bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Relationships among Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake (Leguminosae) Ecotypes from Ecuador and other Countries
Authors: Canchignia-Martínez H. F. , Hernández-Delgado S. , González-Paz M. , Motte E. , Mayek-Pérez N.
Published: October 2017

Fifteen ecotypes of Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake collected in Ecuador (9), Brazil (3), Bolivia (1) Costa Rica (1), and Peru (1) were analyzed using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) and microsatellites (SSRs) in order to determine their genetic relationships and diversity patterns among ecotypes and to identify the origin of cultivated germplasm in Ecuador. Although AFLP markers were the most informative technique based on amplified products, SSRs clearly differentiated the ecotypes of Ecuador based on their geographical origin or genetic status into two groups: commercial ecotypes growing at western Ecuador very similar to the ecotype from Costa Rica, and native germplasm from eastern Ecuador and ecotypes from Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.
Fertility Variation and its Implications on Relatedness in Seed Crops in Seedling Seed Orchards of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. tereticornis
Authors: Kamalakannan R. , Varghese M. , Lindgren D.
Published: October 2017

Seedling seed orchards of Eucalyptus tereticornis (N =192 & 505) and E. camaldulensis (N =182 & 525) were established at two sites (one moist and one dry) in southern India. The fertility (based on the number of flowers and fruits) was registered for each tree at age eight and nine years. E. camaldulensis on the moist location had 73% fertile trees and low fertility difference (sibling coefficient, Ψ, was 2.27) at eight years. whereas Only 23% trees were fertile in the E. tereticornis orchard at the same site and the fertility variation was high (Ψ =11.71). In the dry location, fertility was almost the same in both species at nine years, with 45 & 51% fertile trees in E. camaldulensis (Ψ =5.4) and E. tereticornis (Ψ = 5.2) respectively. Though the fertility trends were the same in both years, the number of fertile trees was comparatively higher at nine years (except in the low flowering E. tereticornis orchard at the moist site) in both the sites. Gene diversity values of the seed crop estimated for two consecutive years are fairly high except for the E. tereticornis (GD = 0.9650 and 0.9690) orchard located in the moist site. The implications of fertility variation on diversity of progeny have been discussed in the light of domestication strategies and tree breeding programs implemented for eucalypts.
Morphological Differentiation and Hybridization between Quercus alnifolia Poech and Quercus coccifera L. (Fagaceae) in Cyprus
Authors: Neophytou Ch. , Palli G. , Dounavi A. , Aravanopoulos F. A.
Published: October 2017

Analysis of morphological traits was carried out in order to provide insights regarding differentiation and hybridization between two evergreen oak species, the golden oak (Quercus alnifolia Poech) and the holly oak (Quercus coccifera L.) in Cyprus. The holly oak shows a higher degree of morphological diversity, in comparison to the endemic golden oak, which is confined to the ultrabasic rock formations of the Troodos Massif. The parental species can be clearly distinguished. Each species forms both pure and sympatric populations; no significant differences were observed at the within species level. Analysis of mixed stands indicates active but limited genetic introgression and hybridization between the two oaks. Designated hybrids form a distinct group in multivariate space being morphologically closer to the golden oak. Backcrossing events have been implicated from multivariate analysis, while hybrids appear to be more similar to Q. alnifolia.
Genetic Gain and Diversity under Different Selection Methods in a Breeding Seed Orchard of Quercus serrata
Authors: Kang K. S. , Cheon B. H. , Han S. U. , Kim C. S. , Choi W. Y.
Published: October 2017

Genetic gain and diversity were estimated in a 13- year old Quercus serrata breeding seed orchard under three selection (rouging) methods. The selections were based on individual selection, family selection, and family plus within family selection. Genetic gain was for stem volume and gene diversity was estimated by status number concept. Both estimated genetic gain and gene diversity were compared to those before selection and among selection scenarios. Estimated genetic gain for tree volume ranged from 4.0% to 9.1% for three selection methods under 50% selection intensity. Individual selection was better than family selection for retaining higher genetic gain and status number. Family plus within family selection was the best selection method, while individual selection was more efficient at the strong selection intensity. An optimal point, which maximized gain and diversity, was occurred at 50% selection intensity that would be applied for genetic thinning in the breeding seed orchard of Quercus serrata. The effect of genetic relatedness among families and possible pollen contamination on both genetic gain and gene diversity, although were not studied but their impact, are discussed. The selection method and intensity level applied should be chosen after careful consideration of the impacts on both genetic gain and diversity for seeds produced from the seed orchard.
Genetic Diversity of Hippophae rhamnoides Populations at Varying Altitudes in the Wolong Natural Reserve of China as Revealed by ISSR Markers
Authors: Chen G. , Wang Y. , Zhao C. , Korpelainen H. , Li C.
Published: October 2017

Hippophae rhamnoides L., a dioecious and deciduous shrub species, occupies a wide range of habitats in the Wolong Nature Reserve, Southwest China. Our present study investigated the pattern of genetic variation and differentiation among five natural populations of H. rhamnoides, occurring along an altitudinal gradient that varied from 1,800 to 3,400 m above sea level in the Wolong Natural Reserve, by using ISSR markers. Based on fingerprinting patterns generated by fifteen primers, high levels of genetic variation were present within populations and subpopulations. Substantial genetic divergence was observed among populations, and also among female and male subpopulations, the GSTvalues equaling 0.182, 0.222, and 0.238, respectively. Such considerable divergence present among populations and subpopulations may be caused by complex topography which effectively restricts gene flow, and by variable climatic conditions at different altitudes which may cause varying selective pressures. A significantly positive correlation between genetic and altitudinal distances was detected for the five populations and female subpopulations of H. rhamnoides. The cluster analysis including all populations or male subpopulations resulted in three altitude groups. Our results suggest that altitudinal gradients may be the prime cause affecting the genetic variation pattern of different populations and subpopulations in H. rhamnoides in the Wolong Nature Reserve, Southwest China.
Direct and Competition Additive Effects in Tree Breeding: Bayesian Estimation From an Individual Tree Mixed Model
Authors: Cappa E. P. , Cantet R. J. C.
Published: October 2017

An individual tree model with additive direct and competition effects is introduced to account for competitive effects in forest genetics evaluation. The mixed linear model includes fixed effects as well as direct and competition breeding values plus permanent environmental effects. Competition effects, either additive or environmental, are identified in the phenotype of a competitor tree by means of ‘intensity of competition’ elements (IC), which are non-zero elements of the incidence matrix of the additive competition effects. The ICs are inverse function of the distance and the number of competing individuals, either row-column wise or diagonally. The ICs allow standardization of the variance of competition effects in the phenotypic variance of any individual tree, so that the model accounts for unequal number of neighbors. Expressions are obtained for the bias in estimating additive variance using the covariance between half-sibs, when ignoring competition effects for row-plot designs and for single-tree plot designs. A data set of loblolly pines on growth at breast height is used to estimate the additive variances of direct and competition effects, the covariance between both effects, and the variance of permanent environmental effects using a Bayesian method via Gibbs sampling and Restricted Maximum Likelihood procedures (REML) via the Expectation- Maximization (EM) algorithm. No problem of convergence was detected with the model and ICs used when compared to what has been reported in the animal breeding literature for such models. Posterior means (standard error) of the estimated parameters were σ̂2Ad= 12.553 (1.447), σ̂2Ac= 1.259 (0.259), σ̂AdAc= -3.126 (0.492), σ̂2p = 1.186 (0.289), and σ̂2e= 5.819 (1.07). Leaving permanent environmental competition effects out of the model may bias the predictions of direct breeding values. Results suggest that selection for increasing direct growth while keeping a low level of competition is feasible.
Crossing Success in Abies nordmanniana Following Artificial Pollination With a Pollen Mixture of A. nordmanniana and A. alba
Authors: Hansen O. K. , Nielsen U. B.
Published: October 2017

Controlled crossings were conducted with three Abies nordmanniana genotypes acting as mothers and a pollen mixture of three Abies nordmanniana genotypes and one Abies alba genotype acting as potential fathers. The aim was to investigate hybridization success under circumstances where pollen from both species are present, which is a potential risk in Danish clonal seed orchards of Abies nordmanniana. The number of seeds sired by each father was determined through SSRs and compared to the expected numbers based on the pollen mixture composition. All three mother genotypes of Abies nordmanniana had more progenies with the Abies alba as father (hybrids) than expected, based on proportions in the pollen mix. This indicates that no reproductive barriers between the two species exist, and that seed orchard managers should take precautions to avoid hybrids in seed crops. Furthermore, the experiments revealed quite different siring success of the three Abies nordmanniana genotypes, depending on which clone was the mother. Abies nordmanniana seed orchards should therefore not be established in the vicinity of Abies alba in the flowering age, and if a few-clone set up is chosen, the mating interaction should be investigated beforehand through pollen mix experiments.
Genetic Variation in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Endemic and Endangered Conifer Cupressus gigantea, Detected Using RAPD and ISSR Markers
Authors: Xia T. , Meng L. , Mao K. , Tian B. , Miehe G. , Liu J.
Published: October 2017

Assessing the level and distribution of genetic diversity of rare tree species is essential for their management and the development of effective conservation strategies. Cupressus gigantea is a long-lived endemic cypress of the west Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the tallest tree in its genus. The current populations of this species are fragmented and highly disturbed. We used RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat amplification) markers to assess the genetic variation and population structure of this endangered cypress. The 15 RAPD primers used in this study amplified 108 reproducible bands, 49 (45.4%) of which were polymorphic, while the 12 ISSR primers amplified 94 bands, 65 (69.2%) of which were polymorphic. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) indicated that 49.7% and 38.3% of the variation was attributable to differences between populations for the RAPD and ISSR markers, respectively; relatively high compared to values reported for other conifer species. These estimates were also similar to Gst values obtained from Nei’s gene diversity analyses (RAPD = 0.41 and ISSR = 0.36), and suggest that there is a high degree of population differentiation in this narrowly-distributed conifer. The genetic structure of this species has probably been shaped by its long life cycle and climatic changes during the Quaternary. The high degree of population differentiation in this species highlights the need for additional conservation measures, including measures to protect of all of the remaining populations. The substantial similarities between the results of the RAPD and ISSR analyses of samples from the same individuals indicate that they can be interpreted with high levels of confidence.
Pollen Dispersal and Its Spatial Distribution in a Seed Orchard of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.
Authors: Zhuowen Zhang , Juanjuan Sui , Li Mei , Changqing Shu
Published: October 2017

Pollen dispersal and its spatial distribution in a seed orchard of Larix kaempferi in Changlinggang, Jianshi, Hubei Province has been studied for 3 years. The results show that pollen dispersal is directly affected by weather conditions, with wind speed being the main factor controlling pollen dispersal. Pollen dispersal follows a date rhythm of low-high-low during the whole pollen dispersal season with a peak date for 3-5 days, and a time rhythm of low-high-low with the peak time at 10:00-16:00 during the day. For pollen density in the air there are significant differences among dates, and among different day times during dispersing. There are no significant differences between pollen densities in space with regard to horizontal directions, 8 orientations, and different positions in the tree crown in this seed orchard, in all of these cases pollens are evenly distributed. There are significant differences for pollen densities among different vertical heights, showing a cluster distribution type. The pollination level in this seed orchard is very low and needs a supplement mass pollination (SMP).
Height–Diameter Relationships for Jack Pine Seedlots of Different Genetic Improvement Levels
Authors: Weng Y. H. , Kershaw J. , Tosh K. , Adams G. , Fullarton M. S.
Published: October 2017

Differences in height-diameter (H-DBH) relationship were investigated using the Chapman-Richards function among jack pine seedlots planted in a realized genetic gain test in New Brunswick. Three seedlots representing the bulk mixed cone collection from the 1979 J.D. Irving’s first-generation seedling seed orchard (JDISSO) before rogueing (UNR), after the first time genetic rogueing (1STR) and after the second time genetic rogueing (2NDR), respectively, were planted in the test. Unimproved commercial seedlots (UC) were also included for comparison. Results indicate that an overall H-DBH relationship for all the seedlots was not appropriate. Seedlot pairwise comparisons in H-DBH relationships showed that, whereas most seedlot pairs were significantly different from each other, there was no significant difference between the UNR and UC and between the 1STR and 2NDR. Two models were developed with one targeting the UNR and UC (UNIMPROVED) and the other targeting the 1STR and 2NDR (IMPROVED). The difference between the UNIMPROVED and IMPROVED models was caused only by asymptote of the Chapman-Richards function. Applying the UNIMPROVED or IMPROVED model to predict height of the 1STR and 2NDR or the UNR and UC would result in an under-estimated or an over-estimated bias by 2 to 3% in height. In light of this study, seedlot differences in H-DBH relationships should be integrated into growth and yield models by a multiplier for height depending on genetic improvement levels.
Low Chloroplast DNA Diversity in Red Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea L.)
Authors: Liesebach H. , Götz B.
Published: October 2017

The red dogwood Cornus sanguinea L. is a deciduous shrub of the temperate and Mediterranean zones. It is often used in landscape gardening for miscellaneous purposes. Chloroplast DNA markers, the so-called cpDNA haplotypes, are a very potential marker type to characterise the large scale variation pattern within the natural range of a species. In this study, a total of 86 populations and 673 individuals were sampled all over Europe. Eight different haplotypes were recognised by combinations of several PCR-RFLP patterns. They are divided into 3 groups of related types. There is no association between these 3 groups and their geographic occurrence within the tested material. One haplotype strongly dominates in the whole distribution area. It takes nearly 90 percent whereas the remaining seven haplotypes together reach to approximately 10 percent. Besides the low number of haplotypes, the total genetic variation HT = 0.15 is much lower in Cornus sanguinea compared to other European tree and shrub species. Despite the low level of variation, several cases of introduced populations could be detected. Other haplotypes than the common type are found only in narrow areas. This result indicates that after the colonisation of the European continent only a very restricted gene flow could have taken place.
Genotype by Environment Interaction in Pinus sylvestris L. in Southern Sweden
Authors: Hannrup B. , Jansson G. , Danell Ö.
Published: October 2017

To estimate the amount of genotype by environment interaction (G x E) data was obtained within the Swedish breeding program of Pinus sylvestris L. The calculations were based on estimates of G x E expressed by the genetic correlations across trials. In total, 66 progeny trials were included coming from 17 different test series. The number of parents tested per progeny trial was in average 52. Some parents were tested in several series and in total 812 parents were represented in the study. The results of our study showed that the amount of G x E for growth traits in Pinus sylvestris in southern Sweden was low. The median genetic correlation across trials for height, height increment and diameter were in the range 0.75-0.80 and the pattern of interaction was largely unpredictable from site differences in site index, latitude, longitude and altitude.
Microsatellites Reveal Clonal Growth and Genetically Distinct Groups in Cryptocarya chinensis in Fragmented Lower Subtropical Forest, China
Authors: Wang Zheng-Feng , Ye Wan-Hui , Fu Sheng-Lei , Ren Hai , Peng Shao-Lin
Published: October 2017

The lower subtropical monsoon evergreen broadleaved forest in South China (about 22° ~ 24° N) has a high conservation status, because of its uniqueness and high biodiversity. During the last few decades, most of these forests have been destroyed, and the remaining are being degraded by fragmentation. However, genetic information concerning the effects of fragmentation is currently lacking for plant species in these forests. In this study, therefore, eight microsatellites were used to study six Cryptocaya chinensis fragmented populations in Guangdong Province South China, and the results revealed a complex pattern of genetic variation within and among C. chinensis populations. Firstly, genetic variations demonstrate hitherto undetected clonal growth in C. chinensis. Secondly, current population structure of C. chinensis reflects an interaction between ancient homogeneous level of genetic variation and contemporary bottleneck via fragmentation. Small populations maintain substantial genetic variation of the initial populations through clonal growth, and do not show genetic depauperation compared to larger populations. Finally, two genetically distinct groups (West and Middle- East groups) are found in this area, connected by highly mixed contact zone.
Genetic Differentiation of Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) and Red Pine (P. resinosa) Populations From Metal Contaminated Areas in Northern Ontario (Canada) Using ISSR Markers
Authors: Ranger M. , Nkongolo K. K. , Michael P. , Beckett P.
Published: October 2017

Metal accumulation in soil and plant tissues has caused severe ecological damage in forest ecosystems in the Sudbury region. The main objective of the present study was to determine the levels of genetic diversity in jack and red pine populations growing in metal contaminated and uncontaminated areas. Newly introduced populations were compared to 40 to 60 old populations. For jack pine, the percentage of polymorphic loci (P %) ranged from 14.6% to 45.8% with a mean of 31.6%. Nei’s gene diversity (h) varied from 0.046 to 0.169 with an average of 0.100, and Shannon’s index (I) ranged from 0.070 to 0.250 with an average of 0.153. The level of genetic variation was much lower in the red pine populations. For this species, the level of polymorphic loci varied from 4.55% to 27.27%. The mean for Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon’s information index, were 0.034 and 0.053, respectively. The highest genetic diversity values were observed in new plantations being developed by the Sudbury reforestation program. Overall, the genetic distance among the Pinus banksiana populations revealed that all the populations analyzed were genetically close to each other. There was no association between metal accumulation and genetic diversity for both species.
Genetic Variation in Early Growth Characteristics of Two Populations of Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) and Their Interrelationship
Authors: Espahbodi K. , Mirzaie-Nodoushan H. , Tabari M. , Akbarinia M. , Dehghan-Shuraki Y. , Jalali S. G.
Published: October 2017

This study was performed in order to compare two wild service tree populations (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) for their early growth and to find useful vegetative characteristics to be used in indirect selection of fast and tall growing trees of the species in the field. We used phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients estimated on data from 30 three-year old seedlings of each 40 randomly selected adult trees. Assuming genetic differences between the trees sampled, path analysis was performed on genotypic and phenotypic levels. Results showed that plus trees of one of the sites may be used for clonal seed orchard establishment. But the other site is suggested as a better site for breeding purposes with more effective Sorbus population. Collar diameter had the strongest positive direct effect and strongest correlation with plant height at the phenotypic level. In contrast, lateral branches showed very weak direct effect but relatively strong total indirect effect on plant height. Path analysis on the genotypic correlation coefficients detected negative indirect effect between the characters. Collar diameter could be regarded as a good predictor of plant height because of its strong direct and indirect phenotypic and genotypic correlations. The use of recommended selection criteria is discussed.
Solitaire stent in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Liang Wenbao , Ou Zhijie , Luo Rui
Published: October 2017

Objective

To investigate the effect of mechanical thrombectomy with solitaire stent in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods

Fifteen acute ischemic stroke patients with a proximal intracranial occlusion in the anterior circulation were included within 6 hours after symptom onset (unknown time of onset allowed in wake upstroke). Patients with a large infarct core or poor collateral circulation on computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography were excluded. All patients were measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) before and 24 hours after the procedure. The primary outcomes were reperfusion at 24 hours and a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of 2b or 3 indicates successful reperfusion. Secondary outcomes included the functional score on the Modified Rankin Scale(MRS) and NIHSS score at 90 days. Good Functional Outcome (GFO), is defined as mRS0–2 at 90 days.

Results

The preoperative TICI grading of these 15 patients were all level 0.14 patients were level 2b to level 3 after the thrombectomy, 1 ipsilateral cervical carotid occlusion patient failed recanalization.14 patients with reperfusion at 24 hours showed good early neurologic improvement. The MRS score of all the 14 patients were<2 point at 90 days. There were no obvious adverse reactions and complications in these patients after mechanical thrombectomy.

Conclusion

The application of mechanical thrombectomy with solitaire stent for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large cerebral artery occlusion is safe and time-efficient, which could improve the recanalization rate, decrease or even eliminate the application of thrombolytic drugs and reduce the rate of intracranial hemorrhage. Awake stroke patient can also benefit from thrombectomy.
A Single Dose of Oral ATP Supplementation Improves Performance and Physiological Response During Lower Body Resistance Exercise in Recreational Resistance-Trained Males
Authors: Freitas Marcelo C. , Cholewa Jason M. , Gerosa-Neto Jose , Gonçalves Daniela C. , Caperuto Erico C. , Lira Fábio S. , Rossi Fabrício E.
Published: October 2017

Freitas, MC, Cholewa, JM, Gerosa-Neto, J, Gonçalves, DC, Caperuto, EC, Lira, FS, and Rossi, FE. A single dose of oral ATP supplementation improves performance and physiological response during lower body resistance exercise in recreational resistance-trained males. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3345–3352, 2019—The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation on performance and physiological responses during resistance exercise in recreationally resistance-trained males. Eleven men (age = 27.5 ± 5.5 years, mass = 83.4 ± 9.8 kg, height = 182 ± 0.04 cm) completed 2 randomized, double-blind trials: ATP supplement condition (ATP = 400 mg) or a placebo condition. Thirty minutes after supplement consumption, subjects performed 4 sets of half-squats until momentary muscular failure at 80% of the 1 repetition maximum with 2 minutes of recovery between sets. The total number of repetitions, blood pressure, heart rate, blood lactate, and oxygen consumption were evaluated. The total weight lifted were higher for the ATP condition compared with placebo (Placebo = 3,995.7 ± 1,137.8, ATP = 4,967.4 ± 1,497.9 kg; p = 0.005). Heart rate was higher at set-4 for ATP compared with placebo (p < 0.001) and oxygen consumption during exercise was greater for ATP (p = 0.021). There were no differences between conditions for lactate and blood pressure. In summary, a single oral dose of ATP supplementation improved lower-body resistance training performance and energy expenditure in recreational resistance-trained males.
Understanding the Relationship Between Coach and Athlete Perceptions of Training Intensity in Youth Sport
Authors: Scantlebury Sean , Till Kevin , Sawczuk Tom , Weakley Jonathon , Jones Ben
Published: October 2017

Scantlebury, S, Till, K, Sawczuk, T, Weakley, J, and Jones, B. Understanding the relationship between coach and athlete perceptions of training intensity in youth sport. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3239–3245, 2018—To alleviate issues arising from the over-/under-prescription of training load, coaches must ensure that desired athlete responses to training are being achieved. The present study aimed to assess the level of agreement between the coach-intended (presession) and observed (postsession) rating of perceived exertion (RPE), with athlete RPE during different training intensities (easy, moderate, hard). Coach-intended RPE was taken before all field-based training sessions over an 8-week in-season period. After training, all coaches and athletes, who were participants in hockey, netball, rugby, and soccer were asked to provide an RPE measure for the completed session. Sessions were then classified based on the coach’s intended RPE, with a total of 28, 125, and 66 easy, moderate, and hard training sessions collected, respectively. A univariate analysis of variance was used to calculate within-participant correlations between coach-intended/-observed RPE and athlete RPE. Moderate correlations were found between coach-intended and athlete RPE for sessions intended to be moderate and hard whilst a small correlation was found for sessions intended to be easy. The level of agreement between coach and athlete RPE improved following training with coaches altering their RPE to align with those of the athlete. Despite this, moderate and small differences between coach-observed and athlete RPE persisted for sessions intended to be easy and moderate, respectively. Coaches should, therefore, incorporate strategies to monitor training load to increase the accuracy of training periodization and reduce potential over-/under-prescription of training.
αII Spectrin Forms a Periodic Cytoskeleton at the Axon Initial Segment and Is Required for Nervous System Function
Authors: Huang Claire Yu-Mei , Zhang Chuansheng , Ho Tammy Szu-Yu , Oses-Prieto Juan , Burlingame Alma L. , Lalonde Joshua , Noebels Jeffrey L. , Leterrier Christophe , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: October 2017

Spectrins form a submembranous cytoskeleton proposed to confer strength and flexibility to neurons and to participate in ion channel clustering at axon initial segments (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. Neuronal spectrin cytoskeletons consist of diverse β subunits and αII spectrin. Although αII spectrin is found in neurons in both axonal and somatodendritic domains, using proteomics, biochemistry, and superresolution microscopy, we show that αII and βIV spectrin interact and form a periodic AIS cytoskeleton. To determine the role of spectrins in the nervous system, we generatedSptan1f/fmice for deletion of CNS αII spectrin. We analyzed αII spectrin-deficient mice of both sexes and found that loss of αII spectrin causes profound reductions in all β spectrins. αII spectrin-deficient mice die before 1 month of age and have disrupted AIS and many other neurological impairments including seizures, disrupted cortical lamination, and widespread neurodegeneration. These results demonstrate the importance of the spectrin cytoskeleton both at the AIS and throughout the nervous system.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSpectrin cytoskeletons play diverse roles in neurons, including assembly of excitable domains such as the axon initial segment (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. However, the molecular composition and structure of these cytoskeletons remain poorly understood. Here, we show that αII spectrin partners with βIV spectrin to form a periodic cytoskeleton at the AIS. Using a new αII spectrin conditional knock-out mouse, we show that αII spectrin is required for AIS assembly, neuronal excitability, cortical lamination, and to protect against neurodegeneration. These results demonstrate the broad importance of spectrin cytoskeletons for nervous system function and development and have important implications for nervous system injuries and diseases because disruption of the spectrin cytoskeleton is a common molecular pathology.
Correlated Disruption of Resting-State fMRI, LFP, and Spike Connectivity between Area 3b and S2 following Spinal Cord Injury in Monkeys
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Yang Pai-Feng , Chen Li Min
Published: October 2017

This study aims to understand how functional connectivity (FC) between areas 3b and S2 alters following input deprivation and the neuronal basis of disrupted FC of resting-state fMRI signals. We combined submillimeter fMRI with microelectrode recordings to localize the deafferented digit regions in areas 3b and S2 by mapping tactile stimulus-evoked fMRI activations before and after cervical dorsal column lesion in each male monkey. An average afferent disruption of 97% significantly reduced fMRI, local field potential (LFP), and spike responses to stimuli in both areas. Analysis of resting-state fMRI signal correlation, LFP coherence, and spike cross-correlation revealed significantly reduced functional connectivity between deafferented areas 3b and S2. The degrees of reductions in stimulus responsiveness and FC after deafferentation differed across fMRI, LFP, and spiking signals. The reduction of FC was much weaker than that of stimulus-evoked responses. Whereas the largest stimulus-evoked signal drop (∼80%) was observed in LFP signals, the greatest FC reduction was detected in the spiking activity (∼30%). fMRI signals showed mild reductions in stimulus responsiveness (∼25%) and FC (∼20%). The overall deafferentation-induced changes were quite similar in areas 3b and S2 across signals. Here we demonstrated that FC strength between areas 3b and S2 was much weakened by dorsal column lesion, and stimulus response reduction and FC disruption in fMRI covary with those of LFP and spiking signals in deafferented areas 3b and S2. These findings have important implications for fMRI studies aiming to probe FC alterations in pathological conditions involving deafferentation in humans.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBy directly comparing fMRI, local field potential, and spike signals in both tactile stimulation and resting states before and after severe disruption of dorsal column afferent, we demonstrated that reduction in fMRI responses to stimuli is accompanied by weakened resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (FC) in input-deprived and reorganized digit regions in area 3b of the S1 and S2. Concurrent reductions in local field potential and spike FC validated the use of resting-state fMRI signals for probing neural intrinsic FC alterations in pathological deafferented cortex, and indicated that disrupted FC between mesoscale functionally highly related regions may contribute to the behavioral impairments.
Mitochondrial Calcium Dysregulation Contributes to Dendrite Degeneration Mediated by PD/LBD-Associated LRRK2 Mutants
Authors: Verma Manish , Callio Jason , Otero P. Anthony , Sekler Israel , Wills Zachary P. , Chu Charleen T.
Published: October 2017

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) contribute to development of late-onset familial Parkinson's disease (PD), with clinical features of motor and cognitive dysfunction indistinguishable from sporadic PD. Calcium dysregulation plays an important role in PD pathogenesis, but the mechanisms of neurodegeneration remain unclear. Recent reports indicate enhanced excitatory neurotransmission in cortical neurons expressing mutant LRRK2, which occurs before the well-characterized phenotype of dendritic shortening. As mitochondria play a major role in the rapid buffering of cytosolic calcium, we hypothesized that altered mitochondrial calcium handling contributes to dendritic retraction elicited by the LRRK2-G2019S and -R1441C mutations. In primary mouse cortical neurons, we observed increased depolarization-induced mitochondrial calcium uptake. We found that expression of mutant LRRK2 elicited transcriptional upregulation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) and the mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 protein (MICU1) with no change in levels of the mitochondrial calcium antiporter NCLX. Elevated MCU and MICU1 were also observed in LRRK2-mutated patient fibroblasts, along with increased mitochondrial calcium uptake, and in postmortem brains of sporadic PD/PDD patients of both sexes. Transcriptional upregulation of MCU and MICU1 was caused by activation of the ERK1/2 (MAPK3/1) pathway. Inhibiting ERK1/2 conferred protection against mutant LRRK2-induced neurite shortening. Pharmacological inhibitors or RNAi knockdown of MCU attenuated mitochondrial calcium uptake and dendritic/neuritic shortening elicited by mutant LRRK2, whereas expression of a constitutively active mutant of NCLX that enhances calcium export from mitochondria was neuroprotective. These data suggest that an increased susceptibility to mitochondrial calcium dysregulation contributes to dendritic injury in mutant LRRK2 pathogenesis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCognitive dysfunction and dementia are common features of Parkinson's disease (PD), causing significant disability. Mutations in LRRK2 represent the most common known genetic cause of PD. We found that PD-linked LRRK2 mutations increased dendritic and mitochondrial calcium uptake in cortical neurons and familial PD patient fibroblasts, accompanied by increased expression of the mitochondrial calcium transporter MCU. Blocking the ERK1/2-dependent upregulation of MCU conferred protection against mutant LRRK2-elicited dendrite shortening, as did inhibiting MCU-mediated calcium import. Conversely, stimulating the export of calcium from mitochondria was also neuroprotective. These results implicate increased susceptibility to mitochondrial calcium overload in LRRK2-driven neurodegeneration, and suggest possible interventions that may slow the progression of cognitive dysfunction in PD.
Using Word Associations as a Formative Assessment for Understanding Phylogenetics
Authors: Bucklin Carrie Jo , Daniel Kristy L.
Published: October 2017

It is commonly said that perception is everything. Political candidates are judged by how the public understands their platforms; consumers make purchases based on how they view the products; and business executives make corporate decisions based on potential outcomes of business deals. Likewise, a person's preconception of a topic can change how they learn about and associate that knowledge. Topics with a shared vocabulary between science and common language, such as the terms used when teaching evolution and phylogenetic trees, are especially subject to misconceptions stemming from a lack of understanding how the terminology is used in science. One way to assess the preconceptions students have about specific topics is through using free association techniques. Free association word recall (word association) activities ask students to recall words and phrases associated with stimulus term. Educators can use student responses to learn how students understand and organize prior knowledge, and thus structure subsequent instruction activities to target the revealed preconceptions of the topic.
Can growth hormone treatment improve growth in children with severe growth failure due to anorexia nervosa? A preliminary pilot study
Authors: Léger Juliane , Fjellestad-Paulsen Anne , Bargiacchi Anne , Doyen Catherine , Ecosse Emmanuel , Carel Jean-Claude , Le Heuzey Marie-France
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims

Growth failure is a difficult but key aspect of care in children with anorexia nervosa (AN). The effects of hGH therapy have not been studied. The aim was to investigate the effect of hGH treatment on height velocity (HV) in children with AN.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective observational study. Ten girls diagnosed with AN at 10.0 ± 1.9 years, with prolonged severe growth failure (HV < 2.5 cm/year for at least 18 months) at the age of 13.3 ± 1.1 years and delayed puberty after nutritional rehabilitation, were treated with hGH (0.040 mg/kg/day) from a bone age of 10.9 ± 1.7 years until they reached adult height. Height and HV were measured before treatment and at 12-month intervals during treatment.

Results

Mean body mass index SDS remained unchanged, but HV increased significantly, from a median of 1.0 (0.7–2.1) to 7.1 (6.0–9.5) cm/year after one year (P < 0.002) and 5.6 (4.8–6.2) cm/year after two years of treatment. Height SDS increased from −2.2 ± 1.3 to −1.6 ± 1.3 after one year (P < 0.002) and −1.1 ± 1.5 after two years of GH treatment. Adult height (−0.1 ± 1.0 SDS) was close to target height after 3.6 ± 1.4 years of GH treatment. Serum IGF-I levels increased significantly during treatment (P < 0.01). The treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study shows that hGH treatment is associated with significant improvements in linear growth in adolescents with AN and severe growth failure. A randomized placebo-controlled trial is required to determine the ultimate impact of GH treatment in patients with this severe, rare condition.
Ghrelin stimulation by hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation depends on increasing cortisol levels
Authors: Azzam I , Gilad S , Limor R , Stern N , Greenman Y
Published: October 2017

Ghrelin plasma concentration increases in parallel to cortisol after a standardized psychological stress in humans, but the physiological basis of this interaction is unknown. We aimed to elucidate this question by studying the ghrelin response to pharmacological manipulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Six lean, healthy male volunteers were examined under four experimental conditions. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for two sequential periods of two hours. Initially, a baseline period was followed by intravenous injection of a synthetic analog of ACTH (250 μg). Subsequently, a single dose of metyrapone was administered at midnight and in the following morning, blood samples were collected for 2 h, followed by an intravenous injection of hydrocortisone (100 mg) with continued sampling. We show that increased cortisol serum levels secondary to ACTH stimulation or hydrocortisone administration are positively associated with plasma ghrelin levels, whereas central stimulation of the HPA axis by blocking cortisol synthesis with metyrapone is associated with decreased plasma ghrelin levels. Collectively, this suggests that HPA-axis-mediated elevations in ghrelin plasma concentration require increased peripheral cortisol levels, independent of central elevation of ACTH and possibly CRH levels.
Germ granule-mediated RNA regulation in male germ cells
Authors: Lehtiniemi Tiina , Kotaja Noora
Published: October 2017

Germ cells have exceptionally diverse transcriptomes. Furthermore, the progress of spermatogenesis is accompanied by dramatic changes in gene expression patterns, the most drastic of them being near-to-complete transcriptional silencing during the final steps of differentiation. Therefore, accurate RNA regulatory mechanisms are critical for normal spermatogenesis. Cytoplasmic germ cell-specific ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules, known as germ granules, participate in posttranscriptional regulation in developing male germ cells. Particularly, germ granules provide platforms for the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway and appear to be involved both in piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-targeted RNA degradation. Recently, other RNA regulatory mechanisms, such as the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway have also been associated to germ granules providing new exciting insights into the function of germ granules. In this review article, we will summarize our current knowledge on the role of germ granules in the control of mammalian male germ cell’s transcriptome and in the maintenance of fertility.
Formación de maestros enfocada a la construcción de paz desde el reconocimiento y la justicia social
Authors: Burgos Méndez Diana Magnolia , Ruíz Peña Jenny Johanna , Martínez Ramos Mirella
Published: October 2017

La educación colombiana busca desarrollar un enfoque diferencial basado en el La educación colombiana busca desarrollar un enfoque diferencial basado en el mejoramiento de los procesos institucionales. Se sistematiza la experiencia “Sujetos constructores de convivencia pacífica desde el reconocimiento”, aplicada en la Escuela Normal Superior de Saboyá (Boyacá, Colombia), cuyo objetivo fue la resignificación de la educación integrando la justicia social, aspecto que fortalece el reconocimiento de los estudiantes como sujetos de derechos en la cotidianidad de la vida escolar y en el desarrollo de las competencias propias de la formación de maestros. Esta iniciativa analiza las características del contexto educativo, diagnosticando situaciones conflictivas que generan modos de menosprecio expuestos en la teoría de Axel Honnet (2010), y las formas de reconocimiento que se tejen en la interacción de los estudiantes en su entorno educativo y que nos permiten transformar dichas problemáticas desde las vivencias directas de los actores involucrados. Este artículo busca recuperar el protagonismo de la escuela en la formación de las futuras generaciones para no repetir los ciclos de violencia en el posconflicto colombiano, haciendo énfasis en el reconocimiento, porque es desde allí que se construyen y se reconfiguran los procesos sociales que contribuyen a la formación de una cultura de paz basada en la justicia social.
Diagnóstico de la comunicación interna y la participación en sistemas de gestión de la calidad en dos entidades del sector público colombiano
Authors: Casas Henao Adriana Del Pilar , Roca Martínez José Jorge
Published: October 2017

Este documento aborda el diagnóstico de la gestión de  la comunicación interna frente a su papel para promover que los servidores participen en la implementación de los sistemas de gestión de la calidad en dos entidades públicas que usaron la Norma Técnica de Calidad y Gestión Pública (NTCGP) 1000:2009. Se presentan los resultados del diagnóstico elaborado para determinar el papel de la comunicación interna como parte esencial del proceso de implementación de los sistemas de gestión en las dos entidades objeto de estudio y su incidencia en la participación de los servidores públicos, tomando como punto de partida el análisis de las practicas, los contenidos y desarrollos de la comunicación en dichas instituciones; esto para determinar su integración y alineación con las estrategias, la política y los objetivos de calidad. Para ello la comunicación interna se analiza desde sus dimensiones estratégica, operativa, cultural y de aprendizaje, y considerando factores como la comprensión, el compromiso, la toma de conciencia, el sentido de pertenencia e incidencia. Como resultado se presentan las conclusiones sobre la descripción de las dinámicas de la comunicación interna encontradas en las entidades estudiadas y las de la medición de los aspectos asociados a la participación de los servidores públicos en la implantación de sus sistemas de gestión de calidad y además, los instrumentos de investigación, como aporte a la comprensión de la realidad comunicativa y su relación con la cultura de la calidad, así como bases para la presentación de alternativas metodológicas que faciliten el desarrollo de los sistemas de gestión de la calidad mediante la participación de los servidores públicos en el sector gubernamental colombiano.
Antrinė kultūra ir antrinė gamta: faktai, postfaktai ir socialinis mokslinių objektų konstravimas
Authors: Russell Conrad
Published: October 2017

The use of constructionism by climate change deniers and ‘9-11 truthers’ to support ‘post-fact’ arguments in recent political and social debates has created controversy within science studies. Here, I seek to re-evaluate what constructionists actually say about facts in science. Through revisiting Gaston Bachelard – a key influence on scientific constructionism – I argue that science can penetrate to the ‘noumenal core’ of the phenomena it studies because it constructs them. This, however, need not imply that facts can be whatever we want them to be.
Socialinė kritika po poststruktūralizmo: ko galima pasimokyti iš Luhmanno, Lukácso ir Simmelio
Authors: Salem A.
Published: October 2017

This article examines the views of three highly distinct social theorists – Niklas Luhmann, György Lukács and Georg Simmel – on the issue of modernity and its effects in an attempt to explore not just the considerable differences but also some common ground between them. It is argued that while these thinkers taken together encompass a wide spectrum of political opinion, and also cover a spectrum between technocratic and anti-rationalist views, those who, in various ways, sanction the rise of modernity and those who criticise it are in many ways in agreement about its characteristics. Beyond this the aim is to address the question of what an exchange between these theorists can reveal for the purpose of continuing a project of social criticism, at a time when any such project must take place in a post-structuralist intellectual context in which all knowledge is fundamentally provisional and uncertain. Even in this situation, it is argued, some positive recommendations can be made for such criticism’s continuing role. The article concludes by making the case, in the dialogue opened up between these otherwise diverse theorists, for a more self-reflexive critical writing, one more aware of its own fragility, of the limits of the position from which it speaks, and of how much it is implicated in what it criticises, and outlines the possibilities for a non-essentialist and non-foundationalist approach to social critique.