bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changing Face of HDL and the Best Way to Measure It
Authors: Karathanasis Sotirios K , Freeman Lita A , Gordon Scott M , Remaley Alan T
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is a commonly used lipid biomarker for assessing cardiovascular health. While a central focus has been placed on the role of HDL in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) process, our appreciation for the other cardioprotective properties of HDL continues to expand with further investigation into the structure and function of HDL and its specific subfractions. The development of novel assays is empowering the research community to assess different aspects of HDL function, which at some point may evolve into new diagnostic tests.

CONTENT

This review discusses our current understanding of the formation and maturation of HDL particles via RCT, as well as the newly recognized roles of HDL outside RCT. The antioxidative, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, antithrombotic, antiinfective, and vasoprotective effects of HDL are all discussed, as are the related methodologies for assessing these different aspects of HDL function. We elaborate on the importance of protein and lipid composition of HDL in health and disease and highlight potential new diagnostic assays based on these parameters.

Although multiple epidemiologic studies have confirmed that HDL-C is a strong negative risk marker for cardiovascular disease, several clinical and experimental studies have yielded inconsistent results on the direct role of HDL-C as an antiatherogenic factor. As of yet, our increased understanding of HDL biology has not been translated into successful new therapies, but will undoubtedly depend on the development of alternative ways for measuring HDL besides its cholesterol content.
Analysis of the translatome in solid tumors using polyribosome profiling/RNA-Seq
Authors: Adjibade Pauline , St-Sauveur Valérie Grenier , Droit Arnaud , W. Khandjian Edouard , Toren Paul , Mazrou Rachid
Published: November 2016

Gene expression involves multiple steps from the transcription of a mRNA in the nucleus to the production of the encoded protein in the cytoplasm. This final step occurs through a highly regulated process of mRNA translation on ribosomes that is required to maintain cell homeostasis. Alterations in the control of mRNA translation may lead to cell transformation, a hallmark of cancer development. Indeed, recent advances indicated that increased translation of mRNAs encoding tumor-promoting proteins may be a key mechanism of tumor resistance in several cancers. Moreover, it was found that proteins whose encoding mRNAs are translated at higher efficiencies may be effective biomarkers. Evaluation of global changes in translation efficiency in human tumors has thus the potential of better understanding what can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Investigating changes in translation efficiency in human cancer cells has been made possible through the development and the use of the polyribosome profiling combined with DNA microarray or deep RNA sequencing. While helpful, the use of cancer cell lines has many limitations and it is essential to define translational changes in human tumor samples in order to properly prioritize genes implicated in cancer phenotype. We present an optimized polyribosome RNA-Seq protocol suitable for quantitative analysis of mRNA translation that occurs in human tumor samples and murine xenografts. Applying this innovative approach to human tumors, which requires a complementary bioinformatics analysis, unlocks the potential to identify key mRNAs which are preferentially translated in tumor tissue compared to benign tissue as well as translational changes which occur following treatment. These technical advances will be of interest to those researching all solid tumors, opening possibilities for understanding what may be therapeutic Achilles heels’ or relevant biomarkers.
Quantitative histological image analyses of reticulin fibers in a myelofibrotic mouse
Authors: A. Lucero Hector , Patterson Shenia , Matsuura Shinobu , Ravid Katya
Published: November 2016

Bone marrow (BM) reticulin fibrosis (RF), revealed by silver staining of tissue sections, is associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms, while tools for quantitative assessment of reticulin deposition throughout a femur BM are still in need. Here, we present such a method, allowing via analysis of hundreds of composite images to identify a patchy nature of RF throughout the BM during disease progression in a mouse model of myelofibrosis. To this end, initial conversion of silver stained BM color images into binary images identified two limitations: variable color, owing to polychromatic staining of reticulin fibers, and variable background in different sections of the same batch, limiting application of the color deconvolution method, and use of constant threshold, respectively. By blind coding image identities, to allow for threshold input (still within a narrow range), and using shape filtering to further eliminate background we were able to quantitate RF in myelofibrotic Gata-1low (experimental) and wild type (control) mice as a function of animal age. Color images spanning the whole femur BM were batch-analyzed using ImageJ software, aided by our two newly added macros. The results show heterogeneous RF density in different areas of the marrow of Gata-1low mice, with degrees of heterogeneity reduced upon aging. This method can be applied uniformly across laboratories in studies assessing RF remodeling induced by aging or other conditions in animal models.
On some sufficient conditions of strong uniqueness polynomials
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit , Chakraborty Bikash
Published: November 2016

In this paper we shall find some sufficient conditions for a uniqueness polynomial to be a strong uniqueness polynomial, as this type of problem was never investigated by researchers earlier. We also exhibit some examples to substantiate our theorems.
Prehospital diagnosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Stengaard Carsten , Sørensen Jacob Thorsted , Rasmussen Martin Bøhme , Bøtker Morten Thingemann , Pedersen Claus Kjær , Terkelsen Christian Juhl
Published: November 2016

Primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) is the preferred treatment in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) if this can be performed in a timely manner. The 2012 ESC Guidelines on management of AMI in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation advice that PPCI should be performed within 120 min of first medical contact. Prehospital diagnosis of patients with STEMI is performed to save time and make PPCI available to the majority of patients. Although diagnosing patients with STEMI is usually easy, there are important pitfalls and patients with STEMI are missed on occasion. In addition, it is well know that patients without ST elevation may also have a high-risk cardiac condition. The 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation stress the importance of urgent CAG in patients with high-risk non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Unfortunately, these patients are difficult to diagnose in the acute phase and important time may be spend establishing the correct diagnosis. Prehospital biomarker measurement has emerged as a method to gain important additional information. We review the evidence on prehospital diagnosis of patients with STEMI and, In addition, we present the current knowledge on the new diagnostic methods that could have a future role in prehospital rule-in and rule-out of cardiac disease.
Improving the electrochemical behavior of sustainable polyaniline titanium dioxide composite by intercalation of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Phan Thi Binh , Mai Thi Xuan , Nguyen The Duyen , Pham Thi Tot , Mai Thi Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Thi Van Anh , Tran Dai Lam
Published: November 2016

Polyaniline titanium dioxide (PANi-TiO
„Fieberkurven“ und „Finanzspritzen“
Authors: Rossfeld Roman
Published: November 2016

This paper makes a case for a stronger cultural and narrative approach to economic history. It shows that an analysis of the discourse strategies used to construct and present the narratives of crises can be used to reach a better understanding of economic crises. Starting from the observation that economic crises are frequently portrayed as serious illnesses which undergo different courses and progressions, the author argues that crises should also be viewed as phenomena of communication and perception. These should be examined in order to reveal either repeatedly used or changing linguistic patterns, metaphors and abstract concepts. The analysis therefore focuses on the relationship between economic crises and crisis discourses. Whether the crisis is described as an “imbalance” (in an otherwise fundamentally stable system) or a multi-layered disease (that culminates in death) is not only based on different metaphors and interpretation patterns. It also has an effect on the assessment of the causes and the progression of the crises, and it presents different courses of possible action.
„Ist nämlich der ganze Spekulationsverkehr erst einmal in einen krankhaft erregten Zustand hineingerathen…“
Authors: Engel Alexander
Published: November 2016

The late nineteenth century discourse on stock and commodity exchanges, and especially on the crisis of 1873, made heavy use of metaphors. As a statistical analysis of some key publications in the German language area shows, biological and medical metaphors clearly dominated. They were useful to underscore a number of very different opinions on the frugal or poisonous effects of speculation, capital, etc.; the degree to which exchange reforms (‘medical procedures’) were required or not; and if the exchange needed to be saved at all, or rather to be eradicated for being ‘parasitic’. In contrast to meteorological and mechanistic metaphors, images of health and sickness allowed incorporating a moral dimension in the analysis. The idea of the exchange as a potentially healthy or sick organism became intertwined with notions of speculators themselves, figuratively or literally, developing occasional ‘speculative fever’ (a new variety of the long-established concept of gambling fever) and a constant hysterical condition, as a lifestyle disease of capitalism in the ‘age of nervousness’.
Körper und Krankheit, Maschine und Mechanik
Authors: Klammer Kristoffer
Published: November 2016

Economic language as well as figures of economic thought and bodies of knowledge are to a great extent organized in metaphorical terms. Certainly, the metaphorical content of discourse on economic crises cannot be ignored. In fact metaphors are fundamental elements of these discourses. This contribution addresses two especially prevalent and efficacious groups of metaphors: on the one hand, images of body and disease, on the other those of machinery and mechanics. Drawing on the examples of three economic crises of the 20th century, different manifestations of these verbal images are identified and their discursive features illustrated. Finally, the question is examined which factors influence the specific structure of “metaphor households” in crisis discourses.
Resilienz
Authors: Köhler Ingo , Schulze Benjamin W.
Published: November 2016

The possibility to fail is inherent to entrepreneurial existence. The risk of a system – a company losing stability increases especially in economic crisis as well as in times of social change. Is it possible for companies to develop their own ‘immunity’ which would make it easier to minimize these risks? This paper examines German breweries during the structural change after ‘the boom’. First, the theory of resilience, here in the sense of crisis robustness, is critically analysed and the value for business research considered. Although the term ‘resilience’ was not used by contemporaries, it was, however, an already established concept of action, based on the interaction between anticipatory preparedness and situational flexibility.
Manual Point Cloud Classification and Extraction for Hunter-Gatherer Feature Investigation: A Test Case From Two Low Arctic Paleo-Inuit Sites
Authors: Landry David B. , Milne S. Brooke , Park Robert W. , Ferguson Ian J. , Fayek Mostafa
Published: November 2016

For archaeologists, the task of processing large terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)-derived point
cloud data can be difficult, particularly when focusing on acquiring analytical and interpretive outcomes
from the data. Using our TLS lidar data collected in 2013 from two compositionally different, low Arctic
multi-component hunter-gatherer sites (LdFa-1 and LeDx-42), we demonstrate how a manual point cloud
classification approach with open source software can be used to extract natural and archaeological
features from a site’s surface. Through a combination of spectral datasets typical to TLS (i.e., intensity and
RGB values), archaeologists can enhance the visual and analytical representation of archaeological huntergatherer
site surfaces. Our approach classifies low visibility Arctic site point clouds into independent
segments, each representing a different surface material found on the site. With the segmented dataset, we
extract only the surface boulders to create an alternate characterization of the site’s prominent features and
their surroundings. Using surface point clouds from Paleo-Inuit sites allows us to demonstrate the value of
this approach within hunter-gatherer research as our results illustrate an effective use of large TLS datasets
for extracting and improving our analytical capabilities for low relief site features.
Exploring the Utility of Bathymetry Maps Derived With Multispectral Satellite Observations in the Field of Underwater Archaeology
Authors: Guzinski Radoslaw , Spondylis Elias , Michalis Myrto , Tusa Sebastiano , Brancato Giacoma , Minno Lorenzo , Hansen Lars Boye
Published: November 2016

Bathymetry maps derived with satellite-based multispectral sensors have been used extensively
for environmental and engineering coastal studies and monitoring. However, so far this technique has not
been widely exploited in other coastal applications, such as underwater archaeology. Submerged settlements
and shipwrecks are often located in water depths where the application of multispectral satellite data is
feasible. This could lead to more efficient field work practices thus enabling more optimal allocations of costs
and labour during archaeological excavations. This study explores the contribution of processed satellite
bathymetry maps to the recording of two archaeological coastal sites: a submerged prehistoric settlement in
Greece and a shipwreck of a modern cargo vessel in Italy. The results indicate that even though the accuracy
of satellite derived bathymetry is high, the level of detail (spatial resolution) is not sufficient to fully replace
field-based measurements. However, the use of satellite data complements the existing techniques and can
help to place the archaeological sites within a broader spatial context as well as to efficiently monitor the
deterioration of a site due to natural causes or human activity, which inevitably leads to risk management.
When the study of larger objects is involved (for example First World War shipwrecks) the potential of using
satellite data in underwater archaeological studies becomes more promising.
The Laffer Curve, Efficiency, and Tax Policy: A Note
Authors: Soldatos Gerasimos T.
Published: November 2016

This short article underlines the efficiency considerations reflected by a Laffer curve. In a static context in which inflation is assumed away, the Laffer curve describes what would the response of tax revenue to tax rate change be under increasing inflation if there were allocative efficiency, i. e. given perfect competition and full-employment output. The link between market structure and state of economic activity thus emerges as a critical determinant of the shape of Laffer curve. Under imperfect competition, the entire Laffer curve would reflect how the business “leadership” having emanated from the prevailing market structure, uses taxation as a means of higher profit earning capacity.
Negative Allosteric Modulation of mGluR5 Partially Corrects Pathophysiology in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Tao Jifang , Wu Hao , Coronado Amanda A. , de Laittre Elizabeth , Osterweil Emily K. , Zhang Yi , Bear Mark F.
Published: November 2016

Rett syndrome (RTT) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), an epigenetic regulator of mRNA transcription. Here, we report a test of the hypothesis of shared pathophysiology of RTT and fragile X, another monogenic cause of autism and intellectual disability. In fragile X, the loss of the mRNA translational repressor FMRP leads to exaggerated protein synthesis downstream of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). We found that mGluR5- and protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity were similarly altered in area CA1 ofMecp2KO mice. CA1 pyramidal cell-type-specific, genome-wide profiling of ribosome-bound mRNAs was performed in wild-type andMecp2KO hippocampal CA1 neurons to reveal the MeCP2-regulated “translatome.” We found significant overlap between ribosome-bound transcripts overexpressed in theMecp2KO and FMRP mRNA targets. These tended to encode long genes that were functionally related to either cytoskeleton organization or the development of neuronal connectivity. In theFmr1KO mouse, chronic treatment with mGluR5-negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) has been shown to ameliorate many mutant phenotypes by correcting excessive protein synthesis. InMecp2KO mice, we found that mGluR5 NAM treatment significantly reduced the level of overexpressed ribosome-associated transcripts, particularly those that were also FMRP targets. Some Rett phenotypes were also ameliorated by treatment, most notably hippocampal cell size and lifespan. Together, these results suggest a potential mechanistic link between MeCP2-mediated transcription regulation and mGluR5/FMRP-mediated protein translation regulation through coregulation of a subset of genes relevant to synaptic functions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAltered regulation of synaptic protein synthesis has been hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology that underlies multiple forms of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Here, we show in a mouse model of Rett syndrome (Mecp2KO) that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5)- and protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity are abnormal in the hippocampus. We found that a subset of ribosome-bound mRNAs was aberrantly upregulated in hippocampal CA1 neurons ofMecp2KO mice, that these significantly overlapped with FMRP direct targets and/or SFARI human autism genes, and that chronic treatment ofMecp2KO mice with an mGluR5-negative allosteric modulator tunes down upregulated ribosome-bound mRNAs and partially improves mutant mice phenotypes.
Store-Operated Calcium Channel Complex in Postsynaptic Spines: A New Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Authors: Zhang Hua , Sun Suya , Wu Lili , Pchitskaya Ekaterina , Zakharova Olga , Fon Tacer Klementina , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: November 2016

Mushroom dendritic spine structures are essential for memory storage and the loss of mushroom spines may explain memory defects in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The stability of mushroom spines depends on stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2)-mediated neuronal-store-operated Ca2+influx (nSOC) pathway, which is compromised in AD mouse models, in aging neurons, and in sporadic AD patients. Here, we demonstrate that the Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 (TRPC6) and Orai2 channels form a STIM2-regulated nSOC Ca2+channel complex in hippocampal mushroom spines. We further demonstrate that a known TRPC6 activator, hyperforin, and a novel nSOC positive modulator, NSN21778 (NSN), can stimulate activity of nSOC pathway in the spines and rescue mushroom spine loss in both presenilin and APP knock-in mouse models of AD. We further show that NSN rescues hippocampal long-term potentiation impairment in APP knock-in mouse model. We conclude that the STIM2-regulated TRPC6/Orai2 nSOC channel complex in dendritic mushroom spines is a new therapeutic target for the treatment of memory loss in aging and AD and that NSN is a potential candidate molecule for therapeutic intervention in brain aging and AD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMushroom dendritic spine structures are essential for memory storage and the loss of mushroom spines may explain memory defects in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study demonstrated that Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 (TRPC6) and Orai2 form stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM2)-regulated neuronal-store-operated Ca2+influx (nSOC) channel complex in hippocampal synapse and the resulting Ca2+influx is critical for long-term maintenance of mushroom spines in hippocampal neurons. A novel nSOC-positive modulator, NSN21778 (NSN), rescues mushroom spine loss and synaptic plasticity impairment in AD mice models. The TRPC6/Orai2 nSOC channel complex is a new therapeutic target and NSN is a potential candidate molecule for therapeutic intervention in brain aging and AD.
Sex in Context: Limitations of Animal Studies for Addressing Human Sex/Gender Neurobehavioral Health Disparities
Authors: Eliot Lise , Richardson Sarah S.
Published: November 2016

Many brain and behavioral disorders differentially affect men and women. The new National Institutes of Health requirement to include both male and female animals in preclinical studies aims to address such health disparities, but we argue that the mandate is not the best solution to this problem. Sex differences are highly species-specific, tied to the mating system and social ecology of a given species or even strain of animal. In many cases, animals poorly replicate male-female differences in brain-related human diseases. Sex/gender disparities in human health have a strong sociocultural component that is intimately entangled with biological sex and challenging to model in animals. We support research that investigates sex-related variables in hypothesis-driven studies of animal brains and behavior. However, institutional policies that require sex analysis and give it special salience over other sources of biological variance can distort research. We caution that the costly imposition of sex analysis on nearly all animal research entrenches the presumption that human brain and behavioral differences are largely biological in origin and overlooks the potentially more powerful social, psychological, and cultural contributors to male-female neurobehavioral health gaps.
Time Is Not Space: Core Computations and Domain-Specific Networks for Mental Travels
Authors: Gauthier Baptiste , van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: November 2016

Humans can consciously project themselves in the future and imagine themselves at different places. Do mental time travel and mental space navigation abilities share common cognitive and neural mechanisms? To test this, we recorded fMRI while participants mentally projected themselves in time or in space (e.g., 9 years ago, in Paris) and ordered historical events from their mental perspective. Behavioral patterns were comparable for mental time and space and shaped by self-projection and by the distance of historical events to the mental position of the self, suggesting the existence of egocentric mapping in both dimensions. Nonetheless, self-projection in space engaged the medial and lateral parietal cortices, whereas self-projection in time engaged a widespread parietofrontal network. Moreover, while a large distributed network was found for spatial distances, temporal distances specifically engaged the right inferior parietal cortex and the anterior insula. Across these networks, a robust overlap was only found in a small region of the inferior parietal lobe, adding evidence for its role in domain-general egocentric mapping. Our findings suggest that mental travel in time or space capitalizes on egocentric remapping and on distance computation, which are implemented in distinct dimension-specific cortical networks converging in inferior parietal lobe.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAs humans, we can consciously imagine ourselves at a different time (mental time travel) or at a different place (mental space navigation). Are such abilities domain-general, or are the temporal and spatial dimensions of our conscious experience separable? Here, we tested the hypothesis that mental time travel and mental space navigation required the egocentric remapping of events, including the estimation of their distances to the self. We report that, although both remapping and distance computation are foundational for the processing of the temporal and spatial dimensions of our conscious experience, their neuroanatomical implementations were clearly dissociable and engaged distinct parietal and parietofrontal networks for mental space navigation and mental time travel, respectively.
Temporal Profiling of Astrocyte Precursors Reveals Parallel Roles forAsefduring Development and after Injury
Authors: Chaboub Lesley S. , Manalo Jeanne M. , Lee Hyun Kyoung , Glasgow Stacey M. , Chen Fengju , Kawasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyama Tetsu , Kuo Chay T. , Creighton Chad J. , Mohila Carrie A. , Deneen Benjamin
Published: November 2016

Lineage development is a stepwise process, governed by stage-specific regulatory factors and associated markers. Astrocytes are one of the principle cell types in the CNS and the stages associated with their development remain very poorly defined. To identify these stages, we performed gene-expression profiling on astrocyte precursor populations in the spinal cord, identifying distinct patterns of gene induction during their development that are strongly correlated with human astrocytes. Validation studies identified a new cohort of astrocyte-associated genes during development and demonstrated their expression in reactive astrocytes in human white matter injury (WMI). Functional studies on one of these genes revealed that mice lackingAsefexhibited impaired astrocyte differentiation during development and repair after WMI, coupled with compromised blood–brain barrier integrity in the adult CNS. These studies have identified distinct stages of astrocyte lineage development associated with human WMI and, together with our functional analysis ofAsef, highlight the parallels between astrocyte development and their reactive counterparts associated with injury.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAstrocytes play a central role in CNS function and associated diseases. Yet the mechanisms that control their development remain poorly defined. Using the developing mouse spinal cord as a model system, we identify molecular changes that occur in developing astrocytes. These molecular signatures are strongly correlated with human astrocyte expression profiles and validation in mouse spinal cord identifies a host of new genes associated with the astrocyte lineage. These genes are present in reactive astrocytes in human white matter injury, and functional studies reveal that one of these genes,Asef, contributes to reactive astrocyte responses after injury. These studies identify distinct stages of astrocyte lineage development and highlight the parallels between astrocyte development and their reactive counterparts associated with injury.
Novel Roles for the Insulin-Regulated Glucose Transporter-4 in Hippocampally Dependent Memory
Authors: Pearson-Leary Jiah , McNay Ewan C.
Published: November 2016

The insulin-regulated glucose transporter-4 (GluT4) is critical for insulin- and contractile-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. GluT4 is also expressed in some hippocampal neurons, but its functional role in the brain is unclear. Several established molecular modulators of memory processing regulate hippocampal GluT4 trafficking and hippocampal memory formation is limited by both glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. Therefore, we hypothesized that hippocampal GluT4 might be involved in memory processes. Here, we show that, in male rats, hippocampal GluT4 translocates to the plasma membrane after memory training and that acute, selective intrahippocampal inhibition of GluT4-mediated glucose transport impaired memory acquisition, but not memory retrieval. Other studies have shown that prolonged systemic GluT4 blockade causes insulin resistance. Unexpectedly, we found that prolonged hippocampal blockade of glucose transport through GluT4-upregulated markers of hippocampal insulin signaling prevented task-associated depletion of hippocampal glucose and enhanced both working and short-term memory while also impairing long-term memory. These effects were accompanied by increased expression of hippocampal AMPA GluR1 subunits and the neuronal GluT3, but decreased expression of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor, consistent with impaired ability to form long-term memories. Our findings are the first to show the cognitive impact of brain GluT4 modulation. They identify GluT4 as a key regulator of hippocampal memory processing and also suggest differential regulation of GluT4 in the hippocampus from that in peripheral tissues.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe role of insulin-regulated glucose transporter-4 (GluT4) in the brain is unclear. In the current study, we demonstrate that GluT4 is a critical component of hippocampal memory processes. Memory training increased hippocampal GluT4 translocation and memory acquisition was impaired by GluT4 blockade. Unexpectedly, whereas long-term inhibition of GluT4 impaired long-term memory, short-term memory was enhanced. These data further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of memory and have particular significance for type 2 diabetes (in which GluT4 activity in the periphery is impaired) and Alzheimer's disease (which is linked to impaired brain insulin signaling and for which type 2 diabetes is a key risk factor). Both diseases cause marked impairment of hippocampal memory linked to hippocampal hypometabolism, suggesting the possibility that brain GluT4 dysregulation may be one cause of cognitive impairment in these disease states.
Consolidation of Goal-Directed Action Depends on MAPK/ERK Signaling in Rodent Prelimbic Cortex
Authors: Hart Genevra , Balleine Bernard W.
Published: November 2016

The prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL) has consistently been found to be necessary for the acquisition of goal-directed actions in rodents. Nevertheless, the specific cellular processes underlying this learning remain unknown. We assessed changes in learning-related expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MAPK/ERK1/2) phosphorylation (pERK) in layers 2–3 and 5–6 of the anterior and posterior PL and in the population of neurons projecting to posterior dorsomedial striatum (pDMS), also implicated in goal-directed learning. Rats were given either a single session of training to press a lever for a pellet reward or yoked reward deliveries without instrumental training and assessed 5 or 60 min after training for pERK expression. Relative to yoked training, instrumental training produced an increase in pERK expression in all regions of the PL both at 5 and 60 min, and this was accompanied by an increase in nuclear pERK expression in the posterior PL in rats given instrumental training. pDMS-projecting neurons showed a transient increase in pERK expression in posterior layer 5–6 projection neurons after 5 min, and a delayed increase in anterior layer 2–3 neurons after 60 min, suggesting that ERK expression in the PL is necessary for the consolidation of goal-directed learning. Consistent with this claim, we found that rats trained on two lever press actions for distinct outcomes and then infused with the MEK inhibitor PD98059 into the PL immediately after training failed to acquire specific action–outcome associations, suggesting that persistent pERK signaling in the PL is necessary for goal-directed learning.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe prelimbic cortex is implicated in goal-directed learning in rodents; however, it is unclear whether it is involved in the consolidation of this learning, and what cellular processes are involved. We used pERK as a marker of activity-related synaptic plasticity to assess learning-induced changes in distinct layers and neuronal populations of the prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL). Training produced long-lasting upregulation of pERK throughout the PL and specifically within neurons that project to the pDMS, another region critical for goal-directed learning. Next, we demonstrated that pERK signaling in the PL was necessary for the consolidation of goal-directed learning. Together, these results indicate that instrumental training induces ERK signaling in distinct layers and populations in the PL and this signaling underlies the consolidation of goal-directed learning.
Attentive Motion Discrimination Recruits an Area in Inferotemporal Cortex
Authors: Stemmann Heiko , Freiwald Winrich A.
Published: November 2016

Attentional selection requires the interplay of multiple brain areas. Theoretical accounts of selective attention predict different areas with different functional properties to support endogenous covert attention. To test these predictions, we devised a demanding attention task requiring motion discrimination and spatial selection and performed whole-brain imaging in macaque monkeys. Attention modulated the early visual cortex, motion-selective dorsal stream areas, the lateral intraparietal area, and the frontal eye fields. This pattern of activation supports early selection, feature-based, and biased-competition attention accounts, as well as the frontoparietal theory of attentional control. While high-level motion-selective dorsal stream areas did not exhibit strong attentional modulation, ventral stream areas V4d and the dorsal posterior inferotemporal cortex (PITd) did. The PITd in fact was, consistently across task variations, the most significantly and most strongly attention-modulated area, even though it did not exhibit signs of motion selectivity. Thus the recruitment of the PITd in attention tasks involving different kinds of motion analysis is not predicted by any theoretical account of attention. These functional data, together with known anatomical connections, suggest a general and possibly critical role of the PITd in attentional selection.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAttention is the key cognitive function that selects sensory information relevant to the current goals, relegating other information to the shadows of consciousness. To better understand the neural mechanisms of this interplay between sensory processing and internal cognitive state, we must learn more about the brain areas supporting attentional selection. Here, to test theoretical accounts of attentional selection, we used a novel task requiring sustained attention to motion. We found that, surprisingly, among the most strongly attention-modulated areas is one that is neither selective for the sensory feature relevant for current goals nor one hitherto thought to be involved in attentional control. This discovery suggests a need for an extension of current theoretical accounts of the brain circuits for attentional selection.
Brain Network Mechanisms Underlying Motor Enhancement by Transcranial Entrainment of Gamma Oscillations
Authors: Moisa Marius , Polania Rafael , Grueschow Marcus , Ruff Christian C.
Published: November 2016

Gamma and beta oscillations are routinely observed in motor-related brain circuits during movement preparation and execution. Entrainment of gamma or beta oscillations via transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over primary motor cortex (M1) has opposite effects on motor performance, suggesting a causal role of these brain rhythms for motor control. However, it is largely unknown which brain mechanisms characterize these changes in motor performance brought about by tACS. In particular, it is unclear whether these effects result from brain activity changes only in the targeted areas or within functionally connected brain circuits. Here we investigated this issue by applying gamma-band and beta-band tACS over M1 in healthy humans during a visuomotor task and concurrent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Gamma tACS indeed improved both the velocity and acceleration of visually triggered movements, compared with both beta tACS and sham stimulation. Beta tACS induced a numerical decrease in velocity compared with sham stimulation, but this was not statistically significant. Crucially, gamma tACS induced motor performance enhancements correlated with changed BOLD activity in the stimulated M1. Moreover, we found frequency- and task-specific neural compensatory activity modulations in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), suggesting a key regulatory role of this region in motor performance. Connectivity analyses revealed that the dmPFC interacted functionally with M1 and with regions within the executive motor system. These results suggest a role of the dmPFC for motor control and show that tACS-induced behavioral changes not only result from activity modulations underneath the stimulation electrode but also reflect compensatory modulation within connected and functionally related brain networks. More generally, our results illustrate how combined tACS–fMRI can be used to resolve the causal link between cortical rhythms, brain systems, and behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecent research has suggested a causal role for gamma oscillations during movement preparation and execution. Here we combine transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify the neural mechanisms that accompany motor performance enhancements triggered by gamma tACS over the primary motor cortex. We show that the tACS-induced motor performance enhancements correlate with changed neural activity in the stimulated area and modulate, in a frequency- and task-specific manner, the neural activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. This suggests a regulatory role of this region for motor control. More generally, we show that combined tACS–fMRI can elucidate the causal link between brain oscillations, neural systems, and behavior.
Behind the Legend of Miguel Leonis
Authors: Rivera-Pitt Dinna
Published: November 2016

Californios, the Spanish-speaking natives and landed gentry of early California, perceived themselves as victims of Anglo-American repression after California's annexation in 1848. In Los Angeles, particularly between 1865 and 1890, the deterioration of the Californio families and their ultimate loss of land and status form a poignant narrative in the social history of the state. The three recognized racial designations that dominated the period were Mexican, Anglo, and Native Indian, but more recent studies reveal that the construction of Los Angeles' cultural and political identity during the 1800s also included other ethnic groups. However, the contributions and impact of prominent French Basques on the growth of Los Angeles are often excluded from the historiography. Remarkably, in the San Fernando Valley, wealthy French Basque rancheros lived as Californios and altered the established Californio profile. Unique among them was Miguel Leonis, a wealthy rancho owner who successfully existed as both a landed Californio and an Anglo encroacher.
Effects of levothyroxine treatment on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Nazarpour Sima , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Simbar Masoumeh , Tohidi Maryam , Alavi Majd Hamid , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: November 2016

Background

Despite some studies indicating that thyroid antibody positivity during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, evidence regarding the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment of euthyroid/subclinical hypothyroid pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease on pregnancy outcome is limited. We aimed to assess whether pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease, but without overt thyroid dysfunction are affected by higher rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In addition, we aimed to explore whether LT4 treatment improves the pregnancy outcome of affected women.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out on pregnant women from the first trimester to delivery. The study was conducted among pregnant women receiving prenatal care in centers under coverage of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Of a total of 1746 pregnant women, screened for thyroid dysfunction, 1028 euthyroid TPOAb-negative (TPOAb−) and 131 thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive (TPOAb+) women without overt thyroid dysfunction entered the second phase of the study. TPOAb+ women were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 65), treated with LT4 and group B (n = 66), received no treatment. The 1028 TPOAb− women (group C) served as a normal population control group. Primary outcomes were preterm delivery and miscarriage and secondary outcomes included placenta abruption, still birth, neonatal admission and neonatal TSH levels.

Results

Groups A and C displayed a lower rate of preterm deliveries compared with group B (RR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.1–0.85, P = 0.0229) and (RR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.14–0.40, P < 0.001) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of preterm labor between groups A and C (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.30–2.09, P = 0.64). The number needed to treat (NNT) for preterm birth was 5.9 (95% CI: 3.33–25.16)

Conclusions

Treatment with LT4 decreases the risk of preterm delivery in women who are positive for TPOAb.
A Zebrafish Model for a Human Myopathy Associated with Mutation of the Unconventional Myosin MYO18B
Authors: Gurung Ritika , Ono Yosuke , Baxendale Sarah , Lee Samantha Lin Chiou , Moore Steven , Calvert Meredith , Ingham Philip W
Published: November 2016

Myosin 18B is an unconventional myosin that has been implicated in tumor progression in humans. In addition, loss-of-function mutations of the MYO18B gene have recently been identified in several patients exhibiting symptoms of nemaline myopathy. In mouse, mutation of Myo18B results in early developmental arrest associated with cardiomyopathy, precluding analysis of its effects on skeletal muscle development. The zebrafish, frozen (fro) mutant was identified as one of a group of immotile mutants in the 1996 Tübingen genetic screen. Mutant embryos display a loss of birefringency in their skeletal muscle, indicative of disrupted sarcomeric organization. Using meiotic mapping, we localized the fro locus to the previously unannotated zebrafish myo18b gene, the product of which shares close to 50% identity with its human ortholog. Transcription of myo18b is restricted to fast-twitch myocytes in the zebrafish embryo; consistent with this, fro mutant embryos exhibit defects specifically in their fast-twitch skeletal muscles. We show that sarcomeric assembly is blocked at an early stage in fro mutants, leading to the disorganized accumulation of actin, myosin, and α-actinin and a complete loss of myofibrillar organization in fast-twitch muscles.
List of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the state of Amazonas, Brazil, including new records
Authors: Farias Emanuelle De Sousa , Almeida Jéssica Feijó , Pessoa Felipe Arley Costa
Published: November 2016

Culicoides are vectors of pathogenic agents that infect humans and other animals. Here, we provide a list of Culicoides from the state of Amazonas and also document new records from Presidente Figueiredo Municipality, Amazonas, Brazil. We provide a map of recorded species and a wing atlas for identification. The Culicoides fauna of Amazonas is now known to include 89 known species that belong to seven subgenera, 10 informal species groups, and one ungrouped species. We record nine species of Culicoides (C. aldomari, C. batesi, C. brownie, C. flavivenulus, C. franklini, C. guamai, C. paramaruim, C. pusilloides and C. tidwelli) for the first time from Amazonas state. Culicoides brownie and C. tidwelli are reported for the first time from Brazil.
PENGAMATAN JENIS-JENIS IKAN DI PERAIRAN SUNGAI MUSI SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Bahri Syamsul
Published: November 2016

Indonesia memiliki potensi sumber daya perairan umum, sungai, dan rawa demikian luas yang tersebar di beberapa pulau terutama di Sumatera, Kalimantan,dan Irian Jaya. Sungai Musi sebagai sungai yang terpanjang dan terluas di Sumatera, ditinjau dari segi perikanan mempunyai peranan yang penting sebagaisumber protein hewani bagi masyarakat, mata pencaharian nelayan dan lain-lain.
PENGAMATAN ISI LAMBUNG IKAN NILA DARI PERAIRAN RAWA
Authors: Dwirastina Mirna
Published: November 2016

Ikan nila (Oreochromis niloticus) didatangkan dari Taiwan ke Indonesia sekitar tahun 1969 (Hardjamulia, 1975) dan sekarang telah menyebar ke seluruhpropinsi di Indonesia baik dalam bentuk ikan budi daya maupun bukan ikan budi daya. Ikan nila merupakan ikan yang hidup di air tawar, banyak juga ditemukanpada perairan rawa. Ikan ini bernilai ekonomis penting serta termasuk komoditas ekspor. Pada negara berkembang ikan nila dikonsumsi sebagai sumber protein yang sangat potensial. Untuk meningkatkan produksi ikan ini, diperlukan tersedianya benih yang berkualitas, yaitu mempunyai pertumbuhan cepat, tingkat mortalitas rendah serta bentuk yang menarik (Hanif, 1991).
UNIT PENANGKAPAN JARING ARAD
Authors: Salim Agus , Suwardi Suwardi
Published: November 2016

Jaring arad merupakan hasil modifikasi dari jaring trawl yang telah diatur penggunaannya melalui Keputusan Presiden No.39 tahun 1980. Pada tahun1990-an jaring arad berkembang pesat dan tersebar luas terutama di pantai utara Jawa. Penamaan terhadap alat tangkap ini bermacam-macam seperti trwal mini, pukat kucing, dogol, dan lain-lain.
Estudo de Caso de um Distúrbio Ondulatório de Leste sobre o Estado do Rio Grande do Norte - Brasil
Authors: Neves Danielson Jorge Delgado , Alcântara Clênia Rodrigues , Souza Enio Pereira de
Published: November 2016

Resumo Distúrbios ondulatórios de leste (DOL) são sistemas atmosféricos presentes na região tropical, preferencialmente sobre áreas dos oceanos Atlântico e Pacífico. Sobre o Atlântico são identificados, inicialmente, próximos à costa oeste do continente Africano e se propagam embebidos no fluxo dos Alíseos, em forma de ondas que se deslocam de leste para oeste. No Atlântico tropical sul, os DOL atuam, preferencialmente sobre o leste do Nordeste do Brasil (NEB) contribuindo significativamente para os totais anuais de chuva. O presente trabalho analisa um caso de ocorrência de um DOL sobre o NEB, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, no dia 13 de Junho de 2014, fazendo o uso de dados de reanálise da componente meridional do vento e vorticidade relativa nos níveis de 850 hPa, água precipitável e dados observados de chuva. Observa-se que o DOL se intensifica entre os dias 12 e 13 de Junho, com valores de vorticidade negativa e água precipitável significativos, próximo à costa do NEB, e se apresenta inicialmente como uma extensão da atividade convectiva presente na ZCIT, desde o Oeste Africano. O DOL causou valores significativos de chuva, gerando deslizamentos de terra, alagamentos e problemas no trânsito de Natal, durante copa do mundo de futebol.