bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic vulnerability of an extreme xerophyte in arid Australia
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , Hua Quan , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: December 2017

Callitris glaucophylla (syn. C. columellaris F.Muell.) is an iconic Australian conifer that is suffering a recruitment deficit over much of the arid zone. Here, seedling establishment requires a series of unusually wet years, and protection from high levels of herbivory. The aim of our study was to determine the size class structure of C. glaucophylla populations in the most arid part (150 mm mean annual precipitation) of its range, and particularly whether seedlings had established during a wet period in 2010/11. We sampled C. glaucophylla populations throughout the region, including inside a 6000 ha feral animal exclosure. We found no seedlings from 2010/11, except on drainage lines adjacent to roads. Of 255 plots centred on mature trees, only 2% contained older seedlings, and 8% contained saplings, with no differences inside or outside exclosure, and 84% of trees were larger than 20 cm basal diameter. Matching dates of known regeneration with long-term rainfall records suggested that successful regeneration of C. glaucophylla requires a total of 600–720 mm of rain over a 2 year period. Our radiocarbon dating showed the age of three large trees ranged from 106 to 268 years, signifying that such trees in this region likely have only 2–8 climatic opportunities to reproduce.
An advocate for taxonomic research in Australia
Authors: Hutchings Pat
Published: December 2017

Taxonomic capability in Australia is declining, especially our ability to identify invertebrates. I summarise the importance of being able to accurately identity our fauna and the consequences of failure. I then explore previous attempts to reverse this situation by myself and coworkers and try to explain why these attempts have failed and how it can be rectified in the future to ensure the long-term taxonomic capacity in Australia.
Effect of heifer age on the granulosa cell transcriptome after ovarian stimulation
Authors: Landry David A. , Labrecque Rémi , Grand François-Xavier , Vigneault Christian , Blondin Patrick , Sirard Marc-André
Published: December 2017

Genomic selection is accelerating genetic gain in dairy cattle. Decreasing generation time by using younger gamete donors would further accelerate breed improvement programs. Although ovarian stimulation of peripubertal animals is possible and embryos produced in vitro from the resulting oocytes are viable, developmental competence is lower than when sexually mature cows are used. The aim of the present study was to shed light on how oocyte developmental competence is acquired as a heifer ages. Ten peripubertal Bos taurus Holstein heifers underwent ovarian stimulation cycles at the ages of 8, 11 (mean 10.8) and 14 (mean 13.7) months. Collected oocytes were fertilised in vitro with spermatozoa from the same adult male. Each heifer served as its own control. The transcriptomes of granulosa cells recovered with the oocytes were analysed using microarrays. Differential expression of certain genes was measured using polymerase chain reaction. Principal component analysis of microarray data revealed that the younger the animal, the more distinctive the gene expression pattern. Using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and NetworkAnalyst (www.networkanalyst.ca), the main biological functions affected in younger donors were identified. The results suggest that cell differentiation, inflammation and apoptosis signalling are less apparent in peripubertal donors. Such physiological traits have been associated with a lower basal concentration of LH.
Reliability and validity of a modified 3‐minute all‐out swimming test in elite swimmers
Authors: Mitchell Lachlan J. G. , Pyne David B. , Saunders Philo U. , Rattray Ben
Published: December 2017

Critical speed (CS) testing is useful in monitoring training in swimmers, however, completing a series of time trials (TTs) regularly is time‐consuming. The 3‐minute test may be a solution with positive initial findings. This investigation examined whether a modified 3‐minute test (12 × 25 m) could assess CS and supra‐CS distance capacity (D’) in swimmers. A series of 12 × 25 m intervals were completed unpaced at maximal effort, interspersed with 5 s rest periods. The model speed = a
eb
t + c was fitted to the data and integrated to calculate D’. The slowest two of the last four efforts were averaged to calculate CS. To assess reliability, 15 highly trained swimmers (9 females, 6 males) completed the 12 × 25 m twice within 72 h. Four measures were deemed reliable: peak velocity (0.01 m s−1; 0.5%, typical error and % coefficient of variation), CS (0.02 m s−1; 1.2%), D’ (1.22 m; 5.7%) and drop off % (0.70% points; 4.5%). To assess criterion validity, 21 swimmers (9 from reliability, 12 other) completed two competition races within 2 weeks of a 12 × 25 m in the same stroke. Traditional CS and D’ measures were calculated from competition performances (TT method). TT CS and 12 × 25 m CS were highly correlated (adj. R2 = 0.92, p < .001). D’ values were moderately correlated (adj. R2 = 0.60, p < .01). Two TTs may have been too few to estimate D’ accurately. The 12 × 25 m all‐out swimming test is a reliable method for assessing CS and D’ in swimmers, however, the validity of D’ requires further investigation.
Biomechanical insights into the determinants of speed in the fencing lunge
Authors: Guan Yanfei , Guo Li , Wu Nana , Zhang Lingli , Warburton Darren E.R.
Published: December 2017

For fencing, speed of the lunge is considered critical to success. The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of lunge speed based on biomechanics. Ground reaction force (GRF) and three‐dimensional kinematic data were collected from 7 elite fencers and 12 intermediate‐level fencers performing maximum‐effort lunges. The results showed that elite fencers acquired a higher horizontal peak velocity of the centre of gravity (HPV) and concomitantly a higher horizontal peak GRF exerted by rear leg (PGRF) than intermediate‐level fencers (P < .01). Studying the affecting factors, elite fencers obtained higher joint peak power, joint peak moment, and range of motion of rear knee than intermediate‐level fencers (P < .05) during the lunge, and these parameters were significantly correlated with both HPV and PGRF (P < .05). Both elite and intermediate‐level fencers had joint flexion before the extension in forward knee; however, the latter showed greater flexion, higher peak angular velocity and less time for extension compared to the former (P ≤ .05). Our findings suggest that training aimed at enhancing strength and power of rear knee extensors is important for fencers to improve speed of the lunge. Also, increasing the extension of rear knee during the lunge, at the same time decreasing the flexion of the forward knee before extension are positive for lunge performance.
Active recovery intervals restore initial performance after repeated sprints in swimming*
Authors: Kostoulas Ioannis D. , Toubekis Argyris G. , Paxinos Thrasivoulos , Volaklis Konstantinos , Tokmakidis Savvas P.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of active recovery (AR) and passive recovery (PR) using short (2‐min) and long (4‐min) intervals on swimming performance. Twelve male competitive swimmers completed a progressively increasing speed test of 7 × 200‐m swimming repetitions to locate the speed before the onset of curvilinear increase in blood lactate concentration (LT1). Subsequently, performance time of 6 × 50‐m sprints was recorded during four different conditions: (i) 2‐min PR (PR‐2), (ii) 4‐min PR (PR‐4), (iii) 2‐min AR (AR‐2) and (iv) 4‐min AR (AR‐4) intervals. Blood lactate concentration was measured before the first and after the last 50‐m repetition. AR was applied at an intensity corresponding to LT1. Performance as indicated by the time needed to complete 6 × 50‐m sprints was impaired after AR‐4 compared to PR‐4 (AR‐4: 28.65 ± 1.04, PR‐4: 28.17 ± 0.72 s; mean% difference: MD% ±s; ±90% confidence limits: 90%CL, 1.71 ± 3.01%; ±1.43%, p = .01) but was not different between AR‐2 compared to PR‐2 conditions (AR‐2: 28.68 ± 0.85, PR‐2: 28.69 ± 0.82 s; MD%: 0.03 ± 1.61%; 90%CL ± 0.77%, p = .99). Performance in sprint‐6 was improved after AR compared to PR independent of interval duration (AR: 28.55 ± 0.81, PR: 29.01 ± 1.03 s; MD%: 1.52 ± 2.61%; 90%CL ± 1.2%; p = .03). Blood lactate concentration was lower after AR‐4 compared to PR‐4 but did not differ between AR‐2 and PR‐2 conditions. In conclusion, AR impaired performance after a 4‐min but not after a 2‐min interval. A better performance during sprint‐6 after AR could be attributed to a faster metabolic recovery or anticipatory regulatory mechanisms towards the end of the series especially when adequate 4‐min active recovery interval is applied.
Neural mechanisms of strength increase after one‐week motor imagery training
Authors: Grosprêtre Sidney , Jacquet Thomas , Lebon Florent , Papaxanthis Charalambos , Martin Alain
Published: December 2017

The neural mechanisms explaining strength increase following mental training by motor imagery (MI) are not clearly understood. While gains are mostly attributed to cortical reorganization, the sub‐cortical adaptations have never been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of MI training on muscle force capacity and the related spinal and supraspinal mechanisms. Eighteen young healthy participants (mean age: 22.5 ± 2.6) took part in the experiment. They were distributed into two groups: a control group (n = 9) and an MI training group (n = 9). The MI group performed seven consecutive sessions (one per day) of imagined maximal isometric plantar flexion (4 blocks of 25 trials per session). The control group did not engage in any physical or mental training. Both groups were tested for the isometric maximal plantar flexion torque (MVC) and the rate of torque development (RTD) before and after the training session. In addition, soleus and medial gastrocnemius spinal and supraspinal adaptations were assessed through the recording of H‐reflexes and V‐waves, with electrical stimulations of the posterior tibial nerve evoked at rest and during MVC, respectively. After one week, only the MI training group increased both plantar flexion MVC and RTD. The enhancement of muscle torque capacity was accompanied by significant increase of electromyographic activity and V‐wave during MVC and of H‐reflex at rest. The increased cortical descending neural drive and the excitability of spinal networks at rest could explain the greater RTD and MVC after one week of MI training.
Fear Extinction Recall Modulates Human Frontomedial Theta and Amygdala Activity
Authors: Sperl Matthias F J , Panitz Christian , Rosso Isabelle M , Dillon Daniel G , Kumar Poornima , Hermann Andrea , Whitton Alexis E , Hermann Christiane , Pizzagalli Diego A , Mueller Erik M
Published: December 2017

Human functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) studies, as well as animal studies, indicate that the amygdala and frontomedial brain regions are critically involved in conditioned fear and that frontomedial oscillations in the theta range (4–8 Hz) may support communication between these brain regions. However, few studies have used a multimodal approach to probe interactions among these key regions in humans. Here, our goal was to bridge the gap between prior human fMRI, EEG, and animal findings. Using simultaneous EEG–fMRI recordings 24 h after fear conditioning and extinction, conditioned stimuli presented (CS+E, CS−E) and not presented during extinction (CS+N, CS−N) were compared to identify effects specific to extinction versus fear recall. Differential (CS+ vs. CS−) electrodermal, frontomedial theta (EEG) and amygdala responses (fMRI) were reduced for extinguished versus nonextinguished stimuli. Importantly, effects on theta power covaried with effects on amygdala activation. Fear and extinction recall as indicated by theta explained 60% of the variance for the analogous effect in the right amygdala. Our findings show for the first time the interplay of amygdala and frontomedial theta activity during fear and extinction recall in humans and provide insight into neural circuits consistently linked with top-down amygdala modulation in rodents.
CellExpress: a comprehensive microarray-based cancer cell line and clinical sample gene expression analysis online system
Authors: Lee Yi-Fang , Lee Chien-Yueh , Lai Liang-Chuan , Tsai Mong-Hsun , Lu Tzu-Pin , Chuang Eric Y
Published: December 2017

With the advancement of high-throughput technologies, gene expression profiles in cell lines and clinical samples are widely available in the public domain for research. However, a challenge arises when trying to perform a systematic and comprehensive analysis across independent datasets. To address this issue, we developed a web-based system, CellExpress, for analyzing the gene expression levels in more than 4000 cancer cell lines and clinical samples obtained from public datasets and user-submitted data. First, a normalization algorithm can be utilized to reduce the systematic biases across independent datasets. Next, a similarity assessment of gene expression profiles can be achieved through a dynamic dot plot, along with a distance matrix obtained from principal component analysis. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes can be visualized using hierarchical clustering. Several statistical tests and analytical algorithms are implemented in the system for dissecting gene expression changes based on the groupings defined by users. Lastly, users are able to upload their own microarray and/or next-generation sequencing data to perform a comparison of their gene expression patterns, which can help classify user data, such as stem cells, into different tissue types. In conclusion, CellExpress is a user-friendly tool that provides a comprehensive analysis of gene expression levels in both cell lines and clinical samples. The website is freely available at http://cellexpress.cgm.ntu.edu.tw/. Source code is available at https://github.com/LeeYiFang/Carkinos under the MIT License.

Database URL: http://cellexpress.cgm.ntu.edu.tw/
Trophic position of lanternfishes (Pisces: Myctophidae) of the tropical and equatorial Atlantic estimated using stable isotopes
Authors: Olivar M Pilar , Bode Antonio , López-Pérez Cristina , Hulley P Alexander , Hernández-León Santiago
Published: December 2017

Lanternfishes (Myctophidae) constitute the most important component of the daily vertically migrating mesopelagic fish community. This research addresses the estimation of the trophic position and diet of myctophids using stable isotope analyses. Fishes were collected across the central Atlantic, from a very productive zone influenced by the Mauritanian upwelling to the western oligotrophic equatorial waters. The survey also encompassed a zone of low oxygen concentration in the mesopelagic layers. Determinations of δ13C and δ15N values were made on the 20 most frequent and abundant myctophids, from small-sized species (e.g. Notolychnus valdivae) to larger ones (e.g. Myctophum punctatum). Isotope analyses on the seston and several plankton groups were also performed to assess the influence of zonal differences in trophic position (TP) calculations, and to use as food sources in diet estimations. Myctophids displayed a narrow range of trophic positions, being greater than 2 and less than 4, except for N. valdiviae (TP = 1.7). Comparisons of diets estimated through an isotopic mixing model differentiated the smallest species, with a strong seston signature (Diogenichthys atlanticus and N. valdiviae), from the Diaphus species of medium sizes, (D. brachycephalus, D. holti, and D. rafinesquii), which feed on prey of higher TP values.
Multi-switching combination synchronization of discrete-time hyperchaotic systems for encrypted audio communication
Authors: Hammami Sonia
Published: December 2017

In this paper, encrypted audio communication based on original synchronization form is proposed for a class of discrete-time hyperchaotic systems. The new studied scheme of synchronization presents an extension of the multi-switching one to the combination synchronization, for which, the state variables of two driving systems synchronize with different state variables of the response system, simultaneously. With that in mind, at the outset, a theoretical approach for non-linear control, using aggregation techniques associated to one specific characteristic matrix description, namely, the arrow form, is developed. Then, the feasibility as well as the performance of the proposed approach of multi-switching combination synchronization is checked through its practical application in information transmission field to ensure more security of the message signal by means of hyperchaotic masking. Finally, experimental simulations are carried out in order to assess the security analysis and demonstrate that the suggested cryptosystem is large enough to resist to the noise attack thanks to its excellent encryption robustness.
Staphylococcus aureus SaeR/S-Regulated Factors Decrease Monocyte-Derived Tumor Necrosis Factor–α to Reduce Neutrophil Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Sward Eli W , Fones Elizabeth M , Spaan Russel R , Pallister Kyler B , Haller Brandon L , Guerra Fermin E , Zurek Oliwia W , Nygaard Tyler K , Voyich Jovanka M
Published: December 2017

Background

The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to evade killing by human neutrophils significantly contributes to disease progression. In this study, we characterize an influential role for the S. aureus SaeR/S 2-component gene regulatory system in suppressing monocyte production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) to subsequently influence human neutrophil priming.

Methods

Using flow cytometry and TNF-α specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays we identify the primary cellular source of TNF-α in human blood and in purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during interaction with USA300 and an isogenic saeR/S deletion mutant (USA300∆saeR/S). Assays with conditioned media from USA300 and USA300∆saeR/S exposed PBMCs were used to investigate priming on neutrophil bactericidal activity.

Results

TNF-α production from monocytes was significantly reduced following challenge with USA300 compared to USA300∆saeR/S. We observed that priming of neutrophils using conditioned medium from peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with USA300∆saeR/S significantly increased neutrophil bactericidal activity against USA300 relative to unprimed neutrophils and neutrophils primed with USA300 conditioned medium. The increased neutrophil bactericidal activity was associated with enhanced reactive oxygen species production that was significantly influenced by elevated TNF-α concentrations.

Conclusions

Our findings identify an immune evasion strategy used by S. aureus to impede neutrophil priming and subsequent bactericidal activity.
Creativity and Innovation in Multiteam Systems
Authors: Zaccaro Stephen J. , Fletcher Laura S. , DeChurch Leslie A.
Published: December 2017

In this chapter, we explore several dynamics associated with multiteam system (MTS) creativity and innovation. To develop successful creative solutions to large-scale problems, information and ideas often need to be shared not only with other individuals in a team but also among members from other teams. Within this MTS structure, diversity can also have an important influence on the resulting innovation. It can take many forms, including interorganizational differences; differences in work interdependence, goals, and goal structures; and various characteristics of the MTS component teams such as functional diversity, geographic dispersion, and national culture. Although MTSs often have traits that can lead to high creativity and innovation, their structures can also give rise to strong team differentiation, which can inhibit team creativity and innovation.
The Economic Burden of Cancer in the United States
Authors: Yabroff K. Robin , Guy Gery P. , Banegas Matthew P. , Ekwueme Donatus U.
Published: December 2017

With an aging and growing population and improved early detection and survival following diagnosis in the United States, the number of cancer survivors and prevalence of survivorship are expected to increase. Based on population trends, national expenditures for cancer care are projected to increase from $124.6 billion in 2010 to $157.8 billion in 2020. This chapter describes the economic burden of cancer, including direct costs, resulting from the use of resources for medical care for cancer; indirect costs, resulting from the loss of economic resources and opportunities associated with morbidity and mortality due to cancer and its treatment; and psychosocial or intangible costs, such as pain and suffering. Consistent with the intensity of treatment for initial care, recurrence, and end-of-life care, costs are highest in the initial period following diagnosis and, among patients who die from their disease, at the end of life, following a U-shaped curve.
Unequal Foundations
Authors: Hitlin Steven , Harkness Sarah K.
Published: December 2017

This book offers a novel theory and an original use of cross-cultural data to argue that the level of economic inequality in a society is reflected in the emotional experience of its members. People living in societies with greater equality experience more positive, binding emotions on a regular basis, while people living in unequal societies, like the United States, are significantly more likely to regularly experience negative, sanctioning moral emotions. We develop the idea that morality operates at both the societal and individual levels, and develop the thesis that individual moral emotions represent the distal structure of society. We bridge a number of areas in social science, including morality, inequality, social psychology, and the study of emotions. A good deal of work explains how being economically advantaged (or not) contributes to individual tastes, beliefs, values, and choices. Very little work links the extent of the advantages within a society to individual outcomes. We suggest that being advantaged in a relatively equal society leads to different experiences and shared cultures than being advantaged in a highly unequal society. We offer a novel use of established data from a tool drawn from the well-established Affect Control Theory tradition to demonstrate empirical support for our theory. As such, we go beyond previous work by showing data that supports our theory using a method that is designed for cross-cultural comparative research. We aim for this book to stimulate future work via different tools to test our theoretical argument.
Rare Flowers, Modern Girls, Good Citizens
Authors: Teoh Karen M.
Published: December 2017

Chinese-language girls’ schools in British Malaya and Singapore grew out of the national modernization movement in late Qing and early Republican China, and therefore also contained the contradictions of the “woman question” of that period. These schools were sites of modernization and politicization for overseas Chinese women, introducing non-gender-specific curricula, notions of gender equality, and ideals of national citizenship. Arguably, they may have done more to usher in modernity for girls and women than contemporaneous English schools in Malaya and Singapore, challenging the received wisdom that modernizing change was a Western-driven movement. At the same time, these schools sometimes perpetuated traditional gender role expectations even more energetically than occurred in China, because those beliefs were associated with the cultural heritage that they were supposed to uphold, especially in a Western imperial milieu. Chinese political and social modernization hence became associated with cultural conservatism.
Youth and Opportunity
Authors: Hart Daniel , Youniss James
Published: December 2017

Characterizing historical cohorts as endowed with distinctive features arising from broad historical forces is useful for some analytic purposes but obscures important differences among individuals in a cohort as well as the openness to change. Today’s young people—the millennials—are stereotyped as uninterested in work and traditional political activity. We review research that illuminates the responsiveness of youth to occupational and civic opportunity and conclude that millennials can become the citizens needed to improve American civic life.
Religious Understanding, Naturalism, and Theory
Authors: Ellis Fiona
Published: December 2017

What is the relation between religious understanding and theory? And what does it have to do with naturalism? This chapter tackles these questions initially by examining John Cottingham’s contribution to this volume, and in particular the distinction he makes between two ways of comprehending the nature of religious understanding. The chapter raises some questions about his antipathy toward theory, and proposes a model which is compatible with his praxis-oriented account and draws upon the natural theology defended elsewhere by this chapter’s author. The chapter concludes that religious understanding must be explained on its own terms, and that it has both a practical and a theoretical dimension. This conclusion is compatible with most of what Cottingham says, and it allows us to clarify in further detail where theory can go wrong and to enter into dialogue with one who opposes the theistic dimension of the picture.
Composer–performer collaborations in the long twentieth century
Authors: Whittall Arnold
Published: December 2017

This account of a musical period centred around a modernist aesthetic provides a historical context for the contemporary case studies which follow in subsequent chapters. It surveys documented interactions of composers and performers in strongly contrasted contexts, from brief encounters to sustained involvement. In the latter case, such associations during the conception as well as the completion of works can have a decisive impact on the musical result. Benjamin Britten’s longstanding relationship with the singer Peter Pears is a well-known instance, and even when the music is less directly connected to the personal characteristics of particular performers, the consequences can be significant. The discussions between Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and the Maggini String Quartet during the composition of the ten Naxos Quartets (2002–07) vividly demonstrate the social dynamics that can be involved as uncompromisingly modernist music is prepared for presentation to an audience.
Contemporary Music in Action
Authors: Doffman Mark , Calvin Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2017

This chapter looks at collaborative work between composers and performers in an educational setting, and using the case study of a postgraduate programme at the Royal College of Music in London, it explores the values and meanings attached to creative collaboration for students preparing to enter the world of work. The study showed how students found this sort of collaborative work to be potentially career-enhancing and creatively fulfilling. The study also found however that composer–performer roles were demarcated strongly enough to constrain the degree of collaboration and learning to satisfy all the participants. The chapter concludes with questions about the degree to which such programmes challenge the assumptions and roles of performers and composers. How do conservatoires both prepare students for the world of work and provide models that might challenge that world?
MACULAR BURN DURING AN ATTEMPTED YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY BY INADVERTENT USE OF SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY MODE OF A DUAL-MODE LASER
Authors: Flood Timothy P. , Flood Colin T.
Published: December 2017

Purpose:

To present a case of a patient who suffered a macular burn after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy because of the inadvertent use of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser.

Method:

Case report.

Results:

A 62-year-old man with slight opacification of the posterior capsule noted sudden central vision loss immediately after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy. The selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser had inadvertently been used. Color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a laser burn in the macula. The patient's central vision was impaired.

Conclusion:

Inadvertent selection of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode when attempting to perform a YAG laser capsulotomy with a dual-mode laser may cause a macular burn with impairment of central vision. We encourage all users of dual-mode lasers to actively choose and verify the appropriate settings to minimize the risk of inadvertent retinal damage.
Validation of the “Pain Block” concrete ordinal scale for children aged 4 to 7 years
Authors: Jung Jin Hee , Lee Jin Hee , Kim Do Kyun , Jung Jae Yun , Chang Ikwan , Kwon Hyuksool , Shin Jonghwan , Paek So Hyun , Oh Sohee , Kwak Young Ho
Published: December 2017

Pain scales using faces are commonly used tools for assessing pain in children capable of communicating. However, some children require other types of pain scales because they have difficulties in understanding faces pain scales. The goal of this study was to develop and validate the “Pain Block” concrete ordinal scale for 4- to 7-year-old children. This was a multicenter prospective observational study in the emergency department. Psychometric properties (convergent validity, discriminative validity, responsivity, and reliability) were compared between the “Pain Block” pain scale and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) to assess the validity of the “Pain Block” scale. A total of 163 children (mean age, 5.5 years) were included in this study. The correlation coefficient between the FPS-R and the Pain Block scale was 0.82 for all participants which increased with age. Agreement between the 2 pain scales was acceptable, with 95.0% of the values within the predetermined limit. The differences in mean scores between the painful group and nonpainful group were 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 2.6-4.1) and 3.8 (95% confidence interval, 3.1-4.6) for FPR-S and Pain Block, respectively. The pain scores for both pain scales were significantly decreased when analgesics or pain-relieving procedures were administered (difference in Pain Block, 2.4 [1.4-3.3]; and difference in FPS-R, 2.3 [1.3-3.3]). The Pain Block pain scale could be used to assess pain in 4- to 7-year-old children capable of understanding and counting up to the number 5, even if they do not understand the FPS-R pain scale.
Pain as a risk factor for common mental disorders. Results from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2: a longitudinal, population-based study
Authors: de Heer Eric W. , ten Have Margreet , van Marwijk Harm W.J. , Dekker Jack , de Graaf Ron , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , van der Feltz-Cornelis Christina M.
Published: December 2017

Pain might be an important risk factor for common mental disorders. Insight into the longitudinal association between pain and common mental disorders in the general adult population could help improve prevention and treatment strategies. Data were used from the first 2 waves of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2, a psychiatric epidemiological cohort study among the Dutch general population aged 18 to 64 years at baseline (N = 5303). Persons without a mental disorder 12 months before baseline were selected as the at-risk group (n = 4974 for any mood disorder; n = 4979 for any anxiety disorder; and n = 5073 for any substance use disorder). Pain severity and interference due to pain in the past month were measured at baseline using the Short Form Health Survey. DSM-IV mental disorders were assessed at both waves using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0. Moderate to very severe pain was associated with a higher risk of mood (odds ratio [OR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.33-3.29) or anxiety disorders (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.27-3.55). Moderate to very severe interference due to pain was also associated with a higher risk of mood (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.30-3.54) or anxiety disorders (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.05-3.52). Pain was not significantly associated with substance use disorders. No interaction effects were found between pain severity or interference due to pain and a previous history of mental disorders. Moderate to severe pain and interference due to pain are strong risk factors for first-incident or recurrent mood and anxiety disorders, independent of other mental disorders. Pain management programs could therefore possibly also serve as a preventative program for mental disorders.
Psychological flexibility mediates the effect of an online-based acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain: an investigation of change processes
Authors: Lin Jiaxi , Klatt Laura-Isabelle , McCracken Lance M. , Baumeister Harald
Published: December 2017

One way to improve treatment effects of chronic pain is to identify and improve control over mechanisms of therapeutic change. One treatment approach that includes a specific proposed mechanism is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with its focus on increasing psychological flexibility (PF). The aim of the present study was to examine the role of PF as a mechanism of change in ACT. This is based on mediation analyses of data from a previously reported randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effectiveness of an ACT-based online intervention for chronic pain (ACTonPain). We performed secondary analyses on pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up data from 302 adults, receiving a guided (n = 100) or unguided (n = 101) version of ACTonPain, or allocated to the waitlist control group (n = 101). Structural equation modelling and a bias-corrected bootstrap approach were applied to examine the indirect effects of the treatment through pretreatment and posttreatment changes in the latent construct reflecting PF. The latent construct consisted of data from the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. The outcomes were pretreatment to follow-up changes in pain interference, anxiety, depression, pain, and mental and physical health. Structural equation modelling analyses revealed that changes in PF significantly mediated pretreatment to follow-up changes in all outcomes in the intervention groups compared with waitlist (standardized estimates ranged from I0.16I to I0.69I). Global model fit yielded modest but acceptable results. Findings are consistent with the theoretical framework behind ACT and contribute to growing evidence, supporting a focus on PF to optimize treatment effects.
Rehabilitation of Visual Loss: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be
Authors: Mansouri Behzad , Roznik Marinya , Rizzo Joseph F. , Prasad Sashank
Published: December 2017

Background:

Spontaneous recovery of visual loss resulting from injury to the brain is variable. A variety of traditional rehabilitative strategies, including the use of prisms or compensatory saccadic eye movements, have been used successfully to improve visual function and quality-of-life for patients with homonymous hemianopia. More recently, repetitive visual stimulation of the blind area has been reported to be of benefit in expanding the field of vision.

Evidence Acquisition:

We performed a literature review with main focus on clinical studies spanning from 1963 to 2016, including 52 peer-reviewed articles, relevant cross-referenced citations, editorials, and reviews.

Results:

Repetitive visual stimulation is reported to expand the visual field, although the interpretation of results is confounded by a variety of methodological factors and conflicting outcomes from different research groups. Many studies used subjective assessments of vision and did not include a sufficient number of subjects or controls.

Conclusions:

The available clinical evidence does not strongly support claims of visual restoration using repetitive visual stimulation beyond the time that spontaneous visual recovery might occur. This lack of firm supportive evidence does not preclude the potential of real benefit demonstrated in laboratories. Additional well-designed clinical studies with adequate controls and methods to record ocular fixation are needed.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: Correlation With Optic Disc Diameter, Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness, and Visual Function
Authors: Kelly John P. , Baran Francine , Phillips James O. , Weiss Avery H.
Published: December 2017

Background:

The correlation between optic disc diameters (DDs) with average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and visual function in children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) having nystagmus is unknown.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a retrospective review of 28 children (mean age: 9.4 years; ±5.1). Optic DD was defined as the maximal horizontal opening of Bruch membrane with spectral optical coherence tomography combined with a confocal laser ophthalmoscope. Average RNFLT was obtained from circumpapillary b-scans. RNFLT was also remeasured at eccentricities that were proportionate with DD to rule out potential sampling artifacts. Visual function was assessed by visual acuity at last follow-up and by visual evoked potentials (VEP) in 11 patients. The eye with the larger DD, which had better visual acuity, was analyzed to exclude potential effects of amblyopia.

Results:

DD was correlated with average RNFLT (r2 = 0.61), visual acuity (r2 = 0.32), and VEPs (r2 = 0.66). The relationship between RNFLT and DD was as follows: average RNFLT (μm) = 0.074 * DD (μm) − 18.8. RNFLT also correlated with the ratio of horizontal optic DD to macula-disc-margin distance (DD:DM; r2 = 0.59). RNFLT measured at eccentricities proportionate with DD showed progressive decrease in thickness only for DDs <1,100 μm. All patients with DD <1,000 μm had subnormal visual acuity, whereas those with DD <1,200 μm had subnormal VEPs.

Conclusions:

DD correlates with average RNFLT and with visual function in children with ONH. Using OCT imaging, DD can be obtained in children with nystagmus and provides objective information.
RNA sequencing of Stentor cell fragments reveals key processes underlying cellular regeneration
Authors: Gustafson Henning Onsbring , Jamy Mahwash , Ettema Thijs J. G.
Published: December 2017

While ciliates of the genus Stentor are known for their ability to regenerate when their cells are damaged or even fragmented, the physical and molecular mechanisms underlying this process are poorly understood. To identify genes involved in the regenerative capability of Stentor cells, RNA sequencing of individual Stentor polymorphus cell fragments was performed. After splitting a cell over the anterior-posterior axis, the posterior fragment has to regenerate the oral apparatus, while the anterior part needs to regenerate the hold fast. Altogether, differential expression analysis of both posterior and anterior S. polymorphus cell fragments for four different post-split time points revealed over 10,000 up-regulated genes throughout the regeneration process. Among these, genes involved in cell signaling, microtubule-based movement and cell cycle regulation seemed to be particularly important during cellular regeneration. We identified roughly nine times as many up-regulated genes in regenerating S. polymorphus posterior fragments as compared to anterior fragments, indicating that regeneration of the anterior oral apparatus is a complex process that involves many genes. Our analyses identified several expanded groups of genes such as dual-specific tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinases and MORN domain containing proteins that seemingly act as key-regulators of cellular regeneration. In agreement with earlier morphological and cell biological studies, our differential expression analyses indicate that cellular regeneration and vegetative division share many similarities.
AP-4 mediated ATG9A sorting underlies axonal and autophagosome biogenesis defects in a mouse model of AP-4 deficiency syndrome
Authors: Ivankovic Davor , López-Doménech Guillermo , Drew James , Tooze Sharon A. , Kittler Josef T.
Published: December 2017

Adaptor protein (AP) complexes have critical roles in transmembrane protein sorting. AP-4 remains poorly understood in the brain despite its loss of function leading to a hereditary spastic paraplegia termed AP-4 deficiency syndrome. Here we demonstrate that knockout (KO) of AP-4 in a mouse model leads to thinning of the corpus callosum and ventricular enlargement, anatomical defects previously described in patients. At the cellular level, we find that AP-4 KO leads to defects in axonal extension and branching, in addition to aberrant distal swellings. Interestingly, we show that ATG9A, a key protein in autophagosome maturation, is critically dependent on AP-4 for its sorting from the trans-golgi network. Failure of AP-4 mediated ATG9A sorting results in its dramatic retention in the trans-golgi network in vitro and in vivo leading to a specific reduction of the axonal pool of ATG9A. As a result, autophagosome biogenesis is aberrant in the axon of AP-4 deficient neurons. The specific alteration to axonal integrity and axonal autophagosome maturation in AP-4 knockout neurons may underpin the pathology of AP-4 deficiency.
Population genomics of pneumococcal carriage in Massachusetts children following PCV-13 introduction
Authors: Mitchell PK , Azarian T , Croucher NJ , Callendrello A , Thompson CM , Pelton SI , Lipsitch M , Hanage WP
Published: December 2017

Background

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) was introduced in the United States in 2010. Using a large pediatric carriage sample collected from shortly after the introduction of PCV-7 to several years after the introduction of PCV-13, we investigate alterations in the composition of the pneumococcal population following the introduction of PCV-13, evaluating the extent to which the post-vaccination non-vaccine type (NVT) population mirrors that from prior to vaccine introduction and the effect of PCV-13 on vaccine type lineages.

Methods and Findings

Draft genome assemblies from 736 newly sequenced and 616 previously published pneumococcal carriages isolates from children in Massachusetts between 2001 and 2014 were analyzed. Isolates were classified into one of 22 sequence clusters (SCs) on the basis of their core genome sequence. We calculated the SC diversity for each sampling period as the probability that any two randomly drawn isolates from that period belong to different SCs. The sampling period immediately after the introduction of PCV-13 (2011) was found to have higher diversity than preceding (2007) or subsequent (2014) sampling periods (Simpson’s D 2007: 0.915 95% CI [0.901, 0.929]; 2011: 0.935 [0.927, 0.942]; 2014: 0.912 [0.901, 0.923]). Amongst NVT isolates, we found the distribution of SCs in 2011 to be significantly different from that in 2007 or 2014 (Fisher’s Exact Test p=0.018, 0.0078), but did not find a difference comparing 2007 to 2014 (Fisher’s Exact Test p=0.24), indicating greater similarity between samples separated by a longer time period than between samples from closer time periods. We also found changes in the accessory gene content of the NVT population between 2007 and 2011 to have been reduced by 2014. Amongst the new serotypes targeted by PCV-13, four were present in our sample. The proportion of our sample composed of PCV-13-only vaccine serotypes 19A, 6C, and 7F decreased between 2007 and 2014, but no such reduction was seen for serotype 3. We did, however, observe differences in the genetic composition of the pre- and post-PCV-13 serotype 3 population. Our isolates were collected during discrete sampling periods from a small geographic area, which may limit the generalizability our findings.

Conclusion

Pneumococcal diversity increased immediately following the introduction of PCV-13, but subsequently returned to pre-vaccination levels. This is reflected in the distribution of NVT lineages, and, to a lesser extent, their accessory gene frequencies. As such, there may be a period during which the population is particularly disrupted by vaccination before returning to a more stable distribution. The persistence and shifting genetic composition of serotype 3 is a concern and warrants further investigation.
Additive and interactive effects of spatial attention and expectation on perceptual decisions
Authors: Zuanazzi Arianna , Noppeney Uta
Published: December 2017

Spatial attention and expectation are two critical top-down mechanisms controlling perceptual inference. Based on previous research it remains unclear whether their influence on perceptual decisions is additive or interactive.

We developed a novel multisensory approach that orthogonally manipulated spatial attention (i.e. task relevance) and expectation (i.e. signal probability) selectively in audition and evaluated their effects on observers’ responses in vision. Critically, while experiment 1 manipulated expectation directly via the probability of task-relevant auditory targets across hemifields, experiment 2 manipulated it indirectly via task-irrelevant auditory non-targets.

Surprisingly, our results demonstrate that spatial attention and signal probability influence perceptual decisions either additively or interactively. These seemingly contradictory results can be explained parsimoniously by a model that combines spatial attention, general and spatially selective response probabilities as predictors with no direct influence of signal probability. Our model provides a novel perspective on how spatial attention and expectations facilitate effective interactions with the environment.