Voluntary wheel running in mice increases the rate of neurogenesis without affecting anxiety-related behaviour in single tests

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The role played by adult neurogenesis in anxiety is not clear. A recent study revealed a surprising positive correlation between increased anxiety and elevated neurogenesis following chronic voluntary wheel running and multiple behavioural testing in mice, suggesting that adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in the genesis of anxiety. To exclude the possible confounding effect of multiple testing that may have occurred in the aforementioned study, we assessed (1) the effects of mouse voluntary wheel running (14 vs. 28 days) on anxiety in just one behavioural test; the open field, and (2), using different markers, proliferation, differentiation, survival and maturation of newly born neurons in the dentate gyrus immediately afterwards. Effects of wheel running on anxiety-related behaviour were confirmed in a separate batch of animals tested in another test of anxiety, the light/dark box test. RESULTS: Running altered measures of locomotion and exploration, but not anxiety-related behaviour in either test. 14 days running significantly increased proliferation, and differentiation and survival were increased after both running durations. 28 day running mice also exhibited an increased rate of maturation. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between the amount of proliferation, but not maturation, and anxiety measures in the open field of the 28 day running mice. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this evidence suggests that without repeated testing, newly born mature neurons may not be involved in the genesis of anxiety per se.     

Both 5' and 3' flanks regulate Zebrafish brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression

Background  

Precise control of developmental and cell-specific expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is essential for normal neuronal development and the diverse functions of BDNF in the adult organism. We previously showed that the zebrafish BDNF gene has multiple promoters. The complexity of the promoter structure and the mechanisms that mediate developmental and cell-specific expression are still incompletely understood.     

Behavioural breaks in the heterogeneous agent model: The impact of herding,overconfidence, and market sentiment

The main aim of this work is to incorporate selected findings from behavioural finance into a Heterogeneous Agent Model using the Brock and Hommes (1998) [34] framework. Behavioural patterns are injected into an asset pricing framework through the so-called ‘Break Point Date’, which allows us to examine their direct impact. In particular, we analyse the dynamics of the model around the behavioural break. Price behaviour of 30 Dow Jones Industrial Average constituents covering five particularly turbulent US stock market periods reveals interesting patterns in this aspect. To replicate it, we apply numerical analysis using the Heterogeneous Agent Model extended with the selected findings from behavioural finance: herding, overconfidence, and market sentiment. We show that these behavioural breaks can be well modelled via the Heterogeneous Agent Model framework and they extend the original model considerably. Various modifications lead to significantly different results and model with behavioural breaks is also able to partially replicate price behaviour found in the data during turbulent stock market periods.     

Functional effects of spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 mutations are conserved in zebrafish Kv3.3 channels

Background  

The zebrafish has been suggested as a model system for studying human diseases that affect nervous system function and motor output. However, few of the ion channels that control neuronal activity in zebrafish have been characterized. Here, we have identified zebrafish orthologs of voltage-dependent Kv3 (KCNC) K⁺ channels. Kv3 channels have specialized gating properties that facilitate high-frequency, repetitive firing in fast-spiking neurons. Mutations in human Kv3.3 cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 (SCA13), an autosomal dominant genetic disease that exists in distinct neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative forms. To assess the potential usefulness of the zebrafish as a model system for SCA13, we have characterized the functional properties of zebrafish Kv3.3 channels with and without mutations analogous to those that cause SCA13.     

Rapid and recoverable in vivo magnetic resonance imaging of the adult zebrafish at 7T

Increasing scientific interest in the zebrafish as a model organism across a range of biomedical and biological research areas raises the need for the development of in vivo imaging tools appropriate to this subject. Development of the embryonic and early stage forms of the subject can currently be assessed using optical based techniques due to the transparent nature of the species at these early stages. However this is not an option during the juvenile and adult stages when the subjects become opaque. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques would allow for the longitudinal and non-invasive assessment of development and health in these later life stages. However, the small size of the zebrafish and its aquatic environment represent considerable challenges for the technique. We have developed a suitable flow cell system that incorporates a dedicated MRI imaging coil to solve these challenges. The system maintains and monitors a zebrafish during a scan and allows for it to be fully recovered. The imaging properties of this system compare well with those of other preclinical MRI coils used in rodent models. This enables the rapid acquisition of MRI data which are comparable in terms of quality and acquisition time. This would allow the many unique opportunities of the zebrafish as a model organism to be combined with the benefits of non-invasive MRI.     

Fluorescent Function-Spacer-Lipid Construct Labelling Allows for Real-Time in Vivo Imaging of Cell Migration and Behaviour in Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

Real-time in vivo imaging of cell migration and behavior has advanced our understanding of physiological processes in situ, especially in the field of immunology. We carried out the transplantation of a mixed population of blood cells from adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 2?day old embryos. The blood cells were treated ex vivo with Function-Spacer-Lipid constructs (FSL) incorporating either fluorescein or Atto488 fluorophores (FSL-FLRO4-I or -II). Excellent labeling efficiency was demonstrated by epifluorescence microscopy and FACScan analysis. Real-time video imaging of the recipient fish showed that the functionality of these cells was retained and not affected by the labeling. The usefulness of FSL-FLRO4-I as a contrast agent in microangiography was explored. Overall, we found both FSL-FLRO4-I and-II promising labeling dyes for real-time in vivo imaging in zebrafish.     

Active structural acoustic control of repetitive impact noise

This paper discusses the effectiveness of an Active Structural Acoustic Control (ASAC) system for the reduction of repetitive impact noise, radiated by structures with a high modal density in the controlled frequency range. Although there is a significant difference in nature between periodic and transient noise, up till now no specific research on ASAC of transient noise was reported. The development of the ASAC system is divided into two phases: the definition of the control configuration and the design of a suitable control algorithm. The optimal control configuration as well as the implemented control algorithm for the reduction of impact noise differ significantly from the common solutions in periodic noise control. In the first part of the paper, a practical methodology is presented to define a good control arrangement for transient noise control. The second part of the paper focuses on the design of control algorithms, adapted to the specific properties of impact noise. Since many industrial impact noise problems involve successive impacts with a repetitive behaviour, control algorithms with a learning behaviour are discussed. The efficiency of these Iterative Learning Control (ILC) algorithms is extensively demonstrated in this paper. The developed ASAC strategy has been verified on a thick steel plate, which is excited by successive impacts. The obtained results show that ASAC can be a very efficient transient noise control technique in certain industrial applications (e.g. presses, punching machines, etc.).     

Ultrasound production by the long haired rat of Australia (Rattus Villosissimus)

The ultrasonic vocalizations produced by the long haired Australian rat Rattus villosissimus, during agonistic behaviour were investigated using a commercial ultrasonic receiver with earphones, a microphone and storage oscilloscope, and a tape recorder and sonograph. The rats were found to produce one audible call with ultrasonic components up to 64 kHz, the limit of the detecting apparatus used, and one pure ultrasound. Suggestions are made as to their behavioural significance.     

Corticospinal interaction during isometric compensation for modulated forces with different frequencies

Background

The zebrafish visual system is a good research model because the zebrafish retina is very similar to that of humans in terms of the morphologies and functions. Studies of the retina have been facilitated by improvements in imaging techniques. In vitro techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in vivo imaging using transgenic zebrafish have been proven useful for visualizing specific subtypes of retinal cells. In contrast, in vivo imaging using organic fluorescent molecules such as fluorescent sphingolipids allows non-invasive staining and visualization of retinal cells en masse. However, these fluorescent molecules also localize to the interstitial fluid and stain whole larvae.

Results

We screened fluorescent coumarin derivatives that might preferentially stain neuronal cells including retinal cells. We identified four coumarin derivatives that could be used for in vivo imaging of zebrafish retinal cells. The retinas of living zebrafish could be stained by simply immersing larvae in water containing 1 μg/ml of a coumarin derivative for 30 min. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy, the lamination of the zebrafish retina was clearly visualized. Using these coumarin derivatives, we were able to assess the development of the zebrafish retina and the morphological abnormalities induced by genetic or chemical interventions. The coumarin derivatives were also suitable for counter-staining of transgenic zebrafish expressing fluorescent proteins in specific subtypes of retinal cells.

Conclusions

The coumarin derivatives identified in this study can stain zebrafish retinal cells in a relatively short time and at low concentrations, making them suitable for in vivo imaging of the zebrafish retina. Therefore, they will be useful tools in genetic and chemical screenings using zebrafish to identify genes and chemicals that may have crucial functions in the retina.     

Repeated elicitation of the acoustic startle reflex leads to sensitisation in subsequent avoidance behaviour and induces fear conditioning

Background  

Autonomous reflexes enable animals to respond quickly to potential threats, prevent injury and mediate fight or flight responses. Intense acoustic stimuli with sudden onsets elicit a startle reflex while stimuli of similar intensity but with longer rise times only cause a cardiac defence response. In laboratory settings, habituation appears to affect all of these reflexes so that the response amplitude generally decreases with repeated exposure to the stimulus. The startle reflex has become a model system for the study of the neural basis of simple learning processes and emotional processing and is often used as a diagnostic tool in medical applications. However, previous studies did not allow animals to avoid the stimulus and the evolutionary function and long-term behavioural consequences of repeated startling remain speculative. In this study we investigate the follow-up behaviour associated with the startle reflex in wild-captured animals using an experimental setup that allows individuals to exhibit avoidance behaviour.     

Examen des faces (101̄0) et (12̄10) du sélénium par diffraction d'électrons lents

A LEED study of the (12?10) face of selenium shows a restructuration by a facetting process occurring along cleavage faces. This behaviour is compared with that of (12?10) faces of tellurium. The behavioural difference is related to the covalent nature of the interchain bondings which is smaller for selenium than for tellurium. In order to be exempt from an eventual dependence of restructuration due to the preparation, two methods have been used for the monocrystallized samples of selenium. Furthermore the results have been reproduced on an important number of samples.     

Density induced transition in a school of fish

Collective behaviour has been studied in various fields of science. As an example, we may consider the patterns observed in living systems, whose aggregates form organized groups such as flocks of birds, herds of mammals and schools of fish. These aggregates may be formed as a consequence of an external stimulus or due to the local interaction among nearby specimens. As an example of the latter case one may think about a school of fish, where each individual bases its behaviour on its perception of the position and velocity of its nearest neighbours. As a result of these interactions, global collective behaviour may emerge, originating and maintaining the cohesion of the aggregate. In this work, we model the collective movement of a school of fish using an agent-based model which follows biologically motivated behavioural rules previously proposed. The distributions of nearest neighbour distance and relative orientations between neighbouring fishes are measured and the results are found to be in good agreement with previous experimental measurements.     

Spatial chaos aspects of laser-material interaction

In the past decade the understanding of stability and chaotic behaviour of nonlinear systems has made significant progress. Such systems include: structure of turbulence, oscillations in mechanical structures, multistable biological systems, etc. Laser machining is now an established industrial production method for: prototyping, small batch manufacture, cutting refractory materials and specialist applications such as micromachining. Within narrowly bounded limits, many models exist that can be used to predict the necessary machining control parameters such as cutting rate, power, pulse repetition frequency, etc. However, in an unconstrained machining process, chaotic phenomena can be observed to occur. The objective of this paper is to prove the existence of chaos, for the laser-material interaction, which can be described by Poincaré-Birkhoff-Smale horseshoes. Furthermore, to exploit the phase portrait of the process to predict the optimal laser machining control parameters.     

Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging investigation of the interferon-α model of depression in rats

Therapeutic effects of interferon-α (IFN-α) are known to be associated with CNS toxicity in humans, and in particular with depression symptoms. Animal models of IFN-α-induced depression (sickness behaviour) have been developed in rodents using various preparations, dosing schedules or routes of administrations. In this work, Manganese Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) has been applied to investigate an experimental model of sickness behaviour induced by administration of IFN-α in rats. IFN-α (3.10⁵ U/kg), or vehicle, was daily administered i.p., for 7 days in rats (n = 20 IFN-α treated and n = 20 controls). After treatment, animals were assigned to behavioural (n = 10 treated, n = 10 control) or MRI (n = 10 treated and n = 10 control) studies. Animals assigned to the MRI study received two repeated i.p. injections of MnCl₂, before image acquisition. Images were acquired at 4.7 T using T₁ mapping for determination of Mn concentration in brain. After co-registration of T₁ maps to a digital brain atlas, differences between brains of treated and untreated animals were assessed pixel-to-pixel by statistical analysis.     

Behavioural studies of stimulated luminescence from feldspars

Since the work of Mejdahl in the mid-1980s feldspars have been used widely for palaeodosimetry. They have proved particularly popular because of the technical ease with which an optically stimulated luminescence signal can be obtained, and the potential for their use in dating over a wider time range than quartz. However, while the use of infrared stimulated lminescence has been a great success, the realisation of the potential for dating over a wide time range has been hampered by a series of behavioural problems, in particular concerned with the stability of the luminescence signal. This paper surveys the current state of knowledge of a range of aspects of the stimulated luminescence behaviour of feldspar. Particular attention is paid to the thermal and optical properties of the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals from feldspars since these are of greatest relevance to their use as palaeodosimeters. Results obtained from well-characterised museum specimens demonstrate the variety of responses that are seen from different types of feldspar, particularly in their TL behaviour. Less variation is seen in their OSL response. In contrast, the response of potassium-rich feldspars separated from Quaternary sediments tends to be very consistent when many grains are analysed simultaneously, suggesting that averaging of the signal simplifies the behaviour of the system.     

Failure of delayed nonsynaptic neuronal plasticity underlies age-associated long-term associative memory impairment

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment associated with subtle changes in neuron and neuronal network function rather than widespread neuron death is a feature of the normal aging process in humans and animals. Despite its broad evolutionary conservation, the etiology of this aging process is not well understood. However, recent evidence suggests the existence of a link between oxidative stress in the form of progressive membrane lipid peroxidation, declining neuronal electrical excitability and functional decline of the normal aging brain. The current study applies a combination of behavioural and electrophysiological techniques and pharmacological interventions to explore this hypothesis in a gastropod model (Lymnaea stagnalis feeding system) that allows pinpointing the molecular and neurobiological foundations of age-associated long-term memory (LTM) failure at the level of individual identified neurons and synapses. RESULTS: Classical appetitive reward-conditioning induced robust LTM in mature animals in the first quartile of their lifespan but failed to do so in animals in the last quartile of their lifespan. LTM failure correlated with reduced electrical excitability of two identified serotonergic modulatory interneurons (CGCs) critical in chemosensory integration by the neural network controlling feeding behaviour. Moreover, while behavioural conditioning induced delayed-onset persistent depolarization of the CGCs known to underlie appetitive LTM formation in this model in the younger animals, it failed to do so in LTM-deficient senescent animals. Dietary supplementation of the lipophilic anti-oxidant alpha-tocopherol reversed the effect of age on CGCs electrophysiological characteristics but failed to restore appetitive LTM function. Treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine reversed both the neurophysiological and behavioural effects of age in senior animals. CONCLUSIONS: The results identify the CGCs as cellular loci of age-associated appetitive learning and memory impairment in Lymnaea and buttress the hypothesis that lipid peroxidation-dependent depression of intrinsic excitability is a hallmark of normal neuronal aging. The data implicate both lipid peroxidation-dependent non-synaptic as well as apparently lipid peroxidation-independent synaptic mechanisms in the age-dependent decline in behavioural plasticity in this model system.     

Impact of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the development of zebrafish embryos

Due to their unique fluorescent characteristics, quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully applied in the fields of biotechnology and medicine, but there is very limited information regarding their biodistribution and chronic toxicity in vivo. In this article, the biological behavior and toxic effects of mercaptoacetic acid-CdSe/ZnS QDs (MAA-QDs) in developing zebrafish embryos were investigated by in vivo tests. The MAA-QDs were introduced into zebrafish through microinjection at early stage. The results showed that the MAA-QDs at certain concentrations influenced the survival of zebrafish embryos, but treated embryos without developmental defects were also observed. MAA-QDs injected into the cytoplasm at the one-cell stage were allocated to progeny blastoderm cells during proliferation and almost never entered the yolk. The formation of notochord and primordial germ cells with normal morphologies was detected in the treated embryos by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Furthermore, traces of the element cadmium were mainly discovered in the tissue of liver and kidney of 3-month-old-treated zebrafish by quantitative assessment with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Thus, we hypothesized that low concentration MAA-QDs have chronic toxicities when they were delivered into zebrafish organs.     

On the temperature dependence of the dielectric susceptibility in quantum ferroelectrics

The results of the renormalization group investigation performed previously by the author to the study of the quantum critical behaviour of the transverse Ising model are now adopted to the phase transition in quantum ferroelectrics. The temperature dependence of dielectric susceptibility ϵ is calculated for three-dimensional systems near the quantum limit. The formula for ϵ reproduces the quantum as well as the classical behaviour near the critical temperature.