bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart city solutions in regard to urbanization processes – Polish cases
Authors: Brdulak Halina , Brdulak Anna
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper is to show the spectrum of problems associated with the growing importance of cities in the context of rapidly occurring processes of urbanization. Therefore the following issues are included: the concept of smart cities, which are a combination of the intelligent use of information systems allowing for active management of the various areas of urban activity with the potential of institutions, companies and the active involvement and creative people; transport problems and the use of new technologies. Particular attention will be given to both, the issue of transport congestion as the strongest factor affecting the quality of life of residents and to the role of social capital in the creation of sustainable development. To exemplify the result of the cooperation between southern Polish communities there will be presented a case of the introducing process of the Silesian Card of Public Services with a wide range of its functionality.
Structure-activity relationship study for fungicidal activity of 1-(4-phenoxymethyl-2-phenyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives against rice blast
Authors: Hoshi Tomoki , Yamada Kazuhiro , Yoshizawa Yuko , Oh Keimei
Published: December 2015

To explore new antifungal agents for rice blast control, the antifungal activity of a series of novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives against Magnaporthe oryzae has been evaluated. The antifungal activity was determined by using in vitro mycelial growth inhibition tests. Among the 19 test compounds, we found that the compound 1-(4-phenoxymethyl-2-phenyl-[1,3]dioxolan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4- triazole (Gj) displayed potent antifungal activity against M. oryzae. The IC50 value was found approximately 3.8±0.5 μM and the IC50 value of propiconazole was found to be approximately 3.7±0.2 μM, respectively. Structure-activity relationship studies on aromatic ring structures provided insight and information about the structural requirements for antifungal activity of this synthetic series against M. oryzae.
The effect of biological and chemical control agents on the health status of the very early potato cultivar Rosara
Authors: Cwalina-Ambroziak Bożena , Damszel Marta Maria , Głosek-Sobieraj Małgorzata
Published: December 2015

The external appearance and quality of table potatoes are determined, among other factors, by the health status of the plants during the growing season. Chemical control methods are often combined with biocontrol agents to effectively fight potato pathogens. Potatoes of the very early cultivar Rosara were grown in experimental plots. The plots were located in Tomaszkowo (NE Poland, 2007-2009). The experiment involved the following treatments: 1) biological control − mycorrhizal Glomus spp. inoculum was applied to the roots, − tubers were dressed and plants were sprayed with Polyversum three times during the growing season, 2) chemical control - at two-week intervals, plants were sprayed with the following fungicides: Infinito 687.5 SC and Tanos 50 WG, Valbon 72 WG and Tanos 50 WG. In the control treatment, potato plants were not protected against pathogens. During the growing season, the severity of late blight and early blight was evaluated on a nine-point scale. The composition of fungal communities colonising potato stems was analysed. The fungistatic properties of the fungicides used in the field experiment were evaluated in an in vitro test. The symptoms of infections caused by Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria spp. were significantly reduced in the treatment which used the integrated chemical and biological control. The least diverse fungal community was isolated from fungicide-treated plants. In the in vitro test, fungicides at all analysed concentrations inhibited the linear mycelial growth of selected pathogens.
Characterization of Phyllosticta hostae causing Phyllosticta leaf spot on spider lily in China
Authors: Yi Run Hua , Gan Luo Jun , Chen Jing , Xu Xiao Ling
Published: December 2015

Leaf spot disease on the spider lily [Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.) Salisb.] continues to cause serious problems in China. To confirm the pathogen, the pathogenicity of isolates from diseased leaves was tested according to Koch’s postulates. The isolates were tentatively identified using morphological characteristics and confirmation was done by phylogenetic analysis of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF1), the actin gene (ACT), and internal transcibed spacer (ITS) sequences using neighbor-joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP), and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. The pathogen was identified as Phyllosticta hostae. Molecular analysis indicated very little diversity in the TEF1, ACT, and ITS gene. This is the first report of P. hostae causing leaf spot disease on spider lily in China.
Appraisal of wheat germplasm for adult plant resistance against stripe rust
Authors: Saleem Kamran , Imran Arshad Hafiz M. , Shokat Sajid , Manzoor Atta Babar
Published: December 2015

The resurgence of wheat stripe rust is of great concern for world food security. Owing to resistance breakdown and the appearance of new virulent high-temperature adapted races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), many high yielding commercial varieties in the country lost their yield potential. Searching for new sources of resistance is the best approach to mitigate the problem. Quantitative resistance (partial or adult plant) or durable resistance is reported to be more stable than race specific resistance. In the current perusal, a repertoire of 57 promising wheat lines along with the KLcheck line Morocco, developed through hybridisation and selection of local and international lines with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) origin, were evaluated under natural field conditions at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) during the 2012−2013 and 2013−2014 time periods. Final rust severity (FRS), the area under the rust progress curve (AURPC), the relative area under the rust progress curve (rAURPC), and the coefficient of infection (CI) were unraveled to infer the level of quantitative resistance. Final rust severity was recorded when the susceptible check exhibited 100% severity. There were 21 lines which were immune (no disease), 16 which were resistant, five moderately resistant, two resistant-to-moderately resistant, one moderately resistant-to-moderately susceptible, 5 moderately susceptible-to-susceptible, one moderately susceptible, and six exhibited a susceptible response. Nevertheless, 51 lines exhibited a high level of partial resistance while the three lines, NW-5-1212-1, NW-7-30-1, and NW-7-5 all showed a moderate level of partial resistance based on FRS, while 54 lines, on the basis of AURPC and rAURPC, were identified as conferring a high level of partial resistance. Moreover, adult plant resistance was conferred by 47 wheat lines, based on CI value. It was striking that, 13 immune lines among 21 were derived from parents of CIMMYT origin. Cluster analysis was executed to determine the diversity among the wheat genotypes based on stripe rust resistance and yield parameters. All genotypes were grouped into nine clusters exhibiting a high level of diversity at a 25% linkage distance. There were 29 wheat lines resistant to stripe rust that were grouped into the first three clusters, while 4 high-yielding lines were in Cluster VIII. The susceptible check, Morocco, was separated from rest of lines and fell in the last cluster i.e. Cluster IX. Based on the results, inter-crossing immune/ resistant lines is recommended, and with high yielding lines − it is also recommended that cultivars with improved disease resistance and yield potential be developed.
Biology and histopathology of Ustilago filiformis (=U. longissima), a causal agent of leaf stripe smut of Glyceria multiflora
Authors: Perelló Analía , Astiz Gasso Marta Mónica , Lovisolo Marcelo
Published: December 2015

The aims of this study were to clarify the reproductive biology of the Ustilago filiformis Schrank, as causal agent of the stripe smut of Glyceria multiflora, determine the infection process of the pathogen and analyze the histological changes associated host- Glyceria any fungus attack. Moreover, the life cycle of the fungus was elucidated for the first time. Both teliospores and basidiospores were found to be equally efficient in producing the infection in Glyceria plants after the plants had been inoculated. These results constitute an important contribution for the understanding of the epidemiology of the disease.
On the Integrality of the Elementary Symmetric Functions of 1, 1/3, . . . , 1/(2n − 1)
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Hong Shaofang
Published: December 2015

Erdős and Niven proved that for any positive integers m and d, there are only finitely many positive integers n for which one or more of the elementary symmetric functions of 1/m, 1/(m + d), . . . , 1/(m + nd) are integers. In this paper, we show that if n ≥ 2, then none of the elementary symmetric functions of 1, 1/3, . . . , 1/(2n − 1) is an integer
The Controlled Convergence Theorem for the Gap-Integral
Authors: Ganguly D. K. , Mukherjee Ranu
Published: December 2015

The concept of the GAP-integral was introduced by the authors [GANGULY, D. K.-MUKHERJEE, R.: The generalized approximate Perron integral, Math. Slovaca 58 (2008), 31-42]. In this paper we prove the controlled convergence theorem for the GAP-integral and deduce other convergence theorems as corollaries.
Representation of Extendible Bilinear Forms
Authors: Bowers Adam
Published: December 2015

We show that extendible bilinear forms can be represented in an integral form. The representation requires the use of bimeasures. We then study some properties of these extendible bilinear forms and see how they are related to the Grothendieck inequality.
Parametric Equilibrium Problems Governed by Topologically Pseudomonotone Bifunctions
Authors: Bogdan Marcel , Pascali Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Closedness of the solution map is investigated for a sequence of parametric inequality problems related to a “limit” problem governed by a pseudomonotone bifunction. The main result gives sufficient conditions for closedness of the solution map defined on the set of parameters.
Structural and optical properties of SnO2–Al2O3 nanocomposite synthesized via sol-gel route
Authors: Mishra Neeraj K. , Kumar Chaitnaya , Kumar Amit , Kumar Manish , Chaudhary Pratibha , Singh Rajeev
Published: December 2015

A nanocomposite of 0.5SnO2–0.5Al2O3 has been synthesized using a sol-gel route. Structural and optical properties of the nanocomposite have been discussed in detail. Powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction spectroscopy confirm the phase purity and the particle size of the 0.5SnO2–0.5Al2O3 nanocomposite (13 to 15 nm). The scanning electron microscopy also confirms the porosity in the sample, useful in sensing applications. The FT-IR analysis confirms the presence of physical interaction between SnO2 and Al2O3 due to the slight shifting and broadening of characteristic bands. The UV-Vis analysis confirms the semiconducting nature because of direct transition of electrons into the 0.5SnO2–0.5Al2O3 nanocomposites.
Aulodrilus pigueti Kowalewski, 1914 (Annelida: Clitellata) – a new record for the Polish fauna from the Oder River and remarks on other oligochaetes rarely noticed in Poland
Authors: Jabłońska Aleksandra , Szlauer-Łukaszewska Agnieszka , Bańkowska Aleksandra
Published: December 2015

The cosmopolitan freshwater oligochaete Aulodrilus pigueti Kowalewski, 1914 (Naididae: Tubificinae) was recorded for the first time in Poland. The species was found at a few groyne field sites and in the main flow of the middle and lower course of the Oder River. Forty two other species of oligochaetes were found in the analyzed material, including rarely found in Poland Aulodrilus japonicus and Bothrioneurum vejdovskyanum, as well as alien species: Branchiura sowerbyi and Quistadrilus multisetosus.
Pelagic coelenterates in the Atlantic sector of the Arctic Ocean − species diversity and distribution as water mass indicators
Authors: Mańko Maciej K. , Panasiuk-Chodnicka Anna A. , Żmijewska Maria I.
Published: December 2015

Marginal seas of the Arctic Ocean are well recognized as one of the richest ecosystems in the world’s ocean, being at the same time the most vulnerable to climate change. Such vulnerability affects the distribution of water masses, thus influences the pelagic species dispersal and local diversity.

For certain reasons some plankton species can be used as indicators of water mass distribution. Although the use of copepods and chaetognaths in such a manner is well documented, still little is known about the potential of pelagic Coelenterata as possible indicator species; they are still poorly investigated in this part of the Arctic Ocean. Therefore, a survey of these gelatinous animals was conducted in a transect between the Norwegian, Greenland, and Barents Seas in summer 2011. A total of 21 taxa were encountered and the most abundant was Aglantha digitale. Species distribution coupled with hydrological analysis of the investigated area enabled us to establish the water mass indicator taxa. Therefore, A. digitale was connected with the Atlantic Water Mass, while Bougainvillia superciliaris and large numbers of ctenophores were correlated with the Arctic Water Mass.

The results presented herein may provide the basis for developing new tools to analyze changes in the Arctic Ocean.
Application of XBeach to model a storm response on a sandy spit at the southern Baltic
Authors: Bugajny Natalia , Furmańczyk Kazimierz , Dudzińska-Nowak Joanna
Published: December 2015

The process-based XBeach model has been used to simulate changes in beach and dune morphology in terms of influence of the significant storm event on the sandy Dziwnow Spit, located in the western part of the Polish coast. The research was carried out as part of the SatBałtyk project and represents the first stage of XBeach model application to create a system for recording the selected effects and hazards caused by current and expected storm events. The significant storm event, registered in 2009, was used for model calibration. Ten cross-shore profiles were selected and compared against preand post-storm morphological data. Model performance was verified on the basis of BSS values for the terrestrial part of the profiles. Verification of the results was performed using two different approaches: on the basis of the highest mean BSS value for all profiles together and for one set of parameters (approach no. 1) and on the basis of the highest BSS value for each profile and most adequate sets of parameters (approach no. 2). Additionally, the observed and modelled beach and dune volume changes were calculated. The research showed that the XBeach model is well capable of simulating the dune and beach erosion caused by the storm event, but the model requires site-specific calibration. High sensitivity of the XBeach model to the facua parameter was determined; the parameter defines the wave shape and affects the sediment transport. The best fit of the profiles was obtained for BSS, ranging between 0.71 and 0.93, with the parameter hmin = 0.01 or 0.05, facua = 0.2-0.5, wetslp = 0.2-0.4 and dryslp = 1 or 1.5. The volume estimation error ranged from + 0.6 m3 m-1 to -7.7 m3 m-1, which represents 2.7% to 31.6%.
Centrality in Trade Networks and Investment in Security
Authors: Bove Vincenzo , Elia Leandro , Pelliccia Marco
Published: December 2015

The contemporary empirical literature on military spending has focused on institutional and conflict factors, and although has acknowledged the role of trade openness, it has not taken into account the position of a state in the trade network. Building on the concept of network centrality, we claim that the structure of trade networks affects the optimal investment in security, and that a country’s level of military spending is a function of its strategic position in the global network of a critical commodity, such as oil. Our empirical results show that network centrality constrains military spending.
Insight into catalyst deactivation mechanism and suppression techniques in thermocatalytic deoxygenation of bio-oil over zeolites
Authors: Alaba Peter Adeniyi , Sani Yahaya Muhammad , Mohammed Isah Yakub , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri
Published: December 2015

The economic viability of the thermocatalytic upgrade of biomass-derived oxygenates is facing the challenge of low-quality products. This is because of leaching of active species, coking, and concomitant catalyst deactivation. These cumulate into the loss of catalytic activity with time on stream (TOS), which causes low degree of deoxygenation. Thus, this article reviews recent advances aimed at alleviating these setbacks to make the process viable for industrial scale-up. To understand the concept of catalyst deactivation and to offer solutions, the review scrutinized the deactivation mechanism diligently. The review also analyzes deactivation-suppression techniques such as nanocrystal zeolite cracking, hydrogen spilt-over (HSO) species, and composite catalysts (hybrid, hierarchical mesoporous zeolite, modified zeolites, and catalytic cracking deposition of silane). Interestingly, these deactivation-suppression techniques enhance catalytic properties mostly by reducing the signal strength of strong acid sites and increasing hydrothermal stability. Further, the approaches improve catalytic activity, selectivity, and TOS stability because of the lower formation of coke precursors such as polynuclear aromatics. However, despite these many advances, the need for further investigations to achieve excellent catalytic activity for industrial scale-up persists.
Dendrosomatic Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Hippocampal Neurons Regulates Axon Elongation
Authors: Yao Pamela J. , Petralia Ronald S. , Ott Carolyn , Wang Ya-Xian , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Mattson Mark P.
Published: December 2015

The presence of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and its signaling components in the neurons of the hippocampus raises a question about what role the Shh signaling pathway may play in these neurons. We show here that activation of the Shh signaling pathway stimulates axon elongation in rat hippocampal neurons. This Shh-induced effect depends on the pathway transducer Smoothened (Smo) and the transcription factor Gli1. The axon itself does not respond directly to Shh; instead, the Shh signal transduction originates from the somatodendritic region of the neurons and occurs in neurons with and without detectable primary cilia. Upon Shh stimulation, Smo localization to dendrites increases significantly. Shh pathway activation results in increased levels of profilin1 (Pfn1), an actin-binding protein. Mutations in Pfn1's actin-binding sites or reduction of Pfn1 eliminate the Shh-induced axon elongation. These findings indicate that Shh can regulate axon growth, which may be critical for development of hippocampal neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough numerous signaling mechanisms have been identified that act directly on axons to regulate their outgrowth, it is not known whether signals transduced in dendrites may also affect axon outgrowth. We describe here a transcellular signaling pathway in embryonic hippocampal neurons in which activation of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) receptors in dendrites stimulates axon growth. The pathway involves the dendritic-membrane-associated Shh signal transducer Smoothened (Smo) and the transcription factor Gli, which induces the expression of the gene encoding the actin-binding protein profilin 1. Our findings suggest scenarios in which stimulation of Shh in dendrites results in accelerated outgrowth of the axon, which therefore reaches its presumptive postsynaptic target cell more quickly. By this mechanism, Shh may play critical roles in the development of hippocampal neuronal circuits.
Re-Opening the Critical Window for Estrogen Therapy
Authors: Bean Linda A. , Kumar Ashok , Rani Asha , Guidi Mike , Rosario Awilda M. , Cruz Pedro E. , Golde Todd E. , Foster Thomas C.
Published: December 2015

A decline in estradiol (E2)-mediated cognitive benefits denotes a critical window for the therapeutic effects of E2, but the mechanism for closing of the critical window is unknown. We hypothesized that upregulating the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) or estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in the hippocampus of aged animals would restore the therapeutic potential of E2 treatments and rejuvenate E2-induced hippocampal plasticity. Female rats (15 months) were ovariectomized, and, 14 weeks later, adeno-associated viral vectors were used to express ERα, ERβ, or green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. Animals were subsequently treated for 5 weeks with cyclic injections of 17β-estradiol-3-benzoate (EB, 10 μg) or oil vehicle. Spatial memory was examined 48 h after EB/oil treatment. EB treatment in the GFP (GFP + EB) and ERβ (ERβ + EB) groups failed to improve episodic spatial memory relative to oil-treated animals, indicating closing of the critical window. Expression of ERβ failed to improve cognition and was associated with a modest learning impairment. Cognitive benefits were specific to animals expressing ERα that received EB treatment (ERα + EB), such that memory was improved relative to ERα + oil and GFP + EB. Similarly, ERα + EB animals exhibited enhanced NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission compared with the ERα + oil and GFP + EB groups. This is the first demonstration that the window for E2-mediated benefits on cognition and hippocampal E2 responsiveness can be reinstated by increased expression of ERα.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEstradiol is neuroprotective, promotes synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and protects against cognitive decline associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. However, animal models and clinical studies indicate a critical window for the therapeutic treatment such that the beneficial effects are lost with advanced age and/or with extended hormone deprivation. We used gene therapy to upregulate expression of the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and demonstrate that the window for estradiol's beneficial effects on memory and hippocampal synaptic function can be reinstated by enhancing the expression of ERα. Our findings suggest that the activity of ERα controls the therapeutic window by regulating synaptic plasticity mechanisms involved in memory.
Persistent Associative Plasticity at an Identified Synapse Underlying Classical Conditioning Becomes Labile with Short-Term Homosynaptic Activation
Authors: Hu Jiangyuan , Schacher Samuel
Published: December 2015

Synapses express different forms of plasticity that contribute to different forms of memory, and both memory and plasticity can become labile after reactivation. We previously reported that a persistent form of nonassociative long-term facilitation (PNA-LTF) of the sensorimotor synapses inAplysia californica, a cellular analog of long-term sensitization, became labile with short-term heterosynaptic reactivation and reversed when the reactivation was followed by incubation with the protein synthesis inhibitor rapamycin. Here we examined the reciprocal impact of different forms of short-term plasticity (reactivations) on a persistent form of associative long-term facilitation (PA-LTF), a cellular analog of classical conditioning, which was expressed atAplysiasensorimotor synapses when a tetanic stimulation of the sensory neurons was paired with a brief application of serotonin on 2 consecutive days. The expression of short-term homosynaptic plasticity [post-tetanic potentiation or homosynaptic depression (HSD)], or short-term heterosynaptic plasticity [serotonin-induced facilitation or neuropeptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2(FMRFa)-induced depression], at synapses expressing PA-LTF did not affect the maintenance of PA-LTF. The kinetics of HSD was attenuated at synapses expressing PA-LTF, which required activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Both PA-LTF and the attenuated kinetics of HSD were reversed by either a transient blockade of PKC activity or a homosynaptic, but not heterosynaptic, reactivation when paired with rapamycin. These results indicate that two different forms of persistent synaptic plasticity, PA-LTF and PNA-LTF, expressed at the same synapse become labile when reactivated by different stimuli.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTActivity-dependent changes in neural circuits mediate long-term memories. Some forms of long-term memories become labile and can be reversed with specific types of reactivations, but the mechanism is complex. At the cellular level, reactivations that induce a reversal of memory must evoke changes in neural circuits underlying the memory. What types of reactivations induce a labile state at neural connections that lead to reversal of different types of memory? We find that a critical neural connection inAplysia, which is modified with different stimuli that mediate different types of memory, becomes labile with different types of reactivations. These results provide insights for developing strategies in alleviating maladaptive memories accompanying anxiety disorders.
GRPR/PI3Kγ: Partners in Central Transmission of Itch
Authors: Pereira Paula J.S. , Machado Gustavo D.B. , Danesi Giuliano M. , Canevese Francesca F. , Reddy Vemuri B. , Pereira Talita C.B. , Bogo Maurício R. , Cheng Yung-Chih , Laedermann Cedric , Talbot Sébastien , Lerner Ethan A. , Campos Maria M.
Published: December 2015

The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor (GRPR) are important components of itch transmission. Upstream, but not downstream, aspects of GRPR signaling have been investigated extensively. We hypothesize that GRPR signals in part through the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway. We used pharmacological, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches to further evaluate GRPR downstream signaling pathways. Our data show that GRP directly activates small-size capsaicin-sensitive DRG neurons, an effect that translates into transient calcium flux and membrane depolarization (∼20 mV). GRPR activation also induces Akt phosphorylation, a proxy for PI3Kγ activity, inex vivonaive mouse spinal cords and in GRPR transiently expressing HEK293 cells. The intrathecal injection of GRP led to intense scratching, an effect largely reduced by either GRPR antagonists or PI3Kγ inhibitor. Scratching behavior was also induced by the intrathecal injection of an Akt activator. In a dry skin model of itch, we show that GRPR blockade or PI3Kγ inhibition reversed the scratching behavior. Altogether, these findings are highly suggestive that GRPR is expressed by the central terminals of DRG nociceptive afferents, which transmit itch via the PI3Kγ/Akt pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTItch is the most common symptom of the skin and is related to noncutaneous diseases. It severely impairs patients' quality of life when it becomes chronic and there is no specific or effective available therapy, mainly because itch pathophysiology is not completely elucidated. Our findings indicate that the enzyme PI3Kγ is a key central mediator of itch transmission. Therefore, we suggest PI3Kγ as an attractive target for the development of new anti-pruritic drugs. With this study, we take a step forward in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the central transmission of itch sensation.
Muscarinic Attenuation of Mnemonic Rule Representation in Macaque Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex during a Pro- and Anti-Saccade Task
Authors: Major Alex J. , Vijayraghavan Susheel , Everling Stefan
Published: December 2015

Maintenance of context is necessary for execution of appropriate responses to diverse environmental stimuli. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a pivotal role in executive function, including working memory and representation of abstract rules. DLPFC activity is modulated by the ascending cholinergic system through nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. Although muscarinic receptors have been implicated in executive performance and gating of synaptic signals, their effect on local primate DLPFC neuronal activityin vivoduring cognitive tasks remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of muscarinic receptor blockade on rule-related activity in the macaque prefrontal cortex by combining iontophoretic application of the general muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine with single-cell recordings while monkeys performed a mnemonic rule-guided saccade task. We found that scopolamine reduced overall neuronal firing rate and impaired rule discriminability of task-selective cells. Saccade and visual direction selectivity measures were also reduced by muscarinic antagonism. These results demonstrate that blockade of muscarinic receptors in DLPFC creates deficits in working memory representation of rules in primates.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAcetylcholine plays a pivotal role in higher-order cognitive functions, including planning, reasoning, impulse-control, and making decisions based on contingencies or rules. Disruption of acetylcholine function is central to many psychiatric disorders manifesting cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease. Although much is known about the involvement of acetylcholine and its receptors in arousal and attention, its involvement in working memory, an essential short-term memory component of cognition dependent on the integrity of prefrontal cortex, remains poorly understood. Herein, we explored the impact of suppressing acetylcholine signaling on neurons encoding memorized rules while macaque monkeys made responses based on those rules. Our findings provide insights into the neural mechanisms by which a disruption in acetylcholine function impairs working memory in the prefrontal cortex.
Ectopic Expression of α6 and δ GABAAReceptor Subunits in Hilar Somatostatin Neurons Increases Tonic Inhibition and Alters Network Activity in the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Tong Xiaoping , Peng Zechun , Zhang Nianhui , Cetina Yliana , Huang Christine S. , Wallner Martin , Otis Thomas S. , Houser Carolyn R.
Published: December 2015

The role of GABAAreceptor (GABAAR)-mediated tonic inhibition in interneurons remains unclear and may vary among subgroups. Somatostatin (SOM) interneurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus show negligible expression of nonsynaptic GABAAR subunits and very low tonic inhibition. To determine the effects of ectopic expression of tonic GABAAR subtypes in these neurons, Cre-dependent viral vectors were used to express GFP-tagged GABAAR subunits (α6 and δ) selectively in hilar SOM neurons in SOM-Cre mice. In single-transfected animals, immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong expression of either the α6 or δ subunit; in cotransfected animals, both subunits were consistently expressed in the same neurons. Electrophysiology revealed a robust increase of tonic current, with progressively larger increases following transfection of δ, α6, and α6/δ subunits, respectively, indicating formation of functional receptors in all conditions and likely coassembly of the subunits in the same receptor following cotransfection. Anin vitromodel of repetitive bursting was used to determine the effects of increased tonic inhibition in hilar SOM interneurons on circuit activity in the dentate gyrus. Upon cotransfection, the frequency of GABAAR-mediated bursting in granule cells was reduced, consistent with a reduction in synchronous firing among hilar SOM interneurons. Moreover,in vivostudies of Fos expression demonstrated reduced activation of α6/δ-cotransfected neurons following acute seizure induction by pentylenetetrazole. The findings demonstrate that increasing tonic inhibition in hilar SOM interneurons can alter dentate gyrus circuit activity during strong stimulation and suggest that tonic inhibition of interneurons could play a role in regulating excessive synchrony within the network.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn contrast to many hippocampal interneurons, somatostatin (SOM) neurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus have very low levels of nonsynaptic GABAARs and exhibit very little tonic inhibition. In an effort to increase tonic inhibition selectively in these interneurons, we used Cre-dependent viral vectors in SOM-Cre mice to achieve interneuron-specific expression of the nonsynaptic GABAAR subunits (α6 and δ)in vivo. We show, for the first time, that such recombinant GFP-tagged GABAAR subunits are expressed robustly, assemble to form functional receptors, substantially increase tonic inhibition in SOM interneurons, and alter circuit activity within the dentate gyrus.
Subjective Rhythmization
Authors: Bååth Rasmus
Published: December 2015

Subjective rhythmization is that phenomenon whereby, when one is listening to a monotone metronome sequence, some sounds are experienced as accented. These subjectively accented sounds group the sequence similarly to how the metrical structure of a piece of music groups the beats. Subjective rhythmization was first investigated by Bolton (1894); the present study aims at replicating and extending that work. Consistent with Bolton’s results, all participants reported hearing accent patterns when listening to monotone sequences; the reported group size of an accent pattern was highly dependent on the tempo of the sequence. A power relation captured well the relation between the reported group size and the sequence interstimulus interval. Further, the mean group size reported in the subjective rhythmization task was found to correlate with the timing performance in a slow-tempo tapping task. These results are consistent with the resonance theory explanation of subjective rhythmization (Large, 2008).
Punicalagin promotes autophagy to protect primary human syncytiotrophoblasts from apoptosis
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Baosheng , Longtine Mark S , Nelson D Michael
Published: December 2015

Punicalagin is a prominent polyphenol in pomegranate juice that protects cultured syncytiotrophoblasts from stress-induced apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that punicalagin has this effect by inhibiting the mTOR kinase pathway to enhance autophagic turnover and limit apoptosis in cultured primary human syncytiotrophoblasts. In syncytiotrophoblasts, starvation, rapamycin, or punicalagin all decreased the expression of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6, a downstream target of the mTOR kinase, and of the autophagy markers, LC3-II and p62. In contrast, in the presence of bafilomycin, an inhibitor of late stages of autophagy and degradation in the autophagolysosome, syncytiotrophoblasts exposed to starvation, rapamycin, or punicalagin all showed increased levels of LC3-II and p62. The number of LC3-II punctae also increased in punicalagin-treated syncytiotrophoblasts exposed to chloroquine, another inhibitor of autophagic degradation, and punicalagin increased the number of lysosomes. The apoptosis-reducing effect of punicalagin was attenuated by inhibition of autophagy using bafilomycin or knockdown of the autophagy related gene,ATG16L1. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that punicalagin modulates the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis to promote survival in cultured syncytiotrophoblasts.
Soldados de “naciones” para la armada del mar océano: las compañías irlandesas de los Tercios embarcados, 1604-1639
Authors: De Mesa Gallego Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Desde 1604 hasta 1639 varias compañías compuestas por militares irlandeses sirvieron en los Tercios embarcados de la Armada del Mar Océano. Este estudio pretende describir las actividades en las que dichas unidades se vieron involucradas durante su servicio a Felipe III y a Felipe IV, desde enfrentamientos navales contra corsarios berberiscos en el Mediterráneo a operaciones contra los asentamientos piráticos holandeses en el Nuevo Mundo. Además se intenta identificar quiénes fueron sus miembros, tanto oficiales como soldados, y se presentan sus cursus honorum con el detalle que permite la documentación existente. Se ensaya así otra perspectiva, hasta ahora inédita, del servicio prestado por el exilio irlandés a la Monarquía Hispánica durante los primeros cuarenta años del siglo XVII.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2369
“En el mundo que hemos perdido”: padres ancianos e hijos en la Galicia occidental en el siglo XVIII
Authors: Fernández Cortizo Camilo
Published: December 2015

La población de 60 y más años de la comarca de Cotobade (Pontevedra-España) sumaba a mediados del siglo XVIII una elevada proporción y tenía un activo protagonismo familiar y comunitario. Por tal razón, mediante la consulta y entrecruzamiento de fuentes documentales dispares y complementarias (censos de población, catastros fiscales, archivos parroquiales, escrituras notariales) se analiza el peso demográfico de la población vieja y su papel familiar y social; asimismo, el tamaño, la composición y estructura de los grupos domésticos bajo su jefatura, prestando especial atención a la convivencia entre padres e hijos como mecanismo fundamental en la reproducción del grupo doméstico y de la explotación campesina, pero también en las estrategias de herencia y, finalmente, en la asistencia familiar en la vejez.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2739
Le renouveau de l’histoire du parrainage aux époques moderne et contemporaine en France
Authors: Gourdon Vincent
Published: December 2015

Depuis une quinzaine d?années, l?histoire du parrainage aux époques moderne et contemporaine connaît un grand renouvellement en France. Alors que ce thème était essentiellement étudié en anthropologie historique, ce nouvel intérêt provient de chercheurs spécialisés en histoire sociale de la famille. Ceux-ci n?oublient pas que dans le passé, parrainage et compérage étaient vus comme de véritables liens de parenté, en l?occurrence « spirituelle » ; en outre, ils estiment que ces relations spirituelles offrent un éclairage particulièrement pertinent sur l?histoire des réseaux sociaux et familiaux des individus du passé. Cet article propose un premier bilan des recherches récentes sur l?histoire du parrainage en France depuis l?époque moderne. Deux axes ont été particulièrement porteurs. Dans le premier, l?accent est mis sur les variations historiques des modèles de parrainage, en particulier à partir de la condamnation du multiparrainage lors du concile de Trente. Le second grand thème est celui de la montée des choix de parrains et marraines au sein de la parenté. Contrairement aux conclusions des travaux anthropologiques des années 1970 et 1980, les études historiques récentes, qui adoptent des méthodologies de type sériel, montrent que le parrainage familial a connu une forte croissance aux XVIIIe et XIXe siècles. Cette poussée est un élément supplémentaire suggérant une familialisation des rapports sociaux dans cette période, contrairement à une tradition sociologique qui assimilait modernité et fragilisation du lien familial et du rôle de la parenté.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2748
Choix et strategies d’alliance : chroniques presque contrefactuelles des réseaux parentaux dans le patriciat vénitien, XVIII siècle
Authors: Munno Cristina , Derosas Renzo
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo emplearemos un instrumento metodológico que nos ayudará a entender cómo la elección y el establecimiento de alianzas podría estar determinado por condicionantes políticos y estratégicos. Centrándonos en la República de Venecia durante el siglo XVIII, estudiaremos las características, las actitudes, los impulsos y los intereses que se esconden tras las alianzas establecidas por la aristocracia; unas marcadas por un claro componente político y otras por el deseo de adquirirlo. Tomando como referencia a sus matrimonios, exploraremos el significado de sus alianzas utilizando las herramientas propias del Social Network Analysis. Sus opciones matrimoniales y las redes que se derivan de ellas se compararán con las que nacerían de otras posibles opciones matrimoniales. El instrumento de análisis que proponemos se centra sobre  la actividad desplegada por la familia Manin, gracias a la cual podremos comparar los beneficios de las hipotéticas relaciones que establecería con estas o aquellas familias. Esta investigación tiene por objeto ayudarnos a comprender la complejidad de las relaciones sociales y familiares de la aristocracia veneciana, y también, advertir de la posibilidad de ofrecer nuevos enfoques a la historia social y política.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2822
Ilegitimidad, matrimonio y mercados de trabajo femeninos en la Galicia interior, 1570-1899
Authors: Dubert Isidro
Published: December 2015

La Galicia interior es una región que aproximadamente supone un 20% del territorio de la Galicia actual. Hasta finales del Antiguo Régimen se caracterizó por estar escasamente urbanizada, poco poblada, por tener una agricultura de año y vez basada en el cultivo del centeno, el predominio de un modelo matrimonial y la familia compleja, y la existencia de un sistema hereditario no igualitario. En este contexto, los tradicionales niveles de ilegitimidad, situados en torno a un 5-6% del total de bautizados, experimentaron un franco y neto despegue a partir de 1770-1780. Determinar los factores que explican ese crecimiento ininterrumpido del fenómeno durante casi un siglo, nos ha llevado a estudiar los cambios que registró la estructura interna de la sexualidad ilegítima, las transformaciones operadas en los mercados matrimoniales locales y la crisis que conocieron los tradicionales mercados de trabajo femeninos, ejemplificada en este caso a través de lo ocurrido al servicio doméstico de la zona.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2827
"Ha continuato a tenere fabbrica e negozio aperto": travail, propriété et relations sociales des veuves des maîtres entre pratiques et normes en Italie à l'époque moderne (Turin, XVIIIe siècle)
Authors: Zucca Micheleto Beatrice
Published: December 2015

Cet article interroge les pratiques de travail des veuves issues des milieux de l?artisanat et du commerce de la ville de Turin au cours du XVIIIe siècle et se propose d'aller au-delà de l'image, désormais entérinée, de la veuve démunie et destinataire privilégiée du secours des institutions de charité. Les recensements, les règlements des corporations et les actes notariés témoignent de l'engagement des veuves dans les boutiques familiales, un engagement qui, par ailleurs, comme pour les hommes, caractérisait toute leur vie, indépendamment de leur condition maritale. En focalisant sur les veuves des artisans, cette étude montre que, même si leur action économique était limitée et résultait d'une combinaison de variables différentes, ces femmes n'étaient pas forcément destinées à sombrer dans la pauvreté. Au contraire, elles pouvaient, et savaient, mettre à profit l'ensemble des ressources économiques et sociales, matérielles et relationnelles qui étaient à leur disposition et qui avaient été bâties avec la gestion de l'atelier avec le conjoint pendant la durée du mariage; en outre, grâce à ces ressources, elles étaient capables de négocier leur position et le bien-être de leurs enfants, et ce même dans le cas d'un remariage.http://dx.doi.org/10.15304/ohm.24.2921
Crosscurricular Competency of Critical Thinking: Its Characterization in Students of One Mexico High School
Authors: Molina-Patlán Candelaria , Morales-Martínez Gloria Perla , Valenzuela-González Jaime Ricardo
Published: December 2015

This article is derived from a research study whose objective was to determine the characteristics that high school students have which are considered to be competent in the crosscurricular competence development of critical thinking. The study had a post positivist approach. It used mixed methodology in sequential exploratory mode. In the qualitative phase, data was collected by applying semi-structured interviews to six students of the first and second high school years; the results were analyzed using an inductive encoding. In the quantitative phase a self-report with Likert scale was applied to 50 high school students. The data, at this stage, were submitted to descriptive, psychometric and relations analysis. It was found that high school students, competent in developing critical thinking, feature problem-solving, issuance of judgments and disposition towards critical thinking skills. Their solidarity, the taste for sharing their knowledge and for helping those who prompted them were highlighted. We also found that the difference between men and women in this competition is minimal, but in the classroom context the capacity of women is reflected more. These findings can be taken into account in the educational practice to boost the development of critical thinking in students, and at the same time, their learning, because knowledge, attitudes and different skills come into play when strengthening critical thinking competency through practice, which is akin to the current educational approach in Mexico, to the skills-based approach.
Multilevel Interaction in Chemical Engineering Students from University of Costa Rica
Authors: Calderón-Castro Jenny Andrea , Garro-Mena Leonardo
Published: December 2015

This research studies the effect of multilevel interaction among students of different levels from the chemical engineering career at the University of Costa Rica regarding the development and learning of skills. The groups among whom we contacted were second year graphic analysis students and fifth year control and instrumentation students. The methodology used is qualitative case study-based; instruments used were observation and data collection, students’ logbook, interviews and questionnaires geared towards the participating population. It was observed that interaction generates a better understanding of the courses’ subject matter, as well as promote the development of social skills. Given the positive results of the experience, it is recommended to create spaces for interaction not only between students, but between teachers and even at industrial level.
Escuela Normal de Costa Rica: Historia y legado
Authors: Carvajal-Jiménez Vivian , Ruiz-Badilla Silvia
Published: December 2015

En el marco del centenario de la Escuela Normal de Costa Rica, este documento discute su rol y legado en la formación docente. Se estructura en tres partes. En primer lugar, se presenta una breve contextualización histórica sobre el origen y perfil de las escuelas normales en varias partes del mundo. En segundo lugar, se describe el desarrollo de la Escuela Normal en Costa Rica, se referencian varias personalidades y elementos significativos que marcaron el rumbo y prestigio de la institución, y se destaca su papel clave en la formación humanista de maestros, la cual contribuyó a cimentar el florecer educativo costarricense. Finalmente, se presentan algunas consideraciones sobre los remanentes del legado formativo de esta noble institución en el presente, concretamente en el ámbito de la educación terciaria, en las carreras de formación docente de la Universidad Nacional, principal heredera histórica de la Escuela Normal.
Literacy among Young People and Adults
Authors: Flores-Davis Luz Emilia
Published: December 2015

This article aims to share experiences and reflections carried out during over twenty years of working in the literacy issue among young people and adults, as well as offering ideas that can foster new experiences. Literacy among adults is a practice of coexistence where both the mediator and the student learn. Each literacy learning mediation exercise is unique; therefore the path to the proper name shared here must be contextualized. The basic premises which are developed in this article have to do with the right of every person to learn how to read and write his/her own reality, depicted from their circumstances and dreams; in other words, from their experiences, ideas, expertise, feelings and hopes. The latter involves locating the learner person as the center of the learning process and, hence, respecting his/her interests, needs and learning pace.