bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase of aquaporin 9 expression in astrocytes participates in astrogliosis
Authors: Hirt Lorenz , Price Melanie , Mastour Nabil , Brunet Jean‐François , Barrière Grégory , Friscourt Frédéric , Badaut Jerome
Published: April 2017

Here we assess the potential functional role of increased aquaporin 9 (APQ9) in astrocytes. Increased AQP9 expression was achieved in primary astrocyte cultures by transfection of a plasmid‐containing green fluorescent protein fused to either wild‐type or mutated human AQP9. Increased AQP9 expression and phosphorylation at Ser222 were associated with a significant change in astrocyte morphology, mainly with a higher number of processes. Similar phenotypic changes are observed in astrogliosis processes after injury. In parallel, we observed that in vivo, thrombin preconditioning before ischemic stroke induced an early increase in AQP9 expression in the male mouse brain. This increased AQP9 expression was also associated with astrocyte morphological changes, especially in the white matter tract. Astrocyte reactivity is debated as being either beneficial or deleterious. As thrombin preconditioning leads to a decrease in lesion size after stroke, our data suggest that the early increase in AQP9 concomitant with astrocyte reactivity leads to a beneficial effect. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uncertainty assessment for climate change impact on intense precipitation: how many model runs do we need?
Authors: Hosseinzadehtalaei Parisa , Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick
Published: April 2017

Precipitation projections are typically obtained from general circulation model (GCM) outputs under different future scenarios, then downscaled for hydrological applications to a watershed or site‐specific scale. However, uncertainties in projections are known to be present and need to be quantified. Although GCMs are commonly considered the major contributor of uncertainty for hydrological impact assessment of climate change, other uncertainty sources must be taken into account for a thorough understanding of the hydrological impact. This study investigates uncertainties related to GCMs, GCM initial conditions and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) and their sensitivity to the selection of GCM runs in order to quantify the impact of climate change on extreme precipitation and intensity/duration/frequency statistics. The results from a large ensemble of 140 CMIP5 GCM runs including 15 GCMs, 3–10 GCM initial conditions and 4 RCPs are analysed. Albeit the choice of GCM is the major contributor (up to 65% for some cases) to intense precipitation change uncertainty for all return periods (1 year, 10 years) and aggregation levels (1‐, 5‐, 10‐, 15‐ and 30‐day), uncertainties related to the GCM initial conditions and RCPs of up to 38 and 23%, respectively, are found in some cases. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the GCM, RCP and GCM initial condition uncertainties are greatly influenced by the set of climate model runs considered, especially for more extreme precipitation at finer time scales.
High‐pressure Raman spectroscopy of Ca(Mg,Co)Si2O6 and Ca(Mg,Co)Ge2O6 clinopyroxenes
Authors: Tribaudino M. , Aliatis I. , Bersani D. , Gatta G. D. , Lambruschi E. , Mantovani L. , Redhammer G. , Lottici P. P.
Published: April 2017

In situ high‐pressure Raman spectra were collected on four pyroxenes, with composition CaCoSi2O6, CaMgSi2O6, CaCoGe2O6 and CaMgGe2O6, up to P = 7.6 and 8.3 GPa for silicates and germanates, respectively. The peak wavenumbers υi increase almost linearly with pressure; the slope dυi/dP is more pronounced for the modes at higher wavenumbers, and higher in germanates than in silicates. No phase transition or change in the compressional behaviour was observed within the investigated P‐range. The strong dependence of the peak position with pressure of the high energy stretching modes is due to the high sensitivity of the vibrational frequencies probed by Raman spectroscopy to subtle changes in the tetrahedral deformation, which are overlooked by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual heterogeneity and effects of harvest on greater sage‐grouse populations
Authors: Caudill Danny , Guttery Michael R. , Terhune Theron M. , Martin James A. , Caudill Gretchen , Dahlgren David K. , Messmer Terry A.
Published: April 2017

The influence of harvest on wild populations has been the focus of substantial debate, and has widespread implications for the management of wild populations. Traditional views of harvest are based on density‐dependent responses of populations to harvest. However, alternate mechanisms can and do induce compensation (e.g., individual heterogeneity). Selective harvest of successful females and their offspring is thought to occur in some grouse populations (e.g., blue grouse [Dendragapus spp.], greater sage‐grouse [Centrocercus urophasianus]), and delaying harvest within a season has been proposed as a viable strategy to overcome this type of selective harvest. However, a recent examination regarding the effects of harvest on greater sage‐grouse strongly criticized the recommendation of delayed harvest. Herein, we address the criticism of the delayed harvest strategy and provide an examination of projecting the effects of harvest in the face of individual heterogeneity using deterministic projection models. We demonstrate that under proportional harvesting strategies, given a fixed harvest rate, early additive harvest does not have a larger effect on the population than additive harvest later in the season. Moreover, we show that when higher quality individuals (i.e., individuals with higher survival and reproductive rates) are more susceptible to harvest, individual heterogeneity in harvest effects will induce depensatory dynamics when density‐dependent effects are only additive. Conversely, even when density‐dependent effects are additive, if lower quality individuals are more susceptible to harvest, heterogeneity will induce partial compensation. Reducing the selectivity of harvest on higher quality individuals (i.e., shifting harvest onto lower quality groups) could reduce the risk of artificial selection and induce partial compensation. Therefore, we recommend managers consider the spatiotemporal patterns of populations and time harvest to maximize the heterogeneity tradeoff between higher and lower quality individuals. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Positional Tremor and its Treatment
Authors: Schaefer Sara M. , Hallett Mark , Karp Barbara P. , DiCapua Daniel B. , Tinaz Sule
Published: April 2017

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Background: Positional tremors arise when a patient's tremor is brought on during specific positioning of the involved body part. They can be distinguished from postural tremor, wherein a patient's tremor is elicited in any posture, and from task‐specific tremor, wherein a patient's tremor occurs only during a certain task. Cases: We describe 2 cases of positional tremor that were markedly improved with botulinum toxin injection. Discussion: The term “positional” is a valuable descriptor for tremors. In patients with positional tremor, botulinum toxin may be beneficial for treatment. Lidocaine injection provides a transient way to test for the appropriateness of botulinum toxin injection in these patients.
Genetic Identification in Early Onset Parkinsonism among Norwegian Patients
Authors: Gustavsson Emil K. , Trinh Joanne , McKenzie Marna , Bortnick Stephanie , Petersen Maria Skaalum , Farrer Matthew J. , Aasly Jan O.
Published: April 2017

Background

An initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is challenging, especially in patients who have early onset and atypical disease. A genetic etiology for parkinsonism, when established, ends that diagnostic odyssey and may inform prognosis and therapy. The objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic etiology of parkinsonism in patients with early onset disease (age at onset <45 years).

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing, copy number variability, and short tandem repeat analyses were performed. The analyses were focused on genes previously implicated in parkinsonism and dystonia in patients with early onset parkinsonism. Genotype‐phenotype correlations were assessed using regression models.

Results

The patient cohort was characterized by early onset, slowly progressive parkinsonism with a mean age at onset of 39.2 ± 5.0 years (n = 108). By 10 years of disease duration, the mean Hoehn & Yahr stage was 2.6 ± 0.8, the mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, part III (motor part) score was 24.9 ± 12.1 (n = 83), and 30 patients were cognitively impaired at the last examination (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≤ 26). Ten patients with typical early onset PD harbored homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations phosphatase and tensin homolog‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) (n = 4), parkin (PRKN) (n = 3), or the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) c.6055 G to A transition (n = 3). In addition, 5 patients with more atypical disease were compound heterozygotes for the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA) (n = 3) 1 was heterozygous for solute carrier family 2, member 1 (SLC2A1) and another carried a novel ataxin 2 (ATXN2) exon 1 duplication. In most patients, the cumulative mutational burden did not appear to contribute to age at onset or progression

Conclusion

In this clinical series, 15 patients (14%) carried mutations that were linked to monogenic parkinsonism. GBA carriers were most likely to suffer an earlier cognitive demise. Nevertheless, the etiology for most patients with early onset PD remains to be determined.
An ensemble forecast of semi‐arid rainfall using large‐scale climate predictors
Authors: Choubin B. , Malekian A. , Samadi S. , Khalighi‐Sigaroodi S. , Sajedi‐Hosseini F.
Published: April 2017

A case study examining ensemble forecasts of semi‐arid seasonal precipitation is presented. The focus is on computing an appropriate correlation between large‐scale climate predictors and seasonal precipitation over a long‐term forecast period (1967–2009) for a semi‐arid catchment in Iran. Potential predictors of the dominant precipitation modes were identified from several large‐scale climate features using principal component analysis. Linear regression together with two nonlinear models, the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and the multi‐layer perceptron, was applied to forecast seasonal ensemble precipitation time series. The analysis suggests that seasonal precipitation is statistically aligned with the predictor's variability. An ensemble forecast of spring precipitation modes showed a stronger correlation with the preceding season (winter predictors) in the ANFIS algorithm. The potential effect of climate predictors during the spring may lead to severe and longer hydrological extremes especially when they are out of phase or coincident. These results highlight that skilful prediction of semi‐arid spring precipitation may be possible using winter predictors and a nonlinear ensemble forecast model.
Some approximation results involving the q‐Szász–Mirakjan–Kantorovich type operators via Dunkl's generalization
Authors: Srivastava H. M. , Mursaleen M. , Alotaibi Abdullah M. , Nasiruzzaman Md. , Al‐Abied A. A. H.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a family of q‐Szász–Mirakjan–Kantorovich type positive linear operators that are generated by Dunkl's generalization of the exponential function. We present approximation properties with the help of well‐known Korovkin's theorem and determine the rate of convergence in terms of classical modulus of continuity, the class of Lipschitz functions, Peetre's K‐functional, and the second‐order modulus of continuity. Furthermore, we obtain the approximation results for bivariate q‐Szász–Mirakjan–Kantorovich type operators that are also generated by the aforementioned Dunkl generalization of the exponential function. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and properties of compatibilized recycled polypropylene/recycled polyamide 12 blends with cellulose fibers addition
Authors: Erbas Kiziltas Esra , Kiziltas Alper , Lee Ellen C.
Published: April 2017

This research was aimed to develop engineering thermoplastic composites based on recycled plastics and cellulose fibers in order to provide eco‐friendly sustainable parts that meet certain requirements for automotive industry and to use recycled plastics for economic benefits. The composite networks were prepared using recycled PP, recycled PA12, two different maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylenes (PP‐g‐MA) and cellulose fiber. The loading of cellulose fibers was varied between 5 and 20 wt%. Based on the results of mechanical tests a substantial improvement was detected in terms of tensile and flexural modulus which showed that cellulose fibers could be used for reinforcing of stiffness of recycled polymer blends. It was also noticed that using PP‐g‐MA type of compatibilizers played an important role on the mechanical characteristics of polymer blends. The incorporation of cellulose into the compatibilized PP/PA12 blends resulted in higher storage modulus and shear viscosities than those of neat PP, PA12, and PP/PA12 blends at low frequencies and shear rates, respectively. Phase morphology of polymer blends and cellulose fibers‐filled composites became more fine, uniform, and stable with addition of PP‐g‐MA. Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) was used to confirm the interaction observed. It is obvious that cellulose reinforced, compatibilized recycled polymer blends can be a good alternative where better mechanical properties under high temperature are required in the automotive industry. This opportunity will help to reduce the cost and the effects of environmental issues. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3556–3563, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
InAlAs photovoltaic cell design for high device efficiency
Authors: Smith Brittany L. , Bittner Zachary S. , Hellstroem Staffan D. , Nelson George T. , Slocum Michael A. , Norman Andrew G. , Forbes David V. , Hubbard Seth M.
Published: April 2017

This study presents a new design for a single‐junction InAlAs solar cell, which reduces parasitic absorption losses from the low band‐gap contact layer while maintaining a functional window layer by integrating a selective etch stop. The etch stop is then removed prior to depositing an anti‐reflective coating. The final cell had a 17.9% efficiency under 1‐sun AM1.5 with an anti‐reflective coating. Minority carrier diffusion lengths were extracted from external quantum efficiency data using physics‐based device simulation software yielding 170 nm in the n‐type emitter and 4.6 μm in the p‐type base, which is more than four times the diffusion length previously reported for a p‐type InAlAs base. This report represents significant progress towards a high‐performance InAlAs top cell for a triple‐junction design lattice‐matched to InP. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between dispositional mindfulness, self‐acceptance, perceived stress, and psychological symptoms in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhou Yuyang , Fu Zhongfang , Rodriguez Marcus
Published: April 2017

Objective

Previous studies have shown that dispositional mindfulness is associated with less psychological symptoms in cancer patients. The present study investigated how dispositional mindfulness is related to psychological symptoms in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients by considering the roles of self‐acceptance and perceived stress.

Methods

A total of 176 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires including Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, Self‐acceptance Questionnaire, Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, and General Health Questionnaire.

Results

Results showed that the proposed model fitted the data very well (χ2 = 7.564, df = 7, P = .364, χ2/df = 1.094, Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) = 0.986, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.998, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.995, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.023). Further analyses revealed that, self‐acceptance and perceived stress mediated the relation between dispositional mindfulness and psychological symptoms (indirect effect = −0.052, 95% confidence interval = −0.087 ~ −0.024), while self‐acceptance also mediated the relation between dispositional mindfulness and perceived stress (indirect effect = −0.154, 95% confidence interval = −0.261 ~ −0.079).

Conclusions

Self‐acceptance and perceived stress played critical roles in the relation between dispositional mindfulness and psychological symptoms. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research were discussed.
Kinetic and structural changes in HsmtPheRS, induced by pathogenic mutations in human FARS2
Authors: Kartvelishvili Ekaterine , Tworowski Dmitry , Vernon Hilary , Moor Nina , Wang Jing , Wong Lee‐Jun , Chrzanowska‐Lightowlers Zofia , Safro Mark
Published: April 2017

Mutations in the mitochondrial aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (mtaaRSs) can cause profound clinical presentations, and have manifested as diseases with very selective tissue specificity. To date most of the mtaaRS mutations could be phenotypically recognized, such that clinicians could identify the affected mtaaRS from the symptoms alone. Among the recently reported pathogenic variants are point mutations in FARS2 gene, encoding the human mitochondrial PheRS. Patient symptoms range from spastic paraplegia to fatal infantile Alpers encephalopathy. How clinical manifestations of these mutations relate to the changes in three‐dimensional structures and kinetic characteristics remains unclear, although impaired aminoacylation has been proposed as possible etiology of diseases. Here, we report four crystal structures of HsmtPheRS mutants, and extensive MD simulations for wild‐type and nine mutants to reveal the structural changes on dynamic trajectories of HsmtPheRS. Using steady‐state kinetic measurements of phenylalanine activation and tRNAPhe aminoacylation, we gained insight into the structural and kinetic effects of mitochondrial disease‐related mutations in FARS2 gene.
Contribution of the cold sector of extratropical cyclones to mean state features over the Gulf Stream in winter
Authors: Vannière Benoît , Czaja Arnaud , Dacre Helen F.
Published: April 2017

Recent studies have shown that midlatitude air–sea interactions are strongly modulated by synoptic variability. The present study investigates how air–sea interactions over the Gulf Stream sea surface temperature (SST) front vary in different synoptic regimes. We focus more particularly on the variation of three atmospheric mean state features which are colocated with the SST front in winter: enhanced ascent and precipitation on the warm side of the SST front, and enhanced low‐level baroclinicity at the entrance of the storm track. These three fields are partitioned depending on whether they occur in the cold sector of extratropical cyclones or in any other synoptic features. The analysis is based on ERA‐Interim winter data covering the period 1979–2012. Results are twofold:

(i) Cold sector precipitation is confined within a 5° latitude band south of the SST front and reaches 2 mm day−1, whereas precipitation occurring outside the cold sector forms a broader spatial pattern. The same partitioning applied to vertical wind shows that the ascent on the warm side of the Gulf Stream is not a feature of the cold sector. These results mean that a significant part of the anchoring effect of the SST front on precipitation occurs via the cold sector and that the observed colocation of ascent and precipitation is not causal, in contrast to what was suggested by previous studies, but is rather the result of two different mechanisms.

(ii) The surface heat fluxes and convection occurring in the cold sector restore low‐level atmospheric temperature gradients within two days after a time maximum of meridional eddy heat flux, such that low‐level baroclinicity remains largely unchanged after the passage of an extratropical cyclone.

This ‘cold path mechanism’ opens new avenues to understand how SST forces climate variability in the midlatitudes.
Multiple imputation to evaluate the impact of an assay change in national surveys
Authors: Sternberg Maya
Published: April 2017

National health surveys, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, are used to monitor trends of nutritional biomarkers. These surveys try to maintain the same biomarker assay over time, but there are a variety of reasons why the assay may change. In these cases, it is important to evaluate the potential impact of a change so that any observed fluctuations in concentrations over time are not confounded by changes in the assay. To this end, a subset of stored specimens previously analyzed with the old assay is retested using the new assay. These paired data are used to estimate an adjustment equation, which is then used to ‘adjust’ all the old assay results and convert them into ‘equivalent’ units of the new assay. In this paper, we present a new way of approaching this problem using modern statistical methods designed for missing data. Using simulations, we compare the proposed multiple imputation approach with the adjustment equation approach currently in use. We also compare these approaches using real National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 25‐hydroxyvitamin D. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Comparison of Epidemiology of the Injuries and Outcomes in Two First‐Level Trauma Centers in Colombia Using the Pan‐American Trauma Registry System
Authors: Ramachandran Anu , Ranjit Anju , Zogg Cheryl K. , Herrera‐Escobar Juan P. , Appelson Jessica R. , Pino Luis F. , Aboutanous Michel B. , Haider Adil H. , Ordonez Carlos A.
Published: April 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the epidemiology of traumatic injuries and mortality outcomes between two tertiary‐care trauma centers in Colombia using data from Pan‐American Trauma Registry (PATR).

Methods

January 1–December 31, 2012, data from the Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV, public) and Fundacion Valle del Lili (FVL, private) in Cali, Colombia, were considered. Differences in demographic and clinical information were compared using descriptive statistics. Propensity score matching was used to match patients on age, gender, and ISS. Within matched cohorts, multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess for differences in in‐hospital mortality, further adjusting for insurance type, employment, heart rate, presence of hypotension (SBP < 90), and GCS score.

Results

HUV (8539; 78% male) and FVL (10,456; 60% male) had a combined total of 18,995 trauma cases in 2012 with comparable mean ages of 29.7 years. There were significant differences in insurance status, injury severity, and mechanism of injury between patients at HUV and FLV. On risk‐adjusted logistic regression analyses with propensity score matched cohorts, the odds of death in HUV was higher compared to patients presenting at FVL hospital (OR [95% CI]:4.93 [3.37–7.21], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study established the utility of the PATR and revealed important trends in patient demographics, injury epidemiology, and mortality outcomes, which can be used to target trauma initiatives throughout the region. It underscores the profound importance that differences in case mix play in the risk of trauma‐related mortality, further emphasizing the need to monitor and evaluate unique aspects of trauma in LMIC.

Level of evidence

III.
Bis-anthracycline WP760 abrogates melanoma cell growth by transcription inhibition, p53 activation and IGF1R downregulation
Authors: Olbryt Magdalena , Rusin Aleksandra , Fokt Izabela , Habryka Anna , Tudrej Patrycja , Student Sebastian , Sochanik Aleksander , Zieliński Rafał , Priebe Waldemar
Published: April 2017

Anthracycline chemotherapeutics, e.g. doxorubicin and daunorubicin, are active against a broad spectrum of cancers. Their cytotoxicity is mainly attributed to DNA intercalation, interference with topoisomerase activity, and induction of double-stranded DNA breaks. Since modification of anthracyclines can profoundly affect their pharmacological properties we attempted to elucidate the mechanism of action, and identify possible molecular targets, of bis-anthracycline WP760 which previously demonstrated anti-melanoma activity at low nanomolar concentrations. We studied the effect of WP760 on several human melanoma cell lines derived from tumors in various development stages and having different genetic backgrounds. WP760 inhibited cell proliferation (IC50 = 1–99 nM), impaired clonogenic cell survival (100 nM), and inhibited spheroid growth (≥300 nM). WP760 did not induce double-stranded DNA breaks but strongly inhibited global transcription. Moreover, WP760 caused nucleolar stress and led to activation of the p53 pathway. PCR array analysis showed that WP760 suppressed transcription of ten genes (ABCC1, MTOR, IGF1R, EGFR, GRB2, PRKCA, PRKCE, HDAC4, TXNRD1, AKT1) associated with, inter alia, cytoprotective mechanisms initiated in cancer cells during chemotherapy. Furthermore, WP760 downregulated IGF1R and upregulated PLK2 expression in most of the tested melanoma cell lines. These results suggest that WP760 exerts anti-melanoma activity by targeting global transcription and activation of the p53 pathway and could become suitable as an effective therapeutic agent.
Metabolic risk factors in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: The effect of comedication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotics
Authors: Fjukstad K.K. , Engum A. , Lydersen S. , Dieset I. , Eiel Steen N. , Andreassen O.A. , Spigset O.
Published: April 2017

Background

The aim of this observational study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic factors and use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) combined with olanzapine, quetiapine or risperidone.

Methods

Data from the Norwegian Thematically Organized Psychosis study, a cross-sectional study on 1301 patients with schizophrenia (n=868) or bipolar disorder (n=433), were analyzed. As exposure variables in the linear regression model were included the dose or serum concentration of SSRIs (n=280) and of olanzapine (n=398), quetiapine (n=234) or risperidone (n=128). The main outcome variables were levels of total cholesterol, low and high density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose.

Results

One defined daily dose (DDD) per day of an SSRI in addition to olanzapine was associated with an increase in total cholesterol of 0.16 (CI 0.01 to 0.32) mmol/L (P=0.042) and an increase in LDL-cholesterol of 0.17 (CI 0.02 to 0.31) mmol/L (P=0.022). An SSRI serum concentration in the middle of the reference interval in addition to quetiapine was associated with an increase in total cholesterol of 0.39 (CI 0.10 to 0.68) mmol/L (P=0.011) and an increase in LDL-cholesterol of 0.29 (0.02 to 0.56) mmol/L (P=0.037). There were no such effects when combined with risperidone.

Conclusions

The findings indicate only minor deteriorations of metabolic variables associated with treatment with an SSRI in addition to olanzapine and quetiapine, and none when combined with risperidone. These results suggest that SSRIs can be used in combination with antipsychotics, and that the possible increase in cardiovascular risk is negligible.
Effect of physical exercise on markers of neuronal dysfunction in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jensen Camilla Steen , Portelius Erik , Høgh Peter , Wermuth Lene , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Simonsen Anja Hviid
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Physical exercise has gained increasing focus as a potential mean to maintain cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alongside the markers of specific AD pathology (amyloid β and tau), other pathologies such as neuronal damage and synaptic loss have been proposed as markers of the disease. Here, we study the effect of physical exercise on biomarkers of neuronal and synaptic integrity.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 51 AD subjects who participated in the randomized controlled trial Preserving Cognition, Quality of Life, Physical Health and Functional Ability in Alzheimer's Disease: The Effect of Physical Exercise (ADEX) was analyzed for the concentration of neurofilament light (NFL), neurogranin (Ng), visinin‐like protein‐1 (VILIP‐1), and chitinase‐3–like protein 1 (YKL‐40). Participants were subjected to either 16 weeks of moderate‐ to high‐intensity exercise (n = 25) or treatment as usual (control group, n = 26), and CSF was collected before and after intervention.

Results

No significant differences in CSF concentrations of VILIP‐1, YKL‐40, NFL, and Ng were observed when comparing mean change from baseline between the exercise and control groups. Similarly, when classifying subjects based on their exercise levels, no significant changes were observed for the biomarkers in the control group compared with the high‐exercise group (attending 80% of the exercise sessions with an intensity of 70% of maximum heart rate or above).

Discussion

These results are not supportive of a modulatory effect of physical exercise on the selected biomarkers of neuronal and synaptic integrity in patients with AD.
Elliptic and Modular Functions from Gauss to Dedekind to Hecke
Authors: Roy Ranjan
Published: April 2017

This thorough work presents the fundamental results of modular function theory as developed during the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. It features beautiful formulas and derives them using skillful and ingenious manipulations, especially classical methods often overlooked today. Starting with the work of Gauss, Abel, and Jacobi, the book then discusses the attempt by Dedekind to construct a theory of modular functions independent of elliptic functions. The latter part of the book explains how Hurwitz completed this task and includes one of Hurwitz's landmark papers, translated by the author, and delves into the work of Ramanujan, Mordell, and Hecke. For graduate students and experts in modular forms, this book demonstrates the relevance of these original sources and thereby provides the reader with new insights into contemporary work in this area.
The Rise of the Small Investor in the United States and United Kingdom, 1895 to 1970
Authors: RUTTERFORD JANETTE , SOTIROPOULOS DIMITRIS P.
Published: April 2017

The role of the small shareholder has been largely ignored in the literature, which has tended to concentrate on controlling shareholders and family ownership. Yet, focus on the importance of small shareholders can capture significant aspects of financial development. Pre-1970 debates and policy conflicts linked to stock exchange development concentrated on shareholder democracy and diffusion as key indicators. This article explores the so-called democratization of investment and the factors behind it through the lens of trends in estimates of the UK and U.S. shareholding populations between 1895 and 1970. It covers three key periods: before World War I, before and after the stock market crash of 1929, and post-World War II. It identifies three periods in the United States when shareholder numbers were paramount: in the boom years of the 1920s, as part of the inquest into the 1929 crash, and post-World War II in an attempt to boost stock market activity. In the United Kingdom, although some concern was expressed during the 1920s and 1930s at the passive nature of small investors, who held diversified portfolios with small amounts in each holding, it was the fear of nationalization after World War II that led to more in-depth shareholder estimates.
Survey Key Driver Analysis: Are We Driving Down the Right Road?
Authors: Cucina Jeffrey M. , Walmsley Philip T. , Gast Ilene F. , Martin Nicholas R. , Curtin Patrick
Published: April 2017

One of the typical roles of industrial–organizational (I-O) psychologists working as practitioners is administering employee surveys measuring job satisfaction/engagement. Traditionally, this work has involved developing (or choosing) the items for the survey, administering the items to employees, analyzing the data, and providing stakeholders with summary results (e.g., percentages of positive responses, item means). In recent years, I-O psychologists moved into uncharted territory via the use of survey key driver analysis (SKDA), which aims to identify the most critical items in a survey for action planning purposes. Typically, this analysis involves correlating (or regressing) a self-report criterion item (e.g., “considering everything, how satisfied are you with your job”) with (or on) each of the remaining survey items in an attempt to identify which items are “driving” job satisfaction/engagement. It is also possible to use an index score (i.e., a scale score formed from several items) as the criterion instead of a single item. That the criterion measure (regardless of being a single item or an index) is internal to the survey from which predictors are drawn distinguishes this practice from linkage research. This methodology is not widely covered in survey methodology coursework, and there are few peer-reviewed articles on it. Yet, a number of practitioners are marketing this service to their clients. In this focal article, a group of practitioners with extensive applied survey research experience uncovers several methodological issues with SKDA. Data from a large multiorganizational survey are used to back up claims about these issues. One issue is that SKDA ignores the psychometric reality that item standard deviations impact which items are chosen as drivers. Another issue is that the analysis ignores the factor structure of survey item responses. Furthermore, conducting this analysis each time a survey is administered conflicts with the lack of situational and temporal specificity. Additionally, it is problematic to imply causal relationships from the correlational data seen in most surveys. Most surprisingly, randomly choosing items out of a hat yields validities similar to those from conducting the analysis. Thus, we recommend that survey providers stop conducting SKDA until they can produce science that backs up this practice. These issues, in concert with the lack of literature examining the practice, make rigorous evaluations of SKDA a timely inquiry.
High-latitude settings promote extreme longevity in fossil marine bivalves
Authors: Moss David K. , Ivany Linda C. , Silver Robert B. , Schue John , Artruc Emily G.
Published: April 2017

One of the longest-lived, noncolonial animals on the planet today is a bivalve that attains life spans in excess of 500 years and lives in a cold, seasonally food-limited setting. Separating the influence of temperature and food availability on life span in modern settings is difficult, as these two conditions covary. The life spans of fossil animals can provide insights into the role of environment in the evolution of extreme longevity that are not available from studies of modern taxa. We examine bivalves from the unique, nonanalogue, warm and high-latitude setting of Seymour Island, Antarctica, during the greenhouse intervals of the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene. Despite significant sampling limitations, we find that all 11 species examined are both slow growing and long-lived, especially when compared with modern bivalves living in similar temperature settings. While cool temperatures have long been thought to be a key factor in promoting longevity, our findings suggest an important role for caloric restriction brought about by the low and seasonal light regime of the high latitudes. Our life-history data, spanning three different families, emphasize that longevity is in part governed by environmental rather than solely phylogenetic or ecologic factors. Such findings have implications for both modern and ancient latitudinal diversity gradients, as a common correlate of slow growth and long life is delayed reproduction, which limits the potential for evolutionary change. While life spans of modern bivalves are well studied, data on life spans of fossil bivalves are sparse and largely anecdotal. Life histories of organisms from deep time can not only elucidate the controls on life span but also add a new dimension to our understanding of macroevolutionary patterns.
Embracing Germany: Interwar German Society and Black Germans through the Eyes of African American Reporters
Authors: AITKEN ROBBIE
Published: April 2017

This article looks at the published reports on visits made to interwar Germany by prominent black journalists Robert S. Abbot, J. A. Rogers and Lewis McMillan. Drawing on their own experiences as well as their engagement with German-based blacks, the reporters contrasted the oppressive conditions black people faced in the US with the apparent lack of colour prejudice in Germany. Their coverage serves as a critique of race relations in the US, while also providing snapshots into the conditions under which black Germans lived as well as an insight into the writers’ own perceptions of a broader black diaspora in development.
Polychaete diversity and assemblage structure in the Oualidia Lagoon, Moroccan Atlantic coast
Authors: El Asri Fatima , Zidane Hakima , Errhif Ahmed , Tamsouri Mohamed-Naoufal , Maanan Mohamed , Malouli Idrissi Mohamed , Martin Daniel
Published: April 2017

The polychaete assemblages inhabiting the coastal waters of the Oualidia lagoon were studied during winter 2013 and summer 2013. Taxonomic composition and diversity were determined at 43 sample sites. Among the 13 species of polychaetes recorded, 10 were newly reported for Oualidia lagoon. Hediste diversicolor and Capitella sp. were the most abundant taxa in both seasons. Temperature and salinity were higher, and chl-a and OM were lower, in summer than in winter. The structure of the polychaete assemblages was characterized by forming three main clusters, either based on sampling stations or on polychaete species. These clusters were organized according to a downstream gradient, with the stations having fine sediments and a H. diversicolor assemblage in the inner lagoon being replaced by stations with medium grain-sized sediment and a Capitella sp. assemblage in the mid-lagoon, which were in turn replaced by stations having sandy sediments and assemblages dominated by Glycera alba (winter) and P. africana (summer) in the areas closer to the lagoon inlets. The shift was, in fact, from a classical, brackish, lacunar assemblage to two different, temporal aspects of a marine assemblage (close to the inlets), with a transition assemblage in between. This corresponded with a typically paralic spatial structure whose main descriptors responded to a confinement gradient. Despite the absence of a river, the organization of the polychaete assemblages closely resembled that of an estuarine system, with the tidal regime playing a major driving role.
The prevalence of antenatal and postnatal co-morbid anxiety and depression: a meta-analysis
Authors: Falah-Hassani K. , Shiri R. , Dennis C.-L.
Published: April 2017

To date, the precise prevalence of co-morbidity of anxiety and depression in the perinatal period is not well known. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of co-morbid anxiety and depression in the antenatal and postnatal periods. Systematic searches of multiple electronic databases were conducted for studies published between January 1950 and January 2016. We included 66 (24 published and 42 unpublished) studies incorporating 162 120 women from 30 countries. Prevalence of self-reported antenatal anxiety symptoms and mild to severe depressive symptoms was 9.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8–11.2, 17 studies,n= 25 592] and of co-morbid anxiety symptoms and moderate/severe depressive symptoms was 6.3% (95% CI 4.8–7.7, 17 studies,n= 27 270). Prevalence of a clinical diagnosis of any antenatal anxiety disorder and depression was 9.3% (95% CI 4.0–14.7, 10 studies,n= 3918) and of co-morbid generalized anxiety disorder and depression was 1.7% (95% CI 0.2–3.1, three studies,n= 3085). Postnatally between 1 and 24 weeks postpartum, the prevalence of co-morbid anxiety symptoms and mild to severe depressive symptoms was 8.2% (95% CI 6.5–9.9, 15 studies,n= 14 731), while co-morbid anxiety symptoms and moderate/severe depressive symptoms was 5.7% (95% CI 4.3–7.1, 13 studies,n= 20 849). The prevalence of a clinical diagnosis of co-morbid anxiety and depression was 4.2% (95% CI 1.9–6.6, eight studies,n= 3251). Prevalence rates did not differ with regard to year of publication, country income, selection bias and attrition bias. The results suggest that co-morbid perinatal anxiety and depression are prevalent and warrant clinical attention given the potential negative child developmental consequences if left untreated. Further research is warranted to develop evidence-based interventions for prevention, identification and treatment of this co-morbidity.
Effects of depression, metabolic syndrome, and cardiorespiratory fitness on mortality: results from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rethorst C. D. , Leonard D. , Barlow C. E. , Willis B. L. , Trivedi M. H. , DeFina L. F.
Published: April 2017

Background

Depression and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are frequently comorbid disorders that are independently associated with premature mortality. Conversely, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with reduced mortality risk. These factors may interact to impact mortality; however, their effects have not been assessed concurrently. This analysis assessed the mortality risk of comorbid depression/MetS and the effect of CRF on mortality in those with depression/MetS.

Methods

Prospective study of 47 702 adults in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. Mortality status was attained from the National Death Index. History of depression was determined by patient response (yes or no) to a standardized medical history questionnaire. MetS was categorized using the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria. CRF was estimated from the final speed/grade of a treadmill graded exercise test.

Results

13.9% reported a history of depression, 21.4% met criteria for MetS, and 3.0% met criteria for both MetS and history of depression. History of depression (HR = 1.24, p = 0.003) and MetS (HR = 1.28, p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased mortality risk, with the greatest mortality risk among individuals with both a history of depression and MetS (HR = 1.59, p < 0.001). Higher CRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality (p < 0.001) in all individuals, including those with MetS and/or a history of depression.

Conclusions

Those with higher levels CRF had reduced mortality risk in the context of depression/MetS. Interventions that improve CRF could have substantial impact on the health of persons with depression/MetS.
God, evil, and occasionalism
Authors: SHEA MATTHEW , RAGLAND C. P.
Published: April 2017

In a recent paper, Alvin Plantinga defends occasionalism against an important moral objection: if God is the sole direct cause of all the suffering that results from immoral human choices, this causal role is difficult to reconcile with God's perfect goodness. Plantinga argues that this problem is no worse for occasionalism than for any of the competing views of divine causality; in particular, there is no morally relevant difference between God directly causing suffering and God indirectly causing it. First, we examine Plantinga's moral parity argument in detail and offer a critical evaluation of it. Then we provide a positive argument, based on the doctrine of doing and allowing, to show why there is a morally relevant difference between God's direct and indirect causation of suffering.
Influence of Au M-band flux asymmetry on implosion symmetry
Authors: Jiang S. , Li L. , Jing L. , Kuang L. , Li H. , Zhang L. , Lin Z. , Ding Y.
Published: April 2017

In indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion, the radiation symmetry must be controlled for the achievement of hotspot ignition. The radiation symmetry is of great importance. In this paper, we investigate the drive asymmetry of the M-band (2–5 keV) radiation emitted from an Au holhraum wall by using the three-dimensional view-factor code IRAD3D. Analysis of the M-band flux drive at the Shenguang-III laser facility shows that it is asymmetric and that the asymmetry varies with time. For a given cross section over the pole, the initial M-band flux asymmetries are P2 = 11.59, P4 = 1.41, and P6 = −0.64%. When the asymmetries are artificially added to a symmetric radiation drive, the position of the deuterium-tritium (DT) ice/gas interface is asymmetric for a National Ignition Facility capsule in 1D simulation. This means that M-band flux asymmetry can lead to implosion asymmetry even if the total radiation is symmetric. Pure CH and Si-doped CH capsules are considered. The results show that a mid-Z dopant can partly reduce the asymmetry. However, the asymmetry is still very large. Thus, it is necessary to study the M-band flux asymmetry and its influence on the implosion symmetry.
The four-genus of connected sums of torus knots
Authors: LIVINGSTON CHARLES , VAN COTT CORNELIA A.
Published: April 2017

We study the four-genus of linear combinations of torus knots:g4(aT(p, q) #-bT(p′, q′)). Fixing positivep, q, p′, andq′, our focus is on the behavior of the four-genus as a function of positiveaandb. Three types of examples are presented: in the first, for allaandbthe four-genus is completely determined by the Tristram–Levine signature function; for the second, the recently defined Upsilon function of Ozsváth–Stipsicz–Szabó determines the four-genus for allaandb; for the third, a surprising interplay between signatures and Upsilon appears.
A Statistical Model for Vessel-to-Vessel Distances to Evaluate Radar Interference
Authors: Galati Gaspare , Pavan Gabriele , De Palo Francesco , Ragonesi Giuseppe
Published: April 2017

Maritime traffic has significantly increased in recent decades due to its advantageous costs, delivery rate and environmental compatibility. With the advent of the new generation of marine radars, based on the solid-state transmitter technology that calls for much longer transmitted pulses, the interference problem can become critical. Knowing the positions and the heights of the ships, the mean number of the vessels in radar range can be estimated to evaluate the effects of their mutual radar interferences. This paper aims to estimate the probability density function of the mutual distances. The truncation of the density function within a limited area related to horizon visibility leads to a simple single-parameter expression, useful to classify the ships as either randomly distributed or following a defined route. Practical results have been obtained using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data provided by the Italian Coast Guard in the Mediterranean Sea.