bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis-mediated testicular alteration in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in response to temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic oscillations
Authors: Banerjee Somanshu , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Chaturvedi Chandra Mohini
Published: May 2016

Reproductive performance of many avian species, including Japanese quail, is reported to be modulated by specific temporal phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic oscillations. Accordingly, it has been shown that the serotonin precursor 5-HTP and the dopamine precursor l-DOPA given 8 h apart induce gonadal suppression and given 12 h apart lead to gonadal stimulation, while other temporal relationships were found to be ineffective. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 8- and 12-h phase relation of neural oscillations on testicular responses including expression of GnRH-I, GnIH, pro-apoptotic proteins (p53 and Bax), inactive and active executioner caspase-3, and the uncleaved DNA repair enzyme PARP-1. Testicular volume and mass decreased significantly in 8-h quail and increased in 12-h quail compared with controls. Expression of ir-GnIH, p53, Bax and active-caspase-3 increased and that of GnRH-I, pro-caspase-3 and uncleaved PARP-1 decreased in 8-h quail compared with controls. A TUNEL assay also confirmed testicular regression in these quail. Testes of 12-h quail exhibited significantly increased expression of GnRH-I, pro-caspase-3 and uncleaved PARP-1 compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that differential response of avian testes to 8- and 12-h phase relation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neural oscillations may be attributed to autocrine/paracrine action of GnIH expression, which is upregulated in regressed testes, leading to apoptotic changes, and downregulated in developed testes, causing apoptotic inhibition. It is concluded that specific phase relation of neural oscillations may modulate the local testicular GnRH-GnIH system and alter the apoptotic mechanism in quail testes. Moreover, these findings highlight the physiological effects of time-dependent drug delivery, including the specific time intervals between two drugs.
Terrestrial movement energetics: current knowledge and its application to the optimising animal
Authors: Halsey Lewis G.
Published: May 2016

The energetic cost of locomotion can be a substantial proportion of an animal's daily energy budget and thus key to its ecology. Studies on myriad species have added to our knowledge about the general cost of animal movement, including the effects of variations in the environment such as terrain angle. However, further such studies might provide diminishing returns on the development of a deeper understanding of how animals trade-off the cost of movement with other energy costs, and other ecological currencies such as time. Here, I propose the ‘individual energy landscape’ as an approach to conceptualising the choices facing the optimising animal. In this Commentary, first I outline previous broad findings about animal walking and running locomotion, focusing in particular on the use of net cost of transport as a metric of comparison between species, and then considering the effects of environmental perturbations and other extrinsic factors on movement costs. I then introduce and explore the idea that these factors combine with the behaviour of the animal in seeking short-term optimality to create that animal's individual energy landscape – the result of the geographical landscape and environmental factors combined with the animal's selected trade-offs. Considering an animal's locomotion energy expenditure within this context enables hard-won empirical data on transport costs to be applied to questions about how an animal can and does move through its environment to maximise its fitness, and the relative importance, or otherwise, of locomotion energy economy.
Olfactory specialization for perfume collection in male orchid bees
Authors: Mitko Lukasz , Weber Marjorie G. , Ramirez Santiago R. , Hedenström Erik , Wcislo William T. , Eltz Thomas
Published: May 2016

Insects rely on the olfactory system to detect a vast diversity of airborne molecules in their environment. Highly sensitive olfactory tuning is expected to evolve when detection of a particular chemical with great precision is required in the context of foraging and/or finding mates. Male neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini) collect odoriferous substances from multiple sources, store them in specialized tibial pouches and later expose them at display sites, presumably as mating signals to females. Previous analysis of tibial compounds among sympatric species revealed substantial chemical disparity in chemical composition among lineages with outstanding divergence between closely related species. Here, we tested whether specific perfume phenotypes coevolve with matching olfactory adaptations in male orchid bees to facilitate the location and harvest of species-specific perfume compounds. We conducted electroantennographic (EAG) measurements on males of 15 sympatric species in the genus Euglossa that were stimulated with 18 compounds present in variable proportions in male hind tibiae. Antennal response profiles were species-specific across all 15 species, but there was no conspicuous differentiation between closely related species. Instead, we found that the observed variation in EAG activity follows a Brownian motion model of trait evolution, where the probability of differentiation increases proportionally with lineage divergence time. However, we identified strong antennal responses for some chemicals that are present as major compounds in the perfume of the same species, thus suggesting that sensory specialization has occurred within multiple lineages. This sensory specialization was particularly apparent for semi-volatile molecules (‘base note’ compounds), thus supporting the idea that such compounds play an important role in chemical signaling of euglossine bees. Overall, our study found no close correspondence between antennal responses and behavioral preferences/tibial contents, but confirms the utility of EAG profiling for discovering certain behaviorally active compounds.
A EDUCAÇÃO NO SISTEMA INTERNACIONAL DE PROTEÇÃO DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Seixas Duarte Clarice , Gotti Alessandra
Published: May 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a proteção conferida ao direito à educação no sistema internacional de proteção dos direitos humanos, tanto no âmbito da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), quanto no âmbito da Organização dos Estados Americanos (OEA), bem como o modo pelo qual seus precedentes podem trazer novas luzes à defesa em juízo desse direito no plano nacional.
Conflict Alerts in A-SMGCS - Different point of view on evaluating the conflict alert function
Authors: Nesvadba Matěj , Pleninger Stanislav
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on issues regarding safety nets within A-SMGCS. A different point of view on evaluating the conflict alert function is presented. The given function is studied within the environment of continuation training of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO) on 3D Tower simulator. During the exercises, the ATCOs are subjected to RWY incursion situations. The outcome is the proposal of methodology to be used to evaluate the performance of conflict alert function as well as the results of the evaluation itself. Conclusions regarding timing of alerts and performance of the conflict alert function as such are issued at the end.
Data evaluation of BDS registers from airborne transponders
Authors: Angelis Jan , Frei Jiří , Pleninger Stanislav
Published: May 2016

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">The purpose of this article is the evaluation of data from BDS registers of aircraft transponders with the focus to calculate wind speed and wind direction. First part of this article focusses on BDS registers and method of calculating wind values from data of secondary surveillance radars obtained from Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic. Evaluation and comparison of the calculated data with the real values of the wind is stated in the second part of the article.
Ability of automatic detection of conflict between planes in flight simulations with the help of expert system
Authors: Bartošová Naděžda
Published: May 2016

This article examines options for applying expert systems for the needs of identification of conflict situations between planes in flight simulations, which are applied during basic training of air traffic controllers. It focuses on the conditions for basic training of military air traffic controllers and presents the use of rule systems to automatic detection of conflict between planes within a basic training polygon. The system of rules is a part of the expert system, consisting of realisation of tasks for identifying optimum resolution of conflict situations in selected types of simulations.
Introduction of Enhanced Vision System and its Application for General Aviation
Authors: Matyáš Roman
Published: May 2016

Enhanced Vision System (EVS) technology has been developing since 1980s. The research itself has been mainly focused on controlling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In this area, some methods were successfully tested, from take-off to landing. This paper is meant to be an introduction for further research and testing within general aviation area for use of EVS technology by high experienced as well as low experienced pilots in order to increase the level of safety during critical stages of flight.
Profile Characteristics of Individuals Eligible for the Air Traffic Controller Training
Authors: Langr David
Published: May 2016

The article deals with the realization of the hypothesis that individuals eligible for the Air Traffic Controller training have a common specific profile, which is a function of the characteristics of individuals engaged in this profession. Defining such a basic profile is based on the results of the experiment realized within the doctoral thesis of the author.
An analysis for providing safety in the cooking oil production process through FMECA approach
Authors: Rahardjo Benedictus , Jiang Bernard
Published: May 2016

This study attempts to apply Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) to improve the safety of production system, especially on the production process of an oil company in Indonesia. Since food processing is a worldwide issue and the self management of a food company is more important than relying on government regulations, so the purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the criticality of potential failure mode on the production process, then take corrective actions to minimize the probability of making the same failure mode and re-analyze its criticality. This corrective actions are compared with the before improvement condition by testing the significance of the difference between before and after improvement using two sample t-test. Final result that had been measured is Criticality Priority Number (CPN), which refers to severity category and probability of making the same failure mode. Recommended actions that proposed on the part of FMECA give less CPN significantly compare with before improvement, with increment by 48.33% on coconut cooking oil case study.
Influence of river floods on the humification process in the bottom sediments from the Goczałkowice reservoir
Authors: Czerwieńska Karolina , Szendera Waldemar , Chmielewski Waldemar
Published: May 2016

The paper presents the results of studies on the influence of the 2010 Vistula flood on the humification process in the bottom sediments of the Goczałkowice Reservoir in southern Poland. Due to its location in the vicinity of farmlands, forests and urbanized areas, the Goczałkowice Reservoir is characterized by amplified and intense humification processes within its sediments. The studies were focused on the determining the influence of the flood wave containing organic and inorganic suspensions on these processes. Humic acids were analyzed using two spectroscopic methods: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Application of these methods allowed to determine the values of free radicals and of the g-factor, which are indicators of oxidation, aromatization and maturation of humic acids during the humification process, as well as the value of the 1650/1720 ratio, reflecting the dissociation of the COOH group to COO− and the formation of complexes of transitional metals with humic acids during the humification process.
Antagonism between lead and zinc ions in plants
Authors: Musielińska Renata , Kowol Jolanta , Kwapuliński Jerzy , Rochel Robert
Published: May 2016

The article presents the results of research which describes antagonism between Pb-Zn in selected plant species from the area of Czestochowa – Mirow district (north-western part of the Czestochowa Upland). There were analyzed changes in the ratio of Pb/Zn in different organs of the tested plants as a function of the Zn content changes. The content of metals in the plants and the soil was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry AAS. In all organs of the plants there was observed antagonistic decrease of Pb uptake and accumulation, resulting from the increase in the concentration Zn.

Antagonism between Zn and Pb in roots of the tested plants occurred at Zn content of 200–600 μg/g. In turn, antagonism in stems and flowers occurred at lower contents of zinc (100–180 μg/g). In leaves, antagonism between Pb and Zn occurred when Zn was present at the level of 300–800 μg/g.

Ex definition of the analyses confirm the presence of antagonism of lead with regard to high levels of Zn. The study also confirmed that the degree of antagonism depends on the plant species.
Catharsis – Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects of Long-Distance Running
Authors: Nemec Marcel
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study was to identify and analyze the occurrence of cathartic states in a sample of long-distance runners. Data collected via questionnaires were used to evaluate quantitative variables complemented by heuristics while aiming at qualitatively categorize the areas of cathartic states in the context of philosophical and spiritual aspects of long-distance running. The study findings objectify philosophical and spiritual aspects affecting personalities of long-distance runners. The study findings have shown that catharsis represents a relevant philosophical and spiritual aspect affecting long-distance running. We assume that authentic experience of catharsis and its effects motivates runners to perform regular physical activity. The analysis of philosophical and spiritual aspects of long-distance running has revealed a multi-spectral holistic relevance based on the transfer affecting a specific way of life, spectrum of values, ethical personality traits, and also the quality of long-distance runners’ lives.
Determination of Static Characteristics of Flow Flotation Machines Based on Experiments of the Kinetics of the Batch Coal Flotation
Authors: Kalinowski Krystian , Kaula Roman
Published: May 2016

In the theory and a simulation technique of a coal flotation process a density function of a distribution of particles flotability is widely used. The characteristics of this type in the design of the flotation circuits as well as to optimize of the settings of the industrial flotation machines may be used. The density function of the distribution of the fraction f (k) based on the kinetics experiments to measure the recovery of material as a function of time in the laboratory flotation machines (in the batch coal flotation process) is determined. The problems of the determining of the flotability spectrum are relatively well resolved. An important problem is the determination of the concentrate quality. The concentrate quality directly depends on the ash content in the concentrate. In the paper a mathematical model of the separation of the mass of ash at the process of the kinetics of the batch flotation has been proposed. The research at different values of the air flow rate was carried out. The results of the analyses in tables and graphs are shown. The static characteristics of the single-cell of the flow flotation machine based on the characteristics of the distribution density of the fraction f (k) and the distribution of the ash content ak(k) were determined. Knowledge of these relationships will allow for a better assessment of the phenomena occurring in the enrichment process. This may be one of the basic information used in the supervisory control system of the flotation process.
Factors Creating Economic Value Added of Mining Company
Authors: Bluszcz Anna , Kijewska Anna
Published: May 2016

The company’s strategy that focuses on the growth of the company represented by the economic value added (EVA) requires the identification of factors affecting the size of the EVA. For this purpose, in the paper the formula for EVA was transformed in such a way as to reveal the determinants affecting its value. Three levels of disaggregation of EVA were assumed. At the first level EVA depends on the amount of invested capital (IC) and economic spread (EC). At the second level economic spread is expressed using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and the return on invested capital (ROIC). The third level takes into account the capital structure (wi), the cost of capital (ki), the profit margin (NOPAT/S) and invested capital turnover ratio (S/IC). Such disaggregation can be continued on the next levels of detail.

Using the method of successive substitutions an analysis of the cause and effect of the mining company, was conducted. In this way, we can indicate which factors and to what extent affected negatively and positively the change of EVA in the analysed year compared to the previous year. Such analysis allows decision makers to determine a strategy directed to the increase of the mining company’s value.
Influence of the A2 motorway on the economic development at local level
Authors: Bogdański Marcin
Published: May 2016

The aim of the paper is to analyze the selected investment in transport infrastructure in terms of its impact on the economy at the local level. The study involves ten gminas within a 60 km radius (approximately 1 hour’s traveling distance) of Poznań. Using the available statistical data set, it was determined whether the construction of the motorway had an impact on the number and the structure of enterprises located in the surveyed communities, the levels of gmina revenues, and the situation on the labour market.

Performed analysis allowed reaching a positive verification of the research hypothesis, which predicts that the A2 did not have a decisive impact on the economic development of the gminas. In all of the included aspects, gminas located along the A2 were characterized by a relatively high level of economic development compared to the Wielkopolskie Voivodship and the rest of Poland. At the same time, the level of development was lower when compared with gminas within the Poznań Poviat. These results suggest that the decisive factor in shaping the level of economic development was their geographic location in relation to the nearby urban agglomeration of Poznań.
Forest fires in Dalmatia
Authors: Šiljković Željka , Mamut Marica
Published: May 2016

Every year the Republic of Croatia, especially in its south part in Dalmatia, faces forest fire risks. The weather is exceptionally conducive to fires, so the main period of fire occurrences is between June and October, characterized by long lasting dry and warm weather with temperatures over 30°C. Research carried out by the authors in 1997 and 2012 have pointed to the fact that human impact is the main cause of ignition. This paper presents an overview of the total number of fires in the period from 1998 to 2012, with the emphasis on forest and woodland fires in the Croatian region of Dalmatia. Data on the situation in Dalmatia refer to the situation in the areas of responsibility of four Dalmatian Police Administrations. Analysis is based on official data of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior and the report of the National councillor for managing and controlling forest fires. The authors have analysed the frequency of forest fires in Dalmatia in a period of fourteen years (1998-2012) comparing it with the previous period, 1989-1996. The results that the authors have obtained reveal how forest fires most commonly (2/3) break out during the warm part of a day, from 09.00 until 18.00 hours in the warm period of the year. Particularly vulnerable are the forests of Aleppo pines and maquis being mostly thermal forests, whilst in the south of the country the forests of Holm oak (Quercus ilex) and English oak (Quercus robur) are at the highest risk. Reforesting of burned areas is very slow and Croatia has been far behind in reforesting in the continental part of the country.
Food as the Representation of Idyllic Landscape of Victorian World in the Novels by Thomas Hardy
Authors: Buda Agata
Published: May 2016

The aim of the paper is to analyse the idea of cooking/eating in two novels by Thomas Hardy: Jude the Obscure and Tess d’Urbervilles. Both works present the idea of food as one of the major points of reference in human relationships. One of the aspects worth analysing is eating as one of the most crucial primary needs. Another one is family eating. The meetings are preceded by careful preparation of meals (e.g. Sunday preparations in Arabella’s house or cooking in the house of the Crick family). The food often becomes the major topic during these meetings, showing in this way the idyllic character of family eating: the looks of dining rooms and kitchens are essential as well as the possibility of talking to each other while eating. This idyllic space of collective eating (according to M. Bakhtin) can be frequently destroyed by social conventions; when Tess was rejected by society, she used to eat alone and did not take care of what she eats. Both novels explore the idea of food making it important for the creation of an idyll.
Role of interlekin-35 as a biomarker in patients with newly diagnosed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Yilmaz Hakki , Cakmak M. , Ceydilek B. , Demir C. , Aktas A.
Published: May 2016

Objective. Interleukin-35 (IL-35), an interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokine family member, is shown to be a potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory cytokine. Inducible regulatory T cells (Tregs) produce IL-35 that mediates the immune inhibitory function of Tregs. Growing evidence revealed that upregulation of IL-35 expression may play a critical role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases in various experimental autoimmunity models and vice versa. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is considered to be a Treg cell-related autoimmune disease with loss of self-tolerance.

Methods. One hundred-twenty eight subjects, newly diagnosed hypothyroid HT patients [56 overt (Group 1), 72 subclinical hypothyroid (Group 2)] and 38 healthy controls (Group 3) were enrolled in the study. The levels of serum IL-35 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results. Serum IL-35 levels were lower in the HT group when compared with subclinical HT group [304.5 (834.6) pg/ml vs. 636.1 (1542.0) pg/ml, p=0.004] and control cases [304.5 (834.6) pg/ml vs. 1064.7 (2526.8) pg/ml, p<0.001]. Serum IL-35 levels were inversely associated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH; rs=-0.396, p<0.001) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb; rs=-0.571, p<0.001) in whole group. Serum IL-35 were negatively associated with TSH (rs=-0.264, p=0.003) and TPOAb (rs=-0.735, p<0.001) in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (Group 1 + Group 2).

Conclusion. The results suggest that IL-35 may play a role in the pathogenesis of HT.
Progress in micro RNA focused research in endocrinology
Authors: Voglova K. , Bezakova J. , Herichova Iveta
Published: May 2016

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory molecules of increasing biologists’ interest. miRNAs, unlikely mRNA, do not encode proteins. It is a class of small double stranded RNA molecules that via their seed sequence interact with mRNA and inhibit its expression. It has been estimated that 30% of human gene expression is regulated by miRNAs. One miRNA usually targets several mRNAs and one mRNA can be regulated by several miRNAs. miRNA biogenesis is realized by key enzymes, Drosha and Dicer. miRNA/mRNA interaction depends on binding to RNA-induced silencing complex. Today, complete commercially available methodical proposals for miRNA investigation are available. There are techniques allowing the identification of new miRNAs and new miRNA targets, validation of predicted targets, measurement of miRNAs and their precursor levels, and validation of physiological role of miRNAs under in vitro and in vivo conditions. miRNAs have been shown to influence gene expression in several endocrine glands, including pancreas, ovary, testes, hypothalamus, and pituitary.
Personalized Information Management by Online Stores in 4C Model. Case Study
Authors: Kubicka Anna
Published: May 2016

The increasing complexity of the business environment, growing knowledge requirements, development of information technologies, and competitiveness implies the need of implementation of information management systems. Moreover, welter of information about online customers, their individual behavior, and their expectations force entrepreneurs to manage information in a personalized way. Monitoring Internet users behavior, creating their profiles (based on data about age, sex, lifestyle, interests, family, work, etc.), and controlling current traffic on the Web site give wide range of possibilities in creating a real model of potential customers preference and using it in online communication. This study concentrates on possibilities of using personalized communication in the information management by online stores in 4C model.
The Perceptions of Management on the Benefits of Adopting an Environmental Management Accounting System as a Waste Management Tool
Authors: Doorasamy Mishelle
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the perception of management on the benefits of adopting an environmental management accounting (EMA) system as a waste management tool in a paper and pulp manufacturing company. This paper highlights the benefits of an EMA system and the role and importance of EMA as a decision-making tool in encouraging the adoption of cleaner production (CP) techniques and technologies. This research was based on a case study of a paper and pulp manufacturing company in KwaZulu-Natal. This research was both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Data collection instruments for the study included a Likert-type questionnaire and interviews with the environmental manager and cost accountant but the findings reported in this paper are based on the empirical evidence gathered from the questionnaire which identified that there was positive correlation between environmental performance and CP techniques and technologies. Environmental costs were hidden under general overheads and understated because the company was using a conventional costing system and not an EMA system; hence, environmental costs were not traced back to the products or processes responsible for those costs. It was evident from the qualitative data analysis that management regarded their environmental costs as too insignificant to justify implementation of an EMA system. The consequent reluctance of the company to adopt CP resulted in poor waste management and lower-quality environmental performance.
Parkinsonian Syndrome and Toxoplasmic Encephalitis
Authors: Arbune Anca-Adriana , Arbune Manuela , Stefanescu Victorita
Published: May 2016

Toxoplasmosis encephalitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus may progress rapidly with a potentially fatal outcome. Less common neurological symptoms associated with this are Parkinsonism, focal dystonia, rubral tremor and hemichorea–hemiballismus syndrome.

A 58 year old woman suddenly lost consciousness and was admitted to the emergency service. Her medical history was unremarkable, except for frequent headaches in the last year, recurrent herpes simplex skin lesions and an episode of urticaria. A computer tomography scan showed supra and infra-tentorial lesions on suggestive of cerebral toxoplasmosis. Both Toxoplasma gondii and HIV tests were positive. In the intensive care unit, antiparasitic and antiretroviral drugs were administered, and she recovered from the coma after six weeks but presented with tetraparesis, diplopia, and depression. The LCD4 count increased from 7 to 128/mm3. The neurological lesions slowly resolved over the next two months, although postural instability, rigidity, bradykinesia and predominantly left side tremor persisted. Mild improvement was achieved after the administration of levodopa.

Associated Parkinsonian syndrome in HIV patients is a rare condition, explained by the location of the brain and basal ganglia lesions, and by the observed effect of Toxoplasma gondii which increases dopamine metabolism in neural cells. Early HIV diagnostic and treatment are necessary to prevent neurological disability.
Comparison of Olympic and Hexagonal Barbells With Midthigh Pull, Deadlift, and Countermovement Jump
Authors: Malyszek Kylie K. , Harmon RoQue A. , Dunnick Dustin D. , Costa Pablo B. , Coburn Jared W. , Brown Lee E.
Published: May 2016

Malyszek, KK, Harmon, RA, Dunnick, DD, Costa, PB, Coburn, JW, and Brown, LE. Comparison of olympic and hexagonal barbells with midthigh pull, deadlift, and countermovement jump. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 140–145, 2017—Those training for strength and power commonly use different bars and different lifts. The hexagonal barbell (HBar) and Olympic barbell (OBar) are frequently used training implements, and the midthigh pull (MTP) and deadlift (DL) are 2 popular exercises. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare force between an HBar and OBar for a MTP, DL, and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty resistance-trained men (age = 24.05 ± 2.09 years, ht = 178.07 ± 7.05 cm, mass = 91.42 ± 14.44 kg) volunteered to participate and performed MTP and DL using both bars and a CMJ. Joint angles were recorded for all pulls and the bottom position of the CMJ. Peak ground reaction force (PGRF) was greater in the MTP (3,186.88 ± 543.53 N) than DL (2,501.15 ± 404.04 N) but not different between bars. Midthigh pull joint angles were more extended than DL, and the strongest correlations between isometric and dynamic performance were seen between DL PGRF and CMJ impulse (OBar r = 0.85; HBar r = 0.84). These findings are likely because of the different anatomical characteristics between the MTP and DL and the similarity in joint angles between the DL and CMJ. Therefore, the DL may be an optimal choice for athletes in jump-dependent sports, regardless of bar.
Pallidostriatal Projections Promote β Oscillations in a Dopamine-Depleted Biophysical Network Model
Authors: Corbit Victoria L. , Whalen Timothy C. , Zitelli Kevin T. , Crilly Stephanie Y. , Rubin Jonathan E. , Gittis Aryn H.
Published: May 2016

In the basal ganglia, focused rhythmicity is an important feature of network activity at certain stages of motor processing. In disease, however, the basal ganglia develop amplified rhythmicity. Here, we demonstrate how the cellular architecture and network dynamics of an inhibitory loop in the basal ganglia yield exaggerated synchrony and locking to β oscillations, specifically in the dopamine-depleted state. A key component of this loop is the pallidostriatal pathway, a well-characterized anatomical projection whose function has long remained obscure. We present a synaptic characterization of this pathway in mice and incorporate these data into a computational model that we use to investigate its influence over striatal activity under simulated healthy and dopamine-depleted conditions. Our model predicts that the pallidostriatal pathway influences striatal output preferentially during periods of synchronized activity within GPe. We show that, under dopamine-depleted conditions, this effect becomes a key component of a positive feedback loop between the GPe and striatum that promotes synchronization and rhythmicity. Our results generate novel predictions about the role of the pallidostriatal pathway in shaping basal ganglia activity in health and disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis work demonstrates that functional connections from the globus pallidus externa (GPe) to striatum are substantially stronger onto fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) than onto medium spiny neurons. Our circuit model suggests that when GPe spikes are synchronous, this pallidostriatal pathway causes synchronous FSI activity pauses, which allow a transient window of disinhibition for medium spiny neurons. In simulated dopamine-depletion, this GPe-FSI activity is necessary for the emergence of strong synchronization and the amplification and propagation of β oscillations, which are a hallmark of parkinsonian circuit dysfunction. These results suggest that GPe may play a central role in propagating abnormal circuit activity to striatum, which in turn projects to downstream basal ganglia structures. These findings warrant further exploration of GPe as a target for interventions for Parkinson's disease.
Npas1+Pallidal Neurons Target Striatal Projection Neurons
Authors: Glajch Kelly E. , Kelver Daniel A. , Hegeman Daniel J. , Cui Qiaoling , Xenias Harry S. , Augustine Elizabeth C. , Hernández Vivian M. , Verma Neha , Huang Tina Y. , Luo Minmin , Justice Nicholas J. , Chan C. Savio
Published: May 2016

Compelling evidence demonstrates that the external globus pallidus (GPe) plays a key role in processing sensorimotor information. An anatomical projection from the GPe to the dorsal striatum has been described for decades. However, the cellular target and functional impact of this projection remain unknown. Using cell-specific transgenic mice, modern monosynaptic tracing techniques, and optogenetics-based mapping, we discovered that GPe neurons provide inhibitory inputs to direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (SPNs). Our results indicate that the GPe input to SPNs arises primarily from Npas1-expressing neurons and is strengthened in a chronic Parkinson's disease (PD) model. Alterations of the GPe-SPN input in a PD model argue for the critical position of this connection in regulating basal ganglia motor output and PD symptomatology. Finally, chemogenetic activation of Npas1-expressing GPe neurons suppresses motor output, arguing that strengthening of the GPe-SPN connection is maladaptive and may underlie the hypokinetic symptoms in PD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAn anatomical projection from the pallidum to the striatum has been described for decades, but little is known about its connectivity pattern. The authors dissect the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons involved in this projection, and show its cell-specific remodeling and strengthening in parkinsonian mice. Chemogenetic activation of Npas1+pallidal neurons that give rise to the principal pallidostriatal projection increases the time that the mice spend motionless. This argues that maladaptive strengthening of this connection underlies the paucity of volitional movements, which is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease.
Dopamine D1-like Receptors Regulate Constitutive, μ-Opioid Receptor-Mediated Repression of Use-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in Dorsal Horn Neurons: More Harm than Good?
Authors: Aira Zigor , Barrenetxea Teresa , Buesa Itsaso , García del Caño Gontzal , Azkue Jon Jatsu
Published: May 2016

The current study reports on a synaptic mechanism through which D1-like receptors (D1LRs) modulate spinal nociception and plasticity by regulating activation of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR).

D1LR stimulation with agonist SKF 38393 concentration-dependently depressed C-fiber-evoked potentials in rats receiving spinal nerve ligation (SNL), but not in uninjured rats. Depression was prevented by MOR- but not GABA-receptor blockade. Neurons expressing the D1 subtype were immunopositive for met-enkephalin and vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2, but not for GABAergic marker vGAT.

Nerve ligation was followed by increased immunoreactivity for D1 in synaptic compartment (P3) in dorsal horn homogenates and presynaptic met-enkephalin-containing boutons. SNL led to increased immunoreactivity for met-enkephalin in dorsal horn homogenates, which was dose-dependently attenuated by selective D1LR antagonist SCH 23390. During blockade of either D1R or MOR, low-frequency (0.2 or 3 Hz) stimulation (LFS) to the sciatic nerve induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of C-fiber-evoked potentials, revealing a constituent role of both receptors in repressing afferent-induced synaptic plasticity. LFS consistently induced NMDA receptor-dependent LTP in nerve-injured rats. The ability of MOR both to prevent LTP and to modulate mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in behavioral tests was preserved in nerve-ligated rats that were postoperatively treated with SCH 23390. D1LR priming for 30 min sufficed to disrupt MOR function in otherwise naive rats via a mechanism involving receptor overuse.

The current data support that, whereas D1LR-modulated MOR activation is instrumental in antinociception and endogenous repression of synaptic plasticity, this mechanism deteriorates rapidly by sustained use, generating increased vulnerability to afferent input.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe current study shows that dopamine D1-like receptors (D1LRs) and μ-opioid receptors (MOR) in the spinal dorsal horn constitutively repress the expression of synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) of C-fiber-evoked potentials. Anatomical data are provided supporting that the D1 subtype regulates MOR function by modulating met-enkephalin release. Sustained neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation is accompanied by D1R and met-enkephalin upregulation, acquired D1LR-mediated antinociception, and a loss of endogenous repression of further synaptic plasticity. We show that the ability of MOR to oppose LTP is rapidly impaired by sustained D1LR activation via a mechanism involving sustained MOR activation.
Cyclic Nucleotide Control of Microtubule Dynamics for Axon Guidance
Authors: Akiyama Hiroki , Fukuda Tetsuko , Tojima Takuro , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Kamiguchi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

Graded distribution of intracellular second messengers, such as Ca2+and cyclic nucleotides, mediates directional cell migration, including axon navigational responses to extracellular guidance cues, in the developing nervous system. Elevated concentrations of cAMP or cGMP on one side of the neuronal growth cone induce its attractive or repulsive turning, respectively. Although effector processes downstream of Ca2+have been extensively studied, very little is known about the mechanisms that enable cyclic nucleotides to steer migrating cells. Here, we show that asymmetric cyclic nucleotide signaling across the growth cone mediates axon guidance via modulating microtubule dynamics and membrane organelle transport. In embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture, contact of an extending microtubule with the growth cone leading edge induces localized membrane protrusion at the site of microtubule contact. Such a contact-induced protrusion requires exocytosis of vesicle-associated membrane protein 7 (VAMP7)-positive vesicles that have been transported centrifugally along the microtubule. We found that the two cyclic nucleotides counteractively regulate the frequency of microtubule contacts and targeted delivery of VAMP7 vesicles: cAMP stimulates and cGMP inhibits these events, thereby steering the growth cone in the opposite directions. By contrast, Ca2+signals elicit no detectable change in either microtubule contacts or VAMP7 vesicle delivery during Ca2+-induced growth cone turning. Our findings clearly demonstrate growth cone steering machinery downstream of cyclic nucleotide signaling and highlight a crucial role of dynamic microtubules in leading-edge protrusion for cell chemotaxis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDeveloping neurons can extend long axons toward their postsynaptic targets. The tip of each axon, called the growth cone, recognizes extracellular guidance cues and navigates the axon along the correct path. Here we show that asymmetric cyclic nucleotide signaling across the growth cone mediates axon guidance through localized regulation of microtubule dynamics and resulting recruitment of specific populations of membrane vesicles to the growth cone's leading edge. Remarkably, cAMP stimulates microtubule growth and membrane protrusion, whereas cGMP promotes microtubule retraction and membrane senescence, explaining the opposite directional polarities of growth cone turning induced by these cyclic nucleotides. This study reveals a novel microtubule-based mechanism through which cyclic nucleotides polarize the growth cone steering machinery for bidirectional axon guidance.
Neural Coding of Interaural Time Differences with Bilateral Cochlear Implants in Unanesthetized Rabbits
Authors: Chung Yoojin , Hancock Kenneth E. , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: May 2016

Although bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) provide improvements in sound localization and speech perception in noise over unilateral CIs, bilateral CI users' sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs) is still poorer than normal. In particular, ITD sensitivity of most CI users degrades with increasing stimulation rate and is lacking at the high carrier pulse rates used in CI processors to deliver speech information. To gain a better understanding of the neural basis for this degradation, we characterized ITD tuning of single neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) for pulse train stimuli in an unanesthetized rabbit model of bilateral CIs. Approximately 73% of IC neurons showed significant ITD sensitivity in their overall firing rates. On average, ITD sensitivity was best for pulse rates near 80–160 pulses per second (pps) and degraded for both lower and higher pulse rates. The degradation in ITD sensitivity at low pulse rates was caused by strong, unsynchronized background activity that masked stimulus-driven responses in many neurons. Selecting synchronized responses by temporal windowing revealed ITD sensitivity in these neurons. With temporal windowing, both the fraction of ITD-sensitive neurons and the degree of ITD sensitivity decreased monotonically with increasing pulse rate. To compare neural ITD sensitivity to human performance in ITD discrimination, neural just-noticeable differences (JNDs) in ITD were computed using signal detection theory. Using temporal windowing at lower pulse rates, and overall firing rate at higher pulse rates, neural ITD JNDs were within the range of perceptual JNDs in human CI users over a wide range of pulse rates.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMany profoundly deaf people wearing cochlear implants (CIs) still face challenges in everyday situations, such as understanding conversations in noise. Even with CIs in both ears, they have difficulty making full use of subtle differences in the sounds reaching the two ears [interaural time difference (ITD)] to identify where the sound is coming from. This problem is especially acute at the high stimulation rates used in clinical CI processors. This study provides a better understanding of ITD processing with bilateral CIs and shows a parallel between human performance in ITD discrimination and neural responses in the auditory midbrain. The present study is the first report on binaural properties of auditory neurons with CIs in unanesthetized animals.
Sensory Cortical Activity Is Related to the Selection of a Rhythmic Motor Action Pattern
Authors: Li Jennifer X. , Maier Joost X. , Reid Emily E. , Katz Donald B.
Published: May 2016

Rats produce robust, highly distinctive orofacial rhythms in response to taste stimuli—responses that aid in the consumption of palatable tastes and the ejection of aversive tastes, and that are sourced in a multifunctional brainstem central pattern generator. Several pieces of indirect evidence suggest that primary gustatory cortex (GC) may be a part of a distributed forebrain circuit involved in the selection of particular consumption-related rhythms, although not in the production of individual mouth movements per se. Here, we performed a series of tests of this hypothesis. We first examined the temporal relationship between GC activity and orofacial behaviors by performing paired single-neuron and electromyographic recordings in awake rats. Using a trial-by-trial analysis, we found that a subset of GC neurons shows a burst of activity beginning before the transition between nondistinct and taste-specific (i.e., consumption-related) orofacial rhythms. We further showed that shifting the latency of consumption-related behavior by selective cueing has an analogous impact on the timing of GC activity. Finally, we showed the complementary result, demonstrating that optogenetic perturbation of GC activity has a modest but significant impact on the probability that a specific rhythm will be produced in response to a strongly aversive taste. GC appears to be a part of a distributed circuit that governs the selection of taste-induced orofacial rhythms.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn many well studied (typically invertebrate) sensorimotor systems, top-down modulation helps motor-control regions “select” movement patterns. Here, we provide evidence that gustatory cortex (GC) may be part of the forebrain circuit that performs this function in relation to oral behaviors (“gapes”) whereby a substance in the mouth is rejected as unpalatable. We show that GC palatability coding is well timed to play this role, and that the latency of these codes changes as the latency of gaping shifts with learning. We go on to show that by silencing these neurons, we can change the likelihood of gaping. These data help to break down the sensory/motor divide by showing a role for sensory cortex in the selection of motor behavior.
Opiates Modulate Noxious Chemical Nociception through a Complex Monoaminergic/Peptidergic Cascade
Authors: Mills Holly , Ortega Amanda , Law Wenjing , Hapiak Vera , Summers Philip , Clark Tobias , Komuniecki Richard
Published: May 2016

The ability to detect noxious stimuli, process the nociceptive signal, and elicit an appropriate behavioral response is essential for survival. InCaenorhabditis elegans, opioid receptor agonists, such as morphine, mimic serotonin, and suppress the overall withdrawal from noxious stimuli through a pathway requiring the opioid-like receptor, NPR-17. This serotonin- or morphine-dependent modulation can be rescued innpr-17-null animals by the expression ofnpr-17or a human κ opioid receptor in the two ASI sensory neurons, with ASI opioid signaling selectively inhibiting ASI neuropeptide release. Serotonergic modulation requires peptides encoded by bothnlp-3andnlp-24, and eithernlp-3ornlp-24overexpression mimics morphine and suppresses withdrawal. Peptides encoded bynlp-3act differentially, with only NLP-3.3 mimicking morphine, whereas othernlp-3peptides antagonize NLP-3.3 modulation. Together, these results demonstrate that opiates modulate nociception inCaenorhabditis elegansthrough a complex monoaminergic/peptidergic cascade, and suggest that this model may be useful for dissecting opiate signaling in mammals.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOpiates are used extensively to treat chronic pain. InCaenorhabditis elegans, opioid receptor agonists suppress the overall withdrawal from noxious chemical stimuli through a pathway requiring an opioid-like receptor and two distinct neuropeptide-encoding genes, with individual peptides from the same gene functioning antagonistically to modulate nociception. Endogenous opioid signaling functions as part of a complex, monoaminergic/peptidergic signaling cascade and appears to selectively inhibit neuropeptide release, mediated by a α-adrenergic-like receptor, from two sensory neurons. Importantly, receptor null animals can be rescued by the expression of the human κ opioid receptor, and injection of human opioid receptor ligands mimics exogenous opiates, highlighting the utility of this model for dissecting opiate signaling in mammals.