bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigation Algorithm Using Fuzzy Control Method in Mobile Robotics
Authors: Cviklovič Vladimír , Olejár Martin , Hrubý Dušan , Palková Zuzana , Lukáč Ondrej , Hlaváč Peter
Published: March 2016

The issue of navigation methods is being continuously developed globally. The aim of this article is to test the fuzzy control algorithm for track finding in mobile robotics. The concept of an autonomous mobile robot EN20 has been designed to test its behaviour. The odometry navigation method was used. The benefits of fuzzy control are in the evidence of mobile robot’s behaviour. These benefits are obtained when more physical variables on the base of more input variables are controlled at the same time. In our case, there are two input variables - heading angle and distance, and two output variables - the angular velocity of the left and right wheel. The autonomous mobile robot is moving with human logic.
Lessons from mammalian hibernators: molecular insights into striated muscle plasticity and remodeling
Authors: Tessier Shannon N. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: March 2016

Striated muscle shows an amazing ability to adapt its structural apparatus based on contractile activity, loading conditions, fuel supply, or environmental factors. Studies with mammalian hibernators have identified a variety of molecular pathways which are strategically regulated and allow animals to endure multiple stresses associated with the hibernating season. Of particular interest is the observation that hibernators show little skeletal muscle atrophy despite the profound metabolic rate depression and mechanical unloading that they experience during long weeks of torpor. Additionally, the cardiac muscle of hibernators must adjust to low temperature and reduced perfusion, while the strength of contraction increases in order to pump cold, viscous blood. Consequently, hibernators hold a wealth of knowledge as it pertains to understanding the natural capacity of myocytes to alter structural, contractile and metabolic properties in response to environmental stimuli. The present review outlines the molecular and biochemical mechanisms which play a role in muscular atrophy, hypertrophy, and remodeling. In this capacity, four main networks are highlighted: (1) antioxidant defenses, (2) the regulation of structural, contractile and metabolic proteins, (3) ubiquitin proteosomal machinery, and (4) macroautophagy pathways. Subsequently, we discuss the role of transcription factors nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), and Forkhead box (FOXO) and their associated posttranslational modifications as it pertains to regulating each of these networks. Finally, we propose that comparing and contrasting these concepts to data collected from model organisms able to withstand dramatic changes in muscular function without injury will allow researchers to delineate physiological versus pathological responses.
As, Cr, Cd, and Pb in Bee Products from a Polish Industrialized Region
Authors: Roman Adam , Popiela-Pleban Ewa , Migdał Paweł , Kruszyński Wojciech
Published: March 2016

Bee pollen and bee bread from stationary apiaries in the southwest Polish Legnica-Glogow copper district (LGOM) were analyzed for Cr, Pb, Cd and As by ICP-AES. Their concentrations in both products were As > Cr > Pb > Cd. Concentrations in bee pollen were higher than in bee bread. Average Cr, Pb, As and Cd concentrations in bee products were 0.138, 0.093, 0.325, and 0.019 mg kg−1, respectively. Chromium was the most problematic element in bee pollen because its concentration limit was exceeded in more than 50% of the samples. Differences in Cd level between bee pollen and bread were significant (p ≤ 0.05)
Preparation and Characterization of Cerium (III) Doped Captopril Nanoparticles and Study of their Photoluminescence Properties
Authors: Ghamami Shahriar , Kazemzade Anari Sanaz , Bakhshi Masome , Lashgari Amir , Salgado-Morán Guillermo , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: March 2016

In this research Ce3+ doped Captopril nanoparticles (Ce3+ doped CAP-NP) were prepared by a cold welding process and have been studied. Captopril may be applied in the treatment of hypertension and some types of congestive heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. CAP-NP was synthesized by a cold welding process. The cerium nitrate was added at a ratio of 10% and the optical properties have been studied by photoluminescence (PL). The synthesized compounds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size of CAP-NP was calculated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The size of CAP-NP was in the range of 50 nm. Morphology of surface of synthesized nanoparticles was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally the luminescence properties of undoped and doped CAP-NP were compared. PL spectra from undoped CAP-NP show a strong pack in the range of 546 nm after doped cerium ion into the captopril appeared two bands at 680 and 357 nm, which is ascribed to the well-known 5d–4f emission band of the cerium.
Waste poly (vinyl chloride) pyrolysis with hydrogen chloride abatement by steelmaking dust
Authors: Korpas Jakub , Slovák Václav , Wichterle Kamil
Published: March 2016

Experimental study on PVC-based materials (PVC = poly (vinyl chloride)) pyrolysis; in the presence of various amounts of steelmaking dust was performed. Dust from steel manufacture employing zinc plated scrap contains a considerable amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) and its utilization in metallurgy is quite complicated. However, the dust can react with hydrogen chloride (HCl) released from heated PVC in the temperature range of 200–400°C. Material balance of the pyrolysis process was studied by thermogravimetry, and the data obtained were compared with the results of larger laboratory oven experiments. In excess of PVC, the amount of captured HCl stoichiometrically corresponds to the content of ZnO; additional HCl is probably captured by FeCl
Effect of titanium source on structural properties and acidity of Ti-pillared bentonite
Authors: Basoglu Funda Turgut
Published: March 2016

Ti-pillared bentonites (Ti-PBs) were synthesised using bentonite from the Hançılı region in Turkey. Ti(IV) chloride, Ti(IV) ethoxide and Ti(IV) propoxide were used as the titanium sources; the syntheses were carried out using different H
Role of polydimethylsiloxane in properties of ternary materials based on polyimides containing zeolite Y
Authors: Biçen Merve , Karataş Sevim , Kayaman-Apohan Nilhan , Güngör Atilla
Published: March 2016

Mixed matrix materials, containing poly(dimethylsiloxane), phosphine oxide-based polyimide, and zeolite Y were prepared by means of blending hybridisation. The thermal stability of the materials and the hydrophobic properties were enhanced. The decrease in the glass transition temperature of the materials with the increase in poly(dimethylsiloxane) content supported the polymer-chain flexibility. The pristine polyimide and the zeolite-filled polyimide exhibited the highest transparency. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that the increase in the amount of the lowest molecular mass poly(dimethylsiloxane) ingredient indicated strong alkyl and Si—O—Si stretching modes, whilst the alkyl and Si—O—Si stretching intensity decreased in the presence of the highest amount of and the highest molecular mass poly(dimethylsiloxane). The hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) moiety created an inverse relationship between the porosity of the materials (surface roughness) and the hydrophilicity. The nanocrystallite domain, identified by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and possessing an exotherm crystallisation peak, occurred in the lowest amount of poly(dimethylsiloxane) with the highest molecular mass-based hybrid material. The nanocrystallite enhanced the storage modulus as determined by the dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). The nanocrystalline formation resulted in a slight increase in the alkyl stretching and the Si—O—Si stretching of the lowest amount of and the highest molecular mass poly(dimethylsiloxane)-containing material over those of the lowest molecular mass poly(dimethylsiloxane) in the same amounts of material involved.
Synthesis of 1-fluoro-substituted codeine derivatives
Authors: Hosztafi Sándor , Marton János
Published: March 2016

Syntheses of new
Synthesis and biological activities of novel quinazolinone derivatives containing a 1,2,4-triazolylthioether moiety
Authors: Yan Bo-Ren , Lv Xin-Yang , Du Huan , Gao Man-Ni , Huang Jian , Bao Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2016

A series of novel quinazolinone derivatives containing a 1,2,4-triazolylthioether moiety were synthesised and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated. All the target compounds were characterised by
Ist Vertrauenswürdigkeit das formale Objekt des Vertrauens?
Authors: Schmid Hans Bernhard
Published: March 2016

To say that trustworthiness is the formal object of trust is to claim that trust is an intentional attitude that is determined in its mode and made intelligible by the fact that the trusting person ascribes to the person she trusts the property of being trustworthy with regard to the good entrusted to her. This view is attractive because it seems to offer an easy way to characterise trust as a specific attitude, and it opens up a perspective regarding the place of trust in practical reason. This paper argues against this view. It is claimed that trustworthiness is a social status. Where people are recognised as trustworthy, you can rely on them rather than having to trust them.
A Framework for Evaluation of Marine Spatial Data Geoportals Using Case Studies
Authors: Tavra Marina , Cetl Vlado , Duplančić Leder Tea
Published: March 2016

Need for a Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) as a component of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is widely recognized. An MSDI is relevant not only for hydrographers and government planners, but also for many other sectors which takes interest in marine spatial data, whether they are data users, data providers, or data managers [9]. An MSDI encompasses marine and coastal geographic and business information. For efficient use of Marine Spatial Data, it is necessary to ensure its valid and accessible distribution. A geoportal is a specialized web portal for sharing spatial information at different levels over the Internet. This paper re-examines the implementation of an MSDI and what it means for data custodians and end users. Several geoportals are reviewed (German and Australian) to determine their web services functionality, capabilities and the scope to which they support the sharing and reuse of Marine Spatial Data to assist the development of the Croatian MSDI Geoportal. This framework provides a context for better understanding the information bases on spatial data standards and a tool for evaluation of MSDI dissemination - Geoportal.
A Model of Clean Water Supply and Improvement of Enviromental Sanitary Conditions in Residential Clusters in The Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Chi Nguyen Thuy Lan , Dạo Phan
Published: March 2016

In accordance with Decision 99/TTg dated 9/2/1996 and Decision 173/TTg dated 6/11/2001 of the Prime Minister regarding the construction program of residential clusters (residential flood free areas), these residential areas as constructed would be fully equipped with critical infrastructures and services such as water supply and drainage works, toilets with sanitary appropriateness, etc. to ensure environmental sanitary conditions in the residential clusters. However, the actual surveys done in residential clusters in the Mekong Delta show that many arising problems must be addressed to enable the local communities to have better living conditions and ensure the sanitary conditions and environmental safety.
The Prospects of Rainwater Harvesting in the Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Chi Nguyen Thuy Lan , Dao Phan , Hoa Hoang Khanh
Published: March 2016

Wisely using natural water resources to serve human needs plays a decisive role in ensuring water and food security. In the natural water cycle, rainwater is considered as a valuable renewable resource. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for daily life and production is a simple but effective and also environmentally sound measure. It is also a positive solution in a climate change adaptation strategy. However, this resource is being wasted in our country in general and in the HCM City in particular. This paper provides an overview of the status of rainwater use in the world; the general situation, the potential of rainwater collection and a number of issues related to the potential of rainwater harvesting in the city. Some solutions to enhance the use of rainwater and improve water supply for city residents are also suggested in this discussion.
Phagocytosis inMesocestoides vogae-induced peritoneal monocytes/macrophages via opsonin-dependent or independent pathways
Authors: Hrčková G. , Vendelova E. , Velebný S.
Published: March 2016

Intraperitoneal infection with larvae of cestodeMesocestoides vogaeoffers the opportunity to study dynamic changes in the proportion and functions of individual cell types under a direct influence of parasites. The phagocytic activity is one of the basic effector functions of professional phagocytes and receptor-mediated uptake is a central in implementation of inflammatory responses. Present study extends information on this issue by exploring several phagocytosis pathways inM. vogae-induced myelo-monocytic cells. In addition, we analyzed proportions of morphologically distinct phenotypes within macrophage compartments after oral inoculation of larvae to mice. In gradually elevated population of peritoneal exudate cells, monocytes/ macrophages and giant cell were dominant cell types from day 21 p.i. Phagocytic activity of these cells had biphasic behaviour for both opsonin-dependent and independent pathways, whereas uptake by multinucleated macrophages was profoundly reduced. Highly elevated proportions of activated phagocytic cells were found from day 7 to 14 p.i., regardless particle type (latex beads, HEMA, liposomes) and opsonisation. Source of opsonins used for coating of liposomes suggested higher expression of complement receptors than Fc receptors on these cells, although the uptake of non-opsonized liposomes had different kinetics and was very high by activated cells early p.i. Present data indicate that early recruited macrophages/monocytes attain pro-inflammatory functions as indicated by highly elevated phagocytosis of immunologically inert particles as well as opsonized liposomes what is down-regulated once larvae start to proliferate in the peritoneal cavity, suggesting the role of parasite-derived molecules in modulation of this key phagocytes function.
Taxonomic status of Cyathostoma nematodes (Nematoda: Syngaminae) parasitizing respiratory tracts of birds of prey and owls in Europe and North America: how many species are there?
Authors: Kanarek G. , Zaleśny G. , Sitko J. , Blanco A. I.
Published: March 2016

So far, the identity of Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) nematodes collected from respiratory tracts of birds of prey (Accipitriformes, Falconiformes) and owls (Strigiformes) in Europe and North America is extremely inconsistent. Our results, based on analyses of ITS-2 sequences suggest that the Cyathostoma (Hovorkonema) nematodes found in the birds of prey and owls from Central Europe and North America probably belong to the same species, C. (Hovorkonema) americanaChapin, 1925. We are convinced, that described in recent literature high ITS-2 divergence among C. (Hovorkonema) nematodes collected from Europe, has occurred as a result of invalid synonimisation of some C. (Hovorkonema) species. In our opinion C. (Hovorkonema) americana (typically parasites of tracheae and air sacs of raptors) and C. (Hovorkonema) variegatum (Creplin, 1849) (typically parasites of tracheae of cranes and storks) are valid molecular and morphologically distinct species.
Calicophoron daubneyi in sheep and cattle of Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Sanna G. , Varcasia A. , Serra S. , Salis F. , Sanabria R. , Pipia A. P. , Dore F. , Scala A.
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of paramphistomosis and confirm the species identity of rumen flukes from sheep and cattle of Sardinia (Italy), by molecular methods. From 2011 to 2014, 381 sheep and 59 cattle farms were selected and individual faecal samples were run on 15 sheep and 5 cattle for each farm, respectively. The prevalence at the slaughterhouse was calculated by examination of 356 sheep and 505 cattle. 13adult flukes collected from sheep and cattle and 5 belonging to the historical collection of Laboratory of Parasitology at the Department of Veterinary Medicine of Sassari, previously classified as Paramphistomum spp., were used for PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS2+ rDNA. Previously classified Paramphistomum leydeni from South America were used as controls.

The EPG prevalence was 13.9 % and 55.9 % for sheep and cattle farms respectively. At slaughterhouses, paramphistomes were found in 2 % of the sheep and 10.9 % of the examined cows. Conversely to the latest reports, the sequences comparison showed that all the Sardinian rumen flukes belong to Calicophoron daubneyi.
Crystal structure of [2,2′-((((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy-κ2
O,O′))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(azanylylidene-κ2
N,N′))bis(methanylylidene))diphenolato-κ2
O′′,O′′′]zinc(II), C28H22N2O4Zn
Authors: Xu Qiang , Li Guo Qiang , Meng Jiang Ping , He Jia Hong
Published: March 2016

C28H22N2O4Zn, tetragonal, P41212 (no. 92), a = 10.986(5) Å, b = 10.986(5) Å, c = 18.187(8) Å, V = 2195(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0440, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0942, T = 293 K.
Fabrication of mixed matrix poly(phenylene ether-ether sulfone)-based nanofiltration membrane modified by Fe3O4 nanoparticles for water desalination
Authors: Ansari Saeed , Bagheripour Ehsan , Moghadassi Abdolreza , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen
Published: March 2016

In the current research, poly(phenylene ether-ether sulfone) (PEES)-co-poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) nanofiltration membranes were prepared by a casting solution technique using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. The ethanol was used as fixed additive for better dispersion of iron oxide nanoparticles into the membranes structure. The effect of iron oxide nanoparticle concentration in the casting solution on the membrane performance/properties was studied. The membrane pure water flux, permeated flux, salt rejection, water content, tensile strength and membrane porosity were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was also used for the membrane morphology characterization. The results revealed that water content increased from 70.25% for bare PEES to about 83.25% for the membrane filled with 0.05 wt.% nanoparticles. SEM images showed that the membrane structure changed and turned from sponge shape to finger like. The results showed that porosity was increased from 55.92% for PEES one to 69.65% for M3. Additionally, the maximum value of flux was obtained for M3. Moreover, rejection was improved by the addition of nanoparticles into the casting solution compared to the unfilled one. Obtained results showed more appropriate performance for the modified membrane filled with 0.05 wt.% iron oxide nanoparticles compared to other prepared membranes.
Detection of neopterin in tear samples
Authors: Baydar Terken , Kemer Ozlem Evren , Kilicarslan Bilge , Cardak Aziz , Girgin Gözde
Published: March 2016

The main goal of the present study was to detect neopterin concentrations in human tear samples and to evaluate its potential correlation with serum neopterin levels. For this purpose, 20 systemically healthy volunteers were recruited, and both tear and serum samples were synchronically collected from each individual. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was carried out to detect the quantity of neopterin in the samples. Mean human tear neopterin levels were observed as 3±0.56 nM while mean serum neopterin was 9±1.25 nM. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between tear neopterin and serum neopterin concentrations was observed. This is the first report to show neopterin concentration in human tears as a biological sample. Collecting tears from the individuals is a non-invasive sampling method, and as an analytical aspect detection of neopterin by ELISA in tear samples construct a valuable, practical and cheap procedure for the diagnosis and monitoring of intraocular inflammation and systemic immune-mediated diseases.
Children’s environmental health indicators in Australia: are we collecting the right information?
Authors: Sly Peter D. , Sly J. Leith , Moore Sophie E. , Jagals Paul
Published: March 2016

In order to assess progress in improving children’s health objectively standardized measurements are required. The World Health Organization (WHO) undertook a pilot project to develop and implement a series of children’s environmental health indicators (CEHI) to facilitate this process. No countries in Oceania were included in this pilot. This project was undertaken to determine whether data collected and publicly available in Australia were sufficient to address the CEHI. Government documents and websites were searched to obtain publicly available data. These data adequately reflected outcome indicators but data addressing many exposure indicators were either missing or not available in a child-specific format. Australia does collect data on child health and well-being but not in a form compatible with the WHO CEHI.
The Impact Of Sports Activities On Quality Of Life Of Persons With A Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kljajić Dragana , Eminović Fadilj , Dopsaj Milivoj , Pavlović Dragan , Arsić Sladjana , Otašević Jadranka
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Studying the quality of life of people with a spinal cord injury is of great importance as it allows the monitoring of both functioning and adaptation to disability. The aim of this study was to determine the difference between persons with a spinal cord injury involved in sports activities and those not involved in sports activities in relation to their quality of life and the presence of secondary health conditions (pressure ulcers, urinary infections, muscle spasms, osteoporosis, pain, kidney problems-infections, calculosis and poor circulation).

Methods

The study included a total of 44 participants with spinal cord injury-paraplegia of both genders; 26 of them were athletes and 18 were not athletes. The athletes were training actively for the last two years, minimally 2-3 times per week. A specially designed questionnaire, medical documentation and the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Questionnaire (SCI QL-23) were used for research purposes. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences between the groups, while multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to determine the differences between the sets of variables.

Results

Among the participants, the athletes perceived higher quality of life than the non-athletes (male gender p<0.001 and female gender p<0.05). Regarding secondary health conditions, the athletes reported the presence of less pain (p=0.034) and a subjective feeling of better circulation (p=0.023).

Conclusion

The implementation of sports activities significantly improves quality of life in the population of people with spinal cord injury-paraplegia. However, sports activities only partially affect secondary health conditions.
Demographic And Histopathological Characteristics Of Colorectal Polyps: A Descriptive Study Based On Samples Obtained From Symptomatic Patients
Authors: Cekodhima Genta , Cekodhima Altin , Beqiri Arben , Alimehmeti Mehdi , Sulo Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Background

Colorectal polyps (CP) are common among individuals older than 50 years. Some polyp types can precede colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed at describing histopathological characteristics of colorectal polyps in relation to age and gender among symptomatic patients referred for a colonoscopy examination during 2011-2014 in Tirana, Albania.

Methods

Study population included 267 individuals aged ≥ 20 years and diagnosed with ≥ 1 polyp during a colonoscopy examination. A total of 346 polyps were identified, excised and measured, and underwent histopathological examination.

Results

Adenomas accounted for 79.8% of all polyps and tubular type was the most frequent one (74.4%). The majority of polyps (42.5%) were small (<1 cm), 38.7% of a medium size (1-2 cm) and 18.8% large (>2 cm). Adenomas were larger than non-adenomatous polyps (p<0.01)

There was no gender difference with regard to patient age (p=0.22) or polyp size (p=0.84) Adenomas were more frequent among men compared to women (p=0.02). Age was strongly related to polyp characteristics. The proportion of adenomas increased significantly with age (p<0.01). Within adenomas, the proportion of villous types - a precursor of colorectal cancer - increased remarkably with age (p=0.01). Older age was positively associated with potentially malignant adenomas (defined as adenomas > 1 cm and showing high-grade dysplasia) (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Adenomas accounted for the majority of polyps. Their morphology, size and malignant potential were related to patient age.
Infections Caused By Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus European Clone (ST80) In Slovenia Between 2006 And 2013
Authors: Dermota Urška , Jurca Tomaž , Harlander Tatjana , Košir Marta , Zajc Urška , Golob Majda , Zdovc Irena , Grmek Košnik Irena
Published: March 2016

Introduction

According to the existing literature, a heterogeneous sequence type (ST) or clones of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) circulate in Europe. In Europe, the European clone that belongs to sequence type ST80 is predominant.

Methods

The aim of the study was to investigate the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and epidemiological data of CA-MRSA ST80 and its occurrence in Slovenia. We retrospectively analyzed those CA-MRSA isolates that were isolated during microbiological procedures in microbiological laboratories between 2006 and 2013. Only CA-MRSA isolates from the national collection of CA-MRSA strains that belonged to ST80 (European clone) were analyzed. We determined the Pantone-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), mec A genes, exfoliative toxin genes and type of staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCCmec) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We determined also spa type and sequence type.

Results

ST80 was confirmed in only 2 (0.5%) out of 385 CA-MRSA isolates, collected in a national collection of CAMRSA. Both isolates were positive for the PVL genes, mec A gene, exfoliative toxin type D gene and SCCmec IV. One CA-MRSA isolate was confirmed in a wound swab taken from a 47-year-old male, and the second was isolated from blood cultures of a 69-year-old female. No epidemiological connections between them were found.

Conclusions

In Slovenia CA-MRSA infections caused by ST80 are rare. In the future, it is necessary that a surveillance study of CA-MRSA at the national level continues and CA-MRSA be considered as a public health threat.
Discontinuous modulation functions and their application for analysis of modulated structures with the computing system JANA2006
Authors: Petříček Václav , Eigner Václav , Dušek Michal , Čejchan Antonín
Published: March 2016

Discontinuous modulation functions called crenel and saw-tooth have been developed for description and refinement of strongly modulated crystal structures with abrupt changes of modulation parameters. Although used for refinement of many modulated structures and mentioned in books on aperiodic crystals, technical details of such refinements have never been published and remained hidden in the source code of the refinement program Jana2006. In this article we explain how to recognize discontinuous modulations in a Fourier map and how to refine structures where crenel or saw-tooth functions are combined with additional secondary modulation. Three sets of functions suitable for such combination are presented: the traditional ortho-harmonics, and newly developed sets of Legendre polynomials and x-harmonics. Tiny differences between refinements based on particular function sets are demonstrated using simulated as well as existing modulated structures.
Multifold Darboux Transformations of the Extended Bigraded Toda Hierarchy
Authors: Li Chuanzhong , Song Tao
Published: March 2016

With the extended logarithmic flow equations and some extended Vertex operators in generalized Hirota bilinear equations, extended bigraded Toda hierarchy (EBTH) was proved to govern the Gromov-Witten theory of orbiford c

NM
in literature. The generating function of these Gromov-Witten invariants is one special solution of the EBTH. In this article, the multifold Darboux transformations and their determinant representations of the EBTH are given with two different gauge transformation operators. The two Darboux transformations in different directions are used to generate new solutions from known solutions which include soliton solutions of (N, N)-EBTH, i.e. the EBTH when N=M. From the generation of new solutions, we can find the big difference between the EBTH and the extended Toda hierarchy (ETH). Also, we plotted the soliton graphs of the (N, N)-EBTH from which some approximation analysis is given. From the analysis on velocities of soliton solutions, the difference between the extended flows and other flows are shown. The two different Darboux transformations constructed by us might be useful in Gromov-Witten theory of orbiford c

NM
.
Influence of hydrogenation and mechanical grinding on the structural and ferromagnetic properties of GdFeSi
Authors: Chevalier Bernard , Duttine Mathieu , Wattiaux Alain
Published: March 2016

Hydrogen insertion into GdFeSi induces (i) a structural transition from a tetragonal CeFeSi-type to a tetragonal ZrCuSiAs-type, (ii) an anisotropic expansion of the unit cell parameters because the a parameter decreases, whereas the c parameter increases, and (iii) a decrease in Curie temperature from 121 to 20 K. On the contrary, an amorphous ferromagnet (T
C = 65 K) is obtained by mechanical grinding of GdFeSi. The three compounds (GdFeSi, GdFeSiH, and amorphous GdFeSi) were investigated by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. At 4.2 K, this study has revealed that the magnetically ordered Gd substructure produces a small transferred hyperfine magnetic field at the 57Fe nucleus.
17β-Estradiol and Agonism of G-protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Enhance Hippocampal Memory via Different Cell-Signaling Mechanisms
Authors: Kim Jaekyoon , Szinte Julia S. , Boulware Marissa I. , Frick Karyn M.
Published: March 2016

The ability of 17β-estradiol (E2) to enhance hippocampal object recognition and spatial memory depends on rapid activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the dorsal hippocampus (DH). Although this activation can be mediated by the intracellular estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, little is known about the role that the membrane estrogen receptor GPER plays in regulating ERK or E2-mediated memory formation. In this study, post-training DH infusion of the GPER agonist G-1 enhanced object recognition and spatial memory in ovariectomized female mice, whereas the GPER antagonist G-15 impaired memory, suggesting that GPER activation, like E2, promotes hippocampal memory formation. However, unlike E2, G-1 did not increase ERK phosphorylation, but instead significantly increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the DH. Moreover, DH infusion of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 prevented G-1 from enhancing object recognition and spatial memory, but the ERK inhibitor U0126 did not. These data suggest that GPER enhances memory via different cell-signaling mechanisms than E2. This conclusion was supported by data showing that the ability of E2to facilitate memory and activate ERK signaling was not blocked by G-15 or SP600125, which demonstrates that the memory-enhancing effects of E2are not dependent on JNK or GPER activation in the DH. Together, these data indicate that GPER regulates memory independently from ERα and ERβ by activating JNK signaling, rather than ERK signaling. Thus, the findings suggest that GPER in the DH may not function as an estrogen receptor to regulate object recognition and spatial memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough 17β-estradiol has long been known to regulate memory function, the molecular mechanisms underlying estrogenic memory modulation remain largely unknown. Here, we examined whether the putative membrane estrogen receptor GPER acts like the classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, to facilitate hippocampal memory in female mice. Although GPER activation did enhance object recognition and spatial memory, it did so by activating different cell-signaling mechanisms from ERα, ERβ, or 17β-estradiol. These data indicate that 17β-estradiol and GPER independently regulate hippocampal memory, and suggest that hippocampal GPER may not function as an estrogen receptor in the dorsal hippocampus. These findings are significant because they provide novel insights about the molecular mechanisms through which 17β-estradiol modulates hippocampal memory.
Cell Type-Specific Circuit Mapping Reveals the Presynaptic Connectivity of Developing Cortical Circuits
Authors: Cocas Laura A. , Fernandez Gloria , Barch Mariya , Doll Jason , Zamora Diaz Ivan , Pleasure Samuel J.
Published: March 2016

The mammalian cerebral cortex is a dense network composed of local, subcortical, and intercortical synaptic connections. As a result, mapping cell type-specific neuronal connectivity in the cerebral cortexin vivohas long been a challenge for neurobiologists. In particular, the development of excitatory and inhibitory interneuron presynaptic input has been hard to capture. We set out to analyze the development of this connectivity in the first postnatal month using a murine model. First, we surveyed the connectivity of one of the earliest populations of neurons in the brain, the Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells in the neocortex, which are known to be critical for cortical layer formation and are hypothesized to be important in the establishment of early cortical networks. We found that CR cells receive inputs from deeper-layer excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons in the first postnatal week. We also found that both excitatory pyramidal neurons and inhibitory interneurons received broad inputs in the first postnatal week, including inputs from CR cells. Expanding our analysis into the more mature brain, we assessed the inputs onto inhibitory interneurons and excitatory projection neurons, labeling neuronal progenitors with Cre drivers to study discrete populations of neurons in older cortex, and found that excitatory cortical and subcortical inputs are refined by the fourth week of development, whereas local inhibitory inputs increase during this postnatal period. Cell type-specific circuit mapping is specific, reliable, and effective, and can be used on molecularly defined subtypes to determine connectivity in the cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMapping cortical connectivity in the developing mammalian brain has been an intractable problem, in part because it has not been possible to analyze connectivity with cell subtype precision. Our study systematically targets the presynaptic connections of discrete neuronal subtypes in both the mature and developing cerebral cortex. We analyzed the connections that Cajal-Retzius cells make and receive, and found that these cells receive inputs from deeper-layer excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons in the first postnatal week. We assessed the inputs onto inhibitory interneurons and excitatory projection neurons, the major two types of neurons in the cortex, and found that excitatory inputs are refined by the fourth week of development, whereas local inhibitory inputs increase during this postnatal period.
Synaptic Mechanisms Generating Orientation Selectivity in the ON Pathway of the Rabbit Retina
Authors: Venkataramani Sowmya , Taylor W. Rowland
Published: March 2016

Neurons that signal the orientation of edges within the visual field have been widely studied in primary visual cortex. Much less is known about the mechanisms of orientation selectivity that arise earlier in the visual stream. Here we examine the synaptic and morphological properties of a subtype of orientation-selective ganglion cell in the rabbit retina. The receptive field has an excitatory ON center, flanked by excitatory OFF regions, a structure similar to simple cell receptive fields in primary visual cortex. Examination of the light-evoked postsynaptic currents in these ON-type orientation-selective ganglion cells (ON-OSGCs) reveals that synaptic input is mediated almost exclusively through the ON pathway. Orientation selectivity is generated by larger excitation for preferred relative to orthogonal stimuli, and conversely larger inhibition for orthogonal relative to preferred stimuli. Excitatory orientation selectivity arises in part from the morphology of the dendritic arbors. Blocking GABAAreceptors reduces orientation selectivity of the inhibitory synaptic inputs and the spiking responses. Negative contrast stimuli in the flanking regions produce orientation-selective excitation in part by disinhibition of a tonic NMDA receptor-mediated input arising from ON bipolar cells. Comparison with earlier studies of OFF-type OSGCs indicates that diverse synaptic circuits have evolved in the retina to detect the orientation of edges in the visual input.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTA core goal for visual neuroscientists is to understand how neural circuits at each stage of the visual system extract and encode features from the visual scene. This study documents a novel type of orientation-selective ganglion cell in the retina and shows that the receptive field structure is remarkably similar to that of simple cells in primary visual cortex. However, the data indicate that, unlike in the cortex, orientation selectivity in the retina depends on the activity of inhibitory interneurons. The results further reveal the physiological basis for feature detection in the visual system, elucidate the synaptic mechanisms that generate orientation selectivity at an early stage of visual processing, and illustrate a novel role for NMDA receptors in retinal processing.
Synaptic Deficits at Neuromuscular Junctions in Two Mouse Models of Charcot–Marie–Tooth Type 2d
Authors: Spaulding Emily L. , Sleigh James N. , Morelli Kathryn H. , Pinter Martin J. , Burgess Robert W. , Seburn Kevin L.
Published: March 2016

Patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth Type 2D (CMT2D), caused by dominant mutations in Glycl tRNA synthetase (GARS), present with progressive weakness, consistently in the hands, but often in the feet also. Electromyography shows denervation, and patients often report that early symptoms include cramps brought on by cold or exertion. Based on reported clinical observations, and studies of mouse models of CMT2D, we sought to determine whether weakened synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an aspect of CMT2D. Quantal analysis of NMJs in two different mouse models of CMT2D (GarsP278KY,GarsC201R), found synaptic deficits that correlated with disease severity and progressed with age. Results of voltage-clamp studies revealed presynaptic defects characterized by: (1) decreased frequency of spontaneous release without any change in quantal amplitude (miniature endplate current), (2) reduced amplitude of evoked release (endplate current) and quantal content, (3) age-dependent changes in the extent of depression in response to repetitive stimulation, and (4) release failures at some NMJs with high-frequency, long-duration stimulation. Drugs that modify synaptic efficacy were tested to see whether neuromuscular performance improved. The presynaptic action of 3,4 diaminopyridine was not beneficial, whereas postsynaptic-acting physostigmine did improve performance. Smaller mutant NMJs with correspondingly fewer vesicles and partial denervation that eliminates some release sites also contribute to the reduction of release at a proportion of mutant NMJs. Together, these voltage-clamp data suggest that a number of release processes, while essentially intact, likely operate suboptimally at most NMJs of CMT2D mice.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe have uncovered a previously unrecognized aspect of axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in mouse models of CMT2D. Synaptic dysfunction contributes to impaired neuromuscular performance and disease progression. This suggests that drugs which improve synaptic efficacy at the NMJ could be considered in treating the pathophysiology of CMT2D patients.
Interdependent Conductances Drive Infraslow Intrinsic Rhythmogenesis in a Subset of Accessory Olfactory Bulb Projection Neurons
Authors: Gorin Monika , Tsitoura Chryssanthi , Kahan Anat , Watznauer Katja , Drose Daniela R. , Arts Martijn , Mathar Rudolf , O'Connor Simon , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Ben-Shaul Yoram , Spehr Marc
Published: March 2016

The accessory olfactory system controls social and sexual behavior. However, key aspects of sensory signaling along the accessory olfactory pathway remain largely unknown. Here, we investigate patterns of spontaneous neuronal activity in mouse accessory olfactory bulb mitral cells, the direct neural link between vomeronasal sensory input and limbic output. Bothin vitroandin vivo, we identify a subpopulation of mitral cells that exhibit slow stereotypical rhythmic discharge. In intrinsically rhythmogenic neurons, these periodic activity patterns are maintained in absence of fast synaptic drive. The physiological mechanism underlying mitral cell autorhythmicity involves cyclic activation of three interdependent ionic conductances: subthreshold persistent Na+current, R-type Ca2+current, and Ca2+-activated big conductance K+current. Together, the interplay of these distinct conductances triggers infraslow intrinsic oscillations with remarkable periodicity, a default output state likely to affect sensory processing in limbic circuits.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe show for the first time that some rodent accessory olfactory bulb mitral cells—the direct link between vomeronasal sensory input and limbic output—are intrinsically rhythmogenic. Driven by ≥3 distinct interdependent ionic conductances, infraslow intrinsic oscillations show remarkable periodicity bothin vitroandin vivo. As a novel default state, infraslow autorhythmicity is likely to affect limbic processing of pheromonal information.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Brain Network Connectivity Maintains Cognition across the Lifespan Despite Accelerated Decay of Regional Brain Activation
Authors: Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Henson Richard N.A. , Tyler Lorraine K. , Razi Adeel , Geerligs Linda , Ham Timothy E. , Rowe James B. ,   Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience
Published: March 2016

The maintenance of wellbeing across the lifespan depends on the preservation of cognitive function. We propose that successful cognitive aging is determined by interactions both within and between large-scale functional brain networks. Such connectivity can be estimated from task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), also known as resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). However, common correlational methods are confounded by age-related changes in the neurovascular signaling. To estimate network interactions at the neuronal rather than vascular level, we used generative models that specified both the neural interactions and a flexible neurovascular forward model. The networks' parameters were optimized to explain the spectral dynamics of rs-fMRI data in 602 healthy human adults from population-based cohorts who were approximately uniformly distributed between 18 and 88 years (www.cam-can.com). We assessed directed connectivity within and between three key large-scale networks: the salience network, dorsal attention network, and default mode network. We found that age influences connectivity both within and between these networks, over and above the effects on neurovascular coupling. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that the relationship between network connectivity and cognitive function was age-dependent: cognitive performance relied on neural dynamics more strongly in older adults. These effects were driven partly by reduced stability of neural activity within all networks, as expressed by an accelerated decay of neural information. Our findings suggest that the balance of excitatory connectivity between networks, and the stability of intrinsic neural representations within networks, changes with age. The cognitive function of older adults becomes increasingly dependent on these factors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMaintaining cognitive function is critical to successful aging. To study the neural basis of cognitive function across the lifespan, we studied a large population-based cohort (n= 602, 18–88 years), separating neural connectivity from vascular components of fMRI signals. Cognitive ability was influenced by the strength of connection within and between functional brain networks, and this positive relationship increased with age. In older adults, there was more rapid decay of intrinsic neuronal activity in multiple regions of the brain networks, which related to cognitive performance. Our data demonstrate increased reliance on network flexibility to maintain cognitive function, in the presence of more rapid decay of neural activity. These insights will facilitate the development of new strategies to maintain cognitive ability.
A Network of Three Types of Filaments Organizes Synaptic Vesicles for Storage, Mobilization, and Docking
Authors: Cole Andy A. , Chen Xiaobing , Reese Thomas S.
Published: March 2016

Synaptic transmission between neurons requires precise management of synaptic vesicles. While individual molecular components of the presynaptic terminal are well known, exactly how the molecules are organized into a molecular machine serving the storage and mobilization of synaptic vesicles to the active zone remains unclear. Here we report three filament types associated with synaptic vesicles in glutamatergic synapses revealed by electron microscope tomography in unstimulated, dissociated rat hippocampal neurons. One filament type, likely corresponding to the SNAREpin complex, extends from the active zone membrane and surrounds docked vesicles. A second filament type contacts all vesicles throughout the active zone and pairs vesicles together. On the third filament type, vesicles attach to side branches extending from the long filament core and form vesicle clusters that are distributed throughout the vesicle cloud and along the active zone membrane. Detailed analysis of presynaptic structure reveals how each of the three filament types interacts with synaptic vesicles, providing a means to traffic reserved and recycled vesicles from the cloud of vesicles into the docking position at the active zone.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe formation and release of synaptic vesicles has been extensively investigated. Explanations of the release of synaptic vesicles generally begin with the movement of vesicles from the cloud into the synaptic active zone. However, the presynaptic terminal is filled with filamentous material that would appear to limit vesicular diffusion. Here, we provide a systematic description of three filament types connecting synaptic vesicles. A picture emerges illustrating how the cooperative attachment and release of these three filament types facilitate the movement of vesicles to the active zone to become docked in preparation for release.