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Inspiration
Kinds of Inspiration Selected AbstractsIntroduction to the Special Section,Continuing Narrative Ideas and Practices: Drawing Inspiration from the Legacy of Michael WhiteFAMILY PROCESS, Issue 3 2009VICTORIA C. DICKERSON PH.D. First page of article [source] Inspiration into Installation: An Exploration of Contemporary Experience through ArtINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ART & DESIGN EDUCATION, Issue 2 2006Sheridan Horn This article discusses the ways in which a fine art department has successfully enabled pupils, staff and the local community to gain access to exciting and wide-ranging art experiences. Through the creation of temporary installations and exhibitions the art department at Trinity School regularly becomes a gallery resource centre for part of the year. Children across all key stages create art inspired by artists in residence (including an artist teacher) in response to challenging contemporary issues. In 2005 three collaborative installations were produced in response to a potentially disruptive phase within the educational establishment. ,Sleep-Eternal Rest' involved pupils' contributions to the installation, gallery visits and the study of different artists' work. For the exhibition ,Flesh, Fur and Feathers', a resident artist worked with students in response to a hanging deer, game and a table laden with fruit. In a building about to be demolished a group of recently graduated artists collaborated on an exhibition entitled ,Somewheretogo'. This collaborative partnership led to art becoming a central resource for different curriculum areas as well as PSHE. The success of the venture led to pupils' own work becoming an accessible artistic resource, to which they themselves could respond. As well as avoiding the potential limitations of examdriven targets and assessment, it became a source of enrichment in personal, educational and creative terms. [source] The status and perspective of diabetes health education in China: Inspiration from AustraliaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 2 2010Anne Wilson PhD MN BN FRCNA Wilson A, Gyi AA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 92,98 The status and perspective of diabetes health education in China: Inspiration from Australia This paper discusses possible approaches to improving diabetes care and developing effective education models in China based on the experience of diabetes education in Australia. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in China is increasing rapidly. China is currently second on the list of the top 10 countries with the highest diabetes burden. Enormous impact of diabetes on China health system is daunting and the urgent action is needed. Diabetes education is the keystone of diabetes care and structured self-management education is considered to be the key to successful outcomes. Although many diabetes education programmes have been initiated in China, barriers have been identified for implementation of the programmes. These include: lack of public awareness of diabetes; lack of standards of practice for diabetes educators; and lack of evaluation programmes to assess their performance. We suggest four possible approaches to addressing the current problems of diabetes education in China. [source] Tom David Andersen: Fragments of His Influence and InspirationJOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY, Issue 4 2007Harlene Anderson First page of article [source] Reading Symbols, and Writing words.NEW BLACKFRIARS, Issue 1019 2008A Model for Biblical Inspiration Abstract Biblical Inspiration has long been considered an important concept for Catholic theology, but the difficulties experienced in trying to give an adequate and convincing explanation of how divine and the human authors could collaborate in producing Biblical texts has discouraged many writers from pursuing the topic. Some have considered that the difficulties are so great that the task of exploring a theology of Inspiration is too great to make the effort worthwhile. This article, in attempting to sketch a model for Biblical Inspiration, begins by trying to identify exactly what is required for the theology of Inspiration, and then discarding what is not; it also sets out to distinguish clearly between Revelation and Inspiration, while recognising that the two are closely related, and using a model of symbolic mediation for Revelation. The article goes on to propose a model of Inspiration which satisfies not only the demands of contemporary Biblical scholarship and philosophical hermeneutics, but also the requirements of the doctrine of Inspiration as found in the Magisterial documents of the Catholic Church. [source] Inspiration and intellect: Significant learning in musical forms and analysisNEW DIRECTIONS FOR TEACHING & LEARNING, Issue 119 2009Bruce C. KelleyArticle first published online: 17 SEP 200 Fink's integrated course design provides a way to put hopeful theory into the reality of practice. The author describes how this model helped him use more active learning experiences that not only deepened students' understanding of musical forms but also enabled students to creatively play with those forms. [source] Blinded by the Light: Aspiration and Inspiration in Political PsychologyPOLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 3 2008George E. Marcus First page of article [source] Rumpelstiltskin's Deliverables: Grimm Inspiration for Humanism in DevelopmentANTHROPOLOGY & HUMANISM, Issue 1 2010Tracey Heatherington SUMMARY Is there space for humanistic anthropology within the development sciences used to plan economic growth and ecological modernization? This article adapts a provocative fable to ponder a "global assemblage" designed to transfer authoritative knowledge and advanced technology for "sustainability" from the American Midwest to postsocialist eastern Europe. I retell the story of Rumpelstiltskin to reflect on participation in global systems of outsourced expertise, guessing at the nature of "the helper" with the aid of the fanciful. [source] Cover Picture: Targeting RNA with Small Molecules (ChemBioChem 10/2003)CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 10 2003Yitzhak Tor Prof. Dr. Abstract The cover picture shows the processes involved in the search for small molecules as potent and selective RNA binders. Motivation comes from the desire to control cell function at the RNA level and to identify novel approaches to specifically combat pathogens by targeting their unique RNA sequences or RNA,protein complexes. Inspiration comes from nature; in particular, from aminoglycosides, a family of naturally occurring antibiotics that has been shown to target the bacterial ribosome. The discovery process involves identifying RNA targets (schematically shown as a ribosome or a virus), devising unique assays (e.g. a solid-phase assay), and generating the necessary knowledge and lead structures through design, synthesis, and systematic evaluation of biological activity. Further details can be found in the article by Y. Tor on p. 998 ff. [source] Reactive Sieving with Foldamers: Inspiration from Nature and Directions for the FutureCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 9 2008Ronald Abstract Over the past several decades, chemists have designed a myriad of supramolecular scaffolds for the purpose of mimicking enzyme behavior and creating more advanced catalysts. Foldamers, one class of supramolecular structures that feature rapid, modular synthesis and dynamic structural properties and have been widely investigated for their molecular recognition properties. Specifically, our group has designed a reactive m -phenyleneethynylene foldamer, which mimics the selective properties ("reactive sieving") of the isoleucine tRNA synthetase enzyme. In this concept we discuss examples that have inspired our research as well as potential directions for future advancement of this field. [source] A Simple Approach to the Solution of the Diffusion Equation at the Microcylinder Electrode,an Inspiration from the Film ProjectorCHEMPHYSCHEM, Issue 14 2009Yi-Min Fang 16 frames per second: A new and simple route for the solution of diffusion equation at three types of electrode (see picture) is based on a time-dependent diffusion layer approximation and time-dependent boundary conditions, without employing the traditional Laplace transform. [source] Inspirations and aspirations of exemplarian action researchJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Harry Coenen Abstract As a methodology aimed to focus social scientific theorizing on actual social problems and examine new directions and guidelines for emancipation and empowerment, action research is based on a joint learning process of researchers and researched. The model of exemplarian action research tries to capture how this learning process can develop in practice. Before describing this model and its emancipatory aspirations, the authors sketch the theoretical inspirations of the model of exemplarian action research. They then go on to focus on the relationship between researcher and the researched party, particularly on the principles of reciprocal adequacy and explicitness which are necessary both from an epistemologically and critical point of view. The article concludes by outlining some aspects in which exemplarian action research can be distinguished from pragmatic action research and by emphasizing that it does not stand for a post-modern position, but for a reflexive attitude that hopes to contribute to bringing us beyond a half-modern society. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Chest wall kinematics, respiratory muscle action and dyspnoea during arm vs. leg exercise in humansACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2006I. Romagnoli Abstract Aim:, We hypothesize that different patterns of chest wall (CW) kinematics and respiratory muscle coordination contribute to sensation of dyspnoea during unsupported arm exercise (UAE) and leg exercise (LE). Methods:, In six volunteer healthy subjects, we evaluated the volumes of chest wall (Vcw) and its compartments, the pulmonary apposed rib cage (Vrc,p), the diaphragm-abdomen apposed rib cage (Vrc,a) and the abdomen (Vab), by optoelectronic plethysmography. Oesophageal, gastric and trans-diaphragmatic pressures were simultaneously measured. Chest wall relaxation line allowed the measure of peak rib cage inspiratory muscle, expiratory muscle and abdominal muscle pressures. The loop Vrc,p/Vrc,a allowed the calculation of rib cage distortion. Dyspnoea was assessed by a modified Borg scale. Results:, There were some differences and similarities between UAE and LE. Unlike LE with UAE: (i) Vcw and Vrc,p at end inspiration did not increase, whereas a decrease in Vrc,p contributed to decreasing CW end expiratory volume; (ii) pressure production of inspiratory rib cage muscles did not significantly increase from quiet breathing. Not unlike LE, the diaphragm limited its inspiratory contribution to ventilation with UAE with no consistent difference in rib cage distortion between UAE and LE. Finally, changes in abdominal muscle pressure, and inspiratory rib cage muscle pressure predicted 62% and 41.4% of the variability in Borg score with UAE and LE, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion:, Leg exercise and UAE are associated with different patterns of CW kinematics, respiratory muscle coordination, and production of dyspnoea. [source] Respiratory muscle performance with stretch-shortening cycle manoeuvres: maximal inspiratory pressure,flow curvesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2005G. E. Tzelepis Abstract Aim:, To test the hypothesis that the maximal inspiratory muscle (IM) performance, as assessed by the maximal IM pressure,flow relationship, is enhanced with the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). Methods:, Maximal inspiratory flow,pressure curves were measured in 12 healthy volunteers (35 ± 6 years) during maximal single efforts through a range of graded resistors (4-, 6-, and 8-mm diameter orifices), against an occluded airway, and with a minimal load (wide-open resistor). Maximal inspiratory efforts were initiated at a volume near residual lung volume (RV). The subjects exhaled to RV using slow (S) or fast (F) manoeuvres. With the S manoeuvre, they exhaled slowly to RV and held the breath at RV for about 4 s prior to maximal inspiration. With the F manoeuvre, they exhaled rapidly to RV and immediately inhaled maximally without a post-expiratory hold; a strategy designed to enhance inspiratory pressure via the SSC. Results:, The maximal inspiratory pressure,flow relationship was linear with the S and F manoeuvres (r2 = 0.88 for S and r2 = 0.88 for F manoeuvre, P < 0.0005 in all subjects). With the F manoeuvre, the pressure,flow relationship shifted to the right in a parallel fashion and the calculated maximal power increased by approximately 10% (P < 0.05) over that calculated with the S manoeuvre. Conclusion:, The maximal inspiratory pressure,flow capacity can be enhanced with SSC manoeuvres in a manner analogous to increases in the force,velocity relationship with SSC reported for skeletal muscles. [source] Respiratory units of motor production and song imitation in the zebra finchDEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Michele Franz Abstract Juvenile male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) learn a stereotyped song by imitating sounds from adult male tutors. Their song is composed of a series of syllables, which are separated by silent periods. How acoustic units of song are translated into respiratory and syringeal motor gestures during the song learning process is not well understood. To learn about the respiratory contribution to the imitation process, we recorded air sac pressure in 38 male zebra finches and compared the acoustic structures and air sac pressure patterns of similar syllables qualitatively and quantitatively. Acoustic syllables correspond to expiratory pressure pulses and most often (74%) entire syllables are copied using similar air sac pressure patterns. Even notes placed within different syllables are generated with similar air sac pressure patterns when only segments of syllables are copied (9%). A few of the similar syllables (17%) are generated with a modified pressure pattern, typically involving addition or deletion of an inspiration. The high similarity of pressure patterns for like syllables indicates that generation of particular sounds is constrained to a narrow range of air sac pressure conditions. Following presentation of stroboscope flashes, song was typically interrupted at the end of an expiratory pressure pulse, confirming that expirations and, therefore, syllables are the smallest unit of motor production of song. Silent periods, which separate syllables acoustically, are generated by switching from expiration to inspiration. Switching between respiratory phases, therefore, appears to play a dominant role in organizing the stereotyped motor program for song production. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 51: 129,141, 2002 [source] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumorDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Svetoslav Bardarov M.D. Abstract We report a case of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling a malignant peripheral sheath tumor, which posed a significant diagnostic challenge. The patient is a 76-year-old male, who presented in the emergency room with bilateral chest pain exacerbated by inspiration. The pain was present for 3 week and was not exacerbated by physical exercise. The diagnostic workup revealed bilateral parenchymal pulmonary infiltrates. The CT-scan guided fine-needle aspiration and the core biopsies of the largest pulmonary lesion revealed high-grade spindle cell neoplasm with individual cell apoptosis and necrosis. The immunohistochemical profile on the cell block showed that the cells are positive for Vimentin. The S-100 stain showed only focal positivity. The immunohistochemical stains for HMB45, Melan A, pancytokeratin, and smooth muscle actin were negative. Five years ago the patient was diagnosed with melanoma on the back with Clark level of IV. The melanoma was excised with clear margins and sentinel lymph nodes were negative. Careful examination of patient's previous slides revealed an area of spindle cell melanoma adjacent to a nodular type melanoma. Based on the patient's previous history, current clinico-pathologic presentation and immunohistochemical profile, the diagnosis of metastatic malignant melanoma resembling peripheral nerve sheath tumor was favored over the diagnosis of metastatic malignant spindle cell neoplasm of unknown primary site, which by itself is very rare clinical scenario. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:754,757. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Evaluating reserves for species richness and representation in northern CaliforniaDIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS, Issue 4 2006Jeffrey R. Dunk ABSTRACT The Klamath-Siskiyou forests of northern California and southern Oregon are recognized as an area of globally outstanding biological distinctiveness. When evaluated at a national or global level, this region is often, necessarily, considered to be uniformly diverse. Due to large variation in biotic and abiotic variables throughout this region, however, it is unlikely that biological diversity is uniformly distributed. Furthermore, land management decisions nearly always occur at spatial scales smaller than this entire region. Therefore, we used field data from a random sampling design to map the distribution of local and regional richness of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders within northern California's portion of the Klamath-Siskiyou region. We also evaluated the protection afforded by reserves established for varying reasons (e.g. for inspiration and recreation for people vs. species conservation) to hotspots of species richness and species representation of these taxa. No existing reserves were created with these taxa in mind, yet it was assumed that reserves established largely around considerations for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) would afford adequate protection for many lesser-known species. Species of terrestrial molluscs and salamanders share two general features: (1) they have extremely low vagility, and (2) they are often associated with moist, cool microclimates. Existing reserves disproportionately included areas of hotspots of species richness for both taxa, when hotspots included the richest c. 25% of the area, whereas non-reserved lands contained greater than expected areas with lower species richness. However, when a more strict definition of hotspot was used (i.e. the richest c.10% of areas), local hotspots for both taxa were not disproportionately found in reserves. Reserves set aside largely for human aesthetics and recreation and those set aside for biodiversity both contributed to the protection of areas with high (greatest 25%) species richness. Existing biodiversity reserves represented 68% of mollusc species and 73% of salamander species, corresponding to the 99th and 93rd percentiles, respectively, of species representation achieved by simulating a random distribution of the same total area of reservation. Cumulatively, however, reserves set aside for inspiration and biodiversity represented 83% of mollusc species and 91% of salamander species. The existing reserves provide conservation value for terrestrial molluscs and salamanders. This reserve network, however, should not be considered optimal for either taxa. [source] Defining the OE hearg: a preliminary archaeological and topographic examination of hearg place names and their hinterlandsEARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE, Issue 4 2007Sarah Semple The OE term hearg is interpreted variously as ,pagan temple', ,hilltop sanctuary' and even ,idol'. It is a rare survival in the English place-name record. When it can be identified, the place name is commonly considered to refer to a location of pre-Christian religious activity, specifically a pagan Anglo-Saxon temple. Taking inspiration from the extensive and methodologically well-advanced studies in Scandinavia, which have successfully related place-name evidence for cultic and religious sites with the archaeology and topography of these localities, this paper adopts and uses a similar methodology to investigate the archaeological and topographic character of a selection of hearg locations. The traditional interpretations of the place name are questioned and evidence is presented that these sites are characterized by long-lived, localized cult practice spanning the late prehistoric to early historic periods, but with activity reaching a zenith in the late Iron Age to Romano-British eras, rather than the fifth to seventh centuries AD. [source] Doppler Superior Vena Cava Flow Evolution and Respiratory Variation in Superior Vena Cava SyndromeECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2008Fa Qin Lv M.D. Background: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical expression of obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava. The patterns of the Doppler flow changes of superior vena cava (SVC), especially the respiratory effects on them have not yet been fully elucidated. This study was to examine SVC Doppler flow patterns and the respiratory effects on them in healthy subjects and patients with SVCS. Methods: The SVC Doppler flow patterns of 18 normal human subjects and 22 patients with SVCS were analyzed at initial diagnosis and were followed up every 2 months for at least 11 months. Results: Among the 22 patients, 5 patients with the tumor near the right atrium oppressing the inferior segment of the SVC had clear VR- and AR-waves, while in the other 17 patients the VR- and AR-waves disappeared or their outlines were vague. The respiratory variations of the S- and D-waves as a percentage change in inspiration compared to expiration in patient group were much lower than those in control group (S-wave: 1.67 ± 3.32% vs. 15.65 ± 16.15%, P = 0.0003; D-wave: 1.80 ± 1.12% vs. 23.55 ± 37%, P = 0.0087), which gradually became larger with treatment and showed no significant difference with those in control group after 7 months. Conclusions: The Doppler flows of the patients with SVCS correlate well with the images of CT scan of them. The respiratory variation of the S- and D-velocities could be used to evaluate the severity of SVC obstruction and its therapeutic effect. [source] From Representation to Emergence: Complexity's challenge to the epistemology of schoolingEDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEORY, Issue 1 2008Deborah Osberg Abstract In modern, Western societies the purpose of schooling is to ensure that school-goers acquire knowledge of pre-existing practices, events, entities and so on. The knowledge that is learned is then tested to see if the learner has acquired a correct or adequate understanding of it. For this reason, it can be argued that schooling is organised around a representational epistemology: one which holds that knowledge is an accurate representation of something that is separate from knowledge itself. Since the object of knowledge is assumed to exist separately from the knowledge itself, this epistemology can also be considered ,spatial.' In this paper we show how ideas from complexity have challenged the ,spatial epistemology' of representation and we explore possibilities for an alternative ,temporal' understanding of knowledge in its relationship to reality. In addition to complexity, our alternative takes its inspiration from Deweyan ,transactional realism' and deconstruction. We suggest that ,knowledge' and ,reality' should not be understood as separate systems which somehow have to be brought into alignment with each other, but that they are part of the same emerging complex system which is never fully ,present' in any (discrete) moment in time. This not only introduces the notion of time into our understanding of the relationship between knowledge and reality, but also points to the importance of acknowledging the role of the ,unrepresentable' or ,incalculable'. With this understanding knowledge reaches us not as something we receive but as a response, which brings forth new worlds because it necessarily adds something (which was not present anywhere before it appeared) to what came before. This understanding of knowledge suggests that the acquisition of curricular content should not be considered an end in itself. Rather, curricular content should be used to bring forth that which is incalculable from the perspective of the present. The epistemology of emergence therefore calls for a switch in focus for curricular thinking, away from questions about presentation and representation and towards questions about engagement and response. [source] RECONSTRUCTING DEWEYAN DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION FOR A GLOBALIZING WORLDEDUCATIONAL THEORY, Issue 4 2009Jessica Ching-Sze Wang As democratic citizenship education gains importance worldwide, one wonders whether common civic education practices in the United States, such as mock elections, are adequate models for other countries, or whether they fall short of realizing the goal of promoting democracy in different regions and cultures. Despite various controversies, one fundamental question remains: How should we teach democracy? Should we teach it as a system of government or as a way of life? Jessica Ching-Sze Wang finds inspiration in Dewey's life and works. She draws on Dewey's experience during the First World War and his insights into the connection between democracy and education to reconstruct a culturally and morally robust form of democratic education, as opposed to the politically dominated one currently being practiced. Wang concludes that Deweyan democratic education thus reconstructed can help us better realize democracy as a way of life for our globalizing world. [source] Development of equine upper airway fluid mechanics model for Thoroughbred racehorsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008V. RAKESH Summary Reason for performing study: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models provide the means to evaluate airflow in the upper airways without requiring in vivo experiments. Hypothesis: The physiological conditions of a Thoroughbred racehorse's upper airway during exercise could be simulated. Methods: Computed tomography scanned images of a 3-year-old intact male Thoroughbred racehorse cadaver were used to simulate in vivo geometry. Airway pressure traces from a live Thoroughbred horse, during exercise was used to set the boundary condition. Fluid-flow equations were solved for turbulent flow in the airway during inspiratory and expiratory phases. The wall pressure turbulent kinetic energy and velocity distributions were studied at different cross-sections along the airway. This provided insight into the general flow pattern and helped identify regions susceptible to dynamic collapse. Results: The airflow velocity and static tracheal pressure were comparable to data of horses exercising on a high-speed treadmill reported in recent literature. The cross-sectional area of the fully dilated rima glottidis was 7% greater than the trachea. During inspiration, the area of highest turbulence (i.e. kinetic energy) was in the larynx, the rostral aspect of the nasopharynx was subjected to the most negative wall pressure and the highest airflow velocity is more caudal on the ventral aspect of the nasopharynx (i.e. the soft palate). During exhalation, the area of highest turbulence was in the rostral and mid-nasopharynx, the maximum positive pressure was observed at the caudal aspect of the soft palate and the highest airflow velocity at the front of the nasopharynx. Conclusions and clinical relevance: In the equine upper airway collapsible area, the floor of the rostral aspect of the nasopharynx is subjected to the most significant collapsing pressure with high average turbulent kinetic during inhalation, which may lead to palatal instability and explain the high prevalence of dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) in racehorses. Maximal abduction of the arytenoid cartilage may not be needed for optimal performance, since the trachea cross-sectional area is 7% smaller than the rima glottidis. [source] Feasibility of an exercise rehabilitation programme for cancer patientsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 4 2006C. STEVINSON bsc, research fellow A growing body of evidence indicates the benefits of exercise as a rehabilitation intervention for cancer patients. However, few hospitals offer exercise-based rehabilitation programmes to patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based exercise programme for cancer patients attending a local oncology centre. The intervention consisted of a weekly instructor-led circuit training class supplemented by home-based activity 4 days/week for 10 weeks. From 28 eligible patients, 12 were recruited (43%), of whom nine completed the intervention (75%). The three withdrawals were due to worsening of disease. Adherence (mean of 7.5 classes attended and 4 days/week of home activity performed) and tolerability (no adverse events) were good. Positive features of the programme identified in interviews with participants included the variety and scope of the exercises, and the empathetic but positive approach of the instructors. The small group format was highly valued with participants receiving social support and inspiration from each other. Perceived outcomes included improved fitness, reduced fatigue, enjoyment, enhanced mood and a sense of achievement. Several participants felt that the intervention represented a stepping stone to becoming habitual exercisers. Results suggested that the programme was feasible and acceptable to patients, but uptake was low, indicating a need for more effective recruitment strategies in order for a cost-effective service to be implemented. [source] Mixed-Anion and Mixed-Cation Borohydride KZn(BH4)Cl2: Synthesis, Structure and Thermal DecompositionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2010Dorthe B. Ravnsbæk Abstract KZn(BH4)Cl2, synthesized for the first time, contains a heteroleptic complex anion [Zn(BH4)Cl2],, extending the structural diversity of metal borohydrides. In-situ synchrotron powder diffraction, NMR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize KZn(BH4)Cl2 and to evaluate the mechanism for its thermal decomposition. The title compound decomposes at a significantly lower temperature than KBH4 and may be used for inspiration for the design of novel hydrogen storage materials. Combining different ligands in modified metal borohydrides is proposed as a way to adjust stability with respect to hydrogen desorption. [source] AMPA and metabotropic glutamate receptors cooperatively generate inspiratory-like depolarization in mouse respiratory neurons in vitroEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2008Ryland W. Pace Abstract Excitatory transmission mediated by AMPA receptors is critical for respiratory rhythm generation. However, the role of AMPA receptors has not been fully explored. Here we tested the functional role of AMPA receptors in inspiratory neurons of the neonatal mouse preBötzinger complex (preBötC) using an in vitro slice model that retains active respiratory function. Immediately before and during inspiration, preBötC neurons displayed envelopes of depolarization, dubbed inspiratory drive potentials, that required AMPA receptors but largely depended on the Ca2+ -activated non-specific cation current (ICAN). We showed that AMPA receptor-mediated depolarization opened voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to directly evoke ICAN. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-mediated intracellular Ca2+ release also evoked ICAN. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors acted downstream of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor activity but, here too, AMPA receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx was essential to trigger the metabotropic glutamate receptor contribution to inspiratory drive potential generation. This study helps to elucidate the role of excitatory transmission in respiratory rhythm generation in vitro. AMPA receptors in preBötC neurons initiate convergent signaling pathways that evoke post-synaptic ICAN, which underlies inspiratory drive potentials. The coupling of AMPA receptors with ICAN suggests that latent burst-generating intrinsic conductances are recruited by excitatory synaptic interactions among preBötC neurons in the context of respiratory network activity in vitro, exemplifying a rhythmogenic mechanism based on emergent properties of the network. [source] The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus gates the postinspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to control inspiratory off-switch and upper airway resistance in ratEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 4 2006Mathias Dutschmann Abstract Lesion or pharmacological manipulation of the dorsolateral pons can transform the breathing pattern to apneusis (pathological prolonged inspiration). Apneusis reflects a disturbed inspiratory off-switch mechanism (IOS) leading to a delayed phase transition from inspiration to expiration. Under intact conditions the IOS is irreversibly mediated via activation of postinspiratory (PI) neurons within the respiratory network. In parallel, populations of laryngeal premotoneurons manifest the IOS by a brief glottal constriction during the PI phase. We investigated effects of pontine excitation (glutamate injection) or temporary lesion after injection of a GABA-receptor agonist (isoguvacine) on the strength of PI-pool activity determined from respiratory motor outputs or kinesiological measurements of laryngeal resistance in a perfused brainstem preparation. Glutamate microinjections into distinct parts of the pontine Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF) evoked a tonic excitation of PI-motor activity or sustained laryngeal constriction accompanied by prolongation of the expiratory phase. Subsequent isoguvacine microinjections at the same loci abolished PI-motor or laryngeal constrictor activity, triggered apneusis and established a variable and decreased breathing frequency. In summary, we revealed that excitation or inhibition of defined areas within the KF activated and blocked PI activity and, consequently, IOS. Therefore, we conclude, first, that descending KF inputs are essential to gate PI activity required for a proper pattern formation and phase control within the respiratory network, at least during absence of pulmonary stretch receptor activity and, secondly, that the KF contains large numbers of laryngeal PI premotor neurons that might have a key role in the regulation of upper airway resistance during reflex control and vocalization. [source] Optical imaging of medullary ventral respiratory network during eupnea and gasping In situEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2006Jeffrey T. Potts Abstract In severe hypoxia, respiratory rhythm is shifted from an eupneic, ramp-like motor pattern to gasping characterized by a decrementing pattern of phrenic motor activity. However, it is not known whether hypoxia reconfigures the spatiotemporal organization of the central respiratory rhythm generator. Using the in situ arterially perfused juvenile rat preparation, we investigated whether the shift from eupnea to gasping was associated with a reconfiguration of the spatiotemporal pattern of respiratory neuronal activity in the ventral medullary respiratory network. Optical images of medullary respiratory network activity were obtained from male rats (4,6 weeks of age). Part of the medullary network was stained with a voltage-sensitive dye (di-2 ANEPEQ) centred both within, and adjacent to, the pre-Bötzinger complex (Pre-BötC). During eupnea, optical signals initially increased prior to the onset of phrenic activity and progressively intensified during the inspiratory phase peaking at the end of inspiration. During early expiration, fluorescence was also detected and slowly declined throughout this phase. In contrast, hypoxia shifted the respiratory motor pattern from eupnea to gasping and optical signals were restricted to inspiration only. Areas active during gasping showed fluorescence that was more intensive and covered a larger region of the rostral ventrolateral medulla compared to eupnea. Regions exhibiting peak inspiratory fluorescence did not coincide spatially during eupnea and gasping. Moreover, there was a recruitment of additional medullary regions during gasping that were not active during eupnea. These results provide novel evidence that the shift in respiratory motor pattern from eupnea to gasping appears to be associated with a reconfiguration of the central respiratory rhythm generator characterized by changes in its spatiotemporal organization. [source] The General Provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European UnionEUROPEAN LAW JOURNAL, Issue 4 2002R. Alonso García The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides the Union with a ,more evident' (as the European Council of Cologne asked for) framework of protection of the individuals before the public authorities within the European context, after more than thirty years (since the Stauder Case) of full confidence in the leading role played by the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Communities. This new normative catalogue of fundamental rights (included the so called ,aspirational fundamental rights') implies one more instrument of protection which has to find its own place with regard to the protection afforded by the national Constitutions and the international agreements on human rights, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights, which are already a privileged source of inspiration for Court of Justice of the European Communities. It is the main objective of the General Provisions of the Charter to clarify which is that place and the relationship with those other levels of protection as managed by their supreme interpreters (i.e., the Constitutional,or Supreme,Courts of the Member States of the Union and the European Court of Human Rights). [source] Interaction between genioglossus and diaphragm responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation in awake humansEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007Wei Wang The modulation of activity of the upper airway dilator and respiratory muscles plays a key role in the regulation of ventilation, but little is known about the link between their neuromuscular activation processes in vivo. This study investigated genioglossus and diaphragm responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation applied in different facilitatory conditions. The amplitude and latency of motor-evoked potential responses and the stimulation intensity threshold leading to a motor response (motor threshold) were recorded with stimulation applied at the vertex and anterolateral area in 13 awake normal subjects. Stimuli were applied during inspiration with and without resistance, during expiration with and without maximal tongue protrusion and during deep inspiration. In each stimulation location and condition, no diaphragmatic response was obtained without previous genioglossus activity (diaphragmatic and genioglossus responses latencies during expiration: 18.1 ± 2.9 and 6.3 ± 2.6 ms, respectively, mean ±s.d., P < 0.01). Genioglossus motor-evoked potential amplitude, latency and motor threshold were significantly modified with tongue protrusion with a maximal effect observed for stimulation in the anterolateral area. Deep inspiration was associated with a significant facilitatory effect on both genioglossus and diaphragm motor responses. The facilitatory effects of respiratory and non-respiratory manoeuvres were also observed during focal stimulation where isolated genioglossus responses were observed. Genioglossus and diaphragm differed in their motor threshold both at baseline and following facilitatory manoeuvres. Conclusions: (1) transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced genioglossus response systematically precedes that of diaphragm; (2) this sequence of activation is not modified by respiratory and non-respiratory manoeuvres; and (3) the genioglossus and diaphragm are differently influenced by these manoeuvres in terms of latency of the motor response and of motor threshold. [source] Uncoupling of rhythmic hypoglossal from phrenic activity in the ratEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004Walter M. St.-John During eupnoea, rhythmic motor activities of the hypoglossal, vagal and phrenic nerves are linked temporally. The inspiratory discharges of the hypoglossal and vagus motor neurones commence before the onset of the phrenic burst. The vagus nerve also discharges in expiration. Upon exposure to hypocapnia or hypothermia, the hypoglossal discharge became uncoupled from that of the phrenic nerve. This uncoupling was evidenced by variable times of onset of hypoglossal discharge before or after the onset of phrenic discharge, extra bursts of hypoglossal activity in neural expiration, or complete absence of any hypoglossal discharge during a respiratory cycle. No such changes were found for vagal discharge, which remained linked to the phrenic bursts. Intracellular recordings in the hypoglossal nucleus revealed that all changes in hypoglossal discharge were due to neuronal depolarization. These results add support to the conclusion that the brainstem control of respiratory-modulated hypoglossal activity differs from control of phrenic and vagal activity. These findings have implications for any studies in which activity of the hypoglossal nerve is used as the sole index of neural inspiration. Indeed, our results establish that hypoglossal discharge alone is an equivocal index of the pattern of overall ventilatory activity and that this is accentuated by hypercapnia and hypothermia. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||