bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between cytomegalovirus infection, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in U.S. adult females
Authors: Fleck‐Derderian Shannon , McClellan William , Wojcicki Janet M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and whether this relationship differs by BMI.

Methods

Data from the 1999‐2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were pooled (N = 2,532). Logistic regression was used for assessing the association between CMV and MetS, stratified by gender and BMI, categorized as normal weight, overweight, obesity, and extreme obesity, and adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and poverty level.

Results

In unadjusted analyses, CMV infection was significantly associated with MetS in females (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.1‐2.1) but not males. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of MetS were higher in CMV+ normal‐weight females (aOR: 65.31; 95% CI: 6.8‐625.6) but lower in CMV+ females with extreme obesity (aOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.1‐0.9). CMV infection was associated with higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and lower triglycerides in females with extreme obesity but lower HDL‐C in normal‐weight females.

Conclusions

CMV infection was found to be associated with unique MetS phenotypes that differ between BMI categories and gender. Seropositive normal‐weight females had a higher prevalence of MetS and dyslipidemia, while infection in females with extreme obesity was associated with a more metabolically benign profile.
Thermal and phase transformation behavior of epoxy‐functional graphene oxide/liquid crystalline epoxy composite
Authors: Lu Yuan , Zeng Xinjuan , Jia Danfeng , Mei Shuang , Zhang Peipei , Cheng Jiang , Li Qiong , Wen Xiufang , Cai Zhiqi
Published: February 2017

In this study, epoxy‐functional graphene oxide/liquid crystalline epoxy (efGO/LCE) composite was obtained by mixed LCE with efGO, which was obtained by modifying graphene oxide (GO) with LCE in alkaline condition. The influence of efGO content on glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability, and phase transformation behaviors of the composite were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy. The results reveal that the right amount of efGO can keep the LC property of LCE while GO inhibits the formation of LC phase of LCE. POM photographs of efGO/LCE composites show clear bright specks under polarized light, suggesting heterogeneous nucleation effects is in favor of formation of LC phase. Moreover, the initial decomposition temperature of efGO/LCE composite is increased to 380°C from that of pure LCE at 350°C when efGO content is 1 wt%. It suggests that efGO is effective to increase thermal decomposition temperature and glass transition temperature (Tg) due to cross‐linking between efGO and LCE. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1391–E1397, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
An experimental investigation on damage characteristics of laminated hybrid composites subjected to low velocity impact
Authors: Bulut Mehmet , Erkliğ Ahmet
Published: February 2017

Present study addresses the influence of stacking sequence effect on damage tolerance and impact behavior of hybrid composite laminates. Hybrid composite samples were fabricated with two and three different fiber combinations of woven carbon, Kevlar, and glass fibers. The behavior of impact resistance was measured by using as instrumented drop weight impact machine. The resulting failure and damage tolerances were compared with observing the impacted and nonimpacted surfaces. The degree of the hybridization effects was evaluated with reference to rule of mixture in terms of absorbed energy. The results from this study showed that the position of fibers in the hybrid samples was a major factor regarding to damage mechanism and impact resistance. Due to the asymmetric structure of the hybrid samples, the side of their impacted surfaces was significantly affected the load and deflection characteristics during the impact event. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3129–3139, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Uniform fiber orientation and transcrystallization formed in isotactic polypropylene/short glass fiber composites via a shear‐induced orientation extrusion
Authors: Li Guo‐Xing , Li Yin , Shi Yu‐Dong , Zhang Kai , Zeng Jian‐Bing , Wang Ming
Published: February 2017

The orientation of short glass fibers (SGFs) and the interfacial interaction between SGFs and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) matrix play main roles in the final properties of the iPP/SGFs composites. Here we show a self‐design shear‐induced orientation extrusion (SIOE) to efficiently fabricate the iPP/SGFs composites with evenly dispersion and orientation of SGFs in the whole iPP matrix. The shear stress and the orientation of SGFs are also benefit to induce transcrystals which enhance the interfacial interaction between SGFs and iPP matrix. The crystallinity in average of the iPP/5.0 wt% SGFs composites shows nearly 10% higher than that of pure iPP extruded by the SIOE system. The iPP/5.0 wt% SGFs composites extruded by high shear stress not only exhibit higher yield strength and Young's modulus than that of the composites extruded by low shear stress but also maintain high tensile strength and strain at break. The enhancement of mechanical properties is ascribed to the uniform dispersion and orientation of SGFs, high crystallinity, and high interfacial interaction between SGFs and iPP matrix induced by transcrystals. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3168–3177, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
WEB‐BASED TEACHER TRAINING AND COACHING/FEEDBACK: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Wilczynski Susan M. , Labrie Allison , Baloski Ann , Kaake Amanda , Marchi Nick , Zoder‐Martell Kimberly
Published: February 2017

The present case study evaluated web‐based training with coaching and feedback delivered through videoconferencing software to increase teacher use of behavioral methods associated with increased compliance. The participant, a preschool special education teacher, increased both her knowledge of efficacious interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and her treatment fidelity during the course of the case study. The student with ASD demonstrated extremely high levels of compliance at the onset of the case study and so, although improvements were noted, this gain should not be assumed to generalize to the ASD population. A wide range of considerations for future research has been offered.
REDUCING TRANSITION LATENCY AND TRANSITION‐RELATED PROBLEM BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN BY ALTERING THE MOTIVATING OPERATIONS FOR TASK DISENGAGEMENT
Authors: Sullivan William E. , Martens Brian K. , Morley Allison J. , Long Stephanie J.
Published: February 2017

Activity schedules, guided compliance, and differential reinforcement are often used to reduce transition‐related problem behavior in children with autism. One potential way to increase the effectiveness of these procedures when transitioning children from preferred to nonpreferred activities is to alter the motivating operations for noncompliance. In Experiment 1, we used an alternating treatments design to compare the effects of activity schedules plus guided compliance alone and when combined with four brief interruptions, each followed by attention and immediate resumption in the preferred activity. Two preschool‐aged children with autism participated. Although the combined procedure was more effective, the extent to which it temporarily reduced the reinforcing value of the pretransition activity was unclear. Experiment 2 addressed this limitation by directly examining the value‐altering effect of brief interruptions. Two different preschool‐aged children participated. Using a reversal design, response‐restriction preference assessments were conducted with and without brief interruptions. Results indicated that both children's preferred activity was engaged in less when interrupted, but engagement levels immediately resumed when interruptions were withdrawn. Possible functions of brief interruptions followed by attention and resumption in a preferred activity are discussed.
Probability of success for phase III after exploratory biomarker analysis in phase II
Authors: Götte Heiko , Kirchner Marietta , Sailer Martin Oliver
Published: February 2017

The probability of success or average power describes the potential of a future trial by weighting the power with a probability distribution of the treatment effect. The treatment effect estimate from a previous trial can be used to define such a distribution.

During the development of targeted therapies, it is common practice to look for predictive biomarkers. The consequence is that the trial population for phase III is often selected on the basis of the most extreme result from phase II biomarker subgroup analyses. In such a case, there is a tendency to overestimate the treatment effect. We investigate whether the overestimation of the treatment effect estimate from phase II is transformed into a positive bias for the probability of success for phase III. We simulate a phase II/III development program for targeted therapies. This simulation allows to investigate selection probabilities and allows to compare the estimated with the true probability of success.

We consider the estimated probability of success with and without subgroup selection. Depending on the true treatment effects, there is a negative bias without selection because of the weighting by the phase II distribution. In comparison, selection increases the estimated probability of success. Thus, selection does not lead to a bias in probability of success if underestimation due to the phase II distribution and overestimation due to selection cancel each other out.

We recommend to perform similar simulations in practice to get the necessary information about the risk and chances associated with such subgroup selection designs.
Quantitative analysis of malondialdehyde‐guanine adducts in genomic DNA samples by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yates Sally A. , Dempster Nicola M. , Murphy Mark F. , Moore Sharon A.
Published: February 2017

Rationale

The lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde forms M1dG adducts with guanine bases in genomic DNA. The analysis of these adducts is important as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and inflammation which may be linked to disease risk or exposure to a range of chemicals.

Methods

Genomic DNA samples were subjected to acid hydrolysis to release the adducts in the base form (M1G) alongside the other purines. A liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method was optimised for the quantitation of the M1G adducts in genomic DNA samples using product ion and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scans.

Results

Product ion scans revealed four product ions from the precursor ion; m/z 188 → 160, 133, 106 and 79. The two smallest ions have not been observed previously and optimisation of the method revealed that these gave better sensitivity (LOQ m/z 79: 162 adducts per 107 nucleotides; m/z 106: 147 adducts per 107 nucleotides) than the other two ions. An MRM method gave similar sensitivity but the two smallest product ions gave better accuracy (94–95%). Genomic DNA treated with malondialdehyde showed a linear dose‐response relationship.

Conclusions

A fast reliable sample preparation method was used to release adducts in the base form rather than the nucleoside. The methods were optimised to selectively analyse the adducts in the presence of other DNA bases without the need for further sample clean‐up. Analysis of genomic DNA gave results consistent with previous work and was applied to new samples. Thus, the method is suitable for the analysis of M1(d)G adducts in biological samples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexual Disorders Caused by Antidepressants: Considerations in the Context of Brain Hemisphere Functions
Authors: Rotenberg Vadim S.
Published: February 2017

All phases of normal sexual activity are under the control of the right hemisphere coupled with limbic structures, and depression is characterized by the functional insufficiency of this system. At the same time, those modern antidepressants that cause sexual disorders are activating the left hemisphere and determine its domination on the expense of the right one and disturb free and spontaneous emotional interrelationships, sexual behavior and pleasure. Those antidepressants that do not cause sexual dysfunction are not activating predominantly the left hemisphere structures and activate the limbic brain zones responsible for reward, reinforcement and emotional excitement.
Meta-analysis of Plasma Interleukine-6 Levels in Patients with Depressive Disorder
Authors: Bizik Gustav
Published: February 2017

Growing body of evidence suggests that inflammatory processes play an important role in the pathophysiology and the clinical course of depressive disorder, as well as several others major psychiatric and somatic conditions. Interleukin (IL-6), one of the proinflammatory cytokines, has been extensively examined in a number of studies among depressed patients. To assess quantitatively the relationship between depression and IL-6, a systematic review of relevant literature published to October 2009 was performed and relevant data were meta-analysed using random-effects model. A positive association was found (standardized difference in means=1.055, p>0,001), although a significant heterogeneity among studies (Q(15)=141, p<0,001) points to relevance of further subgroup analyses.
Two Black Boxes: a Fable
Authors: Dennett Daniel
Published: February 2017

Once upon a time, there were two large black boxes, A and B, connected by a long insulated copper wire. On box A there were two buttons, marked *a* and *b*, and on box B there were three lights, red, green, and amber. Scientists studying the behavior of the boxes had observed that whenever you pushed the *a* button on box A, the red light flashed briefly on box B, and whenever you pushed the *b* button on box A, the green light flashed briefly. The amber light never seemed to flash. They performed a few billion trials, under a very wide variety of conditions, and found no exceptions. There seemed to them to be a causal regularity.
Event-related Potentials and Their Applications
Authors: Landa Leos , Krpoun Zdenek , Kolarova Martina , Kasparek Tomas
Published: February 2017

Event-related potentials (ERPs) are characterised as brain voltage fluctuations associated in time with some physical or mental occurrence and represent a non-invasive technique reflecting activity of complex neuronal networks responsible for new stimuli detection and discriminative behaviour of individuals. ERPs are measured using electroencephalography and their applications became widespread since 1960s of the last century. This review brings introduction into the ERPs technique and characteristics of the individual ERPs components (particularly wave P300, Contingent Negative Variation, Mismatch Negativity and Bereitschaftspotential). In addition, it summarizes changes of ERPs associated with neurologic and psychiatric diseases and finally, it mentions possible use of this approach for purposes of experimental psychology.
Quantum Theory of Iconic Memory
Authors: Bass Ludvik
Published: February 2017

The undifferentiated event in the consciousness of an observer, introduced by von Neumann in his quantum theory of measurement, is elaborated to interpret experiments by which Sperling demonstrated iconic memory. The numerous quadruplets of letters known to Sperling’s subjects implicitly but not consciously are interpreted as quantum states in a superposition reducible to any of its components by von Neumann’s event in consciousness. The potential loss by decoherence of all information implicit in the superposition, and its possible retention by a secondary observer within the same organism, may be aspects of the biological evolution as of a precursor of the quantum computer.
Consciousness and Anesthesia: Towards a New Integrated Paradigm
Authors: Rzyman Robert
Published: February 2017

According to reported studies there is increasing evidence that an actual level of anesthesia may exist on a continuum between usual awareness and states of unconsciousness. Recent findings also indicate that levels of anesthesia may be related to specific disturbances in neural correlate of consciousness that is mainly based on large scale synchronization in the brain. Further research studies have also shown that these specific changes during loss of consciousness may be reflected in decreased large scale synchronization in the brain that is caused by decreased cooperation among simultaneously active neural assemblies. In this context, concept of cognitive unbinding has been proposed that is mainly caused by decreased synchronizaton and cooperation among neural assemblies, which leads to decreased level of consciousness and in the extreme case to global anesthesia. Several recent studies suggest that these findings could be very useful for detecting intraoperative awareness which may lead to serious adverse effects and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTDS). According to these data episodes of intraoperative awareness could be detected by various techniques focused on detecting binding processes reflecting a level of dependence in neural activation.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Victimized Versus Non-Victimized Patients with Schizophrenia: An Egyptian Study
Authors: El Missiry Ahmed , El Meguid Marwa Abd , Soltan Marwa , Missiry Marwa El
Published: February 2017

Persons with mental disorders living in the community are liable for victimization and are considered as a high-risk group. Objective of this study was to explore the sociodemographic variables and clinical characteristics related to victimization of patients with schizophrenia in comparison to their nonvictimized counterparts. One hundred patients were recruited from the inpatient wards and outpatient clinics of the Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University. They were subjected to Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis (Clinical Version); Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS); Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF); Clinical Global Impression (CGI); designed extensive questionnaire to elicit demographic data; inquiry about drug compliance and Victimization Questionnaire. Results show that 70 patients of the studied sample were non-victimized and 30 patients were victimized. Victimized patients were significantly younger, living mainly in urban areas, had less frequent history of bullying at school. There were exposed significantly to higher frequency of family domestic violence and childhood abuse. They scored higher for all subscales and in total PANSS scores and they were less compliant on medication than did their non-victimized counterparts. Until now studies of victimization of mentally ill did not draw the attention of researchers and clinicians in Arab world. This study proves that victimization is not uncommon among patients with schizophrenia; Clinicians should include assessment for victimization of their patients as a routine work. The current study provides preliminary data for clinicians and policy makers to consider strategies to protect patients with various mental illnesses from being victimized.
“Split Mind” and EEG Gamma Activity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Simek Jakub
Published: February 2017

Synchronous high frequency (Gamma band) activity has been proposed as a candidate mechanism for the integration or ‘binding’ of distributed brain activities that are closely related to integrative cognitive processing and conscious awareness which is significantly affected in schizophrenia. According to recent evidence schizophrenia is related to temporal disintegration of brain networks which is closely linked to cognitive dysmetria to abnormal integration of sensory input with stored information. These findings indicate that disconnection and disturbed gamma synchrony and neural binding may represent a specific correlate of mental disintegration in schizophrenia. From historical perspectives these findings are in agreement with basic thinking about schizophrenia that was proposed by Bleuler when he introduced the term schizophrenia as “split mind”. These data have important implications for understanding of basic mechanism related to schizophrenia and also its therapy that in the future perspectives might be much focused on specific influences on cognitive functions using psychotherapeutic approaches in close correspondence with pharmacological treatment strategies.
A Compositional Modelling and Verification Framework for Stochastic Hybrid Systems
Authors: Wang Shuling , Zhan Naijun , Zhang Lijun
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we propose a general compositional approach for modelling and verification of stochastic hybrid systems (SHSs). We extend Hybrid CSP (HCSP), a very expressive process algebra-like formal modeling language for hybrid systems, by introducing probability and stochasticity to model SHSs, which we call stochastic HCSP (SHCSP). Especially, non-deterministic choice is replaced by probabilistic choice, ordinary differential equations are replaced by stochastic differential equations (SDEs), and communication interrupts are generalized by communication interrupts with weights. We extend Hybrid Hoare Logic to specify and reason about SHCSP processes: On the one hand, we introduce the probabilistic formulas for describing probabilistic states, and on the other hand, we propose the notions of local stochastic differential invariants for characterizing SDEs and global loop invariants for repetition. Throughout the paper, we demonstrate our approach by an aircraft running example.
Derivation and Validation of a Novel Physiological Emergency Surgery Acuity Score (PESAS)
Authors: Sangji Naveen F. , Bohnen Jordan D. , Ramly Elie P. , Velmahos George C. , Chang David C. , Kaafarani Haytham M. A.
Published: February 2017

Background

We present a novel and abbreviated Physiological Emergency Surgery Acuity Score (PESAS) that assesses the severity of disease at presentation in patients undergoing Emergency Surgery (ES).

Methods

Using the 2011 ACS‐NSQIP database, we identified all patients who underwent “emergent” surgery. The following methodology was designed: (1) identification of independent predictors of 30‐day mortality that are markers of acuity; (2) derivation of PESAS based on the relative impact (i.e., odds ratio) of each predictor; and (3) measurement of the c‐statistic. The PESAS was validated using the 2012 ACS‐NSQIP database.

Results

From 24,702 ES cases, a 15‐point score was derived. This included 10 components with a range of 0 and 15 points. Its c‐statistic was 0.80. Mortality gradually increased from 1.7 to 40.6 to 100% at scores of 0, 8, and 15, respectively. In the validation phase, PESAS c‐statistic remained stable.

Conclusion

PESAS is a novel score that assesses the acuity of disease at presentation in ES patients and strongly correlates with postoperative mortality risk. PESAS could prove useful for preoperative counseling and for risk‐adjusted benchmarking.
Periodic solutions with prescribed energy for some Keplerian N-body problems
Authors: Ambrosetti Antonio , Tanaka Kazunaga , Vitillaro Enzo
Published: February 2017

We prove the existence of periodic solutions with prescribed energy for a class of

N

-body type problems with Keplerian like interaction.

Nous prouvons l’existence de solutions périodiques d’énergie prescrite pour une classe de problèmes à

N

corps avec interaction de type képlérien.
Further remarks on the lower semicontinuity of polyconvex integrals
Authors: Celada Pietro , Dal Maso Gianni
Published: February 2017

We study some lower semicontinuity properties of polyconvex integrals of the form

\int _{\mathrm{\Omega }}f\left(M\left(\nabla u\right)\right)dx

, where

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

,

u: Ω → ℝ^m

, and

M(∇u)

denotes the family of the determinants of all minors of the gradient matrix

∇u

. In particular, we study the lower semicontinuity along sequences converging strongly in

L^1(Ω,ℝ^m)

when the integrand depends only on the minors of

∇u

up to a given order, and the lower semicontinuity along sequences converging strongly in

L

1(Ω, ℝ^n)

and bounded in

W^{1,n−1}(Ω, ℝ^n)

in the special case

m = n$.

Nous étudions la semicontinuité inférieure d’intégrales polyconvexes de la forme

\int _{\mathrm{\Omega }}f\left(M\left(\nabla u\right)\right)dx

, où

Ω ⊂ ℝ^n

,

u: Ω → ℝ^m

, et

M(∇u)

désigne le vecteur des déterminants de tous les mmeurs de la matrice gradient

∇u

. En particulier, nous étudions la semicontinuité inférieure sur les suites convergentes fortement en

L^1(Ω,ℝ^m)

lorsque l’integrande dépend seulement des mineurs de

∇u

jusqu’à un certain ordre et la semicontinuité inférieure sur les suites convergentes fortement en

L^1(Ω,ℝ^m)

et bornées en

W^{1,n−1}(Ω, ℝ^n)

dans le cas spécial

m = n

.
A general mountain pass principle for locating and classifying critical points
Authors: Ghoussoub N. , Preiss D.
Published: February 2017

A general “Mountain Pass” principle that extends the theorem of Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz and which gives more information about the location of critical points, is established. This theorem also covers the problem of the “limiting case”, i.e. when “the separating mountain range has zero altitude”. It is also shown how this principle yields localized versions of recent results of Hofer and Pucci–Serrin concerning the structure of the critical set.

On démontre une extension du théorème de col d’Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz dans laquelle une information auxiliaire sur la position du point critique est établie. On en déduit, d’une part, des résultats nouveaux, notamment le cas « limite » et d’autre part des démonstrations simples de résultats récents de Hofer et Pucci–Serrin sur la structure de l’ensemble critique.
Heat flow and boundary value problem for harmonic maps
Authors: Kung-Ching Chang
Published: February 2017

We prove an existence result for the heat flow, and apply minimax principles to deduce existence and multiplicity results for harmonic mар.

On démontre un théorème d’existence pour l’équation de la chaleur, et on déduit des résultats d’existence et de multiplicité pour divers problèmes aux limites associés aux applications harmoniques.
An experimental investigation of an unsteady adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer: embedded shear layer scaling
Authors: Schatzman D. M. , Thomas F. O.
Published: February 2017

An experimental investigation of an unsteady adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer is described. It is demonstrated that the local flow physics is largely dominated by an inflectional instability which gives rise to an embedded shear layer contained within the boundary layer. Experimental measurements are presented which are fully consistent with the presence of clockwise spanwise-oriented coherent vorticity within the embedded shear layer. Using embedded shear layer scaling parameters in the form of the shear layer vorticity thickness and the velocity defect at the upper inflection point, both the mean and the phase-averaged boundary layer velocity profiles exhibit similarity in both space and time over a large wall-normal extent. In a similar manner, the profiles of the streamwise-component turbulence intensity and Reynolds stress also exhibit similarity when scaled with the embedded shear layer parameters. The embedded shear layer scaling of previously published adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer measurements confirms its generic applicability in a wide range of flow-field geometries and extending to high Reynolds numbers.
Elevated carbon dioxide and temperature alters aggregate specific methane consumption in a tropical vertisol
Authors: KOLLAH B. , AHIRWAR U. , MOHANTY S. R.
Published: February 2017

Experiments were carried out to determine methane (CH4) consumption in different soil (vertisol) aggregates under elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2) and temperature. Soil aggregates of <0·25 mm diameter (microaggregates), 0·25–1 mm diameter (mesoaggregates) and 1–2 mm diameter (macroaggregates) were incubated under different CO2(400, 800 and 1200 µm/mor ppm CO2) and temperature (25, 35 and 45 °C) conditions. Methane consumption was high in mesoaggregates and low in microaggregates under ambient CO2and temperature (25 °C). However, eCO2and temperature significantly inhibited CH4consumption and decreased culturable microbial numbers. Methane consumption in mesoaggregates was inhibited by 21–66% at 800–1200 ppm of CO2. Principal component analysis designated soil aggregate size as the most important component of variation, followed by temperature and CO2. Ordination biplot indicated eCO2and temperature impacted negatively on CH4consumption and culturable methanotrophs. Results highlighted that mesoaggregates of 0·25–1·00 mm are hotspots for CH4consumption and that rising atmospheric CO2and temperature may inhibit CH4consumption significantly in a tropical vertisol.
Indigenous Land Rights and Caribbean Reparations Discourse
Authors: STRECKER AMY
Published: February 2017

In March 2014, a meeting of CARICOM states approved a ten-point plan of the Caribbean Reparations Commission to achieve reparatory justice for the victims of slavery, genocide and racial apartheid in the Caribbean. With assistance from the London-based law firm Leigh Day, the aim is to reach a negotiated settlement with the governments of Britain, France and the Netherlands. What makes this case different from previous discussions on Caribbean reparations is that the claim includes an indigenous component, with ‘native genocide’ included in the title and an ‘indigenous peoples’ development program’ included within the ten-point plan for reparations. Yet reparations are problematic in the Caribbean context due to the ongoing violation of indigenous rights internally. This article analyzes the various dimensions of the Caribbean reparations discourse with regard to contemporary indigenous communities in the region. It highlights the problems at regional level with regard to state responsibility and indigenous rights, particularly in relation to land, and argues that this presents a problematic element in the claim due to the fact that violations are being perpetrated against indigenous peoples by the same states who are representing them in the Caribbean Reparations Commission. Finally, it discusses the onus on European governments to acknowledge past wrongs and the potential of ‘cultural reparations’ to contribute to the Caribbean reparatory justice programme more generally.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Health Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cooper Kate , Gregory James D. , Walker Ian , Lambe Sinead , Salkovskis Paul M.
Published: February 2017

Background: Health anxiety (HA), or hypochondriasis, is a psychological problem characterized by a preoccupation with the belief that one is physically unwell. A 2007 Cochrane review (Thomson and Page, 2007) found cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to be an effective intervention for individuals with HA. Similar findings were reported in a recent meta-analysis (Olatunji et al., 2014), which did not employ a systematic search strategy. The current review aimed to investigate the efficacy of CBT for HA, and to update the existing reviews. Method: A systematic search was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance, including randomized controlled trials that compared CBT with a control condition for people with HA. Five hundred and sixty-seven studies were found in the original search, of which 14 were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Meta-analysis was conducted on 21 comparisons and a large effect size for CBT compared with a control condition was found at post therapy d = 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.25), as well as at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides support for the hypothesis that CBT is an effective intervention for HA when compared with a variety of control conditions, e.g. treatment-as-usual, waiting list, medication, and other psychological therapies.
Psychiatric diagnoses in older people with intellectual disability in comparison with the general population: a register study
Authors: Axmon A. , Björne P. , Nylander L. , Ahlström G.
Published: February 2017

Aims.

To describe the occurrence of psychiatric diagnoses in a specialist care setting in older people with intellectual disability (ID) in relation to those found in the same age group in the general population.

Method.

A cohort of people with ID (n= 7936), aged 55 years or more in 2012, was identified, as was an age and sex-matched cohort from the general population (n= 7936). Information regarding psychiatric diagnoses during 2002–2012 was collected from the National Patient Register, which contains records from all inpatient care episodes and outpatient specialist visits in Sweden. The mean age at the start of data collection (i.e. January 1st, 2002) was 53 years (range 44–85 years).

Results.

Seventeen per cent (n= 1382) of the people in the ID cohort had at least one psychiatric diagnosis recorded during the study period. The corresponding number in the general population cohort was 10% (n= 817), which translates to an odds ratio (OR) of 1.84. The diagnoses recorded for the largest number of people in the ID cohort were ‘other’ (i.e. not included in any of the diagnostic groups) psychiatric diagnoses (10% of the cohort had at least one such diagnosis recorded) and affective disorders (7%). In the general population cohort, the most common diagnoses were affective disorders (4%) and alcohol/substance-abuse-related disorders (4%). An increased odds of having at least one diagnosis was found for all investigated diagnoses except for alcohol/substance-abuse-related disorders (OR = 0.56). The highest odds for the ID cohort was found for diagnosis of psychotic disorder (OR = 10.4) followed by attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (OR = 3.81), dementia (OR = 2.71), personality disorder (OR = 2.67), affective disorder (OR = 1.74) and anxiety disorder (OR = 1.36). People with ID also had an increased odds of psychiatric diagnoses not included in any of these groups (OR = 8.02). The percentage of people with ID who had at least one diagnosis recorded during the study period decreased from more than 30% among those aged 55–59 years in 2012 (i.e. born 1953–1957) to approximately 20% among those aged 75+ years in 2012 (i.e. born in or before 1937).

Conclusions.

Older people with ID seem to be more likely to have psychiatric diagnoses in inpatient or outpatient specialist care than their peers in the general population. If this is an effect of different disorder prevalence, diagnostic difficulties or differences in health care availability remains unknown. More research is needed to understand the diagnostic and treatment challenges of psychiatric disorders in this vulnerable group.
A Linguistic Analysis of Suicide-Related Twitter Posts
Authors: O'Dea Bridianne , Larsen Mark E. , Batterham Philip J. , Calear Alison L. , Christensen Helen
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying those at risk and delivering timely interventions is challenging. Social media site Twitter is used to express suicidality. Automated linguistic analysis of suicide-related posts may help to differentiate those who require support or intervention from those who do not. Aims: This study aims to characterize the linguistic profiles of suicide-related Twitter posts. Method: Using a dataset of suicide-related Twitter posts previously coded for suicide risk by experts, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and regression analyses were conducted to determine differences in linguistic profiles. Results: When compared with matched non-suicide-related Twitter posts, strongly concerning suicide-related posts were characterized by a higher word count, increased use of first-person pronouns, and more references to death. When compared with safe-to-ignore suicide-related posts, strongly concerning suicide-related posts were characterized by increased use of first-person pronouns, greater anger, and increased focus on the present. Other differences were found. Limitations: The predictive validity of the identified features needs further testing before these results can be used for interventional purposes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that strongly concerning suicide-related Twitter posts have unique linguistic profiles. The examination of Twitter data for the presence of such features may help to validate online risk assessments and determine those in need of further support or intervention.
A Mapping Study on the Internet and Suicide
Authors: Krysinska Karolina , Westerlund Michael , Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Andriessen Karl , Carli Vladimir , Hadlaczky Gergö , Till Benedikt , Wasserman Danuta
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Background: Since the mid-1990s concerns have been raised regarding the possible links between suicide and the Internet, especially among adolescents and young adults. Aims: To identify the nature and extent of the scientific publications, especially original research studies, on suicide and the Internet, and to investigate how the field has developed over time. In particular, this mapping study looks at types of publications, topic areas, focus of original research papers, and suicide-related variables of interest in publications. Method: A search of three major databases (PubMED, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts) was conducted to identify papers published until the end of January 2015. Results: The study identified 237 publications on suicide and the Internet published from 1997 to the end of January 2015. These included 122 original research papers. The three most frequent topic areas covered in publications were searching for information on suicide, online interventions, and online suicide-related behaviors. The online mediums most frequently studied were online forums/message boards, search engines, intervention and information websites, and social media. Limitations: The mapping study did not include an analysis of results of research studies and did not assess their quality. Conclusion: The field is rapidly evolving, as seen in the recent increase in the number of publications. However, there are gaps in terms of the countries where research is conducted and the coverage of topics.
Inactivation of Lsd1 triggers senescence in trophoblast stem cells by induction of Sirt4
Authors: Castex Josefina , Willmann Dominica , Kanouni Toufike , Arrigoni Laura , Li Yan , Friedrich Marcel , Schleicher Michael , Wöhrle Simon , Pearson Mark , Kraut Norbert , Méret Michaël , Manke Thomas , Metzger Eric , Schüle Roland , Günther Thomas
Published: February 2017

Coordination of energy metabolism is essential for homeostasis of stem cells, whereas an imbalance in energy homeostasis causes disease and accelerated aging. Here we show that deletion or enzymatic inactivation of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (Lsd1) triggers senescence in trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of TSCs following Lsd1 inhibition shows gene set enrichment of aging and metabolic pathways. Consistently, global metabolomic and phenotypic analyses disclose an unbalanced redox status, decreased glutamine anaplerosis and mitochondrial function. Loss of homeostasis is caused by increased expression of sirtuin 4 (Sirt4), a Lsd1-repressed direct target gene. Accordingly, Sirt4 overexpression in wild-type TSCs recapitulates the senescence phenotype initiated by Lsd1 deletion or inhibition. Inversely, absence of Lsd1 enzymatic activity concomitant with knockdown of Sirt4 reestablishes normal glutamine anaplerosis, redox balance and mitochondrial function. In conclusion, by repression of Sirt4, Lsd1 directs the epigenetic control of TSC immortality via maintenance of metabolic flexibility.
Dicer promotes tumorigenesis by translocating to nucleus to promote SFRP1 promoter methylation in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Cheng Wenlong , Qi Yongqiang , Tian Li , Wang Bing , Huang Wenhua , Chen Yongjun
Published: February 2017

Dicer, a member of the RNase III family of endoribonucleases, has an important role in regulating methylation of CpG islands in mammal cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that upregulation of Dicer in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells and its translocation to nuclues to interact with heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α). The nuclear Dicer/HP1α complex appeared to promote both H3K9 trimethylation and DNA methylation of the secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) promoter. The expression of Dicer negatively correlated with that of SFRP1 and it appeared to promote CCA cell proliferation and invasion through repression of SFRP1 gene. High expression of Dicer in tumor tissues was significantly associated with larger tumor size (>3 cm) and lymph node metastasis. Our findings help characterize the role of Dicer in epigenetic regulation and tumorigenesis in the context of CCA.
Unraveling the processes shaping mammalian gut microbiomes over evolutionary time
Authors: Groussin Mathieu , Mazel Florent , Sanders Jon G. , Smillie Chris S. , Lavergne Sébastien , Thuiller Wilfried , Alm Eric J.
Published: February 2017

Whether mammal–microbiome interactions are persistent and specific over evolutionary time is controversial. Here we show that host phylogeny and major dietary shifts have affected the distribution of different gut bacterial lineages and did so on vastly different bacterial phylogenetic resolutions. Diet mostly influences the acquisition of ancient and large microbial lineages. Conversely, correlation with host phylogeny is mostly seen among more recently diverged bacterial lineages, consistent with processes operating at similar timescales to host evolution. Considering microbiomes at appropriate phylogenetic scales allows us to model their evolution along the mammalian tree and to infer ancient diets from the predicted microbiomes of mammalian ancestors. Phylogenetic analyses support co-speciation as having a significant role in the evolution of mammalian gut microbiome compositions. Highly co-speciating bacterial genera are also associated with immune diseases in humans, laying a path for future studies that probe these co-speciating bacteria for signs of co-evolution.
Direct observation of intrinsic twin domains in tetragonal CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Rothmann Mathias Uller , Li Wei , Zhu Ye , Bach Udo , Spiccia Leone , Etheridge Joanne , Cheng Yi-Bing
Published: February 2017

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites are exciting candidates for next-generation solar cells, with CH3NH3PbI3being one of the most widely studied. While there have been intense efforts to fabricate and optimize photovoltaic devices using CH3NH3PbI3, critical questions remain regarding the crystal structure that governs its unique properties of the hybrid perovskite material. Here we report unambiguous evidence for crystallographic twin domains in tetragonal CH3NH3PbI3, observed using low-dose transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. The domains are around 100–300 nm wide, which disappear/reappear above/below the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition temperature (approximate 57 °C) in a reversible process that often ‘memorizes’ the scale and orientation of the domains. Since these domains exist within the operational temperature range of solar cells, and have dimensions comparable to the thickness of typical CH3NH3PbI3films in the solar cells, understanding the twin geometry and orientation is essential for further improving perovskite solar cells.
Global view of cognate kinase activation by the human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex
Authors: Guevara Elena L. , Yang Luying , Birkaya Barbara , Zhou Jieyu , Nemeria Natalia S. , Patel Mulchand S. , Jordan Frank
Published: February 2017

The human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) comprises four multidomain components, E1, E3, E2 and an E3-binding protein (E3BP), the latter two forming the core as E2·E3BP sub-complex. Pyruvate flux through PDC is regulated via phosphorylation (inactivation) at E1 by four PDC kinases (PDKs), and reactivation by two PDC phosphatases. Up-regulation of PDK isoform gene expression is reported in several forms of cancer, while PDKs may be further activated by PDC by binding to the E2·E3BP core. Hence, the PDK: E2·E3BP interaction provides new therapeutic targets. We carried out both functional kinetic and thermodynamic studies to demonstrate significant differences in the activation of PDK isoforms by binding to the E2·E3BP core: (i) PDK2 needs no activation by E2·E3BP for efficient functioning, while PDK4 was the least effective of the four isoforms, and could not be activated by E2·E3BP. Hence, development of inhibitors to the interaction of PDK2 and PDK4 with E2·E3BP is not promising; (ii) Design of inhibitors to interfere with interaction of E2·E3BP with PDK1 and PDK3 is promising. PDK3 needs E2·E3BP core for activation, an activation best achieved by synergistic combination of E2-derived catalytic domain and tridomain.
Threshold of long-term survival of a coastal delphinid in anthropogenically degraded environment: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Pearl River Delta
Authors: Karczmarski Leszek , Huang Shiang-Lin , Chan Stephen C.Y.
Published: February 2017

Defining demographic and ecological threshold of population persistence can assist in informing conservation management. We undertook such analyses for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, southeast China. We use adult survival estimates for assessments of population status and annual rate of change. Our estimates indicate that, given a stationary population structure and minimal risk scenario, ~2000 individuals (minimum viable population in carrying capacity, MVPk) can maintain the population persistence across 40 generations. However, under the current population trend (~2.5% decline/annum), the population is fast approaching its viability threshold and may soon face effects of demographic stochasticity. The population demographic trajectory and the minimum area of critical habitat (MACH) that could prevent stochastic extinction are both highly sensitive to fluctuations in adult survival. For a hypothetical stationary population, MACH should approximate 3000-km2. However, this estimate increases four-fold with a 5% increase of adult mortality and exceeds the size of PRD when calculated for the current population status. On the other hand, cumulatively all current MPAs within PRD fail to secure the minimum habitat requirement to accommodate sufficiently viable population size. Our findings indicate that the PRD population is deemed to become extinct unless effective conservation measures can rapidly reverse the current population trend.