bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Kristallstruktur des Silbertetrachloroaurats(III) AgAuCl4 und seine kristallchemische Verwandtschaft zum Rubidiumtetrachloroaurat(III) RbAuCl4 / The Crystal Structure of Silver Tetrachloroaurate(III) AgAuCl4 and its Crystal Chemical Relationship to the Rubidium Tetrachloroaurate(III) RbAuCl4
Authors: Werner Walther , Strähle Joachim
Published: March 2015

AgAuCl4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/c with Zi = 4. The crystal structure is built up by Ag+ cations and square planar AuCl4⁻ anions with Au-Cl bond length of 228 pm. The Ag+ ions have an octahedral coordination of Cl atoms. AgAuCl4 is topologically related to RbAuCl4.
Die Kristallstrukturen von TIPbI3 und Tl4PbI6 / The Crystal Structures of TlPbI3 and Tl4PbI6
Authors: Stoeger W.
Published: March 2015

TlPbI3, which is prepared from PbI2 and TlI by the BRIDGMAN-STOCKBARGER technique, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with a = 4.625(2), b = 14.885(4), c = 11.857(4) Å, Z = 4. Tl4PbI6 is prepared from PbI2 and TlI in n/10 HCl under hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with a = 19.117(9), b = 9.877(9), c = 4.586(4) Å, Z = 2. Both structures were solved by direct methods. Both compounds contain PbI6-octahedra which are found in PbI2 and the structural elements of TlI
Charge Transfer Complexes of Nickel Dithiolenes with Methyl Viologen
Authors: Kisch Horst , Fernández Asunción
Published: March 2015

Charge-transfer Complexes, Nickel Dithiolenes. Methyl Viologen, X-Ray Anionic nickel dithiolenes form crystalline charge-transfer complexes with methyl viologen in its oxidized and reduced forms. X-ray analysis reveals that the planar acceptor methyl viologen interacts with the planar dithiolene donor via an expected parallel and a novel perpendicular arrangement.
Active Avoidance Requires a Serial Basal Amygdala to Nucleus Accumbens Shell Circuit
Authors: Ramirez Franchesca , Moscarello Justin M. , LeDoux Joseph E. , Sears Robert M.
Published: February 2015

Freezing is a species-typical defensive reaction to conditioned threats. While the neural circuitry of aversive Pavlovian behavior has been extensively studied, less is known about the circuitry underlying more active responses to danger. Here we show that the flow of information between the basal amygdala (BA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is necessary for signaled active avoidance behavior. Rats trained to avoid shock by shuttling during an auditory conditioned stimulus showed increased expression of the activity-dependent protein c-Fos in the NAcc, specifically the shell subregion (NAccSh). Silencing neural activity in the NAccSh, but not in the adjacent NAcc core, disrupted avoidance behavior. Disconnection of the BA and the NAccSh was just as effective at disrupting avoidance behavior as bilateral NAccSh inactivations, suggesting learned avoidance behavior requires an intact BA-NAccSh circuit. Together, these data highlight an essential role for the amygdalar projection to the ventral striatum in aversively motivated actions.
Distinct Neural Representation in the Dorsolateral, Dorsomedial, and Ventral Parts of the Striatum during Fixed- and Free-Choice Tasks
Authors: Ito Makoto , Doya Kenji
Published: February 2015

The striatum is a major input site of the basal ganglia, which play an essential role in decision making. Previous studies have suggested that subareas of the striatum have distinct roles: the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) functions in habitual action, the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) in goal-directed actions, and the ventral striatum (VS) in motivation. To elucidate distinctive functions of subregions of the striatum in decision making, we systematically investigated information represented by phasically active neurons in DLS, DMS, and VS. Rats performed two types of choice tasks: fixed- and free-choice tasks. In both tasks, rats were required to perform nose poking to either the left or right hole after cue-tone presentation. A food pellet was delivered probabilistically depending on the presented cue and the selected action. The reward probability was fixed in fixed-choice task and varied in a block-wise manner in free-choice task. We found the following: (1) when rats began the tasks, a majority of VS neurons increased their firing rates and information regarding task type and state value was most strongly represented in VS; (2) during action selection, information of action and action values was most strongly represented in DMS; (3) action-command information (action representation before action selection) was stronger in the fixed-choice task than in the free-choice task in both DLS and DMS; and (4) action-command information was strongest in DLS, particularly when the same choice was repeated. We propose a hypothesis of hierarchical reinforcement learning in the basal ganglia to coherently explain these results.
Absence of Plateau Potentials in dLGN Cells Leads to a Breakdown in Retinogeniculate Refinement
Authors: Dilger Emily K. , Krahe Thomas E. , Morhardt Duncan R. , Seabrook Tania A. , Shin Hee-Sup , Guido William
Published: February 2015

The link between neural activity and the refinement of projections from retina to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of thalamus is based largely on studies that disrupt presynaptic retinogeniculate activity. Postsynaptic mechanisms responsible for implementing the activity-dependent remodeling in dLGN remain unknown. We tested whether L-type Ca2+channel activity in the form of synaptically evoked plateau potentials in dLGN cells is needed for remodeling by using a mutant mouse that lacks the ancillary β3subunit and, as a consequence, has highly reduced L-type channel expression and attenuated L-type Ca2+currents. In the dLGNs of β3-null mice, glutamatergic postsynaptic activity evoked by optic tract stimulation was normal, but plateau potentials were rarely observed. The few plateaus that were evoked required high rates of retinal stimulation, but were still greatly attenuated compared with those recorded in age-matched wild-type mice. While β3-null mice exhibit normal stage II and III retinal waves, their retinogeniculate projections fail to segregate properly and dLGN cells show a high degree of retinal convergence even at late postnatal ages. These structural and functional defects were also accompanied by a reduction in CREB phosphorylation, a signaling event that has been shown to be essential for retinogeniculate axon segregation. Thus, postsynaptic L-type Ca2+activity plays an important role in mediating the refinement of the retinogeniculate pathway.
Migraine Mutations Impair Hippocampal Learning Despite Enhanced Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Dilekoz Ergin , Houben Thijs , Eikermann-Haerter Katharina , Balkaya Mustafa , Lenselink A. Mariette , Whalen Michael J. , Spijker Sabine , Ferrari Michel D. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M.J.M. , Ayata Cenk
Published: February 2015

To explain cognitive and memory difficulties observed in some familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) patients, we examined hippocampal neurotransmission and plasticity in knock-in mice expressing the FHM type 1 (FHM1) R192Q gain-of function mutation in theCACNA1Agene that encodes the α1Asubunit of neuronal CaV2.1 channels. We determined stimulus intensity–response curves for anterior commissure-evoked hippocampal CA1 field potentials in strata pyramidale and radiatum and assessed neuroplasticity by inducing long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in anesthetized micein vivo. We also studied learning and memory using contextual fear-conditioning, Morris water maze, and novel object recognition tests. Hippocampal field potentials were significantly enhanced in R192Q mice compared with wild-type controls. Stimulus intensity–response curves were shifted to the left and displayed larger maxima in the mutants. LTP was augmented by twofold in R192Q mice, whereas LTD was unchanged compared with wild-type mice. R192Q mice showed significant spatial memory deficits in contextual fear-conditioning and Morris water maze tests compared with wild-type controls. Novel object recognition was not impaired in R192Q mice; however, mice carrying the more severe S218LCACNA1Amutation showed marked deficits in this test, suggesting a genotype–phenotype relationship. Thus, whereas FHM1 gain-of-function mutations enhance hippocampal excitatory transmission and LTP, learning and memory are paradoxically impaired, providing a possible explanation for cognitive changes detected in FHM. Data suggest that abnormally enhanced plasticity can be as detrimental to efficient learning as reduced plasticity and highlight how genetically enhanced neuronal excitability may impact cognitive function.
β-Secretase BACE1 Regulates Hippocampal and Reconstituted M-Currents in a β-Subunit-Like Fashion
Authors: Hessler Sabine , Zheng Fang , Hartmann Stephanie , Rittger Andrea , Lehnert Sandra , Völkel Meike , Nissen Matthias , Edelmann Elke , Saftig Paul , Schwake Michael , Huth Tobias , Alzheimer Christian
Published: February 2015

The β-secretase BACE1 is widely known for its pivotal role in the amyloidogenic pathway leading to Alzheimer's disease, but how its action on transmembrane proteins other than the amyloid precursor protein affects the nervous system is only beginning to be understood. We report here that BACE1 regulates neuronal excitability through an unorthodox, nonenzymatic interaction with members of the KCNQ (Kv7) family that give rise to the M-current, a noninactivating potassium current with slow kinetics. In hippocampal neurons from BACE1−/−mice, loss of M-current enhanced neuronal excitability. We relate the diminished M-current to the previously reported epileptic phenotype of BACE1-deficient mice. In HEK293T cells, BACE1 amplified reconstituted M-currents, altered their voltage dependence, accelerated activation, and slowed deactivation. Biochemical evidence strongly suggested that BACE1 physically associates with channel proteins in a β-subunit-like fashion. Our results establish BACE1 as a physiologically essential constituent of regular M-current function and elucidate a striking new feature of how BACE1 impacts on neuronal activity in the intact and diseased brain.
Revisiting the Role of Infralimbic Cortex in Fear Extinction with Optogenetics
Authors: Do-Monte Fabricio H. , Manzano-Nieves Gabriela , Quiñones-Laracuente Kelvin , Ramos-Medina Liorimar , Quirk Gregory J.
Published: February 2015

Previous rodent studies have implicated the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex in extinction of auditory fear conditioning. However, these studies used pharmacological inactivation or electrical stimulation techniques, which lack temporal precision and neuronal specificity. Here, we used an optogenetic approach to either activate (with channelrhodopsin) or silence (with halorhodopsin) glutamatergic IL neurons during conditioned tones delivered in one of two phases: extinction training or extinction retrieval. Activating IL neurons during extinction training reduced fear expression and strengthened extinction memory the following day. Silencing IL neurons during extinction training had no effect on within-session extinction, but impaired the retrieval of extinction the following day, indicating that IL activity during extinction tones is necessary for the formation of extinction memory. Surprisingly, however, silencing IL neurons optogenetically or pharmacologically during the retrieval of extinction 1 day or 1 week following extinction training had no effect. Our findings suggest that IL activity during extinction training likely facilitates storage of extinction in target structures, but contrary to current models, IL activity does not appear to be necessary for retrieval of extinction memory.
Layer-Specific Refinement of Visual Cortex Function after Eye Opening in the Awake Mouse
Authors: Hoy Jennifer L. , Niell Cristopher M.
Published: February 2015

The laminar structure and conserved cellular organization of mouse visual cortex provide a useful model to determine the mechanisms underlying the development of visual system function. However, the normal development of many receptive field properties has not yet been thoroughly quantified, particularly with respect to layer identity and in the absence of anesthesia. Here, we use multisite electrophysiological recording in the awake mouse across an extended period of development, starting at eye opening, to measure receptive field properties and behavioral-state modulation of responsiveness. We find selective responses for orientation, direction, and spatial frequency at eye opening, which are similar across cortical layers. After this initial similarity, we observe layer-specific maturation of orientation selectivity, direction selectivity, and linearity over the following week. Developmental increases in selectivity are most robust and similar between layers 2–4, whereas layers 5 and 6 undergo distinct refinement patterns. Finally, we studied layer-specific behavioral-state modulation of cortical activity and observed a striking reorganization in the effects of running on response gain. During week 1 after eye opening, running increases responsiveness in layers 4 and 5, whereas in adulthood, the effects of running are most pronounced in layer 2/3. Together, these data demonstrate that response selectivity is present in all layers of the primary visual cortex (V1) at eye opening in the awake mouse and identify the features of basic V1 function that are further shaped over this early developmental period in a layer-specific manner.
Seasonal Plasticity of Precise Spike Timing in the Avian Auditory System
Authors: Caras Melissa L. , Sen Kamal , Rubel Edwin W , Brenowitz Eliot A.
Published: February 2015

Vertebrate audition is a dynamic process, capable of exhibiting both short- and long-term adaptations to varying listening conditions. Precise spike timing has long been known to play an important role in auditory encoding, but its role in sensory plasticity remains largely unexplored. We addressed this issue in Gambel's white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), a songbird that shows pronounced seasonal fluctuations in circulating levels of sex-steroid hormones, which are known to be potent neuromodulators of auditory function. We recorded extracellular single-unit activity in the auditory forebrain of males and females under different breeding conditions and used a computational approach to explore two potential strategies for the neural discrimination of sound level: one based on spike counts and one based on spike timing reliability. We report that breeding condition has robust sex-specific effects on spike timing. Specifically, in females, breeding condition increases the proportion of cells that rely solely on spike timing information and increases the temporal resolution required for optimal intensity encoding. Furthermore, in a functionally distinct subset of cells that are particularly well suited for amplitude encoding, female breeding condition enhances spike timing-based discrimination accuracy. No effects of breeding condition were observed in males. Our results suggest that high-resolution temporal discharge patterns may provide a plastic neural substrate for sensory coding.
Parkinson's Disease Iron Deposition Caused by Nitric Oxide-Induced Loss of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein
Authors: Ayton Scott , Lei Peng , Hare Dominic J. , Duce James A. , George Jessica L. , Adlard Paul A. , McLean Catriona , Rogers Jack T. , Cherny Robert A. , Finkelstein David I. , Bush Ashley I.
Published: February 2015

Elevation of both neuronal iron and nitric oxide (NO) in the substantia nigra are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. We reported previously that the Alzheimer-associated β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) facilitates neuronal iron export. Here we report markedly decreased APP expression in dopaminergic neurons of human PD nigra and thatAPP−/−mice develop iron-dependent nigral cell loss. Conversely, APP-overexpressing mice are protected in the MPTP PD model. NO suppresses APP translation in mouse MPTP models, explaining how elevated NO causes iron-dependent neurodegeneration in PD.
Integration of Canal and Otolith Inputs by Central Vestibular Neurons Is Subadditive for Both Active and Passive Self-Motion: Implication for Perception
Authors: Carriot Jerome , Jamali Mohsen , Brooks Jessica X. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: February 2015

Traditionally, the neural encoding of vestibular information is studied by applying either passive rotations or translations in isolation. However, natural vestibular stimuli are typically more complex. During everyday life, our self-motion is generally not restricted to one dimension, but rather comprises both rotational and translational motion that will simultaneously stimulate receptors in the semicircular canals and otoliths. In addition, natural self-motion is the result of self-generated and externally generated movements. However, to date, it remains unknown how information about rotational and translational components of self-motion is integrated by vestibular pathways during active and/or passive motion. Accordingly, here, we compared the responses of neurons at the first central stage of vestibular processing to rotation, translation, and combined motion. Recordings were made in alert macaques from neurons in the vestibular nuclei involved in postural control and self-motion perception. In response to passive stimulation, neurons did not combine canal and otolith afferent information linearly. Instead, inputs were subadditively integrated with a weighting that was frequency dependent. Although canal inputs were more heavily weighted at low frequencies, the weighting of otolith input increased with frequency. In response to active stimulation, neuronal modulation was significantly attenuated (∼70%) relative to passive stimulation for rotations and translations and even more profoundly attenuated for combined motion due to subadditive input integration. Together, these findings provide insights into neural computations underlying the integration of semicircular canal and otolith inputs required for accurate posture and motor control, as well as perceptual stability, during everyday life.
GABAergic Projections from Lateral Hypothalamus to Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus Promote Feeding
Authors: Wu Zhaofei , Kim Eun Ran , Sun Hao , Xu Yuanzhong , Mangieri Leandra R. , Li De-Pei , Pan Hui-Lin , Xu Yong , Arenkiel Benjamin R. , Tong Qingchun
Published: February 2015

Lesions of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) cause hypophagia. However, activation of glutamatergic neurons in LH inhibits feeding. These results suggest a potential importance for other LH neurons in stimulating feeding. Our current study in mice showed that disruption of GABA release from adult LH GABAergic neurons reduced feeding. LH GABAergic neurons project extensively to the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVH), and optogenetic stimulation of GABAergic LH → PVH fibers induced monosynaptic IPSCs in PVH neurons, and potently increased feeding, which depended on GABA release. In addition, disruption of GABA-A receptors in the PVH reduced feeding. Thus, we have identified a new feeding pathway in which GABAergic projections from the LH to the PVH promote feeding.
Divisive Gain Modulation of Motoneurons by Inhibition Optimizes Muscular Control
Authors: Vestergaard Mikkel , Berg Rune W.
Published: February 2015

When using muscles, the precision with which force is delivered is as important as the delivery of force itself. Force is regulated by both the number of recruited motoneurons and their spike frequency. While it is known that the recruitment is ordered to reduce variability in force, it remains unclear whether the motoneuron gain, i.e., the slope of the transformation between synaptic input and spiking output, is also modulated to reduce variability in force. To address this issue, we use turtle hindlimb scratching as a model for fine motor control, since this behavior involves precise limb movement to rub the location of somatic nuisance touch. We recorded intracellularly from motoneurons in a reduced preparation where the limbs were removed to increase mechanical stability and the motor nerve activity served as a surrogate for muscle force. We found that not only is the gain of motoneurons regulated on a subsecond timescale, it is also adjusted to minimize variability. The modulation is likely achieved via an expansive nonlinearity between spike rate and membrane potential with inhibition having a divisive influence. These findings reveal a versatile mechanism of modulating neuronal sensitivity and suggest that such modulation is fundamentally linked to optimization.
Peripheral Nerve Injury Induces Persistent Vascular Dysfunction and Endoneurial Hypoxia, Contributing to the Genesis of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Lim Tony K.Y. , Shi Xiang Q. , Johnson Julia M. , Rone Malena B. , Antel Jack P. , David Samuel , Zhang Ji
Published: February 2015

Nerve injury is associated with microvascular disturbance; however, the role of the vascular system has not been well characterized in the context of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, ischemia is thought to play a role in a number of neuropathic pain conditions, and yet the role of hypoxia has also not been characterized in neuropathic pain conditions. In this study, we observed the presence of persistent endoneurial hypoxia in a mouse model of traumatic peripheral nerve injury, causing painful mononeuropathy. We attribute the ongoing hypoxia to microvascular dysfunction, endoneurial fibrosis, and increased metabolic requirements within the injured nerve. Increased lactate levels were observed in injured nerves, as well as increased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates, suggesting that anaerobic glycolysis is required to maintain cellular ATP levels. Hypoxia causes a reduction in levels of the Na+/K+ATPase ion transporter in both cultured primary dorsal root ganglion neurons and injured peripheral nerve. A reduction of Na+/K+ATPase ion transporter levels likely contributes to the hyperexcitability of injured nerves. Physiological antagonism of hypoxia with hyperbaric oxygen alleviated mechanical allodynia in nerve-injured animals. These results suggest that hypoxia and the Na+/K+ATPase ion transporter may be a novel mechanistic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In addition, the findings support the possibility of using hypoxia activated pro-drugs to localize treatments for neuropathic pain and nerve injury to injured nerves.
Monitoring of Vacuolar-Type H+ATPase-Mediated Proton Influx into Synaptic Vesicles
Authors: Egashira Yoshihiro , Takase Miki , Takamori Shigeo
Published: February 2015

During synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling, the vacuolar-type H+ATPase creates a proton electrochemical gradient (ΔμH+) that drives neurotransmitter loading into SVs. Given the low estimates of free luminal protons, it has been envisioned that the influx of a limited number of protons suffices to establish ΔμH+. Consistent with this, the time constant of SV re-acidification was reported to be <5 s, much faster than glutamate loading (τ of ∼15 s) and thus unlikely to be rate limiting for neurotransmitter loading. However, such estimates have relied on pHluorin-based probes that lack sensitivity in the lower luminal pH range. Here, we reexamined re-acidification kinetics using the mOrange2-based probe that should report the SV pH more accurately. In recordings from cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, we found that re-acidification took substantially longer (τ of ∼15 s) than estimated previously. In addition, we found that the SV lumen exhibited a large buffering capacity (∼57 mm/pH), corresponding to an accumulation of ∼1200 protons during re-acidification. Together, our results uncover hitherto unrecognized robust proton influx and storage in SVs that can restrict the rate of neurotransmitter refilling.
Differential Role of the Proteasome in the Early and Late Phases of BDNF-Induced Facilitation of LTP
Authors: Santos Ana Rita , Mele Miranda , Vaz Sandra H. , Kellermayer Blanka , Grimaldi Maddalena , Colino-Oliveira Mariana , Rombo Diogo M. , Comprido Diogo , Sebastião Ana M. , Duarte Carlos B.
Published: February 2015

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mediates activity-dependent long-term changes of synaptic strength in the CNS. The effects of BDNF are partly mediated by stimulation of local translation, with consequent alterations in the synaptic proteome. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) also plays an important role in protein homeostasis at the synapse by regulating synaptic activity. However, whether BDNF acts on the UPS to mediate the effects on long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) has not been investigated. In the present study, we show similar and nonadditive effects of BDNF and proteasome inhibition on the early phase of synaptic potentiation (E-LTP) induced by theta-burst stimulation of rat hippocampal CA1 synapses. The effects of BDNF were blocked by the proteasome activator IU1, suggesting that the neurotrophin acts by decreasing proteasome activity. Accordingly, BDNF downregulated the proteasome activity in cultured hippocampal neurons and in hippocampal synaptoneurosomes. Furthermore, BDNF increased the activity of the deubiquitinating enzyme UchL1 in synaptoneurosomes and upregulated free ubiquitin. In contrast to the effects on posttetanic potentiation, proteasome activity was required for BDNF-mediated LTP. These results show a novel role for BDNF in UPS regulation at the synapse, which is likely to act together with the increased translation activity in the regulation of the synaptic proteome during E-LTP.
A Causal Role for Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex in Choice-Induced Preference Change
Authors: Izuma Keise , Akula Shyam , Murayama Kou , Wu Daw-An , Iacoboni Marco , Adolphs Ralph
Published: February 2015

After a person chooses between two items, preference for the chosen item will increase and preference for the unchosen item will decrease because of the choice made. In other words, we tend to justify or rationalize our past behavior by changing our attitude. This phenomenon of choice-induced preference change has been traditionally explained by cognitive dissonance theory. Choosing something that is disliked or not choosing something that is liked are both cognitively inconsistent and, to reduce this inconsistency, people tend to change their subsequently stated preference in accordance with their past choices. Previously, human neuroimaging studies identified posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) as a key brain region involved in cognitive dissonance. However, it remains unknown whether the pMFC plays a causal role in inducing preference change after cognitive dissonance. Here, we demonstrate that 25 min, 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the pMFC significantly reduces choice-induced preference change compared with sham stimulation or control stimulation over a different brain region, demonstrating a causal role for the pMFC.
Kisspeptin antagonist prevents RF9-induced reproductive changes in female rats
Authors: Sahin Zafer , Canpolat Sinan , Ozcan Mete , Ozgocer Tuba , Kelestimur Haluk
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the modulatory effects of peptide 234 (p234) (an antagonist of GPR54 receptors) on kisspeptin and RF9 (an RFamide-related peptide antagonist)-induced changes in reproductive functions and energy balance in female rats. Female Sprague–Dawley rats were weaned on postnatal day (pnd) 21. The animals were intracerebroventricularly cannulated under general anesthesia on pnd 23. Groups of female rats were injected with kisspeptin, RF9, p234, kisspeptin plus p234, or RF9 plus p234, daily. The experiments were ended on the day of first diestrus following pnd 60. Kisspeptin or RF9 alone advanced vaginal opening (VO), which was delayed by administration of kisspeptin antagonist alone. In the rats given kisspeptin plus p234 or RF9 plus p234, VO was not different from control rats. Kisspeptin and RF9 elicited significant elevations in circulating LH levels. Coadministrations of kisspeptin or RF9 with p234 decreased LH levels significantly. The use of p234 alone did not cause any significant change in LH secretion. Kisspeptin decreased both food intake and body weight while RF9 decreased only food intake without affecting body weight. The effects of kisspeptin on energy balance were also reversed by central administration of p234. In conclusion, kisspeptin antagonist, p234, modulates the effects of kisspeptin on reproductive functions and energy balance, whereas RF9 seems to exert only its effects on reproductive functions by means of GPR54 signaling in female rats.
Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Intervention to Increase Use of Telephonic Interpretation
Authors: Lion K. Casey , Ebel Beth E. , Rafton Sarah , Zhou Chuan , Hencz Patty , Mangione-Smith Rita
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND:

Language barriers are associated with poor health care outcomes, and barriers exist for timely in-person interpretation. Although available on-demand, telephonic interpretation remains underutilized. This study evaluates whether a quality improvement (QI) intervention was associated with rates of interpretation and parent-reported language service use at a children’s hospital.

METHODS:

The QI intervention was developed by a multidisciplinary team and included provider education, electronic alerts, standardized dual-handset telephones, and 1-touch dialing in all hospital rooms. Interpreter use was tracked for 12 months before, 5 months during, and 12 months after the intervention. Weekly rates of interpretation per limited English proficient (LEP) patient-day were evaluated by using segmented linear regression. LEP parents were surveyed about professional interpretation and delays in care. Responses before, during, and after the intervention were compared by using the χ2 test for trend.

RESULTS:

Telephonic interpretation rates increased by 53% after the intervention (baseline 0.38 per patient-day, increased 0.20 [0.13–0.28]). Overall (telephonic and in-person) interpretation increased by 54% (baseline 0.96, increased by 0.51 [0.38–0.64]). Parent-reported interpreter use improved, including more frequent use of professional interpreters (53.3% before, 71.8% during, 69.3% after, P trend = .001), less frequent use of ad hoc interpreters (52.4% before, 38.1% during, 41.4% after, P trend = .03), and fewer interpretation-related delays in care (13.3% before, 7.9% during, 6.0% after, P trend = .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

This QI intervention was associated with increased telephonic interpreter use and improved parent-reported use of professional language services. This is a promising approach to deliver safe, timely, and equitable care for the growing population of LEP children and families.
Inventory of butterfly fauna (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Tripura, India, in the Indo-Myanmar biogeographical zone, with records of threatened taxa
Authors: Lodh Rahul , Agarwala Basant Kumar
Published: February 2015

The Tripura province of northeast India, situated in the western fringe of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot was extensively explored for butterfly fauna. We surveyed 28 wild and managed locations in the hot and humid environment of Tripura province (2009–2012) across different landscape gradients to observe and record butterfly diversity. We report here 212 butterfly species, 65 of which are considered threatened including 41 species protected by Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Thirty-eight species are categorized as threatened by IUCN including one species also by CITES. We recorded the abundance of each butterfly species to highlight the population status of individual butterfly species in order to reveal the status of their conservation in Tripura, in India, and also at global scale. Geographic distribution of 142 species is extended to Tripura. Results of this study form a baseline data on the diversity and conservation of butterflies in this biodiversity hotspot.
Fritziana aff. fissilis (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920) (Anura, Hemiphractidae): the first hemiphractid for the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil
Authors: Franz Ismael , Mello Mateus Henrique
Published: March 2015

The first occurrence of Fritziana aff. fissilis (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, is reported. The records were obtained near the sources of the Rio dos Sinos, municipality of Caraá, and extend the range of the species 140 km south from where it was previously known. The new records also represent the first time a species of the family Hemiphractidae is recorded in the state.
Alterssicherung und Politik bei schrumpfender Bevölkerung
Authors: Wiemeyer Joachim
Published: February 2015

Durch sinkende Geburtenzahlen und eine steigende Lebenserwartung gerade die Alterssicherungssysteme in Deutschland wie in Polen in finanzielle Schwierigkeiten. Die Probleme sind aber lösbar, wenn die Lebensarbeitszeit verlängert wird, mehr Personen im Erwerbsalter (z. B. Arbeitslose, Frauen) einer Beschäftigung nachgehen und es eine gewisse Zuwanderung von qualifizierten Erwerbspersonen aus dem Ausland gibt. Da die Interessen der älteren Generation heterogen sind, werden notwendige Reformen nicht durch eine Dominanz der Wähler im Rentenalter verhindert.
Wyzwania duszpasterskie wobec osób w podeszłym wieku
Authors: Przygoda Wiesław
Published: February 2015

Specyfika wieku senioralnego, coraz lepiej rozpoznawana przez gerontologię, psychologię, socjologię i nauki pokrewne, stanowi wyzwanie dla współczesnego Kościoła, który pragnie wszystkie grupy swoich wiernych otaczać adekwatną do ich potrzeb troską duszpasterską. W tym opracowaniu zostaną przedstawione najpierw specyficzne potrzeby religijne ludzi w podeszłym wieku, następnie cele i formy duszpasterstwa seniorów, by w końcowej części skoncentrować się na tym, co z punktu widzenia samych zainteresowanych wydaje się bezcenne, a mianowicie na aktywizacji apostolskiej ludzi starszych. W Polsce świeccy katolicy w podeszłym wieku są niezastąpionymi apostołami, szczególnie w dziedzinie budowania więzi rodzinnych, działalności charytatywnej, zbawczym przeżywaniu cierpienia i modlitwie. Zadaniem duszpasterzy jest natomiast formacja apostolska seniorów, a także animacja apostolskich grup ludzi starych w parafiach.
Mental Health and Educational Outcomes for Youth Transitioning from Foster Care in Michigan
Authors: White Catherine Roller , O'brien Kirk , Pecora Peter J. , Buher Anne
Published: February 2015

This study examines foster care experiences and adult functioning of 65 alumni (ages 23–24) of Michigan foster care, using data from case records and in-person interviews. Results indicate that Michigan foster care alumni had similar or worse outcomes than their peers in other alumni studies, and significantly worse outcomes than their peers in the general population in the areas of mental health, substance dependence, and education. More research is needed to understand this transitional period for youth leaving foster care and to determine which evidence-supported interventions lead to their success as adults.
Natural gas in hydrogen production: a cost study
Authors: Ma Liang-Chih , Kazantzis Nikolaos K. , Ma Yi Hua
Published: February 2015

A comprehensive economic performance evaluation framework for palladium (Pd)-based industrial-scale catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) modules integrated into hydrogen (H2) production systems (HP-CMR) through methane steam reforming has been developed. The HP-CMR technology option offers a promising pathway towards hydrogen production with enhanced environmental performance in a carbon dioxide-constrained world. Within the above context, this paper develops comprehensive baseline models for total capital investment (TCI) and total product cost (TPC) to evaluate the economic performance of CMRs. Various sources of uncertainty (raw material market prices, labour costs, membrane lifetime and maintenance costs, financing costs, etc.) are recognised and their effect on TCI and TPC is explicitly taken into account using Monte Carlo techniques. As a result, insightful distribution profiles of TCI and TPC are derived rather than single-point value estimates and more realistic distributions of CMR economic performance outcomes are generated. Furthermore, tornado diagrams are developed, establishing the predominant effect of palladium unit price, membrane lifetime and financing interest costs on TCI and TPC.
Use of Ricker motions as an alternative to pushover testing
Authors: Loli Marianna , Knappett Jonathan Adam , Anastasopoulos Ioannis , Brown Michael John
Published: February 2015

When undertaking centrifuge studies on seismic soil–structure interaction, it is useful to be able to define the pseudo-static ‘pushover’ response of the structure. Normally, this requires separate centrifuge experiments with horizontal actuators. This paper describes an alternative procedure, using Ricker ground motions to obtain the pushover response, thereby allowing both this and the response to seismic shaking to be determined using a centrifuge-mounted shaker. The paper presents an application of this technique to a 1:50 scale model bridge pier with two different shallow foundations, as part of a study on seismic protection using rocking isolation. The moment–rotation (‘backbone’) behaviour of the footings was accurately determined in the centrifuge to large rotations, as verified through independent three-dimensional dynamic non-linear finite-element modelling. Ricker wavelet ground motions are therefore shown to be a useful tool for the identification of pushover response without requiring additional actuators. Furthermore, a simplified analytical methodology is developed, which allows one to predict the maximum foundation rotation induced by a specific Ricker pulse. This methodology may be useful in predicting the characteristics (frequency and acceleration magnitude) of the Ricker pulse required to describe the pushover response of any (practically) rigid oscillator supported on shallow foundations.
Importancia y aporte del sector cooperativo en el desarrollo humano: un análisis empírico para el caso costarricense
Authors: Li-Bonilla Federico , Sandoval José F.
Published: February 2015

Para la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (onu), el modelo cooperativo es un pilar de suma importancia en el desarrollo de muchas comunidades, países y regiones a nivel global. Aunque es común inferir la existencia de una relación directa entre el cooperativismo y el desarrollo socioeconómico de las regiones, esta relación ha sido escasamente estudiada desde el punto de vista económico. Es por ello que en este artículo se presentan los principales hallazgos surgidos a partir del uso de la teoría económica y de técnicas econométricas para medir esa relación. El análisis empírico se realiza con base en una muestra de datos de corte transversal para los 81 cantones del país, y busca abrir una nueva línea de investigación que permita medir la contribución del sector cooperativo al desarrollo costarricense y construir un nuevo pensamiento sobre el desarrollo del sector cooperativo en Costa Rica.
Antifungal isolates database of amphibian skin‐associated bacteria and function against emerging fungal pathogens
Authors: Woodhams Douglas C. , Alford Ross A. , Antwis Rachael E. , Archer Holly , Becker Matthew H. , Belden Lisa K. , Bell Sara C. , Bletz Molly , Daskin Joshua H. , Davis Leyla R. , Flechas Sandra V. , Lauer Antje , Gonzalez Antonio , Harris Reid N. , Holden Whitney M. , Hughey Myra C. , Ibáñez Roberto , Knight Rob , Kueneman Jordan , Rabemananjara Falitiana , Reinert Laura K. , Rollins-Smith Louise A. , Roman-Rodriguez Franklin , Shaw Stephanie D. , Walke Jenifer B. , McKenzie Valerie
Published: February 2015

Microbial symbionts of vertebrate skin have an important function in defense of the host against pathogens. In particular, the emerging chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, causes widespread disease in amphibians but can be inhibited via secondary metabolites produced by many different skin‐associated bacteria. Similarly, the fungal pathogens of terrestrial salamander eggs Mariannaea elegans and Rhizomucor variabilis are also inhibited by a variety of skin‐associated bacteria. Indeed, probiotic therapy against fungal diseases is a recent approach in conservation medicine with growing experimental support. We present a comprehensive Antifungal Isolates Database of amphibian skin‐associated bacteria that have been cultured, isolated, and tested for antifungal properties. At the start, this database includes nearly 2000 cultured bacterial isolates from 37 amphibian host species across 18 studies on five continents: Africa, Oceania, Europe, and North and South America. As the research community gathers information on additional isolates, the database will be updated periodically. The resulting database can serve as a conservation tool for amphibians and other organisms, and provides empirical data for comparative and bioinformatic studies. The database consists of a FASTA file containing 16S rRNA gene sequences of the bacterial isolates, and a metadata file containing information on the host species, life‐stage, geographic region, and antifungal capacity and taxonomic identity of the isolate.
Dietary Intake Among U.S. Adults With Disability
Authors: An Ruopeng , Chiu Chung-Yi
Published: February 2015

Purpose: Physical, mental, and financial barriers among individuals with disability may limit their access to fruit and vegetable. In this study, we examined the relationship between disability status and vegetable, fruit, and fruit juice intake among U.S. adults aged 18 years and older using a large nationally representative sample.

Methods: Participants came from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2011 wave, a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Outcomes included self-report daily vegetable, fruit, and pure fruit juice consumption frequency. Disability status was classified into 7 categories: limited in activities caused by physical, mental, or emotional problems (AL); health problem requiring use of special equipment (HP); either AL or HP; both AL and HP; unable to work because of disability or other reasons (UN); AL and HP and UN; and no disability (no AL or HP or UN). The associations between consumption and disability were estimated in multivariate regressions controlling for sociodemographics, body weight, and survey month/state and accounting for survey design.

Results: U.S. adults with disability consumed vegetable and fruit significantly less frequently than those without disability. Across disability categories, daily vegetable consumption frequency among people with disability was 4%–15%, and daily fruit consumption frequency 7%–18% lower than people without disability. Fruit juice consumption frequency appeared slightly higher among people with disability, indicating some substitution effect. Part of the disparities in diet tends to be explained by the differences in education, marital status, and income between people with and without disability.

Conclusions: Using recent data from a large nationally representative health survey, we found American adults with disability to consume fruit and vegetable significantly less frequently than those without disability. Policy interventions are warranted to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among people with disability and reduce disparities.
Distance Supervision in Rehabilitation Counseling: Ethical and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Lund Emily M. , Schultz Jared C.
Published: February 2015

Background:The use of technology-mediated distance supervision is a rapidly growing area in rehabilitation counseling and other fields. Distance supervision has both tremendous potential and notable challenges to address, including questions of ethics and evidence.

Purpose:This article examines both the ethical and nonethical principles that rehabilitation counseling programs should consider when implementing distance supervision, such as evidence-based practice, competency, confidentiality, informed consent, and access to supervision.

Conclusions:Despite its growing popularity, little empirical evidence exists to support the use of distance supervision as an equivalent and empirically supported means of providing clinical supervision. Suggestions for programs on how to move distance supervision forward as an evidence-based and ethically sound component of rehabilitation counseling are included.
Pipe-Diameter Effect on Liquid Loading in Vertical Gas Wells
Authors: Skopich A.. , Pereyra E.. , Sarica C.. , Kelkar M..
Published: March 2015

The effect of pipe diameter on liquid-loading initiation has been investigated experimentally with pipes having internal diameters of 5.1- (2-) and 10.2-cm (4-in.). Two-phase-flow parameters, such as pressure gradient and liquid holdup, were measured. Flow characteristics were determined by visual observation with a high-speed video camera. Critical gas-flow rate for liquid-loading initiation was identified, and comparisons between the two pipe diameters were presented. The critical superficial-gas velocity corresponding to the minimum pressure gradient was found to be faster for the smaller diameter. When the comparison was carried out in terms of mass-flow rates, critical flow rate for liquid loading in a 5.1-cm (2-in.) pipe was less than that in a 10.2-cm (4-in.) pipe. This verifies the use of velocity strings to extend the production life of the gas wells. Additionally, comparison of the data with available mechanistic-model prediction showed significant discrepancies. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.
Pushing the Limit on Guar Loading: Treatment of a Green River Sandstone Formation by Use of a Novel Low-Polymer Crosslinked Fluid
Authors: Legemah Magnus , De Benedictis Frances , Workneh Nigatu , Smith David , Le Hoang , Sun Hong , Qu Qi , Moulton Mickey
Published: March 2015

Guar-based fracturing fluids are the most commonly used fluids in reservoir stimulation. To provide high viscosity, borate-crosslinked gels are preferred for their ability to heal after mechanical shearing and their favorable environmental properties. More-efficient crosslinkers capable of crosslinking fluids with reduced polymer loading have always been of great interest to reduce formation and proppant-pack damage from polymer residues and to reduce overall fluid cost.

Low permeability and the interwell connectivity of the Green River sandstone formation of the Uintah basin require hydraulic-fracturing treatment to produce oil economically. The most typical fracturing treatments use borate-crosslinked guar fluids to transport sand into wells with vertical depths of 3,500 to 6,800 ft and bottomhole temperatures of 115 to 160°F. Most operators in this region place emphasis on reduced polymer loadings for stimulation treatments, and, even with breakers present, broken polymer residues can remain in the formation at these reduced polymer loadings, resulting in damage and decreased production. Unlike conventional treatments that require a shut-in operation, stimulation treatments in this region are designed for immediate flowback to minimize filter-cake buildup and subsequent formation damage, which improves production significantly. Immediate flowback poses a challenge of a proper balance between polymer and breaker loading so that the fluid effectively transports up to 6 lbm/gal added of sand into the formation without screenout and breaks within the treatment time (20 to 30 minutes per stage) to minimize flowback of proppant.

A recently developed novel poly-aminoboronate (PAB) crosslinker (Sun and Qu 2011; Legemah et al. 2013) was tested in the aforementioned formation. Multiple boron sites are available in the crosslinker, and it is capable of interacting with multiple polysaccharide strands to form more-complex crosslinking networks at lower polymer loadings than conventional guar fluids. The crosslinker, with up to an additional 15% reduced guar loading, is capable of matching or outperforming conventional crosslinked fluids in fresh water and, more impressively, in 7% potassium chloride. This paper will discuss the novel crosslinker developed, the laboratory testing, and the successful field application. Analysis and discussion of the chemistry, crosslinking performance, and economics will be reported.