Epileptiform Activity and Cognitive Deficits in SNAP-25+/− Mice are Normalized by Antiepileptic Drugs

Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) is a protein that participates in the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis through the formation of the soluble NSF attachment protein receptor complex and modulates voltage-gated calcium channels activity. The Snap25 gene has been associated with schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorder, and lower levels of SNAP-25 have been described in patients with schizophrenia. We used SNAP-25 heterozygous (SNAP-25+/−) mice to investigate at which extent the reduction of the protein levels affects neuronal network function and mouse behavior. As interactions of genotype with the specific laboratory conditions may impact behavioral results, the study was performed through a multilaboratory study in which behavioral tests were replicated in at least 2 of 3 distinct European laboratories. Reductions of SNAP-25 levels were associated with a moderate hyperactivity, which disappeared in the adult animals, and with impaired associative learning and memory. Electroencephalographic recordings revealed the occurrence of frequent spikes, suggesting a diffuse network hyperexcitability. Consistently, SNAP-25+/− mice displayed higher susceptibility to kainate-induced seizures, paralleled by degeneration of hilar neurons. Notably, both EEG profile and cognitive defects were improved by antiepileptic drugs. These results indicate that reduction of SNAP-25 expression is associated to generation of epileptiform discharges and cognitive dysfunctions, which can be effectively treated by antiepileptic drug

Reflections on the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium 2016

We present a summary report of the CLIVAR Early Career Scientists Symposium, a three-day event associated with the CLIVAR Open Science Conference held in Qingdao, China during September 2016. The Symposium aimed to capture the ideas of early career researchers on pressing science priorities, imminent challenges, and emerging opportunities to help guide the future evolution of CLIVAR. We identified the need for improving process-based understanding and predictability of regional climate variability and change, moving toward seamless predictions, and improving and expanding global observations. We emphasize the need for increasingly open science, including universal access to data, code, and publications as well as opportunities for international cooperation and exchange. As the next generation of climate scientists, we are dedicated to overcome the challenges outlined in this summary and are looking forward to advancing CLIVAR???s mission and activities

Una citazione soloniana in Erodoto (Hdt. 7.16 α 1)

At the beginning of Artabanus’ speech we may find a hint to a fragment of Solon (fr. 12 W.2), but the image fits the new context with originality and intertwines with other quotations and hints

Una citazione soloniana in Erodoto (Hdt. 7.16 α 1)

At the beginning of Artabanus’ speech we may find a hint to a fragment of Solon (fr. 12 W.2), but the image fits the new context with originality and intertwines with other quotations and hints

Members of the NF-kappaB family expressed in zones of active neurogenesis in the postnatal and adult mouse brain

The ReL/NF-kappaB family of transcription factors is implicated in cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration and cell interactions. Here, we examined by immunohistochemistry the expression pattern of various members of this family during postnatal telencephalon development and during adulthood, and we used neuronal and glial markers to identify the cells types where they are expressed. Distinct Rel/NF-kappaB proteins are highly expressed postnatally in the subventricular zone and in the rostral migratory stream. In particular, Rel A and p50 are expressed in radial glial cells, in migrating neuron precursors and in a population belonging to the astrocytic lineage. Rel B, on the other hand, is only expressed in migrating neuron precursors, whereas c-Rel is present in a few cells located at the edges of the rostral migratory stream. The expression of Rel A and p50 persists into adulthood, particularly in subventricular zone astrocyte-like cells and in migrating neuron precursors, respectively. The selective expression of NF-kappaB members in the postnatal subventricular zone and rostral migratory stream and their persistence into adulthood in regions of ongoing neurogenesis suggests possible mechanisms linking NF-kappaB expression with cell proliferation and migration. Their presence in actively proliferating progenitor cells, detected by BrdU staining, further suggests that NF-kappaB may be part of a signaling pathway that is important for neurogenesis. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

The Brazilian Developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS 5.2): An Integrated Environmental Model Tuned for Tropical Areas

We present a new version of the Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System where different previous versions for weather, chemistry and carbon cycle were unified in a single integrated software system. The new version also has a new set of state-of-the-art physical parameterizations and greater computational parallel and memory usage efficiency. Together with the description of the main features are examples of the quality of the transport scheme for scalars, radiative fluxes on surface and model simulation of rainfall systems over South America in different spatial resolutions using a scale-aware convective parameterization. Besides, the simulation of the diurnal cycle of the convection and carbon dioxide concentration over the Amazon Basin, as well as carbon dioxide fluxes from biogenic processes over a large portion of South America are shown. Atmospheric chemistry examples present model performance in simulating near-surface carbon monoxide and ozone in Amazon Basin and Rio de Janeiro megacity. For tracer transport and dispersion, it is demonstrated the model capabilities to simulate the volcanic ash 3-d redistribution associated with the eruption of a Chilean volcano. Then, the gain of computational efficiency is described with some details. BRAMS has been applied for research and operational forecasting mainly in South America. Model results from the operational weather forecast of BRAMS on 5 km grid spacing in the Center for Weather Forecasting and Climate Studies, INPE/Brazil, since 2013 are used to quantify the model skill of near surface variables and rainfall. The scores show the reliability of BRAMS for the tropical and subtropical areas of South America. Requirements for keeping this modeling system competitive regarding on its functionalities and skills are discussed. At last, we highlight the relevant contribution of this work on the building up of a South American community of model developers

Desarrollo de un método de estimación de altura en función del diámetro a la altura de pecho de poblaciones seleccionadas de Prosopis alba Grisebach establecidas en un ensayo de progenie en Santiago del Estero, Argentina

The main objective of this work was to develop a height estimation method of Prosopis alba based on the diameter at breast height (DBH) of populations with superior characteristics selected through a progeny trial located in the INTA Experimental Agricultural Station, Province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The progeny trial was established in 2008 and consists of 3,671 individuals (202 families). The registered variables were DBH and total height (TH) of 123 individuals, taken at random from the three blocks that make up the trial. Linear regressions were performed to develop the model that best fits height estimation with all the sampled individuals (AI model) and, also using the data of 7 individuals - the three trees of greater diameter, the three of smaller diameter and an individual of intermediate diameter-, called the reduced height estimation model (RHEM model). AI model and RHEM model were satisfactory to estimate height of the trees based on their DBH in the trial of progenies in Santiago del Estero. However, the RHEM model offers an important saving of time and effort, simplifying the field activity.El objetivo del trabajo fue desarrollar un método de estimación de la altura de los árboles en función de su diámetro a la altura de pecho (DAP) de poblaciones selectas de Prosopis alba seleccionadas por características superiores, en un ensayo de progenie ubicado en la Estación Experimental Agropecuaria de la provincia de Santiago del Estero. El ensayo de progenie fue establecido en el año 2008 y está conformado por 3671 individuos (202 familias). Las variables registradas fueron el DAP y altura total de 123 individuos, tomados al azar de los tres bloques que conforman el ensayo. Se realizaron regresiones lineales para determinar el modelo que mejor ajusta a la determinación de la altura con todos los ejemplares muestreados (modelo TI) y, también utilizando los datos de siete ejemplares –los tres árboles de mayor diámetro, los tres de menor diámetro y un individuo de diámetro intermedio–, denominado modelo de estimación reducido de altura (modelo MERA). Tanto el modelo TI como el MERA fueron satisfactorios para estimar la altura en función del DAP. Sin embargo, el modelo MERA ofrece un importante ahorro de tiempo y esfuerzo en las mediciones

Círculos de Construção de Paz:

No local em que a comunidade está localizada e, no contexto dos pré-adolescentes e adolescentes de uma escola municipal, há convivência diária com violência e situações de risco em variados níveis, fatores que afetam a saúde mental destes jovens e prejudicam seu desenvolvimento global. Muitos desses fatores são estruturais e de difícil alteração, pois advêm das condições materiais e políticas que afetam um grande contingente populacional. O propósito desta intervenção foi o de constituir um espaço de vivência e formação humana durante o período de contraturno na escola, um espaço de autoconhecimento e autocuidado para os pré-adolescentes e adolescentes, onde eles sejam estimulados a explorar as formas como têm lidado com as adversidades e desafios da vida e também desenvolver novas habilidades emocionais