Ubiquitous molecular substrates for associative learning and activity-dependent neuronal facilitation.

Recent evidence suggests that many of the molecular cascades and substrates that contribute to learning-related forms of neuronal plasticity may be conserved across ostensibly disparate model systems. Notably, the facilitation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission that contribute to associative learning in Aplysia and Hermissenda, as well as associative LTP in hippocampal CA1 cells, all require (or are enhanced by) the convergence of a transient elevation in intracellular Ca2+ with transmitter binding to metabotropic cell-surface receptors. This temporal convergence of Ca2+ and G-protein-stimulated second-messenger cascades synergistically stimulates several classes of serine/threonine protein kinases, which in turn modulate receptor function or cell excitability through the phosphorylation of ion channels. We present a summary of the biophysical and molecular constituents of neuronal and synaptic facilitation in each of these three model systems. Although specific components of the underlying molecular cascades differ across these three systems, fundamental aspects of these cascades are widely conserved, leading to the conclusion that the conceptual semblance of these superficially disparate systems is far greater than is generally acknowledged. We suggest that the elucidation of mechanistic similarities between different systems will ultimately fulfill the goal of the model systems approach, that is, the description of critical and ubiquitous features of neuronal and synaptic events that contribute to memory induction

INTERACTION BETWEEN DESIGN STUDIO AND CURRICULUM COURSES: Bilkent University Case

A major aim of the design studio is to educate students to be well-equipped designers. To do so, a student should be able to grasp the divergent information of various courses and integrate that knowledge into their design problems. But are students aware of the emphasis placed on incorporating different curriculum courses into the design studio? Do they find it beneficial while developing a design project? To what extent do they think this integration has an impact on their success in the design studio and in their adaptation to professional practice? This paper seeks to find out whether the integration between the design studio and other curriculum courses is productive from students' perspectives and determine if there is a consensus between students and instructors on the significance of transferring knowledge from curriculum courses to design projects. In addition, the paper examines the position of the design studio as an integrative medium between education and practice in the Turkish context

Antioxidant and antibacterial effects of carotenoids extracted from rhodotorula glutinis strains

In this study, carotenoids extracted from the yeast twenty different Rhodotorula glutinis strains (M1-M47) isolated from soil, plant, pine and tree leaves, grape, aubergine, pee, parsley and carrot were studied for their antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Carotenoid contents of Rhodotorula glutinis strains changed between 0.23 to 1.23 mg L-1. Most of the carotenoids extracted from Rhodotorula glutinis strains (sixteen out of twenty) showed both antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Carotenoids extracted from Rhodotorula glutinis strains No. 2, 25, 26 did not show any antimicrobial activity and strains No. 1, 33 and 41 did not show any antioxidant effect. Strain No. M38 (0.74 mg L-1) was not effective neither as antibacterial nor antioxidant. The results strongly suggested that the potential utility of carotenoid synthesizing yeast Rhodotorula spp as an alternative source of natural preservatives (antioxidant and antimicrobial), carotenoid pigments (colourants) and nutraceuticals

Helicobacter pylori infection in Turkish children with gastrointestinal symptoms and evaluation of serology

Helicobacter pylori infection is a common etiopathogenetic factor in children with gastrointestinal symptoms in the developing world. Although serology offers an easy noninvasive method of diagnosis, its sensitivity and specificity are reported to be low among children. in this prospective study, we investigated the frequency and endoscopical and morphological findings of H. pylori infection in 180 Turkish children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy either for peptic symptoms or on a routine basis and in asymptomatic pediatric patients who underwent endoscopy for other reasons, and then evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serology in our population. Overall H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 77 of the 180 patients (42.7%) by histology and urease test. The sensitivity of H. pylori specific IgG antibody assay by ELISA was determined to be 100%, while the specificity was 98%, the positive predictive value 97.4%, the negative predictive value 100%. Frequency of H. pylori infection is high in Turkish pediatric patients without gastrointestinal symptoms as well as in children with gastrointestinal complaints. H. pylori specific antibody assay is a noninvasive and sensitive method for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in the Turkish pediatric population

Vibrational spectral and quantum chemical investigations of tert-butyl-hydroquinone

WOS: 000301606300023The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and micro-Raman spectra of tert-butyl-hydroquinone were recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1) and 4000-50 cm(-1), respectively. Conformational space was scanned with molecular mechanic simulations. All other calculations were performed by B3LYP/6-311G++(d,p) level of theory. The molecular structure and vibrational frequencies of the title compound were calculated and compared with experimental spectra. Theoretical vibrational spectra of the title compound were interpreted by means of TEDs. Predicted electronic absorption spectrum of tert-butylhydroquinone from TD-DFT calculation was analyzed and compared with the experimental UV-visible spectrum. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.BAP office of Selcuk UniversitySelcuk University [11401012]This work was supported by the BAP office of Selcuk University (Project Number: 11401012)

Molecular Structure and Vibrational Spectra of Alpha-Benzoinoxime by Density Functional Method

WOS: 000332118000004In the present study, an exhaustive conformational search of the Alpha-benzoinoxime has been performed. The FT-IR spectrum of this compound was recorded in the region 4000-400 cm(-1). The FT-Raman spectrum was also recorded in the region 3500-50 cm(-1). Vibrational frequences of the title compound were calculated by B3LYP method using 6-311++G(d, p) basis set. The calculated vibrational frequences were analysed and compared with experimental results.BAP, Konga Necmettin Erbakan UniversityNecmettin Erbakan University [121210001]This work was financially supported by the BAP, Konga Necmettin Erbakan University (project no. 121210001)

Behavior analysis and the search for the origins of hypertension.

Hypertension is a disorder of sodium regulation that develops over time in a context of the interactions of the individual with the environment. Experimental hypertension can be induced in laboratory animals and normotensive humans via increases in sodium intake under conditions of aversive behavioral control. Readiness for avoidance contingencies includes a breathing pattern characterized by subnormal rate and normal tidal volume. Studies with humans have shown that this inhibitory breathing pattern is associated with increased plasma acidity, increased renal sodium reabsorption, increased secretion of digitalis-like hormones that inhibit sodium-pump activity, and increased vasoconstriction and blood pressure. Behavioral research is needed that defines the necessary and sufficient conditions for inhibitory breathing and its role in the development of hypertension