bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Executive functions deficits impair extinction of generalization of fear of movement‐related pain
Authors: Niederstrasser N.G. , Meulders A. , Meulders M. , Struyf D. , Vlaeyen J.W.
Published: January 2017

Background

Generalization of fear of movement‐related pain across novel but similar movements can lead to fear responses to movements that are actually not associated with pain. The peak‐shift effect describes a phenomenon whereby particular novel movements elicit even greater fear responses than the original pain‐provoking movement (CS+), because they represent a more extreme version of the CS+. There is great variance in the propensity to generalize as well as the speed of extinction learning when these novel movements are not followed by pain. It can be argued that this variance may be associated with executive function capacity, as individuals may be unable to intentionally inhibit fear responses. This study examined whether executive function capacity contributes to generalization and extinction of generalization as well as peak‐shift of conditioned fear of movement‐related pain and expectancy.

Methods

Healthy participants performed a proprioceptive fear conditioning task. Executive function tests assessing updating, switching, and inhibition were used to predict changes in (extinction of) fear of movement‐related pain and pain expectancy generalization.

Results

Low inhibitory capacity was associated with slower extinction of generalized fear of movement‐related pain and pain expectancy. Evidence was found in favor of an area‐shift, rather than a peak‐shift effect, which implies that the peak conditioned fear response extended to, but did not shift to a novel stimulus.

Conclusions

Participants with low inhibitory capacity may have difficulties withholding fear responses, leading to a slower decrease of generalized fear over time. The findings may be relevant to inform treatments.

Significance

Low inhibitory capacity is not associated with slower generalization, but extinction of fear generalization. Fear elicited by a novel safe movement, situated outside the CS+/− continuum on the CS+ side, can be as strong as to the original stimulus predicting the pain‐onset.
Genetically modified crops, regulatory delays, and international trade
Authors: Smyth Stuart J.
Published: January 2017

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been produced in the initial adopting countries for 20 years. Over this period of time, hundreds of articles and reports have been published by academic journals, government regulatory agencies, and national science organizations on the safety aspects of biotechnology and GM crops. In addition to this, there is a growing body of quantified peer reviewed literature on the economic and environmental benefits following the adoption of GM crops in both developed and developing countries. Some estimates place the economic benefits in the billions of dollars a year range. In spite of the documentation of these economic and environmental benefits, GM crops face a challenging future. Environmental nongovernmental organizations (eNGOs) are relentless in their campaigns of misinformation about the dangers and hazards of GM crops. While eNGOs are unable to quantify their claims and accusations, their political and policy influences continue, particularly in Europe and numerous developing nations. The result of this is regulatory delays for the approval of new GM crops and frequent international commodity trade failures, where shipments have been rejected due to the low‐level presence of a GM crop. Taken in combination, the regulatory and trade challenges facing GM crops are having a detrimental impact on improving food security. This article quantifies the benefits of GM crops, highlights the regulatory costs of delayed approval, and provides insights into the spillover effects from GM crop trade.
Temporal and spatial variability of extreme river flow quantiles in the Upper Vistula River basin, Poland
Authors: Rutkowska Agnieszka , Willems Patrick , Onyutha Charles , Młocek Wojciech
Published: January 2017

Temporal and spatial variability in extreme quantile anomalies of seasonal and annual maximum river flows was studied for 41 gauging stations at rivers in the Upper Vistula River basin, Poland. Using the quantile perturbation method, the temporal variability in anomalies was analysed. Interdecadal oscillating components were extracted from the series of anomalies using the Hilbert‐Huang transform method. Period length, part of variance of each component, and part of unexplained variance were assessed. Results show an oscillating pattern in the temporal occurrence of extreme flow quantiles with clusters of high values in the 1960–1970s and since the late 1990s and of low values in the 1980s and at the beginning of the 1990s. The anomalies show a high variability on the right bank of the Upper Vistula River basin during the summer season with the highest values in catchments located in the western and south‐western parts of the basin. River flow extreme quantiles were found to be associated with large‐scale climatic variables from the regions of the North Atlantic Ocean, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Asia, and, to a lesser extent, the Pacific Ocean. Similarities between temporal variability of river flows and climatic factors were revealed. Results of the study are important for flood frequency analysis because a long observation period is necessary to capture clusters of high and low river flows.
Factors related to pregnancy and birth and the risk of childhood brain tumours: The ESTELLE and ESCALE studies (SFCE, France)
Authors: Bailey Helen D. , Rios Paula , Lacour Brigitte , Guerrini‐Rousseau Léa , Bertozzi Anne‐Isabelle , Leblond Pierre , Faure‐Conter Cécile , Pellier Isabelle , Freycon Claire , Michon Jean , Puget Stéphanie , Ducassou Stéphane , Orsi Laurent , Clavel Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

Little is known of the causes of childhood brain tumors (CBT). The aims of this study were to investigate whether extremes of birth weight were associated with increased risk of CBT and whether maternal preconceptional folic acid supplementation or breastfeeding reduced the risk. In addition, other maternal characteristics and birth related factors were also investigated. We pooled data from two French national population‐based case‐control studies with similar designs conducted in 2003–2004 and 2010–2011. The mothers of 510 CBT cases (directly recruited from the national childhood cancer register) and 3,102 controls aged under 15 years, frequency matched by age and gender did a telephone interview, which focussed on demographic and perinatal characteristics, and maternal life style habits and reproductive history. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex, study of origin and relevant confounders. No association was found between CBT and birth weight or fetal growth. The use of preconceptional folic acid supplementation was rare (5.3% in cases and 7.8% in controls) and the OR was 0.8 (95% CI 0.5, 1.4). There was no association with breastfeeding, even prolonged (six months or more; OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.8, 1.4). Neither was there any association between CBT and other investigated factors (maternal body mass index, gestational weight gain, congenital abnormality, maternal reproductive history or use of fertility treatments. Although large, this study was underpowered for subtype analyses. Pooling data with other population‐based studies may provide further insight into findings by CBT subtypes.
Arsenic resistance genes of As‐resistant purple nonsulfur bacteria isolated from As‐contaminated sites for bioremediation application
Authors: Nookongbut Phitthaya , Kantachote Duangporn , Krishnan Kannan , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: January 2017

This study aimed to identify arsenic resistant mechanisms in As‐resistant purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) by screening them for presence of As‐resistance genes and related enzymes. Resistance to As(III) and As(V) of four As‐resistant PNSB determined in terms of median inhibition concentration (IC50 values) were in the order of strains Rhodopseudomonas palustris C1 > R. palustris AB3 > Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus C31 > R. palustris L28 which corresponded to the presence of As‐resistance genes in these bacteria. The strain C1 showed all As‐marker genes; arsC, arsM, aioA, and acr3, while aioA was not detected in strain AB3. Strains C31 and L28 had only Arsenite‐transporter gene, acr3. Translation of all these detected gene sequences of strain C1 to amino acid sequences showed that these proteins have vicinal cysteine; Cys126, Cys105, and Cys178 of Acr3, ArsC, AioA, respectively. Tertiary structure of proteins Acr3, ArsC, AioA, and ArsM showed strain C1 exhibits the high activities of arsenite oxidase and arsenate reductase enzymes that are encoded by aioA and arsC genes, respectively. Moreover, strain C1 with arsM gene produced volatile‐methylated As‐compounds; monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsenic acid (DMA), and arsenobetaine (AsB) in the presence of either As(III) or As(V). In conclusion, the strain C1 has great potential for its application in bioremediation of As‐contaminated sites.
Computational anatomy of the dens axis evaluated by quantitative computed tomography: Implications for anterior screw fixation
Authors: Gehweiler Dominic , Wähnert Dirk , Meier Norbert , Spruit Maarten , Raschke Michael Johannes , Richards Robert Geoff , Noser Hansrudi , Kamer Lukas
Published: January 2017

The surgical fracture fixation of the odontoid process (dens) of the second cervical vertebra (C2/axis) is a challenging procedure, particularly in elderly patients affected by bone loss, and includes screw positioning close to vital structures. The aim of this study was to provide an extended anatomical knowledge of C2, the bone mass distribution and bone loss, and to understand the implications for anterior screw fixation. One hundred and twenty standard clinical quantitative computed tomography (QCT) scans of the intact cervical spine from 60 female and 60 male European patients, aged 18–90 years, were used to compute a three‐dimensional statistical model and an averaged bone mass model of C2. Shape and size variability was assessed via principal component analysis (PCA), bone mass distribution by thresholding and via virtual core drilling, and the screw placement via virtual positioning of screw templates. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a highly variable anatomy of the dens with size as the predominant variation according to the first principal component (PC) whereas shape changes were primarily described by the remaining PCs. The bone mass distribution demonstrated a characteristic 3D pattern, and remained unchanged in the presence of bone loss. Virtual screw positioning of two 3.5 mm dens screws with a 1 mm safety zone was possible in 81.7% in a standard, parallel position and in additional 15.8% in a twisted position. The approach permitted a more detailed anatomical assessment of the dens axis. Combined with a preoperative QCT it may further improve the diagnostic procedure of odontoid fractures. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2154–2163, 2017.
Elimination of the Crystallinity of Long Polyethylene Oxide‐Based Copolymers for Gas Separation Membranes by Using Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Marcos‐Fernández Angel , Adem Esbaide , Hernández‐Sampelayo Alejandra Rubio , Báez Jose E. , Palacio Laura , Prádanos Pedro , Tena Alberto , Hernández Antonio
Published: January 2017

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based polymers containing long PEO chains are one of the best materials for postcombustion processes, attending to their separation properties. Optimal conditions for the application of the membrane separation module are immediately after elimination of water vapor, NO
x
, SO2, and dust particles, where the temperature of the gas is between 25 and 40 °C. Materials with high contents and longer length of PEO are the ideal candidates for the application in terms of properties. Unfortunately, these materials are normally not applicable due to, at these temperatures, the high crystallinity of PEO chains, which leads to poor gas separation properties. Here, by electron beam irradiation, it has been possible to eliminate or substantially reduce the crystallinity of poly(ether‐imide)s with high PEO content, which is confirmed by the positive effect in the separation properties. Optimal dosage to eliminate the crystallinity and to maximize permeability has been investigated.

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Exponential stability of hybrid stochastic functional differential systems with delayed impulsive effects: average impulsive interval approach
Authors: Li Dianqiang , Cheng Pei , He Shuping
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we aim to investigate the exponential stability of general hybrid stochastic functional differential systems with delayed impulses. By using the average impulsive interval and the Lyapunov function method, we derive some sufficient conditions for exponential stability, which are less conservative than those existing results based on the supremum or infimum of impulsive interval and more convenient to be applied than those Razumikhin‐type conditions in the literature. Meanwhile, we show that unstable hybrid stochastic delay differential systems, both linear and nonlinear, can be stabilized by suitably impulsive sequence. Finally, two examples are discussed to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the obtained results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low dose of caffeine enhances the efficacy of antidepressants in major depressive disorder and the underlying neural substrates
Authors: Liu Qing‐Shan , Deng Ran , Fan Yuyan , Li Keqin , Meng Fangang , Li Xueli , Liu Rui
Published: January 2017

Scope

Caffeine is one of the most frequently used psychoactive substances ingested mainly via beverage or food products. Major depressive disorder is a serious and devastating psychiatric disorder. Emerging evidence indicates that caffeine enhances the antidepressant‐like activity of common antidepressant drugs in rodents. However, whether joint administration of low dose of caffeine enhances the antidepressant actions in depressed patients remains unclear.

Methods and results

A total of 95 male inpatients were assigned to three groups and were asked to take either caffeine (60, 120 mg) or placebo (soymilk powder) daily for 4 wk on the basis of their current antidepressant medications. Results showed that chronic supplementation with low dose of caffeine (60 mg) produced rapid antidepressant action by reduction of depressive scores. Furthermore, low dose of caffeine improved cognitive performance in depressed patients. However, caffeine did not affect sleep as measured by overnight polysomnography. Moreover, chronic caffeine consumption elicited inhibition of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activation by normalization of salivary cortisol induced by Trier social stress test.

Conclusions

These findings indicated the potential benefits of further implications of supplementary administration of caffeine to reverse the development of depression and enhance the outcome of antidepressants treatment in major depressive disorder.
Sensitivity distribution simulations of surface electrode configurations for electrical impedance myography
Authors: Rutkove Seward B. , Pacheck Adam , Sanchez Benjamin
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Surface‐based electrical impedance myography (EIM) is sensitive to muscle condition in neuromuscular disorders. However, the specific contribution of muscle to the obtained EIM values is unknown.

Methods

We combined theory and the finite element method to calculate the electrical current distribution in a 3‐dimensional model using different electrode array designs and subcutaneous fat thicknesses (SFTs). Through a sensitivity analysis, we decoupled the contribution of muscle from other surrounding tissues in the measured surface impedance values.

Results

The contribution of muscle to surface EIM values varied greatly depending on the electrode array size and the SFT. For example, the contribution of muscle with 6‐mm SFT was 8% for a small array compared with 32% for a large array.

Conclusions

The approach presented can be employed to inform the design of robust EIM electrode configurations that maximize the contribution of muscle across the disease and injury spectrum. Muscle Nerve 56: 887–895, 2017
Insights into the interaction of high potency inhibitor IRC‐083864 with phosphatase CDC25
Authors: Sarkis Manal , Miteva Maria A. , Dasso Lang Maria Chiara , Jaouen Maryse , Sari Marie‐Agnès , Galcéra Marie‐Odile , Ethève‐Quelquejeu Mélanie , Garbay Christiane , Bertho Gildas , Braud Emmanuelle
Published: January 2017

CDC25 phosphatases play a crucial role in cell cycle regulation. They have been found to be over‐expressed in various human tumours and to be valuable targets for cancer treatment. Here, we report the first model of binding of the most potent CDC25 inhibitor to date, the bis‐quinone IRC‐083864, into CDC25B obtained by combining molecular modeling and NMR studies. Our study provides new insights into key interactions of the catalytic site inhibitor and CDC25B in the absence of any available experimental structure of CDC25 with a bound catalytic site inhibitor. The docking model reveals that IRC‐083864 occupies both the active site and the inhibitor binding pocket of the CDC25B catalytic domain. NMR saturation transfer difference and WaterLOGSY data indicate the binding zones of the inhibitor and support the docking model. Probing interactions of analogues of the two quinone units of IRC‐083864 with CDC25B demonstrate that IRC‐083864 competes with each monomer. Proteins 2017; 85:593–601. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taxonomic distribution, repeats, and functions of the S1 domain‐containing proteins as members of the OB‐fold family
Authors: Deryusheva Evgeniia I. , Machulin Andrey V. , Selivanova Olga M. , Galzitskaya Oxana V.
Published: January 2017

Proteins of the nucleic acid‐binding proteins superfamily perform such functions as processing, transport, storage, stretching, translation, and degradation of RNA. It is one of the 16 superfamilies containing the OB‐fold in protein structures. Here, we have analyzed the superfamily of nucleic acid‐binding proteins (the number of sequences exceeds 200,000) and obtained that this superfamily prevalently consists of proteins containing the cold shock DNA‐binding domain (ca. 131,000 protein sequences). Proteins containing the S1 domain compose 57% from the cold shock DNA‐binding domain family. Furthermore, we have found that the S1 domain was identified mainly in the bacterial proteins (ca. 83%) compared to the eukaryotic and archaeal proteins, which are available in the UniProt database. We have found that the number of multiple repeats of S1 domain in the S1 domain‐containing proteins depends on the taxonomic affiliation. All archaeal proteins contain one copy of the S1 domain, while the number of repeats in the eukaryotic proteins varies between 1 and 15 and correlates with the protein size. In the bacterial proteins, the number of repeats is no more than 6, regardless of the protein size. The large variation of the repeat number of S1 domain as one of the structural variants of the OB‐fold is a distinctive feature of S1 domain‐containing proteins. Proteins from the other families and superfamilies have either one OB‐fold or change slightly the repeat numbers. On the whole, it can be supposed that the repeat number is a vital for multifunctional activity of the S1 domain‐containing proteins. Proteins 2017; 85:602–613. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of bridge helix bending in RNA polymerase II
Authors: Wang Zhan‐Feng , Fu Yi‐Ben , Wang Peng‐Ye , Xie Ping
Published: January 2017

One of critical issues for RNA polymerase is how the enzyme translocates along the DNA substrate during transcription elongation cycle. Comparisons of the structure of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) with that of bacterial enzyme have suggested that the transition of the bridge helix (BH) from straight to flipped‐out conformations facilitates the translocation of upstream DNA‐RNA hybrid. However, the flipped‐out conformation of BH in Pol II has not been observed up to now and the detailed mechanism of how the BH facilitating upstream hybrid translocation still remains obscure. Here we use all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the transition dynamics of BH in Pol II. Two different flipped‐out conformations (termed as F1 and F2) are derived from our simulation trajectories, both of which could contribute to upstream hybrid translocation. In particular, the structure of BH in F2 conformation shows nearly identical to that observed in free bacterial enzyme, showing the existence of the flipped‐out conformation in Pol II. Analysis of hydrogen bonds and salt bridge formed intra BH in different conformations indicates that the flipped‐out conformations are more unstable than the straight conformation. Moreover, a detailed understanding of how the transition of BH conformations facilitating upstream hybrid translocation is given. Proteins 2017; 85:614–629. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Negative Poisson's ratio in non‐porous smooth curve sheet
Authors: Tan Huifeng , Yu Lin , Zhou Zhengong
Published: January 2017

The microstructure of the manmade auxetic materials always involve inherited porosity and sharp corners, where the stress concentration occurred. We have proposed a novel kind of non‐porous smooth curve sheet which exhibits a negative Poisson's ratio and has a low stress concentration factor. The auxetic response was validated by good qualitative and quantitative agreements between the tensile experiments and numerical analysis of array model. Using the experimentally validated finite element model, the parametric study on the evolution of the macroscopic Poisson's ratio, the stress concentration factor on the geometry parameters and the parental material properties were investigated. This one phase auxetic smooth curve sheet, which is simple to manufacture and assemble into 3D structures, may be used in a variety of industrial applications.
Fluorescence Enhancement on Large Area Self‐Assembled Plasmonic‐3D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Chen Guojian , Wang Dongzhu , Hong Wei , Sun Lu , Zhu Yongxiang , Chen Xudong
Published: January 2017

Discontinuous plasmonic‐3D photonic crystal hybrid structures are fabricated in order to evaluate the coupling effect of surface plasmon resonance and the photonic stop band. The nanostructures are prepared by silver sputtering deposition on top of hydrophobic 3D photonic crystals. The localized surface plasmon resonance of the nanostructure has a symbiotic relationship with the 3D photonic stop band, leading to highly tunable characteristics. Fluorescence enhancements of conjugated polymer and quantum dot based on these hybrid structures are studied. The maximum fluorescence enhancement for the conjugated polymer of poly(5‐methoxy‐2‐(3‐sulfopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene) potassium salt by a factor of 87 is achieved as compared with that on a glass substrate due to the enhanced near‐field from the discontinuous plasmonic structures, strong scattering effects from rough metal surface with photonic stop band, and accelerated decay rates from metal‐coupled excited state of the fluorophore. It is demonstrated that the enhancement induced by the hybrid structures has a larger effective distance (optimum thickness ≈130 nm) than conventional plasmonic systems. It is expected that this approach has tremendous potential in the field of sensors, fluorescence‐imaging, and optoelectronic applications.
Azobenzene: A Photoactive Building Block for Supramolecular Architectures
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Bergamini Giacomo
Published: January 2017

The development of nanoscale systems capable to perform specific functions under external control is a challenging task and a fascinating objective in Chemistry. Photochromic compounds undergo radical changes in their physico‐chemical properties upon light excitation, for this reason they are valuable building blocks for the construction of photo‐controllable molecular devices, machines and materials. TheE–Zphotoisomerization of azobenzene has been known for almost 80 years and – owing to its high efficiency and excellent reversibility – has been widely employed to introduce an element of photo‐control in a large variety of compounds, biomolecules, nanosystems and materials. Here we present some of our research results highlighting how this outstanding photochrome can be utilized to develop systems with light‐induced functionalities.
Daily evolution in dust and black carbon content, snow grain size, and snow albedo during snowmelt, Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Authors: SKILES S. McKENZIE , PAINTER THOMAS
Published: January 2017

Light absorbing impurities (LAI) initiate powerful snow albedo feedbacks, yet due to a scarcity of observations and measurements, LAI radiative forcing is often neglected or poorly constrained in climate and hydrological models. To support physically-based modeling of LAI processes, daily measurements of dust and black carbon (BC) stratigraphy, optical grain size, snow density and spectral albedo were collected over the 2013 ablation season in the Rocky Mountains, CO. Surface impurity concentrations exhibited a wide range of values (0.02–6.0 mg g−1pptw) with 98% of mass being deposited by three episodic dust events in April. Even minor dust loading initiated albedo decline, and the negative relationship between dust concentrations and albedo was log-linear. As melt progressed, individual dust layers coalesced and emerged at the snow surface, with minimal mass loss to meltwater scavenging. The observations show that the convergence of dust layers at the surface reduced albedo to 0.3 and snow depth declined ~50% faster than other years with similar depth but less dust. The rapid melt led to an unexpected reduction in both grain size and density in uppermost surface layers. BC concentrations co-varied with dust concentrations but were several orders of magnitude lower (<1–20 ppb).
Broadening the Scope of Bone Anvils: Direct AMS14C Dating from the Island of Menorca (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Valenzuela Alejandro , Cau Miguel Ángel , León María José
Published: January 2017

This article presents the results of direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating of a new bone anvil retrieved in the Iron Age–Roman site of Montefí (Ciutadella), in the southwest of the island of Menorca (western Mediterranean). The radiometric date confirms the chronology obtained through the stratigraphy and typological analysis of ceramics (1st–3rd century AD), and indicates that this bone-made tool not only represents the first archaeological anvil from the island but also constitutes the earliest evidence in the western Mediterranean. This ancient date is more consistent with the known eastern regional chronology and reinforces the importance of obtaining direct AMS14C dates to refine artifact chronologies.
Spatial and seasonal variation of the phytoplankton community structure in a reef ecosystem in North-eastern Brazil
Authors: Machado R.C.A. , Feitosa F.A.N. , Koening M.L. , Flores Montes M.J.
Published: January 2017

The beach of Porto de Galinhas is socially and economically important because of the reef environment that attracts a large number of tourists. In order to contribute to the monitoring of the environmental quality of the area, which is subject to strong human pressure, phytoplankton composition was analysed in four fixed sampling station, during 4 months of the dry and rainy periods, at high and low tides and at diurnal spring tides. The phytoplankton community structure and the abiotic parameters varied according to seasonality. Phytoplankton biomass ranged from 0.42 to 5.66 mg m−3and density ranged from 0.50 to 14.3 cell 103l−1. A total of 192 taxa were identified, belonging to six divisions. The most representative taxa were Ochrophyta (64.6%), followed by Dinophyta (19.3%).Ostreopsis ovata, Trichodesmium erythraeum, Protoperidinium bispinum, Paralia sulcata, Thalassiosira leptopusandFragilaria capucinawere the most representative species of the environment.Ostreopsis ovatawas the only highly frequent and dominant species. The Easterly Wave Disturbance contributed to the occurrence of a large number of freshwater species that were observed on the site. The environment was characterized as oligotrophic, tending toward mesotrophic in the rainy season. The high number of taxa associated with high evenness was indicative of environmental balance. Continental interference was perceived due to the variation of abiotic parameters and of the variation of the phytoplankton community structure.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom duration and remission in relation to cardiovascular disease risk among a large cohort of women
Authors: Gilsanz P. , Winning A. , Koenen K. C. , Roberts A. L. , Sumner J. A. , Chen Q. , Glymour M. M. , Rimm E. B. , Kubzansky L. D.
Published: January 2017

Background

Prior studies suggest that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but effects of duration and remission of PTSD symptoms have rarely been evaluated.

Method

We examined the association of time-updated PTSD symptom severity, remission and duration with incident CVD risk (552 confirmed myocardial infarctions or strokes) over 20 years in 49 859 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Among women who reported trauma on the Brief Trauma Questionnaire, PTSD symptoms, assessed by a screener, were classified by symptom severity and chronicity: (a) no symptoms, (b) 1–3 ongoing, (c) 4–5 ongoing, (d) 6–7 ongoing, (e) 1–3 remitted, (f) 4–7 remitted symptoms. Inverse probability weighting was used to estimate marginal structural logistic regression models, adjusting for time-varying and time-invariant confounders.

Results

Compared with women with no trauma exposure, women with trauma/no PTSD [odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.65] and women with trauma/6–7 symptoms (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.08–2.63) had elevated risk of CVD; women with remitted symptoms did not have elevated CVD risk. Among women exposed to trauma, every 5 additional years of PTSD symptomology was associated with 9% higher CVD incidence compared with women with trauma/no PTSD.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that alleviating PTSD symptoms shortly after onset may attenuate CVD risk.
Normal developable surfaces of surfaces along curves
Authors: Hananoi Satoshi , Izumiya Shyuichi
Published: January 2017

We consider a developable surface normal to a surface along a curve on the surface. We call it a normal developable surface along the curve on the surface. We investigate the uniqueness and the singularities of such developable surfaces. We discover two new invariants of curves on a surface that characterize these singularities.
The Environmental Production of Disability for Seniors with Age-Related Vision Loss
Authors: McGrath Colleen , Laliberte Rudman Debbie , Spafford Marlee , Trentham Barry , Polgar Jan
Published: January 2017

À ce jour, l’attention portée aux causes environnementales d’infirmité parmi les personnes âgées ayant une perte de vision liée à l’âge a été limitée. Cette étude ethnographique critique visait à révéler les façons dont les barrières environnementales ont produit ou perpétué l’invalidité chez 10 personnes âgées atteintes de PVLA. Une version modifiée de l’approche en cinq étapes de l’ethnographie critique de Carspecken a été adoptée en utilisant trois méthodes de collecte de données, notamment une entrevue narrative, une séance d’observation participante et une entrevue semi-structurée en profondeur. Les résultats ont révélé comment l’invalidité est façonnée pour les personnes âgées avec PVLA quand ils rencontrent des caractéristiques environnementales intégrées d’une société ageiste et invalidante. Ces résultats sont illustrés par la présentation d’analyses de trois activités couramment discutées: faire de shopping, manger et déplacement dans la communauté. Notre discussion suggère que la prise en compte de la production environnementale de l’infirmité nécessite une politique sociale inclusive, le plaidoyer et un accent sur l’éducation afin de développer et de maintenir des environnements favorables au vieillissement et à la faible vision.
Reconciling Tensions: Needing Formal and Family/Friend Care but Feeling like a Burden
Authors: Barken Rachel
Published: January 2017

Dans le cadre d’une politique néolibérale qui transfère la responsabilité pour la santé et le bien-être de l’État aux familles et aux individus, les stratégies canadiennes pour soins à domicile ont tendance à présenter les membres de la famille comme « partners in care ». En s’appuyant sur une étude interprétative fondée sur une théorie qui comprenait 34 entrevues qualitatives, cet article examine les expériences des personnes âgées aux intersections des soins à domicile formels et arrangements pour les soins dispensés par la famille et les amis, dans le contexte de politiques mettant l’accent sur les partenariats avec les familles. Le concept fondamental tiré des entrevues était de concilier les tensions entre le besoin de soins et le souci de surcharger les autres, dans le contexte des soins à domicile et communautaires disponibles. Quatre processus sont identifiés, qui illustrent la façon dont l’accès aux ressources financières et sociales peut conduire à des opportunités et des contraintes dans l’expérience de soins. Les résultats mettent en évidence les défis émotionnels et pratiques que les personnes âgées peuvent rencontrer vis-à-vis le discours encourageant les familles à assumer la responsabilité des soins. Les implications pour la politique et la pratique sont discutées.
Attentional retraining and cognitive biases in a regular cannabis smoking student population
Authors: Wolf P. Andrea , Salemink Elske , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Aim Repeated drug use can lead to attentional bias and approach tendencies, which are thought to play an important role in problematic substance use and dependence. The aims of the current study were to 1) test an attentional retraining procedure in a sample of moderate and heavy cannabis using students and 2) compare baseline attentional and approach bias between the two groups with different implicit measures. Design and participants Attentional bias scores toward cannabis-related or neutral stimuli were determined with modified versions of the Visual Probe Task and the cannabis Stroop task. Approach and avoidance action tendencies toward cannabis-related and neutral stimuli were assessed with the cannabis Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT) and the Stimulus Response Compatibility task (SRC). Seventeen participants were assigned randomly to five sessions of an attentional retraining procedure or control training. Results Attentional retraining did not decrease the speeded detection of cannabis stimuli and the difficulty to disengage from those stimuli, no trainingseffects were revealed. Moderate cannabis users did not show an attentional bias for cannabis-related cues (measured with the cannabis Stroop task), whereas heavy cannabis users did show an attentional bias for cannabis-related stimuli that cannot be attributed to cognitive control deficits on the classical Stroop task. Moreover, heavy cannabis users, but not moderate users, were significant faster to approach cannabis images compared to neutral images, using the SRC task. Conclusion Seen the observed difference in cognitive biases towards cannabis stimuli between moderate and heavy cannabis users, this study supports the allegation that cognitive biases towards cannabis stimuli may be an important marker of problematic cannabis use.
Computationale und kognitive Ansätze für die Therapieentwicklung bei Depressionen
Authors: Linden David E. J.
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung. Das kognitives Modell der Depression postuliert, dass Patienten mit Depression – und Menschen mit erhöhtem Depressionsrisiko – zu stärkerer Aufmerksamkeit auf negative Informationen und bevorzugte Erinnerung negativer Ereignisse neigen ( Beck, 2008 ). Die resultierende negative Interpretation der eigenen Lebenserfahrungen und Erwartung negativer Konsequenzen (Katastrophisieren) führt dann zu einer Schleife von negativer Stimmung, Pessimismus und Anhedonie. In diesem Modell ist also das dysfunktionale kognitive Schema, welches wiederum durch eine Kombination von genetischen und Entwicklungsfaktoren verursacht wird, ein Kernmechanismus des klinischen Syndroms und der zentrale Ansatzpunkt für psychologische Interventionen. Dieser Artikel diskutiert die experimentelle Evidenz für solche dysfunktionalen Schemata, besonders im Bereich der Übergewichtung negativer Informationen bei Prozessen der Aufmerksamkeit und des Gedächtnisses. Die computationale Entscheidungstheorie kann erklären, wie aus solchen Übergewichtungen negativer Informationen (und Untergewichtung positiver Informationen) sowohl Verhaltenssymptome der Depression (psychomotorische Verlangsamung) als auch pessimistische Grundeinstellungen entstehen können. Ein solcher „negative bias“ kann der gesunden Emotionsregulierung im Wege stehen und damit eine Vulnerabilität für Depression begründen. Die zunehmenden Erkenntnissen über die kognitiven Prozesse der Depression können für die Entwicklung von Früherkennungsverfahren klinisch relevant werden und neue Therapieansätze, sowohl in der computergestützen kognitiven Intervention (z.B. „cognitive bias modification“) als auch in der Selbstregulierung des Gehirns (Neurofeedback), begründen.
Early nucleolar disorganization in Dictyostelium cell death
Authors: Luciani M F , Song Y , Sahrane A , Kosta A , Golstein P
Published: January 2017

Cell death occurs in all eukaryotes, but it is still not known whether some core steps of the cell death process are conserved. We investigated this using the protist Dictyostelium. The dissection of events in Dictyostelium vacuolar developmental cell death was facilitated by the sequential requirement for two distinct exogenous signals. An initial exogenous signal (starvation and cAMP) recruited some cells into clumps. Only within these clumps did subsequent cell death events take place. Contrary to our expectations, already this initial signal provoked nucleolar disorganization and irreversible inhibition of rRNA and DNA synthesis, reflecting marked cell dysfunction. The initial signal also primed clumped cells to respond to a second exogenous signal (differentiation-inducing factor-1 or c-di-GMP), which led to vacuolization and synthesis of cellulose encasings. Thus, the latter prominent hallmarks of developmental cell death were induced separately from initial cell dysfunction. We propose that (1) in Dictyostelium vacuolization and cellulose encasings are late, organism-specific, hallmarks, and (2) on the basis of our observations in this protist and of similar previous observations in some cases of mammalian cell death, early inhibition of rRNA synthesis and nucleolar disorganization may be conserved in some eukaryotes to usher in developmental cell death.
Biliary tract instillation of a SMAC mimetic induces TRAIL-dependent acute sclerosing cholangitis-like injury in mice
Authors: Guicciardi Maria Eugenia , Krishnan Anuradha , Bronk Steven F , Hirsova Petra , Griffith Thomas S , Gores Gregory J
Published: January 2017

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiopathogenesis characterized by fibrous cholangiopathy of large and small bile ducts. Systemic administration of a murine TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor agonist induces a sclerosing cholangitis injury in C57BL/6 mice, suggesting endogenous TRAIL may contribute to sclerosing cholangitis syndromes. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAP-1 and cIAP-2) are negative regulators of inflammation and TRAIL receptor signaling. We hypothesized that if endogenous TRAIL promotes sclerosing cholangitis, then cIAP depletion should also induce this biliary tract injury. Herein, we show that cIAP protein levels are reduced in the interlobular bile ducts of human PSC livers. Downregulation of cIAPs in normal human cholangiocytes in vitro by use of a SMAC mimetic (SM) induces moderate, ripoptosome-mediated apoptosis and RIP1-independent upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Cytokine and chemokine expression was mediated by the non-canonical activation of NF-κB. To investigate whether downregulation of cIAPs is linked to generation of a PSC-like phenotype, an SM was directly instilled into the mouse biliary tree. Twelve hours after biliary instillation, TUNEL-positive cholangiocytes were identified; 5 days later, PSC-like changes were observed in the SM-treated mice, including a fibrous cholangiopathy of the interlobular bile ducts, portal inflammation, significant elevation of serum markers of cholestasis and cholangiographic evidence of intrahepatic biliary tract injury. In contrast, TRAIL and TRAIL-receptor deficient mice showed no sign of cholangiopathy following SM intrabiliary injection. We conclude that in vivo antagonism of cIAPs in mouse biliary epithelial cells is sufficient to trigger cholangiocytes apoptosis and a proinflammatory response resulting in a fibrous cholangiopathy resembling human sclerosing cholangitis. Therefore, downregulation of cIAPs in PSC cholangiocytes may contribute to the development of the disease. Our results also indicate that inhibition of TRAIL signaling pathways may be beneficial in the treatment of PSC.
Innate and adaptive immune traits are differentially affected by genetic and environmental factors
Authors: Mangino Massimo , Roederer Mario , Beddall Margaret H. , Nestle Frank O. , Spector Tim D.
Published: January 2017

The diversity and activity of leukocytes is controlled by genetic and environmental influences to maintain balanced immune responses. However, the relative contribution of environmental compared with genetic factors that affect variations in immune traits is unknown. Here we analyse 23,394 immune phenotypes in 497 adult female twins. 76% of these traits show a predominantly heritable influence, whereas 24% are mostly influenced by environment. These data highlight the importance of shared childhood environmental influences such as diet, infections or microbes in shaping immune homeostasis for monocytes, B1 cells, γδ T cells and NKT cells, whereas dendritic cells, B2 cells, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells are more influenced by genetics. Although leukocyte subsets are influenced by genetics and environment, adaptive immune traits are more affected by genetics, whereas innate immune traits are more affected by environment.
A stable lithiated silicon–chalcogen battery via synergetic chemical coupling between silicon and selenium
Authors: Eom KwangSup , Lee Jung Tae , Oschatz Martin , Wu Feixiang , Kaskel Stefan , Yushin Gleb , Fuller Thomas F.
Published: January 2017

Li-ion batteries dominate portable energy storage due to their exceptional power and energy characteristics. Yet, various consumer devices and electric vehicles demand higher specific energy and power with longer cycle life. Here we report a full-cell battery that contains a lithiated Si/graphene anode paired with a selenium disulfide (SeS2) cathode with high capacity and long-term stability. Selenium, which dissolves from the SeS2 cathode, was found to become a component of the anode solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), leading to a significant increase of the SEI conductivity and stability. Moreover, the replacement of lithium metal anode impedes unwanted side reactions between the dissolved intermediate products from the SeS2 cathode and lithium metal and eliminates lithium dendrite formation. As a result, the capacity retention of the lithiated silicon/graphene—SeS2 full cell is 81% after 1,500 cycles at 268 mA gSeS2−1. The achieved cathode capacity is 403 mAh gSeS2−1 (1,209 mAh cmSeS2−3).
Augmenting light coverage for photosynthesis through YFP-enhanced charge separation at the Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centre
Authors: Grayson Katie J. , Faries Kaitlyn M. , Huang Xia , Qian Pu , Dilbeck Preston , Martin Elizabeth C. , Hitchcock Andrew , Vasilev Cvetelin , Yuen Jonathan M. , Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Leggett Graham J. , Holten Dewey , Kirmaier Christine , Neil Hunter C.
Published: January 2017

Photosynthesis uses a limited range of the solar spectrum, so enhancing spectral coverage could improve the efficiency of light capture. Here, we show that a hybrid reaction centre (RC)/yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) complex accelerates photosynthetic growth in the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The structure of the RC/YFP-light-harvesting 1 (LH1) complex shows the position of YFP attachment to the RC-H subunit, on the cytoplasmic side of the RC complex. Fluorescence lifetime microscopy of whole cells and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy of purified RC/YFP complexes show that the YFP–RC intermolecular distance and spectral overlap between the emission of YFP and the visible-region (QX) absorption bands of the RC allow energy transfer via a Förster mechanism, with an efficiency of 40±10%. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the feasibility of increasing spectral coverage for harvesting light using non-native genetically-encoded light-absorbers, thereby augmenting energy transfer and trapping in photosynthesis.
Correction: Corrigendum: Defining functional interactions during biogenesis of epithelial junctions
Authors: Erasmus J. C. , Bruche S. , Pizarro L. , Maimari N. , Poggioli T. , Tomlinson C. , Lees J. , Zalivina I. , Wheeler A. , Alberts A. , Russo A. , Braga V. M. M.
Published: January 2017

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 13542 (2016); Published: 6 December 2016; Updated: 5 January 2017 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Tommaso Poggioli, which was incorrectly given as Tommaso Pogglioli. This has now been corrected in both thePDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Common oscillatory mechanisms across multiple
memory systems
Authors: Headley Drew B. , Paré Denis
Published: January 2017

The cortex, hippocampus, and striatum support dissociable forms of memory. While each of these regions contains specialized circuitry supporting their respective functions, all structure their activities across time with delta, theta, and gamma rhythms. We review how these oscillations are generated and how they coordinate distinct memory systems during encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. First, gamma oscillations occur in all regions and coordinate local spiking, compressing it into short population bursts. Second, gamma oscillations are modulated by delta and theta oscillations. Third, oscillatory dynamics in these memory systems can operate in either a “slow” or “fast” mode. The slow mode happens during slow-wave sleep and is characterized by large irregular activity in the hippocampus and delta oscillations in cortical and striatal circuits. The fast mode occurs during active waking and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and is characterized by theta oscillations in the hippocampus and its targets, along with gamma oscillations in the rest of cortex. In waking, the fast mode is associated with the efficacious encoding and retrieval of declarative and procedural memories. Theta and gamma oscillations have similar relationships with encoding and retrieval across multiple forms of memory and brain regions, despite regional differences in microcircuitry and information content. Differences in the oscillatory coordination of memory systems during sleep might explain why the consolidation of some forms of memory is sensitive to slow-wave sleep, while others depend on REM. In particular, theta oscillations appear to support the consolidation of certain types of procedural memories during REM, while delta oscillations during slow-wave sleep seem to promote declarative and procedural memories.