate that Kv1-family (Shaker-related) delayed rectifier K+channels in the central medial thalamic nucleus (CMT) are important targets for volatile anesthetics. The modulation of Kv1 channels by volatiles is network specific as microinfusion of ShK, a potent inhibitor of Kv1.1, Kv1.3, and Kv1.6 channels, into the CMT awakened sevoflurane-anesthetized rodents. In heterologous expression systems, sevoflurane, isoflurane, and desflurane at subsurgical concentrations potentiated delayed rectifier Kv1 channels at low depolarizing potentials. In mouse thalamic brain slices, sevoflurane inhibited firing frequency and delayed the onset of action potentials in CMT neurons, and ShK-186, a Kv1.3-selective inhibitor, prevented these effects. Our findings demonstrate the exquisite sensitivity of delayed rectifier Kv1 channels to modulation by volatile anesthetics and highlight an arousal suppressing role of Kv1 channels in CMT neurons during the process of anesthesia.
Perceptual Modulation of Motor—But Not Visual—Responses in the Frontal Eye Field during an Urgent-Decision Task
Authors: Costello M. Gabriela , Zhu Dantong , Salinas Emilio , Stanford Terrence R.
Published: October 2013

Neuronal activity in the frontal eye field (FEF) ranges from purely motor (related to saccade production) to purely visual (related to stimulus presence). According to numerous studies, visual responses correlate strongly with early perceptual analysis of the visual scene, including the deployment of spatial attention, whereas motor responses do not. Thus, functionally, the consensus is that visually responsive FEF neurons select a target among visible objects, whereas motor-related neurons plan specific eye movements based on such earlier target selection. However, these conclusions are based on behavioral tasks that themselves promote a serial arrangement of perceptual analysis followed by motor planning. So, is the presumed functional hierarchy in FEF an intrinsic property of its circuitry or does it reflect just one possible mode of operation? We investigate this in monkeys performing a rapid-choice task in which, crucially, motor planning always starts ahead of task-critical perceptual analysis, and the two relevant spatial locations are equally informative and equally likely to be target or distracter. We find that the choice is instantiated in FEF as a competition between oculomotor plans, in agreement with model predictions. Notably, although perception strongly influences the motor neurons, it has little if any measurable impact on the visual cells; more generally, the more dominant the visual response, the weaker the perceptual modulation. The results indicate that, contrary to expectations, during rapid saccadic choices perceptual information may directly modulate ongoing saccadic plans, and this process is not contingent on prior selection of the saccadic goal by visually driven FEF responses.
Real-Time Imaging of Amygdalar Network DynamicsIn VitroReveals a Neurophysiological Link to Behavior in a Mouse Model of Extremes in Trait Anxiety
Authors: Avrabos Charilaos , Sotnikov Sergey V. , Dine Julien , Markt Patrick O. , Holsboer Florian , Landgraf Rainer , Eder Matthias
Published: October 2013

In humans and numerous other mammalian species, individuals considerably vary in their level of trait anxiety. This well known phenomenon is closely related to the etiology of several psychiatric disorders, but its neurophysiological basis remains poorly understood. Here, we applied voltage-sensitive dye imaging to brain slices from animals of the high (HAB), normal (NAB), and low (LAB) trait anxiety mouse model and investigated whether evoked neuronal activity propagations from the lateral (LA) to the central (CeA) amygdala differ in their relative strength among HAB, NAB, and LAB mice. For this purpose, we divided a real-time measure of neuronal population activity in the CeA by a respective measure obtained for the LA. This calculation yielded the metric “CeA/LA activity.” Our data clearly demonstrate a positive correlation between trait anxiety levels evaluated by the elevated plus-maze test and CeA/LA activity. Moreover, we found reduced CeA/LA activity in HAB mice, which responded with decreased anxiety levels to an environmental enrichment and, inversely, detected increased anxiety levels and CeA/LA activity in LAB mice that experienced chronic mild stress. We did not observe differences in the spread of neuronal activity in the motor and visual cortex among HAB, NAB, and LAB animals. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that, in mammals, interindividual variability in trait anxiety is causally linked to individual variations in the physiological constitution of the LA-to-CeA circuitry that give rise to a differential regulation of neuronal signal flow through this fundamental input–output network of the amygdala.
TASK-2 Channels Contribute to pH Sensitivity of Retrotrapezoid Nucleus Chemoreceptor Neurons
Authors: Wang Sheng , Benamer Najate , Zanella Sébastien , Kumar Natasha N. , Shi Yingtang , Bévengut Michelle , Penton David , Guyenet Patrice G. , Lesage Florian , Gestreau Christian , Barhanin Jacques , Bayliss Douglas A.
Published: October 2013

Phox2b-expressing glutamatergic neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) display properties expected of central respiratory chemoreceptors; they are directly activated by CO2/H+via an unidentified pH-sensitive background K+channel and, in turn, facilitate brainstem networks that control breathing. Here, we used a knock-out mouse model to examine whether TASK-2 (K2P5), an alkaline-activated background K+channel, contributes to RTN neuronal pH sensitivity. We made patch-clamp recordings in brainstem slices from RTN neurons that were identified by expression of GFP (directed by the Phox2b promoter) or β-galactosidase (from the gene trap used for TASK-2 knock-out). Whereas nearly all RTN cells from control mice were pH sensitive (95%,n= 58 of 61), only 56% of GFP-expressing RTN neurons fromTASK-2−/−mice (n= 49 of 88) could be classified as pH sensitive (>30% reduction in firing rate from pH 7.0 to pH 7.8); the remaining cells were pH insensitive (44%). Moreover, none of the recorded RTN neurons fromTASK-2−/−mice selected based on β-galactosidase activity (a subpopulation of GFP-expressing neurons) were pH sensitive. The alkaline-activated background K+currents were reduced in amplitude in RTN neurons fromTASK-2−/−mice that retained some pH sensitivity but were absent from pH-insensitive cells. Finally, using a working heart–brainstem preparation, we found diminished inhibition of phrenic burst amplitude by alkalization inTASK-2−/−mice, with apneic threshold shifted to higher pH levels. In conclusion, alkaline-activated TASK-2 channels contribute to pH sensitivity in RTN neurons, with effects on respirationin situthat are particularly prominent near apneic threshold.
Visualization of Synaptic Inhibition with an Optogenetic Sensor Developed by Cell-Free Protein Engineering Automation
Authors: Grimley Joshua S. , Li Li , Wang Weina , Wen Lei , Beese Lorena S. , Hellinga Homme W. , Augustine George J.
Published: October 2013

We describe an engineered fluorescent optogenetic sensor, SuperClomeleon, that robustly detects inhibitory synaptic activity in single, cultured mouse neurons by reporting intracellular chloride changes produced by exogenous GABA or inhibitory synaptic activity. Using a cell-free protein engineering automation methodology that bypasses gene cloning, we iteratively constructed, produced, and assayed hundreds of mutations in binding-site residues to identify improvements in Clomeleon, a first-generation, suboptimal sensor. Structural analysis revealed that these improvements involve halide contacts and distant side chain rearrangements. The development of optogenetic sensors that respond to neural activity enables cellular tracking of neural activity using optical, rather than electrophysiological, signals. Construction of such sensors usingin vitroprotein engineering establishes a powerful approach for developing new probes for brain imaging.
The Practice of Educational and Social Research
Authors: Torrance Harry
Published: October 2013

This special issue presents some of the work of the Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI) at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. The introduction reviews some of the key challenges for social research at the present time, particularly qualitative research, and reflects on the ways in which a small ‘jobbing research centre’ can respond and sustain a space for critical research. It is argued that social science must be conceptualised as a democratic intellectual resource for the community rather than, as is increasingly the case, a technical service to government. Theory must engage with the empirical and the empirical must be informed and challenged by theory; one way to achieve this is to develop a diverse program of research activities. The introduction then goes on briefly to summarise the papers in the special edition.
MAPfastR: Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping in Outbred Line Crosses
Authors: Nelson Ronald M , Nettelblad Carl , Pettersson Mats E , Shen Xia , Crooks Lucy , Besnier Francois , Álvarez-Castro José M , Rönnegård Lars , Ek Weronica , Sheng Zheya , Kierczak Marcin , Holmgren Sverker , Carlborg Örjan
Published: October 2013

MAPfastR is a software package developed to analyze quantitative trait loci data from inbred and outbred line-crosses. The package includes a number of modules for fast and accurate quantitative trait loci analyses. It has been developed in the R language for fast and comprehensive analyses of large datasets. MAPfastR is freely available at: http://www.computationalgenetics.se/?page_id=7
Emission of Precipitation Deposited PbS Quantum Dots on Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Ullrich Bruno , Markelonis Andrew R. , Wang Joanna S. , Brown Gail J.
Published: October 2013

Centrifuge enforced precipitation was used to disperse PbS quantum dots (diameter 4.7 nm) on polyethylene terephthalate. By employing double frequency Fourier transform spectroscopy, we studied the emission properties of the sample. Gaussian shaped emission spectra from cryogenic temperatures up to room temperatures were observed, demonstrating the potential of PbS quantum dots to be used as light emitters in combination with organic matrices. One interesting feature is that the linewidth of the emission spectrum does not follow the expected thermal broadening.
Two Neglected Biologic Risk Factors in Bone Grafting and Implantology: High Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Low Serum Vitamin D
Authors: Choukroun Joseph , Khoury Georges , Khoury Fouad , Russe Philippe , Testori Tiziano , Komiyama Yataro , Sammartino Gilberto , Palacci Patrick , Tunali Mustafa , Choukroun Elisa
Published: October 2013

Following a failure of a bone graft or an implant placement, the hypothesis of a biological abnormality is rarely considered as a possible cause. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature for dyslipidemia or vitamin D deficiency may explain this lack of consideration. Excess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (dyslipidemia) is responsible for a slower bone metabolism or lower dental implant osseointegration. In addition, vitamin D is a key factor for linking innate and adaptive immunity. Both of these factors are compromised under the conditions of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency slows implant osseointegration and increases the risk of graft infection. Vitamin D is also involved in immune function and therefore allergic reactions.
Diversity and species abundance patterns of the Early Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3) Chengjiang Biota from China
Authors: Zhao Fangchen , Caron Jean-Bernard , Bottjer David J. , Hu Shixue , Yin Zongjun , Zhu Maoyan
Published: October 2013

Lagerstättenfrom the Precambrian–Cambrian transition have traditionally been a relatively untapped resource for understanding the paleoecology of the “Cambrian explosion.” This quantitative paleoecological study is based on 10,238 fossil specimens belonging to 100 animal species, 11 phyla, and 15 ecological categories from the lower Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3) Chengjiang biota (Mafang locality near Haikou, Yunnan Province, China). Fossils were systematically collected within a 2.5-meter-thick sequence divided into ten stratigraphic intervals. Each interval represents an induced time-averaged assemblage of various event (obrution) beds of unknown duration. Overall, the different fossil assemblages are taxonomically and ecologically similar, suggesting the presence of a single community type recurring throughout the Mafang section. The Mafang community is dominated by epibenthic vagile hunters or scavengers, sessile suspension feeders, and infaunal vagile hunters or scavengers represented primarily by arthropods, brachiopods, and priapulids, respectively. Most species have low abundance and low occurrence frequencies, whereas a few species are numerically abundant and occur frequently. Overall, in structure and ecology the Mafang community is comparable to the Middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) Burgess Shale biota (Walcott Quarry, Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada). This suggests that, despite variations in species identity within taxonomic and ecological groups, the structure and ecology of Cambrian Burgess Shale-type communities remained relatively stable until at least the Middle Cambrian (Series 3, Stage 5) in subtidal to relatively deep-water offshore settings in siliciclastic soft-substrate environments.
Seasonal persistence of marine‐derived nutrients in south‐central Alaskan salmon streams
Authors: Rinella Daniel J. , Wipfli Mark S. , Walker Coowe M. , Stricker Craig A. , Heintz Ron A.
Published: October 2013

Spawning salmon deliver annual pulses of marine‐derived nutrients (MDN) to riverine ecosystems around the Pacific Rim, leading to increased growth and condition in aquatic and riparian biota. The influence of pulsed resources may last for extended periods of time when recipient food webs have effective storage mechanisms, yet few studies have tracked the seasonal persistence of MDN. With this as our goal, we sampled stream water chemistry and selected stream and riparian biota spring through fall at 18 stations (in six watersheds) that vary widely in spawner abundance and at nine stations (in three watersheds) where salmon runs were blocked by waterfalls. We then developed regression models that related dissolved nutrient concentrations and biochemical measures of MDN assimilation to localized spawner density across these 27 stations. Stream water ammonium‐N and orthophosphate‐P concentrations increased with spawner density during the summer salmon runs, but responses did not persist into the following fall. The effect of spawner density on δ15N in generalist macroinvertebrates and three independent MDN metrics (δ15N, δ34S, and ω3:ω6 fatty acids) in juvenile Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) was positive and similar during each season, indicating that MDN levels in biota increased with spawner abundance and were maintained for at least nine months after inputs. Delta 15N in a riparian plant, horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile), and scraper macroinvertebrates did not vary with spawner density in any season, suggesting a lack of MDN assimilation by these lower trophic levels. Our results demonstrate the ready assimilation of MDN by generalist consumers and the persistence of this pulsed subsidy in these organisms through the winter and into the next growing season.
Model-based integration of constrained search spaces into distributed planning of active power provision
Authors: Bremer Jörg , Sonnenschein Michael
Published: October 2013

The current upheaval in the electricity sector demands distributed generation
schemes that take into account individually configured energy units and new
grid structures. At the same time, this change is heading for a paradigm
shift in controlling these energy resources within the grid. Pro-active
scheduling of active power within a (from a controlling perspective) loosely
coupled group of distributed energy resources demands for distributed
planning and optimization methods that take into account the individual
feasible region in local search spaces modeled by surrogate models. We
propose a method that uses support vector based black-box models for
re-constructing feasible regions for automated, local solution repair during
scheduling and combine it with a distributed greedy approach for finding an
appropriate partition of a desired target schedule into operable schedules
for each participating energy unit.
Analysis of the climate change in Slovenia: Fluctuations of meteorological parameters for the period 1961-2011 - part I
Authors: Milosevic Dragan , Savic Stevan , Ziberna Igor
Published: October 2013

This paper represents an analysis of the time series of selected
meteorological parameters: mean, maximum and minimum air temperatures, sums
of effective air temperature values with the temperature thresholds 5?C and
10?C, average precipitation quantities, number of days with frost, potential
evapotranspiration and water balance. Study included data from 10
meteorological stations located on the territory of the Republic of Slovenia
for the period 1961-2011. Analyzes were performed on a seasonal and annual
basis. The obtained results showed a statistically significant positive
trends of temperature parameters and potential evapotranspiration, while
average precipitation quantities and water balance had a negative trend on
the seasonal and annual basis. Positive trend of number of days with frost is
present on most stations. In the second part of this paper, the obtained
results were associated with the phenological data (data about the
development of plants) in order to determine the intensity of correlation
between them.
Orientation of the monastery churches of Ovcar-Kablar gorge (the Republic of Serbia)
Authors: Tadic Milutin , Petrovic Aleksandar , Veselinovic Ratomir
Published: October 2013

Ovcar-Kablar gorge is after Fruska Gora Mountain the area with the largest
number of old Serbian monasteries. This paper analyzes church orientation of
all nine monasteries of the gorge from mathematical-geographical point of
view, focusing on the churches of six monasteries that originate from the so
called extended Middle Ages. Of these six churches only the axis of the
Church of the Holy Trinity is directed exactly to the equinoctial east.
Considering the means and methods that the chief architect could use, the
orientation of monastery church of Vavedenje (?Presentation of Mary?) with
the aberration of only 4? can be also regarded as accurate. Moreover, this
aberration could be the consequence of a mistake made by the chief architect
about the date of equinox, which is also the case with the aberration of the
monastery church of Sretenje (?Presentation of Our Lord?). The axis of the
monastery church of Blagovestenje (?Annunciation?) is approximately directed
to the point of the sunrise of summer solstice. Only the axis of the
monastery church of Nikolje (?St Nicholas?), the oldest in the group of six
of conditionally medieval churches, is out of the eastern sector of the
horizon i.e. only this axis is not oriented in accordance with the ideal-type
church rule.
Historical and geographical determinants of the network settlements development in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Nevenic Marija
Published: October 2013

In this paper is given the scientific explanation of the mutual interaction
and interpenetration of geographical position, elements of the natural basis
and the relevant socio-economic processes that led to territorial,
demographic and functional development of the network of settlements in the
Republic of Serbia. Chronologically is given the continuity in functional
connections between the settlements, as well as causes, origin and legal
development of the urban system in Serbia. Highlighting the problems in
distribution of the settlement system of Serbia, in principle is pointed to
possible directions of the spatial and functional organization of the network
of settlements, in order to achieve, on the one hand, polycentric,
sustainable and balanced regional development of Serbia, and on the other, to
involve into the development processes of the closer and further regional
environment.
Aurivillius BaBi4Ti4O15 based compounds: Structure, synthesis and properties
Authors: Bobic Jelena , Vijatovic-Petrovic Mirjana , Stojanovic Biljana
Published: October 2013

The discovery of some Aurivillius materials with high Curie temperature or
fatigue-free character suggests possible applications in high temperature
piezoelectric devices or non-volatile ferroelectric random access memories.
Furthermore, increasing concerns for environmental issues have promoted the
study of new leadfree piezoelectric materials. Barium bismuth titanate
(BaBi4Ti4O15 ), an Aurivillius compound, is promising candidate to replace
lead-based materials, both as lead-free ferroelectric and high temperature
piezoelectric. In this review paper, we report a detailed overview of crystal
structure, different synthesis methods and characteristic properties of
barium bismuth titanate ferroelectric materials.
In Vitro Evaluation of Midwest Caries ID: A Novel Light-emitting Diode for Caries Detection
Authors: Patel SA , Shepard WD , Barros JA , Streckfus CF , Quock RL
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Traditional detection techniques have limits in diagnosing occlusal caries. Thus, more accurate methods are needed. This study evaluates the ability of the Midwest Caries ID (Midwest) to detect caries.

Methods

Two hundred sixty-four extracted, nonrestored premolars and molars were cleaned and stored in 0.2% sodium azide. Teeth were divided into three groups of 88. One examination site on each occlusal surface was chosen. Each site was inspected by a calibrated examiner via visual, Midwest, and histologic exams. First, a visual exam was performed following the International Caries Detection and Assessment guidelines. Next, the same site was inspected using the Midwest device. Finally, the tooth was sectioned mesiodistally through the site. The half with greater caries progression was visualized under a stereomicroscope (64×). Histologic appearance was scored based on the Downer system. Data were analyzed using Kendall tau-b, partial correlation coefficients, and the receiver operating characteristics curve.

Results

Overall, the Midwest scoring assessment correlated with histologic assessments (tau = 0.32; p<0.0001), but the visual exam had a stronger correlation (tau = 0.53; p<0.0001) with the histologic exam. The sensitivity and specificity of the Midwest was also reported at 0.56 and 0.84, compared with 0.92 and 0.43, respectively, for the visual exam.

Conclusions

Midwest Caries ID is a novel caries detection device that has limitations and should not be used as the sole means to detect occlusal caries.
Decomposition of the fuzzy inference system for implementation in the FPGA structure
Authors: Wyrwoł Bernard , Hrynkiewicz Edward
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the design and implementation of a digital rule-relational fuzzy logic controller. Classical and decomposed logical structures of fuzzy systems are discussed. The second allows a decrease in the hardware cost of the fuzzy system and in the computing time of the final result (fuzzy or crisp), especially when referring to relational systems. The physical architecture consists of IP modules implemented in an FPGA structure. The modules can be inserted into or removed from the project to get a desirable fuzzy logic controller configuration. The fuzzy inference system implemented in FPGA can operate with a much higher performance than software implementations on standard microcontrollers.