In this study, we investigated specimens of artificial bone foams, developed by the research group for surgical simulators at the UAS Linz, which are used to mimic the haptic feedback of physiologic ...and pathologic bone for more realistic surgery training. Specimens with two kinds of mineral filler material as well as different amounts of foaming agent were tested in an environmental in-situ loading stage developed by the ITAM CAS and scanned via X-ray micro-computed tomography. In this in-situ stage, specimens can be immersed in liquid and tested under temperature-controlled conditions. Consequently, a total amount of 12 specimens was subjected to compression loading; half of them immersed in water at 36.5◦C and half in dry condition. Results showed that there is no significant influence of liquid immersion to the compression outcome. However, foams with less amount of foaming agent appeared to have smaller pores resulting in higher compression strength.
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is mostly caused by a CGG triplet expansion in the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1). Up to 60% of affected males fulfill criteria for autism spectrum disorder ...(ASD), making FXS the most frequent monogenetic cause of syndromic ASD. It is unknown, however, whether normal variants (independent of mutations) in the fragile X gene family (FMR1, FXR1, FXR2) and in FMR2 modulate autistic features. Here, we report an accumulation model of 8 SNPs in these genes, associated with autistic traits in a discovery sample of male patients with schizophrenia (N = 692) and three independent replicate samples: patients with schizophrenia (N = 626), patients with other psychiatric diagnoses (N = 111) and a general population sample (N = 2005). For first mechanistic insight, we contrasted microRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of selected extreme group subjects with high‐ versus low‐risk constellation regarding the accumulation model. Thereby, the brain‐expressed miR‐181 species emerged as potential “umbrella regulator”, with several seed matches across the fragile X gene family and FMR2. To conclude, normal variation in these genes contributes to the continuum of autistic phenotypes.
Synopsis
Based on a novel approach, phenotype‐based genetic association study, first evidence is provided that a particular constellation of completely normal genotypes in the “broader fragile X gene family” contributes to autistic phenotypes.
An accumulation model of 8 SNPs from the broader fragile X gene family (FMR1, FXR1, FXR2, and FMR2) is associated with autistic traits in a discovery sample of male schizophrenia patients as well as three independent replication samples of neuropsychiatric patients or general population.
The underlying novel approach, named phenotype‐based genetic association study (PGAS), may serve as universal guide in the exploration of genotype contributions to quantifiable phenotypes.
Comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells of extreme group subjects with high versus low genetic risk by small RNA sequencing revealed quantitative differences in the brain‐expressed miR‐181 family, which has several seed matches across the broader fragile X gene family.
Future studies based on extensive in vivo work in animal models are needed to delineate how and when the miR‐181 family may act as an overarching modulator of the fragile X genes.
Based on a novel approach, phenotype‐based genetic association study, first evidence is provided that a particular constellation of completely normal genotypes in the “broader fragile X gene family” contributes to autistic phenotypes.
60 years after the trials of the main German war criminals, the articles in this book attempt to assess the Nuremberg Trials from a historical and legal point of view, and to illustrate connections, ...contradictions and consequences. In view of constantly reoccurring reports of mass crimes from all over the world, we have only reached the halfway point in the quest for an effective system of international criminal justice. With the legacy of Nuremberg in mind, this volume is a contribution to the search for answers to questions of how the law can be applied effectively and those committing crimes against humanity be brought to justice for their actions.
Erythropoietin (EPO) improves cognitive performance in clinical studies and rodent experiments. We hypothesized that an intrinsic role of EPO for cognition exists, with particular relevance in ...situations of cognitive decline, which is reflected by associations of EPO and EPO receptor (EPOR) genotypes with cognitive functions. To prove this hypothesis, schizophrenic patients (N > 1000) were genotyped for 5' upstream-located gene variants, EPO SNP rs1617640 (T/G) and EPORSTR(GA)(n). Associations of these variants were obtained for cognitive processing speed, fine motor skills and short-term memory readouts, with one particular combination of genotypes superior to all others (p < 0.0001). In an independent healthy control sample (N > 800), these associations were confirmed. A matching preclinical study with mice demonstrated cognitive processing speed and memory enhanced upon transgenic expression of constitutively active EPOR in pyramidal neurons of cortex and hippocampus. We thus predicted that the human genotypes associated with better cognition would reflect gain-of-function effects. Indeed, reporter gene assays and quantitative transcriptional analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed genotype-dependent EPO/EPOR expression differences. Together, these findings reveal a role of endogenous EPO/EPOR for cognition, at least in schizophrenic patients.
The X‐chromosomal MECP2/Mecp2 gene encodes methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2, a transcriptional activator and repressor regulating many other genes. We discovered in male FVB/N mice that mild (~50%) ...transgenic overexpression of Mecp2 enhances aggression. Surprisingly, when the same transgene was expressed in C57BL/6N mice, transgenics showed reduced aggression and social interaction. This suggests that Mecp2 modulates aggressive social behavior. To test this hypothesis in humans, we performed a phenotype‐based genetic association study (PGAS) in >1000 schizophrenic individuals. We found MECP2 SNPs rs2239464 (G/A) and rs2734647 (C/T; 3′UTR) associated with aggression, with the G and C carriers, respectively, being more aggressive. This finding was replicated in an independent schizophrenia cohort. Allele‐specific MECP2 mRNA expression differs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by ~50% (rs2734647: C > T). Notably, the brain‐expressed, species‐conserved miR‐511 binds to MECP2 3′UTR only in T carriers, thereby suppressing gene expression. To conclude, subtle MECP2/Mecp2 expression alterations impact aggression. While the mouse data provides evidence of an interaction between genetic background and mild Mecp2 overexpression, the human data convey means by which genetic variation affects MECP2 expression and behavior.
Synopsis
The transcriptional regulator MECP2 is known to affect neurodevelopment. This study associates aggressive social behavior with MECP2 genotype and expression changes in both male schizophrenic patients and mouse models of different genetic background.
Mild (50%) overexpression of Mecp2 in mice influences male social aggression.
The genetic background (FVB/N versus C57Bl/6N) modulates this overexpression‐associated phenotype.
Normal genetic variation of MECP2 (single nucleotide polymorphisms) co‐determines the level of aggression in two independent cohorts of schizophrenic men.
miR‐511 downregulates MECP2 expression in T but not C carriers of SNP rs2734647, suggesting miR‐511 targeted therapies in MECP2 gene duplication syndrome.
The transcriptional regulator MECP2 is known to affect neurodevelopment. This study associates aggressive social behavior with MECP2 genotype and expression changes in both male schizophrenic patients and mouse models of different genetic background.
Access to accurate depth information is important for a wide variety of oceanographic science applications. For example, it is crucial in the creation of 3D models. Currently, divers are manually ...measuring the depth by using dive watches, but this method is inconsistent because of variable depth readings caused by changing wave heights and human errors. To combat these problems, we created the Depth-Sensor Enclosed Application (D-SEA) to automatically collect and average pressure data while displaying the calculated depth readings underwater. To use D-SEA, the user places it on top of the area of study to measure and gather the underwater depth readings over time. We are working on an affordable, waterproof prototype with a display that is readable underwater, an automatic transition between on and off states when submerged in seawater, and automatic data logging onto an SD card. From testing the recent prototype, results show that D-SEA lasted for weeks in the sleep state and days in the wake state while under depths of 4.40 meters.
Abstract
The X‐chromosomal
MECP2/Mecp2
gene encodes methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2, a transcriptional activator and repressor regulating many other genes. We discovered in male FVB/N mice that mild ...(~50%) transgenic overexpression of
Mecp2
enhances aggression. Surprisingly, when the same transgene was expressed in C57BL/6N mice, transgenics showed reduced aggression and social interaction. This suggests that
Mecp2
modulates aggressive social behavior. To test this hypothesis in humans, we performed a phenotype‐based genetic association study (PGAS) in >1000 schizophrenic individuals. We found
MECP2
SNPs rs2239464 (G/A) and rs2734647 (C/T; 3′UTR) associated with aggression, with the G and C carriers, respectively, being
more
aggressive. This finding was replicated in an independent schizophrenia cohort. Allele‐specific
MECP2
mRNA
expression differs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by ~50% (rs2734647: C > T). Notably, the brain‐expressed, species‐conserved miR‐511 binds to
MECP2
3′UTR only in T carriers, thereby suppressing gene expression. To conclude, subtle
MECP2/Mecp2
expression alterations impact aggression. While the mouse data provides evidence of an interaction between genetic background and mild
Mecp2 over
expression, the human data convey means by which genetic variation affects
MECP2
expression and behavior.
Synopsis
image
The transcriptional regulator
MECP
2 is known to affect neurodevelopment. This study associates aggressive social behavior with
MECP
2 genotype and expression changes in both male schizophrenic patients and mouse models of different genetic background.
Mild (50%) overexpression of
Mecp2
in mice influences male social aggression.
The genetic background (
FVB
/N versus C57Bl/6N) modulates this overexpression‐associated phenotype.
Normal genetic variation of
MECP
2
(single nucleotide polymorphisms) co‐determines the level of aggression in two independent cohorts of schizophrenic men.
miR‐511 downregulates
MECP
2
expression in T but not C carriers of
SNP
rs2734647, suggesting miR‐511 targeted therapies in
MECP
2
gene duplication syndrome.
THE ARTIST'S MUSEUM Kastner, Jeffrey
Artforum international,
09/2016, Letnik:
55, Številka:
1
Magazine Article
" "The Artist's Museum" explores such procedures of artistic illumination via thirty-odd works by figures such as Carol Bove, Rachel Harrison, Goshka Macuga, Christian Marclay, Xaviera Simmons, and ...Sara VanDerBeek; a substantial catalogue with essays by the curator, Claire Bishop, Lynne Cooke, and Ingrid Schaffner accompanies the exhibition. -
Low-mass pre-main sequence (PMS) stars are strong and variable X-ray emitters, as has been well established by EINSTEIN and ROSAT observatories. It was originally believed that this emission was of ...thermal nature and primarily originated from coronal activity (magnetically confined loops, in analogy with Solar activity) on contracting young stars. Broadband spectral analysis showed that the emission was not isothermal and that elemental abundances were non-Solar. The resolving power of the Chandra and XMM X-ray gratings spectrometers have provided the first, tantalizing details concerning the physical conditions such as temperatures, densities, and abundances that characterize the X-ray emitting regions of young star. These existing high resolution spectrometers, however, simply do not have the effective area to measure diagnostic lines for a large number of PMS stars over required to answer global questions such as: how does magnetic activity in PMS stars differ from that of main sequence stars, how do they evolve, what determines the population structure and activity in stellar clusters, and how does the activity influence the evolution of protostellar disks. Highly resolved (R>3000) X-ray spectroscopy at orders of magnitude greater efficiency than currently available will provide major advances in answering these questions. This requires the ability to resolve the key diagnostic emission lines with a precision of better than 100 km/s.
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