bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression in the Elderly: The Unique Features Related to Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Shear Katherine , Ginsberg David L. , Roose Steven P. , Lenze Eric J. , Alexopoulos George S. , Hollander Eric
Published: August 2016

Depression affects 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans ≥65 years of age. While depression usually begins earlier in life and recurs periodically, it can present for the first time in people 80–90 years of age as well. Depression throughout the lifespan has a genetic/biological component but is also very much affected by social environmental factors. As people age, demographic factors, social support, and negative life events remain important to overall mental health, while physical illness and disability begin to take on a much more prominent role. Depression in the elderly is associated with impairment, dependency, disability, and significant distress for the individual and their family. This population is likely to present with concomitant cognitive dysfunction and medical illness, which can complicate the identification and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Bereavement is almost universal in late life and is sometimes a deterrent to appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depression. Physical frailty and diminishing social resources further complicate the treatment of depression in the elderly. Elderly individuals respond well to standard pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy treatments for depression. However, due to the high rate of relapse of depression in this population, continuous treatment is often warranted. This monograph will review depression in the elderly in the context of social disruptions, such as bereavement, caregiver strain, interpersonal conflict, role transitions, and social isolation; late-onset vascular depression and cognitive impairment; and physical illness including disability.
The Pharmacologic Treatment of Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Baldwin David S. , Tiwari Nupur
Published: August 2016

Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacologic management of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) recommend initial treatment with either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). However, response rates to initial treatment with an SSRI or SNRI can be disappointing, and it remains impossible to predict reliably which patients will respond positively or negatively to treatment. Due to the dearth of longitudinal studies of outcome in GAD and the relatively small number of placebo-controlled relapse prevention studies, the optimal duration of treatment after a satisfactory response to acute treatment is still uncertain. Furthermore, there have been few studies on the management of patients who do not respond to initial treatment. Also, there is a clear need for further randomized controlled trials of augmentation treatment in patients who do not respond to SSRI, SNRI, or other initial pharmacologic approaches. Future guidelines will be influenced by emerging data with both established and novel drug treatments, and through better identification of patient groups that are likely to respond preferentially to particular interventions.
Risk of Recurrence of Depression During Long-Term Antidepressant Treatment
Authors: Sloan Diane M. , Kornstein Susan G.
Published: August 2016

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is widespread, costly, and frequently chronic. Internationally, the burden of depression is large and growing. By the year 2020, this disorder is projected to be the world's second leading cause of disease burden. The costs associated with depression are enormous; people with depression tend to have approximately double the health care costs of unaffected individuals. There are few other major disorders that have a negative health impact of the same magnitude.

Early onset of depressive symptoms, along with underdiagnosis and undertreatment, contribute to the burden of MDD, which is also characterized by chronicity, frequent relapses, and recurrences. Risk factors for depressive recurrence include the presence of residual symptoms, >3 prior depressive episodes, chronic depression lasting more than 2 years, a family history of mood disorders, other comorbidities (eg, terminal illness, diabetes), and late onset (>60 years of age). Patients who have any of these factors should be candidates for maintenance treatment.

Naturalistic studies have demonstrated that most patients with MDD without sustained treatment will eventually experience a relapse or recurrence. Furthermore, depressive episodes tend to become more autonomous over time, with decreased linkage to stressful life events, more severe, and potentially more refractory with each new relapse or recurrence. Researchers and clinicians have observed that rather than only treat or manage relapses or recurrences of MDD, the best strategy may be prevention of depressive episodes. As a result, current strategies seek to treat patients to remission, which translates to a lower overall risk of developing relapses or recurrences compared with those patients who continue to demonstrate residual symptoms. Thus, a consistent body of evidence now supports continuous pharmacotherapy for the prevention of depressive relapse and recurrence.
Initial Effectiveness, Partial Remission, and Full Remission in Depression: Focus on Long-Term Treatment with SNRIs
Authors: Dursun Serdar
Published: August 2016

Full remission, defined as the absence of all significant symptoms of depression over at least 6 months, is the ultimate goal of antidepressant therapy. Remission takes time and studies have shown that remission rates continue to rise for at least 3 months after initial improvement. Depression is a recurrent condition with a cumulative probability of recurrence of 40% over 2 years and 70% over 5 years after the first depressive episode. In addition the risk of recurrence increases with each new depressive episode. Continuing antidepressant treatment beyond the acute response significantly decreases the risk of recurrence. A double-blind study with the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor milnacipran, for example, has shown that patients in remission following treatment with milnacipran who continued the active treatment for a further 12 months had significantly less relapse (P<.05) than those switched to placebo. In spite of the importance of maintaining antidepressant therapy, many patients do not continue treatment. Among the principal reasons for this are side effects and worries of psychological or physical dependence. To reduce the risk of relapse, treatment with effective, well-tolerated antidepressants with few withdrawal effects should be pursued for at least 6 months and possibly longer in patients already experiencing relapse.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Definition and Impact of the Disease
Authors: Duntley Stephen P.
Published: August 2016

Sleepiness is normal when it occurs toward the end of the day, at the beginning of the habitual sleep period. At this point, physiological sleep need has accumulated and the circadian rhythm no longer opposes sleep onset, facilitating the entry into sleep. However, when sleepiness occurs outside of the habitual sleep period it can become a medically significant problem.

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Second Edition (ICSD-2) defines excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as an inability to stay awake and alert during the major waking episodes of the day, resulting in unintended lapses into drowsiness or sleep. To differentiate this from the sporadic sleepiness that most people experience after a night or two of poor sleep, the ICSD-2 adds a frequency and duration criteria with most disorders requiring excessive sleepiness to be present daily or almost every day for at least 3 months (Slide 1).
New Anticonvulsant Medication Uses in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Wang Po W. , Ketter Terence A. , Becker Olga V. , Nowakowska Cecylia
Published: August 2016

Therapy of bipolar disorders is a rapidly evolving field. Lithium has efficacy in classic bipolar disorders whereas divalproex sodium and carbamazepine may have broader spectrum efficacy that includes non-classic bipolar disorder. In the last 10 years, a series of anticonvulsants have been approved for marketing in the United States. Gabapentin has indirect γ-aminobuytric acid-ergic actions, is generally well tolerated, and appears to have anxiolytic, analgesic, and hypnotic effects. Lamotrigine has antiglutamatergic actions and is generally well tolerated (aside from rash in 1 in 10, and serious rash in 1 in 1,000 patients). Lamotrigine is indicated for maintance treatment in bipolar disorder. Emerging evidence suggests lamotrigine may have utility in bipolar disorder patients with depression and treatment-refractory rapid cycling, as well as analgesic effects. Topiramate and zonisamide may allow both weight loss, while topiramate may have specific efficacy in bulimia, binge eating disorder, and alcohol dependence. Two small studies found oxcarbazepine had similar efficacy to lithium and haloperidol in acute mania. Phenytoin, an older anticonvulsant, may have adjunctive acute mania efficacy. Levetiracetam, a newer anticonvulsant, may be worth exploring and has minimal drug-drug interactions. None of these newer agents has been shown effective in a large placebo controlled trial for acute mania. Although the clinical profiles of these newer anticonvulsants do not appear to overlap markedly with divalproex and carbamazepine (except perhaps for oxcarbazepine), these novel agents may still offer important new options in relieving a variety of specific target symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder.
Introduction: The Impact and Management of the Bipolar Spectrum in 2004
Authors: Hollander Eric
Published: August 2016

This academic supplement to CNS Spectrums high-lights the impact of the broader bipolar spectrum as a considerable public health concern, the side effects that must be considered in a risk/benefit analysis of effective pharmacologic treatments of bipolar disorder, and the state of the art of psychosocial interventions utilized to manage the disorder.

One important development in the conceptualization of bipolar disorder is that a common underlying endophenotype may mediate a range of presentations manifesting as the broader bipolar spectrum. This includes variants of bipolar disorder, such as bipolar II, cyclothymia, and mixed states; disorders characterized by affective instability, such as cluster B personality disorders; and disorders characterized by impulsivity associated with affective instability, such as impulse-control disorders. Since there may be various phenotypic expressions of a common underlying endophenotype, this may also help to explain the high rate of comorbidity found in bipolar disorder.
Targeting mental health services to severe mental illness
Authors: Thornicroft Graham
Published: August 2016

This paper argues within the mental health services that people who are most disabled by mental illness, the severely mentally ill (SMI), should be afforded the highest priority, and that services should be provided in relation to need. For this to occur the priority groups need first to be defined. Second, if a service wishes to provide for all prevalent cases of people suffering from severe mental illness, then a systematic method of recording local information about these people is required, and this may draw upon information about patients who are in contact with health services, social services, family health services and who contact voluntary sector and other agencies. One approach to estimating the need for services for people with SMI is by using indicative norms for service requirements. Finally, managerial methods are proposed to monitor how far targeting services to the SMI occurs in clinical practice.
Assistenza psichiatrica a Firenze. Indagine “ad hoc” sulla prevalenza dei casi in trattamento nei servizi psichiatrici pubblici (1991)
Authors: Biggeri Annibale , Bilanci Lucia , Caselli Lucia , Lucarelli Stefano , Niccolai Carlo , Paterniti Sabrina , Sirianni Franco , Ferrara Maurizio
Published: August 2016

Objective - The aim of our research is to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses by means of data collected at the Florence municipality community mental health services encompassing all hospital and extramural activities, providing the same kind of information given by Psychiatric Case Register (PCR) covered areas. Design - It has been carried out a one week prevalence assessment through a cross-sectional analysis of clinical records gathered by psychiatric services of the submitted area. Population studied - The inquiry has considered the area of USL (Administative Local Authority of National Health Service) 10/A, 10/B, 10/C and 10/D, which constituite togheter with USL 10/E, the Florence municipality area. Results - Total and specific rates for diagnostic categories, sex and age reveal a large variability among the four considered USLs confirmed by standardized rates: the 10/A and 10/B USLs, that include the historic centre of Florence, present the highest standardized rates (10/A 207/100.000, 10/B 189/100.000), especially for the most severe disorders (Schizophrenia: 10/A 110/100.000, 10/B 87/100.000; Major Affective Disorders: 10/A 32/100.000, 10/B 38/100.000; Organic Psichosys: 10/A 6/100.000, 10/B 9/100.000). Conclusion - In the present study, the prevalence rate for all diagnoses for the whole area considered, is about 150.6/100.000, quite close to the estimate calculated in Verona-Sud (200/100.000). As to the different rates among USLs we have to bear in mind the development of the delivery care system, and the available clinical settings (on day hospital and residentials activities for long-term patients).
La valutazione dei costi diretti ed indiretti della depressione maggiore: applicazione di una metodologia di indagine in un servizio psichiatrico pubblico
Authors: Percudani Mauro , Fattore Giovanni , Strada Loredana , Contini Agostino
Published: August 2016

Objective- This study aims to improve the economic knowledge of major depression. It reports the investigation methodology and some preliminary indications on direct and indirect costs associated to this illness.Setting- Centro Psicosociale (CPS) USSL 72, Magenta (Mi) Italy.Design- We enrolled 10 patients (7F and 3M) with age between 34 and 65 (average 49.2 + 10.2 SD) at the first contact with CPS for an episode of major depression and we followed them up for 3 months.Main Measure Outcomes- At each visit we perform a clinical evaluation (HRS-D, CGI, DOTES) and we administered an interview to collect data in order to quantify social costs (direct and indirect) related to the observation period.Results- At the end of the 3 month period, all patients showed an improvement of the simptomatolgy as expressed by HRS-D (final score at least 50% below the initial one). Our accounting model estimated that the full cost of a psychiatric visit (on average lasting 47.8 minutes) is 107.537 Italian Liras. For the 10 patients under observation direct costs amounted to 9.402.000 It. Liras; psychiatric visits represented 70% of these costs. According to a conservative approach, indirect costs (value of labor time lost) amounted to 13.254.000 It. Liras if patients and relatives are considered and to 11.044.000 It. Liras if only patients time is evaluated.Conclusion- The paper presents a methodological proposal aimed to assess social costs of major depression. It also reports a first attempt to measure these costs in a prospective study performed in a public psychiatric centre. Our results have to be considered in the light of the limited sample of patients under observation and have to be regarded as strictly dependent on the specific context both in terms of the organizational settings and the characteristics of patients.
Executive Function in Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Mietchen Jonathan J. , Bennett David P. , Huff Trevor , Hedges Dawson W. , Gale Shawn D.
Published: August 2016

Objectives:Evaluate the association between pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and executive functioning.Methods:We searched multiple electronic databases for peer-reviewed journal articles related to pediatric SDB and executive functioning. We included studies that assessed SDBviapolysomnography, included objective or questionnaire measures of executive function, and had an age-matched control group. Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria with a total sample of 1697 children ages 5 to 17 years (M=9.81 years;SD=0.34). We calculated an overall effect size for each of the five executive domains (vigilance, inhibition, working memory, shifting, and generativity) as well as effect sizes according to SDB severity: mild, moderate, severe. We also calculated effect sizes separately for objective and subjective questionnaires of executive functioning.Results:We found a medium effect size (−0.427) for just one of five executive function domains on objective neuropsychological measures (generativity). In contrast, effect sizes on all three executive domains measuredviaquestionnaire data were significant, with effect sizes ranging from medium (−0.64) to large (−1.06). We found no difference between executive domains by severity of SDB.Conclusions:This meta-analysis of executive function separated into five domains in pediatric SDB suggested lower performance in generativity on objective neuropsychological measures. There were no differences associated with SDB severity. Questionnaire data suggested dysfunction across the three executive domains measured (inhibition, working memory, shifting). Overall, limited evidence suggested poorer performance in executive function in children with SDB according to objective testing, and subjective ratings of executive function suggested additional worsened performance. (JINS, 2016,22, 839–850)
Kognitive Interferenz im Sport
Authors: Röthlin Philipp , Horvath Stephan , Birrer Daniel , Güttinger Leonie , Holtforth Martin grosse
Published: August 2016

Zusammenfassung. Konzentration ist für die sportliche Leistungserbringung wesentlich. Die Störung der Konzentration durch eigene Gedanken wird als kognitive Interferenz bezeichnet. Im englischsprachigen Raum wird diese Interferenz mit dem Thought Occurence Questionnaire Sport (TOQS; Hatzigeorgiadis & Biddle, 2000 ) erfasst. Die vorliegende Arbeit validiert eine deutsche Version (TOQS-D) an zwei Stichproben bestehend aus insgesamt 348 Sporttreibenden (56 % männlich, MAlter = 25, SDAlter = 6, 61 % Teamsportarten, 53 % Mitglied im Schweizer Nationalkader). Eine explorative Faktorenanalyse (Stichprobe 1) sowie eine konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse (Stichprobe 2) bestätigen die Struktur der Originalversion mit drei interkorrelierenden Faktoren: Leistungssorgen, aufgabenirrelevante Gedanken und Fluchtgedanken. Die Skala hat gute Reliabilitätswerte (interne Konsistenz: α = .89; Retestreliabilität: r = .82). Zudem zeigt der TOQS-D die erwartete konvergente Validität (Konzentrationsstörungen, Wettkampfangst), divergente Validität (Achtsamkeit) und Kriteriumsvalidität (Selbsteinschätzung der sportlichen Leistung). Mit dem TOQS-D liegt damit ein geeignetes Instrument vor, dessen Einsatzmöglichkeiten in Praxis und Forschung abschließend diskutiert werden.
Mapping the Movement of Energy Under Japan
Authors: Crane Leah
Published: August 2016

New research on the energy waves caused by earthquakes provides the most detailed map to date of the subduction zone beneath Japan.
Preparing to Face the Future of Agriculture in the United States
Authors: Demaria Eleonora , Goodrich David , Heilman Philip
Published: August 2016

Third Annual Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Meeting; Venus, Florida, 22–26 February 2016
Forkhead containing transcription factor Albino controls tetrapyrrole-based body pigmentation in planarian
Authors: Wang Chen , Han Xiao-Shuai , Li Fang-Fang , Huang Shuang , Qin Yong-Wen , Zhao Xian-Xian , Jing Qing
Published: August 2016

Pigmentation processes occur from invertebrates to mammals. Owing to the complexity of the pigmentary system, in vivo animal models for pigmentation study are limited. Planarians are capable of regenerating any missing part including the dark-brown pigments, providing a promising model for pigmentation study. However, the molecular mechanism of planarian body pigmentation is poorly understood. We found in an RNA interference screen that a forkhead containing transcription factor, Albino, was required for pigmentation without affecting survival or other regeneration processes. In addition, the body color recovered after termination of Albino double stranded RNA feeding owing to the robust stem cell system. Further expression analysis revealed a spatial and temporal correlation between Albino and pigmentation process. Gene expression arrays revealed that the expression of three tetrapyrrole biosynthesis enzymes, ALAD, ALAS and PBGD, was impaired upon Albino RNA interference. RNA interference of PBGD led to a similar albinism phenotype caused by Albino RNA interference. Moreover, PBGD was specifically expressed in pigment cells and can serve as a pigment cell molecular marker. Our results revealed that Albino controls planarian body color pigmentation dominantly via regulating tetrapyrrole biogenesis. These results identified Albino as the key regulator of the tetrapyrrole-based planarian body pigmentation, suggesting a role of Albino during stem cell-pigment cell fate decision and provided new insights into porphyria pathogenesis.
Functional traits dominate the diversity-related selection of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere
Authors: Yan Yan , Kuramae Eiko E , de Hollander Mattias , Klinkhamer Peter G L , van Veen Johannes A
Published: August 2016

We studied the impact of community diversity on the selection of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere by comparing the composition and the functional traits of these communities in soil and rhizosphere. Differences in diversity were established by inoculating into sterilized soils diluted suspensions of the same soil. We used 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing to determine the taxonomical structure of the bacterial communities and a shotgun metagenomics approach to investigate the potential functional diversity of the communities. By comparing the bacterial communities in soil and rhizosphere, the selective power of the plant was observed both at the taxonomic and functional level, although the diversity indices of soil and rhizosphere samples showed a highly variable, irregular pattern. Lesser variation, that is, more homogenization, was found for both the taxonomic structure and the functional profile of the rhizosphere communities as compared to the communities of the bulk soil. Network analysis revealed stronger interactions among bacterial operational taxonomic units in the rhizosphere than in the soil. The enrichment processes in the rhizosphere selected microbes with particular functional genes related to transporters, the Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway and hydrogen metabolism. This selection was not random across bacteria with these functional traits, but it was species specific. Overall, this suggests that functional traits are a key to the assembly of bacterial rhizosphere communities.
Cold adaptation regulated by cryptic prophage excision in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Zeng Zhenshun , Liu Xiaoxiao , Yao Jianyun , Guo Yunxue , Li Baiyuan , Li Yangmei , Jiao Nianzhi , Wang Xiaoxue
Published: August 2016

Among the environmental stresses experienced by bacteria, temperature shifts are one of the most important. In this study, we discovered a novel cold adaptation mechanism in Shewanella oneidensis that occurs at the DNA level and is regulated by cryptic prophage excision. Previous studies on bacterial cold tolerance mainly focus on the structural change of cell membrane and changes at the RNA and protein levels. Whether or not genomic change can also contribute to this process has not been explored. Here we employed a whole-genome deep-sequencing method to probe the changes at DNA level in a model psychrotrophic bacteria strain. We found that temperature downshift induced a 10 000-fold increase of the excision of a novel P4-like cryptic prophage. Importantly, although prophage excision only occurred in a relatively small population of bacteria, it was able to facilitate biofilm formation and promote the survival of the entire population. This prophage excision affected cell physiology by disrupting a critical gene encoding transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA). In addition, we found that the histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (H-NS) could silence prophage excision via binding to the promoter of the putative excisionase gene at warm temperatures. H-NS level was reduced at cold temperatures, leading to de-repression of prophage excision. Collectively, our results reveal that cryptic prophage excision acts as a regulatory switch to enable the survival of the host at low temperature by controlling the activity of tmRNA and biofilm formation.
A critical role for NF2 and the Hippo pathway in branching morphogenesis
Authors: Reginensi Antoine , Enderle Leonie , Gregorieff Alex , Johnson Randy L. , Wrana Jeffrey L. , McNeill Helen
Published: August 2016

Branching morphogenesis is a complex biological process common to the development of most epithelial organs. Here we demonstrate that NF2, LATS1/2 and YAP play a critical role in branching morphogenesis in the mouse kidney. Removal of Nf2 or Lats1/2 from the ureteric bud (UB) lineage causes loss of branching morphogenesis that is rescued by loss of one copy of Yap and Taz, and phenocopied by YAP overexpression. Mosaic analysis demonstrates that cells with high YAP expression have reduced contribution to UB tips, similar to Ret−/− cells, and that YAP suppresses RET signalling and tip identity. Conversely, Yap/Taz UB-deletion leads to cyst-like branching and expansion of UB tip markers, suggesting a shift towards tip cell identity. Based on these data we propose that NF2 and the Hippo pathway locally repress YAP/TAZ activity in the UB to promote subsequent splitting of the tip to allow branching morphogenesis.
Optimized design and analysis of preclinical intervention studies in vivo
Authors: Laajala Teemu D. , Jumppanen Mikael , Huhtaniemi Riikka , Fey Vidal , Kaur Amanpreet , Knuuttila Matias , Aho Eija , Oksala Riikka , Westermarck Jukka , Mäkelä Sari , Poutanen Matti , Aittokallio Tero
Published: August 2016

Recent reports have called into question the reproducibility, validity and translatability of the preclinical animal studies due to limitations in their experimental design and statistical analysis. To this end, we implemented a matching-based modelling approach for optimal intervention group allocation, randomization and power calculations, which takes full account of the complex animal characteristics at baseline prior to interventions. In prostate cancer xenograft studies, the method effectively normalized the confounding baseline variability, and resulted in animal allocations which were supported by RNA-seq profiling of the individual tumours. The matching information increased the statistical power to detect true treatment effects at smaller sample sizes in two castration-resistant prostate cancer models, thereby leading to saving of both animal lives and research costs. The novel modelling approach and its open-source and web-based software implementations enable the researchers to conduct adequately-powered and fully-blinded preclinical intervention studies, with the aim to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic interventions.
Longitudinal relationships between glycemic status and body mass index in a multiethnic study: evidence from observational and genetic epidemiology
Authors: Ishola Adeola F. , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Engert James C. , Mohan Viswanathan , Diaz Rafael , Anand Sonia S. , Meyre David
Published: August 2016

We investigated the relationship between glycemic status and BMI and its interaction with obesity single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort at high-risk for dysglycemia. We studied 17 394 participants from six ethnicities followed-up for 3.3 years. Twenty-three obesity SNPs were genotyped and an unweighted genotype risk score (GRS) was calculated. Glycemic status was defined using an oral glucose tolerance test. Linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex and population stratification. Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to dysglycemia transition was associated with baseline BMI and BMI change. Impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes transition was associated with baseline BMI but not BMI change. No simultaneous significant main genetic effects and interactions between SNPs/GRS and glycemic status or transition on BMI level and BMI change were observed. Our data suggests that the interplay between glycemic status and BMI trajectory may be independent of the effects of obesity genes. This implies that individuals with different glycemic statuses may be combined together in genetic association studies on obesity traits, if appropriate adjustments for glycemic status are performed. Implementation of population-wide weight management programs may be more beneficial towards individuals with NGT than those at a later disease stage.
Protein Inhibitor of NOS1 Plays a Central Role in the Regulation of NOS1 Activity in Human Dilated Hearts
Authors: Roselló-Lletí Esther , Tarazón Estefanía , Ortega Ana , Gil-Cayuela Carolina , Carnicer Ricardo , Lago Francisca , González-Juanatey Jose Ramón , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel
Published: August 2016

An essential factor for the production of nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1), major modulator of cardiac function, is the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). BH4 is regulated by GTP cyclohydrolase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 biosynthesis which catalyses the formation of dihydroneopterin 3′triphosfate from GTP, producing BH4 after two further steps catalyzed by 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase and sepiapterin reductase. However, there are other essential factors involved in the regulation of NOS1 activity, such as protein inhibitor of NOS1 (PIN), calmodulin, heat shock protein 90 and NOS interacting protein. All these molecules have never been analysed in human non-ischemic dilated hearts (DCM). In this study we demonstrated that the upregulation of cardiac NOS1 is not accompanied by increased NOS1 activity in DCM, partly due to the elevated PIN levels and not because of alterations in biopterin biosynthesis. Notably, the PIN concentration was significantly associated with impaired ventricular function, highlighting the importance of this NOS1 activity inhibitor in Ca2+ homeostasis. These results take a central role in the current list of targets for future studies focused on the complex cardiac dysfunction processes through more efficient harnessing of NOS1 signalling.
Autapse-induced multiple coherence resonance in single neurons and neuronal networks
Authors: Yilmaz Ergin , Ozer Mahmut , Baysal Veli , Perc Matjaž
Published: August 2016

We study the effects of electrical and chemical autapse on the temporal coherence or firing regularity of single stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley neurons and scale-free neuronal networks. Also, we study the effects of chemical autapse on the occurrence of spatial synchronization in scale-free neuronal networks. Irrespective of the type of autapse, we observe autaptic time delay induced multiple coherence resonance for appropriately tuned autaptic conductance levels in single neurons. More precisely, we show that in the presence of an electrical autapse, there is an optimal intensity of channel noise inducing the multiple coherence resonance, whereas in the presence of chemical autapse the occurrence of multiple coherence resonance is less sensitive to the channel noise intensity. At the network level, we find autaptic time delay induced multiple coherence resonance and synchronization transitions, occurring at approximately the same delay lengths. We show that these two phenomena can arise only at a specific range of the coupling strength and that they can be observed independently of the average degree of the network.
Erythropoietin treatment in murine multiple myeloma: immune gain and bone loss
Authors: Deshet-Unger Naamit , Hiram-Bab Sahar , Haim-Ohana Yasmin , Mittelman Moshe , Gabet Yankel , Neumann Drorit
Published: August 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy, characterized by osteolytic lesions and monoclonal immunoglobulins. The anemia, accompanying the disease is often treated with recombinant human EPO. Diverse non-erythropoietic effects of EPO have led us to question its combined action on the immune system and bone in the 5T33MM mouse model. EPO administration to MM mice attenuated disease progression as demonstrated by a decrease in serum MM IgG2b, splenic CD138 expressing cells, IL-6 and RORγτ transcripts in bone marrow (BM). IFN-γ transcript levels and macrophages (F4/80+CD11b+) in the BM both increased ~1.5 fold in the EPO-treated MM mice. In-vitro, EPO stimulated phagocytosis of 5T33MM cells (+30%) by BM-derived macrophages. In contrast, high-resolution microCT analysis of distal femurs revealed EPO-associated bone loss in both healthy and 5T33MM mice. EPO significantly increased expression of the osteoclastogenic nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in healthy mice, but not in MM mice, likely due to antagonizing effects on MM progression. Thus, in MM, EPO may act as a double-edged-sword stimulating immune response, while accelerating bone resorption, possibly via direct action on BM macrophages. This study supports a prudent approach of treating anemia in MM patients, aiming to maintain EPO-associated anti-MM effects, while considering bone damage.
Binding-responsive catalysis of Taq DNA polymerase for the sensitive and selective detection of cell-surface proteins
Authors: Wang Zhuxin , Li Yifei , Han Peng , Mao Xiaoxia , Yin Yongmei , Cao Ya
Published: August 2016

A new method for the sensitive and selective detection of cell-surface proteins is developed via binding-responsive catalysis of Taq DNA polymerase.
Heterodinuclear Pt(iv)–Ru(ii) anticancer prodrugs to combat both drug resistance and tumor metastasis
Authors: Ma Lili , Ma Rong , Wang Zhigang , Yiu Shek-Man , Zhu Guangyu
Published: August 2016

Putting spear and shield together: heterodinuclear Pt(iv)–Ru(ii) complexes effectively and quickly kill cisplatin-resistant cancer cells and impede cancer cell migration.
An annulative transfer hydrogenation strategy enables straightforward access to tetrahydro fused-pyrazine derivatives
Authors: Xiong Biao , Zhang Shu-Di , Chen Lu , Li Bin , Jiang Huan-Feng , Zhang Min
Published: August 2016

A ruthenium-catalyzed annulative transfer hydrogenation strategy, enabling straightforward access to tetrahydro fused-pyrazine derivatives from N-heteroaryl diamines and vicinal diols, is demonstrated.
How flexible is a protein: simple estimates using FRET microscopy
Authors: Sanyal Shourjya , Coker David F. , MacKernan Donal
Published: August 2016

A simple numerical procedure to measure the flexibility of linker proteins used in unimolecular FRET probes.
A biocompatible inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction of aldehyde and tetrazine promoted by proline
Authors: Lai Shuiqin , Mao Wuyu , Song Heng , Xia Lingying , Xie Hexin
Published: August 2016

A biocompatible inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction of aldehyde and tetrazine mediated by l-proline is disclosed, with apparent k2 up to 13.8 M−1 s−1.
Synthesis and characterization of visible-light-activated Azo hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Wang Laibing , Chen Yang , Yin Lu , Zhang Shuangshuang , Zhou Nianchen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin
Published: August 2016

All visible-light-activated Azo polymer photoswitches were efficiently synthesized via combination of the AuNP-catalyzed photocatalytic method and the A3 monomer strategy.
Electron-deficient copper pnictides: A2Mg3Cu9Pn7 (A = Sr, Eu; Pn = P, As) and Eu5Mg2.39Cu16.61As12
Authors: Zhu Min , Tao Xu-Tang , Xia Sheng-Qing
Published: August 2016

Five pnictide Zintl compounds, A2Mg3Cu9Pn7 (A = Sr, Eu; Pn = P, As) and Eu5Mg2.39Cu16.61As12, were synthesized from the Pb-flux reactions. The anion structures of these compounds can be described as being composed of edge- or corner-sharing CuPn4 tetrahedra, which construct complex 3D frameworks with cations filled into the cavities.
Impact of postdeposition annealing on the sensing and impedance characteristics of TbYxOy electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor pH sensors
Authors: Pan Tung-Ming , Chen Ching-Yi , Wu Tung-Yu , Pang See-Tong
Published: August 2016

In this investigation, we explored the impact of postdeposition annealing (PDA) on the sensing and impedance characteristics of TbYxOy sensing films deposited on Si(100) substrates through reactive cosputtering for electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) pH sensors.
A flexible and high-performance all-solid-state supercapacitor device based on Ni3S2 nanosheets coated ITO nanowire arrays on carbon fabrics
Authors: Yang Jie , Fang Chun , Bao Chunxiong , Yang Weiwei , Yu Tao , Zhu Weidong , Li Faming , Liu Jianguo , Zou Zhigang
Published: August 2016

Ni3S2 nanosheets coated ITO nanowire arrays on carbon fabrics can achieve an all-solid-state flexible supercapacitor with outstanding capacitive performance.
Caveat in the stereochemical outcome of the organocatalytic Diels–Alder reaction in PEG-400
Authors: Anitha Pantapalli M. , Mainkar Prathama S. , Kallepu Shivakrishna , Babu V. S. Phani , Reddy Cirandur Suresh , Chandrasekhar Srivari
Published: August 2016

The organocatalytic Diels–Alder reaction in non-conventional solvent (PEG-400) has yielded cycloaddition products with diastereoselectivities hitherto not reported in detail using classical reaction conditions.
Facile synthesis of hollow carbon microspheres embedded with molybdenum carbide nanoparticles as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation
Authors: Lv Cuncai , Wang Jie , Huang Qingli , Yang Qianpeng , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2016

Hollow carbon microspheres embedded with molybdenum carbide nanoparticles are prepared via ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The product exhibits an enhanced HER activity and good stability in the long-term operation both in acidic and basic solution.
Flexible nanocomposites with ultrahigh specific areal capacitance and tunable properties based on a cellulose derived nanofiber-carbon sheet framework coated with polyaniline
Authors: Liu Qingzhong , Jing Shuangshuang , Wang Sha , Zhuo Hao , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen , Sun Runcang
Published: August 2016

A novel flexible electrode based on a cellulose-derived framework coated by PANI with tunable structure and electrochemical performance.
9-Anthryl-capped DPP-based dyes: aryl spacing induced differential optical properties
Authors: Ying Shian , Chen Mingshuai , Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Kai , Pan Yuyu , Xue Shanfeng , Yang Wenjun
Published: August 2016

The conjugation bridges of DPP derivatives could significantly tune and alter molecular aggregation behaviors and fluorescence properties.
Super‐resolution 3D imaging in MIMO radar using spectrum estimation theory
Authors: Ding Shanshan , Tong Ningning , Zhang Yongshun , Hu Xiaowei
Published: August 2016

A super‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) imaging method using spectrum estimation theory and narrowband multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) radar is presented. First, the 3D echo signal model is built in a narrowband bistatic MIMO radar with uniform linear transmit array and uniform rectangular receive array. Then, the high accuracy position estimation of target's scattering centres is obtained via spectrum estimation theory only with single snapshot, and the scatter intensity estimation is obtained by least‐square estimation. The 3D image of the target is thus reconstructed. The proposed method is especially suitable for high‐speed manoeuvring targets with complex motion. Finally, comparative simulation results are presented and the performances under noise and error case are analysed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Biasing vector network analyzers using variable frequency and amplitude signals
Authors: Nobles J. E. , Zagorodnii V. , Hutchison A. , Celinski Z.
Published: August 2016

We report the development of a test setup designed to provide a variable frequency biasing signal to a vector network analyzer (VNA). The test setup is currently used for the testing of liquid crystal (LC) based devices in the microwave region. The use of an AC bias for LC based devices minimizes the negative effects associated with ionic impurities in the media encountered with DC biasing. The test setup utilizes bias tees on the VNA test station to inject the bias signal. The square wave biasing signal is variable from 0.5 to 36.0 V peak-to-peak (VPP) with a frequency range of DC to 10 kHz. The test setup protects the VNA from transient processes, voltage spikes, and high-frequency leakage. Additionally, the signals to the VNA are fused to ½ amp and clipped to a maximum of 36 VPP based on bias tee limitations. This setup allows us to measure S-parameters as a function of both the voltage and the frequency of the applied bias signal.
Theory of anomalous backscattering in second harmonic X-mode ECRH experiments
Authors: Gusakov E. Z. , Popov A. Yu.
Published: August 2016

A quantitative model explaining generation of the anomalous backscattering signal in the second harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) experiments at TEXTOR tokamak as a secondary nonlinear process which accompanies a primary low-threshold parametric decay instability (PDI) leading to excitation of two—upper hybrid (UH)—plasmons trapped in plasma is developed. The primary absolute PDI enhancing the UH wave fluctuations from the thermal noise level is supposed to be saturated due to a cascade of secondary low-threshold decays of the daughter UH wave leading to excitation of the secondary UH waves down-shifted in frequency and the ion Bernstein wave. A set of equations describing the cascade is derived and solved numerically. The results of numerical modelling are shown to be in agreement with the analytical estimations of the growth rate of the initial and secondary parametric decays and the saturation level. The generation of backscattering signal is explained by coupling of the daughter UH waves. The fine details of the frequency spectrum of the anomalously reflected extraordinary wave and the absolute value of the observed backscattering signal in the second harmonic X-mode ECRH experiments at TEXTOR are reproduced.
Low energy electron irradiation induced carbon etching: Triggering carbon film reacting with oxygen from SiO2 substrate
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Chao , Diao Dongfeng
Published: August 2016

We report low-energy (50–200 eV) electron irradiation induced etching of thin carbon films on a SiO2 substrate. The etching mechanism was interpreted that electron irradiation stimulated the dissociation of the carbon film and SiO2, and then triggered the carbon film reacting with oxygen from the SiO2 substrate. A requirement for triggering the etching of the carbon film is that the incident electron penetrates through the whole carbon film, which is related to both irradiation energy and film thickness. This study provides a convenient electron-assisted etching with the precursor substrate, which sheds light on an efficient pathway to the fabrication of nanodevices and nanosurfaces.
Quantum dynamics of charge state in silicon field evaporation
Authors: Silaeva Elena P. , Uchida Kazuki , Watanabe Kazuyuki
Published: August 2016

The charge state of an ion field-evaporating from a silicon-atom cluster is analyzed using time-dependent density functional theory coupled to molecular dynamics. The final charge state of the ion is shown to increase gradually with increasing external electrostatic field in agreement with the average charge state of silicon ions detected experimentally. When field evaporation is triggered by laser-induced electronic excitations the charge state also increases with increasing intensity of the laser pulse. At the evaporation threshold, the charge state of the evaporating ion does not depend on the electrostatic field due to the strong contribution of laser excitations to the ionization process both at low and high laser energies. A neutral silicon atom escaping the cluster due to its high initial kinetic energy is shown to be eventually ionized by external electrostatic field.
Data science can be an attractive career for physicists
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: August 2016

Boot camps can help researchers transition into nonacademic jobs that use big data.
Fermilab courts Latin American physicists
Authors: Kramer David
Published: August 2016

The lab wants to build on existing connections with Mexico and Central and South America as it begins to build a flagship neutrino lab.
Indonesian fire activity and smoke pollution in 2015 show persistent nonlinear sensitivity to El Niño-induced drought
Authors: Field Robert D. , van der Werf Guido R. , Fanin Thierry , Fetzer Eric J. , Fuller Ryan , Jethva Hiren , Levy Robert , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Luo Ming , Torres Omar , Worden Helen M.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The 2015 Indonesian fire season, in terms of fire activity and pollution, was the most severe since the NASA Earth Observing satellite system began observations in the early 2000s. Our estimates show that the 2015 CO
2
-equivalent biomass burning emissions for all of Indonesia were between the 2013 annual fossil fuel CO
2
emissions of Japan and India. Longer-term records of airport visibility in Sumatra and Kalimantan show that 2015 ranked among the worst episodes on record. Analysis of dry season rainfall shows that, due to the continued use of fire to clear and prepare land on degraded peat, the Indonesian fire environment continues to have nonlinear sensitivity to dry conditions, and this sensitivity appears to have increased over Kalimantan.
Rapid adaptation of harmful cyanobacteria to rising CO
2
Authors: Sandrini Giovanni , Ji Xing , Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Tann Robert P. , Slot Pieter C. , Luimstra Veerle M. , Schuurmans J. Merijn , Matthijs Hans C. P. , Huisman Jef
Published: August 2016

Significance

Cyanobacterial blooms pose a major threat to the water quality of many eutrophic lakes and reservoirs. Cyanobacteria are thought to be very effective competitors when CO
2
levels are depleted during dense blooms. Their response to elevated CO
2
is less understood, however. We study competition among cyanobacteria, and find both laboratory and field evidence for natural selection of strains with different carbon uptake systems at different CO
2
levels. Our results demonstrate that changes in inorganic carbon availability act as an important selective factor in cyanobacterial communities and suggest that future harmful cyanobacterial blooms will have a genotype composition that differs from contemporary blooms and will be tuned to the high-CO
2
conditions.
Distinct oxytocin effects on belief updating in response to desirable and undesirable feedback
Authors: Ma Yina , Li Shiyi , Wang Chenbo , Liu Yi , Li Wenxin , Yan Xinyuan , Chen Qiang , Han Shihui
Published: August 2016

Significance

People tend to incorporate desirable feedback into their beliefs but discount undesirable ones. Such optimistic updating has evolved as an advantageous mechanism for social adaptation and physical/mental health. Here, in three independent studies, we show that intranasally administered oxytocin (OT), an evolutionary ancient neuropeptide pivotal to social adaptation, augments optimistic belief updating by increasing updates and learning of desirable feedback but impairing updates of undesirable feedback. Moreover, the OT-impaired updating of undesirable feedback is more salient in individuals with high, rather than with low, depression or anxiety traits. OT also increases second-order confidence judgment after desirable feedback. These findings reveal a molecular substrate underlying the formation of optimistic beliefs about the future.